What do you think?
Rate this book
The Stepson
I had no idea my husband had a son. Now he’s living with us. I don’t know if I’m safe in my own home.
Bennett and I about to celebrate our first wedding anniversary when a young man turns up on our doorstep. He has my husband’s dark hair and eyes the exact same shade of blue. He says he’s Bennett’s son, TJ. His mother is dead and he needs a place to stay.
I had no idea Bennett had a child. He kept it from me. He lied to me.
When the body of a teenage girl is found in the nearby woods — murdered — everyone turns on TJ.
Shortly after, another girl disappears.
Our neighborhood was safe until he arrived. He says he has nothing to do with it, that it’s all just a coincidence.
I then discover that TJ’s mother’s death might not have been an accident after all.
I have no idea if I can trust him. I don’t know him . . . Have I made a huge mistake letting him into my home?
An absolutely addictive psychological thriller packed full of twists from author D.L. Fisher. Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Freida McFadden, Valerie Keogh and Cole Baxter.
Readers love D.L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘D.L. Fisher has hit it out of the park!’ Christine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a great read!!! Couldn't put it down. I was immediately pulled into the characters and it absolutely surprised me in the end. 5 stars. Absolutely recommend!!’ Angela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There are so many twists and turns. You will want to keep picking it up every free moment you have!!!’ Nicky D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The twists and turns left me guessing over and over again. The ending was beyond riveting. Definitely . . . did not see that coming. Wow!’ Tierra
Bennett and I about to celebrate our first wedding anniversary when a young man turns up on our doorstep. He has my husband’s dark hair and eyes the exact same shade of blue. He says he’s Bennett’s son, TJ. His mother is dead and he needs a place to stay.
I had no idea Bennett had a child. He kept it from me. He lied to me.
When the body of a teenage girl is found in the nearby woods — murdered — everyone turns on TJ.
Shortly after, another girl disappears.
Our neighborhood was safe until he arrived. He says he has nothing to do with it, that it’s all just a coincidence.
I then discover that TJ’s mother’s death might not have been an accident after all.
I have no idea if I can trust him. I don’t know him . . . Have I made a huge mistake letting him into my home?
An absolutely addictive psychological thriller packed full of twists from author D.L. Fisher. Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Freida McFadden, Valerie Keogh and Cole Baxter.
Readers love D.L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘D.L. Fisher has hit it out of the park!’ Christine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a great read!!! Couldn't put it down. I was immediately pulled into the characters and it absolutely surprised me in the end. 5 stars. Absolutely recommend!!’ Angela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There are so many twists and turns. You will want to keep picking it up every free moment you have!!!’ Nicky D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The twists and turns left me guessing over and over again. The ending was beyond riveting. Definitely . . . did not see that coming. Wow!’ Tierra
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
374 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 27, 2025
2⭐️
This literally felt like any other thriller out there and I honestly found this to be a bit stupid. My favorite thing about this was that it was only a few hours to finish. I wanted to give up like 2 hours in, but I felt the plot was okay enough to finish.
Let's start with the idiotic, stupid characters. The FMC, my god, she was just so damn dumb and irritating. I understand the most thriller characters aren't supposed to be all that, but in this one she was arguably so annoying. Why is it that in thrillers the FMC's put themselves into danger and all the common sense leaves their heads? IT'S SO ANNOYING. Why can't thrillers just have smarter characters, or at least some with an ounce of matter to their brain? The other characters were fine, just your typical bland, generic suspects that don't actually do anything.
Side note: The FMC in this book was also straight up RUDE. She had such a bitchy personality and her "sly" insults were just so unnecessary. She was so unlikable even from the very beginning.
The plot of this book was alright, but honestly it just wasn't unique. Nothing about this book is unique or especially interesting. Was it quick and harmless? Yeah, but there wasn't much substance. I felt like this entire book was just going in circles. It was a good book to put on while coloring and tuning out the world, I just wish it was more interesting and just more engaging. Instead, it just felt like an unsalted cracker, dry and bland. The plot twist at the end wasn't even that good either. Ugh I just wanted MORE! More substance, more twists, more surprises.
Overall, this book just blends in with all the other stereotypical thrillers and it's not even on the better side. The characters weren't that good and the plot was meh. Not the worst thriller ever, but definitely not the greatest. This was okay for what it was, but this just wasn't for me. It was basic and bland, but I will say, it wasn't entirely too boring; I was busy ripping my hair out from how irritating the FMC was. 🙂
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🔪💙
I don't really listen to thrillers much anymore, but I'm on an audiobook kick and nothing can stop me 😈
This literally felt like any other thriller out there and I honestly found this to be a bit stupid. My favorite thing about this was that it was only a few hours to finish. I wanted to give up like 2 hours in, but I felt the plot was okay enough to finish.
Let's start with the idiotic, stupid characters. The FMC, my god, she was just so damn dumb and irritating. I understand the most thriller characters aren't supposed to be all that, but in this one she was arguably so annoying. Why is it that in thrillers the FMC's put themselves into danger and all the common sense leaves their heads? IT'S SO ANNOYING. Why can't thrillers just have smarter characters, or at least some with an ounce of matter to their brain? The other characters were fine, just your typical bland, generic suspects that don't actually do anything.
Side note: The FMC in this book was also straight up RUDE. She had such a bitchy personality and her "sly" insults were just so unnecessary. She was so unlikable even from the very beginning.
The plot of this book was alright, but honestly it just wasn't unique. Nothing about this book is unique or especially interesting. Was it quick and harmless? Yeah, but there wasn't much substance. I felt like this entire book was just going in circles. It was a good book to put on while coloring and tuning out the world, I just wish it was more interesting and just more engaging. Instead, it just felt like an unsalted cracker, dry and bland. The plot twist at the end wasn't even that good either. Ugh I just wanted MORE! More substance, more twists, more surprises.
Overall, this book just blends in with all the other stereotypical thrillers and it's not even on the better side. The characters weren't that good and the plot was meh. Not the worst thriller ever, but definitely not the greatest. This was okay for what it was, but this just wasn't for me. It was basic and bland, but I will say, it wasn't entirely too boring; I was busy ripping my hair out from how irritating the FMC was. 🙂
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🔪💙
I don't really listen to thrillers much anymore, but I'm on an audiobook kick and nothing can stop me 😈
November 4, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. I was gripped from start to finish. The plot is perfectly paced, unpredictable, and has unexpected twists throughout. A surprise stepson, an unsolved murder, and missing girls bring chaos to this normally quiet neighborhood. Who is innocent and who is guilty in this twisted tale of secrets and deception? “ Gated communities like ours don't keep people out— they keep secrets in, where they can fester and spread.” The final twist was jaw-dropping.! Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for my copy.
May 13, 2025
★★★★☆
The Stepson is a gripping domestic thriller with plenty of twists and a fast pace that kept me hooked from the start. Carrie thinks she has the perfect life, until a stranger shows up at her door claiming to be her husband’s son. From there, things spiral fast, especially when local teenage girls begin to go missing and TJ becomes the prime suspect.
I really enjoyed the building tension and Carrie’s increasing doubt about everyone around her, including herself. The story blends drama, mystery, and just the right amount of suspense. Some parts felt a little over the top, but it made the ride even more entertaining.
A twisty, binge-worthy read that’s perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a suburban edge.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and D.L. Fisher for the ARC!
The Stepson is a gripping domestic thriller with plenty of twists and a fast pace that kept me hooked from the start. Carrie thinks she has the perfect life, until a stranger shows up at her door claiming to be her husband’s son. From there, things spiral fast, especially when local teenage girls begin to go missing and TJ becomes the prime suspect.
I really enjoyed the building tension and Carrie’s increasing doubt about everyone around her, including herself. The story blends drama, mystery, and just the right amount of suspense. Some parts felt a little over the top, but it made the ride even more entertaining.
A twisty, binge-worthy read that’s perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a suburban edge.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and D.L. Fisher for the ARC!
December 24, 2025
I couldn’t do it. This one was a DNF for me.
This was my first time reading D.L. Fisher, and unfortunately it didn’t land. The plot was weak, the main character was irritating, and the constant inner dialogue made it hard to stay engaged. On top of that, the story leaned heavily on clichés, and the overall premise just felt unbelievable.
I saw plenty of five-star reviews claiming a mind-bending ending, but I wasn’t willing to push past the halfway mark to get there. A strong ending doesn’t excuse a slog to reach it.
Honestly, the best thing about The Stepson was that it was free with my Audible membership.
This was my first time reading D.L. Fisher, and unfortunately it didn’t land. The plot was weak, the main character was irritating, and the constant inner dialogue made it hard to stay engaged. On top of that, the story leaned heavily on clichés, and the overall premise just felt unbelievable.
I saw plenty of five-star reviews claiming a mind-bending ending, but I wasn’t willing to push past the halfway mark to get there. A strong ending doesn’t excuse a slog to reach it.
Honestly, the best thing about The Stepson was that it was free with my Audible membership.
December 17, 2025
I listened to this because it was free. It was free for a reason.
May 9, 2024
So good! DL Fisher does not get enough hype. Read her books!!!
Carrie has it all.. big fancy mansion, handsome successful husband, the works. So when the doorbell rings on her wedding anniversary she’s completely blindsided by this young man saying her husband is his father.
Soon after, it appears there may be someone dangerous in their neighborhood, and she can’t help but wonder if it’s her new stepson.
I love DL Fisher’s writing style. She is witty and so much fun to immerse yourself in the story. And I love a good epilogue to tie up the whole book!
Read if you love books you don’t know who to trust, Dateline episode feel, possible serial killer, and a narrator you can’t help but be on their side.
Thanks so much to the author for my advanced copy!
Pub date 5/7
Carrie has it all.. big fancy mansion, handsome successful husband, the works. So when the doorbell rings on her wedding anniversary she’s completely blindsided by this young man saying her husband is his father.
Soon after, it appears there may be someone dangerous in their neighborhood, and she can’t help but wonder if it’s her new stepson.
I love DL Fisher’s writing style. She is witty and so much fun to immerse yourself in the story. And I love a good epilogue to tie up the whole book!
Read if you love books you don’t know who to trust, Dateline episode feel, possible serial killer, and a narrator you can’t help but be on their side.
Thanks so much to the author for my advanced copy!
Pub date 5/7
May 5, 2025
She thought she had it all, the designer clothes, the handsome rich husband, the fancy mansion in a gated community… what she wasn’t expecting was a full-grown stepson to ring the doorbell. One she never even knew existed! Suddenly her secure little world if flipped upside down. Her handsome rich husband is keeping secrets and this gated community isn’t so safe when the neighbors teenage daughters start turning up murdered!
What secrets are these posh neighbors next door really hiding behind their closed doors? Is the darling little Stepson a serial killer or is it just an unfortunate coincidence?
I love me a good thriller and this was a new to me author. I wasn’t sure where this was going to take me at first, but let me tell you, it was one heck of a ride! I will be looking for more of Fisher’s books in the future!
