Hiding Places

by E.J. Post

When fatal gunshots ring out at a restaurant in Chicago, Ellie, an ER physician assistant, becomes the unwitting hero in a national tragedy. Forced to make an impossible choice, she saves the life of a stranger-and loses her husband all in the same breath.

The investigation takes a drastic turn when Ellie's haunting past is thrust into the relentless scrutiny of the media, leaving her ensnared in the twisted web of the broken American legal and medical systems. Ellie unravels in her immeasurable grief and anger, anchored only by the unlikely companionship of the man she saved at the diner, James.

Her journey unveils the painful reality of hidden wounds in a world determined to keep skeletons buried. As she learns to cope with this new reality, Ellie is dragged through a sensationalized trial where she stumbles upon a discovery that is hard to swallow: she has more in common with the gunman than she ever thought possible.

Genres: Adult, Fiction, Romance, Crime, Contemporary

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiding Places really impressed me. Its a thriller, but also an exploration of grief, what happens to people who survived a tragic event, and how they may find comfort in other survivors because they feel like no one else will fully understand what they went through. There's also a focus on mental health and the system that fails mentally ill people time and time again.

I feel so bad for saying this, since we didn't even get to know Tom, but I shipped Ellie with James from their second scene together. I'm terrible, I know. I was really happy when their relationship progressed from co-survivors, to roommates, friends and then something more. It felt like such a natural progression, and it was beautifully written.

We get to see Ellie dealing with a lot of anxiety over what happened, if she did the right thing, if she should stay with James or leave, what she wants to do in life now that there's no more Tom, and then amplify that by a million when she gets arrested. Poor Ellie couldn't catch a break for most of the book.

That's why James is so important, he was there to ground her, help her through everything while dealing with his own survivor's guilt and injury. He's such a great character and perfect for Ellie, I think they balance each other out.

Though he also had some scenes where I was wondering what his intentions were, if he really was that kind or if there was a catch.

The story gripped me almost instantly, I read the blurb originally, but haven't given it a reread before I started so I wasn't sure where it was going until the gunman appeared, that was when I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen until I finished.

The ending was satisfying. I saw one twist coming, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.

I'd love to read more books by this author in the future, I love their writing style and storytelling. And this is a debut by the way, kind of unbelievable with how good it is. I can't even imagine how amazing E. J. Post's sophomore book will be.

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day!

Hiding Places is a genre-blending dissection of a mass shooting and its fallout, from the immediate injuries to long lasting wounds that are less visible and more difficult to treat. It's fast-paced and immediately starts asking some important questions. This star rating represents three and a half rounded up.

Ellie is an ER doctor who takes various posts across the country for short stints, dragging along husband Tom in her wake. When that proves a disastrous decision one Sunday morning at brunch, Ellie is left reeling, traumatized and plagued with guilt, self-doubt, and anxiety. Her only solace is James, another victim of the same event, and his warm network of friends and family. The narrative takes the idea of strangers bonding after an unfathomable tragedy and really runs with it (sometimes stretching my power of belief).

I found Ellie surprisingly relatable. Her thoughts are a mixture of introspection on death and morbidity interspersed with pragmatic moments of tending to James' injuries and trauma rather than her own. As a doctor, her often clinical perspectives, which are a self-protective measure as much as practical responses to the events that unfold in this book, were fascinating to experience.

Grief and trauma response are very subjective, especially given Ellie's predisposition to pragmatic behavior rather than emotional, though I still found myself wondering why a crisis or trauama counselor wasn't consulted in the wake of her experience...

I'd call this a blend of womens fiction, courtroom drama, and a smidge of romance. The story has a lot to say, and admittedly doesn’t always manage it gracefully. There are several social issues manifested on page, perhaps too many for one book to tackle. I had some questions about the realism of procedural aspects of the plot, and sometimes the writing employed some mixed metaphors.

Overall, this was a pleasantly quick-paced story, despite Ellie living in her head as she responds to trauma and life changes for much of it. The prose is pleasantly readable despite the heavy content. It's a thoughtful book, and is thought-provoking in turn.

[Eryn McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I haven't read this kind of fiction in a while - what would you characterise it as? Legal fiction? I'm not sure. But it was vivid, I related to Ellie, I understood her position. It was wel written and emotionally engaging. I recommend.

[B (ReadLikeB) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and BDA Publishing for the ARC!

I give this book a solid 3 stars. I could see what the author was trying to accomplish with the story, but there was just a little too much happening all at once. They were trying to provide commentary on mass shootings, the poor state of mental health services, the court system, and then trying to add a dash of romance that wasn't really necessary. I feel like James (MMC) could have been anyone when it came to this story. He didn't really stand out and I would have loved to had a little more from his point of view, being a victim along with the FMC. He was just kind of "there." It was obvious he was struggling with everything as well, but he was never truly touched on.

Ellie was a solid main character but for all the emotions that this story was trying to pull out of the reader, I didn't feel it in the writing. With that being said, the story did hook me and kept my attention. I was curious to see how everything was going to play out. The pacing was solid and I had no issues following along with the story lines. The ending did surprise me and I enjoyed the little twist.

This author will be one I keep an eye on for sure and I'm excited to see where their next story leads.

[Devon Trieschock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried

[Nicole Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re the only one who gets it…

E.J. Post’s Hiding Places is a deeply engaging novel that blends psychological suspense with the complexities of personal relationships. Set against a haunting backdrop, the story weaves a narrative of hidden secrets, both literal and emotional, drawing readers into a world where trust is fragile, and the past can’t always stay buried. As the title suggests, Hiding Places is about the physical and emotional spaces people retreat to when confronted with their darkest fears and memories. The way Post delves into these hidden spaces, and the gradual unraveling of the characters’ facades, makes for an intensely introspective read.

What stands out in the novel is Post’s attention to character development. Each character is meticulously crafted, with motivations that feel genuine and relatable, even when they are flawed. The story does not rely on fast-paced action but instead uses the slow burn of tension and psychological exploration to keep readers on edge.

Post’s prose is both vivid and subtle, effectively creating mood and atmosphere without overindulgence. The pacing, while deliberate, serves the unfolding mystery well, allowing the emotional weight of the story to take center stage. Readers looking for a traditional thriller might find the pacing slow at times, but those who appreciate character-driven narratives will find much to admire.

In terms of themes, Hiding Places explores how the past shapes the present, the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones, and the ways trauma can persist, hidden beneath the surface. It’s a story about survival, but also about facing the truths we work so hard to avoid.

Overall, Hiding Places is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense. E.J. Post has created a compelling narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

I was initially uncertain if I was going to read this book after reading the blurb, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. This book would make an excellent movie!
P.s. - Shelby can kick rocks barefoot

[VeroniCanReadIt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book but found it hard to recommend to any one group or particular audience since it doesn’t quite fit as a romance, nor as a courtroom novel, nor as a pure thought-heavy lit-fic.

The first third had me convinced this would be a story of a woman overcoming, but then the romance shows itself. The romance then settles and takes a backseat to her past and the topic of gun violence/control as we begin to near the courtroom.

Regardless, I immediately found myself connecting with Ellie and invested in all she went through. The ending was satisfying and felt realistic in the saddest yet truest way.

Why Not a Five Star Rating?
I was riveted through the whole thing (I essentially finished it over 2 days once I actually set time aside to read it 😅) but would have loved to see more immersive stories of her childhood and current journey combined to how it all tied in and led up to the heartbreaking and difficult experiences/growth that she has in the book. I wanted to experience the depths of her pain with her, rather than just watch it unfold, ya know?

I’m excited to see what else E.J. writes in the future!

[NrsKelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this on a very long drive back home from Florida. As a traveling nurse I definitely felt a connection with Ellie who is a traveling PA. Even with how she and her husband are apart much of the time as mine still works from our hometown.
The author did a great job of showing the human side of mental healthcare in our current healthcare system. As well as showing how even the best protocols let people slip through the cracks. I tended to want to turn this into a psychological thriller but that’s not what it is. All in all just a good read that will make you think what if that one encounter could have changed everything.

I received an ARC of this title, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[-julz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased from a the 1st ever Adult Book Fair in Pittsburgh, PA in March 2025. It was great to meet the author and supporting local. I was so involved with the characters and it was a true page turner. Highly recommend!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here are some of my thoughts that I noted whilst reading this novel:
- The main incident happened very early in the book - I found it difficult to relate or care about what happens to the characters, particularly Ellie. There was no time for the reader to invest in the characters, and I couldn't fully understand where she was coming from.
- The main incident was the most exciting part of the book - The rest of the book just seemed to continue on without a solid reason and was not that interesting. On page 180, was the only other point in the novel where I would have considered it a "thriller", and then I thought ok, maybe something interesting is going to happen now...but then when I found out what actually happened, I was somewhat disappointed.
- I get that you are told to write about what you know, but sometimes the consistent medical information and comments were a bit much.
- There were quite a few moments in the book that it felt like the writer was just trying to get across their views on gun control, the Christian right, "older generations" that came across as stereotypical such as, " These weathered faces saw mass shootings as temper tantrums of spoiled children who played too many video games", "You know how the older generation can be" among other comments... etc. In particular, the description of the assailant's mother - with her "large golden crucifix" around her neck actually made me roll my eyes. It would have been more effective to describe the woman as looking like any other woman you would come across on a daily basis. "Normal" people do inconceivable things. Instead, it came across as the writer's opinion on a certain section of the U.S. population, abortion, gun control etc. and as a result, her characters had no depth and ended up coming across as very stereotypical.
- It was also very anti-climatic when it was discovered that it was the mother who was shooting at Ellie. I was hoping for some interesting twist - like maybe the whole thing with James was a lie, and that he had some underlying motive to become close to Ellie and that it wasn't an accident that he was in the restaurant when the shooter started his killing. Alas, it was not to be.
- Most significantly, I had a very hard time believing that within days (I think it was 11) after Tom is killed, Ellie is sleeping in a bed with James and is setting up house, walking his dog etc. I get that people do strange things when grieving, but it just didn't seemed plausible to me. Her relationship with Tom seemed to me that she couldn't have really loved him deeply, although the writer suggests this, for her to so easily fall for someone else in less than a couple weeks after Tom's death. The writer seemed to add in moments where Ellie felt strange about it etc., but then she continued right on with it. Having personally lost loved ones, including parents, siblings, and other loved ones - I couldn't relate to the quick transfer of feelings from one person to another and it came across as unbelievable.
- All the sections about James' work and his co-workers and his ex were all so unnecessary and made it come off as "high school" and not in a good way.
- The whole contrived trial thing where Ellie could be sent to jail was not interesting and it also did not seem real. I understand how a physician might be considered liable for something like that to some degree, like maybe affecting their license, having an internal review etc... but to be held accountable in the sense that you are going to be sent to jail as a result? Hmmm...I don't know.
-There were also many other moments in the novel where I could see the immature style of a first novel. However, the writer did have some decent prose and descriptions which were let down by a plot which wasn't as solid or as interesting as the actual writing.
Overall, I would probably not recommend this novel in its present state.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story about the aftermath of trauma, and the consequences of the way our society deals with mental health issues.

In the wake of a mass shooting, Ellie is at once called both a hero, and a killer, and even accused of cheating on her dead husband. She and James are both dealing with their PTSD, and cling to each other for emotional support. But both must deal with survivor’s guilt in their own way. It’s also about forgiveness of oneself, and of others.

I love how Ellie was portrayed. She is honest with herself and others, without displaying the naivete that is too common in FMCs. Her inner and outer struggles were visceral.

This book was almost lyrical in its use of prose, and I am grateful to the author and BDA Publishing for an advance reader’s copy.

[Hyggebugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! This book touches on several important societal issues in a compelling and meaningful way.

I immediately loved the FMC, Ellie. She felt relatable and honest. Often times we deny our true feelings and identity or fib and make excuses. Ellie doesn’t! She faces her truths and digs deeper. She’s secure yet vulnerable, which is exactly my type of FMC!

I liked the MMC but often questioned his character. I believe this was the author’s intention and she nailed it!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, true crime, social/political issues with a touch of (closed door) romance.

Thank you NetGalley, BDA publishing and EJ Post for the opportunity to read this wonderful Arc! I look forward to more books by Post.

[Kailee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hiding Places is a tense, topical read that touches on gun violence in America, the challenges of our healthcare system, an evolving perspective on mental health, and the impact of generational trauma. The plot and characters were immediately engaging; fans of Jodi Picoult will enjoy this one.

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC ebook. The cover is exquisite! The writing is fluid, and a really good read! I won’t give too many spoilers, but this book does highlight the problems with the Mental Health System! Trigger warning: mass shooting, mental health (depression)

[Amber Stamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiding Places by E.J. Post is a gripping and thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, secrets, and the consequences of buried truths. With its sharp narrative and emotional depth, Post’s debut novel offers a suspenseful and chilling exploration of human nature, the things we hide, and the cost of revelation.

The story follows Naomi, a woman who returns to her small hometown after years of estrangement. Naomi’s life has been filled with turmoil, and her return to her childhood home forces her to confront a past that she has spent years trying to escape. As she uncovers long-buried family secrets and begins to unravel the mystery surrounding her family’s history, Naomi realizes that the more she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes.

E.J. Post does an excellent job of building tension throughout the novel. The pacing is steady but relentless, drawing readers deeper into Naomi’s quest for answers. The writing is atmospheric, and Post’s ability to create a sense of unease and suspense is masterful. There is a constant feeling of impending danger, which keeps the reader on edge throughout the novel.

One of the novel’s strengths is its complex characters. Naomi is a flawed and relatable protagonist, her emotional struggles and complicated relationships with her family and past providing a strong emotional core to the narrative. The secondary characters, especially those connected to Naomi’s childhood, add depth to the story, each hiding their own secrets and motives. As the plot unfolds, these characters’ actions and decisions become increasingly unpredictable, adding to the suspense.

The novel explores several themes, including guilt, redemption, and the psychological toll of secrets. Post does a wonderful job of illustrating the weight that unspoken truths can place on individuals and families, and the consequences that come from hiding the past. The psychological aspects of the story are rich and layered, with Naomi’s journey being as much about her inner turmoil as it is about uncovering the mystery surrounding her family.

The tension between the past and present is a key element in Hiding Places, and the author skillfully weaves these two timelines together. Flashbacks to Naomi’s childhood provide crucial insight into the events that shaped her life and the people she once knew, gradually revealing the chilling secrets that have remained hidden for so long.

The twists and turns in Hiding Places are unexpected and satisfying, with each revelation peeling back another layer of mystery and intrigue. The book’s final act is particularly intense, with Post expertly ramping up the stakes and delivering a shocking conclusion that ties all of the story’s threads together.

While the book is primarily a thriller, it also offers moments of introspection and emotional resonance. The novel’s exploration of trauma, healing, and the impact of the past on the present makes it a deeply human story, one that lingers long after the final page.

**Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.J. Post’s “Hiding Places” is a psychological thriller that brings readers into the very distressing aftermath of a mass shooting and how it alters the lives of those who are caught in its wake. Ellie is a skilled physician assistant who survives the tragedy when she instinctively and courageously acts to save the life of a stranger named James. The unfortunate twist is that her husband, Tom, doesn’t survive and this leaves Ellie wrestling with the tragic loss, survivor’s guilt, and the public spotlight that follows.

The public views Ellie’s quick thinking during the tragic event as heroic but for Ellie, everything has a hollow feeling. She doesn’t want public scrutiny or media coverage because it forces her to relive the nightmare and confront the uncomfortable questions. Ellie’s psychological struggles are fueled by haunting questions such as “Why was she spared?” or “Why was James’ life saved, while Tom’s was lost?” As a result, she finds herself struggling with guilt and grief, and desperately needing to regain control of her life.

“Hiding Places” also examines the fragile dynamic between Ellie as the hero and savior, and James as the second-chance survivor. Both characters forge a bond because of the shared traumas but what makes it complicated is the stark reality that they are survivors having to carry such an emotional weight. Yet they are bonded by this connection. Ellie is not only contending with her own emotions but also the expectations that society has put on her as a hero, even though she feels far from heroic.

E.J. Post does a great job balancing the emotional depth with the suspenseful pacing that allows readers to follow Ellie as her psyche unravels while the story still maintains its tension as a thriller. The narrative explores trauma and public perceptions, making it deeply layered. There are times when the pacing appropriately slows, especially during reflective moments, however, it still enriches the emotional depth. Readers get to see this complex portrait of a woman who is struggling with loss while being the focus of public attention.

Fans of similar psychological thrillers like “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides or “Stillhouse Lake” by Rachel Caine will find “Hiding Places” gripping and heart-wrenching. E.J. Post perfectly captures the complexities of human connection, the toll of having survivors’ guilt, and the challenges of trying to heal even when the world insists on watching.

In “Hiding Places,” readers will follow Ellie as she deals with her own darkness and struggles to find a new sense of normalcy in the aftermath of tragedy. This emotional thriller will remain with you even after the last page.

[Dee Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

EJ Post’s Hiding Places is a visceral and heart-rending narrative. Post’s prose is raw, evocative, and laced with emotion, transporting readers into the lives of characters navigating profound trauma and personal despair. This is not merely a story about survival but a searing exploration of broken systems and the fragile line between becoming a hero or a villain in a world riddled with injustice.

One of the novel’s most poignant and unsettling observations is how people from similar backgrounds, facing comparable struggles, can take such radically different paths. Post masterfully illustrates the unsettling reality that a person can just as easily become the aggressor as they can become the hero, without any clear rationale to explain why. This exploration of fate and circumstance poses a sobering reflection on how little separates one from the other. In a world that often offers no safety nets, the randomness of who falls through the cracks and who rises above is heart-wrenching, terrifying, and all too real.

At its core, Hiding Places asks profound questions about the choices people make when caught in a system that offers them little support. The characters’ struggles with mental health crises, medical care, and personal anguish lay bare the inadequacies of the American healthcare system, forcing readers to confront the question: Why does it fail the people who need it most? Post highlights the disconnect between what healthcare should be and the inaccessible, bureaucratic nightmare it often is.

The novel’s exploration of the fine line between heroism and violence makes its critique of the healthcare system even more compelling. These characters—who work within, and often see those who are abandoned by a system designed to help—are at their most vulnerable, and yet society expects them to make rational, heroic decisions and answer for (and at times be faced with potential punishment for) the failures of an industry that has grown out of touch. In this way, Hiding Places illustrates the profound human cost of a broken system, compelling readers to reflect not only on the inequities of healthcare but also on the fragile moral fabric that holds society together.

Hiding Places is not just a novel; it is a deeply poignant and haunting reflection on the randomness of fate, the systemic flaws of the healthcare system, and the perilous paths individuals are forced to navigate. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of human nature and the profound societal failings that shape it.

[Megan (lost among the stacks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a normal book in my rotation. But I like to try things outside my normal genre choices and I am very glad I gave this one a shot. This is a thriller suspense with a light secondary romance but doesn't follow any of the normal "rules" for books in the genre.

The book focuses on a mass casualty shooting and the last impacts it has on two of the survivors. It takes a stab at gun laws and how it is handled by law enforcement and the media alike. The book also takes a hard look into mental health and the many gaps found in how it is treated both by family and the healthcare system. The book also delves into grief and the different ways it presents and affects people.

I like Ellie Paxton. She is a strong, independent woman who seems to know her own mind without question. After the event she finds herself being helped and somewhat dependent on the kindness of strangers. It was fun to watch her learn how to let people in and lean on others when the burden became too much to handle alone.

I liked James from their first interaction. I was a bit skeptical of his kindness and was almost expecting him to turn into a monster. I was just as bad as Ellie as I was very hesitant to trust him but I still liked their relationship so much. I like that Ellie was able to talk to him about any and everything and that they could be completely real with each other. Even if tragedy brought them together it gave them a chance at something beautiful.

On the flip side, we don't see much of her marriage with Tom except in memories. But it always struck me as a marriage of convenience and safety. They seemed to live separate lives together and didn't require much from each other beyond companionship. I kept expecting some skeletons from Tom's past to pop up but he was just as irrelevant in death as he was in life.

The book shows just how small the world can be as Ellie had a previous interaction with the shooter. It shows how much as an overtaxed nurse in the emergency room, she truly did care. She recognized the flaws in the system and attempted to do as much as possible. As she learns more about the shooter and reflects on her past, Ellie views him as less of a monster.

I could not put this book down. I would highly recommend it to anyone regardless of your genre preference. If you give it a read I'd love to connect about your own thoughts! Happy Reading.

[Lisa Stahlman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I won an autographed copy of this at my Silent Book Club. And the author is local.

The basic gist is that Ellie is a traveling Physician’s Assistant. She and her husband are taking a quick vacation in Chicago before her next assignment when a gunman comes into the restaurant and kills a bunch of people, Ellie’s husband included. She does save a man named James who was shot, and manages to kill the gunman. I guess I was expecting a story more about her grief, her guilt over saving a stranger over her husband, the fact that she had to kill a young man to save others.

What I got was a woman who, in her grief, decides to peruse a relationship with James about a week after her husband has died. And a court case claiming she neglected her duties when she saw him the year before (because she’s supposed to remember every single patient she’s ever seen) for attempted suicide. This doesn’t seem like a plausible case for me, despite Ellie’s anxiety that she will go to jail, even though she knows she did nothing wrong.

And then we have the shooter’s mother who can’t admit the things her son wrote in his manifesto (abuse by the church (the other place he shot up)depression, suicidal thoughts) are true, because apparently mental illness is still a huge stigma for good, Christian folk.

I also felt like the book just ended with no real resolution. It needed an epilogue of some sort.

All in all, I was not overly impressed by this book.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding Places by E.J Post is a blinding novel which is at once a reflection of contemporary soceity and the attitudes and behaviours displayed during and following the aftermath of catastrophic tragedy that has become sadly an almost daily occurrence in the US

Ellie and Tom had an idyllic life, hardworking, a happy marriage, lovely home and planning to have another child, until one fateful day, when a gunman walks into the diner where Ellie is due to meet her husband and their lives are changed forever. Ellie, an ER physician assistant, takes action, actions which will open wounds on multiple levels and not just her own

Ellie is a heroine to some and the worst villain to others, all under the glaring scrutiny of media and gossip, affecting every single part of her families life. A glaring commentary on contemporary soceital behaviours

Post's writing style is fluid and yet dynamic, dramatic yet gentle and all at once, honest and observant. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone and especially those who have an interest in gripping thrillers, true crime and politics/ sociocultural issues.

Thank you to Netgalley, BDA Publishing and the incredible author E.J. Post for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinins are my own

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and BDA Publishing for the advanced reader's copy. This was an intense thriller and dramatic book. Not for the faint of heart, especially as someone who works in healthcare. I greatly appreciate and love the take the author brought to this book- the mental toll of losing a loved one to gun violence (especially when it occurs right in front of you), the mental toll of working in healthcare and not being able to save everyone, the mental health surrounding gun violence, the ability of ANYONE being able to get a gun in the US. But there was one thing that was too much for me- I understand that extremely emotional and traumatic events can bring people together, but I don't know that I liked the fast relationship between Ellie and James. But maybe that was just me. Otherwise, loved this book and the story the author was telling, and I'm very interested to see what this author writes next.

[Kindle Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie and Tom are happily married, hoping for a child in the near future. As a traveling ER physician assistant, Ellie is away quite a bit, but they make the most of their time together. Ellie’s next assignment is in Chicago where Tom meets her for a weekend getaway. Their idyllic weekend turns into a nightmare when a mass shooting takes place and Tom is killed. Ellie jumps into action and saves another patron in the restaurant and is soon toted a hero, but all that changes when a past connection is discovered between Ellie and the gunman, did she murder him? Losing her identity along with her husband, Ellie doesn’t know quite where to turn, but with the help of the man she saved and his family, Ellie faces each new crisis, but will it be enough? This was an emotion packed read. The characters were spot on and the pages couldn’t turn quickly enough. Thank you to BDA Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Arthur Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and BDA Publishing for providing me with an eARC of Hiding Places in exchange for my honest review!

Hiding Places successfully grips me as a sincere and touching journey into its grim and uncomfortable subject matter. It's not necessarily doing anything new with the topics at hand, like the public health crisis that is gun violence, grief, the injustice and shame that have been built into our mental healthcare system, and childhood neglect and abuse. But such familiar themes are given the time they need to be thoughtfully explored in this tale. I do think the romantic subplot comes off as somewhat tropey, where it distracts a bit too much from the main narrative, but the romance is able to charm me at points as well.

Overall, I'm officially rating Hiding Places 3.75 out of 5 stars, which I'll round up to 4 stars on Goodreads. I'll be interested to see what other tales E.J. Post will tell in the future.

[Taylor Spirito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a few gripes, my biggest being this idea that news stations pay for people to give interviews. Even in bigger markets, journalists make shit money, so even this piece of fiction implying that people can get $20k just to give an interview is insulting. Plus the spin that media is robotic and has a “character” to portray is simply not true, especially with it being framed as local news stations being involved.

Besides that personal take, this book was fine. I wish there was more trial and legal stuff, I wish the romance didn’t happen within a week of her husband being killed (could be a trauma response though, idk), but clearly I ate this up. There was a lot of commentary that aligned with the current state of the United States, especially recently (gun control, reform), that gave me something to reflect on, which I appreciate

[Trinity F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hiding Places follows Ellie, an ER nurse, who after surviving a gun shooting, finds herself being thrust into the public eye and a national debate over gun violence, mental health, and the role of healthcare workers.

I believe that my lack of enjoyment reading this book came from my personal preferences in narrative style and characterisation, rather than any major flaws in the book. This book and its execution just didn't work for me.

However, I am sure that many people would enjoy reading this book, and I can definitely understand why people are enjoying it. I would recommend to give it a go if you find the premise or topics covered interesting.

[Kaija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I don’t even know what to say…

This was interesting
I’m not sure if this is a 3⭐️ book or what but I enjoyed parts of it.
This concept of this book was amazing and intriguing, but so much of it felt rushed and the ending was just unfinished…what happens with her and James? What happens with her medical career? Does she just stay working with the foundation?
It was just weird…I enjoyed a lot of it but was so rushed
Ben is a character we see a lot but never once before the party did we realize he had a girlfriend and she even shows up at his house at midnight, this felt more like a book to yell about the injustices and less of a book that was plotted and well thought out to close all the plot holes…

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story gripped me from the start. It wasn't until I got to the end that I realized how many important subjects the story touches on/explores.

*How life can change in an instant
*Mental Health stigmas and treatment protocols
*What health care professionals go through when accused/How along you can feel at that time
*The importance of friends
*Cracks in the current health system
*The grieving process

It kept me riveted to the end and I would definitely read another book by this author.

This copy was provided free via LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This book was captivating from the start. I was in tears by page 31. The commentary on the broken medical and justice system is very realistic to what we might see happening in the United States. This would be an excellent book for a book club discussion!

Ellie was really put through the wringer and I admire her ability to sympathize, keep moving forward, love, and forgive despite it all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Favorite Quote: “He was the anticipation, the energy building, the calm before the drop; and the decent was the sound of gunshots and police and lawyers and newspaper headlines—terrorizing every momentous build.”

[Brittany |planted.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had my attention right from the beginning. BDA publishing had me intrigued from their insta posts, and I had to order it.

I really enjoyed the fast paced writing style of this author. This isn't a genre that I read a lot of, but I'm glad I did.

I will say that it felt like a lot of things going on at once, the shooting, mental health, personal relationships, medical community, all of the feelings that Ellie was having. But it also didn't feel repetitive, sometimes when the FMC is going through it, it feels like the same thing over and over again. But this wasn't the case.

[Emily Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! As we say in medicine, strong work my friend. Your writing style is easily to read and your main character is so real!! Ellie feels like someone I’ve known for years or a person I work with daily. This book has depth and struggle and resonates so highly. As a health care provider there are so many struggles behind the scenes that we face. Thank you for bringing them to light. Everyone should read this book!