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From Within
Fourteen years ago, when Eldda Manning was just seven years old, she saw something horrifying, turning her world upside down. Her young mind buried the horrifying memory somewhere deep down, carrying it with her everywhere she goes. It comes back to her in flashes, snippets, haunting her dreams, exhuming itself bit by bit. She just wants to be a normal college student, go out and party, have a few drinks, meet guys, escape the harrowing memories of that fateful night. Everything seems to be going fine, she’s doing well in school, she has a best friend that she loves to spend time with, until bodies start to pile up in the small town of Chester where she goes to school. Bodies that lead back to her. She begins to question everything as she’s tormented by a mysterious intruder and treated like a suspect by the local police. Is her dark past catching up with her, is she the centerpiece in some psychotic stranger’s sick and twisted game, or is it something else entirely?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
15 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 5, 2025
I really loved this story. The skill of the author and his descriptive style was just perfect. I was drawn straight into the story from page 1 and got very invested in the characters (completely falling in love with one!). There are some hard hitting issues but it is balanced with a great story. I would definitely recommend you give this author a try and I look forward to his next book.
February 22, 2025
One of the BEST books I've read this year! The anxious feeling, heart pounding, jaw dropping moments in the book are fantastic. You feel everything from start to finish. All of El's emotions, inner turmoil, self doubt, fear, anger, everything is palpable in every page. The passion behind every word written makes this book one heck of a thriller, beautifully pieces together. It was one of those novels that you can't wait to finish but also want to prolong because it's just so good!. Highly recommend and will be following all of B.G's published work!
February 23, 2025
This book kept my interest and me guessing throughout. El with all her conflicting emotions and trying to figure out her past. The thrilling suspense. The details. The ending!! Mind blown, especially as a debut novel! Well done, B.G.!
December 10, 2024
What a very intense fast-paced thriller From Within by BG Frees is.
It's a really incredible suspense filled book.
From a 7 year old Eldda witnessed something horrifying attacks on her mother. The traumatic events of that day were blocked out in the background of her mind.
As she grew little snippets and memories of that fateful day came to her in regularly occurring nightmares and none of it making sense.
From Within is full of twists and kept me guessing throughout, I had no idea how this would end and the culprit was.
I was totally absorbed into this gripping thriller, completely hooked.
I was on tenterhooks from start to finish, an edge of your seat book.
The characters are exceptional, great settings.
A superb ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ read.
It's a really incredible suspense filled book.
From a 7 year old Eldda witnessed something horrifying attacks on her mother. The traumatic events of that day were blocked out in the background of her mind.
As she grew little snippets and memories of that fateful day came to her in regularly occurring nightmares and none of it making sense.
From Within is full of twists and kept me guessing throughout, I had no idea how this would end and the culprit was.
I was totally absorbed into this gripping thriller, completely hooked.
I was on tenterhooks from start to finish, an edge of your seat book.
The characters are exceptional, great settings.
A superb ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ read.
April 2, 2025
A psychological thriller that I needed! The whole time I was reading From Within I was trying to figure out El and her story… and that ending took me by surprise!
June 2, 2025
Creepy, twisty, and totally addictive! From Within pulls you into Eldda’s dark past and keeps you guessing. A chilling thriller with heart—loved the tension.
March 17, 2025
Reading "From Within" by B.G free
Reading "From Within" by B.G. Free was like stepping
into an emotional whirlwind. The story follows El, a
A 21-year-old woman trying to cope with the long shadows
of her past- specifically, the tragic night her mother
died, which still haunts her 14 years later. 1 found myself
deeply connected to El as she battled her trauma, often
turning to alcohol to numb the pain.
The novel doesn't just stop at her internal struggles,
it intertwines a series of murders that unfold around
her, adding a captivating layer of mystery to her already
chaotic life. As E| started to unearth unsettling memories
from that fateful night, I felt my heart race with every
revelation. It was impossible not to root for her as she
faced the truth about her past and its haunting ties to the
present.
B.G. Free's storytelling is so evocative and honest that
it drew me in completely. El's journey of resilience and
self-discovery felt incredibly raw and relatable, making
me reflect on my own moments of struggle. The
characters are rich and well-developed, each adding
depth to the narrative and making me think about the
complexities of trauma and healing.
"From Within" isn't just a thriller; it's a powerful
exploration of what it means to confront one's demons
and search for inner strength. B.G. Free has truly created
a poignant tale that lingered with me long
after I turned
the last page. If you're looking for something thrilling, yet
deeply meaningful, I can't recommend this book enough.
It's an experience that stays with you.
Reading "From Within" by B.G. Free was like stepping
into an emotional whirlwind. The story follows El, a
A 21-year-old woman trying to cope with the long shadows
of her past- specifically, the tragic night her mother
died, which still haunts her 14 years later. 1 found myself
deeply connected to El as she battled her trauma, often
turning to alcohol to numb the pain.
The novel doesn't just stop at her internal struggles,
it intertwines a series of murders that unfold around
her, adding a captivating layer of mystery to her already
chaotic life. As E| started to unearth unsettling memories
from that fateful night, I felt my heart race with every
revelation. It was impossible not to root for her as she
faced the truth about her past and its haunting ties to the
present.
B.G. Free's storytelling is so evocative and honest that
it drew me in completely. El's journey of resilience and
self-discovery felt incredibly raw and relatable, making
me reflect on my own moments of struggle. The
characters are rich and well-developed, each adding
depth to the narrative and making me think about the
complexities of trauma and healing.
"From Within" isn't just a thriller; it's a powerful
exploration of what it means to confront one's demons
and search for inner strength. B.G. Free has truly created
a poignant tale that lingered with me long
after I turned
the last page. If you're looking for something thrilling, yet
deeply meaningful, I can't recommend this book enough.
It's an experience that stays with you.
April 21, 2025
From Within by B.G. Frees is a chilling psychological thriller that follows Eldda, a college student tormented by buried childhood trauma. When a string of violent murders begins to mirror the memories she's just starting to recall, Eldda finds herself at the center of a terrifying mystery. As her mind unravels and reality blurs, she must dig deep into her past to uncover long-hidden truths. The closer she gets, the more dangerous it becomes—because someone is determined to keep the past buried.
Excuse me, Mr. Frees? This is a debut novel??? Because wow—this book was insanely good. From Within had that perfect blend of psychological suspense and emotional depth that kept me flipping pages way past bedtime. The plot was so intricately woven, with each new layer revealing something darker and more twisted than the last.
Eldda’s journey through suppressed memories, eerie nightmares, and unraveling truths was gripping from start to finish. Just when I thought I had things figured out—bam, another twist. B.G. Frees truly delivered a haunting, well-crafted thriller that felt anything but like a first novel.
Excuse me, Mr. Frees? This is a debut novel??? Because wow—this book was insanely good. From Within had that perfect blend of psychological suspense and emotional depth that kept me flipping pages way past bedtime. The plot was so intricately woven, with each new layer revealing something darker and more twisted than the last.
Eldda’s journey through suppressed memories, eerie nightmares, and unraveling truths was gripping from start to finish. Just when I thought I had things figured out—bam, another twist. B.G. Frees truly delivered a haunting, well-crafted thriller that felt anything but like a first novel.
December 24, 2024
Follow me, book besties, as I break down the hot new suspense/thriller From Within into manageable bites without spoilers.
Edda/El, swamped by inner turmoil that she acquired during a traumatic childhood incident, attempts to drown her PTSD in nightly binges and one-night stands. But when a mounting body count follows each raging hangover, she can no longer hide from the police or herself.
The gently emerging cast of characters gives readers with a taste for sleuthing plenty of options for consideration in this "who did it, and why" mystery.
Go ahead, take a bite, and savor this thriller From Within.
Edda/El, swamped by inner turmoil that she acquired during a traumatic childhood incident, attempts to drown her PTSD in nightly binges and one-night stands. But when a mounting body count follows each raging hangover, she can no longer hide from the police or herself.
The gently emerging cast of characters gives readers with a taste for sleuthing plenty of options for consideration in this "who did it, and why" mystery.
Go ahead, take a bite, and savor this thriller From Within.
February 15, 2025
BG Frees’ From Within is a psychological thriller that delivers suspense, unexpected twists, and a gripping narrative. It kept me on the edge with its unpredictable developments, and constantly kept me guessing. The twists and turns just kept coming. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong. I love how it delves in the psyches of the characters which just adds to the story, and the overall development was perfect. I thought the pace was perfect, but I love a good slow burn.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A strong thriller with great twists!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A strong thriller with great twists!
June 2, 2025
Eldda is your typical college girl. She studies. She goes to class. Sure, she might like a drink, but it’s college and she has a lot on her mind. She’s always got her best friend, Brom, around with her in case she needs him. However, after a night out, she wakes up with a hole in her memory and the boy that she was seen leaving the bar with is heading for the morgue. As the bodies pile up, Eldda is forced to face the demons in her past or be pulled down by the ripples of her actions.
I was gripped from the start with this book! Every time we went out with Eldda, I found myself wondering just how the night would end. The pacing of the book kept me going (just one more chapter!) and the story never seemed to hit a slow point. Every time in thought in had an idea or a suspect, the author throws another twist and I’m left back at the start.
The story masterfully weaves tension and psychological thriller aspects with trauma and survival. The story grabs you and doesn’t let go even as you read the last sentence.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more from the author!
I was gripped from the start with this book! Every time we went out with Eldda, I found myself wondering just how the night would end. The pacing of the book kept me going (just one more chapter!) and the story never seemed to hit a slow point. Every time in thought in had an idea or a suspect, the author throws another twist and I’m left back at the start.
The story masterfully weaves tension and psychological thriller aspects with trauma and survival. The story grabs you and doesn’t let go even as you read the last sentence.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more from the author!
June 7, 2025
From Within by B.G. Frees is a chilling psychological thriller that pulls you in from the first page. Eldda is a relatable and complex character trying to live a normal college life while haunted by a traumatic past she can’t fully remember. As the mystery deepens and bodies begin to surface, the tension never lets up. The twists keep you guessing until the very end. A haunting and powerful story about memory, trauma, and survival.
August 16, 2025
WOW. Rarely do I come across a thriller or mystery novel that leaves me completely speechless, but this one certainly did. From the very first page, I was captivated by the author’s unique writing style. The prose is rich, detailed, and immersive, creating a perfect reading experience that pulls you into the world of the story. The plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with each revelation more surprising than the last. What I loved most was that none of the twists were predictable—there was no moment where I felt I had the plot figured out. Every new development felt like a fresh shock, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This book is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. If you're a fan of thrillers that don’t just follow the formula but rather reinvent it, then this is a must-read. It's one of those rare books where the writing and plot work together flawlessly to keep you hooked until the final page.
February 3, 2025
This book was a gripping, fast-paced thrill ride! I was hooked on the first page. It kept me guessing and second guessing! These characters are very well written, and you can't help but get lost in their story. Brom is so lovable! I can't wait to read more from this author!
February 5, 2025
What a ride
This book got me hooked right away. You feel everything the main character is feeling. First person narrative makes you feel everything. You have to find out how it's gonna end.
This book got me hooked right away. You feel everything the main character is feeling. First person narrative makes you feel everything. You have to find out how it's gonna end.
November 1, 2025
I am surprised I haven’t heard more about this book or this author. It was a really great read and had the twist that a psychological thriller needs! 4.5⭐️ read that deserves an upgrade to a 5 :)
December 1, 2024
This book will pull you in from the beginning and it will not let you go. Just earlier today, I reached the last third of this novel and I actually got mad at my responsibilities because I didn’t want to leave this story- the need to know what is going to happen next was seriously that strong. And even when I was on the necessary errands I had to run today, I was distracted- thinking about this book and about its characters; trying to figure out who did what and why. The suspense increased scene by scene. As a psychological thriller novel it is excellent- filled with complex and likable characters that you follow around wondering what is going to happen to them next. Highly recommended!
Read
June 4, 2025I thought From Within was an awesome read. It's a book full of twists and turns and kept me wanting to read it from page 1. The characters are fascinating and easy to love, or hate. I really kept wondering through the whole book who the villain was. Oh and the ending, spectacular. If you like psychological thrillers, this is your book!
March 17, 2025
Reading "From Within" by B.G. Free was like stepping into an emotional whirlwind. The story follows El, a 21-year-old woman trying to cope with the long shadows of her past—specifically, the tragic night her mother died, which still haunts her 14 years later. I found myself deeply connected to El as she battled her trauma, often turning to alcohol to numb the pain.
The novel doesn’t just stop at her internal struggles; it intertwines a series of murders that unfold around her, adding a captivating layer of mystery to her already chaotic life. As El started to unearth unsettling memories from that fateful night, I felt my heart race with every revelation. It was impossible not to root for her as she faced the truth about her past and its haunting ties to the present.
B.G. Free’s storytelling is so evocative and honest that it drew me in completely. El's journey of resilience and self-discovery felt incredibly raw and relatable, making me reflect on my own moments of struggle. The characters are rich and well-developed, each adding depth to the narrative and making me think about the complexities of trauma and healing.
“From Within” isn’t just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of what it means to confront one’s demons and search for inner strength. B.G. Free has truly created a poignant tale that lingered with me long after I turned the last page. If you’re looking for something thrilling, yet deeply meaningful, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s an experience that stays with you.
The novel doesn’t just stop at her internal struggles; it intertwines a series of murders that unfold around her, adding a captivating layer of mystery to her already chaotic life. As El started to unearth unsettling memories from that fateful night, I felt my heart race with every revelation. It was impossible not to root for her as she faced the truth about her past and its haunting ties to the present.
B.G. Free’s storytelling is so evocative and honest that it drew me in completely. El's journey of resilience and self-discovery felt incredibly raw and relatable, making me reflect on my own moments of struggle. The characters are rich and well-developed, each adding depth to the narrative and making me think about the complexities of trauma and healing.
“From Within” isn’t just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of what it means to confront one’s demons and search for inner strength. B.G. Free has truly created a poignant tale that lingered with me long after I turned the last page. If you’re looking for something thrilling, yet deeply meaningful, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s an experience that stays with you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
BG Frees’ From Within is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological depth, and jaw-dropping twists that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Eldda Manning’s story is a rollercoaster ride of buried memories, haunting secrets, and a sinister mystery that unfolds with chilling precision.
Eldda is a brilliantly crafted protagonist—flawed, relatable, and deeply human. As she struggles to balance the pressures of college life with the resurfacing trauma of her childhood, you can’t help but root for her. Frees does an incredible job of exploring her inner turmoil, making the reader feel every ounce of fear, confusion, and determination as the past begins to collide with her present.
The pacing is impeccable, with every chapter pulling you deeper into the dark and eerie small-town setting. The murders, the mysterious intruder, and the cryptic clues all weave together into a plot that’s as unpredictable as it is unsettling. Just when you think you have it figured out, Frees throws in another twist that leaves you questioning everything.
What truly sets From Within apart is its ability to balance psychological tension with emotional depth. The story is as much about healing from trauma as it is about solving a deadly mystery, giving it layers that resonate long after the final page.
Eldda is a brilliantly crafted protagonist—flawed, relatable, and deeply human. As she struggles to balance the pressures of college life with the resurfacing trauma of her childhood, you can’t help but root for her. Frees does an incredible job of exploring her inner turmoil, making the reader feel every ounce of fear, confusion, and determination as the past begins to collide with her present.
The pacing is impeccable, with every chapter pulling you deeper into the dark and eerie small-town setting. The murders, the mysterious intruder, and the cryptic clues all weave together into a plot that’s as unpredictable as it is unsettling. Just when you think you have it figured out, Frees throws in another twist that leaves you questioning everything.
What truly sets From Within apart is its ability to balance psychological tension with emotional depth. The story is as much about healing from trauma as it is about solving a deadly mystery, giving it layers that resonate long after the final page.
November 10, 2024
This thriller was phenomenal! I’m so impressed with the writing, the plot, the character development, and how twisty it was. So much of this book plays mind games with the reader, as you’re never completely sure if the narrator is fully reliable or not. The last 25% of this book had me glued to the pages, unsure of what twist was going to be thrown my way next, or how the book could possibly get more intriguing than it was before. When I finished the book, I had to set it down and say to myself “wtf did I just read?!?!” (In a good way, of course.) I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this author’s next book. If this debut of his is any indication, we can expect great things from BG Frees!!
January 27, 2025
Woah! What an amazing physiological thriller! Possibly the best one I have read in a long time.
It was captivating from page 1!
- Very fast paced
- “Whodunnit”
- Unexpected twists
Elly is our FMC and when she was just seven years old she witnessed something absolutely horrific that no child should ever have to see.
As she gets older the memories of this event start to come back and it is causing her to have flashbacks of the event.
She’s out partying with her friend and decides to leave with a man. When she wakes up in her bed the next morning she has completely forgotten anything that happened the night before and then she sees the news, that the man she left with has turned up dead.
All signs lead to her.
WOW. I’m so excited to read more from this author.
It was captivating from page 1!
- Very fast paced
- “Whodunnit”
- Unexpected twists
Elly is our FMC and when she was just seven years old she witnessed something absolutely horrific that no child should ever have to see.
As she gets older the memories of this event start to come back and it is causing her to have flashbacks of the event.
She’s out partying with her friend and decides to leave with a man. When she wakes up in her bed the next morning she has completely forgotten anything that happened the night before and then she sees the news, that the man she left with has turned up dead.
All signs lead to her.
WOW. I’m so excited to read more from this author.
October 30, 2024
If you haven't read the new thriller 'From Within' by BG Frees yet, add it to your TBR list immediately! I really enjoyed this book! I loved that things got interesting in this book right away. I was hooked from the start. Once I got about halfway through, I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it all that same day. The author is very talented at describing scenes making you feel immersed in the story.
The fact that this is this author's debut novel, is extremely impressive! It was very well written. I had my list of suspects of who I thought could be the killer, but ended up still being shocked! There were quite a few shocking revelations and twists that had me gasping.
The fact that this is this author's debut novel, is extremely impressive! It was very well written. I had my list of suspects of who I thought could be the killer, but ended up still being shocked! There were quite a few shocking revelations and twists that had me gasping.
February 23, 2025
Ellda is haunted by a past childhood traumatic event which has followed her to the present day college life through haunting dreams and vague flashbacks. Add in the mix a collection of campus murders she is caught in the middle of and she has the inevitability of confronting the past to understand the present. The story is written in the first person which allows us to really connect with our protagonist and feel her every emotion which works. I do have to comment on the flashbacks which I feel were overplayed and found myself skipping these sequences and I would have liked more evolvment in El's and Brom's relationship but overall solid 4 stars.
October 1, 2025
From Within is his first published book and I have to say I am so impressed with his writing. Frees writing is very much like a seasoned author and the book was a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me.
Eldda just wants to be a regular college student. But she has a horrific past that she has suppressed and it is slowly coming back to her in her nightmares. Drinking helps her forget but when she starts experiencing blackouts and bodies show up on campus, she is struggling to figure out why people she has connections to are dying.
The story kept me wanting just one more chapter.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Eldda just wants to be a regular college student. But she has a horrific past that she has suppressed and it is slowly coming back to her in her nightmares. Drinking helps her forget but when she starts experiencing blackouts and bodies show up on campus, she is struggling to figure out why people she has connections to are dying.
The story kept me wanting just one more chapter.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 20, 2025
This book grabs your attention from page one and keeps you running through the entire thing. A story involving a case of serial murders that all connect back to a young woman who suffers blackouts and can't remember the details of her traumatic past, let alone what she did in a drunken stupor the night before. This book pushes you to make the time to finish it in order to know what the hell is going on. The sneaky little twist at the end was like a perfect final stage bow to wrap it all up.
A phenomenal debut thriller for B.G. Frees!!
A phenomenal debut thriller for B.G. Frees!!
January 21, 2025
I was captivated throughout the entirety of this book and finished it in 24 hours. I love the way the author speaks and explains situations and surroundings. It had me interested from the beginning.
El is a typical college student, except... she deals with nightmares. Horrific nightmares about a past that her mind has suppressed. She starts experiencing blackouts, and then bodies start piling up. Is her past coming to haunt her?
I can not wait to see what else the author comes up with. This is my first suspense/mystery in a while, and I'm glad I chose this one.
El is a typical college student, except... she deals with nightmares. Horrific nightmares about a past that her mind has suppressed. She starts experiencing blackouts, and then bodies start piling up. Is her past coming to haunt her?
I can not wait to see what else the author comes up with. This is my first suspense/mystery in a while, and I'm glad I chose this one.
January 25, 2025
I can not believe that this is a debut novel. Very well written and kept me wanting more. I devoured this book in one sitting. I've read a few psychological thrillers by well known authors, but this this has everything.
The suspense were killing me (loved it 😬) , I wanted the answers NOW, without even knowing what the right questions were.
Major plot twist, like I knew who caused all the ruckus, but him... nah uh I did not see it coming.
The suspense were killing me (loved it 😬) , I wanted the answers NOW, without even knowing what the right questions were.
Major plot twist, like I knew who caused all the ruckus, but him... nah uh I did not see it coming.
February 8, 2025
Finaly i found a thriller worthy of the name "thriller"! Amazing story abt loss of memories of a girl since she was 7 years old and now on her early 20's starts to remember . Her nightmares so vivid , made me live them at the same time with her. The last 15% of the book made my heart beat faster and kept me on the edge of the seat. The end of the book was perfect! Wish i could give more then 5 stars.
February 27, 2025
From Within by B.G. Frees
3.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: little to none
Format/Source: ebook Amazon
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, suspense, serial killer
Audience: Adult
Setting: VA
Characters: Eldda, Cindy, Brom, Tulsa, Dr Craft, Randy, Sam, Mia, Eliot, birth mom
👍 short chapters, childhood trauma rep, little to no cursing, major twists, serial killer, Brom
👎 last page, way too repetitive with drunkenness/blackouts/insomnia
3.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: little to none
Format/Source: ebook Amazon
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, suspense, serial killer
Audience: Adult
Setting: VA
Characters: Eldda, Cindy, Brom, Tulsa, Dr Craft, Randy, Sam, Mia, Eliot, birth mom
👍 short chapters, childhood trauma rep, little to no cursing, major twists, serial killer, Brom
👎 last page, way too repetitive with drunkenness/blackouts/insomnia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews