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Wanting Daisy Dead
They all had a reason. Only one had the nerve.
Twenty years ago, student Daisy Harrington went out for the evening and never came home. Her body was found a week later. The killer was caught. Case closed.
Now, on what would have been her fortieth birthday, her five university housemates are invited to a weekend gathering. None of them want to go. But none of them can refuse—the invitation makes it clear that if they don’t attend, the past they’ve spent two decades hiding will finally come to light.
Because the man convicted of Daisy’s murder was innocent. And one of the five has known this all along. As the weekend unfolds, the truth threatens to finally be revealed…
They all wanted Daisy dead, but one wanted it more. The question is…who? And why?
Twenty years ago, student Daisy Harrington went out for the evening and never came home. Her body was found a week later. The killer was caught. Case closed.
Now, on what would have been her fortieth birthday, her five university housemates are invited to a weekend gathering. None of them want to go. But none of them can refuse—the invitation makes it clear that if they don’t attend, the past they’ve spent two decades hiding will finally come to light.
Because the man convicted of Daisy’s murder was innocent. And one of the five has known this all along. As the weekend unfolds, the truth threatens to finally be revealed…
They all wanted Daisy dead, but one wanted it more. The question is…who? And why?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2025
6728 people are currently reading
21047 people want to read
About the author
Sue Watson
48 books1,537 followersSue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 650 reviews
September 6, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3.
I like a slow burner especially if the characters are interesting. This though is just slow, it’s slow to get going and never gets pacy. It’s repetitive and so I never really invest in it and in the end just want it over and done with. Characters are not likeable and so I don’t care very much! Not for me.
Amazon Prime First Reads - September 2025.
I like a slow burner especially if the characters are interesting. This though is just slow, it’s slow to get going and never gets pacy. It’s repetitive and so I never really invest in it and in the end just want it over and done with. Characters are not likeable and so I don’t care very much! Not for me.
Amazon Prime First Reads - September 2025.
September 6, 2025
I hated this book for so many reasons.
It's badly written. The dialogue is used in the clunkiest and most expository way, forcing people to say things they'd never realistically say so that they can be explained to the reader.
All the characters are unlikeable, but not in an interesting way. Just a low-grade, everyday unpleasantness that doesn't make them enjoyable to spend time with. They're almost caricatures.
It's so repetitive. Not much really happens but it's drawn out to an entire book length by people banging on about the same thing over and over again.
It's obvious from the start who the murderer is, because of how desperately the author attempts to throw suspicion on everyone but them. And the motivation behind the murderer's actions turns out to play into some very dated, dangerous stereotypes.
There are formatting issues throughout. Bits of the interminable podcast are played throughout the book and those are meant to be in italic. But half the time, the italic continues on the paragraphs following these excerpts, making it hard to follow what's recorded and what's happening now.
Overall, a massive disappointment and I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
It's badly written. The dialogue is used in the clunkiest and most expository way, forcing people to say things they'd never realistically say so that they can be explained to the reader.
All the characters are unlikeable, but not in an interesting way. Just a low-grade, everyday unpleasantness that doesn't make them enjoyable to spend time with. They're almost caricatures.
It's so repetitive. Not much really happens but it's drawn out to an entire book length by people banging on about the same thing over and over again.
It's obvious from the start who the murderer is, because of how desperately the author attempts to throw suspicion on everyone but them. And the motivation behind the murderer's actions turns out to play into some very dated, dangerous stereotypes.
There are formatting issues throughout. Bits of the interminable podcast are played throughout the book and those are meant to be in italic. But half the time, the italic continues on the paragraphs following these excerpts, making it hard to follow what's recorded and what's happening now.
Overall, a massive disappointment and I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
October 5, 2025
Spicy, scandalous and suspenseful describe this addictive thriller! I loved every wicked minute of this twisted tale of jealousy, deception and betrayal. The premise of a group getting together to find “ the real killer” was intriguing. The characters were well developed, each bringing their own unique experience with the murder victim Daisy. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved being part of the twisted journey to the identity of the killer. I highly recommend this book to all thriller addicts.
September 21, 2025
Kinda slow
This just wasn't an enjoyable read for me. I felt it was slow, predictable, and anticlimactic. The constant changing POVs became hard to follow, and numerous times, I had to look back to the chapterhead to see who was speaking.
This just wasn't an enjoyable read for me. I felt it was slow, predictable, and anticlimactic. The constant changing POVs became hard to follow, and numerous times, I had to look back to the chapterhead to see who was speaking.
September 4, 2025
Those who love a traditional mystery will probably find much to entertain them in this “whodunnit” which combines the “everyone has a motive” theme with the new device of a podcast and a reality show acting as the detective(s). Kind of like “Murder on the Orient Express” meets “Survivor” and the podcast “True Crime.” (The Orient Express" reference is not to suggest that everyone did it, only that everyone's suspected. As to who did it? I have no idea since I haven't yet gotten to the answer)
Some twenty years ago, five English university students attended and lived together at Exeter University: Georgie, Dan, Maddie, Lauren, Alex, and Daisy. One night, Daisy disappeared and was later found murdered. Professor David Montgomery, a married man with two children who was in a relationship with Daisy, was convicted of her murder.
Now, the podcast “The Killer Question” is reinvestigating the case, claiming that Montgomery—who has just committed suicide in prison—was wrongly convicted. Wanting to resolve the murder, the podcast has invited all the housemates back to Exeter to spend the weekend in their old rooms and celebrate Daisy’s birthday while it records everything that goes on. Should anyone choose not to attend, they face two possible penalties: 1) they’ll look guilty of the murder; and 2) the podcast will publicly reveal a secret it claims to know about each one of them.
The story is told through four alternating first-person points of view: Georgie’s, Dan’s, Maddie’s, and Lauren’s, and also from the transcripts of the podcast. It's a little confusing and a little repetitive in the beginning, but soon becomes absorbing.
There’s a ton of mystery here, lots of questions to hook readers and keep them turning the pages. Each character has his or her own secret. And there are all sorts of relationship cross-currents and questions, arising both from their college years and in the present. And of course, there’s the big mystery: Who Killed Daisy?
The characters aren't all that likable. But the story and the treatment are intriguing. A solid entertainment for mystery lovers.
Some twenty years ago, five English university students attended and lived together at Exeter University: Georgie, Dan, Maddie, Lauren, Alex, and Daisy. One night, Daisy disappeared and was later found murdered. Professor David Montgomery, a married man with two children who was in a relationship with Daisy, was convicted of her murder.
Now, the podcast “The Killer Question” is reinvestigating the case, claiming that Montgomery—who has just committed suicide in prison—was wrongly convicted. Wanting to resolve the murder, the podcast has invited all the housemates back to Exeter to spend the weekend in their old rooms and celebrate Daisy’s birthday while it records everything that goes on. Should anyone choose not to attend, they face two possible penalties: 1) they’ll look guilty of the murder; and 2) the podcast will publicly reveal a secret it claims to know about each one of them.
The story is told through four alternating first-person points of view: Georgie’s, Dan’s, Maddie’s, and Lauren’s, and also from the transcripts of the podcast. It's a little confusing and a little repetitive in the beginning, but soon becomes absorbing.
There’s a ton of mystery here, lots of questions to hook readers and keep them turning the pages. Each character has his or her own secret. And there are all sorts of relationship cross-currents and questions, arising both from their college years and in the present. And of course, there’s the big mystery: Who Killed Daisy?
The characters aren't all that likable. But the story and the treatment are intriguing. A solid entertainment for mystery lovers.
October 8, 2025
mesmerizing, dynamic,
full of unlikeable secretive
characters you’ll love to hate,
this feels like an agatha christie
classic locked room mystery. ♡
full of unlikeable secretive
characters you’ll love to hate,
this feels like an agatha christie
classic locked room mystery. ♡
October 11, 2025
Congrats to my other 1-star reads of 2025 because now none of y'all have to worry about being the worst.
Man, fuck this book. I'm honestly almost too irritated to even write much. But basically this was the most boring excuse for a "thriller" I have ever read. It is slow as hell and mostly focuses on the interpersonal relationships and endless whining of the main characters, none of which I gave a damn about. I also didn't really give a damn about Daisy or what happened to her because we don't ever get to be with her. There are SO MANY of these "someone died a long time ago and their friends are getting together years later to figure it out" books, but in most of them, we get to spend time in that past event with the dead person, get to know them, etc, so that we actually care who killed them. Here all we get is a few very brief little reminiscences that add up to jack shit. We have four POV characters, none of which have a distinct voice at all, and all of which are insufferable twats and not in any kind of "love to hate them" kind of way. The whole podcast thing was so poor executed and feels like the author was trying to ride the coattails of other books that have done it much better. The dialogue is laughably bad, too. Like it was written by an alien whose only experience with English and humans was late-night infomercials.
So it was dull and poorly structured and thin, but I kept reading because I had a feeling the reveal would either be something really boring -- like the dude in prison really had done it after all or something -- or something super ridic, like all five of the friends had offed Daisy together in some satanic ritual.
It wasn't either of those things. It was WAY WORSE. And fuck this author to Neptune and back for writing this, and fuck the editor for allowing it. You're really gonna go full homophobe in 2025? Fucking bite me. Also, this is the most egregious villain monologue I have ever encountered. It was like she was trying to write a textbook example of one or something. Literally the person monologues at everyone in the room for pages and pages in the most minute details, and it came out of nowhere. It was super dumb, terribly written, and offensive as hell.
I don't know about Daisy, but I definitely want this book dead and buried.
Man, fuck this book. I'm honestly almost too irritated to even write much. But basically this was the most boring excuse for a "thriller" I have ever read. It is slow as hell and mostly focuses on the interpersonal relationships and endless whining of the main characters, none of which I gave a damn about. I also didn't really give a damn about Daisy or what happened to her because we don't ever get to be with her. There are SO MANY of these "someone died a long time ago and their friends are getting together years later to figure it out" books, but in most of them, we get to spend time in that past event with the dead person, get to know them, etc, so that we actually care who killed them. Here all we get is a few very brief little reminiscences that add up to jack shit. We have four POV characters, none of which have a distinct voice at all, and all of which are insufferable twats and not in any kind of "love to hate them" kind of way. The whole podcast thing was so poor executed and feels like the author was trying to ride the coattails of other books that have done it much better. The dialogue is laughably bad, too. Like it was written by an alien whose only experience with English and humans was late-night infomercials.
So it was dull and poorly structured and thin, but I kept reading because I had a feeling the reveal would either be something really boring -- like the dude in prison really had done it after all or something -- or something super ridic, like all five of the friends had offed Daisy together in some satanic ritual.
It wasn't either of those things. It was WAY WORSE. And fuck this author to Neptune and back for writing this, and fuck the editor for allowing it. You're really gonna go full homophobe in 2025? Fucking bite me. Also, this is the most egregious villain monologue I have ever encountered. It was like she was trying to write a textbook example of one or something. Literally the person monologues at everyone in the room for pages and pages in the most minute details, and it came out of nowhere. It was super dumb, terribly written, and offensive as hell.
I don't know about Daisy, but I definitely want this book dead and buried.
September 17, 2025
Such unlikeable characters and a really long, drawn-out story. Can't say I enjoyed it
September 2, 2025
love love loveeeeee!
This book is great! I def thought three ppl were more than guilty. I never ever saw that coming and I loved every page! I couldn’t put it down! This author is exceptional!
This book is great! I def thought three ppl were more than guilty. I never ever saw that coming and I loved every page! I couldn’t put it down! This author is exceptional!
September 3, 2025
I enjoyed this thriller. I kept going back and forth on what I thought the ending would be, but I couldn’t predict it all! It lulled slightly in the middle but overall it kept me wanting to keep reading the next chapter.
October 15, 2025
“Dear Friend,
You are cordially invited for a weekend to celebrate the 40th birthday of Daisy Harrington.
The birthday girl will sadly not be attending, but her friends will all be there.
Please join us on Friday December 12th at St. Luke’s campus, Exeter, for a weekend of memories. Check in by 5p.m.
We know why you wanted Daisy dead – and if you aren’t at her party, everyone else will know too.
LOVE FROM
THE KILLER QUESTION Podcast”
-Sue Watson, Wanting Daisy Dead
~
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing, and Sue Watson for providing me with this gifted copy of Wanting Daisy Dead in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed below are my own.
Twenty years earlier, Daisy Harrington was found dead in a cabin on the beach one week after she went missing, a place frequented often by her and her college friends. At the time of her murder, she was in a relationship with her creative writing professor and thus he was the one found guilty of this “crime of passion.” Six months after his own death in his jail cell, all of Daisy’s friends receive a letter in the mail. On Daisy’s birthday, all five of them are invited back to their college dorms by a podcast “The Killer Question”, whose mission is to free innocent people from prison by exposing the true murderers in true crime cases.
The story is extremely suspenseful and captivating because it is told from multiple POVs, so you get an inside perspective into each of Daisy’s friends’ thoughts and memories. The only problem is that each friend has secrets, each one is an unreliable narrator, and each one blames themselves in some way for what happened to Daisy that fateful night. This book keeps you guessing the whole way through, as you comb through the evidence and testimonies alongside the podcast hosts trying to figure out the truth in this “who-done-it” style novel.
If you are a fan of Ruth Ware mystery novels, such as The It Girl, and the Glass Onion / Knives Out films, then this is the mystery book for you!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Plotline: 5/5
Character Development 5/5
World Building 4/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Syntax & Writing Style 5/5
Structure 5/5
You are cordially invited for a weekend to celebrate the 40th birthday of Daisy Harrington.
The birthday girl will sadly not be attending, but her friends will all be there.
Please join us on Friday December 12th at St. Luke’s campus, Exeter, for a weekend of memories. Check in by 5p.m.
We know why you wanted Daisy dead – and if you aren’t at her party, everyone else will know too.
LOVE FROM
THE KILLER QUESTION Podcast”
-Sue Watson, Wanting Daisy Dead
~
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing, and Sue Watson for providing me with this gifted copy of Wanting Daisy Dead in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed below are my own.
Twenty years earlier, Daisy Harrington was found dead in a cabin on the beach one week after she went missing, a place frequented often by her and her college friends. At the time of her murder, she was in a relationship with her creative writing professor and thus he was the one found guilty of this “crime of passion.” Six months after his own death in his jail cell, all of Daisy’s friends receive a letter in the mail. On Daisy’s birthday, all five of them are invited back to their college dorms by a podcast “The Killer Question”, whose mission is to free innocent people from prison by exposing the true murderers in true crime cases.
The story is extremely suspenseful and captivating because it is told from multiple POVs, so you get an inside perspective into each of Daisy’s friends’ thoughts and memories. The only problem is that each friend has secrets, each one is an unreliable narrator, and each one blames themselves in some way for what happened to Daisy that fateful night. This book keeps you guessing the whole way through, as you comb through the evidence and testimonies alongside the podcast hosts trying to figure out the truth in this “who-done-it” style novel.
If you are a fan of Ruth Ware mystery novels, such as The It Girl, and the Glass Onion / Knives Out films, then this is the mystery book for you!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Plotline: 5/5
Character Development 5/5
World Building 4/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Syntax & Writing Style 5/5
Structure 5/5
October 19, 2025
I love Sue Watson books generally and couldn’t wait to read this one however I was a bit disappointed - I knew the storyline whenI started but I got a bit bored of all the characters. I’m glad I listened on audible though as the different character acting was great with the voices and one man’s voice in particular was lovely. I was actually glad when the book was finished. Some good things though not all bad.
September 23, 2025
Wanting Daisy Dead by Sue Watson
This review will be simple.
This may be the worst book I have ever read. It had no redeeming factor. The characters were self-absorbed bores I hope to never meet.
The extensive discussions between the characters were boring..
If you like books that go nowhere, this is for you.
If you don’t want to end your day saying, “Boy, I wish I never even started this book,” keep away, far away.
This review will be simple.
This may be the worst book I have ever read. It had no redeeming factor. The characters were self-absorbed bores I hope to never meet.
The extensive discussions between the characters were boring..
If you like books that go nowhere, this is for you.
If you don’t want to end your day saying, “Boy, I wish I never even started this book,” keep away, far away.
October 2, 2025
So after a week and a half of being really sick with a bad cold due to covid i finally got in the mood to read. I have been really interested to read "Wanting Daisy Dead" by Sue Watson and I finally have..
What a crazy ride this was. Lots of twists and turns but such a fun read. The more twists the more crazy it gets and the more fun the wild ride is.
My only objection is that it was a little slow at the beginning. I like when things start to get crazy right at the beginning.
Lots of drama, lots of gossip, lots of twists and one that i recommend
What a crazy ride this was. Lots of twists and turns but such a fun read. The more twists the more crazy it gets and the more fun the wild ride is.
My only objection is that it was a little slow at the beginning. I like when things start to get crazy right at the beginning.
Lots of drama, lots of gossip, lots of twists and one that i recommend
September 16, 2025
Was more than pleased to see this authors new book part of this months ‘Amazon First Reads’ and was an easy choice for me to make
This book, carefully and detailedly looks at the case of Daisy who died many years ago, a Crime Podcast has brought together all her previous housemates for a weekend to see if THEY can decide who murdered her
The strange thing being someone served many years for her murder until committing suicide
The charcaters are a rum lot, some entitled, some devious, some jealous but all brimming with secrets and past hurts and reasons to be worried
It is so well done as we via reading interviews and podcast ‘tasks’ look at the murder and the evidence for each one on ‘trial’ and try like them to work out who it is
It may sound complex but the way it is written made sure all aspects were clearly explained and each character was ‘exposed’
If I could use words like gripping, unputdownable, twisty, turny with an ending that was brilliant and unseen to me then I would as its the truth, something that everyone is trying to hide in this book….and little by little failing to do so
Reading Joy
This book, carefully and detailedly looks at the case of Daisy who died many years ago, a Crime Podcast has brought together all her previous housemates for a weekend to see if THEY can decide who murdered her
The strange thing being someone served many years for her murder until committing suicide
The charcaters are a rum lot, some entitled, some devious, some jealous but all brimming with secrets and past hurts and reasons to be worried
It is so well done as we via reading interviews and podcast ‘tasks’ look at the murder and the evidence for each one on ‘trial’ and try like them to work out who it is
It may sound complex but the way it is written made sure all aspects were clearly explained and each character was ‘exposed’
If I could use words like gripping, unputdownable, twisty, turny with an ending that was brilliant and unseen to me then I would as its the truth, something that everyone is trying to hide in this book….and little by little failing to do so
Reading Joy
September 3, 2025
What a crazy ride this was.
Twist, turns, and the reveal.
It was a little slow in the beginning but once it got started all the drama and gossip was worth the wait.
:)
Twist, turns, and the reveal.
It was a little slow in the beginning but once it got started all the drama and gossip was worth the wait.
:)
September 9, 2025
This book did pull me in, even though at first I had trouble differentiating some of the characters. However, the plot seemed to bobble along, somewhat redundantly. My biggest complaint is that….
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PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
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Of course the dyke committed the horrible, bloody murder, and the author even adds an afterword that tells us that she’ll do it again. Sheesh! Of course, the gayness of the murderer is not revealed until the very end, since it is the motive for the murder. So there’s no gay culture, no ambiance, no characterization. Being gay is swung in as a shameful secret (deus ex machina) that drives one to murder someone horribly. And the gay character’s occupation? She’s a sex worker, who’s supposedly made a million bucks on OnlyFan, faking orgasms for male clients. Again, that describes most lesbians, doesn’t it? Closeted, murderous, sex workers who get rich off men while fantasizing about women they lust after and will murder? When will these het authors get a clue? We are not simply a convenient, surprise twist in a story.
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PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!! PLOT SPOILER ALERT!!!
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Of course the dyke committed the horrible, bloody murder, and the author even adds an afterword that tells us that she’ll do it again. Sheesh! Of course, the gayness of the murderer is not revealed until the very end, since it is the motive for the murder. So there’s no gay culture, no ambiance, no characterization. Being gay is swung in as a shameful secret (deus ex machina) that drives one to murder someone horribly. And the gay character’s occupation? She’s a sex worker, who’s supposedly made a million bucks on OnlyFan, faking orgasms for male clients. Again, that describes most lesbians, doesn’t it? Closeted, murderous, sex workers who get rich off men while fantasizing about women they lust after and will murder? When will these het authors get a clue? We are not simply a convenient, surprise twist in a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
Wanting Daisy Dead by Sue Watson has adult friends coming back to their college Apartment where their friend Daisy went missing and was found bludgeon to death in a beach cottage owned by her boyfriend. her college professor who was also married and her boyfriend. He was found guilty and imprisoned until he killed his self But a podcast is determined to prove not only was he innocent but that one of the roommates killed her and boy they do it in the most anxiety and panic inducing way not because they all think they may have killed her but know they have motives to be accused of the crime. Who actually killed her is a definite shock… At least kind of sorta and made for a very good book. to make matters especially tents they even invite the dead girls mother. My only issue with this book is most of the people involved including Georgia and Lauren acted like they were still in high school or college and we’re the biggest self-absorbed bitches especially Lauren, not to mention they’re all so fake except for maybe Maddie and Alex but the rest are a bunch of jokes and I do mean laugh out loud funny jokes especially George’s husband whose name escapes me. I still recommend it for those who love deliciously good gossipy mean girls stories like I do then you’ll absolutely enjoy this book. I was so happy to see it on prime this month I’m so glad I got to read it as an early reader thank you Amazon. #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #SueWatson, #WantingDaisyDead,
October 3, 2025
GR blurb -
Twenty years ago, student Daisy Harrington went out for the evening and never came home. Her body was found a week later. The killer was caught. Case closed.
Now, on what would have been her fortieth birthday, her five university housemates are invited to a weekend gathering. None of them want to go. But none of them can refuse—the invitation makes it clear that if they don’t attend, the past they’ve spent two decades hiding will finally come to light.
Because the man convicted of Daisy’s murder was innocent. And one of the five has known this all along. As the weekend unfolds, the truth threatens to finally be revealed…
They all wanted Daisy dead, but one wanted it more. The question is…who? And why?
My thoughts -
Sort of a unique mystery thriller with a good understanding of interpersonal relationships amongst old friends - at least one of which is a psychopath. I have to give the author a thumbs up for what should have been completely satisfying reading experience. However, two things bothered me and I'm reducing a 5-star potential by one star for each of those.
First, it's made pretty clear that the sponsors of the reunion believe that one of the attendees is responsible for Daisy's death although each of the five had a motive. What bothered me is that each of the five behaved at times as though they didn't want their secret revealed - as if it would reveal their guilt. But only one of them needed to worry as the others were clearly innocent. So, why then, act as though your life was on the line. It just didn't make any sense to me. The other drawback was a biggy for me - They all seemed crazy, self-centered, narcissistic, and totally unlikable. For me to enjoy a work of fiction, I have to have good feelings or at least somewhat care about one of the characters. None of these folks were likable. Thus, three stars - better than average.
Twenty years ago, student Daisy Harrington went out for the evening and never came home. Her body was found a week later. The killer was caught. Case closed.
Now, on what would have been her fortieth birthday, her five university housemates are invited to a weekend gathering. None of them want to go. But none of them can refuse—the invitation makes it clear that if they don’t attend, the past they’ve spent two decades hiding will finally come to light.
Because the man convicted of Daisy’s murder was innocent. And one of the five has known this all along. As the weekend unfolds, the truth threatens to finally be revealed…
They all wanted Daisy dead, but one wanted it more. The question is…who? And why?
My thoughts -
Sort of a unique mystery thriller with a good understanding of interpersonal relationships amongst old friends - at least one of which is a psychopath. I have to give the author a thumbs up for what should have been completely satisfying reading experience. However, two things bothered me and I'm reducing a 5-star potential by one star for each of those.
First, it's made pretty clear that the sponsors of the reunion believe that one of the attendees is responsible for Daisy's death although each of the five had a motive. What bothered me is that each of the five behaved at times as though they didn't want their secret revealed - as if it would reveal their guilt. But only one of them needed to worry as the others were clearly innocent. So, why then, act as though your life was on the line. It just didn't make any sense to me. The other drawback was a biggy for me - They all seemed crazy, self-centered, narcissistic, and totally unlikable. For me to enjoy a work of fiction, I have to have good feelings or at least somewhat care about one of the characters. None of these folks were likable. Thus, three stars - better than average.
October 12, 2025
Every single "friend" had their reasons for wanting Daisy dead...but only one is responsible for her death, can you figure out who it is? I didn't! I was so wrong!
I personally enjoy when a book has more than one narrator and this one has 9! I love having the variety of voices when so much is going on, it really helps me stay engaged in the story and keep the characters straight.
I thought the storyline was interesting and unique. I loved the inclusion of the podcast! I had so much fun listening to this one!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I personally enjoy when a book has more than one narrator and this one has 9! I love having the variety of voices when so much is going on, it really helps me stay engaged in the story and keep the characters straight.
I thought the storyline was interesting and unique. I loved the inclusion of the podcast! I had so much fun listening to this one!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2025
This book was so good. I loved the ending!
October 12, 2025
I'm not sure what's happened. I used to love this author's books, and I kept telling myself to give them one more chance. WANTING DAISY DEAD started off promising, but the problems I encountered with her last few books emerged once more. The dialogue is just a terrible mess, and I don't mean formatting. The characters sound like caricatures instead of people we should be invested in and care about. I'm giving two stars because the first 30% was compelling before it completely veered off course.
October 8, 2025
Twenty years after Daisy Harrington was murdered, her old university housemates receive a chilling invitation — a reunion weekend at the very place where their friendships fractured. The twist? The invite hints that if they don’t attend, long-buried secrets about that night will come to light.
From the very start, Wanting Daisy Dead is packed with tension and suspicion. The group dynamic is uncomfortable and messy — everyone has something to hide, and no one is particularly likeable (which makes it even better). Watching the past and present collide as the truth begins to unravel had me completely hooked.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was brilliant. Each character’s voice was distinct, and the production gave the story a cinematic edge — I could easily picture the rain, the setting, the rising panic.
The “whodunit” suspense is sharp, the pacing tight, and several twists genuinely blindsided me. A dark, addictive listen about friendship, guilt, and how the truth always finds its way out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio, and Sue Watson for the chance to listen to this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the very start, Wanting Daisy Dead is packed with tension and suspicion. The group dynamic is uncomfortable and messy — everyone has something to hide, and no one is particularly likeable (which makes it even better). Watching the past and present collide as the truth begins to unravel had me completely hooked.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was brilliant. Each character’s voice was distinct, and the production gave the story a cinematic edge — I could easily picture the rain, the setting, the rising panic.
The “whodunit” suspense is sharp, the pacing tight, and several twists genuinely blindsided me. A dark, addictive listen about friendship, guilt, and how the truth always finds its way out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio, and Sue Watson for the chance to listen to this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2025
A modern take on classic whodunnit murder mysteries. The book was engaging and entertaining. The plot twist at the end was great! Even though, fairly early on in the book, it’s easy to recognize who the killer is, the story is very well told and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I give it 4 stars overall. I will definitely read more books by the author.
Twenty years ago A young woman named Daisy was murdered in the prime of her life. Someone is convicted of the crime. But, they may have been wrongfully charged.
This is a psychological thriller told through the viewpoints of Daisy’s former college roommates and friends. They are brought together to celebrate what would have been Daisy’s fortieth birthday. Each of them has a secret, and a reason to want Daisy dead. As the weekend progresses we learn all of the awful things they’ve been hiding all these years. But, did one of them actually kill her?
Twenty years ago A young woman named Daisy was murdered in the prime of her life. Someone is convicted of the crime. But, they may have been wrongfully charged.
This is a psychological thriller told through the viewpoints of Daisy’s former college roommates and friends. They are brought together to celebrate what would have been Daisy’s fortieth birthday. Each of them has a secret, and a reason to want Daisy dead. As the weekend progresses we learn all of the awful things they’ve been hiding all these years. But, did one of them actually kill her?
November 24, 2025
A fun whodunnit taking its inspiration from Agatha Christie in that the killer is one of several guests gathered. Ms. Watson constructs that in a fun way, and I enjoyed the different characters, their interactions, and the final reveal.
I'd advise this as better in text, tho. The narrators are all good, but the different voices each of the 4 narrators does for each of the characters don't always sound similar, causing you have to stop and work out who is who at times. Which doesn't help in a piece full of characterization.
I'd advise this as better in text, tho. The narrators are all good, but the different voices each of the 4 narrators does for each of the characters don't always sound similar, causing you have to stop and work out who is who at times. Which doesn't help in a piece full of characterization.
October 10, 2025
Filled with secrets and unlikable characters!
Twenty years ago, Daisy Harrington was killed after a night out. Her body was found and the killer brought to justice. Now, her five college roommates have been sent an invitation they can’t refuse. To commemorate Daisy’s fortieth birthday, the man accused is calling these college friends together because he is innocent. And one of the five knows it. By the end of the weekend we’ll all know who really killed Daisy. But it won’t be easy because they all wanted her dead.
The audio narration was fantastic performed by Fiona Hardingham, Elizabeth Knoweldon, Alex Wyndham, Moira Quirk, Mirai, Lucy Raynor, Henrietta Meire, Brenda Scott Wlazlo, and Tim Campbell.
Thank you Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now
Twenty years ago, Daisy Harrington was killed after a night out. Her body was found and the killer brought to justice. Now, her five college roommates have been sent an invitation they can’t refuse. To commemorate Daisy’s fortieth birthday, the man accused is calling these college friends together because he is innocent. And one of the five knows it. By the end of the weekend we’ll all know who really killed Daisy. But it won’t be easy because they all wanted her dead.
The audio narration was fantastic performed by Fiona Hardingham, Elizabeth Knoweldon, Alex Wyndham, Moira Quirk, Mirai, Lucy Raynor, Henrietta Meire, Brenda Scott Wlazlo, and Tim Campbell.
Thank you Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now
October 14, 2025
WANTING DAISY DEAD BY SUE WATSON.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
🌼In love with the cover 🌼
This book pulls you in immediately and I've read this today and didn't want it to end.
Absolutely loved it Sue.
I love your books and your writing style is amazing.
Suspicious characters, twisty and UNPUTADOWNABLE.
Really looking forward to picking another Sue Watson book up ☺
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
🌼In love with the cover 🌼
This book pulls you in immediately and I've read this today and didn't want it to end.
Absolutely loved it Sue.
I love your books and your writing style is amazing.
Suspicious characters, twisty and UNPUTADOWNABLE.
Really looking forward to picking another Sue Watson book up ☺
November 10, 2025
Wanting Daisy Dead? All of them had a reason. But was it her lover? A stranger? Who wanted Daisy dead? . . . I don't know and I didn't care. Found the novel dull, insipid, disliked all the characters.
September 25, 2025
Everyone is guilty and everyone has a secret. While it was somewhat predictable who was the person who killed Daisy, the reason they did it was a complete shock!
November 9, 2025
Cliff hangers in each chapter was annoying. Although the story line was interesting, the ending was very predictable.
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