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Buyer Beware
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Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 18:53:26
10 copies available
U.S. only
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.
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, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Catherine Ryan Howard
20 books4,654 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 424 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.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Although not living up to my expectations, I had a nice time reading this. Mainly because I was in the mood for something light and not too complicated. The story is slow and sometimes really sluggish but at the end it gained some pace.
I hope the next title by this author is as good as some of her other books I’ve read and reviewed, especially 56 Days and The Trap.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for this review copy.
I hope the next title by this author is as good as some of her other books I’ve read and reviewed, especially 56 Days and The Trap.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for this review copy.
July 12, 2026
1 Delaney Row - if these walls could talk. This is a house with a history, a dark past that people will do anything to keep hidden. When a woman moves in after the house has been empty for many years the neighbours are curious and suspicious.
This book begins slowly but certainly builds up the mystery and the tension. Told from multiple points of view and timelines, we learn about this house and what has happened here. It is gripping and had me reading late into the night. It does take a little while to understand what is happening but once you get that lightbulb moment it is worth the wait.
Thanks to Random House UK, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Out on July 16th.
This book begins slowly but certainly builds up the mystery and the tension. Told from multiple points of view and timelines, we learn about this house and what has happened here. It is gripping and had me reading late into the night. It does take a little while to understand what is happening but once you get that lightbulb moment it is worth the wait.
Thanks to Random House UK, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Out on July 16th.
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.
May 30, 2026
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
I struggled a bit with this one as it felt very slow. I did like the characters and their stories and how everything wrapped up together. I would say it’s more a mystery than a thriller, I wasn’t gripped. Would recommend as I love Catherine’s writing and the characters were interesting.
I struggled a bit with this one as it felt very slow. I did like the characters and their stories and how everything wrapped up together. I would say it’s more a mystery than a thriller, I wasn’t gripped. Would recommend as I love Catherine’s writing and the characters were interesting.
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.
June 29, 2026
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
This book had me doing THE very thing that every thriller reader does. I confidently accused everyone by the halfway mark. Thirty percent in, I was still waiting for the story to remember it was supposed to be a thriller. The pacing played dead while I sat there poking it with a stick like, “Come on. Do something suspicious.”
By 70%, I knew exactly what mystery we were supposed to be unraveling, but the book seemed determined to keep circling the parking lot instead of actually pulling into the destination. Then at 86%, one of the BIG reveals landed and my reaction was basically, “Yes, we’ve been expecting that for the last hundred pages.” There was still one lingering mystery left and sadly, I kept hoping for a jaw dropping finale that would make the slow burn worth it.
I finished with the literary equivalent of a shrug. I don’t hate a slow building suspense novel but I do hate when a book is marketed as a thriller and spends more time teasing the tension than delivering it. The ending wasn’t bad but it just left me staring at the last page thinking, “That’s it?” Overall, there were a few interesting moments but if you’re looking for pulse pounding suspense, this one is more “mildly concerning” than edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: July 28, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
This book had me doing THE very thing that every thriller reader does. I confidently accused everyone by the halfway mark. Thirty percent in, I was still waiting for the story to remember it was supposed to be a thriller. The pacing played dead while I sat there poking it with a stick like, “Come on. Do something suspicious.”
By 70%, I knew exactly what mystery we were supposed to be unraveling, but the book seemed determined to keep circling the parking lot instead of actually pulling into the destination. Then at 86%, one of the BIG reveals landed and my reaction was basically, “Yes, we’ve been expecting that for the last hundred pages.” There was still one lingering mystery left and sadly, I kept hoping for a jaw dropping finale that would make the slow burn worth it.
I finished with the literary equivalent of a shrug. I don’t hate a slow building suspense novel but I do hate when a book is marketed as a thriller and spends more time teasing the tension than delivering it. The ending wasn’t bad but it just left me staring at the last page thinking, “That’s it?” Overall, there were a few interesting moments but if you’re looking for pulse pounding suspense, this one is more “mildly concerning” than edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: July 28, 2026
Want to Read
June 28, 2026ARC received. Thank you, Simon & Schuster!
I've really enjoyed novels from Catherine Ryan Howard int he past, and this one sounds extra creepy. Talk about a nightmare new home situation!
I've really enjoyed novels from Catherine Ryan Howard int he past, and this one sounds extra creepy. Talk about a nightmare new home situation!
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
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
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.
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.
May 24, 2026
I just love how they all trust each other like “yeah he was a bad guy and you killing him is fine by me” and like when Erin stuffed Hannah in a wall they’re like “no judgment boo but also we have to help her and you need to be held accountable but also we will protect your other secrets bc those men deserved it.” A beautiful depiction of feminism and protecting one another while still demanding accountability and retribution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 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
June 26, 2026
Sometimes it's not just a person that holds secrets but a place can too. And 1 Delaney Row is full of them. When Ellie moves into the house, she's carrying secrets of her own and is completely unaware of what happened within those walls.
Buyer Beware alternates between multiple timelines and POVs. In the present, Ellie is receiving threats while someone repeatedly breaks into her home. Ten years earlier, Hannah is running her own business and happily embracing life as a modern day spinster. Then there's Erin in the early 2000s, navigating college alongside her needy, directionless boyfriend.
At first, these three women seem to have nothing in common, but as the story unfolds, it's clear they're all connected by the same house and by secrets they've worked hard to keep buried.
I love Catherine Ryan Howard's books. The Nothing Man is still one of my all time favorites but sadly Buyer Beware is probably my least favorite by her. But that’s okay, not every book is for everyone and I needed more thrills and less words for this one to work for me.
That's not to say it's a bad book because it isn't. It just builds very slowly before ending with a finale that felt more like it was being explained than experienced. I'm used to Catherine Ryan Howard delivering fast paced thrillers packed with shocking twists and nonstop tension, so this slow burn leaned more toward domestic fiction than thriller for me. There wasn't much suspense and I found the main reveal or twists all fairly predictable early on.
I still enjoyed my time with it but I couldn't help wishing it had been a little tighter, faster and more suspenseful.
Buyer Beware alternates between multiple timelines and POVs. In the present, Ellie is receiving threats while someone repeatedly breaks into her home. Ten years earlier, Hannah is running her own business and happily embracing life as a modern day spinster. Then there's Erin in the early 2000s, navigating college alongside her needy, directionless boyfriend.
At first, these three women seem to have nothing in common, but as the story unfolds, it's clear they're all connected by the same house and by secrets they've worked hard to keep buried.
I love Catherine Ryan Howard's books. The Nothing Man is still one of my all time favorites but sadly Buyer Beware is probably my least favorite by her. But that’s okay, not every book is for everyone and I needed more thrills and less words for this one to work for me.
That's not to say it's a bad book because it isn't. It just builds very slowly before ending with a finale that felt more like it was being explained than experienced. I'm used to Catherine Ryan Howard delivering fast paced thrillers packed with shocking twists and nonstop tension, so this slow burn leaned more toward domestic fiction than thriller for me. There wasn't much suspense and I found the main reveal or twists all fairly predictable early on.
I still enjoyed my time with it but I couldn't help wishing it had been a little tighter, faster and more suspenseful.
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.
July 1, 2026
4.5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A slow-burn mystery thriller that keeps you guessing! 😍
This book was such a pleasant surprise, intertwining multiple POVs and timelines to create a really engaging read. I found the book commenced quite slowly as I familiarised myself with the characters, but I was well and truly hooked from the mid point, racing to read the rest.
I loved the subtle atmosphere created with the eerie house, the characters not quite revealing their truths and the suspense and mystery underlying throughout. This book was an utter whirlwind as I was repeatedly throwing out theories and guesses, but was still so wrong!
I liked Ellie’s character, really enjoyed Hannah’s chapters and found Erin intriguing. I had no idea how they’d all connect, and I guessed a part of it, but loved how it all unravelled and played out unexpectedly.
Whilst not overly thrilling, this book still grips you in with the twists, characters, suspense and mystery and I loved how this felt different to other Howard books I’ve read.
A huge thank you @bantambooksuk for this proof copy of Buyer Beware, publishing on the 16th July. I buddy read this with @mynextreads and we both loved how it kept us guessing!
You should check out this book! 🙌
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A slow-burn mystery thriller that keeps you guessing! 😍
This book was such a pleasant surprise, intertwining multiple POVs and timelines to create a really engaging read. I found the book commenced quite slowly as I familiarised myself with the characters, but I was well and truly hooked from the mid point, racing to read the rest.
I loved the subtle atmosphere created with the eerie house, the characters not quite revealing their truths and the suspense and mystery underlying throughout. This book was an utter whirlwind as I was repeatedly throwing out theories and guesses, but was still so wrong!
I liked Ellie’s character, really enjoyed Hannah’s chapters and found Erin intriguing. I had no idea how they’d all connect, and I guessed a part of it, but loved how it all unravelled and played out unexpectedly.
Whilst not overly thrilling, this book still grips you in with the twists, characters, suspense and mystery and I loved how this felt different to other Howard books I’ve read.
A huge thank you @bantambooksuk for this proof copy of Buyer Beware, publishing on the 16th July. I buddy read this with @mynextreads and we both loved how it kept us guessing!
You should check out this book! 🙌
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
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.
June 30, 2026
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard had an interesting premise, but unfortunately it didn’t keep me hooked the way I hoped a thriller would. The story follows a woman who becomes involved with a house that has a disturbing history, unraveling secrets and questions about what really happened.
I kept expecting the big twists and shocking turns that usually come with a thriller, but they never really came. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself wanting to hurry through it just to be finished. While the concept was promising, the execution didn’t give me the suspense or excitement I was looking for.
I kept expecting the big twists and shocking turns that usually come with a thriller, but they never really came. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself wanting to hurry through it just to be finished. While the concept was promising, the execution didn’t give me the suspense or excitement I was looking for.
July 9, 2026
Catherine Ryan Howard always comes through!
Ellie has just moved in to 1 Delaney Road hoping to start her life over and also to keep her secrets hidden. What she couldn’t know is that the house also has secrets. Ellie will find herself on a collision course with a darkness that may just consume her.
Filled with mind blowing twists and astonishing reveals, this story kept me awake way past my bedtime! This will be a perfect pick for our upcoming ‘spooky month’!
Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on July 28, 2026
Ellie has just moved in to 1 Delaney Road hoping to start her life over and also to keep her secrets hidden. What she couldn’t know is that the house also has secrets. Ellie will find herself on a collision course with a darkness that may just consume her.
Filled with mind blowing twists and astonishing reveals, this story kept me awake way past my bedtime! This will be a perfect pick for our upcoming ‘spooky month’!
Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on July 28, 2026
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.
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!
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