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Corey in Los Angeles #1
Vicious Cycle
A former reporter gets a new spin on life in this gripping debut from author Jaime Parker Stickle, whose psychological roller-coaster ride set in sunny Los Angeles tackles motherhood and murder.
New mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman wakes up to nightmarish two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Even more unsettling is how the news casually casts the tragedy as the result of increasing street crime, as if the victims’ lives didn’t really matter.
Corey knows better. In the six years she’s lived in Highland Park, she’s seen gentrification but no uptick in criminal activity. A former broadcast journalist, she knows all about spin—and not just the media kind. She now teaches spin classes in the neighborhood, between caring for her nine-month-old son and battling postpartum anxiety.
When police efforts fall short, Corey launches her own investigation into the hangings, flexing her idle sleuthing skills with baby in tow. And after a third murder strikes too close to home, she knows she’s onto something big.
An emotional gut punch tempered by belly laughs, Vicious Cycle is a tour de force certain to thrill all readers.
New mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman wakes up to nightmarish two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Even more unsettling is how the news casually casts the tragedy as the result of increasing street crime, as if the victims’ lives didn’t really matter.
Corey knows better. In the six years she’s lived in Highland Park, she’s seen gentrification but no uptick in criminal activity. A former broadcast journalist, she knows all about spin—and not just the media kind. She now teaches spin classes in the neighborhood, between caring for her nine-month-old son and battling postpartum anxiety.
When police efforts fall short, Corey launches her own investigation into the hangings, flexing her idle sleuthing skills with baby in tow. And after a third murder strikes too close to home, she knows she’s onto something big.
An emotional gut punch tempered by belly laughs, Vicious Cycle is a tour de force certain to thrill all readers.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
About the author
Jaime Parker Stickle
3 books42 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 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 10, 2026
3.75 Stars
The off-duty investigative type case that Corey is involved in comes secondary to the character development that is Corey herself.
The character development was strong with Corey but it would have been great if that was spread out a bit more so I would have cared more about what was going on in the secondary story as much as with her OCD and post partum anxiety. The case constituted to her episodes but other than that it was just kind of meh.
I definitely enjoy the authors style of writing and the wittiness of Corey. I will be checking out more of this authors work.
Decent read.
The off-duty investigative type case that Corey is involved in comes secondary to the character development that is Corey herself.
The character development was strong with Corey but it would have been great if that was spread out a bit more so I would have cared more about what was going on in the secondary story as much as with her OCD and post partum anxiety. The case constituted to her episodes but other than that it was just kind of meh.
I definitely enjoy the authors style of writing and the wittiness of Corey. I will be checking out more of this authors work.
Decent read.
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 :)
October 20, 2025
A former reporter gets a new spin on life as she tackles motherhood and murder.
This book is full of suspense and emotion as Corey uses her former reporting skills to follow up neighborhood murders. As Corey battles anxiety and postpartum depression she launches her own investigation with her baby by her side.
I appreciated the addition of life and its struggles as the mystery unfolded. I think this will find its audience- there is a heavy emotional aspect that may not appeal to those just looking for a thriller. I also enjoyed Corey and her heart, her dedication to solve the crimes was critical to the success of the story.
Thank you to the author, Jaime Parker Stickle, Publisher Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This book is full of suspense and emotion as Corey uses her former reporting skills to follow up neighborhood murders. As Corey battles anxiety and postpartum depression she launches her own investigation with her baby by her side.
I appreciated the addition of life and its struggles as the mystery unfolded. I think this will find its audience- there is a heavy emotional aspect that may not appeal to those just looking for a thriller. I also enjoyed Corey and her heart, her dedication to solve the crimes was critical to the success of the story.
Thank you to the author, Jaime Parker Stickle, Publisher Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
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.
October 23, 2025
A woman with a 9-month-old baby, post-partum depression, and a former job as an investigative reporter now fills her time worrying and teaching spin classes. When two brown girls die from strangulation in a neighborhood park, the police assume suicide pact. But Corey Tracey-Lieberman’s “Spidey sense” says there’s something else to worry about and decides to get to the bottom of it, baby in-tow. I realize she’s not at her best (see above), but she can be bitchy and the rest of the characters aren’t much better. She somehow convinces the police to allow her, a former reporter, to assist with the investigation. The plot is fine. The audiobook is well-narrated. I just didn’t care that much about the characters.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ViciousCycle for review purposes. Publication date: 21 October 2025.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ViciousCycle for review purposes. Publication date: 21 October 2025.
February 4, 2026
I basically just hate finished this book. the MC was unlikeable and frankly should not have been alone with her baby in her mental state. The case that she becomes obsessed with is never solved and there is also a weird relationship with "the one who got away".
thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Brilliance Publishing for my copy of this audiobook.
thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Brilliance Publishing for my copy of this audiobook.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was filled with many unlikeable characters for me. Yet I kept reading as I wanted to know what happened to the 2 girls found dead at the Debs. Not to mention Corey’s coworker. Meanwhile, her husband Evan seems shady and is stalking her. Her friend Chris who seems to keep wanting to make a move has his cop cousin watching “out” for her. And she herself is so overcome with her postpartum depression yet is either refusing help or overmedicating and still carrying her son along to dangerous situations. I felt the story was less thriller and more what crazy thing will happen next. Almost like a Finlay Donovan story with less likable characters. This is the1st book which leads me to believe there will be more, and I’m not sure how I feel about reading another.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was filled with many unlikeable characters for me. Yet I kept reading as I wanted to know what happened to the 2 girls found dead at the Debs. Not to mention Corey’s coworker. Meanwhile, her husband Evan seems shady and is stalking her. Her friend Chris who seems to keep wanting to make a move has his cop cousin watching “out” for her. And she herself is so overcome with her postpartum depression yet is either refusing help or overmedicating and still carrying her son along to dangerous situations. I felt the story was less thriller and more what crazy thing will happen next. Almost like a Finlay Donovan story with less likable characters. This is the1st book which leads me to believe there will be more, and I’m not sure how I feel about reading another.
November 11, 2025
This book is more than just your average thriller. Corey is a new mum who lost her previous job as a reporter/investigator. She navigates her new role as a mother dealing with post natal anxiety and intrusive thoughts and relationship challenges. At the same time two girls are founded murdered and Corey can’t help but get involved. I really enjoyed this book. I found it easy to read and it was different to your usual thriller. It’s as much a book about post natal anxiety, panic, ocd and intrusive thoughts as it is a thriller but it made it interesting. It looks like there will be more books for Corey and I’d definitely read them. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book.
June 10, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for this free ARC.
WOW.
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours. I’m a spin class aficionado who loves a good murder mystery, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. Unfortunately I’m an adult with a job and responsibilities, so I did have to put the book down at various points, but I probably could’ve hammered it all out at once.
9.5/10
WOW.
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours. I’m a spin class aficionado who loves a good murder mystery, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. Unfortunately I’m an adult with a job and responsibilities, so I did have to put the book down at various points, but I probably could’ve hammered it all out at once.
9.5/10
October 8, 2025
Motherhood, murder, and mayhem—now that’s a trifecta I didn’t know I needed.
This turned out to be a surprisingly solid read. Think mystery meets women’s fiction: our FMC Corey, a former investigative reporter turned new mom, is knee-deep in postpartum struggles, intrusive thoughts, and marital tension when two teenagers are found hanging. Naturally, she decides the best postpartum hobby is solving a murder case the police can’t crack.
With her baby strapped to her side like the world’s tiniest sidekick, Corey dusts off her sleuthing instincts and starts digging—and honestly, she’s getting better results than the professionals. The women’s fiction element really kicks in here, painting a raw, relatable picture of new motherhood: the anxiety, the guilt, the “I can’t hand off my baby to anyone else” mentality, and the delicate dance of parenting, medicating, and investigating all at once. It’s messy and chaotic, but in the best way.
The pacing is snappy and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. Audiobook-wise, Sarah Naughton nails the narration—slow and deliberate at first (a little too slow for me), but once I bumped the speed up, it hit that perfect sweet spot and gave the story a sharper edge.
This one drops October 21st, and it’s the perfect pick for your fall mystery lineup—especially if you want something smart and suspenseful without the nightmare fuel.
Because who needs ghosts when you’ve got postpartum anxiety and a murder board?
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
This turned out to be a surprisingly solid read. Think mystery meets women’s fiction: our FMC Corey, a former investigative reporter turned new mom, is knee-deep in postpartum struggles, intrusive thoughts, and marital tension when two teenagers are found hanging. Naturally, she decides the best postpartum hobby is solving a murder case the police can’t crack.
With her baby strapped to her side like the world’s tiniest sidekick, Corey dusts off her sleuthing instincts and starts digging—and honestly, she’s getting better results than the professionals. The women’s fiction element really kicks in here, painting a raw, relatable picture of new motherhood: the anxiety, the guilt, the “I can’t hand off my baby to anyone else” mentality, and the delicate dance of parenting, medicating, and investigating all at once. It’s messy and chaotic, but in the best way.
The pacing is snappy and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. Audiobook-wise, Sarah Naughton nails the narration—slow and deliberate at first (a little too slow for me), but once I bumped the speed up, it hit that perfect sweet spot and gave the story a sharper edge.
This one drops October 21st, and it’s the perfect pick for your fall mystery lineup—especially if you want something smart and suspenseful without the nightmare fuel.
Because who needs ghosts when you’ve got postpartum anxiety and a murder board?
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
October 23, 2025
Vicious Cycle is a thriller that will definitely give you second-hand anxiety. The author does a great job at showing what it’s like to have intrusive thoughts and anxiety rattling in your brain all day as you attempt to go through life seemingly normal. There were times where I wanted to just shake the FMC and scream “the killer is right there isn’t it obvious!” But the author does a good job at closing the loop and revealing the truth.
I gave Vicious Cycle only 3 stars because at times it felt like there were too many characters and storylines to remember. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it to someone who likes a thriller book but wants a twist on the stereotypical thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing!
I gave Vicious Cycle only 3 stars because at times it felt like there were too many characters and storylines to remember. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it to someone who likes a thriller book but wants a twist on the stereotypical thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing!
October 18, 2025
⭐️ 2.5/ 5
CW: postpartum depression, infant loss, child death, suicidal ideation
“Vicious Cycle” honestly should have come with some major trigger warnings. If you’re sensitive to any of the above topics, be prepared — this book is heavy, and the emotional weight is constant from start to finish.
The story follows Corey, a former news reporter turned SoulCycle-style instructor, who ends up entangled in not one but two murder investigations. Through her POV, the book attempts to highlight issues with the justice system — underfunding, systemic injustice, and the way certain cases are overlooked. While the premise is promising, the execution leans more toward an anxiety spiral than a gripping thriller.
The tone often feels like a trauma dump with a thin plot wrapped around it. The pacing is unbalanced — 98% trauma, 2% actual thriller. It’s clear the author had good intentions, but the narrative never quite finds its footing.
I’d compare it to flipping through a People Magazine at the airport: moderately entertaining if you want something surface-level and fast, but not the deep, twisty, high-stakes thriller I was hoping for. I strongly considered DNF’ing it, but since it was an ARC, I pushed through to the end.
Bottom line: not a bad book, but not a strong one either. Heavy on emotional weight, light on payoff.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: postpartum depression, infant loss, child death, suicidal ideation
“Vicious Cycle” honestly should have come with some major trigger warnings. If you’re sensitive to any of the above topics, be prepared — this book is heavy, and the emotional weight is constant from start to finish.
The story follows Corey, a former news reporter turned SoulCycle-style instructor, who ends up entangled in not one but two murder investigations. Through her POV, the book attempts to highlight issues with the justice system — underfunding, systemic injustice, and the way certain cases are overlooked. While the premise is promising, the execution leans more toward an anxiety spiral than a gripping thriller.
The tone often feels like a trauma dump with a thin plot wrapped around it. The pacing is unbalanced — 98% trauma, 2% actual thriller. It’s clear the author had good intentions, but the narrative never quite finds its footing.
I’d compare it to flipping through a People Magazine at the airport: moderately entertaining if you want something surface-level and fast, but not the deep, twisty, high-stakes thriller I was hoping for. I strongly considered DNF’ing it, but since it was an ARC, I pushed through to the end.
Bottom line: not a bad book, but not a strong one either. Heavy on emotional weight, light on payoff.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
{3.5}
I was really skeptical about this book at the start because I was expecting a thriller. But this was more of a "let me tell you what happened while we also go through my struggles together" kind of book. Which, dont get me wrong, I love. I kind of wish there was at least one likable character, because everyone annoyed me. And even tho I did enjoy this audiobook, I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next one.
I was really skeptical about this book at the start because I was expecting a thriller. But this was more of a "let me tell you what happened while we also go through my struggles together" kind of book. Which, dont get me wrong, I love. I kind of wish there was at least one likable character, because everyone annoyed me. And even tho I did enjoy this audiobook, I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next one.
October 27, 2025
Vicious Cycle started off strong with an interesting premise and unique voice. I appreciated the author’s effort to explore themes of postpartum anxiety and motherhood while weaving in a mystery element. However, I struggled to connect with the characters and felt the story lost focus at times. I did enjoy the author’s note and can see the passion behind this debut, and I’d be open to reading more from Jaime Parker Stickle in the future.
July 29, 2026
Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle (2025)
Corey in Los Angeles #1
vii+309-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-304
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating: ⭐️⭐️½🤱😰🚨📻🔎
Featuring: Praise, Former Reporter, Sex, Investigator, Motherhood, Murder, Fancy Font, Postpartum Anxiety, Racism, Los Angeles, California; Police Scanner, September, Debs Park, Highland Park, Breastfeeding, Marital Issues, Jewish MC, Lying, Sexual Assault, Detectives, Investigation, Fitness Center, Avoidance, OCD - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Author’s Note
Live Status Updates: 🔖Page 36 of 309 [Chapter] 5 - I started this book after midnight, and I should have stopped around chapter 3 or 4, but I was determined to read beyond chapter 5. I didn't make it far. This character has a lot of flavor, but somehow everybody around her is on my nerves—especially her husband, although I feel like I'm mostly just taking her word for it. I want to like her, especially since I already have Book 2 (which is how I got this book in the first place), but her 'woe is me' story is awfully busy.
🔖66 [Chapter] 8 - The bottom line is her husband is an 🫏, and I'm hoping that she is single by Book 2. Her friends are 🫏🫏, she's an 🫏, and her baby is even being raised to grow into a jerk as well. Changing your baby's poopy diaper on a table is disgusting; I don't care what your excuse is.
Final Thoughts: I picked up Vicious Cycle after realizing Take Heart was Book 2 in a series. Keep in mind my headspace at the time: I had just finished The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley (coming off a total book high) and was a few chapters into The Shampoo Effect. So, I had already dealt with a humorous, antisocial person blooming into a social flower, as well as pretentious, uppity personalities who are "too cool for school."
Corey just seems like a mixture of everything. She is uppity and pretentious while also portraying a "bad girl, rule-breaker" personality, and she even admits she's an asshole. Unfortunately, so is everybody else around her, and I don't like anyone—including her. She is dealing with postpartum anxiety, and I don't know if the author wants us to feel some of that anxiety, which might be why her passages are so busy. She's the kind of person you want to like, but every time she opens her mouth, you reconsider. Needless to say, I struggled reading this book because of the personality clash, and I only mention the other books I read because I don't know if they affected my mood.
The most interesting thing about this book was Corey having postpartum anxiety, which I hadn't heard of before. But my issue with calling it postpartum anxiety or postpartum OCD is that pregnancy didn't actually trigger it—she's secretly had anxiety for years, dating back to college. It feels like a misdiagnosis by the author. It's also frustrating because she is pretty much blowing up her marriage (although her husband is a jerk, just like her), avoiding seeking help, and constantly fearing she might harm her baby. It's disturbing, but it also gets annoying that she is constantly thinking about it.
Then she gets involved in an investigation. I really didn't see much of a story there, but somehow she makes it one. I had a hard time following her breadcrumbs; it felt like she just randomly showed up at scenes and got information, but I didn't understand what led her to those scenes in the first place. The most obvious questions and answers? Of course, she veered away from those and went in a completely different direction. Her course of action made absolutely no sense to me at all.
Naturally, I figured she’d probably end up almost getting killed eventually, yet she is constantly whipping out her boob and feeding her baby—who is with her for all of her investigating, whether it's a dangerous situation or not!
I thought this was going to be a 3-star read early on, so I was shocked when it quickly dropped into the 2-star zone. There isn't really much of a story here, just a lot of chaos, and the characters are dreadful. There's also a constant injection of politics, mostly centered around racism, but she isn't really doing anything about it. She's just complaining, mentioning how brown people don't get the media attention they deserve, and acting like a white savior who "doesn't want to be one." You really only need to say that once.
Unfortunately, I have to read Book 2 since I already own it and it was given to me, so I'm going to power through. I am really hoping Take Heart is better than this one.
Recommend to others: Not likely at all, but you never know.
Corey in Los Angeles
1. Vicious Cycle (2025)
2. Take Hart (2026)
Songs for the Soundtrack: "Pat-A-Cake" by Mother Goose, "Baby Shark" by Alemuel, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Johnny Marks, "Baby Beluga" by Raffi, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"
Books and Authors Mentioned: Cass Raines series by Tracy Clark, Detective Harriet Foster series by Tracy Clark, Tod Goldberg, Superman: The Animated Series by Alan Burnett and Bruce Timm [based on] Superman by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and DC Comics; Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Memorable Quotes: My riders, the dawn crew, are pros. Newbies don’t last long at my hour—some type A’s hang in there, but they eventually have something more important to do. My crew could coach the class if they wanted to. Half the time, I believe they’re riding to the voice in their head. No one’s pedal stroke is in sync, and no one sits when I sit—I’m not coaching; I’m babysitting. But I’m not sitting at home, and that’s all that matters some mornings. Evan feels otherwise. Wishes I were content to stay home with our son and relish the title of Stay-at-Home Mom like our—his—friends’ wives.
I actually admire and, quite possibly, like her. Even if I do constantly compare my thirty-eight-year-old first-time-mom bod and sucked-dry tits to hers. I pull at my nursing bra, adjust my breasts back to a horizontal line across my chest. Kat makes me feel like a friend. Motivates the little bit of me that wants, needs, a push. She is genuine. A threat to no one.
Evan needs me to be codependent. He thrives on me needing him. There was a time I had been able to fool him into thinking he needed me, and I cling to that memory. The texts he’d send me at work, literally: I need you. I liked to wear his used T-shirts after he’d leave my place in the mornings. His vanilla-almond-oatmeal-soap scent lingering. There were times I’d wear those tees to work under a blazer, tucked into slacks, just to smell him, Evan, all day. Only taking it off after he’d seen me in it.
Corey in Los Angeles #1
vii+309-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-304
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating: ⭐️⭐️½🤱😰🚨📻🔎
Featuring: Praise, Former Reporter, Sex, Investigator, Motherhood, Murder, Fancy Font, Postpartum Anxiety, Racism, Los Angeles, California; Police Scanner, September, Debs Park, Highland Park, Breastfeeding, Marital Issues, Jewish MC, Lying, Sexual Assault, Detectives, Investigation, Fitness Center, Avoidance, OCD - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Author’s Note
Live Status Updates: 🔖Page 36 of 309 [Chapter] 5 - I started this book after midnight, and I should have stopped around chapter 3 or 4, but I was determined to read beyond chapter 5. I didn't make it far. This character has a lot of flavor, but somehow everybody around her is on my nerves—especially her husband, although I feel like I'm mostly just taking her word for it. I want to like her, especially since I already have Book 2 (which is how I got this book in the first place), but her 'woe is me' story is awfully busy.
🔖66 [Chapter] 8 - The bottom line is her husband is an 🫏, and I'm hoping that she is single by Book 2. Her friends are 🫏🫏, she's an 🫏, and her baby is even being raised to grow into a jerk as well. Changing your baby's poopy diaper on a table is disgusting; I don't care what your excuse is.
Final Thoughts: I picked up Vicious Cycle after realizing Take Heart was Book 2 in a series. Keep in mind my headspace at the time: I had just finished The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley (coming off a total book high) and was a few chapters into The Shampoo Effect. So, I had already dealt with a humorous, antisocial person blooming into a social flower, as well as pretentious, uppity personalities who are "too cool for school."
Corey just seems like a mixture of everything. She is uppity and pretentious while also portraying a "bad girl, rule-breaker" personality, and she even admits she's an asshole. Unfortunately, so is everybody else around her, and I don't like anyone—including her. She is dealing with postpartum anxiety, and I don't know if the author wants us to feel some of that anxiety, which might be why her passages are so busy. She's the kind of person you want to like, but every time she opens her mouth, you reconsider. Needless to say, I struggled reading this book because of the personality clash, and I only mention the other books I read because I don't know if they affected my mood.
The most interesting thing about this book was Corey having postpartum anxiety, which I hadn't heard of before. But my issue with calling it postpartum anxiety or postpartum OCD is that pregnancy didn't actually trigger it—she's secretly had anxiety for years, dating back to college. It feels like a misdiagnosis by the author. It's also frustrating because she is pretty much blowing up her marriage (although her husband is a jerk, just like her), avoiding seeking help, and constantly fearing she might harm her baby. It's disturbing, but it also gets annoying that she is constantly thinking about it.
Then she gets involved in an investigation. I really didn't see much of a story there, but somehow she makes it one. I had a hard time following her breadcrumbs; it felt like she just randomly showed up at scenes and got information, but I didn't understand what led her to those scenes in the first place. The most obvious questions and answers? Of course, she veered away from those and went in a completely different direction. Her course of action made absolutely no sense to me at all.
Naturally, I figured she’d probably end up almost getting killed eventually, yet she is constantly whipping out her boob and feeding her baby—who is with her for all of her investigating, whether it's a dangerous situation or not!
I thought this was going to be a 3-star read early on, so I was shocked when it quickly dropped into the 2-star zone. There isn't really much of a story here, just a lot of chaos, and the characters are dreadful. There's also a constant injection of politics, mostly centered around racism, but she isn't really doing anything about it. She's just complaining, mentioning how brown people don't get the media attention they deserve, and acting like a white savior who "doesn't want to be one." You really only need to say that once.
Unfortunately, I have to read Book 2 since I already own it and it was given to me, so I'm going to power through. I am really hoping Take Heart is better than this one.
Recommend to others: Not likely at all, but you never know.
Corey in Los Angeles
1. Vicious Cycle (2025)
2. Take Hart (2026)
Songs for the Soundtrack: "Pat-A-Cake" by Mother Goose, "Baby Shark" by Alemuel, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Johnny Marks, "Baby Beluga" by Raffi, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"
Books and Authors Mentioned: Cass Raines series by Tracy Clark, Detective Harriet Foster series by Tracy Clark, Tod Goldberg, Superman: The Animated Series by Alan Burnett and Bruce Timm [based on] Superman by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and DC Comics; Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Memorable Quotes: My riders, the dawn crew, are pros. Newbies don’t last long at my hour—some type A’s hang in there, but they eventually have something more important to do. My crew could coach the class if they wanted to. Half the time, I believe they’re riding to the voice in their head. No one’s pedal stroke is in sync, and no one sits when I sit—I’m not coaching; I’m babysitting. But I’m not sitting at home, and that’s all that matters some mornings. Evan feels otherwise. Wishes I were content to stay home with our son and relish the title of Stay-at-Home Mom like our—his—friends’ wives.
I actually admire and, quite possibly, like her. Even if I do constantly compare my thirty-eight-year-old first-time-mom bod and sucked-dry tits to hers. I pull at my nursing bra, adjust my breasts back to a horizontal line across my chest. Kat makes me feel like a friend. Motivates the little bit of me that wants, needs, a push. She is genuine. A threat to no one.
Evan needs me to be codependent. He thrives on me needing him. There was a time I had been able to fool him into thinking he needed me, and I cling to that memory. The texts he’d send me at work, literally: I need you. I liked to wear his used T-shirts after he’d leave my place in the mornings. His vanilla-almond-oatmeal-soap scent lingering. There were times I’d wear those tees to work under a blazer, tucked into slacks, just to smell him, Evan, all day. Only taking it off after he’d seen me in it.
January 2, 2026
Corey Tracey-Lieberman is a new mother in Los Angeles struggling with postpartum anxiety and the loss of her former life as a broadcast journalist. When two teenage girls are found dead in her neighborhood, Corey suspects there's more to the story than the police are admitting. Determined to uncover the truth, even with a baby on her hip, she's pulled into a dangerous investigation that exposes dark secrets in her community and forces her to confront her own fears. As another murder hits close to home, Corey realizes the killer might be closer than she ever imagined.
Vicious Cycle has an intriguing premise, a new mom turned amateur sleuth, juggling postpartum anxiety and murder investigations in LA. Corey is a refreshingly real character, and her voice feels honest and raw. The blend of motherhood struggles and true crime tension works well at times, especially when we see Corey lean into her journalist instincts. That said, the pacing drags a bit in the middle, and some of the plot twists feel predictable. The writing is solid, but the tone shifts between domestic drama and thriller sometimes make it hard to stay connected with the story. It's still an all right read with heart and grit, but I'm not sure I would continue on with the rest of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Parker Stickle, and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC! Publication date is October 21st, 2025.
Vicious Cycle has an intriguing premise, a new mom turned amateur sleuth, juggling postpartum anxiety and murder investigations in LA. Corey is a refreshingly real character, and her voice feels honest and raw. The blend of motherhood struggles and true crime tension works well at times, especially when we see Corey lean into her journalist instincts. That said, the pacing drags a bit in the middle, and some of the plot twists feel predictable. The writing is solid, but the tone shifts between domestic drama and thriller sometimes make it hard to stay connected with the story. It's still an all right read with heart and grit, but I'm not sure I would continue on with the rest of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Parker Stickle, and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC! Publication date is October 21st, 2025.
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 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!
Read
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!
November 6, 2025
🚴♀️ What It’s About
Corey Tracey-Lieberman used to be a TV journalist. Now she’s a new mom teaching classes at a cycling studio, barely keeping her head above water after losing her job for speaking up about workplace abuse.
When two young Hispanic women are found murdered on a nearby hiking trail, no one listens—until Corey’s white, conventionally attractive boss is killed in the same place.
Now, with postpartum intrusive thoughts hounding her and a handsome former colleague back in her life, Corey starts digging. And what she uncovers isn’t just about murder. It’s about power. Whose stories matter. And how easy it is to disappear once the world decides you’re done being useful.
♻️ What Worked for Me
Thematically rich. The title isn’t just about spin class. It’s about cycles of violence, erasure, media, motherhood, and trauma.
A brutally honest look at postpartum mental health. The intrusive thoughts are handled with nuance. They are never sensationalized, never brushed off.
Sharp social commentary. This book never forgets that the world sees women, especially mothers, older women, and women of color, as disposable.
Rooted in grief. Every woman in this novel is surviving something. And the ones who don’t haunt every page.
Voice-driven and clear-eyed. Corey’s narration is messy, angry, funny, and exhausted. A deeply human portrayal of what it means to keep going when everything feels like too much.
⚠️ Content Notes
Intrusive thoughts / postpartum depression
Violence against women
Racism / fatphobia / misogyny
References to sexual harassment and abuse
Handled with carebut still heavy.
🎧 Vibe Check
📺 Ex–TV journalist, current spin class warrior
🍼 Sleep-deprived mom sleuthing between pumping sessions
💔 Women who vanish, women who break, women who burn
🧩 Slow-burn mystery rooted in systemic failure
🥵 Final Thoughts
Vicious Cycle is not a thriller that tidies up its loose ends. It’s a story that grinds. It grinds through postpartum pain, systemic apathy, friendship, fear, lust, and loss. It asks what happens when the world stops seeing you. This is a book about being a woman in a world that thinks your body, your voice, your grief, and your rage are all too much.
If you’ve ever whispered “I’m fine” through gritted teeth while keeping a child alive, or while screaming into a pillow, or while begging to be believed—this one’s for you.
Corey Tracey-Lieberman used to be a TV journalist. Now she’s a new mom teaching classes at a cycling studio, barely keeping her head above water after losing her job for speaking up about workplace abuse.
When two young Hispanic women are found murdered on a nearby hiking trail, no one listens—until Corey’s white, conventionally attractive boss is killed in the same place.
Now, with postpartum intrusive thoughts hounding her and a handsome former colleague back in her life, Corey starts digging. And what she uncovers isn’t just about murder. It’s about power. Whose stories matter. And how easy it is to disappear once the world decides you’re done being useful.
♻️ What Worked for Me
Thematically rich. The title isn’t just about spin class. It’s about cycles of violence, erasure, media, motherhood, and trauma.
A brutally honest look at postpartum mental health. The intrusive thoughts are handled with nuance. They are never sensationalized, never brushed off.
Sharp social commentary. This book never forgets that the world sees women, especially mothers, older women, and women of color, as disposable.
Rooted in grief. Every woman in this novel is surviving something. And the ones who don’t haunt every page.
Voice-driven and clear-eyed. Corey’s narration is messy, angry, funny, and exhausted. A deeply human portrayal of what it means to keep going when everything feels like too much.
⚠️ Content Notes
Intrusive thoughts / postpartum depression
Violence against women
Racism / fatphobia / misogyny
References to sexual harassment and abuse
Handled with carebut still heavy.
🎧 Vibe Check
📺 Ex–TV journalist, current spin class warrior
🍼 Sleep-deprived mom sleuthing between pumping sessions
💔 Women who vanish, women who break, women who burn
🧩 Slow-burn mystery rooted in systemic failure
🥵 Final Thoughts
Vicious Cycle is not a thriller that tidies up its loose ends. It’s a story that grinds. It grinds through postpartum pain, systemic apathy, friendship, fear, lust, and loss. It asks what happens when the world stops seeing you. This is a book about being a woman in a world that thinks your body, your voice, your grief, and your rage are all too much.
If you’ve ever whispered “I’m fine” through gritted teeth while keeping a child alive, or while screaming into a pillow, or while begging to be believed—this one’s for you.
December 20, 2025
📚Vicious Cycle
✍🏻Jaime Parker Stickle
Blurb:
A former reporter gets a new spin on life in this gripping debut from author Jaime Parker Stickle, whose psychological roller-coaster ride set in sunny Los Angeles tackles motherhood and murder.
New mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman wakes up to nightmarish two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Even more unsettling is how the news casually casts the tragedy as the result of increasing street crime, as if the victims’ lives didn’t really matter.
Corey knows better. In the six years she’s lived in Highland Park, she’s seen gentrification but no uptick in criminal activity. A former broadcast journalist, she knows all about spin—and not just the media kind. She now teaches spin classes in the neighborhood, between caring for her nine-month-old son and battling postpartum anxiety.
When police efforts fall short, Corey launches her own investigation into the hangings, flexing her idle sleuthing skills with baby in tow. And after a third murder strikes too close to home, she knows she’s onto something big.
An emotional gut punch tempered by belly laughs, Vicious Cycle is a tour de force certain to thrill all readers.
My Thoughts:
This book is more than just your average thriller. Corey is a new mum who lost her previous job as a reporter/investigator. She navigates her new role as a mother dealing with post natal anxiety and intrusive thoughts and relationship challenges. It’s as much a book about post natal anxiety, panic, ocd and intrusive thoughts as it is a thriller but it made it interesting. The pacing is snappy and the story kept me hooked the whole way through.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Jaime Parker Stickle for the advanced copy of "Vicious Cycle" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#JaimeParkerStickle
#ViciousCycle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Jaime Parker Stickle
Blurb:
A former reporter gets a new spin on life in this gripping debut from author Jaime Parker Stickle, whose psychological roller-coaster ride set in sunny Los Angeles tackles motherhood and murder.
New mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman wakes up to nightmarish two teenage girls found hanged in a nearby park. Even more unsettling is how the news casually casts the tragedy as the result of increasing street crime, as if the victims’ lives didn’t really matter.
Corey knows better. In the six years she’s lived in Highland Park, she’s seen gentrification but no uptick in criminal activity. A former broadcast journalist, she knows all about spin—and not just the media kind. She now teaches spin classes in the neighborhood, between caring for her nine-month-old son and battling postpartum anxiety.
When police efforts fall short, Corey launches her own investigation into the hangings, flexing her idle sleuthing skills with baby in tow. And after a third murder strikes too close to home, she knows she’s onto something big.
An emotional gut punch tempered by belly laughs, Vicious Cycle is a tour de force certain to thrill all readers.
My Thoughts:
This book is more than just your average thriller. Corey is a new mum who lost her previous job as a reporter/investigator. She navigates her new role as a mother dealing with post natal anxiety and intrusive thoughts and relationship challenges. It’s as much a book about post natal anxiety, panic, ocd and intrusive thoughts as it is a thriller but it made it interesting. The pacing is snappy and the story kept me hooked the whole way through.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Jaime Parker Stickle for the advanced copy of "Vicious Cycle" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#JaimeParkerStickle
#ViciousCycle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 14, 2025
Review: Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Genre: Thriller | Mystery | Psychological Fiction
Vicious Cycle is a dark, layered thriller that dives into the fragile intersections of motherhood, mental health, and murder. Jaime Parker Stickle takes readers on a suspenseful ride with a protagonist who’s not only trying to hold her life together—but is also pulled into the unraveling threads of multiple murder cases.
What I appreciated most about this book is how it balances the psychological aspects with the mystery. The main character—a mother battling mental health struggles—feels real, raw, and unpredictable in the best way. Her emotional instability isn’t just a subplot; it’s woven directly into the suspense, making every twist hit harder and every decision feel riskier.
The plot kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer unfolded. While some thrillers lean heavily on shocking moments, this one builds tension steadily, keeping you locked in with character-driven intrigue.
One thing I personally enjoy is reading work from lesser-known or emerging authors. With fewer expectations going in, I find myself more open to the experience—and often more impressed. Jaime Parker Stickle is one of those authors who deserves more attention. Her voice is distinct, her characters are flawed and believable, and her storytelling is compelling.
If you’re looking for a thriller with emotional depth, morally gray characters, and plenty of suspense, Vicious Cycle is worth adding to your TBR. It’s perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a psychological edge.
Thank you. NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Genre: Thriller | Mystery | Psychological Fiction
Vicious Cycle is a dark, layered thriller that dives into the fragile intersections of motherhood, mental health, and murder. Jaime Parker Stickle takes readers on a suspenseful ride with a protagonist who’s not only trying to hold her life together—but is also pulled into the unraveling threads of multiple murder cases.
What I appreciated most about this book is how it balances the psychological aspects with the mystery. The main character—a mother battling mental health struggles—feels real, raw, and unpredictable in the best way. Her emotional instability isn’t just a subplot; it’s woven directly into the suspense, making every twist hit harder and every decision feel riskier.
The plot kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer unfolded. While some thrillers lean heavily on shocking moments, this one builds tension steadily, keeping you locked in with character-driven intrigue.
One thing I personally enjoy is reading work from lesser-known or emerging authors. With fewer expectations going in, I find myself more open to the experience—and often more impressed. Jaime Parker Stickle is one of those authors who deserves more attention. Her voice is distinct, her characters are flawed and believable, and her storytelling is compelling.
If you’re looking for a thriller with emotional depth, morally gray characters, and plenty of suspense, Vicious Cycle is worth adding to your TBR. It’s perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a psychological edge.
Thank you. NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
October 7, 2025
If you’re craving a murder mystery with sass, grit, and zero dull moments then Vicious Cycle is for you. This fast-paced, first-person "whodunit" audiobook version had me hooked from page one and didn’t let go until I smashed the final chapter in a single sitting. It’s the kind of read that barges in uninvited and you’re just glad it did.
Corey is a new mom in her late 30s juggling motherhood, with a flatlining marriage, and a ghost of an old flame. She’s not just surviving; she’s rebuilding from the rubble, with no help from the people who should’ve had her back. Her voice is raw, real, and deeply relatable.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual abuse, postpartum anxiety, and murder.
What I loved:
❥ A sharp spotlight on the justice system’s failures which I couldn’t agree more.
❥ Seamless flex of health and wellness themes.
❥ Humour and moments that hit home and well narrated audiobook.
What missed the mark:
❥ The dismissal of postpartum struggles.
❥ The harsh reality that speaking up or backing up someone can come with backlash.
❥ Scenes that touched on breastfeeding and mom-shaming felt a bit too real and not in a good way.
Ratings Breakdown:
Setting -⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Character Building - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Message - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Vicious Cycle is perfect for readers who want their murder mysteries served with wit, heart, and a dash of emotional depth. Ideal for a road trip read as each chapter is a bite-sized thrill.
The audiobook version is highly engaging.
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, and author Jaime Parker Stickle for the ARC. My opinions are my own, and this one definitely left a mark.
~JaNnA~
Corey is a new mom in her late 30s juggling motherhood, with a flatlining marriage, and a ghost of an old flame. She’s not just surviving; she’s rebuilding from the rubble, with no help from the people who should’ve had her back. Her voice is raw, real, and deeply relatable.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual abuse, postpartum anxiety, and murder.
What I loved:
❥ A sharp spotlight on the justice system’s failures which I couldn’t agree more.
❥ Seamless flex of health and wellness themes.
❥ Humour and moments that hit home and well narrated audiobook.
What missed the mark:
❥ The dismissal of postpartum struggles.
❥ The harsh reality that speaking up or backing up someone can come with backlash.
❥ Scenes that touched on breastfeeding and mom-shaming felt a bit too real and not in a good way.
Ratings Breakdown:
Setting -⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Character Building - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Message - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Vicious Cycle is perfect for readers who want their murder mysteries served with wit, heart, and a dash of emotional depth. Ideal for a road trip read as each chapter is a bite-sized thrill.
The audiobook version is highly engaging.
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, and author Jaime Parker Stickle for the ARC. My opinions are my own, and this one definitely left a mark.
~JaNnA~
November 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-ARC. This review is voluntary and 100% honest.
Vicious Cycle is a gritty, fast-paced psychological thriller that grabs you early and doesn’t let go. If you like your mysteries sharp, messy, and loaded with emotional tension, this one delivers. We follow Corey—whose life is already stretched thin. The premise is compelling, and once the story finally kicks into gear after the first eight chapters, it becomes an addictive, one-sitting read.
What makes this book stand out is how deeply it leans into the intersections of motherhood, mental health, and crime. Corey’s struggle with undiagnosed postpartum issues adds a layer of vulnerability that feels raw and unsettling in the best way.
The mystery itself is layered and keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story unraveled yet another thread. Rather than relying on cheap shock value, the tension builds slowly through character-driven suspense, making each twist land harder.
I also love discovering lesser-known authors, and Jaime is one who deserves more attention. Her voice feels distinct, her characters are flawed and believable, and the emotional stakes are high throughout.
That said, the slow start may test some readers' patience, and the pacing can feel uneven early on. But once it hits its stride, the story becomes immersive and gripping.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with psychological depth and a protagonist whose mind is just as dangerous as the world around her, Vicious Cycle is well worth adding to your list. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75 Stars
Vicious Cycle is a gritty, fast-paced psychological thriller that grabs you early and doesn’t let go. If you like your mysteries sharp, messy, and loaded with emotional tension, this one delivers. We follow Corey—whose life is already stretched thin. The premise is compelling, and once the story finally kicks into gear after the first eight chapters, it becomes an addictive, one-sitting read.
What makes this book stand out is how deeply it leans into the intersections of motherhood, mental health, and crime. Corey’s struggle with undiagnosed postpartum issues adds a layer of vulnerability that feels raw and unsettling in the best way.
The mystery itself is layered and keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story unraveled yet another thread. Rather than relying on cheap shock value, the tension builds slowly through character-driven suspense, making each twist land harder.
I also love discovering lesser-known authors, and Jaime is one who deserves more attention. Her voice feels distinct, her characters are flawed and believable, and the emotional stakes are high throughout.
That said, the slow start may test some readers' patience, and the pacing can feel uneven early on. But once it hits its stride, the story becomes immersive and gripping.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with psychological depth and a protagonist whose mind is just as dangerous as the world around her, Vicious Cycle is well worth adding to your list. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75 Stars
August 3, 2026
Combining the relentless drive of investigative journalism with the raw realities of new motherhood, Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle is an impressive debut novel. 🚲👶 Thrilling, fast-paced, and sharp-witted, this story pulls you in immediately and never lets go.
Marking my introduction to Jaime Parker Stickle, I was captivated by her ability to balance intense suspense with moments of dark humor. The narrative follows Corey, a former broadcast reporter battling postpartum anxiety while teaching spin classes and caring for her nine-month-old son. When two local teenage girls are found hanged in a neighborhood park and quickly dismissed by local media spin, Corey steps in with her baby stroller in tow to launch her own investigation. Unraveling this mystery was made all the better by the author’s knack for building a deliciously tense, unpredictable narrative. 🔎👀
While some readers might find Corey’s sharp personality polarizing, her unvarnished depiction of postpartum mental health and maternal instincts feels real and grounded. The story handles this heavy territory with remarkable care, though I do recommend sensitive readers check the trigger warnings prior to diving in. It is a wonderfully written, high-octane mystery that delivers punchy storytelling from start to finish and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. If you love dark, fast-paced mysteries with a unique protagonist, add this debut to your stack right away! 📖✨
A massive thank you to @thomasandmercer and @netgalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. Vicious Cycle is out now!
Marking my introduction to Jaime Parker Stickle, I was captivated by her ability to balance intense suspense with moments of dark humor. The narrative follows Corey, a former broadcast reporter battling postpartum anxiety while teaching spin classes and caring for her nine-month-old son. When two local teenage girls are found hanged in a neighborhood park and quickly dismissed by local media spin, Corey steps in with her baby stroller in tow to launch her own investigation. Unraveling this mystery was made all the better by the author’s knack for building a deliciously tense, unpredictable narrative. 🔎👀
While some readers might find Corey’s sharp personality polarizing, her unvarnished depiction of postpartum mental health and maternal instincts feels real and grounded. The story handles this heavy territory with remarkable care, though I do recommend sensitive readers check the trigger warnings prior to diving in. It is a wonderfully written, high-octane mystery that delivers punchy storytelling from start to finish and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. If you love dark, fast-paced mysteries with a unique protagonist, add this debut to your stack right away! 📖✨
A massive thank you to @thomasandmercer and @netgalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. Vicious Cycle is out now!
May 18, 2025
5⭐️
Corey used to be a well known investigative reporter and is now a stay at home mom struggling with postpartum anxiety and OCD. Two girls in her town are found dead hanging by a tree leading police to think it’s a suicide. The cops and the media are saying it’s all gang related because they are Latina. Corey is on a mission to investigate this case herself to find the truth. Then a friend of Corey’s from spin class turns up dead in the same spot. Corey goes into full investigating mode and along the way starts to realize how bad her mental health is. So what happened to these girls? Were they killed and if so who was it? I really enjoyed this book. There were so many great elements to it. I was hooked immediately and didn’t want to put it down. I really appreciated how detailed and how often there were things in the book regarding her mental health. As a psych nurse it made me happy to hopefully educate people more on what mental health and bring awareness to postpartum mental health. The descriptions of the thoughts in Corey’s head about the knives, plastic bags, and her constant worry about her son dying was excellent and really helped drive home the seriousness of it. I liked the twist as I thought many times throughout the story I was right but I wasn’t. I thought the characters were developed very well so that you were able to picture them and what their personality is. I highly recommend this to readers who like a suspenseful thriller. I recommend looking up trigger warnings. This was an amazing book and I can’t wait to see what’s next
Corey used to be a well known investigative reporter and is now a stay at home mom struggling with postpartum anxiety and OCD. Two girls in her town are found dead hanging by a tree leading police to think it’s a suicide. The cops and the media are saying it’s all gang related because they are Latina. Corey is on a mission to investigate this case herself to find the truth. Then a friend of Corey’s from spin class turns up dead in the same spot. Corey goes into full investigating mode and along the way starts to realize how bad her mental health is. So what happened to these girls? Were they killed and if so who was it? I really enjoyed this book. There were so many great elements to it. I was hooked immediately and didn’t want to put it down. I really appreciated how detailed and how often there were things in the book regarding her mental health. As a psych nurse it made me happy to hopefully educate people more on what mental health and bring awareness to postpartum mental health. The descriptions of the thoughts in Corey’s head about the knives, plastic bags, and her constant worry about her son dying was excellent and really helped drive home the seriousness of it. I liked the twist as I thought many times throughout the story I was right but I wasn’t. I thought the characters were developed very well so that you were able to picture them and what their personality is. I highly recommend this to readers who like a suspenseful thriller. I recommend looking up trigger warnings. This was an amazing book and I can’t wait to see what’s next
November 5, 2025
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — “Motherhood, murder, and a spin bike—what could possibly go wrong?” 🚴♀️🔪🍼**
A amart, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller that takes the chaos of new motherhood and cranks it up to true-crime-level tension. Corey Tracey-Lieberman isn’t your average mom—she’s a former investigative reporter, part-time spin instructor, and full-time anxiety tornado who can’t resist chasing the story… even when the story is killing people in her neighborhood.
Between diaper changes, intrusive thoughts, and a husband who just doesn’t get it, Corey dives headfirst into a string of murders targeting teenage girls in Highland Park. When the cops drag their feet, she does what any sensible mom would do—grabs the stroller, a notebook, and starts solving crime herself. Honestly? Iconic behavior.
What makes this book shine is its tone: dark but funny, sharp but deeply human. It’s not just about a mystery—it’s about mental health, community, and that wild postpartum cocktail of love, fear, and survival instinct. Corey’s internal monologue is pure gold: equal parts relatable, frantic, and fiercely determined.
The pacing picks up fast, the twists hit hard, and the ending ties everything together in a way that’s both satisfying and emotionally grounded. This one had me laughing, gasping, and occasionally shouting “SAME, GIRL” into the void.
🎧 I also listened to the **audiobook**, narrated by Sarah Naughton—phenomenal performance. She nails Corey’s voice with the perfect mix of wit, weariness, and wild energy. Definitely worth the listen if you want your thriller with an extra dose of heart (and caffeine).
💥 **Verdict:** A fierce, funny, and refreshingly original debut that proves moms really can do it all—solve murders, fight OCD, and still show up for spin class.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review!
A amart, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller that takes the chaos of new motherhood and cranks it up to true-crime-level tension. Corey Tracey-Lieberman isn’t your average mom—she’s a former investigative reporter, part-time spin instructor, and full-time anxiety tornado who can’t resist chasing the story… even when the story is killing people in her neighborhood.
Between diaper changes, intrusive thoughts, and a husband who just doesn’t get it, Corey dives headfirst into a string of murders targeting teenage girls in Highland Park. When the cops drag their feet, she does what any sensible mom would do—grabs the stroller, a notebook, and starts solving crime herself. Honestly? Iconic behavior.
What makes this book shine is its tone: dark but funny, sharp but deeply human. It’s not just about a mystery—it’s about mental health, community, and that wild postpartum cocktail of love, fear, and survival instinct. Corey’s internal monologue is pure gold: equal parts relatable, frantic, and fiercely determined.
