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Breakneck Bay
A dangerous waterpark. A missing girl. A wife trapped in a nightmare.
At Breakneck Bay, the rides are fast, the injuries frequent, and the lawsuits endless. But when a teenage employee vanishes after closing, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene, it’s clear this summer will be the deadliest yet.
Suspicion falls on park manager Mitch Blue, forcing his newlywed wife Kit to confront the cracks in their marriage—and the unsettling secrets he’s been keeping.
But Kit and the police aren’t the only ones looking for answers. Someone is watching from the shadows, waiting to finish what they started years ago. As Kit uncovers chilling ties between Mitch and the waterpark’s dark past, she’s left questioning everything she thought she knew—including whether she’s sleeping beside a killer.
Because at Breakneck Bay, the only thing deadlier than the rides is the truth.
At Breakneck Bay, the rides are fast, the injuries frequent, and the lawsuits endless. But when a teenage employee vanishes after closing, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene, it’s clear this summer will be the deadliest yet.
Suspicion falls on park manager Mitch Blue, forcing his newlywed wife Kit to confront the cracks in their marriage—and the unsettling secrets he’s been keeping.
But Kit and the police aren’t the only ones looking for answers. Someone is watching from the shadows, waiting to finish what they started years ago. As Kit uncovers chilling ties between Mitch and the waterpark’s dark past, she’s left questioning everything she thought she knew—including whether she’s sleeping beside a killer.
Because at Breakneck Bay, the only thing deadlier than the rides is the truth.
328 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2025
1441 people are currently reading
10697 people want to read
About the author
Faith Gardner
20 books907 followersFaith Gardner is the author of adult suspense and YA novels. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
July 14, 2025
A waterpark, a dark secret, a wife, and a missing girl set the stage for Breakneck Bay! It's 1982 and Breakneck Bay is an exciting waterpark with thrilling rides, young staff, and accidents waiting to happen. Faith Garder set her latest thriller in a thrilling and dangerous location where people go for fun in the sun, take dangerous water rides, experience a bump or two and laughter is all around. It's all fun and games until a teenage employee goes missing and a bloody scene is left behind!
Kit oversees first aid and her husband; Mark manages the water park. When a bloody scene is found, Mitch becomes the main suspect. Could the blood be from the missing teen employee????? Add in the eerie phone calls that Kit begins receiving and the foreboding and chilling vibes begin to settle. The hot hazy days of summer paired with a possible murder mystery made for a thrilling reading experience!
Then there are sections of the book about "Hawk", who gives his killer POV throughout the book. How is everything related? What are the connections??? This movie did play out like an 80's horror movie (without being too horrific) in my mind. The 80's were the time for slasher flicks, serial killers terrorizing communities, and stranger danger! Gardner capitalizes on this brilliantly.
The title of this book is very apt. This book is fast paced and never lets up. I love that there was no downtime in this book. This keeps the action moving and Kit (and readers) on edge! I enjoyed the mounting tension and unease in this book. What a great book to read during the summer! I loved the 80's vibe and the nostalgic feel of this book.
Overall, another great book by Faith Gardner with a great location and mystery. I loved the vibe, the pacing, the foreboding, and the setting.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Kit oversees first aid and her husband; Mark manages the water park. When a bloody scene is found, Mitch becomes the main suspect. Could the blood be from the missing teen employee????? Add in the eerie phone calls that Kit begins receiving and the foreboding and chilling vibes begin to settle. The hot hazy days of summer paired with a possible murder mystery made for a thrilling reading experience!
Then there are sections of the book about "Hawk", who gives his killer POV throughout the book. How is everything related? What are the connections??? This movie did play out like an 80's horror movie (without being too horrific) in my mind. The 80's were the time for slasher flicks, serial killers terrorizing communities, and stranger danger! Gardner capitalizes on this brilliantly.
The title of this book is very apt. This book is fast paced and never lets up. I love that there was no downtime in this book. This keeps the action moving and Kit (and readers) on edge! I enjoyed the mounting tension and unease in this book. What a great book to read during the summer! I loved the 80's vibe and the nostalgic feel of this book.
Overall, another great book by Faith Gardner with a great location and mystery. I loved the vibe, the pacing, the foreboding, and the setting.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 25, 2025
This was a twisting, high-speed thrill ride that left me shaken and sputtering. I honestly needed a second to catch my breath after reading it. I felt like I was actually inside Action Park (the creepy water park from the 80s with lawsuits galore, watch the documentary!). Faith's writing floors me, as always, and this might be my favorite book she's written yet.
September 3, 2025
Fast-paced, gritty, and dark, Breakneck Bay was riddled with mounting tension and oodles of secrets. From the serial killer premise to the 1980s vibe, the synopsis was just the start of the fun in this quick, easy read. You see, it was all I could do to hold on for dear life as the eerie foreboding and horror movie feel—minus the gore—delivered a story that had me jumping at shadows. Don’t get me wrong, you’re going to have to suspend all disbelief before getting swept up in this tale, but I promise that, once you do, it will be one heck of a rollercoaster ride of epic thrills and chills. I mean, even just the waterpark and the staff alone were an utter slam dunk not to mention the rest of the plot in all of its well-written glory.
All said and done, perfect for summer but also guaranteed to make your hair rise up on end, it was no great surprise that Ms. Gardner produced yet another doozy of surprising twists and turns. Despite the fact that I guessed one or two, the bonus epilogue from Cynthia’s point-of-view made up for any of my correct guesses in spades. Jaw-dropping and mind-blowing in the best possible way, the “WTF?!” twist had me shouting out loud in absolute glee. So if you love a psychological thriller with a mixed media format, quirky characters, and an original setting, be sure to snap up this book ASAP. After all, I was left with a massive smile on my face by the end of this novel and I’m sure that you will as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
At Breakneck Bay, the rides are fast, the injuries frequent, and the lawsuits endless. But when a teenage employee vanishes after closing, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene, it’s clear this summer will be the deadliest yet.
Suspicion falls on park manager Mitch Blue, forcing his newlywed wife Kit to confront the cracks in their marriage—and the unsettling secrets he’s been keeping.
But Kit and the police aren’t the only ones looking for answers. Someone is watching from the shadows, waiting to finish what they started years ago. As Kit uncovers chilling ties between Mitch and the waterpark’s dark past, she’s left questioning everything she thought she knew—including whether she’s sleeping beside a killer.
Because at Breakneck Bay, the only thing deadlier than the rides is the truth.
Thank you to Faith Gardner and Mirror House Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 24, 2025
Content warning: drug use, violence, murder, gun violence, traumatic brain injury, suicide
All said and done, perfect for summer but also guaranteed to make your hair rise up on end, it was no great surprise that Ms. Gardner produced yet another doozy of surprising twists and turns. Despite the fact that I guessed one or two, the bonus epilogue from Cynthia’s point-of-view made up for any of my correct guesses in spades. Jaw-dropping and mind-blowing in the best possible way, the “WTF?!” twist had me shouting out loud in absolute glee. So if you love a psychological thriller with a mixed media format, quirky characters, and an original setting, be sure to snap up this book ASAP. After all, I was left with a massive smile on my face by the end of this novel and I’m sure that you will as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
At Breakneck Bay, the rides are fast, the injuries frequent, and the lawsuits endless. But when a teenage employee vanishes after closing, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene, it’s clear this summer will be the deadliest yet.
Suspicion falls on park manager Mitch Blue, forcing his newlywed wife Kit to confront the cracks in their marriage—and the unsettling secrets he’s been keeping.
But Kit and the police aren’t the only ones looking for answers. Someone is watching from the shadows, waiting to finish what they started years ago. As Kit uncovers chilling ties between Mitch and the waterpark’s dark past, she’s left questioning everything she thought she knew—including whether she’s sleeping beside a killer.
Because at Breakneck Bay, the only thing deadlier than the rides is the truth.
Thank you to Faith Gardner and Mirror House Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 24, 2025
Content warning: drug use, violence, murder, gun violence, traumatic brain injury, suicide
June 20, 2025
3.5
This novel definitely moved at a breakneck pace. There was a missing girl, a possible serial killer and a mysterious caller leaving ominous messages.
Kit and her husband Mitch work at Breakneck Bay, a waterpark that I would highly recommend avoiding. It is basically run by the teenagers who work there. There are very little safety measures minus ride at your own risk which leads to every type of injury imaginable that apparently only iodine and Band-Aids can fix. It reminded me of a waterpark where multiple Band-Aids might be floating past you on the lazy river, which I only know of in theory because that is one reason why I do not go to water parks… among other things. Waterpark phobias aside lets get back to the review…..Mitch arrives to work and realizes he can’t get into his office. He’s been locked out. Eventually the lock is picked and what he finds appears to look very much so like a murder scene. Mitch is suspect number one. In the midst of all of this a park employee has gone missing, could they be connected?
The pacing of the book does not let up and all the pieces came to a satisfying conclusion. However, it lacked the grit and depth that I was hoping for in this type of thriller. In my opinion, this read more of a popcorn thriller, and I think with the right expectation it will be highly enjoyable for most readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This novel definitely moved at a breakneck pace. There was a missing girl, a possible serial killer and a mysterious caller leaving ominous messages.
Kit and her husband Mitch work at Breakneck Bay, a waterpark that I would highly recommend avoiding. It is basically run by the teenagers who work there. There are very little safety measures minus ride at your own risk which leads to every type of injury imaginable that apparently only iodine and Band-Aids can fix. It reminded me of a waterpark where multiple Band-Aids might be floating past you on the lazy river, which I only know of in theory because that is one reason why I do not go to water parks… among other things. Waterpark phobias aside lets get back to the review…..Mitch arrives to work and realizes he can’t get into his office. He’s been locked out. Eventually the lock is picked and what he finds appears to look very much so like a murder scene. Mitch is suspect number one. In the midst of all of this a park employee has gone missing, could they be connected?
The pacing of the book does not let up and all the pieces came to a satisfying conclusion. However, it lacked the grit and depth that I was hoping for in this type of thriller. In my opinion, this read more of a popcorn thriller, and I think with the right expectation it will be highly enjoyable for most readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
Yes! Five exciting stars for the perfect summer read! A water park, a serial killer, and eighties nostalgia are an amazing combination. Faith Gardner always delivers an addictive read and Breakneck Bay is no exception. I loved every minute of this twisted, unpredictable, unputdownable story. This book elicited a rollercoaster of emotions from fear and worry to sadness and devastation. The characters are well developed and the plot is fast paced with unexpected twists and turns throughout. I highly recommend this book to all thriller addicts. Thank you, NetGalley and Mirror House Press for my copy.
June 10, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
This was the perfect way to kick off a dark, murder-filled summer (in books only, don’t worry). The waterpark setting was a cool and unique twist, inspired by real-life spots like Action Park and true crime cases like the Green River Killer. I always appreciate when a story pulls from reality because it makes the whole “could this actually happen?” question way more intense.
The mystery had me hooked from start to finish. I wasn’t totally sure who the killer was until pretty late in the game. Kit’s perspective really added something important here. Spouses of criminals often get painted as clueless or complicit, but Kit’s struggle with the idea that her husband might be a serial killer felt real and heartbreaking.
That said, I do wish the waterpark played a bigger role in the story. It mostly felt like a backdrop the characters visited now and then, rather than the central focus I was hoping for. The ‘80s vibe was strong and gave the book this fun, old-school campy feel that I really enjoyed.
The ending didn’t quite do it for me, but that’s probably just personal taste. Overall, I enjoyed Breakneck Bay and would recommend it to anyone who likes suspenseful domestic thrillers with a dark edge.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
This was the perfect way to kick off a dark, murder-filled summer (in books only, don’t worry). The waterpark setting was a cool and unique twist, inspired by real-life spots like Action Park and true crime cases like the Green River Killer. I always appreciate when a story pulls from reality because it makes the whole “could this actually happen?” question way more intense.
The mystery had me hooked from start to finish. I wasn’t totally sure who the killer was until pretty late in the game. Kit’s perspective really added something important here. Spouses of criminals often get painted as clueless or complicit, but Kit’s struggle with the idea that her husband might be a serial killer felt real and heartbreaking.
That said, I do wish the waterpark played a bigger role in the story. It mostly felt like a backdrop the characters visited now and then, rather than the central focus I was hoping for. The ‘80s vibe was strong and gave the book this fun, old-school campy feel that I really enjoyed.
The ending didn’t quite do it for me, but that’s probably just personal taste. Overall, I enjoyed Breakneck Bay and would recommend it to anyone who likes suspenseful domestic thrillers with a dark edge.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
"It's a horror movie, a crime scene--wads of flesh scattered, torn, bloodied clothes, and broken teeth catching the light."
"If something in you tells you something isn't right...be guided by your own light, you know? Always listen to your intuition."
I FLEW through this mmkay? From the clothes, to the music to the attitudes of the time period, the 80s nostalgia was done just right and felt immersive instead of trying too hard; in short, it was perfection. The environment of the water park was so vivid I could practically smell the suntan lotion and hot dogs and feel the sun beating down.
Kit and Mitch are newly married, but she knows her husband, doesn’t she? As Kit questions her relationship with her husband, she also begins to wonder about a previous incident at the park that resulted in a death. Was it really an accident on a ride?
Kit is a heroine I can vibe with. She’s flawed and authentic, cares about the people in her life and has real concerns about what’s happening around her. I love that she’s self aware enough to consider her inner child (we all have one) and acknowledge her by referencing ‘Tiny Kit’. The anonymous POV from the past known only as ‘Hawk’, was chilling and uncomfortable to say the least and provided an extra layer of tension!
A blend of drama, suspense and thriller, the multiple mysteries kept me locked in and side eyeing several of the eclectic mix of characters. I thought I knew exactly WHO was WHO and WHAT was WHAT and then...thanks to Faith’s clever and devious mind, I doubted, I questioned, and I reexamined. Was I sure? What begins as a slow build, reaches a startling crescendo and pays off in spades!
If you’re a fan of the 80s (like me) and like being kept on your toes guessing, this missing person puzzle is for you! Full of secrets, lies and shocking truths, you might even wind up looking suspiciously at the people in your life as you wonder, how well do I REALLY know them? BREAKNECK BAY is a quintessential summer read you’re gonna LOVE to DIVE INTO!
____
Thank you Faith Gardner for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
"If something in you tells you something isn't right...be guided by your own light, you know? Always listen to your intuition."
I FLEW through this mmkay? From the clothes, to the music to the attitudes of the time period, the 80s nostalgia was done just right and felt immersive instead of trying too hard; in short, it was perfection. The environment of the water park was so vivid I could practically smell the suntan lotion and hot dogs and feel the sun beating down.
Kit and Mitch are newly married, but she knows her husband, doesn’t she? As Kit questions her relationship with her husband, she also begins to wonder about a previous incident at the park that resulted in a death. Was it really an accident on a ride?
Kit is a heroine I can vibe with. She’s flawed and authentic, cares about the people in her life and has real concerns about what’s happening around her. I love that she’s self aware enough to consider her inner child (we all have one) and acknowledge her by referencing ‘Tiny Kit’. The anonymous POV from the past known only as ‘Hawk’, was chilling and uncomfortable to say the least and provided an extra layer of tension!
A blend of drama, suspense and thriller, the multiple mysteries kept me locked in and side eyeing several of the eclectic mix of characters. I thought I knew exactly WHO was WHO and WHAT was WHAT and then...thanks to Faith’s clever and devious mind, I doubted, I questioned, and I reexamined. Was I sure? What begins as a slow build, reaches a startling crescendo and pays off in spades!
If you’re a fan of the 80s (like me) and like being kept on your toes guessing, this missing person puzzle is for you! Full of secrets, lies and shocking truths, you might even wind up looking suspiciously at the people in your life as you wonder, how well do I REALLY know them? BREAKNECK BAY is a quintessential summer read you’re gonna LOVE to DIVE INTO!
____
Thank you Faith Gardner for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
A murder in a water park set in the 1980’s? Count me in! A super predictable plot with flat as a pancake characters? Count me out! I’ll never remember this book but it was a quick, easy read.
July 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
Many thanks to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy of Breakneck Bay all opinions are on my own.
This was a good read to add to my summer thriller list. It was quite twisty and kept me guessing until the end. I ended up wanting a little more and I think it was set up perfectly for it but ended up playing out on the safer side. Overall I enjoyed it and I did not figure it out in the end.
A dangerous waterpark filled with lies, missing girls, and murder. When a teenage employee of the waterpark vanishes into thin air a domino effect of events is set into motion. The park manager becomes a person of interest sending his wife into a tailspin. Holding a magnifying glass to her husband and their marriage she soon realizes she may not know the man she married at all. The only thing deadlier than this waterpark are the truth and secrets it hides.
Breakneck Bay publishes at the end of July so be sure to add this summertime thriller to your summer reading list!
Many thanks to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy of Breakneck Bay all opinions are on my own.
This was a good read to add to my summer thriller list. It was quite twisty and kept me guessing until the end. I ended up wanting a little more and I think it was set up perfectly for it but ended up playing out on the safer side. Overall I enjoyed it and I did not figure it out in the end.
A dangerous waterpark filled with lies, missing girls, and murder. When a teenage employee of the waterpark vanishes into thin air a domino effect of events is set into motion. The park manager becomes a person of interest sending his wife into a tailspin. Holding a magnifying glass to her husband and their marriage she soon realizes she may not know the man she married at all. The only thing deadlier than this waterpark are the truth and secrets it hides.
Breakneck Bay publishes at the end of July so be sure to add this summertime thriller to your summer reading list!
November 13, 2025
It was such a great read to help me forget about the snow outside it instantly brought me back to summer! I really liked the setting of a hazardous, accident-prone waterpark and the mystery surrounding the missing co-worker.
Even though I had a good idea of where the story was heading pretty early on, I still found it to be a fun and engaging read.
The story follows Kit, a newlywed who works in the park’s first aid office, while her husband, Mitch, is the park manager. The couple is trying to start a family, but their lives are thrown into chaos when a teenage employee mysteriously vanishes after her closing shift, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene. Everyone becomes a suspect, and Kit starts digging into the shady past of the waterpark and the missing girl all while wondering if she might be sleeping beside a killer.
Even though I had a good idea of where the story was heading pretty early on, I still found it to be a fun and engaging read.
The story follows Kit, a newlywed who works in the park’s first aid office, while her husband, Mitch, is the park manager. The couple is trying to start a family, but their lives are thrown into chaos when a teenage employee mysteriously vanishes after her closing shift, leaving behind a blood-soaked crime scene. Everyone becomes a suspect, and Kit starts digging into the shady past of the waterpark and the missing girl all while wondering if she might be sleeping beside a killer.
June 23, 2025
An excellent thriller with dark and disturbing components, this one is definitely addictive and fast paced so prepare to read in one sitting 😆
I loved the setting of this one! A throw back into the 1980s where serial killers are at their prime and the public are in a panic. Enter the creepy location surrounding missing / dead persons, a water park! I love that.. I love murder mystery set at theme parks and a water park just seems to up the anti that extra notch, something about the water component just makes it extra creepy and threatening 🤷🏼♀️😂
I definitely enjoyed the read and would recommend :)
Thank you to Faith Gardner and Mirror House Press for the gifted copy!
Publishes - July 24th
I loved the setting of this one! A throw back into the 1980s where serial killers are at their prime and the public are in a panic. Enter the creepy location surrounding missing / dead persons, a water park! I love that.. I love murder mystery set at theme parks and a water park just seems to up the anti that extra notch, something about the water component just makes it extra creepy and threatening 🤷🏼♀️😂
I definitely enjoyed the read and would recommend :)
Thank you to Faith Gardner and Mirror House Press for the gifted copy!
Publishes - July 24th
November 20, 2025
"If something in you tells you something isn't right...be guided by your own light, you know? Always listen to your intuition."
Now this is what I want in a thriller! This was excellent. Classic 80’s vibes with lots of depth and different perspectives. I flew through this and fought to keep my eyes open at night sneaking in just one more page.
I felt the characters were all so unique and each added a special touch but Kit’s perspective and struggle felt so honest and realistic. I was right there with her! I felt her confusion, her pain and I felt like I didn’t know what was what either. I even was convincing myself the murderer was someone else for a bit as well.
I am pleasantly surprised by this and highly recommend it.
October 13, 2025
3.2 I was kind of disappointed from this thriller, because I’ve been waiting all summer to read this on my TBR. I could have flew through this but the story kept falling flat, and it really just lost my interest to want to read it.
August 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 18, 2025
Really wanted to love this but the main character was so daft I genuinely can’t believe it.
May 29, 2025
It’s the 1980s and newlywed Kit has just moved to the boonies to work at a water park. Her husband, Mitch, and the owner go way back. Unfortunately the park isn’t what she was expecting. The teens are strung out on drugs, the water slides are death traps, and she’s not even enjoying the sunshine.
But that’s just the start of her summer. Kit’s life takes an even further nose dive when one odd encounter sets off a chain of chilling events—including a missing teenager, an uninvited brother fresh out of jail, and a boss who’s way too mad that the cops were called. This is one heart pounding, WILD ride. 🎢 🌊
What I liked:
🌊 The setting! A run-down, mismanaged water park in the ‘80s? Yes, please. It’s gritty, nostalgic, and perfectly creepy. I could literally smell the chlorine and stale popcorn.
🌊 The suspense! I was genuinely concerned for the characters well being throughout the story.
🌊 It wasn’t too graphic! Normally I tap out when we’re deep inside a killer’s head, but this author knew the line. Just enough dread without the gory or spine curling overload. It was a tasteful take on dark themes.
🌊 The character growth! I’ll be honest, I didn’t like a single person for the first half. But wow, did that turn around. By the end, I was surprisingly attached to several of them as messed-up as they all were.
What I didn’t like:
🌊 I figured it out pretty easily. Was it disappointing? Not really, there was so much else going on that it barely mattered.
🌊 Trigger warnings!!! This one dances right on my personal line. I’m sensitive to certain topics, and while it stayed tolerable for me, this book is definitely not for everyone. Do your research before diving in.
Overall, this was a dark, neon-drenched psychological thriller with just enough grit, nostalgia, and chaos to keep me hooked. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re into twisted summer thrillers, and broken people you’ll enjoy this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
But that’s just the start of her summer. Kit’s life takes an even further nose dive when one odd encounter sets off a chain of chilling events—including a missing teenager, an uninvited brother fresh out of jail, and a boss who’s way too mad that the cops were called. This is one heart pounding, WILD ride. 🎢 🌊
What I liked:
🌊 The setting! A run-down, mismanaged water park in the ‘80s? Yes, please. It’s gritty, nostalgic, and perfectly creepy. I could literally smell the chlorine and stale popcorn.
🌊 The suspense! I was genuinely concerned for the characters well being throughout the story.
🌊 It wasn’t too graphic! Normally I tap out when we’re deep inside a killer’s head, but this author knew the line. Just enough dread without the gory or spine curling overload. It was a tasteful take on dark themes.
🌊 The character growth! I’ll be honest, I didn’t like a single person for the first half. But wow, did that turn around. By the end, I was surprisingly attached to several of them as messed-up as they all were.
What I didn’t like:
🌊 I figured it out pretty easily. Was it disappointing? Not really, there was so much else going on that it barely mattered.
🌊 Trigger warnings!!! This one dances right on my personal line. I’m sensitive to certain topics, and while it stayed tolerable for me, this book is definitely not for everyone. Do your research before diving in.
Overall, this was a dark, neon-drenched psychological thriller with just enough grit, nostalgia, and chaos to keep me hooked. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re into twisted summer thrillers, and broken people you’ll enjoy this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 22, 2025
AMAZING!!!! Best thriller of the year. To say I loved it is an understatement.
Every Gardner book I read was 5 star reads and I can always expect a twisty thriller ride, just like the water slide on the cover.
This is a MUST READ so add it to your TBR!
😘Thank you Faith Gardner for this gifted copy!
Every Gardner book I read was 5 star reads and I can always expect a twisty thriller ride, just like the water slide on the cover.
This is a MUST READ so add it to your TBR!
😘Thank you Faith Gardner for this gifted copy!
September 12, 2025
Meh. This dragged. You knew from the beginning. There was no twist. No gag to keep you really hanging. Meh.
June 3, 2025
Catching up with my reviews here
BREAKNECK BAY ARC review Thank you NG & Faith! “A beat passes, an ocean static” <<— one of the parts that got me in such an anxiety state feeling like I was running in the dark. This was a great thriller with a dark, foggy atmosphere. Page turner and the best part for me was the real life emotional experiences I was having. I needed a cigarette break a few times.
BREAKNECK BAY ARC review Thank you NG & Faith! “A beat passes, an ocean static” <<— one of the parts that got me in such an anxiety state feeling like I was running in the dark. This was a great thriller with a dark, foggy atmosphere. Page turner and the best part for me was the real life emotional experiences I was having. I needed a cigarette break a few times.
July 1, 2025
Thank you to the author for an early copy! Such a great summer read ◡̈ 3.75 stars
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjK3CJJs/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjK3CJJs/
July 6, 2025
I absolutely cannot get past Faith's ability to tell a story. I love the way she uses words, makes the characters whole, and tells a different story than the standard thriller. being transported back to the 80s for a serial killer mystery was a fun break from real life!
August 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Kit is a great main character.
November 23, 2025
Medium enthousiast over de ontknoping en de MC was echt onuitstaanbaar.
August 11, 2025
This was good. Fine. Nothing ground-breaking and the beginning even had me questioning why I was even reading this. The writing was decent enough that I was willing to wait it out and kept hoping for a big jaw-dropping moment. That never came. It was very predictable but still a satisfying ending for what it was. I was just hoping for more.
July 13, 2025
If this isn’t perfect for summer, I don’t know what is?! Murder at a waterpark?! Yes please. This is full of twists like a water slide and the pacing is breakneck speed! (see what I did there lol)
The setting of this is perfect, I loved that it took place in the 80s and all of the references (especially the music). You can get a really good visual of the park, the town and the different characters. I loved the multiple POV, especially the one of “Hawk” as it gives some insight. There is lots of dread throughout and Gardner does a good job of keeping you guessing. So, grab your suit, sunscreen and get ready to “Get Wrecked at Breakneck”
Thank you @faith.gardner and Mirror House Press for my copy!
The setting of this is perfect, I loved that it took place in the 80s and all of the references (especially the music). You can get a really good visual of the park, the town and the different characters. I loved the multiple POV, especially the one of “Hawk” as it gives some insight. There is lots of dread throughout and Gardner does a good job of keeping you guessing. So, grab your suit, sunscreen and get ready to “Get Wrecked at Breakneck”
Thank you @faith.gardner and Mirror House Press for my copy!
July 18, 2025
#ad much love for my advance copy @faith.gardner #partner
🅱🆁🅴🅰🅺🅽🅴🅲🅺 🅱🅰🆈
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟤𝟦, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
“but some scars run too deep,” (p. 7).
Welcome to Breakneck Bay! New to town and need a job? Looking to make some extra cash this summer? Well, we’ve got you covered, so stop on by Breakneck Waterpark today - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Should that be a red flag? Possibly.
Let’s just stare at this cover for a little bit longer.
It’s 1982 and Gardener takes us back in time with this atmospheric thriller. So jump in, buckle up, and hold on to your hats folks. It’s a wild one! And I’m not talking about the rides - although it will be just as wild too. Because Gloria - a park employee - has gone missing. But her purse and jacket were left in her work-locker. No one would just up and disappear without their purse or coat - not on their own accord anyways.
The park has just become a crime scene - possibly.
I sat down to just read a chapter or two before bed and ended up binge reading the entire book. Haha. Yep, Faith’s writing is magical, but the story is also gripping AF! Literally couldn’t put it down.
Breakneck Bay by Faith Gardner is a compelling read that you won’t be able to put down. Written perfectly, you’ll remember these characters long after you’ve flipped the final page. This book only proves that Gardner just keeps getting better and better.
It’ll keep you guessing until the very end. Loved it.
Memorable:
✓ Wet ones 😂
✓ Vampires (yassss that’s me)
✓ Tiny Kit
✓ Fked Up Beyond All Recognition (FUBAR)
✓ wiener patrol 😂😂
✓ Professional loser
✓ phone number song (thanks 😂)
✓ Stevie Nicks (my mom’s favorite 😭)
🅱🆁🅴🅰🅺🅽🅴🅲🅺 🅱🅰🆈
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟤𝟦, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
“but some scars run too deep,” (p. 7).
Welcome to Breakneck Bay! New to town and need a job? Looking to make some extra cash this summer? Well, we’ve got you covered, so stop on by Breakneck Waterpark today - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Should that be a red flag? Possibly.
Let’s just stare at this cover for a little bit longer.
It’s 1982 and Gardener takes us back in time with this atmospheric thriller. So jump in, buckle up, and hold on to your hats folks. It’s a wild one! And I’m not talking about the rides - although it will be just as wild too. Because Gloria - a park employee - has gone missing. But her purse and jacket were left in her work-locker. No one would just up and disappear without their purse or coat - not on their own accord anyways.
The park has just become a crime scene - possibly.
I sat down to just read a chapter or two before bed and ended up binge reading the entire book. Haha. Yep, Faith’s writing is magical, but the story is also gripping AF! Literally couldn’t put it down.
Breakneck Bay by Faith Gardner is a compelling read that you won’t be able to put down. Written perfectly, you’ll remember these characters long after you’ve flipped the final page. This book only proves that Gardner just keeps getting better and better.
It’ll keep you guessing until the very end. Loved it.
Memorable:
✓ Wet ones 😂
✓ Vampires (yassss that’s me)
✓ Tiny Kit
✓ Fked Up Beyond All Recognition (FUBAR)
✓ wiener patrol 😂😂
✓ Professional loser
✓ phone number song (thanks 😂)
✓ Stevie Nicks (my mom’s favorite 😭)
June 3, 2025
𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬. 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤--𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬!
Set in a water park in the 1980s, reading this book was like watching an episode of Cold Case. It was nostalgic without the warm, fuzzy feelings that usually accompany a simpler time. Because in the 1980s, men were hunting women, just like today, and they were getting away with it for much longer due to lack of advancement in technology and science.
At Breakneck Bay theme park, Kit Blue works in the first aid office while her husband Mitch is the park manager. The couple is newly married and eager to start a family, but when a teenage employee vanishes one night after her closing shift and the team arrives to a blood-soaked crime scene the following morning, Kit finds herself rethinking those plans. Why? Because suspicion has fallen on Mitch, and when Kit starts getting strange phone calls, she begins to examine the flaws in her brand new marriage.
I loved the diverse cast of characters, the tension, and the creeping dread toward the inevitable climax. My only complaint is that I wish the park had been more of a character. Other than that, this was a fantastic thriller that will keep you up past your bedtime, and the author's notes are not to be missed! Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for the early copy. This title is expected to publish July 24, 2025.
Set in a water park in the 1980s, reading this book was like watching an episode of Cold Case. It was nostalgic without the warm, fuzzy feelings that usually accompany a simpler time. Because in the 1980s, men were hunting women, just like today, and they were getting away with it for much longer due to lack of advancement in technology and science.
At Breakneck Bay theme park, Kit Blue works in the first aid office while her husband Mitch is the park manager. The couple is newly married and eager to start a family, but when a teenage employee vanishes one night after her closing shift and the team arrives to a blood-soaked crime scene the following morning, Kit finds herself rethinking those plans. Why? Because suspicion has fallen on Mitch, and when Kit starts getting strange phone calls, she begins to examine the flaws in her brand new marriage.
I loved the diverse cast of characters, the tension, and the creeping dread toward the inevitable climax. My only complaint is that I wish the park had been more of a character. Other than that, this was a fantastic thriller that will keep you up past your bedtime, and the author's notes are not to be missed! Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for the early copy. This title is expected to publish July 24, 2025.
June 9, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
When I saw that Breakneck Bay was set at a waterpark, I was instantly intrigued. It’s such a fresh, underused setting for a thriller, and I was ready for all the creepy, sun-faded, slightly grimy vibes that come with it. Add in a serial killer and late 70s/early 80s nostalgia vibes? Solddddd. I do wish the waterpark had been used more as a character itself, though. The setting was so unique and full of potential, but it felt like it faded into the background. I kept waiting for it to really come alive in the atmosphere or the plot, and it never quite got there.
That said, there are some really compelling elements here. I appreciated how the mystery slowly unraveled. There were definitely moments that had me leaning in, trying to put the pieces together, and I loved the undercurrent of unease that runs throughout. The story did lose a bit of momentum in the back half for me, and I found myself wishing for more intensity, more payoff, more something—but I still really liked the concept, and I flew through the pages. This is a great pick if you’re looking for something a little different in your thriller rotation. I’ll always show up for books that take risks with setting and structure, even if they don’t hit every single note perfectly. If Faith writes it, I’m going to read it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book is set to publish July 24 2025 and is the perfect summer thriller.
When I saw that Breakneck Bay was set at a waterpark, I was instantly intrigued. It’s such a fresh, underused setting for a thriller, and I was ready for all the creepy, sun-faded, slightly grimy vibes that come with it. Add in a serial killer and late 70s/early 80s nostalgia vibes? Solddddd. I do wish the waterpark had been used more as a character itself, though. The setting was so unique and full of potential, but it felt like it faded into the background. I kept waiting for it to really come alive in the atmosphere or the plot, and it never quite got there.
That said, there are some really compelling elements here. I appreciated how the mystery slowly unraveled. There were definitely moments that had me leaning in, trying to put the pieces together, and I loved the undercurrent of unease that runs throughout. The story did lose a bit of momentum in the back half for me, and I found myself wishing for more intensity, more payoff, more something—but I still really liked the concept, and I flew through the pages. This is a great pick if you’re looking for something a little different in your thriller rotation. I’ll always show up for books that take risks with setting and structure, even if they don’t hit every single note perfectly. If Faith writes it, I’m going to read it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book is set to publish July 24 2025 and is the perfect summer thriller.
July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review: Breakneck Bay by Faith Gardner
Faith Gardner delivers a chilling, fast-paced thriller set in a deceptively sunny 1980s waterpark. Breakneck Bay follows newlywed Kit Blue as she uncovers disturbing truths about her husband after a teenage girl vanishes. With multiple POVs—including the killer’s—and flashbacks to the ’70s, Gardner blends nostalgia with mounting dread.
The setting is a standout: Breakneck Bay feels both vividly real and deeply unsettling. Gardner captures the chaotic energy of a summer attraction while layering in psychological tension. Kit’s unraveling sense of trust adds emotional weight, and the shifting perspectives keep the mystery taut and engaging.
What worked especially well was the killer’s voice—unnerving without being overdone—and the way Gardner avoids melodrama, opting instead for slow-burn suspense. A few plot turns felt familiar, and the ending could’ve hit harder, but the ride was worth it.
If you enjoy thrillers with retro vibes, morally murky characters, and a touch of psychological unease, Breakneck Bay is a gripping summer read that’ll keep you guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#BreakneckBay #FaithGardner #NetGalleyReads #ARCReview #ThrillerBooks #SummerThriller #BookReview #WaterparkMystery #RetroThriller #Bookstagram #BookishThoughts #MysteryLovers #PsychologicalThriller
Faith Gardner delivers a chilling, fast-paced thriller set in a deceptively sunny 1980s waterpark. Breakneck Bay follows newlywed Kit Blue as she uncovers disturbing truths about her husband after a teenage girl vanishes. With multiple POVs—including the killer’s—and flashbacks to the ’70s, Gardner blends nostalgia with mounting dread.
The setting is a standout: Breakneck Bay feels both vividly real and deeply unsettling. Gardner captures the chaotic energy of a summer attraction while layering in psychological tension. Kit’s unraveling sense of trust adds emotional weight, and the shifting perspectives keep the mystery taut and engaging.
What worked especially well was the killer’s voice—unnerving without being overdone—and the way Gardner avoids melodrama, opting instead for slow-burn suspense. A few plot turns felt familiar, and the ending could’ve hit harder, but the ride was worth it.
If you enjoy thrillers with retro vibes, morally murky characters, and a touch of psychological unease, Breakneck Bay is a gripping summer read that’ll keep you guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#BreakneckBay #FaithGardner #NetGalleyReads #ARCReview #ThrillerBooks #SummerThriller #BookReview #WaterparkMystery #RetroThriller #Bookstagram #BookishThoughts #MysteryLovers #PsychologicalThriller
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