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The Art of Murder
In the tranquil town of Cedar Plains, where safety and community are sacred, Courtney Faith’s ideal life is upended by a body found on a local farm, shattering her peaceful existence. Her friend, Alexa Huston, intimately familiar with chaos, gets entangled in an accidental murder that escalates her spiraling life into deeper darkness. Alexa wrestles with a disturbing question: Is murder justifiable if it targets the deserving?
As bodies accumulate, the local police scramble for answers. Torn between loyalty and justice, Courtney discovers evidence linking Alexa to the crimes. Their friendship frays as Courtney grapples with a dire choice: expose Alexa and risk her own darkest secret, or protect a friend and possibly destroy everything she cherishes.
In Cedar Plains, some truths are too perilous to unearth. Caught in a deadly dance of secrets and lies, Courtney must decide whether to confront the monster behind a familiar face or let their secrets stay hidden, buried within the town’s heart. Their darkest deeds are cloaked in silence, and no one truly knows anything.
As bodies accumulate, the local police scramble for answers. Torn between loyalty and justice, Courtney discovers evidence linking Alexa to the crimes. Their friendship frays as Courtney grapples with a dire choice: expose Alexa and risk her own darkest secret, or protect a friend and possibly destroy everything she cherishes.
In Cedar Plains, some truths are too perilous to unearth. Caught in a deadly dance of secrets and lies, Courtney must decide whether to confront the monster behind a familiar face or let their secrets stay hidden, buried within the town’s heart. Their darkest deeds are cloaked in silence, and no one truly knows anything.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
13 people are currently reading
5995 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Giles
4 books190 followersMaggie Giles is an Award-Winning Canadian author who writes suspenseful women's fiction and thrillers. Her debut novel, The Things We Lost, was named a 2023 distinguished favorite in Women's Fiction by the Independent Press Awards. Maggie is a member of the International Thriller Writers and currently works in Marketing. Maggie dove into writing a novel head first despite having aphantasia, a condition where one lacks a visual imagination. She lives in Ontario with her mastiff-mix, Jolene, and spends most of her days enjoying the outdoors, from swimming to hiking to skiing in the winter. She is also the author of the Twisted Truths Series - Twisted and Wicked, as well as the standalone novel The Art of Murder
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
A small town where nothing ever really happens suddenly becomes murder central. This one dark and messed up read and of course I enjoyed it. Told from the points of views of 2 best friends, we discover that both are hiding dark secrets from each other and the town. How far would you go for friendship, this book delves into that with surprising results.
I wasn’t overly keen on either of our main protagonists,Alexa and Courtney. They were both rather self centred and selfish people. This town was full of unlikeable characters really. It was twisty and fun to read.
I can see why everyone at Thriller Book Lovers is talking about this one, out on June 10th, get this on your TBR.
Thanks also to Rising Action Publishing on NetGalley for my advanced copy to read.
A small town where nothing ever really happens suddenly becomes murder central. This one dark and messed up read and of course I enjoyed it. Told from the points of views of 2 best friends, we discover that both are hiding dark secrets from each other and the town. How far would you go for friendship, this book delves into that with surprising results.
I wasn’t overly keen on either of our main protagonists,Alexa and Courtney. They were both rather self centred and selfish people. This town was full of unlikeable characters really. It was twisty and fun to read.
I can see why everyone at Thriller Book Lovers is talking about this one, out on June 10th, get this on your TBR.
Thanks also to Rising Action Publishing on NetGalley for my advanced copy to read.
July 25, 2025
✰ 1.5 stars ✰
The more I try to find good reads, the more impossible it seems to become. This was... just not good. 😐 I don't even have it in me to find any redeeming qualities about it, when neither of the two main female characters possessed any redeeming qualities whatsoever.
“That was my trophy. Cherish it, the voice whispered. And do it again.”
What starts off as accidental murder amidst a sexcapade perpetually sets off one of the participants on a killing spree of murdering those who deserved it, for how they've wronged her and made her life miserable, simply for the wretched humans they are.
Yeah, I'm not buying it.
The feeling when you know you're caught up in something so agonizingly bad, but you choose to continue anyway, because you have this firm principle to give it a fighting chance, because you never know that it may surprise you -- failed me here. 😔
Nothing of the plot - nothing is a surprise; everything is obvious. From the secret tying these two best friends - Courtney and Alexa - together. To Alexa's vendetta of justice, despite the "darkness cackling" to her repeatedly that it's the only way to quench her hunger for killing. 😕 To the predictable ending that did not grant any - any - conclusiveness to it.
Everything and everyone was unapologetically rotten to the core. I couldn't even sympathize with Courtney's torn guilt over accusing her best friend of murder for how flat in execution everything was. 🙍🏻♀️
I want my Sunday back...
But curiosity over how it would eventually play out kept me going.
“Maybe secrets didn’t keep us close. They tore us apart from the inside out.”
The premise sounded promising, but even the small-town secrets had no reveal to it. Everything was just so annoyingly obvious, and when Alexa became even more unhinged in exacting her revenge, it just became redundant and rather annoyingly stupid. 😮💨 Even Courtney was so desperate to protect her own squeaky-clean image that her opinion of her best friend going off the rails and needed to be brought in was moot, because she was only looking out for herself. 🙎🏻♀️
I think the author wanted it to be a twisted homage to Gollum; considering LOTR was a fan favorite of the two girls. It served to reason that Alexa, much like Gollum, protected her trophies as a triumphant claim that justified her killings, with how it also inspired The Art of Murder. The more unhinged she became, consumed by the overwhelming darkness, the more annoyed I became. 😒
The writing felt very amateurish and juvenile. ❌ Words were repeated ad nauseam that it gets noticeable after a while, with words like cackled and glee and coming in at a whopping 142 - darkness! Because, obviously we needed to be reminded time and time again that the gleeful voice cackling in Alexa's head was the darkness! 🤦🏻♀️😩
Urgh.
I feel like I've been thrown in a washing machine of darkness on constant spin, just waiting for it to finally stop spinning so I could get out of here. 🥴
The extra half star that I'm graciously awarding is for the amusement I derived from watching Courtney and Alexa sweating their way out of the investigating officer, Stevenson's crafty and conniving remarks, insinuating to their involvement in the increasing number of murders that had sparked up in their small safe town of Cedar Plains - nothing bad ever happened in Cedar Plains - until now... 🙄
“Sometimes people are not what they seem.”
The more I try to find good reads, the more impossible it seems to become. This was... just not good. 😐 I don't even have it in me to find any redeeming qualities about it, when neither of the two main female characters possessed any redeeming qualities whatsoever.
“That was my trophy. Cherish it, the voice whispered. And do it again.”
What starts off as accidental murder amidst a sexcapade perpetually sets off one of the participants on a killing spree of murdering those who deserved it, for how they've wronged her and made her life miserable, simply for the wretched humans they are.
Yeah, I'm not buying it.
The feeling when you know you're caught up in something so agonizingly bad, but you choose to continue anyway, because you have this firm principle to give it a fighting chance, because you never know that it may surprise you -- failed me here. 😔
Nothing of the plot - nothing is a surprise; everything is obvious. From the secret tying these two best friends - Courtney and Alexa - together. To Alexa's vendetta of justice, despite the "darkness cackling" to her repeatedly that it's the only way to quench her hunger for killing. 😕 To the predictable ending that did not grant any - any - conclusiveness to it.
Everything and everyone was unapologetically rotten to the core. I couldn't even sympathize with Courtney's torn guilt over accusing her best friend of murder for how flat in execution everything was. 🙍🏻♀️
I want my Sunday back...
But curiosity over how it would eventually play out kept me going.
“Maybe secrets didn’t keep us close. They tore us apart from the inside out.”
The premise sounded promising, but even the small-town secrets had no reveal to it. Everything was just so annoyingly obvious, and when Alexa became even more unhinged in exacting her revenge, it just became redundant and rather annoyingly stupid. 😮💨 Even Courtney was so desperate to protect her own squeaky-clean image that her opinion of her best friend going off the rails and needed to be brought in was moot, because she was only looking out for herself. 🙎🏻♀️
I think the author wanted it to be a twisted homage to Gollum; considering LOTR was a fan favorite of the two girls. It served to reason that Alexa, much like Gollum, protected her trophies as a triumphant claim that justified her killings, with how it also inspired The Art of Murder. The more unhinged she became, consumed by the overwhelming darkness, the more annoyed I became. 😒
The writing felt very amateurish and juvenile. ❌ Words were repeated ad nauseam that it gets noticeable after a while, with words like cackled and glee and coming in at a whopping 142 - darkness! Because, obviously we needed to be reminded time and time again that the gleeful voice cackling in Alexa's head was the darkness! 🤦🏻♀️😩
Urgh.
I feel like I've been thrown in a washing machine of darkness on constant spin, just waiting for it to finally stop spinning so I could get out of here. 🥴
The extra half star that I'm graciously awarding is for the amusement I derived from watching Courtney and Alexa sweating their way out of the investigating officer, Stevenson's crafty and conniving remarks, insinuating to their involvement in the increasing number of murders that had sparked up in their small safe town of Cedar Plains - nothing bad ever happened in Cedar Plains - until now... 🙄
March 30, 2025
This is the first Maggie Giles novel that I’ve read and it won’t be the last.
I can see why my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse have liked this one. From a charged first page to a twisty epilogue, this was an intense psychological thriller involving two young women (who are best friends), secrets, lies, dysfunctional families, and a series of murders in a small town. Told in alternating chapters of the two friends, the pacing was generally even, leading to a quick, easy read.
I liked that the two main characters were morally complicated and that their story questioned the limits of what we will do for our friends when there is a fine line between right and wrong.
Recommend this book for lovers of serial killer thrillers and toxic female friendships.
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I can see why my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse have liked this one. From a charged first page to a twisty epilogue, this was an intense psychological thriller involving two young women (who are best friends), secrets, lies, dysfunctional families, and a series of murders in a small town. Told in alternating chapters of the two friends, the pacing was generally even, leading to a quick, easy read.
I liked that the two main characters were morally complicated and that their story questioned the limits of what we will do for our friends when there is a fine line between right and wrong.
Recommend this book for lovers of serial killer thrillers and toxic female friendships.
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2025
ARC review • pub date 06.10.25
I really enjoyed this book. When I say it starts off with a bang and never lets up, I mean it!
Alexa and her boyfriend, Dean, accidentally cause a girl they barely know to die. Instead of confessing, they cover up the crime. But the sight of the blood unlocks something deep within Alexa, and she can’t seem to fight the urge for it to happen again.
Meanwhile, her best friend Courtney —who is engaged to a police officer — is trying to figure out why all the murders are happening in their small town.
Told in from POV from Alexa and Courtney, this book is impossible to put down, and you’re guaranteed to love it.
4.5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my ARC
I really enjoyed this book. When I say it starts off with a bang and never lets up, I mean it!
Alexa and her boyfriend, Dean, accidentally cause a girl they barely know to die. Instead of confessing, they cover up the crime. But the sight of the blood unlocks something deep within Alexa, and she can’t seem to fight the urge for it to happen again.
Meanwhile, her best friend Courtney —who is engaged to a police officer — is trying to figure out why all the murders are happening in their small town.
Told in from POV from Alexa and Courtney, this book is impossible to put down, and you’re guaranteed to love it.
4.5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my ARC
March 27, 2025
Damn. That was DARK!
I love a small town setting. Especially one with untrustworthy, questionable characters. Cedar Plains definitely wasn't lacking in that department.
The dual POVs between Alexa and Courtney moved the story along at a steady pace and kept me entised.
The murders were brutal and much deserving! You'll see.
Another great story by Maggie Giles!! Out June 10th!
My thanks to Rising Action Publishing and the author herself for this gifted copy.
I love a small town setting. Especially one with untrustworthy, questionable characters. Cedar Plains definitely wasn't lacking in that department.
The dual POVs between Alexa and Courtney moved the story along at a steady pace and kept me entised.
The murders were brutal and much deserving! You'll see.
Another great story by Maggie Giles!! Out June 10th!
My thanks to Rising Action Publishing and the author herself for this gifted copy.
March 11, 2025
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC…I just wish this book wasn’t so terrible. I have no idea how it got so many good reviews. Maybe they were all written by the same AI that wrote the book?
No one talks the way these characters talked. It was either AI or a terrible After School Special about why drugs and sex are bad - one character says “It’s time for me to see what my life is like without all the drugs and partying” because that’s totally a normal thing to casually say when your mom forces you into rehab despite being a self-declared “coke fiend” immediately beforehand. Another character, after finding out their best friend since childhood was brutally murdered, just says “this isn’t how I thought our life would be in Cedar Plains.” Sure, that’s totally the extent of a normal emotional reaction.
Also it seemed really weird that everyone mentioned Cedar Plains by name constantly. I’ve never lived in a small town but surely it can’t be normal to repeat the name of your town in almost every sentence you speak? And to go on and on about how supposedly safe and “peaceful” the place is, even though there’s a rampant drug trade and plenty of sex parties happening all over the place?
Throw in the most ridiculous police officer and reporter ever (they should have been twirling mustaches they were so one-note), and an epilogue that was clearly supposed to be “wait…WHAT?!” but was exactly what I already thought had happened, and you’ve got a complete mess. I could tell after the first two pages that this book was going to be a total waste of time and I should have believed myself.
No one talks the way these characters talked. It was either AI or a terrible After School Special about why drugs and sex are bad - one character says “It’s time for me to see what my life is like without all the drugs and partying” because that’s totally a normal thing to casually say when your mom forces you into rehab despite being a self-declared “coke fiend” immediately beforehand. Another character, after finding out their best friend since childhood was brutally murdered, just says “this isn’t how I thought our life would be in Cedar Plains.” Sure, that’s totally the extent of a normal emotional reaction.
Also it seemed really weird that everyone mentioned Cedar Plains by name constantly. I’ve never lived in a small town but surely it can’t be normal to repeat the name of your town in almost every sentence you speak? And to go on and on about how supposedly safe and “peaceful” the place is, even though there’s a rampant drug trade and plenty of sex parties happening all over the place?
Throw in the most ridiculous police officer and reporter ever (they should have been twirling mustaches they were so one-note), and an epilogue that was clearly supposed to be “wait…WHAT?!” but was exactly what I already thought had happened, and you’ve got a complete mess. I could tell after the first two pages that this book was going to be a total waste of time and I should have believed myself.
March 19, 2025
Book Review
The Art of Murder by Maggie Giles
What Its Got
Female friendships
Domestic abuse
Drug use
Found family
Alcoholism
Family secrets and betrayal
Wedding
Small town
Multiple POV
Characters
Alexa- Artist, Maid/Matron of honour
Courtney- victim of childhood abuse, bride, childhood friend
Dean - Alexa’s boyfriend, drug dealer, skeez
Brett- cop fiance, blind to what he doesnt want to see
Parents (Liz, Mark, Kevin, Phoebe, Danny)
Thoughts
Giles deftly describes The “itch” , the voices, the allure of the darkness , the growing need for more, painting a picture of the inner darkness of a serial killers psyche.
Her writing had me empathizing with Alexa and her motives.
There were a lot of twists and turns - it seems Cedar Plains and its residents are harbouring lies and secrets that the recent murders are exposing and everyone is guilty of something
Quote
“It's always at the end when we question the beginning. It's then we wonder how we got there. It's a weird feeling, wondering if you made the right choices, if you'd done something different, how things would have changed.”
Overall
Why dunnit as opposed to who dunnit - this book is Fast paced and Easily bingeable.
I really enjoyed this book, I think it’s my favourite from Maggie, definitely recommend!
Thanks to the author for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are My own.
The Art of Murder by Maggie Giles
What Its Got
Female friendships
Domestic abuse
Drug use
Found family
Alcoholism
Family secrets and betrayal
Wedding
Small town
Multiple POV
Characters
Alexa- Artist, Maid/Matron of honour
Courtney- victim of childhood abuse, bride, childhood friend
Dean - Alexa’s boyfriend, drug dealer, skeez
Brett- cop fiance, blind to what he doesnt want to see
Parents (Liz, Mark, Kevin, Phoebe, Danny)
Thoughts
Giles deftly describes The “itch” , the voices, the allure of the darkness , the growing need for more, painting a picture of the inner darkness of a serial killers psyche.
Her writing had me empathizing with Alexa and her motives.
There were a lot of twists and turns - it seems Cedar Plains and its residents are harbouring lies and secrets that the recent murders are exposing and everyone is guilty of something
Quote
“It's always at the end when we question the beginning. It's then we wonder how we got there. It's a weird feeling, wondering if you made the right choices, if you'd done something different, how things would have changed.”
Overall
Why dunnit as opposed to who dunnit - this book is Fast paced and Easily bingeable.
I really enjoyed this book, I think it’s my favourite from Maggie, definitely recommend!
Thanks to the author for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are My own.
March 13, 2025
I devoured this book in two days because I simply could not put it down!! 🔥 The twists, the secrets, the sheer darkness of this story had me hooked from the beginning! 🤯
Courtney and Alexa’s friendship was twisted with so many lies and secrets. 😳🔪 And they just kept spilling out chapter by chapter. I love a good mystery/thriller but what’s unique about this book is that you are on the other end of it… the reader knows exactly what is happening throughout the whole thing.🕵️ Not sure how it’s possible to follow a serial killer in a book and form a connection to them. 😂😂 Like hoping they don’t get caught makes me feel like the twisted one.🥴💁🏼♀️
The bottom line is that no one in Cedar Plains is truly innocent and I was HERE for it! It was all so good. 👀😈
“Maybe secrets didn’t keep us close. They tore us apart from the inside out.” 👀
Courtney and Alexa’s friendship was twisted with so many lies and secrets. 😳🔪 And they just kept spilling out chapter by chapter. I love a good mystery/thriller but what’s unique about this book is that you are on the other end of it… the reader knows exactly what is happening throughout the whole thing.🕵️ Not sure how it’s possible to follow a serial killer in a book and form a connection to them. 😂😂 Like hoping they don’t get caught makes me feel like the twisted one.🥴💁🏼♀️
The bottom line is that no one in Cedar Plains is truly innocent and I was HERE for it! It was all so good. 👀😈
“Maybe secrets didn’t keep us close. They tore us apart from the inside out.” 👀
June 11, 2025
Thank you to Rising Action Publishing, NetGalley & Maggie Giles for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
Genre(s): crime, mystery/thriller.
Overall impression: a very dark and twisted crime novel written from the perspective of the serial killer. The characters were complex and flawed with lots of secrets and cover ups for previous crimes, which suited the themes of the book really well. They were a bit hard to connect with and relate to, and I had a hard time finding a 'good' character to root for which made me feel a bit disconnected from the events happening in the book. But I liked the unique take of seeing the world through the eyes of the criminal as not many thriller books do this. The only downside was that the plot was highly predictable because we knew who the victims would be, the motives and when the murders would happen. There weren't really any surprises or twists which is something I usually look for in thrillers.
Tropes:
➵ Small town
➵ Female serial killer
➵ Trophies from victims
➵ Cold blooded or vigilante
➵ Chapters from killer's POV
➵ Everyone has secrets
➵ Deeply flawed characters
➵ Drugs, alcohol & sex
➵ Police cover ups
➵ Mental illness representation
➵ No happy ending
⤷ Plot:
The story was very predictable. We knew from the first page that Alexa was an accomplice in an accidental murder and cover up, which then quickly spiralled out of control and led to her killing many more people. The main bulk of the plot focused on Alexa's revenge killing's and Courtney's wedding planning. There weren't really any twists or turns from the reader's perspective since we knew all of the information all the time. I found the ending to be quite unsatisfying. As someone with a very strong moral compass, it always irks me if I feel like there was no justice by the end. And that's how this book felt to me.
⤷ Characters:
Alexa was a deeply flawed character right from the start. She had a raging drug and alcohol problem, and quickly went from being fascinated with death to an active serial killer within a few chapters. This is the first book that I've read where half of the chapters were from the murderer's POV. It was eerie seeing the world through her eyes and witnessing the planning, execution and cover up of the acts. Besides the obvious reason, I found her character really hard to connect with because even when she was putting up a front and pretending to be innocent to her friends - she was so callus and emotionless that it was really hard to feel any sort of empathy towards her or understand her perspective. I also had a hard time believing that Alexa could get away with so many murders given she barely covered her tracks and had obvious connections to all of her victims. The police were beyond hopeless and given how out of control the situation was, you'd think professionals would have been called in at some point.
I didn't particularly think any of the characters were likeable. They had all done horrible things and had no remorse. Instead of worrying about the effect of their actions on their victims, they only cared about the consequences of their secrets being discovered. None of them underwent any character development either, which made them even more unlikeable. In the end, I didn't really care which of them survived because they were all sucky people.
There were a lot of generalisations in this book too. The author played into the 'small town' stereotype with all of her characters having dead-end jobs and raging drug and alcohol problems. Now I can't speak for what Canada (where the author is from) is like but as someone that grew up in a small town in Australia and would move back there in a heartbeat - this is a damaging and unrealistic portrayal of what small towns are like. There wasn't a single redeeming character in her book and it made it less enjoyable because of that.
⤷ World-building:
I had a hard time picturing Cedar Plains. I'm not sure if the town was typical of Canada but as an Australian reader, I found it really hard to believe that a tiny town with seedy bars, a raging drug problem and seemingly no other sort of development in the area, would also have million dollar mansions. Why would anyone with that kind of money want to actually live there? We only got to read about a few locations and they were described in an okay amount of detail but I just couldn't picture the town at all. It didn't feel like a real place.
⤷ Writing:
The pacing was a bit on the slow side and I think the story would have been more enjoyable if it were shorter and more concise, given how repetitive the plot and dialogue was. The actual writing style and language used was very enjoyable though and it was an easy book to sit down and binge.
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 08/06/2025-11/06/2025 (4 days).
➵ Page count: 368.
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: standalone.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
Genre(s): crime, mystery/thriller.
Overall impression: a very dark and twisted crime novel written from the perspective of the serial killer. The characters were complex and flawed with lots of secrets and cover ups for previous crimes, which suited the themes of the book really well. They were a bit hard to connect with and relate to, and I had a hard time finding a 'good' character to root for which made me feel a bit disconnected from the events happening in the book. But I liked the unique take of seeing the world through the eyes of the criminal as not many thriller books do this. The only downside was that the plot was highly predictable because we knew who the victims would be, the motives and when the murders would happen. There weren't really any surprises or twists which is something I usually look for in thrillers.
Tropes:
➵ Small town
➵ Female serial killer
➵ Trophies from victims
➵ Cold blooded or vigilante
➵ Chapters from killer's POV
➵ Everyone has secrets
➵ Deeply flawed characters
➵ Drugs, alcohol & sex
➵ Police cover ups
➵ Mental illness representation
➵ No happy ending
⤷ Plot:
The story was very predictable. We knew from the first page that Alexa was an accomplice in an accidental murder and cover up, which then quickly spiralled out of control and led to her killing many more people. The main bulk of the plot focused on Alexa's revenge killing's and Courtney's wedding planning. There weren't really any twists or turns from the reader's perspective since we knew all of the information all the time. I found the ending to be quite unsatisfying. As someone with a very strong moral compass, it always irks me if I feel like there was no justice by the end. And that's how this book felt to me.
⤷ Characters:
Alexa was a deeply flawed character right from the start. She had a raging drug and alcohol problem, and quickly went from being fascinated with death to an active serial killer within a few chapters. This is the first book that I've read where half of the chapters were from the murderer's POV. It was eerie seeing the world through her eyes and witnessing the planning, execution and cover up of the acts. Besides the obvious reason, I found her character really hard to connect with because even when she was putting up a front and pretending to be innocent to her friends - she was so callus and emotionless that it was really hard to feel any sort of empathy towards her or understand her perspective. I also had a hard time believing that Alexa could get away with so many murders given she barely covered her tracks and had obvious connections to all of her victims. The police were beyond hopeless and given how out of control the situation was, you'd think professionals would have been called in at some point.
I didn't particularly think any of the characters were likeable. They had all done horrible things and had no remorse. Instead of worrying about the effect of their actions on their victims, they only cared about the consequences of their secrets being discovered. None of them underwent any character development either, which made them even more unlikeable. In the end, I didn't really care which of them survived because they were all sucky people.
There were a lot of generalisations in this book too. The author played into the 'small town' stereotype with all of her characters having dead-end jobs and raging drug and alcohol problems. Now I can't speak for what Canada (where the author is from) is like but as someone that grew up in a small town in Australia and would move back there in a heartbeat - this is a damaging and unrealistic portrayal of what small towns are like. There wasn't a single redeeming character in her book and it made it less enjoyable because of that.
⤷ World-building:
I had a hard time picturing Cedar Plains. I'm not sure if the town was typical of Canada but as an Australian reader, I found it really hard to believe that a tiny town with seedy bars, a raging drug problem and seemingly no other sort of development in the area, would also have million dollar mansions. Why would anyone with that kind of money want to actually live there? We only got to read about a few locations and they were described in an okay amount of detail but I just couldn't picture the town at all. It didn't feel like a real place.
⤷ Writing:
The pacing was a bit on the slow side and I think the story would have been more enjoyable if it were shorter and more concise, given how repetitive the plot and dialogue was. The actual writing style and language used was very enjoyable though and it was an easy book to sit down and binge.
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 08/06/2025-11/06/2025 (4 days).
➵ Page count: 368.
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: standalone.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
April 28, 2025
When a book opens with two characters covering up a murder, you know the action has already started. Told in dual POV from Alexa and Courtney. Courtney is getting married soon and Alexa is her best friend and maid of honor. Alexa does not live a clean life by any means. Courtney is aware of some of her best friend’s activities but not everything. More bodies pile up in this small tourist town and Courtney’s fiancée is a cop so is involved in the investigations.
Alexa is a masterfully written character! She is dark and tormented by her past. How her life is woven in with the good and (mostly) clean lives of the town is fun to watch. The book started as a hard read because of the opening scene but soon became a book I couldn’t put down. Exploring Alexa’s mind was a whole other level! If you like the darker side of thrillers, this book is one for you!
Alexa is a masterfully written character! She is dark and tormented by her past. How her life is woven in with the good and (mostly) clean lives of the town is fun to watch. The book started as a hard read because of the opening scene but soon became a book I couldn’t put down. Exploring Alexa’s mind was a whole other level! If you like the darker side of thrillers, this book is one for you!
February 23, 2025
Have you ever thought you knew someone, like REALLY knew them, only to find out that you that they’ve been keeping a big dark secret? Courtney and Alexa are complicated characters with secrets they’re keeping for each other as well as from each other. I loved reading along as all of the secrets start to come to light and watching the fallout unfold. This is a great example of a “small town with secrets” thriller!
March 5, 2025
[ARC review] 2.5* Intriguing premise about what’s basically the making of a serial killer. We follow two POVs - one of which is the said serial killer (Alexa), and the other is her best friend (Courtney), who has no clue that her best friend has been behind the murders in their small town. The setup led me to believe this was going to be something out of an episode of Criminal Minds (which I loved) because in the earlier chapters took me into the dark mind of the killer and her messed-up thoughts about her urges to harm people.
Unfortunately, the book was more about the dark side of addiction / substance abuse rather than a murder thriller, because quite literally, there were more details of characters drinking / doing drugs than the actual murder plot.
But that wasn’t the main problem. While I thought the general plot was okay, what I really disliked most was how everything and everyone felt so, so, soooooo curated; characters were just transactional, and formulaic, and writing was monotonous and flat throughout. It felt to me like I was reading a news report.
I mean seriously, no emotions or feelings came through in what was said. Two perfects examples are, and please note that as this is only an ARC, this quotation may be altered or removed in the final version of the book:
1. The bride making a casual speech to her 5+ bridesmaids:
Thoughts: This could have EASILYYYYY been mistaken for a work event speech as oppose to a bridesmaids’ get together. Crazy flat and dry to the bones.
(This next one is a spoiler...)
I initially had high expectations from the title and high ratings, but this was, to say the least, an absolute bummer, on top of having an incredibly unsatisfying ending.
***
- Many thanks for NetGalley and the team from Rising Action Publishing Co. for allowing me to read this ARC!
- This book will be published on June 10th 2025.
Unfortunately, the book was more about the dark side of addiction / substance abuse rather than a murder thriller, because quite literally, there were more details of characters drinking / doing drugs than the actual murder plot.
But that wasn’t the main problem. While I thought the general plot was okay, what I really disliked most was how everything and everyone felt so, so, soooooo curated; characters were just transactional, and formulaic, and writing was monotonous and flat throughout. It felt to me like I was reading a news report.
I mean seriously, no emotions or feelings came through in what was said. Two perfects examples are, and please note that as this is only an ARC, this quotation may be altered or removed in the final version of the book:
1. The bride making a casual speech to her 5+ bridesmaids:
“Thank you all for being here.” I raised a glass of champagne to my guests. “I know some of you had to make arrangements to be here, so I want you to know how much I appreciate it, along with all the work you have been doing for the bachelorette.”
Thoughts: This could have EASILYYYYY been mistaken for a work event speech as oppose to a bridesmaids’ get together. Crazy flat and dry to the bones.
(This next one is a spoiler...)
I initially had high expectations from the title and high ratings, but this was, to say the least, an absolute bummer, on top of having an incredibly unsatisfying ending.
***
- Many thanks for NetGalley and the team from Rising Action Publishing Co. for allowing me to read this ARC!
- This book will be published on June 10th 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Literally, from the first sentence, I was hooked!
‘Blood crawled across the hardwood floor, oozing from the gaping wound in the dead woman’s head’.
That definitely grabbed my attention! So much delicious deviousness, and how can you go wrong with a murdery FMC?!
Alexa and Dean like to party. One night things get out of control and someone dies. This ignites a dark side of Alexa. She is drawn to the euphoria she feels from the bloody and gruesome scene. Will her ‘dark passenger’ return or is this a one time thing?
Courtney is Alexa’s long time friend and engaged to a local police detective. Bodies start showing up in their small town, including someone close to Courtney.
Friendships, secrets, lies, vengeful murder and an unlikely serial killer. And that epilogue!!
‘Blood crawled across the hardwood floor, oozing from the gaping wound in the dead woman’s head’.
That definitely grabbed my attention! So much delicious deviousness, and how can you go wrong with a murdery FMC?!
Alexa and Dean like to party. One night things get out of control and someone dies. This ignites a dark side of Alexa. She is drawn to the euphoria she feels from the bloody and gruesome scene. Will her ‘dark passenger’ return or is this a one time thing?
Courtney is Alexa’s long time friend and engaged to a local police detective. Bodies start showing up in their small town, including someone close to Courtney.
Friendships, secrets, lies, vengeful murder and an unlikely serial killer. And that epilogue!!
July 30, 2025
Not terrific. And at least one error per chapter - the first one I noticed was something like “she ways the balance”. Really??? I did finish it, however, because I had to know how it ended, so that’s something. The town is apparently meant to be Collingwood, but there is nothing in the writing that evokes it. I’d say don’t bother.
June 3, 2025
4.5 STARS Set in a small-town, The Art of Murder is the latest book by Canadian author Maggie Giles. It's a story full of secrets and complicated friendships that will appeal to readers who love intense and twisty stories and lots and lots of murder.
From the first pages, readers are taken on one helluva wild ride as we dive into the complicated mind of a serial killer. This is a sinister and engaging story that's filled with toxic relationships and complicated characters who make questionable choices. They are not always likeable, but they will keep you turning the pages!
And despite knowing the identity of the murderer, I found this to be a very compelling and addictive read. We get the unique perspective of a serial killer who is out for vengeance as we witness Alexa's spiral into darkness and begin to understand her motives. I surprised myself by how (almost) sympathetic I was feeling towards her!
Dark and twisty and unputdownable, this thriller asks the question "How far would you go for your best friend?" It hits stores June 10th so get your preorders in now!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2025
Small Town, Big Secrets, and a Killer on the Loose.
The art of murder is full of secrets, betrayals, and choices that could cost everything.
Set in the seemingly quiet town of Cedar Plains, the story follows Courtney, who is about to marry the love of her life. Her perfect life starts to crack when a body is found nearby. Meanwhile, her best friend Alexa stumbles into a deadly mess of her own. As the town’s body count rises, so does the tension. Who can Courtney trust? And how far will she go to keep her own past buried?
Maggie Giles keeps the suspense high. The dual POVs give us an insight to both Courtney and Alexa.
If you love thrillers with messy friendships and small town secrets, be sure to add this to your shelf.
The art of murder is full of secrets, betrayals, and choices that could cost everything.
Set in the seemingly quiet town of Cedar Plains, the story follows Courtney, who is about to marry the love of her life. Her perfect life starts to crack when a body is found nearby. Meanwhile, her best friend Alexa stumbles into a deadly mess of her own. As the town’s body count rises, so does the tension. Who can Courtney trust? And how far will she go to keep her own past buried?
Maggie Giles keeps the suspense high. The dual POVs give us an insight to both Courtney and Alexa.
If you love thrillers with messy friendships and small town secrets, be sure to add this to your shelf.
February 16, 2025
*The Art of Murder* is a gripping psychological thriller told from the dual perspectives of best friends Alexa and Courtney. Suspenseful and fast-paced, it kept me hooked from start to finish. What made it especially compelling was how it challenged my sense of right and wrong—there were moments when I found myself empathizing with the murderer or at least understanding their reasoning. If you enjoy thrillers that blur moral lines and keep you questioning the characters’ choices, this one is definitely worth the read!
May 8, 2025
Courtney is planning her wedding. Her childhood best friend, Alexa is her maid of honor, only something weird is going on with Alexa. They both have some pretty big secrets. As the bodies start to pile up all the lies start to unravel.
June 27, 2025
Alexa, it's not that serious!!!
June 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
The art of murder is… not getting caught. Or maybe it’s justifying the dark voices that pop up inconveniently when the anger rises.
Or maybe the art of murder really is an art.
A splash of anger, a rage of passion or the blot that just needed to be rubbed out….
Wowzers, thriller lovers here’s one for you . The book begins with a sex scene that goes wrong and then the reader will bounce between two friends Alexa and Courtney (and their POV). As you unravel the dark voices of a serial killer, the bodies keep coming and the justification of each is righted.
It’s one of those books that can be easily binged knowing each character annoys you and you can see where the bodies are going to come next… it’s the how and why that matters in this one.
The art of murder is… not getting caught. Or maybe it’s justifying the dark voices that pop up inconveniently when the anger rises.
Or maybe the art of murder really is an art.
A splash of anger, a rage of passion or the blot that just needed to be rubbed out….
Wowzers, thriller lovers here’s one for you . The book begins with a sex scene that goes wrong and then the reader will bounce between two friends Alexa and Courtney (and their POV). As you unravel the dark voices of a serial killer, the bodies keep coming and the justification of each is righted.
It’s one of those books that can be easily binged knowing each character annoys you and you can see where the bodies are going to come next… it’s the how and why that matters in this one.
July 22, 2025
I bought this book on a clearance rack before its publishing date (?) and I think it might be because it was a copy that had not been edited or something? That drove me a little crazy throughout reading. Or maybe it was edited and they did an awful job, which would be even worse…
Besides that, the story was fine but the characters felt one dimensional, and the repeated use of phrases like “the darkness cackled with pleasure and assured me this was not over” felt like a high schooler wrote this.
Besides that, the story was fine but the characters felt one dimensional, and the repeated use of phrases like “the darkness cackled with pleasure and assured me this was not over” felt like a high schooler wrote this.
April 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Honestly, I struggled a bit with one.
Here is where this one fell a little short for me:
•Dialogue and action: stilted and repetitive. The book included many instances of “What happened?” and “Are you okay?” The characters also “paced” frequently throughout the story.
•Repetitive location: Constant reminder that we are in Cedar Plaines.
•Ending: The final plot twist simply didn't work for me.
But the book is getting good reviews, so take my above-mentioned points with a grain of salt.
Read this if you like:
•Morally complex characters
•Complicated friendships
•Long Buried Secrets
•Vigilante Female Serial Killer
•Twists as the Secrets Unfold
Honestly, I struggled a bit with one.
Here is where this one fell a little short for me:
•Dialogue and action: stilted and repetitive. The book included many instances of “What happened?” and “Are you okay?” The characters also “paced” frequently throughout the story.
•Repetitive location: Constant reminder that we are in Cedar Plaines.
•Ending: The final plot twist simply didn't work for me.
But the book is getting good reviews, so take my above-mentioned points with a grain of salt.
Read this if you like:
•Morally complex characters
•Complicated friendships
•Long Buried Secrets
•Vigilante Female Serial Killer
•Twists as the Secrets Unfold
August 5, 2025
A tranquil town, life-long friendships, and something very disturbing going on amongst it all—think tangled relationships, buried secrets, and a truth that refuses to stay hidden. It’s clever, twisty, and I won't tell you more so I don't ruin the ending for you. If you enjoy thrillers, this should be on your list.
March 20, 2025
📚 E-ARC BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚
The Art of Murder By Maggie Giles
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Publisher: Rising Action Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐✴️(3.75)
(Rounded Up To 4⭐)
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Rising Action Publishing, and NetGalley for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
The Art of Murder is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys female serial k*llers and revenge thrillers!
The prologue pulled me in immediately and had me hooked in pretty quickly. However, the pacing of this one didn't feel consistent to me. Some parts of the story seemed were fast-paced, other parts seemed really slow and took a long time to get where they were going.
This story is told from dual POVs: Alexa and Courtney are best friends who bonded over family drama and teenage trauma years ago. They share a secret from the past, and they've been there for one another through everything. But as people around Courtney begin dying in violent ways, she begins to wonder if her best friend is really the person she thought she was?
While this book kept my interest, there were times I had to suspend my disbelief in order to stick with the plotline. There were parts of this read where I was really captivated and enjoyed what was happening, in the capacity of a revenge thriller. There were other parts of the book that seemed to carry on for longer than necessary and I found my interest waning with that particular storyline.
Though this book wasn't my favorite story to feature a female serial k*ller, this is definitely one you should read if that's a favorite trope for you!! It's good to see so many books featuring such badass female MCs lately, and this is another to add to your TBR stack!! Coming in June 2025.
#TheArtOfMurder #MaggieGiles #RisingActionPublishing #thrillerbookloversthepulse #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARCs #thrillerreads #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
The Art of Murder By Maggie Giles
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Publisher: Rising Action Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐✴️(3.75)
(Rounded Up To 4⭐)
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Rising Action Publishing, and NetGalley for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
The Art of Murder is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys female serial k*llers and revenge thrillers!
The prologue pulled me in immediately and had me hooked in pretty quickly. However, the pacing of this one didn't feel consistent to me. Some parts of the story seemed were fast-paced, other parts seemed really slow and took a long time to get where they were going.
This story is told from dual POVs: Alexa and Courtney are best friends who bonded over family drama and teenage trauma years ago. They share a secret from the past, and they've been there for one another through everything. But as people around Courtney begin dying in violent ways, she begins to wonder if her best friend is really the person she thought she was?
While this book kept my interest, there were times I had to suspend my disbelief in order to stick with the plotline. There were parts of this read where I was really captivated and enjoyed what was happening, in the capacity of a revenge thriller. There were other parts of the book that seemed to carry on for longer than necessary and I found my interest waning with that particular storyline.
Though this book wasn't my favorite story to feature a female serial k*ller, this is definitely one you should read if that's a favorite trope for you!! It's good to see so many books featuring such badass female MCs lately, and this is another to add to your TBR stack!! Coming in June 2025.
#TheArtOfMurder #MaggieGiles #RisingActionPublishing #thrillerbookloversthepulse #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARCs #thrillerreads #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
June 29, 2025
Alexa and Courtney have been friends forever, having both grown up in their small town with unhappy home lives. Alexa's mum died in a car accident, leaving her dad grieving until her mum's best friend helped him find happiness again. When she also left, he took to the bottle and Alexa was forced to become the financial rock, also drinking and taking too many drugs to cope with a local 'bad boy'. Courtney's life also hasn't been easy. Her dad went to jail for beating her 10 years ago and she can't believe her mum took him back when he was released. She knows he's beating her mum again and hopes to convince her mum to leave him for good. At least Courtney's life is on track - she lives with the man she loves and they plan to marry soon.
When the body of a young woman is found murdered, it appears Alexa and her boyfriend may have known her. Courtney's dad is found dead, only a few days after he beat her mother. When Alexa's boyfriend is also found murdered, the police are baffled that so many crimes have happened in their peaceful little town. Suspiciously, all the victims are connected to Alexa and Courtney in some way. Courtney begins to wonder if her best friend could possibly be responsible however she's torn between speaking up and looking out for her bestie who has always kept the secret she also harbours.
I love books set in a small town and this one had quite a cast of unlikeable characters. I'm not sure it's the type of town I'd want to move to anytime soon. The murders are quite brutal so be warned however the victims won't be missed by many. The storyline explores some difficult themes including drug and alcohol use, abusive relationships, secrets, lies and murder. A fast-paced, easy read with a few extreme characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When the body of a young woman is found murdered, it appears Alexa and her boyfriend may have known her. Courtney's dad is found dead, only a few days after he beat her mother. When Alexa's boyfriend is also found murdered, the police are baffled that so many crimes have happened in their peaceful little town. Suspiciously, all the victims are connected to Alexa and Courtney in some way. Courtney begins to wonder if her best friend could possibly be responsible however she's torn between speaking up and looking out for her bestie who has always kept the secret she also harbours.
I love books set in a small town and this one had quite a cast of unlikeable characters. I'm not sure it's the type of town I'd want to move to anytime soon. The murders are quite brutal so be warned however the victims won't be missed by many. The storyline explores some difficult themes including drug and alcohol use, abusive relationships, secrets, lies and murder. A fast-paced, easy read with a few extreme characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 5, 2025
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝.
From the synopsis, this book sounds like a typical thriller, but it's anything but. I can't explain why, but there was a voyeuristic quality about this story that I quite enjoyed. While the characters were certainly three-dimensional, there was a standoffish quality about them that kept me as an outsider. It was odd to be so immersed in a story yet feel detached, and when I got to the end, I wonder if that was the author's point all along.
Alexa Huston knows the dark allure of chaos, and when she and her boyfriend, caught up in chasing their next high, accidentally kill a woman, the act opens a long-closed door for Alexa, and bodies start dropping. When her friend Courtney finds evidence linking Alexa to the crimes, she wrestles with an age-old question: protect a friend at any cost, or do the noble thing and turn her in. The problem is, exposing Alexa may expose some things Courtney would rather people not know.
Brimming with atmosphere and tension, THE ART OF MURDER is a thriller packed with secrets, lies, and betrayal that will have you questioning even your oldest friendships. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my early copy. This book is expected to publish June 10, 2025.
From the synopsis, this book sounds like a typical thriller, but it's anything but. I can't explain why, but there was a voyeuristic quality about this story that I quite enjoyed. While the characters were certainly three-dimensional, there was a standoffish quality about them that kept me as an outsider. It was odd to be so immersed in a story yet feel detached, and when I got to the end, I wonder if that was the author's point all along.
Alexa Huston knows the dark allure of chaos, and when she and her boyfriend, caught up in chasing their next high, accidentally kill a woman, the act opens a long-closed door for Alexa, and bodies start dropping. When her friend Courtney finds evidence linking Alexa to the crimes, she wrestles with an age-old question: protect a friend at any cost, or do the noble thing and turn her in. The problem is, exposing Alexa may expose some things Courtney would rather people not know.
Brimming with atmosphere and tension, THE ART OF MURDER is a thriller packed with secrets, lies, and betrayal that will have you questioning even your oldest friendships. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my early copy. This book is expected to publish June 10, 2025.
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
📅 Out 10 June 2025
Would you speak up?
Told from two perspectives—Alexa Huston and her childhood best friend, Courtney Faith—The Art of Murder explores the weight of secrets, the fine line between loyalty and justice, and the messy complications of lifelong friendships. Set over just seven weeks, this psychological thriller takes readers into the seemingly safe town of Cedar Plains, where a body is discovered, shattering its quiet facade.
Courtney has built a life of stability, while Alexa is spiralling into chaos. When an accidental murder triggers a string of crimes, Courtney is forced to confront an impossible choice: turn in the person who has always been by her side or protect her and risk everything.
While I enjoyed the tension and the way Maggie Giles delves into moral dilemmas, the plot felt somewhat predictable. The twists, though engaging, didn’t fully surprise me. That said, the novel is still a gripping read, with a fast pace and an unsettling atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. If you love psychological thrillers with morally grey characters, toxic friendships, and ethical quandaries, this is worth picking up!
⚠️ Content Warnings: homicide, alcoholism, drug use, drunk driving, voyeurism, sexual violence, ableism, references to domestic abuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Out 10 June 2025
Would you speak up?
Told from two perspectives—Alexa Huston and her childhood best friend, Courtney Faith—The Art of Murder explores the weight of secrets, the fine line between loyalty and justice, and the messy complications of lifelong friendships. Set over just seven weeks, this psychological thriller takes readers into the seemingly safe town of Cedar Plains, where a body is discovered, shattering its quiet facade.
Courtney has built a life of stability, while Alexa is spiralling into chaos. When an accidental murder triggers a string of crimes, Courtney is forced to confront an impossible choice: turn in the person who has always been by her side or protect her and risk everything.
While I enjoyed the tension and the way Maggie Giles delves into moral dilemmas, the plot felt somewhat predictable. The twists, though engaging, didn’t fully surprise me. That said, the novel is still a gripping read, with a fast pace and an unsettling atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. If you love psychological thrillers with morally grey characters, toxic friendships, and ethical quandaries, this is worth picking up!
⚠️ Content Warnings: homicide, alcoholism, drug use, drunk driving, voyeurism, sexual violence, ableism, references to domestic abuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
At the start of the book, Alexa and her boyfriend Dean’s wild night goes wrong when a girl ends up dead. As they attempt to cover it up, something dark is awakened in Alexa and she can no longer control the “monster” within. As bodies start piling up, and her best friend, Courtney, becomes suspicious, it becomes more difficult to hold onto the secrets that they have both been keeping.
This book is filled with secrets, lies, morally gray characters, and toxic friendships. Combine that with a female serial killer targeting those who she feels deserve to die, and you have one entertaining and dark thriller! I enjoyed the alternating points of view between Alexa and Courtney and the small town vibe that connected the characters to each other. I also liked that this was a different kind of thriller because even though the reader knows who is committing the murders, it was still twisty and suspenseful! This is definitely a dark thriller with very descriptive murder scenes and brings to light the question of how far people will go to keep their own secrets buried when faced with a moral dilemma.
I can see why my friend at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse are hooked on this one! This was my first book by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Thank you to Maggie Giles and Rising Action Publishing for this advance reader copy!
This book is filled with secrets, lies, morally gray characters, and toxic friendships. Combine that with a female serial killer targeting those who she feels deserve to die, and you have one entertaining and dark thriller! I enjoyed the alternating points of view between Alexa and Courtney and the small town vibe that connected the characters to each other. I also liked that this was a different kind of thriller because even though the reader knows who is committing the murders, it was still twisty and suspenseful! This is definitely a dark thriller with very descriptive murder scenes and brings to light the question of how far people will go to keep their own secrets buried when faced with a moral dilemma.
I can see why my friend at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse are hooked on this one! This was my first book by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Thank you to Maggie Giles and Rising Action Publishing for this advance reader copy!
July 1, 2025
This was a solid read with a few standout elements that I appreciated—especially that it's set in Ontario! I loved that Collingwood was the inspiration for the small town in the book, giving the story a familiar and eerie backdrop.
The Art of Murder explores the secrets people keep within friendships and how far they’re willing to go to protect them. The alternating POVs between Courtney and Alexa worked well to show the depth of their history and emotional baggage. The character development was strong, particularly when it came to their complicated bond, but I didn’t find either of them especially likeable—and that’s okay. In a murder thriller like this, you’re not always meant to root for the main characters.
The gore was intense and impactful, and the descent into madness was handled in a way that felt chilling and believable. The author didn’t shy away from brutal moments, and some of the character exits were shocking and timed well.
I think fans of small-town serial killer thrillers will enjoy this one. It’s dark, disturbing, and will leave you questioning the people closest to you.
A few quotes I highlighted:
“It's always the end when we question the beginning.”
“Everything is so final in death.”
The Art of Murder explores the secrets people keep within friendships and how far they’re willing to go to protect them. The alternating POVs between Courtney and Alexa worked well to show the depth of their history and emotional baggage. The character development was strong, particularly when it came to their complicated bond, but I didn’t find either of them especially likeable—and that’s okay. In a murder thriller like this, you’re not always meant to root for the main characters.
The gore was intense and impactful, and the descent into madness was handled in a way that felt chilling and believable. The author didn’t shy away from brutal moments, and some of the character exits were shocking and timed well.
I think fans of small-town serial killer thrillers will enjoy this one. It’s dark, disturbing, and will leave you questioning the people closest to you.
A few quotes I highlighted:
“It's always the end when we question the beginning.”
“Everything is so final in death.”
May 5, 2025
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💀🔪 BOOK TOUR 🔪 💀
"THE ART OF MURDER" by Maggie Giles
BFFs and Buried Bodies!
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers for putting this twisty little gem on my radar! I'm adding my review to our team's growing list of raves. Mark your calendars for June 10, thriller aficionados, because this one delivers. 👀📅
Courtney and Alexa are BFFs with benefits of the murderous kind. These two are bound together by friendship and shackled by some seriously dark secrets.
They’ve taken different paths in life, but they share a mission: keep the skeletons buried. ☠️ This book has everything: toxic friendship, long-buried secrets, and that deliciously creeping tension that compels you to turn just one more page and then five more!
Giles knows how to keep the suspense simmering while serving up a storyline that's as juicy as it is twisted. 🔥
Don't miss this one if you like sharp, secretive, and slightly sinister thrillers!
❓Could you keep your bestie's secrets if they involved the other people in your life?
Thank you to the author and Rising Action for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
💀🔪 BOOK TOUR 🔪 💀
"THE ART OF MURDER" by Maggie Giles
BFFs and Buried Bodies!
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers for putting this twisty little gem on my radar! I'm adding my review to our team's growing list of raves. Mark your calendars for June 10, thriller aficionados, because this one delivers. 👀📅
Courtney and Alexa are BFFs with benefits of the murderous kind. These two are bound together by friendship and shackled by some seriously dark secrets.
They’ve taken different paths in life, but they share a mission: keep the skeletons buried. ☠️ This book has everything: toxic friendship, long-buried secrets, and that deliciously creeping tension that compels you to turn just one more page and then five more!
Giles knows how to keep the suspense simmering while serving up a storyline that's as juicy as it is twisted. 🔥
Don't miss this one if you like sharp, secretive, and slightly sinister thrillers!
❓Could you keep your bestie's secrets if they involved the other people in your life?
Thank you to the author and Rising Action for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
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