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When Matches Burn
Ten years ago Della Jones fled Belclaire, Louisiana, desperate to outrun the fire that nearly destroyed her. Now she’s back. Her mother has been murdered. Her sister is missing. And the town she tried to forget is ready to make her the villain all over again.
Haunted by guilt and hunted by suspicion, Del is forced to confront the ghosts she left behind, including the man she once loved, now the lead detective on the case. As she digs into her family's secrets, she uncovers something far more sinister than she imagined. Her sister was hiding something. So was her mother. And Belclaire? It’s been burying more than just bodies.
Haunted by guilt and hunted by suspicion, Del is forced to confront the ghosts she left behind, including the man she once loved, now the lead detective on the case. As she digs into her family's secrets, she uncovers something far more sinister than she imagined. Her sister was hiding something. So was her mother. And Belclaire? It’s been burying more than just bodies.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
356 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
6433 people want to read
About the author
M.E Mullen
2 books32 followersM.E Mullen writes dark, twisty stories about complicated women, secrets, and rabbit-hole mysteries. Her debut psychological thriller, When Matches Burn, has been praised for its gripping plot, haunting atmosphere, and razor-sharp voice.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, M.E draws inspiration from Southern Gothic landscapes, generational trauma, and the human condition.
When she’s not writing, M.E can be found drinking too much coffee, plotting her next twist, or talking to her cats like they’re coworkers.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, M.E draws inspiration from Southern Gothic landscapes, generational trauma, and the human condition.
When she’s not writing, M.E can be found drinking too much coffee, plotting her next twist, or talking to her cats like they’re coworkers.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book was truly fantastic! Although I figured one of the twists out at about 40%, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book at all! And there were most twists coming anyways! This book has a dose of horror along with mystery, so I think fans of either genre will enjoy this. The author did a great job describing the atmosphere/locations and made me feel like I was in the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next!
I think this book was truly fantastic! Although I figured one of the twists out at about 40%, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book at all! And there were most twists coming anyways! This book has a dose of horror along with mystery, so I think fans of either genre will enjoy this. The author did a great job describing the atmosphere/locations and made me feel like I was in the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next!
July 14, 2025
Disclaimer: I was provided an early copy of the book to provide an honest review.
Release date expected September 1, 2025.
When her mother is murdered and her younger sister vanishes without a trace, Del is forced to return to the hometown she thought she’d escaped forever. As she confronts buried family secrets and long-forgotten trauma, she unearths a dark truth more terrifying than she ever imagined.
This story starts out strong, with the author providing just enough detail to hint that something sinister is lurking around the corner. The balance of information is perfect—enough to spark curiosity and build suspense, keeping you engaged and eager to keep reading.
While reading the story, there were so many moments when I thought I had figured out who did it—only to be completely shocked by the real culprit at the end.
This is an absolute masterpiece and I could not stop reading. This is the first book by this author and I am excited for more to come!
Release date expected September 1, 2025.
When her mother is murdered and her younger sister vanishes without a trace, Del is forced to return to the hometown she thought she’d escaped forever. As she confronts buried family secrets and long-forgotten trauma, she unearths a dark truth more terrifying than she ever imagined.
This story starts out strong, with the author providing just enough detail to hint that something sinister is lurking around the corner. The balance of information is perfect—enough to spark curiosity and build suspense, keeping you engaged and eager to keep reading.
While reading the story, there were so many moments when I thought I had figured out who did it—only to be completely shocked by the real culprit at the end.
This is an absolute masterpiece and I could not stop reading. This is the first book by this author and I am excited for more to come!
July 15, 2025
Wow! Definitely my first five-star read of the year for thrillers, though I wouldn't say this book can be defined as just a thriller. I'm not even sure how to describe it. It was part character study on religious trauma, part descent into madness, part supernatural(ish), part thriller and, at its core, a really surprising portrayal of the human condition in trauma. I love a good, quick, actiony, tense-thriller, but this was honestly refreshing. It explored a lot about grief and small town dynamics that I'm sure exist in small, very religious towns that makes it hard to put down and also feels real despite the sometimes grandiosity of it.
I will say that there were times I needed to put this book down and take a breather. The writing felt very claustrophobic at certain times but the trauma in this book is written in a realistic, respectable way. This book is, without a doubt, dark, so I would definitely proceed with caution if that sort of thing is triggering for you.
The protagonist, Del, is one of the most layered, morally gray characters I've read in a long time. You want to shake her and hug her at the same time. The story unfolds without giving too much away. You never know what's coming next and the murder mystery is just the tip of the iceberg.
I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It gave me Sharp Objects and Verity vibes in the best way, but still felt completely original. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their thrillers dark, emotional, and deeply unsettling.
I will say that there were times I needed to put this book down and take a breather. The writing felt very claustrophobic at certain times but the trauma in this book is written in a realistic, respectable way. This book is, without a doubt, dark, so I would definitely proceed with caution if that sort of thing is triggering for you.
The protagonist, Del, is one of the most layered, morally gray characters I've read in a long time. You want to shake her and hug her at the same time. The story unfolds without giving too much away. You never know what's coming next and the murder mystery is just the tip of the iceberg.
I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It gave me Sharp Objects and Verity vibes in the best way, but still felt completely original. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their thrillers dark, emotional, and deeply unsettling.
July 15, 2025
OMGGGG that ENDING?? I’m not okay.
First off, I should start off by saying that I received an ARC copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Now, for the review part.
I stayed up WAU too late reading this because I had to know what happened. And holy shit, I did not see the twist coming. I literally gasped out lout. I thought I had it figured out (lol I didn't), and then the last chapter just completely wrecked me.
The main character Del is such a messy, complicated character. She honestly started out very unlikeable for me, but I think that was the author's intention. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I started to feel sympathetic towards her. She made consistently terrible decisions which could have been annoying if done poorly. The whole vibe was dark and moody and a little unhinged and I LIVED for it.
If you love thrillers that are full of secrets, small-town drama, and totally messed-up family dynamics, this book willl definitely satisfy that for you. And then that ending?? Just. Omg. Read it.
First off, I should start off by saying that I received an ARC copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Now, for the review part.
I stayed up WAU too late reading this because I had to know what happened. And holy shit, I did not see the twist coming. I literally gasped out lout. I thought I had it figured out (lol I didn't), and then the last chapter just completely wrecked me.
The main character Del is such a messy, complicated character. She honestly started out very unlikeable for me, but I think that was the author's intention. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I started to feel sympathetic towards her. She made consistently terrible decisions which could have been annoying if done poorly. The whole vibe was dark and moody and a little unhinged and I LIVED for it.
If you love thrillers that are full of secrets, small-town drama, and totally messed-up family dynamics, this book willl definitely satisfy that for you. And then that ending?? Just. Omg. Read it.
July 17, 2025
I’m surprised this was a debut, M.E. Mullen came out of the gate strong with this one. From the first page, I was hooked by Del’s character and the quiet menace hanging over her return to Belclaire. What she thought would be a short trip back turns into a deep dive into everything she tried to leave behind; murder, family secrets, and a whole town that hasn’t forgotten who they think she is.
Ten years ago, Del ran. Now her mom is dead, her sister’s gone, and people are side eying her like she brought the trouble with her. There’s a ton of tension between her and the people she left behind, especially the detective on the case, who also happens to be her ex. (Yeah. That kind of messy.)
This one’s got small-town drama, unsolved crimes, and just the right amount of slow-burning suspense. It’s not scary, but it’s definitely eerie. I flew through it and didn’t want it to end. If you’re into secrets, Southern settings, and stories where nothing is quite what it seems, this is definitely worth picking up.
July 23, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and was asked to do an honest review. That will be a simple task because this book was such a page turner!!!! The author does an amazing job of making the reader feel as if they are in dense marshes of Louisiana. You become attached to the characters almost instantly. You may not like them but you are invested in their story. It’s descriptive , heart pounding, creepy, suspenseful… everything you want in a great thriller.
A detached and distant daughter has to return home after 10 years of being away. She swore she would never return but now has no choice. She has to face her past and the deep hidden secrets that drove her away. Now home, she revisits people and places, triggering memories. Were these secrets true? Do they go much deeper than she allows herself to remember? Trust no one. Including herself. This is a must read! And left me guessing the entire time! Highly recommend!!!!
A detached and distant daughter has to return home after 10 years of being away. She swore she would never return but now has no choice. She has to face her past and the deep hidden secrets that drove her away. Now home, she revisits people and places, triggering memories. Were these secrets true? Do they go much deeper than she allows herself to remember? Trust no one. Including herself. This is a must read! And left me guessing the entire time! Highly recommend!!!!
August 15, 2025
When Matches Burn by M.E. Mullen is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Mullen’s crafty storytelling is on full display here, every chapter carefully woven to keep you guessing until the very last page. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another twist sends you spiraling in a new direction.
It’s one of those “just one more chapter” reads that turns into an all-nighter before you realize it. And when it’s finally over, you’re left staring at the last page, already wishing for more. This is crime fiction at its finest. Honestly, it could go head-to-head with the best TV crime dramas and hold its own.
If you’re looking for a smart, suspenseful read that delivers both thrills and depth, When Matches Burn is your next obsession.
It’s one of those “just one more chapter” reads that turns into an all-nighter before you realize it. And when it’s finally over, you’re left staring at the last page, already wishing for more. This is crime fiction at its finest. Honestly, it could go head-to-head with the best TV crime dramas and hold its own.
If you’re looking for a smart, suspenseful read that delivers both thrills and depth, When Matches Burn is your next obsession.
July 18, 2025
Listen, I’ve read a lot of books in my time, and I can say without a doubt that this was one I’ll be thinking about for a while.
The characters were well fleshed out, the drama, the secrets and the twist ending made for one thrilling read.
About halfway through I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen, as my jaw dropped, I realized I was so wrong, lol.
I love a good book about small towns with big secrets, complicated characters and weird family dynamics.
Once this is published, do yourself a favor and grab it. It might be a quicker read for some, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself having to talk about.
The characters were well fleshed out, the drama, the secrets and the twist ending made for one thrilling read.
About halfway through I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen, as my jaw dropped, I realized I was so wrong, lol.
I love a good book about small towns with big secrets, complicated characters and weird family dynamics.
Once this is published, do yourself a favor and grab it. It might be a quicker read for some, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself having to talk about.
August 4, 2025
What do you look for in a psychological thriller? Suspense, a troubled protagonist, murder? When Matches Burn is the debut novel by M.E. Mullen and it has all of this and more.
Della Jones is called back to her hometown of Belclaire Louisiana, the backwater town she escaped from 10 years earlier. Her mother’s been murdered, her younger sister is missing and now it’s time for Della to face her past.
This is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns were so unexpected, just when I thought I knew where the story was going, there would be another surprise. I had a hard time putting this book down and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Della Jones is called back to her hometown of Belclaire Louisiana, the backwater town she escaped from 10 years earlier. Her mother’s been murdered, her younger sister is missing and now it’s time for Della to face her past.
This is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns were so unexpected, just when I thought I knew where the story was going, there would be another surprise. I had a hard time putting this book down and I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 18, 2025
I don’t usually read books like this, but wow. When Matches Burn completely pulled me in.
Del is such a messed-up character in the best way. You’re never sure if you can trust her, but you still want her to figure it all out. The writing is sharp, emotional, and honestly kind of uncomfortably real at times. There were moments where I had to stop and sit with it because it hit a little too close to home.
The plot twists actually got me. Like, out loud “what the hell” moments. I thought I had it figured out at least three times and I was dead wrong every time.
Del is such a messed-up character in the best way. You’re never sure if you can trust her, but you still want her to figure it all out. The writing is sharp, emotional, and honestly kind of uncomfortably real at times. There were moments where I had to stop and sit with it because it hit a little too close to home.
The plot twists actually got me. Like, out loud “what the hell” moments. I thought I had it figured out at least three times and I was dead wrong every time.
July 27, 2025
I received this as an ARC read.
Della comes back home after 10 years. To the town she left behind, to the place where the memories of the fire still consume her.
The ghosts of her past keep her locked in fight or flight, or maybe her demon’s haunting her to remember.
Everything you think you know is unraveling. All the reasons Della has been running: did it happen, was it all in her head, did she even know what was real or hallucinations?
The twists and turns, the plot that keeps growing, and the small town that reveals all its secrets.
Della comes back home after 10 years. To the town she left behind, to the place where the memories of the fire still consume her.
The ghosts of her past keep her locked in fight or flight, or maybe her demon’s haunting her to remember.
Everything you think you know is unraveling. All the reasons Della has been running: did it happen, was it all in her head, did she even know what was real or hallucinations?
The twists and turns, the plot that keeps growing, and the small town that reveals all its secrets.
August 8, 2025
If there ever was a Twisted Thriller, total twist at every turn. You never get the ending. Del runs away from home 10 yrs. ago after a fire and never returned. Until she gets a call from Bobby, about her Mom being killed and her sister Lilibet is missing. Nicole from Del's past is the lead Detective in this case. This small town in Louisiana is turning upside down and inside out. Unputdownable . An ARC, A must read!
July 20, 2025
Disclaimer: I was provided an early copy of the book to provide an honest review.
This book was not my usual genre, but I was pulled in from the start. The main character Del takes you on a journey and slowly reveals secrets that were never meant to be seen by outsiders of her small town. I loved the plot twists, and the ending was jaw-dropping! Thank you, M.E.Mullen!
This book was not my usual genre, but I was pulled in from the start. The main character Del takes you on a journey and slowly reveals secrets that were never meant to be seen by outsiders of her small town. I loved the plot twists, and the ending was jaw-dropping! Thank you, M.E.Mullen!
August 19, 2025
Great book, highly recommended. The author kept me guessing. Just when I thought I figured it out, another twist and then a turn. I really enjoyed the characters. Great descriptions of the people, the places, and the things. Overall, this is a compelling read for those that enjoy suspenseful mysteries with complex characters
July 21, 2025
I was given early access to the book in exchange for my review As someone who reads primarily thrillers this one was a nice change of pace, a different kind of thriller that kept you guessing through the end!
August 30, 2025
I gave this book 3.5 stars. The plot was engaging and well thought out, but I felt it could have used a bit more detail to help me connect more deeply with the main character. Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to continuing to follow this author’s work.
September 2, 2025
Dark, hopeless, deep pain all emotions well depicted. A story that could be told by someone who’s lost it all and barely hangs on. A great story that the twists don’t stop coming. I highly recommend.
September 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️since I can’t give a half star. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The plot was well written, I love a thriller and especially a thriller where you have many twists that you don’t see coming! Definitely worth the read!
July 15, 2025
Holy airball-twist-spirally/crazy- ending!!!!!
August 20, 2025
This book keeps you thinking, and when you think you know, you dont. great book.
September 16, 2025
This is a different kind of thriller. It had a slow start, but once it got going it kept you guessing.
September 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s gritty & uncomfortable at times- which works well with the story line & the authors writing style.
I look forward to reading Mullen’s next book!
I look forward to reading Mullen’s next book!
August 6, 2025
I received an early ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
I really enjoyed this book all the way up until the end. Without any spoilers, I feel like it was well paced and the storyline itself was well thought out. The MC Del had depth and by the middle of the book I could feel myself connecting with her and the emotions that she was going through. The ending kind of lost me though. I felt like it was rushed through a little bit, and there were a couple of things that I wish were tied up. Overall though I enjoyed reading it and I’m so thankful to Stonehouse & Co. Books for my ARC!
I really enjoyed this book all the way up until the end. Without any spoilers, I feel like it was well paced and the storyline itself was well thought out. The MC Del had depth and by the middle of the book I could feel myself connecting with her and the emotions that she was going through. The ending kind of lost me though. I felt like it was rushed through a little bit, and there were a couple of things that I wish were tied up. Overall though I enjoyed reading it and I’m so thankful to Stonehouse & Co. Books for my ARC!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews