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Grabtown
Twin sisters Cassandra and Anastasia have discovered their mother's legacy: a 40-year-old cold case murder.
When Cassie and Ana return to their childhood home in rural Connecticut, among their deceased mother’s belongings they stumble across an unpublished a murder mystery, written by their mom's girlfriend AJ —and featuring their mother as a key character.
Cassie, a writer, wants to turn the old story into a bestseller. Ana, fearful of what they will learn, wants to destroy it.
As the sisters delve into AJ's story, they uncover a disturbing trail leading to an abandoned village the locals call Grabtown.
As AJ says, “Small towns are great for scolding the kids who throw too many snowballs, but not always good at spotting real evil.”.
When Cassie's volatile husband Marsh demands they stop digging, and a retired detective arrives asking dangerous questions, the twins realize someone believes AJ's story isn't fiction—it's a confession.
What's really behind Marsh's highly successful rare-motorcar enterprise? Why does the past refuse to stay buried? And why is a major crimes detective now urging them to flee?
Set in rural New England, Grabtown is a powerful twofold story that exposes the dark underbelly of small-town secrets, where courage and unshakable loyalty become the only weapons against those who prey on the vulnerable.
If you enjoy suspense, high-stakes tales of sisterhood, and satisfying stories of justice and redemption, you'll love Grabtown. Readers of Grabtown are also fans of Kellye Garrett's Like a Sister, Liz Moore's The God of the Woods, and The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie.
Readers love Grabtown:
“A story that lingers long after the last line—beautiful, bold, and utterly unforgettable.”
—Kathryn Dare, Seattle Book Review
“Unique, gripping, and well-written…one of my favorite psychological thrillers! Five stars.” —Chloe Belle Daffon, Readers’ Favorite
“Just brilliant ten-star storytelling! Psychological suspense at its very best...a must-read for everyone who appreciates truly great writing.” —Lorraine Cobcroft, Reedsy Discovery
“Grabtown is a beautifully written psychological thriller with a lit fuse and an explosive ending. It’s also a search for truth and healing between sisters who face hard realities and deadly threats... Highly recommended! —A.W. Baldwin, bestselling author (Moonshine Mesa, The Antidote)
"I was completely hooked...If you're looking for a story that will keep you on your toes and stay with you long after the last page, Grabtown is it!" —Chrissy Marie, instagram (abeautyandbooks)
"[Grabtown] builds atmosphere—dense, emotional, and quietly suspenseful. It’s a book about loyalty, silence, and the courage it takes to look back. If you like your mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of literary melancholy, Grabtown is a beautifully crafted, slow-burning read." — Leanne Hague, Goodreads reviewer
When Cassie and Ana return to their childhood home in rural Connecticut, among their deceased mother’s belongings they stumble across an unpublished a murder mystery, written by their mom's girlfriend AJ —and featuring their mother as a key character.
Cassie, a writer, wants to turn the old story into a bestseller. Ana, fearful of what they will learn, wants to destroy it.
As the sisters delve into AJ's story, they uncover a disturbing trail leading to an abandoned village the locals call Grabtown.
As AJ says, “Small towns are great for scolding the kids who throw too many snowballs, but not always good at spotting real evil.”.
When Cassie's volatile husband Marsh demands they stop digging, and a retired detective arrives asking dangerous questions, the twins realize someone believes AJ's story isn't fiction—it's a confession.
What's really behind Marsh's highly successful rare-motorcar enterprise? Why does the past refuse to stay buried? And why is a major crimes detective now urging them to flee?
Set in rural New England, Grabtown is a powerful twofold story that exposes the dark underbelly of small-town secrets, where courage and unshakable loyalty become the only weapons against those who prey on the vulnerable.
If you enjoy suspense, high-stakes tales of sisterhood, and satisfying stories of justice and redemption, you'll love Grabtown. Readers of Grabtown are also fans of Kellye Garrett's Like a Sister, Liz Moore's The God of the Woods, and The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie.
Readers love Grabtown:
“A story that lingers long after the last line—beautiful, bold, and utterly unforgettable.”
—Kathryn Dare, Seattle Book Review
“Unique, gripping, and well-written…one of my favorite psychological thrillers! Five stars.” —Chloe Belle Daffon, Readers’ Favorite
“Just brilliant ten-star storytelling! Psychological suspense at its very best...a must-read for everyone who appreciates truly great writing.” —Lorraine Cobcroft, Reedsy Discovery
“Grabtown is a beautifully written psychological thriller with a lit fuse and an explosive ending. It’s also a search for truth and healing between sisters who face hard realities and deadly threats... Highly recommended! —A.W. Baldwin, bestselling author (Moonshine Mesa, The Antidote)
"I was completely hooked...If you're looking for a story that will keep you on your toes and stay with you long after the last page, Grabtown is it!" —Chrissy Marie, instagram (abeautyandbooks)
"[Grabtown] builds atmosphere—dense, emotional, and quietly suspenseful. It’s a book about loyalty, silence, and the courage it takes to look back. If you like your mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of literary melancholy, Grabtown is a beautifully crafted, slow-burning read." — Leanne Hague, Goodreads reviewer
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
68 people are currently reading
4980 people want to read
About the author
Sarah P. Blanchard
6 books59 followersI've always been drawn toward flawed, compassionate characters who believe they must battle their demons alone; and complex antagonists who think they have nothing to lose.
My 2024 debut novel, Drawn from Life, reflects this theme, as does my latest release, the Amazon best-selling novel Grabtown (October, 2025).
I also love short fiction! Many of my short stories, poems, and essays have been published in magazines and journals. One story is a 2025 nominee for the Pushcart Prize; another won the 1993 Dorothy Daniels Writing Award (American PEN Women). I was also a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Short Fiction (TN), and a finalist for the 2021 Doris Betts Fiction Prize (NC).
A dozen of my short stories are included in the anthology, Playing Chess with Bulls (2023), and I've also published a poetry chapbook (river, horse, morning.
Want to learn about the next release? Subscribe to my newsletter at sarahpblanchard.com.
My 2024 debut novel, Drawn from Life, reflects this theme, as does my latest release, the Amazon best-selling novel Grabtown (October, 2025).
I also love short fiction! Many of my short stories, poems, and essays have been published in magazines and journals. One story is a 2025 nominee for the Pushcart Prize; another won the 1993 Dorothy Daniels Writing Award (American PEN Women). I was also a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Short Fiction (TN), and a finalist for the 2021 Doris Betts Fiction Prize (NC).
A dozen of my short stories are included in the anthology, Playing Chess with Bulls (2023), and I've also published a poetry chapbook (river, horse, morning.
Want to learn about the next release? Subscribe to my newsletter at sarahpblanchard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 8, 2026
This is a Psychological Small Town Thriller. I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I was pulled into this book I really enjoyed it. I guessed what was going on before it was revealed, but I still enjoyed reading it. I loved the book within a book thing this book had going on. This book had me not wanting to put it down to the last 50%, and I could not read fast enough. Overall, This book was a really good read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
September 20, 2025
Grabtown is an old shed in a quiet field in the small country town where two sisters grew up. Years later, Cassie, the sister living in New York, returns to help her older sister, Ana, pack up their mother’s house following her death. They discover a book that was written by their mother’s best friend, split into two sections and hidden in two separate places in the house, about the unsolved murder of one of the neighbours. Was this designed to bring the sisters closer to each other, or is it a true story waiting to be told? And what is the true nature of Cassie’s husband’s business? This break away from him makes her wonder if his treatment of her is caring or controlling. An intriguing tale, well-written and engaging. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2025
Cassie and Ana meet back at their mother’s house after her passing. While going though her things, they find an old manuscript left for them to read from their mother’s best friend, AJ. The manuscript tells an old story of a murder in the 1980s in the small town. As the sisters read the manuscript, it quickly becomes clear that the past is tied to their futures. Secrets, lies, and danger are around every corner. Can they piece it all together in time?
The writing flowed well with the story and I found myself looking forward to more from AJ’s manuscript. By the end of the story, I was right there with the characters trying to save themselves before the past caught up with them. The manuscript is the key, but the real story is happening all around it.
The story took a little bit to get going, but if you’re good with a chilled pace then definitely give it a go.
The writing flowed well with the story and I found myself looking forward to more from AJ’s manuscript. By the end of the story, I was right there with the characters trying to save themselves before the past caught up with them. The manuscript is the key, but the real story is happening all around it.
The story took a little bit to get going, but if you’re good with a chilled pace then definitely give it a go.
January 13, 2026
The story begins with a murder that was never solved. Forty years ago, a farmer was killed near an abandoned place called Grabtown, and the truth was buried along with it. When twin sisters Cassie and Ana return to their childhood home after their mother’s death, they expect grief and memories, not secrets. But while sorting through their mother’s belongings, they find something disturbing: a draft of a novel written by their mother’s long time girlfriend, AJ. The story centers on the Grabtown murder, and their mother appears as an important character.
Cassie, a struggling writer trapped in an unhappy marriage, sees the manuscript as a chance to finally understand her family and maybe herself. Ana, afraid of what they might uncover, wants it destroyed. As Cassie keeps reading and digging, she starts to see signs of long-hidden abuse and trauma that reach deep into their family and their town. The question becomes terrifyingly simple: is this manuscript fiction, or a confession?
What makes this book so powerful is how real it feels. The characters are complex and emotionally believable. Cassie’s confusion, grief, and determination are easy to understand, and Ana’s fear feels just as real. Even the quiet moments, sorting belongings, remembering childhood, noticing strange reactions from people, are filled with tension.
The structure of the story is especially well done. The past and present blend smoothly, and the mystery slowly tightens instead of rushing. You feel the pressure building as Cassie gets closer to the truth, especially when her husband starts acting controlling and a retired detective begins asking new questions.
This book handles heavy topics like abuse and trauma with care and respect. It never feels sensational. Instead, it focuses on the emotional impact and the long shadows these experiences cast over people’s lives.
Grabtown is suspenseful, thoughtful, and emotionally intense. It’s the kind of psychological thriller that makes you hold your breath while reading, then sit quietly when it’s over. If you enjoy intelligent, character-driven suspense that explores truth, memory, and the cost of silence, this book is a must-read.
Cassie, a struggling writer trapped in an unhappy marriage, sees the manuscript as a chance to finally understand her family and maybe herself. Ana, afraid of what they might uncover, wants it destroyed. As Cassie keeps reading and digging, she starts to see signs of long-hidden abuse and trauma that reach deep into their family and their town. The question becomes terrifyingly simple: is this manuscript fiction, or a confession?
What makes this book so powerful is how real it feels. The characters are complex and emotionally believable. Cassie’s confusion, grief, and determination are easy to understand, and Ana’s fear feels just as real. Even the quiet moments, sorting belongings, remembering childhood, noticing strange reactions from people, are filled with tension.
The structure of the story is especially well done. The past and present blend smoothly, and the mystery slowly tightens instead of rushing. You feel the pressure building as Cassie gets closer to the truth, especially when her husband starts acting controlling and a retired detective begins asking new questions.
This book handles heavy topics like abuse and trauma with care and respect. It never feels sensational. Instead, it focuses on the emotional impact and the long shadows these experiences cast over people’s lives.
Grabtown is suspenseful, thoughtful, and emotionally intense. It’s the kind of psychological thriller that makes you hold your breath while reading, then sit quietly when it’s over. If you enjoy intelligent, character-driven suspense that explores truth, memory, and the cost of silence, this book is a must-read.
February 11, 2026
Grabtown by Sarah P. Blanchard
Grabtown is a psychologically rich thriller that works as much through atmosphere and emotional tension as it does through plot. Sarah P. Blanchard delivers a layered story about secrets, memory, and the dangerous cost of uncovering the truth—especially when that truth is tied to the people you love most.
At the heart of the novel are twin sisters Cassandra and Anastasia, whose relationship feels convincingly complex from the start. Cassie, the writer, is driven by curiosity and ambition, while Ana’s fear and instinct for self-preservation create a constant push-and-pull between them. Their return to their rural Connecticut childhood home immediately carries an unsettling weight, and the discovery of the unpublished manuscript left behind by their mother’s girlfriend, AJ, becomes the novel’s central catalyst. What initially appears to be a fictional murder mystery slowly reveals itself as something far more disturbing—and far more personal.
Blanchard handles the dual timelines with impressive control. The past unfolds through AJ’s manuscript, while the present tightens around the sisters as they dig deeper into the cold case connected to the abandoned settlement known as Grabtown. The gradual blurring of fiction and reality is one of the book’s strongest elements, keeping the reader constantly questioning what is true, what has been manipulated, and who can be trusted. The sense that the manuscript may be a confession rather than a story is chilling and expertly paced.
The supporting characters add additional layers of menace and uncertainty. Marsh, Cassie’s volatile husband, is particularly unsettling; his resistance to their investigation and his shadowy rare-motorcar business raise red flags long before the full scope of his role becomes clear. Likewise, the arrival of a retired detective and later a major crimes investigator shifts the tone from intrigue to genuine danger, reinforcing the idea that some secrets are protected at any cost.
What truly elevates Grabtown is its exploration of vulnerability—especially how small-town environments can quietly enable exploitation while presenting a harmless exterior. Blanchard captures the claustrophobic nature of these communities, where everyone knows your past but no one speaks it aloud. The abandoned village itself feels almost like a character, steeped in loss, violence, and erasure.
Emotionally, the novel is grounded in sisterhood and courage. Cassie and Ana are flawed, frightened, and often at odds, but their bond becomes the story’s emotional anchor. Their determination to confront the past—even when urged to flee—gives the novel its moral weight.
Grabtown is a tense, intelligently written psychological thriller that lingers after the final page. Fans of dark, character-driven suspense with layered mysteries and emotional depth will find this book both gripping and deeply unsettling in the best possible way.
Grabtown is a psychologically rich thriller that works as much through atmosphere and emotional tension as it does through plot. Sarah P. Blanchard delivers a layered story about secrets, memory, and the dangerous cost of uncovering the truth—especially when that truth is tied to the people you love most.
At the heart of the novel are twin sisters Cassandra and Anastasia, whose relationship feels convincingly complex from the start. Cassie, the writer, is driven by curiosity and ambition, while Ana’s fear and instinct for self-preservation create a constant push-and-pull between them. Their return to their rural Connecticut childhood home immediately carries an unsettling weight, and the discovery of the unpublished manuscript left behind by their mother’s girlfriend, AJ, becomes the novel’s central catalyst. What initially appears to be a fictional murder mystery slowly reveals itself as something far more disturbing—and far more personal.
Blanchard handles the dual timelines with impressive control. The past unfolds through AJ’s manuscript, while the present tightens around the sisters as they dig deeper into the cold case connected to the abandoned settlement known as Grabtown. The gradual blurring of fiction and reality is one of the book’s strongest elements, keeping the reader constantly questioning what is true, what has been manipulated, and who can be trusted. The sense that the manuscript may be a confession rather than a story is chilling and expertly paced.
The supporting characters add additional layers of menace and uncertainty. Marsh, Cassie’s volatile husband, is particularly unsettling; his resistance to their investigation and his shadowy rare-motorcar business raise red flags long before the full scope of his role becomes clear. Likewise, the arrival of a retired detective and later a major crimes investigator shifts the tone from intrigue to genuine danger, reinforcing the idea that some secrets are protected at any cost.
What truly elevates Grabtown is its exploration of vulnerability—especially how small-town environments can quietly enable exploitation while presenting a harmless exterior. Blanchard captures the claustrophobic nature of these communities, where everyone knows your past but no one speaks it aloud. The abandoned village itself feels almost like a character, steeped in loss, violence, and erasure.
Emotionally, the novel is grounded in sisterhood and courage. Cassie and Ana are flawed, frightened, and often at odds, but their bond becomes the story’s emotional anchor. Their determination to confront the past—even when urged to flee—gives the novel its moral weight.
Grabtown is a tense, intelligently written psychological thriller that lingers after the final page. Fans of dark, character-driven suspense with layered mysteries and emotional depth will find this book both gripping and deeply unsettling in the best possible way.
January 27, 2026
Read my author Q&A here - https://beccahughes96.wixsite.com/bec...
Grabtown is a dual-timeline novel focused on epistolary elements. Protagonists, twin sisters Cassie and Ana, read a manuscript addressed to them, edited by their mother, Marla, and written by her friend AJ.
I seem to be really drawn to novels set in New England lately, and there's something particularly special about those set in small towns as opposed to big cities. When a novel is set in Boston or NYC, I think the location becomes a character in itself, but here, in Grabtown, the setting is a small town. As AJ says, “Small towns are great for scolding the kids who throw too many snowballs, but not always good at spotting real evil.”
Cassie and Ana are at their mum's house, clearing furniture and sorting through a life's worth of stuff, when they come across 2 envelopes addressed to each of them, both containing part of a manuscript. Through the writing of beloved family friend, AJ, history starts to reveal itself as the tale uncovers truths from a cold case.
As is often the case, the twin sisters, Cassie and Ana, are very different people and are immediately torn between burning the manuscript or turning it into a novel. They are initially uncertain about whether the story is just that or if there is truth behind it; could it be the missing clue in the cold case?
The story within the story opens with the murder of a local man, which eventually reveals a huge circle of secrets and abuse. Because of the small town nature, everyone is involved in some capacity, whether a guilty party, an accomplice, a victim, or a complicit bystander.
Grabtown is definitely a story of two halves. The beginning builds the atmosphere of tension, secrets, and vulnerability, made worse by the fact that all those feelings are being felt in their childhood home, a place that should be a sanctuary.
Rather than traditional twists as a plot device, Blanchard expertly creates layers to the story that are possible peel back if you have a keen eye. There are some truly horrific tragedies and hard-hitting plot points within this novel, so I really would suggest checking a list of trigger warnings, but beyond that, Grabtown is a tale of loyalty, silence, and fierce devotion to others.
The characters are complex and flawed, as any good character is, and experience intricate development arcs. During the Q&A with Blanchard, she noted that in order to physically write down some of the more traumatic plot points, she simply 'take[s] a deep breath and dive[s] in', noting that the justice served offers a satisfying ending - which it certainly does!
If you're a fan of Gillian Flynn, you'll love Grabtown!
Grabtown is a dual-timeline novel focused on epistolary elements. Protagonists, twin sisters Cassie and Ana, read a manuscript addressed to them, edited by their mother, Marla, and written by her friend AJ.
I seem to be really drawn to novels set in New England lately, and there's something particularly special about those set in small towns as opposed to big cities. When a novel is set in Boston or NYC, I think the location becomes a character in itself, but here, in Grabtown, the setting is a small town. As AJ says, “Small towns are great for scolding the kids who throw too many snowballs, but not always good at spotting real evil.”
Cassie and Ana are at their mum's house, clearing furniture and sorting through a life's worth of stuff, when they come across 2 envelopes addressed to each of them, both containing part of a manuscript. Through the writing of beloved family friend, AJ, history starts to reveal itself as the tale uncovers truths from a cold case.
As is often the case, the twin sisters, Cassie and Ana, are very different people and are immediately torn between burning the manuscript or turning it into a novel. They are initially uncertain about whether the story is just that or if there is truth behind it; could it be the missing clue in the cold case?
The story within the story opens with the murder of a local man, which eventually reveals a huge circle of secrets and abuse. Because of the small town nature, everyone is involved in some capacity, whether a guilty party, an accomplice, a victim, or a complicit bystander.
Grabtown is definitely a story of two halves. The beginning builds the atmosphere of tension, secrets, and vulnerability, made worse by the fact that all those feelings are being felt in their childhood home, a place that should be a sanctuary.
Rather than traditional twists as a plot device, Blanchard expertly creates layers to the story that are possible peel back if you have a keen eye. There are some truly horrific tragedies and hard-hitting plot points within this novel, so I really would suggest checking a list of trigger warnings, but beyond that, Grabtown is a tale of loyalty, silence, and fierce devotion to others.
The characters are complex and flawed, as any good character is, and experience intricate development arcs. During the Q&A with Blanchard, she noted that in order to physically write down some of the more traumatic plot points, she simply 'take[s] a deep breath and dive[s] in', noting that the justice served offers a satisfying ending - which it certainly does!
If you're a fan of Gillian Flynn, you'll love Grabtown!
January 8, 2026
This book was fast-paced, heart-hammering and so sad. Definitely some potential triggers, but it was well worth the read. I could not put it down! I definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
“Grabtown”
Written by: Sarah P. Blanchard
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
“Grabtown,” a psychological thriller meticulously crafted by Sarah P. Blanchard, possesses the potential to rival the works of Stephen King and Freida McFadden. Ms. Blanchard’s writing style is so intricate and unsettling that it has the power to captivate and disturb readers. This book has the ability to evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability in even the most hardened individuals.
Twins Cassie and Ana return to their childhood home to settle their mother’s affairs. They discover an unpublished manuscript written by their mother’s girlfriend, AJ. As Cassie delves into the manuscript, she uncovers secrets and a murder that occurred over 40 years ago. The story reveals how some stories have a way of circling back and involving certain people. This particular story shares similar elements.
Ms. Blanchard’s writing is truly profound and masterful. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story concluded. I’m eager to share some details, but I’ll refrain from revealing spoilers. However, I can assure you that you’ll definitely enjoy listening to this captivating story.
The narrator, Meghan Kelly, truly outdid herself in bringing the diverse characters to life. Ms. Kelly is an exceptionally talented narrator, and every time I listen to a book narrated by her, I am continually impressed by her remarkable abilities.
#imronigirl
Written by: Sarah P. Blanchard
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
“Grabtown,” a psychological thriller meticulously crafted by Sarah P. Blanchard, possesses the potential to rival the works of Stephen King and Freida McFadden. Ms. Blanchard’s writing style is so intricate and unsettling that it has the power to captivate and disturb readers. This book has the ability to evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability in even the most hardened individuals.
Twins Cassie and Ana return to their childhood home to settle their mother’s affairs. They discover an unpublished manuscript written by their mother’s girlfriend, AJ. As Cassie delves into the manuscript, she uncovers secrets and a murder that occurred over 40 years ago. The story reveals how some stories have a way of circling back and involving certain people. This particular story shares similar elements.
Ms. Blanchard’s writing is truly profound and masterful. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story concluded. I’m eager to share some details, but I’ll refrain from revealing spoilers. However, I can assure you that you’ll definitely enjoy listening to this captivating story.
The narrator, Meghan Kelly, truly outdid herself in bringing the diverse characters to life. Ms. Kelly is an exceptionally talented narrator, and every time I listen to a book narrated by her, I am continually impressed by her remarkable abilities.
#imronigirl
March 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
This one started off a little slow for me, but once it found its stride I was completely hooked. The unfolding mystery around the twins, their mother’s past, and the chilling manuscript had me turning pages faster than I expected. It’s one of those stories that quietly builds tension until suddenly you realise you’re fully invested.
The atmosphere was brilliantly done — eerie, unsettling, and layered with secrets that just keep deepening. The abandoned village, the old manuscript, the family dynamics… everything blended into a gripping, twist-filled plot that kept me guessing right to the end.
By the final chapters I was completely absorbed. What began as a slow burn turned into a clever, addictive mystery with characters you can’t help but root for. A fantastic psychological thriller that delivers in all the right ways. Five stars!
This one started off a little slow for me, but once it found its stride I was completely hooked. The unfolding mystery around the twins, their mother’s past, and the chilling manuscript had me turning pages faster than I expected. It’s one of those stories that quietly builds tension until suddenly you realise you’re fully invested.
The atmosphere was brilliantly done — eerie, unsettling, and layered with secrets that just keep deepening. The abandoned village, the old manuscript, the family dynamics… everything blended into a gripping, twist-filled plot that kept me guessing right to the end.
By the final chapters I was completely absorbed. What began as a slow burn turned into a clever, addictive mystery with characters you can’t help but root for. A fantastic psychological thriller that delivers in all the right ways. Five stars!
January 22, 2026
Grabtown weaves an engaging story in a unique way. I like how the author seamlessly moves through the dual-timeline narrative, using an old manuscript discovered in the present. As the story unfolds in the present, one character begins to read the manuscript, and the reader is transported to the past. As we discover the truths once hidden in the past, we begin to understanding the present. It is almost like reading two different novels in one book, except the two novels intertwine like ivy on a trellis.
January 26, 2026
Great read - slower build up in the beginning but pretty impossible to put down once you get to halfway point. Has a lot of familiar quiet corner northeast Connecticut references which are fun for those living there to visualize!
December 27, 2025
The book has some serious triggers, so consider yourself warned.
*Loved* this book; read it in one day.
I can't recommend it enough.
*Loved* this book; read it in one day.
I can't recommend it enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
Once you start the book, you can’t put it down. The two sisters work to clean up their mother’s house after her passing. The sisters find a manuscript and discover information about their mother and her friend from years ago. You will be surprised how the story evolves.
January 19, 2026
Wow. Blanchard's book pulled me into the story and held me captive from beginning to end. I read until two a.m. and then didn't move from my chair in the morning until it was done. The suspense builds slowly, until it is almost painful. The plot, the characters, the dialogue, the setting - all so real you forget you are reading a story.
I had the softcover edition, not a kindle.
I had the softcover edition, not a kindle.
January 20, 2026
Great mystery ❣️❣️❣️❣️
October 22, 2025
What would you do if you discovered that your life was based on lies and the reasons behind them hold an awful truth? How will you face this new reality where everything that surrounds you feels tainted in the worst possible way? Would you be able to forgive and uphold the truth even when it cuts you? Grabtwon is a story about family secrets, domestic abuse, child abuse and traficking so it's not an easy read but will give lots of food for thought.
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
November 1, 2025
Good Book.
Definitely a thriller. Slow to begin, thinking it's just another quick read memoir about someone's youth. Surprise! Much more. Gripping.
Definitely a thriller. Slow to begin, thinking it's just another quick read memoir about someone's youth. Surprise! Much more. Gripping.
December 25, 2025
this was a well written book. I liked the story line and did not loose me when going from past to future.
October 10, 2025
This book sucked me in, and I read it all in about 24 hours. Never a dull moment! Well written and all consuming. So good!
October 24, 2025
A compelling thriller that explores, among other things, the difference between being a killer and being a protector. Blanchard wove an awesome story! This e-book was received from Goodreads.
March 1, 2026
Wow. The title “Grabtown” caught my interest, and the story did not disappoint. Days after their mother’s funeral twin sisters Cassie and Ana are cleaning out their childhood home when they find a manuscript that draws them into long unsolved murder in their Connecticut hometown.
As they wrestle with their grief and struggle to prepare for an estate sale, they begin to read the manuscript – written by their mother and her longtime best friend, who had been a local radio reporter. The deeper they get into the manuscript the more it seems to be a true crime story – in which their mother and her best may have played a role.
Grabtown is a cautionary tale of justice denied and the consequences that can resonate for generations. I did find a few editing errors, but it was a very good read.
I received a free copy of the book and have not been paid for this review.
As they wrestle with their grief and struggle to prepare for an estate sale, they begin to read the manuscript – written by their mother and her longtime best friend, who had been a local radio reporter. The deeper they get into the manuscript the more it seems to be a true crime story – in which their mother and her best may have played a role.
Grabtown is a cautionary tale of justice denied and the consequences that can resonate for generations. I did find a few editing errors, but it was a very good read.
I received a free copy of the book and have not been paid for this review.
October 18, 2025
ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I loved the mystery of this and how everything came together. It was written very well! I had my SMH moments and shocked moments. This was so good!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I loved the mystery of this and how everything came together. It was written very well! I had my SMH moments and shocked moments. This was so good!
March 27, 2026
Grabtown
A Psychological Thriller
By: Sarah P. Blanchard
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Astounding! Quite possibly the listen of the year!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-26-26
Cassie and Ana, the twins … Marla and AJ, not related, but as close as sisters … by choice. Their stories, though a generation apart, intersect … interweave … as the present meets the past … as the good fight the nefarious, at times scared, at times uncertain, at times forced by their circumstances to be braver than they could ever have imagined … at times driven to unspeakable lengths, feeling “life” left them no other choice! As the events those long ago days in “Grabtown” come to light … not only is the past explained … the future is threatened because … IT … ISN’T … OVER! Frightening, and not in a”horror flick” way, but in a “This could be, and probable IS happening, somewhere, to someone, or many someone’s” way … “Grabtown” immediately captured my UNDIVIDED attention at the opening prologue, held me absolutely spellbound throughout, and did not release me until stunning epilogue concluded! Even then it didn’t let me go … I can’t stop thinking about this stunning work, this stunning presentation! My fears that this truly is the reality for many just won’t let up. This is truly a story that NEEDS to be heard, needs to be experienced, needs to be appreciated, and must be taken seriously! I can’t give plot details - that would ruin the stunning twists that this one takes, twists that deserve to be experienced in the moment, as the story plays out! Go in cold, and go in without fear because everything you need to know will be revealed, AND at precisely the right time! The characters are a MASTERCLASS in character development aimed at reality! Without exception, like ‘em or loathe ‘em, they scream REAL, and trust me, there were some … (no hints at how many), that will be the main course at the ultimate weenie roast in the afterlife! I loved how Cassie, Ana, Marla, and AJ were so humanly flawed. I truly loved all four. I found myself at times frustrated, and then in the next moment wanting to fiercely hug EACH of the four, and really, don’t we ALL have that relationship with those we truly love? I know I DO! The supporting characters were utter perfection as well, all playing their roles beautifully, I can’t name any, because simply “naming” some could constitute spoiling … as you listen, you’ll see exactly what I mean! Another thing that made this quite possibly the story of the year, was the spot on PERFECT voice acting! It is amazing to me how well and how effectively subtle vocal nuancing conveys deep emotion! MY emotions were all over the place while listening! I felt everything our characters were feeling, when they laughed, cried, or felt frustration … I was with them every step of the way! When their hearts raced … I had to remind myself to breathe! This was truly witnessing an astounding authors vision coming brilliantly, beautifully and at times frighteningly ALIVE! Stunning in EVERY way, “Grabtown” is truly deserving of five fabulous stars across all categories and deserves, no NEEDS to be heard! I know I am better for having listened!
A Psychological Thriller
By: Sarah P. Blanchard
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Astounding! Quite possibly the listen of the year!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-26-26
Cassie and Ana, the twins … Marla and AJ, not related, but as close as sisters … by choice. Their stories, though a generation apart, intersect … interweave … as the present meets the past … as the good fight the nefarious, at times scared, at times uncertain, at times forced by their circumstances to be braver than they could ever have imagined … at times driven to unspeakable lengths, feeling “life” left them no other choice! As the events those long ago days in “Grabtown” come to light … not only is the past explained … the future is threatened because … IT … ISN’T … OVER! Frightening, and not in a”horror flick” way, but in a “This could be, and probable IS happening, somewhere, to someone, or many someone’s” way … “Grabtown” immediately captured my UNDIVIDED attention at the opening prologue, held me absolutely spellbound throughout, and did not release me until stunning epilogue concluded! Even then it didn’t let me go … I can’t stop thinking about this stunning work, this stunning presentation! My fears that this truly is the reality for many just won’t let up. This is truly a story that NEEDS to be heard, needs to be experienced, needs to be appreciated, and must be taken seriously! I can’t give plot details - that would ruin the stunning twists that this one takes, twists that deserve to be experienced in the moment, as the story plays out! Go in cold, and go in without fear because everything you need to know will be revealed, AND at precisely the right time! The characters are a MASTERCLASS in character development aimed at reality! Without exception, like ‘em or loathe ‘em, they scream REAL, and trust me, there were some … (no hints at how many), that will be the main course at the ultimate weenie roast in the afterlife! I loved how Cassie, Ana, Marla, and AJ were so humanly flawed. I truly loved all four. I found myself at times frustrated, and then in the next moment wanting to fiercely hug EACH of the four, and really, don’t we ALL have that relationship with those we truly love? I know I DO! The supporting characters were utter perfection as well, all playing their roles beautifully, I can’t name any, because simply “naming” some could constitute spoiling … as you listen, you’ll see exactly what I mean! Another thing that made this quite possibly the story of the year, was the spot on PERFECT voice acting! It is amazing to me how well and how effectively subtle vocal nuancing conveys deep emotion! MY emotions were all over the place while listening! I felt everything our characters were feeling, when they laughed, cried, or felt frustration … I was with them every step of the way! When their hearts raced … I had to remind myself to breathe! This was truly witnessing an astounding authors vision coming brilliantly, beautifully and at times frighteningly ALIVE! Stunning in EVERY way, “Grabtown” is truly deserving of five fabulous stars across all categories and deserves, no NEEDS to be heard! I know I am better for having listened!
January 6, 2026
Grabtown is the kind of novel that settles into your bones and refuses to leave. From the first pages, it announces itself not just as a mystery, but as an excavation of family, of memory, and of the lies small towns tell themselves to survive.
At its heart are Cassie and Ana, sisters bound by shared loss and divided by fear. Their discovery of AJ’s unpublished manuscript is a brilliant narrative device: a story within a story that slowly, devastatingly, reveals itself as something far more dangerous than fiction. Watching Cassie’s ambition clash with Ana’s dread gives the novel its emotional charge, and the tension between them feels achingly real. This is sisterhood portrayed with honesty fierce love braided tightly with resentment, guilt, and unspoken truths.
The rural New England setting is rendered with quiet menace. Grabtown itself feels like a character abandoned, decaying, and heavy with the weight of what it’s swallowed. The line about small towns being good at scolding kids but bad at spotting real evil perfectly captures the book’s central thesis: that harm often hides behind familiarity, politeness, and willful blindness.
As the plot tightens, the stakes escalate beautifully. Marsh is a chilling presence, his success and volatility raising questions that hum with danger, while the arrival of the retired detective shifts the novel into truly nerve-wracking territory. The revelation that AJ’s story may be a confession is handled with restraint and intelligence, allowing dread to bloom naturally rather than relying on shock alone.
What elevates Grabtown beyond a standard psychological thriller is its emotional depth. This is a story about justice, yes but also about complicity, survival, and the terrible cost of silence. The writing is lyrical without being indulgent, suspenseful without sacrificing character, and the ending is both explosive and deeply earned.
Fans of literary suspense will find a lot to admire here. Like The God of the Woods or Like a Sister, Grabtown understands that the most haunting mysteries are the ones rooted in human relationships. This is a novel about looking back when it would be easier not to and finding the courage to keep going anyway.
A powerful, unforgettable read. I closed the book, sat quietly for a long moment, and knew I’d be thinking about Grabtown for a long time to come.
At its heart are Cassie and Ana, sisters bound by shared loss and divided by fear. Their discovery of AJ’s unpublished manuscript is a brilliant narrative device: a story within a story that slowly, devastatingly, reveals itself as something far more dangerous than fiction. Watching Cassie’s ambition clash with Ana’s dread gives the novel its emotional charge, and the tension between them feels achingly real. This is sisterhood portrayed with honesty fierce love braided tightly with resentment, guilt, and unspoken truths.
The rural New England setting is rendered with quiet menace. Grabtown itself feels like a character abandoned, decaying, and heavy with the weight of what it’s swallowed. The line about small towns being good at scolding kids but bad at spotting real evil perfectly captures the book’s central thesis: that harm often hides behind familiarity, politeness, and willful blindness.
As the plot tightens, the stakes escalate beautifully. Marsh is a chilling presence, his success and volatility raising questions that hum with danger, while the arrival of the retired detective shifts the novel into truly nerve-wracking territory. The revelation that AJ’s story may be a confession is handled with restraint and intelligence, allowing dread to bloom naturally rather than relying on shock alone.
What elevates Grabtown beyond a standard psychological thriller is its emotional depth. This is a story about justice, yes but also about complicity, survival, and the terrible cost of silence. The writing is lyrical without being indulgent, suspenseful without sacrificing character, and the ending is both explosive and deeply earned.
Fans of literary suspense will find a lot to admire here. Like The God of the Woods or Like a Sister, Grabtown understands that the most haunting mysteries are the ones rooted in human relationships. This is a novel about looking back when it would be easier not to and finding the courage to keep going anyway.
A powerful, unforgettable read. I closed the book, sat quietly for a long moment, and knew I’d be thinking about Grabtown for a long time to come.
February 11, 2026
Grabtown is the kind of psychological thriller that sneaks under your skin and refuses to leave. I went in expecting a tense mystery, but what I found was a layered, emotionally rich story that blends suspense, sisterhood, and the corrosive power of buried secrets into something truly unforgettable.
At the heart of the novel are twin sisters Cassandra and Anastasia, whose relationship feels achingly real full of love, tension, and unspoken fear. Their discovery of their mother’s legacy a decades old cold case hidden inside an unpublished murder mystery sets off a slow burning unraveling that’s as intimate as it is dangerous. The story within a story device works beautifully, blurring the line between fiction and confession in a way that kept me constantly questioning what was real and who could be trusted.
The setting is masterfully drawn. Rural New England, with its tight knit communities and long memories, becomes a character in its own right. Grabtown itself an abandoned village steeped in rumor and silence radiates menace. The line about small towns being better at scolding kids than spotting real evil perfectly captures the novel’s central tension: how darkness thrives when everyone looks the other way.
The stakes rise steadily as outside pressures close in Cassie’s volatile husband Marsh, whose rare-motorcar business feels increasingly suspect; a retired detective who knows more than he should; and the chilling realization that someone believes AJ’s story isn’t fiction at all. The danger feels real, and the consequences personal. I genuinely feared for the sisters as the truth edged closer to the surface.
What elevates Grabtown beyond a standard thriller is its emotional depth. This is a story about loyalty, courage, and the cost of truth especially for women who have learned to survive by staying silent. The bond between Cassie and Ana anchors the novel, making the eventual revelations both heartbreaking and deeply satisfying.
Atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully written, Grabtown delivers a powerful blend of suspense and soul. By the final pages, the themes of justice and redemption land with real emotional weight. If you love psychologically rich thrillers with strong female leads and a haunting sense of place, this is a five star must read.
At the heart of the novel are twin sisters Cassandra and Anastasia, whose relationship feels achingly real full of love, tension, and unspoken fear. Their discovery of their mother’s legacy a decades old cold case hidden inside an unpublished murder mystery sets off a slow burning unraveling that’s as intimate as it is dangerous. The story within a story device works beautifully, blurring the line between fiction and confession in a way that kept me constantly questioning what was real and who could be trusted.
The setting is masterfully drawn. Rural New England, with its tight knit communities and long memories, becomes a character in its own right. Grabtown itself an abandoned village steeped in rumor and silence radiates menace. The line about small towns being better at scolding kids than spotting real evil perfectly captures the novel’s central tension: how darkness thrives when everyone looks the other way.
The stakes rise steadily as outside pressures close in Cassie’s volatile husband Marsh, whose rare-motorcar business feels increasingly suspect; a retired detective who knows more than he should; and the chilling realization that someone believes AJ’s story isn’t fiction at all. The danger feels real, and the consequences personal. I genuinely feared for the sisters as the truth edged closer to the surface.
What elevates Grabtown beyond a standard thriller is its emotional depth. This is a story about loyalty, courage, and the cost of truth especially for women who have learned to survive by staying silent. The bond between Cassie and Ana anchors the novel, making the eventual revelations both heartbreaking and deeply satisfying.
Atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully written, Grabtown delivers a powerful blend of suspense and soul. By the final pages, the themes of justice and redemption land with real emotional weight. If you love psychologically rich thrillers with strong female leads and a haunting sense of place, this is a five star must read.
January 3, 2026
It was a few days before author Sarah P. Blanchard's appearance at a local indie store when I first learned of Grabtown. As I often do, I looked up what the guest has written to see if I might be interested in it. After reading the blurb that appears on the back of Grabtown, I thought it was a great premise, but from there, I just moved along to what I was doing next. It was a few hours later when my mind went back to the book, so then I knew I needed to know more.
It turns out that my second thoughts paid off handsomely. At that author event, I spoke to Ms. Blanchard for a few minutes and purchased both of her books. (As an aside, go read her first novel,Drawn from Life, you won't be disappointed.)
Grabtown is the story of twin sisters Cassie and Ana reconnecting after the death of their mother, Marla, aided by both of them reading a story written by Marla's friend AJ. Ms. Blanchard handles the dual timelines effortlessly and avoids confusion by indicating in each chapter whose point of view we are seeing.
The book starts slowly, delving into the relationship between the twins. And then, when the first portion of AJ's story is found, and Cassie begins reading about a murder committed in town years ago, the pace of the book picks up to match the flow of information the reader is getting. Once Ana begins reading, it's a full-on, well-paced thriller.
Any reader of the genre knows what's going to eventually happen, and Ms. Blanchard doesn't disappoint by adding an odd twist. What we get is a very well-written conclusion. And as with her first book, Grabtown is full of smartly written characters, who are all easily identifiable with.
Some parts of this book might be a little difficult for some readers to get through, but Ms. Blanchard treats those situations with grace and dignity, and like her description of the car crash in Drawn from Life, much of it is done in a manner where you know what happened without it being overly descriptive.
There is no sophomore jinx in Grabtown; it's a solid second outing from Ms. Blanchard, and I highly recommend it.
It turns out that my second thoughts paid off handsomely. At that author event, I spoke to Ms. Blanchard for a few minutes and purchased both of her books. (As an aside, go read her first novel,Drawn from Life, you won't be disappointed.)
Grabtown is the story of twin sisters Cassie and Ana reconnecting after the death of their mother, Marla, aided by both of them reading a story written by Marla's friend AJ. Ms. Blanchard handles the dual timelines effortlessly and avoids confusion by indicating in each chapter whose point of view we are seeing.
The book starts slowly, delving into the relationship between the twins. And then, when the first portion of AJ's story is found, and Cassie begins reading about a murder committed in town years ago, the pace of the book picks up to match the flow of information the reader is getting. Once Ana begins reading, it's a full-on, well-paced thriller.
Any reader of the genre knows what's going to eventually happen, and Ms. Blanchard doesn't disappoint by adding an odd twist. What we get is a very well-written conclusion. And as with her first book, Grabtown is full of smartly written characters, who are all easily identifiable with.
Some parts of this book might be a little difficult for some readers to get through, but Ms. Blanchard treats those situations with grace and dignity, and like her description of the car crash in Drawn from Life, much of it is done in a manner where you know what happened without it being overly descriptive.
There is no sophomore jinx in Grabtown; it's a solid second outing from Ms. Blanchard, and I highly recommend it.
February 18, 2026
Grabtown is ultimately a murder mystery, but what stayed with me most was the complicated relationship between the two sisters, Cassie and Ana. Both are shaped and haunted by their relationship with their late mother, Marla, whose death reunites them. If you have a sister, you’ll recognize the resentments and emotional undercurrents immediately.
The mystery grows out of Marla’s long friendship with AJ, a radio news announcer. AJ's manuscript, discovered as the sisters clean out Marla's house, reveals a crime committed decades ago. Cassie’s growing fascination with that manuscript drives the story forward. As she begins to connect its actions with the present day, she realizes that threats to her and her sister remain.
I especially appreciated how the past/present time shifts were handled. They never felt overdone. Each chapter moves the story ahead. The alternating perspectives (mostly Cassie and AJ, with Ana stepping in at key moments) are distinct. You always know whose voice you’re reading. Especially poignant to me were the parts where Cassie reads about her mother and sees her as a complicated woman and friend who led a full life outside of motherhood.
The setting also feels real. Winslow, Connecticut, may not exist on a map, but I felt like I’d driven through it. The rural area isn’t romanticized. It’s populated by people who experience joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
At its core, the book asks a hard question: how well do we know the people we grew up with, as well as the people around us right now? The answer here is unsettling, and that’s what gives the mystery its final pop.
The mystery grows out of Marla’s long friendship with AJ, a radio news announcer. AJ's manuscript, discovered as the sisters clean out Marla's house, reveals a crime committed decades ago. Cassie’s growing fascination with that manuscript drives the story forward. As she begins to connect its actions with the present day, she realizes that threats to her and her sister remain.
I especially appreciated how the past/present time shifts were handled. They never felt overdone. Each chapter moves the story ahead. The alternating perspectives (mostly Cassie and AJ, with Ana stepping in at key moments) are distinct. You always know whose voice you’re reading. Especially poignant to me were the parts where Cassie reads about her mother and sees her as a complicated woman and friend who led a full life outside of motherhood.
The setting also feels real. Winslow, Connecticut, may not exist on a map, but I felt like I’d driven through it. The rural area isn’t romanticized. It’s populated by people who experience joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
At its core, the book asks a hard question: how well do we know the people we grew up with, as well as the people around us right now? The answer here is unsettling, and that’s what gives the mystery its final pop.
March 23, 2026
" You know, a town gets set in its ways. When things are mostly working okay, it just goes humming along. People turn a blind eye to the parts that don't work so well."
When estranged twins Cassie and Ana begin to clean up their late mother's home after her funeral, they find a manuscript written by their mother's best friend and discover a shocking story about an unsolved murder and the dark secrets hidden in the small, rural Connecticut town known locally as Grabtown.
A mystery thriller told in dual timelines. The present-day timeline is focused on Cassie, her troubled past and her current marriage to her charming but dominating husband, while the other timeline is the 40-year-old manuscript detailing the truth about events Cassie and Ana never knew their mother experienced.
I enjoyed the book-within-a-book format of this one. The story deals with very heavy themes like broken families, child abuse and trafficking, but does so in a tasteful way with no explicit, graphic scenes and deep empathy and just rage at a society that excuses the perpetrators and shames and punishes victims of sexual assault and grooming. Both storylines are tense and fast-paced and nothing is guaranteed as Cassie and Ana slowly realise that the dangers of the past are nothing compared to the threats the two of them will have to face in the present.
Recommended for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, book-within-a-book plots, dual timeline mysteries and flawed main characters.
Many thanks to Sarah P. Blanchard for the review copy of this thriller. I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When estranged twins Cassie and Ana begin to clean up their late mother's home after her funeral, they find a manuscript written by their mother's best friend and discover a shocking story about an unsolved murder and the dark secrets hidden in the small, rural Connecticut town known locally as Grabtown.
A mystery thriller told in dual timelines. The present-day timeline is focused on Cassie, her troubled past and her current marriage to her charming but dominating husband, while the other timeline is the 40-year-old manuscript detailing the truth about events Cassie and Ana never knew their mother experienced.
I enjoyed the book-within-a-book format of this one. The story deals with very heavy themes like broken families, child abuse and trafficking, but does so in a tasteful way with no explicit, graphic scenes and deep empathy and just rage at a society that excuses the perpetrators and shames and punishes victims of sexual assault and grooming. Both storylines are tense and fast-paced and nothing is guaranteed as Cassie and Ana slowly realise that the dangers of the past are nothing compared to the threats the two of them will have to face in the present.
Recommended for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, book-within-a-book plots, dual timeline mysteries and flawed main characters.
Many thanks to Sarah P. Blanchard for the review copy of this thriller. I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2025
Grabtown by Sarah P. Blanchard is a taut, emotionally layered psychological thriller that blends family trauma, buried secrets, and the haunting legacy of small-town sins. Set in rural New England, this slow-burning, atmospheric novel examines how truth, loyalty, and courage collide when two sisters uncover the chilling possibility that their mother’s death was never an accident but a confession waiting to be read.
Twin sisters Cassie and Ana return home after decades apart, only to discover an unpublished manuscript that implicates their late mother’s girlfriend in a forty-year-old murder. As they unravel the pages of that story and the dangerous truths behind it the sisters must confront not only the darkness in their family’s past but also the fractures within themselves.
Blanchard’s prose is sharp, evocative, and deeply human, rich with tension and emotional authenticity. The novel’s interplay between memory and mystery recalls the moral complexity of Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods and the sisterly intensity of Kellye Garrett’s Like a Sister. Grabtown is not merely a story about solving a murder it’s about what we owe the dead, the living, and ourselves when the past refuses to stay buried.
Both thrilling and introspective, Grabtown cements Blanchard as a storyteller of rare precision and empathy. It’s a literary psychological thriller that grips from the first page and lingers long after the last.
Twin sisters Cassie and Ana return home after decades apart, only to discover an unpublished manuscript that implicates their late mother’s girlfriend in a forty-year-old murder. As they unravel the pages of that story and the dangerous truths behind it the sisters must confront not only the darkness in their family’s past but also the fractures within themselves.
Blanchard’s prose is sharp, evocative, and deeply human, rich with tension and emotional authenticity. The novel’s interplay between memory and mystery recalls the moral complexity of Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods and the sisterly intensity of Kellye Garrett’s Like a Sister. Grabtown is not merely a story about solving a murder it’s about what we owe the dead, the living, and ourselves when the past refuses to stay buried.
Both thrilling and introspective, Grabtown cements Blanchard as a storyteller of rare precision and empathy. It’s a literary psychological thriller that grips from the first page and lingers long after the last.
August 27, 2025
Grabtown is one of those stories that creeps in quietly and stays. Sarah P. Blanchard paints a rural Connecticut town with a kind of faded intimacy—where grief settles like dust and secrets are stitched into the landscape. When twin sisters Cassie and Ana return home after their mother’s death, they stumble upon a manuscript that may be more than fiction. What follows is a slow, unsettling unraveling of family history, buried trauma, and the lingering question: what really happened in Grabtown?
The novel moves between 1985 and the present with a gentle rhythm, never rushed, always deliberate. Cassie’s voice—frustrated, curious, quietly aching—guides us through layers of memory and resistance. Ana’s caution adds tension, and the manuscript at the heart of it all pulses with ambiguity. Is it a story, or a confession?
Blanchard doesn’t rely on twists or spectacle. Instead, she builds atmosphere—dense, emotional, and quietly suspenseful. It’s a book about loyalty, silence, and the courage it takes to look back. If you like your mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of literary melancholy, Grabtown is a beautifully crafted, slow-burning read.
Thank you to Sarah Blanchard, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The novel moves between 1985 and the present with a gentle rhythm, never rushed, always deliberate. Cassie’s voice—frustrated, curious, quietly aching—guides us through layers of memory and resistance. Ana’s caution adds tension, and the manuscript at the heart of it all pulses with ambiguity. Is it a story, or a confession?
Blanchard doesn’t rely on twists or spectacle. Instead, she builds atmosphere—dense, emotional, and quietly suspenseful. It’s a book about loyalty, silence, and the courage it takes to look back. If you like your mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of literary melancholy, Grabtown is a beautifully crafted, slow-burning read.
Thank you to Sarah Blanchard, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
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