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Make Her Pay
8 hours, 20 minutes
Leonie is living her best life. Still in her twenties, she’s beautiful, successful and has just met Markus, the man of her dreams.
But Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in an accident in which another driver died. Leonie shouldn’t have been behind the wheel that night – no license, no insurance – so she fled the scene. She’s spent the last ten years, trying to deal with the terrible guilt.
Now, as her wedding to Markus draws near, it seems someone is out to get her. It’s little things at first – botched work appointments, a cancelled bridal dress – but it soon escalates into a terrifying campaign which threatens her business, her family and even her life.
Leonie, caught up in a relentless nightmare, has no idea why anyone would set out to destroy her. Until she realises there is a link to the accident that happened all those years ago. Someone knows what she did.
Someone is determined to make her pay..
Leonie is living her best life. Still in her twenties, she’s beautiful, successful and has just met Markus, the man of her dreams.
But Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in an accident in which another driver died. Leonie shouldn’t have been behind the wheel that night – no license, no insurance – so she fled the scene. She’s spent the last ten years, trying to deal with the terrible guilt.
Now, as her wedding to Markus draws near, it seems someone is out to get her. It’s little things at first – botched work appointments, a cancelled bridal dress – but it soon escalates into a terrifying campaign which threatens her business, her family and even her life.
Leonie, caught up in a relentless nightmare, has no idea why anyone would set out to destroy her. Until she realises there is a link to the accident that happened all those years ago. Someone knows what she did.
Someone is determined to make her pay..
Audible Audio
First published December 10, 2023
1051 people are currently reading
1969 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books877 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
March 15, 2024
Are you deaf? That must be why you don’t hear the alarm bells ringing very loud. Reading this felt like being on a foreign planet where down means up and where no normal rules exists. It was tiresome and the ending was outlandish and not for this world.
Read
March 23, 2024DNF at 40%
Did we read the same book as everyone else?!
I have been wanting to try this popular author for quite some time, but I won’t even be finishing this.
The premise is based on something so inconceivable, it’s impossible to get past it.
Very predictable with simplistic writing-my friend Susan and I decided to DNF-so many books-so little time. ⏰
No rating.
Did we read the same book as everyone else?!
I have been wanting to try this popular author for quite some time, but I won’t even be finishing this.
The premise is based on something so inconceivable, it’s impossible to get past it.
Very predictable with simplistic writing-my friend Susan and I decided to DNF-so many books-so little time. ⏰
No rating.
March 17, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ book ~ December 10, 2023, audio ~ March 12, 2024
Est page Count ~ 282 (p+ 31 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrators ~ Charlie Albers, Ella Lynch
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ secrets, lies, revenge
Leonie made a terrible mistake when she was 16. A mistake that she'll feel guilty about for years to come. Not so guilty that she won't make a wonderful life for herself with a flourishing career though, and now she has a handsome fiance to make her life complete.
Carrie is down on her luck at a dead end job and living with people she hates. Will a new job help her to get back on track with what she truly wants to do?
No one is particularly likable, especially Leonie's father, who was so annoyingly awful. He's the one that should feel the most guilt IMO.
It's no secret where the plot is taking us, but the journey of revenge is a pretty intense ride towards the end. Overall, another great read by Rijks with a surprise or two you won't see coming.
Narration notes:
Both narrators were fine overall. I didn't care for their male parts, as they gave them a sort of condescending tone. I guess maybe that does work well the more I think about it.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ book ~ December 10, 2023, audio ~ March 12, 2024
Est page Count ~ 282 (p+ 31 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrators ~ Charlie Albers, Ella Lynch
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ secrets, lies, revenge
Leonie made a terrible mistake when she was 16. A mistake that she'll feel guilty about for years to come. Not so guilty that she won't make a wonderful life for herself with a flourishing career though, and now she has a handsome fiance to make her life complete.
Carrie is down on her luck at a dead end job and living with people she hates. Will a new job help her to get back on track with what she truly wants to do?
No one is particularly likable, especially Leonie's father, who was so annoyingly awful. He's the one that should feel the most guilt IMO.
It's no secret where the plot is taking us, but the journey of revenge is a pretty intense ride towards the end. Overall, another great read by Rijks with a surprise or two you won't see coming.
Narration notes:
Both narrators were fine overall. I didn't care for their male parts, as they gave them a sort of condescending tone. I guess maybe that does work well the more I think about it.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 23, 2023
"If my father hadn't chased me that day, the trajectory of my life would have been totally different."
Rijks knows just when to serve revenge - and it’s a longer wait than most hostesses would gamble on taking. This one, decades-long in the planning, is good and cold when presented…and so deliciously good.
From the onset, readers know that someone has done something wrong and revenge is in order. It doesn’t take long to figure out who has committed the unforgivable act, but what readers aren’t expecting is the long, windy road to revenge. Rijks has masterfully crafted a multilayered revenge/avenge story that involves retaliation by both the protagonist and antagonist.
The above quote takes on different meanings depending on what side of the line you read it...before or after. We all have 'lines' we draw in our lives that define a before and after. For some it's marriage, for others, it's an equally significant high or low point in their life. For Leonie Wilding, there are multiple 'lines' drawn in her life. Multiple before and afters. You know those sequin-covered pillows that were popular a couple of years ago? The ones where when you pulled your hand down, the pillow looked one colour, but when you pulled it up, it revealed a totally different colour? Yeah, those ones! Leonie Wilding's life is like that. With a sleight of hand, Rijks will mess with your emotions and have you seeing both sides of the story. She's THAT good.
Without giving anything away, know that this is a cathartic read for those of us who fear powerlessness and it’s also an unnerving read as we know that the past can’t stay buried…for long. I loved having my feelings manipulated by a capable author and am still coming to terms with the ending ….
Make Her Pay is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read recently!
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Rijks knows just when to serve revenge - and it’s a longer wait than most hostesses would gamble on taking. This one, decades-long in the planning, is good and cold when presented…and so deliciously good.
From the onset, readers know that someone has done something wrong and revenge is in order. It doesn’t take long to figure out who has committed the unforgivable act, but what readers aren’t expecting is the long, windy road to revenge. Rijks has masterfully crafted a multilayered revenge/avenge story that involves retaliation by both the protagonist and antagonist.
The above quote takes on different meanings depending on what side of the line you read it...before or after. We all have 'lines' we draw in our lives that define a before and after. For some it's marriage, for others, it's an equally significant high or low point in their life. For Leonie Wilding, there are multiple 'lines' drawn in her life. Multiple before and afters. You know those sequin-covered pillows that were popular a couple of years ago? The ones where when you pulled your hand down, the pillow looked one colour, but when you pulled it up, it revealed a totally different colour? Yeah, those ones! Leonie Wilding's life is like that. With a sleight of hand, Rijks will mess with your emotions and have you seeing both sides of the story. She's THAT good.
Without giving anything away, know that this is a cathartic read for those of us who fear powerlessness and it’s also an unnerving read as we know that the past can’t stay buried…for long. I loved having my feelings manipulated by a capable author and am still coming to terms with the ending ….
Make Her Pay is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read recently!
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 22, 2024
Secrets, revenge, and best laid plans....
Leonie is in her twenties, has a good job, and her future looks bright. But not everything in her life is picture perfect - Leonie has a deep dark horrible secret! Ten years ago, she fled the scene of an accident that took a life. She is full of guilt, shame, and remorse, and hopes no one ever learns her secret....
She is planning a life with Markus and has no idea that there is someone who knows her secret. Someone who wants to see Leonie pay for what she has done. Someone who wants to destroy her. As things begin to occur, they are little at first. Just enough to make Leonie go "huh?" and are annoying but fixable, but then things begin to take a turn for the worse, much, much worse.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be enjoyable. This book kept me on my toes, wanting more and wondering when the next shoe would drop. As suspense and tension ramped up, I was fully invested, thinking I knew everything and still managing to be shocked.
I enjoyed this well written, twist filled book. Miranda Rijks delivered, and I look forward to reading what she writes next!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Leonie is in her twenties, has a good job, and her future looks bright. But not everything in her life is picture perfect - Leonie has a deep dark horrible secret! Ten years ago, she fled the scene of an accident that took a life. She is full of guilt, shame, and remorse, and hopes no one ever learns her secret....
She is planning a life with Markus and has no idea that there is someone who knows her secret. Someone who wants to see Leonie pay for what she has done. Someone who wants to destroy her. As things begin to occur, they are little at first. Just enough to make Leonie go "huh?" and are annoying but fixable, but then things begin to take a turn for the worse, much, much worse.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be enjoyable. This book kept me on my toes, wanting more and wondering when the next shoe would drop. As suspense and tension ramped up, I was fully invested, thinking I knew everything and still managing to be shocked.
I enjoyed this well written, twist filled book. Miranda Rijks delivered, and I look forward to reading what she writes next!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 26, 2023
I have read a few books by this author now and you would think that I would have learnt a few things about her writing by now. Firstly, don’t start to read her books late at night. They always hook you in and make you want to keep reading. Secondly, be ready for some wild twists. You might think you know what is happening and where it is going think again. The ending of Make Her Pay floored me!!
Leonie is young, beautiful and successful. She has everything, and now she has met the man of her dreams. But she still feels that she doesn’t deserve any of it. 10 years ago, her life could have gone in another direction all together. She stole her mums car when she was 16 and was involved in an accident and her father made her flee the scene, leaving behind the other driver. Now as she plans her wedding things start to go wrong. Is the past coming back to haunt her.? You won’t believe where it goes from here, strap in for roller coaster ride.
Thanks so much to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on December 10th.
Leonie is young, beautiful and successful. She has everything, and now she has met the man of her dreams. But she still feels that she doesn’t deserve any of it. 10 years ago, her life could have gone in another direction all together. She stole her mums car when she was 16 and was involved in an accident and her father made her flee the scene, leaving behind the other driver. Now as she plans her wedding things start to go wrong. Is the past coming back to haunt her.? You won’t believe where it goes from here, strap in for roller coaster ride.
Thanks so much to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on December 10th.
February 1, 2024
3.5★
This book grabbed my attention right from the beginning and I was intrigued to see what would happen next. It was a good psychological thriller with twists you won’t see coming. The ending seemed a little rushed to me, but overall I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by this author. Recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
This book grabbed my attention right from the beginning and I was intrigued to see what would happen next. It was a good psychological thriller with twists you won’t see coming. The ending seemed a little rushed to me, but overall I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by this author. Recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
February 17, 2024
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
Author Miranda Rijks takes revenge to "chilling" new levels in this fast-paced, twisty, and gripping tale of payback that asks "How far would you go to get revenge?"
Characterizations were strong and ultra-compelling.
Unfolding from the POVs of two deeply flawed female protagonists, the book was well-plotted and unputdownable.
Yes, there were a few eye-rolling moments but talented author Miranda Rijks made them work.
I listened to the audiobook and a special shoutout to narrators Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch for their Oscar-worthy performances.
I am a huge Miranda Rijks fan and always eagerly await her new releases.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up.
November 29, 2023
Interesting book. That accident that was a burden all those years.....
December 14, 2023
This is the 11th book I read by Miranda Rijks and it was a good one. It follows a well-known path - someone with a secret, someone who knows about the secret wants revenge - but in this story, the person who wants to take revenge for what the main character (Leonie) did ten years ago, is in for a surprise.
What I enjoyed was that Leonie did something terrible 10 years ago, but since then she's haunted by guilt because she herself didn't make the ultimate decision to leave after the accident in which she run another car off the road. What I liked less: it was her father who made her do it; and although she's in het mid-twenties now, and a successful business woman, it's still her father who makes all the decisions in her life. Together with her mother, who even 'works' for Leonie although it never becomes clear what she's actually doing. Leonie is not a very strong character but she realizes this during the story and finally starts to understand something has to change.
For the reader it's quite obvious who's the person here who tries to ruin Leonie's life - until it becomes clear that it isn't.
There are a few unexpected developments in this story that makes it just a bit more creepy than some other stories I've read from this author.
I was happy to find this title in the Read Now section of Netgalley.
What I enjoyed was that Leonie did something terrible 10 years ago, but since then she's haunted by guilt because she herself didn't make the ultimate decision to leave after the accident in which she run another car off the road. What I liked less: it was her father who made her do it; and although she's in het mid-twenties now, and a successful business woman, it's still her father who makes all the decisions in her life. Together with her mother, who even 'works' for Leonie although it never becomes clear what she's actually doing. Leonie is not a very strong character but she realizes this during the story and finally starts to understand something has to change.
For the reader it's quite obvious who's the person here who tries to ruin Leonie's life - until it becomes clear that it isn't.
There are a few unexpected developments in this story that makes it just a bit more creepy than some other stories I've read from this author.
I was happy to find this title in the Read Now section of Netgalley.
March 19, 2024
Past and present collide in this twisted tale of deception, betrayal, and revenge. Is revenge a dish best served cold? That is the lingering question posed by the shocking and devious attempts at retribution. The roles of victim and villain are ever-changing as the plot unfolds and lives are changed forever. Throughout this thriller, I was entertained and on the edge of my seat anticipating the surprising conclusion. The narrators masterfully brought the characters to life with a sinister chill. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read
March 26, 2024DNF
This was a buddy read with Jayme on which we both decided to bail. At 40%, there didn't appear to be any surprizes in store and I didn't want to hang around to be sure. Plus, although this author is well liked, I didn't care much for the writing.
This was a buddy read with Jayme on which we both decided to bail. At 40%, there didn't appear to be any surprizes in store and I didn't want to hang around to be sure. Plus, although this author is well liked, I didn't care much for the writing.
March 25, 2024
Bestselling author, master storyteller, and queen of twists, Miranda Rijks, returns following The Homemaker with her latest and one of her best, MAKE HER PAY —an intense, stylish, crafty, nail-biting, and compelling psychological thriller that explores guilt and its effects from adolescence into adulthood with all its emotions and horrors.
The author gives us all an early Christmas surprise gift with this powerhouse of a novel. (thank you!) Highly recommend! I am in awe of her talent and how she can write so many books! I think this is her 21st book!
With the author's signature twists, Rijks surprises readers with atmospheric settings, vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a story that could be ripped from today's headlines—from untrustworthy characters and believable gasp-worthy twists, you will be hooked.
I was so captivated I read in one sitting! The part where she was lured to the secluded Airbnb, the forest, the road, the car—My heart was pounding, and I was on the edge of my seat!
Leonie came from a well-to-do family. Her father is a huge real estate developer. He is also very controlling. He controls her mother, and he tries to control her brother until he escapes.
Like most teens, their family is on vacation in one of their homes and hosting a big party by the pool. They are leaving the following day, and Leonie wants to see this boy she had met over the summer before and say goodbye. Don't we all remember these days? I do.
Leonie still needs to get her driver's license, has no car insurance, etc., steals her mom's SUV, and plans on meeting the guy. She thinks they are in the middle of entertaining and will never miss her.
However, not accustomed to driving, she gets nervous when a car follows her too close, speeding up and blinking lights, blinding her while another vehicle is coming head-on in her lane. She loses control of the car, and there is a deadly accident.
It was her father in the car behind her, trying to get her to pull over after he discovered she had stolen her mom's car. She is afraid someone in the car is dead, but her dad says they need to leave, and there is nothing they can do. They need to cover up the accident and never speak of it again, or it could ruin all their lives.
The trauma has stayed with Leonie her entire life, shunning away from relationships and burying herself in work. She also chooses not to drink for fear of spilling the events that she has buried for so long.
Ten years later, Leonie works for an online real estate company catering to wealthy clients, a division of her dad's company. It is here she met Markus, a homeowner. They have been together for quite a while, and he proposes marriage.
However, strange things start occurring as they plan the wedding, from her wedding dress work appointments and more. She soon suspects someone knows about what happened years ago. Could the person in the car be alive or somehow knows them and is trying to get revenge as the 10th anniversary of the date is upcoming?
Little does she know the complex, multi-layered revenge plot coming for her. She has felt such guilt. But she looked at the car briefly and begged her father to check on the person and call the authorities. But he refused. She was just a kid.
Then it is the day of the wedding. Something is not right. Then, soon, she is caught up in a nightmare. Who is doing this? It has to be someone who knows their whereabouts. Is Markus who he says he is? Things do not add up.
Later, after a tragic event, she is lured to a BnB spa for relaxation and finds herself trapped. She soon realizes this has everything to do with the night of the accident, and now she is fighting for her life!
Someone is determined to make her pay!
Pulse-pounding and deliciously unpredictable, MAKE HER PAY will be every thriller lover's winter obsession. Ratcheting tension and jaw-dropping reveals will leave readers questioning who they can trust – savoring every moment of this delicious cat-and-mouse game.
Oh, my, the author pulls out all the stops in this riveting, dark, suspenseful thriller with a cast of compelling characters. Cleverly constructed, a multi-layered story that will hook you from start to finish, tapping into every parent's darkest fears. With wildly intricate plot twists, it will keep you guessing to the end.
With deceitful characters who are not what they seem, a myriad of unexpected twists and turns, and a story that moves along at high speed and never a lull.
I LOVED MAKE HER PAY. Every page turn leaves you unsettled with a sense of foreboding that something dark is coming. You could feel every fear and emotion—a cautionary tale for parents who try to protect themselves and their children by covering up their misdeeds. The past will come back to haunt you sooner or later.
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch, who made the characters come alive for an engaging performance!
I adore this author, have read many of her books, and love her writing style. I highly recommend The Lodge (another super revenge story) if you enjoyed this one.
MAKE HER PAY is perfect for fans of Mary Kubica, Robyn Harding, and Kimberly Belle. #CoverCrush This well-written, gripping domestic suspense is a total package and would make for a perfect Christmas gift for the thriller lovers on your list!
Thanks to Inkubator Books, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for a digital advanced reading copy and advanced listening audio copy for review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Dec 6, 2023
Pub Date: Audio Mar 12, 2024
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Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
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The author gives us all an early Christmas surprise gift with this powerhouse of a novel. (thank you!) Highly recommend! I am in awe of her talent and how she can write so many books! I think this is her 21st book!
With the author's signature twists, Rijks surprises readers with atmospheric settings, vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a story that could be ripped from today's headlines—from untrustworthy characters and believable gasp-worthy twists, you will be hooked.
I was so captivated I read in one sitting! The part where she was lured to the secluded Airbnb, the forest, the road, the car—My heart was pounding, and I was on the edge of my seat!
Leonie came from a well-to-do family. Her father is a huge real estate developer. He is also very controlling. He controls her mother, and he tries to control her brother until he escapes.
Like most teens, their family is on vacation in one of their homes and hosting a big party by the pool. They are leaving the following day, and Leonie wants to see this boy she had met over the summer before and say goodbye. Don't we all remember these days? I do.
Leonie still needs to get her driver's license, has no car insurance, etc., steals her mom's SUV, and plans on meeting the guy. She thinks they are in the middle of entertaining and will never miss her.
However, not accustomed to driving, she gets nervous when a car follows her too close, speeding up and blinking lights, blinding her while another vehicle is coming head-on in her lane. She loses control of the car, and there is a deadly accident.
It was her father in the car behind her, trying to get her to pull over after he discovered she had stolen her mom's car. She is afraid someone in the car is dead, but her dad says they need to leave, and there is nothing they can do. They need to cover up the accident and never speak of it again, or it could ruin all their lives.
The trauma has stayed with Leonie her entire life, shunning away from relationships and burying herself in work. She also chooses not to drink for fear of spilling the events that she has buried for so long.
Ten years later, Leonie works for an online real estate company catering to wealthy clients, a division of her dad's company. It is here she met Markus, a homeowner. They have been together for quite a while, and he proposes marriage.
However, strange things start occurring as they plan the wedding, from her wedding dress work appointments and more. She soon suspects someone knows about what happened years ago. Could the person in the car be alive or somehow knows them and is trying to get revenge as the 10th anniversary of the date is upcoming?
Little does she know the complex, multi-layered revenge plot coming for her. She has felt such guilt. But she looked at the car briefly and begged her father to check on the person and call the authorities. But he refused. She was just a kid.
Then it is the day of the wedding. Something is not right. Then, soon, she is caught up in a nightmare. Who is doing this? It has to be someone who knows their whereabouts. Is Markus who he says he is? Things do not add up.
Later, after a tragic event, she is lured to a BnB spa for relaxation and finds herself trapped. She soon realizes this has everything to do with the night of the accident, and now she is fighting for her life!
Someone is determined to make her pay!
Pulse-pounding and deliciously unpredictable, MAKE HER PAY will be every thriller lover's winter obsession. Ratcheting tension and jaw-dropping reveals will leave readers questioning who they can trust – savoring every moment of this delicious cat-and-mouse game.
Oh, my, the author pulls out all the stops in this riveting, dark, suspenseful thriller with a cast of compelling characters. Cleverly constructed, a multi-layered story that will hook you from start to finish, tapping into every parent's darkest fears. With wildly intricate plot twists, it will keep you guessing to the end.
With deceitful characters who are not what they seem, a myriad of unexpected twists and turns, and a story that moves along at high speed and never a lull.
I LOVED MAKE HER PAY. Every page turn leaves you unsettled with a sense of foreboding that something dark is coming. You could feel every fear and emotion—a cautionary tale for parents who try to protect themselves and their children by covering up their misdeeds. The past will come back to haunt you sooner or later.
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch, who made the characters come alive for an engaging performance!
I adore this author, have read many of her books, and love her writing style. I highly recommend The Lodge (another super revenge story) if you enjoyed this one.
MAKE HER PAY is perfect for fans of Mary Kubica, Robyn Harding, and Kimberly Belle. #CoverCrush This well-written, gripping domestic suspense is a total package and would make for a perfect Christmas gift for the thriller lovers on your list!
Thanks to Inkubator Books, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for a digital advanced reading copy and advanced listening audio copy for review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Dec 6, 2023
Pub Date: Audio Mar 12, 2024
March 2024 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
Dec Newsletter
March 2, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for this one and the two narrators did an excellent job narrating. They really brought both of the two narrating characters to full life and really helped to keep me interested even when the story dragged a little. I found a little bit of the story slower than I would have liked and I found a couple of the twists to be a little cheesy, but overall I thought it was a fun thriller. Leonie has always been privileged. Her parents are wealthy and have given her all she could have wanted, but it comes at the cost of their control. She would have liked to leave, but she owes her father. 10 years ago when she was only 16 she stole her mother’s car (despite not having a license) and ended up in a horrible accident where someone died. Her father had followed her and wouldn’t let her call police or report the accident so it wouldn’t ruin her life. Leonie finally feels like her life is coming together. She has created her own successful business (under the umbrella of her father’s company) and has met the man of her dreams and is soon to be wed. But she doesn’t know that she and her father aren’t the only two that know she was on the road the night of the accident and that someone is determined to make her pay.
November 29, 2023
This is Miranda Rijks’ best book so far! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this awesome early release. I started reading and could not stop. Twists and turns throughout which made it even more exciting! I felt like every single thing was so well executed and thought out that I just kept wanting more. Looking forward to many more books by this great author. Love her writing style! To be published December 2023.
November 25, 2023
Leonie is living her best life. Still in her twenties, she's beautiful, and successful, and has just met Markus, the man of her dreams. But Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in an accident in which another driver died. Leonie shouldn't have been behind the wheel that night - no licence, no insurance - so she fled the scene. She's spent the last ten years trying to deal with the terrible guilt. Now as her wedding to Markus draws near, it seems someone is out to get her, It's the little things at first - botched work appointments, a cancelled wedding dress - but it soon escalates into a terrifying campaign that threatens her family, and even her life.
You can never run away from your past and the mistakes you make - they'll always come back to haunt you. So has Leonie's past finally caught up with her? Is someone out to get Leonie? Oh, I do love a Miranda Rijks book. She writes cleverly crafted thrillers that immediately grab your attention, you're instantly hooked, and she does not let you go again until the end. Filled with suspense, twists, and great characters, I did not want to put this book down. There are some pretty good reveals too.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #MakeHerPay in exchange for an honest review.
You can never run away from your past and the mistakes you make - they'll always come back to haunt you. So has Leonie's past finally caught up with her? Is someone out to get Leonie? Oh, I do love a Miranda Rijks book. She writes cleverly crafted thrillers that immediately grab your attention, you're instantly hooked, and she does not let you go again until the end. Filled with suspense, twists, and great characters, I did not want to put this book down. There are some pretty good reveals too.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #MakeHerPay in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
A twisty UK Thriller.
At 16 she steals her Mom’s car, when she is blinded by headlights behind her and those coming straight towards her, as she swerves through the lights she sees the car coming towards her crash.
10 years later still living with the guilt of the accident, and her Dad controlling her trying to make her forget since he was the one chasing behind her.
This suspenseful story will have you guessing until the end.
A twisty UK Thriller.
At 16 she steals her Mom’s car, when she is blinded by headlights behind her and those coming straight towards her, as she swerves through the lights she sees the car coming towards her crash.
10 years later still living with the guilt of the accident, and her Dad controlling her trying to make her forget since he was the one chasing behind her.
This suspenseful story will have you guessing until the end.
March 1, 2024
4.75 rounded up.
Oh, what a furiously fast-paced read this was. As per usual, Ms. Rijks creates rich characters with emotionally complicated backgrounds, then places them in entirely original and intriguing situations. She has the formula down and I, for one, am down to continue reading everything she writes.
My only gripe with the book was the much-rushed ending.
Oh, what a furiously fast-paced read this was. As per usual, Ms. Rijks creates rich characters with emotionally complicated backgrounds, then places them in entirely original and intriguing situations. She has the formula down and I, for one, am down to continue reading everything she writes.
My only gripe with the book was the much-rushed ending.
March 13, 2024
What would you do if someone from your past came back to haunt you and make you pay for your sins? That's the question that Leonie Wilding faces in Make Her Pay, a fast-paced and suspenseful psychological thriller by Miranda Rijks.
The novel follows Leonie Wilding, a successful and beautiful woman who has a dark secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed another driver. She fled the scene and never looked back. But now, as her wedding to Markus, the man of her dreams, approaches, someone is out to get her. It's Carrie, the victim, who survived the accident but lost everything. She has been plotting her revenge for years, and she won't stop until Leonie pays for what she did. Leonie must find a way to escape Carrie's wrath, and to deal with the guilt that has been haunting her for a decade.
Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijks is a fast-paced and suspenseful psychological thriller that deals with several issues that will resonate with many readers. One of the main themes of the story is the impact of strict parenting on children. Leonie, one of the main characters, was raised by parents who imposed strict rules on her, which led her to make some poor decisions in her life. The plot also explores the theme of guilt and how it can affect a person’s life. Leonie has been carrying the guilt of a hit-and-run accident for years, and it has taken a toll on her mental health. The story also touches on the theme of revenge and how it can consume a person’s life. Carrie, the victim of the hit-and-run accident, is willing to go to extreme lengths to seek revenge, which adds to the tension and intrigue of the story. She was at the peak of her life with a successful career and a child on the way, but she lost everything after the accident. It is heartbreaking to see how her life has been turned upside down by the accident, and how she is struggling to cope with the aftermath. Carrie deserved a better life, but unfortunately, she was a victim of circumstances beyond her control.
The book has some plot holes and inconsistencies, such as the ease with which Carrie infiltrates Leonie's life, or the lack of police involvement in the case. The book also has a twist at the end, but it is not very surprising or satisfying, as it is hinted at throughout the book.
Overall, Make Her Pay is an enjoyable read for those who like psychological thrillers, but it may not be the best choice for those looking for a unique or unpredictable plot. I would recommend this book to fans of Miranda Rijks, or to readers who like fast-paced and suspenseful stories that deal with guilt, revenge, and secrets.
The novel follows Leonie Wilding, a successful and beautiful woman who has a dark secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed another driver. She fled the scene and never looked back. But now, as her wedding to Markus, the man of her dreams, approaches, someone is out to get her. It's Carrie, the victim, who survived the accident but lost everything. She has been plotting her revenge for years, and she won't stop until Leonie pays for what she did. Leonie must find a way to escape Carrie's wrath, and to deal with the guilt that has been haunting her for a decade.
Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijks is a fast-paced and suspenseful psychological thriller that deals with several issues that will resonate with many readers. One of the main themes of the story is the impact of strict parenting on children. Leonie, one of the main characters, was raised by parents who imposed strict rules on her, which led her to make some poor decisions in her life. The plot also explores the theme of guilt and how it can affect a person’s life. Leonie has been carrying the guilt of a hit-and-run accident for years, and it has taken a toll on her mental health. The story also touches on the theme of revenge and how it can consume a person’s life. Carrie, the victim of the hit-and-run accident, is willing to go to extreme lengths to seek revenge, which adds to the tension and intrigue of the story. She was at the peak of her life with a successful career and a child on the way, but she lost everything after the accident. It is heartbreaking to see how her life has been turned upside down by the accident, and how she is struggling to cope with the aftermath. Carrie deserved a better life, but unfortunately, she was a victim of circumstances beyond her control.
The book has some plot holes and inconsistencies, such as the ease with which Carrie infiltrates Leonie's life, or the lack of police involvement in the case. The book also has a twist at the end, but it is not very surprising or satisfying, as it is hinted at throughout the book.
Overall, Make Her Pay is an enjoyable read for those who like psychological thrillers, but it may not be the best choice for those looking for a unique or unpredictable plot. I would recommend this book to fans of Miranda Rijks, or to readers who like fast-paced and suspenseful stories that deal with guilt, revenge, and secrets.
March 22, 2024
4.5 stars!
Leonie is living her best life. She’s successful and about to marry the man of her dreams. Weighing her down is a terrible mistake she made when she was only sixteen. As things start going wrong, she cant help but wonder if her past is catching up with her …
It’s a very cleverly plotted, twisty tale with characters you love to hate.
If you’re looking for a compelling thriller, pick this up! The audio narration by Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch was fantastic.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape media and Inkubator Books for an ARC and ALC.
Leonie is living her best life. She’s successful and about to marry the man of her dreams. Weighing her down is a terrible mistake she made when she was only sixteen. As things start going wrong, she cant help but wonder if her past is catching up with her …
It’s a very cleverly plotted, twisty tale with characters you love to hate.
If you’re looking for a compelling thriller, pick this up! The audio narration by Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch was fantastic.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape media and Inkubator Books for an ARC and ALC.
April 8, 2024
4.4 ⭐️🎧
A psychological thriller that provokes thought on the moments and actions that define us. And how easy it is to place blame on others, when it’s really us that decides what defines us and holds us hostage.
For the Leonie, one mistake in the past, followed by life-long guilt, and the consequences of keeping such secrets. We all are the owners of our actions, and it’s not until the very end that the MC realizes she really DID have a choice.
For Carrie, she placed lifelong blame on one moment, and let that define her and justify retaliation. The revenge plot wasn’t hard to figure out, but was an interesting tale to the end.
The characters had a lot of flaws, a lot were unlikeable, but in a very fitting way for the story. Overall, it made for a very juicy read. I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration.
Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Miranda Rijks for providing me with a complimentary audio ARC to review!
A psychological thriller that provokes thought on the moments and actions that define us. And how easy it is to place blame on others, when it’s really us that decides what defines us and holds us hostage.
For the Leonie, one mistake in the past, followed by life-long guilt, and the consequences of keeping such secrets. We all are the owners of our actions, and it’s not until the very end that the MC realizes she really DID have a choice.
For Carrie, she placed lifelong blame on one moment, and let that define her and justify retaliation. The revenge plot wasn’t hard to figure out, but was an interesting tale to the end.
The characters had a lot of flaws, a lot were unlikeable, but in a very fitting way for the story. Overall, it made for a very juicy read. I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration.
Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Miranda Rijks for providing me with a complimentary audio ARC to review!
March 4, 2025
Honestly, I really enjoyed this one! The storyline had the perfect amount of suspense and tension. The dual POV was a perfect touch. The only aspect I didn't care for was the very last scene; it felt odd and unnecessary. A fun, quick, engaging read.
February 28, 2024
Name of Book: Make Her Pay
Author: Miranda Rijks
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Pub Date: December 10, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages: 277
Leonie Wilding has it all! She is from a well-connected family, Oxford Educated, is young, beautiful, and has a successful business as managing director of Castaway Property Search. When she met Markus Klausen; she knew he was the man of her dreams. She is now happy and excited to be preparing for their upcoming wedding.
However, Leonie has a terrible secret-something that happened ten years ago when she was sixteen. While her parents were hosting a party she took her mother’s car. Her dad spotted her leave and followed her. When he saw she was involved in a fatal auto accident, he whisked her back to their summer estate. She shouldn't have been driving - no license, also insurance. Dad knew that word of this accident was the end of his business as well as Leonie future.
Leonie still thinks of what her life would have been like if her father hadn't followed her
that day.
Would she have told the truth what happened?
If so, her life would be totally different - nothing like it is today however, she would be free of
guilt.
Now that her wedding is getting closer, it seems someone is out to get revenge. At first little things but now someone is threating her.
Things certainly get interesting!
The ending is definitely a surprise – in fact, it was bazaar!!!!
This in only my fifth Miranda Rijks thriller when I read The Second Wife which was my first and was GREAT!
I knew then I found a new fav author! She is such a clever storyteller! I just love her!
If you are curious about Miranda, here is a link for more info ~
https://mirandarijks.com/about/
Additionally I always enjoy the author’s acknowledgements.
In ‘A letter from Miranda’ our author tells us that this story started out to be about a wedding but morphed away from that and pivoted on the concept of guilt; how an action taken in adolescence can turned out to have devastating implications for years after.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Day: December 10, 2023.
Author: Miranda Rijks
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Pub Date: December 10, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages: 277
Leonie Wilding has it all! She is from a well-connected family, Oxford Educated, is young, beautiful, and has a successful business as managing director of Castaway Property Search. When she met Markus Klausen; she knew he was the man of her dreams. She is now happy and excited to be preparing for their upcoming wedding.
However, Leonie has a terrible secret-something that happened ten years ago when she was sixteen. While her parents were hosting a party she took her mother’s car. Her dad spotted her leave and followed her. When he saw she was involved in a fatal auto accident, he whisked her back to their summer estate. She shouldn't have been driving - no license, also insurance. Dad knew that word of this accident was the end of his business as well as Leonie future.
Leonie still thinks of what her life would have been like if her father hadn't followed her
that day.
Would she have told the truth what happened?
If so, her life would be totally different - nothing like it is today however, she would be free of
guilt.
Now that her wedding is getting closer, it seems someone is out to get revenge. At first little things but now someone is threating her.
Things certainly get interesting!
The ending is definitely a surprise – in fact, it was bazaar!!!!
This in only my fifth Miranda Rijks thriller when I read The Second Wife which was my first and was GREAT!
I knew then I found a new fav author! She is such a clever storyteller! I just love her!
If you are curious about Miranda, here is a link for more info ~
https://mirandarijks.com/about/
Additionally I always enjoy the author’s acknowledgements.
In ‘A letter from Miranda’ our author tells us that this story started out to be about a wedding but morphed away from that and pivoted on the concept of guilt; how an action taken in adolescence can turned out to have devastating implications for years after.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Day: December 10, 2023.
February 26, 2025
Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijks is a faced paced psychological thriller full of twists.
Leonie has a great life. Her parents are extremely wealthy, she owns her own business, albeit under the thumb of her controlling father, and has a small group of friends that she can depend on. When she meets Marcus, he seems to be everything she could ever dream of. He sweeps her off her feet and they quickly run to the altar As times passes, she quickly discovers that her husband isn’t who he portrayed himself to be, and that he has a lot of secrets.
Carrie has lived with the memories of the horrible accident that almost took her life. One part of her memories is that of a young woman, the same woman that now started out at her from the paper. Carrie devises an intricate plan to get revenge on the woman that took everything from her. Leonie must pay for her crimes.
This story is full of surprises, even though you can see some coming from the beginning. This was a fast easy read that drew me in and held me tightly in its grip until the last page. Miranda Rinjks delivered a fast paced thriller that was extremely enjoyable.
Leonie has a great life. Her parents are extremely wealthy, she owns her own business, albeit under the thumb of her controlling father, and has a small group of friends that she can depend on. When she meets Marcus, he seems to be everything she could ever dream of. He sweeps her off her feet and they quickly run to the altar As times passes, she quickly discovers that her husband isn’t who he portrayed himself to be, and that he has a lot of secrets.
Carrie has lived with the memories of the horrible accident that almost took her life. One part of her memories is that of a young woman, the same woman that now started out at her from the paper. Carrie devises an intricate plan to get revenge on the woman that took everything from her. Leonie must pay for her crimes.
This story is full of surprises, even though you can see some coming from the beginning. This was a fast easy read that drew me in and held me tightly in its grip until the last page. Miranda Rinjks delivered a fast paced thriller that was extremely enjoyable.
December 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijiks. Now that was a good book! I really enjoyed this one and it kept me entertained the whole way through. This is a story about revenge and the plot was planned out very well. It is suspenseful and full of many twists. Some parts that I had figured out on my own...well, I was wrong! It was an easy read and I really liked this one. I would definitely recommend it to others. I gave it a 5 star rating.
March 4, 2024
3 1/2 stars
This UK psychological thriller was a wild ride. None of the characters are likable, so really I didn't much care for what happened to them. However, Leonie was the one I felt worst for. I guess she's not 100% horrible, but she's the one who did the horrible thing at the beginning. She was 16 and only following the instructions of her father in the aftermath, and she is consumed by guilt, but just not enough to have done something about it.
I do enjoy a book where every character is horrible and you hate them, but for some reason this one didn't fully click with me. I enjoyed how it ended. The plot was great. The characters fully developed (enough for the story being told), but I'm not sure what it is about it that just never fully pushed me over the edge of loving it.
The narrators (Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch) did a wonderful job with making the men seem condescending and horrible and the women just naïve and gullible.
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This UK psychological thriller was a wild ride. None of the characters are likable, so really I didn't much care for what happened to them. However, Leonie was the one I felt worst for. I guess she's not 100% horrible, but she's the one who did the horrible thing at the beginning. She was 16 and only following the instructions of her father in the aftermath, and she is consumed by guilt, but just not enough to have done something about it.
I do enjoy a book where every character is horrible and you hate them, but for some reason this one didn't fully click with me. I enjoyed how it ended. The plot was great. The characters fully developed (enough for the story being told), but I'm not sure what it is about it that just never fully pushed me over the edge of loving it.
The narrators (Charlie Albers and Ella Lynch) did a wonderful job with making the men seem condescending and horrible and the women just naïve and gullible.
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. This is my honest opinion.
May 7, 2024
I was enjoying this book so much, great little twists and turns and I couldn’t stop reading it and then it just became rushed, unrealistic and unsatisfactory and I wished it had ended midway through!
December 13, 2023
Miranda never disappoints Another gripping thriller with well defined characters and a good character arc reveal. Leonie has a terrible secret she has kept it simce she was 16. On the surface she is fine but the secret is untangerling her. Told from 2 characters pov clever writing takes a whike to reveal their link. Then hold on tight for lots of teists and turns. Then a final one. Loved everu second a 5 star read highly recommended. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
March 3, 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscapemedia for my free arc audiobook! Also, to the author, Miranda Rijks, author of 'The Visitors' and 'What She Knew'.
First of all, I really liked the narrator, she did a great job getting into character! This was a page-turner, for real! Definitely kept me interested from page one! I would have never guessed the ending, which was a good surprise! A good psychological thriller!
Leonie is the daughter of a very wealthy family who wishes to be independent from her controlling and meddlesome family. Her parents try to make her decisions; she allows it, in order to keep the peace.
One day, Leonie meets Markus, successful and dreamy guy. They fall madly in love, or so it seems, but Markus isn't all that he appears. He has secrets and so does Leonie. As a teen, she was the driver in a car accident and killed someone, but her Dad covered it up, so she got away with it.
As wedding plans are made, sabotages start to begin. Leonie has an enemy and someone is out to make her life miserable.
Who is out to destroy Leonie and what is Markus hiding?
First of all, I really liked the narrator, she did a great job getting into character! This was a page-turner, for real! Definitely kept me interested from page one! I would have never guessed the ending, which was a good surprise! A good psychological thriller!
Leonie is the daughter of a very wealthy family who wishes to be independent from her controlling and meddlesome family. Her parents try to make her decisions; she allows it, in order to keep the peace.
One day, Leonie meets Markus, successful and dreamy guy. They fall madly in love, or so it seems, but Markus isn't all that he appears. He has secrets and so does Leonie. As a teen, she was the driver in a car accident and killed someone, but her Dad covered it up, so she got away with it.
As wedding plans are made, sabotages start to begin. Leonie has an enemy and someone is out to make her life miserable.
Who is out to destroy Leonie and what is Markus hiding?
December 13, 2023
Miranda never disappoints Another gripping thriller with well defined characters and a good character arc reveal. Leonie has a terrible secret she has kept it simce she was 16. On the surface she is fine but the secret is untangerling her. Told from 2 characters pov clever writing takes a whike to reveal their link. Then hold on tight for lots of teists and turns. Then a final one. Loved everu second a 5 star read highly recommended. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
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