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It's Not Her
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10 copies available
U.S. only
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined …
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined …
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 3, 2026
99981 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kubica
29 books27k followersMary Kubica is a New York Times bestselling author of suspense thrillers including The Good Girl, The Other Mrs., and Local Woman Missing. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages and have sold over five million copies worldwide. She’s been described as “a helluva storyteller” (Kirkus) and “a writer of vice-like control” (Chicago Tribune), and her novels have been praised as “hypnotic” (People) and “thrilling and illuminating” (L.A. Times). She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and children.
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November 17, 2025
PHEW what a ride! Full review to come 👀
October 17, 2025
Despite the fact that I’m already seriously and chronically overbooked with advanced reader copies, as soon as I saw the email from The Hive offering up a crazy early chance to read It’s Not Her, I couldn’t pass up the chance. Boy, am I glad that I did despite the fact that I gave up a full night of sleep. Twisty, bingeable, and addictive in the extreme, it was everything that I’ve come to expect from a Mary Kubica novel plus a little bit more. From the anxiety-inducing plot to the expertly crafted characters, there was no end to the dread and foreboding that oozed off of the pages. And let me tell you…those twists? Ms. Kubica really outdid herself this time around. But the best piece of this dynamite puzzle was the creepy, leave-the-lights-on feel that won me over one thousand percent. After all, atmospheric thrillers are my bread and butter and this one managed to put most of my favorites to shame.
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to reread this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to reread this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
July 30, 2025
Totally gripping, breathless pacing, & a holy shooty balls thrill ride!
Okay let’s just pause for a moment. It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica is everything I want in a thriller. A quiet lake resort. A double murder. A missing teenage niece. And a main character stumbling right into the middle of it all. I didn’t even properly read the blurb if I’m being honest. Mary Kubica is one of my absolute favourite authors so I was all in the second I saw her name. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
From the opening scene I was hooked. The story starts with a scream and just never lets up. Courtney discovers her brother and sister-in-law murdered, her niece Reese missing, and her young nephew asleep upstairs. No answers. Just suspicion, fear, and a tangled mess of secrets that kept me flipping pages faster than I could breathe.
Kubica builds this eerie sense of unease that had me second guessing every single person. I didn’t trust the neighbours. I didn’t trust the police. Honestly, Courtney was the only one I did trust. That slow unravelling of truth is so satisfying and the tension is perfectly done.
Just when I thought I had a grip on what was going on, the rug got pulled right out from under me. I mean it. One of those twists actually made me gasp out loud. Holy shooty balls. That is all I will say.
I know it’s still early but I am one hundred percent on the buzz train for this one. The writing is sharp, the emotion runs deep, and the pace never once stalls. A total winner from a longtime favourite.
Mood Reader Moment: Favourite author. Intriguing cover. Didn’t even pause to read the description. Just had to read.
Expected publication: February 3, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital copy. I would hand-sell this to every fellow thriller lover I know.
Okay let’s just pause for a moment. It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica is everything I want in a thriller. A quiet lake resort. A double murder. A missing teenage niece. And a main character stumbling right into the middle of it all. I didn’t even properly read the blurb if I’m being honest. Mary Kubica is one of my absolute favourite authors so I was all in the second I saw her name. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
From the opening scene I was hooked. The story starts with a scream and just never lets up. Courtney discovers her brother and sister-in-law murdered, her niece Reese missing, and her young nephew asleep upstairs. No answers. Just suspicion, fear, and a tangled mess of secrets that kept me flipping pages faster than I could breathe.
Kubica builds this eerie sense of unease that had me second guessing every single person. I didn’t trust the neighbours. I didn’t trust the police. Honestly, Courtney was the only one I did trust. That slow unravelling of truth is so satisfying and the tension is perfectly done.
Just when I thought I had a grip on what was going on, the rug got pulled right out from under me. I mean it. One of those twists actually made me gasp out loud. Holy shooty balls. That is all I will say.
I know it’s still early but I am one hundred percent on the buzz train for this one. The writing is sharp, the emotion runs deep, and the pace never once stalls. A total winner from a longtime favourite.
Mood Reader Moment: Favourite author. Intriguing cover. Didn’t even pause to read the description. Just had to read.
Expected publication: February 3, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital copy. I would hand-sell this to every fellow thriller lover I know.
December 1, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 for GR! Mary Kubica is soooo back. get excited for her 2026 release yall!!!!
her last few releases (this + SHES NOT SORRY + LOCAL WOMAN MISSING) are arguably my fave 3 of hers. she does SUCH a good job weaving in family/domestic drama (think Lisa Jewell or Alice Feeney vibes) into a slow burn thriller and her twists always packs a punch.
and the ending!!!! if you’ve been following me for a minute you know i love my thrillers to have a shocking ending / don’t love when they’re all wrapped up in a little bow and Mary delivered that here! it was such a fun surprise at the end 😳
this thriller follows two families that go away to a lake/cabin trip in the summer and two of them end up murdered. but the question is…who did it, and why?
i took .5 off because the pacing was a bit slow for me in the middle. it was very much a slow burn which is totally fine but i was wanting a twist earlier on to pick things back up. that said, it still grabs you immediately and i was constantly wondering who the killer was—i couldn’t figure it out or get a good guess!
along w the thriller parts, i liked the family drama too. everyone is stressed and scared and starts wondering if the other person had something to do with the murders and it built some great suspense.
such a fun read! this one is out in Feb—be sure to pre order it! thanks to HTP books for the gifted early copy.
her last few releases (this + SHES NOT SORRY + LOCAL WOMAN MISSING) are arguably my fave 3 of hers. she does SUCH a good job weaving in family/domestic drama (think Lisa Jewell or Alice Feeney vibes) into a slow burn thriller and her twists always packs a punch.
and the ending!!!! if you’ve been following me for a minute you know i love my thrillers to have a shocking ending / don’t love when they’re all wrapped up in a little bow and Mary delivered that here! it was such a fun surprise at the end 😳
this thriller follows two families that go away to a lake/cabin trip in the summer and two of them end up murdered. but the question is…who did it, and why?
i took .5 off because the pacing was a bit slow for me in the middle. it was very much a slow burn which is totally fine but i was wanting a twist earlier on to pick things back up. that said, it still grabs you immediately and i was constantly wondering who the killer was—i couldn’t figure it out or get a good guess!
along w the thriller parts, i liked the family drama too. everyone is stressed and scared and starts wondering if the other person had something to do with the murders and it built some great suspense.
such a fun read! this one is out in Feb—be sure to pre order it! thanks to HTP books for the gifted early copy.
August 20, 2025
Summer vacation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin turns into a nightmare when Courtney Grey hears a horrified scream coming from the cabin beside hers, where she discovers her brother and sister-in-law brutally murdered, her teenage niece Reese missing. As the police work to figure out what happened in that cabin, family secrets come to light, leaving Courtney unsure who she can trust.
A banger of a book from start to finish, Mary Kubica never disappoints. While I knew going in that I was sure to enjoy IT’S NOT HER based on both my previous love of Kubica’s novels and the high rating it already had, I had no idea it would take ahold of my life the way it did. I could not put it down, and when I was forced to, I simply could not stop thinking about it or the characters at the center of it.
The atmospheric nature was brilliantly haunting, and at multiple times, I found myself jumping at the sound of a door opening or someone calling my name. With such descriptive and evocative writing, I often felt as though I too was in the story. It was me in any given scene, alongside the character in focus. Me unable to run, me waiting for the door to open as I heard the footsteps…
It is for this very reason that this book meets the definition of a nail biter, from the eerie isolated wooded setting to the ghastly cabin scene that haunts characters and readers alike; the quiet moments that are as jarring as the loud. I could in fact feel my heart racing throughout (I feel this should count as exercise on some level tbh) and it is one of the more intense psychological thrillers I have read. The haunting quality combined with the true crime aspect and proceeding police procedural made for an incredibly fast read, as like I said, it becomes near impossible to put down.
I am such a fan of the “who can you trust” trope, and Kubica executes it perfectly in a way that feels as chilling as it does entertaining. I am often left disappointed by my ability to see behind the curtain and spoil the twists too early on. That is not the case here as I had no idea who the culprit(s) was, nor what had actually happened on that horrific night both in the present as well as the past. I found myself, like our MC, questioning everything I knew to be true. Twist after twist, reveal after reveal, until the final mic drop moment when Kubica allows us the peek behind the curtain in the final moments, where once again I was caught off guard. And this above all is why I adore her writing so much.
Read if you like:
▪️isolated settings
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️ensemble casts
▪️dual perspectives/timelines
▪️things that go bump in the night
▪️true crime vibes
▪️who can you trust?
▪️bingy reads
✨ 2025 Favorites and #1 thriller of the year
Thank you Park Row Books and HTP for the advanced copy.
A banger of a book from start to finish, Mary Kubica never disappoints. While I knew going in that I was sure to enjoy IT’S NOT HER based on both my previous love of Kubica’s novels and the high rating it already had, I had no idea it would take ahold of my life the way it did. I could not put it down, and when I was forced to, I simply could not stop thinking about it or the characters at the center of it.
The atmospheric nature was brilliantly haunting, and at multiple times, I found myself jumping at the sound of a door opening or someone calling my name. With such descriptive and evocative writing, I often felt as though I too was in the story. It was me in any given scene, alongside the character in focus. Me unable to run, me waiting for the door to open as I heard the footsteps…
It is for this very reason that this book meets the definition of a nail biter, from the eerie isolated wooded setting to the ghastly cabin scene that haunts characters and readers alike; the quiet moments that are as jarring as the loud. I could in fact feel my heart racing throughout (I feel this should count as exercise on some level tbh) and it is one of the more intense psychological thrillers I have read. The haunting quality combined with the true crime aspect and proceeding police procedural made for an incredibly fast read, as like I said, it becomes near impossible to put down.
I am such a fan of the “who can you trust” trope, and Kubica executes it perfectly in a way that feels as chilling as it does entertaining. I am often left disappointed by my ability to see behind the curtain and spoil the twists too early on. That is not the case here as I had no idea who the culprit(s) was, nor what had actually happened on that horrific night both in the present as well as the past. I found myself, like our MC, questioning everything I knew to be true. Twist after twist, reveal after reveal, until the final mic drop moment when Kubica allows us the peek behind the curtain in the final moments, where once again I was caught off guard. And this above all is why I adore her writing so much.
Read if you like:
▪️isolated settings
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️ensemble casts
▪️dual perspectives/timelines
▪️things that go bump in the night
▪️true crime vibes
▪️who can you trust?
▪️bingy reads
✨ 2025 Favorites and #1 thriller of the year
Thank you Park Row Books and HTP for the advanced copy.
December 7, 2025
Two families, excitedly anticipating a perfect vacation at a secluded lake resort, find themselves unexpectedly caught in a nightmare that feels straight out of a horror film. What was meant to be a tranquil getaway quickly spirals into chaos when a piercing scream disrupts the calm of a quiet morning, echoing from a neighbouring lakeside cottage. Rushing to investigate, Courtney Gray stumbles upon a horrific scene: her sister-in-law and brother lie lifeless, and her teenage niece, Reese, has vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, her nephew, Wyatt, remains blissfully asleep upstairs, utterly unaware of the terror unfolding around him.
As the local police swarm the once-peaceful resort town, unsettling secrets about Courtney’s family begin to surface, painting a complicated picture of hidden truths. Whispers about the town’s dark past seep into the investigation, leaving Courtney grappling with troubling questions. Is Reese simply another victim of a brutal crime, or is there a chance she could be mixed up in the sinister events that have transpired?
Determined to uncover the truth, Courtney delves deeper into the mystery. Each revelation exposes the hidden secrets of those involved, and as the lines between ally and adversary blur, the stakes rise to a dangerous level. With lives hanging in the balance, Courtney must expertly navigate a tangled web of deception and peril, all while struggling to determine who she can truly trust.
It's Not Her is a masterclass in suspense, Full of dramatic twists, intricate clues, and a suffocating atmosphere filled with chilling revelations. It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the final jaw-dropping twist. Throughout the story, my heart raced with anticipation, and it felt like an intense rollercoaster ride, packed with unexpected surprises at every turn. This was my first time reading a book by Mary Kubica, and it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
The plot is anxiety-inducing, with expertly crafted characters that add to the relentless feeling of dread and foreboding. And those twists! They are truly mindblowing! But what really stands out is the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere that made me leave the lights on as I turned page after page late into the night. As someone who loves atmospheric thrillers, I found this one managed to outshine many of my favourites.
In summary, I absolutely recommend this suspenseful adventure! Just a friendly tip: clear your schedule before you dive in, you might find yourself so engrossed in this thriller that chores and family time take a backseat. To truly enjoy Mary Kubica’s latest book, consider giving everyone a heads-up that you're dedicating the day to reading. Put a do-not-disturb sign on your favourite reading nook, enjoy, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Get ready for a blockbuster smash hit in 2026! With its gripping plot, relatable characters, and an undeniably original storyline, this thriller is set to take the world by storm. Mark your calendars for February 3; you won't want to miss this suspense-filled roller coaster ride!
I want to thank Edelweiss, Park Row and Harper Collins for the DAC, and a special thanks to Laurie Mularchuk at Harlequin Sales
Short review, I will write a full review tomorrow. I have not been able to put this book down. I have been reading since 10:00 am on this Thanksgiving Monday. (13 hours total I’m going to have a book hangover! 😆📚)
Full of dramatic twists, subtle clues, and claustrophobic atmosphere and chilling reveals, It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist. My heart actually raced at times. It was an intense rollercoaster ride!
As the local police swarm the once-peaceful resort town, unsettling secrets about Courtney’s family begin to surface, painting a complicated picture of hidden truths. Whispers about the town’s dark past seep into the investigation, leaving Courtney grappling with troubling questions. Is Reese simply another victim of a brutal crime, or is there a chance she could be mixed up in the sinister events that have transpired?
Determined to uncover the truth, Courtney delves deeper into the mystery. Each revelation exposes the hidden secrets of those involved, and as the lines between ally and adversary blur, the stakes rise to a dangerous level. With lives hanging in the balance, Courtney must expertly navigate a tangled web of deception and peril, all while struggling to determine who she can truly trust.
It's Not Her is a masterclass in suspense, Full of dramatic twists, intricate clues, and a suffocating atmosphere filled with chilling revelations. It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the final jaw-dropping twist. Throughout the story, my heart raced with anticipation, and it felt like an intense rollercoaster ride, packed with unexpected surprises at every turn. This was my first time reading a book by Mary Kubica, and it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
The plot is anxiety-inducing, with expertly crafted characters that add to the relentless feeling of dread and foreboding. And those twists! They are truly mindblowing! But what really stands out is the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere that made me leave the lights on as I turned page after page late into the night. As someone who loves atmospheric thrillers, I found this one managed to outshine many of my favourites.
In summary, I absolutely recommend this suspenseful adventure! Just a friendly tip: clear your schedule before you dive in, you might find yourself so engrossed in this thriller that chores and family time take a backseat. To truly enjoy Mary Kubica’s latest book, consider giving everyone a heads-up that you're dedicating the day to reading. Put a do-not-disturb sign on your favourite reading nook, enjoy, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Get ready for a blockbuster smash hit in 2026! With its gripping plot, relatable characters, and an undeniably original storyline, this thriller is set to take the world by storm. Mark your calendars for February 3; you won't want to miss this suspense-filled roller coaster ride!
I want to thank Edelweiss, Park Row and Harper Collins for the DAC, and a special thanks to Laurie Mularchuk at Harlequin Sales
Short review, I will write a full review tomorrow. I have not been able to put this book down. I have been reading since 10:00 am on this Thanksgiving Monday. (13 hours total I’m going to have a book hangover! 😆📚)
Full of dramatic twists, subtle clues, and claustrophobic atmosphere and chilling reveals, It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist. My heart actually raced at times. It was an intense rollercoaster ride!
May 21, 2025
Huge massive thanks to #partner @htp_hive @parkrowbooks @htpbooks and @marykubica for exclusive access to #ItsNotHer to read and review.
As soon as @htp_hive shot out the email, I scooped this sucker up! I read my first Kubica book in 2018/2019 ….. The Good Girl and was OBSESSED!!! I had the pleasure to meet her in Houston two years ago at @murderbooks and she is the nicest human!!!
As soon as I started this, I couldn’t stop. The only thing that kept getting in the way is that damn job or I would’ve had it finished sooner.
This one takes off from the start. Two parents dead. One missing girl. A family on vacation that turns terribly wrong. I was trying to figure out what was going on. I had my theories, but time and time again I was wrong. I freaking loved it!!! I’m sooo going to be late for work. Oh well 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@marykubica is a queen of suspense!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As soon as @htp_hive shot out the email, I scooped this sucker up! I read my first Kubica book in 2018/2019 ….. The Good Girl and was OBSESSED!!! I had the pleasure to meet her in Houston two years ago at @murderbooks and she is the nicest human!!!
As soon as I started this, I couldn’t stop. The only thing that kept getting in the way is that damn job or I would’ve had it finished sooner.
This one takes off from the start. Two parents dead. One missing girl. A family on vacation that turns terribly wrong. I was trying to figure out what was going on. I had my theories, but time and time again I was wrong. I freaking loved it!!! I’m sooo going to be late for work. Oh well 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@marykubica is a queen of suspense!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2025
WOW! Thank you to Park Row Books and Mary Kubica for my copy of this one! It was about a family vacation gone wrong. One morning Courtney hears a scream from her brother's cabin on the lake where they are staying, and shows up to find her brother and his wife dead, and one of their three children missing. The two youngest are unharmed, but don't seem to know what happened. As the police start to investigate, the oldest daughter's disappearance becomes more suspicious, and things begin to come out that point to her not being as she seems. And other girls have gone missing from the same location- does this have something to do with the murders?
Thoughts: I love this book. It has the super tense and fast paced story telling that Kubica is known for. It has interesting characters that all come together in certain ways, leaving you wondering who you can trust. It started off with a bang and kept me completely caught up until the very end. I couldn't tell where this book was going and the alternating chapter POV was a great way to learn about what was going one.
That being said, this story was deeply sad. It was about fractured family relationships and feeling unlovable. The ending was satisfying, but ultimately devastating. The mistrust and relationship issues broke my heart, and it felt like no one got out unscathed. I definitely loved it and rated it 5 stars, but be warned there are no feel good moments or happily ever afters.
Thoughts: I love this book. It has the super tense and fast paced story telling that Kubica is known for. It has interesting characters that all come together in certain ways, leaving you wondering who you can trust. It started off with a bang and kept me completely caught up until the very end. I couldn't tell where this book was going and the alternating chapter POV was a great way to learn about what was going one.
That being said, this story was deeply sad. It was about fractured family relationships and feeling unlovable. The ending was satisfying, but ultimately devastating. The mistrust and relationship issues broke my heart, and it felt like no one got out unscathed. I definitely loved it and rated it 5 stars, but be warned there are no feel good moments or happily ever afters.
May 18, 2025
Guys, Mary Kubica knocks it out of the park again! No slow burn here, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and just always unsettled. I can’t stop thinking about it!
May 19, 2025
Five star thriller alert! I just finished this in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down. I spent my entire day reading this page turning thriller. I have come here to say that this is Mary Kubica’s best book yet! I was hooked from the jump and was truly astonished until the very last page.
This thriller was so unique and well done there’s really nothing like it. Reading this actually made my heart pound at certain points because I was feeling the horror and anxiety right there with the characters.
A gripping thriller from the first word to last. I’m so sad it’s not coming out until February because I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read this book! I know this is going to be a 2026 thriller hit and I’m so excited to discuss with all of my fellow thriller lovers.
Two families vacationing at a lake resort are in for the shock and terror of their lives. What Courtney believed would be a calming week at the lake with her family quickly took a dangerous turn when she discovers that her brother and sister in law have been murdered and her teenage niece is missing. A brutal crime where everyone is a suspect. You will be suspicious of EVERYONE.
A very special thank you to The Hive and Mary Kubica for the advanced readers copy. It is a pleasure to be apart of this influencer program and a fan of Mary Kubica and her thrillers.
This thriller was so unique and well done there’s really nothing like it. Reading this actually made my heart pound at certain points because I was feeling the horror and anxiety right there with the characters.
A gripping thriller from the first word to last. I’m so sad it’s not coming out until February because I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read this book! I know this is going to be a 2026 thriller hit and I’m so excited to discuss with all of my fellow thriller lovers.
Two families vacationing at a lake resort are in for the shock and terror of their lives. What Courtney believed would be a calming week at the lake with her family quickly took a dangerous turn when she discovers that her brother and sister in law have been murdered and her teenage niece is missing. A brutal crime where everyone is a suspect. You will be suspicious of EVERYONE.
A very special thank you to The Hive and Mary Kubica for the advanced readers copy. It is a pleasure to be apart of this influencer program and a fan of Mary Kubica and her thrillers.
November 11, 2025
This book had everything I could ask for from a thriller. It had great characters (most of which became very sus at points). It was so fast paced and binge-able. It had shocking twists and turns right up to the very end (I had chills at one point). It involved a missing person which is one of my favorite thriller tropes. It had an incredible mountain lodge setting. Like I could not have asked for more from this one 🤩 It comes out February 3, 2026 and I’m telling you, you have to preorder it now! You won’t regret it.
Thank you to HTP Books for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
Thank you to HTP Books for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
December 7, 2025
ARC for review. To be published February 3, 2026.
3.5 stars
Courtney Gray, husband Elliot and daughter Cass are vacationing at a Wisconsin lake (bugs.). In a cabin just up the hill are her brother Nolan (is that right? That doesn’t sound right. But doesn’t matter. That is foreshadowing,) wife Emily and their children teenagers Reese and Wyatt. Their daughter Maevis sleeping over with the Grays that night. When Maggie’s home the next morning she runs back to the Grays, hysterical. Courtney hurries to the cabin to find the bloody dead bodies of Nolan(?) and Emily. Reese is missing. Wyatt is asleep, unharmed. Who has done this, why and where is Reese?
I have liked and not liked Kubica but this is an above average thriller. We follow Courtney as she navigates the police and investigates a surprising number of suspects. Enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Courtney Gray, husband Elliot and daughter Cass are vacationing at a Wisconsin lake (bugs.). In a cabin just up the hill are her brother Nolan (is that right? That doesn’t sound right. But doesn’t matter. That is foreshadowing,) wife Emily and their children teenagers Reese and Wyatt. Their daughter Maevis sleeping over with the Grays that night. When Maggie’s home the next morning she runs back to the Grays, hysterical. Courtney hurries to the cabin to find the bloody dead bodies of Nolan(?) and Emily. Reese is missing. Wyatt is asleep, unharmed. Who has done this, why and where is Reese?
I have liked and not liked Kubica but this is an above average thriller. We follow Courtney as she navigates the police and investigates a surprising number of suspects. Enjoyed it.
December 15, 2025
* Thanks to Harlequin Audio & Park Row for the ARC and NetGalley review copy (pub date: February 19, 2026)
(( audiobook ))
This was fine, and pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author — some entertaining surprises and solid red herrings muddled up with a whole lot of convoluted nonsense and repetitious dithering that made things drag along a lot longer than felt necessary — I think maybe I should have listened on 2.5 speed to make the pace better 🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, the audiobook production was good, and I think existing fans of Kubica will enjoy this one.
(( audiobook ))
This was fine, and pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author — some entertaining surprises and solid red herrings muddled up with a whole lot of convoluted nonsense and repetitious dithering that made things drag along a lot longer than felt necessary — I think maybe I should have listened on 2.5 speed to make the pace better 🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, the audiobook production was good, and I think existing fans of Kubica will enjoy this one.
May 18, 2025
Let me introduce you to my new favorite Mary Kubica book, and most likely my 2026 book of the year!
This book was INCREDIBLE, SHOCKING, GRIPPING, HEARTBREAKING, CREEPY, BINGEABLE, and TWISTED. Honestly, what more could you ask for??
@marykubica is back in her newest release, and dare I say, better than ever? Local woman missing has been one of my favorite thrillers for years, but I liked this one even more, which I didn’t think was possible.
I loved how the multiple POVs was done in this, you have one POV that is happening during “the now” and the only POV was happening during “the lead up” I honestly, did not have a single clue how this was going to all come together, and that LAST CHAPTER?! EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A huge thank you to @htp_hive @htpbooks for the opportunity to be an early reader of this one. Mark your calendars, PUB DATE: 2/3
This book was INCREDIBLE, SHOCKING, GRIPPING, HEARTBREAKING, CREEPY, BINGEABLE, and TWISTED. Honestly, what more could you ask for??
@marykubica is back in her newest release, and dare I say, better than ever? Local woman missing has been one of my favorite thrillers for years, but I liked this one even more, which I didn’t think was possible.
I loved how the multiple POVs was done in this, you have one POV that is happening during “the now” and the only POV was happening during “the lead up” I honestly, did not have a single clue how this was going to all come together, and that LAST CHAPTER?! EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A huge thank you to @htp_hive @htpbooks for the opportunity to be an early reader of this one. Mark your calendars, PUB DATE: 2/3
November 14, 2025
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 11 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Presley, Gary Tiedemann
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Format: Multi POV/Timeline
General Thoughts:
This book was a fun ride! I mostly listen to this by audiobook following along with the eARC periodically. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrators. I felt like they did a great job and I was able to consistently listen at a normal for me speed.
I really enjoyed the story and the set up of this novel. I felt like it was very suspenseful and lots of tension. Every time I had a theory going, I was given information that doused it and I had to start all over. It kept me guessing and kept me wondering. Towards the end of the novel, I did kind of get a inkling of how it was gonna end, but I still didn't guess the entire conclusion. This made me want to read more of the author's work and I do intend to dive into some of her older novels.
If you like thriller novels with dark elements, a completely messed up family dynamic, and lots of thrills and suspense and a trust no one vibe then I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
⏰: 11 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Presley, Gary Tiedemann
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Format: Multi POV/Timeline
General Thoughts:
This book was a fun ride! I mostly listen to this by audiobook following along with the eARC periodically. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrators. I felt like they did a great job and I was able to consistently listen at a normal for me speed.
I really enjoyed the story and the set up of this novel. I felt like it was very suspenseful and lots of tension. Every time I had a theory going, I was given information that doused it and I had to start all over. It kept me guessing and kept me wondering. Towards the end of the novel, I did kind of get a inkling of how it was gonna end, but I still didn't guess the entire conclusion. This made me want to read more of the author's work and I do intend to dive into some of her older novels.
If you like thriller novels with dark elements, a completely messed up family dynamic, and lots of thrills and suspense and a trust no one vibe then I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars - so good!! My favorite Mary Kubica book so far. I kept thinking everyone did it. The suspense was high and plot twists were goooood!
Highly recommend this thriller book!
Highly recommend this thriller book!
November 16, 2025
Loved it. 4.5 stars rounded up. Mary has done it again. 💜💜
May 20, 2025
Oh. My. God. This book had me in a chokehold from the very first page. A family getaway to a peaceful lake resort turns into a nightmare when a murder interrupts their retreat — and from the first page on, the tension never lets up.
Told in two POVs — one in the present and one leading up to the murder — this structure just amps up the anxiety in the best way possible. My heart was racing. I was creeped out. I suspected every single person at one point, and yet I never saw that final chapter coming. It was WILD!!!!!
This is exactly what a thriller should be — atmospheric, unpredictable, and full of dread. Easily one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. I’m so thankful to Mary Kubica and The Hive for the chance to read this early.
This comes out in early 2026, and I’m calling it now: it’s going to be a bestseller. Preorder this one. Trust me.
July 13, 2025
Mary Kubica delivers us a "cabin in the woods" book with the tension dialed up to 11—the kind of terror that goes beyond your imagination. IT’S NOT HER, her February 2026 release, is one you’ll want to read with all the lights on (and maybe double-check your locks), because the goosebumps start early and never really stop.
Told in a before-and-after format—before Reese vanishes following the shocking gruesome murder of her parents, and from her Aunt Courtney’s perspective in the aftermath —The pacing? Breakneck. The suspense? Relentless. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Kubica hits you with her signature “Wait, WHAT?!” twist. And then she does it again with the very last chapter that will leave you speechless and gasping for air.
No one is writing psychological thrillers at this level right now. IT’S NOT HER somehow outdoes SHE’S NOT SORRY, my favorite book of 2024, and proves that Mary Kubica is not just in her prime— she’s defining the genre.
Five huge stars. Call your best friends, preorder immediately, and go ahead and pencil in your book club appointment—IT’S NOT HER is going to get you talking.
Told in a before-and-after format—before Reese vanishes following the shocking gruesome murder of her parents, and from her Aunt Courtney’s perspective in the aftermath —The pacing? Breakneck. The suspense? Relentless. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Kubica hits you with her signature “Wait, WHAT?!” twist. And then she does it again with the very last chapter that will leave you speechless and gasping for air.
No one is writing psychological thrillers at this level right now. IT’S NOT HER somehow outdoes SHE’S NOT SORRY, my favorite book of 2024, and proves that Mary Kubica is not just in her prime— she’s defining the genre.
Five huge stars. Call your best friends, preorder immediately, and go ahead and pencil in your book club appointment—IT’S NOT HER is going to get you talking.
May 20, 2025
IT’S NOT HER by @marykubica
ARC review • pub date 02.03.26
If I could describe this book in one word it would be INTRIGUING.
From the second I found out Mary Kubica had a new thriller I couldn’t wait to read it - and then I got super early access and cancelled all my plans 👏🏻 I’ve been reading & loving her books for years and I’m telling you - this is her best book yet!! Chapter one was off with a BANG - I was immediately pulled into this story and could not put it down. This book is a vacation gone wrong and will have you sleeping with one eye open.
Setting: isolated cottages in Wisconsin
Short synop: Courtney & her family go on a planned vacation with her brother & his family and a few days in, murder happens and Courtney is desperate to find out who & why
Told in dual POV & timeline of Courtney (now, when people are found dead) and her niece Reese (a week before, when the vacation starts, and all of her events leading up to the murders). The characters were so well developed that their own personality shone through the pages. Every chapter left me scrambling to get to the next. This book is the very definition of a page turner and you need to add it to your shelf immediately!
5+ ⭐️
HUGE thank you to @htp_hive , @htpbooks for my e-ARC - you made my whole MONTH with this!
ARC review • pub date 02.03.26
If I could describe this book in one word it would be INTRIGUING.
From the second I found out Mary Kubica had a new thriller I couldn’t wait to read it - and then I got super early access and cancelled all my plans 👏🏻 I’ve been reading & loving her books for years and I’m telling you - this is her best book yet!! Chapter one was off with a BANG - I was immediately pulled into this story and could not put it down. This book is a vacation gone wrong and will have you sleeping with one eye open.
Setting: isolated cottages in Wisconsin
Short synop: Courtney & her family go on a planned vacation with her brother & his family and a few days in, murder happens and Courtney is desperate to find out who & why
Told in dual POV & timeline of Courtney (now, when people are found dead) and her niece Reese (a week before, when the vacation starts, and all of her events leading up to the murders). The characters were so well developed that their own personality shone through the pages. Every chapter left me scrambling to get to the next. This book is the very definition of a page turner and you need to add it to your shelf immediately!
5+ ⭐️
HUGE thank you to @htp_hive , @htpbooks for my e-ARC - you made my whole MONTH with this!
November 8, 2025
First of all... I about died when HTP (Hive) sent me an extreeeeeemly advanced copy of this book to read! I literally dropped everything to check it out!
If you are looking for a slow burn thriller, look the other way because OMG... This book, from the first few pages had my heart racing! I could not turn the page fast enough. The beginning is sooo good, it's 1000% unputdownable, but you are soo torn of rushing through to read and find out what is going on to not wanting it to end but it's just that good!
Two families vacation out in a resort, when Courtney hears her 10 year old niece screaming from her families cabin rushing to hers as if she was being chased. There she finds her brother and sister in law brutally murdered and her 17 year old niece missing, and her nephew upstairs sleeping and unharmed. As they start to investigate this tragedy, secrets start to unravel, and everyone has them!
It's been a while since I've read a thrilled that made my heart speed like Nascar the entire time I was reading it.
This book keeps you guessing until the very end with the twists that are so twisty you could never have guessed the ending! I am still shook!!!
This book doesn't release until Feb 2026 but I am telling you it will be worth the wait!
If you are looking for a slow burn thriller, look the other way because OMG... This book, from the first few pages had my heart racing! I could not turn the page fast enough. The beginning is sooo good, it's 1000% unputdownable, but you are soo torn of rushing through to read and find out what is going on to not wanting it to end but it's just that good!
Two families vacation out in a resort, when Courtney hears her 10 year old niece screaming from her families cabin rushing to hers as if she was being chased. There she finds her brother and sister in law brutally murdered and her 17 year old niece missing, and her nephew upstairs sleeping and unharmed. As they start to investigate this tragedy, secrets start to unravel, and everyone has them!
It's been a while since I've read a thrilled that made my heart speed like Nascar the entire time I was reading it.
This book keeps you guessing until the very end with the twists that are so twisty you could never have guessed the ending! I am still shook!!!
This book doesn't release until Feb 2026 but I am telling you it will be worth the wait!
April 23, 2025
Book-marking this as a winner
November 23, 2025
I am a huge fan of Mary Kubica’s books. I am not sure how she is able to create so many great ones…but she has done it again! IT’S NOT HER was a mystery/thriller that I will not soon forget. I could appreciate the dual timeline/POV, I almost always enjoy this style of writing. I would say it is one of her best works, which says a lot!
Many thanks to Mary Kubica for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Mary Kubica for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
May 18, 2025
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor! Mary Kubica is BACK with another incredible, impossible to put down page turner, full of twists and turns that will have you second guessing everything and everyone. Per usual, I was hooked in right from the very beginning and found it nearly impossible to put it down. I read this book in basically two sittings and every spare moment in between. IT’S NOT HER will have you furiously turning pages into the night, desperate to know what happens next. At one point I thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong! With jaw dropping secrets and twists throughout, IT’S NOT HER will keep you on your toes and trying to figure out what’s going on. I did NOT see the ending coming at all and just absolutely loved this rollercoaster of a story! 5 easy stars from me. Kubica’s writing is top tier and there’s a reason why she remains as one of my absolute favorite authors. IT’S NOT HER is the best book I’ve read so far this year and will no doubt be a huge hit with thriller lovers and a bestseller when it hits shelves in February, 2026!
Thank you SO much to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row, HTP Hive, NetGalley and of course the amazing author, Mary Kubica for my super early digital copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you SO much to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row, HTP Hive, NetGalley and of course the amazing author, Mary Kubica for my super early digital copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 21, 2025
Wow!! Just Wow!!
Why did Elliott leave so early to go fishing?
Why didn't Courtney hear him leave?
Where is Reece?
Questions, questions, questions but no answers as to who killed Emily and Nolan as their daughter comes screaming back to Courtney's cabin.
We follow two vacationing families not thinking about it or knowing that their family members would be murdered. Who would even think that?
All they were thinking about was having a relaxing break from everything.
We see life before and after the murder, where we think we know the characters were, and as we follow the investigation.
Who could have committed this horrific crime?
Who would think something like this could happen in a small town?
Ms. Kubica's newest has non-stop tension in this terror-filled, twisty read that has mostly unlikeable characters with secrets of their own, characters who lie, and a small town that also keeps secrets.
And what about the title? What does it mean?
Prepare to stay up late and have your jaw dropping!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Why did Elliott leave so early to go fishing?
Why didn't Courtney hear him leave?
Where is Reece?
Questions, questions, questions but no answers as to who killed Emily and Nolan as their daughter comes screaming back to Courtney's cabin.
We follow two vacationing families not thinking about it or knowing that their family members would be murdered. Who would even think that?
All they were thinking about was having a relaxing break from everything.
We see life before and after the murder, where we think we know the characters were, and as we follow the investigation.
Who could have committed this horrific crime?
Who would think something like this could happen in a small town?
Ms. Kubica's newest has non-stop tension in this terror-filled, twisty read that has mostly unlikeable characters with secrets of their own, characters who lie, and a small town that also keeps secrets.
And what about the title? What does it mean?
Prepare to stay up late and have your jaw dropping!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2025
This is Mary Kubica at her absolute best. IT'S NOT HER gripped me from the very first page and didn't let go until I reached the end. The story is dark, gritty, and incredibly addicting.
There were jaw-dropping twists and long-buried secrets threatening to be exposed.
I devoured this book at my cabin in the Wisconsin Northwoods, which is where the story takes place. I couldn't think of a better place to have read IT'S NOT HER!
There were jaw-dropping twists and long-buried secrets threatening to be exposed.
I devoured this book at my cabin in the Wisconsin Northwoods, which is where the story takes place. I couldn't think of a better place to have read IT'S NOT HER!
December 18, 2025
Mary Kubica does it again. It’s Not Her is the kind of psychological thriller that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page.
I’ve read several of Kubica’s books, and one thing she consistently excels at is hiding the twist until the very end. You truly never see it coming. I remember feeling this same sense of shock when I read Local Woman Missing, and It’s Not Her gave me that exact feeling all over again.
This was an incredibly unputdownable read. I finished it in just two days, which says a lot since I’m usually a slower reader. The atmosphere was so creepy and eerie that I found myself getting startled by every little noise while reading alone at home. For me, that’s the mark of a great thriller. If a book can make my skin crawl and have me constantly looking over my shoulder, it’s doing something right.
I also really appreciated the themes woven throughout the story, especially teenage drama, how impressionable kids can be, and how one small lapse in judgment can lead to a lifetime of guilt. The dual POV worked extremely well and kept the tension high, with moments that had me questioning nearly every character and their intentions.
Overall, It’s Not Her is a chilling, addictive thriller that reminded me exactly why Mary Kubica remains one of my go-to authors in the genre.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this book.
I’ve read several of Kubica’s books, and one thing she consistently excels at is hiding the twist until the very end. You truly never see it coming. I remember feeling this same sense of shock when I read Local Woman Missing, and It’s Not Her gave me that exact feeling all over again.
This was an incredibly unputdownable read. I finished it in just two days, which says a lot since I’m usually a slower reader. The atmosphere was so creepy and eerie that I found myself getting startled by every little noise while reading alone at home. For me, that’s the mark of a great thriller. If a book can make my skin crawl and have me constantly looking over my shoulder, it’s doing something right.
I also really appreciated the themes woven throughout the story, especially teenage drama, how impressionable kids can be, and how one small lapse in judgment can lead to a lifetime of guilt. The dual POV worked extremely well and kept the tension high, with moments that had me questioning nearly every character and their intentions.
Overall, It’s Not Her is a chilling, addictive thriller that reminded me exactly why Mary Kubica remains one of my go-to authors in the genre.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this book.
December 9, 2025
What a wild ride!!!!!!!!!! The plot twisssssttt ahhhhhh!!!!!! 😱
November 4, 2025
It's Not Her grabbed me and never let go! It captivated me and was so intense as these dual timelines converged.
It was heartbreaking, soul crushing, and I'll be sad for this fictional family for a long while.
It was heartbreaking, soul crushing, and I'll be sad for this fictional family for a long while.
November 23, 2025
This book is going to have you locked in from page one. Are you looking for twist after twist? You got it. Misdirection? Yup. Shifty characters doing shifty things? Check check. If you want a story in a secluded environment with unreliable narrators and multiple POV’s, It’s Not Her will definitely scratch that itch!
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