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Ransom
When a seductive socialite falls in love with the wrong man, a master manipulator meets her match in an ingeniously twisting novel of psychological suspense by Amazon Charts bestselling author Leslie Wolfe.
Everyone knows who Olivia Taylor is. Or so they believe.
She’s the glamorous philanthropist who just returned to her hometown after a long absence. She’s the new fiancée of the wealthy and charismatic Winston Donovan. She’s Las Vegas royalty, celebrated by the media and pursued by paparazzi at every turn.
And now she’s accused of murder in the first degree. If convicted, she’ll face death row.
Little by little, her life is picked apart and her relationships are torn to shreds. One by one, her lies disintegrate and her darkest secrets are exposed by scandalmongering socialites and bloodthirsty tabloids. Everyone has an opinion about Olivia Taylor and what she’s done.
But the truth is, no one really knows who Olivia Taylor is at all.
A dark psychological thriller about obsession and the deadly lengths we’ll go to for love, Ransom is a chilling exploration of how twisted, all-consuming passion can lead to betrayal and murder.
Everyone knows who Olivia Taylor is. Or so they believe.
She’s the glamorous philanthropist who just returned to her hometown after a long absence. She’s the new fiancée of the wealthy and charismatic Winston Donovan. She’s Las Vegas royalty, celebrated by the media and pursued by paparazzi at every turn.
And now she’s accused of murder in the first degree. If convicted, she’ll face death row.
Little by little, her life is picked apart and her relationships are torn to shreds. One by one, her lies disintegrate and her darkest secrets are exposed by scandalmongering socialites and bloodthirsty tabloids. Everyone has an opinion about Olivia Taylor and what she’s done.
But the truth is, no one really knows who Olivia Taylor is at all.
A dark psychological thriller about obsession and the deadly lengths we’ll go to for love, Ransom is a chilling exploration of how twisted, all-consuming passion can lead to betrayal and murder.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
August 6, 2026
Interesting plot, and I sometimes loved, sometimes felt annoyed by the main character. Why she kept some of the things hidden for her lawyer for example. But overall a good story and book.
July 15, 2026
The most preposterous piece of shit I’ve read in a really long time. It started off great! I loved the potential plot! But it devolved at the first Instalove twist and went down, down, down to rock bottom from there. I’m shocked this book has over 4 stars!
August 11, 2026
Thank you Leslie Wolfe and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.
4.25 Stars
I love Leslie Wolfe's thrillers, she is quickly becoming a go to author when I want to read a story I know will be good. This novel was no different.
Though a bit on the far fetched/ unrealistic side of things there are some moments that fall in this category. The way the man fell in love with Olivia, the way she was able to just take on the type of identity she did. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit.
However, the ending was really good and I was definitely not expecting certain aspects of it which made the reading experience great.
The narrator performance was perfect for the characters and I had absolutely no issues.
However, as far as the editing is concerned, it could have gone through a couple more times. There was a continuity error at one point asking a cab to keep the meter running and then almost immediately after she pays the cabbie. I also heard a few mixed metaphors but in the grand scheme of things it was decent.
Overall, good read.
4.25 Stars
I love Leslie Wolfe's thrillers, she is quickly becoming a go to author when I want to read a story I know will be good. This novel was no different.
Though a bit on the far fetched/ unrealistic side of things there are some moments that fall in this category. The way the man fell in love with Olivia, the way she was able to just take on the type of identity she did. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit.
However, the ending was really good and I was definitely not expecting certain aspects of it which made the reading experience great.
The narrator performance was perfect for the characters and I had absolutely no issues.
However, as far as the editing is concerned, it could have gone through a couple more times. There was a continuity error at one point asking a cab to keep the meter running and then almost immediately after she pays the cabbie. I also heard a few mixed metaphors but in the grand scheme of things it was decent.
Overall, good read.
August 13, 2026
Nope. I forced myself to finish this book so I could see who did it. The main character Olivia is extremely unlikeable. I did not think the writing was that good and the plot and ending and timing was not even remotely realistic. I won’t be reading anything else by this author. It was a free reads book from Amazon.
