The Summer Girls

Shiner & Kurtz #1

by Marissa Finch

Some girls don’t get to grow up… Maggie Shiner endured the unthinkable when she was abducted and tortured six years ago. Yet her ordeal only worsened after she escaped — because no one believed her. Written off as a troubled teenager with a penchant for drama, Maggie’s been unable to heal from the trauma she underwent. In the years since, she’s hidden herself away on a rural homestead, with only her beloved chickens for company. That is, until an unexpected visitor threatens her fragile sanctuary. Journalist Eva Kurtz arrives with a chilling an interview for a true crime podcast about a potential serial abductor. She believes Maggie’s story, she says, and more than that — she believes Maggie’s abductor was responsible for the disappearances of eleven other young women. At first, Maggie wants nothing to do with Eva or her podcast. But when another girl goes missing, she reluctantly agrees to help investigate. Together they begin to unravel a twisted web of deception and danger that reaches into the darkest corners of Maggie’s own past. As time runs out, Maggie and Eva will have to put everything on the line to catch a killer. But will finally revealing the shocking truth be enough for Maggie? Or does redemption demand a higher price? A gripping and emotionally charged thriller, The Summer Girls will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Genres: Thriller

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2023

Reviews

[Kay Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Finch's books. This was no different. I was hooked immediately and couldn't put this down.

A girl is missing. She's one in a long string of many. Only one of them ever made it back. Except no one believed her. Now, she's this girl's only hope.

The plot is riveting, but what gripped me so unflinchingly were the two main characters. Two female powerhouses with opposing personalities and backstories. Summer was also a great alpha to get to know. These ladies were strong, determined, intelligent, resourceful, and despite all odds, courageous. Reading them was a treasure.

This was quite a long book, yet it never falls flat or lost my interest. I was captivated and searching for clues and answers to the conclusion. I wanted to see this sicko caught by these bold women and face justice so badly. And the snippet chapters of him torturing his victims really drove that home. This has the feel of a true crime doc, but delved even deeper. A must read for true crime lovers and psychological thriller and mystery readers.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Maggie Shiner was kidnapped she didn’t go by Maggie and she wasn’t such a recluse now the highlight of her day is seeing her hens in the henhouse and feeding them and not much more. The last thing she wants to do is be on a true crime podcast. Eva Kurtz is a journalist, True Crime podcaster in a lover of Brandy and although her first attempt at getting an interview with Maggie didn’t go so well she has no worries because Eva has a system but by the time she’s going to implement it Maggie has already got a thorn in her paw and it is the recent missing girl. After Maggie agrees to be interviewed she first wants to visit the missing girls mom and butt with her neither visit her they’re left with more questions than answers and even though Eva is raring to go Maggie just wants to go back home and put her head back in the sand but that’s not going to happen. This tentative friendship will change Magis life for the best and the worst but mostly for the best. I love Eva. I love her relationship with lowers and her eventual friendship with Maggie this book will have you on the edge of your seat especially after knowing Maggie story but I don’t want to say too much because if you’re like me you don’t read the summaries and like to be surprised just know this is a great investigation book about two lonely women who become friends at first do the default and then because they bonded over the nightmare they uncover. This is such a great book and a start to the new investigation series Shiner and Kurt’s, it’s about a lonely girl who no one believed after she was kidnapped in a True Crime podcaster who ultimately believed her and changes her life for the better. I love this book love love love this book! I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one definitely kept me up reading way past my bedtime. I did not see the huge twist at the end, but I am looking forward to seeing where the series goes.

Maggie, née Rosalie was kidnapped and tortured six years ago. Now girls who look exactly like Rosalie are disappearing. The police aren’t taking it seriously just like they didn’t take Maggie‘s disappearance seriously. Maggie felt defeated, unheard, unsupported and falls down a rabbit hole of drugs and alcohol. After a couple years of trying to obliterate her memories, she shows up on her great aunts porch, looking for help. Her aunt is there to listen to her and support her.

Maggie has settled into her life following in great aunt Lydia‘s footsteps now that she has passed away. Everything is uprooted when Podcaster Eva Kurtz shows up on her porch, wanting to interview her. That is the time Maggie never wants to revisit, but it also feels so good to hear that there’s somebody who believes her story.

When Maggie notices that there’s another local girl missing, she sees her opportunity and agrees to do an interview with Eva as long as Eva will help her track down the man who kidnapped and tortured her 6 years ago.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride, with more twists and turns than the proverbial roller coaster, and just as breathtaking!! I loved the characters in this book. In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I was going to like Eva, but it didn't take long for me to realize she was a great character. She just takes a minute to grow on you. I'm not sure whether to categorize this book as character-driven or action-driven because there is so much of both. The first chapter draws in the reader with its pulse-punding action and rarely slows down from there. It keeps one on the edge of their seat. And fair warning, once you pass the 75% mark (per my Kindle) make sure there is nothing else on your schedule because ANY interruption in your reading will not be appreciated. I was impressed by the fact that even though I have read numerous thrillers, Ms. Finch managed to keep me in the dark about the perpetrator. She had me suspecting everybody that she introduced at one time or another and gave me good reason for my suspicions. But the ending totally caught me off guard, the mark of an excellent author in my opinion. This is the first book of Ms. Finch's that I have read, but it sure won't be the last. I highly recommend The Summer Girls. It is captivating, engrossing, and unputdownable!!

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just turned the last page of Marissa Finch's captivating mystery novel, 'The Summer Girls,' and I'm thoroughly impressed. This 4/5-star thriller offers a meticulously woven plot with a refreshing focus on the evolving dynamics between the strong female leads, Eva and Maggie. The author crafts their characters with intricate detail, making their quest for justice feel intensely personal.

Finch's deft storytelling transports readers directly into the heart of each scene, ensuring we're as immersed in the action as the characters themselves. Unlike many other thrillers, 'The Summer Girls' maintains a clear and focused narrative by minimizing character clutter and superfluous elements.

While I pride myself on predicting plot twists, I must confess that the novel's climactic turn genuinely caught me off guard. This intriguing surprise, coupled with the unresolved elements of Eva's and Maggie's personal stories, leaves readers eager for the continuation of this series.

In conclusion, 'The Summer Girls' is an engrossing mystery novel that successfully balances suspense, character development, and unexpected plot twists. Perfect for readers who appreciate strong female characters and well-crafted thrillers.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Shiner aka Rosalie Decatur was kidnapped, raped and then escaped. No one believed her, not even her own father. She turned to drugs and alcohol and finally her Great Aunt Liddy. She cleaned up and off the drugs and alcohol, now Eva Kurtz, a podcaster wants her to rehash all that. Then another girl becomes missing, Maggie feels like she has to help find the girl and turns to Eva. As they investigate, Maggie starts to remember more about 'that night'. When a friend of Maggie's is missing, Maggie and Eva take things into their own hands. A surprise is coming when the truth comes out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Belman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to book sirens for the ARC of this book to read and review. This book had me reading every chance I had. I needed to know the truth to what happened to Maggie, and if it was related to the current missing girls in the same town. When a Podcaster comes to town, things take a dramatic turn, and Eva & Maggie become a dynamic-duo, putting their heads together to try and solve this mystery. I thought I had it figured out, I was screaming internally for Maggie to read my mind and make the connection, turns out I was wrong. Several twists and turns later, the memories start coming back, and the ending is everything I had hoped it would be.

[Maya Michel]

Good Book! The protagonist was relatable for me, an introvert. Her post-trauma life was a healing place, allowing respite from her past. Enter Eva, direct - intrusive and - an eventual ally. Together they begin to unravel a very cloudy past, one that Maggie tried hard to forget.

This was easy to follow in my imagination. Small towns, country roads - seedy local bars and two women on what appears to be an escapade. The misogyny ever-present - the rage builds within when there is no one to turn to.

I wanted to keep on reading, to get to the finish. I was not disappointed in the ending but there was something about it that still felt broken.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

This was my first Marissa Finch book and definitely not my last one! I really liked it and read it in two days. I was so invested in this story and really wanna know what happened. I also loved reading the friendship that developed between Maggie and Eva! Can’t wait for the second book in this series. If you look for a nice thriller/mystery book then is this one a good choice.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked right from the start. I didn’t predict the end which doesn’t happen often!
The storyline was well written with great descriptions of both the setting and the characters.
I will be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several of this author’s books, and this is my favourite so far - well written with likeable characters, it grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the last page! So pleased to see there will be a sequel released this year.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping story. Full of suspense and twists you won't see coming. My first read by this author but definitely won't be last. Two women working together, who form a strong bond, searching for a serial killer, each for their own reasons and also a shared reason. You won't want to put this book down because is this the right lead to find the killer or another dead end? Looking forward to book 2. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you NetGalley and Marissa Finch for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this amazing book. What a well written, detailed story that sucks you into the lives of the characters. Nail biter that kept me guessing u til the end. Don’t miss out - this is a fantastic book!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Maggie was abducted and assaulted as a nineteen-year-old, most people in her small town didn’t believe her and chalked it up to her wild ways. Six years later Eva, a podcast host, wants to hear Maggie’s story and compare it to several other cases of girls who were abducted, but never found.

Although I thought some parts dragged a bit, overall I found this book engaging and easy to read. The ending surprised me! I think at one point I suspected every character but never figured it out. I loved the two main characters (and Maggie’s pets!), and liked how their friendship evolved.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer Girls by Marissa Finch
Shiner & Kurtz #1

Can you imagine being nineteen and having something horrible happen, telling people what did happen, and not having anyone believe you? This is the experience of one of the main characters and the result was almost as lethal as her horrible experience could have been. When a podcast reporter shows up at her door, believes her story, and asks her for help…the story becomes a whole lot more than a bit of research for a podcast as it heads into actively looking for a possible serial killer.

What I liked:
* Coming into a series on the first book of a new series by a new-to-me author
* Maggie Shiner AKA Rosalie DeCatur: mother died at birth, raised by her alcoholic father, had a difficult home life, dabbled with drugs and alcohol falling into addiction, had a horrific experience, stayed with her great aunt who did believe her story and offered her a safe place to land, survivor, intriguing
* Eva Kurtz: podcast presenter of unsolved true crimes she would like to see solved, investigator, in a relationship with Lars, has a possible addiction to alcohol, tenacious, good with people, quick on her feet, has her own backstory with a few demons of her own
* Lars Jensen: sober, intelligent, cares for Eva, good editor, caring, kind, puts work and safety before finding killers, seems a good guy
* Maggies homestead companions: Fischer/the bloodhound mix who barks at cars and the four hens – Clarice, Angel, Nan & Alma
* The research, progress toward finding information, red herrings, twists, turns and ultimate solution
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Finding out what really happened to the main character and other victims
* That the story was wrapped up with no loose ends by the end of the book

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the evil that is done to others and the aftermath it leaves behind for those who survive and the families of those who are instead bereaved.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read the next book in the series? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley CoOp for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Taura Wildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕-𝒊𝒇𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍"

Maggie Shiner was abducted and tortured six years ago. She was lucky enough to escape from captivity but when she arrived home to tell her story, no one believed her. Now, she lives on a secluded farm in a town called Goody Point, where she spends most of her time alone, suffering with her lingering trauma, and with only her pets as company.
One day, Eva Kurtz arrives at Maggie’s house, a crime journalist who believes Maggie’s story and thinks her perpetrator is responsible for other missing girls. Eva asks her to feature on her podcast but Maggie isn’t interested, that is until another young girl, Natalie, disappears under similar circumstances to the night of her own disappearance.
With the police still not believing Maggie and dismissing Eva’s suggestions, it is up to the duo to conduct their own research and to try and uncover the dark truth that’s hiding within this small town.

I completely love the setting that Marissa Finch has created. There is something oddly cosy about a sinister mystery that takes place in a rural area and Maggie’s isolation on this farm adds to the suspense throughout the plot and evokes genuine concern and fear in the readers.

Understandably, Maggie is a fragile character but her character development throughout this novel was so interesting and emotional to witness. The strong character of Eva helps to slowly bring out Maggie’s personality and the friendship that blossoms between them is so natural and enjoyable to read.

The journey these two embark on is an intriguing one as they travel around to interview locals who knew Natalie, may have seen her on the night she disappeared and eventually to find more information on Maggie’s own case. Finch is so good at portraying the locals in an ambiguous light so that it’s hard to feel confident in who may be involved in these disappearances.

Finch is talented in building suspense both through smaller, seemingly insignificant details as well as the bigger events in the book. The twists at the end are hard to see coming and I was genuinely shocked when Maggie discovered the truth of her horrific ordeal.

A completely engrossing and intensely enjoyable read.

[DONNA ALCALA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from booksirens.com.

I enjoyed this mystery/thriller quite a bit. The pacing could be a little slow at times, but I was still engaged throughout and wanted to find out what happens. And when the story/action picked up toward the middle and end of the book I couldn't put it down. (even sneaking in some reading at work- lol)

The story follows Maggie, who survived a horrific crime when she was a teenager. No one believed her story and her life spiraled out of control after. She found refuge with her Aunt Liddy. After the passing of her aunt, Maggie is finding herself in survival mode again. She's almost a shut-in, avoiding human interaction when possible.

Along comes Eva, a crime podcaster. Her podcast focuses on bringing new light to unsolved cases. She is drawn to the area after she notices several young women have been reported as missing with similar characteristics. She stumbles upon Maggie's story and feels like maybe there is a connection. She shows up at Maggie's front door and utters the words Maggie has longed to hear ever since she survived her attack. Eva believes her.

Maggie reluctantly lets Eva into her life and opens old wounds. Soon their friendship turns into teamwork racing against the clock to find the newest young girl that has gone missing. Maggie faces old demons as she helps Eva uncover clues.

I loved the character and friendship development between Maggie, Eva and Summer. It was a story about learning how to live again, trust again and letting people in. Eva has been through tragedy of her own and Maggie helps her face those memories.

The author does a good job of casting shadows on a number of characters, so you aren't quite sure which way the story will go. I had a inkling on how the story would play out but I didn't guess it completely. The suspense toward the end was nerve-racking.

The only thing I didn't like was the truth of Maggie's story. It made her character that much more heartbreaking.

I definitely recommend this book. It's a great, quick paced, perfect summer read.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: sexual assault/rape

Ten years ago, Maggie Shiner went through hell: kidnapped after a night out at a bar, she was held prisoner, assaulted by a madman, and escaped by the skin of her teeth, only to return to a world that didn’t believe her. Her life spiraled out of control, before her aunt took her in and gave her a new name and life. She had put her past behind her until Eva Kurtz shows up at her door, saying she’s producing a true crime podcast: because not only does she believe Maggie, but she thinks as many as 11 other young women on the fringes of society have disappeared under similar circumstances over the years. And because they were “troubled girls,” no one is looking for them. Maggie doesn’t want to get involved until she realizes another girl has gone missing; and once again, no one is looking for her. Can they fine her in time to save her? And is there really a serial killer in the quiet farm community Maggie still calls home?

This book alternates between the POVs of Maggie and Eva.

What a book. It feels like you have whiplash after reading it because it takes you down so many different paths as you try to figure out what’s going on in this quiet community that just seems to be losing its girls left and right without a care. And that part is extremely frustrating throughout the book, let me tell you. The fact that a clearly traumatized Maggie is NEVER believed or even given a chance is enough to drive you up a wall. Especially as the evidence mounts up.

But the mystery is so good that you can’t look away. There’s a lot of leads, suspects, etc. The story really could, and does!, go anywhere. Trust me, you don’t want to miss the ending on this one, it’s so good and a jaw dropper. There’s no way I could have seen that coming. It’s incredibly original and well-done.

As the title suggests, this could be the first in a series, and I’m hoping it is. I would love to see more of these two together. They make a great team and I loved them individually as well. Will definitely be looking forward to more in this series!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis of Summer Girls by Marissa Finch, I was drawn in by the fact that one of the characters was a True Crime Podcaster. I LOVE listening to True Crime Podcasts! So reading this novel was a little bit like following along with the background research of that type of podcast!

Maggie has been through hell in her short life. Between being a kidnapping victim, escaping, and then the horrifying reality that no one believed her story afterwards. I was impressed by the way she reinvented herself; she is a true Phoenix. Maggie’s existence is thrown for a loop when Eva comes bumping up her driveway. Eva draws Maggie in with the promise that she believes Maggie’s story and she thinks there are other, less fortunate, victims. I enjoyed the interactions between Maggie and Eva. At first they seemed like complete opposites, but then it becomes apparent that they have more in common than it seemed. As Marissa Finch’s plot thickened, I was swept up in a Cat & Mouse game. There was a decent amount of suspense along the way and I thought I knew who the culprit was more than once….and was then proven wrong.

Even at the VERY end, when you thought all of the loose ends were tied up and tucked neatly away, Marissa Finch STILL had a trick up her sleeve! Outstanding! Finding out that this book was the beginning of a series made me quite excited! I can’t wait to find out how the Eva & Maggie team get drawn into more mysteries!

The only thing I did not like about the novel was Lars. Haha I just didn’t like him as a character. Not sure why, but blah he annoyed me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie]

Having read Liars Anonymous by Marissa in the past (Thoroughly loved it 4 stars) I couldn't wait to get my teeth into The Summer Girls. I'm not a huge fan of police procedural thrillers, I find there's too much jargon and usually too many titles (Inspector, detective, superintendent - I think?!) that I get lost with the characters. What drew me to this one was that its from a victim and a journalist/crime podcaster. What a ride! Literally I've been reading this whenever I get a break and I struggled putting it down!

The characters are all fairly interesting. I liked Maggie a lot, even with everything she had been through it was good to see how she had grown. What I enjoyed even more was watching her come to trust Eva and also people around her. Not many can judge how she reacted to things and the choices she made in her life and I often think, I would go off the rails too if it were me. Eva is not everything she seems emotionally/mentally. I liked that we got some of her story too and what drives her. The jury is still out on Lars...

The story has many red herrings where you think you've got it licked and then something else happens. I did work out most things (I won't say all as I can't give spoilers and won't tell you what I didn't work out) but was pleasantly surprised by the ending (If you can call that pleasant?).

Well written, a good mystery with full colour characters. I actually cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. Eva and Maggie make a great team and I can't wait to read more of them! A solid 4 stars, if you like a dark thriller/mystery then give this a shot!!

Thank you to Booksirens for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this one had more twists and turns in it than a Missouri back road. It starts with a vicious assault on Maggie Shriner. She escapes and gets to tell her story about it, the problem is no one believes her. It’s the age-old version of an assaulted women telling a traumatic story and the inept police officer and towns people not believing it. This takes its toll on her, and she hits rock bottom and goes to live with an aunt who helps her get back to a bit of her old self. After auntie passes Maggie exists on the property and avoids pretty much everyone. Until another woman knocks on her door and says those fated words,” I believe you.” Eve is a podcaster who had been tracking down the story and other missing girls over time. She thinks Maggie is the key to solving the horrible crimes that someone seems to be getting by with over the years. There are so many twists and turns after this that you just have to read it but I can say I was pretty darn sure I had the guy who was doing it figured out, nope wrong. And another twist was who did rape Maggie? Did not see that one coming at all. I’m definitely going to read the next book which looks to be with some of the same characters. Absolutely a great book and worth the 1 to 2 days to read it. Put it on your TBR list.

[C Shipes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six years ago Rosalie was abducted but after escaping her kidnapper No one believed her. After years of spiraling out of control and abusing alcohol and drugs Rosalie ends up at her Aunt Libby's farm. Her aunt takes her in and gives her a safe lace to stay and heal.
Starting a new life on Aunt Libby's farm Rosalie who now goes by Maggie finds herself alone after Libby's death. Living on the farm alone with only the animals Maggie struggles to once again find a normal life when a journalist name Eva stops by and tells her she is doing a podcast about a serial killer who has abducted women and she believes Maggie and thinks she was one of is first victims and the only one to get away.
Maggie is torn between reliving the horror and feeling elated that someone finally believes her. In the drama that unfolds Maggie regains her memories of that awful experience and the girls find themselves trying to save his most recent victim.

This was a great book and i enjoyed it very much. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It only took me a few days to finish and i was completely surprised right up until the last chapter.

[Stephanie Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Summer Girls" excels at capturing the essence of a laid-back, beach-side summer. The setting is enchanting, with vivid descriptions that transport readers straight to the heart of the Lowcountry. The familial relationships are heartfelt, showing deep bonds and complex dynamics, making the story relatable and emotionally enguaging. While the overall plot is engaging, it occasionally meanders, causing the narrative to lose momentum. A tighter focus on the main storyline would enhance the pacing. Some secondary characters could benefit from further development to make their motivations clearer and more compelling. Additionally, the resolution feels somewhat rushed—taking more time to flesh out the final chapters could give the story a more satisfying conclusion. To elevate the book to a 5-star rating, enhancing the pacing and plot focus would be key. Delving deeper into the secondary characters and their backstories would add more depth and richness. Spending more time on the resolution, providing a more detailed and emotionally satisfying ending, would leave readers feeling truly fulfilled.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.
The story starts out rather intriguing when Rosalie Decatur is abducted from a parking lot outside of a bar where she has been drinking. She is held captive and raped and when she manages to escape, she can hardly recall any of the details about who took her and what happened. Her own father, who blames her for the death of her mother (as she passed while giving birth to Rosalie), is no comfort, and so she leaves and begins a life of self-destruction with drugs and alcohol. Her kindly grandmother takes her in, and she begins her life anew as Maggie.

After her grandmother passes on she lives a life of solitude on her granny’s farm until a knock on her door from a podcast journalist, Eva Kurtz, 6 years later, resurrects what she went through as they both play detective to unlock what happened to her and others.
3 stars.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank-you Marissa and Book Sirens for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review - My first reviewing of an ARC and it didn’t disappoint!

If just finished reading this e-book and I feel in a daze and keep staring at the wall, thinking about what I just read - I love when this happens and it isn’t an easy feat.

I will say, at about the 97% mark I was getting frustrated, as some things just weren’t adding up and being that the killer had been found and the case solved, I thought it was over - but then those last 2 chapters happened and BAM👊 - thanks Marissa, I love an unexpected ending, it was so good and I take back everything I was saying at 97% 😅

I loved the relationship that grew between Eva and Maggie/Rosalie and the podcast/investigation aspects.
This was a very well written read and for someone like me who finds it hard at times to visualise things when reading, this was so very clear to picture and it was a breeze to read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author but I will definitely be checking out more and I look forward to the next book in this series. I loved this book and I read it in 2 days. My favourite thing was watching the friendship between Maggie & Eva grow. They are both so strong and badass but they have troubled pasts making them more human. There are some great side characters as well and I have never been so stressed about the welfare of chickens. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen but I was kept guessing until the very end. There are plenty of twists and turn to keep you hooked. Highly recommend, especially if you are a fan of true crime podcasts.

I received a copy of the ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I started this book in the middle of a dark romance binge, so I was having a hard time getting into it. Eventually though I returned and couldn’t put it down until I passed out. When I woke up, I finished it. It was extremely well written and tapped into emotions that I didn’t know I buried. There was a sense of dealing with trauma and working through it to eventually end up mostly okay. It was not predictable, and I enjoyed it SO much. The characters were unique and well written, writing style was great. The setting was perfect for a story like this. I’m looking forward to buying a copy when it comes out officially.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is bad enough to be abducted and tortured, but to have no one believe you is incredulous. Maggie spent the next few years hiding away, never healing until Eva shows up at her door. She is a podcast journalist. Not only does she believe Maggie, but she also believes that eleven other girls who have gone missing were attacked by the same person.

There are many twists and dead ends, but the ending will make your mind reel. An excellent story with exceptional characters. This is the first installment of a new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! And ooohhh, that prologue sucked me right in! I liked the true crime podcast vibe. It was a longer book, but it didn't feel like it at all. It flew by and kept me invested the entire time. The ending totally caught me by surprise. I thought I had it all figured out, but I wasn't even close, and I loved that I was wrong. I do wish some more time had been spent on a few things giving me more answers or a better explanation. I'm excited to read book 2 to see what new adventures await Eva and Maggie. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc for this book on NetGalley and I am so grateful! This book was amazing! I would have given it 5 stars, but it reminded me a lot like A Good Girls Guide to Murder, but with adults. I loved Maggie and Eva. I was in shock that Maggie’s dad ended up being the on who raped her. I can’t even imagine. This book could be triggering for some people. I loved the dog and the chickens haha. Overall, I thought that it’s as a really good read and that everyone should read it! Thanks again to NetGalley for the advanced copy!!