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This Story Might Save Your Life
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Expected 10 Mar 26"Both a riveting mystery and a love story, This Story Might Save Your Life is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year." —Amy Tintera, bestselling author of
Listen for the Lie
“A heart-pounding thriller and a heart-melting romance, this is the most compelling novel I’ve read in years.” —Annabel Monaghan, New York Times bestselling author of It’s a Love Story
Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is suspected of murder . . .
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
“I truly loved reading This Story Might Save Your Life. The pace was terrific, and it was so smart and engrossing. The pages practically turn themselves in this nuanced thriller. I couldn't put it down!”
—Nina Simon, bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night
“A heart-pounding thriller and a heart-melting romance, this is the most compelling novel I’ve read in years.” —Annabel Monaghan, New York Times bestselling author of It’s a Love Story
Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is suspected of murder . . .
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
“I truly loved reading This Story Might Save Your Life. The pace was terrific, and it was so smart and engrossing. The pages practically turn themselves in this nuanced thriller. I couldn't put it down!”
—Nina Simon, bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
86585 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Crum
1 book169 followersTiffany Crum is the author of This Story Might Save Your Life, forthcoming in March 2026 from Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar. A longtime Californian, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, sons, and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 780 reviews
January 15, 2026
4.5* Wow I absolutely loved this. I mostly listened to the audiobook (which I HIGHLY recommend btw) but the writing itself is just excellent. I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up.
It’s actually really hard to pin down the genre of this one, it felt like a mix of thriller, mystery, contemporary romance, and maybe even romcom? Whatever it is, I was completely hooked the whole way through. What a beautifully devastating, emotional, twisty, crazy ride!
Thank you Lavender Public Relations & Flatiron Books for the ARC!
It’s actually really hard to pin down the genre of this one, it felt like a mix of thriller, mystery, contemporary romance, and maybe even romcom? Whatever it is, I was completely hooked the whole way through. What a beautifully devastating, emotional, twisty, crazy ride!
Thank you Lavender Public Relations & Flatiron Books for the ARC!
January 24, 2026
Hang on while I swoon! A truly magical novel full of poignant friendships, manipulative liars, and well-hidden secrets, This Story Might Save Your Life was beyond a slam dunk for this thriller lover. From the puzzle-like mystery to the onion-like plotting, while the storyline was complete and utter perfection, the characters were what made this book dig itself deep into my soul. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with Benny and Joy? With their playful banter, which was packed with sarcastic humor, and their easy way with one another, I quickly fell in love with both of them in turn thanks to their dual POVs. That being said, once the s*** hit the fan, not even they were above my side-eye glances of outright suspicion. After all, I knew that there were some serious things going down in this fracturing—or blossoming—love story of three. Heart-rending and dark, it had that *chef’s kiss* feel that you only ever find in a truly special novel.
What exactly, though, made me fly through the pages at an always increasing speed? Well, between the shocking, plot-shifting twists and the huge number of cliffhanger chapters, this book was the epitome of nuanced charm and spine-tingling chills. Somehow walking the line just so between a B.A. Paris-esque domestic thriller and a heart-melting romance in the vein of Jeneva Rose, it had everything I look for when adding a book to my list of the top books of the year. With a constant sense of impending doom and backstories that not only fleshed out the characters but added some much-loved complexity to the underlying mystery of what happened to Joy, my fingers flew through the chapters as I yearned to learn all of the whos, whats, and whys. All said and done, I am utterly blown away by this stunning debut and can’t wait to see what this insanely talented author comes up with next! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
Thank you to Tiffany Crum, Flatiron Books, and Lavender Public Relations for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: narcolepsy, missing person, miscarriage, stalking, gaslighting, domestic abuse, miscarriage, violence, mention of: divorce, cancer
What exactly, though, made me fly through the pages at an always increasing speed? Well, between the shocking, plot-shifting twists and the huge number of cliffhanger chapters, this book was the epitome of nuanced charm and spine-tingling chills. Somehow walking the line just so between a B.A. Paris-esque domestic thriller and a heart-melting romance in the vein of Jeneva Rose, it had everything I look for when adding a book to my list of the top books of the year. With a constant sense of impending doom and backstories that not only fleshed out the characters but added some much-loved complexity to the underlying mystery of what happened to Joy, my fingers flew through the chapters as I yearned to learn all of the whos, whats, and whys. All said and done, I am utterly blown away by this stunning debut and can’t wait to see what this insanely talented author comes up with next! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
Thank you to Tiffany Crum, Flatiron Books, and Lavender Public Relations for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: narcolepsy, missing person, miscarriage, stalking, gaslighting, domestic abuse, miscarriage, violence, mention of: divorce, cancer
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness, this book is getting all the rave reviews and for very good reason— it is quite the debut! “If Lisa Jewel and Emily Henry co-wrote a book” is the most apt description of this book. This Story Might Save Your Life is an incredible genre mashup that uses the podcast element, but in a way that keeps it fresh and fun.
The atmospheric nature was C-R-E-E-P-Y (very things that go bump in the night at times) and I could not get enough. The characters were sooooo intriguing, and the back-and-forth timeline showing the before and after really helped me to connect with them even more. And because of the multiple genres, the story had a terrific steady drum beat of a storyline, never letting up whether on the mystery, the romance, or drama for the entire read. In other words, Crum had notable pitch-perfect pacing, pretty freakin impressive for a debut novel.
I read this mostly as an immersive read, listening to the audio while following along with the physical book. I have to say, the audiobook is perfection. Am I biased because my favorite narrator in the world, Julia Whelan, narrates it? Perhaps. But also, this A+ audiobook included snippets of multimedia not in the print version!! Like how cool is that?!
It is hard to say much more without spoiling anything, but I will leave you with this— TSMSYL is a must-read and will most definitely be making my favorites list of 2026 in both formats. And Tiffany Crum has a fan in me for life if her next book is anything like this one.
Read if you like:
-genre mashups
-character-driven stories
-podcast element
-mixed media (included only on audio)
-romance subplot
-atmospheric stories
-bingeable books
Comps: The Love of My Life, Listen for the Lie
Publishes March 10, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! This is an absolutely fabulous debut. Full review to come.
50% update - This book is so dang good. It’s so eerie especially on audio with snippets of podcasts and phone call dispatches only present in the audiobook. I cannot get enough but am also so creeped out in the best way.
The atmospheric nature was C-R-E-E-P-Y (very things that go bump in the night at times) and I could not get enough. The characters were sooooo intriguing, and the back-and-forth timeline showing the before and after really helped me to connect with them even more. And because of the multiple genres, the story had a terrific steady drum beat of a storyline, never letting up whether on the mystery, the romance, or drama for the entire read. In other words, Crum had notable pitch-perfect pacing, pretty freakin impressive for a debut novel.
I read this mostly as an immersive read, listening to the audio while following along with the physical book. I have to say, the audiobook is perfection. Am I biased because my favorite narrator in the world, Julia Whelan, narrates it? Perhaps. But also, this A+ audiobook included snippets of multimedia not in the print version!! Like how cool is that?!
It is hard to say much more without spoiling anything, but I will leave you with this— TSMSYL is a must-read and will most definitely be making my favorites list of 2026 in both formats. And Tiffany Crum has a fan in me for life if her next book is anything like this one.
Read if you like:
-genre mashups
-character-driven stories
-podcast element
-mixed media (included only on audio)
-romance subplot
-atmospheric stories
-bingeable books
Comps: The Love of My Life, Listen for the Lie
Publishes March 10, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! This is an absolutely fabulous debut. Full review to come.
50% update - This book is so dang good. It’s so eerie especially on audio with snippets of podcasts and phone call dispatches only present in the audiobook. I cannot get enough but am also so creeped out in the best way.
December 20, 2025
I did the audiobook in 24-hrs. I couldn’t put it down! It’s a bit of a genre bender and I recommend going in blindly and doing the audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
Reading this was like going to a buffet, but one of those good buffets. Where it's like $100 a plate, with whole lobster, prime rib, 5 different cuts of steak and a salad bar that wraps around the block.
You like a good mystery? Read this book! You like some good romantic tension and missed opportunities?! Read this book! You like good thrill? Read this book! Need to get out of a slump? Any guesses what I'm going to say?.. Anyone?.. yup, you're going to go right ahead and READ THIS BOOK!
Every once in a while we get a true genre-fluid book. While it may be categorized by default, it can really be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. That is exactly what we have here. I'm sorry (I'm never that sorry), I know the arts are supposed to be subjective. But I really think disliking this book would be next to impossible and across from improbable.
This really should be on everybody's 2026 TBR!
lol ADHD side note.. I loved the Hitchcock cameo feel of the Macmillan shout out
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Reading this was like going to a buffet, but one of those good buffets. Where it's like $100 a plate, with whole lobster, prime rib, 5 different cuts of steak and a salad bar that wraps around the block.
You like a good mystery? Read this book! You like some good romantic tension and missed opportunities?! Read this book! You like good thrill? Read this book! Need to get out of a slump? Any guesses what I'm going to say?.. Anyone?.. yup, you're going to go right ahead and READ THIS BOOK!
Every once in a while we get a true genre-fluid book. While it may be categorized by default, it can really be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. That is exactly what we have here. I'm sorry (I'm never that sorry), I know the arts are supposed to be subjective. But I really think disliking this book would be next to impossible and across from improbable.
This really should be on everybody's 2026 TBR!
lol ADHD side note.. I loved the Hitchcock cameo feel of the Macmillan shout out
Until next time
Hades
🩵
January 29, 2026
In all my years of reading I think this is the first time I’ve ever started a year off with a 5 star read. Considering I requested this on NetGalley on a whim without reading any reviews or the synopsis (honestly I was mostly intrigued by the title) and it’s a DEBUT novel, there was really no way of knowing how this reading experience would go.
Spoiler alert: I LOVED IT. I skipped lunch today to keep reading, I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a storyline to skip a meal??? It’s the perfect mix of all my favourite genres, it’s part thriller, part romance and man it all works so well. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s so beautifully written that you will struggle to tear your eyes away from the pages. If you’re a fan of books with that podcast element, this is definitely one of the very best I’ve come across yet. I can only imagine how brilliant the audio version will be!!!!
I can’t tell you which POV or timeline I enjoyed more because ALL of them had me flying through the pages for answers. Everything is so perfectly wrapped up by the end and is more than satisfactory, I literally have zero complaints. This may not be for everyone expecting a traditional thriller, but for anyone who loves a good romance subplot - you’re in for such a treat. I can’t wait for this to hit shelves, I already know it’s going to be the book everyone is talking about!!!! Tiffany, I need you to start your next book ASAP!!!!
Spoiler alert: I LOVED IT. I skipped lunch today to keep reading, I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a storyline to skip a meal??? It’s the perfect mix of all my favourite genres, it’s part thriller, part romance and man it all works so well. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s so beautifully written that you will struggle to tear your eyes away from the pages. If you’re a fan of books with that podcast element, this is definitely one of the very best I’ve come across yet. I can only imagine how brilliant the audio version will be!!!!
I can’t tell you which POV or timeline I enjoyed more because ALL of them had me flying through the pages for answers. Everything is so perfectly wrapped up by the end and is more than satisfactory, I literally have zero complaints. This may not be for everyone expecting a traditional thriller, but for anyone who loves a good romance subplot - you’re in for such a treat. I can’t wait for this to hit shelves, I already know it’s going to be the book everyone is talking about!!!! Tiffany, I need you to start your next book ASAP!!!!
January 30, 2026
Billed as a “riveting mystery” “a thriller” and a “love story”, for this reader it failed on all counts.
It failed as a rom-com (which I expected, perhaps, wrongly) because there’s no comedy. No snark, no witty banter. All things that I need in this genre. A straight up love story holds no interest for me.
It failed as a “mystery” because the mystery was pretty lame.
A thriller? Nope, not at all, not even a little bit.
The podcast banter was annoying and vacuous, and the overriding theme is tired and overused.
The narrators were excellent and the podcast format was well-done. But it was not enough to save the story for me.
The deus ex machina as the resolution did nothing to endear me to this story
* I received a digital audio via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
It failed as a rom-com (which I expected, perhaps, wrongly) because there’s no comedy. No snark, no witty banter. All things that I need in this genre. A straight up love story holds no interest for me.
It failed as a “mystery” because the mystery was pretty lame.
A thriller? Nope, not at all, not even a little bit.
The podcast banter was annoying and vacuous, and the overriding theme is tired and overused.
The narrators were excellent and the podcast format was well-done. But it was not enough to save the story for me.
The deus ex machina as the resolution did nothing to endear me to this story
* I received a digital audio via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
December 16, 2025
A joy to listen to on audiobook. Once I started listening to the audiobook of This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum, I couldn’t stop. I had to hit the pause button so that I could get a good night’s sleep. I usually listen to audiobooks while I fall asleep and I couldn’t resist listening to it so I had to listen to white noise instead. The narrators, Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins, are spectacular and enhanced the story. I’m not a romance lover and the amount of romance is minimal or maybe I just blocked it out. The audio production of the podcast recordings, the narration and the memoir made it immersive. I picked up the audiobook on the second day and finished it. I hope that all readers will get caught up in this mystery and join the hunt in the disappearance of Joy Moore. ALC was provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. I received an audiobook listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2025
I'm glad I took a chance on a debut author. This was so, so good. I highly recommend it!
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2026
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ March 10, 2026
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 368 (unnumbered chapters + bonus podcast episode)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 39 minutes
Narrators ~ Julia Whelan, Sean Patrick Hopkins
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, podcast, multiple timelines, narcolepsy,
Triggers ~
Joy & Benny are best friends and beloved podcasters. When Joy and husband, Zander, go missing we get down to the nitty gritty of Joy and Benny friendship, and Joy and Zander's marriage. Through multiple timelines, old podcasts and an unfinished memoir we'll see that things are not always as they seem.
Overall, it starts off to seem like it'll be thriller, but I did not get thriller vibes throughout. More of a steadily paced slow burn mystery~ish. It's not hard to see where the story will go, it's all about the journey with this one. A solid debut.
Side note ~ I'm curious why the chapters are titled Joy Moore & Benny Abbott? I think just their first name would have sufficed, but I'm just being picky.
Narration notes:
Fabulous narration. Both did a wonderful job. Duet for the podcast and there are some callers about Joy sightings that really elevates the audio version.
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ March 10, 2026
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 368 (unnumbered chapters + bonus podcast episode)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 39 minutes
Narrators ~ Julia Whelan, Sean Patrick Hopkins
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, podcast, multiple timelines, narcolepsy,
Triggers ~
Joy & Benny are best friends and beloved podcasters. When Joy and husband, Zander, go missing we get down to the nitty gritty of Joy and Benny friendship, and Joy and Zander's marriage. Through multiple timelines, old podcasts and an unfinished memoir we'll see that things are not always as they seem.
Overall, it starts off to seem like it'll be thriller, but I did not get thriller vibes throughout. More of a steadily paced slow burn mystery~ish. It's not hard to see where the story will go, it's all about the journey with this one. A solid debut.
Side note ~ I'm curious why the chapters are titled Joy Moore & Benny Abbott? I think just their first name would have sufficed, but I'm just being picky.
Narration notes:
Fabulous narration. Both did a wonderful job. Duet for the podcast and there are some callers about Joy sightings that really elevates the audio version.
February 2, 2026
THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE
By Tiffany Crum
Narrated by Julia Whelan & Sean Patrick Hopkins
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Podcasting about survival is one thing—living it is another.
Best friends and podcast hosts Benny and Joy have built a career on survival stories—until Joy vanishes and Benny becomes the prime suspect. As secrets surface and time runs out, the truth behind their friendship may be the most dangerous story of all. I loved the banter between Benny and Joy during the podcast segments—it added humor and heart to the narrative.
This is an addictive, genre-blending mystery thriller with romantic undertones. The story is fast-paced and compulsively readable, pulling you from chapter to chapter as the suspense builds. I was thoroughly impressed by this excellent debut and will definitely be watching for what Tiffany Crum does next.
The narration was flawless and truly enhanced the listening experience. I’ve enjoyed both Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins in previous audiobooks, and this was no exception—their performances captured the tone and emotions perfectly. The added multimedia elements in the audio further elevated the experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
By Tiffany Crum
Narrated by Julia Whelan & Sean Patrick Hopkins
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Podcasting about survival is one thing—living it is another.
Best friends and podcast hosts Benny and Joy have built a career on survival stories—until Joy vanishes and Benny becomes the prime suspect. As secrets surface and time runs out, the truth behind their friendship may be the most dangerous story of all. I loved the banter between Benny and Joy during the podcast segments—it added humor and heart to the narrative.
This is an addictive, genre-blending mystery thriller with romantic undertones. The story is fast-paced and compulsively readable, pulling you from chapter to chapter as the suspense builds. I was thoroughly impressed by this excellent debut and will definitely be watching for what Tiffany Crum does next.
The narration was flawless and truly enhanced the listening experience. I’ve enjoyed both Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins in previous audiobooks, and this was no exception—their performances captured the tone and emotions perfectly. The added multimedia elements in the audio further elevated the experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
December 22, 2025
Are you serious…this is a debut?! This is the kind of book people will be calling their top read of 2026, and I already know it’s going to live rent free in my head for a long time. I cannot recommend the audio enough. The narration by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins is incredibly immersive and adds so much depth to the story, especially the playful banter and sharp humor between Benny and Joy as a famous podcast duo. Their chemistry feels real, lived in, and emotionally rich, which makes everything that unfolds hit even harder. When Joy goes missing, the story turns into a suspenseful puzzle as Benny tries to piece together the truth, only for the tension to skyrocket when he becomes a suspect himself. What starts as a mystery slowly transforms into something deeper, blending friendship, love, secrets, and lies into a thriller that completely bends genres. Part beautiful love story and part twisty domestic suspense, this is the kind of book you stay up way too late listening to because you have to know what happens next. Go in blind if you can, hit play on the audio, and trust me when I say everyone is going to be talking about this one come March.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want all my friends to read this one, and I hope they love it as much as I did.
Joy Moore and Benny Abbott have been friends for several years. When they met, they decided to be friends—and they’ve been best friends ever since. For the last few years, they’ve run one of the most famous podcasts in the world together. Joy’s husband handles all the behind-the-scenes work and keeps everything running smoothly.
One morning, Benny shows up to tape the next episode, but no one is home. To Benny, this is very strange—Joy would never disappear right before taping. He becomes even more worried when Joy’s dog is found outside the house. Benny knows something bad has happened.
Benny is desperate; he wants his best friend back.
So what happened to Joy and Xander?
And this is where I stopped. I don’t recommend reading any further spoilers. Better to go in blind.
This Story Might Save Your Life was refreshing in its delivery. It’s definitely a debut worth reading—and recommending wholeheartedly.
Just so you know, I devoured the audiobook. It helped that both narrators—Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins—are outstanding.
In case you missed it at the beginning of this review: Read this book!
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Joy Moore and Benny Abbott have been friends for several years. When they met, they decided to be friends—and they’ve been best friends ever since. For the last few years, they’ve run one of the most famous podcasts in the world together. Joy’s husband handles all the behind-the-scenes work and keeps everything running smoothly.
One morning, Benny shows up to tape the next episode, but no one is home. To Benny, this is very strange—Joy would never disappear right before taping. He becomes even more worried when Joy’s dog is found outside the house. Benny knows something bad has happened.
Benny is desperate; he wants his best friend back.
So what happened to Joy and Xander?
And this is where I stopped. I don’t recommend reading any further spoilers. Better to go in blind.
This Story Might Save Your Life was refreshing in its delivery. It’s definitely a debut worth reading—and recommending wholeheartedly.
Just so you know, I devoured the audiobook. It helped that both narrators—Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins—are outstanding.
In case you missed it at the beginning of this review: Read this book!
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 24, 2025
I work at Macmillan and received this arc from a colleague. Devoured this in basically 24 hours. Such a multilayered that will keep you guessing and will leave you hungry for more.
January 15, 2026
THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE by Tiffany Crum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thank you netgalley for the advanced copy and Macmillan audio for the advanced copy. Wow, wow, wow. Give me a book that hooks me from the first chapter? Done and done. This book deserves all the hype it’s going to get! This is a little bit of a genre bender with mystery, a little bit of romance, a little thriller! The entire time I was listening I kept telling my husband, YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS ONE!
The audio for this book is INCREDIBLE. It’s a full production! Podcast clips and phone calls made it so fun and so real! Their bff banter had me wishing I could listen to their podcast in real life. The audio version of this book is 100% the way to read this one.
Best friends Joy and Benny host a hit podcast together detailing survival stories. When Joy and her Husband, Zander, go missing, Benny becomes a prime suspect. Benny is willing to do whatever he has to in order to find his best friend.
Pub. Date: 3/10/26.
Perfect if you like:
•Incredible audio!!
•Mystery that keeps you guessing.
•Best friend banter.
•Fast paced.
•Unexpected twists!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Mood: 🍿🫗
⚠️: explicit language.
The audio for this book is INCREDIBLE. It’s a full production! Podcast clips and phone calls made it so fun and so real! Their bff banter had me wishing I could listen to their podcast in real life. The audio version of this book is 100% the way to read this one.
Best friends Joy and Benny host a hit podcast together detailing survival stories. When Joy and her Husband, Zander, go missing, Benny becomes a prime suspect. Benny is willing to do whatever he has to in order to find his best friend.
Pub. Date: 3/10/26.
Perfect if you like:
•Incredible audio!!
•Mystery that keeps you guessing.
•Best friend banter.
•Fast paced.
•Unexpected twists!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Mood: 🍿🫗
⚠️: explicit language.
March 20, 2025
I was invited to read an early copy and loved the book! The relationship of the main characters, Joy and Benny, is magical. I usually don’t choose books with this much of a thriller aspect, but this one had me immensely intrigued. What a nice combination of interesting characters, beautiful writing and suspense!
January 24, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the gifted ALC of This Story Might Save Your Life. All opinions are my own.
I went into this thinking it was a thriller but it ended up being more of a mystery / literary fiction read which I overall enjoyed. Once I lost the mindset that this was a thriller I stepped into the story that was a mystery wrapped in a love story. The characters were lovable and relatable. I really connected with them and absolutely loved the podcast tie in to the book.
Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a beloved podcast together every week. They talk stories of survival and near death experiences. Their latest survival story may turn into one of their own when Benny shows up at Joy and her husband’s home and finds signs of a break in and a missing Joy and husband.
A story of love, friendship, and mystery wrapped in a nice bow. I recommend this one on audio and I am so excited for another great debut for us readers!
I went into this thinking it was a thriller but it ended up being more of a mystery / literary fiction read which I overall enjoyed. Once I lost the mindset that this was a thriller I stepped into the story that was a mystery wrapped in a love story. The characters were lovable and relatable. I really connected with them and absolutely loved the podcast tie in to the book.
Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a beloved podcast together every week. They talk stories of survival and near death experiences. Their latest survival story may turn into one of their own when Benny shows up at Joy and her husband’s home and finds signs of a break in and a missing Joy and husband.
A story of love, friendship, and mystery wrapped in a nice bow. I recommend this one on audio and I am so excited for another great debut for us readers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Immediate thoughts after finishing: fantastic audiobook!! Holy banana bread the narration was amazing and the little extras really added to the book. Highly suggest going the audiobook route for this one! Rating and more thoughts to come. (Posted 2/5/26 right after finishing)
Rating: 8/10: 4⭐️’s
Part 1, 5⭐️’s. Part 2, 2-3⭐️’s. Part 3, 3-4⭐️’s. Narration was 5⭐️’s. So I will go with 4⭐️’s overall.
Further thoughts still to come.
Rating posted: 2/8/26
Whoops, forgot to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the alc!!!
Expected publishing date: 3/10/26
Still working on further thoughts, not sure why i am struggling so much with this one.
added thank you to NG etc: 2/17/26
Rating: 8/10: 4⭐️’s
Part 1, 5⭐️’s. Part 2, 2-3⭐️’s. Part 3, 3-4⭐️’s. Narration was 5⭐️’s. So I will go with 4⭐️’s overall.
Further thoughts still to come.
Rating posted: 2/8/26
Whoops, forgot to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the alc!!!
Expected publishing date: 3/10/26
Still working on further thoughts, not sure why i am struggling so much with this one.
added thank you to NG etc: 2/17/26
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely phenomenal, and for a debut author no less!
I read a lot of books and find that a truly unique premise is hard to come by. Crum did just that, blending friendship, secrets, despair - and a podcast. Podcast stories are being more popular, but some of the issues that cloud this search ( Joy being a public figure and everyone "knowing" her and seeing her everywhere) adds an element that non famous people do not have to contend with. I also just loved the idea of the podcast itself; "how would you survive this unimaginable scenario?" and that Joys narcolepsy is not seen as a weakness, just a uniqueness.
I won't say more so as not to spoil the book, but I loved it. the two narrators did an amazing job bringing this to life. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tiffany Crum, and Macmillan audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
I read a lot of books and find that a truly unique premise is hard to come by. Crum did just that, blending friendship, secrets, despair - and a podcast. Podcast stories are being more popular, but some of the issues that cloud this search ( Joy being a public figure and everyone "knowing" her and seeing her everywhere) adds an element that non famous people do not have to contend with. I also just loved the idea of the podcast itself; "how would you survive this unimaginable scenario?" and that Joys narcolepsy is not seen as a weakness, just a uniqueness.
I won't say more so as not to spoil the book, but I loved it. the two narrators did an amazing job bringing this to life. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tiffany Crum, and Macmillan audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5★ I really had a fab time with this - it was a perfect mix of the fast pace of a mystery and great character development you often find in contemporary fiction. I feel as though this genre is more and more on the rise - we are moving away from slasher murder mysteries and towards a more introspective unwinding of facts.
The relationship between the characters felt really meaningful and very movingly portrayed, it really felt as though they were twin flames and yet life leads you down many paths which we explored with them.
I especially enjoyed the podcast component (HIGHLY recommend this on audiobook) because it made the characters so much more personable - those silly moments of laughter that maybe don't move the plot too much actually bring a huge depth to their characters.
Honestly, not too many more thoughts! This was an easy to follow but profound read and I had a great time.
The relationship between the characters felt really meaningful and very movingly portrayed, it really felt as though they were twin flames and yet life leads you down many paths which we explored with them.
I especially enjoyed the podcast component (HIGHLY recommend this on audiobook) because it made the characters so much more personable - those silly moments of laughter that maybe don't move the plot too much actually bring a huge depth to their characters.
Honestly, not too many more thoughts! This was an easy to follow but profound read and I had a great time.
January 14, 2026
4.5 stars!
Friends, listen carefully to me— I want to be clear: the audiobook is THE way to experience this story. Julia Whelan is the narrator… and quite frankly, that’s all I need to say..(iykyk) But beyond that, the full production with podcast clips and phone call snippets? Chef’s kiss. It made everything feel so real and layered, adding this next-level sense of mystery and immersion. Thank you, thank you, thank you @macmillan.audio for the ALC! 🎧 & shout out to @flatiron_books for my advanced copy! 📘
The mystery within this story keeps pulling you in—you just keep wanting more and more. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a straight-up thriller, but the suspense and intrigue are absolutely there!! It’s the type of vibe that makes you wanna pop some popcorn and cancel all your plans so you can lock in! 🍿
What really surprised me was the emotional depth. The relationships felt layered, messy, and real in the best way. The dynamic between Benny, Joy, and Xander was so complicated and so human— I loved how their history, loyalty, tension, and unspoken feelings all hit hard for me. It added a richness to the story that went beyond the mystery and made the characters feel fully alive.
TSMSYL is a mix of genres.. You might see it labeled as romance, but it’s really just a dab of romance so don’t go in expecting a full love story— although I won’t lie, the second I heard JW on the narration I thought that’s what I was walking into.. lol. Go in expecting something unique and fresh.
And to think, this is Tiffany Crum’s debut!!! Whew. Well done. 👏🏾 I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever she writes next.
So, should you read it or skip it?
READ IT!!!!! Don’t miss out on this one. 🤞🏾
Friends, listen carefully to me— I want to be clear: the audiobook is THE way to experience this story. Julia Whelan is the narrator… and quite frankly, that’s all I need to say..(iykyk) But beyond that, the full production with podcast clips and phone call snippets? Chef’s kiss. It made everything feel so real and layered, adding this next-level sense of mystery and immersion. Thank you, thank you, thank you @macmillan.audio for the ALC! 🎧 & shout out to @flatiron_books for my advanced copy! 📘
The mystery within this story keeps pulling you in—you just keep wanting more and more. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a straight-up thriller, but the suspense and intrigue are absolutely there!! It’s the type of vibe that makes you wanna pop some popcorn and cancel all your plans so you can lock in! 🍿
What really surprised me was the emotional depth. The relationships felt layered, messy, and real in the best way. The dynamic between Benny, Joy, and Xander was so complicated and so human— I loved how their history, loyalty, tension, and unspoken feelings all hit hard for me. It added a richness to the story that went beyond the mystery and made the characters feel fully alive.
TSMSYL is a mix of genres.. You might see it labeled as romance, but it’s really just a dab of romance so don’t go in expecting a full love story— although I won’t lie, the second I heard JW on the narration I thought that’s what I was walking into.. lol. Go in expecting something unique and fresh.
And to think, this is Tiffany Crum’s debut!!! Whew. Well done. 👏🏾 I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever she writes next.
So, should you read it or skip it?
READ IT!!!!! Don’t miss out on this one. 🤞🏾
December 26, 2025
Not full review
#ad much love for my advance copy and the portable speaker @flatironbook #partner #flatironpartner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
This Story Might Save Your Life
< @
Releases: March 10, 2026
Bonus! I don’t know if you’ve ever tried listening to an audiobook on a Bluetooth speaker but fun fact a lot of speakers can’t play audiobooks. They skip and it makes it annoying to listen to. But this speaker works like a charm and I love the light. THE BEST book swag I’ve ever received.
Also! On of our own is featured in this audiobook! @redreadreview HOW COOL IS THAT?! So excited for her! Check out her post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR1ztr...
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙳𝙾𝙴𝚂𝙽'𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄...𝙰 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁.
“Be kind, friends. You never know what someone is going through,” (p. 210).
Benny and Joy do a podcast together, but then Joy slips him a note saying she wants to stop. Now Joy and her husband are missing and it’s on Benny to find out what happened to her. There’s also the fact that Joy was about to divorce her husband.
Love this book!
🎧: Also listened while following along and highly recommend this audio. It’s full cast and such a fun and fab listen. I loved the podcast blips. It also had the tip line parts that the arc didn’t have.
Loved all the random weird facts.
A solid mystery wrapped in a compelling plot with fantastic characters. Loved it all.
Mem
Punch Me! 😂😂😂😂😂
Password protected file Benny needs to get into.
Was it a stalker, her husband, or someone else?
#ad much love for my advance copy and the portable speaker @flatironbook #partner #flatironpartner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
This Story Might Save Your Life
< @
Releases: March 10, 2026
Bonus! I don’t know if you’ve ever tried listening to an audiobook on a Bluetooth speaker but fun fact a lot of speakers can’t play audiobooks. They skip and it makes it annoying to listen to. But this speaker works like a charm and I love the light. THE BEST book swag I’ve ever received.
Also! On of our own is featured in this audiobook! @redreadreview HOW COOL IS THAT?! So excited for her! Check out her post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR1ztr...
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙳𝙾𝙴𝚂𝙽'𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄...𝙰 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁.
“Be kind, friends. You never know what someone is going through,” (p. 210).
Benny and Joy do a podcast together, but then Joy slips him a note saying she wants to stop. Now Joy and her husband are missing and it’s on Benny to find out what happened to her. There’s also the fact that Joy was about to divorce her husband.
Love this book!
🎧: Also listened while following along and highly recommend this audio. It’s full cast and such a fun and fab listen. I loved the podcast blips. It also had the tip line parts that the arc didn’t have.
Loved all the random weird facts.
A solid mystery wrapped in a compelling plot with fantastic characters. Loved it all.
Mem
Punch Me! 😂😂😂😂😂
Password protected file Benny needs to get into.
Was it a stalker, her husband, or someone else?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
perfect perfect perfect
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February 12, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the free ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.
I don't read a ton of thrillers, but this was exactly my kind of thriller. This book first drew me in with its beautiful cover, then I saw that Julia Whelan was one of the audiobook narrators along with Sean Patrick Hopkins. My interest was piqued!
This is a gripping story primarily featuring Joy and Benny, two friends who were estranged, reunited, and started a podcast together. When Joy and her husband Xander go missing, Benny is thrown into the search to find Joy and figure out what happened, before it's too late.
This book blended thriller/mystery with romance so well. I love how mysteries keep me reading, especially once I become engrossed in the story. I don't want to say too much more about this book so I'll leave it at this: pick it up! Major congratulations to Tiffany Crum for this stellar debut!
If you like audiobooks at all, please listen to this one! You've got queen Julia, plus excellent production that really brings the podcast aspect to life. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the free ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.
I don't read a ton of thrillers, but this was exactly my kind of thriller. This book first drew me in with its beautiful cover, then I saw that Julia Whelan was one of the audiobook narrators along with Sean Patrick Hopkins. My interest was piqued!
This is a gripping story primarily featuring Joy and Benny, two friends who were estranged, reunited, and started a podcast together. When Joy and her husband Xander go missing, Benny is thrown into the search to find Joy and figure out what happened, before it's too late.
This book blended thriller/mystery with romance so well. I love how mysteries keep me reading, especially once I become engrossed in the story. I don't want to say too much more about this book so I'll leave it at this: pick it up! Major congratulations to Tiffany Crum for this stellar debut!
If you like audiobooks at all, please listen to this one! You've got queen Julia, plus excellent production that really brings the podcast aspect to life. Highly recommend!
December 2, 2025
i love picking a random arc from the work shelf and finding out it’s a page turning mystery with a love subplot !! i would definitely be subscribed to their podcast
July 9, 2025
A whip-smart mystery. A love story that lingers. This Story Might Save Your Life is as clever as it is heartfelt, with sparkling prose, characters you can’t help but love, and a suspenseful puzzle at its core. Tiffany Crum's debut—and what a debut!—had me feverishly turning pages, and when it ended, I found myself wishing I could stay in her world just a little longer.
February 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Wow, this book was really good. First of all, the audiobook deserves a huge shoutout because Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins absolutely crushed the narration. The podcast-style vibe, the voice changes and the way they fully committed to the format were impeccable. The audiobook itself is easily five stars.
This story is kind of a genre mashup. You get romance, suspense, and thriller elements all blended together and somehow it all works. We follow Joy, who is diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teenager and is just trying to survive and make sense of her life. She meets Benny, who eventually becomes her best friend. There is an initial attraction but they immediately friend-zone each other and you follow their relationship over the years.
In the present-day timeline, Benny and Joy host a podcast together, which adds such a fun and unique layer to the story and really helps set the tone. The book opens with Joy going missing alongside her husband, Xander and from there the story moves between past and present timelines. You get Joy’s life, her marriage, and her struggles in the past, while the present follows Benny as he tries to piece together what happened. The dual timeline worked really well and I was constantly wanting to know what happened next.
I do want to mention that this book contains some heavy themes that may be triggering for some readers, including domestic violence and miscarriage so be aware of that before go in.
The reason this landed at four stars instead of five comes down to some character choices felt a little too far-fetched and there was so much miscommunication between Joy and Benny ugh…
Overall though, this was a really strong read with an incredible audiobook experience and I will definitely be recommending it to my audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ACL
Wow, this book was really good. First of all, the audiobook deserves a huge shoutout because Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins absolutely crushed the narration. The podcast-style vibe, the voice changes and the way they fully committed to the format were impeccable. The audiobook itself is easily five stars.
This story is kind of a genre mashup. You get romance, suspense, and thriller elements all blended together and somehow it all works. We follow Joy, who is diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teenager and is just trying to survive and make sense of her life. She meets Benny, who eventually becomes her best friend. There is an initial attraction but they immediately friend-zone each other and you follow their relationship over the years.
In the present-day timeline, Benny and Joy host a podcast together, which adds such a fun and unique layer to the story and really helps set the tone. The book opens with Joy going missing alongside her husband, Xander and from there the story moves between past and present timelines. You get Joy’s life, her marriage, and her struggles in the past, while the present follows Benny as he tries to piece together what happened. The dual timeline worked really well and I was constantly wanting to know what happened next.
I do want to mention that this book contains some heavy themes that may be triggering for some readers, including domestic violence and miscarriage so be aware of that before go in.
The reason this landed at four stars instead of five comes down to some character choices felt a little too far-fetched and there was so much miscommunication between Joy and Benny ugh…
Overall though, this was a really strong read with an incredible audiobook experience and I will definitely be recommending it to my audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ACL
February 20, 2026
Wowwwww. This debut was everything. Part mystery, part friendship, and wrapped in a love story with so much heart.
Benny and Joy host the podcast everyone has fallen in love with…until the morning Benny shows up to record and finds shattered glass and no Joy or her husband. What follows is a search through secrets, lies, loyalty, and learning who some people really are.
The alternate POVs between Benny’s present and Joy’s memoir pieces pulls you in. This isn’t just a disappearance thriller, it’s also a story about friendship, love and identity. I found myself rooting for Benny the whole way.
A beautifully crafted thriller with heart, humor, twists, and characters you’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Benny and Joy host the podcast everyone has fallen in love with…until the morning Benny shows up to record and finds shattered glass and no Joy or her husband. What follows is a search through secrets, lies, loyalty, and learning who some people really are.
The alternate POVs between Benny’s present and Joy’s memoir pieces pulls you in. This isn’t just a disappearance thriller, it’s also a story about friendship, love and identity. I found myself rooting for Benny the whole way.
A beautifully crafted thriller with heart, humor, twists, and characters you’ll be thinking about for a long time.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early release in exchange for an honest review. This Story Might Save Your Life was an incredibly well-done audiobook that I truly could not put down. The characters felt realistic, the situations were handled in a way that felt very real, and I’m so glad the story ended the way it did. Please note that the book does address sensitive topics, including domestic violence and miscarriage. Overall, this was a powerful and engaging listen, and I highly recommend it.
January 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!
When I saw the female narrator was Julia Whelan, I already knew the book was going to be good. I was correct!
This story about Joy, a podcaster, and Xander, her husband, gone missing is the perfect whodunnit... or more accurately, howdunnit. With only clues and breadcrumbs left in the podcasts themselves, Joy's podcast partner, Benny, is forced to figure out what's happened to Joy and clear his own name. Suspicion is pointed at lots of different people and ultimately, I was surprised at how everything went down and hadn't guessed the person to blame.
Side note: can we please get a real life version of this podcast? It sounds great!
When I saw the female narrator was Julia Whelan, I already knew the book was going to be good. I was correct!
This story about Joy, a podcaster, and Xander, her husband, gone missing is the perfect whodunnit... or more accurately, howdunnit. With only clues and breadcrumbs left in the podcasts themselves, Joy's podcast partner, Benny, is forced to figure out what's happened to Joy and clear his own name. Suspicion is pointed at lots of different people and ultimately, I was surprised at how everything went down and hadn't guessed the person to blame.
Side note: can we please get a real life version of this podcast? It sounds great!
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