*Thank you NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review*
What secrets are these posh neighbors next door really hiding behind their closed doors? Is the darling little Stepson a serial killer or is it just an unfortunate coincidence?
I love me a good thriller and this was a new to me author. I wasn’t sure where this was going to take me at first, but let me tell you, it was one heck of a ride! I will be looking for more of Fisher’s books in the future!
*Thank you NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review*
December 26, 2025
3/5⭐️Entertaining and full of twists. A bit predictable, but a quick read.
December 15, 2025
Absolutely insufferable.
December 17, 2025
The epilogue?!?! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
May 4, 2025
On her one-year anniversary, Carrie meets the stepson her husband never told her about. As if that were not stressful enough, teenage girls start to go missing in her gated community. With a husband that is clearly not telling her everything and a stranger who is her stepson now staying in her house, Carrie doesn't know who to trust outside or inside her home.
One of my ultimate pet peeves is a first-person POV character keeping something major from the reader. It always comes off as disingenuous. This book had this happen in spades. The MC sees someone in a suspicious position and says something to the effect of 'Omg I can't believe he is here...' And then... nada. She doesn't let us know anything, but she does keep thinking about what she saw without mentioning who the shocking person was. It's artificially forced and frankly lazy. "I wonder if anyone else feels it or if it's just me. Then, no one else has seen what I've seen. No one else knows what I know." Yeah Carrie. Including the reader! Who was there with you!! This is a cheap attempt at building tension when your mystery cannot stand on its own two feet. At one point our MC is talking to the police about this person she saw and the way they both spoke around it was so unnatural that I just had to throw my hands up and not care anymore.
While I think the premise had promise, I hate to say the execution wasn't there for me. Aside from my pet peeve, everyone in this book acted so off-the-wall in an uncanny valley way. There is an epilogue that I almost missed and that had a couple twists — one of which I predicted and another I did not. The pacing is what this book had going for it. It was a fast-paced read and I was able to finish it in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this free arc in exchange for my honest review.
One of my ultimate pet peeves is a first-person POV character keeping something major from the reader. It always comes off as disingenuous. This book had this happen in spades. The MC sees someone in a suspicious position and says something to the effect of 'Omg I can't believe he is here...' And then... nada. She doesn't let us know anything, but she does keep thinking about what she saw without mentioning who the shocking person was. It's artificially forced and frankly lazy. "I wonder if anyone else feels it or if it's just me. Then, no one else has seen what I've seen. No one else knows what I know." Yeah Carrie. Including the reader! Who was there with you!! This is a cheap attempt at building tension when your mystery cannot stand on its own two feet. At one point our MC is talking to the police about this person she saw and the way they both spoke around it was so unnatural that I just had to throw my hands up and not care anymore.
While I think the premise had promise, I hate to say the execution wasn't there for me. Aside from my pet peeve, everyone in this book acted so off-the-wall in an uncanny valley way. There is an epilogue that I almost missed and that had a couple twists — one of which I predicted and another I did not. The pacing is what this book had going for it. It was a fast-paced read and I was able to finish it in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this free arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2025
Yikes. I don’t think I’ve ever rated more than one or two books with one star, but this book was bad. I am honestly completely shocked and surprised to see a high rating. Did we honestly read the same book?!
So, yes, I probably should have dnfed, but I assumed it would be a quick read and truly never thought it would be a one star read for me.
But here’s the thing: the writing here is really, really bad. I promise I’m not trying to be unnecessarily mean, but it genuinely sounds like a middle schooler wrote this book. The expressions and phrases used…yikes. This was definitely my number one issue with the books, but also…
‼️Spoilers below‼️
I guessed every single plot twist. 🤷🏻♀️ It honestly was incredibly predictable, especially because the title itself gives things away! It’s supposed to be this last minute crazy revelation in the epilogue, but I kept waiting for THE STEPSON to somehow be important to the plot.
Also, this was a huge issue for me in another VERY popular thriller that I won’t name for spoilers’ sake, but along with the overly insane juvenile writing style, you also have poor plot writing by forcing your FMC to not reveal who she saw for a lot of this book, even though it’s written from her perspective, and we the readers are with her when she makes her grand realization. It’s holding something above the readers so you can have a plot twist later. The problem is, that’s NOT how people think! It boils down to lazy and poor writing.
I’ll stop there. I’m not trying to crucify the author or people who liked the book; CLEARLY this one wasn’t for me. I’m just confused why people liked this. 😂
So, yes, I probably should have dnfed, but I assumed it would be a quick read and truly never thought it would be a one star read for me.
But here’s the thing: the writing here is really, really bad. I promise I’m not trying to be unnecessarily mean, but it genuinely sounds like a middle schooler wrote this book. The expressions and phrases used…yikes. This was definitely my number one issue with the books, but also…
‼️Spoilers below‼️
I guessed every single plot twist. 🤷🏻♀️ It honestly was incredibly predictable, especially because the title itself gives things away! It’s supposed to be this last minute crazy revelation in the epilogue, but I kept waiting for THE STEPSON to somehow be important to the plot.
Also, this was a huge issue for me in another VERY popular thriller that I won’t name for spoilers’ sake, but along with the overly insane juvenile writing style, you also have poor plot writing by forcing your FMC to not reveal who she saw for a lot of this book, even though it’s written from her perspective, and we the readers are with her when she makes her grand realization. It’s holding something above the readers so you can have a plot twist later. The problem is, that’s NOT how people think! It boils down to lazy and poor writing.
I’ll stop there. I’m not trying to crucify the author or people who liked the book; CLEARLY this one wasn’t for me. I’m just confused why people liked this. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
Carrie has the life she always wanted in her perfect home with her perfect husband and her best friend Marnie a few doors down. The ambience cracks wide open with the unexpected arrival of her husband's teenage son, TJ, a secret she never knew. As if that wasn't enough, the idyllic neighborhood is rocked by the disappearance of teenage girls, and suspicion falls heavily on the newcomer. Carrie's perfect world unravels, but she refuses to believe TJ is behind the disappearances, leading her to start her own investigation, putting herself in danger. This quick read offers a decent blend of domestic drama and suspense, making it an ideal page-turner for a relaxing day at the beach.
The twist was there and the ending was all tied up as neatly as the bow on Carrie's car.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
The twist was there and the ending was all tied up as neatly as the bow on Carrie's car.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
June 30, 2025
Bennett, a rich lawyer, and his wife, Carrie live an idyllic life in their fancy neighborhood. Everything is perfect until one day Bennett's son from a previous relationship shows up at their front door, essentially throwing their perfect life upside down. Why? Because the same night TJ shows up a girl is found murdered in the neighborhood, the start of many. When Carrie finds out an important clue to get the heat off her new stepson she almost ends up being killed herself. With a shocking ending what you think closes out the case doesn't necessarily stay that way!
Oh boy this book was fast paced and easy to read from the start! I couldn't put it down. It read so well like someone was just telling me a story and I loved it! I couldn't really figure out who the killer was or what the ending would look like and just when you think it's over, well a twist comes I didn't expect! Would highly recommend if you like domestic thrillers! 4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, D.L. Fisher and Joffee Books for allowing me to review this ARC!
Oh boy this book was fast paced and easy to read from the start! I couldn't put it down. It read so well like someone was just telling me a story and I loved it! I couldn't really figure out who the killer was or what the ending would look like and just when you think it's over, well a twist comes I didn't expect! Would highly recommend if you like domestic thrillers! 4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, D.L. Fisher and Joffee Books for allowing me to review this ARC!
April 5, 2024
Another great book from D.L. Fisher! I’ve read all three of hers now and have loved them all!
This psychological thriller will suck you in from the very beginning! The premise was so intriguing and will keep you engaged and entertained throughout!
Such an addictive popcorn thriller with lots of untrustworthy characters. It is very bingeable in the sense of both its pacing and the length of the book.
And in typical D.L. Fisher fashion it ends with bang! And from what I hear we will be getting a sequel coming too! I can’t wait!!
Recommend checking this one out!🖤
Thank you @dlfisherthrillers for this #gifted e-copy and including me on your book tour!🫶🏼
This psychological thriller will suck you in from the very beginning! The premise was so intriguing and will keep you engaged and entertained throughout!
Such an addictive popcorn thriller with lots of untrustworthy characters. It is very bingeable in the sense of both its pacing and the length of the book.
And in typical D.L. Fisher fashion it ends with bang! And from what I hear we will be getting a sequel coming too! I can’t wait!!
Recommend checking this one out!🖤
Thank you @dlfisherthrillers for this #gifted e-copy and including me on your book tour!🫶🏼
November 18, 2025
Wow, what a fun ride this was! You have nosey neighbors, family drama, marital secrets, and surprise after surprise in this fast paced popcorn thriller!
I was able to guess most of the twists but it was still very entertaining to unravel them as the story went on. I very much enjoyed the writing and the flow kept a great pace throughout the book, I never felt bored.
On the outside looking in, this high class, tight-knit community seems to have it all and have it all together... well things are not always what they seem now are they? 😏
Definitely recommend, I can't wait to dive into book two, The Widower
I was able to guess most of the twists but it was still very entertaining to unravel them as the story went on. I very much enjoyed the writing and the flow kept a great pace throughout the book, I never felt bored.
On the outside looking in, this high class, tight-knit community seems to have it all and have it all together... well things are not always what they seem now are they? 😏
Definitely recommend, I can't wait to dive into book two, The Widower
April 30, 2025
The Stepson was a quick, twisty read that kept me entertained the whole time. It definitely falls into the popcorn thriller category, dramatic, fast-paced, and full of surprises. I didn’t see the twist coming, which made it even more fun to read.
I just wish there had been more character development. I didn’t feel very connected to anyone, and a little more depth would’ve made some of the big moments hit harder.
Still, if you’re looking for something suspenseful that you can fly through, this one’s worth picking up.
I just wish there had been more character development. I didn’t feel very connected to anyone, and a little more depth would’ve made some of the big moments hit harder.
Still, if you’re looking for something suspenseful that you can fly through, this one’s worth picking up.
July 10, 2024
This one was so bingeable.. is that a word? No? Oh well 🤪
I loved this story and loved that it was able to have me hooked RIGHT away! I loved the twists and turns, and while it wasn’t action packed, I felt like it was just the right amount of surprise! The epilogue had me at a loss for words because I was not expecting THAT! This is my second book from this author and I’m coming to realize that she is going to be a favorite for my thriller needs! 💖
I loved this story and loved that it was able to have me hooked RIGHT away! I loved the twists and turns, and while it wasn’t action packed, I felt like it was just the right amount of surprise! The epilogue had me at a loss for words because I was not expecting THAT! This is my second book from this author and I’m coming to realize that she is going to be a favorite for my thriller needs! 💖
December 28, 2025
I’m honestly surprised I even finished this. Some of things the narrator was thinking and saying were just absolutely ridiculous, it felt like nothing happened the whole book, and the reveals were so oddly paced.
December 24, 2025
For a book with 4 stars i had higher expectations.
The writing was repetitive, the characters are 20’s & 30’s but are in a world where its more plausible as late 20’s/early 30’s & 40’s-50’s.
The story was predictable & the twist did not have a big impact
The writing was repetitive, the characters are 20’s & 30’s but are in a world where its more plausible as late 20’s/early 30’s & 40’s-50’s.
The story was predictable & the twist did not have a big impact
September 25, 2025
I found this neither "addictive" or "thrilling", just plain boring and I was glad to get to the end.
May 2, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was a fairly quick easy read but on the other, I wasn't crazy about how it was written. It felt like a silly person, telling you a story at breakneck pace, without regard for how it's being received. The pacing was odd.
Then the main character behaves ridiculously and trying to attribute her behavior to her being young or to having a "secret" doesn't wash. Carrie is 28 not 18, she can't be so naive and impulsive. Also she spends so much time telling us that Marnie is the biggest gossip and busybody but that's the person who is her best friend, AND that's the person that she confides her big "secret" to. Make that make sense.
So when the titular Stepson arrives out of the blue, on her anniversary, Carrie inviting him not only inside her home, but to stay in said home before even speaking to her husband seems odd but we don't yet know the power of the mysterious 'secret' and what she 'deserves' to endure because of it.
When the neighbors begin to go missing and/or turning up dead, of course gossip turns to TJ, the only new thing in this wealthy gated community but Carrie keeps defending and protecting him, even when he can't explain his absences, or shows up with scratches and implausible excuses. This makes ZERO sense. She doesn't know this man from Adam. Her husband hasn't explained why he kept this child a secret from her, nor why they don't seem to have a good relationship, nor why he thinks it wise for him to just move in.
Things get even more preposterous when a big storm hits and Marnie's husband Mark leaves for a business trip to Florida. Sure. The roads are so bad that the detectives investigating the missing and /or dead women ride out the storm in their car because they can't get through, but miraculously Mark's flight went off as scheduled...surrrre.
In the end there are red herrings upon red herrings and everything is telegraphed to great extent. We eventually learn Carrie's non secret and it's so meaningless that you are reminded that she didn't actually have any motivation or reason to blindly accept and cover for TJ, her new stepson.
The final chapter, a sort of epilogue, took a moment to be clear that it was a different narrator but all it did was to again make me think why on earth would Carrie choose the one person, whom she has said over and over again was a busybody and gossip, as her closest friend?
Then the main character behaves ridiculously and trying to attribute her behavior to her being young or to having a "secret" doesn't wash. Carrie is 28 not 18, she can't be so naive and impulsive. Also she spends so much time telling us that Marnie is the biggest gossip and busybody but that's the person who is her best friend, AND that's the person that she confides her big "secret" to. Make that make sense.
So when the titular Stepson arrives out of the blue, on her anniversary, Carrie inviting him not only inside her home, but to stay in said home before even speaking to her husband seems odd but we don't yet know the power of the mysterious 'secret' and what she 'deserves' to endure because of it.
When the neighbors begin to go missing and/or turning up dead, of course gossip turns to TJ, the only new thing in this wealthy gated community but Carrie keeps defending and protecting him, even when he can't explain his absences, or shows up with scratches and implausible excuses. This makes ZERO sense. She doesn't know this man from Adam. Her husband hasn't explained why he kept this child a secret from her, nor why they don't seem to have a good relationship, nor why he thinks it wise for him to just move in.
Things get even more preposterous when a big storm hits and Marnie's husband Mark leaves for a business trip to Florida. Sure. The roads are so bad that the detectives investigating the missing and /or dead women ride out the storm in their car because they can't get through, but miraculously Mark's flight went off as scheduled...surrrre.
In the end there are red herrings upon red herrings and everything is telegraphed to great extent. We eventually learn Carrie's non secret and it's so meaningless that you are reminded that she didn't actually have any motivation or reason to blindly accept and cover for TJ, her new stepson.
The final chapter, a sort of epilogue, took a moment to be clear that it was a different narrator but all it did was to again make me think why on earth would Carrie choose the one person, whom she has said over and over again was a busybody and gossip, as her closest friend?
June 9, 2025
Fractured Plot; Surreal
Carrie and Bennett Winter are about to celebrate one year of blissful marriage when a young man turns up on their doorstep introducing himself as Bennett’s son, TJ. His mother, Andrea, has died in a fall down the stairs and he has no-where else to live except with his father. A stepson comes as a complete surprise to Carrie, and a wonderful opportunity for the neighborhood gossips, all of whom have their security cameras focused on the latest development in this affluent, privileged, gated community in Armonk, NY.
Thus starts the tangled web of a story “The Stepson” by DL Fisher, where young girls start disappearing coincident with TJ’s advent, Detectives Johnson and Young behave alarmingly and aggressively more like caricatures than real people. Meanwhile Carrie’s super-nosey and vocal neighbor Marnie manages to confuse everyone with her histrionics while apparently oblivious that her husband, Mark, was remarkably coincidentally having an affair with Andrea, TJ’s mother.
After the plot is played out, murders and accidents scattered liberally, when the story is apparently over and we have read the conclusion reached by testing several stretches of the reader’s imagination and some serious lapses in our credibility – the reader is given an epilogue which turns everything upside down.
I kept reading this book to the end because I liked the two main characters, had sympathy for TJ, and wanted to know what happened to them. However I found the flow of the plot somewhat fractured, and some of the situations just not credible. If you are a fan of stories where nobody is who they seem to be, full of drama and suspenseful twists, and the thread of the plot needs concentrated credibility but is still misleading – and I know there are many of you out there – I thoroughly recommend reading this book.
Carrie and Bennett Winter are about to celebrate one year of blissful marriage when a young man turns up on their doorstep introducing himself as Bennett’s son, TJ. His mother, Andrea, has died in a fall down the stairs and he has no-where else to live except with his father. A stepson comes as a complete surprise to Carrie, and a wonderful opportunity for the neighborhood gossips, all of whom have their security cameras focused on the latest development in this affluent, privileged, gated community in Armonk, NY.
Thus starts the tangled web of a story “The Stepson” by DL Fisher, where young girls start disappearing coincident with TJ’s advent, Detectives Johnson and Young behave alarmingly and aggressively more like caricatures than real people. Meanwhile Carrie’s super-nosey and vocal neighbor Marnie manages to confuse everyone with her histrionics while apparently oblivious that her husband, Mark, was remarkably coincidentally having an affair with Andrea, TJ’s mother.
After the plot is played out, murders and accidents scattered liberally, when the story is apparently over and we have read the conclusion reached by testing several stretches of the reader’s imagination and some serious lapses in our credibility – the reader is given an epilogue which turns everything upside down.
I kept reading this book to the end because I liked the two main characters, had sympathy for TJ, and wanted to know what happened to them. However I found the flow of the plot somewhat fractured, and some of the situations just not credible. If you are a fan of stories where nobody is who they seem to be, full of drama and suspenseful twists, and the thread of the plot needs concentrated credibility but is still misleading – and I know there are many of you out there – I thoroughly recommend reading this book.
April 15, 2024
My Husband's Son | D.L. Fisher | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
** Mark Your Calendars: RELEASING ON - 5/7/2024
Heady, wickedly cunning and a voyeuristic peek into the crooked lives of the ultra rich; in just over 200 pages, My Husband's Son is an enthralling edge of the seat suspense thriller, which you can easily devour in a single seating.
📖📖📖📖📖
Newly married to Benett Winter, a uber rich lawyer, with the right amount of charm and good looks; Carrie Winter has settled happily in her new neighborhood: a multi-million dollar suburban gated community.
But rich folks have their share of dark secrets and everything starts unraveling as an utterly unexpected visitor turns up on the front steps of the Winters, soon after which the previously protected, peaceful & safe community is strewn with news of dead and missing teenage girls.
Is a serial killer on the loose?
What has the Winter's guest got to do with the crimes?
Is anyone really safe anymore?
📖📖📖📖📖
D.L. Fisher writes with her characteristic brilliance and as in her previous works, she masterfully builds up the plot to hold the suspense till the very last word.
The story is devoid of too many twists & turns, the characters are few and the narrative simple but it cleverly uses its rather quiet plotlines, the understated eloquence to end in a massive crescendo: the Epilogue. Oh, boy!
I do prefer my thrillers to be a bit more layered, and I definitely loved her previous one, The Perfect Nanny, a bit more.
But having said that, it's a welcome change to come across a contemporary thriller which delivers without fuss & feathers and unrealistic plot twists, which seem rather illogical and gimmicky.
D.L. Fisher is truly becoming one of my must read authors.
She writes it. I read it. And so should you. 😉
** Mark Your Calendars: RELEASING ON - 5/7/2024
Heady, wickedly cunning and a voyeuristic peek into the crooked lives of the ultra rich; in just over 200 pages, My Husband's Son is an enthralling edge of the seat suspense thriller, which you can easily devour in a single seating.
📖📖📖📖📖
Newly married to Benett Winter, a uber rich lawyer, with the right amount of charm and good looks; Carrie Winter has settled happily in her new neighborhood: a multi-million dollar suburban gated community.
But rich folks have their share of dark secrets and everything starts unraveling as an utterly unexpected visitor turns up on the front steps of the Winters, soon after which the previously protected, peaceful & safe community is strewn with news of dead and missing teenage girls.
Is a serial killer on the loose?
What has the Winter's guest got to do with the crimes?
Is anyone really safe anymore?
📖📖📖📖📖
D.L. Fisher writes with her characteristic brilliance and as in her previous works, she masterfully builds up the plot to hold the suspense till the very last word.
The story is devoid of too many twists & turns, the characters are few and the narrative simple but it cleverly uses its rather quiet plotlines, the understated eloquence to end in a massive crescendo: the Epilogue. Oh, boy!
I do prefer my thrillers to be a bit more layered, and I definitely loved her previous one, The Perfect Nanny, a bit more.
But having said that, it's a welcome change to come across a contemporary thriller which delivers without fuss & feathers and unrealistic plot twists, which seem rather illogical and gimmicky.
D.L. Fisher is truly becoming one of my must read authors.
She writes it. I read it. And so should you. 😉
May 5, 2025
This one was overall a decent story. Carrie is adjusting to married life to a rich lawyer husband quite nicely. Then comes the husbands dark secret. That, coupled with the sudden disappearances of several young girls in their idyllic community has the whole neighborhood on edge.
The good: The writing was quick paced. There are several misdirections that keep things interesting. Carrie is, overall, a decently likable character.
The.. not as good: The secret Carrie is keeping seems like small potatoes compared to her husband hiding a whole grown child from her. I was pretty irritated when her "horrible confession" was finally revealed. There was a LOT of repetition in this book (like 3 different times she mentions being safer in her car in a Walmart. Like - we get it - it's bad.)
SPOILER AHEAD
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Okay: Marnie- YES! I had a hunch once it was revealed that Mark was involved and supposedly the suspect. I actually said out loud, "huh, would have made more sense for it to be his wife!" Then BOOM - prologue says, "I KNOW RIGHT?!"
But my excitement was short lived because WHYYYYY drag TJ into it?!!! I was super bummed. It was perfect as Marnie; Carrie not knowing her BFF was cray, that she killed an {innocent} man (innocent as in not a murderer, but be so fr, a total creep) and tying it in a nice crazy bow. I was super sad that they dragged the kid into it because why? He was mad at his mom? No thank you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The good: The writing was quick paced. There are several misdirections that keep things interesting. Carrie is, overall, a decently likable character.
The.. not as good: The secret Carrie is keeping seems like small potatoes compared to her husband hiding a whole grown child from her. I was pretty irritated when her "horrible confession" was finally revealed. There was a LOT of repetition in this book (like 3 different times she mentions being safer in her car in a Walmart. Like - we get it - it's bad.)
SPOILER AHEAD
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Okay: Marnie- YES! I had a hunch once it was revealed that Mark was involved and supposedly the suspect. I actually said out loud, "huh, would have made more sense for it to be his wife!" Then BOOM - prologue says, "I KNOW RIGHT?!"
But my excitement was short lived because WHYYYYY drag TJ into it?!!! I was super bummed. It was perfect as Marnie; Carrie not knowing her BFF was cray, that she killed an {innocent} man (innocent as in not a murderer, but be so fr, a total creep) and tying it in a nice crazy bow. I was super sad that they dragged the kid into it because why? He was mad at his mom? No thank you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 21, 2024
𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒
An unexpected visitor - her husband's secret son - throws Carrie Winter's world into chaos. Trust crumbles as she questions everything she thought she knew. The arrival coincides with a string of disturbing events: a murdered teenager, a missing girl, and a suspicious past surrounding TJ. Carrie's pursuit of the truth exposes a web of secrets hidden beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life. Was welcoming TJ a grave mistake? The answer could shatter her world.
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
This is not your typical affluent 'everyone knows everyone else's business community' because the amount of secrets and lies kept by everyone in this community is over-the-top! The characters were better liars than you gave them credit for. All my favorite tropes are in this latest thriller by DL Fisher which is expected to be published early next month. It's gripping and kept me guessing until the end.
I love the main characters and the manner they were fleshed out. When I first read The Perfect Nanny by the same author, she maneuvered to a shocking twist until the end, especially in the epilogue. And she did it again here! This is a good and remarkable read and I can't wait to read her third book everyone's talking about - Win, Lose, or Die.
I'd like to thank the author for allowing me to read this thriller in advance in place of an honest review!
An unexpected visitor - her husband's secret son - throws Carrie Winter's world into chaos. Trust crumbles as she questions everything she thought she knew. The arrival coincides with a string of disturbing events: a murdered teenager, a missing girl, and a suspicious past surrounding TJ. Carrie's pursuit of the truth exposes a web of secrets hidden beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life. Was welcoming TJ a grave mistake? The answer could shatter her world.
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
This is not your typical affluent 'everyone knows everyone else's business community' because the amount of secrets and lies kept by everyone in this community is over-the-top! The characters were better liars than you gave them credit for. All my favorite tropes are in this latest thriller by DL Fisher which is expected to be published early next month. It's gripping and kept me guessing until the end.
I love the main characters and the manner they were fleshed out. When I first read The Perfect Nanny by the same author, she maneuvered to a shocking twist until the end, especially in the epilogue. And she did it again here! This is a good and remarkable read and I can't wait to read her third book everyone's talking about - Win, Lose, or Die.
I'd like to thank the author for allowing me to read this thriller in advance in place of an honest review!
May 1, 2024
Thank you so much @dlfisherthrillers for an advance copy of this book!
✨ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ✨
This book was so easy to binge read! Everyone seems to potentially have something to hide and you don’t know who had the worst skeletons in their huge walk in closets!
Carrie and Bennett have just had their very first year of wedded bliss when Bennett’s son, that Carrie was unaware of, shows up on their doorstep. Enter, secrets and family drama!! Coincidence or not, police have invaded their very affluent neighborhood because a young teenager was found dead in the community pool. This happens at the same time Carries mysterious stepson shows up…. Suspect number 1!
Soon the police have more than they can deal with when other teenage girls start disappearing. I start to have my suspicions about who could be doing what… and I’m definitely not right at the end!
What’s fun about this thriller was I felt like the “bad guy” could be anyone. Everyone has something to hide, and could be suspicious in one way or another!
This was a read you can devour in a day or two! Grab a glass of wine, a cozy blanket, and settle in for a domestic suspense with real housewife vibes mixed in!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
♦️ Domestic Suspense
♦️ Murder Mystery
♦️ Popcorn Thriller
♦️ Real Housewives Vibes
✨ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ✨
This book was so easy to binge read! Everyone seems to potentially have something to hide and you don’t know who had the worst skeletons in their huge walk in closets!
Carrie and Bennett have just had their very first year of wedded bliss when Bennett’s son, that Carrie was unaware of, shows up on their doorstep. Enter, secrets and family drama!! Coincidence or not, police have invaded their very affluent neighborhood because a young teenager was found dead in the community pool. This happens at the same time Carries mysterious stepson shows up…. Suspect number 1!
Soon the police have more than they can deal with when other teenage girls start disappearing. I start to have my suspicions about who could be doing what… and I’m definitely not right at the end!
What’s fun about this thriller was I felt like the “bad guy” could be anyone. Everyone has something to hide, and could be suspicious in one way or another!
This was a read you can devour in a day or two! Grab a glass of wine, a cozy blanket, and settle in for a domestic suspense with real housewife vibes mixed in!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
♦️ Domestic Suspense
♦️ Murder Mystery
♦️ Popcorn Thriller
♦️ Real Housewives Vibes
July 12, 2025
What an unrelenting, wild and suspenseful ride of a story- I read it in three sittings as I just couldn't put it down.
This story vividly highlights the pros and cons of living in a rich gated community and being out of touch with other areas in a suburb whilst tension run rife and murder is brewing.
The main character of Carrie (the newly married wife of Bennett Winter), gets more than she bargained for when Bennett's son T.J. (whom Carrie didn't know existed) shows up on her doorstep out of the blue wanting to see his father.
During the progression of the story, girls start to go missing and end up dead with the suspicion falling onto T.J. but is there more to it than meets the eye??. Where does Bennett go for so long during his morning "runs".
In terms of characters, each character had their own torrid backstory as well as unique and somewhat "dual" personalities which added depth to the plot as well as the suspense of what would happen next and who would be the next missing girl. The twist was very well done and one i didn't see coming and, in turn, truly surprised me as a reader but in a good way.
D..L. Fisher is up there and on par with Freida McFadden and I would very much like to dive into the works of this author more down the track.
This story vividly highlights the pros and cons of living in a rich gated community and being out of touch with other areas in a suburb whilst tension run rife and murder is brewing.
The main character of Carrie (the newly married wife of Bennett Winter), gets more than she bargained for when Bennett's son T.J. (whom Carrie didn't know existed) shows up on her doorstep out of the blue wanting to see his father.
During the progression of the story, girls start to go missing and end up dead with the suspicion falling onto T.J. but is there more to it than meets the eye??. Where does Bennett go for so long during his morning "runs".
In terms of characters, each character had their own torrid backstory as well as unique and somewhat "dual" personalities which added depth to the plot as well as the suspense of what would happen next and who would be the next missing girl. The twist was very well done and one i didn't see coming and, in turn, truly surprised me as a reader but in a good way.
D..L. Fisher is up there and on par with Freida McFadden and I would very much like to dive into the works of this author more down the track.
April 22, 2024
My Husband’s Son
DL Fisher
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌:
When an eighteen-year-old claiming to be her husband’s son shows up at her front door out of the blue, Carrie Winter is floored. It's completely unexpected. Then, you can't expect someone you didn't know existed. She’s shocked to find out that her husband has been hiding this major secret from her. Carrie thought she knew the man she married but now, she’s not so sure…
TJ seems pleasant enough. However, strange things start to happen upon his arrival. A teenage girl is found murdered and another has gone missing.
The more Carrie investigates the deaths and missing girls, the more secrets she finds out about her seemingly perfect development. What does she really know about the neighborhood she lives in and the people she lives with? And, is letting TJ into her home the biggest mistake she’ll ever make?
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This is the type of book where you’re yelling at the main character to not go in that door.. or don’t follow that person. I’m a sucker for these types of books and I loved this one! This was a fast paced novel that keeps the reader engaged to see what’s coming next.
Did I think I had this figured out.. yes. Did I actually… no. This was such a fun quick read. With twists up until the very end.
DL Fisher
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌:
When an eighteen-year-old claiming to be her husband’s son shows up at her front door out of the blue, Carrie Winter is floored. It's completely unexpected. Then, you can't expect someone you didn't know existed. She’s shocked to find out that her husband has been hiding this major secret from her. Carrie thought she knew the man she married but now, she’s not so sure…
TJ seems pleasant enough. However, strange things start to happen upon his arrival. A teenage girl is found murdered and another has gone missing.
The more Carrie investigates the deaths and missing girls, the more secrets she finds out about her seemingly perfect development. What does she really know about the neighborhood she lives in and the people she lives with? And, is letting TJ into her home the biggest mistake she’ll ever make?
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This is the type of book where you’re yelling at the main character to not go in that door.. or don’t follow that person. I’m a sucker for these types of books and I loved this one! This was a fast paced novel that keeps the reader engaged to see what’s coming next.
Did I think I had this figured out.. yes. Did I actually… no. This was such a fun quick read. With twists up until the very end.
October 14, 2025
This was my first D.L. Fisher novel, and it absolutely did not disappoint. This fast-paced thriller had me hooked from start to finish.
I was immediately drawn into the seemingly perfect life of Bennett and Claire , married on a yacht off the coast of southern France, living in a sprawling estate within a gated community. Bennett holds a high-profile career, while Claire enjoys a comfortable life as a stay-at-home wife. Everything appears idyllic… until a young man shows up at their door, looking like Bennett’s mirror image. Claire’s world tilts as she grapples with one impossible question: why did her husband lie about having a son?
Before she can even begin to process the truth, tragedy strikes their community when a young teenage girl is found dead in the swimming pool. From that moment on the twists and turns did'nt let up. It had me in full on detective mode, second-guessing every character and motive. D.L. Fisher masterfully builds tension, making it impossible to put the book down. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I rated it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a gripping, addictive read that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommend 👌
I was immediately drawn into the seemingly perfect life of Bennett and Claire , married on a yacht off the coast of southern France, living in a sprawling estate within a gated community. Bennett holds a high-profile career, while Claire enjoys a comfortable life as a stay-at-home wife. Everything appears idyllic… until a young man shows up at their door, looking like Bennett’s mirror image. Claire’s world tilts as she grapples with one impossible question: why did her husband lie about having a son?
Before she can even begin to process the truth, tragedy strikes their community when a young teenage girl is found dead in the swimming pool. From that moment on the twists and turns did'nt let up. It had me in full on detective mode, second-guessing every character and motive. D.L. Fisher masterfully builds tension, making it impossible to put the book down. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I rated it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a gripping, addictive read that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommend 👌
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews