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Keep This for Me: A Novel
The acclaimed author of the “chilling, mesmerizing debut” (Rachel Harrison, author of The Return) Beneath the Stairs returns with a gripping, atmospheric suspense novel about a woman investigating a serial killer’s connection to her mother’s disappearance—for fans of I Have Some Questions for You and Notes on an Execution.
One hot August night in 1993, a young couple go to a party. When their car breaks down, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks the man and abducts the woman. She is never seen again.
That woman was Fiona Green’s mother.
When the trucker, Eddie Ward, is caught, a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, on his prison deathbed, Ward insists that he didn’t kill her, so Fiona finds herself back in the small town where her mother disappeared. Fighting demons of her own, she’s shocked when history repeats another woman, another roadside breakdown, and another disappearance. Only this time the primary suspect is Jason Ward, Eddie’s son. Desperate, Fiona hunts down answers, unaware that she is being drawn into a dangerous trap.
With Jennifer Fawcett’s signature “suspenseful and immersive” (Library Journal) prose, Keep This for Me is a fresh, spellbinding exploration of what we unwillingly inherit from our parents and how one random act can send ripples years into the future.
One hot August night in 1993, a young couple go to a party. When their car breaks down, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks the man and abducts the woman. She is never seen again.
That woman was Fiona Green’s mother.
When the trucker, Eddie Ward, is caught, a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, on his prison deathbed, Ward insists that he didn’t kill her, so Fiona finds herself back in the small town where her mother disappeared. Fighting demons of her own, she’s shocked when history repeats another woman, another roadside breakdown, and another disappearance. Only this time the primary suspect is Jason Ward, Eddie’s son. Desperate, Fiona hunts down answers, unaware that she is being drawn into a dangerous trap.
With Jennifer Fawcett’s signature “suspenseful and immersive” (Library Journal) prose, Keep This for Me is a fresh, spellbinding exploration of what we unwillingly inherit from our parents and how one random act can send ripples years into the future.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
80 people are currently reading
10171 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Fawcett
3 books230 followersJennifer Fawcett holds an MFA from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. Her work has been produced in theaters across the country and published in Third Coast Magazine, Reunion: The Dallas Review, Storybrink, and in the anthology Long Story Short. Her debut novel, Beneath the Stairs comes out with Atria Books (Simon & Schuster) in February 2022. She teaches writing at Skidmore College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
October 7, 2025
Fiona was a small child when she lost her mother Ana. Everyone assumed Eddie Ward was responsible, given that he was a convicted serial killer that had crossed her path. But Eddie swore Ana wasn’t one of his victims. Years later, Fiona returns to the lakeside town where it all happened to pay Eddie a visit, now on his deathbed. She’s desperate to get answers from Eddie before he dies. And she’s quickly running out of time!
Told from multiple perspectives and timelines. It was easy to follow along and you could really sense the tension rise with the telling of Ana’s fate.
This is a common theme in books recently with returning home years later searching for answers for a loved one’s disappearance or death.
But the writing and direction here was quite unique. It felt fresh and I was addicted to this read from start to finish!
This was my first read by this author and I’ll definitely pick up more of her books in the future!
✍️ Jennifer Fawcett
📑 352 pages
🗓️ October 7 2025
📈 4/5✨
👉 Thriller mystery
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
Told from multiple perspectives and timelines. It was easy to follow along and you could really sense the tension rise with the telling of Ana’s fate.
This is a common theme in books recently with returning home years later searching for answers for a loved one’s disappearance or death.
But the writing and direction here was quite unique. It felt fresh and I was addicted to this read from start to finish!
This was my first read by this author and I’ll definitely pick up more of her books in the future!
✍️ Jennifer Fawcett
📑 352 pages
🗓️ October 7 2025
📈 4/5✨
👉 Thriller mystery
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
October 30, 2025
Like the ripples of a swimmer moving through water, Keep This for Me was a haunting tale of two families’ lives being touched by the past. A taut, nuanced story of motherhood, love, trauma, and grief, the layers to this mystery-within-a-mystery grabbed me and didn’t let go. You see, thanks to a serial killer plot that stretched back thirty years, I was captivated by what happened back then and how it was doubling down now. Told via multiple timelines and POVs, it all interwove into a multilayered storyline complete with a jaw-dropping twist, compelling characters, and an ending that I didn’t see coming even the teeniest bit. A genre-blender of a novel, it easily melded suspense and family drama into one heck of a stunner that I quite simply couldn’t put down.
All said and done, with perfect plotting and plenty of fully fleshed out personas, I was blown away by this richly poignant whodunnit. Not only that, but it was both atmospheric and eerie all while delivering a believable premise. Bringing the small town setting to life thanks to the evocative descriptions on every page, I felt as if I was physically there as the puzzle pieces slowly slotted into place. Yes, it’s true. It was somewhat of a slow burn until the last third of the novel, but I didn’t care in the least. After all, with a distinctly character-driven feel, I fell in love with them all, including the one who ended up flipping the script in the best possible way. So if you love characters hunting for answers or the idea of inherited trauma, come get a copy of this one today. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
One hot August night in 1993, a young couple go to a party. When their car breaks down, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks the man and abducts the woman. She is never seen again.
That woman was Fiona Green’s mother.
When the trucker, Eddie Ward, is caught, a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, on his prison deathbed, Ward insists that he didn’t kill her, so Fiona finds herself back in the small town where her mother disappeared. Fighting demons of her own, she’s shocked when history repeats itself: another woman, another roadside breakdown, and another disappearance. Only this time the primary suspect is Jason Ward, Eddie’s son. Desperate, Fiona hunts down answers, unaware that she is being drawn into a dangerous trap.
Thank you to Jennifer Fawcett and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 7, 2025
Content warning: knife and gun violence, kidnapping, mention of: murder
All said and done, with perfect plotting and plenty of fully fleshed out personas, I was blown away by this richly poignant whodunnit. Not only that, but it was both atmospheric and eerie all while delivering a believable premise. Bringing the small town setting to life thanks to the evocative descriptions on every page, I felt as if I was physically there as the puzzle pieces slowly slotted into place. Yes, it’s true. It was somewhat of a slow burn until the last third of the novel, but I didn’t care in the least. After all, with a distinctly character-driven feel, I fell in love with them all, including the one who ended up flipping the script in the best possible way. So if you love characters hunting for answers or the idea of inherited trauma, come get a copy of this one today. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
One hot August night in 1993, a young couple go to a party. When their car breaks down, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks the man and abducts the woman. She is never seen again.
That woman was Fiona Green’s mother.
When the trucker, Eddie Ward, is caught, a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, on his prison deathbed, Ward insists that he didn’t kill her, so Fiona finds herself back in the small town where her mother disappeared. Fighting demons of her own, she’s shocked when history repeats itself: another woman, another roadside breakdown, and another disappearance. Only this time the primary suspect is Jason Ward, Eddie’s son. Desperate, Fiona hunts down answers, unaware that she is being drawn into a dangerous trap.
Thank you to Jennifer Fawcett and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 7, 2025
Content warning: knife and gun violence, kidnapping, mention of: murder
October 19, 2025
"You can't keep something for someone forever. Eventually, it starts keeping you."
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thirty years ago, Fiona Green's mother vanished after a roadside breakdown - one of the many women believed to have fallen victim to truck driver and serial killer Eddie Ward. But when Ward, now dying in prison, insists he didn't kill her, Fiona returns to her hometown searching for the truth. Soon after her arrival, another woman disappears in eerily similar circumstances - and the prime suspect is Eddie's son, Jason Ward. As Fiona digs deeper, she unearths not just buried secrets, but the dangerous legacy of violence, grief, and guilt that threads through generations.
Inspired by the real-life case of a father-and-son duo of killers, author Jennifer Fawcett crafts both a gripping thriller and a haunting exploration of inherited trauma, motherhood, and the ways a single crime can ripple through decades. Told through multiple timelines and perspectives, "Keep This for Me" offers a unique and fresh take on the serial killer trope that is at once full of surprising nuance and depth as well as slow-burning and atmospheric.
This is a book that resists cheap shocks, opting instead for layered psychology, character development, and atmosphere. And although it's a tense, unputdownable thriller, "Keep This for Me" isn't just about solving a mystery - it's about confronting the parts of ourselves we've kept buried all along.
Many thank to Atria Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Keep This for Me" was published on October 7, 2025, and is available now.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thirty years ago, Fiona Green's mother vanished after a roadside breakdown - one of the many women believed to have fallen victim to truck driver and serial killer Eddie Ward. But when Ward, now dying in prison, insists he didn't kill her, Fiona returns to her hometown searching for the truth. Soon after her arrival, another woman disappears in eerily similar circumstances - and the prime suspect is Eddie's son, Jason Ward. As Fiona digs deeper, she unearths not just buried secrets, but the dangerous legacy of violence, grief, and guilt that threads through generations.
Inspired by the real-life case of a father-and-son duo of killers, author Jennifer Fawcett crafts both a gripping thriller and a haunting exploration of inherited trauma, motherhood, and the ways a single crime can ripple through decades. Told through multiple timelines and perspectives, "Keep This for Me" offers a unique and fresh take on the serial killer trope that is at once full of surprising nuance and depth as well as slow-burning and atmospheric.
This is a book that resists cheap shocks, opting instead for layered psychology, character development, and atmosphere. And although it's a tense, unputdownable thriller, "Keep This for Me" isn't just about solving a mystery - it's about confronting the parts of ourselves we've kept buried all along.
Many thank to Atria Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Keep This for Me" was published on October 7, 2025, and is available now.
September 26, 2025
⭐⭐.5
Pre-Read Notes:
Rachel Harrison, whose books I consistently love, recommends this writer, and that's about all I need.
"The kid who never got to say goodbye to his dad. Instead he had to watch him be handcuffed and shackled. The one time he’d gone to a zoo, he’d seen a male lion. His mane was matted and he stank like piss, but he strutted around that cage like he was still the king, completely unaware that the humans on the other side were gloating over him. Jason’s father had reminded him of that lion during the trial." p175
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I had real issues with the author's stylistic choice to split the story into two perspectives, and split them each further into past and present timelines. My screen reader for some reason didn't read the year that is printed under the POV character's name at the beginning of each section, so I was missing this important cue.
It's a complicated structure and should only be necessary for a complicated story, which this isn't. As a result, it all felt contrived. So I was lost, because of the form, which needlessly complicated a simple narrative with not a lot happening, so I was also bored. This one just didn't work out for me.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "“Sometimes there is no more. There’s just what you’ve got.”" p199 This is a story whose plot struggles a bit, but it's anchored in its themes. One of those is the role of fate or timing in the outcomes in our lives, which I think the author handles very well as a source of story suspense.
✔️ The setting work in this book is gorgeous and creates a dreamy, creepy vibe for this whole story.
Thank you to Jennifer Fawcett, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of KEEP THIS FOR ME. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
Rachel Harrison, whose books I consistently love, recommends this writer, and that's about all I need.
"The kid who never got to say goodbye to his dad. Instead he had to watch him be handcuffed and shackled. The one time he’d gone to a zoo, he’d seen a male lion. His mane was matted and he stank like piss, but he strutted around that cage like he was still the king, completely unaware that the humans on the other side were gloating over him. Jason’s father had reminded him of that lion during the trial." p175
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I had real issues with the author's stylistic choice to split the story into two perspectives, and split them each further into past and present timelines. My screen reader for some reason didn't read the year that is printed under the POV character's name at the beginning of each section, so I was missing this important cue.
It's a complicated structure and should only be necessary for a complicated story, which this isn't. As a result, it all felt contrived. So I was lost, because of the form, which needlessly complicated a simple narrative with not a lot happening, so I was also bored. This one just didn't work out for me.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "“Sometimes there is no more. There’s just what you’ve got.”" p199 This is a story whose plot struggles a bit, but it's anchored in its themes. One of those is the role of fate or timing in the outcomes in our lives, which I think the author handles very well as a source of story suspense.
✔️ The setting work in this book is gorgeous and creates a dreamy, creepy vibe for this whole story.
Thank you to Jennifer Fawcett, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of KEEP THIS FOR ME. All views are mine.
Read
December 21, 2025Wow. I loved this book! It’s been a minute since a book gripped me and made me not want to put it down. I read this one in less than 24 hrs.
The setting and the multiple POV/timeline made this book completely bingeable. The story focuses on themes of grief and motherhood and I can’t recommend it enough. It is a slower burn, but I enjoyed that and would read 200 more pages of this story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you @atriathrillers @atriabooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review. PUB DATE: 10
The setting and the multiple POV/timeline made this book completely bingeable. The story focuses on themes of grief and motherhood and I can’t recommend it enough. It is a slower burn, but I enjoyed that and would read 200 more pages of this story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you @atriathrillers @atriabooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review. PUB DATE: 10
October 26, 2025
Those who enjoy cold cases and slow-burn literary thrillers focusing on character development as much as on the criminal case will enjoy this new release. Fawcett handles the more emotionally charged themes, such as intergenerational trauma and long-held grief, with the nuance and care required. And with an intimate look into the complexities of motherhood, particularly in the postpartum period, this book will have even broader appeal beyond just those seeking a good thrill.
🎧 This was well narrated and very easy to listen to; however, i sometimes felt confused with the timeline jumps. An immersive read (audio and physical) would be my preferred reading format.
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
🎧 This was well narrated and very easy to listen to; however, i sometimes felt confused with the timeline jumps. An immersive read (audio and physical) would be my preferred reading format.
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
December 14, 2025
In this gripping and atmospheric suspense, a woman sets out to uncover the connection between a notorious serial kil.ler and her mother’s disappearance - a mystery that’s spanned generations and returned to haunt her once again.
Convicted serial killer, Eddie Ward dies on his deathbed, insisting he didn’t murder Fiona Ward’s mother. Her mother disappeared when she was just a small child. She heads back to her small town for some answers thirty years later.
I alternated back and forth between the audiobook and the physical and it really heightened the tension. I couldn’t wait to get back to this book. The multiple narrators did an outstanding job as well.
I love books about serial killers and this story was no different. Multiple timelines are also my favorite and that’s what you get here. I really enjoyed this and honestly think any format makes for an excellent read! I highly recommend giving this a go! It definitely deserves all the media attention! Add it to your TBR!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Convicted serial killer, Eddie Ward dies on his deathbed, insisting he didn’t murder Fiona Ward’s mother. Her mother disappeared when she was just a small child. She heads back to her small town for some answers thirty years later.
I alternated back and forth between the audiobook and the physical and it really heightened the tension. I couldn’t wait to get back to this book. The multiple narrators did an outstanding job as well.
I love books about serial killers and this story was no different. Multiple timelines are also my favorite and that’s what you get here. I really enjoyed this and honestly think any format makes for an excellent read! I highly recommend giving this a go! It definitely deserves all the media attention! Add it to your TBR!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2025
4.25 stars, thank you atria for the early copy! I don’t think I’ve ever come across a serial killer book I didn’t enjoy
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPRSUer/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPRSUer/
October 13, 2025
4⭐️ I really liked this suspenseful crime thriller!
Told from multiple timelines and multiple character POV, it was tense and fast paced.
Fiona lost her mom Ana when she was only two. Her father Ben and her mom were attacked by a serial killer when their car broke down. Ben was beaten and Ana kidnapped, but her body was never recovered.
Fiona returns to her hometown on the anniversary of her Mon’s death hoping to speak to the killer in prison but he dies before the visit. She reconnects with her old friend David a cop and reaches out to the killer’s surviving family.
I was rooting for Fiona to get closure and answers once and for all.
This page turner took me on a crazy ride that had a few surprises and a twist at the end!
Thanks NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Told from multiple timelines and multiple character POV, it was tense and fast paced.
Fiona lost her mom Ana when she was only two. Her father Ben and her mom were attacked by a serial killer when their car broke down. Ben was beaten and Ana kidnapped, but her body was never recovered.
Fiona returns to her hometown on the anniversary of her Mon’s death hoping to speak to the killer in prison but he dies before the visit. She reconnects with her old friend David a cop and reaches out to the killer’s surviving family.
I was rooting for Fiona to get closure and answers once and for all.
This page turner took me on a crazy ride that had a few surprises and a twist at the end!
Thanks NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2025
This is a slow burn tale of two families tangentially tied together by events from their past; the family of a serial killer and the family of one of the victims. Playing out over several years and through three POVs, I was emotionally conflicted by each of the main characters. Generational trauma is an overarching theme throughout, though I think there was a missed opportunity to have a more balanced exploration into the nature versus nurture psychology instead of leaning toward family genetics.
The overall pace was slower than I anticipated but the intrigue kept my interest and there were definitely some suspenseful moments sprinkled in. More of a family drama than a thriller, the story has a focus on the lingering effects of grief, absent parents and motherhood (including postpartum depression.) The serial killer aspect simmers in the background and adds a layer of mystery and tension. Despite the predictability of the conclusion, the story held my attention and was engaging enough that I had difficulty putting this down.
I highly recommend the audiobook for an immersive experience. All of the narrators are spectacular with their tone, pitch and pace and give nuanced performances that showcase their respective characters' conflicting emotions.
KEEP THIS FOR ME is a compelling character driven tale that demonstrates how one event can impact many lives for years to come. This is where the novel truly shines, with the examination of the ways in which people respond to tragedy and violence and how it informs their choices, behaviors and even thought processes. If you enjoy a thought provoking mystery mixed with some intense moments and atmospheric prose, you'll enjoy this!
____
Narrators:
Amanda Dolan
Graham Halstead
Carlotta Brentan
____
3.5⭐️
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
The overall pace was slower than I anticipated but the intrigue kept my interest and there were definitely some suspenseful moments sprinkled in. More of a family drama than a thriller, the story has a focus on the lingering effects of grief, absent parents and motherhood (including postpartum depression.) The serial killer aspect simmers in the background and adds a layer of mystery and tension. Despite the predictability of the conclusion, the story held my attention and was engaging enough that I had difficulty putting this down.
I highly recommend the audiobook for an immersive experience. All of the narrators are spectacular with their tone, pitch and pace and give nuanced performances that showcase their respective characters' conflicting emotions.
KEEP THIS FOR ME is a compelling character driven tale that demonstrates how one event can impact many lives for years to come. This is where the novel truly shines, with the examination of the ways in which people respond to tragedy and violence and how it informs their choices, behaviors and even thought processes. If you enjoy a thought provoking mystery mixed with some intense moments and atmospheric prose, you'll enjoy this!
____
Narrators:
Amanda Dolan
Graham Halstead
Carlotta Brentan
____
3.5⭐️
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
The perfect classic murder mystery thriller! I loved this book. The multiple POV + multiple timelines was so well done and perfectly plotted out. It was suspenseful, mysterious, believable, and just the right amount of chapters. Fast paced without being too speedy, but never ever drug on. I would definitely recommend this read for all fans of thrillers!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
September 10, 2025
I loved this one! It was the perfect choice to start off ‘spooky season’ reading!
On a hot and stormy August night in 1993, Ben and Ana Green’s car breaks down on a lonely detour off the highway. Truck driver, Eddie Ward, picks them up. Ben is left injured but alive and Ana has never been found dead or alive. After this encounter, Eddie’s home is searched and the bodies of seven missing women are found buried in his backyard. None of those bodies are Ana Green. Now, Eddie is dying in prison and he reveals to his son, Jason, that he never killed Ana.
Fiona Green is battling serious personal demons in her own life. But she races back home, after hearing Eddie’s deathbed confession, to try and find closure about her mother, Ana. Upon arriving back in her small home town, another woman is reported missing. Is history repeating itself? Is Jason continuing his father’s legacy as a serial killer? But as Fiona continues to search for answers, she finds herself being led right into a trap that she does not see coming.
This story was so atmospheric and creepy with nail biting and suspenseful moments. It kept me gripped from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read what this author comes up with next!
Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on October 7, 2025
On a hot and stormy August night in 1993, Ben and Ana Green’s car breaks down on a lonely detour off the highway. Truck driver, Eddie Ward, picks them up. Ben is left injured but alive and Ana has never been found dead or alive. After this encounter, Eddie’s home is searched and the bodies of seven missing women are found buried in his backyard. None of those bodies are Ana Green. Now, Eddie is dying in prison and he reveals to his son, Jason, that he never killed Ana.
Fiona Green is battling serious personal demons in her own life. But she races back home, after hearing Eddie’s deathbed confession, to try and find closure about her mother, Ana. Upon arriving back in her small home town, another woman is reported missing. Is history repeating itself? Is Jason continuing his father’s legacy as a serial killer? But as Fiona continues to search for answers, she finds herself being led right into a trap that she does not see coming.
This story was so atmospheric and creepy with nail biting and suspenseful moments. It kept me gripped from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read what this author comes up with next!
Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on October 7, 2025
September 7, 2025
ARC Review
I enjoyed this compelling story of how the way others live can have ripple effects for many. A solid plot, with endearing characters and a gripping story. Thank you to Atria Books and Goodreads Giveaways for the advanced copy.
I enjoyed this compelling story of how the way others live can have ripple effects for many. A solid plot, with endearing characters and a gripping story. Thank you to Atria Books and Goodreads Giveaways for the advanced copy.
October 16, 2025
Thank you so much to Jennifer Fawcett and Atria Books for my copy of this book. It was about a serial killer, Eddie Ward, and the mass grave of bodies found in his backyard. Fiona's mother disappeared yeas ago and was said to be killed by him, but she was never found. On his deathbed 30 years later, Ward claims he never killed her. Fiona decides to go back to her hometown to search for answers, but right when she arrives, another woman disappears. This time, the primary suspect is Eddie Ward's son Jason.
Thoughts: This was such a fun and fast-paced thriller. I thought the premise was really interesting and there were plenty of suspenseful moments. I enjoyed the character development and the plot around generational trauma. I thought the relationship, or non-relationship, between Eddie and Jason was interesting to read about, and sad how the actions of the dad affected everyone else.
I thought the ending was fairly transparent and I could definitely see it coming. It was a bit open ended, but I did like the way that the story went and still enjoyed it. The writing was fantastic! 4-stars for this one.
Thoughts: This was such a fun and fast-paced thriller. I thought the premise was really interesting and there were plenty of suspenseful moments. I enjoyed the character development and the plot around generational trauma. I thought the relationship, or non-relationship, between Eddie and Jason was interesting to read about, and sad how the actions of the dad affected everyone else.
I thought the ending was fairly transparent and I could definitely see it coming. It was a bit open ended, but I did like the way that the story went and still enjoyed it. The writing was fantastic! 4-stars for this one.
October 11, 2025
A suspenseful slow burn where atmosphere steals the show.
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Keep This For Me {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 10.7.2025
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
This one had me hooked from the start — tense, atmospheric, and filled with that moody suspense that makes it the perfect fall read. The setting and tone completely pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how it would all unfold.
That said, I did find a few twists a bit predictable, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. If you love mysteries with a strong sense of place, secrets simmering beneath the surface, and just the right amount of tension — this one’s worth picking up this season.
Read if you enjoy:
🖤 Atmospheric
😬 Moody Suspense
🗣️ Multiple POVs
📖 Slow Build
I recommend reading Keep This For Me if you enjoyed Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson.
______
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Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Keep This For Me {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 10.7.2025
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
This one had me hooked from the start — tense, atmospheric, and filled with that moody suspense that makes it the perfect fall read. The setting and tone completely pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how it would all unfold.
That said, I did find a few twists a bit predictable, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. If you love mysteries with a strong sense of place, secrets simmering beneath the surface, and just the right amount of tension — this one’s worth picking up this season.
Read if you enjoy:
🖤 Atmospheric
😬 Moody Suspense
🗣️ Multiple POVs
📖 Slow Build
I recommend reading Keep This For Me if you enjoyed Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
October 22, 2025
Don’t skip this wild thriller: combining a decades old mystery, a serial killer, a missing woman in present day, and a whole crew of interesting characters (especially Tucker 🐕).
This kept guessing the wrong things throughout, which isn’t typical for me, so I was pleasantly surprised as the story progressed and answers were revealed.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Atria Books for a copy!
This kept guessing the wrong things throughout, which isn’t typical for me, so I was pleasantly surprised as the story progressed and answers were revealed.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Atria Books for a copy!
October 1, 2025
30 years ago, when Fiona Green was a baby, her father was left for dead and her mother was abducted by a serial killer. Her body was never found. It was only due to her father's survival that the killer was brought to justice. After decades in prison for the multiple murder victims found buried in his yard, he continues to insist that he didn't kill Fiona's mother. Now that he is sickly and dying, Fiona travels to see him in prison, in hopes that he will finally tell the truth about what he did to her mother.
Instead, she gets pulled deeper into a dangerous mystery with more questions than answers. Another young woman has gone missing, and the serial killer has a son. Is it starting again? Is the son copying his father's monstrous activities?
This was a suspenseful mystery/thriller with themes of abuse, grief, and mental health. The pacing was perfect and the climax was exciting, even if a bit predictable too early on. Still, I loved how all the pieces finally fit together, although I solved the puzzle before the main character did. The dual timelines were well done and added to the suspense as we gradually get the details of the night of the abduction and of what it was like to grow up as the son of a murderer.
"Keep this for me." Chilling words when you learn their context in this exhilarating read.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Atria Books for the paperback ARC
Instead, she gets pulled deeper into a dangerous mystery with more questions than answers. Another young woman has gone missing, and the serial killer has a son. Is it starting again? Is the son copying his father's monstrous activities?
This was a suspenseful mystery/thriller with themes of abuse, grief, and mental health. The pacing was perfect and the climax was exciting, even if a bit predictable too early on. Still, I loved how all the pieces finally fit together, although I solved the puzzle before the main character did. The dual timelines were well done and added to the suspense as we gradually get the details of the night of the abduction and of what it was like to grow up as the son of a murderer.
"Keep this for me." Chilling words when you learn their context in this exhilarating read.
4 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Atria Books for the paperback ARC
August 20, 2025
3.5 stars. I really wanted to give this 4 stars, but I felt that I couldn’t because I was annoyed with the FMC and how she didn’t know what the big reveal was. I shouldn’t be upset about that, but I figured it out early on and thought she should have too. That said, this was a really interesting story and I love the bond of mother/daughter that was felt for multiple generations.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
July 20, 2025
This book had a lot of things that I historically dislike: multiple POVs, slow pace, a lot of characters. However, I really enjoyed it! I liked the plot a lot. I absolutely loved the setting and felt that really added to the vibe. I didn't find the big reveal to be too shocking, but I felt satisfied with the outcome. I really enjoyed how this was written, and found myself super invested in the story.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 1, 2025
Keep This for Me is a suspenseful and hauntingly beautiful mystery about a woman’s search for closure and the enduring ripple effects of violence. Like the lake at its center, this book’s reflective surface hides fathoms below: churning currents of loss, trauma, and cold-blooded murder colliding to drag you down into its dark depths. It grabs you on page one and doesn’t let go.
October 9, 2025
Yowza. This one was a little slow and steady at first while it was building, but my goodness, the last quarter was INTENSE. I did not expect it to go the way it did, and I absolutely LOVED it! A creepy and atmospheric read, I loved the audio and could not stop listening as I was so curious how this was going to go. Told in two timelines and multiple POVs, both kept it moving right along, and like I said, that last quarter I was riveted and could not get to the end fast enough. This was my first read of the author’s, and I have since ordered her first book to read ASAP.
Thank you to Atria Books #partner for the gifted copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
Thank you to Atria Books #partner for the gifted copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
October 4, 2025
Keep This for Me by Jennifer Fawcett. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fiona Green plans to confront her mother’s murderer, a serial killer who’s been behind bars for thirty years. When she’s back in the small town, another woman is kidnapped and Fiona finds history repeating itself.
I am glad that I stuck with this one. It did take me a little time to get into it. A little before halfway I realized I was hooked and had that “click” you get when you know you’re in for a good story. My hypothesis ended up being partly right but there were still some surprises. I loved that while it’s a mystery, mother/daughter and father/son relationships are both behind the plot.
“Every kid has a monster who lurks just beyond their sight, but mine was real. I came back to look him in the eye.”
Keep This for Me comes out 10/7.
Fiona Green plans to confront her mother’s murderer, a serial killer who’s been behind bars for thirty years. When she’s back in the small town, another woman is kidnapped and Fiona finds history repeating itself.
I am glad that I stuck with this one. It did take me a little time to get into it. A little before halfway I realized I was hooked and had that “click” you get when you know you’re in for a good story. My hypothesis ended up being partly right but there were still some surprises. I loved that while it’s a mystery, mother/daughter and father/son relationships are both behind the plot.
“Every kid has a monster who lurks just beyond their sight, but mine was real. I came back to look him in the eye.”
Keep This for Me comes out 10/7.
August 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
“Keep This for Me” was a moody, emotionally layered story that explored lingering grief and the weight of generational trauma.
In 1993 a young couple, Ana and Ben, drove to a party when their car broke down. They were picked up by Eddie Ward, who attacked Ben and abducted Ana-who was never seen again. Eddie was later convicted and a mass grave was discovered at his property-but Ana’s body was not found. Thirty years later when Eddie was on his deathbed, he confessed that he didn’t kill Ana. This compelled Fiona, Ana’s daughter, to become deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere-the quiet lakeside town setting created a strong sense of place. I also appreciated the dual timelines, shifting between 1993 and the present, which added depth to the unfolding mystery. The overall tone was tense and immersive, which really pulled me in.
Contrary to that, the pacing was slower than I expected, and a few of the storylines lacked full resolution. I went into this anticipating a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, so the more reflective, subdued nature of the story caught me off guard. Still, those minor drawbacks didn’t take away from my overall appreciation of the book.
I’d recommend this to readers who prefer character-driven, literary suspense rather than twist-heavy thrillers—especially those who value emotional depth alongside mystery. If you enjoyed The Quiet Tenant or The Night Swim, chances are you’ll connect with “Keep This for Me” as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
“Keep This for Me” was a moody, emotionally layered story that explored lingering grief and the weight of generational trauma.
In 1993 a young couple, Ana and Ben, drove to a party when their car broke down. They were picked up by Eddie Ward, who attacked Ben and abducted Ana-who was never seen again. Eddie was later convicted and a mass grave was discovered at his property-but Ana’s body was not found. Thirty years later when Eddie was on his deathbed, he confessed that he didn’t kill Ana. This compelled Fiona, Ana’s daughter, to become deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere-the quiet lakeside town setting created a strong sense of place. I also appreciated the dual timelines, shifting between 1993 and the present, which added depth to the unfolding mystery. The overall tone was tense and immersive, which really pulled me in.
Contrary to that, the pacing was slower than I expected, and a few of the storylines lacked full resolution. I went into this anticipating a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, so the more reflective, subdued nature of the story caught me off guard. Still, those minor drawbacks didn’t take away from my overall appreciation of the book.
I’d recommend this to readers who prefer character-driven, literary suspense rather than twist-heavy thrillers—especially those who value emotional depth alongside mystery. If you enjoyed The Quiet Tenant or The Night Swim, chances are you’ll connect with “Keep This for Me” as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 24, 2025
Keep This For Me is a tense story dealing with a serial killer, his offspring, and the daughter of one of his victims. In August 1993, a young couple go to a party, leaving their young daughter with his parents. When their car breaks down, they accept a ride with a truck driver. The man is eventually beaten and left for dead, the woman, never seen again. Shortly after that trucker, Eddie Ward, is caught and a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, Fiona finds out that Eddie Ward is dying and he agrees to talk to her, but dies before she sees him. She decides to talk to his family members and see what they know. When a local woman goes missing, Eddie's son is the main suspect, assuming he is following in his father's footsteps. As Fiona get closer to Eddie's granddaughter, things begin to get a little scary. Who had kidnapped the young woman? Is Fiona in danger?
This is Jennifer Fawcett's second book and I will definitely be checking out her first one. This story was full of suspense and kept me guessing. I found the town very creepy and atmospheric. I felt like there were secrets everywhere. The story is told in flashbacks to the 1990s and we meet Eddie and his son Jason. My heart broke for Jason, who tried to please his father. Jason has a collection for his dad, who asked him to "Keep This For Me". How does that play into what is happening now. Fiona was troubled and wanted to know what happened to her mother. She has a strained relationship with her mother's parents, and didn't know how to fix it. This is a story of grief, tragedy, loss, and eventual healing. The story was well plotted with great characters. I thought I knew who was responsible for the new kidnapping, but I was wrong. I really liked how swimming played an important role in the story. The ending tied the story up well and I finished it with a smile. The narration of the audiobook by Amanda Dolan, Graham Halstead, & Carlotta Brentan was a great fit. They gave all the main characters a recognizable voice and added to my enjoyment of the story. i really liked this one.
This is Jennifer Fawcett's second book and I will definitely be checking out her first one. This story was full of suspense and kept me guessing. I found the town very creepy and atmospheric. I felt like there were secrets everywhere. The story is told in flashbacks to the 1990s and we meet Eddie and his son Jason. My heart broke for Jason, who tried to please his father. Jason has a collection for his dad, who asked him to "Keep This For Me". How does that play into what is happening now. Fiona was troubled and wanted to know what happened to her mother. She has a strained relationship with her mother's parents, and didn't know how to fix it. This is a story of grief, tragedy, loss, and eventual healing. The story was well plotted with great characters. I thought I knew who was responsible for the new kidnapping, but I was wrong. I really liked how swimming played an important role in the story. The ending tied the story up well and I finished it with a smile. The narration of the audiobook by Amanda Dolan, Graham Halstead, & Carlotta Brentan was a great fit. They gave all the main characters a recognizable voice and added to my enjoyment of the story. i really liked this one.
October 7, 2025
What do you think of when you hear the words “serial killer thriller?” Whatever it is, I can guarantee that KEEP THIS FOR ME will surprise you.
Featuring multiple timelines and three different narrators—a mother who became a victim, the daughter deeply impacted by her vanishing, and the son of the convicted serial murderer who knocked their world off-kilter—this book reimagines the tropes we all know by focusing on the emotional fallout of disappearances, random acts of violence, and the unanswered questions they leave in their wake.
Fawcette weaves a riveting narrative and populates the story with characters so real you’ll feel their tension and conflict in your bones. I loved every moment I spent with this novel, and I know you will too.
Featuring multiple timelines and three different narrators—a mother who became a victim, the daughter deeply impacted by her vanishing, and the son of the convicted serial murderer who knocked their world off-kilter—this book reimagines the tropes we all know by focusing on the emotional fallout of disappearances, random acts of violence, and the unanswered questions they leave in their wake.
Fawcette weaves a riveting narrative and populates the story with characters so real you’ll feel their tension and conflict in your bones. I loved every moment I spent with this novel, and I know you will too.
October 3, 2025
It’s no surprise to anyone that I loved this serial k!ller thriller! I was immediately immersed in the story. It’s atmospheric and suspenseful with a slow build up that keeps you wanting more. The lakeside town is eerie and added to the mystery. With multiple POV’s and dual timelines, I was completely invested. And that ending…I wasn’t expecting it all! 🥺
I definitely recommend adding it to your soooky season TBR!
I definitely recommend adding it to your soooky season TBR!
September 21, 2025
This was such an eerie, unsettling story. There were so many moving parts with the different POVs and different timelines and they came together perfectly.
Stories that delve into the way horrific crimes effect both families are always so fascinating to me and this one was done in such a layered, unique way. Every time I put the book down, I couldn’t wait to get back into the story.
It’s definitely a slow burn but every detail and story is so interesting. The way slow burns should be done. Some parts of the twist, I didn’t love and felt kinda unrealistic when the rest of the book felt SO real so that’s the only thing that took me out of it a little.
So so good! 4.5 ✨
thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Stories that delve into the way horrific crimes effect both families are always so fascinating to me and this one was done in such a layered, unique way. Every time I put the book down, I couldn’t wait to get back into the story.
It’s definitely a slow burn but every detail and story is so interesting. The way slow burns should be done. Some parts of the twist, I didn’t love and felt kinda unrealistic when the rest of the book felt SO real so that’s the only thing that took me out of it a little.
So so good! 4.5 ✨
thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 17, 2025
4 stars
This is an intriguing mystery / thriller that makes readers think about the importance of nature versus nurture and fate versus free will.
In 1993, a couple are victimized by a serial killer. One half of this couple, Ana, is never seen again. In the present day, Ana's daughter, Fiona, is returning to her hometown and the scene of this crime to reconnect with her family but mostly to be around before the man convicted of her mother's murder and father's assault dies and takes all of the answers she wants with him.
In the process of Fiona's quest, readers journey between past and present and among different characters' experiences. The convicted killer's son, Jason, plays a major role in both timelines, and his daughter, (the convicted killer's granddaughter) does, too. Fawcett creates an arresting set of connections between these and other characters. How do we deal with loss in its different forms? How should we pay for our family members' mistakes or experiences? Are we destined to inherit the shortcomings or even evil thoughts and behaviors of our relatives? These are just a few of the questions readers must confront as they simultaneously discover answers to long held questions and follow Fiona on her nearly lifelong mission to understand who she is and why.
I really enjoyed this read and am absolutely planning to check out Fawcett's preceding book. I'll also be on the lookout for more from this author. Fans of mysteries/thrillers that leave them with bigger questions about humanity should queue this one.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and SS Atria Books for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is an intriguing mystery / thriller that makes readers think about the importance of nature versus nurture and fate versus free will.
In 1993, a couple are victimized by a serial killer. One half of this couple, Ana, is never seen again. In the present day, Ana's daughter, Fiona, is returning to her hometown and the scene of this crime to reconnect with her family but mostly to be around before the man convicted of her mother's murder and father's assault dies and takes all of the answers she wants with him.
In the process of Fiona's quest, readers journey between past and present and among different characters' experiences. The convicted killer's son, Jason, plays a major role in both timelines, and his daughter, (the convicted killer's granddaughter) does, too. Fawcett creates an arresting set of connections between these and other characters. How do we deal with loss in its different forms? How should we pay for our family members' mistakes or experiences? Are we destined to inherit the shortcomings or even evil thoughts and behaviors of our relatives? These are just a few of the questions readers must confront as they simultaneously discover answers to long held questions and follow Fiona on her nearly lifelong mission to understand who she is and why.
I really enjoyed this read and am absolutely planning to check out Fawcett's preceding book. I'll also be on the lookout for more from this author. Fans of mysteries/thrillers that leave them with bigger questions about humanity should queue this one.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and SS Atria Books for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 5, 2025
Thank you Atria Books for the ARC copy of Keep This For Me. I wasn't sure what to expect out of this book but wow did I love it! I read it within two days and had me hooked! I really enjoyed this whole story from the beginning until the end. I like that we got different sides of the story through a few different characters (Fiona, Jason and Ana) . I was so curious to know what happened to Ana. And of course we had Lily (Jason's daughter) who might I say was crazy and I knew from the start that something wasnt right with her.
Like I said this one had me from the beginning and kept wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen. Its definitely one of those books that you just have to know. You second guess yourself on what might happen as you keep reading. Its one that will definitely make you think!
Definitely giving this one a 4.5 rating and would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Way to go Jennifer! Loved it!
Like I said this one had me from the beginning and kept wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen. Its definitely one of those books that you just have to know. You second guess yourself on what might happen as you keep reading. Its one that will definitely make you think!
Definitely giving this one a 4.5 rating and would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Way to go Jennifer! Loved it!
August 1, 2025
Creepy, chilling, and totally gripping. This mystery thriller is loosely based on a true story, weaving a dark, twisty fictional tale of a serial killer family and the victim’s family left in the aftermath. Told through shifting timelines, it’s a slow burn at first, but when it takes off, it doesn’t let go. It definitely had me flying through the pages. If you love layered family secrets and unsettling vibes, this one’s for you. Thanks to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub Date: October 7, 2025 KeepThisForMe #JenniferFawcett #ThrillerReads #NetGalleyARC #BookReview #MysteryLovers #Bookstagram #OctoberReleases #SerialKillerFiction #DarkReads #BookTokRecs #SlowBurnThriller
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