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Keep Them Close
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Expected 30 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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20 copies available
U.S. only
From the bestselling author of Look Closer comes a new domestic thriller about betrayal and murder inside one twisted family
Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.
When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, Luke is right there by her side.
Until the murder investigation exposes secrets that could tear their family apart.
An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A shocking betrayal. How do they explain Finley’s death? And why are the siblings suddenly avoiding each other?
As past tensions resurface, the truth might lie a little too close to home…
Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.
When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, Luke is right there by her side.
Until the murder investigation exposes secrets that could tear their family apart.
An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A shocking betrayal. How do they explain Finley’s death? And why are the siblings suddenly avoiding each other?
As past tensions resurface, the truth might lie a little too close to home…
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 30, 2026
36 people are currently reading
9230 people want to read
About the author
David Ellis
92 books2,558 followersDavid Ellis is a lawyer and the Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for Best First Novel for Line of Vision. Ellis attended Northwestern Law School and began his legal career in private practice in Chicago in 1993. He served as the House Prosecutor who tried and convicted Illinois Governor Blagojevich in the Impeachment Trial before the Illinois Senate. He was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014 and took office December 1, 2014. Ellis currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
March 18, 2026
Impossible to put down!
Siblings Allison and Luke have always had each other‘s backs while being each other’s own worst enemies at times. When Allison’s husband Finlay is murdered, what seems like a simple explanation turns into something much more convoluted. To give away anything else would involve spoilers.
Alison and Luke were two characters that were quite despicable and conniving…in a good way! How everything is tied together and resolved requires the reader to suspend quite a bit of disbelief. But it’s tied up rather nicely. While the end game was a bit predictable, the trip there was not. There were so many twists and turns I had to stop a few times and say “wait what?!”. The chapters were short and each one ended in a way that left you wanting more. This was another one of those read-in-one-day books because it’s so addicting.
There wasn’t too much that I didn’t enjoy, but I did feel that maybe the subplot of the congressman’s case and Aaron was unnecessary. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see how it’s tied in much more so than being part of a side story.
As a matter of enjoyment, this one is a close second to Look Closer, so if you enjoyed that one, give this one a try for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Siblings Allison and Luke have always had each other‘s backs while being each other’s own worst enemies at times. When Allison’s husband Finlay is murdered, what seems like a simple explanation turns into something much more convoluted. To give away anything else would involve spoilers.
Alison and Luke were two characters that were quite despicable and conniving…in a good way! How everything is tied together and resolved requires the reader to suspend quite a bit of disbelief. But it’s tied up rather nicely. While the end game was a bit predictable, the trip there was not. There were so many twists and turns I had to stop a few times and say “wait what?!”. The chapters were short and each one ended in a way that left you wanting more. This was another one of those read-in-one-day books because it’s so addicting.
There wasn’t too much that I didn’t enjoy, but I did feel that maybe the subplot of the congressman’s case and Aaron was unnecessary. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see how it’s tied in much more so than being part of a side story.
As a matter of enjoyment, this one is a close second to Look Closer, so if you enjoyed that one, give this one a try for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2026
Not Look Closer, which remains my absolute fave, but very very good! Full review to come.
Thank you Putnam for the advanced copy.
Thank you Putnam for the advanced copy.
March 23, 2026
If you are a thriller lover, you already know who David Ellis is! He wrote one of the greatest thrillers of all time! I have read several of his books and will read his to-do list if he let me!!!
What’s one thing you know you’re gonna get in his novels? LIES, and this is no different. However, Keep Them Close takes off with a BANG! Two adult siblings with secrets from the past threaten everything when one of their partners gets murdered.
That’s all you need to know. Ellis is a guaranteed good read and I loved this one as well. Super fast paced and surprising twists! Add it to your TBR. Pre-order your copy.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 6/30/26
Thank you to Putnam, NetGalley and David Ellis for the gifted copy.
What’s one thing you know you’re gonna get in his novels? LIES, and this is no different. However, Keep Them Close takes off with a BANG! Two adult siblings with secrets from the past threaten everything when one of their partners gets murdered.
That’s all you need to know. Ellis is a guaranteed good read and I loved this one as well. Super fast paced and surprising twists! Add it to your TBR. Pre-order your copy.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 6/30/26
Thank you to Putnam, NetGalley and David Ellis for the gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My favorite thriller author David Ellis is back with another banger! Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC.
Multiple timelines, multiple POVs, all perfectly layered and plotted out before & after a murder on April Fools Day. A reoccurring concept in the book is prepare, prepare, prepare and then execute. And that is exactly what David Ellis did.
While there are plenty of twists throughout, I felt this was missing one big moment/twist that would give me goosebumps like Look Closer and The Best Lies had. But this book wins in the hundreds of details & events that create each character’s motive and how it’s executed over multi-POV and timeline.
This was my most anticipated book of the year and I’m so upset it’s over. Time to read his older books!
Multiple timelines, multiple POVs, all perfectly layered and plotted out before & after a murder on April Fools Day. A reoccurring concept in the book is prepare, prepare, prepare and then execute. And that is exactly what David Ellis did.
While there are plenty of twists throughout, I felt this was missing one big moment/twist that would give me goosebumps like Look Closer and The Best Lies had. But this book wins in the hundreds of details & events that create each character’s motive and how it’s executed over multi-POV and timeline.
This was my most anticipated book of the year and I’m so upset it’s over. Time to read his older books!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thoughts immediately after finishing: holy buckets of broccoli!! Who knew it could be so much fun to have things so mixed up?! That should have stressed the crap out of me and given me loads of anxiety. But I am sitting here on my bed after finishing, with a slight grin on my face and a feeling of bewilderment at how clever and entertaining I found the second half of the book and questioning how my brain kept up with all of that! Pondering the rating and further thoughts. (Posted 3/28/26)
—————————further thoughts 👇
Resentment. Revenge. Regret. Repercussions. This deliciously deceptive book has all of those and more. Allison and Jack are siblings. I say no more in fear of spoiling anything and for the love of colby jack cheese-sticks I want everyone to be as entertained as I was. This book could have stressed the pants off of me (I have no idea what that actually means beyond incredibly stressed, stupid things pop into my head sometimes and come out my fingers) but it left me feeling glad I was able to simply go with the flow and have fun with it instead. Second half was definitely better than the first half was for me.
This might be my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. Are all of them this good?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Have fun everyone!! All thoughts are my own.
9/10: 4.5⭐️ rounded down to 4⭐️’s.
Rating and thoughts posted: 3/28/26
Expected publishing date: June 30, 2026
—————————further thoughts 👇
Resentment. Revenge. Regret. Repercussions. This deliciously deceptive book has all of those and more. Allison and Jack are siblings. I say no more in fear of spoiling anything and for the love of colby jack cheese-sticks I want everyone to be as entertained as I was. This book could have stressed the pants off of me (I have no idea what that actually means beyond incredibly stressed, stupid things pop into my head sometimes and come out my fingers) but it left me feeling glad I was able to simply go with the flow and have fun with it instead. Second half was definitely better than the first half was for me.
This might be my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. Are all of them this good?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Have fun everyone!! All thoughts are my own.
9/10: 4.5⭐️ rounded down to 4⭐️’s.
Rating and thoughts posted: 3/28/26
Expected publishing date: June 30, 2026
Want to Read
March 4, 2026Two siblings, one murder & a bunch of lies.
Really enjoyed the last two books Ellis wrote.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam/G. P. Putnam's Sons and the author, David Ellis for an early copy!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
Really enjoyed the last two books Ellis wrote.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam/G. P. Putnam's Sons and the author, David Ellis for an early copy!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
March 29, 2026
David Ellis rarely disappoints, and this was no exception!
Two siblings. One murder. So many lies.
Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.
When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose the siblings’ darkest secrets. An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A stunning deception. How do these events explain Finley’s death? How far will Allison and Luke go to keep their secrets buried? And can the siblings even trust one another anymore?
This book started out with suspense right from the first chapter, and those are my favorite types of books!
Grab my attention right from the get-go and keep me interested; this book did exactly that!
It’s difficult to give a thorough description of the plot and characters without including any spoilers, but if you look at the other reviews, you’ll see that everyone who’s read it seems to really like this book.
If you like mysteries/thrillers, especially legal ones, you are going to enjoy this!
The book is written in multiple POV and timelines.
A murder occurs on April 1st and the timelines are the months leading up to this and the days following it.
Then later in the book we learn more details on exactly what happened on April 1st.
There are a lot of twists in the second half of the book.
I would think I had a pretty good idea of who did what, and then a new detail would emerge that completely negated that scenario.
This ended up being a pretty quick read for me.
All of the chapters are short, which encouraged me to just keep reading more of them and kind of lose track of time in the process.
If you’ve enjoyed other books by David Ellis, I can’t see why you wouldn’t thoroughly enjoy this one as well!
Thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and David Ellis for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
Two siblings. One murder. So many lies.
Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.
When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose the siblings’ darkest secrets. An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A stunning deception. How do these events explain Finley’s death? How far will Allison and Luke go to keep their secrets buried? And can the siblings even trust one another anymore?
This book started out with suspense right from the first chapter, and those are my favorite types of books!
Grab my attention right from the get-go and keep me interested; this book did exactly that!
It’s difficult to give a thorough description of the plot and characters without including any spoilers, but if you look at the other reviews, you’ll see that everyone who’s read it seems to really like this book.
If you like mysteries/thrillers, especially legal ones, you are going to enjoy this!
The book is written in multiple POV and timelines.
A murder occurs on April 1st and the timelines are the months leading up to this and the days following it.
Then later in the book we learn more details on exactly what happened on April 1st.
There are a lot of twists in the second half of the book.
I would think I had a pretty good idea of who did what, and then a new detail would emerge that completely negated that scenario.
This ended up being a pretty quick read for me.
All of the chapters are short, which encouraged me to just keep reading more of them and kind of lose track of time in the process.
If you’ve enjoyed other books by David Ellis, I can’t see why you wouldn’t thoroughly enjoy this one as well!
Thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and David Ellis for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 rounded up)
First things first: Look Closer by David Ellis is one of my favorite thrillers, so ofc I went into this one with very, very, veeery high expectations.
Did it reach the same level for me? Not quite. But it was still a really solid read.
The story centers around siblings Allison and Luke after Allison’s husband is murdered, and as the investigation unfolds we start uncovering a lot of messy secrets. Affairs, past accidents, lies, cover ups aaand even more lies… basically everyone seems to have something to hide.
One thing I noticed pretty quickly is that none of the characters are particularly likable or reliable. Everyone has their own agenda and everyone seems to be scheming in one way or another, which made it hard to fully trust anyone.
The sibling dynamic was interesting too. At first it seemed like Allison and Luke had a very strong bond, but by the end I still wasn’t entirely sure what to think. It’s one of those relationships where they clearly love each other… but also seem capable of betraying each other if needed/when needed.
The suspense definitely kept me engaged and I finished this in one sitting. As for the twists, I’d say it was about 50/50 for me; I guessed a few things, but some reveals still caught me off guard, especially towards the end.
Overall, while it didn’t quite reach the level of Look Closer for me, it was still an entertaining thriller that kept me hooked for the night.
⭐️ 3.75, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC.
First things first: Look Closer by David Ellis is one of my favorite thrillers, so ofc I went into this one with very, very, veeery high expectations.
Did it reach the same level for me? Not quite. But it was still a really solid read.
The story centers around siblings Allison and Luke after Allison’s husband is murdered, and as the investigation unfolds we start uncovering a lot of messy secrets. Affairs, past accidents, lies, cover ups aaand even more lies… basically everyone seems to have something to hide.
One thing I noticed pretty quickly is that none of the characters are particularly likable or reliable. Everyone has their own agenda and everyone seems to be scheming in one way or another, which made it hard to fully trust anyone.
The sibling dynamic was interesting too. At first it seemed like Allison and Luke had a very strong bond, but by the end I still wasn’t entirely sure what to think. It’s one of those relationships where they clearly love each other… but also seem capable of betraying each other if needed/when needed.
The suspense definitely kept me engaged and I finished this in one sitting. As for the twists, I’d say it was about 50/50 for me; I guessed a few things, but some reveals still caught me off guard, especially towards the end.
Overall, while it didn’t quite reach the level of Look Closer for me, it was still an entertaining thriller that kept me hooked for the night.
⭐️ 3.75, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC.
March 22, 2026
4.5⭐️
We all know how much I love a David Ellis book! I had high hopes for this one since Look Closer is my top thriller everrr and it did not disappoint! Though it was different than Look Closer it was still very twisty and thought provoking.
I absolutely loved the domestic thriller aspect of this book as well as the complicated sibling dynamic between the main characters Allison and Luke. This thriller starts off strong with an intense opening scene that sets the stage for a diabolical cat and mouse game thriller. Family, marriage, revenge , trauma - you name it it’s in this book!
When a sibling bond between Allison and Luke is tested by the murder of Allison’s husband Finley uncovering the darkest of secrets their sibling relationship will be put to the ultimate test.
A diabolical addicting read you’ll need to add to your tbr! Out this June so mark your calendars and tbr!
Thank you G.P Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for my advanced readers copy all opinions are my own.
We all know how much I love a David Ellis book! I had high hopes for this one since Look Closer is my top thriller everrr and it did not disappoint! Though it was different than Look Closer it was still very twisty and thought provoking.
I absolutely loved the domestic thriller aspect of this book as well as the complicated sibling dynamic between the main characters Allison and Luke. This thriller starts off strong with an intense opening scene that sets the stage for a diabolical cat and mouse game thriller. Family, marriage, revenge , trauma - you name it it’s in this book!
When a sibling bond between Allison and Luke is tested by the murder of Allison’s husband Finley uncovering the darkest of secrets their sibling relationship will be put to the ultimate test.
A diabolical addicting read you’ll need to add to your tbr! Out this June so mark your calendars and tbr!
Thank you G.P Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for my advanced readers copy all opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
4.5/5
This book was so good. The twist are turns are incredible. You don’t know who to trust and who to root for. David Ellis never disappoints!!!!
100% worth the read.
This book was so good. The twist are turns are incredible. You don’t know who to trust and who to root for. David Ellis never disappoints!!!!
100% worth the read.
April 6, 2026
It’s a 3.5. Story was really intriguing and had me wondering what was going on through out. It felt a little forced into a perfect tied into a bow at the end. Show me don’t tell me, I like to kinda write the rest and don’t love it all spelled out completely.
March 24, 2026
Allison is a high-powered defense attorney. She has always been exceptionally close to her brother, Luke. When he winds up in some legal trouble she immediately comes to his aid. Shortly after, Allison’s cheating husband is murdered and everyone is a suspect. How far will she go to protect herself and her family?
I love everything I have ever read by David Ellis and this was no exception. I was glued to the pages of this book and read late into the night trying to find out what was going to happen next. There’s so much family drama and so many twists and turns. The whole thing was so well done. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s another hit for sure!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
I love everything I have ever read by David Ellis and this was no exception. I was glued to the pages of this book and read late into the night trying to find out what was going to happen next. There’s so much family drama and so many twists and turns. The whole thing was so well done. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s another hit for sure!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
April 8, 2026
Addictive doesn’t even begin to cover it. I was reading this of a night and on multiple occasions found myself putting my Kindle down at 1am — only because sleep was finally prevailing.
Keep Them Close delivered everything I want in a thriller. Twisty, relentlessly gripping and the kind of story where every chapter makes it harder to stop. The story centres on siblings Allison and Luke, whose fiercely loyal bond begins to fracture after Allison’s husband is murdered. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets begin surfacing — including betrayals and truths that have been sitting beneath the surface for years.
David Ellis has such a knack for tightening the tension while slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, another twist would land and suddenly everything I thought I knew was back up in the air.
After loving Look Closer, this one absolutely delivered as well. Twisty, addictive and everything I want in a thriller — this was undeniably a 5⭐️ read for me.
Safe to say David Ellis has now firmly cemented himself as an “if he writes it, I’ll read it” author for me, and I’m very much looking forward to continuing through his backlist.
Do yourself a favour and preorder Keep Them Close, which releases in late June 2026.
Keep Them Close delivered everything I want in a thriller. Twisty, relentlessly gripping and the kind of story where every chapter makes it harder to stop. The story centres on siblings Allison and Luke, whose fiercely loyal bond begins to fracture after Allison’s husband is murdered. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets begin surfacing — including betrayals and truths that have been sitting beneath the surface for years.
David Ellis has such a knack for tightening the tension while slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, another twist would land and suddenly everything I thought I knew was back up in the air.
After loving Look Closer, this one absolutely delivered as well. Twisty, addictive and everything I want in a thriller — this was undeniably a 5⭐️ read for me.
Safe to say David Ellis has now firmly cemented himself as an “if he writes it, I’ll read it” author for me, and I’m very much looking forward to continuing through his backlist.
Do yourself a favour and preorder Keep Them Close, which releases in late June 2026.
April 25, 2026
I planned to take my time with this… but yeah, no. “One more chapter” turned into a full-on binge!! I flew through it in two days (would’ve been one if life hadn't been adulting).
This was my first David Ellis book, and I’m already ready for more. Messy sibling dynamics, betrayal layered on betrayal, and so many secrets… it’s the kind of dysfunction you can’t look away from.
Luke and Allison… whew. A masterclass in complicated. Their relationship kept me constantly questioning everything. I also loved the legal angle. Watching how a narrative can be shaped, twisted, and argued from every direction was fascinating.
And the twists… 😳. There are so many. I caught one, but the rest? Completely blindsided me. Exactly what I want in a thriller.
I also loved the Chicago setting (especially the Streeterville scenes—extra fun since my son lives there 😊). The local detail made the story feel even more immersive for me.
Final Verdict: 👍 100% yes!!! Binge-worthy, twisty, and pure entertainment. Clear your schedule… you’ll want to finish this in one sitting.
This was my first David Ellis book, and I’m already ready for more. Messy sibling dynamics, betrayal layered on betrayal, and so many secrets… it’s the kind of dysfunction you can’t look away from.
Luke and Allison… whew. A masterclass in complicated. Their relationship kept me constantly questioning everything. I also loved the legal angle. Watching how a narrative can be shaped, twisted, and argued from every direction was fascinating.
And the twists… 😳. There are so many. I caught one, but the rest? Completely blindsided me. Exactly what I want in a thriller.
I also loved the Chicago setting (especially the Streeterville scenes—extra fun since my son lives there 😊). The local detail made the story feel even more immersive for me.
Final Verdict: 👍 100% yes!!! Binge-worthy, twisty, and pure entertainment. Clear your schedule… you’ll want to finish this in one sitting.
March 22, 2026
Keep Them Close follows siblings Allison and Luke, who have always been loyal to one another. When Allison’s husband Finley is murdered, the investigation begins to uncover a tangled web of secrets including an affair, a decades old accident, and shocking deceptions. As the case tightens and the past collides with the present, the siblings must decide how far they will go to keep their secrets buried and whether they can even trust each other anymore. I absolutely loved the domestic thriller aspect of this book and the complicated sibling dynamic between Allison and Luke. The story starts strong with an intense opening and quickly turns into a suspenseful psychological game filled with lies, revenge, betrayal and so many secrets. With multiple POVs and alternating timelines, it really keeps you engaged and builds the suspense as everything leads up to the murder. This is one of my favorites by this author and the twists and unpredictable ending made it such a great read.
Thank you to Putnam and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for this gifted copy! This book publishes on June 30, 2026.
Thank you to Putnam and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for this gifted copy! This book publishes on June 30, 2026.
March 26, 2026
David Ellis is BRILLIANT and that’s the hill I’m dying on!
Extra special thank you to Putnam publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
If you enjoyed Look Closer, you’ll love this! Multiple character POVs and time periods, betrayal, backstabbing, deception, and all the tiny details that seamlessly and flawlessly tie in together at the end.
This was the book I was most excited for this year and I devoured it as fast as I could!
I liked the characters and the sibling rivalry. Several jaw dropping moments throughout and through most of it, I really didn’t know who to trust!
Extra special thank you to Putnam publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
If you enjoyed Look Closer, you’ll love this! Multiple character POVs and time periods, betrayal, backstabbing, deception, and all the tiny details that seamlessly and flawlessly tie in together at the end.
This was the book I was most excited for this year and I devoured it as fast as I could!
I liked the characters and the sibling rivalry. Several jaw dropping moments throughout and through most of it, I really didn’t know who to trust!
March 11, 2026
Thank you Putnam and The Pulse for the gifted digital ARC!
How does David Ellis continue to stun me with every single book he writes? I absolutely could not put this one down, and it was much needed while I'm in a stage of life where sitting down to read a book is challenging.
If you've loved the formula of Ellis's previous books, you will likely love Keep Them Close as well. You'll nearly get whiplash from the back and forth narrators and timelines, but it's the best kind of whiplash. I was never confused about what was happening, I just remained on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
No shocker here, but this is another 5+ star banger from Ellis. HIGHLY recommend to fellow thriller lovers! (And if you still haven't read Look Closer, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?)
Keep Them Close pub date is June 30.
How does David Ellis continue to stun me with every single book he writes? I absolutely could not put this one down, and it was much needed while I'm in a stage of life where sitting down to read a book is challenging.
If you've loved the formula of Ellis's previous books, you will likely love Keep Them Close as well. You'll nearly get whiplash from the back and forth narrators and timelines, but it's the best kind of whiplash. I was never confused about what was happening, I just remained on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
No shocker here, but this is another 5+ star banger from Ellis. HIGHLY recommend to fellow thriller lovers! (And if you still haven't read Look Closer, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?)
Keep Them Close pub date is June 30.
April 7, 2026
4.5 stars (rounded down for Goodreads).
Look Closer by David Ellis is one of my favorite thrillers of all time - while I didn't like this one quiteeee as much, I still THOROUGHLY enjoyed. It was absolutely the binge-worthy thrill that I was needing and kept me so entertained throughout. Great character development.
- Alternating timelines
- Multiple POV
- Domestic thriller
Look Closer by David Ellis is one of my favorite thrillers of all time - while I didn't like this one quiteeee as much, I still THOROUGHLY enjoyed. It was absolutely the binge-worthy thrill that I was needing and kept me so entertained throughout. Great character development.
- Alternating timelines
- Multiple POV
- Domestic thriller
March 9, 2026
I can see why David said that fans of LOOK CLOSER would love this one! If you haven’t read that one, you need to!
KEEP THEM CLOSE definitely surprised me. I really flew through it because the plot was fast-paced with short chapters that left on cliffhangers which made me keep turning the pages. It was a definite “just one more chapter” type of book.
When I started it, I was a little confused because I didn’t know where it was going but it very quickly starts to all weave together. The alternating chapters with different POV’s kept the story interesting and really makes you more invested in the story.
There were some unsavory characters but I loved Allison and would neverrr want to piss her off. The sibling bond was at the heart of this story which I really loved. Ten toes down 😉.
KEEP THEM CLOSE definitely surprised me. I really flew through it because the plot was fast-paced with short chapters that left on cliffhangers which made me keep turning the pages. It was a definite “just one more chapter” type of book.
When I started it, I was a little confused because I didn’t know where it was going but it very quickly starts to all weave together. The alternating chapters with different POV’s kept the story interesting and really makes you more invested in the story.
There were some unsavory characters but I loved Allison and would neverrr want to piss her off. The sibling bond was at the heart of this story which I really loved. Ten toes down 😉.
March 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
This thriller is an amazing ride. If you figure out all the twists before they are revealed, please check your IQ because you must be a genius. Anytime I thought I knew what was happening, the next chapter blew my theory out of the water. If you do one thing this summer, it better be read this book.
This thriller is an amazing ride. If you figure out all the twists before they are revealed, please check your IQ because you must be a genius. Anytime I thought I knew what was happening, the next chapter blew my theory out of the water. If you do one thing this summer, it better be read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an unforgettable, twisty domestic suspense! I must admit, I didn't expect to find myself laughing quite a bit at some familiar references early on.
A domestic thriller revolves around siblings Allison and Luke, who have always supported each other. However, when Allison's husband, Finley, is murdered, their bond is tested as the investigation reveals dark secrets, including an affair and a betrayal. As old tensions re-emerge, their relationship becomes strained, and the truth about Finley’s death threatens to tear the family apart.
This book demands your full attention due to its unique timeline, which jumps back and forth, allowing us to grasp the events leading up to the murder. You'll often find yourself days or even weeks before the pivotal moment, which may sound complicated, but the author did an excellent job of keeping everything clear as I continued reading.
The story is told from several perspectives, including Allison, Detective Louise, and Luke. Allison is a likable character with a keen understanding of the system, and we learn firsthand how she navigates around obstacles to avoid being discovered. I appreciated how some scenes felt almost like real life. Luke brought a lot of humor, and I could relate to his busy thinking and witty observations. I found myself chuckling frequently in the beginning, only for the tone to shift to something more serious later. The emotional depth of Allison's and Luke's relationship became evident as we uncovered more of their past; family can either uplift you or tear you apart. I was rooting for their relationship to mend, but putting myself in their shoes, I questioned how that might even be possible. Louise, the detective, was sharp and detail-oriented, ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks. I enjoyed her character because she wasn't easily swayed.
The writing was suspenseful, clever, and thoughtfully executed. I loved how the author paid attention to detail, weaving the entire story together without leaving me with lingering questions about the events or characters. It was meticulously developed, and I was completely taken aback by the plot twists! Each twist left me on the edge of my seat, but the way everything tied together was truly a masterpiece.
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, revenge-driven read filled with twists and an unpredictable ending, centered around a strong female lead. With plenty of lies, deception, and police procedural elements, there are some heart-stopping moments that add realism to the story. I loved how everything came full circle, and the conclusion wrapped everything up neatly. I didn't see any of the twists coming, nor did I have any idea where the story was headed - bravo! You'll find yourself absorbed in this book, and that's what makes it so binge-worthy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to take a moment to digest everything because it was a lot to take in all at once! WOW!
Thank you, @thrillerbookloversthepulse and G.P. Putman's Sons, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A domestic thriller revolves around siblings Allison and Luke, who have always supported each other. However, when Allison's husband, Finley, is murdered, their bond is tested as the investigation reveals dark secrets, including an affair and a betrayal. As old tensions re-emerge, their relationship becomes strained, and the truth about Finley’s death threatens to tear the family apart.
This book demands your full attention due to its unique timeline, which jumps back and forth, allowing us to grasp the events leading up to the murder. You'll often find yourself days or even weeks before the pivotal moment, which may sound complicated, but the author did an excellent job of keeping everything clear as I continued reading.
The story is told from several perspectives, including Allison, Detective Louise, and Luke. Allison is a likable character with a keen understanding of the system, and we learn firsthand how she navigates around obstacles to avoid being discovered. I appreciated how some scenes felt almost like real life. Luke brought a lot of humor, and I could relate to his busy thinking and witty observations. I found myself chuckling frequently in the beginning, only for the tone to shift to something more serious later. The emotional depth of Allison's and Luke's relationship became evident as we uncovered more of their past; family can either uplift you or tear you apart. I was rooting for their relationship to mend, but putting myself in their shoes, I questioned how that might even be possible. Louise, the detective, was sharp and detail-oriented, ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks. I enjoyed her character because she wasn't easily swayed.
The writing was suspenseful, clever, and thoughtfully executed. I loved how the author paid attention to detail, weaving the entire story together without leaving me with lingering questions about the events or characters. It was meticulously developed, and I was completely taken aback by the plot twists! Each twist left me on the edge of my seat, but the way everything tied together was truly a masterpiece.
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, revenge-driven read filled with twists and an unpredictable ending, centered around a strong female lead. With plenty of lies, deception, and police procedural elements, there are some heart-stopping moments that add realism to the story. I loved how everything came full circle, and the conclusion wrapped everything up neatly. I didn't see any of the twists coming, nor did I have any idea where the story was headed - bravo! You'll find yourself absorbed in this book, and that's what makes it so binge-worthy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to take a moment to digest everything because it was a lot to take in all at once! WOW!
Thank you, @thrillerbookloversthepulse and G.P. Putman's Sons, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2026
After Allison’s husband is murdered, the investigation begins to unravel the dangerous secrets she and her brother Luke have spent years burying. As past betrayals and hidden truths surface, they’ll have to decide how far they’re willing to go—and who they can really trust—to keep everything from falling apart.
I was so excited to get an early copy of this one, and it absolutely delivered. David Ellis crafted a gripping, intricately layered thriller that had me completely hooked, trying to piece together how everything would connect. The dual timelines and shifting perspectives were executed seamlessly, especially the chapters leading up to the murder—they built tension so well and had me hanging on every detail.
Allison and Luke were such compelling, complex characters. Their sibling dynamic—loyal one moment, suspicious the next—added so much depth to the story. I constantly questioned their motives and wasn’t sure who to trust, which made the reading experience even more addictive.
What I loved most was how unpredictable it all felt. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another twist would completely shift my perspective. The reveals were shocking without feeling overdone, and I truly had no idea how it would all come together. Even though these aren’t the most traditionally likable characters, I found myself invested in their outcomes and eager to see how it would all unfold. This is definitely one to add to your TBR—you won’t want to miss it when it releases next month.
Thank you to the author, Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was so excited to get an early copy of this one, and it absolutely delivered. David Ellis crafted a gripping, intricately layered thriller that had me completely hooked, trying to piece together how everything would connect. The dual timelines and shifting perspectives were executed seamlessly, especially the chapters leading up to the murder—they built tension so well and had me hanging on every detail.
Allison and Luke were such compelling, complex characters. Their sibling dynamic—loyal one moment, suspicious the next—added so much depth to the story. I constantly questioned their motives and wasn’t sure who to trust, which made the reading experience even more addictive.
What I loved most was how unpredictable it all felt. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another twist would completely shift my perspective. The reveals were shocking without feeling overdone, and I truly had no idea how it would all come together. Even though these aren’t the most traditionally likable characters, I found myself invested in their outcomes and eager to see how it would all unfold. This is definitely one to add to your TBR—you won’t want to miss it when it releases next month.
Thank you to the author, Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2026
David Ellis is back with another home run (IYKYK) with “Keep Them Close,” his latest domestic thriller, starring a lawyer who will go at any length to make sure herself (or her client) are innocent.
I’ll keep the book’s synopsis short and sweet. Brother and sister, Luke and Allison, have stuck together through it all. When Luke is pulled over and arrested after drugs that are definitely not his are found in his car, Allison knows she will do anything to ensure her brother is proven innocent. If only it were that easy — twists and turns ensue when more details come to light. The case isn’t as simple as she thought (or planned.)
Ellis is writing on all cylinders here — this one is addicting from the very beginning, dropping you into a story that is (seemingly) in process. Loved all of these threads happening here and how things were connected (and how they came to be connected.) It’s smart (but not “you have to be a lawyer to understand it” smart) and smooth. Like, so smooth despite the time shifts. These time jumps here keep things interesting but without muddying things happening.
As I write this review moments after finishing my second Ellis book, I’m struggling to find a detractor here. Maybe, it’s too neatly tied up in the end but this isn’t a case of an author playing it safe — he’s just done a good job laying the ground work of a complex story and finely tuning it without screwing up the landing. It’s something our lead Allison would blush at. Very grateful to Netgalley and publisher Putnam for the ARC.
I’ll keep the book’s synopsis short and sweet. Brother and sister, Luke and Allison, have stuck together through it all. When Luke is pulled over and arrested after drugs that are definitely not his are found in his car, Allison knows she will do anything to ensure her brother is proven innocent. If only it were that easy — twists and turns ensue when more details come to light. The case isn’t as simple as she thought (or planned.)
Ellis is writing on all cylinders here — this one is addicting from the very beginning, dropping you into a story that is (seemingly) in process. Loved all of these threads happening here and how things were connected (and how they came to be connected.) It’s smart (but not “you have to be a lawyer to understand it” smart) and smooth. Like, so smooth despite the time shifts. These time jumps here keep things interesting but without muddying things happening.
As I write this review moments after finishing my second Ellis book, I’m struggling to find a detractor here. Maybe, it’s too neatly tied up in the end but this isn’t a case of an author playing it safe — he’s just done a good job laying the ground work of a complex story and finely tuning it without screwing up the landing. It’s something our lead Allison would blush at. Very grateful to Netgalley and publisher Putnam for the ARC.
March 24, 2026
Man oh man David Ellis never disappoints and this one has to be my favorite of his.
If you’re looking for a thriller that grabs you by the throat from page one and never lets go, Keep Them Close by David Ellis is IT.
Starting off with a bang and immediately throwing you into the chaos—no slow build, no easing in, just pure tension from the jump. I was instantly hooked.
What I loved about this was how all of our characters are crafty and wickedly clever. You’re constantly trying to read between the lines, second-guessing motives, and questioning everything they say and do. Allison is a complete bad ass!
Also, the toxic sibling dynamic! The tension, the loyalty, the buried resentment—it adds an emotional edge to the story that makes you feel the rivalry simmering, ready to explode.
And the twists… just WOW. They really got me lol. At one point I was like “WHAT!!!!”Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story flipped and had me shooketh.
As a legal professional, nothing keeps me intrigued more than a crime procedural thriller - and this was excellent! The investigation unfolded in such a smart, layered way that you’re piecing things together—but never quite fast enough. It kept me guessing until the end, and I could not stop reading. I flew through the second half in one sitting.
Dark, clever, and completely addictive—this is a must-read for thriller lovers who crave family and legal drama with razor-sharp twists.
Publishing June 30! Dont miss this one!!
**Thank you to the Pulse, David Ellis, GP Putnam’s Sons for the advance readers copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review
If you’re looking for a thriller that grabs you by the throat from page one and never lets go, Keep Them Close by David Ellis is IT.
Starting off with a bang and immediately throwing you into the chaos—no slow build, no easing in, just pure tension from the jump. I was instantly hooked.
What I loved about this was how all of our characters are crafty and wickedly clever. You’re constantly trying to read between the lines, second-guessing motives, and questioning everything they say and do. Allison is a complete bad ass!
Also, the toxic sibling dynamic! The tension, the loyalty, the buried resentment—it adds an emotional edge to the story that makes you feel the rivalry simmering, ready to explode.
And the twists… just WOW. They really got me lol. At one point I was like “WHAT!!!!”Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story flipped and had me shooketh.
As a legal professional, nothing keeps me intrigued more than a crime procedural thriller - and this was excellent! The investigation unfolded in such a smart, layered way that you’re piecing things together—but never quite fast enough. It kept me guessing until the end, and I could not stop reading. I flew through the second half in one sitting.
Dark, clever, and completely addictive—this is a must-read for thriller lovers who crave family and legal drama with razor-sharp twists.
Publishing June 30! Dont miss this one!!
**Thank you to the Pulse, David Ellis, GP Putnam’s Sons for the advance readers copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review
May 1, 2026
Keep Them Close is an instant 2026 thriller favorite for me! The sibling dynamic between Allison and Luke is so messy, so complicated, and so fascinating to watch. Layer in the secrets, shocking betrayals, and lies stacked on top of more lies, and you’ve got a book that basically dares you to put it down. I eventually stopped trying to predict where things were going and just let the story take me. And honestly, that was the right call. The twists kept coming, and I was here for every single one. It’s a wild ride!
Keep Them Close is a dark, suspenseful, addictive domestic thriller. Clear your schedule before you start this one. You won’t want to stop until you finish!
I received a free copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my personal opinions.
Keep Them Close is a dark, suspenseful, addictive domestic thriller. Clear your schedule before you start this one. You won’t want to stop until you finish!
I received a free copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my personal opinions.
April 19, 2026
David Ellis had me from the first page— this was such a fun thriller! All of the main characters were absolutely messy and diabolical. Everyone’s lying. Everyone’s unreliable. Everyone’s guilty of something. I can’t get too much into it without giving it all away but this was such a bingeable, fast-paced popcorn type of a read.
March 17, 2026
so excited to have more david ellis this year!! keep them close was quick & engaging the whole way through. it didn’t quite live up to look closer for me & i felt a little underwhelmed by the end, but it was still a crazy ride!
April 30, 2026
this story went absolutely BONKERS in the end!! I had no idea where the plot was going, but what a ride!
after a road rage incident, allison is left reeling as she deals with the fallout, her husband’s infidelity, and her brother’s arrest. and this girl is STRUGGLING!! like yes the reader is countlessly told she’s the best lawyer and ten steps ahead of everyone, but damn
this one was a tiny bit of a letdown for me, considering how much I adored david ellis’s other thrillers… I wasn’t particularly rooting for any character as they were all just out to stab each other in the back (literally and figuratively 🤪)
there was a pointless sub plot about another one of allison’s cases and her co-counsel - which didn’t add anything to the story and left me more confused - but other than that, I appreciated how all of the different stories tied together at the end!
I wanted a bit more from david on this one, as I know he’s capable of meaty plot twists, but it was still an enjoyable ride! thank you gp putnam for the advanced copy!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: argentina chardonnay
after a road rage incident, allison is left reeling as she deals with the fallout, her husband’s infidelity, and her brother’s arrest. and this girl is STRUGGLING!! like yes the reader is countlessly told she’s the best lawyer and ten steps ahead of everyone, but damn
this one was a tiny bit of a letdown for me, considering how much I adored david ellis’s other thrillers… I wasn’t particularly rooting for any character as they were all just out to stab each other in the back (literally and figuratively 🤪)
there was a pointless sub plot about another one of allison’s cases and her co-counsel - which didn’t add anything to the story and left me more confused - but other than that, I appreciated how all of the different stories tied together at the end!
I wanted a bit more from david on this one, as I know he’s capable of meaty plot twists, but it was still an enjoyable ride! thank you gp putnam for the advanced copy!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: argentina chardonnay
April 20, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley & Putnam for the early copy!
Wow!! Another fantastic page-turner from David Ellis, who's quickly becoming my favorite thriller author. Keep Them Close was expertly written and I loved the sibling dynamic between our main characters, with each POV feeling very fleshed out and realistic. It felt like watching a documentary full of lies and "who's telling the truth?", I could easily imagine everything playing out. I really enjoy mystery thrillers that feel believable rather than outlandish, and this one absolutely hit the mark. We got SO many twists, alternating timelines, and big reveals, and I just am blown away by how the author was able to weave together every single detail in the end - leaving nothing unanswered. I had the best time binge reading this, never wanted to put it down!
Wow!! Another fantastic page-turner from David Ellis, who's quickly becoming my favorite thriller author. Keep Them Close was expertly written and I loved the sibling dynamic between our main characters, with each POV feeling very fleshed out and realistic. It felt like watching a documentary full of lies and "who's telling the truth?", I could easily imagine everything playing out. I really enjoy mystery thrillers that feel believable rather than outlandish, and this one absolutely hit the mark. We got SO many twists, alternating timelines, and big reveals, and I just am blown away by how the author was able to weave together every single detail in the end - leaving nothing unanswered. I had the best time binge reading this, never wanted to put it down!
May 6, 2026
I received this arc digital copy from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review (thank you.)
I knew going into it that David Ellis would deliver on a twisty story. His last book look closer had so many twists it was almost unbelievable. (Go read it and see for yourself). This one did not disappoint.
Our book starts with our main character suspecting her husband of having an affair…..and goes crazy from there. Between her and her husband and her brother you have to constantly guess who is behind what. Allison, our female main character, is also a brilliant criminal attorney with lots of experience that may or
May not be in her favor.
I have no doubt that if you are a mystery book lover that you will love this one.
He does a great job with pacing and building the suspense to keep you turning through the pages desperate to see if your theory is correct.
I enjoyed this one to say the least.
I knew going into it that David Ellis would deliver on a twisty story. His last book look closer had so many twists it was almost unbelievable. (Go read it and see for yourself). This one did not disappoint.
Our book starts with our main character suspecting her husband of having an affair…..and goes crazy from there. Between her and her husband and her brother you have to constantly guess who is behind what. Allison, our female main character, is also a brilliant criminal attorney with lots of experience that may or
May not be in her favor.
I have no doubt that if you are a mystery book lover that you will love this one.
He does a great job with pacing and building the suspense to keep you turning through the pages desperate to see if your theory is correct.
I enjoyed this one to say the least.
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