What do you think?
Rate this book
Watch It Burn
Three women work to uncover the scorching lies and scandal behind a self-help movement, igniting a powder keg of secrets that could blow their town apart, in this suspense novel perfect for readers who love Southern mystery.
It’s early morning in the small Texas town of Edenberg when the body of sixty-seven-year-old Beverly Hoffman is discovered in the Guadalupe River—drowned in only two inches of water.
After elementary school teacher Nichole Miller discovers the woman's body, she makes two phone first to the police, who call Beverly's death a slip and fall, and second to her best friend, journalist Jenny Martin. Jenny is attempting to revive her flailing marriage and her all-but-DOA career, and she knows foul play when she sees it. The two women enlist the help of Beverly’s daughter-in-law, Robin, who’s eager to expose the truth.
Beverly had been beloved in the tight-knit community, having cofounded the wildly popular personal-development company Genetive, Inc., alongside her influential husband. But something sinister has been smoldering beneath the surface of their picturesque hometown. And Genetive is at the center of it all.
It’s early morning in the small Texas town of Edenberg when the body of sixty-seven-year-old Beverly Hoffman is discovered in the Guadalupe River—drowned in only two inches of water.
After elementary school teacher Nichole Miller discovers the woman's body, she makes two phone first to the police, who call Beverly's death a slip and fall, and second to her best friend, journalist Jenny Martin. Jenny is attempting to revive her flailing marriage and her all-but-DOA career, and she knows foul play when she sees it. The two women enlist the help of Beverly’s daughter-in-law, Robin, who’s eager to expose the truth.
Beverly had been beloved in the tight-knit community, having cofounded the wildly popular personal-development company Genetive, Inc., alongside her influential husband. But something sinister has been smoldering beneath the surface of their picturesque hometown. And Genetive is at the center of it all.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2025
46 people are currently reading
5894 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Bird
11 books295 followersKristen has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mixes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 18, 2024
I think I'm an outlier for this title but I found this book to be kind of a mess.
Too many POV characters and too much back and forth going on. Couple that with a ton of unneeded unnecessary stuff about a cult-like company dead set on making women into 50s stereotypes and to me it was a muddled mess.
We have Nichole, a teacher who discovers a body in the river. We have the "ghost" narrator of Beverly, the woman found in the river. We have Jenny, Nichole's best friend who is a reporter and has recently moved back to town to start over. And then along with those three narrators, we have so many extra characters who are all connected in various ways to the point where I almost needed a chart to keep them straight.
And the cult-like organization and its requisite rules and retreat and all of that--what on earth was the point? It ended up being such a nothing thing--tried to be creepy and scary and overall turned out to be just confusing and annoying.
This is a totally forgettable book with basically no point. I have liked Bird's books in the past but this was a huge miss for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Too many POV characters and too much back and forth going on. Couple that with a ton of unneeded unnecessary stuff about a cult-like company dead set on making women into 50s stereotypes and to me it was a muddled mess.
We have Nichole, a teacher who discovers a body in the river. We have the "ghost" narrator of Beverly, the woman found in the river. We have Jenny, Nichole's best friend who is a reporter and has recently moved back to town to start over. And then along with those three narrators, we have so many extra characters who are all connected in various ways to the point where I almost needed a chart to keep them straight.
And the cult-like organization and its requisite rules and retreat and all of that--what on earth was the point? It ended up being such a nothing thing--tried to be creepy and scary and overall turned out to be just confusing and annoying.
This is a totally forgettable book with basically no point. I have liked Bird's books in the past but this was a huge miss for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 19, 2024
Don't ask me what this book was all about, cos I have no clue!
I really need to stop getting seduced by book covers; im going to start picking better!
Tedious read, proceed with caution!
Solid 1.5 Stars!
I really need to stop getting seduced by book covers; im going to start picking better!
Tedious read, proceed with caution!
Solid 1.5 Stars!
March 12, 2024
Watch It Burn is a crime fiction novel that centers around the death of an influential woman in a small Hill Country town and the three women who come to investigate.
Those familiar with Bird’s stories will appreciate the strong sense of place and the courageous Southern women who band together to fix something. Set in the fictional town of Edenberg, the book opens with a fire burning downtown and then flashes back to the previous week when 65-year-old Beverly Hoffman’s body was discovered in the Guadalupe River. Beverley’s niece, Robin, an elementary school teacher, Nichole Miller, and her best friend and reporter, Jenny Martin, are convinced that this was no accident and join together to expose the truth.
Their investigation keeps them busy wading through small-town secrets and lies in a tight-knit community, very aware that one influential family holds the town in its hands. Can they achieve justice without destroying their town? Who started the fire? Who murdered Beverley?
