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Buyer Beware
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26From the internationally bestselling author of 56 Days, a page-turning thriller about two women whose shattered lives come crashing together around a house whose secrets could bury them both.
If these walls could talk, they’d scream...
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn’t know is that her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets—and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
As Ellie starts to unravel the house’s disturbing backstory, coming closer to the shocking mystery at its center, she unwittingly puts herself on a deadly collision course not just with her new home’s history, but with her own as well.
A puzzle box of a thriller full of mind-boggling twists and turns, Buyer Beware is a chilling exploration of the dark secrets that any house can hold—and of the lengths we’ll go to start over.
If these walls could talk, they’d scream...
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn’t know is that her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets—and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
As Ellie starts to unravel the house’s disturbing backstory, coming closer to the shocking mystery at its center, she unwittingly puts herself on a deadly collision course not just with her new home’s history, but with her own as well.
A puzzle box of a thriller full of mind-boggling twists and turns, Buyer Beware is a chilling exploration of the dark secrets that any house can hold—and of the lengths we’ll go to start over.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
18829 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Howard
19 books4,522 followersCatherine Ryan Howard is an internationally bestselling crime writer from Cork, Ireland. Her debut novel, DISTRESS SIGNALS, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey/New Blood Dagger. THE LIAR'S GIRL (2018) was shortlisted for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. REWIND (2019) was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year and is currently being developed for screen by Clerkenwell Films (Misfits, Lovesick, The End of the F***ing World.) THE NOTHING MAN was a no. 1 Irish Times bestseller and a no. 1 Kindle bestseller (UK) and was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her latest novel, 56 DAYS, was published in August 2021. It is a thriller set in lockdown that Catherine wrote while she was in lockdown.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 3, 2026
Another mystery triumph from Catherine Ryan Howard—utterly unputdownable, heart-in-your-throat, edge-of-your-seat reading that has you flipping pages as fast as you can. This isn’t just good… it’s great. You’re swept into a whirlwind of shifting perspectives and timelines, with brilliantly executed characters, steadily escalating tension, cleverly planted twists, and mind-bending revelations. With its haunted-house atmosphere, domestic thriller intensity, and irresistible whodunnit vibes, this story grabs you and never lets go.
In the present day, we’re introduced to Ellie, a woman in her early forties who suddenly moves into 1 Delaney Row—a house whose abrupt sale has already made the neighbors uneasy. Ellie arrives with just one bag, carrying everything she owns… which isn’t much. She’s guarded to the point of paranoia, determined not to reveal a single detail about her past or her true identity, knowing that if it ever came to light, it would destroy her chance at a fresh start. But someone seems equally determined to disturb her fragile new life. There are break-ins. Acts of vandalism. Intrusions that happen twice in a frighteningly short time. Ellie becomes convinced that someone knows exactly who she is—and that they’re watching her from inside or around the house.
Could it be Sophie, the neighbor who lives with her brother Alex and had previously tried to buy the house herself? Or the nosy neighbor who keeps snapping photos, posting cryptic messages in the neighborhood WhatsApp group, only to delete them moments later? The sense of menace is constant, and the question lingers: is Ellie being hunted… and if so, why?
We’re also taken back in time through two other compelling points of view. First, Erin—whose life we follow from the age of eighteen: a bright, science-obsessed young woman with enormous potential, eventually becoming a virologist. Her future seems limitless until one night at a party at Bruce College, where she meets Jason, the man she believes is the love of her life. Slowly, heartbreakingly, Erin begins reshaping her dreams and choices around his demands—choices that pull her away from her ambitions and the people who once mattered most.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah—ambitious, creative, and independent. She’s built a successful brand called Curated, selling candles, ceramics, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, with her own shop in one of the town’s most prestigious areas. In her early thirties, Hannah finds herself gradually drifting away from her married friends, but she’s content with her freedom and the life she’s created… until she, too, meets Jason—the same man to whom Erin once devoted everything.
How do these women’s stories intersect?
Why is Ellie running?
Who is targeting her?
And what dark secrets does 1 Delaney Row hide within its walls?
You’ll want to grab your copy immediately to find out.
I adored everything about this book. I deeply connected with these characters—even the psychologically damaged ones—because every action they take is driven by the raw need to survive and claim their own freedom. This is, without a doubt, one of Catherine Ryan Howard’s finest works, and I’m awarding it five shining feminist stars with my whole heart.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this brilliant thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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In the present day, we’re introduced to Ellie, a woman in her early forties who suddenly moves into 1 Delaney Row—a house whose abrupt sale has already made the neighbors uneasy. Ellie arrives with just one bag, carrying everything she owns… which isn’t much. She’s guarded to the point of paranoia, determined not to reveal a single detail about her past or her true identity, knowing that if it ever came to light, it would destroy her chance at a fresh start. But someone seems equally determined to disturb her fragile new life. There are break-ins. Acts of vandalism. Intrusions that happen twice in a frighteningly short time. Ellie becomes convinced that someone knows exactly who she is—and that they’re watching her from inside or around the house.
Could it be Sophie, the neighbor who lives with her brother Alex and had previously tried to buy the house herself? Or the nosy neighbor who keeps snapping photos, posting cryptic messages in the neighborhood WhatsApp group, only to delete them moments later? The sense of menace is constant, and the question lingers: is Ellie being hunted… and if so, why?
We’re also taken back in time through two other compelling points of view. First, Erin—whose life we follow from the age of eighteen: a bright, science-obsessed young woman with enormous potential, eventually becoming a virologist. Her future seems limitless until one night at a party at Bruce College, where she meets Jason, the man she believes is the love of her life. Slowly, heartbreakingly, Erin begins reshaping her dreams and choices around his demands—choices that pull her away from her ambitions and the people who once mattered most.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah—ambitious, creative, and independent. She’s built a successful brand called Curated, selling candles, ceramics, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, with her own shop in one of the town’s most prestigious areas. In her early thirties, Hannah finds herself gradually drifting away from her married friends, but she’s content with her freedom and the life she’s created… until she, too, meets Jason—the same man to whom Erin once devoted everything.
How do these women’s stories intersect?
Why is Ellie running?
Who is targeting her?
And what dark secrets does 1 Delaney Row hide within its walls?
You’ll want to grab your copy immediately to find out.
I adored everything about this book. I deeply connected with these characters—even the psychologically damaged ones—because every action they take is driven by the raw need to survive and claim their own freedom. This is, without a doubt, one of Catherine Ryan Howard’s finest works, and I’m awarding it five shining feminist stars with my whole heart.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this brilliant thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
December 31, 2025
4 Stars.
🏠 The vibes:
- unlikable characters
- Leans more mystery than thriller
- Slow paced
- House mysteries
🏠 My thoughts:
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn't know is that her new home is already hiding someone else's secrets-and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
🏠 I would go into this one for a slow paced, mystery. If you are expecting a fast paced thriller, you may be disappointed because the vibes are definitely less thriller and more mystery.
🏠 There’s some unlikable characters that are hard to root for- which I think can be common for this genre. Hannah is one of the most difficult and unlikable characters for me. I understood where she was coming from in several scenarios, but golly was she difficult to root for.
🏠 The mystery did have me guessing throughout and did keep me turning the pages. I’m not sure how believable everything is. At times I felt like it was maybe a bit too outlandish, but I did overall enjoy the read.
🏠 Whether you love this book or not, I insist that you read 56 Days. It’s a must read and probably one of my favorite books of all time. It’s the book that always keeps me coming back to this author’s work.
Note- language (f*)
Release date: July 28, 2026.
Thank you so much to Catherine Ryan Howard, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
🏠 The vibes:
- unlikable characters
- Leans more mystery than thriller
- Slow paced
- House mysteries
🏠 My thoughts:
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn't know is that her new home is already hiding someone else's secrets-and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
🏠 I would go into this one for a slow paced, mystery. If you are expecting a fast paced thriller, you may be disappointed because the vibes are definitely less thriller and more mystery.
🏠 There’s some unlikable characters that are hard to root for- which I think can be common for this genre. Hannah is one of the most difficult and unlikable characters for me. I understood where she was coming from in several scenarios, but golly was she difficult to root for.
🏠 The mystery did have me guessing throughout and did keep me turning the pages. I’m not sure how believable everything is. At times I felt like it was maybe a bit too outlandish, but I did overall enjoy the read.
🏠 Whether you love this book or not, I insist that you read 56 Days. It’s a must read and probably one of my favorite books of all time. It’s the book that always keeps me coming back to this author’s work.
Note- language (f*)
Release date: July 28, 2026.
Thank you so much to Catherine Ryan Howard, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
January 4, 2026
I love Catherine Ryan Howard’s books but unfortunately this missed the mark for me. This was an extreme slow burn with a heavy back story for both Erin and Hannah. I found myself not caring about the characters and only interested in the present day mystery surrounding Ellie. Everything did come together in the end but it wasn’t enough to make up for the sluggish first half of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
February 26, 2026
This book was alright, but definitely a slow burn. More of a mystery than a thriller. It did keep me guessing until the end, but there was a ton of backstory then the ending wrapped up super quick.
February 5, 2026
The story begins in the present day with Ellie, who appears to be running away from something, moving into 1 Delaney Row. But someone is definitely not wanting her living there. In her first couple of days there, the house is broken into, vandalized and destroyed. She makes it her mission to find out who is out to get her.
Then, the story goes back in time, and we are introduced to Erin, who has her whole world ahead of her as she is about to head to college. Her boyfriend, Jason, doesn’t seem to be heading in the same direction as her but their relationship stands the test of time and they end up getting married. Over the years, Erin starts to feel trapped & held back from all the dreams that she had for herself.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah, a very smart, independent woman who has built her own business and has no time for relationships and is rather happy with her independence. That is, until she neets Jason (yes, Erin’s Jason).
How will these women’s lives intersect? And who is sabotaging Ellie’s home? And what secrets is this house keeping? I found this book to be fast-paced once you got to know all of the characters, and there were a lot of twists & turns to unpack.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Then, the story goes back in time, and we are introduced to Erin, who has her whole world ahead of her as she is about to head to college. Her boyfriend, Jason, doesn’t seem to be heading in the same direction as her but their relationship stands the test of time and they end up getting married. Over the years, Erin starts to feel trapped & held back from all the dreams that she had for herself.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah, a very smart, independent woman who has built her own business and has no time for relationships and is rather happy with her independence. That is, until she neets Jason (yes, Erin’s Jason).
How will these women’s lives intersect? And who is sabotaging Ellie’s home? And what secrets is this house keeping? I found this book to be fast-paced once you got to know all of the characters, and there were a lot of twists & turns to unpack.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 15, 2026
4.5 stars
Unsurprisingly, Catherine Ryan Howard nailed it again! I really enjoy this author’s books and was not disappointed by this one. It’s definitely more of a slow burn (which I really like) and wraps up perfectly in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Unsurprisingly, Catherine Ryan Howard nailed it again! I really enjoy this author’s books and was not disappointed by this one. It’s definitely more of a slow burn (which I really like) and wraps up perfectly in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
December 11, 2025oooooooooooh I love this author!! I can't wait for this one!
Pub Date: 07/2026
Pub Date: 07/2026
February 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the gifted ARC!
I have been a fan of Catherine Ryan Howard for a few years, when I was browsing my library’s shelves and happened upon 56 Days. Jumping into this one was a bit confusing at first, just because I wasn’t sure what was going on. While it was a slow, slow burn, I really enjoyed how the story came together. I wasn’t expecting the big twist at the end, and the author did a great job with the spooky atmosphere. There are 3 POVs and getting most sides of the story really helped build the suspense.
This is one that draws you in but you have to hang on for the crazy and satisfying ending. If you enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers, with a hint of creepy and possibly haunted house; I would definitely recommend you check this one out!
I have been a fan of Catherine Ryan Howard for a few years, when I was browsing my library’s shelves and happened upon 56 Days. Jumping into this one was a bit confusing at first, just because I wasn’t sure what was going on. While it was a slow, slow burn, I really enjoyed how the story came together. I wasn’t expecting the big twist at the end, and the author did a great job with the spooky atmosphere. There are 3 POVs and getting most sides of the story really helped build the suspense.
This is one that draws you in but you have to hang on for the crazy and satisfying ending. If you enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers, with a hint of creepy and possibly haunted house; I would definitely recommend you check this one out!
March 2, 2026
I really loved this one. From the start, the alternating POV chapters pulled me in and kept me constantly guessing about what was actually going on. Each perspective added new tension and made it hard to trust anyone.
I did not see the twists coming at all. I found myself feeling for the women, while the men made me uneasy and difficult to trust. I was also strangely worried about the neighbors and what they might know, which added another layer of suspense.
The story unfolds slowly at first, but once everything starts to unravel, I absolutely did not want to put it down. Every reveal pulled me in deeper.
I especially loved how everything tied back to the house and its secrets. It really makes you wonder what a home can hide, and whether the truth can ever stay buried.
A twisty, suspenseful read with a satisfying ending that made the whole journey worth it.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThnEmxFo/
I did not see the twists coming at all. I found myself feeling for the women, while the men made me uneasy and difficult to trust. I was also strangely worried about the neighbors and what they might know, which added another layer of suspense.
The story unfolds slowly at first, but once everything starts to unravel, I absolutely did not want to put it down. Every reveal pulled me in deeper.
I especially loved how everything tied back to the house and its secrets. It really makes you wonder what a home can hide, and whether the truth can ever stay buried.
A twisty, suspenseful read with a satisfying ending that made the whole journey worth it.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThnEmxFo/
February 4, 2026
•Ellie was hoping for a quiet fresh start when she moved into 1 Delaney Row. Instead, she was met with creepy messages, strangers trying to break into her house, and a bunch of decades-old secrets.
•Buyer Beware is so much more than I was expecting! I thought it was just going to be about a house, but seeing as how it is a Catherine Ryan Howard book, I should’ve known it was going to be so much more than that!
•Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. It will become available on July 28, 2026.
•Buyer Beware is so much more than I was expecting! I thought it was just going to be about a house, but seeing as how it is a Catherine Ryan Howard book, I should’ve known it was going to be so much more than that!
•Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. It will become available on July 28, 2026.
March 16, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review
The talented Catherine Ryan Howard has once again delivered a knock out story. The tension is there from the start and builds up rapidly as we are slowly drip fed the storyline. A plot that is rich in atmosphere and mystery cleverly put together and will keep you guessing until the very end. Told from different POV and timelines adds to the intrigue and although slightly confusing at the start it does come together very nicely. Some great twists that I didn't see coming which always adds to the enjoyment. All the stars for this one
January 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Classic Catherine Ryan Howard twists. I’d rate it a 4.25 stars. A couple twists I saw coming but a few I didn’t. I also think the house could have played a larger part of the story in general without spoilers. But yeah, definitely recommend it for fans of her other books!
January 31, 2026
Review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I disliked all the character's in this book minus the group who loves murder mystery houses but I think that was the point of the book. This was definitely twisty, which I enjoy greatly, and overall was challenging to figure out where it was going. Some parts were choppy but overall I was engaged and wanted to know what was going to happen.
Thank you for the ARC copy NetGallery!
Thank you for the ARC copy NetGallery!
February 24, 2026
Quite the page turner! Hoping for a few more twists and didn’t need to be so long but overall pretty good
tbr-arc
December 8, 2025a new book from Catherine Ryan Howard? yes, please!
*thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC*
*thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC*
February 18, 2026
Okay- this one caught me completely by surprise, and held me hostage until I finished it. What starts out as a potential haunted house thriller quickly turns into something completely different. The story is presented from multiple POVs, with different timelines that converge as things are revealed. I can honestly say that I had no idea where it was going, and absolutely loved how Catherine Ryan Howard chose to have it all play out. No notes, running to pick up more of her books. Highly recommend if you enjoy true crime, murder mysteries, or feel personally victimized by the current housing market. Buyer Beware releases on July 28, 2026.
Thank you Simon & Schuster (via NetGalley widget) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.
Thank you Simon & Schuster (via NetGalley widget) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While the premise had a lot of potential, this one didn’t work for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, who felt flat and difficult to invest in emotionally, making it hard to care about the stakes as the story unfolded.
There are some intriguing ideas at the core, and the central mystery could have been compelling, but the execution didn’t fully come together. Instead of feeling like a tightly constructed thriller, it felt uneven and slower than expected. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t keep me engaged.
There are some intriguing ideas at the core, and the central mystery could have been compelling, but the execution didn’t fully come together. Instead of feeling like a tightly constructed thriller, it felt uneven and slower than expected. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t keep me engaged.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first ARC sent to my by a publisher based on my other reads. I was very excited, but this was a rough read.
I hate to not have a glowing review. This story and concept has so much potential, but the writing is confusing and it felt a little Scooby Doo. I don't want to give any spoilers, but maybe you'll understand what I mean. I also felt like I didn't know any of the characters, despite some too long back stories. I do appreciate being thought of to give my opinion, wish I had a better review.
I hate to not have a glowing review. This story and concept has so much potential, but the writing is confusing and it felt a little Scooby Doo. I don't want to give any spoilers, but maybe you'll understand what I mean. I also felt like I didn't know any of the characters, despite some too long back stories. I do appreciate being thought of to give my opinion, wish I had a better review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In “Buyer Beware,” Catherine Ryan Howard delivers a layered, slow-burn mystery that combines domestic secrets, shifting identities, and the lingering ghosts of past relationships into a puzzle that gradually locks into place. While the book’s pacing and structure may be a struggle at times, its payoff is undeniably satisfying; this book proves that houses can keep secrets just as effectively as the people who live in them.
At the center of the story is Ellie, newly arrived at 1 Delaney Row with little more than a single bag and a fierce determination to start over. She’s broke, wary, and desperately clinging to anonymity, but her new beginning quickly fractures when someone breaks into her house not once, but twice. The neighbors watch, rumors swirl, and the sense of unease grows: does someone know who Ellie really is?
Howard deepens that suspense by shifting between two additional perspectives set in the past, Erin and Hannah, whose lives both orbit the same manipulative man, Jason. Erin’s bright future slowly erodes under his control, while years later, Hannah falls into the same trap without knowing he’s already married. Their timelines echo one another with painful clarity: gaslighting, financial manipulation, misplaced loyalty, and the way blame so often lands on women instead of the man pulling the strings. At first, these shifts can be confusing, especially as the chapters move between characters without clear boundaries, but as the threads tighten, the picture becomes sharper. Eventually, the biggest reveal lands regarding both Ellie and Hannah, and the secrets of Hannah’s past may be tied to what’s happening in Ellie’s home now.
Those looking for a high-adrenaline thriller may find the pace too deliberate, the emotional backstories too extended, and the first half weighed down by uncertainty. But those who enjoy mysteries driven by atmosphere and character will appreciate how the story takes its time peeling back layers. The house itself becomes a quiet focal point; its former tenants, its hidden history, and the secrets buried within its walls all converge into a finale that ties together the separate timelines and confirms that some skeletons really do linger.
Overall, I would consider “Buyer Beware” to be more mystery than thriller: slower in tempo, rich in character work, and built around the often-overlooked horrors of emotional manipulation and reinvention. The opening can feel disorienting, but once the pieces fall into place, the ending is both cohesive and chilling. This book is perfect for readers who love domestic mysteries full of secrets, gradual revelations, and haunted atmospheres—not by spirits, but by the past.
In “Buyer Beware,” Catherine Ryan Howard delivers a layered, slow-burn mystery that combines domestic secrets, shifting identities, and the lingering ghosts of past relationships into a puzzle that gradually locks into place. While the book’s pacing and structure may be a struggle at times, its payoff is undeniably satisfying; this book proves that houses can keep secrets just as effectively as the people who live in them.
At the center of the story is Ellie, newly arrived at 1 Delaney Row with little more than a single bag and a fierce determination to start over. She’s broke, wary, and desperately clinging to anonymity, but her new beginning quickly fractures when someone breaks into her house not once, but twice. The neighbors watch, rumors swirl, and the sense of unease grows: does someone know who Ellie really is?
Howard deepens that suspense by shifting between two additional perspectives set in the past, Erin and Hannah, whose lives both orbit the same manipulative man, Jason. Erin’s bright future slowly erodes under his control, while years later, Hannah falls into the same trap without knowing he’s already married. Their timelines echo one another with painful clarity: gaslighting, financial manipulation, misplaced loyalty, and the way blame so often lands on women instead of the man pulling the strings. At first, these shifts can be confusing, especially as the chapters move between characters without clear boundaries, but as the threads tighten, the picture becomes sharper. Eventually, the biggest reveal lands regarding both Ellie and Hannah, and the secrets of Hannah’s past may be tied to what’s happening in Ellie’s home now.
Those looking for a high-adrenaline thriller may find the pace too deliberate, the emotional backstories too extended, and the first half weighed down by uncertainty. But those who enjoy mysteries driven by atmosphere and character will appreciate how the story takes its time peeling back layers. The house itself becomes a quiet focal point; its former tenants, its hidden history, and the secrets buried within its walls all converge into a finale that ties together the separate timelines and confirms that some skeletons really do linger.
Overall, I would consider “Buyer Beware” to be more mystery than thriller: slower in tempo, rich in character work, and built around the often-overlooked horrors of emotional manipulation and reinvention. The opening can feel disorienting, but once the pieces fall into place, the ending is both cohesive and chilling. This book is perfect for readers who love domestic mysteries full of secrets, gradual revelations, and haunted atmospheres—not by spirits, but by the past.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reader Beware- this is not the chilling, page-turning thriller as described in the book description. If you are looking for a house that is holding secrets, you will get that. More than that you will find a story about women scorned, and the secrets they are trying to overcome.
This story starts off with Eleanor/Ellie as the newest owner of 1 Delaney Row. Ellie is glad to finally have a fresh start in a new neighborhood. Upon arriving in her new home, Ellie meets her neighbors Alex and Sophie, who invite her into their neighborhood group chat. It is on that group chat that Ellie sees a disturbing message about her new home…
We then have Erin’s chapters throughout the book that start from the year 2000. Erin was a high achiever until she met a young man named, Jason. After dating for several years, Erin and Jason finally get married. However, I’m not sure if either of them were ever very happy with each other.
We also have the chapters of Hannah. Hannah is a successful business owner, who runs her own homewares brand. Hannah is the only single one left out of her friend group, and she finds she doesn’t have much in common with her married friends anymore. Her friends and family think Hannah is lonely. Hannah finds herself extremely independent and not alone.
As we go back and forth between the different POV’s and chapters, Ellie finds out there is a Murder House Club on Facebook, and 1 Delaney Row is listed on their page. Are members from that club trying to get into her house at night? And who has been vandalizing her home?
Don’t worry, everything will be answered for you as you read this book. You will also see that each character has a backstory, which of course led us to their present day actions. I unfortunately was not blown away with any of the reveals, and I think I was expecting something a little more sinister from this book.
This may not have been my favorite book by Catherine Ryan Howard, but I am still looking forward to reading what she writes next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for a DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Publication date: July 28, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers, & Women’s Fiction
This story starts off with Eleanor/Ellie as the newest owner of 1 Delaney Row. Ellie is glad to finally have a fresh start in a new neighborhood. Upon arriving in her new home, Ellie meets her neighbors Alex and Sophie, who invite her into their neighborhood group chat. It is on that group chat that Ellie sees a disturbing message about her new home…
We then have Erin’s chapters throughout the book that start from the year 2000. Erin was a high achiever until she met a young man named, Jason. After dating for several years, Erin and Jason finally get married. However, I’m not sure if either of them were ever very happy with each other.
We also have the chapters of Hannah. Hannah is a successful business owner, who runs her own homewares brand. Hannah is the only single one left out of her friend group, and she finds she doesn’t have much in common with her married friends anymore. Her friends and family think Hannah is lonely. Hannah finds herself extremely independent and not alone.
As we go back and forth between the different POV’s and chapters, Ellie finds out there is a Murder House Club on Facebook, and 1 Delaney Row is listed on their page. Are members from that club trying to get into her house at night? And who has been vandalizing her home?
Don’t worry, everything will be answered for you as you read this book. You will also see that each character has a backstory, which of course led us to their present day actions. I unfortunately was not blown away with any of the reveals, and I think I was expecting something a little more sinister from this book.
This may not have been my favorite book by Catherine Ryan Howard, but I am still looking forward to reading what she writes next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for a DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Publication date: July 28, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers, & Women’s Fiction
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️
Catherine Ryan Howard has been an automatic read for me in the Irish crime fiction genre. Her upcoming release intrigued me because of the creepy house element.
This novel has three POVs: Ellie, who just bought the house at 1 Delaney Row. Upon moving in, her house is immediately broken into, and she feels someone wants her out right away. The reader also learns that 1 Delaney Row has a checkered past. Then there’s Erin, who marries Jason as a young woman. And then there’s Hannah, who is also linked to Jason about 10 years later. Jason isn’t a great guy, so if you like women getting back at despicable men, this could work for you.
➕ Slow burn without a ton of twists and turns. I don’t particularly like crazy plot twist after crazy plot twist, so I did appreciate sinking into these characters. At about the halfway point, things start coming together. I can imagine that there’s some readers that might not like slower-moving, character-driven suspense and want to get to the action. So, for those, this would definitely be a negative.
➕ Ominous vibe but not scary. I was quite fine reading this after dark.
➖ While most of this novel is a slow burn (I don’t mind at all, I actually like a slow burn), some elements about the house’s history wrap up VERY quickly at the end. And those gave me the CREEPS, and I would have loved to have learned about them earlier and explored those more. They are a spoiler but let’s just say they are spine-tingling and probably one of my worst fears.
➖ This wasn’t my favorite in the Catherine Ryan Howard canon. I’m likely an outlier, but I enjoyed THE TRAP and THE NOTHING MAN by her the most. This is still a solid read, just not quite as suspenseful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 28, 2026.
Catherine Ryan Howard has been an automatic read for me in the Irish crime fiction genre. Her upcoming release intrigued me because of the creepy house element.
This novel has three POVs: Ellie, who just bought the house at 1 Delaney Row. Upon moving in, her house is immediately broken into, and she feels someone wants her out right away. The reader also learns that 1 Delaney Row has a checkered past. Then there’s Erin, who marries Jason as a young woman. And then there’s Hannah, who is also linked to Jason about 10 years later. Jason isn’t a great guy, so if you like women getting back at despicable men, this could work for you.
➕ Slow burn without a ton of twists and turns. I don’t particularly like crazy plot twist after crazy plot twist, so I did appreciate sinking into these characters. At about the halfway point, things start coming together. I can imagine that there’s some readers that might not like slower-moving, character-driven suspense and want to get to the action. So, for those, this would definitely be a negative.
➕ Ominous vibe but not scary. I was quite fine reading this after dark.
➖ While most of this novel is a slow burn (I don’t mind at all, I actually like a slow burn), some elements about the house’s history wrap up VERY quickly at the end. And those gave me the CREEPS, and I would have loved to have learned about them earlier and explored those more. They are a spoiler but let’s just say they are spine-tingling and probably one of my worst fears.
➖ This wasn’t my favorite in the Catherine Ryan Howard canon. I’m likely an outlier, but I enjoyed THE TRAP and THE NOTHING MAN by her the most. This is still a solid read, just not quite as suspenseful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 28, 2026.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.
This is a slow burn mystery by Catherine Howard. The story begins with the audience meeting Ellie. Ellie has recently moved into one Delaney row, a house that she apparently owns. The house is in a state of neglect and hasn’t been lived in for many years. We get the vibe that Ellie is running from something, but we are unsure of what. In the early pages, we meet Ellie‘s next-door neighbor Alex, as well as his sister Sophie. Ellie deals with a slate of random break-ins that Alex helps her navigate. She also approaches the real estate agent who sold her the house and finds out that the house has a sordid past. Is this contributing to Ellie‘s break-ins or is it something from Ellie’s past?
The book then jump us back in time and we meet Erin, a young girl at the start of her adult life. Erin becomes involved with a man named Jason. In a sequential chapter, we are also introduced to Hannah, a successful single woman who owns her own business. The book jumps between the points of view of Erin, Hannah and Jason and tells their stories. We quickly learned that Ellie is actually Hannah in the present day. Eventually, we learned that Erin, Jason and Hannah‘s lives overlapped in the past and the mystery builds from there.
Overall, I really liked this story. It definitely is a slow burn in the beginning. There is a lot of backstory regarding Erin’s and Hannah‘s lives before they intersect. However, once we get to the second half of the book it gains steam. The ending is a little far-fetched for my taste, but all loose ends were tied up, and there was no cliffhanger, which I do appreciate. If you like a good murder mystery and are willing to slog through the early chapters, I would highly recommend. My final recommendation is four stars.
This is a slow burn mystery by Catherine Howard. The story begins with the audience meeting Ellie. Ellie has recently moved into one Delaney row, a house that she apparently owns. The house is in a state of neglect and hasn’t been lived in for many years. We get the vibe that Ellie is running from something, but we are unsure of what. In the early pages, we meet Ellie‘s next-door neighbor Alex, as well as his sister Sophie. Ellie deals with a slate of random break-ins that Alex helps her navigate. She also approaches the real estate agent who sold her the house and finds out that the house has a sordid past. Is this contributing to Ellie‘s break-ins or is it something from Ellie’s past?
The book then jump us back in time and we meet Erin, a young girl at the start of her adult life. Erin becomes involved with a man named Jason. In a sequential chapter, we are also introduced to Hannah, a successful single woman who owns her own business. The book jumps between the points of view of Erin, Hannah and Jason and tells their stories. We quickly learned that Ellie is actually Hannah in the present day. Eventually, we learned that Erin, Jason and Hannah‘s lives overlapped in the past and the mystery builds from there.
Overall, I really liked this story. It definitely is a slow burn in the beginning. There is a lot of backstory regarding Erin’s and Hannah‘s lives before they intersect. However, once we get to the second half of the book it gains steam. The ending is a little far-fetched for my taste, but all loose ends were tied up, and there was no cliffhanger, which I do appreciate. If you like a good murder mystery and are willing to slog through the early chapters, I would highly recommend. My final recommendation is four stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m a big fan of Howard’s thrillers. They’re fun and twisty in a way that’s not formulaic. And while I think The Trap is still my favorite of hers, I really enjoyed this one.
1 Delaney Row is cursed. There are stories about families tearing one another apart, bloody women running away screaming, and the house has just been sitting vacant for years. Our initial narrator is Ellie, the home’s newest owner, who almost immediately realizes the house is more than she can handle when someone breaks in the very first night. We also start following two other women named Erin (in 2008) and Hannah (in 2015), and all three women’s paths seem to be centered around some dude named Jason. Ellie keeps digging into the history of her house, but she’s suspicious of her neighbors (Sophie, who wanted to buy the house, and Alex, Sophie’s brother who seems too nice to be true, and also Annaliese, the old woman on the other side who clearly knows something is up). And also people just keep breaking in - or maybe the same someone?
It’s hard to say much more without spoilers, but I flew through this in a couple of days. I figured out early on how all three women were connected, and I also guessed what was up with Ellie’s weird murder house. By the time we got to the final unraveling I was a little disappointed. Without giving too much away, there’s *another* character floating around here that I think we should have heard from. In the last few chapters, we learn a bit more about the house’s history that I think could have been mentioned earlier (although I get that adding a fourth narrator would have been a bit much). I’m just glad we never had to hear from terrible Jason the gaslighter.
1 Delaney Row is cursed. There are stories about families tearing one another apart, bloody women running away screaming, and the house has just been sitting vacant for years. Our initial narrator is Ellie, the home’s newest owner, who almost immediately realizes the house is more than she can handle when someone breaks in the very first night. We also start following two other women named Erin (in 2008) and Hannah (in 2015), and all three women’s paths seem to be centered around some dude named Jason. Ellie keeps digging into the history of her house, but she’s suspicious of her neighbors (Sophie, who wanted to buy the house, and Alex, Sophie’s brother who seems too nice to be true, and also Annaliese, the old woman on the other side who clearly knows something is up). And also people just keep breaking in - or maybe the same someone?
It’s hard to say much more without spoilers, but I flew through this in a couple of days. I figured out early on how all three women were connected, and I also guessed what was up with Ellie’s weird murder house. By the time we got to the final unraveling I was a little disappointed. Without giving too much away, there’s *another* character floating around here that I think we should have heard from. In the last few chapters, we learn a bit more about the house’s history that I think could have been mentioned earlier (although I get that adding a fourth narrator would have been a bit much). I’m just glad we never had to hear from terrible Jason the gaslighter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Buyer Beware, is the new novel by Catherine Ryan Howard. I have read and enjoyed most of this authors books but I found this one a little disappointing. It was still a decent read but I felt it fel short of the standard I have come to expect.
Ellie, a woman with a mysterious “history,” moves into 1 Delaney Row seeking anonymity. She wants a clean slate where her secrets can stay buried. Of course, the irony is that the house she’s chosen is already occupied by someone else’s skeletons.
The “house with a history” creates instant atmosphere but I didn’t feel the novel really grasped the opportunity to follow this through. We have the “disturbing backstory,” the feeling of being watched, and the slow unravelling of the truth. It’s effective, but it didn’t quite grip me the way I’d hoped.
The core of the book is the “deadly collision course” between the house’s secrets and Ellie’s own. As Ellie digs into the mystery at the centre of the home, her own past begins to catch up with her. Howard is known for her “mind-boggling twists,” and there are certainly plenty here. However, by the third or fourth major pivot, the “puzzle box” started to feel a bit too mechanical.
Buyer Beware started well but didn’t quite work, well written but lacked the killer punch to make it a stand out thriller.
If you’re a fan of Catherine Ryan Howard, you’ll likely enjoy this for the technical skill on display. However, if you’re looking for a thriller that breaks new ground, this might leave you wanting a bit more. It’s a perfectly fine page-turner, just not a game-changer.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie, a woman with a mysterious “history,” moves into 1 Delaney Row seeking anonymity. She wants a clean slate where her secrets can stay buried. Of course, the irony is that the house she’s chosen is already occupied by someone else’s skeletons.
The “house with a history” creates instant atmosphere but I didn’t feel the novel really grasped the opportunity to follow this through. We have the “disturbing backstory,” the feeling of being watched, and the slow unravelling of the truth. It’s effective, but it didn’t quite grip me the way I’d hoped.
The core of the book is the “deadly collision course” between the house’s secrets and Ellie’s own. As Ellie digs into the mystery at the centre of the home, her own past begins to catch up with her. Howard is known for her “mind-boggling twists,” and there are certainly plenty here. However, by the third or fourth major pivot, the “puzzle box” started to feel a bit too mechanical.
Buyer Beware started well but didn’t quite work, well written but lacked the killer punch to make it a stand out thriller.
If you’re a fan of Catherine Ryan Howard, you’ll likely enjoy this for the technical skill on display. However, if you’re looking for a thriller that breaks new ground, this might leave you wanting a bit more. It’s a perfectly fine page-turner, just not a game-changer.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was not what I expected, but I ended up reading it in one sitting so I can say I enjoyed it! It was interesting because I feel like the author laid the breadcrumbs early on so the reader could solve pieces of the mystery, but because it was intended that way it didn't take away from any of the other twists, or my overall enjoyment. The story centers on Ellie, who moves into an old house that needs lots of work with the intention of laying low and trying to keep her secrets hidden. You also get chapters told from the POVs of both Erin and Hannah from ~20 years earlier, which eventually converge with the current timeline.
I can't say that I could really relate to any of the characters, but I thought they had depth and I enjoyed reading about them either way. I always like when a character foreshadows a bit and tells you a decision they made now that affected how things happened later- it's just a writing style I enjoy. Some of the things that happened in the house were definitely creepy, and I felt like I could easily visualize what it was like to be there. I enjoyed the back and forth between characters and thought that the book had a good mix of characterization and actual happenings to make it an engaging read. I liked the way it ended and felt that the universe served up the right outcomes for various characters. I ended up staying late into the night just to finish it.
Overall, while it wasn't quite as twisty as what I normally wish for, this storyline just worked, and I thought it was a really good read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say that I could really relate to any of the characters, but I thought they had depth and I enjoyed reading about them either way. I always like when a character foreshadows a bit and tells you a decision they made now that affected how things happened later- it's just a writing style I enjoy. Some of the things that happened in the house were definitely creepy, and I felt like I could easily visualize what it was like to be there. I enjoyed the back and forth between characters and thought that the book had a good mix of characterization and actual happenings to make it an engaging read. I liked the way it ended and felt that the universe served up the right outcomes for various characters. I ended up staying late into the night just to finish it.
Overall, while it wasn't quite as twisty as what I normally wish for, this storyline just worked, and I thought it was a really good read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded up
Buyers Beware - will you be the next victim of 1 Delaney Row, off Dundrums Main Street, Dublin 14?? What chequered history does it have? Indeed, that’s what we’d all like to know. If only it could talk, what a tale it would have to tell. Perhaps Jason, Erin or Hannah can fill in on some of its story…. maybe, but can we trust them to be truthful?
This is another winner from Catherine Ryan Howard as it’s a twisty, unpredictable rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I love a book that keeps me guessing right to the end, reinforced by the two main narratives. Few of the characters are especially likeable, but that makes for a much more delectable read, although I do root for one more than another. They are all well conveyed and the control exercised by one comes across loud and clear.
Here lie secrets in abundance and little by little the truth starts to sneak out. There’s tension in spades, an ever present sense of danger, mystery, suspense, cliffhanger chapter endings, sprinkles of humour and have I mentioned the twists??! I like the ending which feels just right.
As for the house itself, it creates its very own vibe and atmosphere. It seems It seems to exude creepiness, a strong sense of mystery and that it’s holding onto a dark past and very reluctant to release its grasp. Or, is it those around Delaney Row doing that? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Overall, this is a definite page turner which keeps me engaged throughout and one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K./Transworld for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Buyers Beware - will you be the next victim of 1 Delaney Row, off Dundrums Main Street, Dublin 14?? What chequered history does it have? Indeed, that’s what we’d all like to know. If only it could talk, what a tale it would have to tell. Perhaps Jason, Erin or Hannah can fill in on some of its story…. maybe, but can we trust them to be truthful?
This is another winner from Catherine Ryan Howard as it’s a twisty, unpredictable rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I love a book that keeps me guessing right to the end, reinforced by the two main narratives. Few of the characters are especially likeable, but that makes for a much more delectable read, although I do root for one more than another. They are all well conveyed and the control exercised by one comes across loud and clear.
Here lie secrets in abundance and little by little the truth starts to sneak out. There’s tension in spades, an ever present sense of danger, mystery, suspense, cliffhanger chapter endings, sprinkles of humour and have I mentioned the twists??! I like the ending which feels just right.
As for the house itself, it creates its very own vibe and atmosphere. It seems It seems to exude creepiness, a strong sense of mystery and that it’s holding onto a dark past and very reluctant to release its grasp. Or, is it those around Delaney Row doing that? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Overall, this is a definite page turner which keeps me engaged throughout and one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K./Transworld for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
SYNOPSIS
- Ellie moves into a fixer upper at 1 Delaney Row to disappear and start over. She wants quiet. She wants anonymity. She wants the past to stay buried.
- Almost immediately, someone makes it clear she is not welcome. The house gets broken into. Things get wrecked. Someone is watching.
- The story folds back in time to follow Erin and Hannah, two very different women whose lives orbit the same man and the same house, long before Ellie ever shows up.
- As timelines shift and secrets surface, the past and present crash together around a home that has been hiding the truth for years.
MY THOUGHTS
- This is a slow burn thriller/mystery.
- The backstory is strong. I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
- There are multiple POVs, and the story moves between past and present.
- The author clearly knew where this was going from the start. The execution was great, and the way the characters’ stories weave together was done really well.
- Ellie is a great anchor for the present day story. Watching her poke at the house’s history while trying to hide her own secrets made it more interesting.
- This leans more mystery than nail biting thriller, but the payoff is worth it. I was satisfied with how it ended.
TL;DR: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Slow burn, solid story execution, great character development, and a satisfying ending.
THANKS: Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on July 28, 2026.
- Ellie moves into a fixer upper at 1 Delaney Row to disappear and start over. She wants quiet. She wants anonymity. She wants the past to stay buried.
- Almost immediately, someone makes it clear she is not welcome. The house gets broken into. Things get wrecked. Someone is watching.
- The story folds back in time to follow Erin and Hannah, two very different women whose lives orbit the same man and the same house, long before Ellie ever shows up.
- As timelines shift and secrets surface, the past and present crash together around a home that has been hiding the truth for years.
MY THOUGHTS
- This is a slow burn thriller/mystery.
- The backstory is strong. I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
- There are multiple POVs, and the story moves between past and present.
- The author clearly knew where this was going from the start. The execution was great, and the way the characters’ stories weave together was done really well.
- Ellie is a great anchor for the present day story. Watching her poke at the house’s history while trying to hide her own secrets made it more interesting.
- This leans more mystery than nail biting thriller, but the payoff is worth it. I was satisfied with how it ended.
TL;DR: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Slow burn, solid story execution, great character development, and a satisfying ending.
THANKS: Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on July 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ellie has just moved into a new home that she comes to find out is full of secrets. Just like her. The story is told from multiple points of view – Ellie’s, Erin’s, and Hannah’s. You know that at some point they must converge, but how and why is what the reader is waiting to see. The one connection we’re given from the start is Jason, one of those terrible men who somehow keeps getting the ladies.
Erin is his pushover wife who lets him slowly leech the ambition and promise out of her. Hannah, meanwhile, is everything Erin could have been, yet is also clueless enough to get involved with Jason. She pours her life into the business she created, to the extent of losing her friendships with women who took a different path in life. While Erin regrets her choices, Hannah’s proud of hers, until her involvement with Jason throws her life into chaos.
And how does the house factor in to all this? Well, the book begs the question of how much a house absorbs of what occurs inside of it. Does evil leave a trace? Can it somehow leave a house cursed so that anyone who lives there absorbs that evil, also?
It’s a slow-burning mystery, more psychological than thrilling, per se. When the story is building towards the final conclusion, the action and unraveling increase, and it really gets good. Not every twist may shock you, but you’ll still enjoy it all coming together.
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Erin is his pushover wife who lets him slowly leech the ambition and promise out of her. Hannah, meanwhile, is everything Erin could have been, yet is also clueless enough to get involved with Jason. She pours her life into the business she created, to the extent of losing her friendships with women who took a different path in life. While Erin regrets her choices, Hannah’s proud of hers, until her involvement with Jason throws her life into chaos.
And how does the house factor in to all this? Well, the book begs the question of how much a house absorbs of what occurs inside of it. Does evil leave a trace? Can it somehow leave a house cursed so that anyone who lives there absorbs that evil, also?
It’s a slow-burning mystery, more psychological than thrilling, per se. When the story is building towards the final conclusion, the action and unraveling increase, and it really gets good. Not every twist may shock you, but you’ll still enjoy it all coming together.
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
March 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy!
This was my first book by Catherine Ryan Howard—and it definitely won’t be my last.
Buyer Beware completely pulled me in from the start with its alternating POVs and layered timelines. I love a story that keeps me guessing, and this one absolutely delivered. Each perspective added a new level of tension, making it hard to trust anyone—and honestly, that uneasy feeling never really lets up.
The pacing starts off as a bit of a slow burn, but in the best way. There’s a steady drip of information that builds the suspense until suddenly everything starts to click into place… and from there, I couldn’t put it down. Every reveal made me rethink what I thought I knew.
I especially loved how central the house itself was to the story. It wasn’t just a setting—it felt like its own character, holding onto secrets just as tightly as the people connected to it. It really plays on that eerie idea of what a home can hide—and whether the truth ever really stays buried.
The twists genuinely caught me off guard (which is getting harder and harder these days), and while the structure can feel a little disorienting at first, it all comes together in a really satisfying way by the end.
If you enjoy twisty, slow-burn thrillers with multiple POVs, unreliable characters, and that creeping sense that something isn’t quite right—this is absolutely one to pick up.
This was my first book by Catherine Ryan Howard—and it definitely won’t be my last.
Buyer Beware completely pulled me in from the start with its alternating POVs and layered timelines. I love a story that keeps me guessing, and this one absolutely delivered. Each perspective added a new level of tension, making it hard to trust anyone—and honestly, that uneasy feeling never really lets up.
The pacing starts off as a bit of a slow burn, but in the best way. There’s a steady drip of information that builds the suspense until suddenly everything starts to click into place… and from there, I couldn’t put it down. Every reveal made me rethink what I thought I knew.
I especially loved how central the house itself was to the story. It wasn’t just a setting—it felt like its own character, holding onto secrets just as tightly as the people connected to it. It really plays on that eerie idea of what a home can hide—and whether the truth ever really stays buried.
The twists genuinely caught me off guard (which is getting harder and harder these days), and while the structure can feel a little disorienting at first, it all comes together in a really satisfying way by the end.
If you enjoy twisty, slow-burn thrillers with multiple POVs, unreliable characters, and that creeping sense that something isn’t quite right—this is absolutely one to pick up.
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