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The Murder Maze
Blurb and cover coming soon ...
Out on 01 March 2025.
Out on 01 March 2025.
- GenresThriller
353 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2025
182 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
22 books466 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 9, 2025
3.5 stars. I have mixed feelings about this book. The setting is a familiar one. Four strangers, all with something to hide, are invited to an uninhabited island for the chance to win a substantial amount of money and to keep their secrets safe. But first they have to navigate the ultimate maze/escape room. Each contestant has to solve puzzles and face their deepest fears in order to progress, and they soon discover that they are all connected in some way. I appreciate the complexity of this fast-paced, action-packed plot, but a suspension of disbelief is required, especially for the implausible resolution.
March 2, 2025
4.5 Stars
I have anticipated Jessica Huntley's new books since I read "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps" because it was one of my favorite reads of 2024.
What would you do if you received a letter offering you a considerable amount of money to play a game on a remote island? The catch? They will expose a dark secret you have buried if you don't agree. Four strangers arrive to find out there will only be one survivor in "The Murder Maze!"
Jane is a single mother. She also survived being kidnapped by a serial killer who killed her twin sister.
Ryan lost his wife in a tragic car accident. He is now raising their twin daughters, who have Down syndrome, by himself.
Andrew is a spoiled rich kid who spends his time bodybuilding, partying, and selling drugs. He's arrogant and doesn't care about anyone but himself.
Christie had an appalling childhood. She's lost everything because of her gambling addiction and is desperate for money.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the Mastermind, the game creator, so readers become familiar with all the characters. Jane and Ryan were my favorites, but when everyone's secrets surface, you can't look at any of them the same way. An unhinged creator insanely executes the game that no one deserves! Well, maybe Andrew does, lol.
This story is intense, fast-paced, and keeps you on your toes. It's the craziest locked-room-type thriller I've read!
Thank you to the author and Indie Visible for this ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
#TheMurderMaze #JessicaHuntley #IndieVisible #KindleUnlimited
I have anticipated Jessica Huntley's new books since I read "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps" because it was one of my favorite reads of 2024.
What would you do if you received a letter offering you a considerable amount of money to play a game on a remote island? The catch? They will expose a dark secret you have buried if you don't agree. Four strangers arrive to find out there will only be one survivor in "The Murder Maze!"
Jane is a single mother. She also survived being kidnapped by a serial killer who killed her twin sister.
Ryan lost his wife in a tragic car accident. He is now raising their twin daughters, who have Down syndrome, by himself.
Andrew is a spoiled rich kid who spends his time bodybuilding, partying, and selling drugs. He's arrogant and doesn't care about anyone but himself.
Christie had an appalling childhood. She's lost everything because of her gambling addiction and is desperate for money.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the Mastermind, the game creator, so readers become familiar with all the characters. Jane and Ryan were my favorites, but when everyone's secrets surface, you can't look at any of them the same way. An unhinged creator insanely executes the game that no one deserves! Well, maybe Andrew does, lol.
This story is intense, fast-paced, and keeps you on your toes. It's the craziest locked-room-type thriller I've read!
Thank you to the author and Indie Visible for this ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
#TheMurderMaze #JessicaHuntley #IndieVisible #KindleUnlimited
February 14, 2025
Whee woo! This book was a puzzle indeed! The Murder Maze starts off slowly as we are introduced to each character arriving to the island. I liked this as while there were two males and two females to get to know, their character development and backgrounds made it easy to know and keep track of who they were immediately.
Once the book gets into it, it really picks up speed and becomes action packed. Lots of secrets revealed and plenty of brutal and entertaining moments. My favourite bit was finding out how everything and everyone connects! It's really quite a puzzle!
As with all Jessica's books, there are some big plots twists. I thought I had it right from the beginning on who the mastermind behind all this was, but I did not!
Dark and entertaining! You'll enjoy this if you like thrillers, mysteries, the idea of escape rooms/solving games/murders etc.
Once the book gets into it, it really picks up speed and becomes action packed. Lots of secrets revealed and plenty of brutal and entertaining moments. My favourite bit was finding out how everything and everyone connects! It's really quite a puzzle!
As with all Jessica's books, there are some big plots twists. I thought I had it right from the beginning on who the mastermind behind all this was, but I did not!
Dark and entertaining! You'll enjoy this if you like thrillers, mysteries, the idea of escape rooms/solving games/murders etc.
Read
February 24, 2025This is my 9th self published full length book and 16th book overall. It took me almost 2 years to finish due to the complex plot and other life stuff happening that meant I had to put it aside for a bit.
I'm so glad I managed to finish it. After I wrote the short story "You Die...I Die" for the anthology HorrorScope Vol 1, I knew I needed to continue Jane's story after she came face to face with a serial killer!
I had fun with this one. Andrew has got to me the worst most horrible character I've ever come up with! The twists and turns of this book especially towards the end were something that surprised me myself.
I hope readers enjoy entering The Murder Maze and untangling the secrets within. And look out for the hidden puzzles within the story. A few eagle eyed readers have spotted them!
Good luck!
Jessica x
I'm so glad I managed to finish it. After I wrote the short story "You Die...I Die" for the anthology HorrorScope Vol 1, I knew I needed to continue Jane's story after she came face to face with a serial killer!
I had fun with this one. Andrew has got to me the worst most horrible character I've ever come up with! The twists and turns of this book especially towards the end were something that surprised me myself.
I hope readers enjoy entering The Murder Maze and untangling the secrets within. And look out for the hidden puzzles within the story. A few eagle eyed readers have spotted them!
Good luck!
Jessica x
July 15, 2025
4 strangers, each with their own secrets and past that they refuse to let resurface, must solve a various puzzles and murders with a chance of winning a million dollars. Only one can win.
I love how eerie the setting was. There were a lot of gruesome and unsettling parts. The way the characters were forced to solve the puzzles and murders was super interesting. I was also trying to figure out the puzzles and murders along with the characters as I was reading. I love how jaw dropping the ending was with how everything tied up at the end and the huge revelation of how everyone was truly connected.
I love how eerie the setting was. There were a lot of gruesome and unsettling parts. The way the characters were forced to solve the puzzles and murders was super interesting. I was also trying to figure out the puzzles and murders along with the characters as I was reading. I love how jaw dropping the ending was with how everything tied up at the end and the huge revelation of how everyone was truly connected.
March 13, 2025
The Murder Maze has more twists than a rollercoaster! It was interesting to see them all develop and how characters were linked. I guessed some of the twists but not all of them!
It’s fast paced, there’s some gore, mentions of death and mental health too. It’s quite a short book, being 340ish pages but not too over descriptive either. It gets straight into the story which I found enjoyable.
It’s fast paced, there’s some gore, mentions of death and mental health too. It’s quite a short book, being 340ish pages but not too over descriptive either. It gets straight into the story which I found enjoyable.
February 8, 2025
I love when a book keeps me up late because I just can't put it down! _The Murder Maze_ was one of those books for me—I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
This book skillfully combines mystery, suspense, and psychological thrills that will leave you breathless. Imagine an escape room on a deserted island. Sounds intriguing, right? This unique and captivating setting creates an exciting journey where every twist and turn will keep you on the edge of your seat.
What sets this book apart is the multiple POVs narration. The story unfolds through the eyes of five different characters, each with their own voice and viewpoint. This not only enriches the plot but also provides a more immersive experience, in my opinion.
Packed with unexpected twists, this story is impossible to put down. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Jessica introduces another curveball that completely shifts the game. This constant suspense is what truly distinguishes this book.
The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. As you journey through the maze with them, you can't help but become emotionally invested in their fates.
Jessica has created a novel that is intellectually stimulating and entertaining. It's a thrilling ride that you won't want to end!
This book skillfully combines mystery, suspense, and psychological thrills that will leave you breathless. Imagine an escape room on a deserted island. Sounds intriguing, right? This unique and captivating setting creates an exciting journey where every twist and turn will keep you on the edge of your seat.
What sets this book apart is the multiple POVs narration. The story unfolds through the eyes of five different characters, each with their own voice and viewpoint. This not only enriches the plot but also provides a more immersive experience, in my opinion.
Packed with unexpected twists, this story is impossible to put down. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Jessica introduces another curveball that completely shifts the game. This constant suspense is what truly distinguishes this book.
The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. As you journey through the maze with them, you can't help but become emotionally invested in their fates.
Jessica has created a novel that is intellectually stimulating and entertaining. It's a thrilling ride that you won't want to end!
July 14, 2025
Four strangers. One twisted maze. Only one survives.
Jane Patterson barely survived her run-in with a serial killer five years ago. Now she’s trying to hold her life together for her son. When an invitation arrives offering a life-changing sum of money, Jane can’t afford to turn it down even though the sender clearly knows about her past.
On a remote island off the coast of Wales, she finds three strangers with the same offer. There’s a catch though. Only one of them gets out. As time ticks on, Jane realizes these people aren’t strangers after all, and this isn’t about money. It’s about survival. Murder Maze is an intense psychological thriller packed with secrets, connections, and one mind-blowing ending.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
This is not your average murder mystery. It’s a murder mystery on steroids. Calling it just that almost feels disrespectful to how brilliantly twisted this book is. The tension never lets up. It’s intense, creepy, and absolutely impossible to put down once you start.
And the twists? OMG. If you see this ending coming, please tell me what kind of dark magic you’re working with, because I didn’t stand a chance. I thought I had it figured out more than once spoiler, I did not.
The concept is so clever. A maze where survival isn’t guaranteed, people who aren’t what they seem, and one final reveal that blew my mind. This book had me hooked, second-guessing, and occasionally yelling at my audiobook. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you thinking long after you finish it.
The Vibes It Brings:
🎯 High Stakes Survival Game
🧩 Twisty Plot with Shocking Reveals
👤 Untrustworthy Strangers
🚪 Locked Room Island Setting
🔍 Murder Mystery Vibes
🤯 Mind-Blowing Ending
⏳ Tension from Start to Finish
👥 Everyone Has Secrets
📚 Psychological Thriller Goodness
Narration:
Candace Fitzgerald and Curtis Michael Holland absolutely nailed this. Their performances pulled me into the story and never let go. The dual narration gave each character so much depth and made it feel incredibly immersive. This book would be great on its own, but the audio elevated it to a whole other level of suspense.
TL;DR:
Murder Maze is clever, intense, and full of shocking moments. It’s a wild ride from start to finish and impossible to predict. The audiobook is next-level good with narrators who completely pull you in. If you love psychological thrillers with twists you won’t see coming, this one’s for you.
Jane Patterson barely survived her run-in with a serial killer five years ago. Now she’s trying to hold her life together for her son. When an invitation arrives offering a life-changing sum of money, Jane can’t afford to turn it down even though the sender clearly knows about her past.
On a remote island off the coast of Wales, she finds three strangers with the same offer. There’s a catch though. Only one of them gets out. As time ticks on, Jane realizes these people aren’t strangers after all, and this isn’t about money. It’s about survival. Murder Maze is an intense psychological thriller packed with secrets, connections, and one mind-blowing ending.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
This is not your average murder mystery. It’s a murder mystery on steroids. Calling it just that almost feels disrespectful to how brilliantly twisted this book is. The tension never lets up. It’s intense, creepy, and absolutely impossible to put down once you start.
And the twists? OMG. If you see this ending coming, please tell me what kind of dark magic you’re working with, because I didn’t stand a chance. I thought I had it figured out more than once spoiler, I did not.
The concept is so clever. A maze where survival isn’t guaranteed, people who aren’t what they seem, and one final reveal that blew my mind. This book had me hooked, second-guessing, and occasionally yelling at my audiobook. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you thinking long after you finish it.
The Vibes It Brings:
🎯 High Stakes Survival Game
🧩 Twisty Plot with Shocking Reveals
👤 Untrustworthy Strangers
🚪 Locked Room Island Setting
🔍 Murder Mystery Vibes
🤯 Mind-Blowing Ending
⏳ Tension from Start to Finish
👥 Everyone Has Secrets
📚 Psychological Thriller Goodness
Narration:
Candace Fitzgerald and Curtis Michael Holland absolutely nailed this. Their performances pulled me into the story and never let go. The dual narration gave each character so much depth and made it feel incredibly immersive. This book would be great on its own, but the audio elevated it to a whole other level of suspense.
TL;DR:
Murder Maze is clever, intense, and full of shocking moments. It’s a wild ride from start to finish and impossible to predict. The audiobook is next-level good with narrators who completely pull you in. If you love psychological thrillers with twists you won’t see coming, this one’s for you.
March 1, 2025
If you like your thrillers with lots of twists, a dark spin on things, and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you!
It features several character POVs which may sound confusing, but thanks to the author's writing style, was really easy to follow and actually added to the suspense rather than take you out of the story like sometimes multiple POVs can do. A couple of chapters in, I was thinking this book would make the perfect film - fast paced, tense, and it made me nolstagic for escape room horror based films. As it's a thriller it focusses more on character dynamics, and their backstories, rather than gore like you'd expect in escape room horrors, which made for a fascinating read. The multiple twists throughout the story was so cleverly interwoven into the plot!
It's one of those quick paced reads, that you're gonna want to chuck in your suitcase and take on holiday - just make sure you put on the sun cream first, because trust me, you won't look up until you're done reading!
(I'd also recommend reading before this one You die I die - it's not necessary for you to understand this book but it did give me a lot of insight into Jess's character and made this read, even more enjoyable).
It features several character POVs which may sound confusing, but thanks to the author's writing style, was really easy to follow and actually added to the suspense rather than take you out of the story like sometimes multiple POVs can do. A couple of chapters in, I was thinking this book would make the perfect film - fast paced, tense, and it made me nolstagic for escape room horror based films. As it's a thriller it focusses more on character dynamics, and their backstories, rather than gore like you'd expect in escape room horrors, which made for a fascinating read. The multiple twists throughout the story was so cleverly interwoven into the plot!
It's one of those quick paced reads, that you're gonna want to chuck in your suitcase and take on holiday - just make sure you put on the sun cream first, because trust me, you won't look up until you're done reading!
(I'd also recommend reading before this one You die I die - it's not necessary for you to understand this book but it did give me a lot of insight into Jess's character and made this read, even more enjoyable).
February 19, 2025
The Murder Maze is the most twisted book I've read this year, and I loved every moment of it. If you're looking for an incredible maze of a story, this book is for you. I love when a book lingers in my mind long after I've finished it, and this one certainly did. Bravo to the author for crafting another brilliant novel—it's the best thriller of 2025 so far!
March 12, 2025
I always enjoy Jessica's books, but the twists in this one are simply perfect!!! Just when you think you've got it all figured out, she throws in another one! I loved the whole concept, from the mysterious invitations to the island, to the escape room/murder investigations, and all of the revelations! Highly recommend this twisty (and yes, a bit gruesome) read!!
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars!
Jane Patterson, a survivor of a past traumatic event, receives an invitation to an island off the coast of Wales promising a life-changing sum of money. However, the invitation comes with a threat from someone who knows about her past. Upon arriving, Jane discovers three other strangers are also competing for the prize, with only one person able to escape the maze and win. As they spend more time together, Jane realizes they are all connected and must figure out the mastermind behind the maze before becoming victims themselves.
I am a devoted admirer of Jessica's work! Her books are filled with suspense, twists, and lately, a hint of darkness. This particular book was a captivating read that was difficult to set aside. I found the characters to be well-developed and easily distinguishable. Despite the complexity of the plot, it was easy to follow along with all the characters involved.
I appreciated the plot and its progression, the isolated settings, and the characters' hidden secrets. The unexpected reveal caught me off guard, and just when I thought the story was wrapping up, another surprising twist was thrown in. While I thoroughly enjoyed this read, I couldn't give it a perfect rating because the ending felt lacking and disappointing. The transition from a psycho killer to a more subdued character seemed unrealistic to me.
I highly recommend signing up for Jessica's newsletter to access the prequel that provides more insight into this book. The prequel may be short, but it is incredibly intense! I eagerly anticipated the sequel and was not let down. The writing was impeccable, though the ending left me wanting more. Perhaps there will be another book in the future? Who knows, maybe the events will pick up when the children grow older. Ha! I may have already revealed too much!
I absolutely loved this book, as well as any other book I've read by Jessica. I encourage you to read it and share your thoughts with me!
Thank you, Booksprouts and the author, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jane Patterson, a survivor of a past traumatic event, receives an invitation to an island off the coast of Wales promising a life-changing sum of money. However, the invitation comes with a threat from someone who knows about her past. Upon arriving, Jane discovers three other strangers are also competing for the prize, with only one person able to escape the maze and win. As they spend more time together, Jane realizes they are all connected and must figure out the mastermind behind the maze before becoming victims themselves.
I am a devoted admirer of Jessica's work! Her books are filled with suspense, twists, and lately, a hint of darkness. This particular book was a captivating read that was difficult to set aside. I found the characters to be well-developed and easily distinguishable. Despite the complexity of the plot, it was easy to follow along with all the characters involved.
I appreciated the plot and its progression, the isolated settings, and the characters' hidden secrets. The unexpected reveal caught me off guard, and just when I thought the story was wrapping up, another surprising twist was thrown in. While I thoroughly enjoyed this read, I couldn't give it a perfect rating because the ending felt lacking and disappointing. The transition from a psycho killer to a more subdued character seemed unrealistic to me.
I highly recommend signing up for Jessica's newsletter to access the prequel that provides more insight into this book. The prequel may be short, but it is incredibly intense! I eagerly anticipated the sequel and was not let down. The writing was impeccable, though the ending left me wanting more. Perhaps there will be another book in the future? Who knows, maybe the events will pick up when the children grow older. Ha! I may have already revealed too much!
I absolutely loved this book, as well as any other book I've read by Jessica. I encourage you to read it and share your thoughts with me!
Thank you, Booksprouts and the author, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2025
This was an absolutely gripping read, I loved every moment of it.
From the first chapter you are pulled into a sinister, high-stakes game that blurs the line between survival and psychological torment. The tension builds beautifully, and the deeper you get into the story, the more you feel the claustrophobic, eerie intensity of the "game". This book leans heavily into the darker side of the thriller genre, with graphic, unsettling moments that make the “murder” in Murder Maze feel all too real. If you prefer your thrillers on the lighter, fluffier side, this might not be the one for you, but personally, I loved this aspect. It was such an intense experience, I couldn’t put it down.
Towards the end I had the feeling that I was reading the book version of Cube. The story masterfully weaves together suspense, survival, and the high stakes that come with it.
New author to look out for alert! I’m so grateful that Jessica Huntley has her books on KU so I can binge read them.
From the first chapter you are pulled into a sinister, high-stakes game that blurs the line between survival and psychological torment. The tension builds beautifully, and the deeper you get into the story, the more you feel the claustrophobic, eerie intensity of the "game". This book leans heavily into the darker side of the thriller genre, with graphic, unsettling moments that make the “murder” in Murder Maze feel all too real. If you prefer your thrillers on the lighter, fluffier side, this might not be the one for you, but personally, I loved this aspect. It was such an intense experience, I couldn’t put it down.
Towards the end I had the feeling that I was reading the book version of Cube. The story masterfully weaves together suspense, survival, and the high stakes that come with it.
New author to look out for alert! I’m so grateful that Jessica Huntley has her books on KU so I can binge read them.
July 25, 2025
Brilliant from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down!
The twist and turns are fun to keep up with, so you need to pay attention. I LOVED the element of guessing who the cloaked person was too, epic reveal towards the end.
Highly recommend to all readers of thriller/suspense or looking for something to get them hooked back to reading again books!
The twist and turns are fun to keep up with, so you need to pay attention. I LOVED the element of guessing who the cloaked person was too, epic reveal towards the end.
Highly recommend to all readers of thriller/suspense or looking for something to get them hooked back to reading again books!
July 5, 2025
rounding up from 4.5 stars
We've all read the type of book where a few strangers get invited to a "game" on an island and they all have a secret. I thought this would just be more of the same. Boy was I wrong! This book was a total rollercoaster! I changed my mind so many times about who was innocent and who was guilty of their perceived "crimes". What would you be willing to do to win money and cover up your indiscretions? On top of that, who is the Mastermind behind all of this and what is their motive?
We've all read the type of book where a few strangers get invited to a "game" on an island and they all have a secret. I thought this would just be more of the same. Boy was I wrong! This book was a total rollercoaster! I changed my mind so many times about who was innocent and who was guilty of their perceived "crimes". What would you be willing to do to win money and cover up your indiscretions? On top of that, who is the Mastermind behind all of this and what is their motive?
March 18, 2025
This book was quite suspenseful to the end. It had twists and turns all the way to the end. Some events I predicted, but I often figure out stories in movies and stories. I was surprised by something in the very end, so I do recommend this book to anyone who wants a suspenseful thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2025
Wow, what an exhilarating and suspenseful ride! The Murder Maze had me hooked from the very first page. Jessica Huntley masterfully weaves a story that blends psychological tension with heart-pounding twists. The premise is so compelling—four strangers, each with their own hidden motives and pasts, thrown into a deadly maze where only one can survive. The stakes are high, and the suspense never lets up.
I absolutely loved Jane Patterson as the central character. Her survival instincts are fierce, yet her vulnerability and desire to protect her son make her incredibly relatable. The backstory of her haunting encounter with a serial killer five years ago adds such depth to her character. It’s not just about escaping the maze—it’s about overcoming her past and securing a future for her child.
The atmosphere of the island setting was eerie and beautifully described, creating a claustrophobic sense of dread as the tension builds. Huntley does an amazing job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, with each new revelation and twist leading to an even bigger mystery. I never saw some of those plot twists coming!
This book has it all—thrills, chills, a gripping plot, and unforgettable characters. If you’re a fan of suspense and psychological thrillers, The Murder Maze is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved Jane Patterson as the central character. Her survival instincts are fierce, yet her vulnerability and desire to protect her son make her incredibly relatable. The backstory of her haunting encounter with a serial killer five years ago adds such depth to her character. It’s not just about escaping the maze—it’s about overcoming her past and securing a future for her child.
The atmosphere of the island setting was eerie and beautifully described, creating a claustrophobic sense of dread as the tension builds. Huntley does an amazing job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, with each new revelation and twist leading to an even bigger mystery. I never saw some of those plot twists coming!
This book has it all—thrills, chills, a gripping plot, and unforgettable characters. If you’re a fan of suspense and psychological thrillers, The Murder Maze is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend!
April 25, 2025
To say I am obsessed with this book is an understatement. I was hooked from the very first chapter and could not put it down. I am honestly so in love with Jessica's writing after this, because this book is absolutely fantastic.
Full of very different, interesting characters that each have a secret of their own; riddles and difficult tasks; lies and betrayal and of curse a good dose of twists and turns that have you quickly learning to expect the unexpected.
Trying to work out the riddles before the characters did was so much fun, even if I wasn't very good at it🤣 but I adored the interactive side of the book!
I really didn't expect it to end the way it did, but it was 1000000% much better than how I'd suspected it would. It truly threw me, over and over again.
I will definitely be reading more of Jessica's books
Full of very different, interesting characters that each have a secret of their own; riddles and difficult tasks; lies and betrayal and of curse a good dose of twists and turns that have you quickly learning to expect the unexpected.
Trying to work out the riddles before the characters did was so much fun, even if I wasn't very good at it🤣 but I adored the interactive side of the book!
I really didn't expect it to end the way it did, but it was 1000000% much better than how I'd suspected it would. It truly threw me, over and over again.
I will definitely be reading more of Jessica's books
February 8, 2025
I've read a few of Jessica's books and this is by far my favourite to date.
I struggled to put it down as the terrifying and twisted plot unfolds through multiple points of view. It's a fun, fast paced, edge of your seat read, with some dark and disturbing scenes.
I highly recommend signing up to her newsletter to read the free, short story prequel before going into this one too.
Huge thanks to Jessica for the arc ebook.
I struggled to put it down as the terrifying and twisted plot unfolds through multiple points of view. It's a fun, fast paced, edge of your seat read, with some dark and disturbing scenes.
I highly recommend signing up to her newsletter to read the free, short story prequel before going into this one too.
Huge thanks to Jessica for the arc ebook.
March 18, 2025
I usually figure out at least a portion of any mystery, but with The Murder Maze, author Jessica Huntley stumped me. The story takes readers on a fiendish romp through a fantastical maze on a remote island off the coast of Wales. The players? Four murder suspects. The prize? £1 million to a single winner. The catch? Contestants must reveal their darkest secrets. The stakes? Their lives. The story is fast-paced and although sometimes I feared it might get too bloody for my taste, Huntley put her toes on that line without crossing it. If you enjoy spooky escape rooms, cryptic messages, and insanely tangled webs of deceit, suspend your disbelief and play along in The Murder Maze.
February 12, 2025
This is a quick read but has a lot of moving parts so you gotta pay attention. The story was interesting and it surrounds four people who don’t realize they are all connected. It’s a page turner and has quite a few surprises and a few twists at the end. If you like murder mystery and suspense you’ll enjoy this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2025
I usually enjoy anything escape room related so this sounded extremely good, and I had to jump at the opportunity. I don't regret it, it has been a very complex story, with very deep character development and a lot of shocking twists that will keep you barely breathing through out the whole story, all the way to the end.
February 25, 2025
This is a fast-paced psychological thriller! Everyone has secrets to hide. This story kept me intrigued from beginning to end, antsy to figure out how it would all end. I did find the ending to be a little anticlimactic but overall a gripping story m 3.5 stars rounded up.
April 22, 2025
Such a good book! Had me hooked and wanting to find out more from the start.
March 1, 2025
This was a dark, chilling psychological thriller about 4 strangers who have received mysterious invitation to stay at an island off the coast of Wales where they have the chance of taking away one million pounds. However, the invitation comes with a threat; each invitation hints that the host knows something about the guest that the guest wouldn’t want others knowing. What follows is a dangerous escape room type situation with each person making decisions along the way that may have an effect on whether they take away the million pounds and whether they survive the ordeal. I enjoyed the action-packed, fast-paced novel, the characters’ personalities and finding out about their secrets. Each chapter focuses on a different character and I liked how it was written in this way. Some parts were quite unbelievable but this is also what made the story engaging and exciting. The ending bought everything together and although I got a little confused at times with people’s relationships to one another, it didn’t spoil the story. I felt it was very cleverly thought-out, with the various twists and turns that ensued. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2025
4.5 stars! This started out as a tense and mysterious story which quickly ramped up with twist after twist, in a fast paced, suspenseful and wild ride. Buckle up!!
Four people are given a mysterious invitation to a remote, deserted island off the coast of Wales. Their instructions are clear: tell no one where you're going. A million dollar prize is difficult to turn down, especially when it's made clear that the sender knows something about each guest that they are desperately trying to keep buried in the past. None of the guests know that they will be pitted against others until they all arrive. Who will be victorious in this dangerous game at the Murder Maze?
We are treated to the point of view from each of our four contestants: Jane, Ryan, Andrew and Christie. Each person was unique in their motivations, personality, backgrounds and assets that they bring with them to the competition. It was great to get the perspective of them all and to get to know them so you know who you're rooting for! The shift from each character flowed effortlessly in real time as they all try to survive their ordeal together.
It takes a little while for the action to pick up, but there is always something going on that keeps you hooked and maintains your engagement level throughout. Secrets are slowly revealed, twists come at just the right times. I'd say my biggest complaint is that it felt fairly obvious right from the beginning who the most likely winner was going to be. Most of the plot kept me guessing, but there were a few things that didn't come as much of a surprise.
The "mastermind" who we do hear from in short chapters was definitely not anyone I was expecting, but I had to suspend my disbelief a bit in order for it to feel believable. I had to remind myself though that the SAW franchise exists... so maybe things weren't as far-fetched in the grand scheme of things.
Absolutely recommend this. It's well-written in so many ways and you will not be bored picking this up! Happy to once again have the chance to read Jessica Huntley, after first discovering her last year. Her talent as a writer who's also capable of range definitely shines through. A big thanks to Jessica for also providing me with a copy of her book for review. It was a pleasure!!
Four people are given a mysterious invitation to a remote, deserted island off the coast of Wales. Their instructions are clear: tell no one where you're going. A million dollar prize is difficult to turn down, especially when it's made clear that the sender knows something about each guest that they are desperately trying to keep buried in the past. None of the guests know that they will be pitted against others until they all arrive. Who will be victorious in this dangerous game at the Murder Maze?
We are treated to the point of view from each of our four contestants: Jane, Ryan, Andrew and Christie. Each person was unique in their motivations, personality, backgrounds and assets that they bring with them to the competition. It was great to get the perspective of them all and to get to know them so you know who you're rooting for! The shift from each character flowed effortlessly in real time as they all try to survive their ordeal together.
It takes a little while for the action to pick up, but there is always something going on that keeps you hooked and maintains your engagement level throughout. Secrets are slowly revealed, twists come at just the right times. I'd say my biggest complaint is that it felt fairly obvious right from the beginning who the most likely winner was going to be. Most of the plot kept me guessing, but there were a few things that didn't come as much of a surprise.
The "mastermind" who we do hear from in short chapters was definitely not anyone I was expecting, but I had to suspend my disbelief a bit in order for it to feel believable. I had to remind myself though that the SAW franchise exists... so maybe things weren't as far-fetched in the grand scheme of things.
Absolutely recommend this. It's well-written in so many ways and you will not be bored picking this up! Happy to once again have the chance to read Jessica Huntley, after first discovering her last year. Her talent as a writer who's also capable of range definitely shines through. A big thanks to Jessica for also providing me with a copy of her book for review. It was a pleasure!!
June 16, 2025
Another belter of a book from Jessica. I flew through this book in 24hrs, I was addicted and needed to know more. It was fast paced from the first page.
As with Jessica's books the twists were brilliant and the more twists that unravelled the faster I read.
Absolutely brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As with Jessica's books the twists were brilliant and the more twists that unravelled the faster I read.
Absolutely brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 27, 2025
The story starts off with a little bit of history of a secluded island where no one is allowed to go. There is mystery and rumours about the island and who the mysterious owners are.
The first character point of view we get is from the mastermind villain out for revenge.
The book is written from the POV of four characters that have been deposited on the mysterious island, with the intent on getting £1million. They each receive an ominous invitation to attend an event, one that gives them no option to decline.
The beginning of the book jumps from past to present as the characters make their way to the island, and then it's mainly from the here and now, with little snippets of memories being looked back on.
I liked the difference in narrative between the mastermind and the other characters. The writing really lets you know who's chapter you're reading. Sometimes, with multiple pov, you can forget which characters perspective you're reading from because the writing style is the same for all the characters, but Jessica has done a great job of separating them.
I loved the time on the island with the tasks they had to do to pass to the next one, learning some truths and lies along the way.
The story has a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages. My only criticism is that it maybe there's a bit in it that wasn't neccesarry, BUT i still thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to my fellow book friends who enjoy psychological thrillers!
The first character point of view we get is from the mastermind villain out for revenge.
The book is written from the POV of four characters that have been deposited on the mysterious island, with the intent on getting £1million. They each receive an ominous invitation to attend an event, one that gives them no option to decline.
The beginning of the book jumps from past to present as the characters make their way to the island, and then it's mainly from the here and now, with little snippets of memories being looked back on.
I liked the difference in narrative between the mastermind and the other characters. The writing really lets you know who's chapter you're reading. Sometimes, with multiple pov, you can forget which characters perspective you're reading from because the writing style is the same for all the characters, but Jessica has done a great job of separating them.
I loved the time on the island with the tasks they had to do to pass to the next one, learning some truths and lies along the way.
The story has a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages. My only criticism is that it maybe there's a bit in it that wasn't neccesarry, BUT i still thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to my fellow book friends who enjoy psychological thrillers!
March 1, 2025
From the moment Jane steps onto the island, the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Murder Maze is a heart-pounding blend of psychological suspense and survival horror, pulling you into a deadly game where only one person can make it out alive.
Jane’s past is haunting enough—five years ago, she barely escaped a serial killer. Now, she’s desperate to rebuild her life for her son. But when an invitation promising life-changing money arrives, she has no choice but to accept. The catch? Someone knows what happened to her before, and they’ve set a trap she might not escape this time.
The setting is eerie, the stakes impossibly high, and the maze itself feels like a living nightmare. Every step is filled with uncertainty, as Jane and three strangers realize they aren’t here by coincidence. Their pasts are tangled in ways they don’t understand, and the mastermind behind the game is watching their every move.
Jessica Huntley delivers a fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that keeps you guessing. Twists lurk around every corner, and the deeper you go, the more unsettling the truth becomes. If you love high-stakes survival thrillers with a sinister edge, Murder Maze is one you won’t want to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jane’s past is haunting enough—five years ago, she barely escaped a serial killer. Now, she’s desperate to rebuild her life for her son. But when an invitation promising life-changing money arrives, she has no choice but to accept. The catch? Someone knows what happened to her before, and they’ve set a trap she might not escape this time.
The setting is eerie, the stakes impossibly high, and the maze itself feels like a living nightmare. Every step is filled with uncertainty, as Jane and three strangers realize they aren’t here by coincidence. Their pasts are tangled in ways they don’t understand, and the mastermind behind the game is watching their every move.
Jessica Huntley delivers a fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that keeps you guessing. Twists lurk around every corner, and the deeper you go, the more unsettling the truth becomes. If you love high-stakes survival thrillers with a sinister edge, Murder Maze is one you won’t want to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
Four strangers arrive. Only one survives. Who will escape?
The Murder Maze by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats, racing to figure out all the twists and turns.
Five years ago Jane Patterson survived a traumatic encounter with a serial killer. Now she is just trying to do the best thing for her young son. When she receives an invitation to an island off the coast of Wales for a chance to win a substantial amount of money, Jane knows that this is her chance to overcome her traumatic past and secure a better future for her child and herself. When she arrives she finds three other people who all had received the same invite. But only one person can win. Can Jane survive the game? Is she able to face her deepest darkest fears to make sure she comes out of the game as a survivor?
I absolutely love Jessica Huntley's work! The Murder Maze is another standout with a complex plot, well-rounded characters, and tension that makes you stay up way too late to read just one more chapter! So many secrets and twists are packed into this fast-paced thriller. Definitely recommend for fans of murder mysteries, puzzles, and escape rooms!
Thank you to BookSprout and Jessica Huntley for this ARC. Release day was March 1st 2025. All opinions are my own.
The Murder Maze by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats, racing to figure out all the twists and turns.
Five years ago Jane Patterson survived a traumatic encounter with a serial killer. Now she is just trying to do the best thing for her young son. When she receives an invitation to an island off the coast of Wales for a chance to win a substantial amount of money, Jane knows that this is her chance to overcome her traumatic past and secure a better future for her child and herself. When she arrives she finds three other people who all had received the same invite. But only one person can win. Can Jane survive the game? Is she able to face her deepest darkest fears to make sure she comes out of the game as a survivor?
I absolutely love Jessica Huntley's work! The Murder Maze is another standout with a complex plot, well-rounded characters, and tension that makes you stay up way too late to read just one more chapter! So many secrets and twists are packed into this fast-paced thriller. Definitely recommend for fans of murder mysteries, puzzles, and escape rooms!
Thank you to BookSprout and Jessica Huntley for this ARC. Release day was March 1st 2025. All opinions are my own.
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