The pacing picks up fast, the twists hit hard, and the ending ties everything together in a way that’s both satisfying and emotionally grounded. This one had me laughing, gasping, and occasionally shouting “SAME, GIRL” into the void.
🎧 I also listened to the **audiobook**, narrated by Sarah Naughton—phenomenal performance. She nails Corey’s voice with the perfect mix of wit, weariness, and wild energy. Definitely worth the listen if you want your thriller with an extra dose of heart (and caffeine).
💥 **Verdict:** A fierce, funny, and refreshingly original debut that proves moms really can do it all—solve murders, fight OCD, and still show up for spin class.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Jaime Parker Stickle for this ARC!
I went into Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle expecting a darkly funny thriller . I thought this would be in a similar vein to the Finlay Donovan or Riley Thorn series. The cover and premise definitely gave off that vibe: a quirky mom caught up in a crime gone wrong, with humor and chaos to balance the tension. Unfortunately, that’s not quite what I got.
Instead, this turned out to be a much heavier, more emotionally draining read than I anticipated. The story leans hard into Corey’s anxiety and postpartum depression, to the point where it often felt less like a thriller and more like an unflinching portrait of mental health struggles. While I appreciate that the author tackled those themes with honesty and depth, the experience was more stressful than suspenseful and definitely not the witty escape I was hoping for.
Adding to the confusion, there are two crime storylines running at once, and the book never really clarifies which one we’re meant to invest in. The result is a muddled narrative that left me detached from both plots. I wanted to care (about Corey, about the crimes, about something), but by the end, I mostly just felt drained.
There’s strong writing here and some insightful moments about motherhood and identity, but if you’re picking this up expecting a sharp, funny thriller, you might end up as surprised (and stressed) as I was.
I went into Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle expecting a darkly funny thriller . I thought this would be in a similar vein to the Finlay Donovan or Riley Thorn series. The cover and premise definitely gave off that vibe: a quirky mom caught up in a crime gone wrong, with humor and chaos to balance the tension. Unfortunately, that’s not quite what I got.
Instead, this turned out to be a much heavier, more emotionally draining read than I anticipated. The story leans hard into Corey’s anxiety and postpartum depression, to the point where it often felt less like a thriller and more like an unflinching portrait of mental health struggles. While I appreciate that the author tackled those themes with honesty and depth, the experience was more stressful than suspenseful and definitely not the witty escape I was hoping for.
Adding to the confusion, there are two crime storylines running at once, and the book never really clarifies which one we’re meant to invest in. The result is a muddled narrative that left me detached from both plots. I wanted to care (about Corey, about the crimes, about something), but by the end, I mostly just felt drained.
There’s strong writing here and some insightful moments about motherhood and identity, but if you’re picking this up expecting a sharp, funny thriller, you might end up as surprised (and stressed) as I was.
December 16, 2025
Vicious Cycle is a gripping debut that blends psychological suspense with a sharply observed look at new motherhood, media spin, and quiet injustice. Set in sun-soaked Los Angeles, it quickly becomes clear this isn’t a glossy crime novel—there’s an undercurrent of unease and anger running through the story, especially in how tragedy is explained away and minimized.
The investigation works best when it overlaps with Corey’s internal struggle. Her amateur sleuthing feels natural rather than over-the-top, driven by moral outrage and her instincts as a former journalist, not by a need for attention. As the violence creeps closer to home, the tension escalates in a way that feels earned, raising the stakes without losing sight of character.
Stickle’s writing is sharp and propulsive, balancing dread with moments of dark humor. The depiction of postpartum anxiety is particularly effective—handled with clarity and care, and used to heighten vulnerability and perception rather than as a narrative gimmick. While the “belly laughs” are more subdued than advertised, the emotional gut punches land hard.
Overall, Vicious Cycle is a smart, socially aware thriller that questions who gets listened to and who gets dismissed. A strong and confident debut that pairs suspense with emotional intelligence, and one that lingers after the final page.
The investigation works best when it overlaps with Corey’s internal struggle. Her amateur sleuthing feels natural rather than over-the-top, driven by moral outrage and her instincts as a former journalist, not by a need for attention. As the violence creeps closer to home, the tension escalates in a way that feels earned, raising the stakes without losing sight of character.
Stickle’s writing is sharp and propulsive, balancing dread with moments of dark humor. The depiction of postpartum anxiety is particularly effective—handled with clarity and care, and used to heighten vulnerability and perception rather than as a narrative gimmick. While the “belly laughs” are more subdued than advertised, the emotional gut punches land hard.
Overall, Vicious Cycle is a smart, socially aware thriller that questions who gets listened to and who gets dismissed. A strong and confident debut that pairs suspense with emotional intelligence, and one that lingers after the final page.
January 23, 2026
Vicious Cycle a thriller by Jaime Parker Stickle- January 2026 read
Wow I seriously loved this book! Jaime. is my mentor and it was such an amazing experience to read her debut novel and to support her as she has supported me!
I seriously cannot rave enough about how into this book I was. Thats is a first for me in so long since i had a hard time actually sitting down and reading. so for 2026 I decided to set my goal of reading at least one book per month. and let me tell you I sped through this one in only 3 days.
The protagonist Corey, is so relatable. while i’m much younger and haven’t experienced postpartum anxiety like she has, i’ve struggled myself with anxiety and intrusive thoughts all my life and it’s so refreshing to read such a realistic interpretation of those feelings in a book.
I just loved how real she felt. her relationships with others and her husband having a stale relationship just felt so genuine. I really enjoyed the journey of Corey during her investigation and how much she doubted her abilities as a mother when she couldn’t stop herself. i really appreciated the struggles of Corey with her therapist and trying new medications and how it was so subtle in her loosing herself. The character just felt so genuine. Lastly I loved the twist of finding out who the killer was. I can’t wait for the second book in the series!
Wow I seriously loved this book! Jaime. is my mentor and it was such an amazing experience to read her debut novel and to support her as she has supported me!
I seriously cannot rave enough about how into this book I was. Thats is a first for me in so long since i had a hard time actually sitting down and reading. so for 2026 I decided to set my goal of reading at least one book per month. and let me tell you I sped through this one in only 3 days.
The protagonist Corey, is so relatable. while i’m much younger and haven’t experienced postpartum anxiety like she has, i’ve struggled myself with anxiety and intrusive thoughts all my life and it’s so refreshing to read such a realistic interpretation of those feelings in a book.
I just loved how real she felt. her relationships with others and her husband having a stale relationship just felt so genuine. I really enjoyed the journey of Corey during her investigation and how much she doubted her abilities as a mother when she couldn’t stop herself. i really appreciated the struggles of Corey with her therapist and trying new medications and how it was so subtle in her loosing herself. The character just felt so genuine. Lastly I loved the twist of finding out who the killer was. I can’t wait for the second book in the series!
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