What do you think?
Rate this book
Night Songs
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 11, 2026
7701 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Want to read
November 15, 2025A family curse where all the women die by age of 33—Rhea is ready to go after the sinister feeling that’s been stalking her.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
December 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Night Songs, by Alli Dyer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rhea found out who her real mother was a famous singer, when she was 18. Rhea wanted to learn more about her mother. This was a n interesting read, I dont know if I liked it though. So many family secrets and lies.
November 23, 2025
I was contacted by the publisher to review this book and gave it my best shot. I liked the premise very much and was eager to be drawn into the world promised by the book's summary. however, from a beginning that I found reminiscent of Harry Potter, the writing didn't connect for me. I found the two characters voices nearly identical, and yes, I know they are mother and daughter, but I still wanted something that took me to a different time and state of mind for each. I also didn't find many of the scenarios plausible enough to feel emotionally moved by them. It's almost as though this was a book in an earlier stage of writing, waiting to develop more depth.
I really hate writing a poor review and I hope the three stars reflects my belief that many will find this book engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a chance to read the advanced copy.
I really hate writing a poor review and I hope the three stars reflects my belief that many will find this book engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a chance to read the advanced copy.
January 1, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Dyer captured Nashville across time. I liked how the city was treated as a character. It was written with an insider’s eye.
Belle and Rhea were both intriguing in their own right. I appreciated that their stories intertwined, but also stood alone. I was truly interested in the development of each. Also, often in dual-perspective stories, one character can feel more forced than the other, but that was not the case with Night Songs. Both were believable.
The supporting cast was also really well executed. Hess and Micah especially stood out. The same can be said of Clayton, Tate, and all the ladies of Mom’s. Dyer told us enough to make the characters real, but then left any judgements or conclusions up to the reader. Very well done.
Finally, the story didn’t conclude how I thought it would. I was expecting something more fantastical, but I was satisfied with the final direction. Everything was tied up nicely.
I really enjoyed this book. Dyer captured Nashville across time. I liked how the city was treated as a character. It was written with an insider’s eye.
Belle and Rhea were both intriguing in their own right. I appreciated that their stories intertwined, but also stood alone. I was truly interested in the development of each. Also, often in dual-perspective stories, one character can feel more forced than the other, but that was not the case with Night Songs. Both were believable.
The supporting cast was also really well executed. Hess and Micah especially stood out. The same can be said of Clayton, Tate, and all the ladies of Mom’s. Dyer told us enough to make the characters real, but then left any judgements or conclusions up to the reader. Very well done.
Finally, the story didn’t conclude how I thought it would. I was expecting something more fantastical, but I was satisfied with the final direction. Everything was tied up nicely.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alli Dyer takes such quiet and ordinary moments and writes them in such a way that although they remain those same quiet moments, they are given a tender edge with her writing. Oddly enough I didn't think enough of the story was given to the music and the role it was said to have with the different generations. That was my biggest issue with the book. Yet I would still recommend it to readers that enjoy a reference to music as a part of their magical realism novels.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me a free eARC through Netgalley.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me a free eARC through Netgalley.
November 26, 2025
📚Night Songs
✍🏻Alli Dyer
Blurb:
In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
My Thoughts
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thanks NetGalley, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Simon&Schuster
#NightSongs
#AlliDyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Alli Dyer
Blurb:
In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
My Thoughts
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thanks NetGalley, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Simon&Schuster
#NightSongs
#AlliDyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2026
I received an advanced copy of Night Songs by Alli Dyer from NetGalley and Atria books in exchange for my honest review. I chose this book because its premise is vastly different from what I’ve been reading lately. The story vacillates between two different points of view from two different time periods. We begin with Rhea in 1995, who lives with her aunt and uncle in a very Harry Potter-esque scenario: unwanted child, mean aunt, creepy uncle, scourge of the earth dead parents. We soon learn that Rhea is the orphaned daughter of country music legend Lulabelle Powers (her personality and lewk as big as Dolly Parton herself), and the story shifts back and forth in time between Lulabelle’s and Rhea’s lives. Both women fear a familial curse that kills all women in the family by the age of 33. Lulabelle suffers alone, but Rhea finds (and sometimes evades) support from her husband and her mother’s best friend (and love of her life, we later learn), Hess.
I actually enjoyed the shifting, and sometimes mimicking, viewpoints between mother and daughter. The twist was foreshadowed from the start and I think it was handled well. I liked the premise a lot because it is so different from what I have been reading - it was fun to read about Nashville and country music. My only complaints are that the writing and character development are, at points, a little bit clunky. You can tell that there are a few kinks to work out. I went back and re-read the beginning chapter of the book and it felt like a totally different story than the end. I also liked Rhea’s character a lot more than her mother, who was self-absorbed, self-serving, and kind of annoying.
Still, a nice book with an entertaining story. It was so fun to read something in advance of its publication date!
I actually enjoyed the shifting, and sometimes mimicking, viewpoints between mother and daughter. The twist was foreshadowed from the start and I think it was handled well. I liked the premise a lot because it is so different from what I have been reading - it was fun to read about Nashville and country music. My only complaints are that the writing and character development are, at points, a little bit clunky. You can tell that there are a few kinks to work out. I went back and re-read the beginning chapter of the book and it felt like a totally different story than the end. I also liked Rhea’s character a lot more than her mother, who was self-absorbed, self-serving, and kind of annoying.
Still, a nice book with an entertaining story. It was so fun to read something in advance of its publication date!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars- This was a really unique novel that was a blend of magical realism, mystery, music, and horror. Told from two different points of view, the reader learns about a family curse that kills all the females of a family line at the age of 33 due to a deal with the devil.
The year is 1995. Rhea, our main character, lost her mother when she was five and has been living with her aunt and uncle since then. She is not treated well so when she finds out at the age of 18 that her mother was a famous singer and she is now a millionaire, she can't wait to leave home and find out more about her. The second perspective is about Rhea's mother Lulabelle in 1967. Lulabelle also lost her mother at a young age and is determined to become a singer since she can always hear music. She leaves home after an incident and tries to make it big in Nashville. Both women have a hard road ahead of them. They both have to overcome secrets and lies as they try to find true love and a way to overcome the curse.
There were parts of this book that really drew me in as I wanted to know more about the curse and if Rhea was going to survive. On the other hand there were elements that I didn't care for such as drug abuse and even after the novel is over I feel like there are unanswered questions about what happened. I do find this book hard to classify as there are so many unique elements. It was dark and mysterious but there was also romance and characters trying to overcome obstacles. Overall, I think that anyone who is looking for something a little different would enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The year is 1995. Rhea, our main character, lost her mother when she was five and has been living with her aunt and uncle since then. She is not treated well so when she finds out at the age of 18 that her mother was a famous singer and she is now a millionaire, she can't wait to leave home and find out more about her. The second perspective is about Rhea's mother Lulabelle in 1967. Lulabelle also lost her mother at a young age and is determined to become a singer since she can always hear music. She leaves home after an incident and tries to make it big in Nashville. Both women have a hard road ahead of them. They both have to overcome secrets and lies as they try to find true love and a way to overcome the curse.
There were parts of this book that really drew me in as I wanted to know more about the curse and if Rhea was going to survive. On the other hand there were elements that I didn't care for such as drug abuse and even after the novel is over I feel like there are unanswered questions about what happened. I do find this book hard to classify as there are so many unique elements. It was dark and mysterious but there was also romance and characters trying to overcome obstacles. Overall, I think that anyone who is looking for something a little different would enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer is an electric story of resilience, love, freedom, heritence, and the power of music connecting generations. Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, this story is full of secrets, lies and betrayal that explore generational curses in a unique way.
The premise intrigued me instantly. Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three; not the daughter of a mother who left her at a young age to addiction. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is unsure if the curse is true.
With alternate POV in different timelines this book comes together nicely as it progresses. There was a twist at the end. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle but that may be to help build the tension and suspense because when the twist is revealed you almost feel like you are losing your mind right along side the characters.
Keep an open mind and just try this book. I did enjoy it and hope you will too!
Thanks NetGalley, Atria Books, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs. Here is my honest review.
The premise intrigued me instantly. Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three; not the daughter of a mother who left her at a young age to addiction. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is unsure if the curse is true.
With alternate POV in different timelines this book comes together nicely as it progresses. There was a twist at the end. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle but that may be to help build the tension and suspense because when the twist is revealed you almost feel like you are losing your mind right along side the characters.
Keep an open mind and just try this book. I did enjoy it and hope you will too!
Thanks NetGalley, Atria Books, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs. Here is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer was an eARC given to me by Atria Books on Netgalley. The premise sounded very interesting. Rhea finds out on her 18th birthday that her mother, who died when Rhea was 5, was really famous country star Belle Powers. Powers has left Rhea a fortune. And a family curse.
The novel has multiple timelines and POVs from Belle and Rhea (also spelled Ray in the book - not sure why?) Every woman in the family line will die at 33, says the curse. We follow Belle’s path as she counts down from 18 years old to 33, when the plane she was flying crashes into water. Rhea finds out who her mother really was on her 18th birthday and thus starts her countdown. It feels like Belle’s character takes heavily from Dolly Parton’s life but is a little more twisted. Rhea had a bad time growing up with her aunt and uncle and was happy to run to Nashville on Belle’s fortune to find out who she really is.
I felt like I was more connected to Belle’s character than I was to Rhea’s. I liked the twist at the end and the better explanation of the curse. I just wish it had come earlier in the book and been delved into a bit more.
A few small details took me out of the story (uncle in his underpants, but Belle could hear him mess with his buckle. (of his underpants??)) but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in the story from the get go.
The novel has multiple timelines and POVs from Belle and Rhea (also spelled Ray in the book - not sure why?) Every woman in the family line will die at 33, says the curse. We follow Belle’s path as she counts down from 18 years old to 33, when the plane she was flying crashes into water. Rhea finds out who her mother really was on her 18th birthday and thus starts her countdown. It feels like Belle’s character takes heavily from Dolly Parton’s life but is a little more twisted. Rhea had a bad time growing up with her aunt and uncle and was happy to run to Nashville on Belle’s fortune to find out who she really is.
I felt like I was more connected to Belle’s character than I was to Rhea’s. I liked the twist at the end and the better explanation of the curse. I just wish it had come earlier in the book and been delved into a bit more.
A few small details took me out of the story (uncle in his underpants, but Belle could hear him mess with his buckle. (of his underpants??)) but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in the story from the get go.
January 12, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Shuster for this eARC!!
-
Night Songs starts off with or main character Rhea on the day of her 18th birthday having learned her deceased mother who passed when she was 7 was actually a famous country star under the name Belle Powers (similar to that of the likes of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Kline, and Dolly Parton.) after we learn this the story then goes back and forth from her mothers perspective of her life story and how she came to Nashville and lived through fame. It is then discovered that all the women in this family have been cursed by the devil to die on their 33rd birthdays. We follow along with Rhea as she learns who her mother was and about her life and friends, and also learn with her about the real truth behind the curse.
-
This book was a phenomenal. I loved the way in which the characters lives flashed back and forth between mother and daughter. it felt as if we were learning who belle was alongside Rhea. This book felt similar to books like "the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and "great big beautiful life" in the ways in which it delved into the past. the ending OKAY now that had me shocked i did not expect it coming. i love an ending that shocks you and this definitely had that. i will be recommending this book to all the wild souls who feel the love of music deeply. this book is also great for anyone who has a mother wound.
-
Night Songs starts off with or main character Rhea on the day of her 18th birthday having learned her deceased mother who passed when she was 7 was actually a famous country star under the name Belle Powers (similar to that of the likes of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Kline, and Dolly Parton.) after we learn this the story then goes back and forth from her mothers perspective of her life story and how she came to Nashville and lived through fame. It is then discovered that all the women in this family have been cursed by the devil to die on their 33rd birthdays. We follow along with Rhea as she learns who her mother was and about her life and friends, and also learn with her about the real truth behind the curse.
-
This book was a phenomenal. I loved the way in which the characters lives flashed back and forth between mother and daughter. it felt as if we were learning who belle was alongside Rhea. This book felt similar to books like "the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and "great big beautiful life" in the ways in which it delved into the past. the ending OKAY now that had me shocked i did not expect it coming. i love an ending that shocks you and this definitely had that. i will be recommending this book to all the wild souls who feel the love of music deeply. this book is also great for anyone who has a mother wound.
November 14, 2025
Borrowing heavily upon Dolly Partons life, the author crafted a tale of curses and daughters.
I was fascinated and dove right into the book. The more I read, the more disconnected it began to feel.
For one thing, both the mother and the daughter had to stay with aunts and uncles. It was hard to keep each one straight. both sets of aunts and uncles were horrible.
The mother, Belle Powers, is this country legend, we get the back story of marrying to an older Nashville type who will help her, then she divorces him, falls into drugs, gets clean, gets pregnant and......how did she get famous? This was NEVER addressed. Tons of albums but the reader doesn't know what all happened between getting clean/pregnant and fame.
The daughter was told of the curse to die at age 33, but does absolutely NOTHING about it till the week of her birthday?! What had she been doing for years on end?
Then the end is a twist but it was almost a let down because at some point her mother could have stood up and said I did this to break the curse, and yet she never did.
Overall this is a good story, but just disjointed storytelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I was fascinated and dove right into the book. The more I read, the more disconnected it began to feel.
For one thing, both the mother and the daughter had to stay with aunts and uncles. It was hard to keep each one straight. both sets of aunts and uncles were horrible.
The mother, Belle Powers, is this country legend, we get the back story of marrying to an older Nashville type who will help her, then she divorces him, falls into drugs, gets clean, gets pregnant and......how did she get famous? This was NEVER addressed. Tons of albums but the reader doesn't know what all happened between getting clean/pregnant and fame.
The daughter was told of the curse to die at age 33, but does absolutely NOTHING about it till the week of her birthday?! What had she been doing for years on end?
Then the end is a twist but it was almost a let down because at some point her mother could have stood up and said I did this to break the curse, and yet she never did.
Overall this is a good story, but just disjointed storytelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
February 2, 2026
First, this book was such an interesting premise. I liked the elements of magical realism and the way the story was written between two timelines, following Rhea and her mother, Lulabelle. It was easy to tell who was who when I read each section. Belle sounded exactly how I imagined her to sound. Also, the multi-generational curse was such an interesting theme to explore. The music and lyrics scattered throughout the story were really beautiful and I think really added a lot to developing the story.
I think the part that dragged a little for me was the drug use and the Tate storyline. It didn’t seem to build towards anything other than how Belle went from being with Hess to explaining how she had a baby. Also, the ending was also a little disappointing. My expectations were built up to see a confrontation between the supernatural elements of the story and I just didn’t get the closure I was hoping for.
Overall, I liked the book. It kept me engaged and I overall, I liked how different the story felt from other books I read. I liked that it was set with a country music backdrop - it really added to the intrigue.
Note: I was given an early preview of this book in order to provide my honest opinion.
I think the part that dragged a little for me was the drug use and the Tate storyline. It didn’t seem to build towards anything other than how Belle went from being with Hess to explaining how she had a baby. Also, the ending was also a little disappointing. My expectations were built up to see a confrontation between the supernatural elements of the story and I just didn’t get the closure I was hoping for.
Overall, I liked the book. It kept me engaged and I overall, I liked how different the story felt from other books I read. I liked that it was set with a country music backdrop - it really added to the intrigue.
Note: I was given an early preview of this book in order to provide my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars for this one. I've been on a steady diet of cozy murder mysteries, so this book really broke the mold for me. The cover was intriguing, as is the story. Told from two different perspectives (Lou and her daughter Rhea), it is a multi-generational story of trauma, overcoming near-impossible odds, found family and finding yourself. There was a consistent thread of horror throughout this story which really gripped me!
Where it fell a bit short for me was in connecting to the characters. The story ebbed and flowed and swelled like ocean waves on a shore, which was lovely. But I just could not make that connection to Rhea or Lou. And I know that's more of a me thing, rather than an author thing. I just wasn't as engaged in their stories as I was in the entire premise of the novel. I started to feel like Lou was a down-on-her-luck Dolly Parton stand-in with a side of horror, which took me out of the story and had it feel a touch less original.
However, the writing style and the premise of the book were good, and I enjoyed the break from my usual fare of mysteries. I'd like to extend a big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books (publisher) for the digital copy of this book.
Where it fell a bit short for me was in connecting to the characters. The story ebbed and flowed and swelled like ocean waves on a shore, which was lovely. But I just could not make that connection to Rhea or Lou. And I know that's more of a me thing, rather than an author thing. I just wasn't as engaged in their stories as I was in the entire premise of the novel. I started to feel like Lou was a down-on-her-luck Dolly Parton stand-in with a side of horror, which took me out of the story and had it feel a touch less original.
However, the writing style and the premise of the book were good, and I enjoyed the break from my usual fare of mysteries. I'd like to extend a big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books (publisher) for the digital copy of this book.
November 16, 2025
Reviewed for NetGalley:
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns her late mother was none other than Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, a legendary country singer. Inheriting Belle’s estate, Rhea travels to Nashville to uncover her mother’s past. Years later, she discovers Belle believed the women in their family were cursed to die at thirty-three—the same age Belle perished in a plane crash. As Rhea nears that age herself, she feels the curse closing in and turns to Belle’s unpublished album Night Songs for answers, finding connections that reshape her identity and destiny.
Night Songs is a sweeping tale of inheritance, music, and the haunting pull of family legacy. The novel alternates between Rhea’s search for truth and Belle’s rise to stardom, weaving together themes of resilience and superstition. The Nashville setting adds richness, grounding the mystery in the heart of country music.
However, the dual perspectives—while ambitious—sometimes slow the pacing. Belle’s chapters provide valuable backstory, but they occasionally dilute the urgency of Rhea’s unfolding curse. Readers may find themselves more invested in Rhea’s tense countdown to thirty-three than in Belle’s earlier struggles, making the split narrative feel uneven.
Still, the novel’s emotional core shines: the bond between mother and daughter, even across time, is deeply moving. The discovery of Night Songs as a hidden album is a powerful metaphor for reclaiming silenced voices and confronting inherited fears.
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns her late mother was none other than Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, a legendary country singer. Inheriting Belle’s estate, Rhea travels to Nashville to uncover her mother’s past. Years later, she discovers Belle believed the women in their family were cursed to die at thirty-three—the same age Belle perished in a plane crash. As Rhea nears that age herself, she feels the curse closing in and turns to Belle’s unpublished album Night Songs for answers, finding connections that reshape her identity and destiny.
Night Songs is a sweeping tale of inheritance, music, and the haunting pull of family legacy. The novel alternates between Rhea’s search for truth and Belle’s rise to stardom, weaving together themes of resilience and superstition. The Nashville setting adds richness, grounding the mystery in the heart of country music.
However, the dual perspectives—while ambitious—sometimes slow the pacing. Belle’s chapters provide valuable backstory, but they occasionally dilute the urgency of Rhea’s unfolding curse. Readers may find themselves more invested in Rhea’s tense countdown to thirty-three than in Belle’s earlier struggles, making the split narrative feel uneven.
Still, the novel’s emotional core shines: the bond between mother and daughter, even across time, is deeply moving. The discovery of Night Songs as a hidden album is a powerful metaphor for reclaiming silenced voices and confronting inherited fears.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to Atria Books and Alli Dyer for an ARC of this novel through NetGalley!
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns that her life has been a lie. Her mother didn’t abandon her due to drugs, but was a country music star who passed away from a family curse. A curse that all women die at the age of 33. This novel follows Rheq in her journey of discovery through the years. As she comes closer to age 33, she finds that she is weighed down by the same demons as her mother. But what does it take to break a family curse?
This is a story of generational trauma, the bonds that connect us, and the love between our chosen family. Lou really gave me Stevie Nicks/Dolly Parton vibes and I LOVED IT. To see how much this mother/daughter duo was so different and the same was beautiful. It was a bit hard to differentiate between the two narrators but I also wonder how much of this was on purpose. I definitely was much more interested in Rhea as we got closer to her 33rd birthday than I was hearing about Lulabelle and her life. BUT, we can’t have one without the other! Overall, a great read. I truly did enjoy this one.
Releasing on 08/11/2026
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns that her life has been a lie. Her mother didn’t abandon her due to drugs, but was a country music star who passed away from a family curse. A curse that all women die at the age of 33. This novel follows Rheq in her journey of discovery through the years. As she comes closer to age 33, she finds that she is weighed down by the same demons as her mother. But what does it take to break a family curse?
This is a story of generational trauma, the bonds that connect us, and the love between our chosen family. Lou really gave me Stevie Nicks/Dolly Parton vibes and I LOVED IT. To see how much this mother/daughter duo was so different and the same was beautiful. It was a bit hard to differentiate between the two narrators but I also wonder how much of this was on purpose. I definitely was much more interested in Rhea as we got closer to her 33rd birthday than I was hearing about Lulabelle and her life. BUT, we can’t have one without the other! Overall, a great read. I truly did enjoy this one.
Releasing on 08/11/2026
December 4, 2025
🎼🎼🎼
I loved Alli Dyer's debut book [Strange Folk] so much and was beyond joyful and endlessly gratefull to be able to read this one as an ARC. Glad to say, my expectations were right. This one is written astonishingly too.
The style and atmosphere the book translates are overworldly. I could physically feel the music, I heard all the sounds surrounding the characters, I lived the moments of their live. It is an unforgettable experience.
We follow the lifes of the mother in 1967-> and her daughter in 1995->. Fearless, powerfull women following their dreams and freedom. I absolutely adored our main characters and the Lou's girls group, but the men were kind of secondary and bland. I wasn't interested in any of them as characters.
At some point in the very beginning the plot moved as a classical coming into an unexpected inheritance novel, but developed so strongly further!
I'm in awe of how this all turned out in the end. I won't say anything more, just go read it and you will be in tears and admiring this absolute gorgeousness of a book!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved Alli Dyer's debut book [Strange Folk] so much and was beyond joyful and endlessly gratefull to be able to read this one as an ARC. Glad to say, my expectations were right. This one is written astonishingly too.
The style and atmosphere the book translates are overworldly. I could physically feel the music, I heard all the sounds surrounding the characters, I lived the moments of their live. It is an unforgettable experience.
We follow the lifes of the mother in 1967-> and her daughter in 1995->. Fearless, powerfull women following their dreams and freedom. I absolutely adored our main characters and the Lou's girls group, but the men were kind of secondary and bland. I wasn't interested in any of them as characters.
At some point in the very beginning the plot moved as a classical coming into an unexpected inheritance novel, but developed so strongly further!
I'm in awe of how this all turned out in the end. I won't say anything more, just go read it and you will be in tears and admiring this absolute gorgeousness of a book!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 13, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. When Rhea turns 18, she learns that her mother was the legendary country singer Belle - she also learns that she now has inherited a very large estate. Rhea heads to Nashville to learn about the mother she hardly knew; in that endeavor, she knows she is missing some key information. Years later, her mother's best friend tells Rhea that her mother believed in a curse that all the women in her family are meant to die at age 33 - which happened to be Belle's age when she died. Rhea begins to believe there is truth to this curse, and feels it permeating her own life. Rhea uses her mother's music to begin to make sense of this curse and the feelings that Rhea is experiencing.
This was an unique read, and provided alternating storylines, so readers were well-rounded between Rhea's and Belle's stories. This was a wonderful exploration of the power of family and relationships, all told within the realm of music - heartfelt and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an unique read, and provided alternating storylines, so readers were well-rounded between Rhea's and Belle's stories. This was a wonderful exploration of the power of family and relationships, all told within the realm of music - heartfelt and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Night Songs is a story about family relationships, generational trauma and finding your own freedom. It follows Rhea, who just recently learned that her mother was a famous country music star instead of the neglectful junkie she was told about. Rhea travels to Nashville to learn more about her mother while the reader gets an alternating POV from the perspective of mom (Lulabelle Powers) that details her music career and personal life. There is something that plagues their family - apparently, there’s a curse on all of the women where they die at 33 because of a long ago deal with the devil.
The premise sounded really intriguing and fantastical but it fell just a little flat to me towards the ending. Some parts seemed to drag and I think I was expecting more magical realism (which is something I’ve been really into recently). It tended to remind me of stories like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” based on the overlying themes and character. I liked how the author told the story and think it could be a fun read for most people.
The premise sounded really intriguing and fantastical but it fell just a little flat to me towards the ending. Some parts seemed to drag and I think I was expecting more magical realism (which is something I’ve been really into recently). It tended to remind me of stories like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” based on the overlying themes and character. I liked how the author told the story and think it could be a fun read for most people.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25 ⭐️
Told in dual POV and dual timelines, 𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓼 tells the story of Belle, a mysterious country music singer in the 70s, and Rhea, her daughter who never got a chance to know her. Belle believes that the women of her family have made a deal with the devil - a curse that each of the women in the familial line will die at age 33. Interwoven with touches of magical realism, the narrative tells the tale of each women and their countdowns to their fateful 33rd birthday.
Rhea and Belle are both intriguing characters, strong women with a mind of their own and with a touch of just a little something extra. Rhea's story of coming-of-age and into her fame in Nashville shines particularly bright. I loved leaning into that time and place, and enjoyed every bit of Rhea's story. The dual timelines worked particularly well.
I have ambivalent feelings about the ending - I wanted something a bit different. Overall, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you to Atria Books this beautiful ARC copy. #freebook That cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Told in dual POV and dual timelines, 𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓼 tells the story of Belle, a mysterious country music singer in the 70s, and Rhea, her daughter who never got a chance to know her. Belle believes that the women of her family have made a deal with the devil - a curse that each of the women in the familial line will die at age 33. Interwoven with touches of magical realism, the narrative tells the tale of each women and their countdowns to their fateful 33rd birthday.
Rhea and Belle are both intriguing characters, strong women with a mind of their own and with a touch of just a little something extra. Rhea's story of coming-of-age and into her fame in Nashville shines particularly bright. I loved leaning into that time and place, and enjoyed every bit of Rhea's story. The dual timelines worked particularly well.
I have ambivalent feelings about the ending - I wanted something a bit different. Overall, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you to Atria Books this beautiful ARC copy. #freebook That cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer — 4.25/5 Stars
Well damn—this was not what I expected when I requested the ARC. Night Songs is a haunting tale of generational heartbreak, buried sorrow, and the fierce devotion of a mother determined to break a family curse. Every woman in Rhea’s line has died at 33, ever since her great-grandmother struck a midnight deal with the devil on a crossroads in a remote Tennessee holler—at least, that’s the story everyone believes.
What unfolds is an emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural suspense with a deeply human exploration of legacy and love. I went in expecting a straightforward urban fantasy filled with ghosts and demons, but the dual timelines following Rhea and Belle kept me guessing right up to the final chapter.
I loved this story and will absolutely be following this author to see what they write next. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy to review
Well damn—this was not what I expected when I requested the ARC. Night Songs is a haunting tale of generational heartbreak, buried sorrow, and the fierce devotion of a mother determined to break a family curse. Every woman in Rhea’s line has died at 33, ever since her great-grandmother struck a midnight deal with the devil on a crossroads in a remote Tennessee holler—at least, that’s the story everyone believes.
What unfolds is an emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural suspense with a deeply human exploration of legacy and love. I went in expecting a straightforward urban fantasy filled with ghosts and demons, but the dual timelines following Rhea and Belle kept me guessing right up to the final chapter.
I loved this story and will absolutely be following this author to see what they write next. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy to review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can definitely say that this was not my usual book choice. I'm a romantasy fan but, as an old-school country music fan, this one piqued my interest. It was very engaging and there were enough twists and turns to keep me interested. In my mind, Belle was a cross between Dolly Parton and Diane Ladd (from "Alice" and totally because her name was Belle). The story is told from Belle's and Rhea's perspectives, jumping back and forth in time as we delve into the "curse" of the women in the family to die at 33.
I loved the relationships, romantic and friendships (even though they do hurt a little bit at times). The author dealt with LGBTQIA+ relationships and the racism experienced by Black entertainers very well.
If you love music, a plot steeped in a little suspense, generational stories, and a few surprises, this one might be for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
I loved the relationships, romantic and friendships (even though they do hurt a little bit at times). The author dealt with LGBTQIA+ relationships and the racism experienced by Black entertainers very well.
If you love music, a plot steeped in a little suspense, generational stories, and a few surprises, this one might be for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an interesting idea for a book that didn't quite pan out as I expected. I was engaged from the words "family curse," as the story tells of a famous country singer mother and her daughter who is raised by virtual strangers due to a family curse in which women in the family die at 33.
One of my issues with the book is that I just didn't care much about the characters. They weren't compelling enough to me to care.
What I did really like about the book was watching the women's visions come true about the curse. This was truly a visionary way to write
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
One of my issues with the book is that I just didn't care much about the characters. They weren't compelling enough to me to care.
What I did really like about the book was watching the women's visions come true about the curse. This was truly a visionary way to write
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of "Night Songs" by Alli Dyer!
The concept of this book is intriguing and it is very well written. It is told from 2 different perspectives and time lines, with the mother being the more interesting story, to me. I was often confused on the reality of situations in the book, but after reading, I completely understand why! It took me longer than usual to read this book as the story slowly moved forward throughout the book. The imagery is outstanding and I could place myself in each of the settings through the author's descriptions.
It is two women's journeys to understanding their life, with a deep musical influence with Nashville as a background. But it also so much more. It is labeled as Fantasy, as while it's not the new age Fantasy we see, it definitely falls in that category, but also Literary Fiction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to it's release.
The concept of this book is intriguing and it is very well written. It is told from 2 different perspectives and time lines, with the mother being the more interesting story, to me. I was often confused on the reality of situations in the book, but after reading, I completely understand why! It took me longer than usual to read this book as the story slowly moved forward throughout the book. The imagery is outstanding and I could place myself in each of the settings through the author's descriptions.
It is two women's journeys to understanding their life, with a deep musical influence with Nashville as a background. But it also so much more. It is labeled as Fantasy, as while it's not the new age Fantasy we see, it definitely falls in that category, but also Literary Fiction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to it's release.
November 20, 2025
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I got an advanced copy of this book from the publisher from netgalley for my honest review- The women of this family are cursed to die at the age of 33. Follow Rhea on her journey to learn about her famous country singer mother Belle Powers and along the way finding out about the family curse and she takes you along with her as she tries to figure it out and how to end it while also trying to navigate life and all that comes with it.
In my honest opinion i liked and enjoyed this book very much. I loved the mystery and thrill on every page, and i loved how the author takes the reader along with the characters in their journey to the point it almost makes you feel like you're right there beside them. Really great book and thank you so much netgalley and publisher/author for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely recommend!! :)
In my honest opinion i liked and enjoyed this book very much. I loved the mystery and thrill on every page, and i loved how the author takes the reader along with the characters in their journey to the point it almost makes you feel like you're right there beside them. Really great book and thank you so much netgalley and publisher/author for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely recommend!! :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The first half of this hit so beautifully: it felt haunted, with a sense of time wrapping around the neck like a noose. The Appalachian parts hit with the parts I spent time in as a kid — the sense of being haunted, the potential of the forest, the traditions at the edge of a map. I also adored the dual timelines and the story unspooling across both of them.
What didn't land quite as well was the ending. I loved how razor sharp the pacing of it was, but there were some points where I wished the book had dedicated more page space. It felt.... almost hesitant, both in a way that served the book, but also one where I wanted to sit in the feelings of the aftermath.
Either way, it was a sharp little story and I loved getting to sit with it.
The first half of this hit so beautifully: it felt haunted, with a sense of time wrapping around the neck like a noose. The Appalachian parts hit with the parts I spent time in as a kid — the sense of being haunted, the potential of the forest, the traditions at the edge of a map. I also adored the dual timelines and the story unspooling across both of them.
What didn't land quite as well was the ending. I loved how razor sharp the pacing of it was, but there were some points where I wished the book had dedicated more page space. It felt.... almost hesitant, both in a way that served the book, but also one where I wanted to sit in the feelings of the aftermath.
Either way, it was a sharp little story and I loved getting to sit with it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded down.
Night Songs has a lot going for it. I really enjoyed the dual timeline structure and the way Alli Dyer builds so many strong, compelling women at the center of each thread. The atmosphere is beautiful throughout. It's moody, melodic, and tinged with just enough mystery to keep the pages turning.
My lower rating comes down mostly to the ending. Without giving anything away, I was hoping the story would lean a bit further into the mysterious or the magical. The buildup is so rich that the resolution felt slightly flatter than what I’d been imagining.
Still, this is a well-crafted novel with vivid characters and an engaging sense of place. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for whatever Dyer writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alli Dyer, and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Night Songs has a lot going for it. I really enjoyed the dual timeline structure and the way Alli Dyer builds so many strong, compelling women at the center of each thread. The atmosphere is beautiful throughout. It's moody, melodic, and tinged with just enough mystery to keep the pages turning.
My lower rating comes down mostly to the ending. Without giving anything away, I was hoping the story would lean a bit further into the mysterious or the magical. The buildup is so rich that the resolution felt slightly flatter than what I’d been imagining.
Still, this is a well-crafted novel with vivid characters and an engaging sense of place. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for whatever Dyer writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alli Dyer, and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary eBook from the publisher via NetGalley and was ask to provide an honest review. Thank you to Atria Books and Alli Dyer for giving me access. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
Night Songs is told using two different perspectives, a mother and her daughter, each at a different time. When Rhea turned 18, she was introduced not only who her mom was but also her mother’s mysterious past. Rhea sets out to Nashville to discover what she can about her mother while feeling as if something is always right behind her.
Dyer did a superb job at writing the supporting characters; so much so , that it makes you interested in their journey as well.
Although not my one of my favorite books, this books provides a little bit of everything: Nashville music scene during two different time periods, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy.
Night Songs is told using two different perspectives, a mother and her daughter, each at a different time. When Rhea turned 18, she was introduced not only who her mom was but also her mother’s mysterious past. Rhea sets out to Nashville to discover what she can about her mother while feeling as if something is always right behind her.
Dyer did a superb job at writing the supporting characters; so much so , that it makes you interested in their journey as well.
Although not my one of my favorite books, this books provides a little bit of everything: Nashville music scene during two different time periods, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy.
February 17, 2026
Music books are really having a moment right now and I love when there’s something mysterious at the heart. Why did the band break up? What happened to the missing album? What if your mother was secretly famous? This book is about that last one, with Rhea trying to piece together the life of her country music legend mother, Belle. The dual timeline worked well enough, though I struggled to read about heavy drug use in Belle’s.
The Nashville setting felt less specific than I expected. For example, I've been to the Ryman, so I could picture the scene when Belle was there, but if I hadn't, the writing wouldn't have transported me. It's more about the people than the place or the songs. The strongest thread was about inheritance: not just what Rhea gets from her mother, but what she chooses to do with it.
The Nashville setting felt less specific than I expected. For example, I've been to the Ryman, so I could picture the scene when Belle was there, but if I hadn't, the writing wouldn't have transported me. It's more about the people than the place or the songs. The strongest thread was about inheritance: not just what Rhea gets from her mother, but what she chooses to do with it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews