Easy Prey: A Dark and Twisted Psychological Thriller Inspired by True Scams

by A.B. Whelan

He stole her sister’s heart, her money, and her future. Now Jules is taking it all back—or dying trying. Brooke Taylor, a blind lottery winner, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The police ruled it a suicide. But when Jules uncovers her sister’s secret romance with a man too good to be true, she realizes Brooke wasn’t the only victim.

Determined to expose the truth, Jules plunges into a world of dating apps, curated online identities, and predators who weaponize trust. The deeper she digs, the darker the game becomes—because this isn’t just about deception. It’s survival.

Easy Prey is a fast-paced, razor-sharp psychological thriller that blurs the line between love, lies, and obsession. Perfect for fans of The Tinder Swindler, Never Lie by Freida McFadden, and Ask for Andrea by Noelle Ihli.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

About the author

New release: Woman Missing is a chilling psychological suspense about desire, resentment, and the dangerous secrets people carry beneath ordinary lives. Releasing on June 2, 2026.

Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.

She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.


Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.

Easy Prey is a stand-alone thriller that really makes you think. The story follows Jules, whose sister has recently ended her life. Jules can not get her head around why and suspects something is off. When she finds a box of cassette tapes, her sister recorded in secret, Jules sets off to track down the man who caused her sister to do the unthinkable and get revenge and justice for her beloved sister. As the story unravels, it highlights the dangers of online dating and how easy it can be to construct a fake image and life online. If you love documentaries about things such as the Tinder Swindler or love a good thriller, you definitely need to give this a read.
The short chapters made me want to keep reading 'just one more' at the end of each one, and I was hooked and needing to know what was going to happen next and the who, what, how, whys!

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, shoutout to my bestie for telling me about this one because I ate it up! I swear, you’ll finish this in two or three days tops—I couldn’t put it down. It’s fast paced, the plot had me hooked the entire time, and I was fully invested from the very beginning. I seriously need to read more books by this author. If you haven’t read this yet, what are you doing? Go grab it now!

[OutlawPoet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I...don't know what I think about this book.

The book is entertaining, the story unbelievable, the writing...not good.

I don't know if I kept reading because I was intrigued or because it was a trainwreck.

For the most part, exactly who you think is behind things is definitely behind things. There are actually very few surprises, yet it remains somewhat suspenseful.

I won't read it again and I'm not entirely certain if I'd read the author again.

But, entertaining? Yep.

* ARC via Publisher

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Prey by A.B. Whelan is a psychological thriller that everyone is going to want to read! Once I started it, I couldn’t set it down and I actually read the entire book in less than one day. That is something I rarely do, but honestly it was just that good! It’s a story about Brooke, a 17 year old girl who is blinded, literally blinded by her obsessive and abusive boyfriend after she breaks up with him. Due to her blindness, the dreams she had for her future are no longer possible and she loses all self esteem. The only good thing that happens to her is she wins the lottery and ends up being rich. But is that a blessing or a curse? Feeling like no one will ever love or want her because of her disability she is enticed by her caregiver to sign up for online dating. It’s there that she’s taken in and deceived by a real conman. But in the end, is he really the bad man or is the danger actually someone close to her who she thinks she can trust. This is a story of greed and what people will do to others to get what they want. Her sister Juliet attempts to learn the truth about what actually happened to her sister and to make sure justice is served. But it’s karma that actually plays out to those who deserve it. This was a phenomenal story and one I highly recommend. There are parts that had me feeling nervous and on edge and parts that are really sad. Hearing the families testimonies at the parole hearing got me feeling emotional and had me crying. But in the end, after learning the truth, justice prevails and peace is finally restored to the family. I’m giving this book a well deserved 5 star rating and hope to read more by A.B. Whelan very soon.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book is pure fiction but it is still a cautionary tale for those using digital dating apps.

Jules is devastated to discover that her beloved sister is dead under suspicious circumstances. When she doesn’t get the answers she’s looking for she quickly falls into a ‘rabbit hole’ of obsession to find the truth. But the answers she seeks are so much more twisted and sinister than she could have imagined. The evil that lurks behind the digital veil has the power to completely undo her. Revenge is the only weapon for Jules, but at what cost?

If you enjoyed watching the documentary ‘Tinder Swindler’ then this novel is for you! I have read numerous books by A.B. Whelan and she just keeps getting better. Just know going in that this author is not afraid to pull out all the stops to scare and trigger her readers so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Thank you Netgalley, Burbank Books Publishing, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.

I also received a digital ARC directly from the author and I am deeply grateful. All the best to you, Andrea, I hope this book lands in many readers hands!

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. Easy Prey is a breathtaking fiery dangerous read from an author that knows how to spin a story that's both enthralling and poignantly gut wrenching at the same time.

For Jules and her parents, the sudden and tragic death of their daughter and sister Brooke, hollowed out a family that struggled after Brooke endured a brutal assault that robbed her of so much that made Brooke shine as a person. It's what Jules discovers within her sister's home that's boils her blood and sets Jules upon a dark labyrinth of justice... no matter the high cost of making a devilish manipulator pay for shattering her sister's life.

What Jules and her parents unravel is for more darker than they could imagine; and finding justice is more gray and complicated than most people understand.

Highly recommended.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

E asy prey.

What a story, you don't know who to trust, don't know where to turn. because you just want to know who did it. Who took your sisters everything.
This is a phenomenal psychological thriller that is a fast read.

The short chapters, are always a bonus.


Brooke had it all until she didn't. Only seventeen to lose first, her vision, and then life just spirals from there. she won a few things in life. But not everything turned out like it should have.


I read this in 2 days because so so good, I've read other books from this author and they've all been fantastic.


Jules,
The sister. Only wants to find out why, things went down the way they did. Not willing to give up until she knows the truth.

Sometimes the truth isn't always what you think. it should be.

At the end, there was a spin, I didn't see coming. But boy was it good. such a twist.

Absolutely I loved this book.

[Donna Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke had been blinded by a jealous boyfriend years ago when she was a teenager and she wanted to live independently from her parents. She was wealthy after winning a huge amount of money in a lottery. She was doing well with the help of her parents, her sister Jules and a hired caregiver. Brooke was found dead in her bathtub from a suspected suicide. When Jules was going througkh Brooke’s belongings, she discovered that Brooke had a secret. She was in love with a man who was wealthy, charming, exciting, mysterious, owed her monedy and had disappeared. Jules began an investigation and learned that he was a conman. She took on the challenge to get revenge for her sister and other women he had conned.

This is a marvelous and twisted novel that was difficult to put down.

Thank you, Andrea, for another terrific book.

[La Femme Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a young woman takes her own life under suspicious circumstances, her sister, Jules, begins asking questions no one wants answered. At the center of it all: a lavish romance with a man no one can quite trace, and a silence filled with secrets. Determined to uncover the truth, Jules steps into a world of deception, digital masks, and the kind of charm that hides sharp teeth. But as her search spirals into obsession, she discovers some predators don’t hunt in the shadows. Some walk right through your front door.

"Easy Prey" is a thrilling story that offers a realistic perspective on how easily individuals can be ensnared by scammers, leaving their loved ones to uncover the truth. It is truly saddening that Jules' sister, Brooke, took her life, leaving Jules and her family in a state of profound sorrow and confusion. As something feels amiss, Jules uncovers evidence suggesting a more complex narrative, and the suspense quickly intensifies.

A.B. Whelan skillfully creates characters that elicit strong feelings, whether of affection or disdain. Jules and her family were particularly endearing and relatable, and their emotional struggles resonated deeply. Furthermore, the glimpse into Brooke's character was appreciated, and it was truly disheartening to witness such a vibrant spirit extinguished in this evil world. Regarding the swindler, there is a special place in hell for people like that. I won't go into it too much because you need to experience the nonstop action for yourself!

In conclusion, my heart both soared and ached. A.B. Whelan thoughtfully crafted a plot that was rich in substance, exploring themes of suicide, grief, and the pervasive nature of manipulation. I read this book in two sittings and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you enjoyed the "Tinder Swindler" documentary!

[Janeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect, but this book was amazing.

Jules misses her sister and just wants justice, so she goes after it herself. Desperate and determined to find the answers.

Adib is a computer whiz. he can help her create a persona and stay hidden. He dives in never expecting to land where they did.

With a passion that can't be stopped these 2 go after justice for her sister. What they find throws them for a loop and spins out of control, but with the help of people along the way, can they turn this around?

Easy Prey is every an example of people's worse nightmares. No one thinks this will happen to them, but it definitely can and before you know it you are in web of deceit and the black widow is inching towards you! And you never know who you can trust, your ally could very well be your enemy.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this book because the short chapters made it impossible to stop. Even though the story is sad, I loved every part of it. Her sister is dead, and she doesn’t believe it was suicide—I felt the same way, and it made me question everything along with her.

The story also made me think about dangers in the world you wouldn’t normally expect, like online dating and other traps. It was unsettling, but in a way that kept me completely absorbed, always turning the pages to see what would happen next.

I found the emotional depth of the characters really compelling. The tension, the sadness, and the way she navigates her doubts felt so real that I kept thinking about the story long after I stopped reading. Every aspect—the pacing, the writing, the emotions—pulled me in completely.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for me.

When Jules finds her sister Brooke dead, she knows Brooke would never kill herself.Finding box of tapes it's only a beginning,it seems that Brooke was dating and keeping a lot of secrets.With each tape she uncover disturbing tale of love online,Jules know that this man is responsible and nothig will stop her to get a revenge,and expose this con man.

Will she get the justice for her sister?

It was an engrossing read,I don't think I ever read about con man from dating sites,and it was an eye opening sight to see how many women's fall for it.The tension was great,and I hoped Jules will get her revenge,the twists at the end disturbing,and I suspect some of them,but not all.Great suspense filled mystery,would recommend.

Thank you booksirens and publisher for copy,my review is honest and my own.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke is a beautiful young woman, full of life and love for her family and friends but her previous boyfriend in an act of extreme jealousy attacked her forcing her to lose her eyesight, her world as she knew it changed immensely, Since this time her parents and sister Jules have always watched over her, trying to help her in every way they can, along with her carer Sophia.

All Brooke wishes now is to have a life like any woman her age and to experience what others get to. Brooke used to play the lotteries, something they did regularly with her father and one day Brooke won the jackpot, an enormous amount of money.

Brooke and Jules have an incredibly close relationship as sisters but without Jules knowing Brooke commences a relationship with a man on a dating app and this changes her whole world again. After finding out what this man has done to her sister, Jules is out for revenge. She poses as a wealthy woman and infiltrates herself into his world out to bring him down.

This was a quick read that had me instantly taken into the story, a fast-moving plot that totally had me captivated by Jules’s antics. If you are looking for an addictive, twisty action-packed story you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book!

I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!! I think i read it in about 5-6 hours, It was insane the way this book held me captive, I COULD NOT put it down, I Couldn't go anywhere in my house without my kindle in my hand reading every line of this book!!! Some of the key parts and Cassettes I even read twice just to make sure I didn't miss anything important to the plot!

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU EXPECT A THRILLER TO BE!!!!

I have actually read one of Andrea's book in the past "As sick as our secrets" This Author really knows how to write crazy suspenseful thrillers that keep you gripped tight with every page! Thank you for reminding me of that I will be getting her other books very soon and getting through those too!! This is the type of Author that really makes reading exciting!!!

[ZeeZee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules' sister Brooke was the unfortunate victim of a conman who preyed on what he saw as a weakness. This intricate mind game led to Brooke to take her own life. Jules spends the story unraveling the mystery and finding out what happened to not only her sister but others.

This story is so terrifying in that you have heard something like this happening to someone you know or possibly happening to yourself. Trust is such a delicate and hard thing these days. Never knowing who to trust or even if you can trust yourself

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book with violence, secrets and murder surrounding a woman named Brooke who was blinded years ago by a man and now takes her life over another man. Her sister Jules is heartbroken and determined to find out if her sister really did take her life or did the man she was secretly seeing. She dives deep into investigating this man who has secrets of his own. Can Jules discover the truth or will she fall victim also?

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely grabbed me by the throat starting with the first page and held me captive until the last. The overriding theme of the book was how a blind person could be taken advantage of by a conman and others. Second but no less important is the question, ‘what would you do to get justice for your sibling or child?’ And ‘do you want justice or revenge?’ Well written with an engaging storyline I know I’ll be rereading this story in the future.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Nichole Montanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom of two daughters, this book was terrifying and powerful. It shows how easily online predators can manipulate trust. A fast paced gripping thriller that reminded me how important it is to talk to our kids about digital safety.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke is blinded by an obsessive boyfriend, but her luck seems to have turned when she wins the lottery. Looking for love in all the wrong places, she becomes easy prey to a conman. Enter Jules. Determined to teach the conman a lesson who stole her sister’s money, her trust, and her life, Jules is on a mission.

The theme of this story is most relevant in this day and age, and the pace is good. 4 stars

[thebookcloser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Prey is a razor-sharp revenge thriller that refuses to soften its edges. What struck me most is how confidently A.B. Whelan centers the story on a female protagonist who is not simply reacting to trauma, but actively taking sweet revenge for a loved one. The main character’s determination fuels the entire novel, making every twist feel earned rather than convenient.
One aspect of the book I felt was done well is its blind disability representation. Whelan portrays competence without erasing vulnerability, and vulnerability without stripping away strength. The main character talked about her sister’s willpower and not letting her disability hold her back from living the life she deserved. The story shows how perception extends beyond sight—how intuition, memory, spatial awareness, and emotional intelligence become powerful tools.

It’s a story about power—who takes it, who reclaims it, and how far someone will go when underestimated. For readers who appreciate a fierce female lead, meaningful disability representation, and a narrative that doesn’t waste a single page, this book delivers.

The storyline weaves a cautionary thread surrounding online dating and digital interactions. A.B. Whelan skillfully explores how easily trust can be manipulated behind a screen. The organized personas, calculated charm, and emotional grooming depicted in the book serve as a stark reminder that vulnerability in digital spaces requires awareness and discernment. The narrative incorporates an important message about personal safety—about recognizing red flags 🚩, protecting private information, and understanding that not everyone showing kindness online has good intentions.

Rating 4.5⭐️ rounded to 5 on Goodreads!

[Bee 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, from start to finish I was hooked! Such a good story line, easy to follow characters, covered a few different topics.

Only reason I gave it a 4 and not 5 was because I’m sure there was a few writing mistakes?

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Easy Prey
✍🏻A.B Whelan
Blurb:
He stole her sister’s money, her trust, and her life. Now Jules is taking everything back—even if it kills her.

When a young woman takes her own life under suspicious circumstances, her sister, Jules, begins asking questions no one wants answered. At the center of it all: a lavish romance with a man no one can quite trace, and a silence filled with secrets.

Determined to uncover the truth, Jules steps into a world of deception, digital masks, and the kind of charm that hides sharp teeth. But as her search spirals into obsession, she discovers that love isn’t the only thing that can blind you—and justice doesn’t always come clean.

Some predators don’t hunt in the shadows.

Some walk right through your front door.

If you liked the Tinder Swindler documentary and you are a fan of psychological thrillers--which I know you are--then this book is for you. I put my own personal brand of twist on the story.

Don't miss out! Here is what a beta reader had to say about Easy Prey: "OMG, this book is spell-bounding, I couldn’t put it down, my husband had to tell me to go to bed. Andrea out did herself on this one. It makes you think about things, you’d didn’t think existed. I love the way she makes you think you’re right there in the book, with her characters." - Adela Cornes
My Thoughts:
Easy Prey sinks its claws in and refuses to let go, mixing the danger of modern-day predators with old-school psychological suspense. After reading this story, I'm grateful I'm not dipping my toes into the online dating pool! This read will have you thinking twice before swiping right! Whelan spins a sharp cautionary tale where the predator slides into your DMs with a charming smile, nailing the creeping anxiety of new romance.The story follows Jules, whose sister has recently ended her life. Jules can not get her head around why and suspects something is off. When she finds a box of cassette tapes, her sister recorded in secret, Jules sets off to track down the man who caused her sister to do the unthinkable and get revenge and justice for her beloved sister. As the story unravels, it highlights the dangers of online dating and how easy it can be to construct a fake image and life online. If you love documentaries about things such as the Tinder Swindler or love a good thriller. It’s fast paced, the plot had me hooked the entire time, and I was fully invested from the very beginning.. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Thanks NetGalley, Burbank Books Publishing and Author A.B Whelan for the complimentary copy of "Easy Prey" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BurbankBooksPublishing
#A.BWhelan
#EasyPrey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kelly Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alright now, let me tell yall straight, this one comes out swinging with anger, heartbreak, and the kind of revenge fire that’ll burn clean through the pages. It is sharp, dark, and mean in all the right ways. If you like thrillers where grief turns into grit and somebody finally says enough is enough, this one will grab hold of you quick.

We got Jules, a woman reeling after her sister dies under circumstances that smell wrong from the very start. Folks may want to call it tragedy and move on, but Jules ain’t built that way. She starts asking questions, and before long every answer points back to one slick talking man wrapped up in a lavish romance nobody can quite explain.

Now buddy, that is where the real trouble begins.

Jules steps into a world full of deception, fake faces, online masks, and charm sweeter than tea with poison sitting at the bottom of the glass. The deeper she digs, the uglier things get. Every trail feels crooked, every person seems to know more than they are saying, and danger starts circling closer with every chapter.

What I liked most here was Jules herself. She is hurting, angry, stubborn, and determined to drag the truth into the daylight no matter who gets nervous about it. She ain’t some perfect hero either, and that makes her feel real. As her search turns closer to obsession, you can feel how grief can push a person right to the edge.

This story moves fast and keeps a tight grip. It knows how to build tension without wasting time, and it keeps feeding you just enough truth to make you hungry for the next chapter. The villainous type in this one is especially unsettling because he does not lurk in dark alleys. He walks through the front door smiling.

That right there is what makes this book hit harder. It reminds you some predators wear nice clothes, say the right words, and fool folks in broad daylight.

Twisted, satisfying, and packed with bite, this is the kind of thriller that makes you side eye charm and trust your gut a little quicker.

I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!

[laurakellylitfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy Prey is a chilling psychological thriller that plunges readers into the murky world of online deception and emotional manipulation. The story begins with the tragic death of Brooke Taylor, a young blind woman whose apparent suicide leaves her sister Jules reeling with suspicion. Brooke had recently fallen for a mysterious man she met online—a whirlwind romance that ended not only in heartbreak but also in the disappearance of a significant sum of money. Jules is convinced her sister was targeted, and she’s determined to uncover the truth behind Brooke’s final days.

Driven by grief and a fierce sense of justice, Jules dives into the digital underworld her sister inhabited—dating apps, fake profiles, and the subtle art of emotional con artistry. Her only clues are a series of cassette tapes Brooke left behind, each one peeling back another layer of the man who seduced and betrayed her. As Jules listens, she begins to piece together a disturbing portrait of a predator who thrives on vulnerability and illusion. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that this isn’t just about Brooke—it’s about a pattern, a system, and a predator who may still be hunting.

The investigation quickly spirals into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Jules finds herself entangled in a web of lies where no one is who they seem, and every revelation leads to more questions. Her pursuit of justice becomes an obsession, and the line between hunter and prey begins to blur. With each step, Jules risks becoming the next target, especially as she uncovers how far this predator is willing to go to protect his secrets.

Thank you to NetGalley and Burbank Books Publishing for this copy!

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒇𝒇.

Brooke and Jules are sisters with a close bond. When an angry ex attacks Brooke and blinds her, Jules steps up and helps Brooke manage her life. But after a freak lottery win, Brooke is desperate for independence, so with her parents' reluctant blessing, she buys a home, and with the help of an aide, she manages on her own.

However, something is missing from her life, and that's a romantic spark. With her sister's help, she creates a dating profile. Jules feels lucky that her sister confides in her, but she has no idea that she's been keeping some big secrets until she goes radio silent. When Jules goes to check on Brooke, she finds her body, the result of an apparent suicide, according to the police. But she knows that Brooke would never take her life, and with the police not investigating, she's left to her own devices.

While she's cleaning up Brooke's place, she finds a series of tapes that her sister recorded about an entire relationship she had with a man that she met on that dating app. The tapes document all the highs and lows of their relationship, and feeling certain that this man is responsible for her sister's death, she sets out to lure him into a trap. Will the predator outsmart the prey, or has Jules been in his crosshairs the entire time?

This was an intense, fast-paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to the author for the early copy. This one published today, July 17, 2025.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.B. Whenlan's new book is a definite "must read"! Easy Prey looks at the insidious nature of predators and cybercrime. News headlines report on this type of crime daily. How would you react if a family member were taken advantage of?

Brooke is a young woman moving forward with life. She has moved into her own house. Brooke is blind and has an aide helping her during the day. When her family can't reach her, it is concerning. Brooke's sister Jules lives close and heads over to check on her. Shockingly, Brooke is dead. Brooke had a home, money, and a loving family. What happened? Jules refuses to accept the results of the police investigation. With the help of her parents and a neighbor of her sister, she begins her investigation. She discovers cybercrime, deception, and murder.

This story is anything but straightforward. Given the nature of the crimes, this book contains trigger warnings and may not be suitable for teen readers. A.B. Whelan captures our attention at the beginning of this story and doesn't stop twisting and turning readers throughout the book. Brooke's story is complicated, and her sister's tenacity effectively solves the case. Innocent people are targeted and taken advantage of every day. The anonymity of the internet gives criminals the perfect location to find victims and craft their crimes. The events surrounding Brooke's death deliver a thriller that will terrify you with the possibility of seeing this in the news at any time.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 ARC Review 🌟
Easy Prey by A.B. Whelan

The fact that this story could actually happen makes the journey even creepier. Plus, the author's notes are fascinating!

This book felt different from the usual thrillers I've read by Whelan, but it still contained the disturbing darkness that made me want to double-check my deadbolts! Her novels always make me want to devour them in one sitting, and I'm always drawn to their stunning covers.

"Easy Prey" sinks its claws in and refuses to let go, mixing the danger of modern-day predators with old-school psychological suspense. After reading this story, I'm grateful I'm not dipping my toes into the online dating pool! This read will have you thinking twice before swiping right! Whelan spins a sharp cautionary tale where the predator slides into your DMs with a charming smile, nailing the creeping anxiety of new romance.

Jules is the sister I'd want in my corner. She's a relentless go-getter and an endearing character! She chases down the truth behind her sister’s suspicious suicide, leaving no stone unturned and no one safe from her suspicion.

As always, I totally loved this latest psychological thriller by A.B. Whelan and can't wait for her next dark and chilling adventure! Thanks to the author and Burbank Books for providing this thriller via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional tale, this psychological thriller flags up a warning to those who use digial dating apps.

When Jules discovers a box of cassette tapes her sister Brooke recorded before her death under rather suspicious circumstances, she makes it her mission to uncover the truth behind her death and what lead to it. On the tapes she listens to Brooke regaling falling in love and jetsetting to Europe for romantic adventures with her new love, along with her aspirations and ultimately her fears. What she unravels is a tangled web of secrets, lies and deception under the guise of handsome and charming Alexander Smirnoff.

Jules and her parents struggle to comprehend what they are faced with and thus her discovery sets Jules on the dark path to justice, no matter the cost. But what she discovers is even darker that they could imagine and justice will be even more complicated than they'd first anticipated.

A quick read that can be devoured in a matter of hours.

I would like to thank #ABWhelan, #Netgalley and #BurbankBooks for an ARC of #EasyPrey in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[A.B. Whelan]

Reader Praise for Easy Prey:
"I couldn't put it down." — Adele, Goodreads

"A breathtaking, fiery, dangerous read." — Lori, BookSirens

"This book redefines gripping." — Kate, NetGalley

"Once I started it, I read the entire book in less than one day." — Margie, Goodreads

"The twists and turns had me spinning." — Maiden of Mystery

"Spell-binding... my husband had to tell me to go to bed." — Adele, Goodreads

"An addictive, twisty, action-packed story." — Lee, NetGalley

"You don’t know who to trust... such a twist!" — Elaine, NetGalley

"Sinks its claws in and refuses to let go." — Julie Readz in the Rockies

"Difficult to put down. A marvelous and twisted novel." — Donna, Goodreads

"Go grab it now!" — What's Vonnie Reading

"Fast-paced and emotionally gut-wrenching." — Lori, BookSirens

"Now I want to binge all of A.B. Whelan’s books." — Maiden of Mystery

"Totally captivated by Jules's antics." — Lee, NetGalley

"A phenomenal psychological thriller." — Elaine, NetGalley

"Highly recommended." — Lee, NetGalley

"Just one more chapter... and then you're finishing the whole book!" — Kate, NetGalley

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her sister suddenly turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, Jules is forced to confront a side of Brooke’s life that her family never saw. As she digs into her sister’s past, she uncovers a tangled web of lies and deceit lurking behind the screens.

Along the way, Jules discovers a number of cassette tapes her sister Brooke recorded like a series of diary entries, each one bringing her closer to the answers she’s desperate to find. The closer Jules gets, the clearer it becomes that her sister’s life was destroyed by someone who thinks he’s untouchable.

Drawn in from the start and completely absorbed, I was rooting for Jules at every turn, never knowing what would happen next — and I was SOOO unprepared for how it ended!

Fans of The Tinder Swindler documentary will recognize the same chilling sense of deceit and manipulation at the heart of this suspenseful thriller.

Easy Prey is fast-paced, gripping, and impossible to put down — full of secrets, betrayal, and the chilling reality of how far some will go to deceive.