Inspired by the flash-flood Comfort, Texas school bus tragedy of 1987, Bird explores nature and how it affects us and the influence humans have on it. She examines how one person with mishandled power can influence so many people leading to such diverse outcomes, how seemingly intelligent people can fall victim to this power and how this power is even acquired/weilded in the first place.
✔️Book bans
✔️Gender roles; toxic masculinity
✔️Marriage
✔️Adoption
✔️Self-help cults
✔️Small-town politics
✔️Strong women
✔️Southern setting
✔️Murder investigation
I was swept up in the investigation, wanting to know what happened and why…even in the uncomfortable moments. It’s one of those books you’ll want to discuss as you’re reading and would make an excellent book club choice. I know I had lots of ‘what if’ and ‘why do we let things like this happen’ conversations with my bookish friends after reading Bird’s latest book. It certainly had me questioning cult influence.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Those familiar with Bird’s stories will appreciate the strong sense of place and the courageous Southern women who band together to fix something. Set in the fictional town of Edenberg, the book opens with a fire burning downtown and then flashes back to the previous week when 65-year-old Beverly Hoffman’s body was discovered in the Guadalupe River. Beverley’s niece, Robin, an elementary school teacher, Nichole Miller, and her best friend and reporter, Jenny Martin, are convinced that this was no accident and join together to expose the truth.
Their investigation keeps them busy wading through small-town secrets and lies in a tight-knit community, very aware that one influential family holds the town in its hands. Can they achieve justice without destroying their town? Who started the fire? Who murdered Beverley?
Inspired by the flash-flood Comfort, Texas school bus tragedy of 1987, Bird explores nature and how it affects us and the influence humans have on it. She examines how one person with mishandled power can influence so many people leading to such diverse outcomes, how seemingly intelligent people can fall victim to this power and how this power is even acquired/weilded in the first place.
✔️Book bans
✔️Gender roles; toxic masculinity
✔️Marriage
✔️Adoption
✔️Self-help cults
✔️Small-town politics
✔️Strong women
✔️Southern setting
✔️Murder investigation
I was swept up in the investigation, wanting to know what happened and why…even in the uncomfortable moments. It’s one of those books you’ll want to discuss as you’re reading and would make an excellent book club choice. I know I had lots of ‘what if’ and ‘why do we let things like this happen’ conversations with my bookish friends after reading Bird’s latest book. It certainly had me questioning cult influence.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 31, 2024
Let’s talk about my love of WATCH IT BURN by KRISTEN BIRD!
Give me old friends reuniting to solve new mysteries. Small towns with past & present secrets. A charming one-night stand. A devastating accident. A history of tragedy. A suspicious death. And three fierce woman ready to burn it all down.
At the center is Genetive, Inc. — the self-help company that is taking over the small town of Edenberg, Texas and no one in the community is questioning why.
And sure Genetive might sound like a cult, but they swear they’re totally *not* a
cult. So, yeah…totally a cult!
When Beverly Hoffman, the 65-year-old beloved resident and wife to the founder of Genetive, Inc., is found dead in the Guadalupe River the police rule it an accidental drowning — in two inches of water mind you.
It doesn’t take long for Nichole, Jenny and Robin to realize something is very wrong about Beverly’s death. The three friends, who grew up in Edenberg, each have a reason to want to yank back the curtain on the secrets, deceptions and eerily odd happenings around town.
Nichole, still reeling from her sister’s death a few months earlier, is the one who found Beverly’s body.
A phone call to her best friend Jenny, a journalist who knows a good story when she sees it, sets the investigation in motion.
Enter Robin, Beverly’s daughter-in-law, who is becoming increasingly wary of her husband and concerned about her son’s wellbeing.
This is my third KRISTEN BIRD book and love her writing style, sharply crafted stories and surprising reveals. I would also say it’s a step darker so bonus points from me! She masterfully creates the bond between the woman, while also developing believably evil villains, weaving together a story of darkness with flickers of hope.
This story delves into the pain of loss and grief. Toxic teachings. Toxic masculinity. The terrifying reality of those perpetuating antiquated beliefs. And the power that comes with wealth.
WATCH IT BURN will be out on 3/12. Be sure to add it to your preorder basket. And huge thanks to KRISTEN BIRD for sending me the ARC. So incredibly grateful!
Give me old friends reuniting to solve new mysteries. Small towns with past & present secrets. A charming one-night stand. A devastating accident. A history of tragedy. A suspicious death. And three fierce woman ready to burn it all down.
At the center is Genetive, Inc. — the self-help company that is taking over the small town of Edenberg, Texas and no one in the community is questioning why.
And sure Genetive might sound like a cult, but they swear they’re totally *not* a
cult. So, yeah…totally a cult!
When Beverly Hoffman, the 65-year-old beloved resident and wife to the founder of Genetive, Inc., is found dead in the Guadalupe River the police rule it an accidental drowning — in two inches of water mind you.
It doesn’t take long for Nichole, Jenny and Robin to realize something is very wrong about Beverly’s death. The three friends, who grew up in Edenberg, each have a reason to want to yank back the curtain on the secrets, deceptions and eerily odd happenings around town.
Nichole, still reeling from her sister’s death a few months earlier, is the one who found Beverly’s body.
A phone call to her best friend Jenny, a journalist who knows a good story when she sees it, sets the investigation in motion.
Enter Robin, Beverly’s daughter-in-law, who is becoming increasingly wary of her husband and concerned about her son’s wellbeing.
This is my third KRISTEN BIRD book and love her writing style, sharply crafted stories and surprising reveals. I would also say it’s a step darker so bonus points from me! She masterfully creates the bond between the woman, while also developing believably evil villains, weaving together a story of darkness with flickers of hope.
This story delves into the pain of loss and grief. Toxic teachings. Toxic masculinity. The terrifying reality of those perpetuating antiquated beliefs. And the power that comes with wealth.
WATCH IT BURN will be out on 3/12. Be sure to add it to your preorder basket. And huge thanks to KRISTEN BIRD for sending me the ARC. So incredibly grateful!
March 20, 2024
Kept seeing this book all over my bookstagram feed so of course had to read!
“Watch it burn” is set in a conservative town of Texas, and focuses on the circumstances surrounding a mysterious death. There are references to small town politics and culty vibes, and focuses on a group of strong minded women who band together to go against the evil twisted man who has their town in a death grip.
I enjoyed the multiple POV, included that of the deceased and getting to see things from their perspective.
There is lots of suspense and twists, although some of the dilemmas are applicable to modern day life and are real issues the reader can relate to, with the added benefit of the fictional aspects.
Thank you to Kristen Bird, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the EARC
Publish date: available now
“Watch it burn” is set in a conservative town of Texas, and focuses on the circumstances surrounding a mysterious death. There are references to small town politics and culty vibes, and focuses on a group of strong minded women who band together to go against the evil twisted man who has their town in a death grip.
I enjoyed the multiple POV, included that of the deceased and getting to see things from their perspective.
There is lots of suspense and twists, although some of the dilemmas are applicable to modern day life and are real issues the reader can relate to, with the added benefit of the fictional aspects.
Thank you to Kristen Bird, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the EARC
Publish date: available now
November 9, 2023
I love the multiple POVs that Kristen Bird uses to tell us the story of Watch It Burn. I found myself unable to put the book down. The anticipation of discovering what would happen next and how all the pieces fit together kept me on the edge of my seat.
One aspect that truly stood out for me was Bird's choice to write from the perspective of the deceased. It's a perspective we rarely encounter, and I appreciated how it added depth and intrigue to the novel. The richness of detail in Bird's writing is amazing, and I couldn't help but highlight several passages that I not only found beautiful but also incredibly relatable and witty.
Each of the three women play a vital role, bringing a unique perspective to the table as they unravel the mysteries of their hometown. Their distinct contributions enrich the storyline.
I couldn't help but draw parallels between the story and real-life events, especially the unsettling resemblance of the chilling practices of NXIVM and the current state of Texas' education system. "It stated that this person would be evaluation—and, when necessary, censoring—books and exercises deemed 'inappropriate' or 'irrelevant' to 'today's cultural climate'." Scary!!
Definitely a top favorite read from this year!
One aspect that truly stood out for me was Bird's choice to write from the perspective of the deceased. It's a perspective we rarely encounter, and I appreciated how it added depth and intrigue to the novel. The richness of detail in Bird's writing is amazing, and I couldn't help but highlight several passages that I not only found beautiful but also incredibly relatable and witty.
Each of the three women play a vital role, bringing a unique perspective to the table as they unravel the mysteries of their hometown. Their distinct contributions enrich the storyline.
I couldn't help but draw parallels between the story and real-life events, especially the unsettling resemblance of the chilling practices of NXIVM and the current state of Texas' education system. "It stated that this person would be evaluation—and, when necessary, censoring—books and exercises deemed 'inappropriate' or 'irrelevant' to 'today's cultural climate'." Scary!!
Definitely a top favorite read from this year!
