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Bodies in the Sand
Jenna, Kaitlyn and Lauren have been the best of friends since college. They have always shared a strong bond with each other and a mutual desire to break the rules. This leads them to play their own special game, slightly precarious at times, that would continue for over a decade.
When life begins to get dull, the stakes get higher to include committing murder, there are very specific rules that they all must follow
Never lie to each other
Never keep secrets
Never speak about it to anyone
When each of them begin to break their sacred rules, and their darkest secrets are uncovered, everything begins to crumble, and trying to pick up the pieces of their broken friendship is the least of their worries. This game had serious risks, and serious consequences, and they would soon find that all the skeletons in their closets would turn into bodies in the sand.
When life begins to get dull, the stakes get higher to include committing murder, there are very specific rules that they all must follow
Never lie to each other
Never keep secrets
Never speak about it to anyone
When each of them begin to break their sacred rules, and their darkest secrets are uncovered, everything begins to crumble, and trying to pick up the pieces of their broken friendship is the least of their worries. This game had serious risks, and serious consequences, and they would soon find that all the skeletons in their closets would turn into bodies in the sand.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2024
51 people are currently reading
2102 people want to read
About the author
Chrystal Murphy
3 books126 followersPsychological thriller author Chrystal Murphy is an Oregon Native who currently lives in the Midwest. With a love and passion for thriller novels, she decided to finally capitalize on a dream and write her own stories. Her first book has sold thousands of copies, and her second and third books are available now.
Chrystal lives in the suburbs with way too many kids, an extremely handsome husband, two dogs, (the newest of which she bought and brought home without consulting anyone, not that her husband is bitter about that) and the cutest hairless cat. She spends her days among all the chaos imagining the tawdry secrets and drama that takes place in her subdivision. She's sure there's someone having a rendezvous with the landscaper, perhaps a cleaning lady stealing priceless sentimental silver decorative bowls, and at least one jilted lover with a body buried below the garden shed.
Chrystal lives in the suburbs with way too many kids, an extremely handsome husband, two dogs, (the newest of which she bought and brought home without consulting anyone, not that her husband is bitter about that) and the cutest hairless cat. She spends her days among all the chaos imagining the tawdry secrets and drama that takes place in her subdivision. She's sure there's someone having a rendezvous with the landscaper, perhaps a cleaning lady stealing priceless sentimental silver decorative bowls, and at least one jilted lover with a body buried below the garden shed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 15, 2025
Fun and twisted! This is the perfect book to warm you up during the cold winter. I could totally see this being played out on Netflix. A game of murder. What could possibly go wrong? Old secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever. Friendships are put to the test when a game of murder gradually becomes unraveled. Who is out to get the long-time besties? Jealousy, deception and desperation become a lethal combination in this unpredictable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved every single minute of this original, suspenseful and wicked story. Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this twisted tale. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 31, 2025
This is definitely a thriller that you won't want to miss.
The narrative in this book is crafted so well that I found myself unable to stop reading until I absolutely had too.
The author skillfully dropped subtle clues throughout the book about the true culprit. I managed to piece together the plot earlier than I expected, but it was still executed exceptionally well.
This is my first read from this author, and it certainly won't be my last. I've already added her two other books to my ever-growing to-be-read list.
The narrative in this book is crafted so well that I found myself unable to stop reading until I absolutely had too.
The author skillfully dropped subtle clues throughout the book about the true culprit. I managed to piece together the plot earlier than I expected, but it was still executed exceptionally well.
This is my first read from this author, and it certainly won't be my last. I've already added her two other books to my ever-growing to-be-read list.
November 6, 2024
Okay this. this book was UNREAL. Proper page turner.
It was giving me Desperate Housewives and a cross between Pretty Little Liars (the TV shows) I loved the storyline/plot it was nothing like i’ve ever read before and it was really refreshing and out of the box.
The ladies are certified CRAZY! their friendship is truly tested during this book and I liked (even though very wrong) that they played this game yearly for 12 years.
My jaw dropped 3 times and the 4th was the big revelation which I did not see coming!! Well played.
I loved this, it was such a good read & it’s probably the fastest i’ve ever read a book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was giving me Desperate Housewives and a cross between Pretty Little Liars (the TV shows) I loved the storyline/plot it was nothing like i’ve ever read before and it was really refreshing and out of the box.
The ladies are certified CRAZY! their friendship is truly tested during this book and I liked (even though very wrong) that they played this game yearly for 12 years.
My jaw dropped 3 times and the 4th was the big revelation which I did not see coming!! Well played.
I loved this, it was such a good read & it’s probably the fastest i’ve ever read a book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2025
FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 1.
Friends who did harmless pranks turned into deadly ones.
Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Lauren play games of dare with rules they have to follow.
Need something different, out of the ordinary, and quite unusual but a pull-you-in read? BODIES IN THE SAND should fit the bill.
I actually was shaking my head at the ending. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Friends who did harmless pranks turned into deadly ones.
Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Lauren play games of dare with rules they have to follow.
Need something different, out of the ordinary, and quite unusual but a pull-you-in read? BODIES IN THE SAND should fit the bill.
I actually was shaking my head at the ending. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
Bodies in the Sand 2⭐️
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win.
I LOVE the cover art! This is definitely an entertaining book with a unique plot. 3 best friends have been playing games since they met in college over a decade ago, but it’s amped up to involving murder.
I was distracted by the repetitive simplistic dialogue and narration and the overall flow. I didn’t understand why the prologue was left unnamed like it was a mystery, but it was revealed fairly quickly who it was. I felt like the main plot lacked proper set up. I couldn’t get on board with the fact that just because they were at a boring party and one of them suggests a game of murder that they all just agree easily 🤯. One of their rules is no discussing over the phone, but busy public areas where they are all shouting about murder is A-OKAY 😆
While I’m a fan of multiple POVs, I did not like the fact that all the POVs were told from 1st person perspective. It made it confusing and difficult to differentiate at times. The chapter titles were inconsistent. Sometimes they provided the location of that chapter, sometimes it was a brief description, and at least one chapter just didn’t have a title at all. Around the 45% mark I made a note about what my prediction was and I was spot on. This had potential and with more editing and a revamp it could be much better. It truly felt like I was reading an early draft.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win.
I LOVE the cover art! This is definitely an entertaining book with a unique plot. 3 best friends have been playing games since they met in college over a decade ago, but it’s amped up to involving murder.
I was distracted by the repetitive simplistic dialogue and narration and the overall flow. I didn’t understand why the prologue was left unnamed like it was a mystery, but it was revealed fairly quickly who it was. I felt like the main plot lacked proper set up. I couldn’t get on board with the fact that just because they were at a boring party and one of them suggests a game of murder that they all just agree easily 🤯. One of their rules is no discussing over the phone, but busy public areas where they are all shouting about murder is A-OKAY 😆
While I’m a fan of multiple POVs, I did not like the fact that all the POVs were told from 1st person perspective. It made it confusing and difficult to differentiate at times. The chapter titles were inconsistent. Sometimes they provided the location of that chapter, sometimes it was a brief description, and at least one chapter just didn’t have a title at all. Around the 45% mark I made a note about what my prediction was and I was spot on. This had potential and with more editing and a revamp it could be much better. It truly felt like I was reading an early draft.
January 24, 2025
Having the book described to me by the author as a mix of 'Pretty Little Liars' and 'Sex in the City', I was going into this book completely blind as I'd never watched either of those shows! However, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
This is still very much a thriller and is full of the usual elements of suspense, tension, shock, and twists, but due to the three main protagonists having such a close friendship, there is a lot of deception, with the reader not quite knowing who's doing the right/wrong thing!
Though coming rather abruptly, I found the twist to be a great one, and looking back, I can see how clues of it were drip-fed to the reader throughout, which was very clever! Without giving anything away, I would've loved to have read more around the planning of the twist and confrontation at the end, as it seemed to be all chucked in there towards the end of the book. However, I know this is common with thrillers, so it's not a major problem! I just thought in this book's case that it actually could've been drawn out a bit longer
This is definitely one to check out if you're fans of the aforementioned shows, or just love a thriller with a dark, humorous-at-times edge!
Rating: 7/10 (rounded up!)
This is still very much a thriller and is full of the usual elements of suspense, tension, shock, and twists, but due to the three main protagonists having such a close friendship, there is a lot of deception, with the reader not quite knowing who's doing the right/wrong thing!
Though coming rather abruptly, I found the twist to be a great one, and looking back, I can see how clues of it were drip-fed to the reader throughout, which was very clever! Without giving anything away, I would've loved to have read more around the planning of the twist and confrontation at the end, as it seemed to be all chucked in there towards the end of the book. However, I know this is common with thrillers, so it's not a major problem! I just thought in this book's case that it actually could've been drawn out a bit longer
This is definitely one to check out if you're fans of the aforementioned shows, or just love a thriller with a dark, humorous-at-times edge!
Rating: 7/10 (rounded up!)
March 3, 2025
Listen, I love a good ride-or-die friendship, but these women took ride-or-die a little too literally. Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Lauren’s “game” starts as a rebellious thrill, but when boredom turns into full-blown murder, things spiral fast. The rules? Simple. The consequences? Deadly.
This book had me gasping at the betrayals, yelling at the secrets, and shaking at the unraveling chaos. It’s messy, it’s dark, and it’s completely unhinged in the best way. I wish some moments had hit harder, but overall, it was a wild, twisted funhouse of crime and friendship. Would I trust these women? Absolutely not. Did I love reading about their downfall? Oh, 100%.
This book had me gasping at the betrayals, yelling at the secrets, and shaking at the unraveling chaos. It’s messy, it’s dark, and it’s completely unhinged in the best way. I wish some moments had hit harder, but overall, it was a wild, twisted funhouse of crime and friendship. Would I trust these women? Absolutely not. Did I love reading about their downfall? Oh, 100%.
March 16, 2025
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours!! It started off strong and didn’t let up! I loved the diabolical scheming, intensity and the friendship dynamic. Each character’s personality was well developed and the storyline was super engaging! I was thoroughly invested!
Three long time friends, all successful in their own right, are drawn to a ‘game’ they haven’t played for a year. And this time the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each one will find someone to murder. What could go wrong? Oh so much!
I definitely recommend this book for any thriller lover who lives for some dark and twisted behaviors!
Three long time friends, all successful in their own right, are drawn to a ‘game’ they haven’t played for a year. And this time the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each one will find someone to murder. What could go wrong? Oh so much!
I definitely recommend this book for any thriller lover who lives for some dark and twisted behaviors!
November 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ what an epic thriller!!! This was awesome such a good book loved it from start to finish was gripping! Loved the ending so sassy a really good highly recommend read
December 3, 2024
Bodies in the sand is a riveting thriller with masterfully crafted murder, secrets, manipulation and lies. This book has exhilarating plot twists with jaw-dropping mystery and suspense.
The story follows three best friends Jenna, Lauren and Kaitlyn.
Friends since college and regarded as rule breakers, they have curated their fun all this time. It was always harmless, well, up to some point but always twisted games that challenged them.
With carefully, calculated rules, their game was meticulously planned. It's deadly and to be honest, it is intriguing to see several variables falling just in line with their equation. A murder plot, each with their own target.
But what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Their game is turning its ugly head on them? Or is there someone out there who knows everything?
This book will grab your attention right from the prologue. I was immersed in the trio's confidence and their interests of killings. The story contains high stakes anticipation and excitement. The elements of surprises and curiosity increases with every turn of the page. The narrative is absolutely engaging weaving in themes of murders, thrills, buried secrets, twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The ending is even more surprising because the real culprit, the mastermind behind all and everything was someone I was not expecting it to be. Kudos to Chrystal for writing such an incredibly brilliant thriller.
"Bodies in the sand" is a twisty page-turner, packed with punch and will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. It was an electrifying suspenseful read! I definitely recommend this to all thriller enthusiasts especially where women are not meek and clueless rather someone who you should think twice maybe thrice before messing with!
The story follows three best friends Jenna, Lauren and Kaitlyn.
Friends since college and regarded as rule breakers, they have curated their fun all this time. It was always harmless, well, up to some point but always twisted games that challenged them.
With carefully, calculated rules, their game was meticulously planned. It's deadly and to be honest, it is intriguing to see several variables falling just in line with their equation. A murder plot, each with their own target.
But what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Their game is turning its ugly head on them? Or is there someone out there who knows everything?
This book will grab your attention right from the prologue. I was immersed in the trio's confidence and their interests of killings. The story contains high stakes anticipation and excitement. The elements of surprises and curiosity increases with every turn of the page. The narrative is absolutely engaging weaving in themes of murders, thrills, buried secrets, twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The ending is even more surprising because the real culprit, the mastermind behind all and everything was someone I was not expecting it to be. Kudos to Chrystal for writing such an incredibly brilliant thriller.
"Bodies in the sand" is a twisty page-turner, packed with punch and will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. It was an electrifying suspenseful read! I definitely recommend this to all thriller enthusiasts especially where women are not meek and clueless rather someone who you should think twice maybe thrice before messing with!
December 13, 2024
I received this book as an ARC through BookSirens and I'm leaving my honest review.
It's been a while since I was so surprised by a book.
I liked it very much and enjoyed every single page, I could even say I consider it a page turner.
The title more or less gives away what the center of the book is, but in a manner I had not expected. Surprise #1.
The three friends that have been playing games for over a decade. Nothing special, one would think. Surprise #2.
And then the way the story was told. Switching between the main characters, jumping back & forth in time, it suited the story well imho.
And last but not least there was surprise #3. I was waiting for a cliché ending, but I got something completely different.
I just loved how this book took me by surprise at unexpected moments, right until the end.
For me there's one thing that was less nice, hence the 4 ⭐ and no 5. For me it was hard to follow who was talking in what chapter. The chapters had the 'speaker', the friend from whose perspective things were told, as title, but when I turned pages I quite often forgot what title was given. And then the actions or the narrative got confusing.
Other than that, no remarks whatsoever.
It's been a while since I was so surprised by a book.
I liked it very much and enjoyed every single page, I could even say I consider it a page turner.
The title more or less gives away what the center of the book is, but in a manner I had not expected. Surprise #1.
The three friends that have been playing games for over a decade. Nothing special, one would think. Surprise #2.
And then the way the story was told. Switching between the main characters, jumping back & forth in time, it suited the story well imho.
And last but not least there was surprise #3. I was waiting for a cliché ending, but I got something completely different.
I just loved how this book took me by surprise at unexpected moments, right until the end.
For me there's one thing that was less nice, hence the 4 ⭐ and no 5. For me it was hard to follow who was talking in what chapter. The chapters had the 'speaker', the friend from whose perspective things were told, as title, but when I turned pages I quite often forgot what title was given. And then the actions or the narrative got confusing.
Other than that, no remarks whatsoever.
February 17, 2025
☠️ M A Y H E M M O N D A Y review ☠️ featuring “Bodies in the Sand” by Chrystal Murphy!
BOOK RATING: 🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
College bestfriends Lauren, Kaitlyn and Jenna have been through it all together. They all enjoyed bending the rules and came up with “the game” that lasted the course of over a decade. From shoplifting to having a one night stand with their bosses … the stakes get even higher when they toss around the next task: planning the perfect murder ☠️!
These ladies all take the game super seriously .. but they must promise not to lie to one another, never keep secrets and never speak about the game to anyone🤫. But as they plan their murders, they begin to drift away from the cold hard rules, and decade long secrets and lies start to slip through the cracks and put a wedge in their bond.
This book is wild, chaotic and over the top! The entire time I kept thinking wow these bitches are crazy 😝! Giving off vibes of Tell Me Lies, Pretty Little Liars and Desperate Housewives all mixed together is everything you want! Shocking twists, unpredictable characters and juicy drama had me flying through the pages!
Thank you kindly to @chrystalmurphyauthor for sending me a #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review! This book is out now and would make the most perfect bingeworthy beach read!
BOOK RATING: 🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
College bestfriends Lauren, Kaitlyn and Jenna have been through it all together. They all enjoyed bending the rules and came up with “the game” that lasted the course of over a decade. From shoplifting to having a one night stand with their bosses … the stakes get even higher when they toss around the next task: planning the perfect murder ☠️!
These ladies all take the game super seriously .. but they must promise not to lie to one another, never keep secrets and never speak about the game to anyone🤫. But as they plan their murders, they begin to drift away from the cold hard rules, and decade long secrets and lies start to slip through the cracks and put a wedge in their bond.
This book is wild, chaotic and over the top! The entire time I kept thinking wow these bitches are crazy 😝! Giving off vibes of Tell Me Lies, Pretty Little Liars and Desperate Housewives all mixed together is everything you want! Shocking twists, unpredictable characters and juicy drama had me flying through the pages!
Thank you kindly to @chrystalmurphyauthor for sending me a #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review! This book is out now and would make the most perfect bingeworthy beach read!
December 8, 2024
*ARC Review* Thank you, BookSirens & Author Chrystal Murphy, for the opportunity ♥️
Here we go...
3 best friends since college, bound by one twisted game. The main rules? Simple:
1. Never lie to each other.
2. Never keep secrets.
3. And above all, never, EVER talk to anyone about it.
Sounds like a recipe for friendship goals, right? Until 4 murders and one massive setup leave you questioning... Who do you trust?Was it one of the friends? Or an outsider seeking payback for a previous game gone wrong? Brace yourself for betrayal, secrets, and more plot twists than your ex’s excuses.
Told through multiple points of view by a masterful writer who keeps you hooked with every twist and turn, this story will mess with your mind, make you side-eye your own friends, and have you flipping pages late into the night. You might find yourself triple-checking your group chat for any shady vibes.
Here we go...
3 best friends since college, bound by one twisted game. The main rules? Simple:
1. Never lie to each other.
2. Never keep secrets.
3. And above all, never, EVER talk to anyone about it.
Sounds like a recipe for friendship goals, right? Until 4 murders and one massive setup leave you questioning... Who do you trust?Was it one of the friends? Or an outsider seeking payback for a previous game gone wrong? Brace yourself for betrayal, secrets, and more plot twists than your ex’s excuses.
Told through multiple points of view by a masterful writer who keeps you hooked with every twist and turn, this story will mess with your mind, make you side-eye your own friends, and have you flipping pages late into the night. You might find yourself triple-checking your group chat for any shady vibes.
February 5, 2025
This was crazy....in a good way, lol. It's very far fetched but I knew that going in and went for the ride anyway. Once you accept the crazy, it's a lot of fun. And let's not forget this cover; I love it!
The basic plot is good but I will admit that I caught on to the twist pretty early in the story. Part of me wonders if that was intentional though because once I caught on, I was flipping pages at a fast pace to find clues and hints to support my theory.
My only complaints would be the dialogue structure and editing. The dialogue seemed unnatural at times and didn't flow effortlessly while some sentences had the wrong words in them causing me to "come out of the story" to figure out what the author actually intended to say.
Overall, if you enjoy a good, campy read once in a while, this will check that box for you.
The basic plot is good but I will admit that I caught on to the twist pretty early in the story. Part of me wonders if that was intentional though because once I caught on, I was flipping pages at a fast pace to find clues and hints to support my theory.
My only complaints would be the dialogue structure and editing. The dialogue seemed unnatural at times and didn't flow effortlessly while some sentences had the wrong words in them causing me to "come out of the story" to figure out what the author actually intended to say.
Overall, if you enjoy a good, campy read once in a while, this will check that box for you.
November 6, 2024
4⭐️/5
Wooo was this a good one! If you’re still reeling about the fact that spooky season is over and you need a new thriller to try to get that feeling back I highly suggest this read! It follows three best friends Lauren, Jenna and Kaitlyn. They’ve been friends for 12 years and find a lot of fun and adrenaline in playing some high stakes games they created together. Through the years the games get more interesting and the stakes continued to rise until the games turn deadly. A murdering game to be exact, as the rules of their game start to be broken and their friendships start to break along with it they question if they can truly get away with what they’ve done. If they’re really as bestest of friends as they thought they were, and if this time they went too far.
I couldn’t put it down! it was very fast paced and was an easy read! Definitely twisted and got darker than I thought it would! There’s secrets, lies, drama, and of course murders! Such a good thriller!
Definitely check it out and give it a read, it’s available now in paperback and it’s on Kindle Unlimited!
Wooo was this a good one! If you’re still reeling about the fact that spooky season is over and you need a new thriller to try to get that feeling back I highly suggest this read! It follows three best friends Lauren, Jenna and Kaitlyn. They’ve been friends for 12 years and find a lot of fun and adrenaline in playing some high stakes games they created together. Through the years the games get more interesting and the stakes continued to rise until the games turn deadly. A murdering game to be exact, as the rules of their game start to be broken and their friendships start to break along with it they question if they can truly get away with what they’ve done. If they’re really as bestest of friends as they thought they were, and if this time they went too far.
I couldn’t put it down! it was very fast paced and was an easy read! Definitely twisted and got darker than I thought it would! There’s secrets, lies, drama, and of course murders! Such a good thriller!
Definitely check it out and give it a read, it’s available now in paperback and it’s on Kindle Unlimited!
June 5, 2025
4.5
What an amazing thriller, I loved the whole concept.
If you love multiple POV's and the odd flashback chapter you’ll love this!
Gripping story I had to keep forcing myself to put down outside of my commute!
Overview: Three best friends since college do an annual game, each year the stakes get higher but have they taken it too far this time?
Feel like if you loved the Silent Patient you’ll like this.
What an amazing thriller, I loved the whole concept.
If you love multiple POV's and the odd flashback chapter you’ll love this!
Gripping story I had to keep forcing myself to put down outside of my commute!
Overview: Three best friends since college do an annual game, each year the stakes get higher but have they taken it too far this time?
Feel like if you loved the Silent Patient you’ll like this.
January 17, 2025
Great book.
Fast paced, fun, twisty, you think you know what's going to happen and then the ending just hits you in the face.
Fast paced, fun, twisty, you think you know what's going to happen and then the ending just hits you in the face.
January 23, 2025
Firstly, a big thank you to Chrystal Murphy for reaching out to me to read and review this book.
Told from the POV’s of the main characters Lauren,Jenna, and Kaitlyn, who are all deviously evil. Friendships are pushed to the absolute limits when jealousy and betrayal rear its ugly head.
This is a strong twisty at times humorous read that is filled with shocks and an ending that was flawless.
Recommend.
January 8, 2025
It is quite interesting, it has a well-defined development and it has hidden messages for the public that, if you understand them, are quite interesting.
December 15, 2024
This book was crazy and so good!
Very entertaining, twisty, full of surprises, and secrets. This thriller tells the story of three friends since college. They have different life styles, but enjoy the same thing… breaking the rules.
It was fast paced, easy to read, and it will keep you intrigued the entire time. And the ending was shocking!
Thank you so much Chrystal Murphy for the ARC.
Very entertaining, twisty, full of surprises, and secrets. This thriller tells the story of three friends since college. They have different life styles, but enjoy the same thing… breaking the rules.
It was fast paced, easy to read, and it will keep you intrigued the entire time. And the ending was shocking!
Thank you so much Chrystal Murphy for the ARC.
April 9, 2025
Three best friends, Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Lauren, have a strong bond and a desire to break the rules, leading them to play a dangerous game for over a decade. As the stakes get higher, including committing murder, they must follow specific rules: never lie to each other, never keep secrets, and never speak to anyone about their game. When their sacred rules are broken and dark secrets are revealed, their friendship begins to crumble, and they face serious consequences. Their game puts them at risk, and soon, their hidden secrets turn into deadly outcomes.
This story was incredibly twisted and completely out of the ordinary! It's hard to fathom why anyone would want to be friends with the three main characters. However, that's what makes it both comical and terrifying to think that someone out there might actually wake up wondering how and when they will kill someone. This read is filled with dark humor and twisted ideas that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The character development unfolds gradually as the story progresses. With multiple characters and points of view to follow, it can be a bit challenging to keep track of everyone. Personally, I found myself confusing Jenna and Lauren quite frequently, leading me to backtrack and reread a few chapters to regain my bearings.
Despite the confusion, the plot and twists in the story were intriguing. The ending was particularly unexpected and somewhat unsettling. It's difficult to believe that best friends could go to such extremes, but that's the essence of this tale. If you appreciate dark humor, surprising outcomes, and complex friendship dynamics, then this story is definitely worth your time.
Thank you, Booksirens, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story was incredibly twisted and completely out of the ordinary! It's hard to fathom why anyone would want to be friends with the three main characters. However, that's what makes it both comical and terrifying to think that someone out there might actually wake up wondering how and when they will kill someone. This read is filled with dark humor and twisted ideas that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The character development unfolds gradually as the story progresses. With multiple characters and points of view to follow, it can be a bit challenging to keep track of everyone. Personally, I found myself confusing Jenna and Lauren quite frequently, leading me to backtrack and reread a few chapters to regain my bearings.
Despite the confusion, the plot and twists in the story were intriguing. The ending was particularly unexpected and somewhat unsettling. It's difficult to believe that best friends could go to such extremes, but that's the essence of this tale. If you appreciate dark humor, surprising outcomes, and complex friendship dynamics, then this story is definitely worth your time.
Thank you, Booksirens, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. It is about three best friends who met in college and developed a strong bond after indulging in “risky” games that would carry on years later.
It felt like it had good potential as a dark thriller/mystery told in dual timeline and multiple POV, but it lost its grip as fast as it pulled me in. The story and dialogue reminded me of Pretty Little Liars—except that the twist felt like it was already apparent from the beginning. The characters were hard to like, and their individual internal monologues were repetitive and it was almost as if they were all coming from one person's POV making it confusing for me. There were also a few typos from the script. Despite this, I do believe there’s potential in the story and would benefit from having another round of editing, or two. I kept pushing through with hopes that it would get better, and I wanted to DNF this quite a few times that’s why it took me so long to finish. I would still love to read another book by this author because I think I would enjoy it better with a bit more editing and she seems to know how to tell a great suspenseful story.
P.S. I loved the PLL show! I'm a bit sad this didn't hit the mark for me.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me the eARC!
It felt like it had good potential as a dark thriller/mystery told in dual timeline and multiple POV, but it lost its grip as fast as it pulled me in. The story and dialogue reminded me of Pretty Little Liars—except that the twist felt like it was already apparent from the beginning. The characters were hard to like, and their individual internal monologues were repetitive and it was almost as if they were all coming from one person's POV making it confusing for me. There were also a few typos from the script. Despite this, I do believe there’s potential in the story and would benefit from having another round of editing, or two. I kept pushing through with hopes that it would get better, and I wanted to DNF this quite a few times that’s why it took me so long to finish. I would still love to read another book by this author because I think I would enjoy it better with a bit more editing and she seems to know how to tell a great suspenseful story.
P.S. I loved the PLL show! I'm a bit sad this didn't hit the mark for me.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me the eARC!
March 1, 2025
This book had an intriguing premise and a solid mystery, but it didn’t fully captivate me. The pacing felt uneven at times, and some plot points were predictable. While the writing was good and there were moments of suspense, it lacked the depth and twists I was hoping for. It’s an okay read for mystery fans, but it didn’t leave a strong impression.
January 30, 2025
In "Bodies in the Sand," Chrystal Murphy tells a gripping story about the complex friendship between Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Lauren. These three women, bonded by their love for adventure since college, devise a daring game that escalates from innocent fun to life-altering consequences.
The setup is intriguing: a pact based on trust with rules that seem straightforward but quickly unravel as their lives take unexpected turns.
What happens if their game turns dangerous? Is there someone who knows all their secrets?
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into the trio's boldness and their dark fascination with murder.
The characters are relatable and well-developed. Jenna, the driving force behind their escapades, is both charismatic and reckless. Kaitlyn plays the peacemaker, often caught between loyalty to her friends and her own moral compass. Lauren, the most reflective of the group, grapples with the seriousness of their actions and the hidden truths they share. Together, they illustrate different facets of friendship, loyalty, and the fallout from choices made under pressure.
Murphy creates an atmosphere filled with tension and unease. What starts as an exhilarating game shifts to a darker tone as stakes rise and rules bend. The carefree days of college give way to a harsher reality as the women confront the consequences of their actions. Readers will feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as trust begins to erode among them.
The emotional weight of the narrative is significant. As secrets come to light and friendships fracture, readers may reflect on their own relationships and the fragile nature of trust.
Murphy's writing style captivates; she balances suspense with character development, allowing readers to invest deeply in each woman's journey.
The story is rich with suspense and unpredictability, keeping readers engaged throughout. Prepare for surprising twists that build with every chapter.
The narrative skillfully combines themes of murder, thrills, hidden secrets, and unexpected developments.
Even seasoned readers will find themselves surprised by unfolding revelations. The ending is particularly shocking, revealing an unexpected mastermind behind it all—someone you would never suspect.
The setup is intriguing: a pact based on trust with rules that seem straightforward but quickly unravel as their lives take unexpected turns.
What happens if their game turns dangerous? Is there someone who knows all their secrets?
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into the trio's boldness and their dark fascination with murder.
The characters are relatable and well-developed. Jenna, the driving force behind their escapades, is both charismatic and reckless. Kaitlyn plays the peacemaker, often caught between loyalty to her friends and her own moral compass. Lauren, the most reflective of the group, grapples with the seriousness of their actions and the hidden truths they share. Together, they illustrate different facets of friendship, loyalty, and the fallout from choices made under pressure.
Murphy creates an atmosphere filled with tension and unease. What starts as an exhilarating game shifts to a darker tone as stakes rise and rules bend. The carefree days of college give way to a harsher reality as the women confront the consequences of their actions. Readers will feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as trust begins to erode among them.
The emotional weight of the narrative is significant. As secrets come to light and friendships fracture, readers may reflect on their own relationships and the fragile nature of trust.
Murphy's writing style captivates; she balances suspense with character development, allowing readers to invest deeply in each woman's journey.
The story is rich with suspense and unpredictability, keeping readers engaged throughout. Prepare for surprising twists that build with every chapter.
The narrative skillfully combines themes of murder, thrills, hidden secrets, and unexpected developments.
Even seasoned readers will find themselves surprised by unfolding revelations. The ending is particularly shocking, revealing an unexpected mastermind behind it all—someone you would never suspect.
November 16, 2024
Bodies In The Sand - Chrystal Murphy
“I will never leave you, but at least now, I know that you can’t hurt me again.”
Bodies In The Sand follows best friends Lauren, Jenna and Kaitlyn. The trio are all rule breakers, and like to play their own twisted games. However when the stakes are heightened to murder, and they each start to break their own sacred set of rules, their actions start to have deadly consequences.
Bodies In The Sand is told from three perspectives predominantly from the present time, but also has flashbacks to previous games played to tie the plot together. I was hooked into this one by the gripping prologue and ended up reading the book in pretty much one sitting because I did not want to put it down!
I loved following Lauren, Kaitlyn and Jenna’s POV’s because they are all equally unhinged, unreliable narrators and witty, powerful women. The plot cleverly explores the darkness of human nature and has bursts of betrayal and jealousy from the first page to the very last. The twists had me completely shocked and I really enjoyed the ending in its own twisted, sickening way.
Thank you so much to Chrystal for reaching out to me about reading Bodies In The Sand - I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be reading more of her thrillers.
“I will never leave you, but at least now, I know that you can’t hurt me again.”
Bodies In The Sand follows best friends Lauren, Jenna and Kaitlyn. The trio are all rule breakers, and like to play their own twisted games. However when the stakes are heightened to murder, and they each start to break their own sacred set of rules, their actions start to have deadly consequences.
Bodies In The Sand is told from three perspectives predominantly from the present time, but also has flashbacks to previous games played to tie the plot together. I was hooked into this one by the gripping prologue and ended up reading the book in pretty much one sitting because I did not want to put it down!
I loved following Lauren, Kaitlyn and Jenna’s POV’s because they are all equally unhinged, unreliable narrators and witty, powerful women. The plot cleverly explores the darkness of human nature and has bursts of betrayal and jealousy from the first page to the very last. The twists had me completely shocked and I really enjoyed the ending in its own twisted, sickening way.
Thank you so much to Chrystal for reaching out to me about reading Bodies In The Sand - I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be reading more of her thrillers.
November 29, 2024
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Booksirens & I am leaving this review voluntarily
I actually rated this book a 3.8 but rounded up. There were times the book lost me but I can see why other reviewers felt like it gave PLL vibes.
The friendship dynamic between Jenna, Lauren and Kaitlyn was a bit toxic; with Lauren acting like the mother hen all the time. They have been close friends since college, where they began playing a yearly "game" for the past 12 years. The "games" ranged from stealing clothes, to cars, to sleeping with their bosses. However, this year they decide will be their biggest game yet - and their last.
They have 3 main rules but with this last final game, they each begin to break the rules and their friendship begins to crack.
I had a feeling at what was going to happen early on in the book, and I knew for sure by about halfway through.
To me, the book was a bit predictable and easy to see where it was going. I wouldn't necessarily call it a page-turner but it definitely keeps your interest because you want to see what will happen.
Overall, the book was decent and I'll read another one of this author's books.
Thank you again Booksirens for my ARC!
I actually rated this book a 3.8 but rounded up. There were times the book lost me but I can see why other reviewers felt like it gave PLL vibes.
The friendship dynamic between Jenna, Lauren and Kaitlyn was a bit toxic; with Lauren acting like the mother hen all the time. They have been close friends since college, where they began playing a yearly "game" for the past 12 years. The "games" ranged from stealing clothes, to cars, to sleeping with their bosses. However, this year they decide will be their biggest game yet - and their last.
They have 3 main rules but with this last final game, they each begin to break the rules and their friendship begins to crack.
I had a feeling at what was going to happen early on in the book, and I knew for sure by about halfway through.
To me, the book was a bit predictable and easy to see where it was going. I wouldn't necessarily call it a page-turner but it definitely keeps your interest because you want to see what will happen.
Overall, the book was decent and I'll read another one of this author's books.
Thank you again Booksirens for my ARC!
December 4, 2024
What an incredible read this was, it was absolutely addictive and one of the wildest plots I have ever read, I LOVED it.
Lauren, Jenna & Kaitlyn have been best friends since college with a very unique bond centred around their 'game' with its very strict set of rules, they have been playing this game for years with it getting wilder & crazier each time…..murder is not too far right?
The friends friendship, relationships & loyalty is tested beyond measure & pushed to the limits during their latest game, especially as more & more of their precious rules are broken, secrets are revealed and they begin to turn on each other.
This was such a fast-paced book that I absolutely flew through, the twists kept coming & every time I thought I figured it all out I was very wrong with the final twist just perfection.
Bodies in the Sand was one of the most unique books I have ever read, it was crazy, dark, disturbing yet weirdly funny at times & highly entertaining, an absolute wild ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lauren, Jenna & Kaitlyn have been best friends since college with a very unique bond centred around their 'game' with its very strict set of rules, they have been playing this game for years with it getting wilder & crazier each time…..murder is not too far right?
The friends friendship, relationships & loyalty is tested beyond measure & pushed to the limits during their latest game, especially as more & more of their precious rules are broken, secrets are revealed and they begin to turn on each other.
This was such a fast-paced book that I absolutely flew through, the twists kept coming & every time I thought I figured it all out I was very wrong with the final twist just perfection.
Bodies in the Sand was one of the most unique books I have ever read, it was crazy, dark, disturbing yet weirdly funny at times & highly entertaining, an absolute wild ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2025
I will start by saying that I received this book in exchange for my honest review! So grateful for this opportunity to read such a great book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 I would have given 5 full stars if the little spice scene was a little more descriptive, this book was just soooo good.
I am new to this genre and I have to say, Chrystal has grabbed my interest. The suspense and anxiety! Ugh, I loved it! I couldn’t put it down (but life made me do it 😭) I read this as quickly as I could, every chance I got!
I will say I would have liked a little more to the Jenna and Nate story, just a bit so that we knew how much he really meant to Jenna. I think that would have been amazing and part of the reason I dropped .25 of a star, but not detrimental for me.
The ending blew me the f*ck away. I can’t even… I will be thinking about it for a hot minute.
Grab this, it’s an easy read but is soooo good! You will feel the frustration I felt haha
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 I would have given 5 full stars if the little spice scene was a little more descriptive, this book was just soooo good.
I am new to this genre and I have to say, Chrystal has grabbed my interest. The suspense and anxiety! Ugh, I loved it! I couldn’t put it down (but life made me do it 😭) I read this as quickly as I could, every chance I got!
I will say I would have liked a little more to the Jenna and Nate story, just a bit so that we knew how much he really meant to Jenna. I think that would have been amazing and part of the reason I dropped .25 of a star, but not detrimental for me.
The ending blew me the f*ck away. I can’t even… I will be thinking about it for a hot minute.
Grab this, it’s an easy read but is soooo good! You will feel the frustration I felt haha
January 14, 2025
Synopsis: Friends for over a decade, Jenna, Lauren and Kaitlyn have been playing high risk games since college. They started "innocently" enough with stealing from the mall, but now they are ready for something bigger...murder. They all choose a victim and carry out their individual deeds, only things start to feel off with each one, right away. But if they stick to the rules that they laid out years ago, what could possibly go wrong?
Right away, I felt like I knew these girls. I felt like it was my friends and I at brunch, talking about anything and everything (minus the murder part) and that helped draw me right into this book. These are girls that have been through a lot and seen each other through a lot. Then, the mystery started to unfold and I was hooked! Little by little, tidbits are given to us until the sadistic culmination and I ate it up and loved every second of it. I also have to say that I absolutely LOVE the cover art so much!
Right away, I felt like I knew these girls. I felt like it was my friends and I at brunch, talking about anything and everything (minus the murder part) and that helped draw me right into this book. These are girls that have been through a lot and seen each other through a lot. Then, the mystery started to unfold and I was hooked! Little by little, tidbits are given to us until the sadistic culmination and I ate it up and loved every second of it. I also have to say that I absolutely LOVE the cover art so much!
February 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive, as it took me a while to get into the story—it might have been a slow burn (which I’m not usually fond of). However, as the book progressed, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, eager to discover what happened next.
The story completely captured my attention, and I was fully immersed. I developed a strong connection to two of the three girls, often finding myself engrossed in their personalities. The way each murder was played out in such detail made me feel almost present in their ‘moments.’
Not only was there a plot twist, but the entire story was meticulously crafted, with every page contributing to the ultimate reveal. The ending was absolutely jaw-dropping—I was in complete awe of the twists that unfolded.
The story completely captured my attention, and I was fully immersed. I developed a strong connection to two of the three girls, often finding myself engrossed in their personalities. The way each murder was played out in such detail made me feel almost present in their ‘moments.’
Not only was there a plot twist, but the entire story was meticulously crafted, with every page contributing to the ultimate reveal. The ending was absolutely jaw-dropping—I was in complete awe of the twists that unfolded.
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