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Watch Us Fall
"A stunning work of suspense that's impossible to put down. Christina Kovac masterfully combines a twisty missing person mystery, a heartbreaking love story, and an insightful exploration of the nature of obsession and trauma. I loved this novel."
—Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek
Lucy and her three best friends share a glamorous but decaying house in the heart of Georgetown. They call themselves “the Sweeties” and live an idyllic post-grad lifestyle complete with exciting jobs, dramatic love lives, and, most importantly, each other.
But when Addie, the group’s queen bee, discovers that her ex-boyfriend Josh has gone missing, the Sweeties’ worlds are turned upside down. In the days leading up to his disappearance, Josh, a star investigative journalist from a prominent political family, was behaving erratically—and Lucy is determined to find out why. All four friends upend their lives to search for him, but detectives begin to suspect that the Sweeties might know more than they’re letting on.
As the investigation unfolds, Lucy’s obsession with the case reaches a boiling point, and with it, her own troubling secrets begin bubbling to the surface of her carefully curated life. A thrilling account of the lies and delusions that lurk beneath cloistered groups of female friends and the sinister realities of celebrity, Watch Us Fall is a gripping mystery and an examination of the things we tell ourselves when we can’t face the truth.
—Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek
Lucy and her three best friends share a glamorous but decaying house in the heart of Georgetown. They call themselves “the Sweeties” and live an idyllic post-grad lifestyle complete with exciting jobs, dramatic love lives, and, most importantly, each other.
But when Addie, the group’s queen bee, discovers that her ex-boyfriend Josh has gone missing, the Sweeties’ worlds are turned upside down. In the days leading up to his disappearance, Josh, a star investigative journalist from a prominent political family, was behaving erratically—and Lucy is determined to find out why. All four friends upend their lives to search for him, but detectives begin to suspect that the Sweeties might know more than they’re letting on.
As the investigation unfolds, Lucy’s obsession with the case reaches a boiling point, and with it, her own troubling secrets begin bubbling to the surface of her carefully curated life. A thrilling account of the lies and delusions that lurk beneath cloistered groups of female friends and the sinister realities of celebrity, Watch Us Fall is a gripping mystery and an examination of the things we tell ourselves when we can’t face the truth.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2025
70 people are currently reading
12014 people want to read
About the author
Christina Kovac
10 books159 followersChristina Kovac, author of Watch Us Fall and The Cutaway, writes psychological thrillers set in Washington DC, where she worked as a television journalist at NBC News, before turning to fiction writing. She lives outside DC with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
February 4, 2026
"A stunning work of suspense that's impossible to put down. Christina Kovac masterfully combines a twisty missing person mystery, a heartbreaking love story, and an insightful exploration of the nature of obsession and trauma. I loved this novel."
Look at that cover and imagine the occupants living glamorous lives even with it decaying, but the house is not the only thing questionable! "The Sweeties" consist of 4 post graduates from Georgetown living successful lives and will protect each other until the end. Lucy, Addie, Estelle and Penelope will remind you of the ever so popular St Elmo's Fire with their friendship. When Addie's boyfriend, Josh, a very popular TV star/investigative reporter goes missing after their split, questions flare from the detectives. The suspense and mystery will surround you in the past and present, so much delivered and to take in. The search for him also reveals lies and delusions of things not as they seem. When the fingers start to point at the very ones looking for Josh, it gets interesting and Addie digs deeper hoping to find out the truth. A great book and an impressive writer blends her work to make this worth reading.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this incredible book in exchange for my review!
Look at that cover and imagine the occupants living glamorous lives even with it decaying, but the house is not the only thing questionable! "The Sweeties" consist of 4 post graduates from Georgetown living successful lives and will protect each other until the end. Lucy, Addie, Estelle and Penelope will remind you of the ever so popular St Elmo's Fire with their friendship. When Addie's boyfriend, Josh, a very popular TV star/investigative reporter goes missing after their split, questions flare from the detectives. The suspense and mystery will surround you in the past and present, so much delivered and to take in. The search for him also reveals lies and delusions of things not as they seem. When the fingers start to point at the very ones looking for Josh, it gets interesting and Addie digs deeper hoping to find out the truth. A great book and an impressive writer blends her work to make this worth reading.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this incredible book in exchange for my review!
October 4, 2025
"Watch Us Fall" by Christina Kovac is the perfect read for a cold, winter day. Set within the context of a massive snow storm, the book heats things up with a high-tension plot right away — I was immediately drawn in and often found myself wanting to return to reading it.
Lucy and her three roommates from college find their lives overturned when Addie discovers that Josh, her locally famous ex-boyfriend with whom she's only recently split up, has gone missing.... right after Addie came home one night covered in blood that was not her own and claiming she was attacked. As his disappearance continues, Lucy becomes obsessed with what happened in the days leading up to Josh’s disappearance. In an environment where most of the characters have secrets to hide, it's harder than you might think to decide whose word can be trusted.
Kovac’s foreshadowing is quietly masterful: Lucy reads as almost painfully innocent at first, but small details steadily suggest a darker past and a darker future. The book teases those hints — like Lucy’s habit of writing weekly letters to her mother, a detail that we learn the police would later make a fuss over — without spelling everything out, which keeps the tension simmering.
That said, there are a few pacing bumps: I lost some steam after a key character is found dead, and while the ending is satisfying, it also felt slightly deflated. After the truth is delivered, the plot bumbles around a bit before wrapping up, so the book doesn’t quite stick its landing. I also found it leans somewhat one-sidedly on Lucy’s interior life: she’s richly drawn, but other characters don’t get the same depth of development, which left me wanting more from the rest of the group.
All that aside, if you are looking for a book that will suck you in quickly while delivering morally gray characters, slow-burn suspicion, female friendship, and intimate betrayals, "Watch Us Fall" is a solid choice for a cold-weather thrill. 3.75 rounded up.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and Christina Kovac for an advance copy for honest review!
Lucy and her three roommates from college find their lives overturned when Addie discovers that Josh, her locally famous ex-boyfriend with whom she's only recently split up, has gone missing.... right after Addie came home one night covered in blood that was not her own and claiming she was attacked. As his disappearance continues, Lucy becomes obsessed with what happened in the days leading up to Josh’s disappearance. In an environment where most of the characters have secrets to hide, it's harder than you might think to decide whose word can be trusted.
Kovac’s foreshadowing is quietly masterful: Lucy reads as almost painfully innocent at first, but small details steadily suggest a darker past and a darker future. The book teases those hints — like Lucy’s habit of writing weekly letters to her mother, a detail that we learn the police would later make a fuss over — without spelling everything out, which keeps the tension simmering.
That said, there are a few pacing bumps: I lost some steam after a key character is found dead, and while the ending is satisfying, it also felt slightly deflated. After the truth is delivered, the plot bumbles around a bit before wrapping up, so the book doesn’t quite stick its landing. I also found it leans somewhat one-sidedly on Lucy’s interior life: she’s richly drawn, but other characters don’t get the same depth of development, which left me wanting more from the rest of the group.
All that aside, if you are looking for a book that will suck you in quickly while delivering morally gray characters, slow-burn suspicion, female friendship, and intimate betrayals, "Watch Us Fall" is a solid choice for a cold-weather thrill. 3.75 rounded up.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and Christina Kovac for an advance copy for honest review!
December 5, 2025
A group of girls live in a house together post-grad school. They call themselves the Sweeties. Addie is the most popular one of the group and Lucy is her best friend.
Soon, they will discover that Addie’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, has gone missing. Josh is a star investigative journalist that features high profile cases. Could his disappearance be connected to his cases?
What I liked were some of the red herrings. It did keep me guessing. I also alternated between the audio and the narrators were fantastic.
What I didn’t like…. I felt like there wasn’t much depth to these characters at all. There was some trauma mentioned that we could have explored more from both Lucy and Josh.
I do believe many people have enjoyed this one, especially fans of missing persons. The writing is great too. However, it just missed the mark for me.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soon, they will discover that Addie’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, has gone missing. Josh is a star investigative journalist that features high profile cases. Could his disappearance be connected to his cases?
What I liked were some of the red herrings. It did keep me guessing. I also alternated between the audio and the narrators were fantastic.
What I didn’t like…. I felt like there wasn’t much depth to these characters at all. There was some trauma mentioned that we could have explored more from both Lucy and Josh.
I do believe many people have enjoyed this one, especially fans of missing persons. The writing is great too. However, it just missed the mark for me.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 5, 2025
WATCH US FALL is a complex story that reads like a true crime documentary/podcast that will have you hooked from the very beginning. Combine: a good looking , rising news anchor; good looking recent college graduates; and a murder and you have a story that is compulsively readable. From the very first page you want to unravel the relationships, the past and solve the crime that is heartbreaking. Filled with misdirection and jaw dropping twists this book is the perfect one to curl up with while drinking a glass of wine and eating popcorn. You won’t be able to turn away until you know the conclusion - and it will surprise you for sure! Releasing in December 2025, this sophomoric novel needs to be on every shelf and in the hands of all thriller readers. Perfect for fans of Megan Miranda, Chevy Stevens and Jessica Knoll!
November 10, 2025
2.5 Stars
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Watch Us Fall through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Watch Us Fall is set up to be a great mystery read, with past trauma resurfacing in the lives of two characters, but unfortunately the story fell flat for me. I found I was missing any kind of connection with the four female characters and their friendship and individual lives had a very surface feel. The POV also didn't have a great flow, so it made it difficult for me to stay invested in the story.
Most of the middle of the story lagged for me, and didn't seem to add much to the overall storyline. There were a lot of major conflicts, including an abusive family situation, a politician who hid his true nature, discovering unknown family, and past trauma that led to the current events of the story. All of this is touched on, but I felt like the writing didn't dive deep enough into some of these, which made some parts of the story lack plausibility.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Physical Abuse, Repressed Trauma
* Collegiate Friend Group
* Secrets & Lies
* Obsessive Behavior
* Murder Investigation
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
This one didn't work for me, but reading is always subjective, so I would recommend giving this one a chance if you're already planning to read it.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Watch Us Fall through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Watch Us Fall is set up to be a great mystery read, with past trauma resurfacing in the lives of two characters, but unfortunately the story fell flat for me. I found I was missing any kind of connection with the four female characters and their friendship and individual lives had a very surface feel. The POV also didn't have a great flow, so it made it difficult for me to stay invested in the story.
Most of the middle of the story lagged for me, and didn't seem to add much to the overall storyline. There were a lot of major conflicts, including an abusive family situation, a politician who hid his true nature, discovering unknown family, and past trauma that led to the current events of the story. All of this is touched on, but I felt like the writing didn't dive deep enough into some of these, which made some parts of the story lack plausibility.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Physical Abuse, Repressed Trauma
* Collegiate Friend Group
* Secrets & Lies
* Obsessive Behavior
* Murder Investigation
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
This one didn't work for me, but reading is always subjective, so I would recommend giving this one a chance if you're already planning to read it.
July 22, 2025
The Sweeties Addie, Lucy, Estrella, and Penelope are college best friends turned successful career women sharing a home in D.C. Their seemingly perfect lives take a dark turn when Addie’s ex, Josh, a hotshot investigative journalist, mysteriously disappears while chasing a major story. As the media swarms and investigators close in, the question lingers: what really happened to Josh and could one of them be involved?
I flew through the first half of this book. The suspense was strong, the pacing tight, and I was completely hooked. But somewhere around the halfway mark, it started to lose momentum. What felt like a promising thriller quickly became far fetched and flat. The twists didn’t land, and the surprise ending lacked buildup or explanation, which left it feeling unsatisfying and disconnected from the rest of the story.
A solid premise with a strong start, but ultimately, it didn’t deliver the thrilling payoff I was hoping for.
I flew through the first half of this book. The suspense was strong, the pacing tight, and I was completely hooked. But somewhere around the halfway mark, it started to lose momentum. What felt like a promising thriller quickly became far fetched and flat. The twists didn’t land, and the surprise ending lacked buildup or explanation, which left it feeling unsatisfying and disconnected from the rest of the story.
A solid premise with a strong start, but ultimately, it didn’t deliver the thrilling payoff I was hoping for.
October 27, 2025
Four friends from college who refer to themselves as “The Sweeties” share a beloved, somewhat decrepit house in Georgetown. Three of them are from wealthy families, but Lucy is not and, unbeknownst to the others, created a fictional background for herself. She is closest to Addie, who has just broken up with Josh, a rising star in the world of media and son of a former candidate for President. When Josh goes missing, the girls band together to try to discover what happened to him. The question is, can they trust each other?
This psychological thriller is a study in grief, obsession, and self-delusion. There are twists, turns, and red herrings in the narrative. Atmospheric, the description of the snowstorm had me reaching for a warm blanket! The fast-paced writing is totally engrossing. I didn’t want to put the book down, reading late into the night to finish it.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC.
This psychological thriller is a study in grief, obsession, and self-delusion. There are twists, turns, and red herrings in the narrative. Atmospheric, the description of the snowstorm had me reaching for a warm blanket! The fast-paced writing is totally engrossing. I didn’t want to put the book down, reading late into the night to finish it.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC.
November 22, 2025
I loved this book so much! I’m predisposed to enjoy books about tightly knit girl groups *and* books set in DC … and this book really delivered! I was so engrossed in the mystery of what happened to Josh and the dynamics between the girls. I couldn’t put this one down!
June 15, 2025
“Watch Us Fall” by Christina Kovac is a suspense thriller that focuses on 4 college friends who are out of school and facing the work world as strong independent women. Addie, Estella, Penelope and Lucy all live in Georgetown together and are living their best lives, throwing parties, exploring the dating world and focusing on their careers. Addie dates Josh, the hot investigative reporter, whose father was a presidential candidate. Things are going great, until they’re not. They have a big fight and break up and then Josh goes missing. Suspicion turns on the girls of the house, secrets come out, lies are revealed, who can be trusted? What happened to Josh?
I found myself enjoying the story, I liked the characters and found them to be strong female roles. This story was fast paced, with an unreliable narrator, and an engaging story line, you will enjoy “Watch Us Fall.” Themes of trust and loyalty run strongly in this novel, along with friendships and how far one will go to protect one’s friends. The writing style was polished, and I enjoyed the character’s inner dialog as well as the transition from 1st person to another character in 3rd person. This added depth to the story. Although this was a four-star read for me, it was not without some flaws: I found the plot points slightly predictable, especially being an avid reader of the suspense thriller genre. The ending was satisfying but left me wanting a more definitive resolution for certain plot points. These were small things for me and I will definitely read more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself enjoying the story, I liked the characters and found them to be strong female roles. This story was fast paced, with an unreliable narrator, and an engaging story line, you will enjoy “Watch Us Fall.” Themes of trust and loyalty run strongly in this novel, along with friendships and how far one will go to protect one’s friends. The writing style was polished, and I enjoyed the character’s inner dialog as well as the transition from 1st person to another character in 3rd person. This added depth to the story. Although this was a four-star read for me, it was not without some flaws: I found the plot points slightly predictable, especially being an avid reader of the suspense thriller genre. The ending was satisfying but left me wanting a more definitive resolution for certain plot points. These were small things for me and I will definitely read more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2025
The main character of this mystery/suspense novel, Lucy, is a young 20something living in DC with the same roommates she has had since freshman year of college. Her roommate Addie’s very recently ex-boyfriend goes missing, and Lucy takes it upon herself to try to investigate. There are also sharers interspersed from the perspective of Josh in the months leading up to his investigation. Lots of good secrets, twists, and drama ensue.
After my previous read was a too long book that took forever to get through, it was a pleasure to read this one which was both short and a total page turner that I flew through in 24 hours or so. The characters were interesting and the mystery really kept me guessing. I was also a fan of Christina Kovac’s debut novel, The Cutaway, a 2017 mystery that did not get the attention it deserved, so I’ve been waiting all these years for another book by her, and it did not disappoint! I’d recommend to fans of authors like Megan Miranda and Lisa Jewell.
Thanks to the publisher for both a physical and e-ARC (out 12/2/25); all opinions are my own.
After my previous read was a too long book that took forever to get through, it was a pleasure to read this one which was both short and a total page turner that I flew through in 24 hours or so. The characters were interesting and the mystery really kept me guessing. I was also a fan of Christina Kovac’s debut novel, The Cutaway, a 2017 mystery that did not get the attention it deserved, so I’ve been waiting all these years for another book by her, and it did not disappoint! I’d recommend to fans of authors like Megan Miranda and Lisa Jewell.
Thanks to the publisher for both a physical and e-ARC (out 12/2/25); all opinions are my own.
January 5, 2026
This read was definitely shocking in the last 20%, the most shocking is who has amnesia and who committed the murder. I think the author crafted this book very well but I was honestly not expecting the ending to go as it did especially because I felt like I needed more info on Lucy’s mother’s whereabouts. We have to assume sort of for a few bits in the book. But I felt there were those parts that could have been developed a little more. Great read overall honestly!
January 2, 2026
Lucy and her three best friends share a glamorous yet crumbling house in the heart of Georgetown. They call themselves "The Sweeties", a post-grad sisterhood built on shared ambitions, messy romances, and the belief that they'll always have each other. But their charmed life fractures when Addie, the group's magnetic center, learns her ex-boyfriend Josh has vanished. In the days before he disappeared, Josh a rising investigative journalist from a powerful political family, was acting strangely. Determined to understand what happened, Lucy throws herself into the search and soon all four Sweeties find their lives consumed by the mystery. As detectives begin to question their involvement, it becomes clear that the Sweeties may know far more than they're admitting. And the deeper Lucy digs, the more her own life begins to unravel.
Watch Us Fall hooked me from page one and refused to let me go! Kovac delivers a twisty mystery wrapped in sharp observations about female friendship, ambition, and the lies we tell to protect the version of ourselves we want others to see. The Sweeties are a mix of glamorous and dysfunctional, think Big Little Lies meets The Secret History, and watching their perfect world implode was addictive. Lucy is the kind of main character who keeps you guessing. She's vulnerable, obsessive, and unreliable in all the best ways! And Addie is a queen bee with hidden cracks. The disappearance mystery unfolds with the perfect amount of tension. If you love thrillers about friend groups with shadows lurking just beneath the shine, this book is one you are going to want to add to your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Christina Kovac, and Simon and Schuster for this eARC and Christina for the physical copy!
Watch Us Fall hooked me from page one and refused to let me go! Kovac delivers a twisty mystery wrapped in sharp observations about female friendship, ambition, and the lies we tell to protect the version of ourselves we want others to see. The Sweeties are a mix of glamorous and dysfunctional, think Big Little Lies meets The Secret History, and watching their perfect world implode was addictive. Lucy is the kind of main character who keeps you guessing. She's vulnerable, obsessive, and unreliable in all the best ways! And Addie is a queen bee with hidden cracks. The disappearance mystery unfolds with the perfect amount of tension. If you love thrillers about friend groups with shadows lurking just beneath the shine, this book is one you are going to want to add to your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Christina Kovac, and Simon and Schuster for this eARC and Christina for the physical copy!
June 30, 2025
I don’t usually read a lot of thrillers—but I’m so glad I picked this one up.
Watch Us Fall hooked me from the start. It follows four close college friends—Addie, Estella, Penelope, and Lucy—who are out in the world, living together in Georgetown and trying to figure life out. They’ve got big dreams, busy lives… and then everything changes.
After Addie’s high-profile boyfriend Josh—a well-known investigative journalist and son of a late senator—suddenly disappears following a very public breakup, the spotlight swings straight onto the women. The media starts circling. People start whispering. And things spiral fast.
What I loved most? This isn’t just a twisty mystery (though there are plenty of twists). It’s also a story about loyalty, friendship, and what we’re willing to do for the people we love. It felt real—messy and raw at times—and had me flipping pages late into the night.
If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, smart read that blends emotional depth with true thriller energy, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy!
Watch Us Fall hooked me from the start. It follows four close college friends—Addie, Estella, Penelope, and Lucy—who are out in the world, living together in Georgetown and trying to figure life out. They’ve got big dreams, busy lives… and then everything changes.
After Addie’s high-profile boyfriend Josh—a well-known investigative journalist and son of a late senator—suddenly disappears following a very public breakup, the spotlight swings straight onto the women. The media starts circling. People start whispering. And things spiral fast.
What I loved most? This isn’t just a twisty mystery (though there are plenty of twists). It’s also a story about loyalty, friendship, and what we’re willing to do for the people we love. It felt real—messy and raw at times—and had me flipping pages late into the night.
If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, smart read that blends emotional depth with true thriller energy, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy!
December 2, 2025
Watch Us Fall 3.5⭐️
I was really into this one at first, but around the 60% I started to lose interest. I liked the alternating dual POV chapters and appreciate how unique the narrated characters were portrayed. There was potential for a well-woven story, but when all was said and done, I felt like there were several separate short stories sorta connected in one book. Twists/reveals were polarizing: they either seemed to come out of nowhere with an over-the-top bang or had me thinking, “well…yeah...obviously” No middle ground. As the story progresses I gradually disliked Lucy more and more. While I understand her past shaped her choices, I didn’t find myself connecting with her or rooting for her.
Random thoughts: loved the cover! And…Why does the character Connor exist?? I don’t understand why he was introduced. Did Lucy even like him? Or did she often forget he was her boyfriend like I constantly did?
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this gifted ebook. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Dec 02 2025
I was really into this one at first, but around the 60% I started to lose interest. I liked the alternating dual POV chapters and appreciate how unique the narrated characters were portrayed. There was potential for a well-woven story, but when all was said and done, I felt like there were several separate short stories sorta connected in one book. Twists/reveals were polarizing: they either seemed to come out of nowhere with an over-the-top bang or had me thinking, “well…yeah...obviously” No middle ground. As the story progresses I gradually disliked Lucy more and more. While I understand her past shaped her choices, I didn’t find myself connecting with her or rooting for her.
Random thoughts: loved the cover! And…Why does the character Connor exist?? I don’t understand why he was introduced. Did Lucy even like him? Or did she often forget he was her boyfriend like I constantly did?
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this gifted ebook. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Dec 02 2025
June 29, 2025
Watch Us Fall is a fast-paced, gripping thriller that takes place in Washington D.C.. The story centers around identity, friendships, and loyalty.
Addie, Lucy, Estella and Penelope have all made it through college together and are now working in their respective careers. The four are still roommates and can't imagine life any other way. Josh, Addie's boyfriend, is a hot investigative journalist who happens to be the son of a late senator. When Josh goes missing the media frenzy begins. The girls band together to do all they can to help find Josh. What follows has the girls questioning everything they know to be true. Will their friendship be able to survive everything that is brought to light during the investigation? How will their past affect their future?
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Addie, Lucy, Estella and Penelope have all made it through college together and are now working in their respective careers. The four are still roommates and can't imagine life any other way. Josh, Addie's boyfriend, is a hot investigative journalist who happens to be the son of a late senator. When Josh goes missing the media frenzy begins. The girls band together to do all they can to help find Josh. What follows has the girls questioning everything they know to be true. Will their friendship be able to survive everything that is brought to light during the investigation? How will their past affect their future?
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac. Thanks to @simonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sweeties are a group of four friends living in glamorous home in Georgetown, DC. Postgrads, they are starting their lives but still partying. When one of their boyfriend’s, a senator’s son, goes missing, they are all turned against each other.
I love books that take place in DC, especially at college or new adult age. I liked that this one was DC but was light on the politics. There was some, but it was not a political thriller. I was very surprised by the ending and reveal! Friendship was at the heart of the story. We value first adult friendships so much we are willing to do a lot to keep them meaningful and real.
“Nobody ever sees themselves as the bad guy. In your story, you’re good; in your opponent’s, you’re not. Where that leaves the truth is anybody’s guess.”
Watch Us Fall comes out 12/2.
The Sweeties are a group of four friends living in glamorous home in Georgetown, DC. Postgrads, they are starting their lives but still partying. When one of their boyfriend’s, a senator’s son, goes missing, they are all turned against each other.
I love books that take place in DC, especially at college or new adult age. I liked that this one was DC but was light on the politics. There was some, but it was not a political thriller. I was very surprised by the ending and reveal! Friendship was at the heart of the story. We value first adult friendships so much we are willing to do a lot to keep them meaningful and real.
“Nobody ever sees themselves as the bad guy. In your story, you’re good; in your opponent’s, you’re not. Where that leaves the truth is anybody’s guess.”
Watch Us Fall comes out 12/2.
December 30, 2025
Strong Introduction to Christina Kovac
As I wrap up my final reads of the year, I’m glad I finally picked up Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac. This was my first experience with this author’s work, and while I’m a seasoned thriller reader, it was a solid 3.5-star read that I’m happy to round up to a 4 because I truly enjoyed the experience. The story follows four college friends—Addie, Estella, Penelope, and Lucy—who are navigating the professional world in Georgetown as strong, independent women. They seem to be living their best lives until Addie’s relationship with Josh, a high-profile investigative reporter, takes a dark turn. After a heated breakup, Josh goes missing, and the spotlight turns on the four roommates as secrets and lies begin to emerge.
I found myself really enjoying the story, particularly because the characters were such strong female leads. The writing style was polished, and I especially liked the transition from a first-person narrator to a third-person perspective for other characters; it added a lot of depth and kept the story moving at a fast pace. The themes of trust and loyalty run strongly throughout the novel, exploring exactly how far someone will go to protect their friends.
However, being an avid reader of the suspense genre, the book wasn't without a few minor flaws for me. I found some of the plot points to be slightly predictable, and while the ending was satisfying, I was left wanting a more definitive resolution for certain subplots. That said, these were small issues in an otherwise engaging and addictive read. Christina Kovac has a great voice, and I will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future.
As I wrap up my final reads of the year, I’m glad I finally picked up Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac. This was my first experience with this author’s work, and while I’m a seasoned thriller reader, it was a solid 3.5-star read that I’m happy to round up to a 4 because I truly enjoyed the experience. The story follows four college friends—Addie, Estella, Penelope, and Lucy—who are navigating the professional world in Georgetown as strong, independent women. They seem to be living their best lives until Addie’s relationship with Josh, a high-profile investigative reporter, takes a dark turn. After a heated breakup, Josh goes missing, and the spotlight turns on the four roommates as secrets and lies begin to emerge.
I found myself really enjoying the story, particularly because the characters were such strong female leads. The writing style was polished, and I especially liked the transition from a first-person narrator to a third-person perspective for other characters; it added a lot of depth and kept the story moving at a fast pace. The themes of trust and loyalty run strongly throughout the novel, exploring exactly how far someone will go to protect their friends.
However, being an avid reader of the suspense genre, the book wasn't without a few minor flaws for me. I found some of the plot points to be slightly predictable, and while the ending was satisfying, I was left wanting a more definitive resolution for certain subplots. That said, these were small issues in an otherwise engaging and addictive read. Christina Kovac has a great voice, and I will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future.
December 3, 2025
4.25 stars
A group of four friends live together in an old house in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Lucy has always felt a bit of an outsider next to her wealthier, more confident friends. She is still grateful that the leader of the group, Addie, took her under her wing in college and that they have remained friends. Lucy is there for Addie when she and her high-profile boyfriend break up and also when Josh disappears. As Lucy becomes more and more determined to protect Addie, old secrets start to come out.
Most of this book is narrated by Lucy, but there are a few chapters from another character's point-of-view that put a different spin on some of the events. Lucy is a complicated character that keeps you guessing on her motives. Although Lucy and Addie take center stage in the story, my favorite of the four women, who call themselves "The Sweeties" is Penelope who is calm and caring even in a crisis. I would have loved to get to know her a little better.
The story is fast-paced and engaging with a few plot twists that took me by surprise. As the truth starts coming out, it becomes clear that not everything is like it seems. I still had some questions at the end, but I still liked this one a lot.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
A group of four friends live together in an old house in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Lucy has always felt a bit of an outsider next to her wealthier, more confident friends. She is still grateful that the leader of the group, Addie, took her under her wing in college and that they have remained friends. Lucy is there for Addie when she and her high-profile boyfriend break up and also when Josh disappears. As Lucy becomes more and more determined to protect Addie, old secrets start to come out.
Most of this book is narrated by Lucy, but there are a few chapters from another character's point-of-view that put a different spin on some of the events. Lucy is a complicated character that keeps you guessing on her motives. Although Lucy and Addie take center stage in the story, my favorite of the four women, who call themselves "The Sweeties" is Penelope who is calm and caring even in a crisis. I would have loved to get to know her a little better.
The story is fast-paced and engaging with a few plot twists that took me by surprise. As the truth starts coming out, it becomes clear that not everything is like it seems. I still had some questions at the end, but I still liked this one a lot.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 3, 2025
This layered, fast-paced atmospheric thriller is the perfect read for a cold winter day. The author’s vivid writing immerses the reader in the wintery setting and brings each flawed character to life. I especially enjoy unreliable narrators, and early on it becomes clear that not everyone can be trusted. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, revealing deep-rooted traumas along the way and delivering surprising twists that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. If you’re a fan of Frieda McFadden and Paula Hawkins, especially if you enjoy exploring complex female friendships and the lasting effects of trauma, I highly recommend this book.
September 9, 2025
Review of Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac
Watch Us Fall is a mystery novel that blends present-day investigation with flashbacks that gradually uncover the past of Josh Egan, a well-known TV reporter who suddenly disappears. The story moves between perspectives: Josh, his girlfriend Addie, and Lucy, Addie’s best friend and the narrator. By shifting points of view, the book gives readers insight both into Josh’s unraveling world and the circle of friends left behind to piece together what happened. The structure alternates between the current snowstorm investigation and earlier chapters in Josh’s life, slowly revealing the secrets tied to his family and career.
I enjoyed the suspenseful pacing of this novel. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and the multiple perspectives created a layered view of the mystery. The timeline shifts worked well, building tension as pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The dynamics between Addie, Lucy, and their friend group (the Sweeties) added depth and made the relationships feel authentic. At times, the book felt like it was balancing two mysteries. One delivered a strong payoff, while the other was less clear, leaving me with lingering questions after I turned the last page. Even so, I found the experience compelling, and the uncertainty added to the atmosphere of unease.
Overall, I found Watch Us Fall to be an engaging mystery with strong characters and a narrative style that kept me turning the pages. The mix of perspectives and timelines created a unique rhythm, and the story’s tension held up throughout.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (solid 4 stars)
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy.
Watch Us Fall is a mystery novel that blends present-day investigation with flashbacks that gradually uncover the past of Josh Egan, a well-known TV reporter who suddenly disappears. The story moves between perspectives: Josh, his girlfriend Addie, and Lucy, Addie’s best friend and the narrator. By shifting points of view, the book gives readers insight both into Josh’s unraveling world and the circle of friends left behind to piece together what happened. The structure alternates between the current snowstorm investigation and earlier chapters in Josh’s life, slowly revealing the secrets tied to his family and career.
I enjoyed the suspenseful pacing of this novel. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and the multiple perspectives created a layered view of the mystery. The timeline shifts worked well, building tension as pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The dynamics between Addie, Lucy, and their friend group (the Sweeties) added depth and made the relationships feel authentic. At times, the book felt like it was balancing two mysteries. One delivered a strong payoff, while the other was less clear, leaving me with lingering questions after I turned the last page. Even so, I found the experience compelling, and the uncertainty added to the atmosphere of unease.
Overall, I found Watch Us Fall to be an engaging mystery with strong characters and a narrative style that kept me turning the pages. The mix of perspectives and timelines created a unique rhythm, and the story’s tension held up throughout.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (solid 4 stars)
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy.
November 24, 2025
3.25 stars ***
The book was well written and much of the story was interesting and kept me engaged. Ultimately, the ending left me with so many questions and I hated the quickness with how it wrapped up (but didn’t feel complete).
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The book was well written and much of the story was interesting and kept me engaged. Ultimately, the ending left me with so many questions and I hated the quickness with how it wrapped up (but didn’t feel complete).
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
January 31, 2026
Sorry i finished it. Started off pretty well, alternating perspectives. Halfway through, it seemed to forget it was a thriller set in DC and became sad back stories of cardboard characters with red herrings.
January 27, 2026
Skip. Felt like a slog to finish despite it being billed as a suspenseful thriller. All the relationships were more tell than show - i kept hearing that they were the best of friends, that so and so loved so and so, but didn’t get any proof. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters and you needed to be. I felt like I didn’t really know any of them, couldn’t even visualize anyone, by the end.
July 26, 2025
Great book. Enjoyed reading it. Had a little suspicion of what had happened but it kept me engaged. I would have liked to know more about some of the characters and also what happened next.
July 5, 2025
Christina Kovac’s book Watch Us Fall is about 4 college friends who room together all through college, and even find a house together after they finish college. The ladies are mostly from wealthy families. There are two of them who are particularly close, Addie and Lucy who take care of each other maybe beyond what would normally be expected from two unrelated people.
The issue begins when Addie’s boyfriend, Josh, who she had recently broken up with, seems to be missing. He is an investigative reporter who has been asked to take a major anchor position in New York City. He was supposed to report for a few days to cover the spot when he failed to show up. Addie is understandably worried and upset because she says he would not miss that opportunity for ANY reason. The rest of the book deals with trying to find Josh or at least figure out where he is.
There are a few options if there was foul play involved, but Lucy will absolutely NOT consider that it might be that Addie caused him harm. The police seem to be interested perhaps because Josh is a public person. The longer he is gone, the more involved the police become.
As the book approaches its conclusion, it becomes more and more of a psychological thriller. Twists and turns make the ending unpredictable.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy to read and review.
The issue begins when Addie’s boyfriend, Josh, who she had recently broken up with, seems to be missing. He is an investigative reporter who has been asked to take a major anchor position in New York City. He was supposed to report for a few days to cover the spot when he failed to show up. Addie is understandably worried and upset because she says he would not miss that opportunity for ANY reason. The rest of the book deals with trying to find Josh or at least figure out where he is.
There are a few options if there was foul play involved, but Lucy will absolutely NOT consider that it might be that Addie caused him harm. The police seem to be interested perhaps because Josh is a public person. The longer he is gone, the more involved the police become.
As the book approaches its conclusion, it becomes more and more of a psychological thriller. Twists and turns make the ending unpredictable.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy to read and review.
October 9, 2025
2.5 stars
I’m having a hard time articulating my thoughts about this thriller. On the one hand, I was invested enough in the mystery behind Josh’s disappearance to see the story through to its conclusion. On the other hand, I don’t think I could adequately describe what the story was actually about.
I think for me, the story promised a lot in terms of the characters. Based on the blurb, I envisioned a group of women who get caught up in some sort of shady and/or dangerous business. Instead, the story offered a psychological analysis of its characters that didn’t quite pay off. I enjoyed Josh’s POV chapters the most, but even then I didn’t quite understand how we were supposed to connect his backstory with Lucy, the other POV character. Addie was the tie between the two, but without her POV to add context and suspense into the mix, the twists and reveals fell flat to me rather than shocking.
Overall, this story was compelling in premise if not in execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’m having a hard time articulating my thoughts about this thriller. On the one hand, I was invested enough in the mystery behind Josh’s disappearance to see the story through to its conclusion. On the other hand, I don’t think I could adequately describe what the story was actually about.
I think for me, the story promised a lot in terms of the characters. Based on the blurb, I envisioned a group of women who get caught up in some sort of shady and/or dangerous business. Instead, the story offered a psychological analysis of its characters that didn’t quite pay off. I enjoyed Josh’s POV chapters the most, but even then I didn’t quite understand how we were supposed to connect his backstory with Lucy, the other POV character. Addie was the tie between the two, but without her POV to add context and suspense into the mix, the twists and reveals fell flat to me rather than shocking.
Overall, this story was compelling in premise if not in execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 16, 2025I was completely captivated by this missing person mystery! The pacing read me hooked from beginning to end. I read this in one day because I could not out this down! The author's writing style is truly exceptional; it immediately reminded me of Frieda McFadden, but with a unique, distinct voice all its own. I particularly appreciated the vivid descriptions of Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas. As a Virginia resident myself, I found the imagery incredibly evocative and felt completely transported to the snowy landscapes of the story. The winter setting perfectly complements the suspenseful narrative, making this an ideal read for those cozy nights by the fire when the book is released in December 2025. I will eagerly recommend this to all my book lover friends. The blend of mystery, local flavor, and gripping plot is a winning combination.
November 4, 2025
I enjoyed the story enough to keep me reading but it fell short in some places.
I didn’t feel like the characters were relatable and I didn’t really care about their interpersonal relationships. The relationship between the roommates and the boyfriends of some of the girls felt incredibly superficial. They were this group of post grad girls that felt more like seniors in high school to me.
Slight Spoiler Ahead:
I didn’t find Lucy’s story compelling or realistic enough to describe her behavior. Her obsession felt oddly shallow and “mommy issue” based and her backstory didn’t give me enough to feel like a psychoanalysis made sense of it all. I didn’t have enough to go off of to think “this personal is psychologically broken and THAT’S why she’s doing all of this”
I didn’t feel like the characters were relatable and I didn’t really care about their interpersonal relationships. The relationship between the roommates and the boyfriends of some of the girls felt incredibly superficial. They were this group of post grad girls that felt more like seniors in high school to me.
Slight Spoiler Ahead:
I didn’t find Lucy’s story compelling or realistic enough to describe her behavior. Her obsession felt oddly shallow and “mommy issue” based and her backstory didn’t give me enough to feel like a psychoanalysis made sense of it all. I didn’t have enough to go off of to think “this personal is psychologically broken and THAT’S why she’s doing all of this”
July 6, 2025
This had serious Pretty Little Liars vibes with its tight knit group who would do anything for each other, the queen bee, and the secrets. The mystery definitely kept my attention and the ending had me crying. If you like suspenseful, emotional thrillers with strong friendships at their heart, this one is worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
October 3, 2025
Book/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded down)
Book Cover: ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️
Trigger/Content Warning(s): Murder, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Death Of Parent(s)
POV: Singular, First Person/ Singular, Third Person
Series/Standalone/Duet: Standalone
HEA/Cliffhanger/HFN: HEA
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Safe or Dark: Dark ️️️
Expected Release Date: December 2, 2025
Quick Take Review 💥:
This thriller is witty and moves at just the right pace. The characters are mostly likable, and the “whodunit” keeps you guessing.
The writing flows smoothly, and the short chapters make it easy to keep telling yourself, “Just one more”, which you’ll definitely want to do.
In Depth Review 👇
Plot 📖:
Lucy and her three best friends share a stunning but slowly crumbling house in the heart of Georgetown, Washington D.C. Affectionately known as “The Sweeties,” the group seems to be living a post-grad dream: enviable jobs, tangled love lives, and an unbreakable bond.... the full package.
But everything changes when Addie, the group’s leader, learns that her ex-boyfriend Josh has mysteriously disappeared. A rising investigative journalist and member of a powerful political dynasty, Josh had been behaving strangely in the days leading up to his vanishing. And Lucy can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lucy and the rest of the Sweeties dive headfirst into the mystery, putting their lives, and reputations, on the line. But as the investigation intensifies, the spotlight turns toward them. Detectives begin to suspect the Sweeties themselves may know more than they’re admitting.
As Lucy becomes increasingly consumed by the case, long-buried secrets of her own begin to surface, threatening to unravel the life she’s so carefully constructed. Are the Sweeties caught in a dangerous web of deception, or has their seemingly perfect life been a beautiful illusion all along?
Writing 📝:
Christina Kovac’s writing is easy to follow while managing to give off the tense vibes it’s intended to. Her descriptions in the story were detailed without feeling weighed down or tedious to get through. I could feel the tension and suspense as events slowly but surely moved towards a breaking point. I found the plot and writing enjoyable and evenly paced throughout the story.
The past and present timelines never got confusing or felt choppy. They flowed into one another nicely and added a nice element to the story, as did the changing points of view along the way
Main Character(s) 👫:
Lucy Ambrose - Character Rating: C
Josh Egan - Character Rating: B+-
Side Character(s) 👫:
Lucy Ambrose - Character Rating: C
Josh Egan - Character Rating: B+-
Addison “Addie” James - Character Rating: C-
Estella Warbler - Character Rating: A
Penelope Zamora - Character Rating: A
Connor - Character Rating: A
Leo Ryan- - Character Rating: B+
Thoughts 💭:
Man, this is the second book in a row I’ve read about a boyfriend, husband, or ex going missing. Oh well, 'tis the season, I guess.
I grew up, and still live, about 30 minutes outside of D.C. (give or take, depending on traffic), so it’s always fun when a book is set in the DMV area. My husband and I were actually at a book convention in D.C. just a few weeks ago, so the timing felt perfect.
It just adds something extra when I recognize places in a story; those “Oh, I’ve been there!” or “I know where that is!” moments make it more personal. Reading about the classic D.C. row houses I’ve seen a million times honestly made me a little giddy, in the weirdest but best way.
One of the characters being from Potomac, only about 15 minutes from me, was a nice little bonus too.
Quick side note: Georgetown is gorgeous. If you ever find yourself in D.C., it’s definitely worth a visit.
Ladies and gentlemen, I DEVOURED this book like my dog eating a milk bone. This one was so, so, so GOOD!
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, then you probably already know what I’m going to mention first. Say it with me now: chapter length! SHORT CHAPTERS! SHORT CHAPTERS! SHORT CHAPTERS!
Was anyone else chanting along with me? No? Just me? Cool, cool...
The chapter length in this book was perfect. I could easily knock out a few in one sitting, and I always wanted to keep going, especially since most of the chapters ended on some kind of small cliffhanger. It made the whole reading experience super bingeable.
Another thing I love? When books jump right into the action, and that’s exactly what Kovac did here. From page one, we’re thrown straight into the heart of the story and Josh’s disappearance. Even though it kicks off fast, the pacing stays consistent the whole way through. It never felt rushed or dragged out; it was just right. Honestly, the flow was so well done. Actually, very well done, if I do say so myself.
And speaking of roller coasters, this story was full of twists and turns, and I was so HERE FOR IT! I never knew what was coming next, and I absolutely ATE THAT UP! There’s a moment where things start to feel a little predictable, like we’re being led to believe we know who’s behind Josh’s disappearance… And then bam, the rug gets pulled right out from under you. That false sense of security created by the unreliable narrator made the big reveals all the more thrilling.
The red herrings were chef’s kiss—little breadcrumbs that led me totally astray (and I followed them without hesitation). I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong more than once when it came to the twist. And honestly? That just made it even more fun.
Don’t be fooled; while this is a thriller at heart, it also explores the strength of friendship, the deep bonds that connect us, and the devastating betrayals that can come with them. How well do we really know the people we let into our lives? The ones we trust without hesitation? Could your closest friends be hiding the deepest secrets or, worse, be your greatest enemies?
I thought it was really cool that we got different perspectives in this one. It was nice to get out of Lucy’s head for a bit and see things from Josh’s point of view. I liked getting a look into what was going on in his life in the days and months before he disappeared; it added a lot to the story. That said, I was kind of bummed we didn’t get to hear from any of the other “Sweeties.” I think it would’ve been super interesting to know how each of them saw the investigation and everything that went down with their friend’s ex. I especially missed Addie’s voice, since she plays such a big role in moving the plot forward. It felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing without her take on things.
The two points of view we get were never confusing, and they were clearly labeled the whole way through. Even when the story switched between first and third person, it never felt weird or jumbled.
I genuinely enjoyed almost all of the characters in this book. Sure, I had my favorites, but I never found myself strongly disliking anyone. What really stood out to me, though, was the cast of strong female characters. Each of the “Sweeties” had a solid backbone and wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. None of them were weak or easily pushed around, which I really appreciated. In so many thrillers, there’s always that one female character who crumbles under pressure like overcooked spaghetti; thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. It was a refreshing change.
I felt like the “Sweeties” were fairly relatable, especially when it came to the raw emotions they had for their friends and the inner conflict over how far they’d go to protect the people they love and themselves too. I think most of us have been in a situation like that at some point. That part of the story really hit home; it felt real, raw, and emotional in a way that stuck with me.
Even though Lucy was probably my least favorite character, she was the one I felt for the most. Watching her get completely wrapped up in the investigation into Josh’s disappearance—basically blowing up her whole life over it—was honestly pretty heartbreaking. You could tell it all came from how much she loved Addie, which made it even sadder. It hit me in a weirdly personal way, maybe because I had a friend once that I probably would’ve done the exact same thing for.
While I enjoyed the overall story itself, sadly the ending fell a bit flat for me. Despite being caught off guard by the twist, I was hoping for something more. I left this feeling a bit unsatisfied.
This story explores that age-old question we all wonder at some point in our lives: can we really trust the people we love the most?
There were a lot of great things about this book, but in the end, it just missed the five-star mark for me. I wouldn’t say I loved it, but I definitely didn’t hate it either. I liked it, I had a good time with it, and honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
Recommendation 🤝️
I would recommend this book to readers enjoy evenly paced thriller with a touch of mystery that has unpredictable twists and an unreliable narrator.
I would also recommend this to people who enjoy enjoy shows like Pretty Little Liars, Big Little Lies and Gossip Girl.
I would also recommend this book to people who enjoy books by Lucinda Berry, Alice Feeney, Samantha Downing, and Gillian Flynn.
As always, remember that reading is totally subjective, and that’s exactly what makes it so wonderful. 😊
I would like to thank Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
Book Cover: ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️
Trigger/Content Warning(s): Murder, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Death Of Parent(s)
POV: Singular, First Person/ Singular, Third Person
Series/Standalone/Duet: Standalone
HEA/Cliffhanger/HFN: HEA
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Safe or Dark: Dark ️️️
Expected Release Date: December 2, 2025
Quick Take Review 💥:
This thriller is witty and moves at just the right pace. The characters are mostly likable, and the “whodunit” keeps you guessing.
The writing flows smoothly, and the short chapters make it easy to keep telling yourself, “Just one more”, which you’ll definitely want to do.
In Depth Review 👇
Plot 📖:
Lucy and her three best friends share a stunning but slowly crumbling house in the heart of Georgetown, Washington D.C. Affectionately known as “The Sweeties,” the group seems to be living a post-grad dream: enviable jobs, tangled love lives, and an unbreakable bond.... the full package.
But everything changes when Addie, the group’s leader, learns that her ex-boyfriend Josh has mysteriously disappeared. A rising investigative journalist and member of a powerful political dynasty, Josh had been behaving strangely in the days leading up to his vanishing. And Lucy can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lucy and the rest of the Sweeties dive headfirst into the mystery, putting their lives, and reputations, on the line. But as the investigation intensifies, the spotlight turns toward them. Detectives begin to suspect the Sweeties themselves may know more than they’re admitting.
As Lucy becomes increasingly consumed by the case, long-buried secrets of her own begin to surface, threatening to unravel the life she’s so carefully constructed. Are the Sweeties caught in a dangerous web of deception, or has their seemingly perfect life been a beautiful illusion all along?
Writing 📝:
Christina Kovac’s writing is easy to follow while managing to give off the tense vibes it’s intended to. Her descriptions in the story were detailed without feeling weighed down or tedious to get through. I could feel the tension and suspense as events slowly but surely moved towards a breaking point. I found the plot and writing enjoyable and evenly paced throughout the story.
The past and present timelines never got confusing or felt choppy. They flowed into one another nicely and added a nice element to the story, as did the changing points of view along the way
Main Character(s) 👫:
Lucy Ambrose - Character Rating: C
Josh Egan - Character Rating: B+-
Side Character(s) 👫:
Lucy Ambrose - Character Rating: C
Josh Egan - Character Rating: B+-
Addison “Addie” James - Character Rating: C-
Estella Warbler - Character Rating: A
Penelope Zamora - Character Rating: A
Connor - Character Rating: A
Leo Ryan- - Character Rating: B+
Thoughts 💭:
“Everything had turned bad so fast.”
Man, this is the second book in a row I’ve read about a boyfriend, husband, or ex going missing. Oh well, 'tis the season, I guess.
I grew up, and still live, about 30 minutes outside of D.C. (give or take, depending on traffic), so it’s always fun when a book is set in the DMV area. My husband and I were actually at a book convention in D.C. just a few weeks ago, so the timing felt perfect.
It just adds something extra when I recognize places in a story; those “Oh, I’ve been there!” or “I know where that is!” moments make it more personal. Reading about the classic D.C. row houses I’ve seen a million times honestly made me a little giddy, in the weirdest but best way.
One of the characters being from Potomac, only about 15 minutes from me, was a nice little bonus too.
Quick side note: Georgetown is gorgeous. If you ever find yourself in D.C., it’s definitely worth a visit.
Ladies and gentlemen, I DEVOURED this book like my dog eating a milk bone. This one was so, so, so GOOD!
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, then you probably already know what I’m going to mention first. Say it with me now: chapter length! SHORT CHAPTERS! SHORT CHAPTERS! SHORT CHAPTERS!
“Hot water sets stains, every woman knows that.”
Was anyone else chanting along with me? No? Just me? Cool, cool...
The chapter length in this book was perfect. I could easily knock out a few in one sitting, and I always wanted to keep going, especially since most of the chapters ended on some kind of small cliffhanger. It made the whole reading experience super bingeable.
Another thing I love? When books jump right into the action, and that’s exactly what Kovac did here. From page one, we’re thrown straight into the heart of the story and Josh’s disappearance. Even though it kicks off fast, the pacing stays consistent the whole way through. It never felt rushed or dragged out; it was just right. Honestly, the flow was so well done. Actually, very well done, if I do say so myself.
And speaking of roller coasters, this story was full of twists and turns, and I was so HERE FOR IT! I never knew what was coming next, and I absolutely ATE THAT UP! There’s a moment where things start to feel a little predictable, like we’re being led to believe we know who’s behind Josh’s disappearance… And then bam, the rug gets pulled right out from under you. That false sense of security created by the unreliable narrator made the big reveals all the more thrilling.
“He was obsessed with a very specific kind of lie: those told to gain control over people.”
The red herrings were chef’s kiss—little breadcrumbs that led me totally astray (and I followed them without hesitation). I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong more than once when it came to the twist. And honestly? That just made it even more fun.
Don’t be fooled; while this is a thriller at heart, it also explores the strength of friendship, the deep bonds that connect us, and the devastating betrayals that can come with them. How well do we really know the people we let into our lives? The ones we trust without hesitation? Could your closest friends be hiding the deepest secrets or, worse, be your greatest enemies?
I thought it was really cool that we got different perspectives in this one. It was nice to get out of Lucy’s head for a bit and see things from Josh’s point of view. I liked getting a look into what was going on in his life in the days and months before he disappeared; it added a lot to the story. That said, I was kind of bummed we didn’t get to hear from any of the other “Sweeties.” I think it would’ve been super interesting to know how each of them saw the investigation and everything that went down with their friend’s ex. I especially missed Addie’s voice, since she plays such a big role in moving the plot forward. It felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing without her take on things.
“On his tombstone, that’s what it’d say: He was fine.”
The two points of view we get were never confusing, and they were clearly labeled the whole way through. Even when the story switched between first and third person, it never felt weird or jumbled.
I genuinely enjoyed almost all of the characters in this book. Sure, I had my favorites, but I never found myself strongly disliking anyone. What really stood out to me, though, was the cast of strong female characters. Each of the “Sweeties” had a solid backbone and wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. None of them were weak or easily pushed around, which I really appreciated. In so many thrillers, there’s always that one female character who crumbles under pressure like overcooked spaghetti; thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. It was a refreshing change.
I felt like the “Sweeties” were fairly relatable, especially when it came to the raw emotions they had for their friends and the inner conflict over how far they’d go to protect the people they love and themselves too. I think most of us have been in a situation like that at some point. That part of the story really hit home; it felt real, raw, and emotional in a way that stuck with me.
Even though Lucy was probably my least favorite character, she was the one I felt for the most. Watching her get completely wrapped up in the investigation into Josh’s disappearance—basically blowing up her whole life over it—was honestly pretty heartbreaking. You could tell it all came from how much she loved Addie, which made it even sadder. It hit me in a weirdly personal way, maybe because I had a friend once that I probably would’ve done the exact same thing for.
While I enjoyed the overall story itself, sadly the ending fell a bit flat for me. Despite being caught off guard by the twist, I was hoping for something more. I left this feeling a bit unsatisfied.
This story explores that age-old question we all wonder at some point in our lives: can we really trust the people we love the most?
There were a lot of great things about this book, but in the end, it just missed the five-star mark for me. I wouldn’t say I loved it, but I definitely didn’t hate it either. I liked it, I had a good time with it, and honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
“In your story, you’re good; in your opponent’s, you’re not. Where that leaves the truth is anybody’s guess.”
Recommendation 🤝️
I would recommend this book to readers enjoy evenly paced thriller with a touch of mystery that has unpredictable twists and an unreliable narrator.
I would also recommend this to people who enjoy enjoy shows like Pretty Little Liars, Big Little Lies and Gossip Girl.
I would also recommend this book to people who enjoy books by Lucinda Berry, Alice Feeney, Samantha Downing, and Gillian Flynn.
As always, remember that reading is totally subjective, and that’s exactly what makes it so wonderful. 😊
I would like to thank Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
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