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The Woman Upstairs
Please note this book was previously published as A Text Before Dying.
Zoe’s looking out of the window — and what she sees will threaten everything she knows.
Zoe thinks she has a great life. An apartment that everyone wants. A handsome FBI agent husband. A job she loves.
But what she sees will change everything.
Looking through the window with her high-powered binoculars, she spies a woman on a bench.
The woman is messaging someone. What Zoe sees on the phone screen is mind-blowing . . .
My husband is driving me crazy. I want it done now.
It will all be over Thursday, my love . . .
Zoe thinks the woman is planning to kill the man next to her.
Zoe has 72 hours to save someone’s life. But everyone thinks she’s paranoid — including her husband.
What would you do if you were the woman upstairs . . . ?
Zoe’s looking out of the window — and what she sees will threaten everything she knows.
Zoe thinks she has a great life. An apartment that everyone wants. A handsome FBI agent husband. A job she loves.
But what she sees will change everything.
Looking through the window with her high-powered binoculars, she spies a woman on a bench.
The woman is messaging someone. What Zoe sees on the phone screen is mind-blowing . . .
My husband is driving me crazy. I want it done now.
It will all be over Thursday, my love . . .
Zoe thinks the woman is planning to kill the man next to her.
Zoe has 72 hours to save someone’s life. But everyone thinks she’s paranoid — including her husband.
What would you do if you were the woman upstairs . . . ?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2021
822 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
McGarvey Black
15 books336 followersSuspense/Thrillers
THE SECOND HONEYMOON - August 2025
He's planned the perfect cruise - and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.
Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination - paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.
He's bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything's going to plan. Andre's plan.
He thinks he'll get away with it. But he doesn't know what I'm capable of. Not yet.
Also,
—THE BABY I STOLE
—MY SISTER'S KILLER
—THE FIRST HUSBAND
—WITHOUT HER CONSENT
—THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
—TRUST ONLY ME
—TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
—THE GIRL WHO KILLED HER MOM
Romantic Comedy;
— LOVE ON THE LINE (original title— THE FUSSY VIRGIN).
Morality Tale
—A FAMILIAR STRANGER "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Wall Street". This novel is a parable of our times.
All my stories are character driven. I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that trigger my imagination.
I am married with two children and currently live in Connecticut where many of my stories take place. I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom into your book club if our schedules permit. Reach out and I'll do my best to make it happen.
——McGarvey
You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, too. Thanks for reading my books and if you like them, please leave a review, it helps so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 29, 2021
A TEXT BEFORE DYING is a cozy psychological suspense novel by McGarvey Black. It was a nice break from all the psychological thrillers I currently read. I love the humor in the novel which had me laughing out loud.
The novel is set in New York during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The main character, Zoe lives in an expensive million-dollar huge condo over-looking Central Park. She grew up there, and later when her father died, she inherited the estate.
Thirty-one-year-old Zoe Brandt is married to Connor, an FBI special agent, who does not disclose any information about his job to his wife. Zoe is completely obsessed with Connor’s job, and has a very active imagination. Zoe, a want-to-be mystery writer spends hours reading mystery books or watching people from her NYC apartment. She has just recently bought high-powered binoculars to watch people every day…as research for her writing, and is able to spot the smallest defect in sight.
Zoe is not wealthy and works with her best friend, Sean, at an Italian Restaurant on limited hours based on COVID. Sean is Zoe’s partner-in-crime for follow-up of her conspiracy theories and obsession with sleuthing and solving crimes, but he tries to settle her down.
When Connor leaves for a five-day FBI training course in Quantico, he makes Zoe promise that she would not investigate anything while he was away. Forget that promise!
Spying from her window with high powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe, spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to.
The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and a serial killer loose who has killed six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time for her theories.
Time is ticking away, and Zoe and Sean are committed to saving the life of the man on the bench.
This was a well-written light enjoyable read with and unexpected twist at the end.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
The novel is set in New York during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The main character, Zoe lives in an expensive million-dollar huge condo over-looking Central Park. She grew up there, and later when her father died, she inherited the estate.
Thirty-one-year-old Zoe Brandt is married to Connor, an FBI special agent, who does not disclose any information about his job to his wife. Zoe is completely obsessed with Connor’s job, and has a very active imagination. Zoe, a want-to-be mystery writer spends hours reading mystery books or watching people from her NYC apartment. She has just recently bought high-powered binoculars to watch people every day…as research for her writing, and is able to spot the smallest defect in sight.
Zoe is not wealthy and works with her best friend, Sean, at an Italian Restaurant on limited hours based on COVID. Sean is Zoe’s partner-in-crime for follow-up of her conspiracy theories and obsession with sleuthing and solving crimes, but he tries to settle her down.
When Connor leaves for a five-day FBI training course in Quantico, he makes Zoe promise that she would not investigate anything while he was away. Forget that promise!
Spying from her window with high powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe, spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to.
The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and a serial killer loose who has killed six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time for her theories.
Time is ticking away, and Zoe and Sean are committed to saving the life of the man on the bench.
This was a well-written light enjoyable read with and unexpected twist at the end.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
May 24, 2021
A Text Before Dying is a light crime thriller set in New York City, and unusually for a modern release, places the action at the peak of the pandemic there in mid-2020. This added a layer of interest at a time when most authors are avoiding mention of covid completely. It’s a fun easy read with a super-annoying heroine who nevertheless wins the reader over, and while it is more of a cosy than I would usually go for, the plot is different enough to the usual so I did quite enjoy it. I’ve read a couple of the author’s previous books and they’ve all been quite different from one another, but this one is the most humorous.
Zoe Brandt’s over-active imagination keeps getting her into trouble, seeing conspiracies everywhere, to the amused frustration of her FBI agent husband Conner. When she uses her high-powered binoculars to read a text exchange on the phone of a masked woman sitting below her in Central Park, Zoe concludes that she is plotting to murder her husband, and drags her reluctant gay best friend Sean in to help her try and prevent it. The police are busy dealing with the pandemic and investigating a serial killer terrorising the city, and don’t believe her story, but Zoe won’t let it go. Will this nutty amateur detective stop a crime or is it all just another fantasy?
While this did take a while to get going, and got a tad repetitive, the second half was more exciting and therefore more fun and I didn’t predict how it would turn out at all. I was getting just as exasperated with Zoe’s antics as everyone else around her, which I’m sure was the point, but I loved loyal patient Sean and the dogged detective duo. While covid does play a major part as the backdrop to the story, and the characters are in a weird sort of limited Lockdown, there’s only brief mention of people getting it so it’s not depressing, and there’s no need to avoid the book for this reason even if you’re sick of it all. 3.5 rounded up for originality.
Thanks to McGarvey Black for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
A Text Before Dying is published on May 28th.
Zoe Brandt’s over-active imagination keeps getting her into trouble, seeing conspiracies everywhere, to the amused frustration of her FBI agent husband Conner. When she uses her high-powered binoculars to read a text exchange on the phone of a masked woman sitting below her in Central Park, Zoe concludes that she is plotting to murder her husband, and drags her reluctant gay best friend Sean in to help her try and prevent it. The police are busy dealing with the pandemic and investigating a serial killer terrorising the city, and don’t believe her story, but Zoe won’t let it go. Will this nutty amateur detective stop a crime or is it all just another fantasy?
While this did take a while to get going, and got a tad repetitive, the second half was more exciting and therefore more fun and I didn’t predict how it would turn out at all. I was getting just as exasperated with Zoe’s antics as everyone else around her, which I’m sure was the point, but I loved loyal patient Sean and the dogged detective duo. While covid does play a major part as the backdrop to the story, and the characters are in a weird sort of limited Lockdown, there’s only brief mention of people getting it so it’s not depressing, and there’s no need to avoid the book for this reason even if you’re sick of it all. 3.5 rounded up for originality.
Thanks to McGarvey Black for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
A Text Before Dying is published on May 28th.
May 28, 2021
Zoe is a conspiracy theorist. She sees conspiracy everywhere she looks. And when she purchases some high octane powered binoculars, she sees much more clearly. She has a best friend finds great fun in helping Zoe with her 'hobby'. Her detective husband does not find it humorous at all.
Her husband, actually, has his hands full. A serial killer has murdered six women amid a pandemic and clues are nowhere to be found.
Zoe has used her binoculars to spy on a couple sitting on a park bench across from where she lives. The man is bidding on something on Ebay .. the woman is text messaging someone. She's excited about being able to see so well .. but then she can also read the texts ...and it looks like the woman and some guy are discussing killing her husband.
Doing what anyone would do .. she reports this to the police. The murder has not taken place ... the man and his wife are unknown ... don't know where they live .. have no idea when it's planned for .... the police are not interested ....
Zoe and her friend decide to investigate on their own .. but is it really a murder plot .. or just a conspiracy that she imagines?
This is a fast-moving, cleverly written plot. Zoe is funny, but she's so sincere in what she believes. She understands that people around her don't see the world as she does, Her friend, Sean, much to her husband's trepidation, always goes along with her 'wacky' feelings. It's page-turning action from start to finish. I hope we see more of Zoe in the future.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 31, 2022
I read this author's debut book and was hugely impressed. The second book was equally impressive. When I discovered this book I immediately downloaded it without reading the blurb or the reviews; I knew I'd like it. I was right. It's both serious and light-hearted with some mighty twisty bits towards the end that I never saw coming or even imagined. A very easy and enjoyable read that I'll remember for a long time.
April 6, 2025
I think I’ve mentioned previously than I’m not really keen on “Covid times” set books, (this is the second I’ve read in a few weeks) and it’s like a time you’d rather forget I suppose. However, what I will say is there’s plenty of scope for writing about a time where everything was different world wide and this worked to the authors advantage and the outcome was a really great story.
