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The Ever End
“A chilling and unsettling story that will stay with you long after you finish.” - Jessica Huntley, author of Don't Tell a Soul
“So devilishly creepy it will make your skin crawl.” - Avanti Centrae, #1 International bestselling thriller author
“This book is unsettling, cult-like and had me glued to the pages. I could not put it down. With bi representation and a twisted storyline that will have you consumed with how it will play out, this is a must-read.” - Chandra Claypool, Where the Reader Grows
A mysterious figure. A dead televangelist. A series of bizarre rituals.
Margo has spent most of her life without a family, and with a telekinetic gift she can't quite explain. Since losing her mother less than a year ago, she's felt more alone than ever. When her fiancé Sam takes her to his remote Iowa hometown to meet his family and begin planning their wedding, Margo finally begins to feel like she's home. But the feeling doesn't last long, and Margo soon feels out of place among her future in-laws. Sam's family is different from what she'd expected. Not only is their obsession with a deceased televangelist unsettling, but Margo has begun seeing a strange, mysterious figure from her past—a figure that she thought was put to rest with her mother's passing.
As Sam's family begins to take over the wedding plans, Margo tries to regain some control by turning to the town's sole wedding planner, who soon becomes her only confidant, perhaps because she reminds Margo of her former love. But the more Margo tries to distance her past from her future with Sam, the deeper his family pulls her in, forcing upon her generationally archaic traditions that border on ritualistic. As Margo unearths the family's dark web of secrets, she begins to suspect that she may have been brought here for a reason, and it may cost her her life.
In the psychologically unsettling vein of I'm Thinking of Ending Things and The Women in the Dark, combined with the socially aware suspense of Get Out, The Ever End takes elevated horror to a new level with a queer, twisted, feminist story that will keep readers guessing until the end, and stay with them long after that.
“So devilishly creepy it will make your skin crawl.” - Avanti Centrae, #1 International bestselling thriller author
“This book is unsettling, cult-like and had me glued to the pages. I could not put it down. With bi representation and a twisted storyline that will have you consumed with how it will play out, this is a must-read.” - Chandra Claypool, Where the Reader Grows
A mysterious figure. A dead televangelist. A series of bizarre rituals.
Margo has spent most of her life without a family, and with a telekinetic gift she can't quite explain. Since losing her mother less than a year ago, she's felt more alone than ever. When her fiancé Sam takes her to his remote Iowa hometown to meet his family and begin planning their wedding, Margo finally begins to feel like she's home. But the feeling doesn't last long, and Margo soon feels out of place among her future in-laws. Sam's family is different from what she'd expected. Not only is their obsession with a deceased televangelist unsettling, but Margo has begun seeing a strange, mysterious figure from her past—a figure that she thought was put to rest with her mother's passing.
As Sam's family begins to take over the wedding plans, Margo tries to regain some control by turning to the town's sole wedding planner, who soon becomes her only confidant, perhaps because she reminds Margo of her former love. But the more Margo tries to distance her past from her future with Sam, the deeper his family pulls her in, forcing upon her generationally archaic traditions that border on ritualistic. As Margo unearths the family's dark web of secrets, she begins to suspect that she may have been brought here for a reason, and it may cost her her life.
In the psychologically unsettling vein of I'm Thinking of Ending Things and The Women in the Dark, combined with the socially aware suspense of Get Out, The Ever End takes elevated horror to a new level with a queer, twisted, feminist story that will keep readers guessing until the end, and stay with them long after that.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
17 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Wilson
5 books42 followersAudrey Wilson is an award-winning writer and the author of LANDING LIKE RAIN, ONLY HUMAN, and WRONG GIRL GONE. Her next book THE EVER END will be released by Bywater Books in August 2025. From screenplays and television pilots to short stories and novels, Audrey boasts an eclectic writing background. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Television Writing and Producing, she began her career, and has since produced nationally and internationally for PBS and National Geographic, as well as locally for WLS. In 2018, she received a regional Emmy nomination.
As much as Audrey enjoys getting behind a camera, she feels most at home when immersed in one of her fictional works. When she isn't writing, Audrey enjoys hiking, reading, and watching movies, from the earliest Charlie Chaplin picture to the latest indie film. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her partner and their rescued cats and dog, where she continues getting swept away in her writing on a nightly basis. To learn more about Audrey, visit www.AudreyWilsonAuthor.com.
As much as Audrey enjoys getting behind a camera, she feels most at home when immersed in one of her fictional works. When she isn't writing, Audrey enjoys hiking, reading, and watching movies, from the earliest Charlie Chaplin picture to the latest indie film. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her partner and their rescued cats and dog, where she continues getting swept away in her writing on a nightly basis. To learn more about Audrey, visit www.AudreyWilsonAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 14, 2025
Almost exactly three years ago, I read Audrey's debut novel, WRONG GIRL GONE, and was duly impressed. I was beyond excited to get a chance to read this horror, cult-like, suspenseful read and I'm glad to say that again, I'm impressed! This one hooked me from the get go and I found myself reading bits at every chance that I could.
My full review will come in a future issue of Scream Magazine but I implore you to pick this up as soon as you can!
My full review will come in a future issue of Scream Magazine but I implore you to pick this up as soon as you can!
August 10, 2025
The Ever End by Audrey Wilson is an atmospheric small-town horror novel centered on a creepy religious cult. Their disturbing, ritualistic behavior is enforced through saccharine-sweet, overt politeness, suggesting something deeper and darker.
I enjoyed the writing style, particularly its vivid imagery, even though the narrative is somewhat clichéd. I really like the twist, as well as the twisted ending. I find Margo to be an interesting character, and I like her backstory. Aside from Sam, the other characters appear to be little more than stereotypes. The supernatural element was fun, in an eerie way.
Some plot holes irritate me, so the star rating reflects that.
All that being said, it was a quick, engaging story, and I like the author's style. I would be interested in reading more of her work.
#birep #cult #religion #supernatural #horror #smalltown
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed the writing style, particularly its vivid imagery, even though the narrative is somewhat clichéd. I really like the twist, as well as the twisted ending. I find Margo to be an interesting character, and I like her backstory. Aside from Sam, the other characters appear to be little more than stereotypes. The supernatural element was fun, in an eerie way.
Some plot holes irritate me, so the star rating reflects that.
All that being said, it was a quick, engaging story, and I like the author's style. I would be interested in reading more of her work.
#birep #cult #religion #supernatural #horror #smalltown
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
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March 25, 2025A haunting thriller!
Margo goes home with her fiancé Sam to meet his family, but she can’t help sensing things are not quite right. As the family push to plan the wedding, Margo is drawn to the only wedding planner in town who becomes the only person she feels she can trust when she is convinced she keeps seeing a figure from her dead mother’s past!
Now I am not one for horror and darker stories, but this nicely incorporates aspects of the genre while remaining true to being a thriller that is definitely out to shock. When we are introduced to Sam’s family it was definitely apparent they had quirks, and I initially got Addams family vibes mixed with something a bit creepier and darker, like Beetlejuice, but as the story progressed they became almost sinister. Every character was fascinating because I just couldn’t work out if Margo and I as the reader needed to be more wary and ultimately scared of them. The whole story really ended up getting my heart racing with the perfect amount of suspense and surprise with each and every chapter. In the end I was scared for Margo and actually praying there was a way for her to get away from it all, but what actually ended up happening actually left me shocked.
I’ve never actually read anything quite like this, and it was all centred around physiological intricacies and playing with the reader's mind to create illusions and doubts that what was actually happening could be possible. I loved how Margo was trusting of one person in this town, Rebecca, especially after she’d managed to provide some background about the dead television personality Sam’s family had a strange fascination with. I had to admire that she was willing to explore the feelings she was experiencing towards Rebecca, especially with the pushiness about the marriage happening from Sam’s family, amdI understood her wanting to behave secretly about it.
There were so many twists and turns, Audrey has managed to create a masterpiece. I know I’d definitely read this again, and again, because in a way I am still trying to process it all.
Margo goes home with her fiancé Sam to meet his family, but she can’t help sensing things are not quite right. As the family push to plan the wedding, Margo is drawn to the only wedding planner in town who becomes the only person she feels she can trust when she is convinced she keeps seeing a figure from her dead mother’s past!
Now I am not one for horror and darker stories, but this nicely incorporates aspects of the genre while remaining true to being a thriller that is definitely out to shock. When we are introduced to Sam’s family it was definitely apparent they had quirks, and I initially got Addams family vibes mixed with something a bit creepier and darker, like Beetlejuice, but as the story progressed they became almost sinister. Every character was fascinating because I just couldn’t work out if Margo and I as the reader needed to be more wary and ultimately scared of them. The whole story really ended up getting my heart racing with the perfect amount of suspense and surprise with each and every chapter. In the end I was scared for Margo and actually praying there was a way for her to get away from it all, but what actually ended up happening actually left me shocked.
I’ve never actually read anything quite like this, and it was all centred around physiological intricacies and playing with the reader's mind to create illusions and doubts that what was actually happening could be possible. I loved how Margo was trusting of one person in this town, Rebecca, especially after she’d managed to provide some background about the dead television personality Sam’s family had a strange fascination with. I had to admire that she was willing to explore the feelings she was experiencing towards Rebecca, especially with the pushiness about the marriage happening from Sam’s family, amdI understood her wanting to behave secretly about it.
There were so many twists and turns, Audrey has managed to create a masterpiece. I know I’d definitely read this again, and again, because in a way I am still trying to process it all.
January 29, 2025
First, I want to thank Audrey Wilson and Bywater Books for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
Dang what did I just read?! Audrey Wilson totally blew my mind in her twisted out of the box Psychological Horror/Suspense novel The Ever End. I will be blunt. I was not sure if I was going to like this book as I am not a fan of books with religion, horror, etc. However, I am a fan of Aubrey’s past novels and wanted to read it. Oh I am so glad I did because I couldn’t tear my eyes off my Kindle!! This is a story everyone will be talking about!!
This is a fast paced, addicting, binge worthy book that if you can stomach it you can devour it in one sitting like I did.
The Ever End is one book where I think I disliked all but three characters in the book! Each of them either creeped me out or rubbed me the wrong way. Many times I started yelling at them through my Kindle! But seriously the whole time I am reading this book I kept thinking why in the world would Margo want to marry into this messed up family?
Audrey really surprised me with all the wicked twists and turns when you least expected it.
Margo and Rebecca’s storyline was one of my favorites in the book throughout all the other craziness.
If you want something different that is going to keep you on your toes then I highly suggest this one.
Dang what did I just read?! Audrey Wilson totally blew my mind in her twisted out of the box Psychological Horror/Suspense novel The Ever End. I will be blunt. I was not sure if I was going to like this book as I am not a fan of books with religion, horror, etc. However, I am a fan of Aubrey’s past novels and wanted to read it. Oh I am so glad I did because I couldn’t tear my eyes off my Kindle!! This is a story everyone will be talking about!!
This is a fast paced, addicting, binge worthy book that if you can stomach it you can devour it in one sitting like I did.
The Ever End is one book where I think I disliked all but three characters in the book! Each of them either creeped me out or rubbed me the wrong way. Many times I started yelling at them through my Kindle! But seriously the whole time I am reading this book I kept thinking why in the world would Margo want to marry into this messed up family?
Audrey really surprised me with all the wicked twists and turns when you least expected it.
Margo and Rebecca’s storyline was one of my favorites in the book throughout all the other craziness.
If you want something different that is going to keep you on your toes then I highly suggest this one.
March 13, 2025
WOW. This story absolutely blew my mind. I'll never forget this story and I'll be recommending this one to all of my book friends. Those who enjoy unsettling, cult-like, psychological suspense/horror with a twist, will completely devour this one just like I did. This book will linger in your mind for quite some time upon finishing. I felt like I was being dissected while reading this and that creepy ambivalent feeling has yet to dissipate.
This story was paced extremely well and took off from page one. There was zero disconnect once I started this. The psychological tension, the constant blur between reality and fiction and a meticulous addictive plot just creeps into you and never leaves. Margo drove me nuts the entire story and I just wanted to go inside the story and grab her and knock some sense into her lol. I thought I had this one figured out and then I would get thrown into another loop and the ending was shocking.
The Ever End follows Margo. Margo has been alone most of her life. Especially since losing her mother recently. She's engaged to a wonderful man named Sam who makes her truly happy. That is until he takes her to his hometown to meet his family. Once Margo arrives she is immediately met with this sense of unease and questioning if this is what she really wants. Yet she stays despite her constant feeling of danger. Sam's family is far from normal. They live like they're still in the old days before technology and his grandmother seems to be dead but yet she's alive and can't seem to be without her television. She loses her mind whenever it's shut off or the channel is changed from this local well-known televangelist. As the days go by, Margo is faced with strange sensations of out of body like experiences and ritualistic events taking place. As Margo gets closer to uncovering the family's dark history and secrets, this is where things begin to really escalate. It's fight or flight.
I can't stop thinking about this book. I can't recommend this one high enough. Add this to your TBR and be sure to pick up your copy on release day.
The Ever End released on August 5th, 2025. Thank you to Audrey for this ARC. I can't wait to check out your previously published works in the near future.
This story was paced extremely well and took off from page one. There was zero disconnect once I started this. The psychological tension, the constant blur between reality and fiction and a meticulous addictive plot just creeps into you and never leaves. Margo drove me nuts the entire story and I just wanted to go inside the story and grab her and knock some sense into her lol. I thought I had this one figured out and then I would get thrown into another loop and the ending was shocking.
The Ever End follows Margo. Margo has been alone most of her life. Especially since losing her mother recently. She's engaged to a wonderful man named Sam who makes her truly happy. That is until he takes her to his hometown to meet his family. Once Margo arrives she is immediately met with this sense of unease and questioning if this is what she really wants. Yet she stays despite her constant feeling of danger. Sam's family is far from normal. They live like they're still in the old days before technology and his grandmother seems to be dead but yet she's alive and can't seem to be without her television. She loses her mind whenever it's shut off or the channel is changed from this local well-known televangelist. As the days go by, Margo is faced with strange sensations of out of body like experiences and ritualistic events taking place. As Margo gets closer to uncovering the family's dark history and secrets, this is where things begin to really escalate. It's fight or flight.
I can't stop thinking about this book. I can't recommend this one high enough. Add this to your TBR and be sure to pick up your copy on release day.
The Ever End released on August 5th, 2025. Thank you to Audrey for this ARC. I can't wait to check out your previously published works in the near future.
January 8, 2025
Part cult thriller and part horror, this story is one that keeps you on your toes as well as a cold tingle up your spine.
It took a little while to get into it but once I did, I was hooked. I didn't know what the hell was going to happen and at times I was truly shocked and chilled to the bone.
A gripping ending and a thoroughly addictive plot. The MC, Margo, was at times, naiive and I wanted to scream at her to leave and get out.
Highly recommended to any who enjoy cult thrillers and chilling horror.
It took a little while to get into it but once I did, I was hooked. I didn't know what the hell was going to happen and at times I was truly shocked and chilled to the bone.
A gripping ending and a thoroughly addictive plot. The MC, Margo, was at times, naiive and I wanted to scream at her to leave and get out.
Highly recommended to any who enjoy cult thrillers and chilling horror.
May 13, 2025
Margot has a troubled past, a childhood full of nightmares that were all to real. Now an adult she seems to have turned corner. She's in love, she's going to get married to her seemingly perfect fiancé Sam and she's traveling to his hometown to meet his welcoming family. However his family rapidly begins to take away her agency around the wedding planning and begin to prove themselves to be more and more controlling. Not just that, but there's something off about the family and their rabid preoccupation with a TV evangelist.
As the cracks in the veneer begin to form around Margot, she struggles to hold on to her sanity as things begin to show that their not what they seem.
This story had a very cinematic quality and I was drawn into what was happening very easily. However if it was a movie, I'd be yelling at the screen for Margot to run the whole time. Part of her character is that she's naive and willing to go along with the weirdness around her due to a deep desire for family and connection. It was hard to see her getting sucked into the looming dangers around her
Overall this was an accessible and well written horror. I'd recommend it to readers who want a scary read that won't give them nightmares
As the cracks in the veneer begin to form around Margot, she struggles to hold on to her sanity as things begin to show that their not what they seem.
This story had a very cinematic quality and I was drawn into what was happening very easily. However if it was a movie, I'd be yelling at the screen for Margot to run the whole time. Part of her character is that she's naive and willing to go along with the weirdness around her due to a deep desire for family and connection. It was hard to see her getting sucked into the looming dangers around her
Overall this was an accessible and well written horror. I'd recommend it to readers who want a scary read that won't give them nightmares
August 4, 2025
I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover. Little did I know what I was in for! Psycho, The Exorcist, The Shining. These are some names and images that instill fear in me. That fear is what I felt as I read this book. As a child I was the one who told ghost stories at slumber parties. Fun, but absolutely nothing as compared to what it took for the author to create this book. The writing was so smoothly constructed, detailed and delivered in a methodical order.
Margo was just four years old when she first encountered Redd Wright, first as a voice in her head and the shadow of a man in the street. Over time she continued to hear the voice say such things as, “Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Don’t be like her.” “Imagine it, Margo. Everything you ever wanted. It could be yours.” “The Ever End is here.”
Margo was bisexual, once having had a relationship with another female. She met Sam on the commuter train. They fell in love and became engaged. They were traveling from Chicago to Iowa to meet Sam’s family and to plan their wedding. That sounds easy enough but that’s when Margo’s life began to unravel.
The majority of the story revolves around Sam’s very strange family and the creepy things that seemed to multiply daily. Ruth was the elderly grandmother who only sat in front of the television, day and night, continually watching the televangelist preaching of Redd Wright. Margo met and felt a connection with Rebecca, wanting to talk to her about wedding planning, but soon learned that she had no voice in the wedding plans. Sam’s family had everything planned and that was going to be final. I don’t want to give away spoilers and expand on the multitude of things that went on, but believe me, I’m glad I read this and happy to have survived! It was quite a ride! However, It’s taken me a day to recover enough to write this review!!
My thanks to Bywater Books for the advanced reader copy for review.
Margo was just four years old when she first encountered Redd Wright, first as a voice in her head and the shadow of a man in the street. Over time she continued to hear the voice say such things as, “Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Don’t be like her.” “Imagine it, Margo. Everything you ever wanted. It could be yours.” “The Ever End is here.”
Margo was bisexual, once having had a relationship with another female. She met Sam on the commuter train. They fell in love and became engaged. They were traveling from Chicago to Iowa to meet Sam’s family and to plan their wedding. That sounds easy enough but that’s when Margo’s life began to unravel.
The majority of the story revolves around Sam’s very strange family and the creepy things that seemed to multiply daily. Ruth was the elderly grandmother who only sat in front of the television, day and night, continually watching the televangelist preaching of Redd Wright. Margo met and felt a connection with Rebecca, wanting to talk to her about wedding planning, but soon learned that she had no voice in the wedding plans. Sam’s family had everything planned and that was going to be final. I don’t want to give away spoilers and expand on the multitude of things that went on, but believe me, I’m glad I read this and happy to have survived! It was quite a ride! However, It’s taken me a day to recover enough to write this review!!
My thanks to Bywater Books for the advanced reader copy for review.
August 21, 2025
This book was such a mind-bending type of experience. Somewhere through the book I start to think when is she going to listen to herself because of everything she's experiencing and how she's just letting things go. This author has done such a great job with this book I literally was scared half the time because of what I was reading but also mad at the MFC, I wanted her to open her eyes to what was happening. It is a type of cultish book, with delusionals and diseases. It's hard to explain but this book keeps you on edge the whole time. Every chapter you read you feel like you're understanding where the MFC's coming from, but you hope for the best for her not what is happening. There were times where I was hoping that the MFC would open her eyes in line. I wanted her to run as far away she could but for some reason she always believed in Sam her fiance. I don't know why she couldn't see the red flag when she started to notice them in the beginning of the book. There was so many flags and that's what got me so irritated because it she noticed it, she knew what was going on but she still said she had hope even though she said multiple times throughout the book she's never felt anything for him like she felt for other people.
I'm not going to lie when I got closer to the end, I thought she kind of deserves what's going to happen to her because she literally keeps ignoring that little voice inside of her head telling her to stop. The way the author made the MFC you just want to shake her and tell her to wake up stop not listening to herself. She literally doubts herself and then goes and does the exact opposite of what she said she should be doing. That's why I'm like you know what, is something happens to you it's because you refuse to listen to yourself. But did I expect that ending and twist no I did not. This book will take you through the ringer with your mind!! It's so good that I can't believe that ending. I wanted more and need it!!! This is such a great book! If you like horror, mystery, and cult vibes this book is for you.
I'm not going to lie when I got closer to the end, I thought she kind of deserves what's going to happen to her because she literally keeps ignoring that little voice inside of her head telling her to stop. The way the author made the MFC you just want to shake her and tell her to wake up stop not listening to herself. She literally doubts herself and then goes and does the exact opposite of what she said she should be doing. That's why I'm like you know what, is something happens to you it's because you refuse to listen to yourself. But did I expect that ending and twist no I did not. This book will take you through the ringer with your mind!! It's so good that I can't believe that ending. I wanted more and need it!!! This is such a great book! If you like horror, mystery, and cult vibes this book is for you.
February 3, 2025
This is not my regular genre, as I don’t typically read religious or cult thrillers. There were some strange supernatural type of details in the storyline, which are also not really my preference.
Even with all of that said, this book kept me reading…even when I couldn’t connect with the characters, their decisions, rituals, or strange traditions.
Throughout, I often wondered WHY?!?! Why was the main character, Margo, not seeing what was really happening? Why was Margo’s fiancée’s family so obsessed with a televangelist? Why is the family also so obsessed with Margo and Sam, and them remaining “pure” until marriage?
Well, read the book and you will see. The storyline is twisted, with many unexpected turns of events.
Although I would not usually seek out the genre, Audrey Wilson is a great author. She has a way of storytelling that keeps you wanting more. After reading, Wrong Girl Gone, by Audrey Wilson…there was no question of whether I was willing to read another book written by her. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
Even with all of that said, this book kept me reading…even when I couldn’t connect with the characters, their decisions, rituals, or strange traditions.
Throughout, I often wondered WHY?!?! Why was the main character, Margo, not seeing what was really happening? Why was Margo’s fiancée’s family so obsessed with a televangelist? Why is the family also so obsessed with Margo and Sam, and them remaining “pure” until marriage?
Well, read the book and you will see. The storyline is twisted, with many unexpected turns of events.
Although I would not usually seek out the genre, Audrey Wilson is a great author. She has a way of storytelling that keeps you wanting more. After reading, Wrong Girl Gone, by Audrey Wilson…there was no question of whether I was willing to read another book written by her. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
February 5, 2025
Audrey Wilson delivers a chilling blend of horror and suspense in The Ever End, a novel that sinks its claws into you from the first page and refuses to let go.
Wilson masterfully crafts an atmosphere of creeping horror, making every interaction feel loaded with unsaid threats. The psychological tension is relentless, keeping the reader questioning what’s real and what’s paranoia. The pacing is razor-sharp, leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable.
For fans of unsettling, slow-burn horror with an undercurrent of psychological suspense, The Ever End is a must-read. It’s a book that lingers, leaving behind that deliciously unsettling feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.
August 4, 2025
Creepy, Twisty, Totally Addictive!
This book is bonkers—in the best way. Telekinetic powers? Check. Dead televangelist? Yep. Rituals that make you say “wait, WHAT?” Absolutely.
Margo just wants to plan her wedding, but her fiancé’s hometown has other plans. Between eerie family traditions, a mysterious figure from her past, and secrets that keep piling up, this story is a wild, weird, can’t-look-away thrill ride.
Audrey’s writing is razor-sharp and emotionally rich. Every scene hums with tension, and the suspense is relentless. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the story flips—sometimes subtly, sometimes explosively. It definitely keeps you guessing.
I was hooked from start to finish, and stayed up too late to finish it! A crazy read—in the best possible way.
January 18, 2025
The Ever End by Audrey Wilson
Wow! What a great read this was, done in 2 days. Couldn't put this book down. Very well written and easy to read in that the writing flows so well. This story had me from the beginning A great thriller/horror, drama and mystery. I love how the author weaved this story from something so innocent into something so eerie and weird and cult-like.
I loved the characters, they were well described and believable. The setting was great, and I loved the plot and how the story unfolded.
I'll absolutely read more by this author! Loved it! Thank you Audrey Wilson for the ARC ❤️
Wow! What a great read this was, done in 2 days. Couldn't put this book down. Very well written and easy to read in that the writing flows so well. This story had me from the beginning A great thriller/horror, drama and mystery. I love how the author weaved this story from something so innocent into something so eerie and weird and cult-like.
I loved the characters, they were well described and believable. The setting was great, and I loved the plot and how the story unfolded.
I'll absolutely read more by this author! Loved it! Thank you Audrey Wilson for the ARC ❤️
June 6, 2025
Enjoyed reading this dark and suspenseful horror story.
Margo's engagement all seems very quick especially as she's never met her fiancé's family. Sound bit of advice would be to meet the family before you tie yourself to someone 😂 Sam's family seem lovely and welcoming albeit traditional. I'm quite old-fashioned myself so initially you don't think much is wrong with that. The televangelist is a bit much and gave the initial hint that there's something a little odd with the family. I loved the creepy cult vibe that you get from this and had an idea of where it'd lead us. Didn't expect the twists that pop up but thoroughly enjoyed the suspense that this builds and the way it ends!
Margo's engagement all seems very quick especially as she's never met her fiancé's family. Sound bit of advice would be to meet the family before you tie yourself to someone 😂 Sam's family seem lovely and welcoming albeit traditional. I'm quite old-fashioned myself so initially you don't think much is wrong with that. The televangelist is a bit much and gave the initial hint that there's something a little odd with the family. I loved the creepy cult vibe that you get from this and had an idea of where it'd lead us. Didn't expect the twists that pop up but thoroughly enjoyed the suspense that this builds and the way it ends!
January 17, 2025
Shew. This book was SOMETHING! Cult like horror novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I got goosebumps several times during this story. It was so hard to put doen to do some errands but was still able to finish this in 1 day. It's gripping, chilling and suspenseful. There are several times you just want to reach through the book and shake and yell at Margo to wake up and see what is clearly going on. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Audrey Wilson. Thank you for choosing me for the ARC.
February 22, 2025
I am really not a psychological thriller person. Usually, books like that follow a certain equation and it is rare to find authors that can break the monotony.
This book not only breaks the trope, it ties it up and then smiles as it sets it on fire
This story includes elements of mental illness, cult behavior, and LGBTQA+ themes.
A fantastically written mystery that will leave you begging to read more from Audrey Wilson.
By far, one of the best books I've read so far this year and most definitely my favorite thriller.
This book not only breaks the trope, it ties it up and then smiles as it sets it on fire
This story includes elements of mental illness, cult behavior, and LGBTQA+ themes.
A fantastically written mystery that will leave you begging to read more from Audrey Wilson.
By far, one of the best books I've read so far this year and most definitely my favorite thriller.
August 7, 2025
Thank you Audrey Wilson for this read!
CULT VIBES. CREEPY FAMILY. UNSETTLING.
This book got me so good! When I first started to read I thought- how bad can this be?! Let me tell you - this family is even creepier than you can imagine. Audrey captured the cult vibes so well and there were many moments I just wanted to yell at our protagonist to run. Was this all in her head? What is really going on? These thoughts stayed in my head the whole time. This book spans a short period of time and our protagonist tells the story which just keeps getting Wilder and Wilder.
This book absolutely delivers with Cult vibes, suspense, and many unsettling moments. It had me literally cringing, multiple times!! Trust me - horror lovers you NEED to add this to your TBR!
4.5/5
CULT VIBES. CREEPY FAMILY. UNSETTLING.
This book got me so good! When I first started to read I thought- how bad can this be?! Let me tell you - this family is even creepier than you can imagine. Audrey captured the cult vibes so well and there were many moments I just wanted to yell at our protagonist to run. Was this all in her head? What is really going on? These thoughts stayed in my head the whole time. This book spans a short period of time and our protagonist tells the story which just keeps getting Wilder and Wilder.
This book absolutely delivers with Cult vibes, suspense, and many unsettling moments. It had me literally cringing, multiple times!! Trust me - horror lovers you NEED to add this to your TBR!
4.5/5
August 27, 2025
I am officially a fan of Audrey Wilson's writing.. particularly her suspense and horror. The story pulled me in quickly, making me immediately nervous for the protagonist and for good reason. The odd characters made me uncomfortable for her but made me want to read more quickly to see how she would handle her very unusual situation..
October 9, 2025
This one was really disappointing. I stuck it out for the plot, but Margo, our protagonist, was so deeply stupid that I almost didn't want her to survive the obvious plot against her. A supposed horror movie fan, Margo meekly submits to unfathomable levels of disrespect, gaslighting, and horrifying bumps in the night with barely a protest, let alone an instinct for self-preservation. Eventually, of course, because these are flat outlines of people moving the plot forward and not fully realized character I liked the concept and it would have been a beautiful novella, but as an almost 300-page novel, it was deeply disappointing.
July 9, 2025
A book that stays with you and leaves you thinking - what the hell did I just read?!
Instantly intriguing and I was shouting for the FMC to see those red flags!
Huge thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
Instantly intriguing and I was shouting for the FMC to see those red flags!
Huge thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
January 21, 2025
The Ever End by Audrey Wilson was a fantastic cult thriller that included unreliable characters and mental health rep. The book started a little slow; however, once I started finding out what was really going on, I wasn't able to put the book down. The Ever End couldn't have had a better ending; I would highly recommend The Ever End to anyone who enjoys reading thrillers. Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
This is so fast paced, intriguing, heart pounding haunting thriller, and I loved it!
I was so excited to receive this ARC from the author and couldn’t wait to read it. And let me tell you, you need to read this asap!
This is so twisted and mind blowing. What else can I say?! Oh almost forgot! Creepy!!!
I recently just started reading some horror but still mainly thriller and guess what? I am loving it!
Thank you so much to the author Audrey Wilson and Bywater Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was so excited to receive this ARC from the author and couldn’t wait to read it. And let me tell you, you need to read this asap!
This is so twisted and mind blowing. What else can I say?! Oh almost forgot! Creepy!!!
I recently just started reading some horror but still mainly thriller and guess what? I am loving it!
Thank you so much to the author Audrey Wilson and Bywater Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2025
Typically books with religious undertones don’t really do it for me but I honestly didn’t mind this one. It’s a good blend of horror and suspense with plenty of twists to go around. It’s pretty fast paced so I basically flew through it.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a cult twist, this one is for you!
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a cult twist, this one is for you!
March 28, 2025
Margo is meeting her fiance's family and there is where things go left. Sorry, I am trying not to give out that much details. This is a good thriller and it will keep you guessing. A must read!!!
September 22, 2025
This book pissed me off, yet made me want to keep reading. I’ve never hated characters right off the bat like I hated Sam and Mary (really the whole family but especially Mary). Even though I found Margo frustrating, I was invested in her. I’ve never been so uncomfortable while reading a book before. Every time I picked it up it made me anxious, furious, scared, etc. My biggest critique is that even though the red flags were obvious and more and more horrible, Margo just swallowed it and went along, and for what, love?? Yet we are only told she loves him, I didn’t feel it once.
April 3, 2025
✩░▒▓▆▅▃▂▁𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞…𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈’𝐦 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐥. 𝐈𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠…𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮!! #𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐲 #𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 #𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞 #𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 ▁▂▃▅▆▓▒░✩
August 19, 2025
Wow this book was not only creepy but suspenseful. I very much enjoyed it from my normal genre. it took me a few chapters to get into it but when I did I could put it down. highly recommend.
July 29, 2025
🏳️🌈Rep: Bi FMC, Lesbian LI
📝Tropes/Themes: Psychological Thriller, Religious Cult, Small Town, Paranormal Activity, An Entire Toxic Family, “Something is Off Here”, Sapphic Subplot, Grief & Loss
HOLY SMOKES! This book was disturbing and twisted and I could not put it down!
When Margo met Sam, she felt like she had finally found a way out from under the debilitating grief of losing her mom. He made her feel comfortable and safe and happy. For the first time since her mom died she no longer felt alone. But when they travel to his hometown in the middle-of-nowhere Iowa after getting engaged, strange things begin happening before they even arrive at the house. It’s not Margo’s first experience with supernatural-like events though. She just hasn’t had one in a long time. Sam’s family is strange from the start, but it’s hard to tell if it’s just weird quirks or something to be afraid of. And then there’s the obsession with the dead televangelist, Redd Wright. I won’t give any spoilers, but if you know anything about religious symbols, you will know that there is something not quite right about this man and his “religion.”
Margo loves Sam and wants to marry him. So, she goes along with these weird family antics, even if they make her uncomfortable (mentally and physically). And there are all these strange things happening to her and around her that she can’t explain. Missing chunks of time, faulty memories, voices that seem to come from inside her mind. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! At first I would get frustrated with her for not coming to her senses and getting out of there. But the farther into the story I got, I realized how impossible that would be with everything they were doing and the constant gaslighting from almost everyone around her. So many layers of psychological mind games that even I started feeling angsty and disturbed while reading. I just kept praying and hoping for a solution, a way out. I wanted to scream at Margo to run and get out of there, while also knowing any attempt to escape was probably futile. I was clinging to every last shred of hope I had.
The Ever End is a story that will make you feel uncomfortable and unsettled. My heart was racing out of fear and anticipation of what might happen next, because the level of messed up increased with every chapter. I am still processing and recovering from this. I read the entire second half in one-sitting. I stayed up till midnight finishing because there was no way I could stop until I knew what happened. Audrey Wilson writes intense, heart-stopping terror - the kind that makes you sleep with one eye open and has you wondering what’s real and who you can trust. There were so many twists and turns and moments that will make you cringe and say “WTF?!” The epic ending to this terrifying tale was even more bizarre than I imagined and left me stunned and speechless. Even days later I’m still struggling to find the words. I honestly still have just as many questions as I do answers, but the way Audrey left this story was truly brilliant and the perfect ending to a thriller of this nature.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that unsettle you to your core and keep you at the edge of your seat, begging for mercy for the protagonist - you’ve got to read this story! Plus it’s got a sapphic subplot, which only makes it better!
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⚠️TW/CW: [contains minor spoilers] violence, blood, murder, gaslighting, mention of suicide, cult, minor dubcon situation, toxic family, child endangerment, drugging, ritualistic sacrifice, mention of parental death by cancer, minor instance of cheating, mental illness, demons, fire, sexual content
📝Tropes/Themes: Psychological Thriller, Religious Cult, Small Town, Paranormal Activity, An Entire Toxic Family, “Something is Off Here”, Sapphic Subplot, Grief & Loss
HOLY SMOKES! This book was disturbing and twisted and I could not put it down!
When Margo met Sam, she felt like she had finally found a way out from under the debilitating grief of losing her mom. He made her feel comfortable and safe and happy. For the first time since her mom died she no longer felt alone. But when they travel to his hometown in the middle-of-nowhere Iowa after getting engaged, strange things begin happening before they even arrive at the house. It’s not Margo’s first experience with supernatural-like events though. She just hasn’t had one in a long time. Sam’s family is strange from the start, but it’s hard to tell if it’s just weird quirks or something to be afraid of. And then there’s the obsession with the dead televangelist, Redd Wright. I won’t give any spoilers, but if you know anything about religious symbols, you will know that there is something not quite right about this man and his “religion.”
Margo loves Sam and wants to marry him. So, she goes along with these weird family antics, even if they make her uncomfortable (mentally and physically). And there are all these strange things happening to her and around her that she can’t explain. Missing chunks of time, faulty memories, voices that seem to come from inside her mind. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! At first I would get frustrated with her for not coming to her senses and getting out of there. But the farther into the story I got, I realized how impossible that would be with everything they were doing and the constant gaslighting from almost everyone around her. So many layers of psychological mind games that even I started feeling angsty and disturbed while reading. I just kept praying and hoping for a solution, a way out. I wanted to scream at Margo to run and get out of there, while also knowing any attempt to escape was probably futile. I was clinging to every last shred of hope I had.
The Ever End is a story that will make you feel uncomfortable and unsettled. My heart was racing out of fear and anticipation of what might happen next, because the level of messed up increased with every chapter. I am still processing and recovering from this. I read the entire second half in one-sitting. I stayed up till midnight finishing because there was no way I could stop until I knew what happened. Audrey Wilson writes intense, heart-stopping terror - the kind that makes you sleep with one eye open and has you wondering what’s real and who you can trust. There were so many twists and turns and moments that will make you cringe and say “WTF?!” The epic ending to this terrifying tale was even more bizarre than I imagined and left me stunned and speechless. Even days later I’m still struggling to find the words. I honestly still have just as many questions as I do answers, but the way Audrey left this story was truly brilliant and the perfect ending to a thriller of this nature.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that unsettle you to your core and keep you at the edge of your seat, begging for mercy for the protagonist - you’ve got to read this story! Plus it’s got a sapphic subplot, which only makes it better!
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⚠️TW/CW: [contains minor spoilers] violence, blood, murder, gaslighting, mention of suicide, cult, minor dubcon situation, toxic family, child endangerment, drugging, ritualistic sacrifice, mention of parental death by cancer, minor instance of cheating, mental illness, demons, fire, sexual content
August 3, 2025
Well written tale of horror though not my cup of tea
I read this book in two days; after day one I restricted my reading of it to daylight hours so it wouldn't permeate my dreams and/or induce nightmares. The story is creepy and unsettling at times because you're not sure what information you're getting thru characters or narration is accurate, or you realize something before a story character does (rather than discovering it alongside them) and then witness the unfolding of their realization at what feels like a painfully slow pace while you're wanting to jump into the story to tell them what's up or to take an action they need to but aren't; it all contributes to the horror and suspense and very effectively.
Horror isn't my genre but I do love a good story regardless of the genre. I'm not sure how to feel about this one. It's very well written and turns the screws to ratchet up tension and suspense incredibly well, the characters well drawn and complex, their likability up for debate, although some I wanted less of and others far more scenes and time on the page than what was in the story. The plot pacing with little breadcrumbs of information had my brain fully engaged trying to guess ahead about what was true and might happen next, and anxiety dialed up high out of concern for some characters (but not all). It more than did the job of freaking me out and making my skin crawl despite it not being my cup of tea. Lovers of horror will love this book more than I did and as time passes and the imprint the story has left on me fades I may see it all in a very different light. I had questions and theories coming to mind throughout the story and some questions lingered even at the end; had this been a movie or TV series, the soundtrack (were its composer highly skilled in their craft) would have dropped clues to indicate things not being completely 'all is well' in every way despite outward appearances.
I'd like to read more by the author to see what other stories she has to tell; this one may bother me more than other dark fictional stories because elements of this story have real life events that resemble them too much in my mind for me to be able to successfully separate them; to say anything further would result in spoilers and I'd rather readers dipping their toes into this book do so with less advance knowledge than the characters who inhabit the story so they get the full range of emotions as the story arc unfolds in all its warped and twisted glory. I had also hoped and maybe expected more wlw on the page compared to what's actually there despite the story being tagged as bi.
I read this book in two days; after day one I restricted my reading of it to daylight hours so it wouldn't permeate my dreams and/or induce nightmares. The story is creepy and unsettling at times because you're not sure what information you're getting thru characters or narration is accurate, or you realize something before a story character does (rather than discovering it alongside them) and then witness the unfolding of their realization at what feels like a painfully slow pace while you're wanting to jump into the story to tell them what's up or to take an action they need to but aren't; it all contributes to the horror and suspense and very effectively.
Horror isn't my genre but I do love a good story regardless of the genre. I'm not sure how to feel about this one. It's very well written and turns the screws to ratchet up tension and suspense incredibly well, the characters well drawn and complex, their likability up for debate, although some I wanted less of and others far more scenes and time on the page than what was in the story. The plot pacing with little breadcrumbs of information had my brain fully engaged trying to guess ahead about what was true and might happen next, and anxiety dialed up high out of concern for some characters (but not all). It more than did the job of freaking me out and making my skin crawl despite it not being my cup of tea. Lovers of horror will love this book more than I did and as time passes and the imprint the story has left on me fades I may see it all in a very different light. I had questions and theories coming to mind throughout the story and some questions lingered even at the end; had this been a movie or TV series, the soundtrack (were its composer highly skilled in their craft) would have dropped clues to indicate things not being completely 'all is well' in every way despite outward appearances.
I'd like to read more by the author to see what other stories she has to tell; this one may bother me more than other dark fictional stories because elements of this story have real life events that resemble them too much in my mind for me to be able to successfully separate them; to say anything further would result in spoilers and I'd rather readers dipping their toes into this book do so with less advance knowledge than the characters who inhabit the story so they get the full range of emotions as the story arc unfolds in all its warped and twisted glory. I had also hoped and maybe expected more wlw on the page compared to what's actually there despite the story being tagged as bi.
July 23, 2025
5/5 ⭐️ • 0.5/5 🌶️ • 236 pages
• tropes/themes •
- Religious Cult
- Bi-Representation
- Small town creepiness
- Family secrets
- Doomed relationship(s)
The story begins with a lost soul on her way to meet her future in-laws of the man she has only known for 6 months. This was my first yellow flag in reading about our FMC and her life choices. 🫣
We learn that she is also a little weary about how fast she fell for the MMC, but wants to make the best of it because she has pretty much only known her mom as she has grown up. This explains her seemingly naive choices at the beginning of the book, though she does voice the MMC seems a little too perfect, but just goes with it.
We also learn early in the book that her mother was estranged from her parents for seemingly arbitrary reasons and she has never known her father. This could make her want to impress her future in-laws as a way to create a sense of family she never had.
Welp, once they make it to the family home, our FMC has an immediate feeling that something is off. Let me tell you, she is so correct. So, so correct. 😅
Wilson does a wonderful job throughout the rest of the book making you question any and everyone’s motives and even our FMC’s sanity. 😵💫
There are so many mishaps that make you say surely this will be the time someone realizes something is awry…nope. Hints how I said the author did an amazing job in making me feel anxious (in a good way) about who is going to do (or not do) what next…heh. 😮💨
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want something perfectly creepy for Fall or, if you’re like me, you want a book to get your heart rate going anytime of the year. This psychological horror book gave me total Get Out and Ready or Not movie vibes!
Fun Fact: When I read thrillers/whodunits, I pride myself on trying to guess the endings and use that as part of how I rate said books. If I can guess it quickly and there is no other twist, meh. If I don’t guess it, but I feel like my version is better, double meh.
Let’s just say that my above mentioned ADHD superpower, of finding sussing out characters and plots was pretty correct in this book, HOWEVERRRR there was a twist that had me like, “Ope, andddd THERE is what makes this a 5 star read!”
• tropes/themes •
- Religious Cult
- Bi-Representation
- Small town creepiness
- Family secrets
- Doomed relationship(s)
The story begins with a lost soul on her way to meet her future in-laws of the man she has only known for 6 months. This was my first yellow flag in reading about our FMC and her life choices. 🫣
We learn that she is also a little weary about how fast she fell for the MMC, but wants to make the best of it because she has pretty much only known her mom as she has grown up. This explains her seemingly naive choices at the beginning of the book, though she does voice the MMC seems a little too perfect, but just goes with it.
We also learn early in the book that her mother was estranged from her parents for seemingly arbitrary reasons and she has never known her father. This could make her want to impress her future in-laws as a way to create a sense of family she never had.
Welp, once they make it to the family home, our FMC has an immediate feeling that something is off. Let me tell you, she is so correct. So, so correct. 😅
Wilson does a wonderful job throughout the rest of the book making you question any and everyone’s motives and even our FMC’s sanity. 😵💫
There are so many mishaps that make you say surely this will be the time someone realizes something is awry…nope. Hints how I said the author did an amazing job in making me feel anxious (in a good way) about who is going to do (or not do) what next…heh. 😮💨
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want something perfectly creepy for Fall or, if you’re like me, you want a book to get your heart rate going anytime of the year. This psychological horror book gave me total Get Out and Ready or Not movie vibes!
Fun Fact: When I read thrillers/whodunits, I pride myself on trying to guess the endings and use that as part of how I rate said books. If I can guess it quickly and there is no other twist, meh. If I don’t guess it, but I feel like my version is better, double meh.
Let’s just say that my above mentioned ADHD superpower, of finding sussing out characters and plots was pretty correct in this book, HOWEVERRRR there was a twist that had me like, “Ope, andddd THERE is what makes this a 5 star read!”
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