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Backstabbers
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 04:54:48
10 copies available
U.S. only
When three friends lose their way in a serial killer's old hunting ground, they must fight to survive the threat in the woods—and each other—in this spiky, heart-pounding slasher.
Never turn your back on a friend.
Jade, Stef, and Zoe are hiking Washington's Bones Hollow Trail, braving cougars, black bears, and the storms that roll in without warning. The friends' paranoia isn't helped by listening to a true crime podcast about the serial killer who once roamed this same forest.
Then when Stef twists her ankle—badly—there's no one to hear them scream for help. The only sign of life for miles is a cabin that looks to be straight out of a horror movie, with a man who's all too eager to invite them in.
As things take a chilling turn, the friends must find a way to stay alive together. After all, who can you trust when your back's against the wall? But unfortunately for them, the only thing more twisted than this nightmare is their friendship . . .
Never turn your back on a friend.
Jade, Stef, and Zoe are hiking Washington's Bones Hollow Trail, braving cougars, black bears, and the storms that roll in without warning. The friends' paranoia isn't helped by listening to a true crime podcast about the serial killer who once roamed this same forest.
Then when Stef twists her ankle—badly—there's no one to hear them scream for help. The only sign of life for miles is a cabin that looks to be straight out of a horror movie, with a man who's all too eager to invite them in.
As things take a chilling turn, the friends must find a way to stay alive together. After all, who can you trust when your back's against the wall? But unfortunately for them, the only thing more twisted than this nightmare is their friendship . . .
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 2, 2026
4 people are currently reading
15055 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It had all the ingredients for a nice twist on the classic slasher, but unfortunately it did not work for me.
The story in itself is entertaining, and I liked the "lost in the woods" setting, but the characters are underdeveloped, and a little annoying to be honest.
The collective obsession with true crime podcast had me rolling my eyes after a while. It felt like a weak motivation for the characters behaviour, but it might just be me.
Overall, I hoped for a better execution of the classic tropes.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
The story in itself is entertaining, and I liked the "lost in the woods" setting, but the characters are underdeveloped, and a little annoying to be honest.
The collective obsession with true crime podcast had me rolling my eyes after a while. It felt like a weak motivation for the characters behaviour, but it might just be me.
Overall, I hoped for a better execution of the classic tropes.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
February 10, 2026
I read somewhere that this was Yellowjackets meets Heathers, sadly it’s not. It’s a straight by the numbers slasher, complete with women who fall over, rely on men to come to their rescue, and stop mid serial killer attack to bicker about things 12 year olds would argue about. Full of ridiculous dialogue and unbelievable decisions from every character. I feel backstabbed by the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an early look at this one.
February 18, 2026
Besides the fact that I never want to travel with friends ever again, I loved this book! What a great debut novel. I absolutely hated how dumb these girls were, but I think that may have been what made it so compelling. A total binge read. And that ending bumped me up from 4 stars to 5! Wow!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
February 18, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much! It’s stressful, frustrating, (girls, you make terrible choices), and had me on the edge of my seat. The perfect popcorn horror book! I absolutely loved how this was a different take on the podcast element and had so much fun with Jade’s inner podcast dialogue. Also, the wilderness was the perfect backdrop for this tense non-stop ride.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Want to read
March 31, 2026thank you so much to Ballantine for access to this ARC
February 12, 2026
When I read the premise of this book I had to have it. And I have to tell everyone how much I loved this book! Imagine you’re trapped in the woods and there’s a potential serial killer on your trail. At least you’re with your friends….except maybe your friends are the BIGGER issue. This book had me gasping, talking out loud to the main character, and I stayed up way too late to finish this. This is definitely one of my favorite thrillers of 2026 by far. I’m actually in a book slump now thanks to this book. Sooo put this on your TBR! It will be out in June of 2026.
January 29, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore. Part podcast thriller, part locked room plot in a cabin, combined with a wilderness escape this book has everything you need for a rip roaring adventure and jaw dropping twists and turns. It blends classic thriller and horror ones with modern day podcasting. A group of friends has their very core friendships tested to the limits, and must survive by working out who they can trust. Read if you dare! I highly recommend.
March 27, 2026
Backstabbers is basically a masterclass in messy behavior, and I mean that as a compliment. The drama? Nonstop. The trust issues? Valid. The decisions? Questionable at best. I was hooked.
What really made it stand out, though, was how real the female friendships felt. It’s not just “we love each other forever”, it’s more like “I love you, but also why are you like this?” There’s jealousy, loyalty, miscommunication, and all those tiny, awkward moments that somehow turn into huge problems. It honestly felt a little too real at times. I could see the dialogue existing in real life easily.
The characters will frustrate you (a lot), but in a way that keeps you reading because you need to see what bad choice they make next. And somehow, you still kind of understand them, which makes everything even messier.
Overall, it’s dramatic, chaotic, and ridiculously entertaining. I did predict the twist before it happened, but I read quite a few thriller books so I believe the average reader will still be surprised. If you enjoy friendship drama and yelling “girl WHY” at a book, this is definitely worth the read.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Eliza Jabore for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
What really made it stand out, though, was how real the female friendships felt. It’s not just “we love each other forever”, it’s more like “I love you, but also why are you like this?” There’s jealousy, loyalty, miscommunication, and all those tiny, awkward moments that somehow turn into huge problems. It honestly felt a little too real at times. I could see the dialogue existing in real life easily.
The characters will frustrate you (a lot), but in a way that keeps you reading because you need to see what bad choice they make next. And somehow, you still kind of understand them, which makes everything even messier.
Overall, it’s dramatic, chaotic, and ridiculously entertaining. I did predict the twist before it happened, but I read quite a few thriller books so I believe the average reader will still be surprised. If you enjoy friendship drama and yelling “girl WHY” at a book, this is definitely worth the read.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Eliza Jabore for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2026
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, hear me out, this was kind of terrible. The dialogue was awful, the characters said and did ridiculous things, there was so much repetition… it almost read like a terrible movie script, BUT I couldn’t put it down. If you are in it for a quick, hooked immediately, potato chip type of read, it’s a worthy thriller. The twists and turns are somewhat obvious, but you also can’t tell what direction the author is going, so you’re constantly guessing. The whole plot idea about backstabbing friends is a unique play on a thriller, I just wish it had been a teensy bit more realistic and less annoying middle school vibes. For god sakes these girls are almost 30. Act like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, hear me out, this was kind of terrible. The dialogue was awful, the characters said and did ridiculous things, there was so much repetition… it almost read like a terrible movie script, BUT I couldn’t put it down. If you are in it for a quick, hooked immediately, potato chip type of read, it’s a worthy thriller. The twists and turns are somewhat obvious, but you also can’t tell what direction the author is going, so you’re constantly guessing. The whole plot idea about backstabbing friends is a unique play on a thriller, I just wish it had been a teensy bit more realistic and less annoying middle school vibes. For god sakes these girls are almost 30. Act like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Eliza Jabore’s “Backstabbers” is a suspenseful survival thriller that combines wilderness horror and psychological tension while all centered around fracturing friendships, which creates a fast-paced and unsettling story. With an isolated setting, mounting danger, and twists that keep you guessing, the story shows just how difficult it is to trust others, even your supposed friends.
The story follows Jade and her two best friends, Zoe and Stefanie, on what is supposed to be a traditional annual hiking trip. Instead of a relaxing getaway, the excursion quickly takes a disturbing turn when Jade realizes they are not heading toward the promised waterfall. Zoe and Stefanie, fascinated by a true crime podcast about a serial killer known as the Bones Hollow Hunter, have other plans, which puts all three of them in a dangerous situation that soon spirals out of control.
Told from Jade’s perspective, the story focuses heavily on the strain within the trio’s friendship. Jade, the most cautious and sensitive of the group, often finds herself dismissed or manipulated by her friends who repeatedly make impulsive and risky decisions. The story highlights themes of gaslighting, peer pressure, and toxic friendships, creating an atmosphere where emotional tension is just as threatening as the physical danger surrounding the characters. As events escalate, Jade undergoes significant personal growth, learning to assert herself and question the loyalty of those closest to her.
However, the book’s characters were also frustrating throughout the book. While Jade is generally portrayed as thoughtful and rational, her friends’ behavior, particularly Zoe’s, can feel reckless and unrealistic, with repeated poor decisions that put the group in unnecessary danger. Their actions and dialogue sometimes come across as exaggerated, and the friendship dynamic can feel more hostile than supportive. I found it difficult to believe the three of them even liked one another let alone have been friends for several years. There were also certain plot developments and coincidences that were difficult to believe, requiring a suspension of disbelief.
The book’s strongest element is its suspense. The isolated wilderness setting creates a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere, and the second half of the book becomes an intense fight for survival where you are left unsure who will make it out alive. The story combines a wilderness escape story and modern true crime culture through its podcast component, adding a contemporary twist to classic horror and thriller tropes. The pacing is quick, making the book an engaging and easy read that delivers plenty of tension and unexpected turns.
Overall, “Backstabbers” is a suspenseful and unsettling debut that will appeal to fans of wilderness thrillers, psychological drama, and friendship-gone-wrong stories. The story balances emotional drama with survival horror while offering a message about standing up for oneself and questioning blind loyalty. With its eerie setting, high-stakes tension, and sharp exploration of trust and betrayal, the book delivers a dramatic and memorable ride.
Eliza Jabore’s “Backstabbers” is a suspenseful survival thriller that combines wilderness horror and psychological tension while all centered around fracturing friendships, which creates a fast-paced and unsettling story. With an isolated setting, mounting danger, and twists that keep you guessing, the story shows just how difficult it is to trust others, even your supposed friends.
The story follows Jade and her two best friends, Zoe and Stefanie, on what is supposed to be a traditional annual hiking trip. Instead of a relaxing getaway, the excursion quickly takes a disturbing turn when Jade realizes they are not heading toward the promised waterfall. Zoe and Stefanie, fascinated by a true crime podcast about a serial killer known as the Bones Hollow Hunter, have other plans, which puts all three of them in a dangerous situation that soon spirals out of control.
Told from Jade’s perspective, the story focuses heavily on the strain within the trio’s friendship. Jade, the most cautious and sensitive of the group, often finds herself dismissed or manipulated by her friends who repeatedly make impulsive and risky decisions. The story highlights themes of gaslighting, peer pressure, and toxic friendships, creating an atmosphere where emotional tension is just as threatening as the physical danger surrounding the characters. As events escalate, Jade undergoes significant personal growth, learning to assert herself and question the loyalty of those closest to her.
However, the book’s characters were also frustrating throughout the book. While Jade is generally portrayed as thoughtful and rational, her friends’ behavior, particularly Zoe’s, can feel reckless and unrealistic, with repeated poor decisions that put the group in unnecessary danger. Their actions and dialogue sometimes come across as exaggerated, and the friendship dynamic can feel more hostile than supportive. I found it difficult to believe the three of them even liked one another let alone have been friends for several years. There were also certain plot developments and coincidences that were difficult to believe, requiring a suspension of disbelief.
The book’s strongest element is its suspense. The isolated wilderness setting creates a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere, and the second half of the book becomes an intense fight for survival where you are left unsure who will make it out alive. The story combines a wilderness escape story and modern true crime culture through its podcast component, adding a contemporary twist to classic horror and thriller tropes. The pacing is quick, making the book an engaging and easy read that delivers plenty of tension and unexpected turns.
Overall, “Backstabbers” is a suspenseful and unsettling debut that will appeal to fans of wilderness thrillers, psychological drama, and friendship-gone-wrong stories. The story balances emotional drama with survival horror while offering a message about standing up for oneself and questioning blind loyalty. With its eerie setting, high-stakes tension, and sharp exploration of trust and betrayal, the book delivers a dramatic and memorable ride.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Backstabbers - in every sense of the word - is probably the perfect title for this novel.
We meet our protagonist, Jade, and her friends Stefanie and Zoe as they embark on a days-long hike through the Bones Hollow Trail in the pacific northwest. While hiking, the women listen to a podcast about a serial killer who preyed on women in this exact area. Great choice of entertainment...while you're legitimately walking around in serial killer territory.
Lifelong friends, the women have experienced countless adrenaline-fueled trips together over the years, but this one is definitely the wildest. Zoe, the ringleader, is determined to veer off the trail to find the site of an alleged waterfall. Jade wants to stick to the path (the ever-rational and cautious of the group) while Stef always follows Zoe. Outvoted, Jade begrudgingly follows Stef and Zoe, but when Stef injures herself and cannot walk, the women need to find shelter. They end up walking through the woods (without GPS or cell service, by the way) until they reach an isolated cabin. Lucky for them, there's a strange man at this cabin who offers to help them. Once the women enter the cabin, it turns out to be a crazier choice than braving the elements. What follows is a violent, terrifying, confusing series of events that evolve into absolute chaos for them.
I will say that I did not like any character in this book. In fact, I hated most of them, and I don't think that was the intention. Every single person makes ridiculous decisions - sometimes even counter to their character. While there was a lot of action and several twists, none of it really surprised me. The book itself was very well-written, but I couldn't get past how unlikeable everyone was and the choices the women made (individually and as a group). It didn't start out that way for me necessarily, but once the women make it to the cabin, they turn into a bunch of idiots. I wanted to like Jade, but in the last third of the novel, she started doing things she chastised Zoe or Stef for, and it was disappointing.
This is Jabore's debut, and I enjoyed her writing style, so I will be checking out her future work. This particular one just wasn't thematically for me.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Eliza Jabore for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*
We meet our protagonist, Jade, and her friends Stefanie and Zoe as they embark on a days-long hike through the Bones Hollow Trail in the pacific northwest. While hiking, the women listen to a podcast about a serial killer who preyed on women in this exact area. Great choice of entertainment...while you're legitimately walking around in serial killer territory.
Lifelong friends, the women have experienced countless adrenaline-fueled trips together over the years, but this one is definitely the wildest. Zoe, the ringleader, is determined to veer off the trail to find the site of an alleged waterfall. Jade wants to stick to the path (the ever-rational and cautious of the group) while Stef always follows Zoe. Outvoted, Jade begrudgingly follows Stef and Zoe, but when Stef injures herself and cannot walk, the women need to find shelter. They end up walking through the woods (without GPS or cell service, by the way) until they reach an isolated cabin. Lucky for them, there's a strange man at this cabin who offers to help them. Once the women enter the cabin, it turns out to be a crazier choice than braving the elements. What follows is a violent, terrifying, confusing series of events that evolve into absolute chaos for them.
I will say that I did not like any character in this book. In fact, I hated most of them, and I don't think that was the intention. Every single person makes ridiculous decisions - sometimes even counter to their character. While there was a lot of action and several twists, none of it really surprised me. The book itself was very well-written, but I couldn't get past how unlikeable everyone was and the choices the women made (individually and as a group). It didn't start out that way for me necessarily, but once the women make it to the cabin, they turn into a bunch of idiots. I wanted to like Jade, but in the last third of the novel, she started doing things she chastised Zoe or Stef for, and it was disappointing.
This is Jabore's debut, and I enjoyed her writing style, so I will be checking out her future work. This particular one just wasn't thematically for me.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Eliza Jabore for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*
March 10, 2026
I seem to be reading a lot of thriller/horrors set on hiking trails recently – not great for someone who enjoys solo hiking!
Jade, Stef and Zoe are childhood friends who go on yearly adventures – this year it’s the Washington Bones Hollow Trail, subject of a true crime podcast regarding the disappearance and murders of several female hikers. When Stef twists her ankle, they find themselves searching for help in the unlikeliest of places – a creepy cabin in the middle of the woods.
Backstabbers treads the line between psychological thriller and a horror slasher - it’s a fast paced and action-packed read which kept my interest throughout. I really enjoyed the asides from the true crime podcast which are woven into the main story - this really helped to get into main character Jade’s mindset. I did feel, however, that the other two characters of Stef and Zoe felt underdeveloped – I would have perhaps liked a little more flashback or more of their ‘normal’ relationship in the woods before the action happened, which would have helped me understand their motivations a little better.
There’s a lot of gore and violence within the storyline, and you do have to suspend your disbelief heavily at a lot of the character’s actions – particularly towards the end, as it all ramps up to the conclusion. Some of it felt predictable and the girls made some silly decisions which felt frustrating as a reader.
Overall, Backstabbers is a fast-paced and action-packed read but could do with more well-rounded characters with believable motivations and decision making. Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Sphere for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
Jade, Stef and Zoe are childhood friends who go on yearly adventures – this year it’s the Washington Bones Hollow Trail, subject of a true crime podcast regarding the disappearance and murders of several female hikers. When Stef twists her ankle, they find themselves searching for help in the unlikeliest of places – a creepy cabin in the middle of the woods.
Backstabbers treads the line between psychological thriller and a horror slasher - it’s a fast paced and action-packed read which kept my interest throughout. I really enjoyed the asides from the true crime podcast which are woven into the main story - this really helped to get into main character Jade’s mindset. I did feel, however, that the other two characters of Stef and Zoe felt underdeveloped – I would have perhaps liked a little more flashback or more of their ‘normal’ relationship in the woods before the action happened, which would have helped me understand their motivations a little better.
There’s a lot of gore and violence within the storyline, and you do have to suspend your disbelief heavily at a lot of the character’s actions – particularly towards the end, as it all ramps up to the conclusion. Some of it felt predictable and the girls made some silly decisions which felt frustrating as a reader.
Overall, Backstabbers is a fast-paced and action-packed read but could do with more well-rounded characters with believable motivations and decision making. Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Sphere for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am not a thrill seeker. As matter of fact, I can name the friends I have that have always been able to talk me into to doing the stupidest things because it seemed fun to them to put me in uncomfortable and spontaneous situations. On that side, this novel was so real to me.
Three friends go for a multi-day trek through the woods. Oh yeah, they listen to a true-crime podcast while in the woods. One that describes the case of a serial killer that seems to be haunting these very woods, preying on hikers. Sounds fun, right?
After an injury, they seek help wherever they can find it. But you need to be careful who you trust. Of course, that could apply to the person you ask for help, but it could also apply to the friends you surround yourself with. Maybe you have heard the old saying, “Show me your friends and I will show you your destiny.”
If you grew up watching scary movies, you know the old trope of those that continue to make bad decisions over the objections of their friends. That is in full effect in this novel. I kept having to scream at them, “DON’T DO IT!” “DON’T TRUST THEM!” “GET OUT OF THERE!” “DON’T GO IN THERE!”…over and over and over again. I lost my voice just typing that.
Sigh.
Well done, Ms. Eliza Jabore. You had my heart racing several times and a sense of dread every time I turned the page. This is going to be one of those novels people talk about all summer long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Three friends go for a multi-day trek through the woods. Oh yeah, they listen to a true-crime podcast while in the woods. One that describes the case of a serial killer that seems to be haunting these very woods, preying on hikers. Sounds fun, right?
After an injury, they seek help wherever they can find it. But you need to be careful who you trust. Of course, that could apply to the person you ask for help, but it could also apply to the friends you surround yourself with. Maybe you have heard the old saying, “Show me your friends and I will show you your destiny.”
If you grew up watching scary movies, you know the old trope of those that continue to make bad decisions over the objections of their friends. That is in full effect in this novel. I kept having to scream at them, “DON’T DO IT!” “DON’T TRUST THEM!” “GET OUT OF THERE!” “DON’T GO IN THERE!”…over and over and over again. I lost my voice just typing that.
Sigh.
Well done, Ms. Eliza Jabore. You had my heart racing several times and a sense of dread every time I turned the page. This is going to be one of those novels people talk about all summer long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jade, Stef, and Zoe are on their annual bestie trip. This year's trip is a hike on Washington's Bones Hollow Trail. The three women are braving cougars, bears, and storms to make it to the top and back, but during a slight detour to see a hidden waterfall, Stef trips and breaks her ankle. The three must now trek through the woods, lost and injured. Jade thinks it is a miracle when they stumble upon an old cabin, hope rushing through her when there are signs that someone has been there recently. What she doesn't know is if the stranger is friend or foe.
Let me get this off my chest real quick:
This book really had me locked in. I read this in four hours and I loved every moment. I think all three women have very distinct personalities and I 100% see why they were all there. The friendship felt very real to me, every aspect of it. It's very obvious their friendship isn't as great as our Jade believes it to be, or at least tells us it is. There is always more to it than meets the surface when a group has been friends since middle school and are now in their 30s. I loved every peak the author gave us into the history of their friendship because it told us even more of the dynamics.
I will tolerate ZERO Jade hate. I felt that the arguing between the women while their lives were in danger very on brand. I know for a fact that if I was in their situation with my sisters or two friends, there would 100% be blaming and finger pointing. It is one of those inevitable things ESPECIALLY when the situation brings to light feelings you've always had and sheds light on someone's hella negative attributes. I will always be on Jade's side.
Let me get this off my chest real quick:
This book really had me locked in. I read this in four hours and I loved every moment. I think all three women have very distinct personalities and I 100% see why they were all there. The friendship felt very real to me, every aspect of it. It's very obvious their friendship isn't as great as our Jade believes it to be, or at least tells us it is. There is always more to it than meets the surface when a group has been friends since middle school and are now in their 30s. I loved every peak the author gave us into the history of their friendship because it told us even more of the dynamics.
I will tolerate ZERO Jade hate. I felt that the arguing between the women while their lives were in danger very on brand. I know for a fact that if I was in their situation with my sisters or two friends, there would 100% be blaming and finger pointing. It is one of those inevitable things ESPECIALLY when the situation brings to light feelings you've always had and sheds light on someone's hella negative attributes. I will always be on Jade's side.
February 11, 2026
4/5
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine, and the author Eliza Jabore for gifting me with this ARC to review. I had a really good time reading this and look forward to reading more from Jabore!
Liked:
-dormant serial killer who might not actually be dormant (love). Personally I wouldn’t go traipsing into a forest where a known serial killer uses it as his hunting grounds. It would be a great deterrent for me actually but to each their own.
-near death experiences really show you who your friends are. Zoe, Stef, and Jade had that classic “we’ve been best friends forever” thing going on. After everything happens though Jade has to deal with the harsh reality that sometimes you truly don’t know the people who are closest to you.
-personally growth from Jade. I was struggling to like her at the start. She was way too much of a follow and hero worshipped Zoe in the beginning. Like no ma’am you’re a grown ass woman, we are not going to gush over our friends reckless behavior. Love that she grew a backbone though and wasn’t taking anyone’s shit.
Disliked:
-plot twists were a bit predictable but still fun to see how they played out.
-not the biggest fan of the true crime podcast inner voice thing. It got kind of annoying after a while.
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine, and the author Eliza Jabore for gifting me with this ARC to review. I had a really good time reading this and look forward to reading more from Jabore!
Liked:
-dormant serial killer who might not actually be dormant (love). Personally I wouldn’t go traipsing into a forest where a known serial killer uses it as his hunting grounds. It would be a great deterrent for me actually but to each their own.
-near death experiences really show you who your friends are. Zoe, Stef, and Jade had that classic “we’ve been best friends forever” thing going on. After everything happens though Jade has to deal with the harsh reality that sometimes you truly don’t know the people who are closest to you.
-personally growth from Jade. I was struggling to like her at the start. She was way too much of a follow and hero worshipped Zoe in the beginning. Like no ma’am you’re a grown ass woman, we are not going to gush over our friends reckless behavior. Love that she grew a backbone though and wasn’t taking anyone’s shit.
Disliked:
-plot twists were a bit predictable but still fun to see how they played out.
-not the biggest fan of the true crime podcast inner voice thing. It got kind of annoying after a while.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a ride! A close-knit trio of women go hiking in the remote Olympic Forest on their yearly vacation together. Zoe, under the guise of checking out a cool waterfall, navigates them off-trail on what turns out to be a search for a notorious serial killer. Apparently Stef knew about this planned detour, but they neglected to tell Jade, their resident goody two shoes. To be fair, they played a true crime podcast detailing the killer's crimes in the very place they were hiking, but okay, I can appreciate Jade really not wanting to jump to that conclusion. Stef breaks her ankle. They hobble around and finally come to a cabin. Jeremiah seems friendly, but could he be the big bad wolf?
Two important things to note:
1. This reads like a YA thriller. I was wondering how these teens got permission to take a multi-day hike through the back country until Jade mentioned being almost 30. That was unexpected. But, luckily, I like YA. Just go with it.
2 It really got under my skin! Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down—and the menace and foreboding and danger gave me nightmares all night. So today I'm calling in sick, which I think is truly the marker of a 5-star thriller.
Thanks to Ballantine, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Two important things to note:
1. This reads like a YA thriller. I was wondering how these teens got permission to take a multi-day hike through the back country until Jade mentioned being almost 30. That was unexpected. But, luckily, I like YA. Just go with it.
2 It really got under my skin! Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down—and the menace and foreboding and danger gave me nightmares all night. So today I'm calling in sick, which I think is truly the marker of a 5-star thriller.
Thanks to Ballantine, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so much fun! I love slasher horror and the author did not disappoint in providing me with some highly thrilling entertainment. The atmosphere was on point as well and portrayed perfectly. It succeeded in giving me the creeps. But what horrified me the most was the plot...in a good way. If I was a certain character, I would be livid! The ending was bittersweet and I smiled wide to myself with the outcome. I enjoyed the podcast aspect in this story, and I understood why Jade's thoughts became consumed by the podcaster, but I didn't like how it was portrayed as the podcaster was directly talking to her. I would have preferred her thoughts to ber her own. Hard to explain, but if you've read the book you will understand. It became redundant and a little stale whenever I saw what Laurie Wolff said. Overall, it was a fast-paced, easy read that I really enjoyed. And I was surprised to learn that this novel is a debut. Very well written and executed. I would definitely recommend and look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars
The pure horror of a strange man uttering "daddy's got you" juxtaposed with the absolute hilarity of a character thinking to themselves "what the fuck did it look like, Kevin" when uncovering a murder lair.
I think this book would have a lot of potential as a sassy horror comedy slasher film but that isn't something that was pulled off in this book for me. We are following three girls, friends supposedly, who get lost on a hike in the woods and find themselves fighting for their lives against a legendary serial killer. However, this was fucking ridiculous. These women would not stop fighting with one another. I mean there were actual scenes where they would STOP RUNNING from a sadistic deranged killer to get into a literal hair pulling slapping girl fight with one another. It quickly stopped feeling campy and silly and just outright annoying.
The ending was pretty gnarly though and that I could get behind.
Content Warning: murder, torture, graphic injury, gun violence, blood and gore, harm to animals
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
The pure horror of a strange man uttering "daddy's got you" juxtaposed with the absolute hilarity of a character thinking to themselves "what the fuck did it look like, Kevin" when uncovering a murder lair.
I think this book would have a lot of potential as a sassy horror comedy slasher film but that isn't something that was pulled off in this book for me. We are following three girls, friends supposedly, who get lost on a hike in the woods and find themselves fighting for their lives against a legendary serial killer. However, this was fucking ridiculous. These women would not stop fighting with one another. I mean there were actual scenes where they would STOP RUNNING from a sadistic deranged killer to get into a literal hair pulling slapping girl fight with one another. It quickly stopped feeling campy and silly and just outright annoying.
The ending was pretty gnarly though and that I could get behind.
Content Warning: murder, torture, graphic injury, gun violence, blood and gore, harm to animals
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore had an interesting premise and moments of suspense, but overall it fell a little short for me. The story felt slightly too long, and the pacing dragged in places where the tension should have stayed sharp.
The main characters—Jade, Zoe, and Stefanie—were a mixed bag. Zoe was especially difficult to like; she came across as fake and overly self-important, which made it hard to stay invested in her character. Jade and Stef also relied far too much on Zoe instead of trusting their own judgment, which became frustrating. On top of that, it was hard to believe that all three women would knowingly hike a trail where a serial killer had murdered people and was never caught, making it very possible he was still active. That decision seriously hurt the realism of the story for me. While the book had potential, the character dynamics and questionable choices kept it from being as strong as it could have been.
I would love a sequel though, quite honestly. They never told what happened to Zoe in the end
The main characters—Jade, Zoe, and Stefanie—were a mixed bag. Zoe was especially difficult to like; she came across as fake and overly self-important, which made it hard to stay invested in her character. Jade and Stef also relied far too much on Zoe instead of trusting their own judgment, which became frustrating. On top of that, it was hard to believe that all three women would knowingly hike a trail where a serial killer had murdered people and was never caught, making it very possible he was still active. That decision seriously hurt the realism of the story for me. While the book had potential, the character dynamics and questionable choices kept it from being as strong as it could have been.
I would love a sequel though, quite honestly. They never told what happened to Zoe in the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ok so here's the thing: I WANTED so much to like this book. It's a serial killer survival story taking place in the wilderness with podcast elements: it's my cup of tea. But within the first 3 chapters, I was done. I understand the concept of unlikable characters, but Zoe and Stef are just simply insufferable, and Jade is therefore the worst for going along with it all, despite the fact that she clearly knows better. The podcast additions weren't interjected super successfully, in my opinion, although that could be in part the ARC format. Jade's inner voice was really contradictory, which again could be a character thing, but annoyed me. The base of the story and the writing are good. The Bones Hollow Hunter is a terrifying killer. But after 3 chapters of sheer stupidity from the main characters, I started skimming. I understand Jade's rage. The twists were really obvious, which is fine. I think a lot of people will really love this book, and that's great! I just couldn't.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It took me awhile to get through the book but mostly because I was dealing with some personal things at the time of reading.
This read to me like some of my favorite horror authors of the early 90’s particularly Richard Laymon, I really liked the retro feel and I’m a sucker for horror set in the woods.
The trio of friends were very annoying and read more like teens than women in their 30’s, you never really get a feel for why Jade and Steph are so under Zoe’s thumb.
There’s not much backstory,
I figured everything out easily but it was more about the chase than the mystery.
This would be a very fast read, it seems a little repetitive in spots and read more like YA mixed with classic 90’s horror complete with women making dumb choices and waiting for men to rescue them.
I did still enjoy this book and will definitely pick up this authors next book.
It took me awhile to get through the book but mostly because I was dealing with some personal things at the time of reading.
This read to me like some of my favorite horror authors of the early 90’s particularly Richard Laymon, I really liked the retro feel and I’m a sucker for horror set in the woods.
The trio of friends were very annoying and read more like teens than women in their 30’s, you never really get a feel for why Jade and Steph are so under Zoe’s thumb.
There’s not much backstory,
I figured everything out easily but it was more about the chase than the mystery.
This would be a very fast read, it seems a little repetitive in spots and read more like YA mixed with classic 90’s horror complete with women making dumb choices and waiting for men to rescue them.
I did still enjoy this book and will definitely pick up this authors next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay Eliza Jabore with the debut novel! I was sat. I am not one to ever want to travel with friends, but this oh, this one definitely will turn you off to ever feeling inclined to do so.
Do you really know your friends? Do those pangs of intuition about their true nature you’ve shoved down over the years come back to haunt you at the very worst time? Jabore absolutely sets the stage for that in Backstabbers when three friends are hiking a trail that is known to be one that is famous for serial killings. While the main character is clueless as to the reasons behind the hike, the detestable friend has plans of her own. You’ll learn the reasons why Jade has to learn to trust that intuition within herself, why you can’t always trust the people you have called your friends for years, and what it really means to fight for your life.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Do you really know your friends? Do those pangs of intuition about their true nature you’ve shoved down over the years come back to haunt you at the very worst time? Jabore absolutely sets the stage for that in Backstabbers when three friends are hiking a trail that is known to be one that is famous for serial killings. While the main character is clueless as to the reasons behind the hike, the detestable friend has plans of her own. You’ll learn the reasons why Jade has to learn to trust that intuition within herself, why you can’t always trust the people you have called your friends for years, and what it really means to fight for your life.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a rollercoaster of emotions. Who do you trust? No-one
Three best friends go hiking. It's traditional they go away every year, but this hike feels different. Zoe wants to find a waterfall and has promised her girlfriends fun and relaxation. Jade quickly realises that they are not headed to a waterfall.
Zoe and Stefanie have been listening to a podcast about the Bones Hollow Hunter, and thought it would be fun to find him.
This story quickly spirals out of control. The girls' lives are at risk, and their friendship.
The writing is very good and sucks you in. I had a hard time putting this book down. You get an eerie sense that no one can be trusted, and I couldn't believe anyone. Uncomfortable, awkward, and constantly sitting on the edge. This book is gripping and suspenseful. Highly recommend
Thank you, Netgally, for my advanced copy
Three best friends go hiking. It's traditional they go away every year, but this hike feels different. Zoe wants to find a waterfall and has promised her girlfriends fun and relaxation. Jade quickly realises that they are not headed to a waterfall.
Zoe and Stefanie have been listening to a podcast about the Bones Hollow Hunter, and thought it would be fun to find him.
This story quickly spirals out of control. The girls' lives are at risk, and their friendship.
The writing is very good and sucks you in. I had a hard time putting this book down. You get an eerie sense that no one can be trusted, and I couldn't believe anyone. Uncomfortable, awkward, and constantly sitting on the edge. This book is gripping and suspenseful. Highly recommend
Thank you, Netgally, for my advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This debut horror novel has all the things we love about horror books. Cabin deep in the woods, a vicious disturbed serial killer, friendships, betrayals, and lots of bloody gruesome scenes.
Three lifelong friends decide to spend a week hiking a particular trail known for being the hunting grounds of a notorious serial killer. But one of them has an ulterior motive and before long, this is going to put all three women in extreme danger as a cat and mouse game ensues.
This book has lot of twists and keeps you guessing throughout most of it. Their relationship is at the heart of the novel and changes drastically as things go from bad to worse to absolutely terrifying. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Three lifelong friends decide to spend a week hiking a particular trail known for being the hunting grounds of a notorious serial killer. But one of them has an ulterior motive and before long, this is going to put all three women in extreme danger as a cat and mouse game ensues.
This book has lot of twists and keeps you guessing throughout most of it. Their relationship is at the heart of the novel and changes drastically as things go from bad to worse to absolutely terrifying. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW,
I could not get enough of this book! From the very first page I was HOOKED. Yes, Stef and Zoe were unbearable. But the action kept me flying through the pages and kept me up late into the night to see what would happen next. At no point in this story was I ever bored. Jade is such a badass and actually had common sense. I was rooting for her! I loved her realizations regarding her anxiety and her friendships, they hit so close to home.
I truly cannot remember the last time a book left me speechless & thinking “what did I just read?”. The ending was perfect, tying everything together while still leaving a little bit of mystery.
This has been one of the best books I’ve read in a while! 10/10 recommend.
I could not get enough of this book! From the very first page I was HOOKED. Yes, Stef and Zoe were unbearable. But the action kept me flying through the pages and kept me up late into the night to see what would happen next. At no point in this story was I ever bored. Jade is such a badass and actually had common sense. I was rooting for her! I loved her realizations regarding her anxiety and her friendships, they hit so close to home.
I truly cannot remember the last time a book left me speechless & thinking “what did I just read?”. The ending was perfect, tying everything together while still leaving a little bit of mystery.
This has been one of the best books I’ve read in a while! 10/10 recommend.
March 21, 2026
💚 ARC Review for Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore thanks to NetGalley 💚
I want to start off by saying that I’m surprised that this is a debut novel! This book had a very addicting writing style that caused me to finish it quicker than I typically finish books. I’m a fan of the books where nearly every chapter has some sort of lil cliffhanger that just makes you need to keep reading. Even if it’s midnight and you should probably be sleeping 😬
This was a good story! It had so many elements that I’m a fan of. I find myself consistently drawn to anything backwoods horror related and this definitely fit the bill. I enjoyed the progression of the main characters story arc as well. I will certainly read more by this author if she comes out with more!
🔪🔪🔪🔪/5
I want to start off by saying that I’m surprised that this is a debut novel! This book had a very addicting writing style that caused me to finish it quicker than I typically finish books. I’m a fan of the books where nearly every chapter has some sort of lil cliffhanger that just makes you need to keep reading. Even if it’s midnight and you should probably be sleeping 😬
This was a good story! It had so many elements that I’m a fan of. I find myself consistently drawn to anything backwoods horror related and this definitely fit the bill. I enjoyed the progression of the main characters story arc as well. I will certainly read more by this author if she comes out with more!
🔪🔪🔪🔪/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was not for me. I thought that the writing was solid and the plot kept me engaged. I did have an issue with Jade’s inner thoughts including what the podcast host would say. It was unnecessary and got a little old.
I liked Jade as a main character, to be honest she was the only character that acted intelligently. Her “friends” were truly awful people who made the worst decisions and then acted like they were the better people.
All I will say in the ending is good for Jade.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an arc. All of my opinions are my own.
I liked Jade as a main character, to be honest she was the only character that acted intelligently. Her “friends” were truly awful people who made the worst decisions and then acted like they were the better people.
All I will say in the ending is good for Jade.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an arc. All of my opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a trip. Is it very good? Very bad? I don't know. I only know that it is HIGHLY entertaining.
Our 3 friends mix toxicity and stupidity to an alarming degree.
I hated them and simply couldn't look away. They just...decided to run headfirst into some serial killer hijinks because that's logical.
The book is definitely very suspenseful. Our characters are (through EVERY fault of their own) in a ton of danger and, as a reader, I was worried about them while still thinking that, wow, they kind of deserved to die.
This is violent, fun, and very stressful. And, yes, our characters are stupid.
Our 3 friends mix toxicity and stupidity to an alarming degree.
I hated them and simply couldn't look away. They just...decided to run headfirst into some serial killer hijinks because that's logical.
The book is definitely very suspenseful. Our characters are (through EVERY fault of their own) in a ton of danger and, as a reader, I was worried about them while still thinking that, wow, they kind of deserved to die.
This is violent, fun, and very stressful. And, yes, our characters are stupid.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I LOVED this! I sped through it in one sitting!
This has a little bit of everything: friendship drama, true crime-obsessed characters, a hiking trip, and a twisty mystery.
This follows a group of friends who are obsessed with a specific case. They decide to go on a trip in the area of this case. And things get complicated and twisty and messy.
I liked the complex friendships in this book and the dramatic situation they find themselves in. I was never bored, always engaged and wondering what was going to happen next.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This has a little bit of everything: friendship drama, true crime-obsessed characters, a hiking trip, and a twisty mystery.
This follows a group of friends who are obsessed with a specific case. They decide to go on a trip in the area of this case. And things get complicated and twisty and messy.
I liked the complex friendships in this book and the dramatic situation they find themselves in. I was never bored, always engaged and wondering what was going to happen next.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy.
I love a fun thriller that explores tense friendships as much as anyone, but I just could not get into this book. The writing felt incredibly juvenile for what is supposed to be an adult novel, there was no mystery or suspense, the characters were incredibly flat and one note, and our female protagonists who are all in their 20s acted like 13 year old girls. It was really difficult to make it through this, even if the podcast framing device was somewhat interesting. A real miss for me.
I love a fun thriller that explores tense friendships as much as anyone, but I just could not get into this book. The writing felt incredibly juvenile for what is supposed to be an adult novel, there was no mystery or suspense, the characters were incredibly flat and one note, and our female protagonists who are all in their 20s acted like 13 year old girls. It was really difficult to make it through this, even if the podcast framing device was somewhat interesting. A real miss for me.
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