While the big twist was glaringly obvious very early on, it was fun getting there) I enjoyed what seemed like Zoe and Sean’s madcap conspiracies, how they used their down time to go super sleuthing, and how she was causing so much drama for her FBI husband with her interfering.
All round this is a quick and easy and enjoyable listen that id definitely place in the cozy mystery category.
Currently included with audible 🎧
While the big twist was glaringly obvious very early on, it was fun getting there) I enjoyed what seemed like Zoe and Sean’s madcap conspiracies, how they used their down time to go super sleuthing, and how she was causing so much drama for her FBI husband with her interfering.
All round this is a quick and easy and enjoyable listen that id definitely place in the cozy mystery category.
Currently included with audible 🎧
December 16, 2024
accidentally finished this in a few hours… oops. anyway, this book was decent. i kept getting so frustrated for zoe because of her lame ass husband. literally their first time meeting he knew that she could get carried away and be somewhat of a conspiracy theorist. like obviously we find out later his heart wasn’t really with her but damn he knew from the beginning how she was and he was constantly nagging at her and trying to change her. yes it could be dangerous and yes it could be annoying but mf you knew this before you got together. ugh i hate men. this particular fictional man specifically. anywho - i liked this book. i thought it was crazy that zoe essentially saved herself from her own murder by being so paranoid and stalkerish. i loved her and i really was rooting for her. make your life colorful girl i’m here for it. i’m happy that in the end everyone went down for their shitiness (strangler included) and i loved that at the end she just showed us she wasn’t changing her ways anytime soon. you go girl
June 15, 2021
It was really interesting until it mentioned mask wearing and COVID 19. I'm sorry, instant turn off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
A bit far fetched. Main character drove me nuts. Pretty entertaining mystery though.
October 14, 2024
This wasn't bad. It was just another subpar thriller that's been done before.. (gosh I'm seeing a trend here)
May 20, 2021
♣️♣️♣️DESCRIPTION ♣️♣️♣️
Spying from her window in New York City with high-powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to.
The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and catch a serial killer who has murdered six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time or patience for her theories.
Committed to saving the life of the man on the bench, Zoe and her best friend Sean pursue all angles until Zoe finds herself in grave danger
📢📢📢MY REVIEW📢📢📢
Zoey likes to look out the window through her binoculars and one day while spying on a couple walking by and FaceTiming her best friend Sean she sees something that sends her into a super sleuth and the story takes off from there and boy is it entertaining 📚 in the midst of dealing with a pandemic no one has time for her shenanigans so she takes matters into her own hands with her faithful bestie.
Thank you to this author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This story was so cute and fun. It was packed with mystery as well as humor. I found myself constantly chuckling while reading. Zoe and her best friend was something else. I loved the ending and the pacing of the story. It drew me in and all I could think about was what Zoe and Sean were up to. I will definitely be reading more from this Author. This was a hit!
♠️what I enjoyed about this book♠️
Funny✔️
Suspenseful ✔️
Adventurous ✔️
Page turner ✔️
Well written ✔️
Spying from her window in New York City with high-powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to.
The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and catch a serial killer who has murdered six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time or patience for her theories.
Committed to saving the life of the man on the bench, Zoe and her best friend Sean pursue all angles until Zoe finds herself in grave danger
📢📢📢MY REVIEW📢📢📢
Zoey likes to look out the window through her binoculars and one day while spying on a couple walking by and FaceTiming her best friend Sean she sees something that sends her into a super sleuth and the story takes off from there and boy is it entertaining 📚 in the midst of dealing with a pandemic no one has time for her shenanigans so she takes matters into her own hands with her faithful bestie.
Thank you to this author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This story was so cute and fun. It was packed with mystery as well as humor. I found myself constantly chuckling while reading. Zoe and her best friend was something else. I loved the ending and the pacing of the story. It drew me in and all I could think about was what Zoe and Sean were up to. I will definitely be reading more from this Author. This was a hit!
♠️what I enjoyed about this book♠️
Funny✔️
Suspenseful ✔️
Adventurous ✔️
Page turner ✔️
Well written ✔️
May 24, 2021
Manhattan resident Zoe Ferreira Brandt is a conspiracy nut and a bit of a flake. She sees foreign spies in nail spas, sex slaves in bodegas, and clues to unsolvable mysteries in everything she observes around her—and Zoe observes everything through the black shades of her own history. Dark matter is her universe. Despite this, she's funny and full of life. Along with her cheerful but neurotic sidekick Sean McAllister, she makes daily life in a lockdown city into an exciting adventure. And Sean is the perfect straight man, even though he's not straight. Furloughed from their jobs at a local restaurant, the masked duo spend their days investigating non-crimes and feeling humiliated afterward. Until they come face to masked face with a real crime-in-the-works.
This is the first novel I've read that is set during the pandemic and the mask complaints, social restrictions, crime bumps, job cuts, and massive personal losses are all sadly familiar. However, Zoe and Sean overcome these issues to play amateur sleuths as they try to save the life of a stranger. We should all be this committed to our fellow humans during disasters.
The writing style is breezy, the banter laugh out loud funny, and the characters memorable and posed for a sequel. With the sharp twists and turns the author is known for, McGarvey Black does it again with A Text Before Dying.
This is the first novel I've read that is set during the pandemic and the mask complaints, social restrictions, crime bumps, job cuts, and massive personal losses are all sadly familiar. However, Zoe and Sean overcome these issues to play amateur sleuths as they try to save the life of a stranger. We should all be this committed to our fellow humans during disasters.
The writing style is breezy, the banter laugh out loud funny, and the characters memorable and posed for a sequel. With the sharp twists and turns the author is known for, McGarvey Black does it again with A Text Before Dying.
May 28, 2021
I always know I’m in for a fabulously entertaining read when I have a McGarvey Black novel on my list – and I’ve never been disappointed yet!
Zoe likes to spy on others; from her New York apartment she can spot what’s going on below – seeing even better since she purchased a pair of high-powered binoculars. When she zeroes in on a mobile phone, she realises she’s stumbled upon a murder plot and reports all she knows to the police, who currently have their hands more than full with a global pandemic raging and a serial killer on the loose. Zoe persuades her friend Sean to help her run down all the clues she’s gleaned from what she saw, but is that putting her in more danger? And, as it’s not the first time she has spun a story from her illicit viewing, she runs the risk of being regarded in a similar manner to the little boy who cried wolf . . .
This is, without doubt, a thrilling read. I found myself totally into this fast-paced, exciting story very quickly. There are several threads all woven together, giving the reader plenty to focus on. Did I see where it was heading? No way – I was too busy enjoying myself! What makes this author stand out from others who write psychological thrillers is the humour which she introduces, almost unseen, but it’s definitely there. Several twists and turns brought us to the conclusion which came as quite a surprise! Superbly crafted with terrific characterisation and beautifully written, I just loved everything about this one and am very happy to recommend it to others. A Text Before Dying easily earns all five sparkling stars.
Zoe likes to spy on others; from her New York apartment she can spot what’s going on below – seeing even better since she purchased a pair of high-powered binoculars. When she zeroes in on a mobile phone, she realises she’s stumbled upon a murder plot and reports all she knows to the police, who currently have their hands more than full with a global pandemic raging and a serial killer on the loose. Zoe persuades her friend Sean to help her run down all the clues she’s gleaned from what she saw, but is that putting her in more danger? And, as it’s not the first time she has spun a story from her illicit viewing, she runs the risk of being regarded in a similar manner to the little boy who cried wolf . . .
This is, without doubt, a thrilling read. I found myself totally into this fast-paced, exciting story very quickly. There are several threads all woven together, giving the reader plenty to focus on. Did I see where it was heading? No way – I was too busy enjoying myself! What makes this author stand out from others who write psychological thrillers is the humour which she introduces, almost unseen, but it’s definitely there. Several twists and turns brought us to the conclusion which came as quite a surprise! Superbly crafted with terrific characterisation and beautifully written, I just loved everything about this one and am very happy to recommend it to others. A Text Before Dying easily earns all five sparkling stars.
May 29, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. This is not my first book by this author which I really enjoyed and can't wait to see what is next for them. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that left me turning pages fast. It is full of action and has characters that are relateable as well as brought the story to life. They are strong characters that kept the story engaging and left me wanting to know what would happen next. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
September 2, 2024
Loved this read so much! The number of twists, turns, and oh no's that I came across, just as I thought I worked it all out, bamn along comes something that throws my theories right out the water 😂👏🏻
After reading "Without Her Consent" from McGarvey Black, I had high expectations reading this book, and it didn't disappoint. Definitely added this author to my watch list for future reads 📚
Similar to Frieda McFadden, A.J Willis, A.J McDine.
#Suspense
#Psychological
#Thriller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After reading "Without Her Consent" from McGarvey Black, I had high expectations reading this book, and it didn't disappoint. Definitely added this author to my watch list for future reads 📚
Similar to Frieda McFadden, A.J Willis, A.J McDine.
#Suspense
#Psychological
#Thriller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2025
Literally hate amnesia tropes.
May 29, 2021
Set in the middle of the pandemic and in the world of mask wearing, this book opens with a murder being planned.
But the woman watching is using binoculars and can't identify the people.
This was definitely a light murder mystery. But for me sometimes it went into the silly.
I love this authors books and will eagerly continue to read them.
But for me this time the story didn't quite work.
But the woman watching is using binoculars and can't identify the people.
This was definitely a light murder mystery. But for me sometimes it went into the silly.
I love this authors books and will eagerly continue to read them.
