Killing Me Softly

by Sandie Jones

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club Pick The Other Woman and The Guilt Trip comes a twisty and suspenseful new novel about love turned deadly.

Charlie and Freya used to be the picture-perfect couple everyone in their idyllic village in the Cotswolds envied—and if you couldn’t be them, you wanted to be with them. Happy, healthy, forging successful careers, and with a beautiful son in tow, they had it all . . . until one night a tragedy tears their lives apart.

Unable to live with themselves, let alone each other, they’re looking for someone to blame and who they land on is each other.

Told from both Freya and Charlie’s perspectives, a cat and mouse game ensues, as each of them become determined to win-out against the other, both battling to emerge victorious and guilty-conscience-free. But can Freya stay one step ahead of the man who knows her best? Or will Charlie’s stoic conviction to get what he wants, be the death of her?

Sandie Jones’s latest addictive novel is a wickedly twisty tale of obsession and the deadly consequences of loving someone too much.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Audiobook, Marriage

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Sandie Jones has worked as a freelance journalist for over twenty years, and has written for publications including the Sunday Times, Woman’s Weekly and the Daily Mail. She lives in London with her husband and three children. The Other Woman is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandie Jones is back!! I say this because I have enjoyed every book that I have read by this author, except this year’s “I Would Die for You”. With that being said, I’m glad that I gave this author another chance, because I highly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I also love the title of this book, because it reminds me of the song with the same title 🎶

In this story, we have a very happily married couple of Charlie and Freya. One night Charlie and Freya go to a friend’s dinner party, and after too much wine 🍷, a fight between them occurs. They both leave the dinner party, only to wake up the next morning to realize that a tragedy has occurred. How did this terrible tragedy happen, and who is responsible?

After the awful dinner party, and the horrible tragedy that occurred, Freya and Charlie start to realize that maybe they weren’t that happy after all. Maybe they didn’t have the picture perfect marriage they thought they did. A game of cat and mouse ensues between the two of them, and you will constantly question who you can trust in this book. Is it Charlie? Or is it Freya?

Some of the twists were a bit predictable, but overall it was very entertaining and I highly recommend it!

“Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song” 🎶 ~ by the Fugees

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, and the author for an ARC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading, in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: March 31, 2026
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple who possibly doesn't belong together seem to make things work. Someone's hiding something behind the scenes. Perhaps both. A tragic event happens when both seem to have retreated from an angry conflict, so they have no alibis. Can they really trust each other? A suspenseful story where readers have to interpret trust, fact, and importance. Good POVs. Enjoyable dialog. Scenes were set well. Leaves you guessing, but also a little frustrated as you learn facts later than you should have, which is necessary to create the suspense and thrills. Overall, perfect for a lazy afternoon when you just want to immerse yourself in someone else's drama for a few hours.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Killing Me Softly, by Sandie Jones, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Freya and Charlie are the perfect couple, until they are not. These are both unlikable characters, I did not care for either of the, they are far from perfect.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

KILLING ME SOFTLY was excellent! It was fast paced and grabbed me right from the start. The narrators were also really good. When I can't stop thinking about a book, I know I've found a treasure. If you enjoyed Sandi Jones' THE OTHER WOMAN you will really like this one. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to Macmillian Audio for my #gifted copy.

[Anais · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

Whew, this book was a almost a DNF so many times. The only reason I powered through was because I wanted to be able to write a fair review for this advanced copy. But, honestly, this book was rough. It was boring, chaotic, nonsensical and just plain silly. The whole unreliable narrator trope was taken way too far and it left me more tired than entertained. I know a lot of people seem to enjoy this author's work but after reading this I won't be picking her up again.

[Kelsie Gilkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killing Me Softly
Publication date: March 31, 2026

The book initially hooks you in with a dinner party gone wrong into the main characters’ (Freya and Charlie) car being involved in a hit and run. These events cause ripples in the couple’s marriage and begin to reveal other secrets within their partnership.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the writing to be engaging and fast paced. Short chapters kept me turning pages, overall a thrilling and fast read. I think the characters are meant to be kept a little more ambiguous for the sake of the plot, but I think slight more character development would be preferred. I think a more distinct voice between the 2 POVs would be nice also.
I guessed several potential endings to the book and was kept guessing until the very end. The twist at the end was unexpected but not unbelievable. The book definitely left me with a sense of creeped out paranoia.
Not quite 5 stars, but a very enjoyable and easy read. I would recommend, especially to those who enjoy a fast-paced thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC!

[Melissa Dunlavey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars….
I absolutely loved her last book and I was so excited to read this one but it definitely fell short for me. I liked the different points of view, but found the storyline at times confusing and long winded. This will not stop me from reading any of her other books because I do love her writing style. This one just wasn’t for me.

[Natalie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was something else!

It started off okay—I wasn't a fan of the constant mysteriousness, but I understand the author did that to keep us guessing. But until about 85% in, it was a 3-star book.

Then, it picked up. 3.5 stars, then finally 4! The ending was well done. Overall, a decent thriller that keeps you guessing throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.

[Eileen Acosta · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel started out interesting but quickly spiraled into a very convoluted marriage/family drama. I didn't like either of the main characters and the many deliberate misguiding leads just made the story confusing. This was almost a DNF, but I'm stubborn. Thank you to NetGalley for this digital advanced readers copy.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT did i just read?!?! Amazing 🤩 Immediately starts off with a bang with married couple Charlie & Freya, who are not even remotely what I thought or what they seem on the outside if you were to know them. Like they say you never know what happens behind closed doors, but the beginning of the book they opened those doors wide open & let out all the crazy & mess. BUT! What is SO lovely is it’s just a taste of what’s in store for the reader throughout the rest of the book! Kind of a cat & mouse but more of an even scale that’s a fair fight .. maybe cat & cat … like two mean cats & we get to find out which one is more feral. I loved the entire book & everything that happened & intertwined with Charlie, Freya, her mother & the other people caught in their messy web of fuc$ery. I didn’t even remotely expect anything, what direction the author was going to take us & who was actually ‘good’ or which bad person was better than the latter. Some characters were definitely not as they seemed. Also love how Jones included some little sub plot in there, which I was fully surprised on that (nice job!). Can’t say much more without spoiling but this was quite the ride & had an exceptional ending!!

Oh, super random but the title is actually very fitting (often I question how some book titles are chosen), but I also think it could’ve been Killing Me Slowly (if you’ve read this maybe you agree?)🤷‍♀️😜

I have a lot of Sandie Jones books on my tbr but somehow never actually read one..I’ve been missing out to say the least! This is a must read 🖤

Many many thanks to both NetGalley & the publisher (St. Martin’s Press you seem to never steer me wrong😍) for this ARC, always appreciative of the opportunity!

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC: Charlie and Freya's relationship is a ticking time bomb. Toxic, but they can't stay away from each other and the secrets they're hiding from each other pile up. 

I loved getting the two different POVs and the very different versions of the story they were experiencing (or trying to convince the reader was true). This is a great fast paced, popcorn thriller read and the ending really took me by surprise.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandie Jones delivers again! I was so hooked on this book. The pacing and back and forth chapters had me flying through the pages. Watch out for crazy women.

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killing Me Softly by Sandie Jones is an engaging psychological thriller that explores the complexities of a dysfunctional relationship. At the start of the story, it feels easy to blame both members of the couple for the breakdown of their relationship. However, as the story unfolds and more truths are revealed, it becomes clear that one person carries far more responsibility than the other.

The narrative is told through two different character perspectives, which adds depth to the story and keeps the reader questioning what is really happening. This dual point of view works well to build tension and slowly reveal the darker aspects of the relationship.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters and emotions to life. Their performances made the experience even more immersive.

Overall, this was a compelling and well-written story that kept me interested from start to finish. My only small complaint is that I wish the ending had gone in a different direction.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freya & Charlie thought they had the perfect marriage, until one night at a dinner party when too much wine was consumed, and a huge fight ensues. They leave the party in quite an uproar and wake up the next morning to a tragedy. But who is responsible for the tragedy? And here begins the cat and mouse game between the two of them where they start to realize maybe their marriage wasn’t so perfect after all. Before it’s all over, you don’t know who is telling the truth or who you can side with. I found the story to be entertaining and fast-paced.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely diabolical and I loved every second of it!

Freya and Charlie, the most envied of newlyweds, live a fairy tale life. But after a fateful dinner party the tendrils of their life begin to unfurl and no one can guess who is to blame or how it will all end.

I have loved all of Sandie Jones novels and this one spun my head! I suggest the reader go in blind and enjoy the journey.

The audio narration was fantastic performed by Anna Burnett and Matthew Biddulph

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on March 31, 2026

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every book by Jones and this one was fabulous too! Charlie is a chef married to Freya who has a troubled past and is insecure about everything! When Charlie realizes he's in debt as his new upscale restaurant isn't doing as well as he'd hoped, things fall apart for him as he's unable to borrow more money. But both Charlie and Freya have their own secrets from each other and when they collide, everything is bound to fall apart. There are so many themes in this book that they kept me reading long into the night! Brqvo! Another winner!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freya and Charlie have a perfect marriage until a drunken dinner party goes wrong. They are left with no choice but to flee London and start fresh.

I had an absolute blast with this one. This is a quick binge read guaranteed to get you out of any reading slump!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. The book had some mystery but not enough suspense. while the characters were likeable and the book was easy to read it needed more tension and a bigger twist.

[Stephanie Zimmerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. The first couple chapters drew me in and then it just became a toxic marriage full of drama and both of them doing shady stuff.

The ending was just one major eyeroll… just another “crazy” woman.

I typically enjoy SJ’s books, but this one was disappointing.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this eARC.

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandie Jones’ “Killing Me Softly” did not originally seem to be a plot I’d enjoy, but here was a case of brilliant audiobook narrators (Anna Burnett and Matthew Biddulph) drawing me in with their brilliant performances.

This is a two person POV thriller, told alternately by married couple Freya and Charlie, both unlikeable, both blackout drunks, but who once adored each other and now are unreliable narrators. There are a few significant and also unlikeable supporting characters, Nina (although called Tess in the audiobook), who they’ve met at a support meeting, and Freya’s snake of a mother, Anita. The primary plot revolves around the aftermath of a car accident that occurred after a party with Charlie’s boss that went off the rails once the liquor was flowing. We know something terrible happened, but neither Freya or Charlie truthfully describe what happened, either because someone might be guilty, one of them is covering for the other, or neither of them can actually remember what occurred. In the months after, they’ve moved to the country and seem to be trying to put the pieces of their lives back together, but mutual distrust, alcoholic paranoia, and emerging sociopathic symptoms.

Yet, the performances by Burnett and Biddulph are absolutely riveting, but they couldn’t rescue the ending. The final chapter was abrupt and unsatisfying, and, as I indicated before, all of the characters are far too unlikeable for me to read a sequel. 4.5 stars for the audiobook (losing .5 for that non-conclusion), and 4 stars for the book (down from 5 for the same reason).

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO No green eyes, just green asparagus.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Bonus points to the author about the German origin of white asparagus.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Mandy K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Killing Me Softly (audio) 2⭐️

You know those couples that rush into things because they are sooooo in love, more than anyone could understand… and then they inevitably crumble under the weight of distrust and lack of excitement…. That’s our main couple. Then an explosive dinner party changes everything. The reader is introduced to the mystery of the unknown between the end of the party and the next morning before being catapulted 6 months in time where the new mystery is if these people even like each other and why they stay married.

I struggled to get invested in this one. I found the looming mystery frustrating. Maybe it was a “me” thing of getting too interested in the actual car crash, thinking that was the central mystery. All these unknowns were constantly being teased, but most of the actual connections weren’t made until the very end. I needed more to carry me throughout the story.

I found main characters, Charlie and Freya, annoying and boring, making me feel a bit guilty that I loved Anita. She was so bad, like a snake, slithering in and out of scenes just to stir the pot, but at least she made things interesting! I was leaning towards a generous 3 star rating from the 50% mark until the reveals. The ending seemed too “shocking” and disconnected from all the build up. I love a creative well done twist, but I felt more tricked than impressed.

Audiobook specific: overall well done, I did prefer the female narrator over the male narrator.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Mar 31 2026

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Freya used to the be picture-perfect couple that everyone envied. They seem to have it all, until a tragedy tears their lives apart. They’re no longer able to live with themselves nor each other and are searching for someone to blame. Charlie and Freya are both determined to win, but can they stay one step ahead of the other?

KILLING ME SOFTLY is a medium-paced psychological thriller that blends beautifully with a domestic suspense. The novel starts off slow, but the pace builds as the pages turn. It also features short chapters that make you want to keep reading ‘just one more chapter’. It’s slightly unhinged, but in the best way. I would recommend diving in blind simply because the less you know, the better.

It’s told in dual POV, Charlie’s and Freya’s. The narrative between the two characters is such that you’re slightly unsettled and off balance for much of the story as you try to piece together everything you’re being told on both sides. I found myself clutching at straws and audibly vocalizing that I was completely lost as to what was truly occurring. The grand reveal was unsettling and maybe a tad unbelievable, but very well done. I didn’t see it coming at all and was quickly reading the ending pages to figure it all out.

That said, the ending is quick and may be disappointing for those who prefer all loose ends to be tied up.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alex ALEXATTHELAKE · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I need to evaluate whether or not to continue reading this author. This is my sixth and I haven't rated a single one more than 3 stars. Let's start with the few positives here - short chapters, lots of twists, fast paced and (mildly) interesting. There it is.

This book brought my back to my thriller burnout days where the unreliable narrator was the only trope written and I was SO tired of it and it's ridiculous plot lines. The only reason why I continued with it was because it was super easy and quick to get through and I will say I was intrigued to know what the outcome of the story was. The narrators were terrible, every single one of them unlikeable and all of the reveals were.. useless? This all comes down to the unstable unreliable female narrator and how I'm still completely over this trope 6 years later. We will see if I continue with this author...

[Kelli Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Sandie Jones! The author always does an excellent job at making you think you know what’s going on and then twisting it up at the end. Charlie and Freya have what appears to be a normal marriage. Then one night an accident happens and suddenly their marriage is tested. Told in alternating POV, you realize neither of them actually trust each other and the accident may spell the end for their marriage. Great characters and plot, I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review. Publication date March 31, 2026

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for an advanced digital copy of ‘Killing Me Softly’ by Sandie Jones.

Welcome to London where unassuming Freya is lucky to be married to charming, top chef Charlie. Who just so happens to have all the women adoring them. But be careful who you trust in this breakneck thriller. Not everything is as it seems…

WOW! I could not put this book down! One of the twistiest books I’ve devoured in the last months. This is something I’d recommend to anyone looking to break out of a reading slump or anyone into thrillers & mysteries. You will not regret it. Nor will you have the ending figured out…

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller is a fast paced, twisty, and dramatic roller coaster. Split POV between spouses, Freya and Charlie, had me constantly guessing which of the two was telling the truth (if either of them was). After the inciting event, things take a drastic turn with each spouse out to best the other in a game of trust and betrayal. I really enjoyed the way that Sandie Jones chose to structure the story in a way that lined up chronologically, but differed in motive and perspective from person to person. This book was an extremely entertaining read, with short chapters, and lots of action throughout. Highly recommend if you enjoy twisty thrillers!

Killing Me Softly releases on March 31, 2026.

Thank you Minotaur Books/ St. Martin’s Press (via Netgalley) for gifting me with an eARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Chel (chel.chapters) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Killing Me Softly is a twisty marriage thriller featuring unreliable narrators that keeps you guessing throughout. While I enjoyed the book overall, I personally struggled with the pacing, as it was clear something was off from the beginning and the final reveal didn’t come until the very end. That said, it’s an engaging read and one I would still recommend to fans of domestic and psychological thrillers.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life has been distracting and it took me a long time to read this, so maybe that contributes to my rating a bit. I thought it was an awesome plot idea, and I loved the big twist revealed near the end of the book, but I don’t know…I felt like I kept getting whiplash or something while reading.

I often found myself reading something and being like “wait, when did that happen?”. I felt like the vibe kept changing randomly and the characters were all over the place. It’s hard to explain without giving spoilers, but anyway. It kept me from being fully engaged.

Overall, I thought the storyline was clever. I think maybe if I had read it in a different capacity, I would’ve enjoyed it more.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy!

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really wanted to like this one, but it just didn’t work for me. The pacing felt uneven and the buildup was all over the place, making it hard to stay fully engaged. Instead of building tension, it felt overly complex without much depth to support it.

Unfortunately, the ending didn’t land either. It felt abrupt and didn’t deliver the payoff I was hoping for after all the buildup.

Overall, this one missed the mark for me, though readers who enjoy more layered, slow-burn thrillers may have a different experience.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC
I struggled a bit with the first half of this book, as I found it somewhat confusing and difficult to follow at times. The chapters felt a bit too short, which made it challenging to really connect with the characters since the POVs changed so frequently. However, as the story progressed, it became very clear why the author chose that structure! Around the halfway point, the pacing improved and the plot started to come together, making it much easier to follow and enjoy.
The twist at the end completely caught me off guaro in the best way! Overall, I'd rate this book 3 stars