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Backstabbers: A Novel
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11 days and 00:32:50
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 State’s Bones Hollow Trail, braving cougars, black bears, and storms that roll in without warning. Their anxiety isn’t helped by listening to a true crime podcast about the serial killer who once prowled this same forest.
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, occupied by 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? 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 State’s Bones Hollow Trail, braving cougars, black bears, and storms that roll in without warning. Their anxiety isn’t helped by listening to a true crime podcast about the serial killer who once prowled this same forest.
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, occupied by 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? Unfortunately for them, the only thing more twisted than this nightmare is their friendship . . .
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 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!
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.
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.
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.*
Review of advance copy
Review of advance copy
I’ve been struggling lately to have any desire to read but Backstabbers was everything I wanted in a thriller and more. I was fully invested in Jade from the very first page, although I sometimes find her passive personality frustrating, I could relate to her. Not only did I love the whole serial killer aspect I really loved the dynamic between the three friends.
Spoilers:
Jeremiah was also one of my favourite characters- I would go through phases convinced he was the killer and then go through phases thinking he was a totally innocent random guy. Obviously the ending cleared all that up for me, I loved how Jades character development was linked heavily with her friendships but also with him. The parts between jade and Jeremiah had me stressed especially when she started to distrust her friendships with Zoe and Steph and believe him, even though she had every reason not to as he was manipulating the distrust between them. I feel like he was the catalyst of the downfall of the friendships.
Where do I start with Zoe and Steph, Zoe was extremely selfish and I loved how we went through that journey with Jade the realisation that maybe their friendship isn’t how jade has imagined, it’s actually really sad, especially because Steph died thinking Zoe would of saved her. I loved how the flashbacks at the start of the book made you feel like there was a real love and friendship between the girls but once Jade started to open her eyes, the flashbacks turned into confirmation about Jades concerns.
The reveal of Jeremiah and his brother being the killers was good, I knew the ranger thing was going to come back into it, I just wasn’t sure how. Only complain would be I wished we had met Leeroy sooner in the story, as he suggest Jeremiah was the “good” brother and he was the evil one I would have liked to see their dynamic together.
If you like tense, survival thrillers pick this one up!
I’ve been struggling lately to have any desire to read but Backstabbers was everything I wanted in a thriller and more. I was fully invested in Jade from the very first page, although I sometimes find her passive personality frustrating, I could relate to her. Not only did I love the whole serial killer aspect I really loved the dynamic between the three friends.
Spoilers:
Jeremiah was also one of my favourite characters- I would go through phases convinced he was the killer and then go through phases thinking he was a totally innocent random guy. Obviously the ending cleared all that up for me, I loved how Jades character development was linked heavily with her friendships but also with him. The parts between jade and Jeremiah had me stressed especially when she started to distrust her friendships with Zoe and Steph and believe him, even though she had every reason not to as he was manipulating the distrust between them. I feel like he was the catalyst of the downfall of the friendships.
Where do I start with Zoe and Steph, Zoe was extremely selfish and I loved how we went through that journey with Jade the realisation that maybe their friendship isn’t how jade has imagined, it’s actually really sad, especially because Steph died thinking Zoe would of saved her. I loved how the flashbacks at the start of the book made you feel like there was a real love and friendship between the girls but once Jade started to open her eyes, the flashbacks turned into confirmation about Jades concerns.
The reveal of Jeremiah and his brother being the killers was good, I knew the ranger thing was going to come back into it, I just wasn’t sure how. Only complain would be I wished we had met Leeroy sooner in the story, as he suggest Jeremiah was the “good” brother and he was the evil one I would have liked to see their dynamic together.
If you like tense, survival thrillers pick this one up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
* Thank you NetGalley & Bantam for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. * Spoilers at the end if you care *
Backstabbers follows three best friends on their annual girls trip. Each year, they travel to a new and challenging destination. Only Bones Hollow Trail is even more challenging than they could've imagined. They soon find themselves lost in a serial killer's playground, and they will have to fight to the death to survive.
This was an infuriating read. I spent about 75% of it so pissed off by the characters, their choices, EVERYTHING, that I could hardly stand it. I was nearly hate-reading it at a certain point, determined to find out what the hell was going on. And then.... well, I won't spoil it, but I did find the ending incredibly thrilling and vindicating.
I don't want to turn you off with my negatives here - I may have spent most of this book furious, but I can't deny being entertained by the process, and ultimately pleased with the ending. Read it if you dare, or if you're into thrilling cat-and-mouse serial killer games.
Backstabbers follows three best friends on their annual girls trip. Each year, they travel to a new and challenging destination. Only Bones Hollow Trail is even more challenging than they could've imagined. They soon find themselves lost in a serial killer's playground, and they will have to fight to the death to survive.
This was an infuriating read. I spent about 75% of it so pissed off by the characters, their choices, EVERYTHING, that I could hardly stand it. I was nearly hate-reading it at a certain point, determined to find out what the hell was going on. And then.... well, I won't spoil it, but I did find the ending incredibly thrilling and vindicating.
I don't want to turn you off with my negatives here - I may have spent most of this book furious, but I can't deny being entertained by the process, and ultimately pleased with the ending. Read it if you dare, or if you're into thrilling cat-and-mouse serial killer games.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Backstabbers by Eliza Jaboré gives you a classic slasher setup: three best friends — Jade, Stef, and Zoe — head out on a hiking trip for some adventure, except the trail they pick is Washington’s Bones Hollow aka the hunting ground of a serial killer. Great choices all around. Things go downhill fast when Stef injures her ankle, forcing them to look for help, which leads them straight to a random cabin in the woods owned by Jeremiah, a very suspicious man who is exactly as comforting as you’d expect. Naturally, the vibes are off immediately, and the girls start wondering if they’ve just walked directly into a horror movie — and more importantly, if they’re about to become part of it.
Okay but… this had all the ingredients for a fun slasher and somehow still managed to fall flat. The biggest issue? I did not care about these girls. For a trio that’s supposed to be best friends, there’s basically no chemistry — no banter, no warmth, nothing that makes you believe they even like each other. Zoe is weirdly obsessed with chasing the serial killer for content, Jade is the only one with a functioning survival instinct, and Stef is just… there, making questionable choices and trusting the wrong person every time. At a certain point, I realized I wasn’t rooting for anyone, which is kind of a problem in a survival story. Even when they run into people who could help, they get brushed off and gaslit into thinking they’re overreacting — which, sure, maybe that’s saying something about the female experience, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to read. And for a slasher?? The kills weren’t even that creative or gory. Overall, super underwhelming — had potential, but just didn’t deliver even a little bit.
Okay but… this had all the ingredients for a fun slasher and somehow still managed to fall flat. The biggest issue? I did not care about these girls. For a trio that’s supposed to be best friends, there’s basically no chemistry — no banter, no warmth, nothing that makes you believe they even like each other. Zoe is weirdly obsessed with chasing the serial killer for content, Jade is the only one with a functioning survival instinct, and Stef is just… there, making questionable choices and trusting the wrong person every time. At a certain point, I realized I wasn’t rooting for anyone, which is kind of a problem in a survival story. Even when they run into people who could help, they get brushed off and gaslit into thinking they’re overreacting — which, sure, maybe that’s saying something about the female experience, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to read. And for a slasher?? The kills weren’t even that creative or gory. Overall, super underwhelming — had potential, but just didn’t deliver even a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for the ARC!
I was pretty excited when I got this as an ARC because it was blurbed as a great "fucked up female friendship" book by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, who wrote the all-time classic in this genre of The Girls Are All So Nice Here. well, the friendship here is definitely fucked up, but it's also just so painfully STUPID. the three friends here are nearly 30 years old, but they act like they're 15 and have no impulse control. there are multiple times when they're on the run for their lives in this book and they get into a dumbass slapfight. everyone was insufferable and no one felt like a real person. I know the whole point of Zoe was that she wasn't a very good person, but her motivations felt COMICALLY juvenile for a fully grown woman, and even in literal life and death situations she never abandoned them. felt like a parody, but this book isn't comedic enough to pull it off.
additionally, I also felt like almost every scene went on about 20% too long and a lot of the tension was gone by the end of those scenes. it's funny because there's a (very brief) scene where they crawl through a cave and it's like it served purely to remind me of the much better and tenser thriller I'd just read.
also at first I thought it was pretty funny that the podcast was forever "narrating" what Jade did, but by 50% it was aggravating and by the end it was excruciating. I think I'm officially Tired Of Podcast Thrillers tbh.
I think this book had a lot of potential if it was tightened up quite a bit in many of the scenes and was largely played for comedy. as is, it's dreadfully messy, and not in the way it was going for.
I was pretty excited when I got this as an ARC because it was blurbed as a great "fucked up female friendship" book by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, who wrote the all-time classic in this genre of The Girls Are All So Nice Here. well, the friendship here is definitely fucked up, but it's also just so painfully STUPID. the three friends here are nearly 30 years old, but they act like they're 15 and have no impulse control. there are multiple times when they're on the run for their lives in this book and they get into a dumbass slapfight. everyone was insufferable and no one felt like a real person. I know the whole point of Zoe was that she wasn't a very good person, but her motivations felt COMICALLY juvenile for a fully grown woman, and even in literal life and death situations she never abandoned them. felt like a parody, but this book isn't comedic enough to pull it off.
additionally, I also felt like almost every scene went on about 20% too long and a lot of the tension was gone by the end of those scenes. it's funny because there's a (very brief) scene where they crawl through a cave and it's like it served purely to remind me of the much better and tenser thriller I'd just read.
also at first I thought it was pretty funny that the podcast was forever "narrating" what Jade did, but by 50% it was aggravating and by the end it was excruciating. I think I'm officially Tired Of Podcast Thrillers tbh.
I think this book had a lot of potential if it was tightened up quite a bit in many of the scenes and was largely played for comedy. as is, it's dreadfully messy, and not in the way it was going for.
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
Two and one-half stars
Review of eBook
Friends Jade Edelman, Stefanie Alcott, and Zoe Burrows are on their annual group adventure; they are hiking along the Bones Hollow Trail in Washington State. Zoe has brought a downloaded true crime podcase and is playing it as they hike. The podcast, about a serial killer who skulked about in this very forest, upsets Jade and Zoe turns it off.
The group decides to detour and end up in an unfamiliar area. Since they are unable to hike back up the incline before nightfall, the women keep moving but Stef falls and breaks her ankle. The group decides to keep moving south toward the falls and, eventually, an access road.
In an area defined by a serial killer’s murders, is that the best decision? Or is there danger hiding in the woods?
=========
None of the characters in this popcorn thriller are particularly likeable; they argue among themselves and, with more than enough cattiness and squabbling for an entire girls' school, they generally seem like a group of immature high schoolers who give new meaning to the phrase “mean girls.”
There are several unexpected plot twists in the unfolding story, but they’re not enough to rescue this tale from its ridiculousness. Additionally, the unnecessary overuse of a particularly loathsome expletive is likely to offend many readers and lowers the rating for this book.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Ballantine / Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#Backstabbers #NetGalley
Review of eBook
Friends Jade Edelman, Stefanie Alcott, and Zoe Burrows are on their annual group adventure; they are hiking along the Bones Hollow Trail in Washington State. Zoe has brought a downloaded true crime podcase and is playing it as they hike. The podcast, about a serial killer who skulked about in this very forest, upsets Jade and Zoe turns it off.
The group decides to detour and end up in an unfamiliar area. Since they are unable to hike back up the incline before nightfall, the women keep moving but Stef falls and breaks her ankle. The group decides to keep moving south toward the falls and, eventually, an access road.
In an area defined by a serial killer’s murders, is that the best decision? Or is there danger hiding in the woods?
=========
None of the characters in this popcorn thriller are particularly likeable; they argue among themselves and, with more than enough cattiness and squabbling for an entire girls' school, they generally seem like a group of immature high schoolers who give new meaning to the phrase “mean girls.”
There are several unexpected plot twists in the unfolding story, but they’re not enough to rescue this tale from its ridiculousness. Additionally, the unnecessary overuse of a particularly loathsome expletive is likely to offend many readers and lowers the rating for this book.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Ballantine / Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#Backstabbers #NetGalley
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.
April 17, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for an ARC of this book.
If I have learned one thing from this book, it is never trust anyone, including your friends! Jade and her two best friends, Stef and Zoe, set out on their annual friends trip. This year they have decided to go hiking on the Bones Hollow Trail, where previously several women had been the victims of a serial killer. During their hike, Stef falls and breaks her ankle, leaving the girls in a tough position. They find an isolated cabin hoping to find a way to get help, but there is a man there and they are not sure if they can trust him. As events start to unfold, Jade finds that she is not only unsure if she can trust this stranger, but also her friends.
The plot itself was entertaining enough, but I really disliked the characters. They are in their late twenties, nearly thirty years old, but they act like teenagers. I could not stand any of them, but Zoe in particular was just awful. It was head scratching how these three could have been friends so long and not seen each other for who they really were. The pace of the story was a little slow for me. I had a hard time getting into it, but once things started happening then it got a bit better. The twist I saw coming, but it was still a decent one. Again, the characters and dialogue were bad, but the plot was good so overall the book was okay.
If I have learned one thing from this book, it is never trust anyone, including your friends! Jade and her two best friends, Stef and Zoe, set out on their annual friends trip. This year they have decided to go hiking on the Bones Hollow Trail, where previously several women had been the victims of a serial killer. During their hike, Stef falls and breaks her ankle, leaving the girls in a tough position. They find an isolated cabin hoping to find a way to get help, but there is a man there and they are not sure if they can trust him. As events start to unfold, Jade finds that she is not only unsure if she can trust this stranger, but also her friends.
The plot itself was entertaining enough, but I really disliked the characters. They are in their late twenties, nearly thirty years old, but they act like teenagers. I could not stand any of them, but Zoe in particular was just awful. It was head scratching how these three could have been friends so long and not seen each other for who they really were. The pace of the story was a little slow for me. I had a hard time getting into it, but once things started happening then it got a bit better. The twist I saw coming, but it was still a decent one. Again, the characters and dialogue were bad, but the plot was good so overall the book was okay.
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
I was so intrigued by the title, cover, and concept of Backstabbers when I picked it up. Equal parts psychological thriller and slasher horror, the book follows Jade and her two best friends, Zoe and Stefanie, on a hiking trip gone horribly wrong. I loved the way serial killer lore and true crime podcast clips were woven into the story without overwhelming the main characters or themes.
Backstabbers is largely a dramatic story of toxic friendships, peer pressure, and reckless behavior that left me screaming at Jade to get a grip (and some new friends). Truly excellent characters that you can't help but hate for their infuriating choices. (Cue every female lead in a horror film, I guess?)
Pick this book up if you're looking for an eerie wilderness setting, fight for survival, and an unputdownable ending that was both satisfying and just open-ended enough to let the reader draw our own conclusions. Backstabbers is an impressive debut from Eliza Jabore. A solid 4 star thriller that I'll definitely be recommending!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing an advance copy for review. Expected publication June 2.
Backstabbers is largely a dramatic story of toxic friendships, peer pressure, and reckless behavior that left me screaming at Jade to get a grip (and some new friends). Truly excellent characters that you can't help but hate for their infuriating choices. (Cue every female lead in a horror film, I guess?)
Pick this book up if you're looking for an eerie wilderness setting, fight for survival, and an unputdownable ending that was both satisfying and just open-ended enough to let the reader draw our own conclusions. Backstabbers is an impressive debut from Eliza Jabore. A solid 4 star thriller that I'll definitely be recommending!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing an advance copy for review. Expected publication June 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has a great story line where three best friends take a girl's trip every year. They have been friends since middle school and each brings something different to the friendship. Jade thinks her best friends, Stef and Zoe, bring out the very best in her and help her to be more adventurous.
This year's trip is hiking Washington state's Bones Hollow Trail. A trail known for great views, wildlife and an area where women hiking alone have gone missing and were murdered by a serial killer who may still be out there. While hiking, the friends are listening to a podcast about this serial killer while hiking, which makes Jade uneasy.
When Stef falls and hurts her ankle, they realize they need to find help or an access road. This is when things start to go bad for the friends. Truths start to come out and soon Jade is wondering why she was ever friends with these two.
I found none of these characters likeable at all. They each had annoying qualities. I also figured out the ending beforehand. These two factors did not take away from how much I enjoyed this story. It is a quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This year's trip is hiking Washington state's Bones Hollow Trail. A trail known for great views, wildlife and an area where women hiking alone have gone missing and were murdered by a serial killer who may still be out there. While hiking, the friends are listening to a podcast about this serial killer while hiking, which makes Jade uneasy.
When Stef falls and hurts her ankle, they realize they need to find help or an access road. This is when things start to go bad for the friends. Truths start to come out and soon Jade is wondering why she was ever friends with these two.
I found none of these characters likeable at all. They each had annoying qualities. I also figured out the ending beforehand. These two factors did not take away from how much I enjoyed this story. It is a quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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
Three bestie backpackers get lost in the exact same spot the serial killer in the Bones Hollow lurks in. Stef and Jade are byproducts of Zoe's ringleader in this one, and these mean girls are absolutely vile in the name of friendship. My eyes legitimately popped out of my head when the girls interacted with each other from the very get go- I was absolutely begging for redemption arcs for at least one of these ladies. While I adored Jabore's writing, and some of the descriptions were horrific in the most positive way, I could NOT get behind how brain dead everyone in this book operated. Every conversation felt like everyone's first one ever at points, when certain characters get introduced, and some of the dialogue was just sheerly infuriating where I suspected the reader was being rage baited, for some reason. If there is an underlying point to those things, I wish I knew it, but alas- this was a wonderful premise that could have been delivered much better. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ballantine | Bantam for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
April 17, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
Back Stabbers by Eliza Jabore is a fast-paced survival thriller that blends atmospheric tension with complex, shifting friendships.
The story follows three friends hiking Washington State’s remote Bones Hollow Trail. Already unnerved by a true crime podcast about a serial killer tied to the area, their situation quickly escalates when an injury leaves them stranded. A nearby cabin offers potential safety, but the man inside raises more questions than comfort.
Jabore creates an immersive setting, making the isolation of the forest feel palpable. The suspense builds steadily, driven not only by external danger but by the increasingly strained dynamics between the friends. The question of trust becomes central, adding depth to the survival narrative.
While the novel delivers a gripping and engaging read, the ending may leave some readers wanting additional clarity and resolution.
Overall, a tense and compelling thriller with a strong sense of atmosphere and psychological unease.
Back Stabbers by Eliza Jabore is a fast-paced survival thriller that blends atmospheric tension with complex, shifting friendships.
The story follows three friends hiking Washington State’s remote Bones Hollow Trail. Already unnerved by a true crime podcast about a serial killer tied to the area, their situation quickly escalates when an injury leaves them stranded. A nearby cabin offers potential safety, but the man inside raises more questions than comfort.
Jabore creates an immersive setting, making the isolation of the forest feel palpable. The suspense builds steadily, driven not only by external danger but by the increasingly strained dynamics between the friends. The question of trust becomes central, adding depth to the survival narrative.
While the novel delivers a gripping and engaging read, the ending may leave some readers wanting additional clarity and resolution.
Overall, a tense and compelling thriller with a strong sense of atmosphere and psychological unease.
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.
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