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Magnolia Court
How well do you really know your neighbors?
Ruby Windsor is putting the pieces of her life back together after a horrible decision in her teenage years results in a lengthy prison sentence. Newly free and without any family to support her, Ruby does her best to hold down a job and keep her head above water. Just when it seems that hope for a normal life is dwindling, she is contacted by her estranged grandmother, Rosie.
Rosie lives on Magnolia Court , a cul-de-sac in the most exclusive gated community in Door County, Wisconsin. She's in an assisted living facility after an incident at home and needs someone to watch over her house and handle her affairs while she's gone. Estranged or not, Ruby is the only family she has left.
Shortly after arriving at her grandmother's beautiful home, she realizes that the wealthy have just as many secrets, they just bury them a little deeper. How long will it take for Ruby to discover what's being hidden by the residents of Magnolia Court, and will she live to tell anyone what she's found?
This unputdownable thriller from the author of Delta County will have you questioning everything.
Ruby Windsor is putting the pieces of her life back together after a horrible decision in her teenage years results in a lengthy prison sentence. Newly free and without any family to support her, Ruby does her best to hold down a job and keep her head above water. Just when it seems that hope for a normal life is dwindling, she is contacted by her estranged grandmother, Rosie.
Rosie lives on Magnolia Court , a cul-de-sac in the most exclusive gated community in Door County, Wisconsin. She's in an assisted living facility after an incident at home and needs someone to watch over her house and handle her affairs while she's gone. Estranged or not, Ruby is the only family she has left.
Shortly after arriving at her grandmother's beautiful home, she realizes that the wealthy have just as many secrets, they just bury them a little deeper. How long will it take for Ruby to discover what's being hidden by the residents of Magnolia Court, and will she live to tell anyone what she's found?
This unputdownable thriller from the author of Delta County will have you questioning everything.
Paperback
First published March 29, 2023
44 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Hyde
10 books1,335 followersHi Everyone!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
March 31, 2023
JL Hyde does it again people 👏🏼
Another binge worthy read that will keep you guessing and you won’t want to put down until you finish it.
Magnolia Court was filled with twists and turns, including a hand full I didn’t see coming that had my jaw on the floor. If you like your books filled with chaos & drama you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
Another binge worthy read that will keep you guessing and you won’t want to put down until you finish it.
Magnolia Court was filled with twists and turns, including a hand full I didn’t see coming that had my jaw on the floor. If you like your books filled with chaos & drama you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
April 8, 2023
Idk if I’m stupid or what but I didn’t understand what was going on in the epilogue
April 9, 2023
JL Hyde does it again with a creepy spooky edge of your seat mystery. I’ll be gobbling up every book she writes 😍
July 2, 2023
Did anyone understand the epilogue??? Please explain if you do!! I went back and reread it 3x and I still don’t get it. Thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
This was more of a 3.5 star read for me but goodreads and those half star ratings are not a thing, yet!!
MAGNOLIA COURT is the newest 'thriller' from JL Hyde; I read the kindle version. I liked this very much mainly because I do enjoy Hyde's writing style and her characters are always well-defined; the reader has a clearcut vision of a solid story ahead - there's no figuring it out as you go along. Some books feel like the author is making it up as you both continue! This one felt like an outline was in place and the reader was in for a fun, twisty, pageturner-y ride.
Book opens with Ruby being the getaway girl for 2 high school boys. Fast forward 10 years and Ruby is now 28, making ends meet in a deadend job after being in lockup for several years. Thus her shady past. She is contacted by her estranged grandmother, Rosie, and goes to stay in Rosie's house on Magnolia Court while Rosie rehabs at a nearby nursing home.
Mystery surfaces in this neighborhood and the neighbors harbor secrets which when all is revealed at the end it was a bit of a surprise which was fun.
If you like psychological thrillers surrounding neighbors then I think you'd enjoy this one.
MAGNOLIA COURT is the newest 'thriller' from JL Hyde; I read the kindle version. I liked this very much mainly because I do enjoy Hyde's writing style and her characters are always well-defined; the reader has a clearcut vision of a solid story ahead - there's no figuring it out as you go along. Some books feel like the author is making it up as you both continue! This one felt like an outline was in place and the reader was in for a fun, twisty, pageturner-y ride.
Book opens with Ruby being the getaway girl for 2 high school boys. Fast forward 10 years and Ruby is now 28, making ends meet in a deadend job after being in lockup for several years. Thus her shady past. She is contacted by her estranged grandmother, Rosie, and goes to stay in Rosie's house on Magnolia Court while Rosie rehabs at a nearby nursing home.
Mystery surfaces in this neighborhood and the neighbors harbor secrets which when all is revealed at the end it was a bit of a surprise which was fun.
If you like psychological thrillers surrounding neighbors then I think you'd enjoy this one.
February 1, 2024
This is my 3rd J.L. Hyde book and somehow she can pack punchy books in only 200-ish pages. I always love her characters and twists! I would technically want to give this one a 3.5 because in comparison to her other books, I feel like a bunch happened in the last 20 pages that felt a little rushed. Still it was a fun read that kept me thinking, okay what will happen next?! Also, I had to read the epilogue twice to understand what was happening, but it was clever!
April 3, 2023
I couldn’t read this one fast enough. The author writes the most lovable main characters who you can’t help but root for. Along with that, the twists are always unexpected and I’m on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. Magnolia Court was no exception. Loved it!
January 10, 2025
Set in a wealthy neighborhood in Door County, Wisconsin, JL Hyde has done it again. Her books always have me on the edge of my seat! I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’ve only read book series by her and not a stand alone book, but she tied it up perfectly in the end, while also having me guessing on every page turn!
October 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book until the epilogue. Say what? It made no sense and left me confused. I seriously was wondering what I missed and then thought maybe I was dumb! Lol. Upon reading the other reviews, I realized I wasn't the only one. Thankfully author has it updated on her website.
April 8, 2023
So good! Read it in just a few sittings. Will write a more in depth review soon 🥰
May 24, 2023
Loved this book! It got me out of my reading slump. I couldn’t put it down and read it in 2 days. I love her writing style and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
August 20, 2023
She does it again with another page turner. I just love her writing style. So many twists and turns! A little confused with the epilogue…. Leaving it open for another book?
November 20, 2023
More twists and turns than the Pig Trail in the Arkansas Ozarks! Another great read by J.L. Hyde.
March 6, 2025
Cannot get enough of this unreal writing style and the way the endings are always tied up nicely in a bow!
September 26, 2024
Another fantastic read from J.L. Hyde
I was already a fan going into this book and wondered if it would be as good as the Delta County series. It definitely was! It's an easy read with very likeable characters and I couldn't put it down! There are definitely twists and turns - some that were really unexpected!! Oh the secrets of Magnolia Court! I have a feeling this isn't the last we have heard from the residents of this cul de sac and I can't wait for the next installment!
I was already a fan going into this book and wondered if it would be as good as the Delta County series. It definitely was! It's an easy read with very likeable characters and I couldn't put it down! There are definitely twists and turns - some that were really unexpected!! Oh the secrets of Magnolia Court! I have a feeling this isn't the last we have heard from the residents of this cul de sac and I can't wait for the next installment!
January 8, 2025
With a cover and title that caught my attention, a Yooper author and a Door County, Wisconsin setting, Magnolia Court was a surprise in more ways than one. At first, I thought our main character, Ruby was a little too good to be true. Sure she was still on parole after going along on a stupid stunt as a teenager, but somewhere, maybe while in prison, she learned to be a well disciplined person.
As well as she held herself to a high standard and tried to live a good, clean life, and be pleasant and helpful, sometimes things turn in a moments time. That's what happened when Ruby was fired from her job. That was bad. Just as her friend Hailee found her a new job, Ruby got a letter in the mail from her estranged grandmother, Rosie in Door County. She needs help. That was good, and just in the nick of time.
I didn't realize that Door County is populated with wealthy, elite people, but I suppose it makes sense. Anyway while Ruby waits for her grandmother to heal she finds herself quickly adapting to living in her house on Magnolia Court and getting to know the neighbors. They're a quirky bunch but Ruby quickly makes friends of the people her grandmother said she didn't really get to know.
Just when all is going well, life takes Ruby by surprise again. There are some sudden twists in this fast, fun read.
As well as she held herself to a high standard and tried to live a good, clean life, and be pleasant and helpful, sometimes things turn in a moments time. That's what happened when Ruby was fired from her job. That was bad. Just as her friend Hailee found her a new job, Ruby got a letter in the mail from her estranged grandmother, Rosie in Door County. She needs help. That was good, and just in the nick of time.
I didn't realize that Door County is populated with wealthy, elite people, but I suppose it makes sense. Anyway while Ruby waits for her grandmother to heal she finds herself quickly adapting to living in her house on Magnolia Court and getting to know the neighbors. They're a quirky bunch but Ruby quickly makes friends of the people her grandmother said she didn't really get to know.
Just when all is going well, life takes Ruby by surprise again. There are some sudden twists in this fast, fun read.
September 25, 2024
Magnolia Court follows Ruby, a girl who has always had a hard life, currently acclimating to the wealthy life, but her prestigious home is surrounded in secrets.
I didn't mind the slow start the book had as I found the premise intriguing enough to continue reading. I enjoyed that anything that or anyone who was brought up, stayed relevant and necessary instead of just being dropped.
I found the book to have a great flow, it was very hard to put down. I was never left feeling confused and I'm grateful for that. The attention to detail was amazing, I love being able to visualize what's happening. The only issue with the details is the lack of description relating to the characters' appearances.
The twists absolutely shocked me, they were jaw dropping. Sadly, near the end so many twists were thrown in it felt artificial and took away some enjoyment. The epilogue wasn't as confusing as it was vague. Maybe a sequel is being set up?
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and intriguing mystery. Also, LOVE that they chose to eat at Culver's (my favorite).
I didn't mind the slow start the book had as I found the premise intriguing enough to continue reading. I enjoyed that anything that or anyone who was brought up, stayed relevant and necessary instead of just being dropped.
I found the book to have a great flow, it was very hard to put down. I was never left feeling confused and I'm grateful for that. The attention to detail was amazing, I love being able to visualize what's happening. The only issue with the details is the lack of description relating to the characters' appearances.
The twists absolutely shocked me, they were jaw dropping. Sadly, near the end so many twists were thrown in it felt artificial and took away some enjoyment. The epilogue wasn't as confusing as it was vague. Maybe a sequel is being set up?
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and intriguing mystery. Also, LOVE that they chose to eat at Culver's (my favorite).
July 8, 2023
Another home run for J. L. Hyde
"Magnolia Court" will keep you guessing, from Ruby's criminal background to her reclusive neighbor and the overly friendly ones. What secrets is Rosie hiding and what about Betty? You MUST visit the author's website for the bonus chapter, after you finish this book! It will wrap up some loose ends, while leaving a cliffhanger that surely leads to an upcoming book. "Magnolia Court" is a new story, whereas "Delta County" and "Summer of '99" are separate stories that Hyde links together in "Midnight in Delta County". I was disappointed that there isn't an audio book version of this book, yet, since I have become enamored with voice actor Alena S. Chesney's voice and skill at adjusting her voice just enough to differentiate each character in Hyde's first three books. Hyde has indicated that an audio version of "Magnolia Court" is in the works.
"Magnolia Court" will keep you guessing, from Ruby's criminal background to her reclusive neighbor and the overly friendly ones. What secrets is Rosie hiding and what about Betty? You MUST visit the author's website for the bonus chapter, after you finish this book! It will wrap up some loose ends, while leaving a cliffhanger that surely leads to an upcoming book. "Magnolia Court" is a new story, whereas "Delta County" and "Summer of '99" are separate stories that Hyde links together in "Midnight in Delta County". I was disappointed that there isn't an audio book version of this book, yet, since I have become enamored with voice actor Alena S. Chesney's voice and skill at adjusting her voice just enough to differentiate each character in Hyde's first three books. Hyde has indicated that an audio version of "Magnolia Court" is in the works.
April 4, 2023
Ruby has recently gotten out of prison, and is struggling to make ends meet when out of the blue she’s contacted by her long estranged grandma, Rosie. Rosie’s health is quickly fading and she wants Ruby to help settle her final affairs, and for them to get to know each other with what little time she’s got left. Ruby relocates to Rosie’s posh, gated community and starts living in her grandma’s beautiful home on a secluded cul-de-sac. The neighbors seem nice enough, but it seems everyone has a secret or two…
This book was great!! Likable characters, quick chapters, twists that make your jaw drop - what more could you possibly want? This book was truly hard to put down, and I ended up finishing it in one night. I truly hope there is a sequel, because I definitely need a follow up with one character who shall not be named, for fear of possible spoilers 😏 Another 5⭐️ read from JL Hyde!
This book was great!! Likable characters, quick chapters, twists that make your jaw drop - what more could you possibly want? This book was truly hard to put down, and I ended up finishing it in one night. I truly hope there is a sequel, because I definitely need a follow up with one character who shall not be named, for fear of possible spoilers 😏 Another 5⭐️ read from JL Hyde!
January 20, 2025
neighborly
This is my first book by this author and I loved the writing. I also love a strong female and Ruby is one!! After doing something crazy for a boy when she was younger and serving some time in jail because of it she is ready to take on the world. She doesn’t have family as her mother is a crackhead and her father is dead and she is estranged from her grandmother (her dad’s mom). But then she is contacted by her estranged grandmother at just the right time with a great opportunity. She soon finds herself in a very exclusive neighborhood with neighbors who seem to have secrets. Although I enjoyed the book overall some things including the epilogue just didn’t make sense to me. I would give it a 3.5 and still recommend it.
This is my first book by this author and I loved the writing. I also love a strong female and Ruby is one!! After doing something crazy for a boy when she was younger and serving some time in jail because of it she is ready to take on the world. She doesn’t have family as her mother is a crackhead and her father is dead and she is estranged from her grandmother (her dad’s mom). But then she is contacted by her estranged grandmother at just the right time with a great opportunity. She soon finds herself in a very exclusive neighborhood with neighbors who seem to have secrets. Although I enjoyed the book overall some things including the epilogue just didn’t make sense to me. I would give it a 3.5 and still recommend it.
August 19, 2023
Wow! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it most definitely will not be the last!! I loved all the shocking reveals and twists and turns!!
I loved Ruby, the MC, she was really relatable and I felt for the things she’d been through in her life. Her neighbors at Magnolia Court are all very strange, and I was constantly questioning them, except for adorable Finn, the Golden Retriever. Then there was Ruby’s grandmother, Rosie, at the assisted living facility, she’s quite the character, and had me chuckling.
I completely enjoyed this well paced mystery/thriller!! I’m already deciding which book of Hyde’s I will buy and dig into next!!!
I loved Ruby, the MC, she was really relatable and I felt for the things she’d been through in her life. Her neighbors at Magnolia Court are all very strange, and I was constantly questioning them, except for adorable Finn, the Golden Retriever. Then there was Ruby’s grandmother, Rosie, at the assisted living facility, she’s quite the character, and had me chuckling.
I completely enjoyed this well paced mystery/thriller!! I’m already deciding which book of Hyde’s I will buy and dig into next!!!
October 6, 2023
Another job well done by J.L. Hyde. Enjoyed every word of this quick and wonderful read.
What I loved most was trying to figure out what happened along the way. Often, I’d think “is this it? No, maybe I’m wrong.” But then wouldn’t be and would be happy about the way I found out and the way the story unfolded.
As mentioned in a previous update on this read, my favorite part of Hyde’s writing is her ability to seamlessly capture authentic dialogue. Her communication style between characters is so believable and book after book I find myself lost in the ways the characters communicate.
5 stars? No, 10 stars! Excellent job!
What I loved most was trying to figure out what happened along the way. Often, I’d think “is this it? No, maybe I’m wrong.” But then wouldn’t be and would be happy about the way I found out and the way the story unfolded.
As mentioned in a previous update on this read, my favorite part of Hyde’s writing is her ability to seamlessly capture authentic dialogue. Her communication style between characters is so believable and book after book I find myself lost in the ways the characters communicate.
5 stars? No, 10 stars! Excellent job!
July 7, 2023
I had high hopes for this one but it came up short. I still enjoyed it. And it was only 211 pages on my kindle so it was an easy enough read. There were a few twists that I didn’t see coming but they came towards the very end of the book. There weren’t any jump scares but a few moments that were shocking. I just felt like it took too long to get to the mystery/thriller parts. The entire first half of the book is all set up and almost nothing happens other than introducing the characters and their character development. If you want a quick, easy, enjoyable book in this genre, it would be an easy one to do in a day! Once things pick up in the 2nd half of the book, it was hard to put down! I will definitely add Delta County to my TBR.
*check trigger warnings
*check trigger warnings
October 16, 2023
5/5 ⭐️and they are shining brightly 💫
There are secrets everywhere in this novel, I felt like I got slapped, this was like a good joke with 10 punchlines the first one hits you and after the third you're like, there's MORE?!
If you haven't read a J.L.Hyde book, where have you been??
This hit so hard! I read this between last night in this morning, probably within 3 hours.
Need to sleep, nah sleep is for those who aren't reading a J.L.Hyde novel. Hungry for breakfast? Not right now, eating this up!
There are secrets everywhere in this novel, I felt like I got slapped, this was like a good joke with 10 punchlines the first one hits you and after the third you're like, there's MORE?!
If you haven't read a J.L.Hyde book, where have you been??
This hit so hard! I read this between last night in this morning, probably within 3 hours.
Need to sleep, nah sleep is for those who aren't reading a J.L.Hyde novel. Hungry for breakfast? Not right now, eating this up!
September 9, 2025
Loved turned to like at the end
98% of this book I loved. The ending got very convoluted. The epilogue with Bob made zero sense. I was so bothered by how out of place it was I went to the authors website & found bonus chapters which did seem to answer the questions & made it make sense but at the same time I feel like that whole tiny story arc could have been another book itself & been a great story. So most of the book was a 4.5 star read but the ending & epilogue turned into a 3 star read for me.
98% of this book I loved. The ending got very convoluted. The epilogue with Bob made zero sense. I was so bothered by how out of place it was I went to the authors website & found bonus chapters which did seem to answer the questions & made it make sense but at the same time I feel like that whole tiny story arc could have been another book itself & been a great story. So most of the book was a 4.5 star read but the ending & epilogue turned into a 3 star read for me.
April 5, 2023
I was super pumped for this one since it’s set in northern Wisconsin and boy did it deliver. this book was full of twists and turns even I didn’t see coming.
Short chapters and likeable characters will make you binge this book in a day.
I definately need a sequel because well without giving anything away need to know what happens with a certain someone!!
It isn’t often you find an author who you can genuinely rate 5 starts consistently but JL Hyde is one of those for me.
Short chapters and likeable characters will make you binge this book in a day.
I definately need a sequel because well without giving anything away need to know what happens with a certain someone!!
It isn’t often you find an author who you can genuinely rate 5 starts consistently but JL Hyde is one of those for me.
April 13, 2023
I've been in a reading slump, and unfortunately, I started this during that, and I've just been too distracted. I wish I had waited so I could read it in one go!
I did finally finish it today, and what an ending! I wasn't sure where it was going at first, as I felt like I was quite a ways in, and nothing super major had happened yet. I started thinking maybe it would be rushed. But it flowed very nicely, and it made for a fast read once I got into it!
I did finally finish it today, and what an ending! I wasn't sure where it was going at first, as I felt like I was quite a ways in, and nothing super major had happened yet. I started thinking maybe it would be rushed. But it flowed very nicely, and it made for a fast read once I got into it!
May 1, 2023
I'm quickly coming to the conclusion J.L. Hyde is my new favorite author. I will read any book this lady writes and I need her to write faster. I love her modern references in the story, the wittiness and likeability of her characters and the crazy, yet believable twists she can throw in. If someone reads this book though, I need help with the last page. It was above my understanding. I have theories. I need to talk about it.
May 8, 2023
Another Hard-to-put-down Page Turner!
J L Hyde has a way of pulling you into the story so you feel connected to the characters and locations. She's great at building empathy, crafting a mystery, then hitting you with a plot twist you never see coming. With every book, I find myself wanting a sequel, because I want to know more about the characters' lives and what happens next. I hope there will be more visits to Magnolia Court!
J L Hyde has a way of pulling you into the story so you feel connected to the characters and locations. She's great at building empathy, crafting a mystery, then hitting you with a plot twist you never see coming. With every book, I find myself wanting a sequel, because I want to know more about the characters' lives and what happens next. I hope there will be more visits to Magnolia Court!
August 23, 2023
Ruby gets out of prison and gets a call from her grandmother Rosie to come stay with her and get to know her , she is rich and ended up ina nursing home. Ruby stays in her house and visits her to get to know her and ends up killing a guy that attacked her and her secretive guy neighbor Bob helps her get rid of the body come to find out it was Patricia Rosie’s best friend who was in the nursing home , good story up until the last page
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews