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Killer's Playlist
Are you ready for a chilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat?
As Bree inherits her grandparents' house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she never could have imagined the secrets that were hidden within its walls. But when she discovers a series of cassette tapes in the basement, her world is turned upside down. The unknown male voice on the tapes talks about unsolved murders from the 80s, and Bree can't help but become obsessed with solving them. With her co-host Jeff, Bree delves deeper into the mysteries on her podcast. But as they uncover more and more clues, Bree begins to wonder if she should have left the past alone. And when strange and dangerous events start occurring, she realizes that she may have put her own life in danger. Will Bree and Jeff be able to solve the cold cases before it's too late? Or will their curiosity lead them down a dangerous path?
As Bree inherits her grandparents' house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she never could have imagined the secrets that were hidden within its walls. But when she discovers a series of cassette tapes in the basement, her world is turned upside down. The unknown male voice on the tapes talks about unsolved murders from the 80s, and Bree can't help but become obsessed with solving them. With her co-host Jeff, Bree delves deeper into the mysteries on her podcast. But as they uncover more and more clues, Bree begins to wonder if she should have left the past alone. And when strange and dangerous events start occurring, she realizes that she may have put her own life in danger. Will Bree and Jeff be able to solve the cold cases before it's too late? Or will their curiosity lead them down a dangerous path?
- GenresThriller
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2025
57 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Elisa D. Daniels
19 books96 followersElisa D. Daniels is from a small town in Oklahoma. Married to the love of her life and a proud mother of three children, she also loves being called Mimi by her handsome grandsons. She loves spending time with family. Since childhood, Elisa has been fascinated by true crime stories and had developed a deep passion for reading mystery books. Motivated by a steady determination, Elisa is now following her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 16, 2025
"The silence was thick, heavy, and readily apparent. A suffocating tension filled the air, mirroring the harsh reality of our predicament. The urge to scream and shake him into understanding this wasn’t a game was overwhelming. I could already see the headlines screaming: Two podcasters dead, another of The Hunter’s victims."
🩸 True crime podcast style
🩸 Short chapters
🩸 Multiple povs
🩸 serial killer's tape-recorded confessions
🩸 Cold cases and serial killer nicknamed 'the Hunter' still on the loose
🩸 good for her-final girl- slasher trope
🩸 Cool cover
This started out well and I wanted to keep on reading to know how it will end but the remaining 30-40% got far-fetched that it kinda ruined it for me. The creep (and cringe) factor were there but some of the twists just didn't sit right or work for me.
Big thanks to the publisher, Booksirens for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🖤
🩸 True crime podcast style
🩸 Short chapters
🩸 Multiple povs
🩸 serial killer's tape-recorded confessions
🩸 Cold cases and serial killer nicknamed 'the Hunter' still on the loose
🩸 good for her-final girl- slasher trope
🩸 Cool cover
This started out well and I wanted to keep on reading to know how it will end but the remaining 30-40% got far-fetched that it kinda ruined it for me. The creep (and cringe) factor were there but some of the twists just didn't sit right or work for me.
Big thanks to the publisher, Booksirens for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🖤
February 15, 2025
What a freaking rollercoaster of twists!!
Once you hit the first one you are in for a wild ride up until the very end!
Once you hit the first one you are in for a wild ride up until the very end!
February 22, 2025
“Killer’s Playlist” by Elisa D. Daniels is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense and mystery are expertly crafted, with plot twists that come out of nowhere, making it impossible to put down. The character development is impressive, especially the strong, complex female lead who drives the story forward with both vulnerability and strength. Daniels weaves a compelling narrative that’s full of surprises, ensuring that fans of suspenseful crime fiction will be hooked from start to finish.
January 22, 2025
Killer's Playlist is my second book by Elisa D Daniels. I am not sure which one I loved more. She has a way of drawing you into the story. I was holding my breath half of the time. It's fast-paced and filled with twists and turns. It's creepy and dark just like I like my thrillers. The way the author sets the scene makes you feel like you're there. I love her writing style, and she's become an instant buy for me.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
March 3, 2025
Okay, I didn’t even finish this book. MY FIRST DNF EVER. It was impossible to get through. The writing felt like that of an 11th grade student writing for an English class. It was so incredibly amateur. Every sentence was filled with fluffy descriptors that offered absolutely nothing of importance to the scene. It just came across as distracting. Someone described the writing style as “hallmark movie-esque” but I feel like hallmark movies are more well written.
January 20, 2025
KILLER'S PLAYLIST BY ELISA D. DANIELS
Release date set for the 22nd of February 2025.
I found this book to be very creepy psychological thriller.
It was fast paced for me and its edge of your seat gripping.
It's dark and twisted.
I thought the story line throughout the book was really good.
This is my first book by this author and I'll be checking out there other books
Release date set for the 22nd of February 2025.
I found this book to be very creepy psychological thriller.
It was fast paced for me and its edge of your seat gripping.
It's dark and twisted.
I thought the story line throughout the book was really good.
This is my first book by this author and I'll be checking out there other books
April 28, 2025
Killer’s Playlist
-Elisa Daniels
Trigger Warnings: Violence/Murder, Rape (not explicit just mention of it), suicide, mental health challenges
New to me author, Elisa D. Daniels, is definitely one to keep an eye on in the world of psychological thrillers. Killer’s Playlist was the first of her books for me to devour, but it won’t be the last!
This book is incredibly intense and captivating, making it tough to know where to begin. The prologue hooked me right away with this chilling quote:
“The creaks of the floorboards under his weight sounded like a countdown to my end.”
Intrigued by the anonymity of the speaker, I dove headfirst into Killer’s Playlist, eager to uncover more.
The story follows Bree (FMC), who returns to her small hometown of Chickasha, Oklahoma, after inheriting her grandparents’ house. There, she discovers tapes related to her grandfather’s work with a patient named “The Hunter.” To pursue her dream of becoming a true crime podcaster, Bree invites her high school crush and childhood friend, Jeff (MMC), to help her decode the secrets of the tapes. As they delve deeper into their investigation - and their relationship - they uncover hidden dangers that threaten not only their lives but the safety of the entire town.
Will Bree and Jeff manage to maintain their sanity and safety while unearthing the town's secrets, or will they find themselves in life-threatening situations? As they navigate guilt, the past, and sinister figures lurking in the shadows, they’ll discover that some secrets might be better left buried.
“Secrets protect us, but they also bind us. The truth is a weapon. We don’t want to silence the truth, but sometimes the truth has a price.”
Daniels excels at weaving a rich backstory that connects seamlessly to the current plot, leaving readers in awe. Her characters are complex and realistic, making their experiences relatable. With vivid descriptions and an atmospheric setting, you truly feel part of their journey. The plot twists will keep you guessing, ensuring a shocking climax that makes you wonder what dark corner Daniels has spent the last decade holed up in to come up with this psychological thriller.
I invite you to join Bree, Jeff and the mysterious WHO from the prologue in Killer’s Playlist to decide for yourself if truth really has a price.
A huge thank you to Elisa D. Daniels for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Killer’s Playlist. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
-Elisa Daniels
Trigger Warnings: Violence/Murder, Rape (not explicit just mention of it), suicide, mental health challenges
New to me author, Elisa D. Daniels, is definitely one to keep an eye on in the world of psychological thrillers. Killer’s Playlist was the first of her books for me to devour, but it won’t be the last!
This book is incredibly intense and captivating, making it tough to know where to begin. The prologue hooked me right away with this chilling quote:
“The creaks of the floorboards under his weight sounded like a countdown to my end.”
Intrigued by the anonymity of the speaker, I dove headfirst into Killer’s Playlist, eager to uncover more.
The story follows Bree (FMC), who returns to her small hometown of Chickasha, Oklahoma, after inheriting her grandparents’ house. There, she discovers tapes related to her grandfather’s work with a patient named “The Hunter.” To pursue her dream of becoming a true crime podcaster, Bree invites her high school crush and childhood friend, Jeff (MMC), to help her decode the secrets of the tapes. As they delve deeper into their investigation - and their relationship - they uncover hidden dangers that threaten not only their lives but the safety of the entire town.
Will Bree and Jeff manage to maintain their sanity and safety while unearthing the town's secrets, or will they find themselves in life-threatening situations? As they navigate guilt, the past, and sinister figures lurking in the shadows, they’ll discover that some secrets might be better left buried.
“Secrets protect us, but they also bind us. The truth is a weapon. We don’t want to silence the truth, but sometimes the truth has a price.”
Daniels excels at weaving a rich backstory that connects seamlessly to the current plot, leaving readers in awe. Her characters are complex and realistic, making their experiences relatable. With vivid descriptions and an atmospheric setting, you truly feel part of their journey. The plot twists will keep you guessing, ensuring a shocking climax that makes you wonder what dark corner Daniels has spent the last decade holed up in to come up with this psychological thriller.
I invite you to join Bree, Jeff and the mysterious WHO from the prologue in Killer’s Playlist to decide for yourself if truth really has a price.
A huge thank you to Elisa D. Daniels for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Killer’s Playlist. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
August 2, 2025
Are you ready for a chilling mystery? When Bree inherits her grandparents' house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she discovers cassette tapes in the basement containing an unknown voice discussing unsolved murders from the 80s. Obsessed with solving the cases alongside her co-host Jeff on their podcast, Bree uncovers twists and turns she never saw coming, leading to strange, dangerous events. As the past closes in, Bree realizes her life is at risk. Can they resolve the cold cases before it's too late? I’m definitely checking out the second book!
March 6, 2025
Loved it!! great journey alongside Bree and Jeff to try to piece everything together. I was pleasantly surprised to discover every chapter had an "I wonder what that's about" moment. A rollercoaster of twists and turns that kept me wanting to find out what is going on even more! The writing style was amazing; loved the transcripts from the tapes, and how they set the mysterious and dark tone of the scenes. It was fast-paced, gripping from the get-go and I highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a thriller with multiple suspects and layers of mystery. I will definitely seek more of E. Daniels's books.
Many thanks to the author and Booksirens for the opportunity to read an advanced copy for an honest review!
Many thanks to the author and Booksirens for the opportunity to read an advanced copy for an honest review!
February 11, 2025
Holy. Smokes. 🤯
December 3, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for providing me access to this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Why I requested this ARC/What I was hoping for: The plot sounded interesting, the setting (Oklahoma) is close to home, the title is clever, and the cover art is excellent. I was also hopeful for some 80s nostalgia vibes.
What I got: A book about a late-30s mediocre podcaster playing Nancy Drew because she found some recordings of "therapy sessions" her dead grandfather had in the house. Oh, and she illicits help from her high school crush because she ran into him at the grocery store and apparently he has nothing better to do either.
The opening chapter really grabbed my attention, but it went downhill for me really quickly after that. It reads like a cozy mystery at best, not at all in the league of suspense or thriller in my opinion. The writing is very ameature. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be descriptive or atmospheric, and just strung together a bunch of seemingly descriptive words into run-on sentences that ultimately didn't say anything of substance. Many times, the same thing was just repeated several diffrent ways, which was usually unnecessary and contribued virtually nothing to the description of events or plot.
Examples: 'Boy, were my hands clammy.' He laughed, shaking his head, reminiscing how sweaty they were. 'They were probably dripping with sweat,' he said. - We don't need three sentences to tell us about sweaty palms, it adds nothing.
"As [Jeff] opened the door, Jacob's worried face, etched with anxiety, stood in contrast to his inner happiness." - Who's inner happiness? Jacob's? How does the narrator know his inner happiness? Literally makes no sense.
"Every detail, even the smallest, felt incredibly significant, like a historical whisper battling the noise of injustice. A flicker of understanding on his face--the link between the man and the life-altering monster--signaled our progress toward the facts. Devin's leaving left me with a feeling of hopeful yet uncertain expectation. Distrust and shadows marked the dangerous path ahead, yet a fresh journey awaited with the coming of tomorrow." - This is supposed to describe how a man provided details about the man who murdered his mother when he was TWO YEARS OLD...Facts about child development and memory formation aside, this paragraph is literally just a bunch of words that say virtually nothing.
There were a whole slew of characters but virtually no actual character development, so they all felt hollow and unmemorable. It just lacked depth and felt really superficial. It also requires one to suspend A LOT of disbelief - in no reality are they letting some random girl with a podcast enter a crime scene with her high school crush who also works on the podcast. Also, the parts of the book that were meant to portray the podcast recording were pretty cringe. I know there are many popular books that include podcast elements, but this one missed the mark.
Basically, if you are someone who reads actual thrillers/suspense or anything with an actual plot, you'll probably find this book to be unimpressive or lowbrow; However, if you are someone who enjoys mysteries with the depth and intensity of a Hallmark movie (and you have zero knowledge recordkeeping laws/ethics guidelines for psychologists, laws regarding withholding/tampering with evidence, or actual criminal investigation), you might enjoy this book.
Why I requested this ARC/What I was hoping for: The plot sounded interesting, the setting (Oklahoma) is close to home, the title is clever, and the cover art is excellent. I was also hopeful for some 80s nostalgia vibes.
What I got: A book about a late-30s mediocre podcaster playing Nancy Drew because she found some recordings of "therapy sessions" her dead grandfather had in the house. Oh, and she illicits help from her high school crush because she ran into him at the grocery store and apparently he has nothing better to do either.
The opening chapter really grabbed my attention, but it went downhill for me really quickly after that. It reads like a cozy mystery at best, not at all in the league of suspense or thriller in my opinion. The writing is very ameature. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be descriptive or atmospheric, and just strung together a bunch of seemingly descriptive words into run-on sentences that ultimately didn't say anything of substance. Many times, the same thing was just repeated several diffrent ways, which was usually unnecessary and contribued virtually nothing to the description of events or plot.
Examples: 'Boy, were my hands clammy.' He laughed, shaking his head, reminiscing how sweaty they were. 'They were probably dripping with sweat,' he said. - We don't need three sentences to tell us about sweaty palms, it adds nothing.
"As [Jeff] opened the door, Jacob's worried face, etched with anxiety, stood in contrast to his inner happiness." - Who's inner happiness? Jacob's? How does the narrator know his inner happiness? Literally makes no sense.
"Every detail, even the smallest, felt incredibly significant, like a historical whisper battling the noise of injustice. A flicker of understanding on his face--the link between the man and the life-altering monster--signaled our progress toward the facts. Devin's leaving left me with a feeling of hopeful yet uncertain expectation. Distrust and shadows marked the dangerous path ahead, yet a fresh journey awaited with the coming of tomorrow." - This is supposed to describe how a man provided details about the man who murdered his mother when he was TWO YEARS OLD...Facts about child development and memory formation aside, this paragraph is literally just a bunch of words that say virtually nothing.
There were a whole slew of characters but virtually no actual character development, so they all felt hollow and unmemorable. It just lacked depth and felt really superficial. It also requires one to suspend A LOT of disbelief - in no reality are they letting some random girl with a podcast enter a crime scene with her high school crush who also works on the podcast. Also, the parts of the book that were meant to portray the podcast recording were pretty cringe. I know there are many popular books that include podcast elements, but this one missed the mark.
Basically, if you are someone who reads actual thrillers/suspense or anything with an actual plot, you'll probably find this book to be unimpressive or lowbrow; However, if you are someone who enjoys mysteries with the depth and intensity of a Hallmark movie (and you have zero knowledge recordkeeping laws/ethics guidelines for psychologists, laws regarding withholding/tampering with evidence, or actual criminal investigation), you might enjoy this book.
March 5, 2025
Thank you Elisa Daniels for this read!
This book is 100% bingeable. I finished in 2 super quick sittings. Short chapters, that feature podcast style chapters that dive into 'The Hunter' unsolved murder cases. This paired with first person and multiple POV was a super clever and entertaining choice made by the author.
The plot itself was addictive - who doesn't love true crime. This book does get quite far fetched by like any thriller it's about going along for the ride and enjoying it for what it is.
There were some creepy moments with suspense and definitely a few twists.
I did find some of the chapters a bit repetitive and the ending wasn't what I was expecting.
Overall an addictive read that mixes some dark content, creepy moments and unexpected twists in an interesting reading format!
3.5/5
This book is 100% bingeable. I finished in 2 super quick sittings. Short chapters, that feature podcast style chapters that dive into 'The Hunter' unsolved murder cases. This paired with first person and multiple POV was a super clever and entertaining choice made by the author.
The plot itself was addictive - who doesn't love true crime. This book does get quite far fetched by like any thriller it's about going along for the ride and enjoying it for what it is.
There were some creepy moments with suspense and definitely a few twists.
I did find some of the chapters a bit repetitive and the ending wasn't what I was expecting.
Overall an addictive read that mixes some dark content, creepy moments and unexpected twists in an interesting reading format!
3.5/5
February 10, 2025
Killers Playlist
Elisa Daniels
Release Date: February 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books lure you in with an intriguing premise, and some grip you so tightly that you can’t escape—even if you want to. Killers Playlist by Elisa Daniels is the latter. From the first page, this novel had my heart racing and my mind spinning, weaving together a chilling mystery with relentless tension and a growing sense of danger that refuses to let up.
Bree, the main character, isn’t just some casual true-crime fan; she’s smart, determined, and deeply compelling. When she inherits her grandparents’ house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she expects nostalgia—not a series of old cassette tapes detailing unsolved murders from the 80s. But once she hears the eerie voice on the recordings, her curiosity becomes an obsession. Bree’s character development is one of the strongest elements of this novel. She starts as someone seeking closure and connection but is quickly drawn into something much bigger and more terrifying than she ever imagined. Every step she takes feels both brave and reckless, making you root for her even as you want to scream at her to stop before it’s too late.
And then there’s Jeff, her podcast co-host. Their dynamic is natural and engaging, adding a layer of realism to the story. He balances Bree’s relentless drive with a more cautious approach, but even he gets caught up in the mystery’s pull. Their partnership feels authentic, their interactions never forced, and their chemistry—platonic or otherwise—adds an extra depth to the story.
Daniels’ writing style is immersive and cinematic. Every scene is vivid, from the dusty corners of Bree’s inherited house to the crackling sound of those haunting cassette tapes. The tension builds at a perfect pace, creeping up on you like a shadow until you’re fully trapped in its grip. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, Daniels throws another twist your way—each one more unsettling than the last. The feeling of dread is constant, the suspense razor-sharp. Danger lurks around every corner, and you can’t shake the feeling that someone—or something—is watching.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s an experience. If you love mysteries that keep you breathless, with a protagonist who refuses to back down and a story that makes your pulse pound, Killers Playlist is a must-read. But fair warning—once you press play, there’s no stopping until the final, terrifying note.
Elisa Daniels
Release Date: February 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books lure you in with an intriguing premise, and some grip you so tightly that you can’t escape—even if you want to. Killers Playlist by Elisa Daniels is the latter. From the first page, this novel had my heart racing and my mind spinning, weaving together a chilling mystery with relentless tension and a growing sense of danger that refuses to let up.
Bree, the main character, isn’t just some casual true-crime fan; she’s smart, determined, and deeply compelling. When she inherits her grandparents’ house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she expects nostalgia—not a series of old cassette tapes detailing unsolved murders from the 80s. But once she hears the eerie voice on the recordings, her curiosity becomes an obsession. Bree’s character development is one of the strongest elements of this novel. She starts as someone seeking closure and connection but is quickly drawn into something much bigger and more terrifying than she ever imagined. Every step she takes feels both brave and reckless, making you root for her even as you want to scream at her to stop before it’s too late.
And then there’s Jeff, her podcast co-host. Their dynamic is natural and engaging, adding a layer of realism to the story. He balances Bree’s relentless drive with a more cautious approach, but even he gets caught up in the mystery’s pull. Their partnership feels authentic, their interactions never forced, and their chemistry—platonic or otherwise—adds an extra depth to the story.
Daniels’ writing style is immersive and cinematic. Every scene is vivid, from the dusty corners of Bree’s inherited house to the crackling sound of those haunting cassette tapes. The tension builds at a perfect pace, creeping up on you like a shadow until you’re fully trapped in its grip. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, Daniels throws another twist your way—each one more unsettling than the last. The feeling of dread is constant, the suspense razor-sharp. Danger lurks around every corner, and you can’t shake the feeling that someone—or something—is watching.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s an experience. If you love mysteries that keep you breathless, with a protagonist who refuses to back down and a story that makes your pulse pound, Killers Playlist is a must-read. But fair warning—once you press play, there’s no stopping until the final, terrifying note.
April 15, 2025
I went into this book so excited about the premise. The mystery elements were all there and we got a little bit of a second chance, small town romance going without detracting from the suspense.
Some of the characters' choices were getting me so frustrated, but in a way that kept me reading to try to figure out why they were happening. When those choices are eventually explained and end up making sense (AKA why is this serial killer at large when someone can ID him), it felt great to have been there for that journey. And the twists towards the end? I love this genre for the element of surprise above everything else, so I was so excited to see how the story I thought I was following unraveled in the most mystery-like fashion possible.
However, I had such a difficult time getting through this. It felt like there were several chapters where the plot did not progress and we were stuck with the same scenario repeatedly. The biggest offense was the fact that there was a sound or a person outside the house that scared the main character so many times and while she was upset about it, she never left and I was so over this after maybe the third time.
Beyond this, it felt like we were told so much story instead of showing us progression, especially when relationships were building. Having the interactions summarized felt like such a disservice. I wanted to see those interactions so I could get attached to the characters and root for them, but couldn’t really because we weren’t able to delve into those conversations.
The ending really was bittersweet. I still don’t fully understand why Bree seemingly changed her mind about the situation so many times at the end. I was really hoping for her master plan to help her out of the situation at the moment and that the time jump would show us how she’s contending with her decisions. Ultimately, I am pretty glad with how her life ended up because, well, what other solution could there have been?
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC!
Some of the characters' choices were getting me so frustrated, but in a way that kept me reading to try to figure out why they were happening. When those choices are eventually explained and end up making sense (AKA why is this serial killer at large when someone can ID him), it felt great to have been there for that journey. And the twists towards the end? I love this genre for the element of surprise above everything else, so I was so excited to see how the story I thought I was following unraveled in the most mystery-like fashion possible.
However, I had such a difficult time getting through this. It felt like there were several chapters where the plot did not progress and we were stuck with the same scenario repeatedly. The biggest offense was the fact that there was a sound or a person outside the house that scared the main character so many times and while she was upset about it, she never left and I was so over this after maybe the third time.
Beyond this, it felt like we were told so much story instead of showing us progression, especially when relationships were building. Having the interactions summarized felt like such a disservice. I wanted to see those interactions so I could get attached to the characters and root for them, but couldn’t really because we weren’t able to delve into those conversations.
The ending really was bittersweet. I still don’t fully understand why Bree seemingly changed her mind about the situation so many times at the end. I was really hoping for her master plan to help her out of the situation at the moment and that the time jump would show us how she’s contending with her decisions. Ultimately, I am pretty glad with how her life ended up because, well, what other solution could there have been?
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC!
May 16, 2025
Twisted and Dark. Bree has a podcast. She inherits her grandparent's house and finds some cassette tapes hidden in a basement room. These tapes hold the Confessions of a serial killer from the 80s called The Hunter. He confessed his crimes to his psychiatrist, Bree's grandfather. Bree shares the tapes on her podcast and opens a door to a dark and twisted world. She struggles to stay alive and out of the hands of The Hunter. Who can she trust? What has more influence, nature or nurture? Can Bree make it? Can she fight off a serial killer,
This book kept me interested. It is a great concept and idea. At times I did feel the story was rushed and I would have enjoyed more details and background about the main characters. But overall I enjoyed it.
This book kept me interested. It is a great concept and idea. At times I did feel the story was rushed and I would have enjoyed more details and background about the main characters. But overall I enjoyed it.
January 21, 2025
This book has so many twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first time reading this author. I will definitely be reading more of her books. I never figured out some of the twists. This was written very well.
April 26, 2025
I was sent this by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Pros :
I love the cover of this book. It definitely pulled me in immediately! That's why I wanted to read this.
The storyline has alot of potential.
The author is amazing 👏 Very friendly.
I liked the idea of the podcast. Interviewing the serial killer.
I loved getting a serial killer POV.
What I didn't like:
I think the characters are very one dimensional. There wasn't much character development.
The inconsistency of the grandfathers career got a bit bothersome. He went from being a psychiatrist to a psychologist which are two totally different jobs.
I felt like the story had SO MUCH potential but it fell flat for me. It did more telling than showing. I needed more thrill, action, unexpected events happening throughout. I felt as though the author could have explored and elevated the podcasts more by telling the audience about their investigations. They state they are investigating these murders but there's not much to show us.
I wanted more from the killer. I didn't feel like they had much depth. Maybe refuse to do the interviews, most serial killers aren't so easily persuaded to do interviews. Or if they are, they want something out of it. It's never as easy as "okay" so I was left wanting more from the killer.
One thing that bothers me in books and this is in all books, is the characters to not think to call the police. WHYYY is this a thing? It is very unrealistic.
I do think it read more YA than adult. And seemed a bit unrealistic at times.
Overall it was a easy read, if you are a thriller girly true to heart, I do think you'll find the book leaving you wanting more. However if you like YA, or aren't as deep into the genre think this will satisfy you.
Thank you for the copy of this ebook and I do plan to read the second one 😀
Pros :
I love the cover of this book. It definitely pulled me in immediately! That's why I wanted to read this.
The storyline has alot of potential.
The author is amazing 👏 Very friendly.
I liked the idea of the podcast. Interviewing the serial killer.
I loved getting a serial killer POV.
What I didn't like:
I think the characters are very one dimensional. There wasn't much character development.
The inconsistency of the grandfathers career got a bit bothersome. He went from being a psychiatrist to a psychologist which are two totally different jobs.
I felt like the story had SO MUCH potential but it fell flat for me. It did more telling than showing. I needed more thrill, action, unexpected events happening throughout. I felt as though the author could have explored and elevated the podcasts more by telling the audience about their investigations. They state they are investigating these murders but there's not much to show us.
I wanted more from the killer. I didn't feel like they had much depth. Maybe refuse to do the interviews, most serial killers aren't so easily persuaded to do interviews. Or if they are, they want something out of it. It's never as easy as "okay" so I was left wanting more from the killer.
One thing that bothers me in books and this is in all books, is the characters to not think to call the police. WHYYY is this a thing? It is very unrealistic.
I do think it read more YA than adult. And seemed a bit unrealistic at times.
Overall it was a easy read, if you are a thriller girly true to heart, I do think you'll find the book leaving you wanting more. However if you like YA, or aren't as deep into the genre think this will satisfy you.
Thank you for the copy of this ebook and I do plan to read the second one 😀
February 22, 2025
Killer’s Playlist had an intriguing premise that immediately caught my attention . A true crime podcast inspired by eerie cassette tapes of a serial killer’s sessions? Sign me up. The concept held so much potential, and while the story had engaging moments, I ultimately found the execution a little underwhelming.
Bree, our FMC, is a relatable lead who takes the reins of the story as she stumbles upon her late grandfather’s tapes and decides to launch a podcast. Jeff, her childhood friend turned podcast partner, reconnects with her, and their dynamic had promise. However, I wish both characters had been given more depth. Some of their development felt surface-level, leaving me wanting more complexity and emotional weight.
The pacing was fast, which kept the story moving, but at times it felt like it skimmed over moments that could have added tension and richness. The tapes, for example... I would have loved a deeper dive into them, something more immersive and unsettling to really enhance the mystery. The plot itself was the book’s strongest element. The twists were engaging, though some landed better than others. A few felt perfectly placed, while others teetered on being a bit too much.
Overall, Killer’s Playlist was an interesting read with solid potential. While I didn’t completely connect with the execution, I think fans of fast-paced mysteries and true crime elements might enjoy it.
Bree, our FMC, is a relatable lead who takes the reins of the story as she stumbles upon her late grandfather’s tapes and decides to launch a podcast. Jeff, her childhood friend turned podcast partner, reconnects with her, and their dynamic had promise. However, I wish both characters had been given more depth. Some of their development felt surface-level, leaving me wanting more complexity and emotional weight.
The pacing was fast, which kept the story moving, but at times it felt like it skimmed over moments that could have added tension and richness. The tapes, for example... I would have loved a deeper dive into them, something more immersive and unsettling to really enhance the mystery. The plot itself was the book’s strongest element. The twists were engaging, though some landed better than others. A few felt perfectly placed, while others teetered on being a bit too much.
Overall, Killer’s Playlist was an interesting read with solid potential. While I didn’t completely connect with the execution, I think fans of fast-paced mysteries and true crime elements might enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
Killer’s Playlist by Elisa D. Daniels
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fun and exciting psychological, crime thriller!!
I enjoyed the premise of the story, where Bree finds old cassette tapes from the 80’s featuring a serial killer who is confessing to murders on the tape recordings.
Bree and her friend, Jeff create a podcast and listen to these tapes on air.
I like the way the author writes the story. She pays attention and develops strong characters, as well as setting up a creepy atmosphere.
It’s a fast paced read and there’s lots of twists and turns throughout! The book is a giant thrill and mystery!
**It’s out now, along with the 2nd book,
Killer Callers, coming out May 19th!**
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fun and exciting psychological, crime thriller!!
I enjoyed the premise of the story, where Bree finds old cassette tapes from the 80’s featuring a serial killer who is confessing to murders on the tape recordings.
Bree and her friend, Jeff create a podcast and listen to these tapes on air.
I like the way the author writes the story. She pays attention and develops strong characters, as well as setting up a creepy atmosphere.
It’s a fast paced read and there’s lots of twists and turns throughout! The book is a giant thrill and mystery!
**It’s out now, along with the 2nd book,
Killer Callers, coming out May 19th!**
February 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Elisa D. Daniel’s’ “Killer’s Playlist”. If you are into killer thrillers and psychological thrillers, then this book may be a great pick for you!
How well do you know your family? After Bree’s grandfather dies, she inherits his home. After moving in, she stumbles upon some tapes he had from recorded from psychiatry sessions with a serial killer. Bree decides to start a podcast sharing the tapes with the public to uncover the truth of the murder cold cases, but she quickly finds herself in harms danger especially with the serial killer still at large.
This book is a quick read if it really draws you in, but for me it was a slow burn. I wasn’t a fan of the overly descriptive storyline. I’ve never said that before, but the adjectives used to describe the emotions and the scenes were over used and extremely repetitive. It felt like I was reading the same thing again and again on each page although the storyline was moving forward.
There were several instances of Bree’s grandfather being referred to with different titles; psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist - these are all different professions but the inconsistencies were distracting.
What made this a hard read for me is that the logic of getting the police involved and the implications of a psychiatrist disregarding their status as a mandated reporter was a bit ridiculous to me.
However I will say that if you like thrillers that are layered, you will definitely enjoy this book. There are many suspects and the connections between them are enough to keep you reading until the very end!
All in all the book moves at a good pace, it isn’t overly predictable, and it wraps up very nicely.
How well do you know your family? After Bree’s grandfather dies, she inherits his home. After moving in, she stumbles upon some tapes he had from recorded from psychiatry sessions with a serial killer. Bree decides to start a podcast sharing the tapes with the public to uncover the truth of the murder cold cases, but she quickly finds herself in harms danger especially with the serial killer still at large.
This book is a quick read if it really draws you in, but for me it was a slow burn. I wasn’t a fan of the overly descriptive storyline. I’ve never said that before, but the adjectives used to describe the emotions and the scenes were over used and extremely repetitive. It felt like I was reading the same thing again and again on each page although the storyline was moving forward.
There were several instances of Bree’s grandfather being referred to with different titles; psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist - these are all different professions but the inconsistencies were distracting.
What made this a hard read for me is that the logic of getting the police involved and the implications of a psychiatrist disregarding their status as a mandated reporter was a bit ridiculous to me.
However I will say that if you like thrillers that are layered, you will definitely enjoy this book. There are many suspects and the connections between them are enough to keep you reading until the very end!
All in all the book moves at a good pace, it isn’t overly predictable, and it wraps up very nicely.
March 9, 2025
This book was AMAZING!! So many twists and turns! I never guessed the ending!! I was in shock when I finished this book! I highly recommend! If you like thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, then this book is for you! I most definitely will be reading more from this author!
March 9, 2025
This book had me hooked!! I haven't read a thriller this good in a while! It had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen next! Recommend to everyone that likes fast paced thrillers! I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
March 9, 2025
Loved loved this psychological thriller!! It had me hooked from the first page!! And OMG, the twists, I never guessed any of them! That is what I like in a book! Very highly recommend!! I will be reading more from this author!
April 24, 2025
From the beginning of the first podcast, I was hooked by this story and intrigued to find out what would happen next. The tension builds and builds. A lot happens in the last third of the book and it’s twisty and surprising. I have another one by this author downloaded and look forward to reading that one too!
March 9, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page to the last!! I like how the author mixed in a podcast! I thought that was very creative. Highly recommend!! I will be reading more from this author.
January 8, 2026
This was all over the place... you think you know something.. nope you have no clue what is going on...
February 22, 2025
Killer's Playlist by Elisa D. Daniels is a compelling psychological thriller that will keep you up entirely too late to read "just one more chapter"!
When Bree's grandfather dies, she inherits his house in Oklahoma. Having grown up being raised by her grandparents since she was three, she finds the house full of memories of the simple times she had before. One day Bree finds a key to the strictly off limits office of her grandfather who was a psychologist. What she finds in that office are a bunch of cassette tapes simply labeled The Hunter. The tapes are full of conversations with someone called The Hunter confessing to a string of murders. Crimes that are still unsolved to this day. Having left her job as a reporter to start a podcast, Bree thinks these tapes may be able to be solved by exploring a new tape each podcast episode. To help in this endeavor is Jeff, Bree's high school crush, who is excited to begin this investigation. But now that the tapes are being broadcast and more questions than answers about the murders are being raised, Bree wonders if she has put a target right on her back.
Daniels' Killer's Playlist is so intriguing and twisty. The plot is well written with characters that are full of emotion and imaginative descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are part of the novel.
The backstory effortlessly ties in to the present creating just the right amount of tension and suspense. Definitely highly recommend!
Thank you to Elisa D. Daniels and Booksirens for this ARC. Expected publication date is February 22nd 2025.
When Bree's grandfather dies, she inherits his house in Oklahoma. Having grown up being raised by her grandparents since she was three, she finds the house full of memories of the simple times she had before. One day Bree finds a key to the strictly off limits office of her grandfather who was a psychologist. What she finds in that office are a bunch of cassette tapes simply labeled The Hunter. The tapes are full of conversations with someone called The Hunter confessing to a string of murders. Crimes that are still unsolved to this day. Having left her job as a reporter to start a podcast, Bree thinks these tapes may be able to be solved by exploring a new tape each podcast episode. To help in this endeavor is Jeff, Bree's high school crush, who is excited to begin this investigation. But now that the tapes are being broadcast and more questions than answers about the murders are being raised, Bree wonders if she has put a target right on her back.
Daniels' Killer's Playlist is so intriguing and twisty. The plot is well written with characters that are full of emotion and imaginative descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are part of the novel.
The backstory effortlessly ties in to the present creating just the right amount of tension and suspense. Definitely highly recommend!
Thank you to Elisa D. Daniels and Booksirens for this ARC. Expected publication date is February 22nd 2025.
January 22, 2025
This book has great potential to become a bestseller. The core story is intriguing, and the twists just keep going! However, some aspects of the execution could be clearer, particularly the timeline of the murders, which feels a bit disconnected from the ending conclusion.
The characters have a lot of promise, but there’s room for more depth and development from the beginning. Their internal thoughts could also benefit from a bit more clarity and understanding.
There are inconsistencies in the characters that might make it challenging for readers to follow along.
I noticed that certain phrases, like "to find the truth," are repeated in different ways throughout each chapter, which could be streamlined for a smoother read. This is like a call to action every chapter. But felt repetitive.
Additionally, the words "dark" and "darkness" are used quite frequently, so varying the language might enhance the descriptions and paint a better picture.
Overall, the foundational idea is strong, and with some adjustments to address these areas, it could really shine and be 5 Stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters have a lot of promise, but there’s room for more depth and development from the beginning. Their internal thoughts could also benefit from a bit more clarity and understanding.
There are inconsistencies in the characters that might make it challenging for readers to follow along.
I noticed that certain phrases, like "to find the truth," are repeated in different ways throughout each chapter, which could be streamlined for a smoother read. This is like a call to action every chapter. But felt repetitive.
Additionally, the words "dark" and "darkness" are used quite frequently, so varying the language might enhance the descriptions and paint a better picture.
Overall, the foundational idea is strong, and with some adjustments to address these areas, it could really shine and be 5 Stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
First off I gotta say I love the cover! This was a fun, creepy and complicated story. I love the concept with the podcast. There were some very suspenseful moments and some good twists. Some parts were a little repetitive but overall an enjoyable read.
November 6, 2025
Not what I Expected
I had high hopes for this book. However, I couldn’t get past the writing. It was very one dimensional.
This book has potential but needs more.
I would recommend for Young Adult readers.
I had high hopes for this book. However, I couldn’t get past the writing. It was very one dimensional.
This book has potential but needs more.
I would recommend for Young Adult readers.
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