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Smash Hit
From Sarah Richards, the best-selling author of
The Worst of You
,
China White
and
Born Winners
, comes a riveting psychological thriller performed by award-winning actress Sarah Gadon.
Rhonda’s dream of becoming a best-selling author has turned into a nightmare of shattered hopes and writer’s block. But when a free-spirited young teacher candidate named Emi offers her a chance to ghostwrite her shocking memoir, Rhonda sees an opportunity for redemption.
Little does she know, this project will plunge her into a dark web of secrets, lies, and deadly consequences. When Emi’s body is discovered and Rhonda’s husband is accused of having an affair with the victim, Rhonda finds herself unearthing a trail of dark secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep buried. As the shadowy figures responsible for Emi’s murder set their sights on Rhonda, she must race against time to prove her innocence and prevent her own story from ending in a tragedy.
Rhonda’s dream of becoming a best-selling author has turned into a nightmare of shattered hopes and writer’s block. But when a free-spirited young teacher candidate named Emi offers her a chance to ghostwrite her shocking memoir, Rhonda sees an opportunity for redemption.
Little does she know, this project will plunge her into a dark web of secrets, lies, and deadly consequences. When Emi’s body is discovered and Rhonda’s husband is accused of having an affair with the victim, Rhonda finds herself unearthing a trail of dark secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep buried. As the shadowy figures responsible for Emi’s murder set their sights on Rhonda, she must race against time to prove her innocence and prevent her own story from ending in a tragedy.
Audible Audio
Published June 26, 2025
25 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Richards
45 books36 followersI am Sarah—a lifelong Southern belle who will never put sugar in her grits.
I have been published in Bella Grace magazine, writersdigest.com, and my story, “The Ghoul of Whitmire Cemetery,” set in my hometown of Pensacola, Florida, was recognized as an Honorable Mention and published in The Saturday Evening Post’s “Great American Short Stories” anthology in 2016. “The Post-It Poet,” set at my alma mater of Pensacola State College (PSC), placed as an Honorable Mention in the 2019 contest, and “Office Space Cadets,” also set at PSC, placed as Honorable Mention in the 2022 contest.
My Amazon.com author page can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08G7PDJFV
I am a writing expert for a global proofreading company and edit academic papers for a company based in Finland—all while working towards my B.A. in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing.
I enjoy life with my husband and children in the Florida Panhandle.
I have been published in Bella Grace magazine, writersdigest.com, and my story, “The Ghoul of Whitmire Cemetery,” set in my hometown of Pensacola, Florida, was recognized as an Honorable Mention and published in The Saturday Evening Post’s “Great American Short Stories” anthology in 2016. “The Post-It Poet,” set at my alma mater of Pensacola State College (PSC), placed as an Honorable Mention in the 2019 contest, and “Office Space Cadets,” also set at PSC, placed as Honorable Mention in the 2022 contest.
My Amazon.com author page can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08G7PDJFV
I am a writing expert for a global proofreading company and edit academic papers for a company based in Finland—all while working towards my B.A. in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing.
I enjoy life with my husband and children in the Florida Panhandle.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 9, 2025
Audible
"Calm down danny you'll scare all the birds away."
That sentence out of nowhere in a particularly suspenseful scene. In light of what's happening at the time, who would give a crap how the birds would react to a raised voice?
"That's when her depth of desperation conjures a twist of good fortune."
And this little gem that represents how this main female lead apparently survives life, because she's so dumb I don't know how she has made it to 32.
"Calm down danny you'll scare all the birds away."
That sentence out of nowhere in a particularly suspenseful scene. In light of what's happening at the time, who would give a crap how the birds would react to a raised voice?
"That's when her depth of desperation conjures a twist of good fortune."
And this little gem that represents how this main female lead apparently survives life, because she's so dumb I don't know how she has made it to 32.
