Live, Laugh, Murder

by Danielle Morris

Welcome to Live, Laugh, Murder—a weekly podcast run by three best friends who bonded over their love of thriller books.

Teagan, Lexi, and Capri are self-proclaimed final girls—if there’s a flaw in the plot, they’ll find it, and they believe they could survive just about anything. 

When the three best friends receive an invitation to Scotland for an exclusive opportunity to meet the elusive recluse of an author responsible for their bond, they can hardly believe it.

This is the moment they’ve only dreamed about. But when they wake up in the middle of nowhere the next day, it’s clear that nothing is as it seems, and their once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greet has turned into a twisted game of cat-and-mouse.

As the game takes a deadly turn, cracks between the girls start to surface…along with the lies and secrets they’ve kept from each other that threaten to tear their friendship apart. 

If they want to survive, they’ll have to put to the test everything they know about thriller books…or die trying.

Paperback

Expected publication February 13, 2026

About the author

Danielle Morris is an independent author who spends her time writing thrillers with a dash of romance and comedy. She has been dubbed the 'Romantic Thriller Queen' by her colleagues since publishing her debut novel, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, back in 2023. She released her second novel, IN ALL MY DREAMS, a year later, while diving into the paranormal side of the thriller genre. Danielle is a hopeless romantic at heart, with a dark and twisty soul. She enjoys late-night walks on the beautiful beaches of North Carolina with her family, extra creamer with marshmallows in her morning coffee, and cuddling her cat, Zelda, while coming up with new ways to off someone in her stories.

Reviews

[Esther | esthersreadingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

beta read

All im gonna say is this is Danielles most twisted book and although I was screaming and crying(and laughing throughout it) I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

All you twisted thriller girlies are gonna eat this one up!

[Book_to_begin03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE, LAUGH, MURDER BY DANIELLE MORRIS

Would you think before if you were offered an opportunity of a trip to meet your favorite author with your friends??

If psychological manipulation, isolated location, toxic friendship, high survival stakes and girls trip gone wrong appeals you then this book is for you...

I absolutely love this book and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for twisty thrillers. There is so much going on in this book and everything keeps you on your toes. There is always a hidden secret that you would never expect but the way narrative is carried out makes you want to read more and more…
Well the story revolves around three best friends, Teagan, Lexi and Capri who bonded over the love of thriller books and conducts a weekly podcast… However one day Capri’s husband Lee surprises them with an invitation to meet their favorite author with a trip to Scotland arranged by the author himself. What looks like an ordinary trip soon turns into nightmare when the trio is trapped and has to reveal a secret to pass through an entangled game which results in exposing dark secrets creating crack in their friendship. Although they pass the game but it was just a beginning. The narrative carries through the struggle of characters with their survival leading to unravel what is hidden. During this Cat and mouse game they encounter few other characters as well but can they trust them when they themselves cannot be trusted.
The novel centers the themes of guilt, lies, trust, friendship, survival, power, revenge and manipulation making it intriguing and fascinating.

Have you ever thought what if you were in thriller book what would you do and how would you escape??.... Why don’t you find out yourself after all it’s all about,
“LIVE, LAUGH, MURDER”

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this this book! It was super interesting from the get go with the friendship drama, then with the murder games, had me locked in the whole time! This was easily a 4.5 for me, but once Lee was so randomly (in my opinion) killed it bumped it down half a star me. I expected one of the main good characters to die, but felt for Lexi (who was awful, even if she ended up coming around, not only slept with her best friends man but also said horrible things about Teagan during) got to meet and end up with a man who loved her (which I loved Lochlan and am so glad he didn’t actually end up evil) was so unfair for the Capri who had gone through so much and Lee was such a good character it felt so unfair, I know she got to be happy with Skye after, but still the fact that Lexi & Teagan got to end up with random guys they met there (who both I did love) and her husband died seemed so unfair. I would have rather one of them die or one of their men to die tbh! But all in all I loved this book. The writing was amazing, the story was unique & it had twists and turns that kept me guessing.

Thank you so much for letting me read an advanced reading copy!

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Dee Layton on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: Live, Laugh, Murder
Author: Danielle Morris
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WOW,WOW,AND WOW! The author most certainly outdid herself with this amazing murderous thriller. It all started with the group of podcaster friends that won a trip to meet their favorite author. Yep as u guessed things went sideways real quick. They pretty much had to go on the knowledge that they had of the stories from the author books to help with survival. This book had a lot of blood, lots of death and a constant feeling in the pit of your stomach oh my gosh am I next. And as a reader that was absolutely amazing. I will say the emotions in this book were high they were up they were down they were a little bit everywhere. I honestly love this book. Overall this book was just a lot it was super fast, super raw, with the constant feeling that you had to look over your shoulder. The emotional toll this book was just chef's kiss. I will say though I was really disappointed that Lee had to go. That was very heart breaking because I really thought he would be one that would stand through the whole book. This was the first book I have ever read of Danielle Morris and I was super excited to read many more because she made a very good impression on me with this book.

