What do you think?
Rate this book
Queen of Hearts
Her readers love her...
but one has gotten a little too attached.
Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an "invested reader" escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she's not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor's advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.
Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she's about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.
Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.
but one has gotten a little too attached.
Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an "invested reader" escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she's not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor's advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.
Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she's about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.
Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
40 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
42 books869 followersHeather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
April 12, 2025
Heather Day Gilbert is both a valued Goodreads friend of mine and a favorite mystery writer of both my wife's and mine (though I personally like her Viking-themed historical fiction even better). Unlike some of her books that I've reviewed here, this one didn't come to me as a review copy; but she did graciously donate a copy to the Bluefield Univ. library, where I checked it out. It was another book that Barb and I read together.
This particular book was a new departure for the author, in multiple respects. If I understand correctly, it's her first stand-alone novel, all her others being series fiction. And while she's a veteran writer of traditional mysteries and especially of those in the consciously "cozy" sub-genre, this represents her first foray as a writer into the "psychological suspense" branch of the genre, though she's always been fond of the latter as a reader. (Novels of this type, like all mysteries, feature skullduggery by a mysterious and unknown perpetrator(s); but they concentrate more on the inner psychological state of the usually female protagonist, and on developing a mounting sense of fear and suspense in the reader's mind, rather than on a reasoned effort to proactively solve the mystery by putting together clues, etc.) It's also her first novel to feature a main character who (like one of Heather's grown-up daughters) is neurodivergent, having a high-functioning form of autism, sometimes referred to as Asperger's syndrome.
For me as a reader, the book was also a departure from previous experience, in both of the latter respects. Despite having at least one Goodreads friend who's autistic, I don't know anyone on the spectrum in my face-to-face world, and have never before read a book with an autistic protagonist, or even an autistic character. (And I've seen no more than one or two cinematic portrayals of this condition, either.) So for me this was an educational read in that respect. More importantly, even though I've been a mystery fan since childhood, I've never been very drawn to the "psychological suspense" category of the genre. Unless you count the many paperback Gothic mystery/romances I read as a kid who'd pretty much read anything (and my grandmother's bookshelves held tons of them!) as examples of the type, I've never read a book of that sort. (I don't put The Mysteries of Udolpho or Jane Eyre in this category.) Both the cover copy and one of the quoted blurbs from a fellow writer mention Alfred Hitchcock as a sort of prototype for this book; but I've only watched one of his films in my entire life, and don't make any effort to watch more.
We begin with a three-paragraph Prologue, in first-person, present tense (Heather favors this style of writing, and continues it all through this book) that finds our narrator fleeing from life-threatening danger, through a woods in the midst of a pouring rain-and-lightning storm, with an injured foot. With our attention engaged, we then drop back a week in time, to the beginning of the first chapter, to gradually read how she got into that situation. This "she" is best-selling, and consequently very wealthy, action-adventure fiction author Alexandra ("Alex") Dubois, in her late 20s or early 30s, divorced for about a year from her gas-lighting and abusive ex, and currently in her home in rural Connecticut, at work on the concluding novel of her series about a highly-competent lady who's apparently sort of a modern distaff version of Indiana Jones. (The first part of the chapter is actually an italicized "excerpt" of what Alex is typing; and if her book were real, I'd definitely read it!) But she's soon interrupted by the receipt of a letter from an "Invested Reader," vaguely threatening dire consequences if Alex doesn't take his/her advice to resolve the series' romantic triangle a certain way. That advice is soon underscored by the next letter, thrown through a window wrapped around a brick. Not to worry, though --her editor owns a "cabin" (actually, more of a log luxury palace!) in the wilds of West Virginia, which the publishing house uses for writer's retreats; she can stay there, out of sight and under wraps, until the police find her "Invested Reader." Will this indeed be a heaven-sent haven of refuge? Well ...we'll have to see.
With a main story line taking place in just a week, and at 222 pages, this is a very quick read, with a brisk pace, a naturally readily-flowing style, and a linear plot which tends to end chapters on cliff-hangers that draw the reader to keep turning pages. Alex is likable, and the quirks resulting from her autism are presented sympathetically, realistically (both of the author's older daughters gave input for the book), and respectfully. While she's not fiction's first autistic lead character, she's one of a very few trail-blazers, and I give the author full propers for the portrayal! ("...I hope that if you are on the spectrum," Heather writes in the short Author's Note that precedes the text, "you will feel a connection with her, and that you will feel seen. You are a wonderful creation, and you bring such richness to the world.") Like Agatha Christie, another author that Heather admires, she provides various red herrings to make solution of the mystery more difficult. I deduced the villain's identity in Chapter 7 (out of 27); but was able to only because I've read a LOT of mysteries, and know how they're typically structured. Barb, who's a more typical reader, was completely baffled. (But there was a secondary reveal, along with the big one, that took me totally by surprise, even though the author had hidden a couple of clues in plain sight!)
On Goodreads scale, my rating is a positive one, reflecting that I liked the book. (It will be four stars on Amazon's scale, assuming that they post my review --since I didn't buy the book from them, as I learned earlier this evening from Google, that depends on how much I've spent on their site in the past year, and I don't keep track of that). Barb also liked it, but also not as well as other books by the author that we've read together. In her case, that's mostly because, as a neurotypical reader, she found some of Alex's thought processes at key points hard to relate to. That's the converse of an aspect that I saw as a strength of the book, and so wasn't so bothered by. Some readers might also dislike the short Epilogue, which is spoken/thought by a character who, as all readers know by that time, will die at the end of it. (Obviously, he/she can't subsequently write the Epilogue; but if we understand it as the character's dying thoughts that we're privy to, it works.) My own lower rating is a more a function of my different fictional tastes, which run more towards the traditional mystery, with a hero or heroine who solves it; I'm not the target audience for the damsel-in-distress "thriller," where the denouement has her picking her jaw up of the floor. (I gave it a try mostly just because I've liked the previous books I've read by the author.)
However, this book can fairly be recommended to psychological thriller fans who are the target audience (with the caveat that I can't compare it to the work of other writers in the sub-genre). As a novel written by an evangelical author (though here she doesn't give any attention to her characters' beliefs about religion, if any), it can also be warranted as a clean read without bad language or sexual content, and it's free of any directly-described serious violence.
This particular book was a new departure for the author, in multiple respects. If I understand correctly, it's her first stand-alone novel, all her others being series fiction. And while she's a veteran writer of traditional mysteries and especially of those in the consciously "cozy" sub-genre, this represents her first foray as a writer into the "psychological suspense" branch of the genre, though she's always been fond of the latter as a reader. (Novels of this type, like all mysteries, feature skullduggery by a mysterious and unknown perpetrator(s); but they concentrate more on the inner psychological state of the usually female protagonist, and on developing a mounting sense of fear and suspense in the reader's mind, rather than on a reasoned effort to proactively solve the mystery by putting together clues, etc.) It's also her first novel to feature a main character who (like one of Heather's grown-up daughters) is neurodivergent, having a high-functioning form of autism, sometimes referred to as Asperger's syndrome.
For me as a reader, the book was also a departure from previous experience, in both of the latter respects. Despite having at least one Goodreads friend who's autistic, I don't know anyone on the spectrum in my face-to-face world, and have never before read a book with an autistic protagonist, or even an autistic character. (And I've seen no more than one or two cinematic portrayals of this condition, either.) So for me this was an educational read in that respect. More importantly, even though I've been a mystery fan since childhood, I've never been very drawn to the "psychological suspense" category of the genre. Unless you count the many paperback Gothic mystery/romances I read as a kid who'd pretty much read anything (and my grandmother's bookshelves held tons of them!) as examples of the type, I've never read a book of that sort. (I don't put The Mysteries of Udolpho or Jane Eyre in this category.) Both the cover copy and one of the quoted blurbs from a fellow writer mention Alfred Hitchcock as a sort of prototype for this book; but I've only watched one of his films in my entire life, and don't make any effort to watch more.
We begin with a three-paragraph Prologue, in first-person, present tense (Heather favors this style of writing, and continues it all through this book) that finds our narrator fleeing from life-threatening danger, through a woods in the midst of a pouring rain-and-lightning storm, with an injured foot. With our attention engaged, we then drop back a week in time, to the beginning of the first chapter, to gradually read how she got into that situation. This "she" is best-selling, and consequently very wealthy, action-adventure fiction author Alexandra ("Alex") Dubois, in her late 20s or early 30s, divorced for about a year from her gas-lighting and abusive ex, and currently in her home in rural Connecticut, at work on the concluding novel of her series about a highly-competent lady who's apparently sort of a modern distaff version of Indiana Jones. (The first part of the chapter is actually an italicized "excerpt" of what Alex is typing; and if her book were real, I'd definitely read it!) But she's soon interrupted by the receipt of a letter from an "Invested Reader," vaguely threatening dire consequences if Alex doesn't take his/her advice to resolve the series' romantic triangle a certain way. That advice is soon underscored by the next letter, thrown through a window wrapped around a brick. Not to worry, though --her editor owns a "cabin" (actually, more of a log luxury palace!) in the wilds of West Virginia, which the publishing house uses for writer's retreats; she can stay there, out of sight and under wraps, until the police find her "Invested Reader." Will this indeed be a heaven-sent haven of refuge? Well ...we'll have to see.
With a main story line taking place in just a week, and at 222 pages, this is a very quick read, with a brisk pace, a naturally readily-flowing style, and a linear plot which tends to end chapters on cliff-hangers that draw the reader to keep turning pages. Alex is likable, and the quirks resulting from her autism are presented sympathetically, realistically (both of the author's older daughters gave input for the book), and respectfully. While she's not fiction's first autistic lead character, she's one of a very few trail-blazers, and I give the author full propers for the portrayal! ("...I hope that if you are on the spectrum," Heather writes in the short Author's Note that precedes the text, "you will feel a connection with her, and that you will feel seen. You are a wonderful creation, and you bring such richness to the world.") Like Agatha Christie, another author that Heather admires, she provides various red herrings to make solution of the mystery more difficult. I deduced the villain's identity in Chapter 7 (out of 27); but was able to only because I've read a LOT of mysteries, and know how they're typically structured. Barb, who's a more typical reader, was completely baffled. (But there was a secondary reveal, along with the big one, that took me totally by surprise, even though the author had hidden a couple of clues in plain sight!)
On Goodreads scale, my rating is a positive one, reflecting that I liked the book. (It will be four stars on Amazon's scale, assuming that they post my review --since I didn't buy the book from them, as I learned earlier this evening from Google, that depends on how much I've spent on their site in the past year, and I don't keep track of that). Barb also liked it, but also not as well as other books by the author that we've read together. In her case, that's mostly because, as a neurotypical reader, she found some of Alex's thought processes at key points hard to relate to. That's the converse of an aspect that I saw as a strength of the book, and so wasn't so bothered by. Some readers might also dislike the short Epilogue, which is spoken/thought by a character who, as all readers know by that time, will die at the end of it. (Obviously, he/she can't subsequently write the Epilogue; but if we understand it as the character's dying thoughts that we're privy to, it works.) My own lower rating is a more a function of my different fictional tastes, which run more towards the traditional mystery, with a hero or heroine who solves it; I'm not the target audience for the damsel-in-distress "thriller," where the denouement has her picking her jaw up of the floor. (I gave it a try mostly just because I've liked the previous books I've read by the author.)
