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Killing Lily
For one woman, escaping a cult doesn’t mean the demons of her past are easily left behind, in this twisty psychological thriller of secrets and madness.
At Sunnyside, women serve in silence. Mae—an outspoken, rebellious outcast—has a penchant for getting in trouble. Her only ally is Lily, the perfect follower. When the cult’s new leader claims Lily as his bride, though, the facade of peace crumbles. Mysterious deaths haunt the commune, and Mae’s attempts to protect Lily only get her banished to the woods, leaving Lily vulnerable and without protection.
Faced with an agonizing choice, Mae makes a desperate decision the night before Lily’s wedding and escapes the cult. But the past clings to her like a shadow. Heartbroken and alone, Mae meets Charlotte, a true crime podcaster obsessed with uncovering the dark mysteries of Sunnyside. Charlotte offers Mae a chance to start over, but only if she’s willing to talk.
As Mae begins to reveal the cult’s sinister secrets, she comes dangerously close to admitting the truth about what happened the night she fled—something far more warped than anyone can possibly imagine. It’s only a matter of time before the past catches up to her and she’s forced to confront the nightmare she thought she left behind . . .
Killing Lily is a gripping psychological masterpiece perfect for fans of Tarryn Fisher and Emma Cline.
At Sunnyside, women serve in silence. Mae—an outspoken, rebellious outcast—has a penchant for getting in trouble. Her only ally is Lily, the perfect follower. When the cult’s new leader claims Lily as his bride, though, the facade of peace crumbles. Mysterious deaths haunt the commune, and Mae’s attempts to protect Lily only get her banished to the woods, leaving Lily vulnerable and without protection.
Faced with an agonizing choice, Mae makes a desperate decision the night before Lily’s wedding and escapes the cult. But the past clings to her like a shadow. Heartbroken and alone, Mae meets Charlotte, a true crime podcaster obsessed with uncovering the dark mysteries of Sunnyside. Charlotte offers Mae a chance to start over, but only if she’s willing to talk.
As Mae begins to reveal the cult’s sinister secrets, she comes dangerously close to admitting the truth about what happened the night she fled—something far more warped than anyone can possibly imagine. It’s only a matter of time before the past catches up to her and she’s forced to confront the nightmare she thought she left behind . . .
Killing Lily is a gripping psychological masterpiece perfect for fans of Tarryn Fisher and Emma Cline.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2025
117 people are currently reading
5548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 7, 2025
Crazy psychological thriller! It had so many twists and turns. Loved the characters. This was my first book by the author Jillian Gardener and won’t be my last. It was exciting and great easy read. I did not have to go back to reread anything!! I highly recommend reading this book.
Thank you to the author and publisher and book sirens for this arc!
Thank you to the author and publisher and book sirens for this arc!
February 5, 2025
Handmaids Tale meets Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
What a unique, refreshing thriller! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It was a quick read with perfect pacing and great structure. The characters were well rounded and interesting to follow, the setting was easy to imagine, and the plot was very interesting! I loved the twist at the end as well. I didn’t see it coming at all! I’ve read a TON of thrillers and feel like I can be a tough critic because I see a lot of the same themes, but Killing Lily was a new kind of thriller! Will definitely be reading more of Jillian’s books.
What a unique, refreshing thriller! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It was a quick read with perfect pacing and great structure. The characters were well rounded and interesting to follow, the setting was easy to imagine, and the plot was very interesting! I loved the twist at the end as well. I didn’t see it coming at all! I’ve read a TON of thrillers and feel like I can be a tough critic because I see a lot of the same themes, but Killing Lily was a new kind of thriller! Will definitely be reading more of Jillian’s books.
February 9, 2025
KiIIing Lily by Jillian Gardner is an insane psychological thriller with so many turns that my head is spinning! What a wild ride!
Just when you think you had it all, you get KiIIing Lily in your hands... Madhouse, an absolute madhouse!
This story is presented in the past and present for us to understand the characters and what they are going through. As chapters are clearly marked, it's easy to follow, so no unnecessary confusion.
Mae - sweet, pure innocent Mae, you want to scoop her in the cuddle and tell her that everything will be all right! Loved that character! She was unique and unbelievably brave! And she is so protective of Lily. A couple of moments was so heartwarming!
When Mae decides to escape the cult she is not ready for the crazy turns that she will need to face. But she is doing it and learning every step at the time.
Lily, we all want to know what is happening with Lily as she comes in with a story from the past perspective and my heart is crying already... pure soul...
This is an absolute MUST-HAVE thriller!
Thank you Bloodhound books for this copy!
Just when you think you had it all, you get KiIIing Lily in your hands... Madhouse, an absolute madhouse!
This story is presented in the past and present for us to understand the characters and what they are going through. As chapters are clearly marked, it's easy to follow, so no unnecessary confusion.
Mae - sweet, pure innocent Mae, you want to scoop her in the cuddle and tell her that everything will be all right! Loved that character! She was unique and unbelievably brave! And she is so protective of Lily. A couple of moments was so heartwarming!
When Mae decides to escape the cult she is not ready for the crazy turns that she will need to face. But she is doing it and learning every step at the time.
Lily, we all want to know what is happening with Lily as she comes in with a story from the past perspective and my heart is crying already... pure soul...
This is an absolute MUST-HAVE thriller!
Thank you Bloodhound books for this copy!
September 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner is a psychological thriller about a woman escaping a cult.
First, let me thank the publisher Bloodhound books (and in particular Lexi Curtis for sending me a widget - sorry I'm so late), and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First, I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel. The writing flows smoothly, and it is a quick read. The pacing was very good. Told in two time-lines, by both Mae and Lily, the story unfolded very well.
The book is about cults, about misogyny, about violence and murder. It is also about love, and friendship .
The characters were well fleshed out, and there were some remarkable female characters, as well as a couple of males (Pauly and Randy).
Again, a great plot, somewhat predictable except that one twist. I did not see Lou coming.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will be watching for more by this author!
Anyway, until next time....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 4, 2025
This had me hooked from reading the blurb and it didn't disappoint. Full of twists and turns. The author crafts a chilling tale of control, abuse and manipulation which soon becomes a desperate fight for survival.
We follow the pov of Lily and Mae, best friends who have grown up in a cult where you are judged on your ability to be a good or bad woman. Bad behaviour will not be tolerated.
We get dual timelines so we can see the past and present and this really helps you to connect with the characters. I felt all the emotions reading this and I was cheering Mae on as she tries to create a new life in the strange and scary real world.
The pacing was perfect and the author was skilled in building tension that had me desperate to know what was going to happen next. I found the stories of Lily and Mae truly heartbreaking. I really felt for Anna too and loved her character.
I thought this was a great take on this theme, it is well written, engaging and the plot was unexpected which I really appreciated!
Highly recommend if you love a thriller that pulls you in!
With thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
We follow the pov of Lily and Mae, best friends who have grown up in a cult where you are judged on your ability to be a good or bad woman. Bad behaviour will not be tolerated.
