Live, Laugh, Murder

by Danielle Morris

Welcome to Live, Laugh, Murder—a weekly podcast run by three best friends who bonded over their love of thriller books.

Teagan, Lexi, and Capri are self-proclaimed final girls—if there’s a flaw in the plot, they’ll find it, and they believe they could survive just about anything.

When the three best friends receive an invitation to Scotland for an exclusive opportunity to meet the elusive recluse of an author responsible for their bond, they can hardly believe it.

This is the moment they’ve only dreamed about. But when they wake up in the middle of nowhere the next day, it’s clear that nothing is as it seems, and their once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greet has turned into a twisted game of cat-and-mouse.

As the game takes a deadly turn, cracks between the girls start to surface…along with the lies and secrets they’ve kept from each other that threaten to tear their friendship apart.

If they want to survive, they’ll have to put to the test everything they know about thriller books…or die trying.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Danielle Morris is a hopeless romantic at heart with a dark and twisty soul. She enjoys late-night walks on the beautiful beaches of North Carolina with her family, extra creamer with marshmallows in her morning coffee, and cuddling her cat, Zelda, while coming up with new ways to off someone in her stories.

Reviews

[Danielle Morris]

My most twisted thriller to date is now yours. 🤍

I hope you LIVE, LAUGH, and MURDER your little hearts out while reading this one. 🤭🫶🏻🔪

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this this book! It was super interesting from the get go with the friendship drama, then with the murder games, had me locked in the whole time! This was easily a 4.5 for me, but once Lee was so randomly (in my opinion) killed it bumped it down half a star me. I expected one of the main good characters to die, but felt for Lexi (who was awful, even if she ended up coming around, not only slept with her best friends man but also said horrible things about Teagan during) got to meet and end up with a man who loved her (which I loved Lochlan and am so glad he didn’t actually end up evil) was so unfair for the Capri who had gone through so much and Lee was such a good character it felt so unfair, I know she got to be happy with Skye after, but still the fact that Lexi & Teagan got to end up with random guys they met there (who both I did love) and her husband died seemed so unfair. I would have rather one of them die or one of their men to die tbh! But all in all I loved this book. The writing was amazing, the story was unique & it had twists and turns that kept me guessing.

Thank you so much for letting me read an advanced reading copy!

[Esther | esthersreadingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

beta read

All im gonna say is this is Danielles most twisted book and although I was screaming and crying(and laughing throughout it) I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

All you twisted thriller girlies are gonna eat this one up!

[Book_to_begin03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE, LAUGH, MURDER BY DANIELLE MORRIS

Would you think before if you were offered an opportunity of a trip to meet your favorite author with your friends??

If psychological manipulation, isolated location, toxic friendship, high survival stakes and girls trip gone wrong appeals you then this book is for you...

I absolutely love this book and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for twisty thrillers. There is so much going on in this book and everything keeps you on your toes. There is always a hidden secret that you would never expect but the way narrative is carried out makes you want to read more and more…
Well the story revolves around three best friends, Teagan, Lexi and Capri who bonded over the love of thriller books and conducts a weekly podcast… However one day Capri’s husband Lee surprises them with an invitation to meet their favorite author with a trip to Scotland arranged by the author himself. What looks like an ordinary trip soon turns into nightmare when the trio is trapped and has to reveal a secret to pass through an entangled game which results in exposing dark secrets creating crack in their friendship. Although they pass the game but it was just a beginning. The narrative carries through the struggle of characters with their survival leading to unravel what is hidden. During this Cat and mouse game they encounter few other characters as well but can they trust them when they themselves cannot be trusted.
The novel centers the themes of guilt, lies, trust, friendship, survival, power, revenge and manipulation making it intriguing and fascinating.

Have you ever thought what if you were in thriller book what would you do and how would you escape??.... Why don’t you find out yourself after all it’s all about,
“LIVE, LAUGH, MURDER”

[Natalie Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Live, Laugh, Murder by Danielle Morris and honestly had so much fun with this one. I haven’t read a thriller in a while, but this pulled me right back in. The story kept my attention, the twists actually surprised me, and I flew through it way faster than I expected. Nothing felt overly predictable and I loved how everything came together. If you’re a crime junkie or love a good twisty thriller, you’ll eat this up!

[Christina Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, WOW! I think this might be my favorite book by Morris!

It had me locked in from the first few chapters, and I couldn't get enough. I had to know how these "games" unfolded and how the characters dealt with their secrets. It hit all the dramatic elements for me!

Highly recommend if you love:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stories set in Scotland
⚠️ Toxic friendships
🤫 So many secrets
🩸 Horror stories

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, Murder delivers everything a psychological thriller should—and then some. What begins as a once-in-a-lifetime trip for three friends quickly spirals into a desperate fight for survival. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone’s motives, never quite sure who to trust. Fear, rage, and relentless suspense weave together into a gripping triad that propels the story forward. With twists that hit hard and keep coming, this is a page-turner that will have you racing to the end. A must-read for any thriller lover. 🔪✨

Thank you Danielle Morris for allowing me to read before publication.

[Paige Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate it 4.5 stars. Loved the book from beginning to end. It had me at the edge of my seat from the beginning of the book to the end. So many twist and turns. Definitely figured out one of the twists and it still shocked me.

[Arti Manani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title couldn’t be more perfect for what’s inside this book. Live, Laugh, Murder is exactly that. It’s bursting with life with it's fresh, and insanely addictive concept. It's funny, a trio of friends full of energy, bouncing chaos and jokes off one another… and of course, the thing that truly hooked me, it's got murder. Or should I say… murders...?

This book kept me up until the early hours and it remained in my head during the day, I couldn't get enough of it. And when I was almost finished, I didn't want it to end. If that's not an obsession then I don't know what is because I honestly don't remember the last time a book did that to me. It's absolutely, insanely addictive!

I immediately loved the trio and their closeness - it reminded me of the relationship with my own friends. Their dynamic felt real and so easy to get attached to. I genuinely found myself wanting to jump into the podcast snippets and join their conversations. That element was so well done and added something really special to the story.

The plot? Messed up and crazy, and it just kept getting worse, and I mean that in the best way because I couldn't put it down.

The ending was heartbreaking... yet satisfying. Do I wish a certain someone hadn’t been killed off? Yes. But one thing I’ve learned from Danielle’s books is that she loves to deliver those gut-punch, yet emotional endings, and they get me every time.

This book is packed with tonnes of energy, so much fun, action, and dirty dark secrets.

I could go on but I’ll stop here. I don't think my review does this book any justice so go ahead and check it out for yourself.

Thank you Danielle for the ARC. I loved it so much I’m ordering myself a physical copy on release!

Live, Laugh, Murder releases on 13 Feb!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I'm in love with this twisted, edge of your seat mystery book! This was the first book I have read by Danielle Morris and I want more! I went into this book thinking it was going to be something completely different and I'm glad I did because I had the time of my life! This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Teagan, Lexi, and Capri have a podcast called Live, Laugh, Murder and they talk about their favorite author and how they don't believe how book characters don't survive things. So they think they could do better than the characters. So when Capri's husband ends up getting them a trip to meet their favorite author in Scotland they are beyond excited.

But this trip isn't going to exactly the way these girls think it's going to go. Oh no it's about to get VERY interesting! This is going to become a game of cat and mouse and you will be on the edgeo f your seat!!

I was blown away by so many moments in this book. I didn't see somethings coming and other things i did guess correctly. This will take you on one heck of a rollercoaster ride! Make sure you strap in for this ride because it's going to get bumpy along the way!

This is a fast paced thriller and there was never a dull moment. If you love a good thriller that will have you guessing what's going on often then this is the book for you. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Danielle Morris you wrote a phenomenal thriller and I can't wait to see what you have in store for everyone next!

Thank you Danielle Morris for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Dee Layton on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: Live, Laugh, Murder
Author: Danielle Morris
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WOW,WOW,AND WOW! The author most certainly outdid herself with this amazing murderous thriller. It all started with the group of podcaster friends that won a trip to meet their favorite author. Yep as u guessed things went sideways real quick. They pretty much had to go on the knowledge that they had of the stories from the author books to help with survival. This book had a lot of blood, lots of death and a constant feeling in the pit of your stomach oh my gosh am I next. And as a reader that was absolutely amazing. I will say the emotions in this book were high they were up they were down they were a little bit everywhere. I honestly love this book. Overall this book was just a lot it was super fast, super raw, with the constant feeling that you had to look over your shoulder. The emotional toll this book was just chef's kiss. I will say though I was really disappointed that Lee had to go. That was very heart breaking because I really thought he would be one that would stand through the whole book. This was the first book I have ever read of Danielle Morris and I was super excited to read many more because she made a very good impression on me with this book.

[Anne Opel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it was a bit of a slow start, it really picked up in the middle with lots of action, and then let me down at the end.

I did not enjoy the rotating POV chapters at the beginning and the end. You would get Teagan's POV with information (obviously the untouchable heroine) and then Lexi and Capri's would follow, with not much to add to the story.

But once we hit the trials it got way more interesting, way more exciting, and with some decent thriller points. I was questioning who the antagonist might be, if people killed were really dead, and what other unhinged things were in store for the trio.

And then we get to chapter 42, the very end. And a character dies that makes absolutely no sense at that point. Really dumb. And then the group wants to burn it all to the ground. What about police investigation? What about the bodies of innocents whose loved ones will want to reclaim?

And now that I will mark this for spoilers let's address that what Lexi did is unforgivable. Nothing excuses it, and she did not deserve to IMMEDIATELY find happiness with someone else after betraying Teagan. Teagan as well could benefit from some self reflection on why she is so attracted to the men in this mentally unhealthy and deranged family.

This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, Murder is a thriller book written by Danielle Morris about three best friends who have a weekly thriller podcast. This is my first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Capri, Lexi, and Teagan have a weekly podcast where they dive into thriller books and sometimes pick them apart. They find plot holes and a lack of creativity, and they tear apart the character’s ability to survive the book. They are self-proclaimed final girls who say they could easily survive in a similar situation. When the girls received an invitation to Scotland to meet their favorite author, they jumped at the opportunity. Little did they know, their survival skills would be put to the test in their very own thriller.

I enjoyed having the perspective of each girl and their own storylines alongside the main plot. Their relationship is somewhat toxic, and I ate it up! As the story progresses, more secrets are uncovered, and friendships are put to the test. The twists and turns kept me engaged and turning the page. It was exciting, and the drama thrilled.

Thanks to Danielle Morris for gifting me an eARC of Live, Laugh, Murder. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Teahlyn Seeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In case you need a reminder, if Danielle writes it, I AM GONNA READ IT.

She does not disappoint with her thrillers. And the way she writes her characters?? Ugh they have so much depth. I loved to hate a few of these characters and my face showed it. My wife walked by as I was reading and asked me what was wrong! Nothing except this fictional character giving me the ick and having every red flag imaginable.

The story!!! Ok so we know the premise, the author takes revenge on a group of podcasters who were critical of his work. Let’s just say, dude needs therapy. Lots and lots of therapy. BUT I did not see the twists coming. I do have a couple highlights and notes early on of my suspicions but I didn’t fully figure it out. The whole time I was back and forth between who was a bad guy and who wasn’t.

I did enjoy this being told from multiple POVs. It really helps show the layers to the characters personalities and their different strengths. Some of them did have to have their own arcs for me to like them. I don’t think I’ll ever be over one character, Danielle needs to beg for my forgiveness for her actions.

Anyways, BUY THIS BOOK. I promise you won’t regret it 😘

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Review of advance copy received by author*

3.5 stars, rounded down (really need a 10 star scale!)

I received an ebook ARC of Live, Laugh, Murder from the author and while it wasn’t *love*, I did really enjoy the read! It was incredibly twisted with a sprinkle of spice. I think I would describe the storyline as “what if we took a story about female friendships and drama and sprinkled in some locked room horror?”

I enjoyed the character development throughout - my opinion of every main character changed from start to finish, for the better and for the worse. The plot was fast paced and the split POV was a perfect choice for telling this story.

I did find the story a little hard to follow at times, which is maybe just a me thing. There was a lot going on and I had some questions I would have liked answered earlier in the story. Finally, I know it’s an ARC but I am picky about typos. I am sure the last round of editing caught things previously missed, and I’ll buy a physical copy for a reread now that I’ve finished the digital ARC.

All in all this was a good read! I love supporting indie authors and especially ones who are local (I also live in NC!).

[Anna Harjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good thriller! Just when I thought I knew what was gonna happen next a new twist was right around the corner! I wish it was a tad bit longer just for the fact that it centers around 3 main characters and it felt like their “trials” went by quickly. However I was locked in and addicted the whole time. The way everything was intertwined and linked was crazy good! The characters were phenomenal! So happy that Lochlan was a good guy phew! I was worried about Lexi because obviously starts out as a cheater which isn’t a great look but when her trial came around and she showed how she was willing to sacrifice herself for her best friends was beautiful and redeeming. Wasn’t a fan of the ending solely because of the random murdering of Lee felt very unnecessary and felt like it was only added for shock value and left me feeling sad instead of triumphant. Overall a very well written book that kept me on my toes and had a very unique storyline and isn’t like anything I’ve read before and makes me want to look into this author more!

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live, Laugh, Murder - Danielle Morris

❤️/5

Firstly, thank you so much for the arc 🥹

What will you do if your favourite thriller author invites you to join him in Scotland for a special event to meet him? That’s the story of Teagan, Capri & Lexi, and you’ll see that the trip isn’t as innocent as it seems 👀🔪

Omg, what I have just read!!! How is it possible to think about all of these things!! When you thought that it’s over and you can’t have more plot twists, the author brings you more plot twists and more insane than the last ones 😭

This is the type of book that keeps you stuck in your head, and you can’t think about anything else. I’m not a thriller girlie usually, but this one? Omg, this one!! I’m speechless!!

I absolutely love this book and would definitely recommend it to everyone 🤭🤭

The story is divided into three points of view (for the three friends), and we have some glimpses of their podcast 🎧

If you want to read this book, please check the trigger warnings and take care of yourself 🫶

[Jessica Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cozy until the mayhem arrived to the party! If you are looking for a different kind of thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with low cozy vibes, this is the book for you! I just love how Danielle writes her novels. The way she portrays characters and the scenes is a chef's kiss, with connection and feeling like you are part of the story! This book is told from multiple points of view which I really enjoy. Paw prints is a nice, cute little side character and Quinn with that shattering news earlier on, like what in the world?!? In Capri's section, what in the $@%!% was that bombshell dropped!! Like no, you can't do that to a girl!
I don't even know if I have words for the last half of the book, I'm still reeling from all of the revelations. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book, Danielle!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this story. The premise felt familiar enough: three friends, a podcast, and secrets at the center of it all.

But then the unraveling began.

And once it did, there was no slowing down. The tension increased chapter by chapter, secrets surfaced, and the plot accelerated into a whirlwind of twists and revelations. What started as a steady burn quickly transformed into an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat ride that I genuinely couldn’t put down.

I especially loved the sinister undercurrent running through the story. There was an eerie, creeping sense that something wasn’t quite right, and watching it all spiral was both unsettling and completely addictive.

This book surprised me in the best way, and I’ll absolutely be picking up more from this author.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, what a read, I don't think I've ever laughed so much at a book, as I have at this.. Absolutely loved it from start to finished.

Lexi, Capri, and Tesgan, all run a podcast called 'Live, Laugh, Murder'. But what they don't know, is that their comments about who they could/would murder if they had to, would actually become a real life task, given to them by their favourite author, who happens to have set them up from the very start when their invited to Scotland.

After their arrival, their all at dinner, and then find themselves in different kinds of hell, they have to try and survive and find each other, plus their loved ones (hubby, daughter and friends), only to find that Josh is the one behind all the tasks and hunting.. The girls won't stop at nothing until everyone is safe.

Only before the end, Lee gets killed saving his family, omg I was devastated 😞

[_InLightInMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa play “The Lighthouse” by Halsey. 🧜🏻‍♀️

This book gave me some serious Until Dawn vibes (minus the wendigos), IYKYK. If me and my two best friends had a podcast discussing books by our favorite author, would we also fall for a trip to go meet them? Yep. You got me. 🤪 Danielle does dark and twisty so good and somehow made me enjoy a character i swore i hated in the beginning. 🙄 Danielle’s books always keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen next. There’s always a cute cat mixed in to break up the trauma and i am a sucker for it. If you are into thrillers i think you will really enjoy this one.

Thank you Danielle for the ARC opportunity once again in exhange for an honest review.

Live Laugh Murder is out today! Do you have what it takes to be a final girl? 🔪🩸

[Lauren Jazdzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔪🪶Prepare yourself for Danielle’s most twisted but satisfyingly thrilling novel yet! I absolutely enjoyed this book! It did not lack in story at all. From page one to the end, something was always happening that’s keeping you sucked in and wanting more. Each storyline for each of the three characters were so well thought out. You can tell that Danielle put her heart into this story because it all tied together to beautifully.

Now let’s get into the fact that you do not see what’s coming in part two AT ALL!! Danielle you got me and I was shook! Haha. Let’s just say you will not be bored with this one and the twists and turns are to die for.😱

I had so much fun reading this thriller. I highly recommend it. In fact I recommend all her books. She’s my girl. I love her writing and you just can’t go wrong with anything she writes. But this one definitely topped it! 👏👏👏

[Kit Soares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this up!!

It's fast paced, bingeable, and genuinely so much fun. I flew through it in a way that reminded me why I sometimes enjoy thrillers that don't take themselves too seriously.

The best way I can describe it is chick-flick vibes... but thriller edition. It's entertaining, dramatic, and very rooted in girlhood, tension, and that slightly messy female energy that keeps you turning pages.

The pacing never really slows down, and even when things get dark, it still feels sharp and engaging rather than heavy. It's the kind of book you pick up "just for a chapter" and suddenly half of it is gone.

If you enjoy thrillers with strong female dynamics, a bit of drama, and a fun, addictive pace, this one is absolutely worth reading

[Kayla (Insta: booksandpittie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever - and I mean this respectfully - is wrong with Danielle, I FRIGGIN LOVE IT.

You’re so twisted and borderline crazy when it comes to storytelling. HOW DID YOU EVEN THINK OF THESE THINGS???

So many twists. And turns. And I did start to piece ONE of the twists together by the beautifully placed crumbs throughout the book but good golly Molly I was shook to my core.

I wanted to throw this book a handful of times but that just means you know how to write well since I was enraged for the girlies. 🤣😳

I loved this. 5/5.

It was appalling, infuriating, gut wrenching, gore-y, hilarious, suspenseful, swoon-y, disgusting. Would read again. 🤣🫡

[Amanda Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I knew before I even hit 20% that this book was going to be a banger. This was my first Danielle Morris read, and it definitely won’t be my last. The drama, the chaos, the twists and turns—I ate up every second of it.

Live, Laugh, Murder delivers major podcast vibes as three friends bond over talking trash about their favorite (and very reclusive) author… only to be invited on an international trip to finally meet them. What starts as a dream opportunity quickly turns into something far darker, testing their friendships, relationships, and even their lives.

Heart-pounding, addictive, and impossible to put down. I loved every intense moment. 🔪🎧📖

[Lisa Gainers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you reveal your darkest secret if it mean saving someone? That is a question this book asks.

Murder mystery meets true-crime podcast meets SAW, and I was hooked from page 1.
This book took off running and NEVER slowed down. Every character had me questioning if they were the villian, and I don't think I've ever changed my mind so many times.
This is not my typical genre, but this story had friendship that was put to the test, relationship red flags you cant ignore and messy family secrets.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Danielle for letting me read this before publication.

I think this is Danielle’s best work yet and definitely the most twisted. I think it’s time to say that Danielle is a horror thriller writer. If you enjoyed the classic horror movies from the 90s, like Scream, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.

This book kept me entertained, and I blew through it quickly. Full of twists and turns, Danielle keeps you on your toes.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! What a WILD ride! I honestly would give this book MORE than 5 stars if I could. The E-MO-TIONS I felt while ready this book! The twists were twistier than a roller coaster at an amusement park. At some points I didn’t even know what or how to feel. Just when you think you know….think again and again! Amazing and Brilliant are an understatement. This fast paced book is easy to read, gripping at every turn and a MUST read for all Thriller fans! Well Done Danielle Morris. Well Done!!!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Live, Laugh, Murder” by Danielle Morris is an intense, fast-paced thrill ride with serious final girl vibes. What starts as a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a group of podcast friends to meet their favorite author quickly turns into a deadly game. Forced to rely on their book knowledge and the author’s stories to survive, the tension never lets up. The suspense is relentless, the stakes are high, and the intensity builds page after page. I couldn’t put this one down.

[Vii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live Laugh Murder by Daniellie Moriss was a fast, brutal thriller that didn’t waste time. There was a lot of blood, a lot of death, and constant life-or-death tension.

Lee felt like one of those characters you expect to survive — solid, dependable — and his death hit harder because of that. The body count was high, the stakes kept rising, and the story stayed sharp and focused without unnecessary filler.

I loved how short and to the point it was. No dragging, no overexplaining — just chaos, survival, and a nonstop fight to stay alive.

Also: I hated Josh from the start, and that feeling never changed.

Overall, a quick, intense thriller that knows exactly what it’s doing and commits fully to the danger.