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Vicious Cycle: A Thriller
- GenresMystery
317 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Parker Stickle
5 books25 followersJaime Parker Stickle is an actor and writer and holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside. She is the creator and co-host of the hilarious and poignant podcast, Make That Paper, and is also the creator and host of the new storytelling series “Okay, You Guys…” in Los Angeles. Her published work can be seen in the 2018 and 2019 Adelaide Literary Anthology among other places. She has worked as the managing editor for the literary journal The Coachella Review and is currently co-editor of the literary journal – GXRL. She is the recipient of a Virginia G. Piper Desert Nights Rising Stars Fellowship.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 11, 2025
I'm giving this book a 3.5 star rating, since I see a LOT of potential in this author's writing.
This book approaches something I hadn't quite seen in any other book, which is postpartum OCD and anxiety, and it was portrayed in this very raw manner, which I appreciated.
I did find it hard to delve into this book at first, since the writing style isn't my usual type (it had a lot of "breaks" in the same chapter, a lot of going back and forward in her thoughts and the present scene, which broke my train of thought and made the text seem chopped up). But, once I got halfway through it, it got a lot more interesting and the writing seemed to just flow.
The characters aren't one-dimensional, and the storyline is compelling, I couldn't wait to figure out what had happened to these characters. The only thing I'll say about it, is that the "descovering" parts were a bit anti-climatic but I still enjoyed it.
I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was honestly, my pleasure!! Curious to see new books from this author :)
This book approaches something I hadn't quite seen in any other book, which is postpartum OCD and anxiety, and it was portrayed in this very raw manner, which I appreciated.
I did find it hard to delve into this book at first, since the writing style isn't my usual type (it had a lot of "breaks" in the same chapter, a lot of going back and forward in her thoughts and the present scene, which broke my train of thought and made the text seem chopped up). But, once I got halfway through it, it got a lot more interesting and the writing seemed to just flow.
The characters aren't one-dimensional, and the storyline is compelling, I couldn't wait to figure out what had happened to these characters. The only thing I'll say about it, is that the "descovering" parts were a bit anti-climatic but I still enjoyed it.
I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was honestly, my pleasure!! Curious to see new books from this author :)
June 30, 2025
4.5 stars!!
This read is exactly what you’d expect from its vibrant, eye-catching cover. If you’re a fan of Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan, then you’re in for a treat—because we could all use more independent, kickass women in our lives!
The story follows new mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman, who is shaken by the news of two teenage girls found hanged in a local park. Disturbed by the media's casual framing of the tragedy as a result of rising street crime, Corey feels compelled to investigate, drawing on her background as a former reporter and her experience teaching spin classes. As she navigates motherhood and her own postpartum anxiety, Corey uncovers deeper truths when a third murder occurs, pushing her quest for answers.
Meet Corey, a new mom navigating the wild waters of motherhood with a fierce work ethic and impressive problem-solving skills. She’s fun, relatable, and a joy to follow on the page. Honestly, I could picture myself in her shoes—if I had a child, that is! Corey is the quintessential nurturer: no drama queen here, just a straight-talking gal grappling with post-tantrum OCD and anxiety. The situations and descriptions are so authentic that you might just think this story is based on a real person. It adds a layer of realism that makes it all the more engaging.
The writing flows effortlessly, with short chapters that allow you to kick back and enjoy the ride with this charming character. Sure, you could nitpick all you want, but at the end of the day, this woman is simply trying to adjust to life with a newborn, cope with the loss of her recent job, and navigate the blues that many of us face more often than we’d like to admit.
If you enjoy murder mysteries, upbeat narratives, and a sprinkle of emotional or dark humorous moments, then this book is tailor-made for you. The ending is fantastic, and I loved every bit of it. I’m already eager to see more of Corey and hope for a sequel or another mystery to unravel soon! This debut is a delightful romp, and I can’t wait to dive into more works by this author. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, kick your feet up, and lose yourself in a book that will help you forget your troubles for a few hours. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This read is exactly what you’d expect from its vibrant, eye-catching cover. If you’re a fan of Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan, then you’re in for a treat—because we could all use more independent, kickass women in our lives!
The story follows new mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman, who is shaken by the news of two teenage girls found hanged in a local park. Disturbed by the media's casual framing of the tragedy as a result of rising street crime, Corey feels compelled to investigate, drawing on her background as a former reporter and her experience teaching spin classes. As she navigates motherhood and her own postpartum anxiety, Corey uncovers deeper truths when a third murder occurs, pushing her quest for answers.
Meet Corey, a new mom navigating the wild waters of motherhood with a fierce work ethic and impressive problem-solving skills. She’s fun, relatable, and a joy to follow on the page. Honestly, I could picture myself in her shoes—if I had a child, that is! Corey is the quintessential nurturer: no drama queen here, just a straight-talking gal grappling with post-tantrum OCD and anxiety. The situations and descriptions are so authentic that you might just think this story is based on a real person. It adds a layer of realism that makes it all the more engaging.
The writing flows effortlessly, with short chapters that allow you to kick back and enjoy the ride with this charming character. Sure, you could nitpick all you want, but at the end of the day, this woman is simply trying to adjust to life with a newborn, cope with the loss of her recent job, and navigate the blues that many of us face more often than we’d like to admit.
If you enjoy murder mysteries, upbeat narratives, and a sprinkle of emotional or dark humorous moments, then this book is tailor-made for you. The ending is fantastic, and I loved every bit of it. I’m already eager to see more of Corey and hope for a sequel or another mystery to unravel soon! This debut is a delightful romp, and I can’t wait to dive into more works by this author. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, kick your feet up, and lose yourself in a book that will help you forget your troubles for a few hours. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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June 9, 2025Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of Vicious Cycle, all thoughts and reviews are solely my own.
Vicious Cycle breaks away from the standard thriller and you can't help falling in love with Corey, a new mom who is not only dealing with post partum and OCD but who also newly lost her job. She decides to take it on herself to start investigating a series of women's murders after the second body is found in her neighborhood.
Corey is startling real, gravitational, and a character you empathize with.
What a great book from start to finish, easy pacing, and perfect ending!
Make sure to pick a copy of this one up when it hits the shelves!
Vicious Cycle breaks away from the standard thriller and you can't help falling in love with Corey, a new mom who is not only dealing with post partum and OCD but who also newly lost her job. She decides to take it on herself to start investigating a series of women's murders after the second body is found in her neighborhood.
Corey is startling real, gravitational, and a character you empathize with.
What a great book from start to finish, easy pacing, and perfect ending!
Make sure to pick a copy of this one up when it hits the shelves!
June 3, 2025
Vicious Cycle is a clever title indeed. I enjoyed this read; it kept me hooked. It was a great insight into how the messiness of mental illness mixes so insidiously with the systemic issues that women face as they balance careers, relationships, parenthood and above all their relationship with themselves. I appreciate the broader commentary on gentrification and the inequitable ways in which crimes against minorities are brushed away, but I did feel that the "mystery" component didn't stand as strongly in the plot. This book shines when I take it as a journey with Corey's tryst with postpartum anxiety, psychosis and realisations on what she wants for herself; the mystery pieces were a bit predictable though.
All in all, definitely an exhilarating read, never felt like a drag!
All in all, definitely an exhilarating read, never felt like a drag!
July 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up like they taught us in math class!)
Corey Tracey-Lieberman is a BADASS! Momma extraordinaire, dealing with postpartum anxiety and OCD and a husband who clearly doesn’t know how to “handle” her/it; all while solving murders and teaching spin class. Yeah. You read that right. She is one tough lady and the journey we take with her is heartfelt, realistic and humbling. If you don’t walk away from this book wanting to see the next adventure you’ll go on with Corey—then read it again.
I enjoy the short chapters and breaks. That’s my style of reading. The story flows, never stalls and aside from a few moments where I just wanted to slap Evan, her husband; this is an incredible debut novel by JPS.
A special thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. A friend and colleague who I would never BS with a fluffy review. You earned it girl, every single star. 🌟
Corey Tracey-Lieberman is a BADASS! Momma extraordinaire, dealing with postpartum anxiety and OCD and a husband who clearly doesn’t know how to “handle” her/it; all while solving murders and teaching spin class. Yeah. You read that right. She is one tough lady and the journey we take with her is heartfelt, realistic and humbling. If you don’t walk away from this book wanting to see the next adventure you’ll go on with Corey—then read it again.
I enjoy the short chapters and breaks. That’s my style of reading. The story flows, never stalls and aside from a few moments where I just wanted to slap Evan, her husband; this is an incredible debut novel by JPS.
A special thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. A friend and colleague who I would never BS with a fluffy review. You earned it girl, every single star. 🌟
June 5, 2025
𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧? 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧.
Judging from the cover, you would think this would be a darkly comedic read--and you would be wrong. While marketed as a thriller, there are some really deep themes in this one, particularly postpartum issues, gentrification, crimes against minorities, and more. There is definitely a mystery at play here, but the other issues take center stage, as they rightfully should.
Corey is a new mother struggling with intrusive thoughts that are worsened by the horrific news of two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Sadly, the news reports are fleeting and casual, blaming an increase in crime in the area. Corey is aware of the gentrification in the area, but she's seen no increase in crime, and she should know--she's a former broadcast journalist.
But now her days are spent teaching spin classes with her nine-month-old baby in tow because she's terrified to be away from him. Instead of chasing a story, she's cleaning spit-up. She's resigned herself to her new life when another death occurs, this time one far too close to home. Her inner journalist awakens, and she knows she has to launch her own investigation.
I really felt for Corey and her situation while also being angry at the real-life issues the author brought to life. Fair and accurate investigations for all crime victims is something sorely lacking in all parts of the globe. The loss of identity a woman feels when she becomes a mother was brilliantly explored as well. I'm glad to see this is the beginning of a series. I can't wait to see what Corey investigates next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the early copy. Look for this one October 21, 2025.
Judging from the cover, you would think this would be a darkly comedic read--and you would be wrong. While marketed as a thriller, there are some really deep themes in this one, particularly postpartum issues, gentrification, crimes against minorities, and more. There is definitely a mystery at play here, but the other issues take center stage, as they rightfully should.
Corey is a new mother struggling with intrusive thoughts that are worsened by the horrific news of two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Sadly, the news reports are fleeting and casual, blaming an increase in crime in the area. Corey is aware of the gentrification in the area, but she's seen no increase in crime, and she should know--she's a former broadcast journalist.
But now her days are spent teaching spin classes with her nine-month-old baby in tow because she's terrified to be away from him. Instead of chasing a story, she's cleaning spit-up. She's resigned herself to her new life when another death occurs, this time one far too close to home. Her inner journalist awakens, and she knows she has to launch her own investigation.
I really felt for Corey and her situation while also being angry at the real-life issues the author brought to life. Fair and accurate investigations for all crime victims is something sorely lacking in all parts of the globe. The loss of identity a woman feels when she becomes a mother was brilliantly explored as well. I'm glad to see this is the beginning of a series. I can't wait to see what Corey investigates next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the early copy. Look for this one October 21, 2025.
June 24, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In Vicious Cycle, Jaime Parker Stickle delivers a debut as emotionally raw as it is sharply observant—a psychological thriller that dares to blend postpartum anxiety, gentrification, and murder into a single, breathless narrative.
The result is a novel that doesn’t just entertain—it interrogates.
Corey Tracey-Lieberman, a former broadcast journalist turned spin instructor and new mother, is the kind of protagonist we don’t see enough of: flawed, funny, and fiercely perceptive. When two Latina teens are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as gang-related, Corey’s instincts kick in. What follows is a gripping amateur investigation—baby strapped to her chest, intrusive thoughts in tow—that exposes not only a chilling pattern of violence but also the systemic apathy that allows it to fester.
Stickle’s prose is brisk and biting, laced with gallows humor and moments of startling tenderness. She captures the disorientation of early motherhood with unflinching honesty, and her portrayal of mental health—particularly postpartum OCD and anxiety—is both nuanced and necessary. The mystery itself is compelling, though it’s the emotional terrain that truly elevates the novel. Corey’s sleuthing is less about solving a crime and more about reclaiming agency in a world that keeps trying to write her off.
Vicious Cycle refuses to separate the personal from the political. Stickle threads commentary on gentrification, media bias, and the invisibility of marginalized victims through every twist and turn. It’s a thriller with teeth—and a heart.
In Vicious Cycle, Jaime Parker Stickle delivers a debut as emotionally raw as it is sharply observant—a psychological thriller that dares to blend postpartum anxiety, gentrification, and murder into a single, breathless narrative.
The result is a novel that doesn’t just entertain—it interrogates.
Corey Tracey-Lieberman, a former broadcast journalist turned spin instructor and new mother, is the kind of protagonist we don’t see enough of: flawed, funny, and fiercely perceptive. When two Latina teens are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as gang-related, Corey’s instincts kick in. What follows is a gripping amateur investigation—baby strapped to her chest, intrusive thoughts in tow—that exposes not only a chilling pattern of violence but also the systemic apathy that allows it to fester.
Stickle’s prose is brisk and biting, laced with gallows humor and moments of startling tenderness. She captures the disorientation of early motherhood with unflinching honesty, and her portrayal of mental health—particularly postpartum OCD and anxiety—is both nuanced and necessary. The mystery itself is compelling, though it’s the emotional terrain that truly elevates the novel. Corey’s sleuthing is less about solving a crime and more about reclaiming agency in a world that keeps trying to write her off.
Vicious Cycle refuses to separate the personal from the political. Stickle threads commentary on gentrification, media bias, and the invisibility of marginalized victims through every twist and turn. It’s a thriller with teeth—and a heart.
October 9, 2025
Corey Tracey-Lieberman is mostly lost in her own fog of post-partum depression and anxiety when two teens are murdered in her local park. After her friend and spin-cycling co-teacher is found dead in the same park, Corey draws on all her previous expertise as an investigative journalist to find out what happened to all three victims.
Corey manages this with her baby in hand while battling extremely disturbing intrusive thoughts and crippling anxiety. Her husband is on the sidelines, urging her to get help but doesn’t have a clear understanding of the turmoil swirling around in Corey’s mind. As much as I wanted to find out who the killer is, I wanted to see Corey get help and find peace and calm for herself.
(At first, I was pretty sure the title was merely a clever pun spun around the fact Corey teaches spinning classes (a stationary bike aerobics class) but I really think it has as much to do with the vicious cycle Corey finds herself in with her own intrusive thoughts and finding help to get her through the depression.)
Stickle doesn’t shy away from problems like gentrification and social disparities that plague most US cities. If you like how Michael Connelly, Naomi Hirahara, and Steph Cha make you feel like you ‘know’ their patch of LA, you’ll appreciate how Stickle brings another LA neighborhood into view.
The story is engaging, the characters and setting are believable and relatable, and the writing solid. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ViciousCycle #NetGalley
Corey manages this with her baby in hand while battling extremely disturbing intrusive thoughts and crippling anxiety. Her husband is on the sidelines, urging her to get help but doesn’t have a clear understanding of the turmoil swirling around in Corey’s mind. As much as I wanted to find out who the killer is, I wanted to see Corey get help and find peace and calm for herself.
(At first, I was pretty sure the title was merely a clever pun spun around the fact Corey teaches spinning classes (a stationary bike aerobics class) but I really think it has as much to do with the vicious cycle Corey finds herself in with her own intrusive thoughts and finding help to get her through the depression.)
Stickle doesn’t shy away from problems like gentrification and social disparities that plague most US cities. If you like how Michael Connelly, Naomi Hirahara, and Steph Cha make you feel like you ‘know’ their patch of LA, you’ll appreciate how Stickle brings another LA neighborhood into view.
The story is engaging, the characters and setting are believable and relatable, and the writing solid. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ViciousCycle #NetGalley
July 23, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Vicious Cycle from start to finish. This smart, original thriller follows Corey, a former investigative reporter turned new mom battling postpartum anxiety and OCD. After being fired from her dream job at a major LA news channel, Corey starts teaching spin classes at a local gym, her once-busy life now reduced to routines with her 9-month-old son, Jacob—whom she rarely lets out of sight.
But when two teens are found dead in a nearby park, Corey's investigative instincts kick back in. Things escalate when a co-worker goes missing and is later found dead in the same park. Corey becomes fixated on solving the cases, convinced they’re connected. As the tension builds, the story delivers unexpected twists, a colorful cast of characters, and multiple suspects to keep you guessing.
What sets this novel apart is its tone—it’s not your typical dark thriller. Jaime Parker Stickle balances suspense with humor and empathy. Corey is a compelling, relatable protagonist whose raw vulnerability and sharp wit make her unforgettable. Her journey through anxiety, motherhood, and mystery-solving is handled with nuance and heart.
Vicious Cycle is fast-paced, engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt. A fantastic debut—I highly recommend it!
I give this book a 4.5/5
**** Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
But when two teens are found dead in a nearby park, Corey's investigative instincts kick back in. Things escalate when a co-worker goes missing and is later found dead in the same park. Corey becomes fixated on solving the cases, convinced they’re connected. As the tension builds, the story delivers unexpected twists, a colorful cast of characters, and multiple suspects to keep you guessing.
What sets this novel apart is its tone—it’s not your typical dark thriller. Jaime Parker Stickle balances suspense with humor and empathy. Corey is a compelling, relatable protagonist whose raw vulnerability and sharp wit make her unforgettable. Her journey through anxiety, motherhood, and mystery-solving is handled with nuance and heart.
Vicious Cycle is fast-paced, engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt. A fantastic debut—I highly recommend it!
I give this book a 4.5/5
**** Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
August 2, 2025
First off, can we make a little commotion for the cover? It’s absolutely stunning! I was first drawn in by the cover and I expected something darkly comedic or quirky based on the design. Instead, this was an emotionally rich, sharply written, socially aware mystery that kept surprising me with all its goodies.
New mom Corey Tracey Lieberman is barely holding it together. Between spin classes and sleepless nights, she’s just trying to survive postpartum life. But when two teenage girls are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as “just more street crime,” Corey’s journalist instincts kick in. And when a third death hits even closer to home, she can’t ignore the pull to investigate.
This debut had me hooked. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but it’s also so much more. It touches on issues of postpartum anxiety, gentrification, media bias, and the messy, beautiful loss of identity that comes with motherhood. It’s smart, emotional, and unexpectedly funny.
Corey is sharp, flawed, and painfully real, one of those characters you root for instantly. The chapters fly by, and the ending? Fantastic.
If you love a side of social commentary with your suspense, a touch of dark humor, and a FMC who feels relatable, then this might be a really good pick for you.
Thank you to ThomasAndMercer for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback
New mom Corey Tracey Lieberman is barely holding it together. Between spin classes and sleepless nights, she’s just trying to survive postpartum life. But when two teenage girls are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as “just more street crime,” Corey’s journalist instincts kick in. And when a third death hits even closer to home, she can’t ignore the pull to investigate.
This debut had me hooked. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but it’s also so much more. It touches on issues of postpartum anxiety, gentrification, media bias, and the messy, beautiful loss of identity that comes with motherhood. It’s smart, emotional, and unexpectedly funny.
Corey is sharp, flawed, and painfully real, one of those characters you root for instantly. The chapters fly by, and the ending? Fantastic.
If you love a side of social commentary with your suspense, a touch of dark humor, and a FMC who feels relatable, then this might be a really good pick for you.
Thank you to ThomasAndMercer for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback
May 26, 2025
Confession: it took me far too long to realize the main characters worked at a spin studio, and I couldn’t grasp the reasoning for the title of the book. Once that became clear, the book made so much more sense.
It reminded me slightly of Little Voices by Vanessa Lilley, but without the psychosis.
As a two time mom, both times with intrusive thoughts but only once treated for post-partum depression, I found myself both relating to Corey’s struggles and also angry and her for not seeking help. There is no shame in needing help, needing medicine, or needing to speak to someone. Post partum blues clear up, both post partum depression and anxiety and OCD linger. Ya need to talk to someone.
All this to say, this book was lovely. It had me hooked, and touched so many different parts of motherhood and murder mystery.
CAWPILE score: 60
Rating: 4.25
* I read this book on NetGalley
It reminded me slightly of Little Voices by Vanessa Lilley, but without the psychosis.
As a two time mom, both times with intrusive thoughts but only once treated for post-partum depression, I found myself both relating to Corey’s struggles and also angry and her for not seeking help. There is no shame in needing help, needing medicine, or needing to speak to someone. Post partum blues clear up, both post partum depression and anxiety and OCD linger. Ya need to talk to someone.
All this to say, this book was lovely. It had me hooked, and touched so many different parts of motherhood and murder mystery.
CAWPILE score: 60
Rating: 4.25
* I read this book on NetGalley
July 24, 2025
By Jamie Parker Stickle
Digital/Kindle
Publishes Oct 21, 2025
I ate this thriller right up. I could NOT put it down. Corey, the main character and her experiences in postpartum anxiety were raw and real. She is such a strong bad ass mom. Ive taken many spin classes I cant imagine having a baby while doing spin let alone teaching it. I cant wait for the next book in this series because I just need more. The short chapters that grab your attention make it so hard to walk away, I kept saying one more chapter until it was 2 am and I finished the book because I couldn’t stop reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.
Digital/Kindle
Publishes Oct 21, 2025
I ate this thriller right up. I could NOT put it down. Corey, the main character and her experiences in postpartum anxiety were raw and real. She is such a strong bad ass mom. Ive taken many spin classes I cant imagine having a baby while doing spin let alone teaching it. I cant wait for the next book in this series because I just need more. The short chapters that grab your attention make it so hard to walk away, I kept saying one more chapter until it was 2 am and I finished the book because I couldn’t stop reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.
June 11, 2025
I like the mental health rep of this book, not a lot of books go as in depth with it as this one did - which made this book completely unique. It added a layer to the many you will note as you read through and get pulled into this story. This isn't my usual read but it sounded interesting and I'm glad I gave it a chance. The story was amazing, as were the characters. I also really liked the author's writing style, and plan on adding any other works of hers onto my TBR.
August 1, 2025
An unusual story for sure, I got drawn deeper and deeper till I just had to know what was coming next! From investigative reporting to spin cycling - what a pivot life gave Corey. One can't help being fascinated by the way her mind skips and stutters. Loved the baby too - poor little fellow. Chris, the supportive friend make for an intriguing person, and way more of a good fit than the husband - would love to know more of his backstory. Waiting for part 2!
November 16, 2025
to echo some of the other reviews, the book had a lot of potential. i think the author was trying to juggle too many themes. the commentary on gentrification, white saviorism, post partum depression, OCD, anxiety etc. while very central to the character, i feel like there wasn’t much focus on the actual story of the murders and therefore anti climatic. tbh was hoping for a alfred hitchcock psycho moment for corey. buuut hate to disappoint.
May 22, 2025
I got a copy of this book before it's publication date via NetGalley.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!
The main character, Corey, experiences postpartum anxiety and I FELT it viscerally. I've lived in NELA for 22 years and the author captured it perfectly. I'm at a loss for words - great murder mystery with so much honest humanity in the characters.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!
The main character, Corey, experiences postpartum anxiety and I FELT it viscerally. I've lived in NELA for 22 years and the author captured it perfectly. I'm at a loss for words - great murder mystery with so much honest humanity in the characters.
September 13, 2025
Vicious Cycle is a raw, fast-paced thrill-ride. This emotionally charged story is unlike any crime fiction I’ve ever read, and kept me guessing, along with our protagonist, at who might have committed these heinous crimes, and why. This was a fantastic read – one of the best in many years, and I am so excited to see what comes next from Jaime Parker Stickle!
September 28, 2025
Corey Tracey-Lieberman is disturbed by the news of two teenage girls found hanged in a local park. The media is framing the tragedy as a result of street crime. Corey is certain that this is not the case and feels compelled to investigate, drawing on her background as a former reporter. As she cares for her nine-month-old son and battles postpartum anxiety, Corey uncovers something deeper when a third murder occurs.
This is Jaime Parker Stickle’s debut novel, and there is a lot to like about it. I really enjoyed the character of Corey and Stickle’s raw and real portrayal of postpartum OCD and anxiety. My only complaint about this book is that it is marketed as a thriller, and I would consider it more of a mystery. I was also a bit of a slow-burn. It took a while for the clues to start appearing and the mystery to start getting good. Overall, I would give this one 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is Jaime Parker Stickle’s debut novel, and there is a lot to like about it. I really enjoyed the character of Corey and Stickle’s raw and real portrayal of postpartum OCD and anxiety. My only complaint about this book is that it is marketed as a thriller, and I would consider it more of a mystery. I was also a bit of a slow-burn. It took a while for the clues to start appearing and the mystery to start getting good. Overall, I would give this one 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 24, 2025
Mothers will be ever anxious as they work through the local murders with new mother, former investigative reporter, and current spin instructor Corey Tracey-Lieberman. As we are strapped to her person and carted around LA the murders, written off by LAPDs finest come into focus, as does the anxiety, panic, depression, and blackouts of our own narrator.
July 27, 2025
A reported turned spin instructor gets sucked into a local mystery and tries to solve it while juggling her postpartum anxiety. Very well-written with a strong female lead.
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
I struggled with this one, unfortunately it was not for me.
I didn’t connect with the female main character, and while I understood she was going through all sorts of postpartum anxiety and psychosis I had a hard time reading about her decisions and how they kept getting worse and worse. I feel this is marketed as a thriller, but I don’t think it is a thriller. I didn’t relate to the main character at all and had difficulty with her spiralling out of control. The book is well written, and the characters seem well developed and fleshed out.
Would recommend if you are someone who enjoys literary fiction with a hero who solves murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
I didn’t connect with the female main character, and while I understood she was going through all sorts of postpartum anxiety and psychosis I had a hard time reading about her decisions and how they kept getting worse and worse. I feel this is marketed as a thriller, but I don’t think it is a thriller. I didn’t relate to the main character at all and had difficulty with her spiralling out of control. The book is well written, and the characters seem well developed and fleshed out.
Would recommend if you are someone who enjoys literary fiction with a hero who solves murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
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