We get dual timelines so we can see the past and present and this really helps you to connect with the characters. I felt all the emotions reading this and I was cheering Mae on as she tries to create a new life in the strange and scary real world.
The pacing was perfect and the author was skilled in building tension that had me desperate to know what was going to happen next. I found the stories of Lily and Mae truly heartbreaking. I really felt for Anna too and loved her character.
I thought this was a great take on this theme, it is well written, engaging and the plot was unexpected which I really appreciated!
Highly recommend if you love a thriller that pulls you in!
With thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
February 10, 2025
I’m not sure what it says about me, but I have a fascination with cults, so when I read the blurb of ‘Killing Lily’, I knew I had to read it.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
I could barely put it down.
It’s a story of survival. The author paints a vivid picture of life at ‘Sunnyside’ whilst telling the story of Lily & Mae woven together with a murder mystery and a missing persons case. There are a few twists & turns along the way, some unexpected, others that answered my questions, which makes for an original take on a story about a cult.
The book is action packed, if uncomfortable reading at times, but that’s purely because you can imagine the events happening in real life.
A book I’d highly recommend.
Note: I did receive a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for a review but this book genuinely is a 5* from me. I loved it.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
I could barely put it down.
It’s a story of survival. The author paints a vivid picture of life at ‘Sunnyside’ whilst telling the story of Lily & Mae woven together with a murder mystery and a missing persons case. There are a few twists & turns along the way, some unexpected, others that answered my questions, which makes for an original take on a story about a cult.
The book is action packed, if uncomfortable reading at times, but that’s purely because you can imagine the events happening in real life.
A book I’d highly recommend.
Note: I did receive a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for a review but this book genuinely is a 5* from me. I loved it.
April 5, 2025
3/5⭐️
Sipping my pinot grigio in confusion, serving unrelenting side-eye.
This was a fast, engaging read told in dual POVs of two women raised in a religious cult: Lily—the perfect, kind, golden girl—and Mae—the rebellious, sharp-tongued counterpart. Both are well-developed, and I was genuinely absorbed in their story. The cult setting, the secrets, the tension—it all worked.
Until it didn’t.
The final stretch unraveled fast. The "big reveal" felt disappointingly familiar, like something I’ve read in a dozen thrillers before. And suddenly, the plot was full of holes, rushed turns, and unconvincing motivations. It went from a solid 4-star experience to a 2 by the end.
I’m honestly surprised the reviews aren’t more mixed. Maybe people were just as hooked by the cult-vibes as I was, but for me, the writing didn’t hold up. Disappointed and bummed.
Sipping my pinot grigio in confusion, serving unrelenting side-eye.
This was a fast, engaging read told in dual POVs of two women raised in a religious cult: Lily—the perfect, kind, golden girl—and Mae—the rebellious, sharp-tongued counterpart. Both are well-developed, and I was genuinely absorbed in their story. The cult setting, the secrets, the tension—it all worked.
Until it didn’t.
The final stretch unraveled fast. The "big reveal" felt disappointingly familiar, like something I’ve read in a dozen thrillers before. And suddenly, the plot was full of holes, rushed turns, and unconvincing motivations. It went from a solid 4-star experience to a 2 by the end.
I’m honestly surprised the reviews aren’t more mixed. Maybe people were just as hooked by the cult-vibes as I was, but for me, the writing didn’t hold up. Disappointed and bummed.
January 25, 2025
This book is a gripping and unsettling journey into the heart of darkness.
Jillian masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere, vividly portraying the insidious grip of the cult and Mae's desperate struggle for freedom. The writing is both beautiful and haunting, drawing us into the story with chilling intensity.
The totally unexpected ending will leave you reeling long after you turn the final page. I had absolutely no idea!
If you're looking for atmosphere, drama and suspense, then this is the book for you. 5 ⭐ from me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Jillian masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere, vividly portraying the insidious grip of the cult and Mae's desperate struggle for freedom. The writing is both beautiful and haunting, drawing us into the story with chilling intensity.
The totally unexpected ending will leave you reeling long after you turn the final page. I had absolutely no idea!
If you're looking for atmosphere, drama and suspense, then this is the book for you. 5 ⭐ from me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Killing Lily' by Jillian Gardner
This is Jillian's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into her next guaranteed success which I really hope she is writing as I type this up!!
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, GRIPPING AND PAGE TURNING EXPLOSIVE MUST READ FROM THIS AMAZING DEBUT AUTHOR!!
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing author Jillian Gardner!! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this epic page turner and realised that it is actually her first and only book at the moment!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel!! If THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! This is definitely one of the best debut novels I have ever read and it is also one of my favourite crime thrillers of all times!!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this twisty and gripping crime thriller today!! The creepy and isolated setting of Sunnyside, the suspense, the characters, the absolutely mind blowing twists and turns!!! This book NEEDS to be turned into a movie!!! This book really is an absolutely fantastic and explosive page turner that will blow your mind like never before!! The storyline is so compelling and immersive it had me hooked throughout so make sure you clear your schedules before stepping into the dark world of Mae, Lily and Sunnyside!! The looks I was getting from my partner because of the amount of times I shouted out 'WTAF!!' , 'OMFG!!' and 'No FLexking way did THAT just happen' I seriously lost count. I mean seriously I cannot describe just how AMAZING and absolutely jaw droppingly mind blowing this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! II am not going to go into the storyline as the synopsis already does a brilliant job of letting you know what the book is about and if you want to know more well you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping page turner today and I promise that you will not regret it!! With an addictive storyline ram packed with mystery, crime, mind blowing twists, suspense, cults, dark characters and so much more including a family cat then what on Earth are you waiting for? Freya absolutely captivated my attention and sucked me deep into the storyline. I cannot even express in words how good this storyline in and how much I was completely sucked into the storyline!! If you love thrillers, crime, unique, mind blowing, action packed books, learning about cults and .do you know what? Whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and explosive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. It was just one heck of an amazing read!!! I absolutely love, love, LOVED the unique storyline!! I have read so many books that it is getting harder and harder for me to find a truly unique plot but Jillian absolutely smashes it out of the world and further with this one!! There was no way I could put this book down until I had finished it. I picked it up and even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter I just could not put it down as every time I went to something happened which meant I had to read just one more again until I ended up reading it in one sitting having been glued to the book for a few hours!! Jillian's vivid evocative writing skills and descriptions really brought the storyline to life and I just cannot wait to get hooked into her next book!!! I have just never come across a book or movie anything like this one and I doubt I will again!!!! I really hope this is brought to the big screen and if not why not? I will definitely be first in line to watch it. I just genuinely love, love, LOVED IT!!! This book will suck you in and keep you gripped in the pages until your thrown out at the end with a racing heart!! A truly unforgettable one in a million page turner!!!! Get ready to pick your jaw up from the floor at the twists that you will NEVER see coming!! An absolute must read that I wont be forgetting about anytime soon!!
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Jillian Gardner you lady are an absolute crime writing legend!!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Jillian's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. I was completely invested in each and every one of the characters especially Mae and Lily who I loved "being next to" and discovering life in Sunnyside. Each of the characters all played their own roles perfectly and they all had their own unique and individual personalities with their own flaws, strengths and weaknesses. The fact that this is Jillian's debut novel yet she has managed to create these amazing, unique, dark, twisted and strong characters is just absolutely amazing!!! All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!! I just cannot wait to see what characters this amazing author comes up with next!!! I genuinely loved getting to know all the characters and was completely invested throughout!! It just goes to show how fantastic Jillian's writing skills are as she completely brought them all to life for me. An absolutely fantastic selection of unique characters that all worked together perfectly to create an absolutely chilling, gripping and addictive page turner!!! This book really is a truly unique page turner that I picked up this morning and had completely devoured it in a few hours!!! When the hell is this being made into a film and when are you bringing your next book out as I need my next hit!!!
I seriously mean it when I say I have NEVER EVER, EVER come across a book like this before!! Just absolutely blooming amazing!! You lady have seriously just smashed straight into my favourite author list as well as hitting my best book of 2025 and in fact I would even say one of my favourite books ever! Although, I must say WTAF mind mess much lady!!!
YOU LADY HAVE HIT MY FAVOURTIE AUTHOR LIST, MY FAVOURTIE CRIME LIST AND ONE OF MY BEST BOKOS OF ALL TIME, DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE CRIME BOOK OF 2025 AND NUMBER 1 FOR MOST UNIQUE STORYLINE EVER!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable, action packed, intriguing, unique, mind blowing crime thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart!!
@JillianGardner @authorjilliangardner @BloodhoundBooks @LoveBooksTours @LBTCrew @KellyALacey @bloodhound.books
#KillingLily #JillianGardner #BloodhoundBooks #Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #LBTThriller
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Review for 'Killing Lily' by Jillian Gardner
This is Jillian's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into her next guaranteed success which I really hope she is writing as I type this up!!
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, GRIPPING AND PAGE TURNING EXPLOSIVE MUST READ FROM THIS AMAZING DEBUT AUTHOR!!
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing author Jillian Gardner!! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this epic page turner and realised that it is actually her first and only book at the moment!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel!! If THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! This is definitely one of the best debut novels I have ever read and it is also one of my favourite crime thrillers of all times!!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this twisty and gripping crime thriller today!! The creepy and isolated setting of Sunnyside, the suspense, the characters, the absolutely mind blowing twists and turns!!! This book NEEDS to be turned into a movie!!! This book really is an absolutely fantastic and explosive page turner that will blow your mind like never before!! The storyline is so compelling and immersive it had me hooked throughout so make sure you clear your schedules before stepping into the dark world of Mae, Lily and Sunnyside!! The looks I was getting from my partner because of the amount of times I shouted out 'WTAF!!' , 'OMFG!!' and 'No FLexking way did THAT just happen' I seriously lost count. I mean seriously I cannot describe just how AMAZING and absolutely jaw droppingly mind blowing this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! II am not going to go into the storyline as the synopsis already does a brilliant job of letting you know what the book is about and if you want to know more well you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping page turner today and I promise that you will not regret it!! With an addictive storyline ram packed with mystery, crime, mind blowing twists, suspense, cults, dark characters and so much more including a family cat then what on Earth are you waiting for? Freya absolutely captivated my attention and sucked me deep into the storyline. I cannot even express in words how good this storyline in and how much I was completely sucked into the storyline!! If you love thrillers, crime, unique, mind blowing, action packed books, learning about cults and .do you know what? Whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and explosive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. It was just one heck of an amazing read!!! I absolutely love, love, LOVED the unique storyline!! I have read so many books that it is getting harder and harder for me to find a truly unique plot but Jillian absolutely smashes it out of the world and further with this one!! There was no way I could put this book down until I had finished it. I picked it up and even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter I just could not put it down as every time I went to something happened which meant I had to read just one more again until I ended up reading it in one sitting having been glued to the book for a few hours!! Jillian's vivid evocative writing skills and descriptions really brought the storyline to life and I just cannot wait to get hooked into her next book!!! I have just never come across a book or movie anything like this one and I doubt I will again!!!! I really hope this is brought to the big screen and if not why not? I will definitely be first in line to watch it. I just genuinely love, love, LOVED IT!!! This book will suck you in and keep you gripped in the pages until your thrown out at the end with a racing heart!! A truly unforgettable one in a million page turner!!!! Get ready to pick your jaw up from the floor at the twists that you will NEVER see coming!! An absolute must read that I wont be forgetting about anytime soon!!
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Jillian Gardner you lady are an absolute crime writing legend!!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Jillian's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. I was completely invested in each and every one of the characters especially Mae and Lily who I loved "being next to" and discovering life in Sunnyside. Each of the characters all played their own roles perfectly and they all had their own unique and individual personalities with their own flaws, strengths and weaknesses. The fact that this is Jillian's debut novel yet she has managed to create these amazing, unique, dark, twisted and strong characters is just absolutely amazing!!! All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!! I just cannot wait to see what characters this amazing author comes up with next!!! I genuinely loved getting to know all the characters and was completely invested throughout!! It just goes to show how fantastic Jillian's writing skills are as she completely brought them all to life for me. An absolutely fantastic selection of unique characters that all worked together perfectly to create an absolutely chilling, gripping and addictive page turner!!! This book really is a truly unique page turner that I picked up this morning and had completely devoured it in a few hours!!! When the hell is this being made into a film and when are you bringing your next book out as I need my next hit!!!
I seriously mean it when I say I have NEVER EVER, EVER come across a book like this before!! Just absolutely blooming amazing!! You lady have seriously just smashed straight into my favourite author list as well as hitting my best book of 2025 and in fact I would even say one of my favourite books ever! Although, I must say WTAF mind mess much lady!!!
YOU LADY HAVE HIT MY FAVOURTIE AUTHOR LIST, MY FAVOURTIE CRIME LIST AND ONE OF MY BEST BOKOS OF ALL TIME, DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE CRIME BOOK OF 2025 AND NUMBER 1 FOR MOST UNIQUE STORYLINE EVER!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable, action packed, intriguing, unique, mind blowing crime thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart!!
@JillianGardner @authorjilliangardner @BloodhoundBooks @LoveBooksTours @LBTCrew @KellyALacey @bloodhound.books
#KillingLily #JillianGardner #BloodhoundBooks #Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #LBTThriller
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March 12, 2025
I was rooting for Mae the ENTIRE time! This book had me turning pages after pages after pages, Charlotte was like a guardian angel but you'll have to read about what happens after they meet! I love love love Mae and lily's friendship, I think it's so sweet and genuine. You'll never guess what happens in conclusion, you'll just have to take my word and read this wonderful book. My rating- 4.5/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
This is my first read by this author and I absolutely loved everything about it!
I was initially drawn in by the gorgeous (but menacing) front cover and I knew I had to dive right in.
Never reading blurbs means that I go into everything with minimal spoilers and other than getting a sense of the genre form the cover, this one really took me by surprise - it was so much more than I'd imagined.
The story unfolds over a dual timeline which I always love.
This was things evolve naturally and gradually which really builds up the suspense and tension as we read.
It was great to follow Mae's story as this really allows us to delve into the complexities of the cult that she's escaped from.
Seeing live both within the commune and how Mae reacts to life on the outside....along with the fear for both Lily, still within, and also herself as she wonders how her podcast might be received.
There were a fair few characters to get to grips with at the beginning, but we soon settle into this.
I was so intrigued with the whole concept and loved the way it keeps things fresh and uoti date with the true-crime podcast elements.
This was so well written - even moreso being a debut novel.
I was completely gripped the whole way and struggled to put this down!
I can't wait to see what will come next from this author!
I was initially drawn in by the gorgeous (but menacing) front cover and I knew I had to dive right in.
Never reading blurbs means that I go into everything with minimal spoilers and other than getting a sense of the genre form the cover, this one really took me by surprise - it was so much more than I'd imagined.
The story unfolds over a dual timeline which I always love.
This was things evolve naturally and gradually which really builds up the suspense and tension as we read.
It was great to follow Mae's story as this really allows us to delve into the complexities of the cult that she's escaped from.
Seeing live both within the commune and how Mae reacts to life on the outside....along with the fear for both Lily, still within, and also herself as she wonders how her podcast might be received.
There were a fair few characters to get to grips with at the beginning, but we soon settle into this.
I was so intrigued with the whole concept and loved the way it keeps things fresh and uoti date with the true-crime podcast elements.
This was so well written - even moreso being a debut novel.
I was completely gripped the whole way and struggled to put this down!
I can't wait to see what will come next from this author!
February 9, 2025
It is not often that I find a novel so gripping that I read it in one sitting!
The story is set in a brutal cult where men have all the power. The women are taught to be good. They are to respect the men. They are never to say, “No,” Men are given what they want, when they want it.
Lily and Mae are struggling. Lily tries desperately to shut out, ‘Satan.” She tries to remain obedient. Mae, however, is to the point where she doesn’t care. She will not bend to the command of the men.
What will happen to these girls and why does one have to die? You will never guess the outcome of this story. It will haunt you, Good luck going back over the story to see what you missed!
Ms. Garner has developed an original and gripping novel. As one of the best books I’ve read, I definitely recommend it!
The story is set in a brutal cult where men have all the power. The women are taught to be good. They are to respect the men. They are never to say, “No,” Men are given what they want, when they want it.
Lily and Mae are struggling. Lily tries desperately to shut out, ‘Satan.” She tries to remain obedient. Mae, however, is to the point where she doesn’t care. She will not bend to the command of the men.
What will happen to these girls and why does one have to die? You will never guess the outcome of this story. It will haunt you, Good luck going back over the story to see what you missed!
Ms. Garner has developed an original and gripping novel. As one of the best books I’ve read, I definitely recommend it!
February 19, 2025
I must say it wasn't hard for me to cheer for Lily when she escaped. The things she went through at Sunnyside was definitely criminal. What surprised me was who a couple of the characters turned out to be. The last one was a big shock! But Lily isn't just happy escaping, she wants to make things right which in turn could be her undoing. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 12, 2025
I couldn't book this down and finished it one day. The story is told with 2 POV, one present moving forward and one past moving closer to the main event. I enjoyed a thriller, not the usual whodonnit. I never saw the ending coming.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC copy
I voluntarily have an honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC copy
I voluntarily have an honest review.
March 21, 2025
Hooked from the first page
Hooked from the first page this is a must read for those you love psych-suspense. There are multiple storylines and when they come together WOW. Lillian Gardner is an author worth following.
Hooked from the first page this is a must read for those you love psych-suspense. There are multiple storylines and when they come together WOW. Lillian Gardner is an author worth following.
July 19, 2025
I have read a LOT of books and this is my first time ever that I have found myself wanting to re read it instantly after finishing it! This book was so well written. I did not see the twists and turns coming whatsoever. I need to do a second read to see if there was little hints I missed at all. Definitely a five star thriller!
March 8, 2025
loved !! different from your basic murder mystery as it revolves arount a cult. its giving Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey vibes
September 6, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I was looking forward to reading this and it took me a bit to get into the storyline fully. The cover doesn’t give much away either, but adds enough intrigue to pick up the book. It isn’t that long either which adds to wanting a thrilling quick read.
Plot
The plot revolves around Lily and Mae and their life in the cu !t. I felt like their was character I absolutely detested as the storyline went on, my hate for them raising. The plot flows but I found that the ending just left a lot of un-answered questions for me and I felt more confused that when I started reading.
Characters
The characters within this cover a wide range of diversity. Mae and Lily are polar opposites and they really take the good girl/trouble maker vibes as much as they can. It made me frustrated that Mae got the trouble and then Lily just couldn’t be herself. The book is full of grown characters making women pray and it just was a little to much, with only several good natured characters. Randy was one of my favourite side characters, and I loved how he is under his armour so to speak and how he helps Mae. Esther was also another misunderstood character but she soon come out of herself and then she kind of grew on me.
Recommend
This has some tricky subjects in this, so I would say approach with caution and recommend it those who enjoy a book that will leave you thrown by the ending.
Favourite Quotes
“I don’t think people should be labelled good or bad. Everyone’s capable of doing good things and bad things, you know?”
“ I am sweet when I want to be. I am gentle with whom I choose. I am happy when I feel like it. I am blessed with balance.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I didn’t have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
Mae’s discovery of freedom and self worth.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a good read and I liked Mae journey of self-discovery. The ending did leave me confused and gave me more questions than answers. But I guess that adds to how mind boggling the places cut of from the outside world can be. I honestly really liked the support Randy gave Mae, and how Mae just learns that things that was forbidden to her are actually ok in the real world.
Stars : 3 stars.
Book Information: Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 285 pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable narrator.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – yes.
Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook and paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 20th February by Bloodhound Books.
Format in Which I Read – Paperback.
Where my copy come From – Love Book Tours.
POVs – Dual POV – Lily and Mae.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and after the escape.
1st or 3rd Person – 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Some questions answered, some left me confused.
Series or Standalone – Standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
I was looking forward to reading this and it took me a bit to get into the storyline fully. The cover doesn’t give much away either, but adds enough intrigue to pick up the book. It isn’t that long either which adds to wanting a thrilling quick read.
Plot
The plot revolves around Lily and Mae and their life in the cu !t. I felt like their was character I absolutely detested as the storyline went on, my hate for them raising. The plot flows but I found that the ending just left a lot of un-answered questions for me and I felt more confused that when I started reading.
Characters
The characters within this cover a wide range of diversity. Mae and Lily are polar opposites and they really take the good girl/trouble maker vibes as much as they can. It made me frustrated that Mae got the trouble and then Lily just couldn’t be herself. The book is full of grown characters making women pray and it just was a little to much, with only several good natured characters. Randy was one of my favourite side characters, and I loved how he is under his armour so to speak and how he helps Mae. Esther was also another misunderstood character but she soon come out of herself and then she kind of grew on me.
Recommend
This has some tricky subjects in this, so I would say approach with caution and recommend it those who enjoy a book that will leave you thrown by the ending.
Favourite Quotes
“I don’t think people should be labelled good or bad. Everyone’s capable of doing good things and bad things, you know?”
“ I am sweet when I want to be. I am gentle with whom I choose. I am happy when I feel like it. I am blessed with balance.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I didn’t have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
Mae’s discovery of freedom and self worth.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a good read and I liked Mae journey of self-discovery. The ending did leave me confused and gave me more questions than answers. But I guess that adds to how mind boggling the places cut of from the outside world can be. I honestly really liked the support Randy gave Mae, and how Mae just learns that things that was forbidden to her are actually ok in the real world.
Stars : 3 stars.
Book Information: Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 285 pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable narrator.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – yes.
Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook and paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 20th February by Bloodhound Books.
Format in Which I Read – Paperback.
Where my copy come From – Love Book Tours.
POVs – Dual POV – Lily and Mae.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and after the escape.
1st or 3rd Person – 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Some questions answered, some left me confused.
Series or Standalone – Standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
February 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this book from Bloodhound books, the review is purely my own .
I was totally gripped by this book, on the edge of my seat throughout, so full of twists, turns, highs and lows . I cried buckets. What a brilliant, believable story, so beautifully written. Brilliant 🤩
I was totally gripped by this book, on the edge of my seat throughout, so full of twists, turns, highs and lows . I cried buckets. What a brilliant, believable story, so beautifully written. Brilliant 🤩
April 4, 2025
I couldn't put this book down!
This was a really fantastic read, it follows Lily and Maes life in the cult at Sunnyside.
One morning Mae escapes (not sure if the blurb on the back of the book is right as she escapes in the morning, not the night?) and meets a reporter Charlotte who is trying to uncover the truth of the cult.
I wasn't expecting the twist and I thought it was well executed. There could have been more development of some of the characters as I thought they acted a little mean to Mae when she first turned up considering her age and vulnerability.
This was a really fantastic read, it follows Lily and Maes life in the cult at Sunnyside.
One morning Mae escapes (not sure if the blurb on the back of the book is right as she escapes in the morning, not the night?) and meets a reporter Charlotte who is trying to uncover the truth of the cult.
I wasn't expecting the twist and I thought it was well executed. There could have been more development of some of the characters as I thought they acted a little mean to Mae when she first turned up considering her age and vulnerability.
March 4, 2025
Here is my review for Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner
What a fantastic and intriguing read this story is, it held my attention right from the start of the book to the end with its haunting suspense. The story is written so it draws you in and won’t let you go, you get so you need to know the ending and what happens. The characters of Mae and Lily are just brilliant. They are well crafted, been greatly thought out and transferred to the written page in this great story. To start with Lily can’t live without Mae but once Mae escapes then both women find life difficult in their own ways. I found this to be a great psychological story that I couldn’t put down as I wanted to know what happened next. It was told in a diary type style between Mae and Lily with the chapter headings giving you the time frames. This story was about a cult and how they lived so it would appear the author did some research into this area before writing the book and it makes it a better story.
Blurb :
SHE ESCAPED THE CULT, BUT THE NIGHTMARE FOLLOWED HER...
At Sunnyside, women serve in silence. Mae—an outspoken, rebellious outcast—has a penchant for getting in trouble. Her only ally is Lily, the perfect follower. When their husband dies and the cult’s new leader claims Lily as his bride, the facade of peace crumbles. Mysterious deaths haunt the commune, and Mae’s attempts to protect Lily only get her banished to the woods, leaving Lily vulnerable without her protection.
Faced with a heartbreaking choice, Mae makes a desperate decision the night before Lily’s wedding and escapes the cult. But the past clings to her like a shadow. Heartbroken and alone, Mae meets Charlotte, a true-crime podcaster obsessed with uncovering the dark secrets of Sunnyside. Charlotte offers Mae a chance to start over, but only if she’s willing to talk.
As Mae begins to reveal the cult’s sinister secrets, she comes dangerously close to admitting the truth about what happened the night she fled—something far more twisted than anyone can possibly imagine. And it’s only a matter of time before the past catches up to her and she’s forced to confront the nightmare she thought she’d left behind…
What a fantastic and intriguing read this story is, it held my attention right from the start of the book to the end with its haunting suspense. The story is written so it draws you in and won’t let you go, you get so you need to know the ending and what happens. The characters of Mae and Lily are just brilliant. They are well crafted, been greatly thought out and transferred to the written page in this great story. To start with Lily can’t live without Mae but once Mae escapes then both women find life difficult in their own ways. I found this to be a great psychological story that I couldn’t put down as I wanted to know what happened next. It was told in a diary type style between Mae and Lily with the chapter headings giving you the time frames. This story was about a cult and how they lived so it would appear the author did some research into this area before writing the book and it makes it a better story.
Blurb :
SHE ESCAPED THE CULT, BUT THE NIGHTMARE FOLLOWED HER...
At Sunnyside, women serve in silence. Mae—an outspoken, rebellious outcast—has a penchant for getting in trouble. Her only ally is Lily, the perfect follower. When their husband dies and the cult’s new leader claims Lily as his bride, the facade of peace crumbles. Mysterious deaths haunt the commune, and Mae’s attempts to protect Lily only get her banished to the woods, leaving Lily vulnerable without her protection.
Faced with a heartbreaking choice, Mae makes a desperate decision the night before Lily’s wedding and escapes the cult. But the past clings to her like a shadow. Heartbroken and alone, Mae meets Charlotte, a true-crime podcaster obsessed with uncovering the dark secrets of Sunnyside. Charlotte offers Mae a chance to start over, but only if she’s willing to talk.
As Mae begins to reveal the cult’s sinister secrets, she comes dangerously close to admitting the truth about what happened the night she fled—something far more twisted than anyone can possibly imagine. And it’s only a matter of time before the past catches up to her and she’s forced to confront the nightmare she thought she’d left behind…
April 11, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I was looking forward to reading this and it took me a bit to get into the storyline fully. The cover doesn’t give much away either, but adds enough intrigue to pick up the book. It isn’t that long either which adds to wanting a thrilling quick read.
Plot
The plot revolves around Lily and Mae and their life in the cu !t. I felt like their was character I absolutely detested as the storyline went on, my hate for them raising. The plot flows but I found that the ending just left a lot of un-answered questions for me and I felt more confused that when I started reading.
Characters
The characters within this cover a wide range of diversity. Mae and Lily are polar opposites and they really take the good girl/trouble maker vibes as much as they can. It made me frustrated that Mae got the trouble and then Lily just couldn’t be herself. The book is full of grown characters making women pray and it just was a little to much, with only several good natured characters. Randy was one of my favourite side characters, and I loved how he is under his armour so to speak and how he helps Mae. Esther was also another misunderstood character but she soon come out of herself and then she kind of grew on me.
Recommend
This has some tricky subjects in this, so I would say approach with caution and recommend it those who enjoy a book that will leave you thrown by the ending.
Favourite Quotes
“I don’t think people should be labelled good or bad. Everyone’s capable of doing good things and bad things, you know?”
“ I am sweet when I want to be. I am gentle with whom I choose. I am happy when I feel like it. I am blessed with balance.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I didn’t have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
Mae’s discovery of freedom and self worth.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a good read and I liked Mae journey of self-discovery. The ending did leave me confused and gave me more questions than answers. But I guess that adds to how mind boggling the places cut of from the outside world can be. I honestly really liked the support Randy gave Mae, and how Mae just learns that things that was forbidden to her are actually ok in the real world.
Stars : 3 stars.
Book Information: Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 285 pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable narrator.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – yes.
Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook and paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 20th February by Bloodhound Books.
Format in Which I Read – Paperback.
Where my copy come From – Love Book Tours.
POVs – Dual POV – Lily and Mae.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and after the escape.
1st or 3rd Person – 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Some questions answered, some left me confused.
Series or Standalone – Standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
I was looking forward to reading this and it took me a bit to get into the storyline fully. The cover doesn’t give much away either, but adds enough intrigue to pick up the book. It isn’t that long either which adds to wanting a thrilling quick read.
Plot
The plot revolves around Lily and Mae and their life in the cu !t. I felt like their was character I absolutely detested as the storyline went on, my hate for them raising. The plot flows but I found that the ending just left a lot of un-answered questions for me and I felt more confused that when I started reading.
Characters
The characters within this cover a wide range of diversity. Mae and Lily are polar opposites and they really take the good girl/trouble maker vibes as much as they can. It made me frustrated that Mae got the trouble and then Lily just couldn’t be herself. The book is full of grown characters making women pray and it just was a little to much, with only several good natured characters. Randy was one of my favourite side characters, and I loved how he is under his armour so to speak and how he helps Mae. Esther was also another misunderstood character but she soon come out of herself and then she kind of grew on me.
Recommend
This has some tricky subjects in this, so I would say approach with caution and recommend it those who enjoy a book that will leave you thrown by the ending.
Favourite Quotes
“I don’t think people should be labelled good or bad. Everyone’s capable of doing good things and bad things, you know?”
“ I am sweet when I want to be. I am gentle with whom I choose. I am happy when I feel like it. I am blessed with balance.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I didn’t have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
Mae’s discovery of freedom and self worth.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a good read and I liked Mae journey of self-discovery. The ending did leave me confused and gave me more questions than answers. But I guess that adds to how mind boggling the places cut of from the outside world can be. I honestly really liked the support Randy gave Mae, and how Mae just learns that things that was forbidden to her are actually ok in the real world.
Stars : 3 stars.
Book Information: Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 285 pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable narrator.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – yes.
Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook and paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 20th February by Bloodhound Books.
Format in Which I Read – Paperback.
Where my copy come From – Love Book Tours.
POVs – Dual POV – Lily and Mae.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and after the escape.
1st or 3rd Person – 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Some questions answered, some left me confused.
Series or Standalone – Standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
March 5, 2025
Sunnyside is a place where women are raised to serve men and be grateful for the opportunity to do so. A woman must never say no or question anything and live by the mantra I am sweet I am gentle I am happy I am blessed. Lily, although struggling with the confines of life at Sunnyside, tries her best to be a good woman to ensure she gets to heaven whereas her best friend Mae gets in trouble at every turn. When their husband dies Lily is told she will soon be marrying the Cult Leader much to her mother’s delight. However Lily is struggling with the changing rules and the struggle to be good and seeks comfort in Mae. Mae is rebellious and often getting into trouble but Lily means the world to her. The night before Lily’s wedding Mae makes the difficult choice to escape the cult. In escaping Mae meets a true crime podcaster, Charlotte, who is investigating the disappearance of a man linked to Sunnyside. She is desperate for answers from Mae but due to living a life so suppressed Mae is afraid to talk. Slowly she begins to open up and the past is much more horrifying than we can imagine.
I absolutely devoured this book in a couple of sittings. It’s spread over two timelines from the lead up to the escape to life after Mae’s escape giving a glimpse at life at Sunnyside and life outside. The switch between the past and present is so well paced and allows the story to develop naturally. I was hooked from page one and it did not disappoint. I am so intrigued by these types of cults and although this is a work of fiction it could so easily be real. It’s evident the author did a lot of research into this topic. Like every good psychological thriller this story will grip you and leave you breathless with the shocking twists. To sum it up in three words; compelling, gripping and thrilling.
I absolutely devoured this book in a couple of sittings. It’s spread over two timelines from the lead up to the escape to life after Mae’s escape giving a glimpse at life at Sunnyside and life outside. The switch between the past and present is so well paced and allows the story to develop naturally. I was hooked from page one and it did not disappoint. I am so intrigued by these types of cults and although this is a work of fiction it could so easily be real. It’s evident the author did a lot of research into this topic. Like every good psychological thriller this story will grip you and leave you breathless with the shocking twists. To sum it up in three words; compelling, gripping and thrilling.
March 8, 2025
Killing Lily was absolutely brilliant. I love anything to do with cults and this certainly did not disappoint. It has always fascinated me how people get sucked in, but for Mae and Lily, they were born at Sunnyside, so didn’t know anything about life ‘outside’. That is, until true crime podcaster-posing-as-dove-breeder Charlotte arrives the day before Lily’s wedding.
At Sunnyside there are ‘good’ women and ‘bad’ women. Good women will find eternal salvation in heaven, while bad women will go straight to hell. Lily is good, while Mae is bad. Bad women suffer punishment at the hands of the terrifying Lou, including beatings and Thought Correction. If anyone leaves, their possessions are ceremoniously burnt.
The men, or Orators, can do and say what they like within the confines of The Sunnyside Scriptures, while women must be subservient – I am sweet, I am gentle, I am happy, I am blessed. The Scriptures come from the one true parent known as Father God. It’s all so crazy and mixed up.
The story is told from two points of view – Lily before the wedding, and Mae after she escapes. Charlotte’s housemates don’t exactly represent a perfect religious family, so Mae is thrown into a life totally opposite from the one she is used to. Plenty of drinking and swearing for starters, neither of which Mae has been exposed to before, especially when it’s mostly the women!
Totally brainwashed from birth, Lily and Mae both really believe they will be damned for all eternity – Lily because she knows she can’t be the perfect wife and Mae because she is breaking every rule in the Sunnyside book. How I wept for the two women and what they were going through. I must also say that the twist at the end was mind-blowing. I didn’t expect anything like it.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #KillingLily blog tour.
At Sunnyside there are ‘good’ women and ‘bad’ women. Good women will find eternal salvation in heaven, while bad women will go straight to hell. Lily is good, while Mae is bad. Bad women suffer punishment at the hands of the terrifying Lou, including beatings and Thought Correction. If anyone leaves, their possessions are ceremoniously burnt.
The men, or Orators, can do and say what they like within the confines of The Sunnyside Scriptures, while women must be subservient – I am sweet, I am gentle, I am happy, I am blessed. The Scriptures come from the one true parent known as Father God. It’s all so crazy and mixed up.
The story is told from two points of view – Lily before the wedding, and Mae after she escapes. Charlotte’s housemates don’t exactly represent a perfect religious family, so Mae is thrown into a life totally opposite from the one she is used to. Plenty of drinking and swearing for starters, neither of which Mae has been exposed to before, especially when it’s mostly the women!
Totally brainwashed from birth, Lily and Mae both really believe they will be damned for all eternity – Lily because she knows she can’t be the perfect wife and Mae because she is breaking every rule in the Sunnyside book. How I wept for the two women and what they were going through. I must also say that the twist at the end was mind-blowing. I didn’t expect anything like it.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #KillingLily blog tour.
March 13, 2025
ʟᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛ ʙʏ sᴀʏɪɴɢ ᴄᴏɴɢʀᴀᴛᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ᴛᴏ
ᴊɪʟʟɪᴀɴ ɢᴀʀᴅɴᴇʀ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ᴏᴜᴛsᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ DEBUT ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ!
ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀɴ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴀʙʟᴇ ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ.
ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴍɪʟᴅ ғᴀᴄɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ/ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴏʀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜᴍᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ᴅɪsᴀᴘᴘᴏɪɴᴛ.
ᴊɪʟʟɪᴀɴ ᴘᴇɴs ᴀ ᴄʜɪʟʟɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀɪᴄ ᴘᴏʀᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ᴏғ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ sᴜɴɴʏᴅᴀʟᴇ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴇɴ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀʀᴇ sᴜʙsᴇʀᴠɪᴇɴᴛ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴀᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ sᴀʏ 'ɴᴏ'
ᴀɴᴅ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɴᴛʀᴀ:
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝒉𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑
ᴛᴏ ᴇɴsᴜʀᴇ sʜᴇ ɢᴇᴛs ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ
ᴄᴀᴛᴏʀᴀɢɪᴢᴇᴅ ʙʏ 'ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴀᴅ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ'
ʟɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴀᴍɴᴇᴅ.
ʟɪʟʏ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ sʜᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡs sʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ
ᴡɪғᴇ ʜᴇʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʜᴜsʙᴀɴᴅ ɪs ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛɪɴɢ.
ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴏᴜsʟʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋs ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴜʟᴇs.
'𝑁𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝒉𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜, 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑛. 𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓. 𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑠𝒉𝑒𝑑'
ᴛᴏʟᴅ ɪɴ ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ, ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ɪs ʟɪʟʏ's sᴛᴏʀʏ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴜʟᴛ 2 ᴍᴏɴᴛʜs ʙᴇғᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴍᴀᴇ's sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ.
ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʀᴇғʀᴇsʜɪɴɢ ᴜɴɪϙᴜᴇ ᴘsʏᴄʜᴏʟɪɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛʜɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ sɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴠᴇʀsᴜs sᴀɪɴᴛ ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴏᴍᴇ ᴅᴇғɪɴᴀᴛᴇ ʜᴀɴᴅᴍᴀɪᴅs ᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴠɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ɪᴛ.
ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ sᴏᴍᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟ ᴡᴀs ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏsᴛ sʜᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ. ɪ ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ ᴊᴜᴍᴘᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴇʟʟᴇᴅ ' ᴡʜᴀᴛ?? ɴᴏ ғ'ɪɴɢ ᴡᴀʏ!' 🤭
ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪᴛ !
ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴀsᴛ ᴘᴀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ, ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ ᴀ ғᴀᴠᴏʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘɪᴄᴋ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ ᴜᴘ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ's ᴏᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴡ !
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ the author, ʟᴏᴠᴇʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴏᴜʀs ᴀ��ᴅ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅʜᴏᴜɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ғᴏʀ ɪɴᴠɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜɪs ᴛᴏᴜʀ.
ᴊɪʟʟɪᴀɴ ɢᴀʀᴅɴᴇʀ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ᴏᴜᴛsᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ DEBUT ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ!
ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀɴ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴀʙʟᴇ ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ.
ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴍɪʟᴅ ғᴀᴄɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ/ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴏʀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜᴍᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ᴅɪsᴀᴘᴘᴏɪɴᴛ.
ᴊɪʟʟɪᴀɴ ᴘᴇɴs ᴀ ᴄʜɪʟʟɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀɪᴄ ᴘᴏʀᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ᴏғ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ sᴜɴɴʏᴅᴀʟᴇ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴇɴ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀʀᴇ sᴜʙsᴇʀᴠɪᴇɴᴛ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴀᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ sᴀʏ 'ɴᴏ'
ᴀɴᴅ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɴᴛʀᴀ:
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝒉𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦
𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑
ᴛᴏ ᴇɴsᴜʀᴇ sʜᴇ ɢᴇᴛs ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ
ᴄᴀᴛᴏʀᴀɢɪᴢᴇᴅ ʙʏ 'ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴀᴅ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ'
ʟɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴀᴍɴᴇᴅ.
ʟɪʟʏ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ sʜᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡs sʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ
ᴡɪғᴇ ʜᴇʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʜᴜsʙᴀɴᴅ ɪs ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛɪɴɢ.
ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴏᴜsʟʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋs ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴜʟᴇs.
'𝑁𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝒉𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜, 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑛. 𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓. 𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑠𝒉𝑒𝑑'
ᴛᴏʟᴅ ɪɴ ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ, ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ɪs ʟɪʟʏ's sᴛᴏʀʏ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴜʟᴛ 2 ᴍᴏɴᴛʜs ʙᴇғᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴍᴀᴇ's sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ.
ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʀᴇғʀᴇsʜɪɴɢ ᴜɴɪϙᴜᴇ ᴘsʏᴄʜᴏʟɪɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛʜɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ sɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴠᴇʀsᴜs sᴀɪɴᴛ ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴏᴍᴇ ᴅᴇғɪɴᴀᴛᴇ ʜᴀɴᴅᴍᴀɪᴅs ᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴠɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ɪᴛ.
ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ sᴏᴍᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟ ᴡᴀs ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏsᴛ sʜᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ. ɪ ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ ᴊᴜᴍᴘᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴇʟʟᴇᴅ ' ᴡʜᴀᴛ?? ɴᴏ ғ'ɪɴɢ ᴡᴀʏ!' 🤭
ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪᴛ !
ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴀsᴛ ᴘᴀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ, ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ ᴀ ғᴀᴠᴏʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘɪᴄᴋ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ ᴜᴘ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ's ᴏᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴡ !
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ the author, ʟᴏᴠᴇʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴏᴜʀs ᴀ��ᴅ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅʜᴏᴜɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ғᴏʀ ɪɴᴠɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜɪs ᴛᴏᴜʀ.
March 31, 2025
Absolutely brilliant, well researched and plotted. With a corker of a twist I didn't see coming!!! Total mundf**k! Though I managed to work out one angle of the story well before the final chapters, when the truth finally got revealed I was stunned! And that doesn't happen too often!
Revolving around life in a small cult, (a cult that reads like a spin off from the Keep Sweet documentary I recently watched), the depiction of cult life felt pitch perfect. Add to this backdrop a glimpse into the personal lives of women trapped by their beliefs, some mysterious deaths, a new Prophet, followers desperate to escape, a wild and crazy FMC, and you have a breeding camp for abuse and murder.
The bonus here is in the characters. Mae is one hell of an interesting character, probably will be high on my list of unforgettables for a while, as will the entire cast of Sunnyside. Bring in the outsiders, Charlotte, Randy, Esther and Steven and even though you don't get as much interaction with them, they are just as memorable.
In short, this is a truly interesting read, not just for the murder/mystery element but because it shows cult life as how I imagine it would operate. It's a powerful and thought provoking read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Revolving around life in a small cult, (a cult that reads like a spin off from the Keep Sweet documentary I recently watched), the depiction of cult life felt pitch perfect. Add to this backdrop a glimpse into the personal lives of women trapped by their beliefs, some mysterious deaths, a new Prophet, followers desperate to escape, a wild and crazy FMC, and you have a breeding camp for abuse and murder.
The bonus here is in the characters. Mae is one hell of an interesting character, probably will be high on my list of unforgettables for a while, as will the entire cast of Sunnyside. Bring in the outsiders, Charlotte, Randy, Esther and Steven and even though you don't get as much interaction with them, they are just as memorable.
In short, this is a truly interesting read, not just for the murder/mystery element but because it shows cult life as how I imagine it would operate. It's a powerful and thought provoking read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2025
I was interested in this book as soon as I saw the blurb, anything involving mystery and cults and I'm here for it and this story didn't disappoint. We follow mae, a young woman who escapes a place called Sunnyside, where women are there to serve the men, aren't allowed to do much of anything, no reading and not even allowed hot showers! Mae eventually meets Charlotte, who is investigating Sunnyside and wants to know more.
This was a fantastic read and at times horrifying, reading what life was like for Mae, was heartbreaking and infuriating, but I loved Mae, as uneducated of the world she is, she was feisty and knew life at Sunnyside was not how it should be. For all her strength, there was also a naivety to her, which made her at times frustrating but also endearing. The story jumps between characters and timelines, but it's easy to follow and made for quite a nail biting read at times.
And the last part of the book, wow!!
If you like your physiological thrillers this is definitely one to read. It certainly gave me a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride with my emotions, but definitely one to read!!
This was a fantastic read and at times horrifying, reading what life was like for Mae, was heartbreaking and infuriating, but I loved Mae, as uneducated of the world she is, she was feisty and knew life at Sunnyside was not how it should be. For all her strength, there was also a naivety to her, which made her at times frustrating but also endearing. The story jumps between characters and timelines, but it's easy to follow and made for quite a nail biting read at times.
And the last part of the book, wow!!
If you like your physiological thrillers this is definitely one to read. It certainly gave me a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride with my emotions, but definitely one to read!!
March 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED Killing Lily, I am a big fan of true crime, and I have read/watched a lot of
documentaries about Warren Jeffs, so the thought of a cult style book was perfect for me.
Jullian writes in a way that you always want more, I devoured this book in about 2 days (with
working the middle). Its set around Dual POV – Lily in the past (2 months before the present day)
and Mae in present day trying to come to terms with the past few months. I loved how Lilys side
of the story built the story up week by week, and you could see the lead up to Maes present day
plot.
Killing Lily has some great characters, I really liked Mae and Randy had my entire heart the
whole way through! It's amazing to see two worlds collide and how people will group together
for what is right and good.
I pride myself in knowing when a plot twist is coming but when I tell you the plot twist in this
book had my jaw on the ground, I didn't see it coming and when I started to really piece together
everything, I was so shocked.
Sister Liar Suspect Review:
I really enjoyed this book; it was a slow
documentaries about Warren Jeffs, so the thought of a cult style book was perfect for me.
Jullian writes in a way that you always want more, I devoured this book in about 2 days (with
working the middle). Its set around Dual POV – Lily in the past (2 months before the present day)
and Mae in present day trying to come to terms with the past few months. I loved how Lilys side
of the story built the story up week by week, and you could see the lead up to Maes present day
plot.
Killing Lily has some great characters, I really liked Mae and Randy had my entire heart the
whole way through! It's amazing to see two worlds collide and how people will group together
for what is right and good.
I pride myself in knowing when a plot twist is coming but when I tell you the plot twist in this
book had my jaw on the ground, I didn't see it coming and when I started to really piece together
everything, I was so shocked.
Sister Liar Suspect Review:
I really enjoyed this book; it was a slow
March 6, 2025
Ok, ok, soaybe I am a hardcore true crime lover. Maybe just maybe I had finished listening to a podcast about a cult, when I saw this book and knew I absolutely had to read it. There was the cult, a true crim podcast and the he fact it had a looking sense of doom that seemed to hover, even over the blurb itself.
Let's just say, whilst the blurb is excellently presented, even that does not do the book justice. It was brilliant. So much tension. The very pag s felt as though the chilling secrets wanted to peak out of them, but were too scared the commune would find out. It is so brilliantly written that you can feel the fear and sense of downtrodden womens' thoughts and emotions. Th book so perfectly portrays the lives of those in communes like this one and also manages to provide excellent levels of details for both the world round them, defining the commune living and heirachy, as well as the characters, fully layered and interesting. I absolutely adored this exciting book, start to finish.
Let's just say, whilst the blurb is excellently presented, even that does not do the book justice. It was brilliant. So much tension. The very pag s felt as though the chilling secrets wanted to peak out of them, but were too scared the commune would find out. It is so brilliantly written that you can feel the fear and sense of downtrodden womens' thoughts and emotions. Th book so perfectly portrays the lives of those in communes like this one and also manages to provide excellent levels of details for both the world round them, defining the commune living and heirachy, as well as the characters, fully layered and interesting. I absolutely adored this exciting book, start to finish.
March 6, 2025
This is a quirky one!! The story revolves around the cult which as a theme cults are fascinating - if you're a morbid soul like I am. I think most people will have heard tales of various cults that have caused deaths, abused people and financially scammed people so you go into this story with a number of assumptions at the ready. There is so similarities to what we already know about those brainwashing ways but there's also a great story interwoven around Lily and Mae and the other characters.
Mae is a very challenging young woman who is reluctant to let anyone in and you get a feeling that she's just resigned herself to the fact that people are pretty terrible and it's better to keep them away. She is incredibly complex and you learn more and more about her experiences alongside Lily who she's rather attached too!!
It really is a good book to sink your teeth into and some surprises along the way- more so at the end! The characters are quite interesting too which some fun interactions amongst Charlotte's household.
Mae is a very challenging young woman who is reluctant to let anyone in and you get a feeling that she's just resigned herself to the fact that people are pretty terrible and it's better to keep them away. She is incredibly complex and you learn more and more about her experiences alongside Lily who she's rather attached too!!
It really is a good book to sink your teeth into and some surprises along the way- more so at the end! The characters are quite interesting too which some fun interactions amongst Charlotte's household.
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