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A Killer Motive
You never know who’s listening.
To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.
Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive, her true crime podcast.
In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.
A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.
Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…
To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.
Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive, her true crime podcast.
In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.
A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.
Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…
Audible Audio
First published September 9, 2025
106 people are currently reading
17627 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Mary McKinnon
9 books2,021 followersAlso known as Holly Cassidy (romantic comedies)
I was born in the UK grew up in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2010. Unsurprisingly I love chocolate, mountains and cheese, and books, of course.
My first novel, TIME AFTER TIME, a light-hearted romantic read, published in 2016, after which I moved to the dark side.
My internationally bestselling thrillers include: THE NEIGHBORS (2018), HER SECRET SON (2019), SISTER DEAR (2020), YOU WILL REMEMBER ME (2021), NEVER COMING HOME (2022), THE REVENGE LIST (2023), ONLY ONE SURVIVES (2024), and A KILLER MOTIVE (2025).
I also returned to my romantic comedy roots with THE CHRISTMAS WAGER, written under the pseudonym Holly Cassidy (2023) and THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN (2024).
I'm now working on a new novel.
For more please visit:
Website - www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon
Facebook - ww.facebook.com/hannahmarymckinnon
Bookbub - www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-m...
I love talking with readers - for 1:1s and book club visits you can also find me on Skolay: www.skolay.com/writers/hannahmary-mck...
You can ask me questions on Goodreads, too.
Happy reading!
Hannah Mary / Holly
I was born in the UK grew up in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2010. Unsurprisingly I love chocolate, mountains and cheese, and books, of course.
My first novel, TIME AFTER TIME, a light-hearted romantic read, published in 2016, after which I moved to the dark side.
My internationally bestselling thrillers include: THE NEIGHBORS (2018), HER SECRET SON (2019), SISTER DEAR (2020), YOU WILL REMEMBER ME (2021), NEVER COMING HOME (2022), THE REVENGE LIST (2023), ONLY ONE SURVIVES (2024), and A KILLER MOTIVE (2025).
I also returned to my romantic comedy roots with THE CHRISTMAS WAGER, written under the pseudonym Holly Cassidy (2023) and THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN (2024).
I'm now working on a new novel.
For more please visit:
Website - www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon
Facebook - ww.facebook.com/hannahmarymckinnon
Bookbub - www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-m...
I love talking with readers - for 1:1s and book club visits you can also find me on Skolay: www.skolay.com/writers/hannahmary-mck...
You can ask me questions on Goodreads, too.
Happy reading!
Hannah Mary / Holly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
October 16, 2025
This book is a psychological thriller masterpiece that had me so wired with tension, I’m convinced I won’t need Botox or a face-lift for at least a decade—every nerve in my face was pulled taut with suspense. But don’t be surprised if I now smile like I walked straight out of Edvard Munch’s The Scream painting.
Reading this book was like strapping in for a high-speed rollercoaster in pitch darkness, with no idea when the next drop was coming. It gave me more jolts and adrenaline spikes than a day at Six Flags or binge-watching the entire Mission: Impossible franchise—sorry, Tom Cruise, but Hannah Mary McKinnon just delivered a literary ride so gripping, so disturbing, and so emotionally raw that you might need a support group afterward. It’s dark, it’s sinister, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart—but for thriller lovers like me, it was everything.
The structure of the novel is airtight. The pacing never drags for a second. McKinnon expertly weaves secrets, lies, trauma, grief, guilt, and shocking twists into a story that feels both character-driven and utterly explosive. Her characters breathe on the page, especially Stella, our complex, guilt-ridden heroine. The psychological tension is masterfully calibrated—the kind that builds and builds until you're practically vibrating from the pressure. The cat-and-mouse mind games between Stella and her anonymous tormentor had me holding my breath. I didn’t just read the final chapters—I devoured them, heart pounding, hiding from the world, completely entranced and spooked.
Here’s the chilling setup:
When Stella was in her early twenties, she made a split-second decision that would haunt her for years. One summer night, she and her boyfriend Jeff helped her younger brother Max—just days away from turning eighteen—sneak out of their overly strict mother’s house to join them at a lakeside party. Stella drank too much, argued with Jeff, and passed out. When she woke up, Max had disappeared. Just… vanished. Nobody knew what happened. Did he run away, drown, get kidnapped? The mystery tore Stella’s family apart and left her living with unresolved guilt and endless questions.
Now, six years later, Stella is married to Jeff and co-hosting a hit podcast called Killer Motive with her best friend Vivien, helping other families find closure in cold cases. But her own trauma still lingers. Then, during an appearance on a local radio show hosted by sharp-tongued journalist Charlene Thornton, a cryptic caller asks Stella: Why haven’t you investigated your own brother’s case? The question sends her spiraling—and then the emails begin.
From there, the story explodes. The anonymous sender doesn’t just want Stella to remember—he wants her to play a twisted game. One that promises answers… if she’s willing to face the darkest parts of her past. But as the stakes rise, and another person close to Max goes missing, Stella realizes she’s dealing with someone far more dangerous than she imagined. Someone who might be closer than she thinks. Someone who’s been watching her. Waiting.
The atmosphere McKinnon builds is suffocating in the best way: layered with dread, dripping with secrets, filled with moments that make your skin crawl and your heart ache. But it’s not just a story about suspense—it’s about grief, guilt, sisterhood, motherhood, and the weight of unspoken truths.
Final thoughts:
This book shredded my nerves and left me breathless. I was hyperventilating through the last third, eyes glued to the page, completely incapable of doing anything else. After finishing, I needed to binge a stack of romcoms and eat an entire pint of ice cream just to emotionally recover. But was it worth it? One thousand percent, YES. This is a brilliant, beautifully written, twist-filled, jaw-dropping thriller that belongs at the top of your TBR pile.
Thank you endlessly to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the digital ARC of this unputdownable psychological thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts. Hannah Mary McKinnon, you’ve outdone yourself. This is hands down one of the best thrillers of the year.
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Reading this book was like strapping in for a high-speed rollercoaster in pitch darkness, with no idea when the next drop was coming. It gave me more jolts and adrenaline spikes than a day at Six Flags or binge-watching the entire Mission: Impossible franchise—sorry, Tom Cruise, but Hannah Mary McKinnon just delivered a literary ride so gripping, so disturbing, and so emotionally raw that you might need a support group afterward. It’s dark, it’s sinister, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart—but for thriller lovers like me, it was everything.
The structure of the novel is airtight. The pacing never drags for a second. McKinnon expertly weaves secrets, lies, trauma, grief, guilt, and shocking twists into a story that feels both character-driven and utterly explosive. Her characters breathe on the page, especially Stella, our complex, guilt-ridden heroine. The psychological tension is masterfully calibrated—the kind that builds and builds until you're practically vibrating from the pressure. The cat-and-mouse mind games between Stella and her anonymous tormentor had me holding my breath. I didn’t just read the final chapters—I devoured them, heart pounding, hiding from the world, completely entranced and spooked.
Here’s the chilling setup:
When Stella was in her early twenties, she made a split-second decision that would haunt her for years. One summer night, she and her boyfriend Jeff helped her younger brother Max—just days away from turning eighteen—sneak out of their overly strict mother’s house to join them at a lakeside party. Stella drank too much, argued with Jeff, and passed out. When she woke up, Max had disappeared. Just… vanished. Nobody knew what happened. Did he run away, drown, get kidnapped? The mystery tore Stella’s family apart and left her living with unresolved guilt and endless questions.
Now, six years later, Stella is married to Jeff and co-hosting a hit podcast called Killer Motive with her best friend Vivien, helping other families find closure in cold cases. But her own trauma still lingers. Then, during an appearance on a local radio show hosted by sharp-tongued journalist Charlene Thornton, a cryptic caller asks Stella: Why haven’t you investigated your own brother’s case? The question sends her spiraling—and then the emails begin.
From there, the story explodes. The anonymous sender doesn’t just want Stella to remember—he wants her to play a twisted game. One that promises answers… if she’s willing to face the darkest parts of her past. But as the stakes rise, and another person close to Max goes missing, Stella realizes she’s dealing with someone far more dangerous than she imagined. Someone who might be closer than she thinks. Someone who’s been watching her. Waiting.
The atmosphere McKinnon builds is suffocating in the best way: layered with dread, dripping with secrets, filled with moments that make your skin crawl and your heart ache. But it’s not just a story about suspense—it’s about grief, guilt, sisterhood, motherhood, and the weight of unspoken truths.
Final thoughts:
This book shredded my nerves and left me breathless. I was hyperventilating through the last third, eyes glued to the page, completely incapable of doing anything else. After finishing, I needed to binge a stack of romcoms and eat an entire pint of ice cream just to emotionally recover. But was it worth it? One thousand percent, YES. This is a brilliant, beautifully written, twist-filled, jaw-dropping thriller that belongs at the top of your TBR pile.
Thank you endlessly to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the digital ARC of this unputdownable psychological thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts. Hannah Mary McKinnon, you’ve outdone yourself. This is hands down one of the best thrillers of the year.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
September 3, 2025
Ok my fellow armchair detectives, think you’ve got what it takes to solve this mystery?🕵🏻♀️
Stella Dixon hosts a true crime podcast known as The Killer Motive. But the one crime not up for discussion is the disappearance of her younger brother Max, six years ago.
During a guest appearance on a local radio show to beef up her audience and sponsors, a small window is cracked open for someone revealing they may have information about her brother.
Should Stella take this seriously? Or is this someone playing a sick joke. Can she afford to ignore what could be the only lead she’s had in years to finding her brother?
It’s a race against time as Stella follows the instructions of a potential madman. Can she trust anyone? Is she in this battle alone?
💭 WOW! This was a fast paced, chilling thriller that no matter how hard I tried , was at a complete loss trying to deduce what happened to Max! The ending…a shocker! Didn’t see that coming! Bravo!🙌
I’ve read all of Hannah Mary McKinnon’s books and this may be my new favorite!🤩
✍️ Hannah Mary McKinnon
📖 400 pages
🗓️ September 9 2025
📈 5 /5🌟
👉 Thriller
Thank you to Edelweiss, Goodreads Giveaway and @htpbooks
Stella Dixon hosts a true crime podcast known as The Killer Motive. But the one crime not up for discussion is the disappearance of her younger brother Max, six years ago.
During a guest appearance on a local radio show to beef up her audience and sponsors, a small window is cracked open for someone revealing they may have information about her brother.
Should Stella take this seriously? Or is this someone playing a sick joke. Can she afford to ignore what could be the only lead she’s had in years to finding her brother?
It’s a race against time as Stella follows the instructions of a potential madman. Can she trust anyone? Is she in this battle alone?
💭 WOW! This was a fast paced, chilling thriller that no matter how hard I tried , was at a complete loss trying to deduce what happened to Max! The ending…a shocker! Didn’t see that coming! Bravo!🙌
I’ve read all of Hannah Mary McKinnon’s books and this may be my new favorite!🤩
✍️ Hannah Mary McKinnon
📖 400 pages
🗓️ September 9 2025
📈 5 /5🌟
👉 Thriller
Thank you to Edelweiss, Goodreads Giveaway and @htpbooks
September 20, 2025
Tautly suspenseful, compulsively readable, & deliciously sinister!
A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon drew me in with its dark psychological tension and true crime podcast hook. I’ve loved McKinnon’s books for a while, and she’s an author who holds a special place for me. Years ago, when Mom and I were making and selling book sleeves, we collaborated with Canadian authors, and Hannah Mary McKinnon was one of them. She was absolutely lovely to chat with, which makes reading her stories even more meaningful. Although it took me until about halfway through to feel fully pulled in, once I was, I could not put it down.
The story centers on a missing brother, guilt, and a daring invitation to a dangerous game that forces Stella into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase. Stella sometimes frustrated me with her choices, but her flaws made her feel real and human.
The writing is immersive, sharp, and the pace picks up especially once the “game” begins. The tension builds steadily, red herrings appear, and the stakes keep getting higher until the end. I liked the resolution overall, even if I didn’t agree with every twist. It felt dark, bold, and emotionally satisfying.
✨ Key thoughts:
🎨 The cover is striking and perfectly sets the suspenseful, stormy tone of the story
🇨🇦 Written by a Canadian Author, which makes me extra proud to support
🎙️ True-crime podcast aspect adds a fresh twist to the mystery
🐭 Cat-and-mouse tension was relentless and kept me reading late
📖 Pacing is uneven early, but the momentum carries you through
🕵️ Family secrets, guilt, & trying to outsmart someone who seems to know too much
Twisty, sinister, and emotionally charged, A Killer Motive is the kind of binge thriller that delivers both chills and satisfaction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Creepy, compulsive, and chilling, a solid 3.5-star thriller that I’m rounding up to 4 stars from a favourite Canadian author.
📚 Purchased by me, physical copy.
📖 Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the DRC.
A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon drew me in with its dark psychological tension and true crime podcast hook. I’ve loved McKinnon’s books for a while, and she’s an author who holds a special place for me. Years ago, when Mom and I were making and selling book sleeves, we collaborated with Canadian authors, and Hannah Mary McKinnon was one of them. She was absolutely lovely to chat with, which makes reading her stories even more meaningful. Although it took me until about halfway through to feel fully pulled in, once I was, I could not put it down.
The story centers on a missing brother, guilt, and a daring invitation to a dangerous game that forces Stella into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase. Stella sometimes frustrated me with her choices, but her flaws made her feel real and human.
The writing is immersive, sharp, and the pace picks up especially once the “game” begins. The tension builds steadily, red herrings appear, and the stakes keep getting higher until the end. I liked the resolution overall, even if I didn’t agree with every twist. It felt dark, bold, and emotionally satisfying.
✨ Key thoughts:
🎨 The cover is striking and perfectly sets the suspenseful, stormy tone of the story
🇨🇦 Written by a Canadian Author, which makes me extra proud to support
🎙️ True-crime podcast aspect adds a fresh twist to the mystery
🐭 Cat-and-mouse tension was relentless and kept me reading late
📖 Pacing is uneven early, but the momentum carries you through
🕵️ Family secrets, guilt, & trying to outsmart someone who seems to know too much
Twisty, sinister, and emotionally charged, A Killer Motive is the kind of binge thriller that delivers both chills and satisfaction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Creepy, compulsive, and chilling, a solid 3.5-star thriller that I’m rounding up to 4 stars from a favourite Canadian author.
📚 Purchased by me, physical copy.
📖 Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the DRC.
December 24, 2025
For some reason, I kept reading this book at night. Mistake. So many parts of this book spooked me out, which is rare, especially for a thriller. I was very invested in the outcome for both the MC and other characters involved. The author expertly paces the book; you won’t get bored.
I don’t believe I’ve read any books before from this author, but now that must change. I’d definitely recommend this for thriller readers, especially those who like to avoid the cookie-cutter plots. 4.25 stars.
I don’t believe I’ve read any books before from this author, but now that must change. I’d definitely recommend this for thriller readers, especially those who like to avoid the cookie-cutter plots. 4.25 stars.
September 13, 2025
McKinnon at her very best. There were so many delicious twists in this one, and the suspense was killing me. I never felt bored and raced through it.
October 16, 2025
**4.5-stars**
The night that Stella Dixon helped her teenage brother, Max, sneak out of their parent's house to attend a beach party with her and her boyfriend, Jeff, she never could have imagined the night would end the way it did.
Max disappearing without a trace. The worst night of Stella's life, and it forever changed their family. Even 6-years later, the repercussions of that choice feel to Stella like it happened just yesterday. Max is always on her mind.
The one thing that keeps Stella moving forward day-by-day is her true crime podcast, A Killer Motive, where she hopes to help other families find closure by investigating cold cases.
Building a successful podcast isn't easy however, and in an effort to attract new sponsors, Stella goes on a local radio show to be interviewed about the podcast. The interview goes south though, when the host insists on talking about Max, a tender subject for Stella.
It's after this show that Stella begins receiving cryptic messages enticing her to play a game, which if she wins, the anonymous individual claims they'll give her information about what happened to Max all those years ago.
At first, Stella thinks it's just a sick joke, until Max's best friend Kenji ends up disappearing as well. The person claims they have Kenji and if she tells anyone, he dies.
Stella is forced to play along and try to figure out who could be behind the messages. She needs to do it alone and she can no longer trust anyone in her life.
As the games escalate and the clues become darker, Stella puts everything else on the line as she desperately scrambles for answers. She vows to get to the bottom of it all, even if it's the last thing she does.
A Killer Motive pulled me in easily, and held on tight until the very end. I enjoyed so many things about this one. The plotting, the examination of criminality and the ideas behind what types of people commit what types of crimes, and of course, the podcast element.
Hannah Mary McKinnon is a go-to author for me, and this book is the perfect example of why. I find it easy to just lose myself in her stories. If you read for escapism, like me, and love a twisted psychological thriller, you should def check this one out.
I loved how intriguing this was from the start. When the evil messages start rolling in, I couldn't help but read them to myself in the voice of Jigsaw from the Saw movies. They just had that tone to them. They felt dangerous and I couldn't imagine being Stella and receiving those messages and not being able to tell anyone about them.
I suspected every person around Stella at one point or another. I feel like McKinnon did a great job of building the side characters so that it could have been anyone. My mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure it out.
I almost felt like I was rushing because the stakes felt so high and I just wanted Stella to be okay. She's haunted by so much guilt and grief regarding Max, and then when Kenji was taken, to feel like she was the cause of that too. I just had so much empathy for her.
I also felt she was extremely brave and fearless. She felt like she had nothing to lose, so she was willing to risk it all. Unanswered questions had plagued her since the night of Max's disappearance and the only way to get it to stop would be to figure it out.
She was a great character to follow. The pace is so fast towards the end. Oh my word. As McKinnon novels usually do, it gets wild and I was living for every minute of it.
This is the 6th-novel I have read from this author, and I hope it's far from the last. I love her stories. They're dramatic, OTT, fast-paced, intriguing and I look forward to every one.
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Hannah Mary McKinnon, I'm your fan for life!
The night that Stella Dixon helped her teenage brother, Max, sneak out of their parent's house to attend a beach party with her and her boyfriend, Jeff, she never could have imagined the night would end the way it did.
Max disappearing without a trace. The worst night of Stella's life, and it forever changed their family. Even 6-years later, the repercussions of that choice feel to Stella like it happened just yesterday. Max is always on her mind.
The one thing that keeps Stella moving forward day-by-day is her true crime podcast, A Killer Motive, where she hopes to help other families find closure by investigating cold cases.
Building a successful podcast isn't easy however, and in an effort to attract new sponsors, Stella goes on a local radio show to be interviewed about the podcast. The interview goes south though, when the host insists on talking about Max, a tender subject for Stella.
It's after this show that Stella begins receiving cryptic messages enticing her to play a game, which if she wins, the anonymous individual claims they'll give her information about what happened to Max all those years ago.
At first, Stella thinks it's just a sick joke, until Max's best friend Kenji ends up disappearing as well. The person claims they have Kenji and if she tells anyone, he dies.
Stella is forced to play along and try to figure out who could be behind the messages. She needs to do it alone and she can no longer trust anyone in her life.
As the games escalate and the clues become darker, Stella puts everything else on the line as she desperately scrambles for answers. She vows to get to the bottom of it all, even if it's the last thing she does.
A Killer Motive pulled me in easily, and held on tight until the very end. I enjoyed so many things about this one. The plotting, the examination of criminality and the ideas behind what types of people commit what types of crimes, and of course, the podcast element.
Hannah Mary McKinnon is a go-to author for me, and this book is the perfect example of why. I find it easy to just lose myself in her stories. If you read for escapism, like me, and love a twisted psychological thriller, you should def check this one out.
I loved how intriguing this was from the start. When the evil messages start rolling in, I couldn't help but read them to myself in the voice of Jigsaw from the Saw movies. They just had that tone to them. They felt dangerous and I couldn't imagine being Stella and receiving those messages and not being able to tell anyone about them.
I suspected every person around Stella at one point or another. I feel like McKinnon did a great job of building the side characters so that it could have been anyone. My mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure it out.
I almost felt like I was rushing because the stakes felt so high and I just wanted Stella to be okay. She's haunted by so much guilt and grief regarding Max, and then when Kenji was taken, to feel like she was the cause of that too. I just had so much empathy for her.
I also felt she was extremely brave and fearless. She felt like she had nothing to lose, so she was willing to risk it all. Unanswered questions had plagued her since the night of Max's disappearance and the only way to get it to stop would be to figure it out.
She was a great character to follow. The pace is so fast towards the end. Oh my word. As McKinnon novels usually do, it gets wild and I was living for every minute of it.
This is the 6th-novel I have read from this author, and I hope it's far from the last. I love her stories. They're dramatic, OTT, fast-paced, intriguing and I look forward to every one.
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Hannah Mary McKinnon, I'm your fan for life!
November 7, 2025
Action packed y'all!
October 26, 2025
Stella's brother Max has been missing for six years, but she can't let it go. She hasn't given up trying to find out what happened to him. When Max's best friend goes missing Stella is thrown into a battle of wills with an unhinged and anonymous opponent!
Told mostly from Stella's POV I was immediately intrigued and enjoyed the glimpses of the past leading up to Max's disappearance. I was conflicted about Stella herself and couldn't really connect with her or understand her choices. There's also an anonymous perspective where we gain a peek inside the disturbing mind taunting Stella, but it came across to me as petulant rather than all that chilling. The pacing starts off strong with some serious tension, but due to an overabundance of Stella's inner musings, the suspense wanes in spots. The lead up to the conclusion gained momentum and was fairly intense and fast paced!
The audiobook performances were fantastic! The podcast element was fun to listen to, and the narrators all did a fabulous job conveying a vast array of emotions while at the same time elevating the creepy and suspenseful mood! Special mention for Amy Hall, who as the main narrator absolutely nailed the conflict Stella was experiencing.
Overall A KILLER MOTIVE is an intriguing blend of a cold case, a true crime podcast and a deadly game of cat and mouse. If you enjoy a solid mystery with compelling characters and an abundance of secrets and lies, definitely add this one to your list!
Told mostly from Stella's POV I was immediately intrigued and enjoyed the glimpses of the past leading up to Max's disappearance. I was conflicted about Stella herself and couldn't really connect with her or understand her choices. There's also an anonymous perspective where we gain a peek inside the disturbing mind taunting Stella, but it came across to me as petulant rather than all that chilling. The pacing starts off strong with some serious tension, but due to an overabundance of Stella's inner musings, the suspense wanes in spots. The lead up to the conclusion gained momentum and was fairly intense and fast paced!
The audiobook performances were fantastic! The podcast element was fun to listen to, and the narrators all did a fabulous job conveying a vast array of emotions while at the same time elevating the creepy and suspenseful mood! Special mention for Amy Hall, who as the main narrator absolutely nailed the conflict Stella was experiencing.
Overall A KILLER MOTIVE is an intriguing blend of a cold case, a true crime podcast and a deadly game of cat and mouse. If you enjoy a solid mystery with compelling characters and an abundance of secrets and lies, definitely add this one to your list!
September 14, 2025
Wow.. just wow! Hannah Mary McKinnon always amazes me with her dark and twisted thrillers, I don’t know how she does it. I probably say this every time, but they just get better and better every single time! A Killer Motive blew my mind. I wish I had been able to read this in one sitting, stupid adulting getting in the way!!
You might think you know what is going to happen in this cat and mouse story but you will be wrong. I was pretty sure that I had it sussed until I didn’t. This ending was brilliant, completely unexpected and so very clever. I love a podcast in a book, I bet this is amazing in audio so I may have to do another read!
So, we have Stella Dixon, a true crime podcaster who is living with the guilt of her younger brother Max going missing on her watch 6 years ago. She is still trying to figure out what happened to him,long after the police seem to have given up. After appearing on a local radio show, she gets a call from someone who knows what happened and will make Stella play a dangerous game to get her answers.
I loved the short chapters that kept me guessing and had me wanting to just keep reading. Stella is such a broken woman, not ready to move on with her life yet and making some bad decisions. I gasped so many times as this story got into my head. I could not stop thinking about this story and now it was going to play out.
Another easy 5 star read and one that will be a favourite for 2025. Thank you so much to Hannah for having g me in her early readers team, and HTP, MIRA for sending. Me this book to read.
Publishes on September 9th and you need this book. You can all thank me later.
You might think you know what is going to happen in this cat and mouse story but you will be wrong. I was pretty sure that I had it sussed until I didn’t. This ending was brilliant, completely unexpected and so very clever. I love a podcast in a book, I bet this is amazing in audio so I may have to do another read!
So, we have Stella Dixon, a true crime podcaster who is living with the guilt of her younger brother Max going missing on her watch 6 years ago. She is still trying to figure out what happened to him,long after the police seem to have given up. After appearing on a local radio show, she gets a call from someone who knows what happened and will make Stella play a dangerous game to get her answers.
I loved the short chapters that kept me guessing and had me wanting to just keep reading. Stella is such a broken woman, not ready to move on with her life yet and making some bad decisions. I gasped so many times as this story got into my head. I could not stop thinking about this story and now it was going to play out.
Another easy 5 star read and one that will be a favourite for 2025. Thank you so much to Hannah for having g me in her early readers team, and HTP, MIRA for sending. Me this book to read.
Publishes on September 9th and you need this book. You can all thank me later.
September 30, 2025
4.5 Stars
Good story.
Stella's younger brother goes missing six years previous and will not give up looking for him.
She starts a true crime podcast with her friend and starts receiving messages from an anonymous person who says they know where her brother is.
In order to find out she can tell no one about the caller and must follow instructions that disrupt her life and everyone around her.
The narration could have been better but the story made up for it.
Good story.
Stella's younger brother goes missing six years previous and will not give up looking for him.
She starts a true crime podcast with her friend and starts receiving messages from an anonymous person who says they know where her brother is.
In order to find out she can tell no one about the caller and must follow instructions that disrupt her life and everyone around her.
The narration could have been better but the story made up for it.
September 14, 2025
5 stars. Holy smoke!! LOVE how this kept me guessing.. its unpredictability, the red herrings. Featuring a radio podcast.. an anonymous caller.. a game for clues.. then.. escalation.. terrifying fear + sense of dread. So darn good, her best!
August 20, 2025
A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon is a gripping cat and mouse thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The story follows Stella, a true crime podcast host whose life has been defined by the disappearance of her brother six years ago. Blaming herself for his vanishing, she has channeled her grief into her podcast, exploring unsolved cases—but nothing prepares her for the chilling turn her own life takes when an unknown figure claims to have information about her brother.
The novel builds slowly at first, immersing you in Stella’s world and her emotional weight, but once the second half kicks in, the pace accelerates, and the tension becomes almost unbearable. McKinnon’s plotting is masterful, with reveals both big and small that keep you guessing. The suspense is perfectly balanced with Stella’s personal grief, making her journey feel both thrilling and heartbreakingly human.
I found myself biting my nails and racing through the pages, desperate to see what would happen next. A Killer Motive is addictive, compelling, and perfect for fans of true crime, psychological thrillers, and edge of your seat suspense. Highly recommended if you love a story that combines emotional depth with relentless tension.
September 14, 2025
As I finished “A Killer Motive” I couldn’t help but look at other reviews of this book, wondering if others felt the same. It seems I read a different book.
“Motive” is predictable at times and nonsensical at others. A mostly pedestrian podcast thriller, I didn’t enjoy my time with our lead and most definitely not our trope-y, one dimensional and gaslighting supporting cast (the husband and “best friend” should be tarred and feathered). The introduction is fine but what comes next is a slog and without spoiling the end — two words: what the?
I don’t know if it was the presentation or writing, but this one is a flop. Sorry, Hannah Mary McKinnon.
“Motive” is predictable at times and nonsensical at others. A mostly pedestrian podcast thriller, I didn’t enjoy my time with our lead and most definitely not our trope-y, one dimensional and gaslighting supporting cast (the husband and “best friend” should be tarred and feathered). The introduction is fine but what comes next is a slog and without spoiling the end — two words: what the?
I don’t know if it was the presentation or writing, but this one is a flop. Sorry, Hannah Mary McKinnon.
August 11, 2025
4.5 stars!
Stella Dixon feels guilty over the disappearance of her teenage brother, Max, six years ago after she sneaks him out for a beach party. Now, she runs a true crime podcast, A Killer Motive, to help other families find closure. During a local radio show, she expresses her desire for a clue about Max's case, unintentionally inviting a challenge from an unseen enemy. She receives a cryptic invitation to a game that promises information about Max if she wins. When Max's best friend goes missing, Stella is warned to keep quiet or face deadly consequences. Desperate to uncover the truth, she navigates a dangerous game with a manipulative adversary.
I am thrilled to have been invited by the Pulse to participate in this review as I am new to this author!
Let’s talk about Stella, the main character. She’s incredibly relatable and undergoes a gradual yet compelling development throughout the story. Faced with a heartbreaking situation, she channels her grief into helping others and solving cold cases, or cases that have been unjustly closed. I can only imagine what I would do in her shoes. Losing a child is a pain that never truly fades, and in Stella’s case, she lost her brother. As the plot unfolds, you’ll find that not everything is as it seems—there are layers upon layers to this narrative that will keep you guessing!
This book is a whirlwind of excitement, and I found it nearly impossible to put down! With twists and unexpected turns lurking around every corner, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover who was orchestrating such cruel games. And let’s be honest—aren’t best friends and spouses often the worst culprits? You’re too close to see the truth, and many of the books I’ve read have driven that point home. But I won’t spoil anything for you; you simply must read this book! It’s a deliciously twisted tale, dark and brimming with emotional highs and lows.
And why do people seem to gravitate toward danger? I couldn’t help but ponder what I would do in those situations!
This book is perfect for anyone who craves suspense, eerie atmospheres, and plots that are nearly impossible to predict. I’d even say it’s an ideal read for a rainy summer day. So, the next time the skies open up, grab this gem, get cozy, and prepare to be utterly captivated—you won’t be able to stop turning the pages until you reach the final chapter!
Thank you, The Pulse and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stella Dixon feels guilty over the disappearance of her teenage brother, Max, six years ago after she sneaks him out for a beach party. Now, she runs a true crime podcast, A Killer Motive, to help other families find closure. During a local radio show, she expresses her desire for a clue about Max's case, unintentionally inviting a challenge from an unseen enemy. She receives a cryptic invitation to a game that promises information about Max if she wins. When Max's best friend goes missing, Stella is warned to keep quiet or face deadly consequences. Desperate to uncover the truth, she navigates a dangerous game with a manipulative adversary.
I am thrilled to have been invited by the Pulse to participate in this review as I am new to this author!
Let’s talk about Stella, the main character. She’s incredibly relatable and undergoes a gradual yet compelling development throughout the story. Faced with a heartbreaking situation, she channels her grief into helping others and solving cold cases, or cases that have been unjustly closed. I can only imagine what I would do in her shoes. Losing a child is a pain that never truly fades, and in Stella’s case, she lost her brother. As the plot unfolds, you’ll find that not everything is as it seems—there are layers upon layers to this narrative that will keep you guessing!
This book is a whirlwind of excitement, and I found it nearly impossible to put down! With twists and unexpected turns lurking around every corner, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover who was orchestrating such cruel games. And let’s be honest—aren’t best friends and spouses often the worst culprits? You’re too close to see the truth, and many of the books I’ve read have driven that point home. But I won’t spoil anything for you; you simply must read this book! It’s a deliciously twisted tale, dark and brimming with emotional highs and lows.
And why do people seem to gravitate toward danger? I couldn’t help but ponder what I would do in those situations!
This book is perfect for anyone who craves suspense, eerie atmospheres, and plots that are nearly impossible to predict. I’d even say it’s an ideal read for a rainy summer day. So, the next time the skies open up, grab this gem, get cozy, and prepare to be utterly captivated—you won’t be able to stop turning the pages until you reach the final chapter!
Thank you, The Pulse and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
A fresh & captivating thriller!
I loved this book! It was fast paced and intriguing, and even left me with hopes of a potential sequel?? I’d love to read more about these characters and continue their journeys. I thought this was so well done and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good thriller. It had backstory to uncover, current suspicions to investigate, compelling characters. Everything I could want to read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
I loved this book! It was fast paced and intriguing, and even left me with hopes of a potential sequel?? I’d love to read more about these characters and continue their journeys. I thought this was so well done and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good thriller. It had backstory to uncover, current suspicions to investigate, compelling characters. Everything I could want to read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
June 17, 2025
We are LOVING this one over at @thrillerbookloversthepulse! 🔥
Hannah Mary McKinnon does it AGAIN.
This one had me up late flipping the pages. I love a good podcast twist in thrillers, and this one nailed it! It’s dark, tense, and super addictive.
Stella was such a layered character. Her guilt, her grief, her drive to get answers… I felt all of it. I kept thinking I knew where it was going… NOPE. Twists for days.
If you love a thriller that’s clever, packed with tension and twists, be sure to pick this one up!
Hannah Mary McKinnon does it AGAIN.
This one had me up late flipping the pages. I love a good podcast twist in thrillers, and this one nailed it! It’s dark, tense, and super addictive.
Stella was such a layered character. Her guilt, her grief, her drive to get answers… I felt all of it. I kept thinking I knew where it was going… NOPE. Twists for days.
If you love a thriller that’s clever, packed with tension and twists, be sure to pick this one up!
Read
September 9, 2025Happy that others are enjoying this one, but it was not the book for me. I was excited about the podcast elements, but they didn't play as much a part of the story as I hoped. I found the killer POV a bit cheesy and the whole thing a little wacky. I recently watched a Lifetime TV movie called The Book Club Murders and this book had that same feel.
Sad that I didn't agree with the majority but since I'm the black sheep here, don't let me stop you from trying it!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Sad that I didn't agree with the majority but since I'm the black sheep here, don't let me stop you from trying it!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
September 9, 2025
I can always count on McKinnon on writing twisty thrillers! I thought for sure I knew who was behind the kidnapping but I was so wrong. If you are looking for an unexpected thriller that will have you glued to the page (ear buds) add this to your TBR!
Thank you @htp_hive and @netgalley for my gifted copy!
Thank you @htp_hive and @netgalley for my gifted copy!
September 16, 2025
Meh… the first 80% was 5/5 but the ending was a real flop for me and not realistic. It gave Freida McFadden vibes but where at the end of Freida I’m shocked and then shocked at how much it all makes sense and how much I missed, not so much here.
July 8, 2025
The ending kinda blew all the momentum we were building. Quick read. Cat and mouse type of story.
July 5, 2025
This book was another home run by Hannah Mary McKinnon! She has quickly become one of my favorite authors since reading Only One Survives last year, not to mention she is the sweetest human!
A Killer Motive will have you clearing your calendar because you will NOT want to put it down! The writing was incredible - I was suspicious of everyone, there were secrets spilling out constantly and I loved the podcast element. The reveal was so unexpected in the best way and the ending was simply perfect! Stella was someone I was rooting for from the moment she was introduced, definitely someone you’d want to have in your corner!
A Killer Motive comes out Sept 9th - make sure to make your calendar!!!!
A Killer Motive will have you clearing your calendar because you will NOT want to put it down! The writing was incredible - I was suspicious of everyone, there were secrets spilling out constantly and I loved the podcast element. The reveal was so unexpected in the best way and the ending was simply perfect! Stella was someone I was rooting for from the moment she was introduced, definitely someone you’d want to have in your corner!
A Killer Motive comes out Sept 9th - make sure to make your calendar!!!!
September 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, HTP|MIRA and Harlequin Audio for the ARC & ALC copies of this new cat and mouse thriller.
This one is out now and available!
Unfortunately it was a mixed bag for me. The premise pulled me in right away, and I liked how the story played with the idea of hidden motives and how far people will go to protect themselves. The podcast aspect also really appealed to me, but we just didn't really get much of it and that bummed me out.
That said, parts of the book felt a little drawn out, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I hoped. Some twists landed, but others were pretty far fetched. It wasn’t a bad read by any means—just not one that blew me away.
If you enjoy cat and mouse type thrillers with secrets and shifting perspectives, this might still hit the spot. For me, it was more of a solid okay read than a standout.
The audio was done well & did give a little more life to the characters, but not enough to blow me away with the overall story.
This one is out now and available!
Unfortunately it was a mixed bag for me. The premise pulled me in right away, and I liked how the story played with the idea of hidden motives and how far people will go to protect themselves. The podcast aspect also really appealed to me, but we just didn't really get much of it and that bummed me out.
That said, parts of the book felt a little drawn out, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I hoped. Some twists landed, but others were pretty far fetched. It wasn’t a bad read by any means—just not one that blew me away.
If you enjoy cat and mouse type thrillers with secrets and shifting perspectives, this might still hit the spot. For me, it was more of a solid okay read than a standout.
The audio was done well & did give a little more life to the characters, but not enough to blow me away with the overall story.
December 14, 2025
Hannah Mary McKinnon is one of my favourite authors. I can always count on her for a page-turning suspenseful read.
Stella Dixon snuck her teenage brother Max out of their parents house to go to a beach party. She thought it was harmless fun until he disappeared.
Six years later and still consumed with guilt Stella starts a true crime podcast "A Killer Motive". Through this she helps families find closure.
One day she is contacted by someone anonymously who invites her to play a game. If she wins she is promised information on what happened to Max. She is given instructions and things quickly become twisted in this deadly game.
Gripping and unpredictable this novel is unputdownable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Stella Dixon snuck her teenage brother Max out of their parents house to go to a beach party. She thought it was harmless fun until he disappeared.
Six years later and still consumed with guilt Stella starts a true crime podcast "A Killer Motive". Through this she helps families find closure.
One day she is contacted by someone anonymously who invites her to play a game. If she wins she is promised information on what happened to Max. She is given instructions and things quickly become twisted in this deadly game.
Gripping and unpredictable this novel is unputdownable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2025
4.5 stars.
A fast, bingeable read that I inhaled. Unputdownable!! I think my new favourite of this author!!!
Twisty with red herrings, a fantastic cat-and-mouse interplay between the main protagonist and the villain, multiple suspects, and great pacing make this one a thriller not to miss!!
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
A fast, bingeable read that I inhaled. Unputdownable!! I think my new favourite of this author!!!
Twisty with red herrings, a fantastic cat-and-mouse interplay between the main protagonist and the villain, multiple suspects, and great pacing make this one a thriller not to miss!!
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
Thank you Goodreads for my copy of this book! While I was thoroughly hooked on the mystery, I found myself not liking a single character. None of them, the MC included had any redeeming qualities to me and their personalities all seemed very surface level with no development.
July 23, 2025
I was in desperate need of a bingeable read and A Killer Motive delivered. It was propulsive and unputdownable. Absolutely loved it!
September 2, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Sept. 9, 2025
Six years ago, Stella Dixon helped her brother, Max, sneak out of the house to attend a beach party and he never came home. Riddled with guilt, and inspired by her brother’s disappearance and the police’s apparent lack of interest, Stella starts a true crime podcast with her best friend, “A Killer Motive”. Using her podcast, Stella investigates cold cases and helps find missing people hoping to reunite families while also desperate to find out what happened to her brother that night. After appearing on a radio show, Stella starts to receive haunting messages from a stranger, someone who knows personal details about her brother and what happened that night. When Max’s best friend disappears, Stella risks everything- her podcast, her marriage, even her life- to find answers before someone else gets hurt.
Hannah Mary McKinnon’s hot new release, “A Killer Motive” dips into the world of investigative podcasting, highlighting how far a sister will go to uncover the truth about what happened to her brother. Podcasting is very hot right now, appearing everywhere in the suspense genre, so it isn’t surprising that McKinnon decided to build her novel with this modern spin.
Stella is the protagonist, although there are small chapters interspersed throughout where we hear from the unnamed, unidentified suspect who is taunting Stella. The twists and turns in this novel are epic, and there are just enough suspicious characters sprinkled about to leave readers guessing. When it came to the ending, I was eventually able to guess the “who”, but I thoroughly enjoyed trying to uncover the “why”.
McKinnon is a masterful suspense writer, and “Motive” definitely provides tension in spades. Her creative, well-developed plot had me hooked and Stella was relatable and likable. “Motive” is immersive, with descriptive settings that haunt readers, making this novel a delectable page-turner.
The actual suspect was not revealed until the final few pages, but McKinnon ensured that all of the ending’s plotlines had been sufficiently tied off. Without giving too much away, I wanted more from the suspect as to their motivations (although that’s more on me then it is any fault of McKinnon’s), and McKinnon has enough on the suspect to create an entire novel from their standpoint alone (if McKinnon wrote this novel, I’d line up to read it!).
I love the psychological components of this novel and the darkness of the plot, combined with McKinnon’s talent and sympathetic protagonist, “Motive” is sharp, stellar and endlessly suspenseful.
Expected publication date: Sept. 9, 2025
Six years ago, Stella Dixon helped her brother, Max, sneak out of the house to attend a beach party and he never came home. Riddled with guilt, and inspired by her brother’s disappearance and the police’s apparent lack of interest, Stella starts a true crime podcast with her best friend, “A Killer Motive”. Using her podcast, Stella investigates cold cases and helps find missing people hoping to reunite families while also desperate to find out what happened to her brother that night. After appearing on a radio show, Stella starts to receive haunting messages from a stranger, someone who knows personal details about her brother and what happened that night. When Max’s best friend disappears, Stella risks everything- her podcast, her marriage, even her life- to find answers before someone else gets hurt.
Hannah Mary McKinnon’s hot new release, “A Killer Motive” dips into the world of investigative podcasting, highlighting how far a sister will go to uncover the truth about what happened to her brother. Podcasting is very hot right now, appearing everywhere in the suspense genre, so it isn’t surprising that McKinnon decided to build her novel with this modern spin.
Stella is the protagonist, although there are small chapters interspersed throughout where we hear from the unnamed, unidentified suspect who is taunting Stella. The twists and turns in this novel are epic, and there are just enough suspicious characters sprinkled about to leave readers guessing. When it came to the ending, I was eventually able to guess the “who”, but I thoroughly enjoyed trying to uncover the “why”.
McKinnon is a masterful suspense writer, and “Motive” definitely provides tension in spades. Her creative, well-developed plot had me hooked and Stella was relatable and likable. “Motive” is immersive, with descriptive settings that haunt readers, making this novel a delectable page-turner.
The actual suspect was not revealed until the final few pages, but McKinnon ensured that all of the ending’s plotlines had been sufficiently tied off. Without giving too much away, I wanted more from the suspect as to their motivations (although that’s more on me then it is any fault of McKinnon’s), and McKinnon has enough on the suspect to create an entire novel from their standpoint alone (if McKinnon wrote this novel, I’d line up to read it!).
I love the psychological components of this novel and the darkness of the plot, combined with McKinnon’s talent and sympathetic protagonist, “Motive” is sharp, stellar and endlessly suspenseful.
October 8, 2025
This was so dumb and it felt so long. Lots of filler, omniscient villain with a cheesy POV - I wish I had DNFed once that POV was introduced, I cringed.
I like Freida McFadden level entertaining and silly thrillers but this book took itself seriously. Zero characterization. Cat and mouse plot with poor pacing. The ending was ridiculous and anticlimactic. Genuinely shocked this wasn’t a debut.
I like Freida McFadden level entertaining and silly thrillers but this book took itself seriously. Zero characterization. Cat and mouse plot with poor pacing. The ending was ridiculous and anticlimactic. Genuinely shocked this wasn’t a debut.
dnf
November 8, 2025DNF at 36%
I hate Stella. All the other characters too actually.
I would really like to find out who did it and if the brother is still alive, but Stella really is too stupid to live. This is just giving me anxiety, and not in a good way.
I can't seem to find any good spoiler reviews, so I'll just have to accept that I will never know what happened.
I hate Stella. All the other characters too actually.
I would really like to find out who did it and if the brother is still alive, but Stella really is too stupid to live. This is just giving me anxiety, and not in a good way.
I can't seem to find any good spoiler reviews, so I'll just have to accept that I will never know what happened.
May 4, 2025
I DEVOURED this book in 2 days! It would have been faster if I’d had more time to sit down and read. There was nonstop tension and I was so far on the edge of my seat that I almost fell in the floor! I’m being a bit dramatic but this book was really good. It’s one I’m going to be thinking about for a while, and the way it ended doesn’t help. If you love twisty thrill-packed rides then pick add this to your list!
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