January 19, 2024
WATCH IT BURN was a wild ride into Beverly's seemingly perfect hometown, until she is found dead in a river. Now things are not so perfect in this town and Beverly’s personal development company, Genetive, seems to be holding some serious secrets. I generally love multiple POV stories and this one has three. The best POV is from the deceased Beverly, she was actually my favorite character. This was a clever addition to the story! You can expect serious cult vibes from Genetive and this kept the creepy factor high. I really enjoyed this book and I hope you do also!
Many thanks to MIRA and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to MIRA and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
January 15, 2024
It was early one morning when the body of sixty-five-year-old Beverly was found drowned in the Guadalupe River.
Nichole, an elementary school teacher discovers the body. After calling the police, she calls her best friend, journalist Jenny. Jenny is trying to revive her marriage, and her career, and while the authorities ruled Beverly’s death accidental, Jenny believes otherwise.
Beverly belonged to a tight-knit community, a personal development company called Genetive Inc, alongside her influential husband. Something sinister has been smoldering beneath the surface, and Genetive is at the center of it all.
This was an interesting read. I did find it a little hard to get into because it was pretty slow to start, but I ended up being glad I stuck with it. I was anticipating it to be a little more cult heavy, but I don’t even think that I would consider this to be a cult cult, more like cult adjacent. I found the concept to be creepy and eerie. The small-town aspect added to the atmosphere and made for an interesting setting. I enjoyed the points of view, but I did find them to be lacking a little depth. My favorite point of view was from Beverly, mainly because it was written postmortem. That was an added fun element that I really enjoyed.
I wasn’t expecting this book to have the triggers that it did, so they took me by surprise. While there are more the biggest ones for me were potential infant death and the death of children.
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Nichole, an elementary school teacher discovers the body. After calling the police, she calls her best friend, journalist Jenny. Jenny is trying to revive her marriage, and her career, and while the authorities ruled Beverly’s death accidental, Jenny believes otherwise.
Beverly belonged to a tight-knit community, a personal development company called Genetive Inc, alongside her influential husband. Something sinister has been smoldering beneath the surface, and Genetive is at the center of it all.
This was an interesting read. I did find it a little hard to get into because it was pretty slow to start, but I ended up being glad I stuck with it. I was anticipating it to be a little more cult heavy, but I don’t even think that I would consider this to be a cult cult, more like cult adjacent. I found the concept to be creepy and eerie. The small-town aspect added to the atmosphere and made for an interesting setting. I enjoyed the points of view, but I did find them to be lacking a little depth. My favorite point of view was from Beverly, mainly because it was written postmortem. That was an added fun element that I really enjoyed.
I wasn’t expecting this book to have the triggers that it did, so they took me by surprise. While there are more the biggest ones for me were potential infant death and the death of children.
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
March 7, 2024
This started out really exciting - teacher Nichole finds a dead body floating in the river, a body which belongs to the matriarch of the most influential family of this small town.
I loved the southern small town vibes, and I was curious to see where the story was going, but once we get 1/3 into the book it changes direction as Nichole and her journalist friend Jenny decide to infiltrate a cultlike retreat organised by the family to investigate the murder. the story lost a lot of steam for me at this point.
it starts to really hit you over the head with its feminist commentary (i found it similar to a book i read a few weeks ago - araminta hall’s one of the good guys). I believe most people who would pick up this book would agree with what Bird is trying to say here in regards to traditional values, so it’s spoonfed in a way that just feels very heavy handed, I prefer more subtlety.
I loved the southern small town vibes, and I was curious to see where the story was going, but once we get 1/3 into the book it changes direction as Nichole and her journalist friend Jenny decide to infiltrate a cultlike retreat organised by the family to investigate the murder. the story lost a lot of steam for me at this point.
it starts to really hit you over the head with its feminist commentary (i found it similar to a book i read a few weeks ago - araminta hall’s one of the good guys). I believe most people who would pick up this book would agree with what Bird is trying to say here in regards to traditional values, so it’s spoonfed in a way that just feels very heavy handed, I prefer more subtlety.
March 4, 2024
1.5 stars rounded up. ROUGH to get through. Thoughts on my weekly wrap up on TikTok on Monday.
April 12, 2024
Kristen Bird at her very best!
February 25, 2024
3.5/5
There was so much about this one that I liked from the cult like vibes to the multiple viewpoints to the conservative Texas setting and while I did like it, I didn’t love it as much as I expected to. I’ve read two other books by the author and her Southern style mysteries are always pretty unique and told in a manner that holds my attention but there was something small missing for me here. The cult vibes were pretty creepy and unsettling and gave me shades of Scientology which is a subject I’ve been endlessly fascinated by for years. I think when it lost me a bit was in the pacing, I would’ve liked a more excitement and tension in the end but it fell flat for me. But overall I’m glad I read it, as I said before lots to like and the overall themes are strong.
There was so much about this one that I liked from the cult like vibes to the multiple viewpoints to the conservative Texas setting and while I did like it, I didn’t love it as much as I expected to. I’ve read two other books by the author and her Southern style mysteries are always pretty unique and told in a manner that holds my attention but there was something small missing for me here. The cult vibes were pretty creepy and unsettling and gave me shades of Scientology which is a subject I’ve been endlessly fascinated by for years. I think when it lost me a bit was in the pacing, I would’ve liked a more excitement and tension in the end but it fell flat for me. But overall I’m glad I read it, as I said before lots to like and the overall themes are strong.
April 5, 2024
NXIVM but in Texas with more twists. If you’re interested in the cult that inspired the one in this book, check out the documentary series on NXIVM, The Vow. It’s wilder than fiction.
April 19, 2024
Oh my gosh this was so refreshing!! I’ve never read a thriller with a deep dive into the cult world and oh how I wish there were so many more. I did not see any of the twists coming at ALL. And on top of it all I really really loved the characters! Bravo, Kristen, bravo. This is your best yet.
March 30, 2024
Loved this book! 4 1/2 stars!
I’m personally not super into cult books, but I did really enjoy this. I also REALLY liked the “ghost” perspective to help with the story. Don’t think I saw a single twist coming either.
I also LOVE Texas settings. It’s always so fun when I have been to the cities from books.
I’m personally not super into cult books, but I did really enjoy this. I also REALLY liked the “ghost” perspective to help with the story. Don’t think I saw a single twist coming either.
I also LOVE Texas settings. It’s always so fun when I have been to the cities from books.
February 27, 2024
So thrilled to be part of Kristen’s launch team for WATCH IT BURN, a cult-ish murder mystery releasing March 12th, 2024! 📖🔥🔥
I really enjoyed the alternating POVS, including a POV of the deceased post-mortem which I’ve only seen done once before in a book (The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth I think?) I think it’s fun and provides a lot of context in murder mysteries. There were twists especially near the end that I never saw coming and the story kept me interested most of the time even though there wasn’t a whole lot of “thrilling” action.
Thank you so much to Kristen, HTP-MIRA, and NetGalley for the e-galley!
I really enjoyed the alternating POVS, including a POV of the deceased post-mortem which I’ve only seen done once before in a book (The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth I think?) I think it’s fun and provides a lot of context in murder mysteries. There were twists especially near the end that I never saw coming and the story kept me interested most of the time even though there wasn’t a whole lot of “thrilling” action.
Thank you so much to Kristen, HTP-MIRA, and NetGalley for the e-galley!
March 11, 2024
While having various points of views and different angles of storytelling can be really interesting and really effective in some thriller novels, there is such a thing as too much. Watch It Burn is truly an example of too many and too much: too many POVs, too many angles, too much shifting, too many characters, and a major POV character I just wanted to glaze over every time she came on the page.
Some may call this book timely. I call it tired. It was really just below average on every level for me.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Due to a three star or lower rating this review will not be appearing on my social media. Thank you.
Some may call this book timely. I call it tired. It was really just below average on every level for me.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Due to a three star or lower rating this review will not be appearing on my social media. Thank you.
November 26, 2024
This novel takes us to the heart of a small Texas town, weaving together the intriguing lives of its residents. I can't believe I let it sit on my TBR list for so long!
The story begins with a mysterious drowning, which ignites a thrilling and suspense-filled journey. The storytelling is clever, blending multiple perspectives—including that of the deceased victim, which is one of my favorite narratives! Beverly was a fascinating character.
The characters are richly developed, and the depiction of the personal development company and its cult-like followers is both chilling and unsettling, illustrating the lengths people will go to in their quest for self-improvement. With unexpected twists and a thought-provoking conclusion, "Watch It Burn" keeps you on the edge until the last page.
Thanks to MIRA/Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#WatchItBurn #NetGalley #MIRA #htpbooks #htpinfluencer #capcut #bookedandbingo #bookish #lovetoread #readmorebooks #bookishlife #bookaddict #bookworms #booksbooksbooks #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #readers #thrillerbooks #bookreviewer #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #pulsepoint #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #TalkWordyToMeTeam
The story begins with a mysterious drowning, which ignites a thrilling and suspense-filled journey. The storytelling is clever, blending multiple perspectives—including that of the deceased victim, which is one of my favorite narratives! Beverly was a fascinating character.
The characters are richly developed, and the depiction of the personal development company and its cult-like followers is both chilling and unsettling, illustrating the lengths people will go to in their quest for self-improvement. With unexpected twists and a thought-provoking conclusion, "Watch It Burn" keeps you on the edge until the last page.
Thanks to MIRA/Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#WatchItBurn #NetGalley #MIRA #htpbooks #htpinfluencer #capcut #bookedandbingo #bookish #lovetoread #readmorebooks #bookishlife #bookaddict #bookworms #booksbooksbooks #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #readers #thrillerbooks #bookreviewer #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #pulsepoint #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #TalkWordyToMeTeam
January 5, 2024
Wow! This book instantly hooked me and never let me go. It was a crazy journey getting to know Nichole, Jenny, and the inside secrets of a woman who is found dead (at the beginning of the book). Not only does this book take a deep dive into a cult-like environment, but it also takes us on MANY twists and turns that I did not see coming. The way the 3 perspectives come together is just *chefs kiss*. Kristen Bird has the recipe down for the perfect thriller. This was easily 5 stars for me! You have to put this on your TBR!
Thank you Kristen and NetGalley!
Thank you Kristen and NetGalley!
January 18, 2024
*ebook
So far I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. I had no idea this had a cult element to it and I’m glad it did because it added an extra level of fun to the story.
The beginning does start out a bit slow (I’m an inpatient reader) but the payoff is worth it and the pacing does pick up toward the 2nd half of the book. So if you’re an inpatient reader like me…just chill it’s worth it.
I liked all of the various POVs esp the one from the person who got oofed. 😵 I feel like she’s the only character I really connected with. I liked reading about the bond she shared with Robin, a love of art and how that came to play out and push the story along, it was creative.
Genetive gave me Scientology vibes with how they sought out people of power to further their cause and how they dictated so much of their lives.
The twist at the middle and end I wasn’t expecting until it played out. I wanted more on that. Out of 2 particular characters who shall not be named.
I wanted a Christina epilogue to see her perspective too. Hmmm maybe a quick novella is in order…whatcha think Kristen?
Read this if you like:
Cults
Unreliable narrators
NDAs
Secrets
So far I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. I had no idea this had a cult element to it and I’m glad it did because it added an extra level of fun to the story.
The beginning does start out a bit slow (I’m an inpatient reader) but the payoff is worth it and the pacing does pick up toward the 2nd half of the book. So if you’re an inpatient reader like me…just chill it’s worth it.
I liked all of the various POVs esp the one from the person who got oofed. 😵 I feel like she’s the only character I really connected with. I liked reading about the bond she shared with Robin, a love of art and how that came to play out and push the story along, it was creative.
Genetive gave me Scientology vibes with how they sought out people of power to further their cause and how they dictated so much of their lives.
The twist at the middle and end I wasn’t expecting until it played out. I wanted more on that. Out of 2 particular characters who shall not be named.
I wanted a Christina epilogue to see her perspective too. Hmmm maybe a quick novella is in order…whatcha think Kristen?
Read this if you like:
Cults
Unreliable narrators
NDAs
Secrets
March 6, 2024
Rating: 4/5 stars
"Watch It Burn" by Kristen Bird offers a gripping mystery set in the Texas Hill Country. Journalist Jenny leads the investigation into the death of Beverly Hoffman, unraveling a web of secrets tied to George Hoffman's enigmatic organization, Genetive, Inc. Alternating perspectives, including a post-mortem view from Beverly, add depth, while the portrayal of Genetive, Inc's cult-like dynamics sparks intrigue.
The novel's timely exploration of societal issues, such as book censorship in Texas schools, adds relevance and depth. Through Jenny's experiences, Bird deftly examines the dangers of controlling narratives and the importance of challenging authority. "Watch It Burn" is recommended for mystery enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together clues and unraveling complex puzzles. Readers drawn to narratives of empowered minorities and strong female bonds will find much to appreciate in this riveting tale.
Publication date is March 12, 2024!
Many thanks to Kristen Bird, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC.
"Watch It Burn" by Kristen Bird offers a gripping mystery set in the Texas Hill Country. Journalist Jenny leads the investigation into the death of Beverly Hoffman, unraveling a web of secrets tied to George Hoffman's enigmatic organization, Genetive, Inc. Alternating perspectives, including a post-mortem view from Beverly, add depth, while the portrayal of Genetive, Inc's cult-like dynamics sparks intrigue.
The novel's timely exploration of societal issues, such as book censorship in Texas schools, adds relevance and depth. Through Jenny's experiences, Bird deftly examines the dangers of controlling narratives and the importance of challenging authority. "Watch It Burn" is recommended for mystery enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together clues and unraveling complex puzzles. Readers drawn to narratives of empowered minorities and strong female bonds will find much to appreciate in this riveting tale.
Publication date is March 12, 2024!
Many thanks to Kristen Bird, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC.
April 4, 2024
Kristen Bird's Watch it Burn is about friends and family in Texas Hill Country. But the defining event is Beverly Hoffman's drowning death in 2" of water. If the river hadn't been so low, this might have been just another accidental death. Beverly's daughter-in-law and two of her friends wouldn't let the story die. Nichole and Jenny, the two friends tell the story in alternating chapters. Beverly gets her chapters too, similar to Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. The deceased and her husband were Texas rich as a result of Genetive, the company George Hoffman founded. The company exists to promote conservative, almost cult-like values in a variety of income-producing ways. Nichole is a teacher, mourning her sister's death. Jenny is a former journalist, mourning her lost career. Robin is married to George's perfect son. The Genetive empire has taken over the town; it provides opportunities for Bird to create social and doctrinal details. Several male characters flesh out the plot. It might be a little off-putting to share the narration with Beverly. The book moves a little slowly, but manages big surprises.
March 8, 2024
Jenny, a journalist, is struggling in her marriage decides to move her family back to her idyllic hometown of Edendburg, TX. Little does she know, a lot has changed in the years she's been gone. The Hoffman family runs the town. George and Beverly Hoffman are the husband and wife leaders of Genetive, a multimillion dollar cultish self-help company. Jenny's childhood best friend, Nichole, is on a run one morning and she discovers Beverly Hoffman's body in the Guadalupe River. It is up to Jenny and Nichole to solve Beverly's murder and figure out just how deep Genetive's hold is on their small town.
I really enjoyed this book! My favorite part was Beverly's POV. I loved learning about her past traumas and her relationship with George in her vivid memories from beyond the grave. Her love of art also really resonated with me, it made me want to visit an art museum and walk around with her. Jenny and Nichole were also very relatable characters, each had their own flaws and internal struggles with grief and marital issues. I was captivated by their personal lives and rooting for them to come together to save themselves and their town. The feeling of "there's something not quite right with Genetive" simmered throughout the book. There were a lot of twists I didn't see coming and the ending was satisfying.
As always, Kristen Bird handled sensitive topics like infant death with a lot of care.
I really enjoyed this book! My favorite part was Beverly's POV. I loved learning about her past traumas and her relationship with George in her vivid memories from beyond the grave. Her love of art also really resonated with me, it made me want to visit an art museum and walk around with her. Jenny and Nichole were also very relatable characters, each had their own flaws and internal struggles with grief and marital issues. I was captivated by their personal lives and rooting for them to come together to save themselves and their town. The feeling of "there's something not quite right with Genetive" simmered throughout the book. There were a lot of twists I didn't see coming and the ending was satisfying.
As always, Kristen Bird handled sensitive topics like infant death with a lot of care.
January 1, 2024
Kristen Bird knocked it out of the park with this one! This was the perfect recipe for a satisfying thriller: multiple povs (including one from a dead woman), local cult with questionable intentions, and surprising reveals throughout that had me gasping out loud. Easily a 5 star read. Thank you netgalley!
April 8, 2024
This was such a great read. A bit different than my usual thrillers. But the twists and ending absolutely satisifed and fed my interests. I am absolutely looking forward to more of her novels.
January 28, 2024
Three women work to uncover the scorching lies and scandal behind a self-help movement, igniting a powder keg of secrets that could blow their town apart, in this suspense novel perfect for readers who love Southern mystery.
This was my third book by Kristen Bird and she sure knows how to write a suspenseful mystery with something sinister looming. Beverly Hoffman is found dead in the Guadalupe River of her small Texas town. But surely she couldn’t have drowned in only two inches of water…
Beverly and her husband are well-known figures in their town, having cofounded a personal development company together, Genetive, Inc. As Nichole, Jenny, and Robin begin to expose the truth of what happened to Beverly, they begin to uncover the true intentions of Genetive.
The secrets and lies in this novel are in full force! I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the women banding together to get the answers they deserve.
This was my third book by Kristen Bird and she sure knows how to write a suspenseful mystery with something sinister looming. Beverly Hoffman is found dead in the Guadalupe River of her small Texas town. But surely she couldn’t have drowned in only two inches of water…
Beverly and her husband are well-known figures in their town, having cofounded a personal development company together, Genetive, Inc. As Nichole, Jenny, and Robin begin to expose the truth of what happened to Beverly, they begin to uncover the true intentions of Genetive.
The secrets and lies in this novel are in full force! I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the women banding together to get the answers they deserve.
November 10, 2025
If you liked ‘Little Big Lies’, you’ll love this multi-POV mystery/who done it set in the Texas Hill Country as three childhood friends reunite to investigate the death of a prestigious woman of the community in their hometown of Edenberg, Texas.
Jenny, the journalist, is finding her spark again despite things falling apart at home with her marriage. Is foul play in the air or is it coincidence that the growing power of George Hoffman and his “self-help” organization, Genetive, Inc are somehow involved? One thing after another seem to be adding up and she’s going to need a little help to figure out what really happened to Beverly Hoffman. It’s what Beverly would’ve wanted anyway, as mysterious clues are discovered helping Nichole, Jenny, and Robin ban together to untangle what’s really happening in their town.
The alternating perspectives keep things unfolding and I quite enjoy the post mortem POV from Beverly as she helps to give a lot of personal background to her husband, George. The cult-like vibes and manipulation of Genetive, Inc remind me a lot of Scientology specifically their hierarchy system where they focus on celebrities for influence and wealthy people who can pay to climb to new levels. The timing of the release has been interesting as real-life present day Texas Education Agency attempts to enforce a state law in Texas that requires booksellers to rate books before selling them to school libraries. In ‘Watch It Burn’, we see a similar storyline where the school system is attempting to control the narrative to teach students the “right things”. Jenny witnesses the manipulation indirectly as her children come home with haunting repetitive sing-song rhymes they’ve learned from the newly enhanced curriculum.
I recommend this mystery novel to those who like puzzles, piecing clues together, empowered minorities, and female bonding. Publication day is March 12, pre-order now from your local bookstore or order a signed copy from Murder by the Book (bookstore in Houston, TX). My review will also be found on my Instagram feed @astorybyjewels
Many thanks to Kristen Bird and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. #WatchItBurn #NetGalley
Jenny, the journalist, is finding her spark again despite things falling apart at home with her marriage. Is foul play in the air or is it coincidence that the growing power of George Hoffman and his “self-help” organization, Genetive, Inc are somehow involved? One thing after another seem to be adding up and she’s going to need a little help to figure out what really happened to Beverly Hoffman. It’s what Beverly would’ve wanted anyway, as mysterious clues are discovered helping Nichole, Jenny, and Robin ban together to untangle what’s really happening in their town.
The alternating perspectives keep things unfolding and I quite enjoy the post mortem POV from Beverly as she helps to give a lot of personal background to her husband, George. The cult-like vibes and manipulation of Genetive, Inc remind me a lot of Scientology specifically their hierarchy system where they focus on celebrities for influence and wealthy people who can pay to climb to new levels. The timing of the release has been interesting as real-life present day Texas Education Agency attempts to enforce a state law in Texas that requires booksellers to rate books before selling them to school libraries. In ‘Watch It Burn’, we see a similar storyline where the school system is attempting to control the narrative to teach students the “right things”. Jenny witnesses the manipulation indirectly as her children come home with haunting repetitive sing-song rhymes they’ve learned from the newly enhanced curriculum.
I recommend this mystery novel to those who like puzzles, piecing clues together, empowered minorities, and female bonding. Publication day is March 12, pre-order now from your local bookstore or order a signed copy from Murder by the Book (bookstore in Houston, TX). My review will also be found on my Instagram feed @astorybyjewels
Many thanks to Kristen Bird and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. #WatchItBurn #NetGalley
January 7, 2025
Highly recommend, I couldn't put it down! This story of a death in a small town hooked me right away with its cult vibes and how it weaved in real-life issues currently happening in municipal politics with several twists that kept me intrigued for the entire book.
The details of the setting in Texas hill country really came to life on the page. The author also did a great job taking ripped-from-the-headlines elements of small town politics and their impact on people's lives and seamlessly incorporating those into the mystery. The multi-person points of view kept me turning the pages, just like the author's previous book, I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE. Kristen Bird is a master of the multi-POV thriller that keeps you guessing!
Publication date: March 12, 2024
The details of the setting in Texas hill country really came to life on the page. The author also did a great job taking ripped-from-the-headlines elements of small town politics and their impact on people's lives and seamlessly incorporating those into the mystery. The multi-person points of view kept me turning the pages, just like the author's previous book, I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE. Kristen Bird is a master of the multi-POV thriller that keeps you guessing!
Publication date: March 12, 2024
November 12, 2023
Oh. My. Word. “Watch it Burn” comes at you from three characters and one is dead! Such a great POV!
This is a “can’t put it down” novel. It twists and turns and takes you with it. Can’t wait for the movie!
This is a “can’t put it down” novel. It twists and turns and takes you with it. Can’t wait for the movie!
September 11, 2024
This was so fun! conservative Texas setting, women infiltrating a cult, a dead body, and fire! Loved it
Out 3/12 preorder now
Out 3/12 preorder now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews