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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
About the author
Catherine Ryan Howard
19 books4,581 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 268 reviews
April 13, 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.
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May 3, 2026I received this through NetGalley
Blurb: From 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.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. There were moments that kept me curious enough to finish, but the overall reading experience felt slower than I expected.
I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but here they never quite settled. I found myself questioning who was who too often, especially after putting the book down and coming back to it, which made it harder to stay connected to the characters and the tension.
By the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder. But it felt more muted than shocking, and the payoff didn’t land for me. It wasn’t a bad read, just not the gripping experience I expected.
I’d recommend this more to readers who enjoy slower suspense, multiple POV stories, and quieter reveals. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but I can see it working better for someone who likes a more gradual build.
Blurb: From 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.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. There were moments that kept me curious enough to finish, but the overall reading experience felt slower than I expected.
I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but here they never quite settled. I found myself questioning who was who too often, especially after putting the book down and coming back to it, which made it harder to stay connected to the characters and the tension.
By the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder. But it felt more muted than shocking, and the payoff didn’t land for me. It wasn’t a bad read, just not the gripping experience I expected.
I’d recommend this more to readers who enjoy slower suspense, multiple POV stories, and quieter reveals. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but I can see it working better for someone who likes a more gradual build.
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.
April 6, 2026
I love a real estate centered thriller and this is definitely a story I’d recommend for your TBR! It was twisty and suspenseful until the end. I enjoyed the neighborhood (Delaney Row, how could I not?) and the array of characters we got to meet. Give this one a read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
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
April 20, 2026
This was a pretty good mystery/thriller. This book had me immediately intrigued, but had moments that lost my interest due to its slow pacing. I liked the overall storyline and mystery of the book and appreciated how it was told through multiple perspectives and timelines. I did find myself more invested in the present chapters rather than the past ones. Overall this was a pretty good read with some great twists.
Read this if you like
📖 Slow burn stories
📖 Creepy houses
📖 Multiple POVs
📖 Multiple timelines
Thank you to @simonbooks for the gifted arc.
Read this if you like
📖 Slow burn stories
📖 Creepy houses
📖 Multiple POVs
📖 Multiple timelines
Thank you to @simonbooks for the gifted arc.
April 16, 2026
~thank you to NetGalley & the publisher (Simon & Schuster) for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review~
This one really hooked me in! From beginning to end. The different POVs were confusing me and I wasn’t sure how they tied into the story at first, but towards the middle it all made sense and I actually enjoyed it a lot. The twists and turns were shocking to me. The whole story was just so intriguing. I enjoyed the ending as well.
This one really hooked me in! From beginning to end. The different POVs were confusing me and I wasn’t sure how they tied into the story at first, but towards the middle it all made sense and I actually enjoyed it a lot. The twists and turns were shocking to me. The whole story was just so intriguing. I enjoyed the ending as well.
May 4, 2026
From the internationally bestselling author of 56 Days, Buyer Beware is a thriller about two women whose fractured lives collide around a house with dangerous secrets. When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row hoping for a fresh start, she quickly discovers her new home is already hiding someone else’s buried past and the people protecting those secrets are watching her every move. As she digs into the house’s disturbing history, she unknowingly puts herself on a collision course with not only the truth about her home, but with her own past as well.
I typically love multiple POVs, so I expected to settle right into this one, but I had a harder time than usual finding my footing. One viewpoint seemed to be set in the past while the other wasn’t clearly dated, and for a good chunk of the book I wasn’t sure how the two narratives connected or where they’d eventually intersect. That uncertainty was clearly intentional, but it made it tough to stay locked in, especially when I put the book down and came back to it. I’d find myself flipping back trying to remember who was who, which kept pulling me out of the tension rather than deeper into it.
I didn’t dislike it. The writing is solid and I was pretty invested for most of the ride. But by the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder than they did. Some surprised me, but the payoff felt more muted than shocking. It just didn’t hit the way I needed it to. Honestly, I felt similarly about 56 Days. I liked it, it was twisty and well crafted, but something didn’t fully click for me. Howard is clearly a talented writer, and The Trap remains a five-star read and my favorite of hers by far. This one just wasn’t quite the right fit.
That said, I’d recommend Buyer Beware to readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense and multi-POV structures. It wasn’t the gripping experience I was hoping for, but it’s still getting lots of great reviews from others.
Buyer Beware comes out July 28, 2028! Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
I typically love multiple POVs, so I expected to settle right into this one, but I had a harder time than usual finding my footing. One viewpoint seemed to be set in the past while the other wasn’t clearly dated, and for a good chunk of the book I wasn’t sure how the two narratives connected or where they’d eventually intersect. That uncertainty was clearly intentional, but it made it tough to stay locked in, especially when I put the book down and came back to it. I’d find myself flipping back trying to remember who was who, which kept pulling me out of the tension rather than deeper into it.
I didn’t dislike it. The writing is solid and I was pretty invested for most of the ride. But by the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder than they did. Some surprised me, but the payoff felt more muted than shocking. It just didn’t hit the way I needed it to. Honestly, I felt similarly about 56 Days. I liked it, it was twisty and well crafted, but something didn’t fully click for me. Howard is clearly a talented writer, and The Trap remains a five-star read and my favorite of hers by far. This one just wasn’t quite the right fit.
That said, I’d recommend Buyer Beware to readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense and multi-POV structures. It wasn’t the gripping experience I was hoping for, but it’s still getting lots of great reviews from others.
Buyer Beware comes out July 28, 2028! Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
May 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
ARC provided by NetGalley
I’ve enjoyed Catherine Ryan Howard’s previous books (third book by the author I’ve read), so I was really looking forward to this one. So happy I was given the opportunity to read this book early. The premise immediately caught my attention—a woman buying a new home that comes with a darker, more unsettling edge—and it definitely has that eerie, suspenseful foundation the author does so well.
The story follows Ellie as she settles into her new house, but things quickly feel… off. There’s a strong sense of mystery surrounding both the home and Ellie herself, which kept me questioning what was really going on. The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest aspects, with an underlying tension that builds as the story unfolds.
That said, the pacing didn’t fully work for me. It’s very much a slow-burning, and while there are moments that pick up, overall, it lacked the level of excitement and momentum I was hoping for. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which at times made it harder to stay fully immersed.
The second half improves, bringing more clarity and intrigue, but it still feels a bit drawn out in places. By the final part, things come together more, but the journey getting there felt longer than necessary, with the ending feeling a wee bit rushed.
Overall, this is a slow, atmospheric thriller with an interesting concept, but not my favorite from this author. If you enjoy a more gradual build with a focus on mood over action, this might work well for you.
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
ARC provided by NetGalley
I’ve enjoyed Catherine Ryan Howard’s previous books (third book by the author I’ve read), so I was really looking forward to this one. So happy I was given the opportunity to read this book early. The premise immediately caught my attention—a woman buying a new home that comes with a darker, more unsettling edge—and it definitely has that eerie, suspenseful foundation the author does so well.
The story follows Ellie as she settles into her new house, but things quickly feel… off. There’s a strong sense of mystery surrounding both the home and Ellie herself, which kept me questioning what was really going on. The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest aspects, with an underlying tension that builds as the story unfolds.
That said, the pacing didn’t fully work for me. It’s very much a slow-burning, and while there are moments that pick up, overall, it lacked the level of excitement and momentum I was hoping for. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which at times made it harder to stay fully immersed.
The second half improves, bringing more clarity and intrigue, but it still feels a bit drawn out in places. By the final part, things come together more, but the journey getting there felt longer than necessary, with the ending feeling a wee bit rushed.
Overall, this is a slow, atmospheric thriller with an interesting concept, but not my favorite from this author. If you enjoy a more gradual build with a focus on mood over action, this might work well for you.
May 11, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel from Net Galley and Simon and Shuster in exchange for my honest review.
Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row in hopes of a fresh start. Once she moves in though, she begins to see why the home has such a volatile reputation. Ellie soon discovers she is not the only one with secrets, and 1 Delaney Row holds quite a few dark secrets of its own.
The premise was a good one and I truly enjoyed the set up of the creepy home and possible haunting, but this story fell apart for me when it came to the characters. We are introduced to three main povs: Ellie, Hannah, and Erin. My main issue here was that none of the character voices felt distinct, with time jumps that were not clearly defined making it hard to follow the story. I found myself really only interested in the current day plot for a majority of the book, and even then, the decision making of the characters was so strange I found it hard to really invest in the story. The story definitely picks up in the second half and we are treated to one very claustrophobic scene that was super well written and made my anxiety spike. Overall this didn’t quite wow me but was still an entertaining, well written read.
Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row in hopes of a fresh start. Once she moves in though, she begins to see why the home has such a volatile reputation. Ellie soon discovers she is not the only one with secrets, and 1 Delaney Row holds quite a few dark secrets of its own.
The premise was a good one and I truly enjoyed the set up of the creepy home and possible haunting, but this story fell apart for me when it came to the characters. We are introduced to three main povs: Ellie, Hannah, and Erin. My main issue here was that none of the character voices felt distinct, with time jumps that were not clearly defined making it hard to follow the story. I found myself really only interested in the current day plot for a majority of the book, and even then, the decision making of the characters was so strange I found it hard to really invest in the story. The story definitely picks up in the second half and we are treated to one very claustrophobic scene that was super well written and made my anxiety spike. Overall this didn’t quite wow me but was still an entertaining, well written read.
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/
April 4, 2026
This was a good mystery thriller that I flew through. Even though it had a slower pace, I was still completely hooked and curious as to where the story was going to go. With the way the story was structured with following different perspectives and timelines you get a lot of backstory before everything clicks. I think that this worked well for this particular story since it was building up to the big reveal. There were also a few twists that took me by surprise which I appreciated. I wouldn’t say this book blew me away, but I did really enjoy it.
Read this if you like:
🏠 Domestic thriller vibes
🏠 Whodunnit stories
🏠 Eerie House setting
🏠 Slow building
Thank you @simonbooks for the gifted copy of the book.
Read this if you like:
🏠 Domestic thriller vibes
🏠 Whodunnit stories
🏠 Eerie House setting
🏠 Slow building
Thank you @simonbooks for the gifted copy of the book.
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
May 9, 2026
Multiple POV’s, in the same chapters so in the beginning it took me a minute to get used to that. Also a timeline that jumped back and forth. All of which, once I settled into the book, I really enjoyed.
The story started out slow, but the pace picked up. I also liked the whole haunted house premise and getting to know the backstory of the house. Interesting characters, some likeable, some not so likeable.
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Catherine Ryan Howard, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
The story started out slow, but the pace picked up. I also liked the whole haunted house premise and getting to know the backstory of the house. Interesting characters, some likeable, some not so likeable.
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Catherine Ryan Howard, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
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.
April 1, 2026
Catherine Ryan Howard delivers the goods again. Fantastic thriller that brings the mystery, the characters, the setting, and the suspense. I’m giving it four stars only because it’s not quite as twisty good as her other books. Like just a smidge below, like maybe her third or fourth best book in my rankings of her books. (56 Days, Distress Signals, and The Trap are my favorites.) I mean, this is still an amazingly tight thriller and her other books are obviously a really high bar. As noted by others, there is a lot of back story, and it’s interesting backstory. So just go with that flow and it will come together in the end. Ms Howard is one of my favorite writers. I will always pick up anything she writes. I encourage you to grab this book for your beach read thriller when it comes out in July.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for honest reviews.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for honest reviews.
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
One of my favorite things about Buyer Beware actually happened before the story even started. The author’s note and publisher’s note immediately pulled me in because I’ve genuinely wondered before how homes connected to murders or horrific crimes eventually get resold. Someone always buys them. Someone eventually paints the walls, changes the floors, moves their furniture in, and tries to build a normal life there. And honestly, in this housing market, I think a lot more people would overlook a dark history than they’d probably admit out loud. That idea alone made this book feel unsettling in a very realistic way.
This was my first Catherine Ryan Howard novel, and what I appreciated most was that she didn’t try to turn this into a loud, over-the-top thriller. This is much more of a slow psychological unraveling. The tension builds quietly through the house itself, through the neighbors, through the secrets each woman is carrying, and through the growing realization that the past never really stays buried the way people hope it will.
Ellie arrives at 1 Delaney Row with almost nothing, clearly trying to disappear into a new identity and a new life. But from the moment she moves in, there’s this constant sense that the house does not want to let her settle. The break-ins, the feeling of being watched, the neighbors acting strange, the whispers surrounding the property — all of it creates this heavy atmosphere where you never fully relax while reading.
What really surprised me, though, was that the most disturbing parts of the book weren’t even tied to the house itself. The deeper the story goes into Erin and Hannah’s lives, the more this becomes a story about manipulation, control, emotional damage, and the quiet ways people lose themselves trying to love the wrong person. Jason honestly became one of the most frustrating kinds of characters because he felt believable. Not cartoonishly evil. Just the kind of man who slowly drains ambition, confidence, identity, and peace from the women around him while making them question themselves instead of him.
I thought Catherine Ryan Howard handled the multiple timelines and POVs really well once everything started clicking into place. At first, I had to settle into who everyone was and where we were in the timeline, but once the connections became clearer, I absolutely flew through the book. The short chapters made it incredibly bingeable. This is one of those books where you say you’ll read “a few chapters before bed” and suddenly it’s after midnight.
I also loved the idea running underneath the story about whether houses absorb what happens inside them. Not in a paranormal way necessarily, but emotionally. Psychologically. Can violence, fear, grief, betrayal, and trauma somehow linger in a place? Can a home ever truly become “new” again after something terrible happens there? That theme stayed with me long after I finished reading.
If I had one criticism, it’s that the buildup felt slightly stronger than the final payoff. I kept bracing myself for one final devastating twist or darker reveal connected to the house itself, and the ending tied things together a little more neatly than I expected. But honestly, I still really enjoyed the ride getting there, and I was invested the entire time.
For a first Catherine Ryan Howard book, this absolutely made me want to pick up more from her. It’s a thoughtful, addictive slow-burn mystery with complicated women, messy relationships, uncomfortable truths, and a premise that feels creepy precisely because it feels possible.
Solid 4 stars for me.
This was my first Catherine Ryan Howard novel, and what I appreciated most was that she didn’t try to turn this into a loud, over-the-top thriller. This is much more of a slow psychological unraveling. The tension builds quietly through the house itself, through the neighbors, through the secrets each woman is carrying, and through the growing realization that the past never really stays buried the way people hope it will.
Ellie arrives at 1 Delaney Row with almost nothing, clearly trying to disappear into a new identity and a new life. But from the moment she moves in, there’s this constant sense that the house does not want to let her settle. The break-ins, the feeling of being watched, the neighbors acting strange, the whispers surrounding the property — all of it creates this heavy atmosphere where you never fully relax while reading.
What really surprised me, though, was that the most disturbing parts of the book weren’t even tied to the house itself. The deeper the story goes into Erin and Hannah’s lives, the more this becomes a story about manipulation, control, emotional damage, and the quiet ways people lose themselves trying to love the wrong person. Jason honestly became one of the most frustrating kinds of characters because he felt believable. Not cartoonishly evil. Just the kind of man who slowly drains ambition, confidence, identity, and peace from the women around him while making them question themselves instead of him.
I thought Catherine Ryan Howard handled the multiple timelines and POVs really well once everything started clicking into place. At first, I had to settle into who everyone was and where we were in the timeline, but once the connections became clearer, I absolutely flew through the book. The short chapters made it incredibly bingeable. This is one of those books where you say you’ll read “a few chapters before bed” and suddenly it’s after midnight.
I also loved the idea running underneath the story about whether houses absorb what happens inside them. Not in a paranormal way necessarily, but emotionally. Psychologically. Can violence, fear, grief, betrayal, and trauma somehow linger in a place? Can a home ever truly become “new” again after something terrible happens there? That theme stayed with me long after I finished reading.
If I had one criticism, it’s that the buildup felt slightly stronger than the final payoff. I kept bracing myself for one final devastating twist or darker reveal connected to the house itself, and the ending tied things together a little more neatly than I expected. But honestly, I still really enjoyed the ride getting there, and I was invested the entire time.
For a first Catherine Ryan Howard book, this absolutely made me want to pick up more from her. It’s a thoughtful, addictive slow-burn mystery with complicated women, messy relationships, uncomfortable truths, and a premise that feels creepy precisely because it feels possible.
Solid 4 stars for me.
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