Open Bar

by Dan Schorr

When the longtime abuse by a university’s softball coach of teenagers in its youth summer softball program—and the university’s strategic cover-up of those crimes—comes to light, a community is turned upside down in this drama-filled thriller perfect for fans of Kate Elizabeth Russell and Allison Leotta.

Campus, corporate, and local politics collide when a high-profile sexual misconduct scandal rocks a prominent university.

Serena Stanfield, Mountain Hill University’s human resources director, has just learned that the school’s softball coach has been molesting teenagers in its youth summer softball program for years, and that the university has covered it up from both her and the public. Troy Abernathy, a junior associate at an international investigations firm, is navigating a turbulent, toxic workplace as the company aims to be retained by the university to investigate these sexual assault allegations. Megan Black, a new member of the Mountain Hill City Council, is thrust into the fallout from the national scandal while she simultaneously focuses on securing a presidential commutation for her childhood friend, who is unfairly facing decades in prison after stabbing her abusive husband to death in self-defense.

As additional disturbing details of the coach’s actions are uncovered, Serena, Troy, Megan, and other prominent community figures confront competing interests and unique obstacles while they each pursue different paths toward obtaining justice for the softball program’s sexual abuse survivors—and offer conflicting understandings of what justice would even mean.

Genres: Thriller, Drama, Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Jen Buchwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an interesting, smart, gripping read! Open Bar is about how a sexual abuse allegation gets investigated by a university and the town’s elected officials. However, for better or worse, everyone involved has their own agenda and perspective on what part of the investigation is important. There are several story lines that weave so cleverly with one another. I found myself on the edge of my seat because just when I thought I understood one character’s motivation something would happen that would make me re-think their perspective. Several times in the book a character does something “right” for the “wrong” reasons and it made me think about whether their intention mattered and if they are one of the book’s “good guys”. There were other times that a more obviously selfish character made points that broadened my perspective on a particular issue. It’s clear this is what Dan Schorr intended - to address an important issue with credibility and sensitivity and to have us think about unintended consequences and moral relativism. This is a thinking person’s page turner!

[Jamie Josephson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Spark Press for providing an ARC of Open Bar by Dan Schorr in exchange for honest feedback.

*4.5 stars

So I went into this book completely blind - my first read by this author and I have not heard much about this title. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised. This was less of the typical whodunit thriller that I’m used to, and more of an immersive multi-POV narrative that leaned toward the exploration of justice, power, and moral clarity.

It was a well-written, quick read with excellent character development that genuinely pulled me in from the start. What really set this book apart is how it sidesteps the typical thriller trope of a single significant twist, and instead opted for smaller emotional and ethical payoffs. It was incredible how the different storylines intertwined with such a variety of motivations. So while it did not feel like a conventional thriller, it still delivered a compelling and intelligent story.

Definitely check your trigger warnings here (sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, domestic violence) but absolutely worth the read! I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much @booksparks for allowing me to be on this tour. The premise of this one sounded powerful and intriguing, and I was right. This was truthful, raw and eye opening.

Schorr’s background shines in this novel. It reads like real life, and he handles the sensitive subject with grace and objectivity. I loved that all the POVs ended up intersecting in one way or another and the butterfly effect each had on the situation.

Everyone seems to act based on what is best for themselves and not the victims or issues at hand. The way this brings up so many moral quandaries make it a perfect read for a book club. I want to say I was shocked by the actions of most (mainly the politicians) but sadly, I was not. Schorr is definitely one I will be looking for in the future.

4.5 rounded up***

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt.
It’s not easy to be a woman in this society and if you have found one where it is, please let us in on the secret! Accurate statistics are probably underreported but in the U.S., an estimated 44% of adult women have experienced unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime, and 21.3% have experienced completed or attempted rape. And that reports for intimate partner violence sure are not any rosier. My last job as a social worker was in this field as it was impossible not to take the work home with me at the end of the day. But just because I left the job, my work as an advocate never ended and it is so important to tell the stories of survivors through a multitude of platforms, even gripping thrillers such as Dan’s Schorr’s latest novel.
Open Bar is a perfect blend of the current milieu with the spectrum of human emotions mixed up with a hefty splash of anxiety. While it may still be a world where some men behave badly, Schorr demonstrates that women can play hard ball in this smart and suspenseful read. Told through the lens of three individuals as a university’s sexual abuse scandal is exposed, Open Bar showcases the power of a movement in a captivating book that made its debut into the world this week!

[Oma Orih · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Bar is a thought-provoking, intense read that tackles difficult topics like sexual abuse, cover-ups, and institutional power in a realistic and compelling way. The beginning hooked me immediately — the personal stakes with Serena and Megan drew me in and made me invested in the characters and their fight for justice.
As the story progressed, the focus shifted more toward politics, the investigative firm, and Congress, which slowed the pace for me and made it less gripping in parts. I appreciated the realism and the depth, but it wasn’t always an exciting or fast read.
Overall, it’s an important, well-written book that will stick with you, even if it didn’t make me love every moment. I’m glad I read it and it gave me a lot to think about.

[jamie griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

i'd like to give this a 3.5. i feel like this focused more on politics than anything about the scandal itself - of 300+ pages, i think maybe 50 of them actually went into the misconduct and its coverup. while this isn't a bad thing, i think this would be more in line for someone who likes to read political fiction. it's hard for me to consider this a "thriller" - not all that much really happened.

it also definitely finished with some loose ends (and maybe that was intentional) - like did C&R successfully and properly investigate, or was getting coach rob behind bars all they bothered to do?

i didn't find any of the characters particularly enthralling in a way that made me want to root for them - i actually found Evina to be pretty insufferable and hard to sympathize with, constantly making every conversation about herself and sitting there whining. with that being said, i do actually LIKE when characters aren't easy to root for, because they end up actually feeling more human & realistic, so i didn't actually dislike the main characters.

the only thing i think i would change is how much information the reader gets "handed" - maybe it's my own preference, but i felt like there were a number of sentences & paragraphs that kind of...overexplained things that i think most readers would be able to infer? for example, "Rick started with a mock question as he stroked his goatee with no one else but Troy in the room." i never wondered if anyone else was in the room, because the scene had already been set up that just Troy and Rick were in a conference room preparing for an interview. another example: "there was relief to know that this attempt to frame her--because that's what it was--would now disappear."i already knew it was framing her...just some examples of things that i felt didn't need to be totally spelled out.

all this being said, i think that people who enjoy political fiction will enjoy this! i just would not advertise it as a thriller!

[Michael Buchwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent! A true page-turner full of complex and compelling characters that leaves you deeply conflicted but incredibly satisfied with the read!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest. Open Bar was a tough read for me because of the heavy subject matter. It covers sexual abuse, a university cover-up, and the messy fallout that follows.

We follow several characters who each handle the situation differently, and I appreciated that not everyone was clearly good or bad. It felt real. The pacing was a bit slow, and I didn’t fully connect with the characters, but the story made me think and sit with some uncomfortable truths.

Thank you, Booksparks, for my gifted copy for an honest review

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When sexual abuse allegations are made against the long-time softball coach of Mountain Hill University, human resources director Serena Stanfield is not about to let them be swept under the rug. She soon comes to find out that this is not the first time these allegations have been made and that the university has been covering them up. Determined to get justice for these women, Serena sets out to put an end to this once and for all. Even if that means putting her own career on the line.

Open Bar follows several key characters as they navigate the unfolding scandal. With a first-hand look into their different thought processes as well as their personal motives it is fascinating to witness what drives each of their decisions and their intentions, whether they be righteous or self-serving.

This is not an easy book to read, especially as a woman, in that it deals with some very tough and personal subject matter. What I love about this book is that it takes something so awful that is far more common than many of us would ever want to admit and turns it into a story that will capture the attention of a diverse pool of readers, drawing them in and forcing them to consider different scenarios and challenging them to question what they would do.

Open Bar will take you on a journey that touches upon every emotion. From sadness, anger, frustration, heartbreak and disgust to strength, determination and empowerment.
This book is an important read. Real, raw and emotional, this is a story of cover ups, abuse of power and lies. Seeing the behavior of the people in high level positions and decision-making roles speaks volumes as to why so many people are afraid to speak up in real life.

I was captivated by this book from start to finish and could not put it down. It made me mad. It made me sad. But it also gave me hope. As the story unfolded it all seemed so real. Like something that could happen in any town or on any college campus across the country. It made perfect sense when I got to the end and read about author Dan Schorr and his extensive work in the field. His knowledge and research made this book come alive in the best and most important ways. Will it make you sick to your stomach at times? Yes. But that is the point!

Thank you Booksparks for the gifted copy of this book. This was a powerful and important read! I look forward to exploring more of the author’s work.

[Brittany Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Booksparks for this gifted copy.

After watching the HBO Max documentary Surviving Ohio State, I’ve been deeply invested in how colleges handle sexual abuse and misconduct cases. It’s political, messy, and appalling, often prioritizing reputation over justice. So when I had the opportunity to read Open Bar, a literary fiction novel intertwining three storylines about the cover-up of sexual misconduct, I knew I needed it in my hands.

🔍 What did I love the most?
Dan Schorr masterfully weaves three seemingly separate narratives into a chilling convergence. Each storyline is tragic, infuriating, and disturbingly plausible. What struck me most was how both men and women contribute to these cover-ups, showing how power, influence, and fear can warp morality. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reread a line, and think, “This is fiction, but it’s happening somewhere right now.”

🔍 What to Expect:
🏈 College sports culture & power dynamics
🚨 Sexual misconduct investigations
⚖️ Ethical and moral gray areas
💼 Institutional cover-ups and politics
🗣️ Conversations that make you uncomfortable for all the right reasons

🔍 How was the pace?
Steady and deliberate, enough time to absorb each storyline’s impact without ever feeling slow.

🔍 Do I recommend it?
Absolutely, but prepare yourself. This is a heavy read that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of systemic failure. If you’re interested in books that blend social commentary with compelling storytelling, this is a must. It’s horrifying, fascinating, and impossible to look away from.

🔍 Perfect for fans of:
📖 Kate Elizabeth Russell
📖 Allison Leotta

🔍 Mood: 🖤 Heavy | 🔍 Investigative | 🎓 Campus Politics
🔍 Read if you like: Literary fiction with legal drama, social justice narratives that challenge you, campus thrillers that pull no punches, and morally complex characters who live in the gray areas.

[Linnéa Lange · Rating 2 out of 5]

Open Bar is a book about all the things that can (and probably do) happen when a sexual assault scandal comes to light. Dan Schorr is a sexual misconduct investigator, and it shows. A lot of the infuriating things that happened after the #metoo are showcased in this book in a fictional setting, and I would hazard a guess that Schorr has used some of his real life experience in writing specific scenarios.

The book has several characters with their own POVs, and all are characters that in one way or another want to do the right thing but have real life complicating the straight path there. It is an interesting look into what can complicate people doing the right thing.

My main grievances with this book was suspending disbelief when it came to the political game. I have worked professionally in politics for over 10 years in the US and elsewhere and I just cannot see the strategic choices being made the way they are. The characters are loose cannons, who despite their professional prowess, make emotional-based decisions that don’t seem real. There are some characters who complicate things but mostly it’s like they’re operating in a world where only the characters mentioned in the book exist. Politics is juggling many interests, at the same time, and making strategic choices to find the path forward. I have a hard time seeing a real-life scenario being played out this way or this publicly.

With that being said, I still think this book can be an interesting read for those who are interested in these types of social issues and who like to rage read a little.

Thanks to SparkPress, NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this advance e-copy and for the opportunity to leave an honest review.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLDR; If you do not remember the early days of the #metoo movement and how it absolutely rocked the world one case after another then this book is for you. If you do remember and you want a more detailed look at how a scandal can shape corporate, local, and national politics then this book is also for you!

Throughout this story we follow cast of characters that are navigating their way through a university sexual misconduct case. We follow them from the discovery a YEARS long sexual abuse case to the university attempting to cover it up to the complete fall out of each character.

Schorr did a great job drawing a map and taking us, as readers, on this journey. Each character having their own motivation and layers of involvement was like looking at a police board with red yarn. Thanks in part to the author having years of being a sexual misconduct investigator, he was really able to take us on a fully fledged journey from the perspective of a colleges head of HR to a investigation company to how a scandal like this even shapes local and national politics.

Each story line that Schorr created and gave us was intricately weaved into one another leaving us on the edge of our seat wondering how one persons choices and discoveries effected another. Throughout the story the author showed us even though someone is making good choices it can often be for the wrong reasons.

Schorr did a wonderful in giving us a HARD HITTING topic and letting us, as readers, dissect it delicately. He handled this story with credibility and sensitivity and of utmost importance. If you're someone who longs to know how the choices of many can effect the outcome of one then this is the perfect story for you!

[Lindsey Sanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis of this book, it reminded me of Missoula by Jon Krakauer, which really excited me. I am such a "take them down" girl, huge supporter of the #metoo movement. Which is what "Open Bar" is essentially about.

This was such an engaging read. There are three main characters that we follow as they navigate a scandal that rocks their community and beloved university.

One of the things that really stood out to me while reading this book is that Schorr didn't try and create perfect characters. Despite everyone's best intentions, they're still looking out for themselves. As a reader it's a little frustrating, but only because you realize how true and genuine that is.

It's human nature to want to protect ourselves and those we care about, while also trying to fight the good fight and stand up against injustices.

The book also highlights the length predators and their supporters will go to to dehumanize, gaslight, and attack victims.

The moral struggles of the characters does take the lead more than the sexual assault issue throughout the book, but I was kind of okay with it. The moments that it is discussed, though, are incredibly powerful and are given a chance to be the forefront when necessary.

This was a well-written novel, with quick chapters, flawed characters, and a topic that we need to continue to talk about.

I was sent a copy of this book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open Bar deals with a long-covered up sex abuse scandal at a university that has just been made public. Its three protagonists each interact with the scandal in different ways. A university employee breaks the scandal. A young corporate investigator probes the case. A recently elected and idealistic politician is more concerned with the miscarriage of justice that landed her best friend in prison than the scandal itself.

The novel is largely about the moral challenges faced by its characters as they navigate fallout from the scandal. It provides a really interesting look at the realistic pressures that decent people face when trying to do the right thing in an complex world. Character motivations are complex and multifaceted, and are sometimes open to reader interpretation. Just as not everybody in life cares about the consequences of their actions, some characters in Open Bar are more concerned with projecting a positive image than actually addressing the human crisis in front of them. Open Bar shows exactly why victims struggle to get justice despite living in a society that claims to care about violent crime.

As far as characters go, my favorite was Troy, the junior corporate investigator. He's at the beginning of his career, consequently feeling disempowered and cautious, yet he feels driven to try and make situations better to the extent that he can.

[Jennifer (novels_and_daydreams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚖️ A hidden sex scandal at a prominent university is blown apart and the university’s HR director, a junior associate at an investigative firm, and a local councilwoman are caught in the crossfire as they pursue justice for the victims while also attempting to further their own agendas and fighting against the machinations of those seeking to thwart their efforts.

Wow. This book was dirty and raw, and hit very close to home with our current social and political climate. Corrupt politicians, unqualified sycophants looking to advance their own as well as their relative’s careers, sexual misconduct by people in power, dirty lawyers, false accusations, blatant lies, and blackmail all play a role as our main characters encounter setbacks in their efforts for justice in the midst of unparalleled plotting and scheming. As our main characters navigate toxic work environments and escalating public scandal, they are forced to assess their own morality in their quest for justice. Powerful and reflective, this book sheds an interesting light on legal and political systems and how they’re blatantly manipulated by those in power and what justice truly means.

✅ Check this one out if you enjoy a Grisham-esque legal and political thriller with heavy subject matter, depictions of sexual misconduct, and a cast of morally gray characters. Pairs well with a vodka soda and your best behavior.

Thanks @booksparks and for this amazing #gifted #summerpopup read! I really want a sequel so I know what comes next for Serena, Troy, and Megan!

[Kady M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open Bar follows sexual misconduct/sexual abuse, that has been covered up for years by officials at Moutain Hill University. The abuse and it's secrecy has recently been brought to the public eye by an outraged HR director and now, there's no turning back.

Dan Schorr takes us into a very real world where loyalties, relationships and morals are tested. It also seems that the lines between right and wrong don't exist when it comes to politics. My heart grieves for the sexual abuse victims in this story- even though justice is legally served- I don't feel that they received the support and acknowledgement that they truly deserved from the university. It is obvious that the author has a very knowledgeable background in this subject and that takes his writing to another level; he has also done a seamless job of taking three different storylines and brining them together to make the story more suspenseful and gripping.

This was not exactly what I expected after reading the blurb, but the story was everything it needed to be and I really enjoyed it. It flowed perfectly and even left you on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Thank you so much @booksparks for the advanced copy of this book and for the opportunity to be a part of this summer popup tour! All opinions are my own.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open Bar tackles a difficult and sensitive subject—assault and the ways young women can be influenced—yet Dan Schorr approaches it with care, nuance, and a strong sense of purpose. The story doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of its themes, but it also provides a narrative that feels relatable and resonant for women from all walks of life. Schorr manages to balance the weight of the subject matter with a compelling plot, drawing you in from the first page and keeping you engaged through every turn.

What makes this novel particularly effective is its authenticity. The characters’ emotions, choices, and struggles are portrayed with honesty, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level. The pacing ensures that the tension remains steady, but the heart of the book lies in its empathy—it doesn’t just tell a story, it gives a voice to experiences that are often silenced.

By the time you reach the final chapters, Open Bar has not only gripped you with its storyline but also left you reflecting on the issues it raises. It’s the kind of book that’s hard to put down because it matters, both in its message and in the way it’s told. Thought-provoking, emotional, and unflinchingly real, this is a powerful read that lingers long after the last page.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Open Bar by Dan Schorr and here are my thoughts.

Serena Stanfield uncovers a long time abusive coach who has been preying on teenagers in the university's summer softball program. Putting her job online she refused to let it go and joined forces with a junior associate for an investigation firm and a city councillor, they pursue different paths to obtain justice but they have the same goal.

Yeah this one was different. It didn’t have the tone I have come to expect from a thriller.. It had a ton of POVs and it felt like the author spent more time on the cover up than anything outside of that and it was a tad bland.

There were no twists, it was mostly little ahhh I see moments which really didn’t work for me in this genre. I think it needs to be reclassified because I can see thriller readers being upset with this.

It was a compelling read, lots of parts had my mind just spinning and it mostly stood on the triggers to provide the settings. Again, it didn’t fit the thriller genre for me and I went in looking for that and was disappointed.

The character development was there though and there was some gifted writing…

Real shame!

3.5 stars

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe how many shocking moments there were in this book. There were so many connections that were slowly put together as the story went on. It really shows how people with authority are manipulative and liars. I felt so bad for so many different characters in the book. This story discussed grooming and sexual abuse at a young age. There were so many different characters and layers to this story I felt a bit confused at times. This story was told in different point of views which kept it very interesting watching it all connect. I can’t imagine how much thought went into creating this storyline! I was proud of Megan for pushing through and always advocating for her friend Evina. Her story was absolutely heartbreaking. I was proud of Troy for speaking up towards the end because I felt like he was constantly walked all over. I still have questions about Julia. Serena was a force to be reckoned with. I have mixed feeling about her situation. This was an intense story but very well done!

[Escaping in Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 30, 2025
Publication Date - August 12, 2025

*I received a physical copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @booksparks!

Open Bar does a good job providing insight into the political side of sexual assault crimes and how all the moving parts are affected by each other. I found reading this book to be especially timely after recent events in Canada. Dan Schorr covers many of the myths and false narratives that are so common with violence against women and sexual assault cases. Open Bar is frustrating to read but that is the point! It should be frustrating to see the reality of how people get away with hurting other people and how individuals in power can choose to use their power for wrong. This book demonstrates how important it is to believe people when they share their stories and how important it is to make the right decision, even if it’s hard or scary. If you are interested in learning more about the political side of sexual assault crimes, you should give Open Bar a try!

Get excited to read Open Bar, available August 12, 2025! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Thank you so much to Booksparks for sending me this gifted copy to read and enjoy.

I thought that this book sounded really interesting and I haven’t really read any books about sexual abusive cases involving sports. This one was a story that had so many layers, there were so many people working on coverups to keep their names out of the mud. It seemed like no one really cared for the victims (which seems like what has been happening in current time as well). I’m sure this one was based on a true story or a few stories blended together. It’s just sad that it still happens and at the amount it happens. I did find that there were too many stories happening at once even though they were separated well it was a lot to try and keep track of and to separate. I couldn’t really tell the lawyers apart form the council they all seemed to bland together.
I’d still recommend this read to certain reads. I’m not sure I’d classify this as a thriller because it was so slow paced, maybe like fictional crime.

[Hi'D's Book Hub Blogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw it on the Summer Pop-Up Tour with BookSparks, I knew I wanted to read it. So I was thrilled when I received this book mail!

Open Bar by Dan Schorr was one heck of a page-turner! It pulled me in from page one and especially hit close to home, as we had a beloved, well-respected teacher, someone the entire community trusted, who turned out to be having a sexual relationship with a much younger student. It shocked everyone and shattered the illusion of who we thought he was.

The difference was that our school definitely didn't try covering it up (thank God), but the book still reminded me how true it is that you don't always know the people you think you know. Open Bar hits shelves 08.12.25.

Huge thanks to BookSparks for sending this over....definitely one I won't forget!

#OpenBar #DanSchorr
#BookReview #GrippingReads #ThrillerReads #MustRead #ARCReview #BookSparks #SummerPopUp #Bookish #bookmail #HiDsBookHub

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open Bar is a timely and compelling look at the way some of our society has evolved. A university scandal to cover up campus sexual assaults eventually separates the good guys from the bad ones, but not before a lot of people become involved, with some ultimately being threatened.

I didn't know a whole lot about this book going into it but I found it to be full of interesting characters, again some good, some not, and a relevant-to-our-time storyline. I learned a lot about the innerworkings of sexual misconduct investigations, with the author's experience in the field being very apparent in the storytelling.

Open Bar is an riveting, eye-opening story that drew me in from the start. I enjoyed it immensely, if it's possible to enjoy a story of this subject matter. Trigger warning: sexual assault. If that won't be an issue, then I recommend Open Bar. It will probably open your eyes a little bit like it did mine.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I’ve spent a lot of years trying to put this behind me. Sometimes trying to forget. Sometimes trying to remember. I’m very concerned about trusting this investigation. I was naive when all this happened. I don’t want to be naive again.”

This book is about sexual assault allegations against a youth softball coach, the ways in which the university he works for covered it up, and the eventual bombshell of the information finally coming out in the #MeToo era.

Open Bar is very well written and I know this because I was ANGRY reading it. Told from multiple POV you get all of the different perspectives and a peek into just how corrupt many, many people are when it comes to money, prestige, and reputation. And accountability, which was sorely lacking.

Although a difficult subject matter it was handled with grace, even if some of the characters were infuriating. Overall a solid and very important read.

Thank you to @booksparks for the #SummerPopUp spot and the gifted book.

[Sarah Dressler · Rating 4 out of 5]

OPEN BAR by Dan Schorr wraps three storylines together that intersect over the primary problem point of abuse at a university. Thank you @booksparks for my early reading copy of OPEN BAR, which publishes August 12.

This storyline reminded me distinctly of the Jerry Sandusky abuses at Penn State and the aftermath of accountability, who should be held responsible, and how “doing the right thing” can mean some very different points to different folks.

It was intense, and at first I had trouble trying to understand how these 3 seemingly VERY different storylines were going to intersect, some did conveniently, some brought more thought about. I liked the pacing of most points, but some parts were a little slow. I still wanted to be finished so I knew what was happening though!

I can see the storyline continuing for some characters.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @booksparks + Dan Schorr for the gifted copy


Another new thriller to review. It’s told through the eyes of people stuck inside the system , HR, junior investigators, and city officials. People who are trying to do the right thing, but keep getting pulled in the wrong directions. The story is messy , like how messed-up systems actually work. The kind of mess that end up ruining lives. There are characters who are good, but not in "omg" kind of way, just real and worth reading about. There re others who are so frustrating, you just want to shake them. It’s basically about people trying to do the right thing in situations where “the right thing” doesn’t fit neatly into any box. Some stuff just stays a hot mess.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, Open Bar really wasn't anything like I expected. The synopsis talks about this scandal and the fallout, etc but in reality, it felt like the scandal aspect took a backseat and the book was actually more about the politics involved in covering it up. That actually could be a very interesting book in itself, but unfortunately, for me it just fell flat. There were so many different characters to keep track of that it made it hard to actually get into the story. There was so much going on and it just seemed to miss the mark.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Bar had all the ingredients for a powerful story with timely themes, multiple points of view, and a serious look at sexual misconduct and institutional failure. I appreciated what the book was trying to do, and the subject matter definitely matters.

That said, I personally had a tough time getting into it. The characters didn’t grab me right away, and it took a while for the story to really take shape. Once it did, I was more invested, but it wasn’t a quick or easy read for me.

Overall, I respect the message and the intent. It just didn’t fully connect for me the way I hoped it would.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a coach’s scandal drops, it’s like a Netflix drama, but with more chaos.

This story dives deep into the aftermath of a coach’s sex scandal, unraveling the shocking ripple effect as the truth comes crashing down. All while being to through the eyes of FOUR unique perspectives.

From the very first page, it pulls you in with a bang! ‼️ The tension is real, and the way it unfolds makes you question everything. What I loved most was the multi-POV storytelling. Every character adds a new layer to the case, making it impossible to look away. You get to see how the scandal affects everyone involved, and it’s both thrilling and eye-opening.

My only tiny letdown was the ending. I was craving just a bit more resolution, but overall, I’m rating it a solid 4/5⭐️ !

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. A gripping story with characters I cared about and issues that mattered. There were twists and turns, and the outcome was not clear. I could not stop reading because I had to know how things turned out! But this was more than just a great mystery. The author clearly knows this field and the books provides a realistic view of the challenges and difficulties of these types of cases. I know because, like the author, I am an investigator who works on these types of cases. Dan Schorr has nailed it here. I recommend this to everyone.