However, this book can fairly be recommended to psychological thriller fans who are the target audience (with the caveat that I can't compare it to the work of other writers in the sub-genre). As a novel written by an evangelical author (though here she doesn't give any attention to her characters' beliefs about religion, if any), it can also be warranted as a clean read without bad language or sexual content, and it's free of any directly-described serious violence.
July 10, 2024
Queen of Hearts is a suspenseful and complex psychological thriller that kept me engaged throughout the book. Alex, the main character, is a bestselling and popular author who has a stalker. Being autistic, it is hard for her to leave home to take refuge, but it becomes apparent that she is not safe at home. She agrees to leave Greenwich to travel to West Virginia to stay in her editor's isolated cabin (really a mansion) in the mountains to work on her next book. Right away, I thought, not a good idea. And somehow the stalker found her. To make matters worse, another young woman author died in the house before Alex's stay. There is a handsome caretaker, a former sniper, that helps her out as well as a couple of the townspeople but really who can she trust when odd things happen to make her realize that someone in invading her sanctuary. There is her narcissistic ex-husband, a disgruntled author from her past, and maybe others. Things get scary and dicey before it is over. I did figure out who was behind things but it in no way took away from the enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good suspenseful and edgy mystery.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
June 22, 2024
“The story I've been pulled into won't have a happy ending, but I'm determined to write it my way...or to die trying.”
“"I have a stalker.”
“Someone is in the house, and I need to hide.”
4.5 Stars
When I heard that my favorite West Virginia author had written a psychological thriller, I was very excited. I’ve enjoyed all of the series I have read by her and love that she writes a variety of different genres. But even though Heather Day Gilbert writes different genres, she always has her trademark writing voice that pulls you into her stories.
I enjoyed The Queen Of Hearts from start to finish. It caught my attention from the beginning and never let go. I like how there was a story within a story (actually two stories within a story if you count not only Alex’s book series but Jordan’s book as well).
Heather Day Gilbert does a great job fleshing out her main character and her autism. As always, she writes some great side characters. I will say that though there were a lot of red herrings on who the villain would be, my initial guess was correct. But it didn’t stop other moments in the book where I began to second guess myself.
I’ve seen comparisons to the Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark and since I have never read one of her books, I will definitely need to! I also loved that this was a clean psychological thriller since a lot in the genre can be vulgar. I hope Heather Day Gilbert continues writing more in this genre.
* I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Woodhaven Press in exchange for an honest review
“"I have a stalker.”
“Someone is in the house, and I need to hide.”
4.5 Stars
When I heard that my favorite West Virginia author had written a psychological thriller, I was very excited. I’ve enjoyed all of the series I have read by her and love that she writes a variety of different genres. But even though Heather Day Gilbert writes different genres, she always has her trademark writing voice that pulls you into her stories.
I enjoyed The Queen Of Hearts from start to finish. It caught my attention from the beginning and never let go. I like how there was a story within a story (actually two stories within a story if you count not only Alex’s book series but Jordan’s book as well).
Heather Day Gilbert does a great job fleshing out her main character and her autism. As always, she writes some great side characters. I will say that though there were a lot of red herrings on who the villain would be, my initial guess was correct. But it didn’t stop other moments in the book where I began to second guess myself.
I’ve seen comparisons to the Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark and since I have never read one of her books, I will definitely need to! I also loved that this was a clean psychological thriller since a lot in the genre can be vulgar. I hope Heather Day Gilbert continues writing more in this genre.
* I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Woodhaven Press in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked immediately and read most of it in one sitting! The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved Alex and thought she was a unique character. I also enjoyed the side characters. I can’t wait to see what Heather Day Gilbert comes up with next!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
June 11, 2024
What an amazing mystery read. I was immediately hooked from the beginning and devoured Queen of Hearts in no time. Alexandra, an author, has a stalker. She heads to West Virginia to get away from her stalker, but her stalker follows her there and the mysterious incidents and notes escalate. I enjoyed Alex, Henry, and the side characters. Gilbert not only did a wonderful job portraying Alex as autistic accurately and respectfully but also crafted a well-written novel with shocking twists and turns that I wasn't even expecting. Queen of Hearts is a fast-paced thriller that fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
Finished reading: June 27th 2024
"The story I've been pulled into won't have a happy ending, but I'm determined to write it my way... or die trying."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Woodhaven Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: get ready to jump on board of the unpopular opinion train again!!
July 29, 2024
“I hate not knowing who to trust.”
Oh, but Alexandra, that’s exactly why I love reading psychological thrillers! Every character (including the protagonist) is suspect, even the narrator, and my mind stays on guard the whole time. While this may not sound very relaxing, it oddly ends up being exactly that. Perhaps because it’s the perfect escape – my mind is so occupied with trying to figure out who the real villain is that I don’t have space left to worry about real life for a while. Needless to say then, I was super excited to see that Heather Day Gilbert had a psychological thriller coming out this week! I love her mysteries and her suspense novels, so it’s a no-brainer that I’d want to read Queen of Hearts too. It did take me a little bit to get into this one, but there were still enough elements that piqued my interest and kept me reading until the story took a turn that had me solidly invested from that point on.
Alexandra is a compelling protagonist, thanks in part to her status as a bestselling suspense author as well as being neurodivergent, and Gilbert does a good job of fleshing out her layers and idiosyncrasies. Alexandra’s trying to finish the last book in her hit series, but being stalked by a ‘highly invested reader’ makes it difficult to stay focused. And even when she escapes Connecticut for her editor’s ritzy mountain hideaway in West Virginia, she’s not as safe as she hoped… and maybe not as alone as she thinks. Little things continue to play with her mind – items out of place, familiar smells/objects that shouldn’t be there, threatening notes, etc. – and the only logical suspect (unless it’s all in her head) is the one she most hopes isn’t responsible. (Cue some mild romance vibes that I was loving… while still being cautious because WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE CAN TRUST! ahem.)
I enjoyed the layers that the West Virginia cast of characters added to the mix in this story. The starstruck bookstore owner. The friendly husband-wife grocers. The ruggedly handsome caretaker and his sick mother. The young woman that people keep telling her about with concerned looks on their faces… I wanted to trust them all to be reliable and safe and ‘what you see is what you get’ but this IS a psychological thriller, after all, so I took everything with a grain of salt and kept one eye open at all times. (Okay, I read with both eyes open, but you get my meaning.) Same goes for all the characters we meet along the way, beginning to end. And while I did have some elements of the thriller correctly pegged, there were some other major twists that I did NOT see coming at all.
Bottom Line: Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert is twisty and suspenseful with dynamic characters and affectionate nods to Hitchcock, Higgins Clark, and King. Fans of this genre, like me, will appreciate the unexpected turns and unreliable characters that the author weaves in with others that are exactly as they seem, leaving readers to question their own instincts – and delight in doing so – before all is said and done. With all the mystery/suspense/thrillers that I read and watch, it’s difficult to catch me completely off guard, without even the slightest inkling of what’s going to happen. But kudos to Gilbert who managed to do so more than once.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Oh, but Alexandra, that’s exactly why I love reading psychological thrillers! Every character (including the protagonist) is suspect, even the narrator, and my mind stays on guard the whole time. While this may not sound very relaxing, it oddly ends up being exactly that. Perhaps because it’s the perfect escape – my mind is so occupied with trying to figure out who the real villain is that I don’t have space left to worry about real life for a while. Needless to say then, I was super excited to see that Heather Day Gilbert had a psychological thriller coming out this week! I love her mysteries and her suspense novels, so it’s a no-brainer that I’d want to read Queen of Hearts too. It did take me a little bit to get into this one, but there were still enough elements that piqued my interest and kept me reading until the story took a turn that had me solidly invested from that point on.
Alexandra is a compelling protagonist, thanks in part to her status as a bestselling suspense author as well as being neurodivergent, and Gilbert does a good job of fleshing out her layers and idiosyncrasies. Alexandra’s trying to finish the last book in her hit series, but being stalked by a ‘highly invested reader’ makes it difficult to stay focused. And even when she escapes Connecticut for her editor’s ritzy mountain hideaway in West Virginia, she’s not as safe as she hoped… and maybe not as alone as she thinks. Little things continue to play with her mind – items out of place, familiar smells/objects that shouldn’t be there, threatening notes, etc. – and the only logical suspect (unless it’s all in her head) is the one she most hopes isn’t responsible. (Cue some mild romance vibes that I was loving… while still being cautious because WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE CAN TRUST! ahem.)
I enjoyed the layers that the West Virginia cast of characters added to the mix in this story. The starstruck bookstore owner. The friendly husband-wife grocers. The ruggedly handsome caretaker and his sick mother. The young woman that people keep telling her about with concerned looks on their faces… I wanted to trust them all to be reliable and safe and ‘what you see is what you get’ but this IS a psychological thriller, after all, so I took everything with a grain of salt and kept one eye open at all times. (Okay, I read with both eyes open, but you get my meaning.) Same goes for all the characters we meet along the way, beginning to end. And while I did have some elements of the thriller correctly pegged, there were some other major twists that I did NOT see coming at all.
Bottom Line: Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert is twisty and suspenseful with dynamic characters and affectionate nods to Hitchcock, Higgins Clark, and King. Fans of this genre, like me, will appreciate the unexpected turns and unreliable characters that the author weaves in with others that are exactly as they seem, leaving readers to question their own instincts – and delight in doing so – before all is said and done. With all the mystery/suspense/thrillers that I read and watch, it’s difficult to catch me completely off guard, without even the slightest inkling of what’s going to happen. But kudos to Gilbert who managed to do so more than once.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 22, 2024
Best selling author, Alex, flees to a writing retreat in West Virginia after a stalker threatens her safety. Attempting to finish the last book in her series, she settles in to the remote cabin. But when strange things start happening, she starts to wonder if her stalker has managed to track her down…
The author’s note at the start was beautiful and I was really looking forward to an autistic protagonist.
Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. The story was quite slow and the suspense never seemed to hit its crescendo. I didn’t particularly get behind any of the characters and most disappointingly, I think the author spent too much time trying to convince us that she understood autism. I’d have definitely preferred a more subtle approach to the neurodivergence.
However, it was a quick and easy read that did have some good scenes. I don’t think I’d ever reread it though.
Many thanks to NetGalley and WoodHaven Press for my advanced copy.
The author’s note at the start was beautiful and I was really looking forward to an autistic protagonist.
Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. The story was quite slow and the suspense never seemed to hit its crescendo. I didn’t particularly get behind any of the characters and most disappointingly, I think the author spent too much time trying to convince us that she understood autism. I’d have definitely preferred a more subtle approach to the neurodivergence.
However, it was a quick and easy read that did have some good scenes. I don’t think I’d ever reread it though.
Many thanks to NetGalley and WoodHaven Press for my advanced copy.
August 19, 2024
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it up until the end. That took a really weird turn, and the motivation behind the stalker made no sense.
July 27, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Dubois writes romantic suspense novels featuring warped serial killers. She is writing the final book in the series and she has an "invested reader" who has definite ideas on how they expect the series to end. They have been sending the author threatening notes to be sure she follows their instructions. It soon becomes clear she is in danger if she stays in her home. Alex's editor offers his huge mountain vacation house in West Virginia as a retreat to stay safe and finish the book. Being autistic makes the move hard but she really doesn't have a choice.
While trying to complete the book she gets distracted by something she finds in a drawer and incidents happening at the "safe house" Alex is worried her "invested reader" has found her. A thunderstorm doesn't ease her fears.
_____
The author has crafted an extraordinary protagonist in Alexandra Dubois. She has had challenges in her life being on the spectrum but she found ways to write and sell a successful romantic suspense series, deal with a narcissistic ex-husband, and a petulant author from her past. When she arrives in West Virginia she meets several residents but doesn't know who she can trust. With her life on the line, she needs to dig down deep and find even more strength if she is going to survive. I was invested in Alexandra Dubois's life from the start.
I appreciated the time Ms. Gilbert took to set the scenes in this story. Her words made it so easy to picture everything clearly from the "cabin" and its surroundings including the caretaker's home, and the small-town shops in Cedar Gap. The mountain view was amazing and I could feel the thunderstorm with its wind and rain pulsing through the pages.
The book is a complex psychological thriller that turns Alex's world upside down and inside out. A death in the past plays a critical part in the story giving depth to what was happening all around Alex. The author calls the story "A Gripping Psychological Thriller with a Twist" and she doesn't lie. The story grabbed hold of me and held on tight. There are several twists and turns. There are several scary moments too. If I had been watching a movie, it would have been through my fingers over my eyes. I was breathless just reading Alex's journey and then came the huge surprising twist that stopped me short. Talk about a wild ride!
Queen of Hearts is an exceptional suspense thriller with an original protagonist who is easy to root for. The story is plotted with such precision and detail to draw the reader in that you don't realize how far until the very end and come back into the real world around you. I totally escaped into this book. That is why it receives my Paradise Rating. Look for Queen of Hearts on my Best Reads of 2024. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story full of suspense with a compelling main character. You can thank me later!
There are no explicit scenes or language in this thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to WoodHaven Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Dubois writes romantic suspense novels featuring warped serial killers. She is writing the final book in the series and she has an "invested reader" who has definite ideas on how they expect the series to end. They have been sending the author threatening notes to be sure she follows their instructions. It soon becomes clear she is in danger if she stays in her home. Alex's editor offers his huge mountain vacation house in West Virginia as a retreat to stay safe and finish the book. Being autistic makes the move hard but she really doesn't have a choice.
While trying to complete the book she gets distracted by something she finds in a drawer and incidents happening at the "safe house" Alex is worried her "invested reader" has found her. A thunderstorm doesn't ease her fears.
_____
The author has crafted an extraordinary protagonist in Alexandra Dubois. She has had challenges in her life being on the spectrum but she found ways to write and sell a successful romantic suspense series, deal with a narcissistic ex-husband, and a petulant author from her past. When she arrives in West Virginia she meets several residents but doesn't know who she can trust. With her life on the line, she needs to dig down deep and find even more strength if she is going to survive. I was invested in Alexandra Dubois's life from the start.
I appreciated the time Ms. Gilbert took to set the scenes in this story. Her words made it so easy to picture everything clearly from the "cabin" and its surroundings including the caretaker's home, and the small-town shops in Cedar Gap. The mountain view was amazing and I could feel the thunderstorm with its wind and rain pulsing through the pages.
The book is a complex psychological thriller that turns Alex's world upside down and inside out. A death in the past plays a critical part in the story giving depth to what was happening all around Alex. The author calls the story "A Gripping Psychological Thriller with a Twist" and she doesn't lie. The story grabbed hold of me and held on tight. There are several twists and turns. There are several scary moments too. If I had been watching a movie, it would have been through my fingers over my eyes. I was breathless just reading Alex's journey and then came the huge surprising twist that stopped me short. Talk about a wild ride!
Queen of Hearts is an exceptional suspense thriller with an original protagonist who is easy to root for. The story is plotted with such precision and detail to draw the reader in that you don't realize how far until the very end and come back into the real world around you. I totally escaped into this book. That is why it receives my Paradise Rating. Look for Queen of Hearts on my Best Reads of 2024. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story full of suspense with a compelling main character. You can thank me later!
There are no explicit scenes or language in this thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to WoodHaven Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 29, 2024
When Alexandra Dubois, an autistic NY best-selling author of suspenseful romance novels, finds herself being stalked by an “invested reader”, she takes her editor up on his offer to stay at his secluded writer’s retreat in West Virginia. Although Alex would prefer to stay in her familiar surroundings, she no longer feels safe and agrees this may be the perfect opportunity to complete the final book in her series. Once she arrives, she is distracted by several nuances. Is she being paranoid or has her stalker followed her to this remote cabin?
The description of the book had me hooked from the beginning. The first half of the book was a slow burn, then abruptly picked up speed that continued throughout the rest of the book. At that point I had to reread the previous chapter to be sure I had not missed something important. The twists and turns in this suspenseful 4 ⭐️ thriller kept me “invested” in who was stalking Alex until the very end.
This was the first book I read by Heather Day Gilbert and I look forward to reading more.
I would like to thank WoodHaven Press, Heather Day Gilbert, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The description of the book had me hooked from the beginning. The first half of the book was a slow burn, then abruptly picked up speed that continued throughout the rest of the book. At that point I had to reread the previous chapter to be sure I had not missed something important. The twists and turns in this suspenseful 4 ⭐️ thriller kept me “invested” in who was stalking Alex until the very end.
This was the first book I read by Heather Day Gilbert and I look forward to reading more.
I would like to thank WoodHaven Press, Heather Day Gilbert, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
Psychological thriller with the main character a successful author. One of her readers is desperate for the conclusion of the series to end a certain way. How desperate is the question?
June 25, 2024
This is one of the best thrillers I have read recently! Its fast paced, its creepy, its inclusive to people who have autism, and people with OCD are also represented.
This follows a writer who is adjusting to being newly divorced, learning to adjust to her autism diagnosis, and trying to write the last book in her award winning series that has made her famous. While struggling with her failed marriage and how to serve the characters best in their last adventure, a concerned fan will stop at nothing to influence the ending to the last installment. Who is this concerned fan? Will they succeed in getting the ending they want? Hint: This has nothing to do with the well-known series.
I am from a very small town in West Virginia, which is where a lot of this story takes place. It automatically called to me. I did not guess the twist which is usually easy for me to do. I love that this is based on the life of an autistic woman who has OCD and has true everyday struggles, I love that there is a ghostly side to this that make you wonder what kind of book this is, and I love that this kept me guessing.
Thank you NetGalley, Heather Day Gilbert, and Woodhaven Press for allowing me to review this for my honest review.
Now to see what other books Heather Day Gilbert has written!
This follows a writer who is adjusting to being newly divorced, learning to adjust to her autism diagnosis, and trying to write the last book in her award winning series that has made her famous. While struggling with her failed marriage and how to serve the characters best in their last adventure, a concerned fan will stop at nothing to influence the ending to the last installment. Who is this concerned fan? Will they succeed in getting the ending they want? Hint: This has nothing to do with the well-known series.
I am from a very small town in West Virginia, which is where a lot of this story takes place. It automatically called to me. I did not guess the twist which is usually easy for me to do. I love that this is based on the life of an autistic woman who has OCD and has true everyday struggles, I love that there is a ghostly side to this that make you wonder what kind of book this is, and I love that this kept me guessing.
Thank you NetGalley, Heather Day Gilbert, and Woodhaven Press for allowing me to review this for my honest review.
Now to see what other books Heather Day Gilbert has written!
December 29, 2024
wow, Queen of Hearts is an awesome thriller! I loved the twists.
Alex is a writer of suspense who suddenly receives a threatening letter. She needs to find a way to stay safe, and is offered her editor's house in the woods of West Virginia. A huge house that's been used for writers' retreats.
But, the subtle, sinister threats keep coming. Or is she losing her mind? She needs to continue working on her new book, but not knowing if someone is still after her somehow makes it tricky.
The author ramped up the suspense, more and more as the book progressed. There were multiple suspects and I even wondered if there were more than one culprits after her, either working together, or alone.
I did sort of suspect the actual bad guy for a bit, but I was far from 100% sure. And then was really thrown for a loop with the twists at the ends.
What a wonderful suspenseful thriller, and one I highly recommend.
Alex is a writer of suspense who suddenly receives a threatening letter. She needs to find a way to stay safe, and is offered her editor's house in the woods of West Virginia. A huge house that's been used for writers' retreats.
But, the subtle, sinister threats keep coming. Or is she losing her mind? She needs to continue working on her new book, but not knowing if someone is still after her somehow makes it tricky.
The author ramped up the suspense, more and more as the book progressed. There were multiple suspects and I even wondered if there were more than one culprits after her, either working together, or alone.
I did sort of suspect the actual bad guy for a bit, but I was far from 100% sure. And then was really thrown for a loop with the twists at the ends.
What a wonderful suspenseful thriller, and one I highly recommend.
July 17, 2024
Oh my goodness, this is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the story. I got goosebumps several times and was holding my breath through many intense scenes. I was so anxious to find out what happened next. There were many twists and turns, most of which I never saw coming. I was constantly surprised by the turn of events.
Alex is autistic, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of realistically portraying her. She was relatable and easy to like. She faced some seriously daunting and dangerous things with bravery and tenacity.
This was a mind-bending thrill ride. I suspected everybody at one point or another. I didn’t know who to trust. When the reveal came, I was shocked. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t miss this book. It's a must read. I’m looking forward to more psychological thrillers from this author.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Alex is autistic, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of realistically portraying her. She was relatable and easy to like. She faced some seriously daunting and dangerous things with bravery and tenacity.
This was a mind-bending thrill ride. I suspected everybody at one point or another. I didn’t know who to trust. When the reveal came, I was shocked. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t miss this book. It's a must read. I’m looking forward to more psychological thrillers from this author.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
June 19, 2024
A deliciously twisty, engaging read that keeps readers guessing.
Recovering from a messy divorce and struggling to meet the deadline for the final book in her bestselling suspense series, author Alexandra Dubois receives a threatening letter from a “Highly Invested Reader.”
Determined not to give in to the demands—or to let the stalker’s escalating activity sabotage the focus she needs to finish her novel, Alex escapes to a private hideaway in the West Virginia mountains. As events make her fear the stalker has followed her, she doesn’t know who to trust.
I so enjoyed this novel. The swift-running plot. The mountain scenery—complete with a storm! The small-town characters. The clues that kept me guessing.
Alex as a first-person narrator drew me in and revealed how her autism shapes her perspective and her reactions. It’s hard to understand what look like foibles when they’re only seen externally, but in Alex’s head it all makes sense.
Writers, experienced or novice, will appreciate this book, either nodding in agreement with Alex’s observations about writing or picking up tips to help their own work.
Mostly, it’s the voice or tone of the story that leaves me refreshed like I’ve had a drink from a clear mountain spring. It’s deeper, more energetic than the author’s lighter series (Belinda Blake and Barks ‘n Beans—both of which are good too.) It feels more like her A Murder in the Mountains suspense novels.
Highly recommended for fans of clean, psychological suspense, Queen of Hearts is first in a new series.
(Review copy courtesy of Netgalley. Opinions are my own.)
Recovering from a messy divorce and struggling to meet the deadline for the final book in her bestselling suspense series, author Alexandra Dubois receives a threatening letter from a “Highly Invested Reader.”
Determined not to give in to the demands—or to let the stalker’s escalating activity sabotage the focus she needs to finish her novel, Alex escapes to a private hideaway in the West Virginia mountains. As events make her fear the stalker has followed her, she doesn’t know who to trust.
I so enjoyed this novel. The swift-running plot. The mountain scenery—complete with a storm! The small-town characters. The clues that kept me guessing.
Alex as a first-person narrator drew me in and revealed how her autism shapes her perspective and her reactions. It’s hard to understand what look like foibles when they’re only seen externally, but in Alex’s head it all makes sense.
Writers, experienced or novice, will appreciate this book, either nodding in agreement with Alex’s observations about writing or picking up tips to help their own work.
Mostly, it’s the voice or tone of the story that leaves me refreshed like I’ve had a drink from a clear mountain spring. It’s deeper, more energetic than the author’s lighter series (Belinda Blake and Barks ‘n Beans—both of which are good too.) It feels more like her A Murder in the Mountains suspense novels.
Highly recommended for fans of clean, psychological suspense, Queen of Hearts is first in a new series.
(Review copy courtesy of Netgalley. Opinions are my own.)
August 16, 2024
What a great page turner that kept me guessing to the end! I had no idea the mystery and honestly it kept me guessing as to what was going on. I was completely shocked to the plot twist the author revealed. If you enjoy mysteries and physiological thrillers I definitely recommend this book! I received a copy of this book from the author, all views stated here are my own.
June 13, 2024
I just finished Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert and it was absolutely amazing! I fell in love with the main character almost from the beginning, mostly because I could see so much of myself in her. I love when authors include neurodivergent characters into their stories! I was literally on the edge of my seat reading, trying to figure out what was going on. I highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2025
Fantastic book! The author from the very beginning draws you in, and makes you want to find out more! I thought that the setting and relationships were very realistic. Many times, with thriller style books, some aspects seem very unrealistic, but Gilbert made the characters and scenes come to life while putting the reader right there. Being from the Appalachian mountains, this book was so beautiful to get lost in. Loved it!
November 29, 2024
Psychological thriller is not my go-to genre. Frankly, I don’t like being scared, and a lot of this genre are too explicit or descriptive for my taste. However, if Heather Day Gilbert writes it, I’m going to read it!
I was hooked from page one and devoured Queen of Hearts. This story is so captivating. Alex is such a relatable main character, and I adore the autism representation. The West Virginia setting comes to life, replete with small town characters both quirky and endearing and, of course, some that even raise suspicions.
I am typically one to solve the mystery before the end, and that happened some here, but there is also an awesome twist that I was not expecting! I never thought I’d say that a thriller is one of my favorite books this year, but here we are! I can’t wait to read more of this genre from Gilbert!
I received an ARC of this novel via Net Galley. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was hooked from page one and devoured Queen of Hearts. This story is so captivating. Alex is such a relatable main character, and I adore the autism representation. The West Virginia setting comes to life, replete with small town characters both quirky and endearing and, of course, some that even raise suspicions.
I am typically one to solve the mystery before the end, and that happened some here, but there is also an awesome twist that I was not expecting! I never thought I’d say that a thriller is one of my favorite books this year, but here we are! I can’t wait to read more of this genre from Gilbert!
I received an ARC of this novel via Net Galley. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 30, 2024
Wow! Did not see that coming! Queen of Hearts, the first psychological, fast-paced, clean thriller by Heather Day Gilbert is amazing. I was hooked! I suspected everyone and couldn't put this page turner down. I hope you check it out!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2025
A psychological thriller that will engage readers from the first to the last page. The description of a suspense author with a stalker captured my imagination. While I had my own predictions as to the stalker's identity, I found the plot well-paced with enough clues as well as red-herrings to keep me guessing to the end.
I found Ms. Gilbert's portrayal of an autistic heroine to be wonderful. Having taught several students with autism, I found the way Ms. Gilbert portrayed her heroine delightful. I really appreciate when the POV of the main character includes an inner monologue that included problem-solving as well as her personal response to the events that were happening around her.
I loved the setting of the small-town in West Virginia and its eclectic cast of characters. As each was introduced, it was hard not to analyze and wonder who was as they appeared to be or who was her
mysterious stalker. As Alexandra discovers the story behind the past tragedy in her escape house, she wonders of there is a link to her own situation. With skillful plot-pacing, Ms. Gilbert will keep her readers engaged til the last page has been read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I found Ms. Gilbert's portrayal of an autistic heroine to be wonderful. Having taught several students with autism, I found the way Ms. Gilbert portrayed her heroine delightful. I really appreciate when the POV of the main character includes an inner monologue that included problem-solving as well as her personal response to the events that were happening around her.
I loved the setting of the small-town in West Virginia and its eclectic cast of characters. As each was introduced, it was hard not to analyze and wonder who was as they appeared to be or who was her
mysterious stalker. As Alexandra discovers the story behind the past tragedy in her escape house, she wonders of there is a link to her own situation. With skillful plot-pacing, Ms. Gilbert will keep her readers engaged til the last page has been read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 24, 2024
I absolutely fell in love with a novel featuring a mystery writer with autism. The story begins with her moving to an isolated house after some unsettling events, and while she could choose other places, this house—suggested by someone—feels off, and she’s right to be wary. As she settles in, strange things start happening, adding layers of suspense to her already intense situation.
What really touched me was how the character's autism was portrayed with such authenticity. The way she describes her sensory experiences—every smell, every noise, every awkward social interaction—feels so genuine and raw. It’s clear the author put a lot of care into making her experiences resonate on a deep level.
Her insights and observations are not only compelling but also make you feel like you’re seeing the world through her eyes. It was such a moving and immersive experience, connecting deeply with her journey and understanding her perspective in a way that felt incredibly real and heartfelt. This book isn’t just a mystery; it’s a beautiful exploration of a unique and brilliantly drawn character.
What really touched me was how the character's autism was portrayed with such authenticity. The way she describes her sensory experiences—every smell, every noise, every awkward social interaction—feels so genuine and raw. It’s clear the author put a lot of care into making her experiences resonate on a deep level.
Her insights and observations are not only compelling but also make you feel like you’re seeing the world through her eyes. It was such a moving and immersive experience, connecting deeply with her journey and understanding her perspective in a way that felt incredibly real and heartfelt. This book isn’t just a mystery; it’s a beautiful exploration of a unique and brilliantly drawn character.
June 30, 2024
When a stalker forces famous suspense author Alexandra Dubois to abandon her well-ordered life and hide in a borrowed cabin in the rugged West Virginia woods, the refuge proves to be a nightmare more harrowing than any the great novelist herself could create.
Queen of Hearts is a gripping, mind-bending thriller with more twists and turns than an old mountain road. Within a few pages, the reader is plunged into Alexandra's world and headspace and is compelled to stay there, mining through overlapping mysteries, memories, and perils with increasing desperation while a revolving carousel of unusual characters provokes questions of who to trust or if genuine trust is even possible. The final, heart-pounding climax unfolds with a whirlwind of misdirects and jump scares that culminate in a breathtaking conclusion.
Devotees of classic suspense films and novels will be captivated by Queen of Hearts.
Queen of Hearts is a gripping, mind-bending thriller with more twists and turns than an old mountain road. Within a few pages, the reader is plunged into Alexandra's world and headspace and is compelled to stay there, mining through overlapping mysteries, memories, and perils with increasing desperation while a revolving carousel of unusual characters provokes questions of who to trust or if genuine trust is even possible. The final, heart-pounding climax unfolds with a whirlwind of misdirects and jump scares that culminate in a breathtaking conclusion.
Devotees of classic suspense films and novels will be captivated by Queen of Hearts.
July 29, 2024
Rating 3.5
This psychological thriller was intriguing from the first page, starting out with a letter from a very loyal fan, or perhaps stalker, which set the tone that the main character’s life might be in danger, and raised questions of who this stalker could be.
The plot evolved on a fast pace, with multiple possibilities for who the stalker might be, real or fictional with a suspenseful ending.
The author has written books in multiple genres and this new book in the psychological thriller genre show casted the author’s gift in the writing industry.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This psychological thriller was intriguing from the first page, starting out with a letter from a very loyal fan, or perhaps stalker, which set the tone that the main character’s life might be in danger, and raised questions of who this stalker could be.
The plot evolved on a fast pace, with multiple possibilities for who the stalker might be, real or fictional with a suspenseful ending.
The author has written books in multiple genres and this new book in the psychological thriller genre show casted the author’s gift in the writing industry.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
August 1, 2024
What a terrific read!
I adored our main character. Her autism made her even more compelling and I think the author does a great job, both in the story and in some of the info she provides, letting the reader know that there are many shades of autism. This represents only one.
Our mystery is compelling and definitely kept me guessing.
I'd love to read the author - and her character - again!
I adored our main character. Her autism made her even more compelling and I think the author does a great job, both in the story and in some of the info she provides, letting the reader know that there are many shades of autism. This represents only one.
Our mystery is compelling and definitely kept me guessing.
I'd love to read the author - and her character - again!
July 26, 2024
I was blown away by this book. I didn't figure out who the culprit was for a good while. Heather threw so many red herrings
at us and brilliantly so. I read this book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. It's absolutely the best suspense novel I've read lately. The characters, especially Alexandra, are so well-drawn. It was quite an insight into the thoughts and actions of a person with autism. Way to go, Heather!
at us and brilliantly so. I read this book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. It's absolutely the best suspense novel I've read lately. The characters, especially Alexandra, are so well-drawn. It was quite an insight into the thoughts and actions of a person with autism. Way to go, Heather!
Read
October 31, 2024Fast-paced, easy to read, intense without giving me nightmares...loved it!
January 7, 2025
This book hooked me from the first page and satisfied my desire to read a good clean thriller. I enjoyed the secluded setting in a West Virginia luxury cabin. There’s also plenty of insider author/publishing world bits that were interesting to read such as daily author life, snippets of the writing process, and the relationship between author, agent, and editor.
The final chapters are super suspenseful. Even though my hunch about the bad guy early on was proven correct, there were still plenty of red herrings that kept me second guessing myself and a twist that I didn’t see coming at all.
The final chapters are super suspenseful. Even though my hunch about the bad guy early on was proven correct, there were still plenty of red herrings that kept me second guessing myself and a twist that I didn’t see coming at all.
August 7, 2024
such a good read
Listened to it on a road trip! Kept my hubby and I intrigued. I loved getting to know the character!
Listened to it on a road trip! Kept my hubby and I intrigued. I loved getting to know the character!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews