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Trust Only Me
By night, she writes about serial killers. Then her stories begin to come true.
From her home office in rural Connecticut, self-published thriller author Jillian Samuels dreams of writing a bestseller.
Her tall, dark, and handsome chef husband Teddy, and her BFF Natalie, a glamorous PR executive always in six-inch heels, are Jillian's biggest fans. They're as happy as she is when her new book, The Soul Collector, is accepted by a New York agent.
Not long afterward, crimes from her old thrillers start to really happen—two bodies are found covered in silver paint, one unconscious, the other dead. Some people on Twitter begin to notice the eerie similarities to Jillian's previous books.
Jillian's book sales are rising—but the police are asking questions...
A seamless blend of high domestic suspense with a shattering final twist, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, Patricia MacDonald, Lisa Jewell, B.A. Paris, and Liane Moriarty.
From her home office in rural Connecticut, self-published thriller author Jillian Samuels dreams of writing a bestseller.
Her tall, dark, and handsome chef husband Teddy, and her BFF Natalie, a glamorous PR executive always in six-inch heels, are Jillian's biggest fans. They're as happy as she is when her new book, The Soul Collector, is accepted by a New York agent.
Not long afterward, crimes from her old thrillers start to really happen—two bodies are found covered in silver paint, one unconscious, the other dead. Some people on Twitter begin to notice the eerie similarities to Jillian's previous books.
Jillian's book sales are rising—but the police are asking questions...
A seamless blend of high domestic suspense with a shattering final twist, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, Patricia MacDonald, Lisa Jewell, B.A. Paris, and Liane Moriarty.
Audible Audio
First published January 28, 2023
About the author
McGarvey Black
17 books363 followersSuspense/Thrillers
THE SECOND HONEYMOON - August 2025
He's planned the perfect cruise - and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.
Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination - paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.
He's bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything's going to plan. Andre's plan.
He thinks he'll get away with it. But he doesn't know what I'm capable of. Not yet.
Also,
—THE BABY I STOLE
—MY SISTER'S KILLER
—THE FIRST HUSBAND
—WITHOUT HER CONSENT
—THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
—TRUST ONLY ME
—TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
—THE GIRL WHO KILLED HER MOM
Romantic Comedy;
— LOVE ON THE LINE (original title— THE FUSSY VIRGIN).
Morality Tale
—A FAMILIAR STRANGER "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Wall Street". This novel is a parable of our times.
All my stories are character driven. I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that trigger my imagination.
I am married with two children and currently live in Connecticut where many of my stories take place. I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom into your book club if our schedules permit. Reach out and I'll do my best to make it happen.
——McGarvey
You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, too. Thanks for reading my books and if you like them, please leave a review, it helps so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 4, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Self published author Jillian Samuels is alerted by best friend Natalie about a Twitter storm concerning a series of explosions in Connecticut, eerily similar to the plot of one of her thrillers. The Medford police duly arrive at her door and from that point on a downward spiral ensues with life imitating art.
This is a bit of a “game of two halves”. It is very slow to get going as we seem to get every last detail on Jillian and husband Teddy’s life and I’m interested in what’s going on with the explosions! However, I like the premise, the plot is good, it’s creative and has some originality to it but that’s diluted at times by some repetition. The pace does pick up as the book progresses and you therefore become more immersed.
I really like the style it’s written in, it’s as if Jillian is relaying the story to us confidentially and I do like the use of humour. There are some good twists and I really enjoy the ending although there’s one aspect you can see a mile off even on a foggy day!! The characters are not especially likeable, but that actually adds rather than detracts from the enjoyment. Jill is so naive you want to shake her and tell her to wake up and smell the roses. Teddy is the most selfish blank (fill in your own choice of word), he’s a taker not a giver and Natalie is so up herself it’s not true!
Overall though, it’s an entertaining read though I do wish it had been quicker at the beginning.
With thanks to NeGalley and especially to Joffre Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Self published author Jillian Samuels is alerted by best friend Natalie about a Twitter storm concerning a series of explosions in Connecticut, eerily similar to the plot of one of her thrillers. The Medford police duly arrive at her door and from that point on a downward spiral ensues with life imitating art.
This is a bit of a “game of two halves”. It is very slow to get going as we seem to get every last detail on Jillian and husband Teddy’s life and I’m interested in what’s going on with the explosions! However, I like the premise, the plot is good, it’s creative and has some originality to it but that’s diluted at times by some repetition. The pace does pick up as the book progresses and you therefore become more immersed.
I really like the style it’s written in, it’s as if Jillian is relaying the story to us confidentially and I do like the use of humour. There are some good twists and I really enjoy the ending although there’s one aspect you can see a mile off even on a foggy day!! The characters are not especially likeable, but that actually adds rather than detracts from the enjoyment. Jill is so naive you want to shake her and tell her to wake up and smell the roses. Teddy is the most selfish blank (fill in your own choice of word), he’s a taker not a giver and Natalie is so up herself it’s not true!
Overall though, it’s an entertaining read though I do wish it had been quicker at the beginning.
With thanks to NeGalley and especially to Joffre Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 26, 2022
Ever since listening to “A Text Before Dying,” I have been a McGarvey Black fan. I love her writing, whit, & charm. “Trust Only Me” didn’t disappoint. Jillian Samuels writes thrillers for a living. When her manuscript gets accepted, she is convinced this will be the book that puts her on the map. As she finds her success, things begin to take a turn. The murders she writes about in her book are coming to life. Her life is becoming a nightmare. And social media is only adding more fuel. Those darn tweets!
This book grabbed my attention from the start – I think some readers may think the plot is a little slow, but I loved every second of it. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, a growing paranoia, and a few twists that keep you hooked to the story. I will definitely be buying the hardback version of this book when it’s released! A quick and fun read. I received an ARC version of this book for an honest review.
This book grabbed my attention from the start – I think some readers may think the plot is a little slow, but I loved every second of it. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, a growing paranoia, and a few twists that keep you hooked to the story. I will definitely be buying the hardback version of this book when it’s released! A quick and fun read. I received an ARC version of this book for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
First of all a very Happy New Year to all my fellow readers and my Good read friends. I read 266 books last year, some were real stinkers but most were wonderful. Sorry too many to mention. I found a new genre dark fantasy and I have fully embraced it. I found some new authors who I have devoured and have become firm favourites, Ronald Malfi and Jay Kristoff are at the top of my list. I am a pensioner and also an avid reader, but this year if a book does not grab me after 50% I will bin it. I had so many books for Christmas my depleted library is starting to grow again. After losing 2000books I am still gutted. Well that's me going back to my book and Happy reading to you all.
This book started off really well a copycat and I thought I was in for a good read. Wrong!!! Nothing else happened until I trawled through 50% of personal relationships and nothing to do with the story. The action was sporadic and uneventful. This book have been so much more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book started off really well a copycat and I thought I was in for a good read. Wrong!!! Nothing else happened until I trawled through 50% of personal relationships and nothing to do with the story. The action was sporadic and uneventful. This book have been so much more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 24, 2022
This was a fun book with some good twists. It centers on Jillian, who has self published a few books and is finally getting an agent for her next book. While all of this is happening, scenes from her previous books start getting played out in real life. Her agent loves it but the cops do not and she finds herself in the middle of an investigation.
The book is pretty fast paced, with short chapters that (at least on my kindle) start mid page- this kept me reading. There are some unnecessary and repetitive details throughout but I felt that the pacing of the book was still solid. I saw one twist coming from a mile away but I was torn on the other twist- it was one of many scenarios I had considered but I hadn’t landed on it for sure by the time it was revealed. I had mixed feelings on Jillian but she grew on me as the book continued.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was worth the read- I’d recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is pretty fast paced, with short chapters that (at least on my kindle) start mid page- this kept me reading. There are some unnecessary and repetitive details throughout but I felt that the pacing of the book was still solid. I saw one twist coming from a mile away but I was torn on the other twist- it was one of many scenarios I had considered but I hadn’t landed on it for sure by the time it was revealed. I had mixed feelings on Jillian but she grew on me as the book continued.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was worth the read- I’d recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2026
Trust Only Me by McGarvey Black is a psychological thriller about an author whose crime novels start coming true.
I almost stopped reading this one. I absolutely hate when an author gives the lead female character the gullibility of a four year old. She couldn't see what was happening right under her nose. (I figured it out within the first couple chapters). Then, her thoughts on her mother who has Alzheimer's were awful. (I speak from experience on this one.)
Basically, I didn't like any of the characters. Jillian's naivety. Her husband's greed. Her best friend's narcissism.
However, the plot was good, and the first twist was inevitable, but the final twist was phenomenal. I absolutely loved the ending. I only wished that the first 80% had held my attention as much as that last 20%.
The short chapters made it a fast read, even though the storyline sometimes dragged.
So, overall, the ending is what made this a 3 star read. Before that, i was a 1 or 2.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and although I had some serious issues, I'm going to find something else that she wrote, because she gets a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews on GoodReads.
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
February 9, 2023
This is one of the best physiological thrillers I have ever read, it will have you on the edge of the seat, it will nestle into your mind so you think of it when you have to part from it (which is hard to do !!) .
The main character is Jillian who just happens to be a crime author whose stories seem to be coming to life.... can it be a happy safe end of the story for her ? She is a fascinating character to follow through this book, even when she is trying to figured stuff out , you are trying to be outstep ahead to figure it out. Congratulations to anyone who manages to figured it out, I was quite far off ! A book full of twists, turns and intrigue... a great read!
The main character is Jillian who just happens to be a crime author whose stories seem to be coming to life.... can it be a happy safe end of the story for her ? She is a fascinating character to follow through this book, even when she is trying to figured stuff out , you are trying to be outstep ahead to figure it out. Congratulations to anyone who manages to figured it out, I was quite far off ! A book full of twists, turns and intrigue... a great read!
December 28, 2022
Jillian Samuels is a self-published author, who after some struggles, is accepted by an agent with her new book. Her handsome husband and best friend are supportive of her writing encourage her writing. But then some of the crimes in her books begin to play out in real life, much to the intrigue of readers. Overnight, her books gain popularity, as the crimes continue but the police are asking questions and not everything in her life is as it seems.
Once this one set the scene it was fast paced and twisted. This one was suspenseful and I really didn't expect that ending.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Joffe Book for this gifted review copy.
*Note, my review is based upon my assumption the issues with format/grammar in the proof will be addressed prior to publication.
Once this one set the scene it was fast paced and twisted. This one was suspenseful and I really didn't expect that ending.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Joffe Book for this gifted review copy.
*Note, my review is based upon my assumption the issues with format/grammar in the proof will be addressed prior to publication.
September 18, 2024
Trust me, "Trust Only Me" was not this author's best book.
I listened to the 9-hour audiobook that easily could have been a 6-hour book.
At the 50% mark, the plotline went off course with waaay too many eye-rolling moments.
It's always a treat to listen to narrator Emily Sutton-Smith and her narration was superb.
December 19, 2022
thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read this before its official release in exchange for an honest review.
honestly, i didnt like this book at all until the last 30-ish%. its filled with unnecessary details that just drags on and its EXTREMELY slow paced until the very end where everything happens all at once. the characters are awful and are barely developed, the whole plot is extremely predictable and boring (not going to spoil anything but i saw it all coming from a million miles away), and the entire book just seems like the author word vomited and rambled a lot, added a few extra details, and then said "done!" ive never dnf'd a book in my life but i was SO close to not finishing this one. that being said, the last 30% was pretty alright. i forgot that i was reading a thriller until i got to the ending because the rest of the book was so boring. eventually, something ACTUALLY happens and everything kinda comes together.
is it worth reading until the end?? in my opinion, no. 2/5 stars.
also maybe it was just my phone being weird but the formatting of this book is super fucked up?? paragraphs and sentences being cut in half and put onto different lines, chapters beginning and ending in the middle of pages, random large spaces in between words... again, maybe it just downloaded weirdly onto my phone? i really hope it wont be published like that. it made this book even harder to read and i almost dnf'd it for that reason alone.
honestly, i didnt like this book at all until the last 30-ish%. its filled with unnecessary details that just drags on and its EXTREMELY slow paced until the very end where everything happens all at once. the characters are awful and are barely developed, the whole plot is extremely predictable and boring (not going to spoil anything but i saw it all coming from a million miles away), and the entire book just seems like the author word vomited and rambled a lot, added a few extra details, and then said "done!" ive never dnf'd a book in my life but i was SO close to not finishing this one. that being said, the last 30% was pretty alright. i forgot that i was reading a thriller until i got to the ending because the rest of the book was so boring. eventually, something ACTUALLY happens and everything kinda comes together.
is it worth reading until the end?? in my opinion, no. 2/5 stars.
also maybe it was just my phone being weird but the formatting of this book is super fucked up?? paragraphs and sentences being cut in half and put onto different lines, chapters beginning and ending in the middle of pages, random large spaces in between words... again, maybe it just downloaded weirdly onto my phone? i really hope it wont be published like that. it made this book even harder to read and i almost dnf'd it for that reason alone.
February 7, 2023
BLIMEY!! I’ve always wanted to find a book where the story comes to life, and not only have I found one, but what a cocker it was.
Trust Only Me is set in Connecticut and has a steady pace of crimes and murder with the author of the self published books at the centre. No one can explain it as these books are not in any way a good seller.
The story mainly focuses on the main character Jillian, who is a tenacious, methodical and determined character, as is her husband. They seem like such a perfect couple who are set for big things to come. They both became very important characters to me, I loved them both.
As the story progresses the more times continue and the police are at all a loss, Jillian can’t seem to help the investigation, and her best friend and husband are starting to get a little tired with her, while her agent thinks they will hit the big time.
With a steady pace, this is a very riveting read and leads you into NEEDING to read the next chapter.
Which leads very smoothly into the ending, which is equally as heartbreaking, as it is shocking with a twist that left me astounded!!!
This was most certainly an incredible read.
Trust Only Me is set in Connecticut and has a steady pace of crimes and murder with the author of the self published books at the centre. No one can explain it as these books are not in any way a good seller.
The story mainly focuses on the main character Jillian, who is a tenacious, methodical and determined character, as is her husband. They seem like such a perfect couple who are set for big things to come. They both became very important characters to me, I loved them both.
As the story progresses the more times continue and the police are at all a loss, Jillian can’t seem to help the investigation, and her best friend and husband are starting to get a little tired with her, while her agent thinks they will hit the big time.
With a steady pace, this is a very riveting read and leads you into NEEDING to read the next chapter.
Which leads very smoothly into the ending, which is equally as heartbreaking, as it is shocking with a twist that left me astounded!!!
This was most certainly an incredible read.
February 10, 2023
First, I want to thank McGarvey Black, Joffe Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! My head is still spinning out of control from reading McGarvey Black’s Trust Only Me! Can you imagine if your favorite psychological thriller became a reality?! No!! Neither can I!! BUT…that is the unique out of the box crazy good storyline that McGarvey explores. The cover designers caught my eye with the mysterious cover art that made me want to know more about the book.
Instantly I fell in love with Jillian and how McGarvey created her character to be a thriller writer. As a reader and book reviewer I appreciated getting an inside look of the ups and downs of securing an agent and getting published.
Trust only me will have you nibbling on your nails, at the edge of your comfy chair, your eyes glued to your kindle with addictive read! This is a thrilling, suspenseful, intense and shocking book that wanting to read more from McGarvey Black
You must add this book to your TBR and put it at the top! It is an incredible, thrilling, fascinating read that deserves way more than 5 stars. Infact, it is one of my favorite books of 2023!
WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! My head is still spinning out of control from reading McGarvey Black’s Trust Only Me! Can you imagine if your favorite psychological thriller became a reality?! No!! Neither can I!! BUT…that is the unique out of the box crazy good storyline that McGarvey explores. The cover designers caught my eye with the mysterious cover art that made me want to know more about the book.
Instantly I fell in love with Jillian and how McGarvey created her character to be a thriller writer. As a reader and book reviewer I appreciated getting an inside look of the ups and downs of securing an agent and getting published.
Trust only me will have you nibbling on your nails, at the edge of your comfy chair, your eyes glued to your kindle with addictive read! This is a thrilling, suspenseful, intense and shocking book that wanting to read more from McGarvey Black
You must add this book to your TBR and put it at the top! It is an incredible, thrilling, fascinating read that deserves way more than 5 stars. Infact, it is one of my favorite books of 2023!
January 3, 2023
Trust Only Me is a twisty, slow-burn thriller about a struggling author who starts gaining attention when the gruesome events depicted in her books begin coming true. This book started out on the slower side for me, but once I made it to the halfway point it really sucked me in, and ended up being a quick and enjoyable read.
While reading, I did find it strange that so many people, police included, were willing to just brush off the incidents as coincidences for so long. I found that a little unrealistic. I did also think that the story became quite repetitive in places; where certain things were explained multiple times. Not a deal breaker for me, but it almost seemed like something missed in editing. All in all, 4 stars, and worth the read.
I would like to say a big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Joffe Books, for choosing me to read this ARC of Trust Only Me by McGarvey Black.
While reading, I did find it strange that so many people, police included, were willing to just brush off the incidents as coincidences for so long. I found that a little unrealistic. I did also think that the story became quite repetitive in places; where certain things were explained multiple times. Not a deal breaker for me, but it almost seemed like something missed in editing. All in all, 4 stars, and worth the read.
I would like to say a big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Joffe Books, for choosing me to read this ARC of Trust Only Me by McGarvey Black.
September 28, 2023
Loved it!
I cannot find my original review
for now I'll share this...
Wow, wow, wow! my 1st read by Mcgarvey Black and it will NOT be my last. It's full of twists and turns and truly a great domestic thriller. Filled with love? Affairs? Murder and games that get way out of control leaving you unable to put this book down!
I cannot find my original review
for now I'll share this...
Wow, wow, wow! my 1st read by Mcgarvey Black and it will NOT be my last. It's full of twists and turns and truly a great domestic thriller. Filled with love? Affairs? Murder and games that get way out of control leaving you unable to put this book down!
January 29, 2023
Starts off a bit slow but does it ever pick up and has a bang to it!! Fast paced thriller at it's best.
Couldn't put this down.
New author to me will be definitely checking out more.
Thanks to the author ,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Couldn't put this down.
New author to me will be definitely checking out more.
Thanks to the author ,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
February 16, 2023
Every so often, along comes a book which is totally different - this is it!
Jillian Samuels is a writer, self-published until comes the offer that every author dreams of - her book is picked up by an agent. Then the murders begin .. straight from her earlier novels. Horrified, Jillian confides in both her husband, Teddy, and her best friend, glamorous Natalie about her suspicions that someone is using her books to commit murder.
Having read McGarvey Black previously, I was eager to immerse myself in this one - and I was not disappointed. Gripping from beginning to end, this grabbed my attention and kept it there. I was completely befuddled as to what was going on but by the final page it all made sense. Cleverly crafted and beautifully written, this is extremely well-plotted and an absolutely thrilling read! An easy five stars - and deserving of each and every one. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher for my arc of this novel, and my sincere apologies for the delay in sharing my review - due solely to an eye allergy which kept me from screens.
Jillian Samuels is a writer, self-published until comes the offer that every author dreams of - her book is picked up by an agent. Then the murders begin .. straight from her earlier novels. Horrified, Jillian confides in both her husband, Teddy, and her best friend, glamorous Natalie about her suspicions that someone is using her books to commit murder.
Having read McGarvey Black previously, I was eager to immerse myself in this one - and I was not disappointed. Gripping from beginning to end, this grabbed my attention and kept it there. I was completely befuddled as to what was going on but by the final page it all made sense. Cleverly crafted and beautifully written, this is extremely well-plotted and an absolutely thrilling read! An easy five stars - and deserving of each and every one. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher for my arc of this novel, and my sincere apologies for the delay in sharing my review - due solely to an eye allergy which kept me from screens.
August 2, 2023
Trust Me On This.
When I downloaded this book I had no idea what it was about. I didn't need to know; it was written by McGarvey Black and that was good enough for me. I've read all her books and they don't disappoint. The writing style is so refreshingly light and the characters are well fleshed out, to the point where you could imagine yourself liking them in real life and that was the case this time too. Although the plot isn't convoluted every chapter ending is begging for you to start the next. I promise you, this book won't last you long.
If you like a thriller I strongly urge you try this author. Her books remain with you long after they've ended.
When I downloaded this book I had no idea what it was about. I didn't need to know; it was written by McGarvey Black and that was good enough for me. I've read all her books and they don't disappoint. The writing style is so refreshingly light and the characters are well fleshed out, to the point where you could imagine yourself liking them in real life and that was the case this time too. Although the plot isn't convoluted every chapter ending is begging for you to start the next. I promise you, this book won't last you long.
If you like a thriller I strongly urge you try this author. Her books remain with you long after they've ended.
February 6, 2023
Title: Trust Only Me
Author: McGarvey Black
Publisher: Joffe Books
Pages: 311
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Jillian is a self-published author working from her rural home office in Connecticut. Her ultimate dream is to write a best-selling book. When her new book, The Soul Collector is accepted by a New York agent, she is cheered on by her biggest supporters, Teddy, her tall, dark, handsome chef husband, and Natalie, a glamorous PR woman, and her BFF. Things take a dark turn when the stories Jillian writes soon begin to happen in real life and it doesn’t take long for people to make the connections between her work and these sinister events. As Jillian’s sales rise, the police soon being asking questions.
Review:
The eye catching front cover and the fact this book was described as a nail biting thriller meant my attention was instantly grabbed. Psychological thrillers are my favourite genre so I was eager to get stuck into this book, the intriguing description sounded exactly up my street and I really hoped this read would keep me on my toes. Safe to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
After a couple of chapters in, I could feel my head beginning to race ahead, I was instantly trying to figure everything out, it didn’t take long at all for me to be intrigued and I love it when a book has the ability to do this to me. I loved how the author kept me hooked too, by cleverly leaving some chapters on a cliff hanger, meaning I couldn’t put the book back down, which meant this was devoured in one sitting.
The story was told from Jillian’s point of view but told in a very clever way. It was like Jillian was sharing everything that had been going on in her life in a confession sort of way, the character kept you in suspense throughout as you knew she was going to experience something bad, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what this would be.
I loved how I really didn’t know who could be trusted when I read this book, I was wary of everyone and felt like all the characters had a hidden motive, this did make it difficult to connect with them, but again, this was cleverly done by the author. I did guess some events too, but the best thing about this read is that the author still managed to shock me with her surprises! Some things I really didn’t see coming.
I was really blown away with some of the twists and turns and I loved how everything made sense in the end to me too. There was quite a big build up, but for me it really worked with this book, it helped to create an atmosphere for me. Honestly, this really was a psychological thriller that did it’s job, I would definitely consider reading more from this author!
January 12, 2023
When Jillian gets a call from her best friend Natalie telling her people on Twitter or discussing her first book she doesn’t know what to think but once she goes to Twitter and sees a warehouse has burned down and it was set on fire the same way it happened in her first book she doesn’t know what to think. she has had mediocre success with the first independently published books and now that she has a new book coming out call sole collector she really hope this will be the one to make her a household name. As days go by more and more things happen that or taken from one of her books. Jillian has a good life just being a successful author has alluded her she has a good husband Terry who is a popular chef at a local fancy restaurant and her best friend Natalie who does public relations all the people closest to her she has a few fans who she appreciates but like most authors want a book seen by a massive audience. it seems with all these new crimes and all this new publicity she’ll get what she wanted as a culprit eludes the two detectives on the case Jillian will learn things she wasn’t supposed to know and like most authors it would help her write a great ending. This was really a great book with a great wow and OMG moment and I loved it. I love this authors books and she has yet to disappoint me and seems to just be getting better. If you love a good thriller and mystery with wow moments and no eye rolling you need to read trust only me by McCarthy black there is so much more to this book I found it hard to write a good summary but trust me when I say this is such a great book! I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
February 12, 2023
3.5 stars
This one took a while for me to get into, but once it got going I thought the second half of Trust Only Me was a gripping read. As we become immersed in the paranoia of Jillian’s life, nothing and nobody are quite as they seem. I found the idea that more and more details from her books are used for crimes really interesting and a clever spin on the usual thriller read - and as Jillian became more entangled in the police investigation it was difficult to see where this would end. Another great, easy to read thriller from McGarvey Black.
This one took a while for me to get into, but once it got going I thought the second half of Trust Only Me was a gripping read. As we become immersed in the paranoia of Jillian’s life, nothing and nobody are quite as they seem. I found the idea that more and more details from her books are used for crimes really interesting and a clever spin on the usual thriller read - and as Jillian became more entangled in the police investigation it was difficult to see where this would end. Another great, easy to read thriller from McGarvey Black.
February 11, 2023
•𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕄𝕖
•𝕄𝕔𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕖𝕪 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜
Thanks to @zooloosbooktours & @joffebooks for this ARC copy.
Jillian is an author living with her Husband Teddy. Teddy is an up & coming Chef trying to start his own brand. Her BFF Nathalie is a PR Queen.
Teddy is hoping Jillian's new novel is a cash cow so he can raise money to invest in his brand but to what lengths will everyone go to ensure its a bestseller?
I enjoyed this book, I sped through it & while I guessed some parts the twists still shocked 👀
A solid 3🌟
#ad #arc #bookstagram #gifted #joffebooks #zooloosbooktours
•𝕄𝕔𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕖𝕪 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜
Thanks to @zooloosbooktours & @joffebooks for this ARC copy.
Jillian is an author living with her Husband Teddy. Teddy is an up & coming Chef trying to start his own brand. Her BFF Nathalie is a PR Queen.
Teddy is hoping Jillian's new novel is a cash cow so he can raise money to invest in his brand but to what lengths will everyone go to ensure its a bestseller?
I enjoyed this book, I sped through it & while I guessed some parts the twists still shocked 👀
A solid 3🌟
#ad #arc #bookstagram #gifted #joffebooks #zooloosbooktours
February 8, 2023
OH My Freaking Gosh! This book is awesome and thrilling!
December 16, 2022
This book had me hook line and sinker! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day.
Writer Jillian Samuels is working on her first big break with a publishing company after self publishing 3 thriller books. Coincidentally (or not) a series of crimes break out in her home state of Connecticut. The crimes follow the plot of her first three books. Her book sales are rising as this point but at what cost. With her home life breaking down and best friend being in PR herself the book is just to good to put down. The twist at the end had me reeling!! I can’t wait to read more from McGarvey Black!
Shoutout to NetGalley for allowing me to opportunity to read this book before it’s official publication in January!
Writer Jillian Samuels is working on her first big break with a publishing company after self publishing 3 thriller books. Coincidentally (or not) a series of crimes break out in her home state of Connecticut. The crimes follow the plot of her first three books. Her book sales are rising as this point but at what cost. With her home life breaking down and best friend being in PR herself the book is just to good to put down. The twist at the end had me reeling!! I can’t wait to read more from McGarvey Black!
Shoutout to NetGalley for allowing me to opportunity to read this book before it’s official publication in January!
August 24, 2025
I have loved all the other books I’ve read so far from this author but this one took me forever to finish. I was disappointed
January 14, 2023
So this is hard for me to write. I honestly love the storyline. It's nothing I've ever read before. While I say this, there are some things about this book that drive me nuts. Now, some of the things may be just from getting the book from netgalley and it not loading correctly for my tablet. The Formating of pages is beyond weird. Sentences have lines of empty spaces in the middle of sentences. Chapters start randomly on pages, and it's confusing. I also have an issue with the time references in the book. There is a lot of jumping from way back, like several years to then it jumping to only a year back to then the present she is talking about, then back way back. It really doesn't give you a lot of information on when things are. You just simply have to piece them together. The characters are very real. You like some, you hate some, and you are even creeped out by some. The plot again is something I've never heard of, and it was a different story than I've ever read. I think with some edits on formatting and giving actual timeline dates, the book could be amazing.
December 29, 2022
The beginning was a little hard to grab but once it got going it got going And had me turning the pages so fast. I was always changing who I thought it was. I would guess one person the next couple chapters it was someone else. Like the title says you can only trust me.If your looking for a good wow book this is it. I guarantee you have no idea what the end will be. Thanks for the opportunity to NetGalley for letting me read this before it comes out.
February 22, 2023
Mesmerizing
This book may have started as any other ordinary psychological thriller but as the pages went on it grew in intensity and even more twisted. It just goes to prove the lengths people will go to get what they want. Whether it be fame, money, notoriety, revenge, or love.
This book may have started as any other ordinary psychological thriller but as the pages went on it grew in intensity and even more twisted. It just goes to prove the lengths people will go to get what they want. Whether it be fame, money, notoriety, revenge, or love.
January 10, 2023
2* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
I had real issues with the authors style in this yarn. McGarvey Black's writing is like a mindless Channel 4 reality TV show script - repeating/updating after ad breakS...with an added annoyance of hinting at what was to come after some event or other - ok as a one off but another victim of the repetition cycle as it's used too often...and when you get to The End you realise also a little misleading.
The basic premise, fledgling novelist finds that events from her earlier books are being played out for real, has potential but the struggle to turn pages has me easily distracted. Googling McGarvey Black I find that she has a number of books already out there - I've not looked at any to establish if the style is a constant though, I'm focussing on Trust Only Me. What I have ascertained from Google is that there might be semi - biographical content as our heroine, Jillian Samuels, shares experiences and research methods with the author, both are New Yorkers, both work with media (advertising v recruitment - but the authors best friend is a PR pin cushion), both read newspapers looking for inspiration/storylines...
In the end I set a few hours aside to see if I could make it to the end of the book. I was easily distracted (for instance I thought it was a reasonable excuse to stop reading and start drafting a review)...but I cracked on, my Kindle suggesting I only needed 2½ hours to finish it ...I was at the halfway point and the recurring Detective double act are interviewing "Jills" to see if they can find any reason that her books might be getting real-life enactments...in the dialogue there's reference to "the Jolly Roger", and surprise given that an adult would know it's connection to old fashioned piracy - I audibly sighed to an empty room...it's going to be a long 150 minutes if this is the standard I'm facing - surely there can't be an adult in the Western World that would be surprised about that, shiver me timbers?
So, an hour on and the double act are back to see the author (Chapter 36 if you're interested)...how do we know this, because looking out of the window she sees that "their" car was parked in front of her house...this is their fourth visit - and they used three different cars previously..a few weeks pass and no new bodies or incidents occur, says so top of the page later in the same chapter, so why is Jills now using the excuse "bodies are turning up and the police pop in every other week"...when it's established that they're not and they don't...is it me or is there something lazy or just plain wrong here?
I'm definitely not invested in the book as much as I'd like to be...now I just want to get to the end and see if I've spotted who it might be that's doing the bad deeds, and whether the two sub-plots I've spotted are going the way I think they are...
45 minutes to go...I stopped to eat supper, stripped down a chicken, cleaned the kitchen worktop...any excuse, but back to the grind and in Chapter 41 she spots "their car" again! Two chapters on and confirmation that one sub-plot nonsense was spotted correctly - if you do read the book I'm sure you'll see it coming a mile off too...the other was only partly correct, but (SPOILER) as Jillian had invented a few social media folk herself was a bit of a non-event...
...and so to the closing chapter when we learn who really done it and realise that everything that went before was so much more bull than I'd already thought....all I will say is that if I were a reader of Jillian Samuels I'd not believe anything she told me...sorry but a potentially good book needs a very intense rewrite for both credibility and reader experience...as it stands Two Stars is an exaggeration, sorry.
I had real issues with the authors style in this yarn. McGarvey Black's writing is like a mindless Channel 4 reality TV show script - repeating/updating after ad breakS...with an added annoyance of hinting at what was to come after some event or other - ok as a one off but another victim of the repetition cycle as it's used too often...and when you get to The End you realise also a little misleading.
The basic premise, fledgling novelist finds that events from her earlier books are being played out for real, has potential but the struggle to turn pages has me easily distracted. Googling McGarvey Black I find that she has a number of books already out there - I've not looked at any to establish if the style is a constant though, I'm focussing on Trust Only Me. What I have ascertained from Google is that there might be semi - biographical content as our heroine, Jillian Samuels, shares experiences and research methods with the author, both are New Yorkers, both work with media (advertising v recruitment - but the authors best friend is a PR pin cushion), both read newspapers looking for inspiration/storylines...
In the end I set a few hours aside to see if I could make it to the end of the book. I was easily distracted (for instance I thought it was a reasonable excuse to stop reading and start drafting a review)...but I cracked on, my Kindle suggesting I only needed 2½ hours to finish it ...I was at the halfway point and the recurring Detective double act are interviewing "Jills" to see if they can find any reason that her books might be getting real-life enactments...in the dialogue there's reference to "the Jolly Roger", and surprise given that an adult would know it's connection to old fashioned piracy - I audibly sighed to an empty room...it's going to be a long 150 minutes if this is the standard I'm facing - surely there can't be an adult in the Western World that would be surprised about that, shiver me timbers?
So, an hour on and the double act are back to see the author (Chapter 36 if you're interested)...how do we know this, because looking out of the window she sees that "their" car was parked in front of her house...this is their fourth visit - and they used three different cars previously..a few weeks pass and no new bodies or incidents occur, says so top of the page later in the same chapter, so why is Jills now using the excuse "bodies are turning up and the police pop in every other week"...when it's established that they're not and they don't...is it me or is there something lazy or just plain wrong here?
I'm definitely not invested in the book as much as I'd like to be...now I just want to get to the end and see if I've spotted who it might be that's doing the bad deeds, and whether the two sub-plots I've spotted are going the way I think they are...
45 minutes to go...I stopped to eat supper, stripped down a chicken, cleaned the kitchen worktop...any excuse, but back to the grind and in Chapter 41 she spots "their car" again! Two chapters on and confirmation that one sub-plot nonsense was spotted correctly - if you do read the book I'm sure you'll see it coming a mile off too...the other was only partly correct, but (SPOILER) as Jillian had invented a few social media folk herself was a bit of a non-event...
...and so to the closing chapter when we learn who really done it and realise that everything that went before was so much more bull than I'd already thought....all I will say is that if I were a reader of Jillian Samuels I'd not believe anything she told me...sorry but a potentially good book needs a very intense rewrite for both credibility and reader experience...as it stands Two Stars is an exaggeration, sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
Book Title: Trust Only Me
Author: McGarvey Black
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: January 28, 2023
My Rating: 4+ Stars
Jillian Samuels is a self-published author of three thrillers –all were purchased by relatives and friends needless to say Jillian’s career is having some struggles.
She is excited when her manuscript “The Soul Collector” has being accepted by an agent! She is convinced her struggles are finally paying off and is sure this book will be a success and put her name of the ‘thriller’ map.
Her best friend Natalie Bloom calls her to tell her that there is ‘something weird on Twitter’. @Aussiegirl9876 is tweeting that a copycat is using Jillian’s first thriller “A Burning Desire’ to commit the same disasters.
An explosion occurs at a warehouse just as a min-Superman was seen flying over the building. Others on Social media have noticed the similarities and are speculating that Jillian’s book is being used for inspiration like a blueprint! – Yikes Jillian life is becoming a nightmare!
Story started off VERY interesting and had my attention then switched to slow back story info.
Jillian’s husband Teddy is a chef-described at one of the “Top 100 Rising Culinary Stars”. He wants to open his own restaurant but needs a lot of financial support. He has been able to secure a fifty thousand load but it isn’t close to what is needed. Both he and Jillian are hopeful her book will do well and bring the financial backing needed.
Her mother has memory issues and many times believes Jillian is her sister Camille – who had a troubled life.
This part of the story is kind of interesting but is long and drags! It is similar to when one wants to paint a room- the prep work is long and boring.
TRUST me ~ hang in there! The ending had my head spinning.
In Ms. Black’s Goodreads Bio, she states –“My stories are character driven and I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that get my imagination going”.
I always love reading the 'Author’s Notes’ and/or 'Acknowledgements' as I was soo curious of Ms. Black inspiration – since she mentioned she is inspired by real people. However, since this is an early eGalley they weren't included but I will check into when released! 😀
I want to know how in the world she thought of this!!!🤔
True McGarvey Black has a very vivid if not wicked imagination; additionally has a fab sense of humor –found myself laughing out loud several times.
Want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 28, 2023
Author: McGarvey Black
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: January 28, 2023
My Rating: 4+ Stars
Jillian Samuels is a self-published author of three thrillers –all were purchased by relatives and friends needless to say Jillian’s career is having some struggles.
She is excited when her manuscript “The Soul Collector” has being accepted by an agent! She is convinced her struggles are finally paying off and is sure this book will be a success and put her name of the ‘thriller’ map.
Her best friend Natalie Bloom calls her to tell her that there is ‘something weird on Twitter’. @Aussiegirl9876 is tweeting that a copycat is using Jillian’s first thriller “A Burning Desire’ to commit the same disasters.
An explosion occurs at a warehouse just as a min-Superman was seen flying over the building. Others on Social media have noticed the similarities and are speculating that Jillian’s book is being used for inspiration like a blueprint! – Yikes Jillian life is becoming a nightmare!
Story started off VERY interesting and had my attention then switched to slow back story info.
Jillian’s husband Teddy is a chef-described at one of the “Top 100 Rising Culinary Stars”. He wants to open his own restaurant but needs a lot of financial support. He has been able to secure a fifty thousand load but it isn’t close to what is needed. Both he and Jillian are hopeful her book will do well and bring the financial backing needed.
Her mother has memory issues and many times believes Jillian is her sister Camille – who had a troubled life.
This part of the story is kind of interesting but is long and drags! It is similar to when one wants to paint a room- the prep work is long and boring.
TRUST me ~ hang in there! The ending had my head spinning.
In Ms. Black’s Goodreads Bio, she states –“My stories are character driven and I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that get my imagination going”.
I always love reading the 'Author’s Notes’ and/or 'Acknowledgements' as I was soo curious of Ms. Black inspiration – since she mentioned she is inspired by real people. However, since this is an early eGalley they weren't included but I will check into when released! 😀
I want to know how in the world she thought of this!!!🤔
True McGarvey Black has a very vivid if not wicked imagination; additionally has a fab sense of humor –found myself laughing out loud several times.
Want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 28, 2023
March 10, 2023
What a wild read! Loved it!
Can I have more books like this one, please?
The book starts with the struggles of a self-published author who has no idea what to do once she is getting traditionally published. That is so relatable for anyone who has had anything self-published!
At first, for the first 40-50% I felt weird about the main character. It felt like as I read, I still really know nothing about her as a human, about her personality, thoughts, or feelings. I do know that she has no idea what to do to promote herself and her new book and we do know that she doesn’t know how to find any help with that, she doesn’t even know that she is allowed to ask for help. This makes a big part of the book.
Then there is a sketchy agent and an unreliable publisher, both seem borderline scammy and way too uninvolved in the book publishing process.
There is a husband who at first seems too good to be true but then gets super sketchy and douchebagy even.
Then there is a best friend who isn’t really there, and the friendship is way too surface-level to be a real meaningful friendship.
There are so many characters to hate in this book!
I read a few reviews and I saw others mentioned that the real action starts in the last 30% of the book.
When I was at 69%, I got really antsy, yay, can’t wait for all the action!
Although the first 70% was an intense read and I was hooked from the beginning, indeed all the real action started after 70% and then it was, well, a really wild ride! There were some predictable twists and then there were some quite surprising ones.
Also, by the end of the book, the main character comes really alive and everything suddenly makes sense, and suddenly it no longer feels like there is not enough about her as a human. Suddenly she is like an open book. As I was reading the ending of the book, I was just nodding and going all – yup, that makes sense now, ok, yeah, I didn’t see this one coming, but this makes sense now also.
Can I have more books like this one, please?
The book starts with the struggles of a self-published author who has no idea what to do once she is getting traditionally published. That is so relatable for anyone who has had anything self-published!
At first, for the first 40-50% I felt weird about the main character. It felt like as I read, I still really know nothing about her as a human, about her personality, thoughts, or feelings. I do know that she has no idea what to do to promote herself and her new book and we do know that she doesn’t know how to find any help with that, she doesn’t even know that she is allowed to ask for help. This makes a big part of the book.
Then there is a sketchy agent and an unreliable publisher, both seem borderline scammy and way too uninvolved in the book publishing process.
There is a husband who at first seems too good to be true but then gets super sketchy and douchebagy even.
Then there is a best friend who isn’t really there, and the friendship is way too surface-level to be a real meaningful friendship.
There are so many characters to hate in this book!
I read a few reviews and I saw others mentioned that the real action starts in the last 30% of the book.
When I was at 69%, I got really antsy, yay, can’t wait for all the action!
Although the first 70% was an intense read and I was hooked from the beginning, indeed all the real action started after 70% and then it was, well, a really wild ride! There were some predictable twists and then there were some quite surprising ones.
Also, by the end of the book, the main character comes really alive and everything suddenly makes sense, and suddenly it no longer feels like there is not enough about her as a human. Suddenly she is like an open book. As I was reading the ending of the book, I was just nodding and going all – yup, that makes sense now, ok, yeah, I didn’t see this one coming, but this makes sense now also.
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