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She Thought She Was Safe
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Expected 24 Feb 26A young woman is reunited with the famous father she never knew at a secluded lakeside community hiding nightmarish secrets in this immersive modern-day gothic for readers of psychological suspense by Mary Kubica, Sheri Lapena and Megan Miranda.
After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.
The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.
There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?
As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive . . .
After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.
The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.
There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?
As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive . . .
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
4 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Terri Parlato
6 books579 followersTerri Parlato was born and raised in upstate New York. She currently lives in a small north Georgia town with her husband and their dog Lucy.
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December 24, 2025Reunited with her father, a successful author whom she never knew, and invited to stay at his secluded lakeside home, Emma’s visit turns into a nightmare as someone is murdered, long held mysteries unfold, and she finds her life in danger.
With an atmospheric setting, the tension and suspense build as the story progresses. There are unexpected twists and turns that will have readers holding their breath until the final resolution.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.
With an atmospheric setting, the tension and suspense build as the story progresses. There are unexpected twists and turns that will have readers holding their breath until the final resolution.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.
November 15, 2025
Emma’s life is turned upside down after she catches her husband cheating and finds out he owes tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts, her mother passes away, and she finally learns who her father is, a very famous author.
I wanted to love this book but unfortunately it just missed the mark for me. The pacing was too slow and I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters. I wanted to feel the gothic lore from the lake and Victorian home but it just didn’t get there for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I wanted to love this book but unfortunately it just missed the mark for me. The pacing was too slow and I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters. I wanted to feel the gothic lore from the lake and Victorian home but it just didn’t get there for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 26, 2025
I really wanted to like this one but it just didn’t grab me. The setup had so much potential with the gothic lakeside house, family secrets, and eerie small-town vibe. The story dragged and never built the tension I was hoping for. I didn’t feel connected to the main character and the mystery felt predictable. There were a few interesting moments but overall this one just wasn’t for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚She Thought She Was Safe
✍🏻Terri Parlato
Blurb:
A young woman is reunited with the famous father she never knew at a secluded lakeside community hiding nightmarish secrets in this immersive modern-day gothic for readers of psychological suspense by Mary Kubica, Sheri Lapena and Megan Miranda.
After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.
The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.
There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?
As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive . . .
My Thoughts:
Emma’s life is turned upside down after she catches her husband cheating and finds out he owes tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts, her mother passes away, and she finally learns who her father is, a very famous author.. The setting is an eerie gothic lakehouse, filled with family secrets and eerie vibes. She Thought She Was Safe is an eerie psychological suspense.
After the unexpected death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage. Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings. For fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena you will enjoy this book, I highly recommend.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Books and Author Terri Parlato for the advanced copy of "She Thought She Was Safe" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#SheThoughtSheWasSafe
#TerriParlato
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Terri Parlato
Blurb:
A young woman is reunited with the famous father she never knew at a secluded lakeside community hiding nightmarish secrets in this immersive modern-day gothic for readers of psychological suspense by Mary Kubica, Sheri Lapena and Megan Miranda.
After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.
The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.
There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?
As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive . . .
My Thoughts:
Emma’s life is turned upside down after she catches her husband cheating and finds out he owes tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts, her mother passes away, and she finally learns who her father is, a very famous author.. The setting is an eerie gothic lakehouse, filled with family secrets and eerie vibes. She Thought She Was Safe is an eerie psychological suspense.
After the unexpected death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage. Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings. For fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena you will enjoy this book, I highly recommend.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Books and Author Terri Parlato for the advanced copy of "She Thought She Was Safe" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#SheThoughtSheWasSafe
#TerriParlato
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Emma Shrader, reeling from divorce and her mother’s death, accepts an invitation to meet the famous father she never knew. Alex Spencer, a celebrated author, welcomes her to his grand Victorian home on Cheshire Lake, a place steeped in history and shadowed by unease. What should be a chance for Emma to reconnect and finish her own novel quickly turns ominous when a neighbor is found dead and tensions rise within the family—particularly with Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.
As Emma settles into the lakeside community, she discovers that both her past and Cheshire Lake itself are riddled with secrets. Strange disappearances, unsettling deaths, and buried memories converge, leaving Emma to question whether she has found the family she longed for—or stepped into a nightmare she may never escape.
