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Not Good People
When a group of strangers win a weeklong stay at a primitive-style castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it feels like they’ve won the lottery. But when a deadly snowstorm hits the moment they arrive, unease settles in because now they’re bound to the secluded castle with no way out.
Once they’ve unpacked, it’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays—and the contest that brought them there was nothing more than a trap, designed to lure them into the same place at the same time, causing suspicion to rise, and paranoia to spread.
Then, the boxes begin to open. One per day. Each revealing a devastating, reputation-shattering secret—broadcast not only to everyone inside the castle, but to the outside world as well. And if anyone tries to leave before the game is finished… one of them will die.
Seven days. Seven secrets. Because someone has decided they’re NOT GOOD PEOPLE.
Once they’ve unpacked, it’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays—and the contest that brought them there was nothing more than a trap, designed to lure them into the same place at the same time, causing suspicion to rise, and paranoia to spread.
Then, the boxes begin to open. One per day. Each revealing a devastating, reputation-shattering secret—broadcast not only to everyone inside the castle, but to the outside world as well. And if anyone tries to leave before the game is finished… one of them will die.
Seven days. Seven secrets. Because someone has decided they’re NOT GOOD PEOPLE.
- GenresMystery
260 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
6 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Audra McElyea
5 books206 followersAudra McElyea is a former corporate buyer and magazine contributor turned thriller author who writes books in their villain era.
She's a self-deprecating, anxious, introvert at heart who loves her husband, little boys, and dog even more than books and movies (which is a lot).
Her taste is broad though. She loves watching Marvel and Christopher Nolan films just as much as she enjoys classic noirs like Hitchcock and Agatha Christie.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and listening to Taylor Swift songs over and over.
Audra is represented by Liza Royce Agency in New York.
She's a self-deprecating, anxious, introvert at heart who loves her husband, little boys, and dog even more than books and movies (which is a lot).
Her taste is broad though. She loves watching Marvel and Christopher Nolan films just as much as she enjoys classic noirs like Hitchcock and Agatha Christie.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and listening to Taylor Swift songs over and over.
Audra is represented by Liza Royce Agency in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 19, 2025
Accurate! Some of these were Not Good People. This story dove into secrets, betrayals, and the lengths people will go through to protect them. I was never quite sure who to trust, and that uncertainty makes the story all the more addictive. These nine strangers receiving an invitation to an all expenses paid getaway should’ve been a red flag, right? However, once things start looking suspicious, the weather wouldn’t allow them to leave. One thing was for certain, whomever orchestrated this was determined for this group’s secrets to be revealed. The lengths they went through to make this happen made the suspicions just that much more alluring and dangerous. Overall and enjoyable & suspenseful read.
September 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW: NOT GOOD PEOPLE by Audra McElyea
Publishes: 10/14/25
4.5 Stars
Thanks to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Counterplay Press for this amazingly twisted ARC!
I’ve read this author’s books before (and loved them), and I follow her on social media. She always shares fun videos, and she has a mischievous sparkle that totally carries over into her writing.
Her latest, “Not Good People”, takes the classic locked-room mystery and shakes it up a bit. A handful of “lucky” winners score a trip to a castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When they show up, they find out they didn’t actually win anything. An anonymous person invited them and paid for everyone’s stay. Sounds generous, except in a thriller! This anonymous person also sent a package for each person. And then there’s a letter, cryptic rules, and a warning: if anyone tries to leave early, someone’s getting bumped off. Not that they could leave anyway, thanks to a blizzard.
Then the fun really starts! Each day, a new box pops open and out tumbles someone’s embarrassing secret. It’s like reality TV meets mind games. No one wants their dirty laundry aired, so the group scambles to keep the boxes from opening.
The cast is a perfect mix of lovable and shady. The castle has just enough creepy vibes to keep things interesting, and the pace never drags!
If you’re into locked-room thrillers and juicy secrets, you’ll eat this up. The characters are a delightful disaster, everyone is hiding something, and the big question is, who’s pulling the strings? Watching them come undone while the storm rages outside is page-turning fun.
#NotGoodPeople #Audra McElyea #CounterplayPress #NetGalley #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse
CapCut - Castle Thriller - Isolated Setting - Paranoid
Publishes: 10/14/25
4.5 Stars
Thanks to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Counterplay Press for this amazingly twisted ARC!
I’ve read this author’s books before (and loved them), and I follow her on social media. She always shares fun videos, and she has a mischievous sparkle that totally carries over into her writing.
Her latest, “Not Good People”, takes the classic locked-room mystery and shakes it up a bit. A handful of “lucky” winners score a trip to a castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When they show up, they find out they didn’t actually win anything. An anonymous person invited them and paid for everyone’s stay. Sounds generous, except in a thriller! This anonymous person also sent a package for each person. And then there’s a letter, cryptic rules, and a warning: if anyone tries to leave early, someone’s getting bumped off. Not that they could leave anyway, thanks to a blizzard.
Then the fun really starts! Each day, a new box pops open and out tumbles someone’s embarrassing secret. It’s like reality TV meets mind games. No one wants their dirty laundry aired, so the group scambles to keep the boxes from opening.
The cast is a perfect mix of lovable and shady. The castle has just enough creepy vibes to keep things interesting, and the pace never drags!
If you’re into locked-room thrillers and juicy secrets, you’ll eat this up. The characters are a delightful disaster, everyone is hiding something, and the big question is, who’s pulling the strings? Watching them come undone while the storm rages outside is page-turning fun.
#NotGoodPeople #Audra McElyea #CounterplayPress #NetGalley #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse
CapCut - Castle Thriller - Isolated Setting - Paranoid
September 25, 2025
NOT GOOD PEOPLE by
📖 early book review • pub date 10.14.25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this is the snowy, locked in murder mystery that you need to add to your winter tbr immediately ❄️ kept me guessing until the very end, and I truly couldn’t figure it out! it took a couple of chapters to get everyone’s name straightened out with their story, but once I did, the story was so bingeable. Only 222 pages and can easily be read through quickly, because the story will keep you turning the pages.
thanks to the author + @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my ARC!
📖 early book review • pub date 10.14.25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this is the snowy, locked in murder mystery that you need to add to your winter tbr immediately ❄️ kept me guessing until the very end, and I truly couldn’t figure it out! it took a couple of chapters to get everyone’s name straightened out with their story, but once I did, the story was so bingeable. Only 222 pages and can easily be read through quickly, because the story will keep you turning the pages.
thanks to the author + @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my ARC!
October 27, 2025
Omgosh this was excellent! Only my second book of McElyea’s but it is definitely my favorite, it was SO GOOD! It had twists that I did not see coming, and the ending was definitely one I would not have guessed! The setting is my absolute favorite, locked room but with a snowstorm so it is basically impossible to leave (nor is anyone coming to help for that matter), and secrets are being spilled about this group of people staying at a castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has all been paid for by an anonymous source, and they are all there for one purpose, but how do they know each other? What is the common thread? It all starts to become clear over the course of the week, just as bodies are piling up, secrets are coming out, and they all start to wonder what in the sam hell is going on?
What a twist on a fairly common premise! I loved it, and it was well executed. I flew through this in one evening, I could not turn the pages fast enough. I did not guess who was behind it, and was completely shocked when it was revealed. This flashed back in time on a couple of people, so as their secrets started to come out, it made it all the more suspenseful and intense. Told from two different POVs, it was really great this way and I appreciated the dual perspectives. AHHH, I loved this book so much and cannot recommend it enough!
Thank you to the author for the digital copy to review.
What a twist on a fairly common premise! I loved it, and it was well executed. I flew through this in one evening, I could not turn the pages fast enough. I did not guess who was behind it, and was completely shocked when it was revealed. This flashed back in time on a couple of people, so as their secrets started to come out, it made it all the more suspenseful and intense. Told from two different POVs, it was really great this way and I appreciated the dual perspectives. AHHH, I loved this book so much and cannot recommend it enough!
Thank you to the author for the digital copy to review.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and it had me flipping the pages to get to the conclusion.
7 strangers trapped in a castle during a snowstorm... what could go wrong?
I loved the premise and I was fully engaged throughout the entire book even if some of the characters were unlikeable but that added to the story.
It was filled with so much tension and suspense and I was left gasping during all the twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what Audra has in store for us next.
7 strangers trapped in a castle during a snowstorm... what could go wrong?
I loved the premise and I was fully engaged throughout the entire book even if some of the characters were unlikeable but that added to the story.
It was filled with so much tension and suspense and I was left gasping during all the twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what Audra has in store for us next.
September 4, 2025
As a longtime fan of shows like Pretty Little Liars 👀, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Not Good People. And let me just say—it delivered everything I wanted and more. From the first chapter, I was hooked, flipping pages late into the night because I had to know how it would all end.
Imagine this: 7 strangers (plus 2 hosts) win a weeklong stay at a primitive-style castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 🏰 At first, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. But the moment they arrive, a deadly snowstorm hits, trapping them inside with no way out ❄️. Soon, they discover the truth—someone orchestrated this entire setup. Each day, one of seven mysterious boxes is opened 📦, spilling dark, reputation-shattering secrets into the room…and out to the world beyond the castle walls. The paranoia, suspicion, and dread that followed kept me completely on edge. And the kicker? If anyone dared to leave before the last box was opened—someone would die. 😱
I loved the concept—it was sinister, clever, and so well thought out. The pacing never dragged, the tension only escalated, and just when I thought I had it figured out… another twist blindsided me. I gasped more than once. 🤯
The characters were messy, flawed, and often unlikeable—but in the best way. Nobody was perfect, everyone had something buried from the past, and that only made the story feel more realistic and raw. Aria and Iris’s POVs really stood out to me. Their perspectives brought emotional depth and vulnerability that balanced out the chaos around them. 💔
The mysterious boxes were such a unique element—I loved how carefully planned out the secrets were, each one tailored to devastate in its own way. And while some characters deserved every ounce of trouble that came their way 👀, I couldn’t help but wish one particular male character got more punishment for his actions. (Yes, I’m petty, but still… 🙃)
What to expect:
🏰 Forced proximity in a castle
📦 Secrets & Lies unraveling daily
💀 On-page death & violence
❄️ Trapped during a snowstorm
🤔 Twists you won’t see coming
This was perfect for fans of:
👠 Pretty Little Liars
📝 One of Us is Lying
🕵️♀️ And Then There Were None vibes
⚖️ Safety notes: cheating by a side character, on-page violence, and side character deaths.
Overall, Not Good People was another fantastic thriller by Audra McElyea that had me guessing until the very end. The writing was sharp, the suspense was constant, and the ending left me breathless. I cannot wait to see what this author brings us next. 🌪️
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity—it was such a wild, unforgettable ride! ❤️
Imagine this: 7 strangers (plus 2 hosts) win a weeklong stay at a primitive-style castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 🏰 At first, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. But the moment they arrive, a deadly snowstorm hits, trapping them inside with no way out ❄️. Soon, they discover the truth—someone orchestrated this entire setup. Each day, one of seven mysterious boxes is opened 📦, spilling dark, reputation-shattering secrets into the room…and out to the world beyond the castle walls. The paranoia, suspicion, and dread that followed kept me completely on edge. And the kicker? If anyone dared to leave before the last box was opened—someone would die. 😱
I loved the concept—it was sinister, clever, and so well thought out. The pacing never dragged, the tension only escalated, and just when I thought I had it figured out… another twist blindsided me. I gasped more than once. 🤯
The characters were messy, flawed, and often unlikeable—but in the best way. Nobody was perfect, everyone had something buried from the past, and that only made the story feel more realistic and raw. Aria and Iris’s POVs really stood out to me. Their perspectives brought emotional depth and vulnerability that balanced out the chaos around them. 💔
The mysterious boxes were such a unique element—I loved how carefully planned out the secrets were, each one tailored to devastate in its own way. And while some characters deserved every ounce of trouble that came their way 👀, I couldn’t help but wish one particular male character got more punishment for his actions. (Yes, I’m petty, but still… 🙃)
What to expect:
🏰 Forced proximity in a castle
📦 Secrets & Lies unraveling daily
💀 On-page death & violence
❄️ Trapped during a snowstorm
🤔 Twists you won’t see coming
This was perfect for fans of:
👠 Pretty Little Liars
📝 One of Us is Lying
🕵️♀️ And Then There Were None vibes
⚖️ Safety notes: cheating by a side character, on-page violence, and side character deaths.
Overall, Not Good People was another fantastic thriller by Audra McElyea that had me guessing until the very end. The writing was sharp, the suspense was constant, and the ending left me breathless. I cannot wait to see what this author brings us next. 🌪️
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity—it was such a wild, unforgettable ride! ❤️
September 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This is my 3rd book by this author and she has never let me down! I think this one is my favorite so far.
A group of people think they were lucky enough to win a week-long stay at a beautiful castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shortly after arriving, they find out that they were actually invited by an anonymous source who paid for their stays. Someone wanted them there because, somehow, they are "not good people." The person has left boxes; each box contains a devastating secret, and each secret must be read out loud to the group. The secret will also be revealed to the outside world. If anyone tries to leave before all the secrets are read, someone will die. Not that they could leave anyway, since there is a raging snowstorm outside, trapping them inside. What shocking secrets will be revealed? Will they all agree to finish the game so no one will die?
Told in dual POVs, this book was thrilling. It was a locked room mystery with my very favorite type of setting. An isolated castle on top of a mountain during a snowstorm! What's not to love? Full of drama and juicy secrets being revealed, this book was twisty, totally bingeable, and a complete page-turner! I had no idea who was behind the game, which made the ending come as a shock. This was a well-written, suspenseful read that I really enjoyed! I'd highly recommended adding this oke to your TBR🩷
This is my 3rd book by this author and she has never let me down! I think this one is my favorite so far.
A group of people think they were lucky enough to win a week-long stay at a beautiful castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shortly after arriving, they find out that they were actually invited by an anonymous source who paid for their stays. Someone wanted them there because, somehow, they are "not good people." The person has left boxes; each box contains a devastating secret, and each secret must be read out loud to the group. The secret will also be revealed to the outside world. If anyone tries to leave before all the secrets are read, someone will die. Not that they could leave anyway, since there is a raging snowstorm outside, trapping them inside. What shocking secrets will be revealed? Will they all agree to finish the game so no one will die?
Told in dual POVs, this book was thrilling. It was a locked room mystery with my very favorite type of setting. An isolated castle on top of a mountain during a snowstorm! What's not to love? Full of drama and juicy secrets being revealed, this book was twisty, totally bingeable, and a complete page-turner! I had no idea who was behind the game, which made the ending come as a shock. This was a well-written, suspenseful read that I really enjoyed! I'd highly recommended adding this oke to your TBR🩷
October 9, 2025
This book hooked me from the very first chapter! It is exactly the kind of tense, atmospheric thriller I love… isolated setting and a plot that unravels secret by secret until you’re second guessing everyone.
The snowed in castle setting was claustrophobic, eerie, and the perfect backdrop for all the chaos that unfolds. The daily box reveal concept was such a brilliant twist! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
If you love locked room thrillers this one certainly delivers!
The snowed in castle setting was claustrophobic, eerie, and the perfect backdrop for all the chaos that unfolds. The daily box reveal concept was such a brilliant twist! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
If you love locked room thrillers this one certainly delivers!
September 27, 2025
I love the locked room/isolated setting trope so much and this was such a unique take! I was so invested in learning everyone’s secrets as the story went along. The connections between the characters had me guessing until the very end! I also really enjoyed how it ended. I never would have suspected that person of being the mastermind.
October 6, 2025
4.5 stars!
I was thrilled to be invited by ThrillerBookLoversThePulse to read this book, and even though I felt a bit hesitant as I didn't like the cover, I was in for an incredible surprise! The story hooked me from the start, and I found myself staying up all night just to finish it. What a suspenseful journey it turned out to be!
A group of strangers wins a weeklong stay at a remote castle, but a snowstorm traps them inside. They soon learn the contest was a trap to expose their darkest secrets. Each day reveals a damaging secret, broadcast publicly, and if anyone tries to leave, one person will die. They have seven days to confront their pasts, as someone believes they are "NOT GOOD PEOPLE."
The narrative shifts between several viewpoints, especially those of Aria and Iris, and it weaves through different timelines. The characters are easy to follow—some you'll adore, while others may not sit well with you, but that’s all part of the intrigue. Each character is well-developed, showcasing their flaws in distinct ways, which adds to the mystery and keeps you guessing as you try to piece together how everything connects for that satisfying conclusion. It’s cleverly crafted!
I particularly loved the isolated setting, reminiscent of "The Shining," where a snowstorm forces the characters to depend on the basics, like a fire, as communication lines go silent. The atmosphere is both immersive and somewhat claustrophobic with so many characters, yet you'll find this read hard to put down.
If you're a fan of fast-paced stories with unexpected twists and loads of suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat—it’s just what you’re looking for! I was completely captivated by the author’s style and couldn't wait for the big reveal, which truly caught me off guard. The story not only builds suspense but also raises thought-provoking themes about second chances, hidden secrets, and human compassion. It serves as a reminder that nobody's perfect; we all make mistakes, but what sets us apart is how we respond to them. Be sure to add this one to your TBR or wish list; it’s absolutely top-notch! You can tell a great deal of thought went into this, as it’s very well done. Don't let this one pass you by!
Thank you, The Pulse and Counterplay Press, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was thrilled to be invited by ThrillerBookLoversThePulse to read this book, and even though I felt a bit hesitant as I didn't like the cover, I was in for an incredible surprise! The story hooked me from the start, and I found myself staying up all night just to finish it. What a suspenseful journey it turned out to be!
A group of strangers wins a weeklong stay at a remote castle, but a snowstorm traps them inside. They soon learn the contest was a trap to expose their darkest secrets. Each day reveals a damaging secret, broadcast publicly, and if anyone tries to leave, one person will die. They have seven days to confront their pasts, as someone believes they are "NOT GOOD PEOPLE."
The narrative shifts between several viewpoints, especially those of Aria and Iris, and it weaves through different timelines. The characters are easy to follow—some you'll adore, while others may not sit well with you, but that’s all part of the intrigue. Each character is well-developed, showcasing their flaws in distinct ways, which adds to the mystery and keeps you guessing as you try to piece together how everything connects for that satisfying conclusion. It’s cleverly crafted!
I particularly loved the isolated setting, reminiscent of "The Shining," where a snowstorm forces the characters to depend on the basics, like a fire, as communication lines go silent. The atmosphere is both immersive and somewhat claustrophobic with so many characters, yet you'll find this read hard to put down.
If you're a fan of fast-paced stories with unexpected twists and loads of suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat—it’s just what you’re looking for! I was completely captivated by the author’s style and couldn't wait for the big reveal, which truly caught me off guard. The story not only builds suspense but also raises thought-provoking themes about second chances, hidden secrets, and human compassion. It serves as a reminder that nobody's perfect; we all make mistakes, but what sets us apart is how we respond to them. Be sure to add this one to your TBR or wish list; it’s absolutely top-notch! You can tell a great deal of thought went into this, as it’s very well done. Don't let this one pass you by!
Thank you, The Pulse and Counterplay Press, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
❄️Short Summary…
A group of charecters think they are going on vacation to a beautiful castle set in a winter wonderland. They arrive and quickly realize this is not what they signed up for. Choices must be made, and they do mean life or death.
❄️What I enjoyed…
This book surprised me in so many ways. I knew going in there would be some deeper meaning, and biblical undertones. I didn’t expect the ending at all!
I teared up and loved where the author took it.
The setting was great! An eerie castle, snowed in, locked room mystery.
❄️I enjoyed Iris’ character the most. She had so much compassion and empathy for others. There was a lot more than meets the eye to her. A great cast of charecters for the message to really shine.
❄️I will say there are some triggers in here so I’d make sure going in that you’re aware of those.
❄️Things I wanted different:
Not many! I would just say that it had a few lulls where I lost interest, and had some monotonous moments.
I also think the message could have gone even deeper and that would have really added even more depth to drive the point home!
❄️Overall I think it’s one you should for sure pick up!
I received this as an arc, but It is out now on Amazon
Spice: none
Triggers:
Affairs
Death
Cancer
Suicide mentions off page
Sexual assault mention off page
❄️Short Summary…
A group of charecters think they are going on vacation to a beautiful castle set in a winter wonderland. They arrive and quickly realize this is not what they signed up for. Choices must be made, and they do mean life or death.
❄️What I enjoyed…
This book surprised me in so many ways. I knew going in there would be some deeper meaning, and biblical undertones. I didn’t expect the ending at all!
I teared up and loved where the author took it.
The setting was great! An eerie castle, snowed in, locked room mystery.
❄️I enjoyed Iris’ character the most. She had so much compassion and empathy for others. There was a lot more than meets the eye to her. A great cast of charecters for the message to really shine.
❄️I will say there are some triggers in here so I’d make sure going in that you’re aware of those.
❄️Things I wanted different:
Not many! I would just say that it had a few lulls where I lost interest, and had some monotonous moments.
I also think the message could have gone even deeper and that would have really added even more depth to drive the point home!
❄️Overall I think it’s one you should for sure pick up!
I received this as an arc, but It is out now on Amazon
Spice: none
Triggers:
Affairs
Death
Cancer
Suicide mentions off page
Sexual assault mention off page
August 31, 2025
Title: Not Good People
Author: Audra McElyea
What to expect:
*Forced proximity
*Secrets & Lies
*On page death
Pros:
Another great thriller by this author that will have you guessing till the very end! Nine people win a stay at a mountain resort and are soon snowed in with seven mysterious boxes that threaten to reveal dark secrets that can ruin their families, careers, and potentially their lives. The idea of the mysterious boxes was incredibly unique, love how planned out the secrets were for each box!
Very well written, I never guessed who was causing all of the problems since there was such a wide variety of personalities and secrets. The ending was incredibly surprising!
Cons:
I think one of the male characters deserved more punishment for his actions! He got off way too easily for putting his wife and family at risk, but that’s just me and my petty attitude toward men. 🤪
Safety:
Cheating by side character, on page violence and death of side characters.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: Ebook
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
Characters: Aria & Iris (FMC POV’s)
Author: Audra McElyea
What to expect:
*Forced proximity
*Secrets & Lies
*On page death
Pros:
Another great thriller by this author that will have you guessing till the very end! Nine people win a stay at a mountain resort and are soon snowed in with seven mysterious boxes that threaten to reveal dark secrets that can ruin their families, careers, and potentially their lives. The idea of the mysterious boxes was incredibly unique, love how planned out the secrets were for each box!
Very well written, I never guessed who was causing all of the problems since there was such a wide variety of personalities and secrets. The ending was incredibly surprising!
Cons:
I think one of the male characters deserved more punishment for his actions! He got off way too easily for putting his wife and family at risk, but that’s just me and my petty attitude toward men. 🤪
Safety:
Cheating by side character, on page violence and death of side characters.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: Ebook
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
Characters: Aria & Iris (FMC POV’s)
September 11, 2025
Set against the backdrop of a snowstorm that traps a group of strangers inside a castle-turned-resort, Not Good People is a classic locked room thriller where no one can be trusted and no one can escape. Audra did such an amazing job with her brilliant cast of characters and building the suspense in every chapter. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book as the secrets were revealed and trying to figure out who was behind this exclusive getaway.
And just when I thought we had everything spelled out, the author drops one final bombshell at the end that had my jaw on the floor. This is your next 5 star fall read my friends!
Not Good People comes out October 14th so mark your calendars!
Special thank you to the author, Audra McElyea, for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏼
And just when I thought we had everything spelled out, the author drops one final bombshell at the end that had my jaw on the floor. This is your next 5 star fall read my friends!
Not Good People comes out October 14th so mark your calendars!
Special thank you to the author, Audra McElyea, for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏼
October 8, 2025
Thank you Audra McElyea and Counterplay Press for the ARC!
Seven strangers find themselves trapped in a secluded castle during a winter storm. What once seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime (an all-expenses paid trip) quickly becomes a deadly game. The contest they entered to win this prize is a hoax setup to lure them all to this place. Because each of them has a secret.
I really enjoyed this author’s last two books so I was excited when I got this one with The Pulse! I love locked room stories, and the snowy atmosphere only added to the dark, unsettling vibe! It was hard to know who to trust and the fast pace kept me on my toes. On the shorter side, this book is the perfect binge read!
“Not Good People” releases October 12, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Seven strangers find themselves trapped in a secluded castle during a winter storm. What once seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime (an all-expenses paid trip) quickly becomes a deadly game. The contest they entered to win this prize is a hoax setup to lure them all to this place. Because each of them has a secret.
I really enjoyed this author’s last two books so I was excited when I got this one with The Pulse! I love locked room stories, and the snowy atmosphere only added to the dark, unsettling vibe! It was hard to know who to trust and the fast pace kept me on my toes. On the shorter side, this book is the perfect binge read!
“Not Good People” releases October 12, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
October 28, 2025
My fave of Audra's books so far! I stayed up way too late for several nights as I waited for the secrets to be revealed. Loved the setting, the dual narration that didn't switch until halfway through the book, and I never figured out the twist. Pacing was excellent, descriptions made me feel like I was there, and I would love to see this one made into a movie!
There's also some duality in the story - as the title states, our characters aren't good people. They came into the castle with secrets. Some smaller, some huge, all not great. But should we be defined by the worst decision we've ever made? What makes my bad secret worse than yours? Are there levels of betrayal or is it all equally awful? I really enjoyed this deeper aspect to the story on top of the page-turner aspect. I was completely caught off guard by the twist - did not see that coming! Another excellent book by Audra McElyea!
There's also some duality in the story - as the title states, our characters aren't good people. They came into the castle with secrets. Some smaller, some huge, all not great. But should we be defined by the worst decision we've ever made? What makes my bad secret worse than yours? Are there levels of betrayal or is it all equally awful? I really enjoyed this deeper aspect to the story on top of the page-turner aspect. I was completely caught off guard by the twist - did not see that coming! Another excellent book by Audra McElyea!
September 10, 2025
The book is brilliant and twisted. A group of seven people win a weeklong stay at castle in the blue ridge mountains. They get to know that a mysterious source has covered all their expenses. It’s not only the shocking thing but being trapped in a castle isn’t as simple as it seems to be. Someone is behind. While lies and secrets turn everyone’s lives upside down. The book has a perfect amount of suspense, secrets, mystery, twists and so much more. Love the setting. Author has delivered another mind blowing locked room suspense thriller.
Thanks to the Author and Publisher
Thanks to the Author and Publisher
December 22, 2025
Another amazing book by Audra! This was my number one favorite read for 2025.
August 21, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
A group of strangers, all seemingly unconnected have won a seven night stay at a secluded castle in the mountains. When a snowstorm arrives, they find themselves trapped and cut off from help. The anonymous person behind their win has left 7 boxes, each containing a secret about the people staying. Nobody trusts anyone, no one can come to save them, and no one can leave.
Isolated setting? Snowed in? Locked door mystery? Sold.
This was definitely an interesting premise and I was excited to read it. It was a great read, building on the fear and tension each character was feeling, not knowing whose or what secret was going to be revealed next. Most of the characters weren't very likeable, some more so than others, and it leads to the reader constantly trying to work out which of them knows what's going on. I had only one issue with the book, and that was that the ending fell a little flat. The big reveal hadn't been quite as exciting as I'd hoped. But it didn't take away from the rest of the story.
This was my first from this author, but I can't wait to read more.
A group of strangers, all seemingly unconnected have won a seven night stay at a secluded castle in the mountains. When a snowstorm arrives, they find themselves trapped and cut off from help. The anonymous person behind their win has left 7 boxes, each containing a secret about the people staying. Nobody trusts anyone, no one can come to save them, and no one can leave.
Isolated setting? Snowed in? Locked door mystery? Sold.
This was definitely an interesting premise and I was excited to read it. It was a great read, building on the fear and tension each character was feeling, not knowing whose or what secret was going to be revealed next. Most of the characters weren't very likeable, some more so than others, and it leads to the reader constantly trying to work out which of them knows what's going on. I had only one issue with the book, and that was that the ending fell a little flat. The big reveal hadn't been quite as exciting as I'd hoped. But it didn't take away from the rest of the story.
This was my first from this author, but I can't wait to read more.
August 29, 2025
I’ve been a big fan of this author for quite a while so I am very thankful to get the chance to read this book! I love a good locked in trope and i thought this was quite creative! Most of the characters were not very likable so that was a good way to cause the reader to suspect everyone. I felt like the ending fell a little bit flat instead of a major reveal and then at the very very end i don’t love that one of the narrators had her whole character build destroyed when she was this kind sweet innocent person the whole time up until the last page. Overall though i did really enjoy this book, another great one from this author that i read in one sitting cause i couldn’t put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
Thanks to Audra for letting me and the gang over at The Pulse read this one early!
A group of strangers receive invites to a luxurious castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains - all expenses paid - but when they arrive, a snowstorm hits. As they grapple with the realization that they are stuck and secluded until the snow thaws, another bomb is dropped on them. They discover that the same person paid for everyone’s trip as a way to lure them all together. One by one, mysterious boxes begin to open, each one revealing a devastating secret that becomes public knowledge. If you try to leave before the game ends, you die.
I always enjoy Audra’s books. I also love that there’s a color scheme to her covers, despite each book being its own thing!
Not Good People was fast paced and unsettling. I am always down for a locked room, especially when the elements play a role in the isolation. This is a perfect read for the winter season.
Clocking in at just over 250 pages, this is a quick and exciting read. The characters are easy to keep separate, despite there being a fair amount. It was a split of who I was rooting for to live and who I maybe didn’t care that much for 😉
Audra is great at keeping readers guessing and Not Good People is no exception.
A group of strangers receive invites to a luxurious castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains - all expenses paid - but when they arrive, a snowstorm hits. As they grapple with the realization that they are stuck and secluded until the snow thaws, another bomb is dropped on them. They discover that the same person paid for everyone’s trip as a way to lure them all together. One by one, mysterious boxes begin to open, each one revealing a devastating secret that becomes public knowledge. If you try to leave before the game ends, you die.
I always enjoy Audra’s books. I also love that there’s a color scheme to her covers, despite each book being its own thing!
Not Good People was fast paced and unsettling. I am always down for a locked room, especially when the elements play a role in the isolation. This is a perfect read for the winter season.
Clocking in at just over 250 pages, this is a quick and exciting read. The characters are easy to keep separate, despite there being a fair amount. It was a split of who I was rooting for to live and who I maybe didn’t care that much for 😉
Audra is great at keeping readers guessing and Not Good People is no exception.
November 7, 2025
Imagine you and your spouse have just won a week away at a castle, you have no idea how you won this vacation, and are reluctant to leave your two small children. Would you go?
This book was a fast read and the suspense was great. You never knew what was going to happen when one of the boxes opened. Everyone suspected everyone and I had no clue who was behind everything
This book was a fast read and the suspense was great. You never knew what was going to happen when one of the boxes opened. Everyone suspected everyone and I had no clue who was behind everything
October 22, 2025
eArc Review
Not Good People by Audra McElyea
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you to Audra McElyea for providing me with an eArc.
Not Good People follows a group of strangers who win a free, week-long getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But once they arrive, just as a snowstorm traps them inside, they discover that not everything is as it seems. It’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays, and their prize turns into a nightmare. They realize that someone wanted all of them at the same place at the same time, and the castle becomes riddled with suspicion and paranoia. Then the guests are in for another wild ride when suspicious boxes wrapped like a gift begin to open. Each day, a new box opens, revealing devastating secrets about one of the guests. And if anyone refuses to play or tries to leave, someone will die.
This book was so much fun, dark, twisty, and full of tension! The multiple POVs and flashbacks helped piece together each character’s past, and while it took me a minute to keep everyone straight, once I did, I was hooked. The concept of the “daily gift boxes” exposing each person’s secret was brilliant and kept me anxiously flipping pages.
I also loved that not every character was likable, it added to the paranoia and made the suspense even juicier. The pacing was excellent, and the claustrophobic, snowed-in setting gave me And Then There Were None vibes with a modern twist. My only critique is that the ending felt a bit underwhelming after such a strong buildup. The big reveal didn’t quite hit as hard as I expected, but overall, this was a wildly entertaining mystery.
What I loved:
🎁 Locked-room thriller + snowstorm isolation
🎁 Multi-POV storytelling that deepens the mystery
🎁 A cast of morally gray, intriguing characters
If you love closed-door mysteries, secrets, and a creeping sense of “who can I trust?”, you’ll devour this one.
Not Good People by Audra McElyea
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you to Audra McElyea for providing me with an eArc.
Not Good People follows a group of strangers who win a free, week-long getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But once they arrive, just as a snowstorm traps them inside, they discover that not everything is as it seems. It’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays, and their prize turns into a nightmare. They realize that someone wanted all of them at the same place at the same time, and the castle becomes riddled with suspicion and paranoia. Then the guests are in for another wild ride when suspicious boxes wrapped like a gift begin to open. Each day, a new box opens, revealing devastating secrets about one of the guests. And if anyone refuses to play or tries to leave, someone will die.
This book was so much fun, dark, twisty, and full of tension! The multiple POVs and flashbacks helped piece together each character’s past, and while it took me a minute to keep everyone straight, once I did, I was hooked. The concept of the “daily gift boxes” exposing each person’s secret was brilliant and kept me anxiously flipping pages.
I also loved that not every character was likable, it added to the paranoia and made the suspense even juicier. The pacing was excellent, and the claustrophobic, snowed-in setting gave me And Then There Were None vibes with a modern twist. My only critique is that the ending felt a bit underwhelming after such a strong buildup. The big reveal didn’t quite hit as hard as I expected, but overall, this was a wildly entertaining mystery.
What I loved:
🎁 Locked-room thriller + snowstorm isolation
🎁 Multi-POV storytelling that deepens the mystery
🎁 A cast of morally gray, intriguing characters
If you love closed-door mysteries, secrets, and a creeping sense of “who can I trust?”, you’ll devour this one.
September 11, 2025
Thank you @audramcelyeaauthor for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
SUMMARY: A group of strangers wins a weeklong stay at a secluded castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only to find themselves trapped by a deadly snowstorm and a sinister game orchestrated by a mysterious benefactor. As devastating secrets are revealed daily, paranoia escalates, and the stakes rise—leaving them to confront their pasts or risk deadly consequences.
MY THOUGHTS: This psychological suspense novel has everything I love in this genre: a locked room setting, lots of secrets, multiple murders, and a twist at the end! I have read so much of the genre that I did guess the twist, but there was still an unexpected outcome! I particularly enjoyed the author’s note at the end! There is a large cast of characters but I did not have trouble keeping up with them. The story unfolds through two perspectives, Iris and Aria. In the end, this gripping tale not only keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and compelling characters but also serves as a chilling reminder of how unacknowledged secrets can shape our destinies in deadly ways.
SUMMARY: A group of strangers wins a weeklong stay at a secluded castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only to find themselves trapped by a deadly snowstorm and a sinister game orchestrated by a mysterious benefactor. As devastating secrets are revealed daily, paranoia escalates, and the stakes rise—leaving them to confront their pasts or risk deadly consequences.
MY THOUGHTS: This psychological suspense novel has everything I love in this genre: a locked room setting, lots of secrets, multiple murders, and a twist at the end! I have read so much of the genre that I did guess the twist, but there was still an unexpected outcome! I particularly enjoyed the author’s note at the end! There is a large cast of characters but I did not have trouble keeping up with them. The story unfolds through two perspectives, Iris and Aria. In the end, this gripping tale not only keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and compelling characters but also serves as a chilling reminder of how unacknowledged secrets can shape our destinies in deadly ways.
October 1, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up
Imagine this. You're gifted a free, one week stay in a castle in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Sounds perfect, right? Then imagine a snowstorm hitting right as you arrive, stranding you, the other guests, and the two owners in. Then seven boxes that each guest is gifted mysterious start to unlock revealing a dark secret of each guest, if you agree to read the letter inside and play the game or try to leave, one of your will die. Doesn't sound so ideal anymore, huh? This is a locked room thriller that will keep you on your toes and have you guessing until the very end. You may think you have it figure out, but you really don't. This book has a spectacular cast of characters all, which, obviously, have something they are hiding. This book is rife with mystery, secrets, twists, and nail-biting suspense. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, with jaw-dropping conclusions, make sure you add this to your tbr.
Imagine this. You're gifted a free, one week stay in a castle in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Sounds perfect, right? Then imagine a snowstorm hitting right as you arrive, stranding you, the other guests, and the two owners in. Then seven boxes that each guest is gifted mysterious start to unlock revealing a dark secret of each guest, if you agree to read the letter inside and play the game or try to leave, one of your will die. Doesn't sound so ideal anymore, huh? This is a locked room thriller that will keep you on your toes and have you guessing until the very end. You may think you have it figure out, but you really don't. This book has a spectacular cast of characters all, which, obviously, have something they are hiding. This book is rife with mystery, secrets, twists, and nail-biting suspense. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, with jaw-dropping conclusions, make sure you add this to your tbr.
October 1, 2025
A couple looking for a romantic week away will get more than they bargained for. As the hotel fills with seemingly strangers on an all expense paid vacation they soon realize they were brought together to reveal their secrets. No one can leave until the week is over or they die. Not that they could leave anyway with all the snow piling up outside.
I love locked room mysteries! The atmosphere is perfect in the book - trapped by snow and no phone or cell service. Pretty wooden boxes with alarms to notify the group another secret is ready to be revealed. Nothing like being in a large house with no electronics for background noise and then being startled by loud alarms!
The book is dual POV but you do get to hear from other characters so you can see a lot of the group. I was hooked early on and loved this book. The cover is gorgeous and it’s perfect to read at night!
I love locked room mysteries! The atmosphere is perfect in the book - trapped by snow and no phone or cell service. Pretty wooden boxes with alarms to notify the group another secret is ready to be revealed. Nothing like being in a large house with no electronics for background noise and then being startled by loud alarms!
The book is dual POV but you do get to hear from other characters so you can see a lot of the group. I was hooked early on and loved this book. The cover is gorgeous and it’s perfect to read at night!
September 27, 2025
This is the second book by Audra McElyea that I read along with the team at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, so I was excited to receive a copy!
Synopsis:
When a group of strangers win a weeklong stay at a castle in the mountains, it feels like they’ve won the lottery. But when a deadly snowstorm hits the moment they arrive, unease settles in because now they’re bound to the secluded castle with no way out.
Shortly after they arrive, it’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays in an attempt to lure them to the same place at the same time. When they are told that boxes have been left for each of them and that each one holds a devastating secret, they begin to question each other and realize that no one can actually be trusted. One box will open per day, and if anyone tries to leave before the game is finished… one of them will die.
My Thoughts:
This book had all of my favorite elements…a locked room mystery in a secluded setting, during a snowstorm, and all of the characters have secrets they are keeping!! This book started out strong and kept my attention all the way until the very end! It’s told through the points of view of Iris and Aria, and I questioned almost everyone at some point as the story continued. As each box was opened and more secrets were revealed, the tension grew and the twists kept coming. The question is…Who brought them all there and is keeping the biggest secret of all?? This was such a fun whodunnit and I flew through it trying to guess who was behind it all!
Thank you to Audra McElyea and Counterplay Press for this advance reader copy!
Synopsis:
When a group of strangers win a weeklong stay at a castle in the mountains, it feels like they’ve won the lottery. But when a deadly snowstorm hits the moment they arrive, unease settles in because now they’re bound to the secluded castle with no way out.
Shortly after they arrive, it’s revealed that a mysterious source paid for all of their stays in an attempt to lure them to the same place at the same time. When they are told that boxes have been left for each of them and that each one holds a devastating secret, they begin to question each other and realize that no one can actually be trusted. One box will open per day, and if anyone tries to leave before the game is finished… one of them will die.
My Thoughts:
This book had all of my favorite elements…a locked room mystery in a secluded setting, during a snowstorm, and all of the characters have secrets they are keeping!! This book started out strong and kept my attention all the way until the very end! It’s told through the points of view of Iris and Aria, and I questioned almost everyone at some point as the story continued. As each box was opened and more secrets were revealed, the tension grew and the twists kept coming. The question is…Who brought them all there and is keeping the biggest secret of all?? This was such a fun whodunnit and I flew through it trying to guess who was behind it all!
Thank you to Audra McElyea and Counterplay Press for this advance reader copy!
September 29, 2025
A group of strangers find themselves stranded in a castle in the mountains when a snowstorm hits. When it emerges that someone has paid for all of their stays and boxes appear that hold individual secrets, the guests know that this isn't the holiday they originally thought it would be.
I love a good locked room mystery. The eerie setting, knowing that secrets were slowly being revealed and the characters not knowing who can be trusted were all huge positives for me while reading this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was surprised who was behind it all at the big reveal! This was another winner by this author - I can't wait for her next book.
I love a good locked room mystery. The eerie setting, knowing that secrets were slowly being revealed and the characters not knowing who can be trusted were all huge positives for me while reading this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was surprised who was behind it all at the big reveal! This was another winner by this author - I can't wait for her next book.
September 1, 2025
Thank you Tonya over at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse book tour for an ARC copy!
This is Audra’s 4th thriller book and it did not disappoint. I read it in less than 24 hours. On the edge of my seat.
Snowed in at a retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains where secrets and lore are revealed to uncover that all of the people there are Not Good People.
Could not put it down, but that is usually how Audra’s books are for me! Can’t wait for it’s released for everyone to read on October 14, 2025!
This is Audra’s 4th thriller book and it did not disappoint. I read it in less than 24 hours. On the edge of my seat.
Snowed in at a retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains where secrets and lore are revealed to uncover that all of the people there are Not Good People.
Could not put it down, but that is usually how Audra’s books are for me! Can’t wait for it’s released for everyone to read on October 14, 2025!
October 8, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. From start to finish I was so invested. The twists and surprises are absolutely mind blowing. I never could figure out what the ending would be- and I am so glad because it’s way better than any of my guesses. Audra’s writing and story telling had me reading non stop, I read this book in 3 different sittings in under 24 hours. I could not put it down, I had to know what happened.
October 26, 2025
Not Good People is another amazing thriller by Audra McElyea. This story takes place in a castle in the middle of a snow storm. Eleven total strangers including the owners are snowed in. What they don’t realize is someone has brought them all together based on a single connection and plans on outing their worst secrets! This is an amazing read!
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