The Funeral Director's Wife

by Lindsay Schraad Keeling

Brooklyn Blatrix takes on a new job at the local funeral home after being dumped and fired in the same week. She strikes up a relationship with her supervisor, Brantley McAffey, in a hopeful attempt to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. However, Brantley has a secret he's been keeping from everyone - a secret he's willing to kill for - and Brooklyn is about to find herself in the trenches of a trial by media before the year is over.

THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S WIFE is a dark, romantic thriller that combines the themes of GONE GIRL x FOLLOW ME BACK in a twisting story of a passionate, but deadly, relationship mixed with the complexities and dangers of social media.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn is a recent college graduate that enjoys a night out. Her decisions aren’t that great and she finds herself waiting until the last minute to finish her internship at a funeral home, which is what she went to school for. Her boyfriend breaks up with her right before she is supposed to walk at graduation and she is devastated. Her devastation turns into obsession and the plot thickens.

It is an amazing read, overall. Brooklyn really frustrated me (when a character can do that to me, then it’s a really good book). I found myself holding my breath during some chapters. It was suspenseful and the thrill kept me hanging on.

Special thanks to #ConquestPublishing for this #ARC to review. Publication date is set for September 3, 2024.

#BookReview #Suspense #Thriller #TheFuneralDirectorsWife #Novel

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandals? Secrets? Obsession? Yes, please!

If you like twisty mysteries, check out this romantic thriller.

After getting dumped by her long-term boyfriend at the worst moment, Brooklyn seeks revenge and finds herself in a maelstrom of obsession with him, his new girlfriend, her new supervisor, and a new social media app all spiraling out of her control.

You don’t want to miss how Keeling weaves these things together to create a suspenseful story that will keep you turning pages!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s just the Internet. How serious can it get?”

Brooklyn Blatrix is fresh out of college, freshly broken up with, and freshly fired. She takes on an apprenticeship at a funeral home hoping for a new start and to make use of her degree. There, she meets her handsome and flirty supervisor Brantley and wants to see where it goes. But she also still wants revenge on her ex. What could go wrong?

This book was a RIDE. The stakes quickly escalate, and the steady pace goes from one dark twist to another. Brooklyn is a very frustrating character, but that’s because her flaws and humanity are shown so authentically. This story accurately shows how the media and the internet can combine to make an already terrible situation even worse, and also shows how desensitized people can become from horrible things that happen to people. I definitely teared up while reading this book, and I think a lot of people can relate to the emotions depicted.

I don’t want to spoil any of the plot twists, but I couldn’t put it down!! I absolutely had to know how everything was going to end. There are a lot of heavy topics covered, so please check your trigger warnings. But if you’re looking for a mystery/thriller to pick up, I definitely recommend this one!

All proceeds the author receives for the book will be donated to the Oklahoma Homicide Survivor’s Support Group. 💙

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Release Week✨

I’m not entirely sure what I expected when I started this book, but WOW. I quite literally couldn’t put it down and stayed up way too late. The way the story was written was riveting. Brooklyn was a stressful character to read for me as a paranoid and anxiety-ridden human. She made a lot of choices throughout the book that have you on the edge of your seat.

I don’t want to give away all of the twists and GASP moments, but I will say I very much enjoyed the character development and believability of how this type of situation would go down in real life. I definitely shed a few tears. Shoutout to Ruby for being a great friend!

“She found respite in the horror that was other stranger's lives—mysteries and abominable crimes that could easily be shut off or changed by the click of her phone or television's button.”

“Our love was short
Our love was rare
We started a secret
And finished a nightmare.”

I hope you’re having an amazing release week, Lindsay! I can’t wait to read more 🖤

Read this if you enjoy:
⚰️ Dark romance thrillers
⚰️ Books like Gone Girl
⚰️ Lots of 😯 moments

[Michaela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? This book made me laugh, filled me with anxiety at times, and had me crying like a baby- in all the best ways. Lindsay Schraad Keeling is a star with a pen and she deserves all five of my stars.
It’s hard for a book to move me but this one truly did. I will be thinking about it for a long time.

[Bruce Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Funeral Director’s Wife is a novel that grabs your attention from the opening chapter and makes you want to read more until you reach the final page. Between the compelling story and the perfect pacing, this book was an absolute joy to read!

Brooklyn Blatrix is a young woman who....well, she makes some questionable decisions. One of those–-but not the only one—is her decision to pursue a relationship with her mysterious boss, Brantley. She also uses social media to get back at her cheating ex-boyfriend, and ends up taking this revenge scheme too far. So lots of interesting things happen early, and that pulled me in.

We just know something big and terrible is going to happen, and author Lindsay Schraad Keeling builds the tension and ramps up the stakes in the book’s early chapters. The plot moves quickly, but Keeling doesn’t rush through important character-building moments, either.

And when Brooklyn’s choices come home? Things get really dark in a hurry. No spoilers–but this was a jaw-dropping moment! Believe me, you’ll want to read it for yourself.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I couldn't put it down. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Lindsay Harper was so good. I had my earbuds on for a couple days because the novel was exceptionally good and I couldn't put it down. A true dark romantic thriller. Brooklyn's story was so real. This book captures, unhealthy relationships and crazy thinking when dumped and not accepting the truth about someone you think you love. So well written. The story reminded me of Scott Petterson, if anyone remembers him. I don't want to give anything away, but Brooklyn and Brantley's budding romance is a must read. I love Lindsay Keeling's writing style. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I will be seeking out more books by Keeling. Highly recommend this book if you are in the mood for a thriller with twists and turns.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn is having a string of bad days. She is a recent college graduate. She should have done her internship while in school but she waited. Now she finds out, her choice career may not be the right one for her. Her boyfriend broke up with her suddenly, right before her graduation ceremony. What timing! Brooklyn wants to take back some of her freedom and self-confidence. She plots, she wants revenge. However, things do not go as planned. Do they ever? Plenty of twists and unexpected turns. Overall, this was a really good story. I listened to the audio version, narration was well done. I will be looking for more from this author. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read!
It was a fantastic pallet cleanser from all the dark romance I usually read and I enjoyed it a great deal!

Things escalated quite quickly through this and I found myself holding my breath quite a bit throughout this! It was very suspenseful and it was so thrilling!

The plot twists though?!?!
I could not put this down. I devoured this so quickly and I'm so glad I did!

Thank you Lindsay for such a great read! I'll definitely be reading more of your work in the future! 😍

I did receive this as an ARC but clearly my review and everything is quite late 😅
But it's here now!
This is an ARC review and is my honest opinion!

[Heather Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the definition on a thriller. The first half of the book was slow and drawn out, laying out all the pieces. I wish there had been more in the book description about the nature of the crimes, I was under the impression it was related to social media against adults….

Spoiler
The victims in this book are a mom 6 kids total, it’s not terribly graphic but I typically don’t read books with violence against children and I wish I had known beforehand

I did still enjoy the style of writing and the book overall

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different story. Dumped, fired and graduating from college all in the same week can drive anybody insane. Seeking revenge on her ex has put her on a roller-coaster ride of drama. New job, new boss, handsome supervisor, new social media and a best friend who thinks she is in over her head. What a ride! I had a hard time putting it down, just when you think you might know something, you find out you don't. I look forward to more from this Author.

[Chels O · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read. The writing seemed fairly juvenile and some typos I couldn’t overlook. The plot was pretty predictable. Also towards the end with the twist that Brooklyn was poisoned is pretty ridiculous considering she ordered a drink in a drive-thru and the magical few minutes she was was waiting was enough time for staff members to poison her. Coffee shops readily have poison available for drive-thru orders?

[Shelby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of my favorite reads this year!! This book touches on SO many things while keeping you absolutely hooked on the story, begging for more! I love the awareness this brings behind social media & DV relationships. This was done so gracefully. It was overall a fantastic read! I desperately need more 🤣 If i could give this 6 stars, i would!

[JP Newmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a true crime fan this book is for you. A heart broken and inexperienced young woman is groomed and eventually obsessed over by an older mentor. Her immaturity allows her to become wrapped up in a tragedy that changes her life forever. I still had some questions after finishing the book but I think a good thriller should leave with some things to wonder about.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is definitely a thriller that I enjoyed! Call me crazy, lol, but I feel like it checked all the boxes for me when it comes to a good thriller. I don’t give many 5’s out there, but this is definitely a star with a 2 thumbs up for me! It’s got the mystery, the thriller, and the romance gone wrong. The obsession, the deception! I mean, c'mon, it’s literally all here in this book. Our girl, Brooklyn, is a graduating college student who pretty much finds herself in the dumps when it comes to the relationship department. She’s got a crappy ex-boyfriend who she’s obsessed with and definitely wants to get back at. She’s also got this boss with whom she wants to start this new relationship. The story is just interesting and draws you in. It’s definitely worth the read to find out where Brooklyn takes us on this wild and interesting story of hers! I don’t read many thrillers since I am more of a fantasy reader, but this one I could definitely get through. I enjoyed it very much, and it is a book I could see myself reading again!

[Jordan Minnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! I truly sat down and devoured it in one sitting, because I couldn’t put it down! Lindsay did an incredible job in the writing details and keeping you on your toes! I’m not a huge review writer but this isn’t one you want to miss!!!

[C.P. Bearden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick paced novel about a young woman whose life gets turned upside down as she falls in love with the WRONG man. By about the midpoint I couldn’t put the book down. Definitely will recommend to people who are in a reading slump.

[Hanny Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this book.
It has a good story, but I HATED the main characters. I think it was designed this way, but if not, then I'm sorry.

The narrator was okay.

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was weird and just stopped basically. I wasn’t impressed with this story. I’m not sure how to explain it, but it just didn’t grab me in. It’s like the author had to throw in some extras just to keep it interesting. Was not a fan and sad about it since the blurb sounded great.

[Nicky Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Great character development and twist! Keeling is gifted in world development and I loved learning more about the mortuary world. Can’t wait to read more of her books when they come out!

[Lindsay Keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it and I loved every minute of it.

[Katie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a true crime fan, this book will feel eerily similar! Very good book and brilliantly written!






Chris Watts, I see you hiding in plain sight in this book.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I audibly gasped several times! Quick little read with some good twists.

[Justin Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, I could not put it down. The character development made me feel like I knew Brooklyn for years.

[Ash Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for sure being recommended to everyone I know!! Ms. Keeling perfectly captures the dangers of Social Media, as well as just how cunning abusers can be. The story of Brooklyn and Brantley had me hooked, it did take me a couple chapters to get into the book, but once it had me it had me! The Funeral Director's Wife is truly a must read!!!!