Parlato delivers a chilling tale that immerses the reader in a world where nothing is as straightforward as it appears and trust is constantly in question. The suspense builds layer by layer, intertwining past shadows with present dangers, until both Emma and the reader are ensnared in a maze of doubt. With its gothic flavor and psychological intensity, this novel will appeal to those who enjoy thrillers steeped in family secrets and hidden motives.
The setting itself amplifies the unease—dim corridors, fractured family ties, and a community steeped in whispers all heighten the tension. Emma’s uneasy bond with her half-sister Sunny adds another edge of mistrust, while the slow revelation of Cheshire Lake’s sinister history keeps the mystery alive. Shifting timelines, morally ambiguous characters, and unexpected turns transform what begins as a familiar thriller into something far more compelling. The combination of eerie atmosphere, emotional resonance, and shocking discoveries makes this a striking and unforgettable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, The views presented here are solely my own.
As Emma settles into the lakeside community, she discovers that both her past and Cheshire Lake itself are riddled with secrets. Strange disappearances, unsettling deaths, and buried memories converge, leaving Emma to question whether she has found the family she longed for—or stepped into a nightmare she may never escape.
Parlato delivers a chilling tale that immerses the reader in a world where nothing is as straightforward as it appears and trust is constantly in question. The suspense builds layer by layer, intertwining past shadows with present dangers, until both Emma and the reader are ensnared in a maze of doubt. With its gothic flavor and psychological intensity, this novel will appeal to those who enjoy thrillers steeped in family secrets and hidden motives.
The setting itself amplifies the unease—dim corridors, fractured family ties, and a community steeped in whispers all heighten the tension. Emma’s uneasy bond with her half-sister Sunny adds another edge of mistrust, while the slow revelation of Cheshire Lake’s sinister history keeps the mystery alive. Shifting timelines, morally ambiguous characters, and unexpected turns transform what begins as a familiar thriller into something far more compelling. The combination of eerie atmosphere, emotional resonance, and shocking discoveries makes this a striking and unforgettable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, The views presented here are solely my own.
December 6, 2025
Terri Parlato’s She Thought She Was Safe is an atmospheric, modern gothic that blends family drama with psychological suspense in a way that feels both elegant and unsettling.
Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.
The novel thrives on contrasts: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings.
Parlato’s prose is immersive and elegant, drawing readers into a community where nothing is quite as it seems. The suspense builds steadily, weaving past and present together until Emma—and the reader—are left questioning who can be trusted, and whether escape is even possible.
This is a gripping, gothic-tinged thriller perfect for fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena, where family ties, buried secrets, and a chilling sense of place combine to create a story you won’t want to put down.
With thanks to Terri Parlato, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.
The novel thrives on contrasts: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings.
Parlato’s prose is immersive and elegant, drawing readers into a community where nothing is quite as it seems. The suspense builds steadily, weaving past and present together until Emma—and the reader—are left questioning who can be trusted, and whether escape is even possible.
This is a gripping, gothic-tinged thriller perfect for fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena, where family ties, buried secrets, and a chilling sense of place combine to create a story you won’t want to put down.
With thanks to Terri Parlato, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Kensington Books for this gifted ARC!
This was a really short thriller/mystery and it was pretty enjoyable for the length that it was. Because it was a bit on the shorter side I wouldn't say there was a lot of connection or depth to it, but at surface level it was still an enjoyable quick read.
The main character, Emma, is thrown into a world of seemingly close neighbors but things really aren't what they appear to be. There are many twists, murder mysteries that arise, and tensions among the entire cast of people. I didn't guess anything correctly for the book, so that is a major win for the author, when it comes to these types of stories I want to be wrong. There were a lot of revelations at the end that I really didn't see coming and I enjoyed that. The main point of Emma needing to get away to this remote area in New England is to disappear from her ex-husband and his troubles, and I wish there had been more focus on that as well. It was more of a side point and not really fleshed out as much as it could have been. Again, I think that comes back to the short page count of the book, there just wasn't enough time for it.
For the short length of the book, it delivers what you would want out of a mystery/thriller. It kept me guessing and invested enough to keep reading. I would have absolutely enjoyed this more if it was longer and given a bit more depth for all of the characters as well! This comes out February 24th!
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This was a really short thriller/mystery and it was pretty enjoyable for the length that it was. Because it was a bit on the shorter side I wouldn't say there was a lot of connection or depth to it, but at surface level it was still an enjoyable quick read.
The main character, Emma, is thrown into a world of seemingly close neighbors but things really aren't what they appear to be. There are many twists, murder mysteries that arise, and tensions among the entire cast of people. I didn't guess anything correctly for the book, so that is a major win for the author, when it comes to these types of stories I want to be wrong. There were a lot of revelations at the end that I really didn't see coming and I enjoyed that. The main point of Emma needing to get away to this remote area in New England is to disappear from her ex-husband and his troubles, and I wish there had been more focus on that as well. It was more of a side point and not really fleshed out as much as it could have been. Again, I think that comes back to the short page count of the book, there just wasn't enough time for it.
For the short length of the book, it delivers what you would want out of a mystery/thriller. It kept me guessing and invested enough to keep reading. I would have absolutely enjoyed this more if it was longer and given a bit more depth for all of the characters as well! This comes out February 24th!
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of She Thought She Was Safe!
Wow, that ending had my heart racing and me on the edge of my seat! This was an incredible psychological thriller, and i loved every minute of this book.
Emma, after losing her mother, finds her long lost father, who happens to be a best selling author of historical mysteries. All she's ever wanted was a family, so she reaches out and he invites her to his lake house to stay. But upon arrival, she begins to see that things aren't as normal as they seem. After the brutal murder of Alex's neighbor, Simon, stories begin not adding up, and she has more questions than answers. Who really are the families that live in the secluded lake houses..? She'll soon find out that nobody really has her best interest in heart, except Noah, a journalist she formed a relationship with early on. She finds out that her dad got real-life experiences that were the basis of his books, and she has to find a way to get to the police and tell them everything she's found, while not being caught by Ruth, Larry, or Alex first.
This book will leave you asking yourself, "how well do I REALLY know those close to me?"
I could not believe the twists and turns this book took. It was definitely a rollercoaster of suspense, and I absolutely loved every single minute of it.
Wow, that ending had my heart racing and me on the edge of my seat! This was an incredible psychological thriller, and i loved every minute of this book.
Emma, after losing her mother, finds her long lost father, who happens to be a best selling author of historical mysteries. All she's ever wanted was a family, so she reaches out and he invites her to his lake house to stay. But upon arrival, she begins to see that things aren't as normal as they seem. After the brutal murder of Alex's neighbor, Simon, stories begin not adding up, and she has more questions than answers. Who really are the families that live in the secluded lake houses..? She'll soon find out that nobody really has her best interest in heart, except Noah, a journalist she formed a relationship with early on. She finds out that her dad got real-life experiences that were the basis of his books, and she has to find a way to get to the police and tell them everything she's found, while not being caught by Ruth, Larry, or Alex first.
This book will leave you asking yourself, "how well do I REALLY know those close to me?"
I could not believe the twists and turns this book took. It was definitely a rollercoaster of suspense, and I absolutely loved every single minute of it.
November 30, 2025
Once again,Terri Parlato has gifted readers with a masterfully crafted suspense drama that is unputdownable. This thriller is filled with family drama, lies, secrets and murder. The twists are plentiful throughout the entire book and many are gasp out loud revelations.
After the unexpected death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage, Emma is looking for a place to escape to. She discovers the identity of her father, something her mother had kept hidden from her, and accepts his invitation to stay at his beautiful lake house in Maine. Her father is a famous author, and Emma is hoping to write her first novel. With this in common, Emma is looking forward to getting to know her father better and enjoying the peacefulness of the lake. When a neighbor is found dead, and it's later ruled a murder, that hopefullness begins to fall apart.
The pacing of the story is perfect, letting little bits of information out at a time. I enjoyed Emma's character, but some of the others were a bit sketchy, giving balance to the story. The descriptive setting was the perfect backdrop for the elements of suspense. As with Terri's other books I was swept away with the storytelling.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy
After the unexpected death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage, Emma is looking for a place to escape to. She discovers the identity of her father, something her mother had kept hidden from her, and accepts his invitation to stay at his beautiful lake house in Maine. Her father is a famous author, and Emma is hoping to write her first novel. With this in common, Emma is looking forward to getting to know her father better and enjoying the peacefulness of the lake. When a neighbor is found dead, and it's later ruled a murder, that hopefullness begins to fall apart.
The pacing of the story is perfect, letting little bits of information out at a time. I enjoyed Emma's character, but some of the others were a bit sketchy, giving balance to the story. The descriptive setting was the perfect backdrop for the elements of suspense. As with Terri's other books I was swept away with the storytelling.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy
August 19, 2025
She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato had me hooked from the eerie first glimpse of Cheshire Lake. Emma Shrader is reeling from a divorce and her mother’s death. She accepts an invite to meet the famous father she’s never known, a brooding and best selling author who’s living in a sprawling Victorian that feels straight out of a gothic novel. At first, it’s all lake views and literary mentorship…until a neighbor turns up dead and the whole community’s friendly small town vibe starts to crack. The novels atmosphere is unsettling with creaky halls, whispered family tension, and a town full of sideways glances. Emma’s relationship with her half sister Sunny crackles with suspicion, and the slow reveal of both Emma’s secrets and Cheshire Lake’s dark history kept me guessing. I loved how the story mixed family drama, past tragedies, and modern psychological suspense. The perfect moody and layered mystery that’s tinged with the feeling that something is watching from the shadows!
December 23, 2025
She thought she was safe by Terri parlato
This story takes place around a woman named Emma after losing her mother and a complicated divorce. She receives an invite from her father who is a wealthy author, he offers for her to come to his home in Cheshire lake located in Maine.
Emma is also an inspiring author who hopes to get her first novel in the works and hopes to reconnect and get some help from her father in more ways than one.
After arriving at the beautiful home in Maine she learns of Alex’s other daughter sunny who runs his pr for his author career, as she receives a not so warm welcome from her new sister.
Things start to turn upside down when a neighbor is found dead and uncovers a few other disappearances that connect to this area.
What an insanely good book. I loved the base and character build.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this arc
This story takes place around a woman named Emma after losing her mother and a complicated divorce. She receives an invite from her father who is a wealthy author, he offers for her to come to his home in Cheshire lake located in Maine.
Emma is also an inspiring author who hopes to get her first novel in the works and hopes to reconnect and get some help from her father in more ways than one.
After arriving at the beautiful home in Maine she learns of Alex’s other daughter sunny who runs his pr for his author career, as she receives a not so warm welcome from her new sister.
Things start to turn upside down when a neighbor is found dead and uncovers a few other disappearances that connect to this area.
What an insanely good book. I loved the base and character build.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reeling from the death of her mother and a difficult divorce, Emma - who is struggling to write her novel - decides to accept an invitation from her unfamiliar father, who is a famous writer whom her mother had a fling with decades ago.
But her arrival at her father's lavish home in Maine feels less than welcoming - especially when she meets her enigmatic half sister.
Very soon after Emma gets there, someone is discovered dead, and the atmosphere quickly turns ominous. Has she made a mistake in coming to this place?
An entertaining story with a gothic feel to it, this will be devoured by thriller readers who enjoy having some complex family dynamics thrown in alongside the twists they are likely to encounter in storytelling in this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But her arrival at her father's lavish home in Maine feels less than welcoming - especially when she meets her enigmatic half sister.
Very soon after Emma gets there, someone is discovered dead, and the atmosphere quickly turns ominous. Has she made a mistake in coming to this place?
An entertaining story with a gothic feel to it, this will be devoured by thriller readers who enjoy having some complex family dynamics thrown in alongside the twists they are likely to encounter in storytelling in this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2025
Terri Parlato's books have all been 5-star reads for me, so I requested this one as soon as I saw it. Happily, this one was just as good as her other books! I have to say, at the time of this review, this book has a 2.8 rating and I find that very surprising. There are multiple mysteries in the present day, multiple mysteries from 30 years ago, the isolated community setting is great, the characters are shady and there are plenty of shocking twists! I had no idea who to trust or what was happening and I didn't see any of the twists coming. I thoroughly enjoyed She Thought She Was Safe and I'm already looking forward to Terri Parlato's next book!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's always nice to read books about people writing books, and this time it is the main theme of this story, which makes it double nice :)
I loved the unique storyline they presented here once you see the whole picture. At the beginning it would seem like a usual mystery book, but once the story unfolds, I had my beloved "whoa" moment.
If there are things I would want change in this story, it is the sometimes inconsistent behavior of the people which makes things so obvious, and lessens the mystery air of the story. But it didn't happen often and is subtle, so the story is really good and likeable.
I would recommend it for sure and will read more books by the author.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the unique storyline they presented here once you see the whole picture. At the beginning it would seem like a usual mystery book, but once the story unfolds, I had my beloved "whoa" moment.
If there are things I would want change in this story, it is the sometimes inconsistent behavior of the people which makes things so obvious, and lessens the mystery air of the story. But it didn't happen often and is subtle, so the story is really good and likeable.
I would recommend it for sure and will read more books by the author.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of She Thought She Was Safe.
I raced to get this ARC as soon as I saw Terri Parlato’s name. I love her Rita Myers series and (wrongly) thought this was the next installment. A few chapters in, I sensed that this was not like her other books. The writing style was definitely different, and not in a good way. I found the first 85% of the book to be repetitive and painfully slow. The plot wrapped up very quickly and, in my opinion, sort of sloppily. The ending was also not very satisfying as there was no follow through on certain characters plot lines of the ramifications after certain reveals.
Overall, this was disappointing to me. I’d say it’s. ⭐️⭐️
I raced to get this ARC as soon as I saw Terri Parlato’s name. I love her Rita Myers series and (wrongly) thought this was the next installment. A few chapters in, I sensed that this was not like her other books. The writing style was definitely different, and not in a good way. I found the first 85% of the book to be repetitive and painfully slow. The plot wrapped up very quickly and, in my opinion, sort of sloppily. The ending was also not very satisfying as there was no follow through on certain characters plot lines of the ramifications after certain reveals.
Overall, this was disappointing to me. I’d say it’s. ⭐️⭐️
November 29, 2025
She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato is a psychological thriller set in a quiet Maine lake town that’s full of secrets. Emma thinks she’s getting a fresh start when she reconnects with her wealthy father, but the eerie house, uneasy family dynamics, and mysterious deaths quickly turn her new life into a nightmare. Parlato does a great job building atmosphere and tension, and the family-secrets plot keeps the story moving. Some of the gothic-house tropes feel familiar, but the suspense and emotional layers make it a compelling, creepy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
December 5, 2025
When Emma's marriage strands and her mother dies, she needs a fresh start. After recently learning who her father actually is and having the option to reside in their family mansion on Cheshire Lake, she takes her father up on his offer. With only two neighbors on either side of the mansion and being cut of from the outside word this do get a bit scary. Especially when someone is murdered and the murderer is believed to be someone in residence of Cheshire Lake.
Want to read my full review on this book? You can find it here;
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Want to read my full review on this book? You can find it here;
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December 9, 2025
I must thank NetGalley for this book.
It was gripping enough for me to finish it in one day, but it wasn't quite believable and I didn't like the writing style, either. Writing in the present tense isn't for everybody. I understand the author's reason for choosing to use it, but I feel it wasn't the right choice.
Moreover, there was a lot of telling instead of showing. Lots of sentences were short and abrupt. Many felt clumsy. I did suspect one of the "villains" all along and I felt satisfaction when I was proven right.
Will I recommend this book? I'm not sure. It's not horrible, but it's not good, either. A light thriller for a Saturday evening, perhaps.
It was gripping enough for me to finish it in one day, but it wasn't quite believable and I didn't like the writing style, either. Writing in the present tense isn't for everybody. I understand the author's reason for choosing to use it, but I feel it wasn't the right choice.
Moreover, there was a lot of telling instead of showing. Lots of sentences were short and abrupt. Many felt clumsy. I did suspect one of the "villains" all along and I felt satisfaction when I was proven right.
Will I recommend this book? I'm not sure. It's not horrible, but it's not good, either. A light thriller for a Saturday evening, perhaps.
November 27, 2025
Thank you, Kensington Publishing for providing the copy of She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato. I liked the story of Emma, an aspiring writer, discovering her father Alex, a famous author, and moving in with him, even though it wasn’t very believable.The pacing felt off, though, and the ending came out of nowhere and happened all at once. Maybe there wasn’t enough build-up, or it wasn't effective, and I wanted more suspects and red herrings. It was disappointing because I enjoyed the beginning and the middle of the book, and appreciated the foreboding feelings it gave me. 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Terri, for giving me the chance to read this ARC! I devoured it in one sitting!
Terri does a fantastic job at keeping you guessing the whole time! I loved the originality of the story and the way each character had their flaws, but it wasn’t over done, so any of them could be the bad guy and it would make sense. I typically am able to guess twists and turns in books and movies, but this one really kept me engaged and excited for the next page!
I highly recommend this book and her others!
Terri does a fantastic job at keeping you guessing the whole time! I loved the originality of the story and the way each character had their flaws, but it wasn’t over done, so any of them could be the bad guy and it would make sense. I typically am able to guess twists and turns in books and movies, but this one really kept me engaged and excited for the next page!
I highly recommend this book and her others!
August 25, 2025
This is by no means an exact quote, largely because i'm not going to take the time to look for it, but: 'I got to the house and slid my shoes off. I was super tired from all of the emotions of finding a new family. I put my shoes away neatly and noticed a grandfather clock. It didn't seem to have been wound recently, so i went upstairs to go to sleep'.
That's the level of narration we're dealing with here.
That's the level of narration we're dealing with here.
December 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this novel.
This novel has a good premise and I enjoyed the back and forth of the intense mystery of the Spencer family. I also enjoyed following along as Emma works to discover who she can trust and what really happened with her father. However, I do think this story could've had more character depth and I would've personally enjoyed a little longer wrap up. Overall, if you like thrillers you'll enjoy this quick read.
This novel has a good premise and I enjoyed the back and forth of the intense mystery of the Spencer family. I also enjoyed following along as Emma works to discover who she can trust and what really happened with her father. However, I do think this story could've had more character depth and I would've personally enjoyed a little longer wrap up. Overall, if you like thrillers you'll enjoy this quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After Emma, who is reeling from the loss of her mother and marriage, she receives an invitation to meet her estranged father. Emma is happy for a fresh start, but after a mysterious death happens at the idyllic lake home, things get creepy. This one was full of twists I didn't see coming and kept me wondering who Emma could really trust. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a chance to read this in exchange for an early review.
December 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. The description of this book really got my attention and I was excited to start reading this one. I liked the plot of the book but it was a bit slow moving for me and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. It was a quick read which I enjoyed. Overall a decent read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
She Thought She Was Safe was a whirlwind, slow-burn of domestic suspense. I’ll admit I wasn’t hooked from the beginning as the story took a bit to get going, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down. I suspected everyone and once the twists started rolling in, they just kept coming in rapid succession. The ending was jaw-dropping and overall, I really enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a good thriller. Enjoyed myself with this one. Read it last weekend. Loved the eery feeling it brought and the end, I didn't see it coming at all. It is not the fastest paced thriller but the again this author is from a good medium-paced thriller.
Overall a solid and smooth thriller with a banger of a cliffhanger at the end...
I really recommend this one 👌
Overall a solid and smooth thriller with a banger of a cliffhanger at the end...
I really recommend this one 👌
December 6, 2025
This was a pretty good book. It did take me a bit to get into it, but once I did I was hooked. The way all the families are intertwined and the secrets they each held was fun to unravel.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A little bit repetitive, but SOO GOOD! This book had my Heart racing the whole second half of it! I was also able to kind of guess a part of the book, but I wasn’t disappointed! It was actually one of those moments where I wasn’t sure and the fact that I was right just made it even better!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great read! The page turning thriller kept me on my toes and I loved all the twists and turns. I love Terri Parlato's style and subject. Please write a sequel to this one! I want more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adored this gothic thriller. So many twists and turns, it will keep you on the edge of your seat!
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