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Savannah #5
Not What It Seems
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson brings her own brand of Southern Gothic back to the Spanish moss-draped shade of Savannah and the swampy marshes of Lowcountry Georgia, as crime writer Nikki Gillette and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, race to expose an obsessive killer with an enigmatic M.O. . . .
The stone is small and round, easy to miss among the junk surrounding Billy Huber’s body. The man was a hoarder for sure. At first, police assume he fell from a ladder, injuring his throat and smashing his head in the process. Only on closer inspection do they see the polished stone nearby, with a number on one side etched in blood, and a strange symbol on the other.
Reporter Nikki Gillette seizes on the story and visits Huber’s sprawling property in Georgia’s low country. She gains little except the uneasy feeling of being watched. Within days, another body is found—a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home. More victims follow, each one pierced through the throat. Beside each body, a stone engraved with a different number and symbol.
Detective Pierce Reed, Nikki’s husband, cautions her against getting in too deep. She’s a mother now and can’t keep putting herself in danger. Nikki knows he’s right, but her instincts are in overdrive. This is what she’s good at—finding answers and driving toward justice at any cost. Yet she knows, too, that the most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all. And by the time you realize how close they really are, it may already be too late to save yourself.
The stone is small and round, easy to miss among the junk surrounding Billy Huber’s body. The man was a hoarder for sure. At first, police assume he fell from a ladder, injuring his throat and smashing his head in the process. Only on closer inspection do they see the polished stone nearby, with a number on one side etched in blood, and a strange symbol on the other.
Reporter Nikki Gillette seizes on the story and visits Huber’s sprawling property in Georgia’s low country. She gains little except the uneasy feeling of being watched. Within days, another body is found—a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home. More victims follow, each one pierced through the throat. Beside each body, a stone engraved with a different number and symbol.
Detective Pierce Reed, Nikki’s husband, cautions her against getting in too deep. She’s a mother now and can’t keep putting herself in danger. Nikki knows he’s right, but her instincts are in overdrive. This is what she’s good at—finding answers and driving toward justice at any cost. Yet she knows, too, that the most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all. And by the time you realize how close they really are, it may already be too late to save yourself.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Lisa Jackson
284 books9,956 followersLisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of over ninety-five novels, including the Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya Series, the Pescoli and Alvarez Series, the Savannah series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of One Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Colony Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Nancy Bush, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan. There are over thirty million copies of her novels in print and her writing has been translated into twenty languages.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 14, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 3 🔪
I love anything Lisa Jackson writes. “Not What It Seems” is no exception. The atmosphere is lush, the characters feel like friends, and the story is gripping. I love how she balances small-town normalcy with brutal and terrifying crime. Excellent!
Thank you to Kensington for an ARC.
I love anything Lisa Jackson writes. “Not What It Seems” is no exception. The atmosphere is lush, the characters feel like friends, and the story is gripping. I love how she balances small-town normalcy with brutal and terrifying crime. Excellent!
Thank you to Kensington for an ARC.
June 30, 2026
This book had me locked in, fully vibing, spooky Southern air in my lungs, ready to solve a murder… and then Nikki Gillette made her first decision and I physically aged three years.
Listen. I love a messy, determined woman. That is my brand. But Nikki is out here treating an active serial killer investigation like it’s an optional side quest she picked up between errands, and I was reading this like, “girl… your husband is the police AND you have a toddler, what are we doing?”
So we’re in Savannah, which is already doing the most in the best way. Fog, marshes, Spanish moss, rich people with secrets, vibes so thick you could spread them on toast. A man turns up dead, looks like an accident until, surprise, there’s a creepy little engraved stone hanging out like it RSVP’d to the murder. Then more bodies drop, same throat situation, same weird symbolic rocks, and suddenly we’ve got a full-blown serial killer with a branding strategy. And I was IN. I was like yes, give me your creepy murder Pinterest board.
The killer’s whole thing is genuinely unsettling. The stones, the numbers, the pattern slowly unfolding, it has that classic Lisa Jackson energy where you think you’re clever for catching a clue and then immediately realize you’ve been emotionally manipulated. I love being wrong in thrillers, it’s my toxic trait.
But then… Nikki. Every time Pierce, her detective husband who is literally on the case, says “hey maybe don’t go investigate the murderer alone,” she hears, “what if you did exactly that but with less backup and more dramatic irony?” And I swear to you, the tension in this marriage is not just romantic, it’s survival-based. He’s trying to solve a case, she’s trying to win a Darwin Award.
And the thing is, the book KNOWS this. Their dynamic is actually really compelling because it’s not just professional conflict, it’s deeply personal. They have a kid. There are real stakes. You can feel Pierce’s frustration bleeding through the pages, and honestly, same. But you also see why Nikki is the way she is. She’s driven, she’s relentless, she needs answers like I need iced coffee, which is to say aggressively and at all times. It just… maybe doesn’t need to happen directly in the killer’s personal space.
The pacing is where I started having emotional whiplash. There are moments where it drags a little, like we’re taking the scenic route through everyone’s internal thoughts, and then suddenly BAM, a twist, a body, a clue, and I’m sitting up like “oh we’re back, okay.” It’s not boring, it just occasionally feels like the book forgot it was a thriller and took a quick detour into “let’s all reflect for a bit.”
Still, the atmosphere is doing heavy lifting in the best way. This book is humid. You can feel it. Everything feels slightly decayed, slightly haunted, like even the air knows something is wrong. The setting is honestly the MVP, quietly whispering, “no one is safe here,” while Nikki is loudly proving it.
The mystery itself is solid. Not earth-shattering, not the kind that ruins your life in a good way, but engaging enough that you keep flipping pages because you need to know who is out here leaving cursed scavenger hunt tokens next to bodies. The reveal lands… fine. You’re satisfied, but you’re not screaming into the void about it.
Which is kind of the whole experience. I was entertained, I was occasionally stressed, I was frequently annoyed in a way that felt intentional, and I absolutely kept reading because I needed to know how it all played out. This is a 3-star read, but like, the kind where you rant about it for 20 minutes afterward because you have THOUGHTS. Would I read the next one? Obviously. I have no self-control and I need to see if Nikki ever chooses peace.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Consider Installing a “DO NOT INVESTIGATE SERIAL KILLERS” Shock Collar on the Main Character
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for handing me this ARC and trusting me to spiral about it in real time.
Listen. I love a messy, determined woman. That is my brand. But Nikki is out here treating an active serial killer investigation like it’s an optional side quest she picked up between errands, and I was reading this like, “girl… your husband is the police AND you have a toddler, what are we doing?”
So we’re in Savannah, which is already doing the most in the best way. Fog, marshes, Spanish moss, rich people with secrets, vibes so thick you could spread them on toast. A man turns up dead, looks like an accident until, surprise, there’s a creepy little engraved stone hanging out like it RSVP’d to the murder. Then more bodies drop, same throat situation, same weird symbolic rocks, and suddenly we’ve got a full-blown serial killer with a branding strategy. And I was IN. I was like yes, give me your creepy murder Pinterest board.
The killer’s whole thing is genuinely unsettling. The stones, the numbers, the pattern slowly unfolding, it has that classic Lisa Jackson energy where you think you’re clever for catching a clue and then immediately realize you’ve been emotionally manipulated. I love being wrong in thrillers, it’s my toxic trait.
But then… Nikki. Every time Pierce, her detective husband who is literally on the case, says “hey maybe don’t go investigate the murderer alone,” she hears, “what if you did exactly that but with less backup and more dramatic irony?” And I swear to you, the tension in this marriage is not just romantic, it’s survival-based. He’s trying to solve a case, she’s trying to win a Darwin Award.
And the thing is, the book KNOWS this. Their dynamic is actually really compelling because it’s not just professional conflict, it’s deeply personal. They have a kid. There are real stakes. You can feel Pierce’s frustration bleeding through the pages, and honestly, same. But you also see why Nikki is the way she is. She’s driven, she’s relentless, she needs answers like I need iced coffee, which is to say aggressively and at all times. It just… maybe doesn’t need to happen directly in the killer’s personal space.
The pacing is where I started having emotional whiplash. There are moments where it drags a little, like we’re taking the scenic route through everyone’s internal thoughts, and then suddenly BAM, a twist, a body, a clue, and I’m sitting up like “oh we’re back, okay.” It’s not boring, it just occasionally feels like the book forgot it was a thriller and took a quick detour into “let’s all reflect for a bit.”
Still, the atmosphere is doing heavy lifting in the best way. This book is humid. You can feel it. Everything feels slightly decayed, slightly haunted, like even the air knows something is wrong. The setting is honestly the MVP, quietly whispering, “no one is safe here,” while Nikki is loudly proving it.
The mystery itself is solid. Not earth-shattering, not the kind that ruins your life in a good way, but engaging enough that you keep flipping pages because you need to know who is out here leaving cursed scavenger hunt tokens next to bodies. The reveal lands… fine. You’re satisfied, but you’re not screaming into the void about it.
Which is kind of the whole experience. I was entertained, I was occasionally stressed, I was frequently annoyed in a way that felt intentional, and I absolutely kept reading because I needed to know how it all played out. This is a 3-star read, but like, the kind where you rant about it for 20 minutes afterward because you have THOUGHTS. Would I read the next one? Obviously. I have no self-control and I need to see if Nikki ever chooses peace.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Consider Installing a “DO NOT INVESTIGATE SERIAL KILLERS” Shock Collar on the Main Character
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for handing me this ARC and trusting me to spiral about it in real time.
June 17, 2026
I love this author, but this book, was not for me. I liked the characters, but the plot was lacking any type of suspense or mystery. At times, it got boring. I wish she had bypassed the “serial killer” route and went with the falling apart marriage narrative. I feel like that would have made a much better story.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
July 16, 2026
I love a good serial killer thriller. This one sucked me in right away. Niki and Pierce make an interesting team, the investigative reporter and the homicide detective. There’s a lot of push and pull in their relationship because of their jobs being such a conflict of interest. Pierce’s partner Sol really added a lot to the story. She’s pretty quirky but I was fascinated by her unique investigative skills.
I thought I had the killer figured out pretty early on. I was close, but not quite right. I love trying to figure out who the killer is. The pieces we get as the story unfolds makes me feel like I’m a detective participating in the investigation right along with them.
This is technically part of a series, one Lisa started over 20 years ago. It can easily be read as a standalone, like I did, but it certainly makes me want to go back and read the previous 4 books (I even put the first one on hold on Libby already).
Thank you Tandem Collective Global, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of this book.
I thought I had the killer figured out pretty early on. I was close, but not quite right. I love trying to figure out who the killer is. The pieces we get as the story unfolds makes me feel like I’m a detective participating in the investigation right along with them.
This is technically part of a series, one Lisa started over 20 years ago. It can easily be read as a standalone, like I did, but it certainly makes me want to go back and read the previous 4 books (I even put the first one on hold on Libby already).
Thank you Tandem Collective Global, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of this book.
July 13, 2026
3.5⭐️
Slow burn detective with some good action.
I haven't read the other 4 books in this series but this definitely can be read as a stand-alone too.
What worked for me:
Last 30% of the book got the faster pacing and i just flew through them.
The detective work was interesting, murders quite gruesome (works for me).
It did keep my interest throughout the story.
What didn't work for me:
Main character. Not sure if she is this way through the whole series but i just didn't like her - too egotistical, self-absorbed, puts her work above everything else (her safety, her daughter, her husband and husband's work). Too absent of a mother even if the book suggests that in previous books the baby was the main goal of her life.
The supernatural aspect - didn't see the point of it.
Some passages were just too slow for my liking. Maybe with shorter chapters it would work better.
But overall this was a decent crime thriller.
I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Slow burn detective with some good action.
I haven't read the other 4 books in this series but this definitely can be read as a stand-alone too.
What worked for me:
Last 30% of the book got the faster pacing and i just flew through them.
The detective work was interesting, murders quite gruesome (works for me).
It did keep my interest throughout the story.
What didn't work for me:
Main character. Not sure if she is this way through the whole series but i just didn't like her - too egotistical, self-absorbed, puts her work above everything else (her safety, her daughter, her husband and husband's work). Too absent of a mother even if the book suggests that in previous books the baby was the main goal of her life.
The supernatural aspect - didn't see the point of it.
Some passages were just too slow for my liking. Maybe with shorter chapters it would work better.
But overall this was a decent crime thriller.
I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2026
ARC review
I probably would have given this novel a 4 star review if it didn’t take me so much work to figure out all the characters and moving parts for the first 1/4 of the book. I read to escape, and when I have to do so much work to keep things straight you lose a star
Aside from that, this serial killer with a very unique MO book is definitely a “get under your skin” and make you very uncomfortable sort of novel. Simple things have creep factors, the underlying darkness is everywhere. Even the town the story is set in makes you look over your shoulder. A brilliant ability to get under your skin as you read!
Our detective/ newsperson main players are husband and wife which has been done before, the camaraderie is good, they play off each other well. Some humor throughout, and just wicked murder cases as the Star. Definitely a tour de force.
I probably would have given this novel a 4 star review if it didn’t take me so much work to figure out all the characters and moving parts for the first 1/4 of the book. I read to escape, and when I have to do so much work to keep things straight you lose a star
Aside from that, this serial killer with a very unique MO book is definitely a “get under your skin” and make you very uncomfortable sort of novel. Simple things have creep factors, the underlying darkness is everywhere. Even the town the story is set in makes you look over your shoulder. A brilliant ability to get under your skin as you read!
Our detective/ newsperson main players are husband and wife which has been done before, the camaraderie is good, they play off each other well. Some humor throughout, and just wicked murder cases as the Star. Definitely a tour de force.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found the mystery interesting and I really liked the creepy vibes. I did jump in mid series because I saw where this one can be read as a stand alone. While it can be, there were an overwhelming number of characters mentioned throughout the book. I wasn’t sure which ones I need to focus on and finally just concentrated on the FMC, and spouse. There were hints as to what happened in the past that did make me curious. I couldn’t help but laugh at how the FMC couldn’t help herself but investigate. But alas, without her there wouldn’t be a book. For me, I think that this book would have been much appreciated if I had read the first book. I hope to circle back around to the beginning.
3.75 stars
A very special thanks to Kensington Books + Netgalley for the gifted copy.
3.75 stars
A very special thanks to Kensington Books + Netgalley for the gifted copy.
June 27, 2026
Loved the premise of this book! But so many unlikeable characters, very repetitive, and the dialogue was giving nothing. Thanks NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!
July 17, 2026
Just ok
July 10, 2026
Solid book. Has some slower paced areas. Good storyline. Good suspense through the entire book. All around enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The Good
I. Very accessible- I wondered before I even started this book if it being the 5th book in a series- which I did not know before signing up and winning the giveaway-would hinder my experience. I think this book is accessible because it is easy get into without reading past books. The way I would describe it is like watching an episode in the fifth season of a series like Law and Order- you can usually pick up what is going on. Also, I think the writing is approachable maybe mundane (not an insult since I like mundane writing).
II. Supernatural & Sol- My favorite perspective to read was Sol because of the supernatural mixed with mystery. I think that the addition of supernatural brought something to the story. I also think Sol seemed like a better investigator than Pierce or Nikki. Looking at some of the comments I’m going to make later I wonder if Sol special abilities were able to fill the internal mystery insight that many of characters lacked.
III. Supernatural & religious element & the conversation that came with it.
The Bad
I. Nikki & Investigation skills- I started questioning the internal investigative spark of Nikki because she was not a top tier reporter or busy body-Jessica Fletcher she is not. She came to certain clues way too late for my taste. Like she realized the people being killed lived next to each other after the 50% in the book- that is like the top 3 things you check for or naturally notice.
I lowkey was questioning Pierce and the police skills if they were on the same page as Nikki. Pierce really thought going to confront his friend about killing someone without backup was a great plan.
II. Story lacked that pizzzaz, suspense, and movement I would want in a mystery. It felt like the mystery was being dragged because they were not creating strong enough suspense or reveals.
The ending and them apprehending the killers was eh.
III. Telling vs showing & Reveals- There were many times I was told the reveals but not suspensefully shown the reveals.
IV. The copycat should have been added at 50% mark not the last 100 pages.
V. Repetitive moments such as Nikki asking her sister or niece to watch her daughter they could have cut to focus more on other things. Probably add more depth to the victims and the killer and since I liked Sol more scenes with her.
The Meh
I. There is one part of me that likes the mundaneness of the writing and another that felt at times it dragged the book.
II. There could be something said about Nikki and the detectives being regular compared to other busy bodies, reporters, and investigators.
Thoughts
I. Pre-rereading: Is this a series I can read it out of order?
Post-read: yes, I do wonder if I would have connected to the story more, but I think I was able to follow the story.
II. There is a dynamic with religion, sin, and the supernatural. It is interesting that one of the victims was this spiritual woman who’d be considered bad/heathen because her connection to supernatural is juxtapositioned against a puritanical religious dude who kills people. The part when you see through the spiritual woman and Sol eyes the killer having/walking around with a dark spirit. In general, I have been thinking about this obsession with seeing God through only a lense of punishment. Really there is an overall conversation with our society’s fixation on punishment/shame.
III. This book probably would make a good show.
I won this book on goodreads from Kensington Books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
Not What It Seems by Lisa Jackson is a highly recommended Southern Gothic murder mystery. This is the 5th book in the Savannah series featuring crime writer Nikki Gillette and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed. It can be enjoyed as a standalone thriller as enough background information is provided in the plot.
When Detective Pierce Reed gets phone call out to a murder, his wife, reporter and crime writer Nikki Gillet, is immediately intrigued. Victim Billy Huber’s house and land resemble a junkyard, so the scene that initially resembles an accident only becomes a murder scene upon closer examination. The polished, engraved stone left under his body is also curious. Nikki, although warned against getting close to the scene, is on Huber's land, watching. Within days another body is found. This time a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home, also with a polished engraved stone. Soon another body follows.
This is a well-written investigative crime thriller that focuses on both the investigation of the murders along with the domestic life of Nikki and Pierce. When the novel is focused on the murder investigations it is compelling and will hold your attention. There are chapters from the point-of-view of the killer. Several red herrings are within the plot, although attentive readers may guess the real serial killer.
Even when Pierce warns her off Nikki continues to be headstrong and takes unnecessary risks rather than taking a modicum of thoughtful consideration concerning the consequences of her actions. Since she is described as a successful crime writer of books and only a supplementary news writer, mainly using the office at the newspaper for research, perhaps she could stop inserting herself into active investigations, especially considering the danger and the fact that it interferes with Pierce's job.
Since the last Savannah novel was The Third Grave published in 2021, (following 2013, 2004, and 2003) the focus on the domestic life and goings on of Nikki and Pierce don't seem quite as vital to share as it does in linear series where books follow each other in a quick succession. Much of that could have been edited out, keeping the basics, which would result in tightening up the pace tremendously. This would include the personal romantic interludes. Also I could have done without the paranormal/black magic.
Not What It Seems is a good choice for those who like murder mysteries with a Southern Gothic atmosphere. Thanks to Kensington for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
When Detective Pierce Reed gets phone call out to a murder, his wife, reporter and crime writer Nikki Gillet, is immediately intrigued. Victim Billy Huber’s house and land resemble a junkyard, so the scene that initially resembles an accident only becomes a murder scene upon closer examination. The polished, engraved stone left under his body is also curious. Nikki, although warned against getting close to the scene, is on Huber's land, watching. Within days another body is found. This time a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home, also with a polished engraved stone. Soon another body follows.
This is a well-written investigative crime thriller that focuses on both the investigation of the murders along with the domestic life of Nikki and Pierce. When the novel is focused on the murder investigations it is compelling and will hold your attention. There are chapters from the point-of-view of the killer. Several red herrings are within the plot, although attentive readers may guess the real serial killer.
Even when Pierce warns her off Nikki continues to be headstrong and takes unnecessary risks rather than taking a modicum of thoughtful consideration concerning the consequences of her actions. Since she is described as a successful crime writer of books and only a supplementary news writer, mainly using the office at the newspaper for research, perhaps she could stop inserting herself into active investigations, especially considering the danger and the fact that it interferes with Pierce's job.
Since the last Savannah novel was The Third Grave published in 2021, (following 2013, 2004, and 2003) the focus on the domestic life and goings on of Nikki and Pierce don't seem quite as vital to share as it does in linear series where books follow each other in a quick succession. Much of that could have been edited out, keeping the basics, which would result in tightening up the pace tremendously. This would include the personal romantic interludes. Also I could have done without the paranormal/black magic.
Not What It Seems is a good choice for those who like murder mysteries with a Southern Gothic atmosphere. Thanks to Kensington for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Twisty! me so sad.
Pierce and Nikki are just getting the feet back under them after a rocky stretch. She was going after a story tied to one of his cases, got in over her head, and it cost him his partner's life. She's still not really welcome in the station and the partner's son hates her, but she has felt the need to make reparations there and so is paying for their schooling.
One morning, Pierce gets a call and heads out to a crime scene. It's at a local farmer's who's been down on his luck. He's a hoarder so finding any clues is going to be difficult at best but find one he did! He showed his new partner, Sol, and they kept that evidence back from the general public for now. They get two more calls to crime scenes that were similar in nature only, not in victim choice. Then, the ADA's wife Naomi goes missing and he, Jamison, puts on a brave front to give an impassioned plea to turn his wife, the mother of his children, loose. But neither detective was filling buying it.
Then Nikki found Naomi, at one of the first crime scenes. Pierce and Sol got there and Sol said this crime scene was different from the others, wasn't the same killer. Then Jamison showed up and put another show of grief that just didn't sell it. Pierce got him turned away and found Sol waiting. Secure the crime scene and checks his messages.
Meanwhile, Nikki is at home and. Restless, she worked in her office for a bit, but she figured he wasn't coming back anytime soon. So she checked all the locks, and on her sister, her niece and her oh so precious and precocious daughter then took a sleeping pill and went back to bed. But this time, she was the target of the killer. He had found an open window and snuck in. He found the precious daughter's room and was in the process of trying to tape her mouth when all hell broke loose. Nikki sent a message to Pierce: come home detective, we need you. We caught the killer. All is well.
So, Nikki got her story, much more up close and personal than she'd have preferred. Pierce closed two cases and kept his new partner, still learning things about her. And that son that hated Nikki? Had an interesting turn of events.
Pierce and Nikki are just getting the feet back under them after a rocky stretch. She was going after a story tied to one of his cases, got in over her head, and it cost him his partner's life. She's still not really welcome in the station and the partner's son hates her, but she has felt the need to make reparations there and so is paying for their schooling.
One morning, Pierce gets a call and heads out to a crime scene. It's at a local farmer's who's been down on his luck. He's a hoarder so finding any clues is going to be difficult at best but find one he did! He showed his new partner, Sol, and they kept that evidence back from the general public for now. They get two more calls to crime scenes that were similar in nature only, not in victim choice. Then, the ADA's wife Naomi goes missing and he, Jamison, puts on a brave front to give an impassioned plea to turn his wife, the mother of his children, loose. But neither detective was filling buying it.
Then Nikki found Naomi, at one of the first crime scenes. Pierce and Sol got there and Sol said this crime scene was different from the others, wasn't the same killer. Then Jamison showed up and put another show of grief that just didn't sell it. Pierce got him turned away and found Sol waiting. Secure the crime scene and checks his messages.
Meanwhile, Nikki is at home and. Restless, she worked in her office for a bit, but she figured he wasn't coming back anytime soon. So she checked all the locks, and on her sister, her niece and her oh so precious and precocious daughter then took a sleeping pill and went back to bed. But this time, she was the target of the killer. He had found an open window and snuck in. He found the precious daughter's room and was in the process of trying to tape her mouth when all hell broke loose. Nikki sent a message to Pierce: come home detective, we need you. We caught the killer. All is well.
So, Nikki got her story, much more up close and personal than she'd have preferred. Pierce closed two cases and kept his new partner, still learning things about her. And that son that hated Nikki? Had an interesting turn of events.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not What it Seems by Lisa Jackson
3.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 4)
Spice: 0.8/5
Cursing: min
Format/Source: ebook from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, mystery, crime, serial killer, southern gothic
Settings: Savannah
Audience: Adult
Characters: Nikki, Huber, Reed, Fink, Lily, Sol, Jamison, Naomi, Chloe, Phee
👍 short chapters, multi POV, figuring out whodunit, pets, storyline, serial killer
👎 cursing, Nikki (bull-headed and defiant - in a bad way)
Description:
The stone is small and round, easy to miss among the junk surrounding Billy Huber’s body. The man was a hoarder for sure. At first, police assume he fell from a ladder, injuring his throat and smashing his head in the process. Only on closer inspection do they see the polished stone nearby, with a number on one side etched in blood, and a strange symbol on the other.
Reporter Nikki Gillette seizes on the story and visits Huber’s sprawling property in Georgia’s low country. She gains little except the uneasy feeling of being watched. Within days, another body is found—a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home. More victims follow, each one pierced through the throat. Beside each body, a stone engraved with a different number and symbol.
Detective Pierce Reed, Nikki’s husband, cautions her against getting in too deep. She’s a mother now and can’t keep putting herself in danger. Nikki knows he’s right, but her instincts are in overdrive. This is what she’s good at—finding answers and driving toward justice at any cost. Yet she knows, too, that the most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all. And by the time you realize how close they really are, it may already be too late to save yourself.
I enjoyed this novel especially the pets, trying to figure out whodunit, and the serial killer storyline. I did not care for the protagonist Nikki at all reducing rating from a 5 to a 4. I would recommend it to those who enjoy serial killer thrillers and don't mind a frustrating (at least to me) protagonist.
#bookstagram #booklovers #southerngothic #thrillerbooks #serialkiller
3.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 4)
Spice: 0.8/5
Cursing: min
Format/Source: ebook from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, mystery, crime, serial killer, southern gothic
Settings: Savannah
Audience: Adult
Characters: Nikki, Huber, Reed, Fink, Lily, Sol, Jamison, Naomi, Chloe, Phee
👍 short chapters, multi POV, figuring out whodunit, pets, storyline, serial killer
👎 cursing, Nikki (bull-headed and defiant - in a bad way)
Description:
The stone is small and round, easy to miss among the junk surrounding Billy Huber’s body. The man was a hoarder for sure. At first, police assume he fell from a ladder, injuring his throat and smashing his head in the process. Only on closer inspection do they see the polished stone nearby, with a number on one side etched in blood, and a strange symbol on the other.
Reporter Nikki Gillette seizes on the story and visits Huber’s sprawling property in Georgia’s low country. She gains little except the uneasy feeling of being watched. Within days, another body is found—a wealthy, thrice-married Savannah socialite dead in her lavish home. More victims follow, each one pierced through the throat. Beside each body, a stone engraved with a different number and symbol.
Detective Pierce Reed, Nikki’s husband, cautions her against getting in too deep. She’s a mother now and can’t keep putting herself in danger. Nikki knows he’s right, but her instincts are in overdrive. This is what she’s good at—finding answers and driving toward justice at any cost. Yet she knows, too, that the most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all. And by the time you realize how close they really are, it may already be too late to save yourself.
I enjoyed this novel especially the pets, trying to figure out whodunit, and the serial killer storyline. I did not care for the protagonist Nikki at all reducing rating from a 5 to a 4. I would recommend it to those who enjoy serial killer thrillers and don't mind a frustrating (at least to me) protagonist.
#bookstagram #booklovers #southerngothic #thrillerbooks #serialkiller
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
How many times can one book make me change my mind about who the killer is? Apparently, a lot. 😅 Lisa Jackson’s Not What It Seems had me pointing fingers at just about everybody at one point or another.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy.
I’ve read quite a few Lisa Jackson books over the years, and one thing she always does well is make me think I’ve figured everything out… only to prove me wrong later.
This time we’re back with Nikki Gillette and Pierce Reed. Nikki is a crime writer, Pierce is a detective, and honestly, I don’t know how this marriage survives sometimes. Nikki cannot leave well enough alone. Every time Pierce warned her to stay out of something, I knew she wasn’t going to listen. And every time she ignored good advice, I found myself saying, “Girl, what are you doing?” 😂
The murders themselves were creepy, especially with the stones being left behind at each scene. I kept trying to figure out what they meant and how all the victims connected. The more clues that showed up, the less sure I became about everything.
What really worked for me was the setting. Savannah always feels like the perfect place for a story like this. The old houses, the marshes, the secrets, the feeling that something isn’t quite right. It gave the whole book an eerie vibe without trying too hard.
I will say the middle slowed down a bit for me, but not enough to make me stop reading. I was too invested in finding out who was behind everything. And when the truth finally came out? Let’s just say my favorite suspect wasn’t even close. 🤦♀️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars
“The most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all.”
If you like serial killer thrillers, Southern Gothic settings, and books that throw red herrings at you every few chapters, this one is worth adding to your list.
Please tell me I’m not the only person who creates an entire theory halfway through a thriller and then watches it fall apart by the end. 😂
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy.
I’ve read quite a few Lisa Jackson books over the years, and one thing she always does well is make me think I’ve figured everything out… only to prove me wrong later.
This time we’re back with Nikki Gillette and Pierce Reed. Nikki is a crime writer, Pierce is a detective, and honestly, I don’t know how this marriage survives sometimes. Nikki cannot leave well enough alone. Every time Pierce warned her to stay out of something, I knew she wasn’t going to listen. And every time she ignored good advice, I found myself saying, “Girl, what are you doing?” 😂
The murders themselves were creepy, especially with the stones being left behind at each scene. I kept trying to figure out what they meant and how all the victims connected. The more clues that showed up, the less sure I became about everything.
What really worked for me was the setting. Savannah always feels like the perfect place for a story like this. The old houses, the marshes, the secrets, the feeling that something isn’t quite right. It gave the whole book an eerie vibe without trying too hard.
I will say the middle slowed down a bit for me, but not enough to make me stop reading. I was too invested in finding out who was behind everything. And when the truth finally came out? Let’s just say my favorite suspect wasn’t even close. 🤦♀️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars
“The most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all.”
If you like serial killer thrillers, Southern Gothic settings, and books that throw red herrings at you every few chapters, this one is worth adding to your list.
Please tell me I’m not the only person who creates an entire theory halfway through a thriller and then watches it fall apart by the end. 😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not What It Seems is a taut, atmospheric thriller that pulls you straight into the shadowed beauty of Savannah and the eerie quiet of the Lowcountry marshes. Lisa Jackson leans into her Southern Gothic strengths here, weaving a mystery that feels both sprawling and claustrophobic as Nikki Gillette and Detective Pierce Reed find themselves circling a killer who leaves behind more questions than clues.
The opening death is wonderfully unsettling—what looks like a tragic accident becomes something far more deliberate once that small polished stone is discovered, etched with a number and a strange symbol. From there, the pattern only grows more chilling. Each new victim adds another layer of dread, and the sense of a countdown ticking beneath the narrative gives the story a gripping momentum.
Nikki remains a compelling lead: sharp, instinctive, and unable to ignore the pull of a story even when she knows the danger is real. Her dynamic with Pierce adds emotional texture, especially as motherhood complicates her drive to chase the truth. Their tension feels grounded and human, never melodramatic, and it deepens the stakes in a way that complements the mystery rather than distracting from it.
The setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Spanish moss, decaying estates, and humid marshland create a backdrop that feels lush and haunted, amplifying the sense that danger is always just out of sight. Jackson uses the landscape almost like another character—beautiful, secretive, and full of hidden rot.
Dark, twisty, and steeped in Southern shadows, Not What It Seems delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, atmosphere, and emotional complexity. A strong addition to the Reed & Gillette series and a gripping read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a gothic edge.
With thanks to Lisa Jackson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The opening death is wonderfully unsettling—what looks like a tragic accident becomes something far more deliberate once that small polished stone is discovered, etched with a number and a strange symbol. From there, the pattern only grows more chilling. Each new victim adds another layer of dread, and the sense of a countdown ticking beneath the narrative gives the story a gripping momentum.
Nikki remains a compelling lead: sharp, instinctive, and unable to ignore the pull of a story even when she knows the danger is real. Her dynamic with Pierce adds emotional texture, especially as motherhood complicates her drive to chase the truth. Their tension feels grounded and human, never melodramatic, and it deepens the stakes in a way that complements the mystery rather than distracting from it.
The setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Spanish moss, decaying estates, and humid marshland create a backdrop that feels lush and haunted, amplifying the sense that danger is always just out of sight. Jackson uses the landscape almost like another character—beautiful, secretive, and full of hidden rot.
Dark, twisty, and steeped in Southern shadows, Not What It Seems delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, atmosphere, and emotional complexity. A strong addition to the Reed & Gillette series and a gripping read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a gothic edge.
With thanks to Lisa Jackson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted physical ARC!
I have been reading a lot of mystery books lately and they've been super enjoyable, this one was a good time but I don't know if I would go so far to say it was a favorite. This is a part of a series, the fifth book in The Savannah Series, I was gifted this fifth book by the publisher and I have not read the previous four. There is some past character information that I was missing, but it didn't impact the read overall of this story. Maybe if I had the past character background it would have been better but I don't think it plays that much into my thoughts of the book. I would give this a 3.5 star but because of Goodreads I will round up to a 4 star.
The story is objectively okay, it is a pretty basic murder mystery with everything that you would expect from that type of story. The plot was good for the most part, a bit boring at times and dragged out, but I didn't guess the ending which is a selling point. I borderline hated the main character though and I think that was my main problem with the book. She's a reporter and her husband is a homicide detective, she inserts herself so much in such reckless ways to the investigation that it was a bit maddening. Especially when you find out more backstory of her character and what happened previously with her husband's partner. I just couldn't get behind her, I thought she was incredibly frustrating.
Overall it's a decent book, if you are interested in the series I would probably recommend reading them in order for the character background, but if you read it out of order the plot will still make sense without it. This releases June 30th!
*This ARC was gifted by Kensington books, all opinions are my own.*
I have been reading a lot of mystery books lately and they've been super enjoyable, this one was a good time but I don't know if I would go so far to say it was a favorite. This is a part of a series, the fifth book in The Savannah Series, I was gifted this fifth book by the publisher and I have not read the previous four. There is some past character information that I was missing, but it didn't impact the read overall of this story. Maybe if I had the past character background it would have been better but I don't think it plays that much into my thoughts of the book. I would give this a 3.5 star but because of Goodreads I will round up to a 4 star.
The story is objectively okay, it is a pretty basic murder mystery with everything that you would expect from that type of story. The plot was good for the most part, a bit boring at times and dragged out, but I didn't guess the ending which is a selling point. I borderline hated the main character though and I think that was my main problem with the book. She's a reporter and her husband is a homicide detective, she inserts herself so much in such reckless ways to the investigation that it was a bit maddening. Especially when you find out more backstory of her character and what happened previously with her husband's partner. I just couldn't get behind her, I thought she was incredibly frustrating.
Overall it's a decent book, if you are interested in the series I would probably recommend reading them in order for the character background, but if you read it out of order the plot will still make sense without it. This releases June 30th!
*This ARC was gifted by Kensington books, all opinions are my own.*
July 17, 2026
This is my second Lisa Jackson book, but the first I've read in The Savannah Series. It was okay to jump into the middle of the series although there are a few spoilers that I think might ruin the reading in the earlier series.
I also read this as part of a Tandem Global Collective readalong -which is always fun!
I have found in these two books that Lisa Jackson spends a lot of time giving you background - slowly building up perspectives of all the characters involved. Once you get used to it - you are rewarded in the last 20% or so of the book as it all starts coming together in a satisfying way - at least in the two books I've read.
This book is a fun read for a serial killer book - lots of clues tied into religion and the occult against a Southern gothic (think swamps and ivy and wide open spaces) atmosphere -which made it interesting. People in the community are being killed and found with stones in their hands. They have all led lives that are questionable but how are they all connected?
It's easy to read - you keep wondering "who did it?" There is also a storyline behind one of the murders that I wish we'd seen more of.
Nikki (the reporter/author/) married to Pierce (the detective) make a fun couple (and are the main couple in The Savannah Series) - you have to suspend your disbelief a bit (she is always leaving her daughter with her older sister/rarely listens to her husband in terms of curbing her curiosity). But this is fiction.
This is a fun book to throw into your beachbag - see if you can figure out whodunnit!
Thank you to Tandem Global Collective, Kensington Books and Lisa Jackson for sharing the book and opportunity to read this. All opinions my own.
I also read this as part of a Tandem Global Collective readalong -which is always fun!
I have found in these two books that Lisa Jackson spends a lot of time giving you background - slowly building up perspectives of all the characters involved. Once you get used to it - you are rewarded in the last 20% or so of the book as it all starts coming together in a satisfying way - at least in the two books I've read.
This book is a fun read for a serial killer book - lots of clues tied into religion and the occult against a Southern gothic (think swamps and ivy and wide open spaces) atmosphere -which made it interesting. People in the community are being killed and found with stones in their hands. They have all led lives that are questionable but how are they all connected?
It's easy to read - you keep wondering "who did it?" There is also a storyline behind one of the murders that I wish we'd seen more of.
Nikki (the reporter/author/) married to Pierce (the detective) make a fun couple (and are the main couple in The Savannah Series) - you have to suspend your disbelief a bit (she is always leaving her daughter with her older sister/rarely listens to her husband in terms of curbing her curiosity). But this is fiction.
This is a fun book to throw into your beachbag - see if you can figure out whodunnit!
Thank you to Tandem Global Collective, Kensington Books and Lisa Jackson for sharing the book and opportunity to read this. All opinions my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel marked my first foray into the work of Lisa Jackson. While I've acquired several of her books over time, this is the one I finally picked up to read. Upon seeing it featured on #NetGalley, I immediately requested it and was fortunate enough to be approved for an Advance Reader Copy (ARC). I am now providing my completely honest review of the experience.
I ultimately settled on a 3.5-star rating for this read. While the book didn't completely envelop me or capture my attention with the intensity I had initially hoped for, I genuinely did find the core storyline to be engaging and enjoyable.
What I particularly liked was the protagonist, Nikki, and her sheer ambition. Her drive to go out and secure the exclusive story she was chasing felt very real and compelling. The dynamic created by her husband being the lead detective on the mounting case a series of three distinct murders that have shocked the community was very well-executed. The tension arose from the fact that, despite their relationship, he remained completely tight-lipped with her about the confidential details of the investigation.
This setup created an intriguing dual-perspective structure. The way the narrative unfolded through these two separate points of view, with both Nikki and her husband separately uncovering pieces of the larger mystery, was a really nice touch that added depth and complexity to the plot. It allowed the reader to follow both the investigative procedure and the journalistic pursuit in parallel.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
I ultimately settled on a 3.5-star rating for this read. While the book didn't completely envelop me or capture my attention with the intensity I had initially hoped for, I genuinely did find the core storyline to be engaging and enjoyable.
What I particularly liked was the protagonist, Nikki, and her sheer ambition. Her drive to go out and secure the exclusive story she was chasing felt very real and compelling. The dynamic created by her husband being the lead detective on the mounting case a series of three distinct murders that have shocked the community was very well-executed. The tension arose from the fact that, despite their relationship, he remained completely tight-lipped with her about the confidential details of the investigation.
This setup created an intriguing dual-perspective structure. The way the narrative unfolded through these two separate points of view, with both Nikki and her husband separately uncovering pieces of the larger mystery, was a really nice touch that added depth and complexity to the plot. It allowed the reader to follow both the investigative procedure and the journalistic pursuit in parallel.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
Release: June 30, 2026
Author: Lisa Jackson
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 3.5★
Thoughts:
Lisa Jackson delivers a gripping Southern Gothic thriller in not what it seems, where crime, obsession, and the swampy Lowcountry of Georgia take center stage. With Nikki Gillette, a determined crime reporter, and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, racing against a killer with a bizarre M.O., the book brings a chilling atmosphere that fans of Jackson's work will appreciate. The mystery builds slowly but intensely, with small clues—like the strange stones found with each victim—leading to an unforgettable final reveal. It’s the kind of mystery where you think you’ve solved it, only to have a new twist come out of nowhere.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: mysterious, tense, dark
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: plot-driven
Strong Character Development?: yes
Loveable Characters?: yes
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
obsession, crime investigation, Southern Gothic, family dynamics, danger
Synopsis:
In the swamps of Lowcountry Georgia, a string of murders begins to unfold, each victim killed with a strange precision, accompanied by an engraved stone. Crime reporter Nikki Gillette is drawn to the case, despite her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, urging her to stay out of it for her safety. As Nikki digs deeper into the mystery, she finds herself racing against time to expose the killer before someone she loves becomes the next victim.
Favorite Quote:
“The most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all.
Author: Lisa Jackson
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 3.5★
Thoughts:
Lisa Jackson delivers a gripping Southern Gothic thriller in not what it seems, where crime, obsession, and the swampy Lowcountry of Georgia take center stage. With Nikki Gillette, a determined crime reporter, and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, racing against a killer with a bizarre M.O., the book brings a chilling atmosphere that fans of Jackson's work will appreciate. The mystery builds slowly but intensely, with small clues—like the strange stones found with each victim—leading to an unforgettable final reveal. It’s the kind of mystery where you think you’ve solved it, only to have a new twist come out of nowhere.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: mysterious, tense, dark
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: plot-driven
Strong Character Development?: yes
Loveable Characters?: yes
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
obsession, crime investigation, Southern Gothic, family dynamics, danger
Synopsis:
In the swamps of Lowcountry Georgia, a string of murders begins to unfold, each victim killed with a strange precision, accompanied by an engraved stone. Crime reporter Nikki Gillette is drawn to the case, despite her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, urging her to stay out of it for her safety. As Nikki digs deeper into the mystery, she finds herself racing against time to expose the killer before someone she loves becomes the next victim.
Favorite Quote:
“The most terrifying killers don’t look like monsters at all.
May 7, 2026
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book but I just didn’t love it.
What worked for me: the author’s writing style. This was my first Lisa Jackson novel and even though I didn’t love it, I could see myself liking other works by her.
The setting. As someone who previously lived in the low country and spent a ton of time in Savannah, I always love to read about places I’ve been and know, and this did not disappoint.
The fact that she proposed multiple suspects. Listen, when you’re dealing with a serial killer, there’s nothing worse than when an author only offers up two main suspects. I’m happy to say, there were a lot of suspects in this one and it did and didn’t go the way I thought it would.
Which brings me to the parts I didn’t like: the serial killer. While it was someone I didn’t necessarily suspect, I felt it was kind of anticlimactic. I can’t really go into this further without giving anything away, but I just didn’t like it.
The paranormal factor. I knew this was a thing in this book going in based on the synopsis and it does somewhat go back to the setting, Savannah has a lure of the supernatural/paranormal, but to me, it didn’t add to the story and wasn’t needed.
Overall, I liked it but there were things that simply kept it from being a 4 to 5 star read for me. Would I recommend it? Sure, for people who like a good thriller that’s not necessarily overly complicated.
3 stars.
What worked for me: the author’s writing style. This was my first Lisa Jackson novel and even though I didn’t love it, I could see myself liking other works by her.
The setting. As someone who previously lived in the low country and spent a ton of time in Savannah, I always love to read about places I’ve been and know, and this did not disappoint.
The fact that she proposed multiple suspects. Listen, when you’re dealing with a serial killer, there’s nothing worse than when an author only offers up two main suspects. I’m happy to say, there were a lot of suspects in this one and it did and didn’t go the way I thought it would.
Which brings me to the parts I didn’t like: the serial killer. While it was someone I didn’t necessarily suspect, I felt it was kind of anticlimactic. I can’t really go into this further without giving anything away, but I just didn’t like it.
The paranormal factor. I knew this was a thing in this book going in based on the synopsis and it does somewhat go back to the setting, Savannah has a lure of the supernatural/paranormal, but to me, it didn’t add to the story and wasn’t needed.
Overall, I liked it but there were things that simply kept it from being a 4 to 5 star read for me. Would I recommend it? Sure, for people who like a good thriller that’s not necessarily overly complicated.
3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The creep factor is high in this book, which is a plus for my twisty imagination. There is a serial killer on a tangent in Lowcountry Georgia. This individual obviously has some serious psychological issues. It does not take long to figure that part out as the manner of death is brutal, gruesome and very disturbing. The one mystery part of the deaths is a smooth stone left behind. The reason for these stones had me stumped.
Crime writer Nikki Gillette is always getting into trouble with not only her detective husband, Pierce Reed, but by going to places that she has no business visiting, all because she has a blood thirst for a good story. I kept thinking she needed her head examined.
This was a good serial killer book. However, it does bog down a little in the middle. But do not let that discourage you from reading this mystery. Because the slower parts did not keep me from digging through those slower sections and finishing the book because I had to know who was responsible for all of these horrific deaths and also to find out what the stones meant. My spidey senses were tingling as the aha moment came when I figured out the symbolism of the stones.
This is a book in series, but the author does a good job of giving the information necessary to understand the characters and their stories. I would highly recommend reading this during the daylight hours because the subject matter is a little dark and scary.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crime writer Nikki Gillette is always getting into trouble with not only her detective husband, Pierce Reed, but by going to places that she has no business visiting, all because she has a blood thirst for a good story. I kept thinking she needed her head examined.
This was a good serial killer book. However, it does bog down a little in the middle. But do not let that discourage you from reading this mystery. Because the slower parts did not keep me from digging through those slower sections and finishing the book because I had to know who was responsible for all of these horrific deaths and also to find out what the stones meant. My spidey senses were tingling as the aha moment came when I figured out the symbolism of the stones.
This is a book in series, but the author does a good job of giving the information necessary to understand the characters and their stories. I would highly recommend reading this during the daylight hours because the subject matter is a little dark and scary.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A tale of murder and black magic set in and around the historic city of Savannah, Georgia. I’d missed the earlier books in this series, so it took me a little while to catch on to the fact that a husband and wife team (Pierce a cop, and Nikki a true crime writer) both have a professional interest in solving a series of nasty murders – he, naturally, to apprehend the killer; she to write about it.
There’s a good deal of domestic activity here involving the pair, their daughter, Nikki’s sister and her daughter (who live with them), and a menagerie of animals. To me this was something of an unwanted distraction as I was constantly waiting to get back to the pretty decent tale of a mysterious man who was hunting down and brutally murdering a list of people he’d decided to target. The protagonist is driven by what appears to be a dark past with strong religious undertones. He will leave a token with the body of each victim, linking the events to a single source.
There are things I liked about this tale: the setting, the dark central story of the killings, the mysterious killer. There were also things I didn’t much care for: too much focus on the day-to-day activity of Pierce, Nicki and their nearest and dearest, and the whole concept of black magic always tends to switch me off.
My thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,
There’s a good deal of domestic activity here involving the pair, their daughter, Nikki’s sister and her daughter (who live with them), and a menagerie of animals. To me this was something of an unwanted distraction as I was constantly waiting to get back to the pretty decent tale of a mysterious man who was hunting down and brutally murdering a list of people he’d decided to target. The protagonist is driven by what appears to be a dark past with strong religious undertones. He will leave a token with the body of each victim, linking the events to a single source.
There are things I liked about this tale: the setting, the dark central story of the killings, the mysterious killer. There were also things I didn’t much care for: too much focus on the day-to-day activity of Pierce, Nicki and their nearest and dearest, and the whole concept of black magic always tends to switch me off.
My thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’d give *Not What It Seems* about 3 stars. It definitely kept me reading, but wow… this book was a lot. Lisa Jackson really leaned into the creepy Southern atmosphere with fog, secrets, weird townspeople, and mysterious symbols. The whole thing feels like everyone in town is hiding either a murder or a family scandal.
The story starts out strong with the serial killer angle and the numbered stones left at crime scenes, and I was genuinely hooked at first. But after a while, every single character started acting suspicious, dramatic, or irrational. At some point I stopped trying to solve the mystery and just accepted that apparently nobody in this town makes good decisions.
Nikki Gillette spends most of the book charging into danger after repeatedly being told not to, which honestly became unintentionally funny after a while. And Pierce Reed basically exists to worry about her and arrive five minutes too late to stop anything from happening.
That said, I can’t pretend I wasn’t entertained. The pacing moves quickly, there are plenty of twists, and the book fully commits to the chaos. Some of the reveals felt over the top, but if you like dramatic thrillers with messy secrets and nonstop tension, it’s still a fun read.
Overall, it wasn’t amazing, but it also wasn’t boring. It’s the kind of book where you roll your eyes at half the decisions while still turning the pages to see what ridiculous thing happens next.
The story starts out strong with the serial killer angle and the numbered stones left at crime scenes, and I was genuinely hooked at first. But after a while, every single character started acting suspicious, dramatic, or irrational. At some point I stopped trying to solve the mystery and just accepted that apparently nobody in this town makes good decisions.
Nikki Gillette spends most of the book charging into danger after repeatedly being told not to, which honestly became unintentionally funny after a while. And Pierce Reed basically exists to worry about her and arrive five minutes too late to stop anything from happening.
That said, I can’t pretend I wasn’t entertained. The pacing moves quickly, there are plenty of twists, and the book fully commits to the chaos. Some of the reveals felt over the top, but if you like dramatic thrillers with messy secrets and nonstop tension, it’s still a fun read.
Overall, it wasn’t amazing, but it also wasn’t boring. It’s the kind of book where you roll your eyes at half the decisions while still turning the pages to see what ridiculous thing happens next.
June 30, 2026
If you know me, you know I ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ gravitate toward serial killer stories, so I knew I was in for a treat when I picked this one up!
𝘼 𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮, 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩-𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙.
🪨 Nikki is a reporter and true crime author, while her husband is a detective. Given their careers, they're an unexpected couple, but they do their best to stay out of each other's way and are still head over heels in love.
Nikki has a habit of getting herself involved in dangerous cases, and the new case her husband is investigating is no different. It's hard for her to stay away when there appears to be a serial killer in the area. The victims seem to have no connection to one another, the motive is unclear, and at every murder scene, a stone with strange markings has been left behind.
Will Nikki listen to her husband's warnings and stay away from the investigation, or will she involve herself more than she should?
࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪
The dual solve at the end was entertaining. One outcome was predictable from the moment it happened, while the other completely caught me off guard. I found myself making predictions throughout the book, only to uncover new evidence that disproved my theories and sent me right back to square one. The concept behind the serial killer was unique, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
𝘼 𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮, 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩-𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙.
🪨 Nikki is a reporter and true crime author, while her husband is a detective. Given their careers, they're an unexpected couple, but they do their best to stay out of each other's way and are still head over heels in love.
Nikki has a habit of getting herself involved in dangerous cases, and the new case her husband is investigating is no different. It's hard for her to stay away when there appears to be a serial killer in the area. The victims seem to have no connection to one another, the motive is unclear, and at every murder scene, a stone with strange markings has been left behind.
Will Nikki listen to her husband's warnings and stay away from the investigation, or will she involve herself more than she should?
࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪
The dual solve at the end was entertaining. One outcome was predictable from the moment it happened, while the other completely caught me off guard. I found myself making predictions throughout the book, only to uncover new evidence that disproved my theories and sent me right back to square one. The concept behind the serial killer was unique, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lisa Jackson is a master at leading you confidently in one direction while the truth waits quietly in another. Just when you think you’ve solved it, one sentence makes you question everything, and the next proves you wrong. It’s a classic cat and mouse experience — and she plays it well.
This is the fifth book in the Savannah series featuring Nicki Gillette, a freelance reporter, and her husband, Pierce Reed, a police detective. A serial killer is stalking the city, and Nicki wants the exclusive. With Reed keeping the investigation tight, she heads out on her own — and in true Nicki fashion, lands herself in more than one dangerous situation.
Lisa Jackson has long been one of my favourites. There are no cheap twists or shock value detours; everything is built on a solid foundation. She makes you think, she makes you question, and she rewards you for paying attention. The murder investigation drops hints at every turn, but the best pieces are saved for last.
This was a 3.5 star read for me. A few stretches dragged more than I expected and Nicki felt a little less likeable than in past books. But the mystery itself and the way Jackson ties it all together still kept me engaged.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the fifth book in the Savannah series featuring Nicki Gillette, a freelance reporter, and her husband, Pierce Reed, a police detective. A serial killer is stalking the city, and Nicki wants the exclusive. With Reed keeping the investigation tight, she heads out on her own — and in true Nicki fashion, lands herself in more than one dangerous situation.
Lisa Jackson has long been one of my favourites. There are no cheap twists or shock value detours; everything is built on a solid foundation. She makes you think, she makes you question, and she rewards you for paying attention. The murder investigation drops hints at every turn, but the best pieces are saved for last.
This was a 3.5 star read for me. A few stretches dragged more than I expected and Nicki felt a little less likeable than in past books. But the mystery itself and the way Jackson ties it all together still kept me engaged.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not What It Seems
Lisa Jackson
June 30, 2026
Nikki Gillette is an author and journalist in Savannah, Georgia. She has done well with the local paper however when pressing her husband’s partner for information, the woman and good friend died of a frightful accident. Many blame her, consequently when Detective Pierce Reed heads out to answer a department call-in he keeps as much info to himself as possible. Nikki likes to prod him for more. In this latest in the Savannah series a local, Billie Huber, is working on fixing his roof. His ladder is leaning haphazardly against his home and various odds and ends in his yard. While trying to do the work his dog, Aldo begins barking, trying to let him know that something odd is happening. Billy scolds him and carries on. He is approached by a man covered in black. When the ladder is pushed he falls on a broken rototiller. Injured by the fall, the man stands above him with a knife, then slits Billy’s throat.
Not What It Seems will be published by Kensington Publishing on June 30, 2026. I was able to read and review Jackson’s latest novel via NetGalley.
This is the fifth in her Savannah Mystery series. It is by far one of the most frightening, suspense filled journeys that I have read. Don’t pass up this page-turner - it is excellent!
Lisa Jackson
June 30, 2026
Nikki Gillette is an author and journalist in Savannah, Georgia. She has done well with the local paper however when pressing her husband’s partner for information, the woman and good friend died of a frightful accident. Many blame her, consequently when Detective Pierce Reed heads out to answer a department call-in he keeps as much info to himself as possible. Nikki likes to prod him for more. In this latest in the Savannah series a local, Billie Huber, is working on fixing his roof. His ladder is leaning haphazardly against his home and various odds and ends in his yard. While trying to do the work his dog, Aldo begins barking, trying to let him know that something odd is happening. Billy scolds him and carries on. He is approached by a man covered in black. When the ladder is pushed he falls on a broken rototiller. Injured by the fall, the man stands above him with a knife, then slits Billy’s throat.
Not What It Seems will be published by Kensington Publishing on June 30, 2026. I was able to read and review Jackson’s latest novel via NetGalley.
This is the fifth in her Savannah Mystery series. It is by far one of the most frightening, suspense filled journeys that I have read. Don’t pass up this page-turner - it is excellent!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fifth book in the Savannah series but very readable as a standalone. You miss some of the context in Nikki's marriage and friendships but not so much that it impacts the reading.
This has a some slower parts and a lot of characters but don't give up on it, once it picks up, it is a good read. Nikki's actions are frustrating, probably more for her husband than the reader but stop putting yourself in danger! Plus, never adopt animals unless everyone in the home is on board (shelter volunteer pet peeve).
The first victim has no shortage of people who hated him, but enough to actually kill? Then as others are found with the same stone, they need to find what connects them. I was worried going in from the blurb that this would have a satanic, paranormal or similar spin with the stones and that the hoarding mention may have more mental health discussion but they are minor.
Overall, twisty and dark. You can work out who the killer is and see some of the story from their POV which adds some interest but there are plenty of other suspects. Some felt 'that is too obvious' but then you come back to them thinking it really could be them. The title definitely works, especially earlier in the story, things are not what they seem.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the advance copy for review through Netgalley
This has a some slower parts and a lot of characters but don't give up on it, once it picks up, it is a good read. Nikki's actions are frustrating, probably more for her husband than the reader but stop putting yourself in danger! Plus, never adopt animals unless everyone in the home is on board (shelter volunteer pet peeve).
The first victim has no shortage of people who hated him, but enough to actually kill? Then as others are found with the same stone, they need to find what connects them. I was worried going in from the blurb that this would have a satanic, paranormal or similar spin with the stones and that the hoarding mention may have more mental health discussion but they are minor.
Overall, twisty and dark. You can work out who the killer is and see some of the story from their POV which adds some interest but there are plenty of other suspects. Some felt 'that is too obvious' but then you come back to them thinking it really could be them. The title definitely works, especially earlier in the story, things are not what they seem.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the advance copy for review through Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in Savannah, Not What It Seems by Lisa Jackson is an atmospheric and oppressive thriller.
When Billy Huber’s body is discovered, police initially believe his death to be an accident. However, when more bodies begin to appear, each pierced through the throat and left beside a blood-etched polished stone, Detective Pierce realises the cases are connected. Although Pierce warns his reporter wife, Nikki, against becoming involved, she finds herself unable to resist searching for answers.
The premise is strong and the central mystery is immediately intriguing. The setting is particularly effective, creating a dark and unsettling backdrop that adds real atmosphere to the novel. I also enjoyed the wide range of characters on offer, which helped maintain a sense of uncertainty around the final outcome and kept me guessing throughout.
There is certainly plenty to enjoy here, though I did find the opening rather slow. The pacing occasionally felt uneven and it took me some time to fully settle into the plot. For me, there seemed to be a greater focus on procedural action than emotional depth or character motivation, which limited my overall investment in the story.
One that fans of the series will likely enjoy.
When Billy Huber’s body is discovered, police initially believe his death to be an accident. However, when more bodies begin to appear, each pierced through the throat and left beside a blood-etched polished stone, Detective Pierce realises the cases are connected. Although Pierce warns his reporter wife, Nikki, against becoming involved, she finds herself unable to resist searching for answers.
The premise is strong and the central mystery is immediately intriguing. The setting is particularly effective, creating a dark and unsettling backdrop that adds real atmosphere to the novel. I also enjoyed the wide range of characters on offer, which helped maintain a sense of uncertainty around the final outcome and kept me guessing throughout.
There is certainly plenty to enjoy here, though I did find the opening rather slow. The pacing occasionally felt uneven and it took me some time to fully settle into the plot. For me, there seemed to be a greater focus on procedural action than emotional depth or character motivation, which limited my overall investment in the story.
One that fans of the series will likely enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not What It Seems is a dark and atmospheric Southern Gothic thriller that delivers plenty of creepy moments and an intriguing serial killer mystery. Set against the haunting backdrop of Savannah and the Georgia low country, the story creates an unsettling sense of dread that lingers throughout the book.
The investigation centers on a series of murders connected by mysterious engraved stones, and I found the murder mystery itself compelling and difficult to put down. The chapters from the killer’s perspective added an extra layer of tension, while the eerie atmosphere and underlying darkness kept me guessing.
The partnership between Nikki Gillette and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, worked well, and I enjoyed their dynamic. However, the large cast of characters and multiple moving parts made the beginning feel somewhat overwhelming, and it took time to keep everyone straight. Some of the domestic and personal storylines also slowed the pacing for me, especially when compared to the more engaging murder investigation.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and well written thriller with a strong sense of place, an unsettling atmosphere, and a mystery that kept me invested until the end. Fans of Southern Gothic crime fiction and serial killer mysteries will likely enjoy this one.
The investigation centers on a series of murders connected by mysterious engraved stones, and I found the murder mystery itself compelling and difficult to put down. The chapters from the killer’s perspective added an extra layer of tension, while the eerie atmosphere and underlying darkness kept me guessing.
The partnership between Nikki Gillette and her husband, Detective Pierce Reed, worked well, and I enjoyed their dynamic. However, the large cast of characters and multiple moving parts made the beginning feel somewhat overwhelming, and it took time to keep everyone straight. Some of the domestic and personal storylines also slowed the pacing for me, especially when compared to the more engaging murder investigation.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and well written thriller with a strong sense of place, an unsettling atmosphere, and a mystery that kept me invested until the end. Fans of Southern Gothic crime fiction and serial killer mysteries will likely enjoy this one.
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