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Maggie
Gavin and Courtney couldn’t be more in love. With the perfect family, the perfect house, and the perfect life, the hard times are far behind them. Their perfect existence is threatened when Maggie, a woman from Gavin’s childhood, starts to insert herself into their life. Blinded by her innocent demeanor, Gavin and Courtney welcome the intrusion. But what Maggie has planned for them is far more sinister than they could’ve ever imagined.Maggie by Whitney Mayoral is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark depths of obsession, denial, and the lengths someone will go to possess what they desire.
296 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2024
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 7, 2024
2.5 stars, I really feel the writing and editing could use some work. The story felt very stiff and repetitive. The husband was just an idiot. I felt for a thriller , there was no surprise everything was literally spelled out for you, no guessing. It felt a little juvenile and underwelming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Gavin and Courtney are the perfect couple. Their lives get turned upside down when Maggie enters their world. Get sucked into this psychological thriller and be prepared to do absolutely nothing so you can finish this book!!! Phenomenal, well written, thrilling and gut wrenching!!! Absolutely loved it!!!!
October 23, 2024
I found this book and author on Tiktok. I genuinely wanted to love it! But by about 30 pages in I knew it wasn’t going to be for me. I decided to power through only because a friend and I were doing a buddy read! This book was poorly written. It felt very much like a high school paper. I had issues with every single character. None of them were likeable. The children’s POVs were unnecessary and felt like a filler to get words on the page. I genuinely disliked how the author brought up mentally/verbally abusing children MULTIPLE times. I think she was trying to convey how unhinged Maggie was, but there are plenty of ways to write that in without involving child abuse. The whole story line just seemed off and not realistic. I really don’t see anyone being so idiotic that they actually romantically involve themself with their stalker after your wife is brutally murdered. Also the major plot hole at the end where all of a sudden the knife reappeared?! How in the world do you miss that in editing? I’m sorry I just do not recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
Love, laughter, desire, stalker, torment, unhinged.
Oh my Whitney had me on the edge of my seat a couple of times with this book.
So many books lately the story has been so predictable but not Maggie. I was shocked multiple times and it made it all the more complicated.
In this book you have POV’s from all the main characters and it really helped you understand the characters as well as their personalities. It also ensured you weren’t missing anything g throughout the whole book.
Would 100% recommend
Oh my Whitney had me on the edge of my seat a couple of times with this book.
So many books lately the story has been so predictable but not Maggie. I was shocked multiple times and it made it all the more complicated.
In this book you have POV’s from all the main characters and it really helped you understand the characters as well as their personalities. It also ensured you weren’t missing anything g throughout the whole book.
Would 100% recommend
June 13, 2024
I heard about this book from the author herself on TikTok and was so intrigued! There are things I liked and did not like about this book.
I liked the quick chapters and the alternating POVs - this is definitely a fast paced book and despite it being almost 300 pages it felt like a quick read!
The villain, Maggie, is absolutely UNHINGED which was very entertaining and had me hooked wondering what the hell this crazy lady was going to do next.
Our main characters Courtney and Gavin are a married couple who recognize that Maggie is obsessed with and essentially stalking Gavin. Courtney confronts Maggie continuously and ends up dead but the cops cannot determine who killed Courtney.
GAVIN ENDS UP DATING MAGGIE (Gavin’s life choices in this book are mostly infuriating to say the least) and he slowly starts to see the true Maggie. His children help uncover some of her secrets which unravels her dream life with Gavin.
Ok so big spoilers here and reasons this book is 3 stars for me:
Maggie kills Courtney by stabbing her and the author has a scene after the murder that describes Maggie throwing the knife into a body of water. Towards the end of the book, Gavin’s children discover Maggie’s storage unit where they find a knife, jewelry, and other items Maggie should not have. We are told the knife is the murder weapon - that plot inconsistency is huge in my opinion.
The banter between all characters in this book is cringey - especially the flirty banter. It didn’t flow the greatest and just almost made me uncomfortable reading it.
Courtney, Gavin, and Maggie attend the same church - there is frequent mentioning of prayer, loving Jesus etc. there was even a chapter where the characters went from meeting with the pastor and all of a sudden a spicy scene is thrown in. The entire religious component seemed bizarre, fake/fraud-like which was maybe the author’s intent since it was mostly Maggie who was deemed as a Jesus-loving Christian who worked for the church and Maggie is obviously a psychotic murderer 🫣
Any book with dog deaths is going to not sit right with me.
Overall, I would MAYBE recommend this.
I liked the quick chapters and the alternating POVs - this is definitely a fast paced book and despite it being almost 300 pages it felt like a quick read!
The villain, Maggie, is absolutely UNHINGED which was very entertaining and had me hooked wondering what the hell this crazy lady was going to do next.
Our main characters Courtney and Gavin are a married couple who recognize that Maggie is obsessed with and essentially stalking Gavin. Courtney confronts Maggie continuously and ends up dead but the cops cannot determine who killed Courtney.
GAVIN ENDS UP DATING MAGGIE (Gavin’s life choices in this book are mostly infuriating to say the least) and he slowly starts to see the true Maggie. His children help uncover some of her secrets which unravels her dream life with Gavin.
Ok so big spoilers here and reasons this book is 3 stars for me:
Maggie kills Courtney by stabbing her and the author has a scene after the murder that describes Maggie throwing the knife into a body of water. Towards the end of the book, Gavin’s children discover Maggie’s storage unit where they find a knife, jewelry, and other items Maggie should not have. We are told the knife is the murder weapon - that plot inconsistency is huge in my opinion.
The banter between all characters in this book is cringey - especially the flirty banter. It didn’t flow the greatest and just almost made me uncomfortable reading it.
Courtney, Gavin, and Maggie attend the same church - there is frequent mentioning of prayer, loving Jesus etc. there was even a chapter where the characters went from meeting with the pastor and all of a sudden a spicy scene is thrown in. The entire religious component seemed bizarre, fake/fraud-like which was maybe the author’s intent since it was mostly Maggie who was deemed as a Jesus-loving Christian who worked for the church and Maggie is obviously a psychotic murderer 🫣
Any book with dog deaths is going to not sit right with me.
Overall, I would MAYBE recommend this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
I was really excited for this book! I had such high hopes..
The POVs:
Noah and Leah's POVs were essentially surplus. I think the author was trying to give some details about them with their POVs, but the scenes she chose to write didn't pertain to the plot or add anything. Leah's POV doesn't become important until the last couple of chapters.
Maggie's POV should have been told in the third person. Knowing all of Maggie's thoughts and motivations killed any chance at suspense or thrill that this book could have had. Not to mention, the treatment of and inner monologues about her kids were totally unnecessary to the plot. We already know Maggie is a terrible person, and I believe the author added the abuse of her children to further show that, however, it was unnecessary, and there was no trigger warning.
Gavin: What an absolute dumb ass. I had absolutely no sympathy for this idiot after about 90 pages.
Time jumps and continuity:
It is mentioned that Maggie has been obsessed with Gavin since they were young. However, there is no catalyst/event in the story to cause her to take her obsession to the next level. If the crazy stalker has been obsessed since childhood, this story should have taken place around the time Gavin met Courtney, not at a random time 20 years into their marriage, after both he and Maggie had had kids.
The time jumps later in the story came out of nowhere. There was no conclusion to Part 1 of the story to go into Part 2, or even indication that there was a part 2 coming. The plot needed to jump ahead a year and so it did.
As far as the conclusion to the story.. I won't spoil but there is a HUGE plot hole, and it's very anticlimactic. And honestly I don't know what took Leah so long to start looking into things. One year is a long time to let it go and then start up again.
This book overall felt like a first draft, and at many points felt just plain lazy, whether that be the editing or the writing. The continuous use of the word 'literally' outside of dialogue was also very jarring and felt juvenile.
Overall, it was not an enjoyable read and I switched from trying to like it and understand it to "hate reading" it around page 145.
The POVs:
Noah and Leah's POVs were essentially surplus. I think the author was trying to give some details about them with their POVs, but the scenes she chose to write didn't pertain to the plot or add anything. Leah's POV doesn't become important until the last couple of chapters.
Maggie's POV should have been told in the third person. Knowing all of Maggie's thoughts and motivations killed any chance at suspense or thrill that this book could have had. Not to mention, the treatment of and inner monologues about her kids were totally unnecessary to the plot. We already know Maggie is a terrible person, and I believe the author added the abuse of her children to further show that, however, it was unnecessary, and there was no trigger warning.
Gavin: What an absolute dumb ass. I had absolutely no sympathy for this idiot after about 90 pages.
Time jumps and continuity:
It is mentioned that Maggie has been obsessed with Gavin since they were young. However, there is no catalyst/event in the story to cause her to take her obsession to the next level. If the crazy stalker has been obsessed since childhood, this story should have taken place around the time Gavin met Courtney, not at a random time 20 years into their marriage, after both he and Maggie had had kids.
The time jumps later in the story came out of nowhere. There was no conclusion to Part 1 of the story to go into Part 2, or even indication that there was a part 2 coming. The plot needed to jump ahead a year and so it did.
As far as the conclusion to the story.. I won't spoil but there is a HUGE plot hole, and it's very anticlimactic. And honestly I don't know what took Leah so long to start looking into things. One year is a long time to let it go and then start up again.
This book overall felt like a first draft, and at many points felt just plain lazy, whether that be the editing or the writing. The continuous use of the word 'literally' outside of dialogue was also very jarring and felt juvenile.
Overall, it was not an enjoyable read and I switched from trying to like it and understand it to "hate reading" it around page 145.
January 6, 2025
"Maggie" was just what I needed for a snowy day read. It was a fun thriller that kept me wanting more. Great job Whitney!
August 17, 2024
Wow
Oh my goodness this book is exciting and very entertaining.. I read it in 2 days , it does have a lot of short chapters but it's so good you don't even notice.. I was in my feelings the entire time reading this book and wanted to cry scream and even throw it lol .. so definitely a 5star read. it does has smut and I would check trigger warnings
But I recommend it very very good read
Oh my goodness this book is exciting and very entertaining.. I read it in 2 days , it does have a lot of short chapters but it's so good you don't even notice.. I was in my feelings the entire time reading this book and wanted to cry scream and even throw it lol .. so definitely a 5star read. it does has smut and I would check trigger warnings
But I recommend it very very good read
June 27, 2024
WOW! Had me hooked from the beginning.
WOW! Loved! Fell in the with all of the characters, even the ones I hated. I really loved the multiple pov across the characters, it really brought you into each of their minds.
WOW! Loved! Fell in the with all of the characters, even the ones I hated. I really loved the multiple pov across the characters, it really brought you into each of their minds.
May 2, 2024
I grabbed this book at my local small used bookstore and figured I would give it a try. It was slow and I felt like not my kind of book at the beginning I almost put it down. I am glad I didn't! It picked up pace and kept me interested until the end. Even though you knew what happened I kept reading to know how it was all going to end!
September 8, 2024
Maggie is an unhinged special kind of nutters
So this book is a psychological thriller /romantic obsession that centers around a married pair Gavin, our space cadet dim bulb MMC, Courtney his wife , his family (2kids) and their stalker / nut case Sunday school teacher Maggie. Maggie has had a long time romantic obsession for Gavin and decides Courtney needs to go so that she can get all of his attention and love.
I will say there are some serious triggers in this book some but not limited to child verbal abuse and animal death/cruelty. So please read your trigger warnings. Secondly, I did find a major plot hole at the end of this book that I have since spoken to the author about and she said sorry it just wasn’t caught in editing and that’s totally fine. This is one of if not her first book and for a thriller it was good had suspenseful moments .
I personally did not enjoy the way it ended the build up seemed to fall flat for me but that will not stop me from reading the books she has released since which are twisted pearls, last fix and Maya’s secret. I will continue to support this author and watch her grow.
So this book is a psychological thriller /romantic obsession that centers around a married pair Gavin, our space cadet dim bulb MMC, Courtney his wife , his family (2kids) and their stalker / nut case Sunday school teacher Maggie. Maggie has had a long time romantic obsession for Gavin and decides Courtney needs to go so that she can get all of his attention and love.
I will say there are some serious triggers in this book some but not limited to child verbal abuse and animal death/cruelty. So please read your trigger warnings. Secondly, I did find a major plot hole at the end of this book that I have since spoken to the author about and she said sorry it just wasn’t caught in editing and that’s totally fine. This is one of if not her first book and for a thriller it was good had suspenseful moments .
I personally did not enjoy the way it ended the build up seemed to fall flat for me but that will not stop me from reading the books she has released since which are twisted pearls, last fix and Maya’s secret. I will continue to support this author and watch her grow.
October 10, 2024
Whitney Mayoral is at it again, out with another psychological thriller, Maggie, published earlier this year. This story follows Gavin and Courtney, a perfect couple living the perfect life with their two kids, Noah and Leah. Their lives quickly get uprooted after Maggie, a seemingly perfect church girl, starts to show her affection for Gavin and inserts herself into their lives at any opportunity. This story switches between each characters POV’s, and with the short chapters, the story is easy to follow, making this a one sitting page turner. The introduction of Maggie’s character was well paced, really adding to the suspense of her unhinged behavior while not completely overwhelming the readers. And let me tell you, this chick is crazy. Maggie’s POV was especially fun to read, trying to understand the mind of someone so capable of the things that she pulled off. There were some twists that had my jaw hitting the floor, and I mean literally. With this story hitting all of your emotions, Mayoral loves her plots twists and I’m here for it.
April 8, 2024
I didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. I've been listening to true crime podcasts a lot lately, so I thought I'd give this 'Stalker Romance' a try, despite not being too much of a romance fan. The writing flowed really well, and especially in the last half of the book, I wasn't able to put it down. The story was told with multiple points of view, which I wasn't sure of at first, but it ended up being very effective; each scene was important with moving the plot forward and it gave a good picture of everything that was happening. I loved hearing things from the point of view of the stalker, especially. The author did a great job at making her hateable yet somewhat relatable. It's really interesting to get into the head of a disturbed individual. Great read.
May 17, 2024
This is my first stalker book where the girl is actually the obsessed stalker.
I like the multiple pov within the family and how they all kinda see Maggie but like brush her off.. they don't seem threatened by her. (Bad decision on their part)
This lady mann... certified a1 crazy.
The amount of times I yelled THIS BITCH or said WTF. The story is well thought out, the characters are relatable. (exceptfor maggie she is a psycho) i love courtney her character is who i connect with. She is a giver and she fights for her family. The spice is 2.5 but the plot is definitely a solid 4. This book was a wild ride. Twist I didn't expect and an ending that was fitting. very well done. I will be looking into other work done by this author.
I like the multiple pov within the family and how they all kinda see Maggie but like brush her off.. they don't seem threatened by her. (Bad decision on their part)
This lady mann... certified a1 crazy.
The amount of times I yelled THIS BITCH or said WTF. The story is well thought out, the characters are relatable. (exceptfor maggie she is a psycho) i love courtney her character is who i connect with. She is a giver and she fights for her family. The spice is 2.5 but the plot is definitely a solid 4. This book was a wild ride. Twist I didn't expect and an ending that was fitting. very well done. I will be looking into other work done by this author.
May 29, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Maggie by Whitney Mayoral is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story revolves around Gavin and Courtney, and their two children, Noah and Leah. Their seemingly perfect life is upended when Maggie enters the scene, stalking Gavin and revealing herself to be dangerously unhinged.
The plot is a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The suspense is palpable, and even though you sense something is amiss, the author expertly maintains the mystery until the very end.
The story's fast pace, well-written characters, and relentless tension make it a fun and gripping read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller with a little bit of spice.
Maggie by Whitney Mayoral is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story revolves around Gavin and Courtney, and their two children, Noah and Leah. Their seemingly perfect life is upended when Maggie enters the scene, stalking Gavin and revealing herself to be dangerously unhinged.
The plot is a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The suspense is palpable, and even though you sense something is amiss, the author expertly maintains the mystery until the very end.
The story's fast pace, well-written characters, and relentless tension make it a fun and gripping read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller with a little bit of spice.
April 18, 2024
this book had me on the edge.
I Loved it. I felt Leah struggle with it all and how much her gut was just telling her what was right in front of her. And Gavin well him I wanted to punch most of the book because he reminded me of my husband and how trustworthy and friendly they are that sometimes they can’t see something even if it smacks them right in the face but his love for Courtney I felt that immensely as her love for him. I loved how real they felt to me. Such a good read.
I Loved it. I felt Leah struggle with it all and how much her gut was just telling her what was right in front of her. And Gavin well him I wanted to punch most of the book because he reminded me of my husband and how trustworthy and friendly they are that sometimes they can’t see something even if it smacks them right in the face but his love for Courtney I felt that immensely as her love for him. I loved how real they felt to me. Such a good read.
July 24, 2024
I was invested quickly. Story and characters are relatable and you feel each one. I was sad and angry and into my feels so much in the book as I read through the pages like wanting more. I also don’t want to give anything away but when you get to the scene (and once you read it you’ll know what I mean) you are absolutely gutted and want nothing more than to keep reading. What an awesome story with twists and turns that kept me engaged and rooting for the characters. Can’t wait to read her next book I’ve already purchased.
December 17, 2024
Dark Obsessions!
Maggie by Whitney Mayoral is a wild psychological thriller that shows how far a deranged and delusional person will go. Courtney and Gavin are two love birds with the perfect family until their church member friend, Maggie rears her ugly head. I truly despised Maggie and she gave me Hand That Rocks the Cradle vibes. I also constantly rolled my eyes at Gavin’s naivety and cluelessness. Maggie was an entertaining and gut wrenching psychological thriller that will make you think twice before befriending anyone.
Maggie by Whitney Mayoral is a wild psychological thriller that shows how far a deranged and delusional person will go. Courtney and Gavin are two love birds with the perfect family until their church member friend, Maggie rears her ugly head. I truly despised Maggie and she gave me Hand That Rocks the Cradle vibes. I also constantly rolled my eyes at Gavin’s naivety and cluelessness. Maggie was an entertaining and gut wrenching psychological thriller that will make you think twice before befriending anyone.
April 27, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing such a great read. With just the right amount of laughter, desire, stalker, torment, love, unhinged. Books that get me really interested in getting into the head of a disturbed individual. Whitney you created such a great book One of my favorites I have read this year! love that it had me a=n the edge of my seat many times. 5stars Highy recommend people to read this book. I will be reading her there book next. Which am so excited for.
May 2, 2024
suspense!
This story follows Gavin and Courtney and their 2 children Noah and Leah. In comes Maggie who basically stalks Gavin and turns out to be crazy! This book is a rollercoaster and moves a bit slow in the beginning but then hits a high in the middle and then leaves us with the ending we needed.
I would give it 4 stars for story and plot and 1 spice pepper.
I enjoyed it very much!
This story follows Gavin and Courtney and their 2 children Noah and Leah. In comes Maggie who basically stalks Gavin and turns out to be crazy! This book is a rollercoaster and moves a bit slow in the beginning but then hits a high in the middle and then leaves us with the ending we needed.
I would give it 4 stars for story and plot and 1 spice pepper.
I enjoyed it very much!
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April 19, 2024DNF at 35%
Date: 4/19/24
Was asked to review this book but I had trouble getting into it. Is told from multiple points of view, which I tend to like. Wasn’t really compelled by the story like I hoped, and the story felt a little stiffer than I anticipated! Just could not get into the story at all.
Will not rate since I don’t think I was able to appreciate the whole story!
Date: 4/19/24
Was asked to review this book but I had trouble getting into it. Is told from multiple points of view, which I tend to like. Wasn’t really compelled by the story like I hoped, and the story felt a little stiffer than I anticipated! Just could not get into the story at all.
Will not rate since I don’t think I was able to appreciate the whole story!
May 1, 2024
3.5! I gave her first book a 2.5 because of editing. Storyline was good but editing needed help.
Growth in this second book! Both writer and editor did so good! Editor missed a few things later in the book. But for a new writer. I am eager to read her next book and watch this writer and her stories grow!
Growth in this second book! Both writer and editor did so good! Editor missed a few things later in the book. But for a new writer. I am eager to read her next book and watch this writer and her stories grow!
May 3, 2024
Wow. This book had me shocked, heartbroken, and wanting to throat punch this psycho.
I was not expecting this to take a turn the way it did.
Maggie is a close friend of Gavin and Courtney.
After a while she becomes a little obsessive and inserts herself into the lives of Gavin and Courtney’s family.
One day she takes it a step too far. But nobody suspects her.
Until the kids….
I was not expecting this to take a turn the way it did.
Maggie is a close friend of Gavin and Courtney.
After a while she becomes a little obsessive and inserts herself into the lives of Gavin and Courtney’s family.
One day she takes it a step too far. But nobody suspects her.
Until the kids….
May 25, 2024
Suspenseful stalker story with an unexpected turn. A happy, nuclear family is upended when a "friend" of the family becomes obsessed with the husband. This book is a fast read with a little bit of spice. The characters' actions had me shaking my head in a good way, and I liked the switch in perspectives.
September 3, 2024
Amazing
Oh my gosh the ride you will go on while reading this book is insane! I was hooked from the first paragraph to the last. So fast paced with a fantastic plot. I love all the characters and the details of their thoughts and lives. Highly recommend and will be reading more from this author.
Oh my gosh the ride you will go on while reading this book is insane! I was hooked from the first paragraph to the last. So fast paced with a fantastic plot. I love all the characters and the details of their thoughts and lives. Highly recommend and will be reading more from this author.
January 28, 2025
I really enjoyed Maggie, Gavin was way to easy her from start to finish and Poor Courtney, in some ways Gavin failed her. The only thing that blew my mind is when Gavin actually got with Maggie after Courtney was gone. Very good book, I really enjoyed it! Whitney did a fantastic job! If you like thrillers you’ll like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
The chapters are short easy to follow along. Hard to put down book, I finished in a day. Maggie will have you feeling bad for her yet wanting to throat punch her in the same sense. The author had my jaw on the floor when Maggie does the unthinkable. Definitely wish I could read it for the first time again! Highly recommend
April 18, 2024
A Grippingly Fantastic Read!
I truly enjoyed this book!! There was a few times I might've startled my husband when I yelled "NOOOO!" 🤣... Well thought out plot, great characters, and the villian is absolutely insane. I again look forward to more works from this author!
I truly enjoyed this book!! There was a few times I might've startled my husband when I yelled "NOOOO!" 🤣... Well thought out plot, great characters, and the villian is absolutely insane. I again look forward to more works from this author!
April 22, 2024
This book was wow. Maggie is truly a great read with some heartbreaking moments. There is a loss of life and stocking involved. There is also a bit of spice. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.I can say that Gavin is an idiot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
Maggie by Whitney Mayoral
I enjoyed this book it was a little slow at first. Then as I got in it was very good and by the end I couldn't stop reading. Had to finish it for the ending.
I enjoyed this book it was a little slow at first. Then as I got in it was very good and by the end I couldn't stop reading. Had to finish it for the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews