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Burn It All
This propulsive debut psychological thriller set in small-town Georgia explores rage, redemption, and the many layers of toxic friendship, perfect for fans of Andrea Bartz and Rachel Hawkins.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
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First published June 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 10, 2024
For possibly the first time since I started my Goodreads account, I’m not going to be providing a synopsis. I accidentally went into this book blind and, after finishing it in one sitting, I went back and read the publisher provided blurb. To be frank, I think it reveals just a bit too much. So if you haven’t read it yet, DON’T. It will be a much better ride if you’re left happily in the dark. Now on to my review…
A toxic friendship. Gasp-inducing twists. A dark and alluring plot. All of the above describes Burn It All to a T. From the compelling characters with deep backstories to the ever ratcheting suspense, this debut psychological thriller captured my attention from the very first page. Don’t get me wrong, the start was, at times, an irritating slow burn, but as the chapters flew by, so too did the pace. Twisting and turning as Thea’s secrets unraveled, this female friendship morphed and mutated until the last brilliant scene.
A character-driven plot if I’ve ever seen one, the storyline drew hypnotic character studies of these two damaged souls. Told via dual alternating POVs and timelines, the mysteries in each were utterly seductive. As unguessable secrets, damaging lies, and unthinkable betrayals came alive on the page, the well-layered plot followed in turn. I honestly don’t know the last time that I read a story with two more convincing personas. Fully fleshed out and relatable, they were a total home run.
All said and done, this propulsive plot was an unmitigated success. With uncomfortable insights into mental health such as suicide, even the more serious topics felt sincere and authentic. Through them, this thought-provoking tale provided a depth not often seen in thrillers. As for the conclusion, it couldn’t have been better. Perfectly wrapped up but also not too pat, this masterful author nailed it in one. Needless to say, if you haven’t heard of this book yet, you need to add it to your TBR ASAP. It’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Maggie Auffarth and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 4, 2024
Trigger warning: arson, suicide, infidelity, mention of: alcoholism, gambling addiction, self-harm
A toxic friendship. Gasp-inducing twists. A dark and alluring plot. All of the above describes Burn It All to a T. From the compelling characters with deep backstories to the ever ratcheting suspense, this debut psychological thriller captured my attention from the very first page. Don’t get me wrong, the start was, at times, an irritating slow burn, but as the chapters flew by, so too did the pace. Twisting and turning as Thea’s secrets unraveled, this female friendship morphed and mutated until the last brilliant scene.
A character-driven plot if I’ve ever seen one, the storyline drew hypnotic character studies of these two damaged souls. Told via dual alternating POVs and timelines, the mysteries in each were utterly seductive. As unguessable secrets, damaging lies, and unthinkable betrayals came alive on the page, the well-layered plot followed in turn. I honestly don’t know the last time that I read a story with two more convincing personas. Fully fleshed out and relatable, they were a total home run.
All said and done, this propulsive plot was an unmitigated success. With uncomfortable insights into mental health such as suicide, even the more serious topics felt sincere and authentic. Through them, this thought-provoking tale provided a depth not often seen in thrillers. As for the conclusion, it couldn’t have been better. Perfectly wrapped up but also not too pat, this masterful author nailed it in one. Needless to say, if you haven’t heard of this book yet, you need to add it to your TBR ASAP. It’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Maggie Auffarth and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 4, 2024
Trigger warning: arson, suicide, infidelity, mention of: alcoholism, gambling addiction, self-harm
April 11, 2024
This book has me unbelievably conflicted! When that happens, I slip into a pro/con mindset for the review to decipher what I feel about it. In this case, that tactic still didn’t work.
The plot of this story was decent - we have Thea and Marley, BFFs for ages, until a recent falling out. As the book starts, Thea has been found dead in a fire, and the police are thinking it’s suicide, perhaps from guilt…
There is an arsonist in their small town, and many houses have been burned to the ground. Thankfully, they were all abandoned, but this time, there was a person in it, and the police are definitely keen to find out why. Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé/Thea’s stepbrother to make sure Thea’s name is cleared. They just know there’s no way Thea was burning down houses, or that she’d kill herself. So the investigation begins…
To start, the pros:
-Marley and Thea had a long and complicated friendship, and the dynamic between the two was compelling.
-The ending of this book was fantastic, and I didn’t see any of it coming. I think everything was wrapped up quite nicely.
Then, the cons:
-This got confusing in parts with the alternate POVs mixed with alternate timelines, and usually that’s something that doesn’t bother me.
-In some parts, this got really slow. At minimum, 50 pages could have been cut from this book and it wouldn’t be much different.
This one is a wash for me - the ending was the most redeeming part and it felt like there was too much to unravel before getting there. The story was decent, but I’m not sure the execution was there. Three stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Maggie Auffarth and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 4, 2024.)
The plot of this story was decent - we have Thea and Marley, BFFs for ages, until a recent falling out. As the book starts, Thea has been found dead in a fire, and the police are thinking it’s suicide, perhaps from guilt…
There is an arsonist in their small town, and many houses have been burned to the ground. Thankfully, they were all abandoned, but this time, there was a person in it, and the police are definitely keen to find out why. Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé/Thea’s stepbrother to make sure Thea’s name is cleared. They just know there’s no way Thea was burning down houses, or that she’d kill herself. So the investigation begins…
To start, the pros:
-Marley and Thea had a long and complicated friendship, and the dynamic between the two was compelling.
-The ending of this book was fantastic, and I didn’t see any of it coming. I think everything was wrapped up quite nicely.
Then, the cons:
-This got confusing in parts with the alternate POVs mixed with alternate timelines, and usually that’s something that doesn’t bother me.
-In some parts, this got really slow. At minimum, 50 pages could have been cut from this book and it wouldn’t be much different.
This one is a wash for me - the ending was the most redeeming part and it felt like there was too much to unravel before getting there. The story was decent, but I’m not sure the execution was there. Three stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Maggie Auffarth and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 4, 2024.)
June 12, 2024
The middle laggggggggged on so much. Characters were unlikable and annoying. It wasn't bad, but I literally will never remember that I read this book in a like two days. Nothing worth noting happened or mind blowing.
June 6, 2024
Thank you to Booklist and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.
Marley Henderson used to have it all: a devoted fiancé, a coveted job in fashion, and a lifelong best friend, Thea. But after a drunken mistake in front of her whole small Georgia town, Marley loses everything. Then arson fires begin appearing all over town, and one turns deadly, taking Thea’s life. The police believe Thea herself set the fire, but Marley cannot reconcile this view of Thea with the memory of her childhood friend. Marley begins her own investigation and soon uncovers things about Thea she never knew. How close were Marley and Thea really? Did Marley ever know the real Thea? Auffarth’s debut novel is a triumph. The pace keeps the story moving while still allowing for the emotional ebbs and flows to hit hard. It unfolds through alternating POVs, both unreliable and yet sure to earn readers’ sympathy. Auffarth knits together the past and present for an exciting and unexpected ending. Perfect for fans of the intricately plotted domestic thrillers of Megan Miranda and Mary Kubica.
Marley Henderson used to have it all: a devoted fiancé, a coveted job in fashion, and a lifelong best friend, Thea. But after a drunken mistake in front of her whole small Georgia town, Marley loses everything. Then arson fires begin appearing all over town, and one turns deadly, taking Thea’s life. The police believe Thea herself set the fire, but Marley cannot reconcile this view of Thea with the memory of her childhood friend. Marley begins her own investigation and soon uncovers things about Thea she never knew. How close were Marley and Thea really? Did Marley ever know the real Thea? Auffarth’s debut novel is a triumph. The pace keeps the story moving while still allowing for the emotional ebbs and flows to hit hard. It unfolds through alternating POVs, both unreliable and yet sure to earn readers’ sympathy. Auffarth knits together the past and present for an exciting and unexpected ending. Perfect for fans of the intricately plotted domestic thrillers of Megan Miranda and Mary Kubica.
December 18, 2023
Hi,
Fair warning
I’m in one of my “moods”
I yell, shout, and fight the shower curtain.
The floor is just a little too cold for my liking and I have a bone to pick with Mother Nature for throwing a wrench in my plans with this flood!!!!
Yes, that kind of mood.
How do I fix it, you ask?
I go sniff my books.
Just kidding, I read..
I picked up one of my favorite books, poured a cup of coffee and took my bra off for the day.
It’s called an adult time out and it’s almost as nice as an adult spankin’.
Burn It All
Seriously? This is a debut? Someone must be punking me.
Maggie Auffarth, has entered the book circuit and if I have anything to say about it, she’ll be here to stay.
This book is down right thrilling and will have you anxiously awaiting what comes next. I was immediately consumed and devoured this book in one sitting.
Check out this teaser :
This propulsive debut psychological thriller set in small-town Georgia explores rage, redemption, and the many layers of toxic friendship, perfect for fans of Andrea Bartz and Rachel Hawkins.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
Fair warning
I’m in one of my “moods”
I yell, shout, and fight the shower curtain.
The floor is just a little too cold for my liking and I have a bone to pick with Mother Nature for throwing a wrench in my plans with this flood!!!!
Yes, that kind of mood.
How do I fix it, you ask?
I go sniff my books.
Just kidding, I read..
I picked up one of my favorite books, poured a cup of coffee and took my bra off for the day.
It’s called an adult time out and it’s almost as nice as an adult spankin’.
Burn It All
Seriously? This is a debut? Someone must be punking me.
Maggie Auffarth, has entered the book circuit and if I have anything to say about it, she’ll be here to stay.
This book is down right thrilling and will have you anxiously awaiting what comes next. I was immediately consumed and devoured this book in one sitting.
Check out this teaser :
This propulsive debut psychological thriller set in small-town Georgia explores rage, redemption, and the many layers of toxic friendship, perfect for fans of Andrea Bartz and Rachel Hawkins.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
June 16, 2024
WOW. What an epic, masterpiece of a thriller. I went in completely blind remembering I added this to my tbr a while ago. The bonds of friendship had me constantly questioning everything I thought. It was juicy, heartbreaking, edge of your seat and everything I love about thrillers. Highly highly recommend.
February 14, 2024
Marley, Austin and Thea had always been a trio… but when Marley makes a stupid mistake one drunken night, she loses her fiance and her best friend at the same time.
Now, after a year of trying to dodge horrible rumors all alone and being a town pariah, Marley is barely holding it together. An arsonist has been setting fires all summer and in the latest burned building, Thea’s dead body is discovered. Marley is reeling. She never got to reconcile with the girl who was like a sister to her.
It brings Marley and Austin together again when they search for answers, but it takes them deeper into what was really going on with Thea, bringing many more questions before any answers are found.
This was full of twists and the darkness of intrusive thought. I had so much fun. I was able to predict some things, but was floored by others. It was a great time.
Now, after a year of trying to dodge horrible rumors all alone and being a town pariah, Marley is barely holding it together. An arsonist has been setting fires all summer and in the latest burned building, Thea’s dead body is discovered. Marley is reeling. She never got to reconcile with the girl who was like a sister to her.
It brings Marley and Austin together again when they search for answers, but it takes them deeper into what was really going on with Thea, bringing many more questions before any answers are found.
This was full of twists and the darkness of intrusive thought. I had so much fun. I was able to predict some things, but was floored by others. It was a great time.
June 12, 2024
I have a horrible habit of guessing the endings to any book or movie. I imagine as many possible scenarios as I can and usually one of them is right but I can honestly say I did not guess this ending! Every few chapters there’s a new twist that had me constantly re-assessing who the “bad guy” is. My only critique is when you do find out who they are, I WISH THEIR LIFE WAS WORSE !!!!! But admittedly to my core, I am a hater, so no amount of suffering would ever suffice. Overall I really enjoyed how everything wrapped up. I hate loose ends and everything does ultimately come together, just not at all in the way I thought it would.
I feel like this is a book you could read multiple times and find something new each time. I would love to read it again now that I know the ending. 10/10 would recommend. I can’t wait to see what Maggie writes next!!!!!!
I feel like this is a book you could read multiple times and find something new each time. I would love to read it again now that I know the ending. 10/10 would recommend. I can’t wait to see what Maggie writes next!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
Really liked this book, lots of twists! The main reasons I didn’t give 5 stars are because it jumped timelines a bit and I sometimes didn’t know where we were at, coupled with it feeling a bit rushed at certain very important/pivotal moments. Could’ve used a little more in depth background on the characters to get more invested in them and their pain/struggles (they had a lot of them, lol). Still so good though!
July 30, 2024
this one surprised me, it was super twisty and fast paced I didn’t see most of it coming. super easy read in one sitting type of beach reach mystery
Read
September 29, 2024 Inane plot..
June 15, 2024
What a wild ride!!
June 19, 2024
It’s so fun to read a book written by someone you know personally!! Maggie did a good job with her first book and had an ending I definitely didn’t see coming.
I will say that the alternating perspectives confused me at times since Thea’s side of things were not a linear timeline and I didn’t understand why Marley’s were written as if Thea was the one reading. Overall, I enjoyed listening and would recommend to fans of the thriller genre who are prepared for dark themes
I will say that the alternating perspectives confused me at times since Thea’s side of things were not a linear timeline and I didn’t understand why Marley’s were written as if Thea was the one reading. Overall, I enjoyed listening and would recommend to fans of the thriller genre who are prepared for dark themes
June 25, 2024
Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting this review, I had a bit too much going on.
This hometown mystery centers on the story of three close childhood friends, two of whom had formed a couple and one who became increasingly odd - certainly in the confines of the small town this plays in. The two female main characters are both hurting and broken in their own way, and have grown apart, but when one is found dead in an abandoned house torched by an arsonist, law enforcement jumps to the easy conclusion. The survivor is certain they are on the wrong track and sets out to find the truth. The story is told in multiple POVs and has timeline jumps, which made following the story difficult - but worse was the heavy, depressing tone and the sluggishly slow pace. The twists were fairly predictable - overall, an interesting story that didn’t live up to its potential.
This hometown mystery centers on the story of three close childhood friends, two of whom had formed a couple and one who became increasingly odd - certainly in the confines of the small town this plays in. The two female main characters are both hurting and broken in their own way, and have grown apart, but when one is found dead in an abandoned house torched by an arsonist, law enforcement jumps to the easy conclusion. The survivor is certain they are on the wrong track and sets out to find the truth. The story is told in multiple POVs and has timeline jumps, which made following the story difficult - but worse was the heavy, depressing tone and the sluggishly slow pace. The twists were fairly predictable - overall, an interesting story that didn’t live up to its potential.
November 9, 2023
The dual pov's didn't work for my liking but I did enjoy the story that Maggie was trying to craft. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars. Not my favorite book ever but still a good one.
November 18, 2023
Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************
This propulsive debut psychological thriller set in small-town Georgia explores rage, redemption, and the many layers of toxic friendship, perfect for fans of Andrea Bartz and Rachel Hawkins.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
Now that is an extensive summation and I cannot say much beyond that except to beg you to read this book – it is expertly crafted and utterly READABLE. I could barely put it down. Highly recommended to friends, family, patrons and book clubs alike.
#shortbutsweetreviews
*******************************************************
This propulsive debut psychological thriller set in small-town Georgia explores rage, redemption, and the many layers of toxic friendship, perfect for fans of Andrea Bartz and Rachel Hawkins.
Marley Henderson is having the worst year of her life. First, a drunken mistake costs her everything, including her engagement and her closest friend, Thea. Then, a series of cruel rumors make her an outcast in the small, Georgia community she calls home. Finally, a string of vicious arsons rip through town, leaving unchecked destruction—and Thea’s body—in their wake.
To the police, the case is cut-and-dry. Thea Wright was an unstable woman with a troubled history, and, with no evidence to suggest otherwise, it seems clear that she was responsible—not only for her own death but for dozens of arsons in the months preceding it. To Marley, though, the truth is less obvious.
Reeling from the loss, Marley teams up with her ex-fiancé to uncover the truth, but the deeper she digs into the night of Thea’s death, the murkier the truth becomes, not just about the fires that have been raging through town all summer, but about the woman she thought she knew. To get to the truth, Marley will have to face Thea’s lies, as well as the darkness she thought she put behind her long ago.
Told in alternating POVs and dual timelines, Burn It All will have suspense fans flying through each twist and turn to reach the stunning conclusion.
Now that is an extensive summation and I cannot say much beyond that except to beg you to read this book – it is expertly crafted and utterly READABLE. I could barely put it down. Highly recommended to friends, family, patrons and book clubs alike.
#shortbutsweetreviews
July 17, 2024
Burn It All is the debut mystery novel of Maggie Auffarth, out now by @CrookedLaneBooks.
I'm going to start by saying that for me, this was an okay read, so I'm giving it a three star rating. Now, that doesn't mean that other readers won't love it, there were some surprising twists and there wasn't anything wrong with the writing. The plot, however, was more character-driven which made the pace slower with no real suspense, and I'd rather read a faster paced plot-driven novel. For a debut, this was a relatively good book, I just wasn't the target reader.
Now, as for the actual review. This was told in dual timelines and points of view, from Thea who has passed away and considered to be a serial arsonist and from Marley, the friend left behind trying to figure out what really happened. Are either of them reliable? Are they in the same timeline, or is one past and one present? None of the characters were likeable. From Marley to Austen, to Marley's and Thea's moms, to co-workers and friends.
The plot was somewhat interesting, but it was really less about the arson and more about the relationships between the characters, both past and present, twisting together in unseen ways. There were definitely some surprises once everything started coming together in the end.
All in all, this is a debut filled with secrets, toxic friendships, and unrealized dreams. If you enjoy more of a character study, psychological thriller then give this one a try.
Trigger warnings for alcoholism, suicide, and mentions of cutting.
Thank you to @CrookedLaneBooks and @NetGalley for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.
I'm going to start by saying that for me, this was an okay read, so I'm giving it a three star rating. Now, that doesn't mean that other readers won't love it, there were some surprising twists and there wasn't anything wrong with the writing. The plot, however, was more character-driven which made the pace slower with no real suspense, and I'd rather read a faster paced plot-driven novel. For a debut, this was a relatively good book, I just wasn't the target reader.
Now, as for the actual review. This was told in dual timelines and points of view, from Thea who has passed away and considered to be a serial arsonist and from Marley, the friend left behind trying to figure out what really happened. Are either of them reliable? Are they in the same timeline, or is one past and one present? None of the characters were likeable. From Marley to Austen, to Marley's and Thea's moms, to co-workers and friends.
The plot was somewhat interesting, but it was really less about the arson and more about the relationships between the characters, both past and present, twisting together in unseen ways. There were definitely some surprises once everything started coming together in the end.
All in all, this is a debut filled with secrets, toxic friendships, and unrealized dreams. If you enjoy more of a character study, psychological thriller then give this one a try.
Trigger warnings for alcoholism, suicide, and mentions of cutting.
Thank you to @CrookedLaneBooks and @NetGalley for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.
June 20, 2024
Maggie Auffarth’s debut psychological thriller, Burn It All, has everything I love about this genre. Told in alternating POV’s you need to pay close attention to every single word and detail. The timelines move around a bit and the chapters do not tell anything but the person whose POV it is ahead of time. It could be Marley and Thea’s early childhood; it could be very recently, and it could be growing up. And while that irks some, it made me pay attention. I loved it. Each time we took a trip back a few more pieces to the puzzle were put in place.
Marley and Thea are the same age, they grew up together – next door to each other – always partners in crime (IYKYK). Their mothers were also best friends and always had each other to lean on, to protect each other and their children. What you know about your best friend, your neighbor and the people around you may not, and is not, always the truth. Marley and Thea are so tightly woven together the pain that they feel as they grow is heartbreaking so how could they keep anything from each other? They love each other so much because they “share something unburnable at the core – a rot that has chewed them (us) both through.” Pain and conflict inside of a person is often held close to the chest so that no one knows and understands, on purpose.
What would you do for love?
What would you do for friendship?
What would you do to no longer hurt?
This is a thriller that will stay with me and I will want to talk about for a long time to come.
Marley and Thea are the same age, they grew up together – next door to each other – always partners in crime (IYKYK). Their mothers were also best friends and always had each other to lean on, to protect each other and their children. What you know about your best friend, your neighbor and the people around you may not, and is not, always the truth. Marley and Thea are so tightly woven together the pain that they feel as they grow is heartbreaking so how could they keep anything from each other? They love each other so much because they “share something unburnable at the core – a rot that has chewed them (us) both through.” Pain and conflict inside of a person is often held close to the chest so that no one knows and understands, on purpose.
What would you do for love?
What would you do for friendship?
What would you do to no longer hurt?
This is a thriller that will stay with me and I will want to talk about for a long time to come.
March 17, 2025
BOOK REPORT
I should have realized that when I put this book down voluntarily early last week to do…..something…..that it wasn’t for me.
And I _really_ should’ve realized that when I didn’t pick it up again until six days later. Now, to be fair, part of that was because I had to unexpectedly travel out of state because of a lifetime friend’s health crisis. I had no time to read while gone (not that I could’ve focused on much of anything at that point, anyway).
When I got home and picked the book back up, I had almost completely forgotten what it was about. Then I remembered, and persevered, even though I didn’t like any of the characters and found the emotions forced and overwrought and the storylines predictable.
But, hey, it’s probably because I’m old and have read stuff like this before. I’m sure a lot of people will really enjoy it.
I will say that given my recent circumstances, I did especially appreciate this passage: "Now nothing makes sense, including our whole friendship. It’s like spending your life looking at a picture, memorizing the shape of each figure and the contours of each face, only to realize later that it was upside down the whole while."
Life can sure be confusing sometimes, can’t it?
PS
Here’s an actual review of the book that I recommend you read if you’re really interested in Burn It All. It’s by a Rachel the Page-Turner: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I should have realized that when I put this book down voluntarily early last week to do…..something…..that it wasn’t for me.
And I _really_ should’ve realized that when I didn’t pick it up again until six days later. Now, to be fair, part of that was because I had to unexpectedly travel out of state because of a lifetime friend’s health crisis. I had no time to read while gone (not that I could’ve focused on much of anything at that point, anyway).
When I got home and picked the book back up, I had almost completely forgotten what it was about. Then I remembered, and persevered, even though I didn’t like any of the characters and found the emotions forced and overwrought and the storylines predictable.
But, hey, it’s probably because I’m old and have read stuff like this before. I’m sure a lot of people will really enjoy it.
I will say that given my recent circumstances, I did especially appreciate this passage: "Now nothing makes sense, including our whole friendship. It’s like spending your life looking at a picture, memorizing the shape of each figure and the contours of each face, only to realize later that it was upside down the whole while."
Life can sure be confusing sometimes, can’t it?
PS
Here’s an actual review of the book that I recommend you read if you’re really interested in Burn It All. It’s by a Rachel the Page-Turner: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 22, 2024
This is the debut novel by this author, but you'd never know it! The character development was spot on and I honestly did not expect the ending. I thought about mid way though that I might have it all figured out, even if there was a twist coming, but when it finally did, I was so shocked that I audibly gasped.
There are so many rich stories flowing underneath the main plot of "who killed Thea." And as a warning, this is not a typical happily ever after book, but that doesn't mean it's not without hope. I really appreciate how the author addresses such serious problems and doesn't just have them go away by the end of the book, magically disappearing. The very flawed characters, realizing their inner vileness and putting away the versions of themselves that they were projecting to the world, were able to move on in a more honest way.
I've never read a discussion of suicide that made me feel so uncomfortable and so in the middle of it all at the same time. It was so hard to read, as it should be.
I highly recommend this book. It's one of those that's going to stay with you for a while.
There are so many rich stories flowing underneath the main plot of "who killed Thea." And as a warning, this is not a typical happily ever after book, but that doesn't mean it's not without hope. I really appreciate how the author addresses such serious problems and doesn't just have them go away by the end of the book, magically disappearing. The very flawed characters, realizing their inner vileness and putting away the versions of themselves that they were projecting to the world, were able to move on in a more honest way.
I've never read a discussion of suicide that made me feel so uncomfortable and so in the middle of it all at the same time. It was so hard to read, as it should be.
I highly recommend this book. It's one of those that's going to stay with you for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
For a debut this is definitely a strong and engaging read. There are plenty of thrills and suspense….BUT, it does drag on a bit. I feel like it could have been about 50 pages shorter. Also, at times I got really confused with the alternating POVs and timelines-and this usually does not happen for me, but it did here. This book was good…but it was not great. I did really enjoy the characters, the plot is entertaining and moving, and the ending was excellent. There are a good amount of twists throughout, however most of them are predictable. Do I think you should read this one and decide for yourself? Heck yes. Overall, it was a fun debut, but had me feeling a tad underwhelmed. However, I will definitely keep my eye out for future books by Auffarth because she definitely has me intrigued.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Characters you love to hate
✦A good amount of twists and suspense
✦A definite slow burn
✦An engaging plot that is entertaining
✦Alternating POVs and timelines
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5
For a debut this is definitely a strong and engaging read. There are plenty of thrills and suspense….BUT, it does drag on a bit. I feel like it could have been about 50 pages shorter. Also, at times I got really confused with the alternating POVs and timelines-and this usually does not happen for me, but it did here. This book was good…but it was not great. I did really enjoy the characters, the plot is entertaining and moving, and the ending was excellent. There are a good amount of twists throughout, however most of them are predictable. Do I think you should read this one and decide for yourself? Heck yes. Overall, it was a fun debut, but had me feeling a tad underwhelmed. However, I will definitely keep my eye out for future books by Auffarth because she definitely has me intrigued.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Characters you love to hate
✦A good amount of twists and suspense
✦A definite slow burn
✦An engaging plot that is entertaining
✦Alternating POVs and timelines
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5
November 26, 2023
ARC for review. To be published June 4, 2024.
Thea Wright and Marley Henderson have been best friends since childhood. Austen is Thea’s step-brother and was the third member of their trio growing up. He eventually became Marley’s fiancé, but they recently broke off their engagement.
As the novel begins the town of Riverside has been the locale is a series of arsons. Marley has apparently cheated on Austen causing the end of their engagement and Marley and Thea stopped speaking. Now Marley is living with her mom and has no career, no friends and no real life. Then the arsonist takes a life….Thea’s. Austen and Marley want to try to clear her name.
The story is told in alternating chapters, with Marley narrating the “now” chapters and Thea doing those prior to her death. Most readers will see where this is going long before it ever gets there, but it’s not a bad book, just no surprises.
Thea Wright and Marley Henderson have been best friends since childhood. Austen is Thea’s step-brother and was the third member of their trio growing up. He eventually became Marley’s fiancé, but they recently broke off their engagement.
As the novel begins the town of Riverside has been the locale is a series of arsons. Marley has apparently cheated on Austen causing the end of their engagement and Marley and Thea stopped speaking. Now Marley is living with her mom and has no career, no friends and no real life. Then the arsonist takes a life….Thea’s. Austen and Marley want to try to clear her name.
The story is told in alternating chapters, with Marley narrating the “now” chapters and Thea doing those prior to her death. Most readers will see where this is going long before it ever gets there, but it’s not a bad book, just no surprises.
April 19, 2024
This review is based on an advance reader copy.
Burn It All is a mostly engaging mystery/thriller with a strong focus on female friendships and mother/daughter relationships. This book also tackles some tough issues such as suicide, guilt and grief. Overall, it was a good, well written book. At times it does get a bit slow. Another issue I had is that the book alternates between two different points of view, those of best friends Thea and Marley. These POVs were in different timelines that could get confusing, especially since within these different timelines the main part of a chapter could be the character reminiscing about the past, which was yet another timeline.
Overall, a bit dark but an interesting read.
Burn It All is a mostly engaging mystery/thriller with a strong focus on female friendships and mother/daughter relationships. This book also tackles some tough issues such as suicide, guilt and grief. Overall, it was a good, well written book. At times it does get a bit slow. Another issue I had is that the book alternates between two different points of view, those of best friends Thea and Marley. These POVs were in different timelines that could get confusing, especially since within these different timelines the main part of a chapter could be the character reminiscing about the past, which was yet another timeline.
Overall, a bit dark but an interesting read.
June 5, 2024
Burn It All is told from the perspectives of Theo and Marley, who have been best friends forever, like sisters really, until a few months ago when Marley made a drunken mistake and blew up their relationship. The story alternates between the past and present, doling out clues to Marley and Theo's relationship based on their history together and slowly revealing the secrets they've kept from each other, especially recently; dangerous and shocking secrets. The characters are nuanced and the story engaging, despite exploring some darker themes, like rage, grief and depression, as well as love, trust, and redemption. Auffarth's writing style is engaging and compelling, and the suspense elements are well plotted with some good twists.
December 13, 2023
Burn It All is a hometown mystery with dual POV’s and a then/now timeline. Although you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, I was immediately drawn in by the outward appearance, title & synopsis. I use reading as an escape from reality, but the heavy, depressing tone of this book took some of the enjoyment out of the reading experience. The twists were relatively predictable, and the unlikeable characters made this book hard to get into. Overall, interesting storyline that didn’t quite live up to its potential.
3 ⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
3 ⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 11, 2024
Burn It All is a story about friendship, rage, mental health, treason, prejudice, violence against women, arson and deceit. Thea and Marley are best friends since childhood, there's also Austen, Thea's step brother. The three are inseparable although each one of them is surrounding themselves with walls that will result in heartbreak and crime. A very good plot, sometimes slow going, but nevertheless deeply moving and entertaining.I especially enjoyed that the story is told using two different views which imply, at times, different consequences or culprits.
I thank Ms. Auffarth, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Auffarth, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
May 28, 2024
Marley and her ex-fiancee search for answers after Thea is found dead in a house destroyed by an arsonist. This is told by Thea in the year between her break with her BFF Marley and Marley in the present-a device that makes you pay attention for hints. Marley cheated on Austin, Thea's stepbrother, and her life fell apart but things weren't as bad for her as they were for Thea. Who is the arsonist who has been setting fires around town? Why was Thea in that building? This is all about friendship, mental health, and a quest for the truth. Good characters, enough of a twist, and fine storytelling. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A nice debut that's a good read.
June 17, 2024
3.5 stars. Thea is dead in afire that everyone believes she purposely set to kill herself. This is the last of several abandoned house fires that have been happening around town. Best friend-almost sister- Marley doesn’t believe. Marley’s ex fiancee doesn’t either so they start to investigate.
That is just a bare snippet of this thriller full of twists, revenge and secrets. Told in alternate POV s we read Thea “before” and Marley “now”. This is more about toxic relationships than a who dunnit. And there’s a LOT going on. Seems like every chapter is another jolt to the story. I guess that’s why I took off half a star from what should be a solid 4 Star read.
That is just a bare snippet of this thriller full of twists, revenge and secrets. Told in alternate POV s we read Thea “before” and Marley “now”. This is more about toxic relationships than a who dunnit. And there’s a LOT going on. Seems like every chapter is another jolt to the story. I guess that’s why I took off half a star from what should be a solid 4 Star read.
February 22, 2024
A thrilling debut novel!! I was completely hooked by our two protagonists, Marley and Thea, who might seem like villains but are just two in a small town where everyone seems to be a bit of a villain in their own right. The characters are relatable and hateable and at the end of the day remind you of your own blazing and often foolish desires. I was constantly surprised by the newest plot twist, and the end was deliciously satisfying. And as someone from Athens, GA, I loved the little name-drops that developed an exact picture of the setting. Definitely worth a read!
February 22, 2024
A thrilling debut novel!! I was completely hooked by our two protagonists, Marley and Thea, who might seem like villains but are just two in a small town where everyone seems to be a bit of a villain in their own right. The characters are relatable and hateable and at the end of the day remind you of your own blazing and often foolish desires. I was constantly surprised by the newest plot twist, and the end was deliciously satisfying. And as someone from Athens, GA, I loved the little name-drops that developed an exact picture of the setting. Definitely worth a read!
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