The Ex I Buried

by Natali Simmonds

It’s been ten years since I saw my ex. Now his mother says I killed him…

The invitation to my ex-boyfriend’s funeral came out of the blue.

I take a deep breath, my hand on the door to the church, fingers trembling. I haven’t seen Jacob in ten years – not since an anonymous lie about me tore the two of us apart… I’ve stayed as far away as possible ever since, but I just can’t miss the chance to say goodbye.

But when I pull open the heavy oak door, every pair of eyes in the room lands on me. His mother glares at me from the front pew, shaking with barely contained rage. Her piercing shriek echoes off the walls.

‘How dare you show your face around here, Eva Walsh? You killed my son!’

My heart stops dead, sweat pooling at the base of my spine. I’m frozen in place.

How could I possibly have killed Jacob? Why would I? I see the cold, angry stares and realise I’ve made a terrible mistake coming back. But does what happened all those years ago mean I’m now in danger, too?

An absolutely gripping, claustrophobic small-town psychological thriller that will get your heart pounding! Perfect for fans of addictive page-turners like The Housemaid , The Family Across the Street and None of This Is True .

Readers love Natali

‘I could not put this down… I actually did the laundry carrying my phone with me because I couldn’t stop reading… Grabs you in the very first chapter. RECOMMEND!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I am mind-blown. I did not expect ANY OF THIS… Truly makes you stay on the edge of your seat… Boom, hits left and right with twist after twist. I truly loved how this played out… Amazing… Loved every minute of it… 5 stars!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘OMG!… Had me hooked!… Made me NEED to keep reading as I could sense the tension building to something explosive. And it really was! WOW! The twists had me FLOORED! So, so clever!… OMG!… Stunning!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Deserves 10 stars!!!… Like riding a rollercoaster!… Kept me turning the pages into the early hours… Heart-pounding… Nail-biting!’ Arcreviews_by_m, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was kept awake far too late by this… I regret NOTHING!… Superb from beginning to end… I loved it!… Devoured in just one sitting… Kept me turning page after page… Brilliant and unforgettable – a must for the TBR.’ Littlemissbooklover87, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I could not put this down – I devoured it in a single evening!&helli

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2025

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I had "EXed" this "EX" book from my TBR list.

WHY?

Its recycled plot, predictable twists, and underdeveloped characters were disappointing.

The story centers around a female protagonist who returns to her hometown for her ex-boyfriend's funeral, only to be accused by his mother of causing his death.

Character development was underwhelming.

The end-of-the-book twists were eye-rolling.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tamsin Kennard.

As always, Tamsin Kennard's performance was brilliant and helped me make it to the finish line.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been ten years since I saw my ex. Now his mother says I killed him…


This story had no trouble sucking me in. I love finding new authors who exceed my expectations. I had never read anything written by Simmonds before and now I will be getting my hands on everything I can by them!

The Ex I Buried is fantastic and full of jaw dropping, head shaking twists! I had some suspicions about certain characters but I never anticipated it ending up how it did.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Becci Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect quick read twisty psych thriller. I really enjoyed this, unlike other books I've read in this genre the lead character wasnt an idiot and actually made the same decisions you would in her shoes, which was so refreshing! It kept me guessing the whole way, i knew it wasnt going to be the obvious answer but I just had no idea where it was going! Nice short chapters which kept me reading until the early hours as so easy to do "just one more". The only thing stopping me giving five is a completely personal preference of the ending, it finished on a romantic note which I know a lot of people love but personally I hate!
But loved it and it was exactly what I looking!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... What an INSANE ride this book took me on!! You think one thing will happen only for something even crazier to happen.
Eva Walsh returns to her hometown when her ex boyfriend Jacob dies, but soon finds out that nothing is as it seems in her childhood town. Im not sure how much details I can give without spoiling the whole book, but I will say that this is one of the most well written psychological thrillers I have ever read. This publisher always has the best books and I eat every single one of them up!
I could not put this book down once i started. Everyone needs to read this book!!
thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this arc

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invitation to the funeral of her childhood sweetheart brings Eva back to her hometown. Although she had promised herself never to return, she cannot resist attending. She tries to stay as anonymous as possible, and she almost managed to slip away unnoticed…

Eva is a fantastic main character. She is not the naïve person who falls into every trap with her eyes wide open, and even though she realizes she may have made the wrong decision, she fights back to uncover the truth to the very bottom. She also doesn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself, but instead faces the struggle head-on.

That there are some untrustworthy figures in the story is, of course, to be expected. The only thing is, you often don’t know who has suddenly turned completely around, and that makes a thriller always fun to read. Sometimes you might suspect that someone isn’t quite right in the head, but how far they are willing to go remains a mystery until the very end.

For me, it was very difficult not to start distrusting everyone after a while. My head was spinning, and it also made me want to keep reading. I must honestly admit that I didn’t see any of it coming. With some twists you get a feeling beforehand. In this case, I was completely blown away.

It’s a book that reads like a train you don’t want to get off until it reaches its final destination.

I also always find it very satisfying when all the loose ends are neatly tied up at the end, as happened here.

For me, this is a very good book with interesting characters and lots of puzzles and mystery. 5 stars.

Thank you.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC c/o NetGalley, release date 9/29/2025

This book was a quick, fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The writing was easy to follow, and the story moved along at a good pace. One part was a little predictable but overall, I was excited to see what was going to happen as the book progressed. Four stars for a great beach read!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would’ve smashed this up under 24 hours but being busy for last few days so I’ve gone and finished it earlier in the day today! 🫢

Wow, what can I say?! This is flipping INSANE which I never saw coming - full of twists and turns… 🤯

Eva Walsh has returned to her hometown, Cragstone, after 10 years after being invited to attend her ex boyfriend, Jacob’s, funeral and found out that he has died from a freak car accident. 😩 Eva expected just to attend the funeral and return to London on the same day. Things started to get weird and Eva is so confused why is almost everyone against her and accused her of things she never did... 🤷🏼‍♀️ Eva is determined to find out the truths but will she get the truths she need in the end?! 🤔
I can’t really say much without spoiling the story but I definitely recommend this book! 😍 I’m definitely going to invest more of Natali’s books in the future! 📚🤪

I would like to say thank you to NetGallery and Bookouture for approved me to read the ARC. ♥️

✨ Pub date - 29th September 2025 ✨

[Kayla Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ex I Buried was full of twists and turns - with an ending that I never saw coming! They say you can’t outrun your past and that your past will always catch up to you - but will it?

Eva returns to the small town of Cragstone to attend her ex-boyfriend of 10 years ago funeral. Her first love, who died too soon, rests in a coffin in a church. Eva meant to say her goodbyes and return to London - in and out in one day. As the day unfolds, more strange events happen, and one thing leads to another and suddenly Eva is trapped inside Cragstone. As her stay extends, more sinister events unfold, slowly leading Eva to the truth. The truth behind her ex-boyfriend’s death and the truth that happened 10 years ago when Eva’s heart was broken by him. Is it too late for Eva? This is a must read! A true psychological thriller with so many twists and turns, you’re definitely on a literature roller coaster!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this.
Found myself making time to read because I was desperate to know what happened.
Could picture this being made into a film. Tense reading, I wanted to scream at the female character quite a few times, firstly to tell her to put the tv on to find out the time and also to not fall for men so quickly.
That said, it was edge of your seat stuff especially for the last 20%.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes plenty of twists and a decent pace.
I would look to read other books by this author.

[booked.with.julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva returns to her hometown after a decade away, only to walk straight into her ex’s funeral, and his mother immediately accuses her of murder. From we uncover long buried secrets, tangled relationships, and small town suspicions.

This was such a twisty read! The mystery kept me hooked and had me questioning everyone’s motives. It kept me guessing until the very end.

This is the kind of thriller that pulls you in and keeps you suspicious of everyone.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE EX I BURIED BY NATALI SIMMONDS
Release day set for the 29th of September 2025.
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This was such a quick and easy read and I Flew through it as I just wanted to find out what was happening.
Really good psychological thriller and I really enjoyed it

[حالم Haalim · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ten years apart, one funeral, and now the whole town thinks I killed my ex. Welcome home, I guess…”

💭 REVIEW:
First ever E-ARC on @netgalley 💜 thank you @bookoutoure for trusting me with "The Ex I Buried" by @nat in exchange for an honest review.

The title itself was tempting enough to start the book right away and honestly, the book didn’t disappoint. From page one, it had me hooked🤌. Unlike the usual thrillers stuck in one house, one van, or one creepy building, this one traps the FMC in her own town and she is accused of Murder🙉

Every character had depth (and was shady as hell), but Iris stole the show for me. Clever, cruel, manipulative, loved every bit of her. Just when I thought I had her figured out, BAM, she was one step ahead. 🙈

I did however, find our FMC very stupid at times. She did make decisions which made sense, I liked how her character was growing and wasnt constant throughout the book. I did wanted to scream at her that Just because you lost your phone doesn't mean you have to act stupid. This wasn't always and therefore i don't entirely find her character annoying.

Some of the twists, I sniffed out because the vibe gave it away, not because the clues were obvious. But not the final twist, Nope. Didn’t see it coming. Nobody would. 😬

Overall: fast-paced, creepy in the best way, and satisfying. If you’re into claustrophobic thrillers with shocking layers and town-wide suspicion, add this to your TBR 🫶. And yes I'm glad she got what she wanted at the end

[Sam “My Cosy Book Nook” · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two weeks ago, I have to admit to a small lump in throat moment when I sold the car that had been my comfortable, capable and faithful companion for the last six-and-a-bit years. But, with the mileage having crept past 140,000, my work journeys increasing and a realisation that the use of something electric, rather than diesel-powered had the potential to save more than £1500 per year on fuel bills, I had to admit that now was the time.

This meant though that I now had to choose another car, and that's not easy when you're faced with a bewildering choice of names that you've never heard of. The closest dealer to my workplace sells two Chinese brands that I don't even know how to pronounce. And even if you look up manufacturers whose names are familiar - Toyota, for instance - the relief that they still exist is short-lived. Because what the hell is a bZ4X, for example? It sounds like a virus.

After an evening spent on the laptop, which resulted in me being left totally befuddled, I resorted to brand loyalty and went into a Volkswagen dealership, where I test-drove something called an ID3. But any thoughts that this sounds a bit like a code name for a fake passport soon disappeared from my mind as I found myself asking a simple question: how on earth have VW got it so wrong?

Who approved the styling, for a start? A Volkswagen is supposed to look smart, yet understated. Classy yet classless, if you will. This one is ugly and ungainly. Then there's the point that the wheels are the size of flying saucers, which ruin the ride and mean that there's no room anywhere in the car for a spare. If you don't think that's a problem, lucky you. It means you don't have my reputation for picking up punctures on holidays. But far, far worse is the lack of buttons anywhere on the dashboard. Everything - the radio, the sat nav, the heating, the air con, the lot, is controlled through a touch screen. It feels like driving an i-pad, and it's every bit as frustrating.

This may, of course, be something to do with me being a grumpy old man who doesn't like change. And VW do seem to be pleasing some people because, here in the English Midlands at least, these damn cars seem to be everywhere. But I left thinking that I, who have been a faithful customer of the VW brand for a very long time, don't want this in my life. And I can't be the only one they've failed to retain ... can I?

If Natali Simmonds is reading this, no doubt she'll be worried by this point. So I should explain that this analogy is not at all fair to her, because her latest book, The Ex I Buried, really isn't that bad. Indeed, the average rating of 4.6 on Amazon, with not a single rating of less than 4 stars at the time of my writing this, suggests that I might be the only person in the world who didn't love it. But for me, it lacked that connection, that something that Natali Simmonds' other thrillers have delivered in abundance.

On the face of it, this is strange because the book contains all of the right ingredients for a psychological thriller. It's narrated by Eva, who has returned to her small home town for the first time in ten years to attend the funeral of a man she once loved. I have lived in just such a town, where a close-knit community thrives on gossip and the return of someone whose been absent for a long time is greeted, first and foremost, with suspicion. Natali portrays this beautifully.

Then we learn that the man in question died in mysterious circumstances. Then his mother accuses Eva of murder. And we're immediately left wondering: how reliable is Eva's narrative? Can we believe anything we read? Throw in some ever-increasing tension and a spectacular twist and, yep, everything seems to be here.

But the problem for me was this. In my favourite novels by Natali - Good Girls Die Last, with While My Baby Sleeps following hot on its heels - even though the main characters have to face an extreme number of problems in a short space of time, it somehow never feels far fetched. In The Ex I Buried, it did. The result was that, even though I read the book easily and stayed interested, I never felt truly absorbed. The fact that the final scenes had me shaking my head rather than gasping is really just an extension of that.

Perhaps I'm overthinking, but the issue for me seemed to be that Natali's other books that I've mentioned are drawn, at least to some extent on her own experiences. She's put a bit of herself into the stories. This time, I don't think she has. And I think it shows. It feels as though an author has researched how to write a psychological thriller and followed a procedure. The result is good. But somehow not quite complete.

I should probably also add that I read most of this book during snatched moments at the ends of some very long and busy days in the day job, which inevitably meant that my attention span - not great at the best of times - may have been even worse than usual. But it's the job of a great book to sit me down and take me away from the outside world. The Ex I Buried didn't quite manage that.

Even the best of us can't get everything right all of the time, though. And for proof of this, look no further than the conclusion, thus far, of my car story. I bought a small electric estate car called an MG5, which appeared on the face of it to be able to do everything I needed it to. But it broke down after a week, with a fault that left it undriveable, and I'm currently waiting for a refund. Proof, if proof were needed, that I sometimes get things wrong too.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which was published in the UK on 29th September 2025.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Bookouture for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I have read all of Natali's published thrillers and they just get better and better and better.

There are 42 chapters in it and they're all quite short which is good, as I can't abide a long chapter.

This is very character heavy which I loved. Yes there's a thrilling plot, but for me it's more about the characters themselves, what they've done, how they feel etc. rather than the actual goings-on.

It's got this...interior feeling about it. That might not be the right word but bear with me. It feels very personal, that we're reading about the internal feelings of what's going on rather than the external reactions, if that makes sense. No? It does to me, I just can't quite vocalise what I mean.

It's thrilling but not in an all-guns-blazing kind of way you expect a thriller to be. It's quiet, it hovers over your shoulder, watches you from the shadows, puts you on edge, which in my opinion is harder to achieve than putting full blown scares in.

Eva is an interesting main character. She's clearly been through some stuff and is reluctant to return to her past but she's forced to confront it. I was really on her side and was getting really frustrated along with her. There aren't many other characters, but they're all a bit iffy. No one is all good but some are all bad, and they all leave you with a question mark, you're not sure who to trust. I think it was a good idea to have few characters because it adds to the claustrophobic feeling I think she's aiming for.

I read one review that said they saw a twist coming but I'm not sure if I did. I had an inkling but wasn't fully committed. I don't really mind if twists don't' surprise me, it's more about the twist itself and how it impacts the story than completely taking me by surprise. And this has twists and turns all over the shop, but it never feels overwhelming.

It's not a very long book and yet she's packed so much into it but still manages to make it fun to read and not overwhelming All the books I've read of hers are relatively short and I wonder if that's a conscious decision to make it more fast paced? Would a longer one feel too drawn out? I don't know but it's interesting to ponder. Either way, I would never turn down a chance to read a Natali Simmonds book.

Each book is slightly different but where I think she has always excelled is in her character creation and development. The plots are interesting too, don't get me wrong, but I think she's one of the best at creating deep, well-rounded, raw, very human characters.

[Balkha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book opens with Eva Walsh, the main character, attending her ex-boyfriend, Jacob’s, funeral. Eva has not been back in Cragstone, her hometown, which she left ten years ago under less than ideal circumstances. She hasn’t even been in touch with anyone since she left. Yet, at the funeral, Jacob’s mother, Iris, accuses her of having killed Jacob.

Reading this book and following Eva’s actions felt like watching a person walk into a cage and shutting the door behind them, then feeling trapped. We are expected to believe that this person didn’t realise they were walking into the cage, even though the bars were so clearly visible.

Time and time again, Eva walks into this hypothetical cage, and once the door is firmly locked, she realises that she is trapped. It was frustrating to read. Whatever sympathy I felt for Eva soon evaporated because none of her choices made any sense. For instance, she agrees to postpone her return to London and stay the night in Iris’s house at Iris’s request. Even though the woman has just accused Eva of having killed her son the previous day. Eva feels zero suspicion as to the reason for Iris’s sudden change of heart. Then there is the situation where Eva chooses to wait around a deserted neighbourhood instead of going to the police station, even though she is convinced someone is stalking her and she has received threatening notes.

The various revelations in the book would have worked better and had more impact if their timing had been perfected. As it happened, most of it I guessed and the only impact was the satisfaction of having been proved right. But that lost its appeal too as it happened so often as I read this book.

The small town, the characters and even the mystery felt clichéd. The only redeeming feature of this book was the end. The end made me question my assumptions. Was Eva truly as naive as she came across? Were the so-called “bad guys” in this story truly the villains? Or was Eva the biggest villain of them all?

This book wasn’t to my taste. This book isn’t for veteran crime fiction readers. It might be a fun read for someone who hasn’t read too much crime fiction and wants to read a low-stakes psychological thriller where it is impossible to get overly invested in the characters or the outcome.


For more reviews visit https://bookishexperiences.wordpress.com

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natali Simmonds’ The Ex I Buried is a dark, twist-filled psychological thriller that expertly explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dangerous ways secrets can resurface. From the opening chapters, it’s clear that this isn’t just another suspense novel—it’s a carefully crafted story that builds tension piece by piece until it all comes crashing down in a shocking and unforgettable climax.

What stands out most about this novel is how effectively it toys with the idea of trust. The story makes you question every character’s motives and reminds you just how fragile relationships can be when lies and past mistakes are involved. That lingering sense of unease—of never truly knowing who to believe—keeps the reader hooked, flipping pages late into the night.

The pacing is particularly well-executed. Simmonds allows the suspense to build gradually, pulling you deeper into the web of deceit before hitting you with explosive revelations. When the “boom” moment comes, it’s both unexpected and inevitable, the kind of twist that not only shocks but also recontextualizes everything that came before.

Her characters are another strong point. They are flawed, believable, and driven by emotions that make sense even when their actions spiral into dangerous territory. Their complexity adds layers to the story, ensuring that the suspense isn’t just about what will happen next, but also about why it’s happening and what it reveals about human nature.

Overall, The Ex I Buried is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers on every level: suspenseful plotting, sharp character work, and a twist that lingers long after the final page. Natali Simmonds has written a story that not only entertains but also makes you reflect on the fragile line between love, trust, and betrayal. It’s the kind of book that makes a lasting impression and reaffirms why psychological thrillers remain such a powerful genre.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Natali Simmonds, and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC!

I read this book in one day! It captured my attention and wouldn't let go. This thriller was addictive due to its breadcrumbing and eerie atmosphere, which were skillfully created in this story. Once Simmonds wraps that lovely, warm (maybe a suspiciously bit too warm) blanket of security, awe, and hopefulness, she rips it away from you with a snap of her fingers, giving you whiplash and leaving you in the cold. At times, I felt this book was a bit too predictable, and other times I thought I knew what was going to happen, and instead we did a complete 180, and I was gasping while sitting there with my mouth wide open :O

There were a few things that stopped this book from reaching five stars. Firstly, Simmonds did too much to make our jaws drop towards the end, and as a result, it became too messy and convoluted. Secondly, the ending was wrapped up too neatly, considering how chaotic everything had become. Because of this, I did not agree with the ending and felt quite disappointed. Furthermore, the romance developed very suddenly, and it felt a bit strange, but I don't want to say too much about it, as it ventures towards spoiler territory. Something I really enjoyed was the change and the disconnect with Eva at the end. It felt as if she had become a different person due to the traumatic events that had unfolded in the story. As the reader, we definitely felt how she carried that experience with her through her strange actions and thoughts, as well as the colder, more numb tone of the writing.

[Amie Derricott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Eva was never going back to Cragstone, the small village where she grew up. But then she gets a text from a number she doesn’t recognise telling her that her childhood sweetheart Jacob has died and giving details of his funeral, she decides to make one last trip back to say goodbye. Met with a more than frosty reception from the people in the village, Eva realises something isnt quite right about the details of Jacobs death and when she is forced to miss her last train home by Jacobs mother, she resolves herself to finding out what is truly going on.

This was a really great, twisty and quick read that really keeps your attention all the way through. There is always something happening and the short punchy chapters keep you reading “just one more.” Eva is a great character and her behaviour and actions felt realistic, rather than the naiive mousy character turning into a superhero that you sometimes find in psychological thrillers. She actually makes decisions that make sense and fit with her character. I did have an inkling about where the plot was going, but even though I was on the right track, I definitely missed the mark as to how it would all unfold and the story really does keep you guessing right up to the end. Without including any spoilers, I did find the ending a little bit disappointing. The decision that Eva makes felt a little bit tick boxy and I felt that after everything she’d been through that how it ended probably wouldn’t have been the first thing on her mind! And so because of this, it did lose half a star, but it was definitely a great read and I would highly recommend!

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
E-ARC received via NetGalley. Big thanks to NG & Bookouture ... and tbh, I will consider this a birthday gift since it will be published on my actual b-day, Sept 29! :D :D

The plot? Absolutely intriguing. I sat down with this and read it in one go. No clue when I started and when I finished… time just vanished. That’s always a good sign, I think.

We follow Eva Walsh, who used to live in a small town where she never quite fit in. Her mom was an alcoholic, Jacob’s family had taken her in when she was younger, and later she dated Jacob, until a lie pushed her out of town for good. Fast forward ten years, she gets a message (from Jacob’s sister) inviting her to his funeral.

Eva shows up to pay her respects, only for Jacob’s mom to publicly accuse her of killing him. And omg… Jacob’s mom? Absolutely unhinged. The way she turned all eyes on Eva and poured out her rage made the scene electric and claustrophobic. From there, the whole town piles on, and the paranoia just keeps tightening.

The first 70%? Perfection. Twisty, paranoid, and compulsively readable. I was constantly second-guessing every character. At that point I even yelled: I KNEW IT!!! (Glad I guessed some of the plot hi hi).
But… the last 30% felt a little different. Instead of making my heart jump out of the window, the suspense kind of flattened out. Still tense, still dangerous, buuut it felt a bit rushed.

That said, the ending was solid and Eva finally got the answers she deserved. Overall, a gripping, claustrophobic small-town thriller that kept me hooked straight through.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me hooked from the start! Eva returns to her hometown for the funeral of her ex-boyfriend Jacob, only to be publicly accused of his murder by his unhinged mother in front of the entire church. That moment instantly set the tone—claustrophobic, unsettling, and brimming with suspicion.

The small-town setting really added to the tension. Everyone seemed to have secrets, and I was constantly second-guessing who might be telling the truth and who was hiding something. The atmosphere was eerie and oppressive, making me feel trapped right alongside Eva. The townsfolk were such a mix of hostile, bizarre, and unpredictable that I never felt like Eva was truly safe.

I spent the whole book trying to piece together what actually happened to Jacob. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story twisted again. I pride myself on spotting thriller twists, but this one completely caught me off guard! The ending tied things up in a neat way, though personally I would have liked a slightly different outcome. Still, the final reveal was satisfying and kept me thinking about the book afterward.

If you enjoy small-town thrillers filled with paranoia, secrets, and a main character you’ll root for, this is definitely one to pick up. Creepy, tense, and twisty—I devoured it quickly and didn’t want to put it down!

[Dina Gillingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex I Buried by Natali Simmonds
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Natali Simmonds for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Natali’s work since reading Good Girls Die Last which I LOVED, and wanted to see how this novel fared in comparison…. Let me tell you, this did NOT disappoint.

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, (I literally only put it down to sleep), it was full of twists and turns which left you guessing until the end! There was little cliffhangers at the end of chapters that made you want to jump to the next chapter straight away! I honestly couldn’t put it down.

I feel like Eva our FMC was really put through the wringer in this story, and just when you thought it was going to be okay.. BAM another twist… she really couldnt catch a break… but it did make for good reading.

I love that it was set around Christmas giving a much needed break from all the romances that you usually read set in the holidays. I also loved the nosy neighbours/gossipy town vibe the story had going on, it was a great addition to the story, and added tension and lack of trust.

The story itself delves into important themes that are being seen in the press more and more relating to isolation, reliance on technology and virtual reality.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looked for a small-town psychological thriller that will keep you in the end of your seat until the very end!

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva Walsh hasn't seen her ex Jacob since they split up ten years earlier and she left her hometown of Cragstone, now she's heard he's died in a freak car accident and she has been invited to his funeral. But, when she arrives at the church, she's met with disapproving stares from his family and friends and accusations that it's her fault he's dead and she wonders if the false rumour that was spread about her back then is still believed and has she put herself in danger by returning?

The Ex I Buried is the latest thriller by Simmonds, it's a fast paced story with short chapters, just as I like them, and told from the perspective of the main character Eva. This is a rollercoaster ride for Eva, with so many twists and turns along the way that I hadn't got a clue where it was heading and was completely blindsided when it was revealed who was behind all the strange things that were happening to her, I definitely didn't see that one coming! There were some very dubious characters in this book, especially Jacob's mom Iris, she had a real Jekyll and Hyde persona and I feared for Eva's safety constantly. This was another great book by this author, which reeled me in and kept me hooked throughout and I was happy to see all the loose ends tied up at the end. An intriguing read that you won't want to miss!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the Natali Simmonds books I have read to date and this amazing work of psychological fiction is of a similarly high standard. What if is different though is the plot - min the sense that it is unique original, twisty and unpredictable.

The main character in this novel is Eva. She receives a text from an unknown number to inform her that her high school boyfriend, Jacob, has died. The funeral takes her back to her hometown - a place she was driven out of 10 years previously due to unfounded gossip around her seducing a married man. On her return, Eva is met by hostility at every turn, with the residents sure that she has been in contact with her ex-boyfriend and he died on the way to visit her. Eva Insists she hadn’t had contact with him since their split 10 years previously but is not believed. At the funeral Jacob‘s mum, Iris, verbally and physically attacks Eva, then has a complete shift the very next day and invites Eva to visit her. From there. It only gets crazier with Eva wondering how she will ever get back to her former life.

This book has an excellent plot. It is super twisty and so, so entertaining. Definitely a 5 star rating from me.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advanced copy.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva returns to her childhood quiet village, a place she’s avoided since she left under a dark cloud. She has returned after she received an invite asking her to attend her ex boyfriend Jacob’s funeral, only since she has returned she is met with hostile stares and Jacob’s mum saying that she killed her son. Was it a mistake Eva returning and is she now in danger?

Having read a couple of this author’s previous books and them both being five star reads I was excited to read this one. I always know I’m in for an entertaining, wild ride and this was no different. I will admit it took me slightly longer to get fully into this one but once I did I was hooked and could not put this down.

I love how the author always creates such strong, deeply flawed characters, that are fascinating and shocking to read about, but also delving deeper into their complexities and personality traits. Eva, even though at times made questionable choices, was a compelling main character who I was rooting for. The story flows nicely and continually ramps up the paranoia, craziness and suspense, until the final pages. This was another excellent, twisty read by an author who never disappoints. I can’t wait to read more. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride this one was!

I was absolutely captivated from the very beginning by this one, because each new chapter seemed to bring about a new twist and a new bad decision by the main character, Eva, which I was so grateful for because it made the book so packed full of action and surprises that I could barely stop myself from peeking ahead to see how it all worked out.

I mean, this book really had it all: a strange death, accusations that Eva can’t make sense of, and a family torn by grief and perhaps something else…dun dun dun! I won’t give away too much more because the fun is in finding out what’s going on.

And there is a lot going on in this book. The best part is seeing it all unfold as the author moves story along, and realizing which characters are in on what. This is definitely a book where you’re wondering if Eva is imagining things or if everyone really is out to get her, or if it’s a combination of both. That makes the book so much more exciting, in my opinion.

It didn’t take me long at all to finish this book because like I said, I absolutely tore through it to figure out what was going on. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a high suspense, high thrills book for the fall and winter!

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Eva returns to her hometown for the funeral of her ex-boyfriend, she is repeatedly struck by the fact that other people seem to think that she and Jacob stayed in touch despite their breakup 10 years ago.

But that's not the case, and it gets even weirder when his sister from whom Eva received the funeral invitation insists that she did not send any such notice.

Some aspects of Jacob's death seem odd to Eva, as some things don't seem to add up. And while spending time with his mother Iris again is restorative for Eva's soul, since she has missed Jacob's family, who took Eva in so long ago, when her alcoholic mother was unable to care for her.

I guessed an important element of this story a bit too early on, which took some of the mystery out of the story, although there was another twist that I had totally not anticipated. The story requires suspension of disbelief, but does have some entertainment to offer provided that can be achieved. It is not my favorite of this writer's books, but it will undoubtedly appeal to a significant number of her fan base. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Eva steps into the church, The Ex I Buried grips you with a sense of dread that never quite lets go. Natali Simmonds crafts a claustrophobic, small-town thriller where every glance feels loaded and every memory carries a threat. The premise is deliciously unsettling: an ex-boyfriend’s funeral, a mother’s accusation, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

Eva is a compelling lead—flawed, haunted, and achingly human. Her return to the town she fled years ago sets off a chain of revelations that twist and tighten with each chapter. Simmonds excels at layering suspicion and emotional depth, making you question not just who’s telling the truth, but whether truth is even possible in a place so steeped in secrets.

Perfect for fans of None of This Is True and The Housemaid, this is a thriller that doesn’t just entertain—it needles at your nerves and lingers in your thoughts. I devoured it in a single sitting.

With thanks to Natali Simmonds, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva gets an sms to invite her to her ex-boyfriend's funeral. She returns to the town she left a decade earlier, and Jacob's mother attacks her in the church accusing her of killing Jacob.
She is stalked, by an unknown person and is stuck there until she can get a train home.

A quick read - the events not entirely unexpected...... I had an inkling.
And I think the only sane people were Eva and Ryan. The rest of the characters in this novel were fit to be committed!

Eva only wanted a family, or to belong, and in my opinion, made a mistake staying in that town where it was obvious she wasn't wanted! But then there would have been no story!

Seriously, it was a good book, fast paced and scary - creepy even - considering all the events that took place. I didn't trust anyone at all.

I enjoyed this book, it was an entertaining read. Short chapters, which is always a winner in my opinion, and to the point. No long dreary explanatory or descriptive passages. It is edge of the seat thrilling, and tense.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva returns to her small hometown for the funeral of her ex-boyfriend—someone she hasn’t spoken to in ten years. But the moment she arrives, she’s accused of murdering him by his mother, and quickly realizes the entire town seems to agree. What follows is a tense, paranoia-fueled story filled with secrets, questionable decisions, and breadcrumb after breadcrumb that keeps the reader second-guessing everyone.

This book delivers plenty of twists, unhinged characters, and a brisk pace that makes it hard to put down! I especially loved the Christmas setting—it’s not often we get a holiday thriller instead of a holiday rom-com, and it gave the whole story an extra eerie vibe. While the ending felt a little too quick for me personally, it did manage to tie up every loose end, which was satisfying.

Overall, The Ex I Buried is a wild, creepy ride that’s perfect if you want something dark to balance out the usual holiday cheer!

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Natali Simmonds for the ARC!

[Carly Hardwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

• 3.5🌟 •

I read Good Girls Die Last by Natali a couple of years ago and was OBSESSED (it’s mint, you need to read it if you haven’t) so absolutely jumped at the chance to be on the blog tour for her newest book, The Ex I Buried.

What I noticed when reading this book is how quickly I was getting through it - it’s one of those ‘I’ll just read one more chapter to see what happens next’ but actually something ELSE happens and then you are just in a continuous loop of not wanting to put it down.

I’m not going to sugar coat it, some of the characters in this book are absolutely batshit insane 😆 which definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. Sadly Eva Walsh is not my fave as main characters go - while she’s not your typical naive dimwit of a narrator who can’t sense danger anywhere, I couldn’t help but feel frustration with her when she put herself in a couple of sticky situations with people who may as well have had a tattoo on their forehead saying ‘I hate Eva’ and she made some decisions that had me rolling my eyes.

However it’s what I would categorise as a quick read, something you can easily get stuck into, with twists galore and a whole host of untrustworthy characters.

Thank you to Sarah at Bookouture for my E-ARC and spot on the blog tour! 👏