Every Fall

by Angela Douglas

A chilling thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Bree knew that life married to a beat cop would be tough, especially in the crime-infested city of East Bernheim, but she believes they will be fine living in 'Burner' even after she has their first child. Family life is manageable until one day, crime follows them home, threatening their safety.

At a loss for how to keep his family safe and keep his job, Jake agrees to stretch their finances and move an hour away to a bigger house in a somewhat better neighborhood. Their lives seem to improve until Bree, heavily pregnant with their second child, begins to hear voices and suffer strange nightmares. Then, when tragedy strikes on the job, Jake enters a spiral of guilt and grief that degrades his grip on reality.

Bree, isolated and struggling, must protect her children from the one person she thought would always keep them safe. She and Jake are haunted in every way, and not just by whatever is lurking inside the house. A thriller that tackles trauma and toxicity in police culture, Every Fall will have you on the edge of your seat.

"Angela Douglas writes with verve and insight in this story about family and obsession and the things that haunt us. Thought provoking and atmospheric, Every Fall pulls back the curtain of the thin blue line while simultaneously exploring the isolation of early motherhood. Tana French meets Riley Sager in all the best ways. A winner.”
— Alex Finlay, Bestselling Author of If Something Happens to Me

“A fast-paced psychological thriller that explores trauma, toxic police culture, and the different ways people can be haunted. A fresh, unique page-turner.”
— Robyn Harding, Bestselling Author of The Haters

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Horror, Ebooks

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2025

About the author

Angela Douglas is a Canadian author who lives in the Okanagan region of British Columbia with her husband and kids. She writes thrillers and creative non-fiction. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio with her bulldog, Frankie, writing her next book. Her debut EVERY FALL comes out January 2025, and THE BONE TRAIL in June 2026.

Reviews

[manas (traveling) · Rating 3 out of 5]

➳ 3 ☆

thank you to netgalley for the arc.

please check your TW/CW for this book.

this story follows a woman named bree, who is married to a cop. she believes she is fine and safe, until crime starts to follow her family home. jake decides to move and while their lives are adjusting and bree is pregnant with their second baby, there is a tragedy that strikes that leaves jake to spiral.

this was a really fun and quick thriller read to get into. there is a little aspect of a horror element that is in this book and i found that to be interesting as well. the plot and the story is quite grounded and there aren't too many outlandish twists or reveals, making this an adequate and facile read.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hard-hitting thriller/police procedural novel that kept me on the edge of my seat, Every Fall is hard to describe. With a dark and gritty plot, deftly crafted dual POVs, and a realistic police vibe, I was easily won over early on in the novel despite a somewhat slow burn beginning. Once Bree and Jake moved to the ‘burbs, however, the pace quickly picked up speed right along with a ratcheting sense of foreboding that quite simply gave me oodles of chills. Add in the unreliable narrator(s) and a potentially paranormal element, and I couldn’t have ripped through the pages faster if I tried. In fact, I read it in less than 24 hours as I could NOT put it down.

As for the characters, they were mostly top-notch although I do have to say that there were moments when the protagonists felt decidedly over-the-top. Looking back after all of the shocking reveals, though, and I quickly realized that they couldn’t have been more realistic to my eye. I can’t say anything more, just know that the stress that both of these individuals were under could be triggering to be sure. So if this is something that just might concern you, I highly recommend that you check out my content warning at the end of this review. After all, while some were somewhat vague, there were others that were graphic in every sense of the word.

The plot itself was ultimately a fast-paced rollercoaster ride punctuated by authentic police scenes that could have been pulled straight out of the Cops TV series. Unflinchingly vivid while also showing the toxic side to police culture, it was both hard to read while also giving me the sense of being a fly on the wall. About a third of the way through the book, however, the story shifted to a more hardline thriller plot that quite simply blew me away. Multilayered and filled with deep, thought-provoking themes, I believe it would be equally suited for lovers of domestic suspense or psychological thrillers. I mean, it was a definite home run for me.