September 9, 2026
Great premise, good setup for a mystery, and the twist was unexpected! However, the main character was SOOOO UNLIKEABLE! The writing was also atrocious. I could have done without knowing what seasonings Billy Ray put on the ribs. Word count reach, anyone?
August 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "Ransom" by Leslie Wolfe.
This was my first read by this author after hearing many good things. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the book though. It started off pretty interesting and certainly had potential, but lost points for me with the instalove and the cliche flashbacks. One thing I did like was the court transcripts throughout, and the ending certainly was not what I was expecting so I appreciated that plot twist.
This was my first read by this author after hearing many good things. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the book though. It started off pretty interesting and certainly had potential, but lost points for me with the instalove and the cliche flashbacks. One thing I did like was the court transcripts throughout, and the ending certainly was not what I was expecting so I appreciated that plot twist.
August 18, 2026
This crazy novel involves so many schemes: bribery, threats, blackmail, and a host of other things. It's one of those convoluted plots that had my head spinning like the exorcist as each page is full of surprises! Seriously, you may want to take notes as it's a wild tale that I raced through!
July 22, 2026
Dumb, unbelievable plot with over the top dramatic writing. I skimmed through most of it.
August 15, 2026
Overall, a nice read.
I was annoyed at the main character most of the time, but as the story progressed I fought through it and really enjoyed the twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC of this book in return for a honest review.
I was annoyed at the main character most of the time, but as the story progressed I fought through it and really enjoyed the twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC of this book in return for a honest review.
July 15, 2026
Received via Amazon First Reads
It's been a while since I have read a good thriller and this one did not disappoint! The premise is fun and I appreciated the mix of suspense/legal drama/slight romance. I had to knock a star because there were little inconsistencies that confused me (the biggest one for me was a reference to shoes in the jail cell, somehow the story seemed to jump and I didn't follow the transition). Good twist at the end, not too far-fetched. I would recommend it!
It's been a while since I have read a good thriller and this one did not disappoint! The premise is fun and I appreciated the mix of suspense/legal drama/slight romance. I had to knock a star because there were little inconsistencies that confused me (the biggest one for me was a reference to shoes in the jail cell, somehow the story seemed to jump and I didn't follow the transition). Good twist at the end, not too far-fetched. I would recommend it!
September 7, 2026
Picked up a little towards the end and I was curious what was gonna happen but overall pretty bad
July 14, 2026
4.5⭐️this book definitely kept me engaged and wanting to read! Great little plot twist, very easy read -solving a mystery
August 11, 2026
Enjoyed this authors writing style.
August 21, 2026
Loved this book! Loved the plot and the twists. My first read by this author and definitely not my last!!!
August 22, 2026
Loved it! Kept you hooked the whole book. Did not see the ending coming!
October 3, 2026
Wow! I did NOT see that coming. What an end. Betrayal at it's finest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Amazon First Reads in July 2026. A woman is accused of murdering her husband. Uneven pacing, but entertaining. Morally grey characters and courtroom drama.
August 11, 2026
It was okay, but I found it pretty boring at times. It definitely picks up during the last few chapters, but the beginning and middle felt slow. I’m honestly surprised by how many people said it kept them hooked because I found myself zoning out quite a bit. I also felt like there were some inconsistencies throughout the story, and I never really connected with the characters. It’s marketed as a thriller, but I personally didn’t get those vibes at all. Overall, it just didn’t feel very thrilling to me.
August 31, 2026
complete disappointment
I usually love Wolfe’s books, but not this one. I found it kind of cheesy and things were falling into place too conveniently. I was also bored in the beginning of the book so skipped pages.
I usually love Wolfe’s books, but not this one. I found it kind of cheesy and things were falling into place too conveniently. I was also bored in the beginning of the book so skipped pages.
July 26, 2026
This was fantastic and keeps you wrapped up in it from beginning to end. Honestly could’ve been 5 stars, but a large part of it I was wondering what was going on and how the two timelines connect. Everything wraps up in the end but I feel we could’ve explained more in the beginning and still had a good mystery.
August 11, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Ransom by Leslie Wolfe because it kept me interested and constantly made me question what was really happening. It is a psychological thriller with a lot of mystery, secrets and unexpected twists. What I liked most about the book was that I never felt completely sure about which characters I could trust.
The main character, Olivia Taylor, was probably the character I found the most interesting. At first, she seems confident, elegant and as if she has a perfect life. However, as the story progresses, we discover that there is much more to her than what we see at the beginning. She has secrets and a complicated past, which makes it difficult to decide whether she is someone we should feel sorry for or someone we should be suspicious of. I liked this because she is not a simple character. Her personality makes the reader constantly change their opinion about her.
Winston Donovan is also very important to the story because his death changes everything for Olivia. After he is murdered, Olivia becomes the main suspect, and the investigation starts revealing things about her life that she would rather keep hidden. I found this part of the story especially interesting because every new piece of information made me question what I had previously believed. I love to be "fooled" by the author, makes wanna read everything from that Author!
Another thing I enjoyed was the suspense. The author gives us information little by little, which makes us want to keep reading to find out the truth. There were several moments when I thought I had figured everything out, but then something happened that made me change my mind. I think this is one of the strongest parts of the book because it keeps the reader involved in the story.
However, I think some parts of the book were a little slow. Even so, I understand why these parts were necessary because they helped develop the characters and explain what had happened. And that's really important in story like this.
Overall i enjoyed the mystery, the suspense and especially the complexity of Olivia's character. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy psychological thrillers, crime stories and books where appearances can be very deceiving. It definitely made me think about the characters and their real intentions, and I think that is what made the book memorable for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the oportunity to read this book :)
@bibliotecamil_insta
The main character, Olivia Taylor, was probably the character I found the most interesting. At first, she seems confident, elegant and as if she has a perfect life. However, as the story progresses, we discover that there is much more to her than what we see at the beginning. She has secrets and a complicated past, which makes it difficult to decide whether she is someone we should feel sorry for or someone we should be suspicious of. I liked this because she is not a simple character. Her personality makes the reader constantly change their opinion about her.
Winston Donovan is also very important to the story because his death changes everything for Olivia. After he is murdered, Olivia becomes the main suspect, and the investigation starts revealing things about her life that she would rather keep hidden. I found this part of the story especially interesting because every new piece of information made me question what I had previously believed. I love to be "fooled" by the author, makes wanna read everything from that Author!
Another thing I enjoyed was the suspense. The author gives us information little by little, which makes us want to keep reading to find out the truth. There were several moments when I thought I had figured everything out, but then something happened that made me change my mind. I think this is one of the strongest parts of the book because it keeps the reader involved in the story.
However, I think some parts of the book were a little slow. Even so, I understand why these parts were necessary because they helped develop the characters and explain what had happened. And that's really important in story like this.
Overall i enjoyed the mystery, the suspense and especially the complexity of Olivia's character. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy psychological thrillers, crime stories and books where appearances can be very deceiving. It definitely made me think about the characters and their real intentions, and I think that is what made the book memorable for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the oportunity to read this book :)
@bibliotecamil_insta
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one definitely had me hooked, but not without a few bumps along the way.
There were a handful of inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story at times. Little things, like Winston gifting Olivia a cream-colored cowboy hat only for her to later say she paired it with black boots “to match my new hat.” Or bigger moments, like the prosecuting attorney being warned about cutting off witnesses, only to immediately do it again with zero consequences. And don’t even get me started on the investigation itself. The police seemed determined to lock onto Olivia and never let go, even after she insisted she’d been set up. Yes, that’s something a guilty person might say… but it also would have taken minimal effort to check surrounding camera footage to see if anyone else had come or gone. Not to mention, it’s hard to believe a garage like that wouldn’t have its own surveillance inside not just the comings and goings of people.
That said, where this book really shines is in its portrayal of the media frenzy surrounding Olivia’s arrest and trial. It felt a little too real at times. The way everything spiraled, how quickly truth became tangled up with speculation, and how the public essentially turned her life into entertainment, it was a pretty sharp reminder of how much people love to consume someone else’s downfall. And the way that kind of coverage can quietly shape a jury’s perception, whether they admit it or not. That part felt especially well done.
Now I will also be the first to admit that the pacing wasn’t perfect, there were definitely moments where things slowed down more than they needed to, but overall, this was the kind of story that kept me turning pages. I was constantly trying to piece things together, second-guessing myself, and while I did manage to call a few of the twists, there were others that completely caught me off guard. The kind that make you pause mid-chapter and just… stare at the page for a second.
That being said, if you’re into morally gray characters, layered storytelling, and plots that don’t always go where you expect them to, then this is one I think you’ll enjoy.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
There were a handful of inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story at times. Little things, like Winston gifting Olivia a cream-colored cowboy hat only for her to later say she paired it with black boots “to match my new hat.” Or bigger moments, like the prosecuting attorney being warned about cutting off witnesses, only to immediately do it again with zero consequences. And don’t even get me started on the investigation itself. The police seemed determined to lock onto Olivia and never let go, even after she insisted she’d been set up. Yes, that’s something a guilty person might say… but it also would have taken minimal effort to check surrounding camera footage to see if anyone else had come or gone. Not to mention, it’s hard to believe a garage like that wouldn’t have its own surveillance inside not just the comings and goings of people.
That said, where this book really shines is in its portrayal of the media frenzy surrounding Olivia’s arrest and trial. It felt a little too real at times. The way everything spiraled, how quickly truth became tangled up with speculation, and how the public essentially turned her life into entertainment, it was a pretty sharp reminder of how much people love to consume someone else’s downfall. And the way that kind of coverage can quietly shape a jury’s perception, whether they admit it or not. That part felt especially well done.
Now I will also be the first to admit that the pacing wasn’t perfect, there were definitely moments where things slowed down more than they needed to, but overall, this was the kind of story that kept me turning pages. I was constantly trying to piece things together, second-guessing myself, and while I did manage to call a few of the twists, there were others that completely caught me off guard. The kind that make you pause mid-chapter and just… stare at the page for a second.
That being said, if you’re into morally gray characters, layered storytelling, and plots that don’t always go where you expect them to, then this is one I think you’ll enjoy.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Leslie Wolfe is a popular author in my library so I thought I'd give her a whirl. And oh my goodness!
Good news! For anyone who's desperately missing Mary Higgins Clark, I think I have found her successor. Unfortunately, this is also bad news lol, for me at least - is anyone really missing MHC?
Wolfe gives us FMC Olivia, nee Hattie. She adopts a new persona every times she leaves a city behind, which is fairly often. Her specialty? "Ransoming" a husband back to his wife, hence the title; she does deep research on her mark, who must be married but with a known history of infidelity. Then she places herself in his orbit, styling herself as a younger, tighter version of his current paramour, until he takes her bait. She does all this without full physical intimacy, bc she was sexually abused by her drunken sot of a father after her mother's death (as we learn through flashbacks). Once she has him, she pays a visit to his wife and says she will walk away from the relationship for $XX,XXX (cost varies depending on the mark, and sometimes she takes money for "proof" of infidelity so the wife can effect a divorce).
But this time ... she's fallen for her mark (le sigh).
Complicating matters, we learn early on through flash forwards that she is on trial for his murder. Dun dun DUNNN!!
This was an easy read, for sure, but the writing is rather flowery. "I looked straight into her eyes and saw nothing but ice in those dark irises -- the type of coldness you see in the slit pupil of a venomous snake." OK then.
At the denouement, there's not one but TWO twists, so make sure you're sitting down when you get there.
This one was a bit too over the top for me, but I surely will enjoy recommending it to certain of my patrons who like this kind of telenovela-adjacent material.
2.5 stars rounded up
Leslie Wolfe is a popular author in my library so I thought I'd give her a whirl. And oh my goodness!
Good news! For anyone who's desperately missing Mary Higgins Clark, I think I have found her successor. Unfortunately, this is also bad news lol, for me at least - is anyone really missing MHC?
Wolfe gives us FMC Olivia, nee Hattie. She adopts a new persona every times she leaves a city behind, which is fairly often. Her specialty? "Ransoming" a husband back to his wife, hence the title; she does deep research on her mark, who must be married but with a known history of infidelity. Then she places herself in his orbit, styling herself as a younger, tighter version of his current paramour, until he takes her bait. She does all this without full physical intimacy, bc she was sexually abused by her drunken sot of a father after her mother's death (as we learn through flashbacks). Once she has him, she pays a visit to his wife and says she will walk away from the relationship for $XX,XXX (cost varies depending on the mark, and sometimes she takes money for "proof" of infidelity so the wife can effect a divorce).
But this time ... she's fallen for her mark (le sigh).
Complicating matters, we learn early on through flash forwards that she is on trial for his murder. Dun dun DUNNN!!
This was an easy read, for sure, but the writing is rather flowery. "I looked straight into her eyes and saw nothing but ice in those dark irises -- the type of coldness you see in the slit pupil of a venomous snake." OK then.
At the denouement, there's not one but TWO twists, so make sure you're sitting down when you get there.
This one was a bit too over the top for me, but I surely will enjoy recommending it to certain of my patrons who like this kind of telenovela-adjacent material.
2.5 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I ended up loving it.
The story started very slow and I feared it wasn't up to this author's usual high standards or was going to be as entertaining. However it just takes a while to set the scene and romance to bloom. It certainly picks up when things begin to unravel and we end up in court. I didn't need to worry it did turn out not only entertaining but also gripping. The author still had a few surprises up her sleeve, that I didn't see coming.
I would say the story is in two halves and I am not sure I liked the main character in the first half. To manipulative and secretive but as the story unfolds and we learn more about what is going on, my feeling towards her began to change. I loved the court room drama scenes, the whole will they find the right evidence in time to catch the killer takes me back to a kid and watching Perry Mason on tv. I use to say up late to watch them just as the second half of this book kept me up late too.
I love all Leslie's book but I definitely want more court room drama from this author, the Queen of suspense and twists. I very rarely give her books anything less than a five star review and I am glad to say this book ended up getting one too.
Olivia knows what she wants or in her case who and won't let anybody stand in her way, not even his wife. She knows how to get it too, even if it means playing a part. However this man is different and she finds herself falling for his charm. Is he the one who could make her change her ways and give everything up? Before she can find out things go horribly wrong and she is arrested for murder. Now she knows what she wants, her freedom but for the first time she is unsure how to get it.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The story started very slow and I feared it wasn't up to this author's usual high standards or was going to be as entertaining. However it just takes a while to set the scene and romance to bloom. It certainly picks up when things begin to unravel and we end up in court. I didn't need to worry it did turn out not only entertaining but also gripping. The author still had a few surprises up her sleeve, that I didn't see coming.
I would say the story is in two halves and I am not sure I liked the main character in the first half. To manipulative and secretive but as the story unfolds and we learn more about what is going on, my feeling towards her began to change. I loved the court room drama scenes, the whole will they find the right evidence in time to catch the killer takes me back to a kid and watching Perry Mason on tv. I use to say up late to watch them just as the second half of this book kept me up late too.
I love all Leslie's book but I definitely want more court room drama from this author, the Queen of suspense and twists. I very rarely give her books anything less than a five star review and I am glad to say this book ended up getting one too.
Olivia knows what she wants or in her case who and won't let anybody stand in her way, not even his wife. She knows how to get it too, even if it means playing a part. However this man is different and she finds herself falling for his charm. Is he the one who could make her change her ways and give everything up? Before she can find out things go horribly wrong and she is arrested for murder. Now she knows what she wants, her freedom but for the first time she is unsure how to get it.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 21, 2026
This reminded me of The Housemaid book in that the writing was… not great, but that spine-snapping twist at the end! I never saw that coming At. All.
The writing was much more reminiscent of a romance than a thriller. I had a lot of eye-rolling. Another Housemaid comparison with the writing… Once Colton showed up, there was the drinking game of every time he ran his hand through his hair or rubbed his forehead. So. Many. Times. Just… overly repetitive. Ugh. But, the fuck do I know? I haven’t written over 30 books.
And the plot holes. There’s no fucking way one of the richest, most influential families in Las Vegas is going to let some con-woman interloper come and claim them as relatives. There’s no way the cops wouldn’t immediately dig into who she was, piercing the thinly laid façade and expose ALL her past cons. Especially after a murder. There’s no fucking way a cop would talk to her outside the confines of the investigation, much less *while a trial is ongoing*.
Then there’s “Jack”. He disappeared SO completely about the middle of the book, that I wondered if the book was written by AI, and the AI just kind of forgot about him. At the end, his disappearance made a bit more sense as he wasn’t really needed because of other people/things going on, but still.
Another disappearance that had me thinking it was AI was the realtor/landlady. When they saw the list of prosecution witnesses, they wondered why that woman was on the list. It made everyone worried and what did she know? Then the landlady was never heard from again. Didn’t testify. No big gotcha reveal or anything. Just…. Poof.
That end twist was the only thing that made this worth the time at all.
August 17, 2026
This book starts off with a woman clearly on the run - I was intrigued and wanted to know more!
I love instant action and hoped it would keep the pace, but then is slowed considerably. It felt like a slower burn romance for the first 40 percent of the book. Granted I'm not a romance reader, and fans of that genre may disagree and feel this was tame, but for me it felt a lot.
My interest wained slighty as I just needed a bit more action! That said I did enjoy the little dates Olivia and Whinston went on.
After the 40 percent mark it picks up and my interest was piqued once more. It becomes a little twisty and I can honestly say I didn't see that twist coming.
Amongst everything else going on in this book it also explores the scars abuse leaves on a person long into adulthood. Although Olivia was a villain of sorts (running scams), you couldn't help but feel sorry for what she endured at the hands of her own father. Reader discretion advised.
The narrator was a good choice as I felt like I could picture Olivia based on her voice and the way she carried herself. The audio is a great touch for this book as it adds to the overall experience. I would recommend!
This ones for you if you enjoy a character-driven story filled with buried secrets and a twisty ending.
My rating is 3.5!
Thank you to Leslie Wolfe, Lauren Ezzo, Thomas and Mercer and Brilliance Audio for the advanced listening and reading copies via Netgalley allowing me to immersive read. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
I love instant action and hoped it would keep the pace, but then is slowed considerably. It felt like a slower burn romance for the first 40 percent of the book. Granted I'm not a romance reader, and fans of that genre may disagree and feel this was tame, but for me it felt a lot.
My interest wained slighty as I just needed a bit more action! That said I did enjoy the little dates Olivia and Whinston went on.
After the 40 percent mark it picks up and my interest was piqued once more. It becomes a little twisty and I can honestly say I didn't see that twist coming.
Amongst everything else going on in this book it also explores the scars abuse leaves on a person long into adulthood. Although Olivia was a villain of sorts (running scams), you couldn't help but feel sorry for what she endured at the hands of her own father. Reader discretion advised.
The narrator was a good choice as I felt like I could picture Olivia based on her voice and the way she carried herself. The audio is a great touch for this book as it adds to the overall experience. I would recommend!
This ones for you if you enjoy a character-driven story filled with buried secrets and a twisty ending.
My rating is 3.5!
Thank you to Leslie Wolfe, Lauren Ezzo, Thomas and Mercer and Brilliance Audio for the advanced listening and reading copies via Netgalley allowing me to immersive read. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ransom is a fast, addictive read that pulls you straight into the glamorous, chaotic world of Olivia Taylor—a woman everyone thinks they know, but no one actually does. Leslie Wolfe builds the tension beautifully, peeling back Olivia’s polished exterior layer by layer until the truth becomes something far darker and far more compelling than the headlines suggest.
Olivia is a fascinating character to follow. She’s elegant, adored, and constantly in the spotlight… until she’s suddenly the prime suspect in a murder that could land her on death row. Watching her life unravel—friends turning, secrets surfacing, the media circling like sharks—gives the story a sharp, cinematic edge. It’s messy in the best way, full of shifting loyalties and the kind of public scrutiny that feels all too real.
The novel really shines in its exploration of obsession and manipulation. The relationship at the heart of the story is toxic, consuming, and impossible to look away from. Wolfe keeps the twists coming, and just when you think you’ve figured out who Olivia really is, the narrative pivots again.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with glamour, scandal, and characters who are never quite what they seem, Ransom delivers a gripping, binge‑worthy ride. A dark, stylish story about love gone wrong and the dangerous games people play to protect their secrets.
With thanks to Leslie Wolfe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Olivia is a fascinating character to follow. She’s elegant, adored, and constantly in the spotlight… until she’s suddenly the prime suspect in a murder that could land her on death row. Watching her life unravel—friends turning, secrets surfacing, the media circling like sharks—gives the story a sharp, cinematic edge. It’s messy in the best way, full of shifting loyalties and the kind of public scrutiny that feels all too real.
The novel really shines in its exploration of obsession and manipulation. The relationship at the heart of the story is toxic, consuming, and impossible to look away from. Wolfe keeps the twists coming, and just when you think you’ve figured out who Olivia really is, the narrative pivots again.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with glamour, scandal, and characters who are never quite what they seem, Ransom delivers a gripping, binge‑worthy ride. A dark, stylish story about love gone wrong and the dangerous games people play to protect their secrets.
With thanks to Leslie Wolfe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Leslie Wolfe for providing an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book had me hooked from the start! There were so many unpredictable twists that kept me in my seat. Truly an unputdownable book, I finished reading the whole thing in 2 days tops. Before checking it out, please read the content warnings as there are sensitive topics that may be suitable for all readers.
Let’s start off at chapter 1 where I was immediately in the middle of a man struggling to be alive and who ended up dying within the first couple of pages. No context on who this man was but I KNEW I had to keep reading to find out. Who was he? Why’d people want him dead? Was I supposed to care for his death? Leslie Wolfe made sure to include little clues that take on a whole lot of importance later in the story.
The star of the show is introduced as Olivia Taylor from the famous Las Vegas casino family. She was Anna Delvey x Oceans 8 vibes. To be honest, I wanted to be her because of her confidence, manipulation tactics, and communication skills. As the story unfolded, I was questioning who is this Olivie Taylor??
Just as the desert sun leaves nowhere to hide, the novel uses the Las Vegas heat as a symbol of the intense scrutiny the characters face from the public. The high society setting made the drama even more juicy.
Overall, it was an addictive read. Some parts were a bit dramatic but it added to the flair.
This book had me hooked from the start! There were so many unpredictable twists that kept me in my seat. Truly an unputdownable book, I finished reading the whole thing in 2 days tops. Before checking it out, please read the content warnings as there are sensitive topics that may be suitable for all readers.
Let’s start off at chapter 1 where I was immediately in the middle of a man struggling to be alive and who ended up dying within the first couple of pages. No context on who this man was but I KNEW I had to keep reading to find out. Who was he? Why’d people want him dead? Was I supposed to care for his death? Leslie Wolfe made sure to include little clues that take on a whole lot of importance later in the story.
The star of the show is introduced as Olivia Taylor from the famous Las Vegas casino family. She was Anna Delvey x Oceans 8 vibes. To be honest, I wanted to be her because of her confidence, manipulation tactics, and communication skills. As the story unfolded, I was questioning who is this Olivie Taylor??
Just as the desert sun leaves nowhere to hide, the novel uses the Las Vegas heat as a symbol of the intense scrutiny the characters face from the public. The high society setting made the drama even more juicy.
Overall, it was an addictive read. Some parts were a bit dramatic but it added to the flair.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Leslie Wolfe wastes no time dropping you into the story, we’re immediately with the main character at the airport, clearly on the run, and there’s this instant sense of pressure and anxiety that sets the tone perfectly and pulls you in without needing much setup.
At the centre of it is Olivia Taylor, a glamorous socialite whose life starts to fall apart after she’s accused of murder. I liked that she isn’t easily readable or sympathetic, and you’re left to decide which version of her you trust.
The pacing is more of a slow and steady build, but the short chapters give it a sense of urgency that isn’t always there in the story itself. It still has that “just one more chapter” effect, even when the plot isn’t doing much in terms of action. I also liked the way the investigation and courtroom snippets were woven in. It gave it a grounded, true-crime-style feel, like following a real high-profile murder case as it unfolds.
As the story shifts between past and present, you start to see there’s more to Olivia than her unreliable, manipulative exterior suggests, with deeper trauma shaping how she behaves and connects with people. I also appreciated how the story touches on the public reaction, especially how quickly her story becomes bigger than her, with the media feeding off the drama.
Overall, this was a solid domestic suspense with legal thriller elements, and a few twists I was genuinely blindsided by. This would be a good fit if you like unreliable characters, messy personal dynamics, and stories where nothing is ever completely straightforward.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
At the centre of it is Olivia Taylor, a glamorous socialite whose life starts to fall apart after she’s accused of murder. I liked that she isn’t easily readable or sympathetic, and you’re left to decide which version of her you trust.
The pacing is more of a slow and steady build, but the short chapters give it a sense of urgency that isn’t always there in the story itself. It still has that “just one more chapter” effect, even when the plot isn’t doing much in terms of action. I also liked the way the investigation and courtroom snippets were woven in. It gave it a grounded, true-crime-style feel, like following a real high-profile murder case as it unfolds.
As the story shifts between past and present, you start to see there’s more to Olivia than her unreliable, manipulative exterior suggests, with deeper trauma shaping how she behaves and connects with people. I also appreciated how the story touches on the public reaction, especially how quickly her story becomes bigger than her, with the media feeding off the drama.
Overall, this was a solid domestic suspense with legal thriller elements, and a few twists I was genuinely blindsided by. This would be a good fit if you like unreliable characters, messy personal dynamics, and stories where nothing is ever completely straightforward.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ransom by Leslie Wolfe is a brilliant, emotionally charged, and jaw-dropping courtroom psychological thriller that turns a serial con artist's calculated scheme into an unforgettable tale of love, murder, and deception.
The story follows Olivia, a gold-digging serial con artist whose life takes an unexpected turn when she genuinely falls in love with her latest mark, Winston, only to find herself arrested and standing trial for his murder. Narrated primarily through a tense present timeline interspersed with explosive courtroom hearing snippets and carefully timed past flashbacks, the structure masterfully balances character depth with escalating dread. The narrative constantly challenges the reader by transforming a morally gray anti-hero into someone you deeply root for, weaving emotional investment into a high-stakes legal web where nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
With flawless pacing and a deliciously sharp courtroom atmosphere, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat as the prosecution builds a seemingly airtight case against Olivia. The intricate plotting leads to a mind-blowing, utterly speechless final twist that satisfies even the most experienced thriller veterans, proving that a brilliant concept executed with heart and precision can leave a lasting impact. It earns an enthusiastic, top-tier 5+ wild, jaw-dropping stars.
The story follows Olivia, a gold-digging serial con artist whose life takes an unexpected turn when she genuinely falls in love with her latest mark, Winston, only to find herself arrested and standing trial for his murder. Narrated primarily through a tense present timeline interspersed with explosive courtroom hearing snippets and carefully timed past flashbacks, the structure masterfully balances character depth with escalating dread. The narrative constantly challenges the reader by transforming a morally gray anti-hero into someone you deeply root for, weaving emotional investment into a high-stakes legal web where nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
With flawless pacing and a deliciously sharp courtroom atmosphere, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat as the prosecution builds a seemingly airtight case against Olivia. The intricate plotting leads to a mind-blowing, utterly speechless final twist that satisfies even the most experienced thriller veterans, proving that a brilliant concept executed with heart and precision can leave a lasting impact. It earns an enthusiastic, top-tier 5+ wild, jaw-dropping stars.
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