But for me this time the story didn't quite work.
June 1, 2021
A text before dying McGarvey Black
5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
Publisher: Bloodhound Books - crime, thriller and mystery
Publication date: May 28, 2021
Description:
The Perfect Murder. The Perfect Nightmare.
Spying from her window in New York City with high-powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to. The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and catch a serial killer who has murdered six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time or patience for her theories. Committed to saving the life of the man on the bench, Zoe and her best friend Sean pursue all angles until Zoe finds herself in grave danger.But those around her keep wondering, is there really a murder plot or is it all in Zoe’s head?
📌 📱MY REVIEW 📱📌
In A Text Before Dying we find ourselves in New York City present day with the pandemic going on. While there are mentions of the pandemic it is not over run with it. It was a very quick easy read and never a dull moment with Zoe. The plot is very well developed throughout the book and the characters are interesting. Even though there is a serial killer it is wrote in more of a hilarious cozy meets psychological Thriller
kind of way. I found myself laughing a lot throughout the book which got me some strange looks from people around me. Who the killer ends up being is quite a surprise that most won't see coming. Zoe is one neighbor we can all be glad we don't have. Lol !!! I have read several of this authors other books which are all very different. So no matter what kind of books you like you are sure to find something by this author that you will like. I just want to say Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!
*******Disclosure*******
I received a free E -ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release. Many thanks to the author for the chance to read and review a copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#books
#bookwormlife
#bookreviewblogger
#joycestewartreviews
#bookstagrammers
#Atextbeforedying
#McGarveyBlack
5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
Publisher: Bloodhound Books - crime, thriller and mystery
Publication date: May 28, 2021
Description:
The Perfect Murder. The Perfect Nightmare.
Spying from her window in New York City with high-powered binoculars, conspiracy theorist Zoe spots a man and woman on a park bench. Zooming in, she finds she can read the texts on the woman’s phone. Her initial excitement turns to alarm when the woman’s texts outline a plan to murder the man she is sitting next to. The police department is trying to manage a pandemic and catch a serial killer who has murdered six women. So, when Zoe reports the conspiracy to commit murder, the police have little time or patience for her theories. Committed to saving the life of the man on the bench, Zoe and her best friend Sean pursue all angles until Zoe finds herself in grave danger.But those around her keep wondering, is there really a murder plot or is it all in Zoe’s head?
📌 📱MY REVIEW 📱📌
In A Text Before Dying we find ourselves in New York City present day with the pandemic going on. While there are mentions of the pandemic it is not over run with it. It was a very quick easy read and never a dull moment with Zoe. The plot is very well developed throughout the book and the characters are interesting. Even though there is a serial killer it is wrote in more of a hilarious cozy meets psychological Thriller
kind of way. I found myself laughing a lot throughout the book which got me some strange looks from people around me. Who the killer ends up being is quite a surprise that most won't see coming. Zoe is one neighbor we can all be glad we don't have. Lol !!! I have read several of this authors other books which are all very different. So no matter what kind of books you like you are sure to find something by this author that you will like. I just want to say Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!
*******Disclosure*******
I received a free E -ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release. Many thanks to the author for the chance to read and review a copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#books
#bookwormlife
#bookreviewblogger
#joycestewartreviews
#bookstagrammers
#Atextbeforedying
#McGarveyBlack
May 27, 2021
One morning Zoe Brandt was looking into central park in New York when she spotted a man and a woman sitting apart on a bench. She was trying out her fairly new high-powered binoculars when her mate, Sean, face-timed her. Zoe mentioned to him about the couple, that they were following the rules with wearing masks but it took away the fun from people watching as she couldn’t see who people were anymore. She couldn’t see their faces, etc. Zoe liked to think of herself as a writer and had been coming up with some wild conspiracy theories ever since being a child but more so since her mum died.
Zoe said they seemed to be together although both using their mobile phones and doing their own thing. She decided to test out the zoom function and found that she could read their screens. When she excitedly told Sean this, he wanted to know more. The man was on ebay but the woman seemed to be arranging the murder of her husband! Once she had finished that, she seemed to change phones then arranged to have her hair done, Zoe was astounded by this. They then decided they had to follow the couple and try to find out who they were so they could go to the police or something. They needed to save this man from being killed and they had four days to do it!
Sean and Zoe followed the couple to the subway and on a train then lost them. They gave up and went to the police. Unfortunately, the pandemic had taken its toll on the police force plus there was a serial killer rampaging through the city. He had so far killed six women all on the fifteenth of the month. Two detectives came down to speak to them but with the little information they had, there wasn’t much they could do. Zoe took it on herself to find them and with Sean’s help, every lead they tracked down they reported to the police but it got so even Sean started to wonder about her sanity.
What no-one realised was the danger that Zoe was putting herself in……..could her leads help the police? Would the police be able to help her though?
I found this book to be slow at the start as it was setting the scene but it definitely got more exciting later on. Once all the action started! Zoe definitely had some wild ideas. It was well written and plotted. A great idea too. I think it could be the first time I have read this author.
Zoe said they seemed to be together although both using their mobile phones and doing their own thing. She decided to test out the zoom function and found that she could read their screens. When she excitedly told Sean this, he wanted to know more. The man was on ebay but the woman seemed to be arranging the murder of her husband! Once she had finished that, she seemed to change phones then arranged to have her hair done, Zoe was astounded by this. They then decided they had to follow the couple and try to find out who they were so they could go to the police or something. They needed to save this man from being killed and they had four days to do it!
Sean and Zoe followed the couple to the subway and on a train then lost them. They gave up and went to the police. Unfortunately, the pandemic had taken its toll on the police force plus there was a serial killer rampaging through the city. He had so far killed six women all on the fifteenth of the month. Two detectives came down to speak to them but with the little information they had, there wasn’t much they could do. Zoe took it on herself to find them and with Sean’s help, every lead they tracked down they reported to the police but it got so even Sean started to wonder about her sanity.
What no-one realised was the danger that Zoe was putting herself in……..could her leads help the police? Would the police be able to help her though?
I found this book to be slow at the start as it was setting the scene but it definitely got more exciting later on. Once all the action started! Zoe definitely had some wild ideas. It was well written and plotted. A great idea too. I think it could be the first time I have read this author.
May 22, 2021
Curiosity almost kills the cat in this brilliant thriller.
Zoe thrives on solving mysteries and things she sees as a crime or conspiracy.
Together with her best friend Sean, they are like any “crime fighting duo" prepared to do whatever it takes to bring the “criminal” to justice. They are fearless and yet amusing.
Zoe's spying has already got her a bit of a name for herself with the police; much to the annoyance and frustration of her FBI agent husband Connor, who is none to happy with her obsession, especially when it almost nearly cost him his job.
But this time has she gone just that step to far.?
While doing her "normal" daily spying on people in Central Park, across the road from her multimillion dollar appartment, and armed with her latest purchase of high tech binoculars, she sees a plot unfolding of a possible planning of a murder.
She talks Sean into following the couple with her but when they lose them, she talks him into going to the police. The police have more than enough to deal with a serial strangler on the loose, and initially, politely send her on her way.
Things become very tense for all of the characters involved, and you soon realise that this can only end badly.
Brilliantly written, this will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the last page. I read it in less than a day because I didn’t want to put it down.
This literally had me holding my breath in places, and I really wasn’t prepared for the huge twist that you definitely won’t see coming.
Zoe thrives on solving mysteries and things she sees as a crime or conspiracy.
Together with her best friend Sean, they are like any “crime fighting duo" prepared to do whatever it takes to bring the “criminal” to justice. They are fearless and yet amusing.
Zoe's spying has already got her a bit of a name for herself with the police; much to the annoyance and frustration of her FBI agent husband Connor, who is none to happy with her obsession, especially when it almost nearly cost him his job.
But this time has she gone just that step to far.?
While doing her "normal" daily spying on people in Central Park, across the road from her multimillion dollar appartment, and armed with her latest purchase of high tech binoculars, she sees a plot unfolding of a possible planning of a murder.
She talks Sean into following the couple with her but when they lose them, she talks him into going to the police. The police have more than enough to deal with a serial strangler on the loose, and initially, politely send her on her way.
Things become very tense for all of the characters involved, and you soon realise that this can only end badly.
Brilliantly written, this will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the last page. I read it in less than a day because I didn’t want to put it down.
This literally had me holding my breath in places, and I really wasn’t prepared for the huge twist that you definitely won’t see coming.
May 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book as a break from my normal reads. It’s quite a lighthearted cozy thriller with more than a touch of humour. Set in New York the main Protagonist, Zoe, lives in an 8 million dollar cooperative overlooking Central Park; however she isn’t wealthy and barely makes ends meet. Very well written and sympathetically dealing with the Covid pandemic this book is pure escapism.
Briefly, Zoe is obsessed with crime. She sees it everywhere. But she doesn’t stop there. She has to tells everyone she thinks should know, including the police. Her husband works for the FBI and initially amused by her tales he is starting to find them irritating and thinks Zoe needs to go back and see her psychiatrist. When Zoe sees something suspicious from her window, through high powered binoculars, she, and her partner in crime, Sean, decide they have to tell the police. But is it a case of crying wolf? No one seems to believe her. The police are already searching for a serial killer and Zoe’s report is sidelined. Is it all in her head? Is her imagination running riot again? Or is a murder about to be committed?
I must admit to feeling quite annoyed with Zoe at times as she is very pushy and when she was trying to get information about the murder in Central Park I want to slap her. But that may well be the response the author wanted. That said this was an enjoyable interlude. There is a very unexpected twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. A good bit of fun and I would recommend it for anyone who like a lighter thriller. 4*
Briefly, Zoe is obsessed with crime. She sees it everywhere. But she doesn’t stop there. She has to tells everyone she thinks should know, including the police. Her husband works for the FBI and initially amused by her tales he is starting to find them irritating and thinks Zoe needs to go back and see her psychiatrist. When Zoe sees something suspicious from her window, through high powered binoculars, she, and her partner in crime, Sean, decide they have to tell the police. But is it a case of crying wolf? No one seems to believe her. The police are already searching for a serial killer and Zoe’s report is sidelined. Is it all in her head? Is her imagination running riot again? Or is a murder about to be committed?
I must admit to feeling quite annoyed with Zoe at times as she is very pushy and when she was trying to get information about the murder in Central Park I want to slap her. But that may well be the response the author wanted. That said this was an enjoyable interlude. There is a very unexpected twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. A good bit of fun and I would recommend it for anyone who like a lighter thriller. 4*
May 25, 2021
A light crime thriller that is brilliantly written and the first book that I have read with the reality of life today (mask wearing and closure of hospitality etc).
Zoe lives in a very opulent apartment in New York City overlooking Central Park, with her FBI agent husband, Connor. One day while people watching she spots a man and woman sitting on a park bench. Using her new powerful binoculars she zooms in on the woman’s phone and is amazed to see that she can read the text messages. Suddenly she realises the texts are planning the murder of the man sitting next to the woman !!
With the help of her best friend, Sean, Zoe tried to do all she can to save the man’s life. A visit to the police station doesn’t go well as Zoe and Sean have no idea who the perpetrator is, who the victim is or where the killing will take place, and the police are all ready under pressure as a serial killer is on the loose in New York City. The duo decide to try and identify the woman on the bench in order for them to save the man’s life.
Can Zoe and Sean identify the woman and save the man ? Or will they find themselves in danger with their investigation ?
This is a great light crime thriller with a heroine that can be a little annoying at times but you will still find yourself routing for her to uncover the truth. A brilliantly written book with a killer twist you just won’t see coming !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Zoe lives in a very opulent apartment in New York City overlooking Central Park, with her FBI agent husband, Connor. One day while people watching she spots a man and woman sitting on a park bench. Using her new powerful binoculars she zooms in on the woman’s phone and is amazed to see that she can read the text messages. Suddenly she realises the texts are planning the murder of the man sitting next to the woman !!
With the help of her best friend, Sean, Zoe tried to do all she can to save the man’s life. A visit to the police station doesn’t go well as Zoe and Sean have no idea who the perpetrator is, who the victim is or where the killing will take place, and the police are all ready under pressure as a serial killer is on the loose in New York City. The duo decide to try and identify the woman on the bench in order for them to save the man’s life.
Can Zoe and Sean identify the woman and save the man ? Or will they find themselves in danger with their investigation ?
This is a great light crime thriller with a heroine that can be a little annoying at times but you will still find yourself routing for her to uncover the truth. A brilliantly written book with a killer twist you just won’t see coming !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
May 27, 2021
Zoe loves crime mysteries and writes short stories. However she also enjoys going out to investigate herself. Helped by her best mate Sean. Sometimes her imagination gets away from her and she can get herself and her FBI husband in all sorts of trouble.
One day Zoe sees a text exchange with her high powered binoculars where a woman is planning to kill her husband.
The story follows her dogged determination to try and save the man's life before Thursday, the day of the planned murder.
At the same time there is a strangler going around killing women on the 15th of each month. The police are trying to solve that case and don't have time to chase a wild goose chase.
Zoe is at times irritating and manic, and Sean veers between being supportive and humouring her and trying to make her see she's nuts. She is also endearing at her heart is in the right place. The book is set during the pandemic and the reason is clear when you read the book. It was a deliberate choice.
The twists at the end of this are brilliant and I read this really quickly as I had to know who was doing what.
This is very much more on the lighthearted side of crime and the humour of the author shines through which is an added bonus.
One day Zoe sees a text exchange with her high powered binoculars where a woman is planning to kill her husband.
The story follows her dogged determination to try and save the man's life before Thursday, the day of the planned murder.
At the same time there is a strangler going around killing women on the 15th of each month. The police are trying to solve that case and don't have time to chase a wild goose chase.
Zoe is at times irritating and manic, and Sean veers between being supportive and humouring her and trying to make her see she's nuts. She is also endearing at her heart is in the right place. The book is set during the pandemic and the reason is clear when you read the book. It was a deliberate choice.
The twists at the end of this are brilliant and I read this really quickly as I had to know who was doing what.
This is very much more on the lighthearted side of crime and the humour of the author shines through which is an added bonus.
May 23, 2021
Zoe Brandt has a very active vivid imagination. So active, it has caused problems for others - the local police, and even the FBI - where her husband works. Sean McAllister is her best friend and partner in crime. Zoe is certain she sees a text looking out her apartment window and using high-powered binoculars that a woman is wanting her husband killed. Zoe's husband has warned her to stop 'investigating' but she and Sean keep doing it behind his back. Did she actually see this or is her mind playing tricks on her? Been while the police are trying to cope with a serial killer and the start of the pandemic. A well-written story that even had me wandering did she or didn't she? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 28, 2021
This is a psychological thriller with a difference. A slow burner to start with as the scene is set after which where are a lot of twists and turns and red herrings.
Zoe Brandt, who is married to a FBI special agent and lives in a large flat overlooking Central Park in New York. She has a very imaginative mind and sees potential criminal offences out of nothing! In one case she , using very powerful binoculars, sees a woman texting from a bench alluding to the murder of her husband who is sat at the other end of the bench. The NYPD don't really want to know about it as they have a serial killer on their hands so Zoe and her close ally begin their own investigation. Little does she know that she is putting herself in grave danger.
The book tends to jump about a bit too much for my liking however stick with it as the scene is being set for an intriguing read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
Zoe Brandt, who is married to a FBI special agent and lives in a large flat overlooking Central Park in New York. She has a very imaginative mind and sees potential criminal offences out of nothing! In one case she , using very powerful binoculars, sees a woman texting from a bench alluding to the murder of her husband who is sat at the other end of the bench. The NYPD don't really want to know about it as they have a serial killer on their hands so Zoe and her close ally begin their own investigation. Little does she know that she is putting herself in grave danger.
The book tends to jump about a bit too much for my liking however stick with it as the scene is being set for an intriguing read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
May 30, 2021
I loved this book!
Zoe was a fun, quirky character.
I loved the friendship between her and Sean.
This was a light book, but kept me guessing until the end.
If you are looking for a fun escape, this is perfect.
Thank you Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to read this book.
Zoe was a fun, quirky character.
I loved the friendship between her and Sean.
This was a light book, but kept me guessing until the end.
If you are looking for a fun escape, this is perfect.
Thank you Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 16, 2021
4.5*
What a fun read. Well written and very entertaining. Creative characters and an intriguing plot. Zoe Brandt is an amusing young woman, albeit a bit of a nutcase, but her obsession with 'helping the police' in fighting crime is beyond frustating for her FBI husband Connor. Together with her partner in crime and best friend Sean McAllister she manages to constantly get herself into hot water.
We see the young amateur sleuths in action when Zoe overlooks something suspicious with possible deadly consequences (viewed through her 'bird watching' binoculars) and their investigation begins. The Covid pandemic is making facial recognition virtually impossible with the wearing of facemasks but that doesn't stop Zoe. The story becomes more mysterious the further on you read with a few twists along the way. A great ending and a satisfying read.
What a fun read. Well written and very entertaining. Creative characters and an intriguing plot. Zoe Brandt is an amusing young woman, albeit a bit of a nutcase, but her obsession with 'helping the police' in fighting crime is beyond frustating for her FBI husband Connor. Together with her partner in crime and best friend Sean McAllister she manages to constantly get herself into hot water.
We see the young amateur sleuths in action when Zoe overlooks something suspicious with possible deadly consequences (viewed through her 'bird watching' binoculars) and their investigation begins. The Covid pandemic is making facial recognition virtually impossible with the wearing of facemasks but that doesn't stop Zoe. The story becomes more mysterious the further on you read with a few twists along the way. A great ending and a satisfying read.
April 26, 2025
It was a fun palette cleanser
May 28, 2021
Another great read from Mcgarvey Black, Zoe is a fanatic of all things crime/conspiracy related, and always manages to wheedle her way in to the middle of things it’s safe to say Zoe is a little bit “out there”. Zoe see’s nothing wrong in her fanciful imagination and embellishment of what is really happening, nor does she have any qualm about dragging her best friend Sean along with her for the ride. Much to Zoe’s husband, FBI agent Brandt dismay she just can’t seem to help herself, Will Zoe and Sean help the police stop a murder that is yet to happen or is she just going to cause her hubby more problems.
May 17, 2021
I'm a huge fan of this author and always get excited when a new one is released. This one didn't disappoint, it's amazing. Zoe lives in a beautiful apartment overlooking Central Park and she loves nothing more than sitting with her binoculars people watching. She sees something very disturbing and reports it to the police but will they believe her before it's too late!!!!!! The story turns out to be a serious thriller but the author is very witty and has the knack of making you laugh, I laughed a lot throughout. The story is set during the first year of the pandemic so is very relevant. A must read in my opinion, you won't be disappointed.
May 19, 2021
A great ‘who dunnit’ mystery story. What started off slow gradually ramped up into a great story with all of the twists and turns necessary in such a read. Zoe is a strange main character- fixated on crime and seeing suspicion in everyone, she was hard to like at first. Over time though, I felt I understood her more and thought that the support she had from best friend Sean and Detective Williams was great. A very clever read.
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