[Anne Opel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it was a bit of a slow start, it really picked up in the middle with lots of action, and then let me down at the end.

I did not enjoy the rotating POV chapters at the beginning and the end. You would get Teagan's POV with information (obviously the untouchable heroine) and then Lexi and Capri's would follow, with not much to add to the story.

But once we hit the trials it got way more interesting, way more exciting, and with some decent thriller points. I was questioning who the antagonist might be, if people killed were really dead, and what other unhinged things were in store for the trio.

And then we get to chapter 42, the very end. And a character dies that makes absolutely no sense at that point. Really dumb. And then the group wants to burn it all to the ground. What about police investigation? What about the bodies of innocents whose loved ones will want to reclaim?

And now that I will mark this for spoilers let's address that what Lexi did is unforgivable. Nothing excuses it, and she did not deserve to IMMEDIATELY find happiness with someone else after betraying Teagan. Teagan as well could benefit from some self reflection on why she is so attracted to the men in this mentally unhealthy and deranged family.

This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.

[Anna Harjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good thriller! Just when I thought I knew what was gonna happen next a new twist was right around the corner! I wish it was a tad bit longer just for the fact that it centers around 3 main characters and it felt like their “trials” went by quickly. However I was locked in and addicted the whole time. The way everything was intertwined and linked was crazy good! The characters were phenomenal! So happy that Lochlan was a good guy phew! I was worried about Lexi because obviously starts out as a cheater which isn’t a great look but when her trial came around and she showed how she was willing to sacrifice herself for her best friends was beautiful and redeeming. Wasn’t a fan of the ending solely because of the random murdering of Lee felt very unnecessary and felt like it was only added for shock value and left me feeling sad instead of triumphant. Overall a very well written book that kept me on my toes and had a very unique storyline and isn’t like anything I’ve read before and makes me want to look into this author more!

[Jessica Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cozy until the mayhem arrived to the party! If you are looking for a different kind of thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with low cozy vibes, this is the book for you! I just love how Danielle writes her novels. The way she portrays characters and the scenes is a chef's kiss, with connection and feeling like you are part of the story! This book is told from multiple points of view which I really enjoy. Paw prints is a nice, cute little side character and Quinn with that shattering news earlier on, like what in the world?!? In Capri's section, what in the $@%!% was that bombshell dropped!! Like no, you can't do that to a girl!
I don't even know if I have words for the last half of the book, I'm still reeling from all of the revelations. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book, Danielle!

[Kayla (Insta: booksandpittie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever - and I mean this respectfully - is wrong with Danielle, I FRIGGIN LOVE IT.

You’re so twisted and borderline crazy when it comes to storytelling. HOW DID YOU EVEN THINK OF THESE THINGS???

So many twists. And turns. And I did start to piece ONE of the twists together by the beautifully placed crumbs throughout the book but good golly Molly I was shook to my core.

I wanted to throw this book a handful of times but that just means you know how to write well since I was enraged for the girlies. 🤣😳

I loved this. 5/5.

It was appalling, infuriating, gut wrenching, gore-y, hilarious, suspenseful, swoon-y, disgusting. Would read again. 🤣🫡

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 best friends who have a postmaster together to talk about their favorite author and the books they write. They get invited to go meet the author and their life's are flip upside down and not in the best way. When I tell you this book had me at the edge of my seat with every chapter. Hated some characters, loved others nut the whole story itself was absolutely amazing. I couldn't get enough, it was like watching a movie. This was a masterpiece, love it from beginning to end. Definitely ⭐️♾️, added to my favorite books.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Danielle for letting me read this before publication.

I think this is Danielle’s best work yet and definitely the most twisted. I think it’s time to say that Danielle is a horror thriller writer. If you enjoyed the classic horror movies from the 90s, like Scream, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.

This book kept me entertained, and I blew through it quickly. Full of twists and turns, Danielle keeps you on your toes.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! What a WILD ride! I honestly would give this book MORE than 5 stars if I could. The E-MO-TIONS I felt while ready this book! The twists were twistier than a roller coaster at an amusement park. At some points I didn’t even know what or how to feel. Just when you think you know….think again and again! Amazing and Brilliant are an understatement. This fast paced book is easy to read, gripping at every turn and a MUST read for all Thriller fans! Well Done Danielle Morris. Well Done!!!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Live, Laugh, Murder” by Danielle Morris is an intense, fast-paced thrill ride with serious final girl vibes. What starts as a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a group of podcast friends to meet their favorite author quickly turns into a deadly game. Forced to rely on their book knowledge and the author’s stories to survive, the tension never lets up. The suspense is relentless, the stakes are high, and the intensity builds page after page. I couldn’t put this one down.

[Vii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live Laugh Murder by Daniellie Moriss was a fast, brutal thriller that didn’t waste time. There was a lot of blood, a lot of death, and constant life-or-death tension.

Lee felt like one of those characters you expect to survive — solid, dependable — and his death hit harder because of that. The body count was high, the stakes kept rising, and the story stayed sharp and focused without unnecessary filler.

I loved how short and to the point it was. No dragging, no overexplaining — just chaos, survival, and a nonstop fight to stay alive.

Also: I hated Josh from the start, and that feeling never changed.

Overall, a quick, intense thriller that knows exactly what it’s doing and commits fully to the danger.

[Annette Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of "Live, Laugh, Murder" as an ARC copy. As I read this book, I could picture it as a movie in my mind. I really liked the characters, the storyline, and the twists. I like how the author made me despise some characters and root for others. I could picture the characters in my mind but she didn't overdo the descriptions. I will add my emotions were all over the place with this read. And if it were made into a movie, I'd watch it!

[Elizabeth-Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a horror loving girly, this was so much better than most of the movies they put out these days. I was hooked from literally page one. The main characters all had their charms, though you had me going there for a minute with straight hate for one of those girls (I won’t say who). In the end they figured their shit out and made an ending worth waiting for. Bravo, I need this as a movie though, like seriously.

[Notyourmomsshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited to read this book ever since it was announced and it was so worth the wait! The premise of the trio besties who podcast about thriller books was so intriguing. The besties all complemented each other and I loved that everyone had crazy secrets. I couldn’t put this down and the twists had me on the edge of my seat till the end.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, Murder was a very interesting read. I love the format with the transcript of the girls' podcasts intermixed throughout the book. There were so many twists and turns and just when I thought it was done, the story said "Hold my beer" because there was more.
This is the first book that I have read by Danielle, but I will be checking out her other books! Highly recommend!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never skip out on a book written by Danielle Morris!!! Period!

If you are thinking about reading this book, think hunger games, think Saw and she never misses with the twists!!

I really enjoyed this book!! I would have read it in one whole day had I not had a job to go to 🤣🤣

Do yourself a favor and binge read her books!! They are top notch!!!

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a arc and wow what a book its the first book ive read by this author and id love to read more. Loved the story line but if i ever get invited to a authors home remind me not to go 😅
loved it! I found it shocking with unexpected twists, i read this book in 2 days i was hooked. But Oh my the ending 😭

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down Danielle’s best work yet! I couldn’t put it down and was sad to see it end. Live, Laugh, Murder was fast paced and kept me on my toes. I would love to see a prequel detailing how the villain(s) in this book came to be that way. I can’t wait for release day so that I can recommend to all my friends!

[Ashley Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, & Murder.. yes. but also Live, Laugh and make sure you have a solid few hours to read this in one sitting because the whole time I was like 😲. I was yearning to know what was gonna happen.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this as a ARC reader, and I loved it! I completely devoured this book in just over a day. I couldn’t wait to pick it back up to see where this story was going. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Definitely recommend adding this to your TBR.

[Barbara Jowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck this book was good. I thought this would be a cute little dark romance esque book going into it, but I couldn’t put this book down, and some of the dang twists had my jaw on the ground. Everyone who loves drama and thrillers should read this

[Lisa Poisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I had a chance to read this book!

It has more twists and turns than a roller coaster and I’m here for it! In the best possible way it’s as if the movies Clue and Saw had a baby and it was Live, Laugh, Murder! Brava to Danielle for another great read!

[Mary | MaryReadsAndWrites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read so review to come later with ARC/pub day

Danielle, thank you for trusting me again with your book. It’s an honor to get to read each one before they’re out <3

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me guessing the whole time!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, Murder better have a sequel because I need more podcast episodes from my favorite crime podcast. The twists kept twisting till I was wrung out!

[Marisa Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviously twisted! Absolute must-read for all the thriller fans.

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙒𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙛𝙖𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙎𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙩.

I won’t spill too much here because I personally think Danielle’s books are best when you go in completely blind so that’s what I recommend! I was laughing, I was shocked, I was sad, I was angry. Literally probably every single emotion. If you’ve read her books you know what to expect with the twists and turns!

Lexie was not a favorite in the beginning but I’ll say she grew on me a tiny bit. However, Lachlan is arguably one of my favorite characters to ever exist. The way he talks, his persona was just perfection and I adored him SO much.

Danielle is truly one of my favorite humans, plus an amazing writer to boot. She never ceases to amaze me and LLM was no different!

[Lisa Casburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is very well written. And very much awesome thriller with a lot of twists and turns you don't see coming. very suspenseful keeped me reading for hours. Truly a must read book.