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Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this book.
I really love this Christmas novella for its clever structure and depth. The inclusion of a "cast list" at the very beginning is a brilliant move; by identifying the characters before the first chapter starts, the narrative never gets bogged down in clunky introductions, allowing the tension to remain front and center. Despite the shorter length, the story offers a surprising amount of depth, unfolding in layers that make the narrative feel far larger than its page count suggests.
The book consists of only three long chapters, which helps it read like a full-length novel. The constant sense of mystery is captivating and kept me turning pages until the end. Nicholas is an exceptionally well-developed protagonist for a novella, and the "story-within-a-story" approach—written from his perspective as he writes his own account—is a particularly engaging way to reveal the plot.
#DoYouSeeWhatISee #NetGalley

Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy for review.

The idea of a thriller that combines Tiger King with Jonestown immediately caught my attention, and I thought the unique premise was one of the book’s biggest strengths. The story does a good job balancing suspense with the psychological side of cult dynamics, showing the manipulation, control, and desperation that can keep people trapped in dangerous situations.
The tension builds steadily throughout the book, and I always had the feeling that something was about to go wrong. I found myself wanting to know how everything would unfold, especially as the pressure within the compound continued to increase.
I did notice a few plot points and characters that were introduced but never really went anywhere, which left me wondering why they had been included in the first place. There were also a few minor plot holes, but they didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. While I wasn’t deeply invested in the characters themselves, the premise, suspense, and exploration of cult psychology were enough to keep me interested.
This book does come with a lot of heavy triggers, so readers should check those beforehand if they are sensitive to difficult subject matter. Overall, I found this to be an entertaining and memorable thriller because of its unusual concept and the constant sense of unease it creates.
If you like cults and psychological manipulation then you will enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy of this title.
The blurb promises a high-stakes standoff with five people held hostage inside a cafe, and while that is the central event, the story takes a much different angle. Instead of getting a tense survival scenario from the hostages' point of view, the narrative stays on the outside, focusing on the detective running the investigation and the loved ones waiting for news. Hannah’s point of view was particularly interesting to follow and provided a strong anchor for this outside perspective.
Because of this structure, the pacing is noticeably slow and the middle sections dragged for me. The author leans heavily into deep character development, but there are also a few side stories that feel like completely irrelevant filler. Certain details are brought up several times, making it seem like they will be an integral part of the plot, but they never amount to anything - not even red herrings or meaningful backstory. When the twist finally drops, it isn't particularly shocking or unique. I did appreciate how well the loose ends were tied up, though. The resolution makes sense and wraps up the plot neatly without leaving any glaring holes.
If you like deep character studies, shifting perspectives, and slow-burn mysteries, then you will enjoy this book.
#NetGalley #ItEndsHere

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of this title.
The story centers around an isolated home in the countryside, providing a perfectly remote backdrop for the events that follow. The core of the narrative unfolds mostly through Seren’s perspective, with a handful of chapters from Henry stepping in to provide crucial context. Seren makes for a fantastic main character. She is a genuinely good person, which makes her very easy to root for as she settles into her new home. Henry's role as the tenant living in the cottage on the property adds an engaging dynamic between them as the plot develops.
This book has short chapters and a steady, medium pace, which kept things moving smoothly without feeling rushed. Even though the direction of the story was predictable, it was still a highly entertaining and easy read. The character development is strong across the board. While Seren and Henry are the only narrators, the rest of the main cast is given just as much depth by the time the author delivers a satisfying ending that brings the story to a solid close.
If you like isolated atmospheric settings, character-driven suspense, and dual perspectives, then you will enjoy this book.
#NetGalley #TheDreamHouse