July 2, 2025
So bad. Contrived, simple, ridiculous, and the narrator sounded like a teenager. I had to check to make sure I hadn’t accidentally selected a YA novel. Thank goodness I didn’t have to pay for it!
July 3, 2025
The story would be better if the characters weren't so frustrating.
August 14, 2025
Not a fan.
The protagonist was unlikable and annoying.
If this hadn't been an audiobook, I would've dnf'd it!
The protagonist was unlikable and annoying.
If this hadn't been an audiobook, I would've dnf'd it!
July 30, 2025
I can't believe I took the time to finish this book.
January 7, 2026
my god what an unlikeable protagonist
started off well but then just became so stupid and boring. the men in the trench coats? please. "don't shout Danny you'll scare the birds away" ?!?!!
nah
started off well but then just became so stupid and boring. the men in the trench coats? please. "don't shout Danny you'll scare the birds away" ?!?!!
nah
August 4, 2025
A story full of clichés and self-absorbed characters with very little or no character growth.
Random sentences that add nothing to scenes or the story. What does describing what an officer's nips look like through her shirt have to do with a murder investigation? No one would be worried about birds being scared during an intense moment.
There was too much incompetence, ridiculously terrible communication between everyone, and lots of ignoring the obvious. Having one character constantly throwing tantrums and accusations everywhere because she felt like it was annoying, to say the least.
Random sentences that add nothing to scenes or the story. What does describing what an officer's nips look like through her shirt have to do with a murder investigation? No one would be worried about birds being scared during an intense moment.
There was too much incompetence, ridiculously terrible communication between everyone, and lots of ignoring the obvious. Having one character constantly throwing tantrums and accusations everywhere because she felt like it was annoying, to say the least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Please. FTLOG PLEASE. I’m upset I finished it. Pay for a better book.
August 1, 2025
The worst book I've read in at least a decade. You know in elementary school when you learn to write prose? And you add silly layer upon layer? That kind of bad.
July 29, 2025
I couldn’t even finish this one, and I never typically give up once I’ve started a book. Story was unbelievable, main character was unlikable and her decisions were ridiculous. As was her motivation, wanting to be an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Enjoyed the beginning, and then it lost my attention. It is almost like 1/3 of the way in, a completely different book started. -KM
January 30, 2026
Just too far fetched for me. Many plot lines and sub stories were unrealistic and unbelievable. The main character was incredibly immature. So many decisions the protagonist made made zero sense.
August 16, 2025
I enjoyed the book with its murder mystery, alcoholism, religious devotion relationship challenges and questionable handling of a teen. It has a small town setting and our protagonist is a teacher who dreams of being a successful author. I think more could have been done with her, but I'm not sure what.
The murder victim was the most vibrant of the characters and stood out like a shining star, even though her presence in the story was short-lived. She was somewhat beyond belief, but I think that was an intentional aspect of her character. Prior to being a murder victim she was a victim of a different sort. She had some tragic experiences when she was younger and we don't find out the fuller picture until she is long gone.
Her son, 15 years old, is the real victim here. He has to live with his mother's victimhood as well as all of the unfortunate events that have tainted his own life. I think his character could have been developed more fully. We see nothing of his school life or of friends or of him being on the basketball team, all of which could have made him more three dimensional. As it stands, his only claim to fame is being the son of his victim-mother and criminal-dad, that he only discovers toward the end of the book.
Not to worry, though, this is one story that does have a happy ending.
The murder victim was the most vibrant of the characters and stood out like a shining star, even though her presence in the story was short-lived. She was somewhat beyond belief, but I think that was an intentional aspect of her character. Prior to being a murder victim she was a victim of a different sort. She had some tragic experiences when she was younger and we don't find out the fuller picture until she is long gone.
Her son, 15 years old, is the real victim here. He has to live with his mother's victimhood as well as all of the unfortunate events that have tainted his own life. I think his character could have been developed more fully. We see nothing of his school life or of friends or of him being on the basketball team, all of which could have made him more three dimensional. As it stands, his only claim to fame is being the son of his victim-mother and criminal-dad, that he only discovers toward the end of the book.
Not to worry, though, this is one story that does have a happy ending.
July 21, 2025
Audible plus listen 3.5 rounded down to 3
Smash Hit follows Rhonda a failing aspiring writer who is now a teacher at a private school. Struggling to get her manuscript accepted she turns to her new student teacher Emi to help her figure out why she keeps getting denied. Little does she know the path it will lead her down. Scandals, murder, infidelity?
This could be a good story for those looking for a quick, easy, listen to pass time with a light thriller/mystery. It was easy to follow despite some parts that seemed to be random or jump around. I'm not usually one to say a character is whinny or frustrating, but I found it hard to connect with or understand many of the characters; so character build was a bit lacking and unrealistic. One example is a successful lawyer who just decided to quit it all and become a part of a church. While its somewhat explained why he did this it just still didnt feel plausible or right in the way it was built very quickly. Also, the main character, her job as a teacher did she even go to work? The story would lead to her going to work but then jumping to her leaving, so was she just ditching the middle of the school day or was it later?
Overall I did not expect the ending and the ending was tied together nicely with no loose ends.
Smash Hit follows Rhonda a failing aspiring writer who is now a teacher at a private school. Struggling to get her manuscript accepted she turns to her new student teacher Emi to help her figure out why she keeps getting denied. Little does she know the path it will lead her down. Scandals, murder, infidelity?
This could be a good story for those looking for a quick, easy, listen to pass time with a light thriller/mystery. It was easy to follow despite some parts that seemed to be random or jump around. I'm not usually one to say a character is whinny or frustrating, but I found it hard to connect with or understand many of the characters; so character build was a bit lacking and unrealistic. One example is a successful lawyer who just decided to quit it all and become a part of a church. While its somewhat explained why he did this it just still didnt feel plausible or right in the way it was built very quickly. Also, the main character, her job as a teacher did she even go to work? The story would lead to her going to work but then jumping to her leaving, so was she just ditching the middle of the school day or was it later?
Overall I did not expect the ending and the ending was tied together nicely with no loose ends.
February 1, 2026
📚 ᏰᎧᎧᏦ ᏒᏋᏉᎥᏋᏇ 2026 📚
Book 3/100 – 2026
Title: Smash Hit
Author: Sarah Richards
This book had serious potential, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat right from the start. The middle moved quickly, but not necessarily in a good way—there were several moments where I honestly questioned whether it was worth continuing. I pushed through to the end, mostly because I needed to know… WHO DID IT?!
Since this was a free Audible listen, it wasn’t a total bust, but I wouldn’t recommend it to others. A big struggle for me was the narrator—super annoying (rude? maybe. honest? absolutely). It could have just been an off book for her, but it definitely impacted the experience.
Quick synopsis: The story follows an author-turned-teacher after repeated rejections from publishers derail her writing career. She soon finds herself caught up in the death of another woman—who also happens to be a writer on the brink of a major breakthrough. The connections between characters were hard to keep track of, and even after finishing, I’m still left wondering… WHO DID IT?!
Book 3/100 – 2026
Title: Smash Hit
Author: Sarah Richards
This book had serious potential, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat right from the start. The middle moved quickly, but not necessarily in a good way—there were several moments where I honestly questioned whether it was worth continuing. I pushed through to the end, mostly because I needed to know… WHO DID IT?!
Since this was a free Audible listen, it wasn’t a total bust, but I wouldn’t recommend it to others. A big struggle for me was the narrator—super annoying (rude? maybe. honest? absolutely). It could have just been an off book for her, but it definitely impacted the experience.
Quick synopsis: The story follows an author-turned-teacher after repeated rejections from publishers derail her writing career. She soon finds herself caught up in the death of another woman—who also happens to be a writer on the brink of a major breakthrough. The connections between characters were hard to keep track of, and even after finishing, I’m still left wondering… WHO DID IT?!
November 1, 2025
A much-recommended audiobook on Audible, but what stands out most is the egocentrism of the protagonist and her husband—they’ll chase benefits even when others face serious risks. She’s a rather mediocre author who believes she’s found a way to write a “great” book and becomes obsessed with that chance.
The opening is slow; later it picks up with more tension and tangled motives, yet the ending feels weak and doesn’t land the buildup. Worth it just to pass the time, not to learn anything. If I had known, I wouldn’t have read it.
The opening is slow; later it picks up with more tension and tangled motives, yet the ending feels weak and doesn’t land the buildup. Worth it just to pass the time, not to learn anything. If I had known, I wouldn’t have read it.
July 1, 2025
Rhonda is a teacher at a private school and an aspiring author. Her manuscript has been rejected many times. Emi, a new co-worker reads it and pursuades Rhonda to write Emi's memoir instead, a tale of sex trafficing, an unwanted pregnancy and the reasons why she left town 15 years ago. The story was ok. A few twists, the narrator seemed unreluabke and I found not all questions were answered by the end.
September 15, 2025
Started off fairly good. However, the main character (actually almost every one in the novel) is absolutely selfish, despicable, unlikable. The twists are telegraphed/obvious, the police are supposedly super incompetent to the point of oblivious. I kept increasing playback speed to get through it. I found it unenjoyable and frustrating.
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October 9, 2025Dear Author, I hope you're having a wonderful day. Our
platform is currently hosting a suspense writing contest and
putting strong promotion behind suspense stories. Your
story aligns perfectly with the current content trend on our
platform —would you be interested in learning more: I hope
I'm not disturbing you.
platform is currently hosting a suspense writing contest and
putting strong promotion behind suspense stories. Your
story aligns perfectly with the current content trend on our
platform —would you be interested in learning more: I hope
I'm not disturbing you.
July 5, 2025
It was exactly what I was looking for. Easy to follow, unexpected twists, a redemption arc, and a satisfying ending. There are, of course, more intricate mysteries out there, but I enjoyed every minute of my listen. I would recommend giving it a chance.
July 17, 2025
This book scratches every itch you could have when it comes to reading psychological thrillers! Rhonda has no idea how much her life will change after meeting Emi or just how dark the pasts of some of those around her actually are. Really great book!
September 1, 2025
So bad. So boring. Completely unlikeable characters, annoying story. I really didn't care to figure out what happened and the protagonist was completely unlikeable. I guess it could have been worse and that's why it is't a 1 star but it was boring and suffers from " I just don't care" syndrome.
September 3, 2025
📚⭐️⭐️ BOOKTOK REVIEW ⭐️⭐️📚
Started strong, had me hooked… and then completely lost me. 😅 By the end, I honestly don’t even know how to explain what I just read. Confusing? Boring? Maybe both. Definitely not for me!
Started strong, had me hooked… and then completely lost me. 😅 By the end, I honestly don’t even know how to explain what I just read. Confusing? Boring? Maybe both. Definitely not for me!
October 30, 2025
A prep school teachers aide is murdered because of the diaries that she plans to publish. A teacher at the same school wants to ghost write the story for a "smash hit". This leads to corrupt cops, drug running, and family disputes.
December 26, 2025
The storyline was pretty good but listening to it in the beginning kinda threw me off. It was like a young adult tone but the storyline kept me listening.
My rating would be 3.5 but there's no half rating.
My rating would be 3.5 but there's no half rating.
July 14, 2025
was a good story. full disclosure,I picked it because the main character is named Rhonda lol but the story was pretty darn good.
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July 20, 2025AUDIO#24
July 26, 2025
Audiobook
July 26, 2025
This book has so many twists. It kept me engaged the entire length of it. Shout out to Sarah Gadon for her excellent narrating.
July 28, 2025
Many twists & turns that I didn't see coming. Just when I thought I'd figured it out, I was wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews