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Long Way Down
She thinks she’s marrying the perfect man. But nothing is as it seems.
Perfect for fans of Rachel Hawkins and Darby Kane, this suspense-packed novel entangles readers in family lies and shocking secrets that will leave you breathless.
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
Perfect for fans of Rachel Hawkins and Darby Kane, this suspense-packed novel entangles readers in family lies and shocking secrets that will leave you breathless.
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
10 people are currently reading
5461 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Kusel
5 books274 followersI’m both an avid reader as well an an author, which is why I like hanging out on Goodreads. The reader in me really enjoys combing through other people’s book reviews. I so appreciate when folks I follow or are friends with recommend new authors, or cheer me on when I begin a book they themselves loved.
The author in me is just as grateful for the community here. Whether you loved, liked, or flat-out hated one of my books—I’m just thrilled to see my stories being read; connections being made.
The books that I've written include the novel HAT TRICK; OTHER FISH IN THE SEA, (a collection of linked stories); RASH, my wildly funny memoir about running away to (and from!) Bali; and THE WIDOW ON DWYER COURT, a sexy psychological thriller that came out in July 2024.
My newest book is titled LONG WAY DOWN. It's a thriller about a young woman named Deni Rydell who believes that marrying into an uber wealthy local family will make all her dreams come true. As you might have guessed...oh, man, is she ever wrong. It comes out October 21, 2025. I can't wait for you to read it.
When I’m not volunteering at my local food shelf, meditating or cooking, I can be found wrangling words (as well as my crazy cat, Dave) at my desk overlooking Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
Welcome to my world. Oh, and please follow me on Instagram @lisa_kusel
The author in me is just as grateful for the community here. Whether you loved, liked, or flat-out hated one of my books—I’m just thrilled to see my stories being read; connections being made.
The books that I've written include the novel HAT TRICK; OTHER FISH IN THE SEA, (a collection of linked stories); RASH, my wildly funny memoir about running away to (and from!) Bali; and THE WIDOW ON DWYER COURT, a sexy psychological thriller that came out in July 2024.
My newest book is titled LONG WAY DOWN. It's a thriller about a young woman named Deni Rydell who believes that marrying into an uber wealthy local family will make all her dreams come true. As you might have guessed...oh, man, is she ever wrong. It comes out October 21, 2025. I can't wait for you to read it.
When I’m not volunteering at my local food shelf, meditating or cooking, I can be found wrangling words (as well as my crazy cat, Dave) at my desk overlooking Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
Welcome to my world. Oh, and please follow me on Instagram @lisa_kusel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 17, 2025
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ October 21, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 313 (p+ 46 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Cicely Meadows
POV ~ multiple 1st, present tense (Deni, Detective Torres & Erika) & single 3rd (Grant)
Featuring ~ family drama, controlling, rich & snobby parents, secrets, lies, flashbacks, murder, slow burn
Deni, I suppose, is someone considered to be from the other side of the tracks. Growing up poor she’s thrilled to be marrying Cal and into his wealthy family. Not money hungry per se, just ready to start a new life different from the one she grew up in. But are wealthy families always as they seem? We’ll soon find out they’ve got some secrets, and disturbing at that.
Grant is fresh out of rehab and heading back home to Gold Hills with his girlfriend Erika. Erika doesn’t come off as the nicest person and it only intensifies after the his parents and Cal die in a plane crash. And really who is this Erika who thinks she has a right to remodel the mansion only days after their death. Of course, she’s got a secret, too, that’ll slowly be revealed.
We get some flashbacks to high school that make you wonder why on earth this girl wanted to marry Cal in the first place. Then something is found on his phone that’ll make her question everything she thought she knew about her beloved fiance.
Detective Robyn Torres and Tom are investigating the murder of a young lady. Could this seemingly drug related murder somehow be connected to the plane crash? I thought they were pretty good investigators.
Overall, everything weaved together nicely. I can’t really say there are many characters to like, but I found it to be steadily paced with an interesting ending…or was it?
Side note ~ I love the book Erika was reading by the pool ~ well played, Lisa.
Narration notes:
One narrator, which is a bummer, but she did a fine job. However, since there are 3 female POV’s it would have been nice if each chapter stated who was talking because sometimes it took me a minute to figure out who it was. Maybe this looks different in print?
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ October 21, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 313 (p+ 46 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Cicely Meadows
POV ~ multiple 1st, present tense (Deni, Detective Torres & Erika) & single 3rd (Grant)
Featuring ~ family drama, controlling, rich & snobby parents, secrets, lies, flashbacks, murder, slow burn
Deni, I suppose, is someone considered to be from the other side of the tracks. Growing up poor she’s thrilled to be marrying Cal and into his wealthy family. Not money hungry per se, just ready to start a new life different from the one she grew up in. But are wealthy families always as they seem? We’ll soon find out they’ve got some secrets, and disturbing at that.
Grant is fresh out of rehab and heading back home to Gold Hills with his girlfriend Erika. Erika doesn’t come off as the nicest person and it only intensifies after the his parents and Cal die in a plane crash. And really who is this Erika who thinks she has a right to remodel the mansion only days after their death. Of course, she’s got a secret, too, that’ll slowly be revealed.
We get some flashbacks to high school that make you wonder why on earth this girl wanted to marry Cal in the first place. Then something is found on his phone that’ll make her question everything she thought she knew about her beloved fiance.
Detective Robyn Torres and Tom are investigating the murder of a young lady. Could this seemingly drug related murder somehow be connected to the plane crash? I thought they were pretty good investigators.
Overall, everything weaved together nicely. I can’t really say there are many characters to like, but I found it to be steadily paced with an interesting ending…or was it?
Side note ~ I love the book Erika was reading by the pool ~ well played, Lisa.
Narration notes:
One narrator, which is a bummer, but she did a fine job. However, since there are 3 female POV’s it would have been nice if each chapter stated who was talking because sometimes it took me a minute to figure out who it was. Maybe this looks different in print?
October 24, 2025
EXCERPT: The scent of death is thick in the air - copper, rot, and something sickly sweet beneath it all. Even with the mint, my stomach clenches.
I fix on her throat. The gash is short but deep. Not ear to ear. Almost like whoever slit her open wanted out of here as quickly as possible. They didn't linger. Didn't need to feel the sick glow of satisfaction as the life ebbed out of her eyes.
ABOUT 'LONG WAY DOWN': She thinks she’s marrying the perfect man. But nothing is as it seems.
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
MY THOUGHTS: A fast-paced thriller that kept me up at night.
There are some characters with whom you resonate immediately. Deni Rydell was one of these. Deni has grown up the hard way. She has lost her mother and, in other ways, her father too. Almost, but not quite, from the wrong side of the tracks, Deni falls for one of the rich boys - Cal Cooper Jnr. And while people might assume she is marrying him for his money, they'd be wrong.
Lisa Kusel has written a diverse cast of characters, every one of them as 'real' as you or I. Cal's brother Grant, a recovering drug addict, and his girlfriend Erika, fascinated me. Cal and Grant's parents are beyond rich, and cold and calculating. Or are they just wanting what's best for their sons? They're quite happy to resort to manipulation and bribery to make the boys toe the family line.
When tragedy strikes, it doesn't just strike once, and shockwaves reverberate through the survivors whose lives will never be the same again.
There is one twist that had me gasping out loud. I simply couldn't believe what I was reading but as more secrets were revealed it all began to make sense.
Be warned - not everything is tied up neatly in a bow. There is one question which remains unanswered at the end of the book, and I like it like that.
I read the first two thirds of Long Way Down in one sitting, so be prepared to drop everything when you pick up this twisty and irresistible thriller.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#LongWayDown #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LISA KUSEL is both an avid reader as well an author. When she's not volunteering at her local food shelf, meditating or cooking, she can be found wrangling words (as well as her crazy cat, Dave) at her desk overlooking Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I fix on her throat. The gash is short but deep. Not ear to ear. Almost like whoever slit her open wanted out of here as quickly as possible. They didn't linger. Didn't need to feel the sick glow of satisfaction as the life ebbed out of her eyes.
ABOUT 'LONG WAY DOWN': She thinks she’s marrying the perfect man. But nothing is as it seems.
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
MY THOUGHTS: A fast-paced thriller that kept me up at night.
There are some characters with whom you resonate immediately. Deni Rydell was one of these. Deni has grown up the hard way. She has lost her mother and, in other ways, her father too. Almost, but not quite, from the wrong side of the tracks, Deni falls for one of the rich boys - Cal Cooper Jnr. And while people might assume she is marrying him for his money, they'd be wrong.
Lisa Kusel has written a diverse cast of characters, every one of them as 'real' as you or I. Cal's brother Grant, a recovering drug addict, and his girlfriend Erika, fascinated me. Cal and Grant's parents are beyond rich, and cold and calculating. Or are they just wanting what's best for their sons? They're quite happy to resort to manipulation and bribery to make the boys toe the family line.
When tragedy strikes, it doesn't just strike once, and shockwaves reverberate through the survivors whose lives will never be the same again.
There is one twist that had me gasping out loud. I simply couldn't believe what I was reading but as more secrets were revealed it all began to make sense.
Be warned - not everything is tied up neatly in a bow. There is one question which remains unanswered at the end of the book, and I like it like that.
I read the first two thirds of Long Way Down in one sitting, so be prepared to drop everything when you pick up this twisty and irresistible thriller.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#LongWayDown #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LISA KUSEL is both an avid reader as well an author. When she's not volunteering at her local food shelf, meditating or cooking, she can be found wrangling words (as well as her crazy cat, Dave) at her desk overlooking Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 3, 2025
One big, giant warning before you dive into Long Way Down’s delicious dark secrets. Absolutely nothing in this slow-boiling tale of psychological suspense is as it seems. With an onion-like plot, complex characters, and a series of eye-popping reveals, the twists and turns kept me guessing from beginning to end. You see, not only did this two-pronged murder mystery deliver a root-for-able main character as well as a few personas you’ll absolutely love to hate, but they were all beyond well-developed and fully fleshed out. Providing motives for each, which had me side-eyeing them all, the chess-master level of writing had my mind spinning throughout. Don’t get me wrong, my insatiable appetite for all things suspense allowed me to be a step ahead for a one or two of the twists, but the big one left me reeling in the best possible way.
All said and done, despite an open-ended conclusion, which I utterly loved even though I normally don’t, the multiple POVs, small town setting, and juicy family drama had me weak at the knees. A quick, easy read that focused on rich people behaving badly, I was instantly swept up in this twisty tale of deceitful lies, well-planned schemes, and smoldering tensions. In spite of how much I enjoyed the whole novel, however, it was the last one hundred pages that won me over completely. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and surprisingly poignant, it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. After all, the whodunnit core had a side helping of generational trauma that made me think long and hard. So if you love stories filled with messy family dynamics and shocking revelations, grab a copy now because this book was made for you. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
Thank you to Lisa Kusel and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 21, 2025
Content warning: grief, drug addiction, sexual assault of a minor, murder, mention of: plane crash, rape
All said and done, despite an open-ended conclusion, which I utterly loved even though I normally don’t, the multiple POVs, small town setting, and juicy family drama had me weak at the knees. A quick, easy read that focused on rich people behaving badly, I was instantly swept up in this twisty tale of deceitful lies, well-planned schemes, and smoldering tensions. In spite of how much I enjoyed the whole novel, however, it was the last one hundred pages that won me over completely. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and surprisingly poignant, it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. After all, the whodunnit core had a side helping of generational trauma that made me think long and hard. So if you love stories filled with messy family dynamics and shocking revelations, grab a copy now because this book was made for you. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune.
When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash, Deni’s dreams are shattered. She’s hoping to find solace with Cal’s brother Grant, who only recently returned to the small town of Gold Hills after a year’s stay in rehab. Too bad Grant is caught up trying to please Erika, the mysterious woman he brought home with him.
Meanwhile, Gold Hills detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder which she assumes to be a drug robbery that turned deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the clearer it is that she couldn’t be further from the truth. Soon enough, Torres begins to uncover a series of disturbing family secrets and dark lies connected to the Cooper family that threaten to destroy everything Deni knew to be true.
Thank you to Lisa Kusel and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 21, 2025
Content warning: grief, drug addiction, sexual assault of a minor, murder, mention of: plane crash, rape
November 2, 2025
Deni Rydell believes her life is finally about to change for the better just as soon as she marries Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a massive California mining fortune. When Cal and his parents perish in a plane crash months before the wedding, Deni’s dreams are shattered.
I really enjoyed this novel with a varied cast of characters and a plot line that didn't go where I expected. It was very easy to read and held my interest all the way through. An unusual presentation in that there were a number of POVs, three of which were from first person point of view. I don't think I've ever run into so many first person accounts in the same book before but it wasn't as confusing as it could've been. I was kept guessing as to what was going on and most of my guesses were off the mark which made the book all the more engrossing. I look forward to whatever this author writes next.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. My review will be posted on Netgalley and Goodreads as of November 2, 2025 and on amazon.ca on or about November 2, 2025.
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel with a varied cast of characters and a plot line that didn't go where I expected. It was very easy to read and held my interest all the way through. An unusual presentation in that there were a number of POVs, three of which were from first person point of view. I don't think I've ever run into so many first person accounts in the same book before but it wasn't as confusing as it could've been. I was kept guessing as to what was going on and most of my guesses were off the mark which made the book all the more engrossing. I look forward to whatever this author writes next.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. My review will be posted on Netgalley and Goodreads as of November 2, 2025 and on amazon.ca on or about November 2, 2025.
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
October 22, 2025
I could NOT put this book down! From chapter one I was hooked and absolutely devoured it. It kept me guessing, the short chapters kept me saying “just one more”, and it left me saying “oh my god” as I flipped the final page.
The Cooper family has generational wealth through mining and the latest Cal Cooper is ensuring his sons earn their keep. The descriptions of the tacky house, tension-filled steak dinners, and total disdain the Gold Hills folks felt for the people on the other side of the tracks were all flawlessly detailed.
Deni’s relationship with Cal Jr was a little perplexing and the more information we got about their history, the more strange it became. There were red flags galore and I loved how everything played out between them. I also loved that we got to know Grant better and he wasn’t just the addict brother. I was really rooting for him and wanted him to be a good guy.
I really loved that some things unfolded the way I expected and others were seemingly out of left field. It was the perfect blend of giving the reader great breadcrumbs and also total curve balls no one would see coming.
The Pulse has been hyping this one up big time and I can confirm the hype is real! You don’t want to miss it!!
The Cooper family has generational wealth through mining and the latest Cal Cooper is ensuring his sons earn their keep. The descriptions of the tacky house, tension-filled steak dinners, and total disdain the Gold Hills folks felt for the people on the other side of the tracks were all flawlessly detailed.
Deni’s relationship with Cal Jr was a little perplexing and the more information we got about their history, the more strange it became. There were red flags galore and I loved how everything played out between them. I also loved that we got to know Grant better and he wasn’t just the addict brother. I was really rooting for him and wanted him to be a good guy.
I really loved that some things unfolded the way I expected and others were seemingly out of left field. It was the perfect blend of giving the reader great breadcrumbs and also total curve balls no one would see coming.
The Pulse has been hyping this one up big time and I can confirm the hype is real! You don’t want to miss it!!
October 6, 2025
Whoa! This one had me stumped and totally took a turn that I was not expecting.
Deni Rydell is about to marry the love of her life, Cal. Cal comes from a very wealthy family. She’s so excited to get out of her deadbeat life and start anew.
However, something tragic happens that changes everything. This family’s life is about to take a left turn.
I was seriously confused throughout this story. I had my suspicions, but it got way crazier than I expected. I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in two days!
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, here’s your sign! I highly enjoyed it!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 10/21/25
Deni Rydell is about to marry the love of her life, Cal. Cal comes from a very wealthy family. She’s so excited to get out of her deadbeat life and start anew.
However, something tragic happens that changes everything. This family’s life is about to take a left turn.
I was seriously confused throughout this story. I had my suspicions, but it got way crazier than I expected. I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in two days!
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, here’s your sign! I highly enjoyed it!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 10/21/25
September 12, 2025
ARC Review: LONG WAY DOWN by Lisa Kusel
Publishes October 21, 2025
Lisa Kusel fills every page with characters you’ll either want to hug or hurl something at.
Deni thinks she’s about to get her fairy tale ending, but then her rich fiancé’s plane goes down and takes her plans with it. Bet she’s rethinking that long engagement now.
Now Grant, the brother fresh out of rehab, is the only surviving family member and the heir to the Cooper fortune. He has plenty of baggage and a mysterious plus-one named Erika. You can tell she’s going to keep things exciting! Toss in Detective Robyn Torres, who’s trying to untangle a murder that’s about as simple as a Rubik’s Cube. I hate those things! We’ve got a front-row seat to a tangle of greed, grief, and some juicy secrets! As
Deni starts poking around in Cal’s past, she realizes her almost-husband was not exactly Prince Charming.
This is only my second Kusel book, both courtesy of Thriller Book Lovers, and she’s officially on my radar. Her characters are so much fun, even the villains feel like they’re
about to jump off the page and start some drama.
If you like your thrillers with family drama, complex relationships, and enough secrets to sink a town, “Long Way Down” hits the mark.
Thanks to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this
#GiftedARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#LongWayDown #LisaKusel #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse
Crooked Lane Books - Murder Mystery - Honest Book Review - Cap Cut - Morally Gray Characters - Sibling Tension - Greed
Publishes October 21, 2025
Lisa Kusel fills every page with characters you’ll either want to hug or hurl something at.
Deni thinks she’s about to get her fairy tale ending, but then her rich fiancé’s plane goes down and takes her plans with it. Bet she’s rethinking that long engagement now.
Now Grant, the brother fresh out of rehab, is the only surviving family member and the heir to the Cooper fortune. He has plenty of baggage and a mysterious plus-one named Erika. You can tell she’s going to keep things exciting! Toss in Detective Robyn Torres, who’s trying to untangle a murder that’s about as simple as a Rubik’s Cube. I hate those things! We’ve got a front-row seat to a tangle of greed, grief, and some juicy secrets! As
Deni starts poking around in Cal’s past, she realizes her almost-husband was not exactly Prince Charming.
This is only my second Kusel book, both courtesy of Thriller Book Lovers, and she’s officially on my radar. Her characters are so much fun, even the villains feel like they’re
about to jump off the page and start some drama.
If you like your thrillers with family drama, complex relationships, and enough secrets to sink a town, “Long Way Down” hits the mark.
Thanks to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this
#GiftedARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#LongWayDown #LisaKusel #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse
Crooked Lane Books - Murder Mystery - Honest Book Review - Cap Cut - Morally Gray Characters - Sibling Tension - Greed
October 9, 2025
I loved Lisa's last book, The Widow On Dwyer Court, so I was ecstatic to see she was coming out with a new book.
Long Way Down is a gripping thriller. When the MC's life is shattered with the unexpected death of her fiancé and his family, another murder happens that raises a lot of questions.
Although I suspected where some of this story was going, there were shocking discoveries that I didn't anticipate. I loved how everything tied together.
This is a fast paced thriller made even better with multi POVs.
Lisa Kusel is one to watch and I will definitely read whatever she writes next!
Long Way Down is a gripping thriller. When the MC's life is shattered with the unexpected death of her fiancé and his family, another murder happens that raises a lot of questions.
Although I suspected where some of this story was going, there were shocking discoveries that I didn't anticipate. I loved how everything tied together.
This is a fast paced thriller made even better with multi POVs.
Lisa Kusel is one to watch and I will definitely read whatever she writes next!
October 20, 2025
Thank you to Lisa Kusel and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC!
Deni Rydell is engaged to who she thinks is her Prince Charming. But things aren’t exactly as they seem. When her fiance, Cal Cooper, and his parents die in a tragic plane crash, her heart is shattered. She turns to the only person she thinks can understand: Cal’s brother, Grant, who just returned home after a year away in rehab. Meanwhile, Detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder. The more she looks into it, the more hidden secrets come to light.
This story really got me - I wasn’t sure what to believe! I had my suspicions throughout but the way the story played out wasn’t at all what I was expecting! This was the perfect blend of family drama + thriller. Another one we are loving at The Pulse!
“Long Way Down” releases October 21, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Deni Rydell is engaged to who she thinks is her Prince Charming. But things aren’t exactly as they seem. When her fiance, Cal Cooper, and his parents die in a tragic plane crash, her heart is shattered. She turns to the only person she thinks can understand: Cal’s brother, Grant, who just returned home after a year away in rehab. Meanwhile, Detective Robyn Torres is assigned to investigate a vicious murder. The more she looks into it, the more hidden secrets come to light.
This story really got me - I wasn’t sure what to believe! I had my suspicions throughout but the way the story played out wasn’t at all what I was expecting! This was the perfect blend of family drama + thriller. Another one we are loving at The Pulse!
“Long Way Down” releases October 21, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
August 30, 2025
Twists, betrayal, and family secrets collide in Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel. This thriller moves at a fast speed, with characters who feel real and an ending that hits you when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of suspenseful page turners that keep you guessing until the very last line. 📖 Grab your copy and see if you can guess the ending before it hits!
October 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
What starts as a story about love and loss quickly spirals into something darker, twistier, and so addictive!!
Deni’s world is turned upside down after a devastating plane crash, and from that moment on, the layers of secrets, grief, and family drama just keep unfolding. Detective Torres’ POV added another edge that made it impossible to stop reading…I had to know how it all connected.
Highly recommend if you love family secrets, emotional twists, and thrillers that keep you thinking long after you finish!
What starts as a story about love and loss quickly spirals into something darker, twistier, and so addictive!!
Deni’s world is turned upside down after a devastating plane crash, and from that moment on, the layers of secrets, grief, and family drama just keep unfolding. Detective Torres’ POV added another edge that made it impossible to stop reading…I had to know how it all connected.
Highly recommend if you love family secrets, emotional twists, and thrillers that keep you thinking long after you finish!
June 20, 2025
when i was reading this i called my mom and said “wow, you’re like really good at writing.” while i read her articles and essays frequently, it had been a few years since i read one of her books. this book is totally not my usual pick, but i am always down for a fun read, and fun this book was!
all of the characters were well developed and had clear motives for their actions (well, eventually clear). i wasn’t always sure who to root for which made the mystery all the more mysterious. i especially liked how the chapters alternated among different character’s perspectives - it almost felt like watching a tv show where you get to unravel the mystery piece by piece as you see through different people’s eyes.
i also appreciated how the book touched on sensitive subjects without being graphic, something i feel that thriller/mystery novels frequently don’t get right.
overall this was an exciting and gripping quick read with a plot you will be ~dying~ to know the ending of.
all of the characters were well developed and had clear motives for their actions (well, eventually clear). i wasn’t always sure who to root for which made the mystery all the more mysterious. i especially liked how the chapters alternated among different character’s perspectives - it almost felt like watching a tv show where you get to unravel the mystery piece by piece as you see through different people’s eyes.
i also appreciated how the book touched on sensitive subjects without being graphic, something i feel that thriller/mystery novels frequently don’t get right.
overall this was an exciting and gripping quick read with a plot you will be ~dying~ to know the ending of.
July 31, 2025
Wowza was this book amazing!!!!!!
I started and finished in one day and it was so unbelievably good, I want to re read it! Lisa does an amazing job at character development and story lines. She writes pulse-pounding suspenseful thrillers with endings that leave you breathless. Long Way Down was no different.
Deni is marrying a man she's had a crush on since high school and she's about to become loaded after being in the poverty range through her schooling. Not wanting to go into any more detail, I highly recommend going into this blind. Do not even read the synopsis. You'll be glad you did!
I started and finished in one day and it was so unbelievably good, I want to re read it! Lisa does an amazing job at character development and story lines. She writes pulse-pounding suspenseful thrillers with endings that leave you breathless. Long Way Down was no different.
Deni is marrying a man she's had a crush on since high school and she's about to become loaded after being in the poverty range through her schooling. Not wanting to go into any more detail, I highly recommend going into this blind. Do not even read the synopsis. You'll be glad you did!
December 1, 2025
This is for my thriller-loving friends who love messy family secrets, the morally greyest of characters + a police investigation with all the twists.
As a teenager, Dani knew who Cal Cooper, Jr. was. Son to a sixth-generation family, who owned a lucrative mining business, everyone in Gold Hills knew the Coopers. And now Deni and Cal were engaged and the dream life she’s always longed for is within reach.
Then Cal’s brother Grant returns to town. A one-year stint in rehab may have cleared the drugs from him system, but nothing could wipe away the haunting memories from his past. But it’s Grant’s new girlfriend, Erika, who raises eyebrows.
For Detective Robyn Torres, the brutal murder of a local woman looks like drug robbery that took a deadly turn. But as the follows the evidence she finds connections tying back to Deni and the Coopers, who are grappling with the aftermath of their own family tragedy.
As Torres looks for answers, Deni tries to make sense of her newly shattered world and Grant struggles to find his place and solid ground. Everyone is teetering on the edge of something. Will the dark secrets they uncover destroy them?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being so excited to get back into the book you’re reading and LONG WAY DOWN was absolutely a book I was anxious to get lost in every day.
I’m such a fan of Lisa’s writing, dog-earing all the pages and smiling at references I know I love. She’s not afraid to go dark 🖤 I’m such a fan of questionable characters, multiple mysteries and twisted family secrets.
As a teenager, Dani knew who Cal Cooper, Jr. was. Son to a sixth-generation family, who owned a lucrative mining business, everyone in Gold Hills knew the Coopers. And now Deni and Cal were engaged and the dream life she’s always longed for is within reach.
Then Cal’s brother Grant returns to town. A one-year stint in rehab may have cleared the drugs from him system, but nothing could wipe away the haunting memories from his past. But it’s Grant’s new girlfriend, Erika, who raises eyebrows.
For Detective Robyn Torres, the brutal murder of a local woman looks like drug robbery that took a deadly turn. But as the follows the evidence she finds connections tying back to Deni and the Coopers, who are grappling with the aftermath of their own family tragedy.
As Torres looks for answers, Deni tries to make sense of her newly shattered world and Grant struggles to find his place and solid ground. Everyone is teetering on the edge of something. Will the dark secrets they uncover destroy them?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being so excited to get back into the book you’re reading and LONG WAY DOWN was absolutely a book I was anxious to get lost in every day.
I’m such a fan of Lisa’s writing, dog-earing all the pages and smiling at references I know I love. She’s not afraid to go dark 🖤 I’m such a fan of questionable characters, multiple mysteries and twisted family secrets.
September 14, 2025
Deni Rydell is about to marry the man of her dreams until a plane crash kills her wealthy fiancé (Cal) and his parents. As she grieves, more tragedy strikes: her best friend (and Cal’s ex) is murdered the same day.
From there, things spiral fast: buried secrets, family drama, and a trail of twisted clues that pull Deni and the ever-steady Detective Torres deep into the dark side of generational wealth.
What to expect:
✨Twisty, inheritance-fueled page-turner
✨Everyone has something to hide
✨Detective Torres = calm, smart, and exactly who you want on a case - hope we get to see her again 🤞
✨Small-town tension, haves vs. have-nots
✨Short chapters + multiple POVs = bingeable
This one’s a slow burn, but the payoff? Totally worth it. Some twists I saw coming, but the why behind them kept me glued to the pages - greedy heirs, family secrets, and more skeletons than a haunted house.
⚠️ Heads up: there are several trigger warnings - definitely look them up before diving in.
Final Verdict: 👍 A slow-building mystery with a dark heart and a killer ending. Fans of family drama + suspense? You’re gonna love this one!
From there, things spiral fast: buried secrets, family drama, and a trail of twisted clues that pull Deni and the ever-steady Detective Torres deep into the dark side of generational wealth.
What to expect:
✨Twisty, inheritance-fueled page-turner
✨Everyone has something to hide
✨Detective Torres = calm, smart, and exactly who you want on a case - hope we get to see her again 🤞
✨Small-town tension, haves vs. have-nots
✨Short chapters + multiple POVs = bingeable
This one’s a slow burn, but the payoff? Totally worth it. Some twists I saw coming, but the why behind them kept me glued to the pages - greedy heirs, family secrets, and more skeletons than a haunted house.
⚠️ Heads up: there are several trigger warnings - definitely look them up before diving in.
Final Verdict: 👍 A slow-building mystery with a dark heart and a killer ending. Fans of family drama + suspense? You’re gonna love this one!
November 10, 2025
My gosh, Lisa really loves similes haha.
Ok I’d encourage you really do not read the book description, it really messes up a good thriller so much. Rather trust me on that so you get the happiest experience out of this book. Overall it was quite a good book and unique story.
This is quite a sophisticated thriller in a few ways. I don’t know why not yet, but I hope somehow Lisa’s books will be on the bestseller lists one day.
I know it is true, and maybe it messes up books a bit, but a lovely friend told me she thinks I sometimes tend to over-analyze what I read. Sometimes I guess I must just relax and flow with books sometimes.
Ok so wee have Deni, a working-class girl, not just a waitress, she has personality.
She lives in a town where the poor and rich went to the same school, so the logic that money means everything may not totally be impressed on Deni’s generation.
I say this because Deni is in her thirties, and so are the Cooper brothers.
The Cooper family are super wealthy.
Despite this, Cal Cooper and Deni are in love with each other.
In fact, they are going to be married. The Cooper parents though are as weird as they are rich. It is safe to say, mostly the parents are far from being the nicest people in the world.
The mother does not really approve of Cal and Deni’s wedding.
We then have the other Cooper brother, Grant.
He was in rehab due to being addicted to painkillers from an injury he suffered at work. And yes, for all you conservative people out there, addiction is a real thing. Me, sleeping pills and Xanax, but that’s another story. Just saying, never judge till you have experienced some of these things yourself. Up to a point they are magic.
Anyway Grant meets a very helpful, supportive and charming girl in Rehab called Erica.
Erica doesn’t want to tell Grant anything about her past, but that does not necessarily make her shady or bad, it could mean for example that she has maybe had some terrible traumas and wants the world, and herself included, to forget them as much as possible.
So the story starts with Deni and Cal going for dinner at Cal’s parent’s home to welcome Cal’s brother Grant and his girlfriend from Rehab.
So you have the two young couples going to the house of the brothers’ parents.
I could just leave the thriller right here for you to read. Yes, for those of you who love such things there is a murder so you can read.
The Cooper parents like neither of their sons’ partners.
Of course they will make their childrens’ spouses sign prenup agreements should they marry.
The only un-juicy thing about this book is that, some quite bad family secrets are eventually revealed, but the average town’s people don’t get to know most of them, only we and other confidential services do.
A bit disappointing since the Cooper parents hold themselves up as very philanthropic people, and the father dabbles in town politics. I am leaving you here. Are you expecting a feud between the generations? Do the two brothers get along?
Do you like the brothers?
Deni?
Erica?
Let me put it this way, you won’t get too far into the book for you to decide if you want to read the rest or not because you are not sure from this review what exactly you are expecting, but I honestly believe that saying more, or you reading the description will then ruin so much of the thriller.
Let me put it another way.
Lisa spent time and effort creating and writing this story for us, if the review I have given you sounds interesting enough, then bother to try the book, especially if you can listen to the audio copy.
Yeah, I take full responsibility if you hate me because the book maybe goes into a direction of story you don’t really want haha, my review is trying to keep what is in the book as interesting as possible for you to give it a spin. The book has lovely scene descriptions and word paintings.
Our song today is a special song. It is a sad song but also sort of not too sad.
The translation is mine.
It is about a dad and his little girl.
For some reason as you will hear, a grown woman sings the words of the little girl and I have no idea why. They could have got a little girl to do it.
Anyway this song is called The Turn-off, (die afdraaipad)
I translate:
‘Dad dad tell me how far we still have to drive?’
A Bakkie is driving on the road, Malie and her dad.
A strong man who can take her hand or who can carry her very far.
The Bakkie’s engine is struggling with all its might to get them up a hill.
We are looking for the turn-off we all believe in.
Dad dad how far do we still have to go to reach the turn-off to a city of hope? When will we reach this turn-off?
Somewhere we stopped and dreamt in the shade.
We had coffee and sandwiches, while the engine of the Ford was steaming.
And then the girl asks again how far must they drive, but she now asks him where is the turn-off to his city of hope.
Evening on the mountain-road, did and I were lost.
Maybe the signs were turned the wrong way, how will we get to Hope City?
Again she asks her dad how far still to the turn-off.
Then she asks the evening star when will we have peace. Pitch-dark on a very curved road, the bakkie has broken down.
Now my dad is looking for the Southern Cross.
My dad and I are walking together.
That is the song, not the most satisfying ending? Anyway hope you guys enjoy it, at least the tune. By the way Bakkie is an English word used here for that type of car.
https://youtu.be/woVaW61tYEo?si=tPl3b...
Ok I’d encourage you really do not read the book description, it really messes up a good thriller so much. Rather trust me on that so you get the happiest experience out of this book. Overall it was quite a good book and unique story.
This is quite a sophisticated thriller in a few ways. I don’t know why not yet, but I hope somehow Lisa’s books will be on the bestseller lists one day.
I know it is true, and maybe it messes up books a bit, but a lovely friend told me she thinks I sometimes tend to over-analyze what I read. Sometimes I guess I must just relax and flow with books sometimes.
Ok so wee have Deni, a working-class girl, not just a waitress, she has personality.
She lives in a town where the poor and rich went to the same school, so the logic that money means everything may not totally be impressed on Deni’s generation.
I say this because Deni is in her thirties, and so are the Cooper brothers.
The Cooper family are super wealthy.
Despite this, Cal Cooper and Deni are in love with each other.
In fact, they are going to be married. The Cooper parents though are as weird as they are rich. It is safe to say, mostly the parents are far from being the nicest people in the world.
The mother does not really approve of Cal and Deni’s wedding.
We then have the other Cooper brother, Grant.
He was in rehab due to being addicted to painkillers from an injury he suffered at work. And yes, for all you conservative people out there, addiction is a real thing. Me, sleeping pills and Xanax, but that’s another story. Just saying, never judge till you have experienced some of these things yourself. Up to a point they are magic.
Anyway Grant meets a very helpful, supportive and charming girl in Rehab called Erica.
Erica doesn’t want to tell Grant anything about her past, but that does not necessarily make her shady or bad, it could mean for example that she has maybe had some terrible traumas and wants the world, and herself included, to forget them as much as possible.
So the story starts with Deni and Cal going for dinner at Cal’s parent’s home to welcome Cal’s brother Grant and his girlfriend from Rehab.
So you have the two young couples going to the house of the brothers’ parents.
I could just leave the thriller right here for you to read. Yes, for those of you who love such things there is a murder so you can read.
The Cooper parents like neither of their sons’ partners.
Of course they will make their childrens’ spouses sign prenup agreements should they marry.
The only un-juicy thing about this book is that, some quite bad family secrets are eventually revealed, but the average town’s people don’t get to know most of them, only we and other confidential services do.
A bit disappointing since the Cooper parents hold themselves up as very philanthropic people, and the father dabbles in town politics. I am leaving you here. Are you expecting a feud between the generations? Do the two brothers get along?
Do you like the brothers?
Deni?
Erica?
Let me put it this way, you won’t get too far into the book for you to decide if you want to read the rest or not because you are not sure from this review what exactly you are expecting, but I honestly believe that saying more, or you reading the description will then ruin so much of the thriller.
Let me put it another way.
Lisa spent time and effort creating and writing this story for us, if the review I have given you sounds interesting enough, then bother to try the book, especially if you can listen to the audio copy.
Yeah, I take full responsibility if you hate me because the book maybe goes into a direction of story you don’t really want haha, my review is trying to keep what is in the book as interesting as possible for you to give it a spin. The book has lovely scene descriptions and word paintings.
Our song today is a special song. It is a sad song but also sort of not too sad.
The translation is mine.
It is about a dad and his little girl.
For some reason as you will hear, a grown woman sings the words of the little girl and I have no idea why. They could have got a little girl to do it.
Anyway this song is called The Turn-off, (die afdraaipad)
I translate:
‘Dad dad tell me how far we still have to drive?’
A Bakkie is driving on the road, Malie and her dad.
A strong man who can take her hand or who can carry her very far.
The Bakkie’s engine is struggling with all its might to get them up a hill.
We are looking for the turn-off we all believe in.
Dad dad how far do we still have to go to reach the turn-off to a city of hope? When will we reach this turn-off?
Somewhere we stopped and dreamt in the shade.
We had coffee and sandwiches, while the engine of the Ford was steaming.
And then the girl asks again how far must they drive, but she now asks him where is the turn-off to his city of hope.
Evening on the mountain-road, did and I were lost.
Maybe the signs were turned the wrong way, how will we get to Hope City?
Again she asks her dad how far still to the turn-off.
Then she asks the evening star when will we have peace. Pitch-dark on a very curved road, the bakkie has broken down.
Now my dad is looking for the Southern Cross.
My dad and I are walking together.
That is the song, not the most satisfying ending? Anyway hope you guys enjoy it, at least the tune. By the way Bakkie is an English word used here for that type of car.
https://youtu.be/woVaW61tYEo?si=tPl3b...
October 6, 2025
I flew through Long Way Down in just 24 hours. It’s one of those thrillers that quietly pulls you in, layer by layer, until you realise you’ve read half the book without noticing.
The story opens with the sudden death of Deni’s fiancé, Cal Cooper Jr., and his family in a plane crash. What follows is a slow-unraveling exploration of grief, guilt, and deeply buried family secrets that twist together when Detective Robyn Torres begins investigating a nearby murder.
Lisa Kusel’s writing is grounded yet unsettling — she builds tension through relationships and revelations rather than shock value, and I really enjoyed the way these two storylines gradually converged.
If you enjoy slow-burn suspense that leans into family drama, moral complexity and the ways privilege distorts truth, Long Way Down is one to watch.
Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @lisa_kusel for this ARC — I couldn’t stop reading.
The story opens with the sudden death of Deni’s fiancé, Cal Cooper Jr., and his family in a plane crash. What follows is a slow-unraveling exploration of grief, guilt, and deeply buried family secrets that twist together when Detective Robyn Torres begins investigating a nearby murder.
Lisa Kusel’s writing is grounded yet unsettling — she builds tension through relationships and revelations rather than shock value, and I really enjoyed the way these two storylines gradually converged.
If you enjoy slow-burn suspense that leans into family drama, moral complexity and the ways privilege distorts truth, Long Way Down is one to watch.
Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @lisa_kusel for this ARC — I couldn’t stop reading.
October 5, 2025
Wow, what a suspenseful read that will keep you on the she of your seat. So full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout. I did guess a few of the plot twists but I LOVED IT nevertheless.
I was addicted to this thriller and could not devour it fast enough. If you are looking for your next amazing thriller, read this book!
Many thanks to Lisa Kusel, Thriller Book Lovers (The Pulse) and Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy!
I was addicted to this thriller and could not devour it fast enough. If you are looking for your next amazing thriller, read this book!
Many thanks to Lisa Kusel, Thriller Book Lovers (The Pulse) and Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy!
Read
October 10, 2025This was a suspenseful quick read with a lot of twists and turns. Deni believes her future looks amazing and is excited to marry Cal, the son of wealthy parents. When Cal dies in a plane crash her hopes die with him. Add to that her best friend has just been murdered. As the local detective on the case uncovers some secrets the plot becomes even more complex and intriguing. I don’t want to give anymore details since it is a thriller! The book is fast paced and well written and kept me guessing until the end.
October 27, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Long Way Down is the kind of slow-burn thriller that lures you in with glamour and then hits you with the darkness hiding underneath. I started reading the book and switched over to the audiobook. I’m so glad I did. The narration by Cicely Meadows made this book come to life. Her narration is smooth and expressive, with clear pacing and just the right emotion. She gives each character a distinct voice, making her a great fit for this slow-burn psychological thriller.
The story follows Deni Rydell, whose world shatters after her wealthy fiancé and his parents die in a plane crash. As she uncovers the Cooper family’s dark secrets, a detective’s murder investigation collides with her search for the truth, exposing lies, greed, and buried betrayals.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Long Way Down, but it ended up being the kind of smart, character-driven thriller that quietly pulls you in. This was my first book by Lisa Kusel, and I really liked her crisp, straightforward writing style. She focuses more on character and emotion than on flashy twists, allowing the tension to build naturally through atmosphere and realism. I liked the layered characters and how the story slowly revealed the dark side of wealth and privilege. The alternating perspectives added depth to the mystery, and the psychological tension felt authentic and well-paced. That said, the first half moved a bit slowly for my taste, and a few side characters could’ve been more developed. Overall, the grounded writing and unsettling tone made it an engaging, character-driven thriller worth reading. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a slow-burn psychological thriller with character-driven storytelling and family secrets.
* I loved the nod to her other novel, The Widow on Dwyer Court, in chapter 20.
Long Way Down is the kind of slow-burn thriller that lures you in with glamour and then hits you with the darkness hiding underneath. I started reading the book and switched over to the audiobook. I’m so glad I did. The narration by Cicely Meadows made this book come to life. Her narration is smooth and expressive, with clear pacing and just the right emotion. She gives each character a distinct voice, making her a great fit for this slow-burn psychological thriller.
The story follows Deni Rydell, whose world shatters after her wealthy fiancé and his parents die in a plane crash. As she uncovers the Cooper family’s dark secrets, a detective’s murder investigation collides with her search for the truth, exposing lies, greed, and buried betrayals.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Long Way Down, but it ended up being the kind of smart, character-driven thriller that quietly pulls you in. This was my first book by Lisa Kusel, and I really liked her crisp, straightforward writing style. She focuses more on character and emotion than on flashy twists, allowing the tension to build naturally through atmosphere and realism. I liked the layered characters and how the story slowly revealed the dark side of wealth and privilege. The alternating perspectives added depth to the mystery, and the psychological tension felt authentic and well-paced. That said, the first half moved a bit slowly for my taste, and a few side characters could’ve been more developed. Overall, the grounded writing and unsettling tone made it an engaging, character-driven thriller worth reading. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a slow-burn psychological thriller with character-driven storytelling and family secrets.
* I loved the nod to her other novel, The Widow on Dwyer Court, in chapter 20.
October 6, 2025
4.5 rounded up
I actually went into this book blind, which is something I never do. But I have been wanting to read this author, so when I was sent an ARC, I knew I had to read it. It definitely did not disappoint!
Deni Rydell has been in love with Cal Cooper Jr. forever, and now she'll finally be marrying him. She'll be taken care of for the rest of her life since he's the heir to a massive California mining fortune. But when Cal Jr. and his parents die in a plane crash, her dreams are shattered. Cal's brother Grant has just come home from rehab, and Deni is hoping to find some comfort with him, but he's brought Erika back with him, and she most definitely does not like Deni. After the death of his family, Erika swoops in and starts making changes to the family home with no regard for Grant's feelings. Meanwhile, Detective Torres is investigating a murder that appears to be drug-related, but the more she digs, the more complex things get. There seems to be a link to the Cooper family. What's the connection? Can Detective Torres find the murderer and the reason behind it?
Told in multiple POVs, this was seriously a wild ride! It was dark, disturbing, and twisty! I really had no idea what I was in for, and I was most definitely shocked. Along the way, I did think I had it figured out, but I ended up being wrong. This was a slow-burn filled with family drama, buried secrets, and rich people behaving badly. It definitely had me hooked. It was a totally bingeable page-turner that I really enjoyed and would highly recommend!🩷
I actually went into this book blind, which is something I never do. But I have been wanting to read this author, so when I was sent an ARC, I knew I had to read it. It definitely did not disappoint!
Deni Rydell has been in love with Cal Cooper Jr. forever, and now she'll finally be marrying him. She'll be taken care of for the rest of her life since he's the heir to a massive California mining fortune. But when Cal Jr. and his parents die in a plane crash, her dreams are shattered. Cal's brother Grant has just come home from rehab, and Deni is hoping to find some comfort with him, but he's brought Erika back with him, and she most definitely does not like Deni. After the death of his family, Erika swoops in and starts making changes to the family home with no regard for Grant's feelings. Meanwhile, Detective Torres is investigating a murder that appears to be drug-related, but the more she digs, the more complex things get. There seems to be a link to the Cooper family. What's the connection? Can Detective Torres find the murderer and the reason behind it?
Told in multiple POVs, this was seriously a wild ride! It was dark, disturbing, and twisty! I really had no idea what I was in for, and I was most definitely shocked. Along the way, I did think I had it figured out, but I ended up being wrong. This was a slow-burn filled with family drama, buried secrets, and rich people behaving badly. It definitely had me hooked. It was a totally bingeable page-turner that I really enjoyed and would highly recommend!🩷
August 6, 2025
Premise: Deni Rydell could not be happier to escape her life and marry Cal Cooper Jr., heir to his family’s quarry business and their money. Not even the return of Grant, his older brother fresh out of rehab for drug addiction, and his rude, quarrelsome girlfriend Erika can spoil it for her. But then Cal, his mother and his father die tragically in a plan crash and Deni’s plans go up in smoke. To make matters much worse, there has just been a brutal murder in town. Detective Robyn Torres is investigating and uncovering a number of unsettling secrets in the process. Did Deni really know Cal at all?
Thoughts: Another engrossing domestic thriller from Lisa Kusel! Kusel has a talent for creating interesting and believable characters that the reader wants to get to know and understand. Deni hasn’t had an easy life, so her pending marriage to Cal looks like the escape she was looking for, even though the reader can perceive a number of red flags. Grant is a first-born son that has disappointed the expectations of his demanding parents. He is barely clinging on to his recovery, faced with demands from Erika, snide remarks from Cal, and constant disapproval from his parents. As the investigation grinds on, many of the characters are revealed to be very different people from the facade they initially present. An entertaining read which I snapped up in a few nights after work. If you enjoy twisty domestic suspense, then this is a good one!
Thoughts: Another engrossing domestic thriller from Lisa Kusel! Kusel has a talent for creating interesting and believable characters that the reader wants to get to know and understand. Deni hasn’t had an easy life, so her pending marriage to Cal looks like the escape she was looking for, even though the reader can perceive a number of red flags. Grant is a first-born son that has disappointed the expectations of his demanding parents. He is barely clinging on to his recovery, faced with demands from Erika, snide remarks from Cal, and constant disapproval from his parents. As the investigation grinds on, many of the characters are revealed to be very different people from the facade they initially present. An entertaining read which I snapped up in a few nights after work. If you enjoy twisty domestic suspense, then this is a good one!
November 25, 2025
My first book by Kusel and it was so good!
I did audio and found the narrator’s voice so easy to listen to. So many twists…loved all of the characters and their good and bad traits. Everything was so well balanced with just the right mix of kindness and psycho😂
I’m excited to read more of her books!!
I did audio and found the narrator’s voice so easy to listen to. So many twists…loved all of the characters and their good and bad traits. Everything was so well balanced with just the right mix of kindness and psycho😂
I’m excited to read more of her books!!
October 17, 2025
3.5 stars
A murder mystery read that unfolded in several POVs, this one had some good twists and turns and did keep me guessing. However, I found the characters needed better development. Also, the detective’s storyline wasn’t well integrated and almost seemed like an add-on to me.
A light, quick, easy read that had a final reveal at the end but which seemed to come out of nowhere.
Overall, a pleasant read.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
A murder mystery read that unfolded in several POVs, this one had some good twists and turns and did keep me guessing. However, I found the characters needed better development. Also, the detective’s storyline wasn’t well integrated and almost seemed like an add-on to me.
A light, quick, easy read that had a final reveal at the end but which seemed to come out of nowhere.
Overall, a pleasant read.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
4.5 stars!
I’m a huge fan of this cover, and of the author, so I just had to beg for a copy! This book was packed with suspense and hard to put down; I devoured it in just a day because I couldn't wait to find out how it all ended!
Deni Rydell believes she is about to marry the perfect man, Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a California mining fortune. However, her dreams are shattered when Cal and his parents die in a plane crash. In her search for solace, she turns to Cal's brother, Grant, who has recently returned from rehab but is distracted by his complicated relationship with a mysterious woman named Erika. Meanwhile, detective Robyn Torres investigates a murder that initially appears to be a drug-related incident. As she delves deeper, Torres uncovers troubling family secrets and lies connected to the Cooper family, threatening everything Deni thought she knew.
The main character, Deni, is both likable and relatable; life has a way of throwing curveballs at your plans, and what happened to Deni and Cal was truly difficult to digest. Meanwhile, Grant makes an entrance with his arm candy, Erika, who takes charge in a way that will leave you frustrated and wondering what her true intentions are. You can only guess what she’s really after...
Things quickly spiral into complexity and tension as issues of multigenerational wealth, drama, and long-buried secrets come to light. I definitely didn't trust Erika and wouldn’t want her in my circle, as her motives seemed quite self-serving. You'll need to grab this book to uncover more and tell me what you think of this opportunist!
The family's dynamics and their position in the world are vividly portrayed; you can’t help but be drawn in. Overall, this book is a well-crafted, meticulously planned, and expertly executed read that will keep you reeling. How dare someone meddle with the Cooper family name and fortune!
I didn’t see the ending coming, nor how all the threads would tie together; I was left feeling like an outsider, wondering what on earth just happened! This story is filled with unpredictability, suspense, and morally gray characters, perfect for anyone who loves family secrets and shocking twists. After this read, you might find yourself second-guessing trust! There seems to be some form of a happy ending, but at what cost?
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m a huge fan of this cover, and of the author, so I just had to beg for a copy! This book was packed with suspense and hard to put down; I devoured it in just a day because I couldn't wait to find out how it all ended!
Deni Rydell believes she is about to marry the perfect man, Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a California mining fortune. However, her dreams are shattered when Cal and his parents die in a plane crash. In her search for solace, she turns to Cal's brother, Grant, who has recently returned from rehab but is distracted by his complicated relationship with a mysterious woman named Erika. Meanwhile, detective Robyn Torres investigates a murder that initially appears to be a drug-related incident. As she delves deeper, Torres uncovers troubling family secrets and lies connected to the Cooper family, threatening everything Deni thought she knew.
The main character, Deni, is both likable and relatable; life has a way of throwing curveballs at your plans, and what happened to Deni and Cal was truly difficult to digest. Meanwhile, Grant makes an entrance with his arm candy, Erika, who takes charge in a way that will leave you frustrated and wondering what her true intentions are. You can only guess what she’s really after...
Things quickly spiral into complexity and tension as issues of multigenerational wealth, drama, and long-buried secrets come to light. I definitely didn't trust Erika and wouldn’t want her in my circle, as her motives seemed quite self-serving. You'll need to grab this book to uncover more and tell me what you think of this opportunist!
The family's dynamics and their position in the world are vividly portrayed; you can’t help but be drawn in. Overall, this book is a well-crafted, meticulously planned, and expertly executed read that will keep you reeling. How dare someone meddle with the Cooper family name and fortune!
I didn’t see the ending coming, nor how all the threads would tie together; I was left feeling like an outsider, wondering what on earth just happened! This story is filled with unpredictability, suspense, and morally gray characters, perfect for anyone who loves family secrets and shocking twists. After this read, you might find yourself second-guessing trust! There seems to be some form of a happy ending, but at what cost?
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded Up)
Long Way Down is a slow-burn psychological domestic thriller that will keep readers fully engaged with its compelling themes of family drama, buried secrets, wealth, and infidelity. The story follows Deni Rydell in the town of Gold Hills, who’s finally stepping into the life she dreams of when she becomes engaged to Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a vast California mining fortune. But just as wedding preparation is underway, tragedy strikes: Cal and his parents die in a private plane crash, leaving Deni grieving and confused. Meanwhile, Cal’s brother Grant returns from rehab with a mysterious new woman, and a sudden murder forces a female detective to look further into the Cooper family.
Deni is a compelling, empathetic protagonist with a knack at getting to the truth of things. She’s also somewhat of an unreliable narrator, as there’s always an underlying sense that she’s not telling others everything she knows. Coming from a modest family and having endured tremendous loss, being engaged to Cal Cooper Jr. and thrust into a world of wealth and privilege feels like a new beginning she’s been waiting for her whole life. But everything comes crashing down once Cal and his parents are killed—and just when she tries to wrap her head around what happened, another tragedy strikes, sending her into a tailspin. From here, her character arc and tenacity begin to shine as she takes matters into her own hands—and sometimes recklessly without thinking through consequences—making for a very engrossing read!
Grant Cooper, Cal’s brother, is an equally intriguing character—he’s just come out of rehab, and his return to Gold Hills brings with it a host of challenges and uncertainties. His relationship with Erika, the woman he met and fell in love with in rehab, makes him appear gullible. She refuses to give him details of her past but is happy to enjoy the luxuries that his money has to offer, and her behavior is full of red flags—but Grant refuses to see it! There’s a lot of compelling dialogue and confrontational scenes between characters that will keep readers fully engrossed, especially those between Deni and Erika!
The female detective protagonist, who’s assigned to investigate a murder in Gold Hills, uncovers some unsettling truths about the Coopers—and becomes both an ally and a “thorn in the side” to Deni. The characters’s relationships, alliances, and arcs continue to shift and evolve right up until the very end, so be prepared for a thoroughly entertaining & unputdownable read! The novel has a slow-burn start, giving readers in-depth character development and a gradual buildup of tension, motives, and backstory. The midsection has better pacing and dives into the Cooper family’s dynamics and secrets, the detectives’s investigation, and their intricate interrogations (of Deni and others). The ending has a few pleasing twists, some predictable and others that come out of nowhere, giving readers a satisfying resolution!
Overall, Long Way Down is a standout domestic thriller that has the perfect balance of domestic drama, family, secrets, murder, mystery, and character-driven intricate storytelling! It’s suspenseful, intricate, and twisty, without being over the top or requiring readers to suspend their disbelief too much (which is refreshing!)—and, most importantly, it will keep readers hooked until the end!
NARRATOR PERFORMANCE (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️):
The audiobook is narrated by Cicely Meadows, who delivers an engaging and expressive performance that brings the story and characters vividly to life. Meadows has a natural warmth and clarity in her narration, which is enjoyable to listen to and perfectly suited for a character-driven narrative. Meadows gives protagonist Deni an intelligent-sounding, determined voice that feels authentic and layered, making the character feel very real. Her pacing of the narration is spot-on—quick and tense during confrontational and investigative scenes and slower during inner monologues or intimate dialogue, helping to keep listeners engaged. There could have been more distinct character voices, especially for the lead female protagonists and male detectives, as it sometimes is difficult to determine who is speaking at the very beginning of chapters. But overall, Meadows’s smooth delivery and expressive range turn the audiobook into a fully immersive listening experience that fans of character-driven thrillers and deliciously entertaining domestic drama will love!
Long Way Down is a slow-burn psychological domestic thriller that will keep readers fully engaged with its compelling themes of family drama, buried secrets, wealth, and infidelity. The story follows Deni Rydell in the town of Gold Hills, who’s finally stepping into the life she dreams of when she becomes engaged to Cal Cooper Jr., heir to a vast California mining fortune. But just as wedding preparation is underway, tragedy strikes: Cal and his parents die in a private plane crash, leaving Deni grieving and confused. Meanwhile, Cal’s brother Grant returns from rehab with a mysterious new woman, and a sudden murder forces a female detective to look further into the Cooper family.
Deni is a compelling, empathetic protagonist with a knack at getting to the truth of things. She’s also somewhat of an unreliable narrator, as there’s always an underlying sense that she’s not telling others everything she knows. Coming from a modest family and having endured tremendous loss, being engaged to Cal Cooper Jr. and thrust into a world of wealth and privilege feels like a new beginning she’s been waiting for her whole life. But everything comes crashing down once Cal and his parents are killed—and just when she tries to wrap her head around what happened, another tragedy strikes, sending her into a tailspin. From here, her character arc and tenacity begin to shine as she takes matters into her own hands—and sometimes recklessly without thinking through consequences—making for a very engrossing read!
Grant Cooper, Cal’s brother, is an equally intriguing character—he’s just come out of rehab, and his return to Gold Hills brings with it a host of challenges and uncertainties. His relationship with Erika, the woman he met and fell in love with in rehab, makes him appear gullible. She refuses to give him details of her past but is happy to enjoy the luxuries that his money has to offer, and her behavior is full of red flags—but Grant refuses to see it! There’s a lot of compelling dialogue and confrontational scenes between characters that will keep readers fully engrossed, especially those between Deni and Erika!
The female detective protagonist, who’s assigned to investigate a murder in Gold Hills, uncovers some unsettling truths about the Coopers—and becomes both an ally and a “thorn in the side” to Deni. The characters’s relationships, alliances, and arcs continue to shift and evolve right up until the very end, so be prepared for a thoroughly entertaining & unputdownable read! The novel has a slow-burn start, giving readers in-depth character development and a gradual buildup of tension, motives, and backstory. The midsection has better pacing and dives into the Cooper family’s dynamics and secrets, the detectives’s investigation, and their intricate interrogations (of Deni and others). The ending has a few pleasing twists, some predictable and others that come out of nowhere, giving readers a satisfying resolution!
Overall, Long Way Down is a standout domestic thriller that has the perfect balance of domestic drama, family, secrets, murder, mystery, and character-driven intricate storytelling! It’s suspenseful, intricate, and twisty, without being over the top or requiring readers to suspend their disbelief too much (which is refreshing!)—and, most importantly, it will keep readers hooked until the end!
NARRATOR PERFORMANCE (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️):
The audiobook is narrated by Cicely Meadows, who delivers an engaging and expressive performance that brings the story and characters vividly to life. Meadows has a natural warmth and clarity in her narration, which is enjoyable to listen to and perfectly suited for a character-driven narrative. Meadows gives protagonist Deni an intelligent-sounding, determined voice that feels authentic and layered, making the character feel very real. Her pacing of the narration is spot-on—quick and tense during confrontational and investigative scenes and slower during inner monologues or intimate dialogue, helping to keep listeners engaged. There could have been more distinct character voices, especially for the lead female protagonists and male detectives, as it sometimes is difficult to determine who is speaking at the very beginning of chapters. But overall, Meadows’s smooth delivery and expressive range turn the audiobook into a fully immersive listening experience that fans of character-driven thrillers and deliciously entertaining domestic drama will love!
October 16, 2025
4 stars for me.
Deni Rydell can't wait to marry her fiancé Cal Cooper Jr, a wealthy heir to mining fortune. When Cal and his parents died in a plane crash, she hope that Cal brother Grant,who returned home will help her with grief and be her friend. Grant is busy, fighting his addiction,and letting his girlfriend Erika run the house take all his strength. Around the same time Deni best friend Luna is also murdered, and police is uncovering more secrets about Cooper family. It seems that Cal was keeping a lot more from his past that Deni is comfortable for.
Was Cal death and his parents an accident?
Will Deni like the answers she's about discover about Cal?
Who is Erika,and what she's hiding?
Full of tension,and few POV, this book seamlessly take us trough each character story. I like the secrecy and reveals, Deni was sweet and naive at times,Grant was little detached, the characters were flawed and weak, but in the end that works,and the twists are more surprising that way. The only thing that bothers me more, I wish there was more information about Luna,why she did what she did.In the end I liked this book,and the last chapter made me think it's in a weird way cute thriller.Great first book for me by this author,and hope to read more of her work.
I would recommend this book for thriller and mystery with surprising twists fans.
Thank you author for arc copy,my review is honest and my own.
Deni Rydell can't wait to marry her fiancé Cal Cooper Jr, a wealthy heir to mining fortune. When Cal and his parents died in a plane crash, she hope that Cal brother Grant,who returned home will help her with grief and be her friend. Grant is busy, fighting his addiction,and letting his girlfriend Erika run the house take all his strength. Around the same time Deni best friend Luna is also murdered, and police is uncovering more secrets about Cooper family. It seems that Cal was keeping a lot more from his past that Deni is comfortable for.
Was Cal death and his parents an accident?
Will Deni like the answers she's about discover about Cal?
Who is Erika,and what she's hiding?
Full of tension,and few POV, this book seamlessly take us trough each character story. I like the secrecy and reveals, Deni was sweet and naive at times,Grant was little detached, the characters were flawed and weak, but in the end that works,and the twists are more surprising that way. The only thing that bothers me more, I wish there was more information about Luna,why she did what she did.In the end I liked this book,and the last chapter made me think it's in a weird way cute thriller.Great first book for me by this author,and hope to read more of her work.
I would recommend this book for thriller and mystery with surprising twists fans.
Thank you author for arc copy,my review is honest and my own.
October 13, 2025
Nothing like a good family drama to attract your attention and have you turning the pages late into the night. Deni Rydall thinks she has met the perfect man, wealthy and respected but what we think isn’t always reality. However, when the man she has dreamy about all her life is killed in a plane crash her world comes crashing down and secrets and betrayals are revealed leaving the reader immersed in a great mystery. Surprises along the way providing numerous twists that keep the reader entertained with excellent pacing and authentic characters that enhance the plot.
My first book by this author and I will now look out for more of her work.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own.
My first book by this author and I will now look out for more of her work.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2025
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the book #LongWayDown by #LisaKusel. Filled with secrets, manipulation and murder, this book had me hooked till the BIG twist ending. Deni is so excited to be marrying the rich and handsome Cal Cooper. All her troubles and financial problems will be over. But, when Cal and his parents die in a plane crash, leaving everything to Grant, his younger brother, all her dreams go up in flames. Then, her best friend is murdered and she finds out the big secret her friend was hiding, crushing her. Can she figure out why all of this happened around the same time? Coincidence or connected?
August 24, 2025
Deni knows her life is going to change when she marries super rich Cal. She doesn't mind that his family is suspicious of her, she just has to make it to the wedding day and all will be fine. But then Cal, along with his parents die in a plane crash and Deni is left on her own. Detective Robyn, while investigating a murder case, stumbles upon a link to Cal's family and it turns out maybe there was more to the family than everyone thought.
This was a pretty solid thriller that had me invested from start to finish. I found myself shaking my head in awe at a number of the twists because they were so unexpected. I love books like this that keep me guessing. This is one that thriller lovers will definitely want on their list!
This was a pretty solid thriller that had me invested from start to finish. I found myself shaking my head in awe at a number of the twists because they were so unexpected. I love books like this that keep me guessing. This is one that thriller lovers will definitely want on their list!
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