All said and done, I now completely understand why my friends with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one to no end. Well-plotted, original, and with one doozy of a complex, unlikeable character, I’m now ready and waiting for whatever Ms. Douglas comes up with next. You see, her ingenious insights into human nature on top of the creepy and atmospheric feel made me a fan of this debut novelist in no time at all. So, if you haven’t guessed it by now, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing the book ASAP. After all, if you like a glimpse at evil from the safety of your own home, this is definitely the one for you. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Bree knew that life married to a beat cop would be tough, especially in the crime-infested city of East Bernheim, but she believes they will be fine living in "the Burner" even after she has their first child. Family life is manageable until one day crime follows them home, threatening their safety. 

At a loss of how to keep his family safe and keep his job, Jake agrees to stretch their finances and move an hour away, to a bigger house in a somewhat better neighborhood. Their life seems to improve until Bree, heavily pregnant with their second child, begins to hear voices and suffer strange dreams. And then when tragedy strikes on the job, Jake enters a spiral of guilt and grief that degrades his grip on reality.

Thank you to Angela Douglas and Rising Action Publishing Co. for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: January 28, 2025

Content warning: domestic violence, drug use, postpartum depression, pregnancy, death in the line of duty, alcohol abuse, infidelity, breaking and entering, suicide, PTSD

[Brandon Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took a bit to get into, as I struggled with the dual 1st person POV and the overall tone/writing style, but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed it! This was INCREDIBLY dark at times. Like, in very graphic in unexpected ways.

Story wise, it’s like equal parts family drama, brutal cop thriller, and sorta potential, is-this-house-haunted-or-am-I-losing-it vibes, and it all combined to create an absolutely crazy, over the top (but fun even though it was sometimes corny) reading experience.

Maybe 3.5 ⭐️. I felt like the character’s behaviors kinda changed per chapter, and tonally it seemed as if it kinda seesawed, but that’s only because there was ALOT happening in this one. I still recommend but yeah I’ve got whiplash a bit 😂 !

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! 🌟 A huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC! I couldn't stop listening to Every Fall by Angela Douglas, narrated by Andi Arndt and George Newbern! 🎧💥 This thriller had me on the edge of my seat from the first page, and wow, the narrators totally brought it to life!

Bree and Jake's story is intense! She thought life with a beat cop would be tough, but when crime follows them home, things get seriously dark. The dual POVs between Bree and Jake are gripping—both Andi and George do an AMAZING job capturing the tension and raw emotions. 🎙️✨ Bree's struggles felt so real, and I was with her every step of the way, especially as things got creepy with the house. Seriously, the tension was STRONG.

There are some super intense moments in this one, both emotionally and physically. The dark side of police culture, family trauma, and maybe some paranormal vibes kept me guessing. 🏚️ The pacing is fast, and the story has this constant vibe of "what's going to happen next?!", which had me binge-listening! 📚⚡

I did feel a little bit of whiplash in some parts because the tone would shift dramatically, but honestly, it just added to the thrill and suspense! The writing is dark and gritty, and the narrators absolutely nailed the delivery of the tension. 👏

Highly recommend if you're into dark thrillers with a touch of the eerie and unpredictable. Definitely had my heart racing! Can't wait to see what Angela Douglas comes up with next! 💫

CW: postpartum depression, spousal abuse, infidelity, violence, opioids, and death.

💡 P.S. The narrators' performances are next-level! If you're an audiobook lover, don't miss this one! 🎧

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say! When I read this, I devoured it in TWO DAYS!!! This thing was so incredibly hard to put down! Everyone at @thrillerbookloversthepulse is going mad over this one!!

Bree and Jake are married couple living the life with a toddler. However, life begins to become a struggle with Jake as a police officer in a rough city.

One day his job follows him home and their lives are now in danger. They then find an opportunity in a better home away from the city. Will the move be just what they needed? Or is something more sinister about to take over?

This story was a thriller with some horror elements sprinkled in. The new house had creepy scenes that kept me on the edge. I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!

Thank you so much Angela Douglas and Rising Action Publishing for my gifted copy! Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

Release date January 28, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kaceey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being married to a cop doesn’t necessarily guarantee your safety!‍
Just beginning their marriage, Jake and Bree have already hit a rough patch. They live in a less than desirable neighborhood, raising one son with another baby on the way. Jake is a constable with the RCMP, and had the misfortune of crossing paths with the wrong criminals who are now threatening vengeance on Jake’s family.
Can I just stop here and say…I absolutely loathed Jake’s character.😡

The family packs up and moves to a home in the next neighborhood, hoping they stay far enough under the radar.
But Jake and Bree have more to fear than just the criminals. Maybe they should have looked a bit closer into the history of the house itself!

The author included a lot of issues (as mentioned in the blurb’s content warning). Maybe it was just too many? Perhaps just pick a couple and explore those more deeply?

I loved that the author is Canadian, and her storyline takes place in Canada. But do wish she would have given a bit more depth to the neighborhoods, cities and provinces.🍁

🎧I chose this audio based on the two narrators, Andi Arndt and George Newbern. And while they gave great performances the overall storyline just didn’t work for me.

I’m definitely an outlier here.🙋🏻‍♀️
Other readers had a much more positive experience so be sure to read those reviews for a balanced perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid thriller. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I like thrillers with some supernatural elements which this was. Bree didn’t know what she was getting into when she married a beat cop. She and Jake have to live in the neighborhood where he works and it is not a safe neighborhood. When the neighborhood becomes even more dangerous they risk moving to a house they find that is somehow affordable. But while the house is wonderful strange things start to happen. Bree and Jake aren’t getting along after their second child is born. The story is told in both of their perspectives. I listened to this one and thought the narration was excellent. It really helped to bring the story to life. I will admit I was expecting a bit more of a police procedural, but I enjoyed it as a supernatural thriller.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars
This is a domestic thriller that explores topics of postpartum depression and trauma. I expected some kind of big twists but this one ended up being pretty straightforward. I was disappointed because I thought there was more to this one but it ended up being quite simple.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Every Fall" fell flat for me.

WHY?
I was not the right reader for this thriller exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Unfortunately, the publisher's blurb was inaccurate.

There was no mention of "horror" and "paranormal" in the publisher's blurb.

As the book progressed, the "horror" and "paranormal" elements appeared.
😭😭😭😭

I am not a fan of the "horror" and/or "paranormal" genres.

Readers were warned upfront about domestic abuse, also not one of my favorite genres.

I selected the book because I was enticed by my two favorite narrators, Andi Arndt and George Newbern.

Both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I'm afraid this wasn't a book for me. I understand the premise of a psychological thriller but, for me, there was far too much going on in the heads of our protagonists and far too little actually spoken.

The story follows Jake and Bree as they struggle to keep their family together. They are first threatened by a gang of drug dealers and so move to a much bigger home in a better neighbourhood. However the problems continue and when tragedy strikes Jake's RCMP partner - Matthews - he begins to take it out on his wife and children. Meanwhile, the wonderful new home is turning out to be less than perfect.

Let me say first that I listened to the audio version and I really liked that the two main characters were voiced by a woman and a man - Andi Arnett and George Newbern. This, for me, sets it above a lot of recordings where men fail to do female voices and women fail to do male voices accurately. The narrators had good, clear voices and didn't over-dramatize. I enjoyed listening to them.

The story, on the other hand, was a different kettle of fish. It would have put me off joining the RCMP for life. I know other institutions have problems dealing with mental health issues but this is 2024, I'd thought we were beyond using things like this against people.

There was also far too much thinking for me. We'd have a line of action followed by a paragraph of angsty, paranoic thinking, finishing with one line of dialogue. Then back to more thinking about what had been said by the other party. Yes, everyone has times when they find it difficult to express themselves but this was a whole book of two people not communicating. It got on my nerves.

I thought the plot could have been interesting but it flailed about all over the place and was quite repetitious. I'm afraid I didn't engage with either Bree or Jake.

The book simply wasn't for me.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio advance review copy. The recording and it's narrators were excellent.

[SueCanaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book. I requested this as a Netgalley arc based only on title and cover, and immediately was drawn into the story narrated by two fine voices. I honestly did not know which genre it was and, if you are like me, you’ll be comparing this one to other authors. At times it felt in the vein of a Nat Cassidy, or a Bentley Little.

I won’t go into book details because those are available ad nauseam. I love a family and new home dynamic and that was the primary subject. The reader never quite knows where this one will land but it’s worth the ride.

All that said, be aware there are trigger warnings. If domestic v-olence and post partum d-pression trigger you, this one will be difficult.

I absolutely plan to check out more from this author.

[Jeanie ~ MyFairytaleLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good debut thriller/police procedural with elements of paranormal and horror. Merging all of these genres can be tricky, but it worked well here. George Newbern and Andi Arndt are excellent in the audiobook production. I love this cover!

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mix of thriller, paranormal, and police procedural that I haven't come across before. I thought the characters were excellent and realistic in the situations that they were going through and the ghost story added a fun twist as well. I appreciated how empathetic Douglas was toward characters that were clearly struggling with mental health issues and even included a piece in the back to address those issues and how to get help. Great book, great story, great narration.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Angela Douglas, and Dreamscape Media for my advance copy of this audiobook.

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Fall came in with a (graphic and shocking) bang and didn't let up! It was unputdownable and gave me so many emotions!

Douglas did a great job setting the plot and deepening the emotions. Bree and Jake felt like real people to me and I felt so connected to them. I related to Bree on a mom-to-mom level and it broke my heart reading her struggles and isolation. Her fear of Jake's job and the horrors he brought home with him were hard to read about and I was angry on her behalf for being kept in the dark by her husband.

I kept having mixed reactions to Jake and wanted so badly to root for him but he kept disappointing me over and over! I don't know many police officers but his unit and neighborhood seemed particularly frightening and challenging and I couldn't imagine what they were both going through.

The pacing of this novel is really great and kept me flipping me pages. It's a fairly quick read though some parts were a little graphic and tough to read.

All in all, this was a great book and I'm excited to read more by Douglas.

Thank you to THE PULSE for putting this one on my radar!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Fall is a thought provoking novel, and tackles real life issues such as PTSD and postpartum depression . I wouldn’t classify it as a thriller, but moreso domestic & family drama. The 2 narrators in the audiobook that portrayed the main characters in this novel, Bree and Jake, did a phenomenal job with these characters. The story follows Bree & Jake as they navigate through life with their small child and now another newborn, being practically newlyweds themselves. Married less than 2 years as they are still learning more and more about each other everyday. When Jake’s job as a cop becomes too much to handle emotionally and their livelihood is threatened, emotions run high and they are seeing sides of each other that didn’t even know existed. Solid read overall, the story captured me from the beginning however it did not keep me fully engaged until the end.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Bree and her police officer husband Jake are married and living in "the Burner" or East Bernheim. Every big city that has an area of town that people tend to avoid because it is rife with criminal activity - that describes the Burner. For Jake and Bree this matters more than ever because they now have a young son and fear for his safety, especially when Jake makes enemies of some local gang members that make it clear that his family is at risk. They find an older home to rent in an area that they feel is safer...until strange things begin to happen in the house. Doors are left open, lights are on, and screams can be heard when no one is there. Are they in danger in this house or are they losing their grip on reality?

Thoughts: Every Fall is an unusual book. Is it a ghost story or a novel about mental illness and domestic violence? You might find yourself still trying to figure that out at the conclusion. This was a quick read for me - tense with a supernatural element. It was interesting but uncomfortable to observe the way Jake's aggression increased while Bree retreated into a shell. I felt it was a realistic depiction even though it was unsettling to read. I appreciated the camaraderie and support of the women and the friendship they offered Bree in her time of need.

After the rollercoaster of anxiety and dread, the ending felt too easy. The topics raised in this novel were intense and messy; and they deserved a similarly complex and untidy ending.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me abs I loved her writing style. She knows how to get you right into the character's and story. Love a little haunting going on...went where I didn't see it going which I loved!!
Will definitely look for more books from this author.

Thslanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Every Fall was a fast paced book. It was filled with domestic drama, police procedurals and ghosts. Yes, yes and yes!! Now I won’t lie, Jake pissed me off more than once. He was easily unlikable, but stick with it. I get the why. You will want to read this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the #gifted copy.

[Nurse Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and DreamScape Media for the ALC!

I was very excited to start this audiobook because I’ve heard great things from trusted reviewers. I loved the dual POV, both voice actors were easy to listen to and enjoyable. The story follows a police officer/RCMP as he struggles to balance family life with work concerns. It shows the difficulty his wife has with day to day constraints placed on her husband, and her husband’s concerns dealing with the threats of criminals he arrests.

Overall, I think the book was well written and shone a light on the other side of this genre. I was disappointed because I anticipated this to be a thriller/mystery, and I feel like it lacked that completely. I didn’t mind the touch of paranormal incorporated, but again, expected a lot more oomph.

[Becky • bookmarked by becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Fall is an incredibly gripping and multi-layered book. While it's categorized as a thriller, it offers so much more with its blend of family drama, police procedural, and a touch of the paranormal.

Bree (a SAHM) and Jake (a police officer) move their family out of the crime-infested city of East Bernheim after one of Jake’s cases follows him home and threatens his family.

Jake is a complex, often unlikable, character embroiled in a world of violence, toxic police culture, his own struggles with toxic masculinity, and lingering effects of grief, all of which contribute to his mental health issues. Bree, feeling isolated from her friends and family, grapples with postpartum depression, insomnia, and a lack of coping mechanisms while being married to a first responder. Understandably, their marriage is struggling.

The new house was supposed to be a fresh start, but instead of peace, Bree and Jack are plagued by creaking floors, open windows, and mysterious footsteps. Is it all in their heads, or have the bad guys found them? Or could something supernatural be at play in their new home? These eerie occurrences add a whole new layer of suspense.

The story moves rapidly, keeping me on the edge of my seat with plenty of tension. There were moments when my heart was pounding. Douglas really brings everything together for a captivating story. I believe fans of domestic suspense or psychological thrillers will absolutely love this one.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma. Bree and Jake's lives are turned upside down when crime follows them home, leading to a series of disturbing events. As they try to protect their family, they are faced with guilt, grief, and haunting nightmares. Every Fall delves into themes of trauma and toxicity in the police force, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

This book is incredibly dark and chilling, and I absolutely loved it! The fast-paced narrative includes some paranormal elements that immediately drew me in and left me wanting more. The story, at times, was frustrating, adding a touch of reality that made the paranormal aspects feel even more plausible.

I particularly enjoyed the character development and the eerie atmosphere of the old, creepy house. These elements really enhanced the overall story and kept me engaged until the very end. The plot twists took me by surprise, but I found them to be incredibly satisfying.

I can't wait for this book to be released so that others can experience the thrill of reading it. If you enjoy trying to guess "whodunit" and appreciate unpredictable twists and turns, then this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend adding it to your "to be read" list, as it is a binge-worthy read that stands out from everything else I've read this year.

Thank you, Rising Action Publishing Co. | Rising Action for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Fall
By: Angela Douglas
Pub date: January 28, 2025
Publisher: Rising Action

A young couple who is navigating life in a crime-ridden town. East Bernheim is a town Jake works in law enforcement. He has to live within a certain distance to the community he serves. Bree had this place when they met, but now they have a child the need to be in a safer community.
One day crime comes knocking and they HAVE to move to keep their family safe.

A new neighborhood looks promising, but Jack has had a traumatic event and his mood spirals, and Bree is feeling the pressures of being a new mom and having one car. His job is now an hour away.
This novel is very detailed and had my emotions all over the place.

I felt for Bree and Jake as life because toxic and this thriller author was new to me. I will be looking for more of her work.

Thank Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse and Rising Action for this gifted e-ARC.

[Angie Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Every Fall and I could not put it down. The police procedural aspect of the book reminded me a bit of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad books so if you enjoy those, I would recommend this. The characters were interesting and well-depicted, especially Bree and her struggle with being a stay-at-home mom. I was immediately drawn into the story. About a quarter of the way into the book an element was introduced that I wasn't expecting, but I loved the inclusion of it and it made me turn the pages even faster. Highly recommend!

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Fall is eerie and atmospheric, I was completely invested in the story. A young family becomes a target of the criminal underworld as the MMC Jake is a police officer in a shady part of town. They are new parents, struggling with sleep deprivation and stress along with added concern for their safety. As odd things begin to happen, they question their sanity.

There were moments that this reminded me of The Shining, it had that same kind of scary factor, and I couldn't wait to see how it all came together.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 First off, thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC.

The narration absolutely saved this read for me. It made what ended up being a chaotic story feel much more fluid, especially with the dual perspectives. When I first started reading, it took a while to get truly invested. I knew going in that this was about a new mom married to a first responder, dealing with the challenges that come with that life, but I kept waiting for the thriller aspect to really kick in. I actually enjoyed the paranormal moments because, otherwise, the story felt kind of boring.

Now, part of this is on me. Lately, I’ve read a lot of books that focus on motherhood—the weight of it, the struggles, the domestic responsibilities, the loneliness. It’s a theme that’s been on the rise in both fiction and domestic thrillers, and Every Fall felt repetitive in comparison to similar stories already out there. I was waiting for it to differentiate itself, and while the horror elements had promise, I wish they had been introduced sooner and weren’t so rushed by the end.

The story itself is fine. We follow a husband and wife with a young child, expecting their second, while dealing with a move meant to protect them from potential retaliation linked to one of the husband’s cases. They’re also grieving the loss of his partner. But the issue is…I just didn’t care about what was happening to this family. There wasn’t enough background on the supposed threat to make me feel like they were ever truly in danger. And when they move into their new home, it’s blatantly obvious something isn’t right—from how fast the sale happened to the neighbors warning them about creepy things happening there. Yet, they ignore every red flag.

I think the author was trying to show how people rationalize ignoring warning signs, but there were just so many poor decisions that the story would’ve ended a lot sooner if the couple had simply communicated better. The husband spends most of the book drinking himself into oblivion, resenting his wife for having another baby, while she tiptoes around him, feeling trapped in her own marriage. I get that this dynamic can be compelling, but it’s also something I’ve seen done so many times before. Unhappy wife, unhappy husband, husband seeks comfort elsewhere, wife struggles with motherhood—it just didn’t stand out.

For most of the book, I was waiting for the paranormal aspect to really elevate the tension, but it never quite got there. It also felt like there were too many things going on while somehow also not enough happening at the same time. I’m torn between a 2.5 and 3-star rating—not because it was bad, but because nothing about it really stood out.

Honestly, the most memorable part of the book was Tammy—another cop’s wife who the protagonist is told to avoid for no clear reason. Instead, she ends up being the wife’s closest confidante. I wish Tammy had been the villain or that her role had been explored further. It just felt like a throwaway plot point. But I will say, her narration was spot on and made her character unforgettable. The narrators truly carried this book, and I’ll definitely be checking out future projects they work on.

[.Chelsey. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Fall held my attention from start to finish. I loved the dual POV and it’s not something I see a lot in the mystery/thriller genre. Douglas did an awesome job with consistency throughout the book, without giving any of the plot away. I’m not usually a paranormal fan, but I enjoyed how Every Fall had different dimensions going on that aspect blended in so well.
One a last thing, was the mental health aspect was realistic which I really appreciated.

Thank you the NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the early read! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

[ScrambledMeggsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This book was unputdownable from start to finish, the mix of thriller, paranormal, police procedural all of it was so good. I will say at some parts it felt a bit repetitive but overall very good!

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 1 out of 5]

GR ate my original review… trying again:

The description didn’t mention paranormal themes; I do not like haunted house stories and found myself annoyed when the story went in that direction. I kept reading because I was interested in the new experience of being in a police family.

Sadly I was turned off by very tired stories (eg men philandering) and dumb characters doing dumb things on repeat 🥱 .

The book then became so over the top and nuts by the end that I wished I hadn’t read it at all. There were also cartoon villains and long winded confessions that made me want to poke my eyes out.

In keeping with a promise I made last year, i will continue to give 1-Star ratings for any story where a childless woman or orphan/adopted person is made into a villain or a sociopath because she/he is infertile or lonely or whatever etc. That said, the book wouldn’t get above a 2 for me anyway.

Thanks netgalley

SUMMARY: MC is married to a cop. They have a 1yo. They also live in a high crime place. When local criminals make threats on the cops family, they move an hour away. Neither of them does any research on the new area or the new house. There are some red flags but they’re ignored

Turns out the house is haunted. Weird things happen. There’s a friendly-ish ghost.

This isn’t the MCs real problem though. Her marriage starts to crumble. Other things happen that make it worse. Husband is in decline. The bad guys are still after the family. Husband makes bad choices. Wife is suspect. Things go down in flames, quite literally. Crazy maniacal character comes out. Makes big confessions. Somebody saves the day. They all live happily with side note about mental health at the end.

As a devout Karin slaughter fan I can’t comprehend how this is marketed to her readers.

[Ashley_books_cats_judo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty dark in exploring mental health, trauma, toxic police culture and also had some seemingly paranormal twists.

This town of East Bernheim is the Canadian equivalent of the town Black Harbor in the series by Hannah Morrissey. It feels like every criminal and every bad thing happens in the town.

Jake Stone is a constable with the RCMP and when he’s involved in a case with a gang, his work starts following him home and putting his wife Bree and his son in danger. They decide to move further away but there’s some stories about the house they rented and weird things start happening. Between work and a small child, both Bree and Jake aren’t getting enough sleep so you keep wondering if it’s all in their heads, if it’s paranormal or if a gang member is trying to break in.

There are a lot of triggers in this book & would urge you to seek them out if needed before reading.

I really enjoyed the audiobook version & the 2 narrators. It kept the change in perspectives really clear.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Dreamscape media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review

[Ranjini Shankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up. This is one of the strangest thrillers I’ve read because there’s no real plot except watching the impact of PTSD on a cop and his family and yet it is extremely addicting because I had no idea where it was going. It’s not really a mystery and I suppose it could be classified as a thriller but it frankly felt more of a character driven book than plot driven.

Bree is married to a beat cop but when she and her kid are threatened by someone her husband arrested they realize they need to move and get a fresh start. However, with PPD, a potentially haunted house and a distant husband, Bree feels like she is slowly losing her grasp on reality

It’s a very raw book. The emotions around PPD and PTSD are real and difficult and Douglas has really brought them to life in these characters. I knew without a doubt that she must have had personal experiences in order to write something so authentic. However I have mixed emotions about a lack of real plot because I do feel like it could have used a bit of mystery but with how fast I read it, maybe it isn’t actually needed