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Ransom
Not yet published
Expected 1 Aug 26When 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.
- GenresMystery Thriller
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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
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
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
I picked this up because the description deeply intrigued me. I thought I had a solid idea of what I was about to read… but I was absolutely wrong. From the very beginning, there’s this heavy layer of mystery hanging over the story.
Just when I thought I had a grasp on the characters or their motivations, something would shift. The more I read, the more I realized I was still getting to know them — even up until the very last chapters. No one felt fully transparent, and that constant uncertainty kept me completely on edge.
One of my favorite aspects was how morally grey the characters were. I’d find myself rooting for them in one chapter, only to question my loyalty in the next. That push and pull made everything feel unpredictable and addictive.
The pacing also worked really well for me. The suspense builds steadily, and once it hooks you, it doesn’t really let go. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter, and then suddenly I was several chapters in.
Overall, this was a dark, twisty psychological thriller that kept me on my toes from start to finish. If you enjoy morally complex characters, constant tension, and stories that refuse to unfold the way you expect, this one is worth picking up.
Just when I thought I had a grasp on the characters or their motivations, something would shift. The more I read, the more I realized I was still getting to know them — even up until the very last chapters. No one felt fully transparent, and that constant uncertainty kept me completely on edge.
One of my favorite aspects was how morally grey the characters were. I’d find myself rooting for them in one chapter, only to question my loyalty in the next. That push and pull made everything feel unpredictable and addictive.
The pacing also worked really well for me. The suspense builds steadily, and once it hooks you, it doesn’t really let go. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter, and then suddenly I was several chapters in.
Overall, this was a dark, twisty psychological thriller that kept me on my toes from start to finish. If you enjoy morally complex characters, constant tension, and stories that refuse to unfold the way you expect, this one is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Review: Ransom by L. Wolfe
Ransom by L. Wolfe grabs the reader from the opening pages and does not let go. The novel wastes no time establishing tension, drawing you in immediately with a sharp premise and a sense of urgency that drives the story forward. This is a fast-paced read by design—lean, focused, and relentless in its momentum.
What sets Ransom apart is its refusal to follow predictable narrative paths. Just when the reader believes they have the situation—or the characters—figured out, the story pivots. The twists and turns are genuinely unexpected, not gimmicky, and they fundamentally reshape how earlier events are understood. Wolfe demonstrates strong command of pacing, delivering surprises at strategic moments without sacrificing coherence or credibility.
Overall, Ransom is a compelling, high-impact thriller that respects the reader’s intelligence while keeping them off balance. It’s the kind of book that demands attention, rewards close reading, and is difficult to put down once started.
Ransom by L. Wolfe grabs the reader from the opening pages and does not let go. The novel wastes no time establishing tension, drawing you in immediately with a sharp premise and a sense of urgency that drives the story forward. This is a fast-paced read by design—lean, focused, and relentless in its momentum.
What sets Ransom apart is its refusal to follow predictable narrative paths. Just when the reader believes they have the situation—or the characters—figured out, the story pivots. The twists and turns are genuinely unexpected, not gimmicky, and they fundamentally reshape how earlier events are understood. Wolfe demonstrates strong command of pacing, delivering surprises at strategic moments without sacrificing coherence or credibility.
Overall, Ransom is a compelling, high-impact thriller that respects the reader’s intelligence while keeping them off balance. It’s the kind of book that demands attention, rewards close reading, and is difficult to put down once started.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an enjoyable, fast moving psychological thriller that follows Olivia Taylor, a woman whose glamorous return home unravels the moment she’s accused of murder. Once celebrated for her wealth, charm and high profile engagement, she suddenly becomes the centre of a media storm as every part of her past is dissected and her carefully curated image begins to crumble.
What makes the story compelling is the way it peels back Olivia’s layers, revealing buried secrets and shifting power dynamics beneath all the glitz. The mix of suspense, scandal and sharp character work kept me turning the pages, and I found the journey both gripping and satisfying.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
What makes the story compelling is the way it peels back Olivia’s layers, revealing buried secrets and shifting power dynamics beneath all the glitz. The mix of suspense, scandal and sharp character work kept me turning the pages, and I found the journey both gripping and satisfying.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
Leslie has taken a completely different scenario for her latest book and successfully worked it into another suspense-filled thriller. The character of Olivia is developed so well that I didn't know whether to feel sorry for her or admire her, she's clever and brave ... Until events catch up with her. The court scenes are a complete rollercoaster, I'd no idea what the outcome would be.
Once again this author has created a fascinating story that kept me turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down until I found out what happened and wanting to put it down to make my reading last longer!
I can't recommend it too highly.
Leslie has taken a completely different scenario for her latest book and successfully worked it into another suspense-filled thriller. The character of Olivia is developed so well that I didn't know whether to feel sorry for her or admire her, she's clever and brave ... Until events catch up with her. The court scenes are a complete rollercoaster, I'd no idea what the outcome would be.
Once again this author has created a fascinating story that kept me turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down until I found out what happened and wanting to put it down to make my reading last longer!
I can't recommend it too highly.
January 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, author Leslie Wolfe and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.
I love Leslie Wolfe and was so excited to receive this ARC!
This was an interesting and engaging read, though it moved at a slower pace than expected. While the storyline initially led me to believe I had the outcome figured out, I was pleasantly surprised by the direction it ultimately took. The ending was strong, featuring one significant twist that I did not see coming. That said, I felt the novel could have benefited from a stronger thriller element, as the overall tension did not quite reach the level I was hoping for.
Publishes June 2026
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Leslie Wolfe and was so excited to receive this ARC!
This was an interesting and engaging read, though it moved at a slower pace than expected. While the storyline initially led me to believe I had the outcome figured out, I was pleasantly surprised by the direction it ultimately took. The ending was strong, featuring one significant twist that I did not see coming. That said, I felt the novel could have benefited from a stronger thriller element, as the overall tension did not quite reach the level I was hoping for.
Publishes June 2026
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ransom by Leslie Wolfe is a fast-paced psychological thriller set against the glittering backdrop of Las Vegas and the high-stakes world of the rich and famous. Olivia Taylor arrives with a plan to meet billionaire Donovan Winston—but she never expects to fall in love. Soon she’s engaged, wearing his ring, and then suddenly arrested for murder. When a boyfriend from her teenage years reappears as her defense attorney, questions arise about how well he truly knows the woman she’s become after ten years apart. Packed with shocking secrets and thrilling twists, this novel keeps the suspense high right up to the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm an avid mystery reader! This is one of the best mysteries I've read! Olivia is somewhat of a con woman preying on married older men for money, jewels and a expensive lifestyle! However, she truly falls in love with her latest "mark". That's when the trouble starts. He's found dead and every clue points to her! There are some shocking twists to this story right up to the end! You think you know what happened, but you're wrong. I'm still amazed at the time and planning it must have taken to write such an interesting story!
This book is well worth your time!
Thank you to Leslie Wolfe for allowing me the privilege of an advanced copy!
This book is well worth your time!
Thank you to Leslie Wolfe for allowing me the privilege of an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was like a roller-coaster. First you creep up a hill slow and steady then Boom 💥 you had better hold on. The more I read it got harder and harder it was to put down. You'll go between past, present, and future which is part of the suspensefulness.
There was a great twist I absolutely didn't see coming, a family reunion, and of course with any psycholical thiller there is darkness.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this advance digital copy. Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas and Mercer, and Leslie Wolfe!
There was a great twist I absolutely didn't see coming, a family reunion, and of course with any psycholical thiller there is darkness.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this advance digital copy. Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas and Mercer, and Leslie Wolfe!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Leslie Wolfe definitely knows how to keep a readers attention. Ransom is a gripping story that keeps the pages turning. Just who is Olivia Taylor? Does anyone really know? The tidbits of court proceedings at the end of several chapters kept the tension high. Did she or didn't she? Would she be found guilty or innocent? Readers who enjoy suspense and twists to the plot will be sure to enjoy Ransom. I read a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read a few of Leslie Wolfe's books, and enjoyed them.
I started this one, and it was a little slow, and I was waiting for someone to be kidnapped.......
I found out why the book was titled Ransom........ and it definitely was not what I expected.
The plot is a bit unbelievable. but interesting.
The book really took off after the 50% mark, and I could not put it down.
What a massive twist!! I was NOT expecting THAT!!
4/5 stars from me.
I started this one, and it was a little slow, and I was waiting for someone to be kidnapped.......
I found out why the book was titled Ransom........ and it definitely was not what I expected.
The plot is a bit unbelievable. but interesting.
The book really took off after the 50% mark, and I could not put it down.
What a massive twist!! I was NOT expecting THAT!!
4/5 stars from me.
Read
February 3, 2026Wow, what a wild and twisty ride that was. Ransom by Leslie Wolfe published by Thomas & Mercer is a full length stand alone thriller.
I just wanted to take a peek at the story, and now, hours later I just read the last page and I'm in awe.
I fell in insta love with Olivia's character, rooted for her and her new love interest.
Even the secondary characters are fantastic.
A storey full of twists and turns I never saw coming. I recommend the book that deserves all the stars.
I just wanted to take a peek at the story, and now, hours later I just read the last page and I'm in awe.
I fell in insta love with Olivia's character, rooted for her and her new love interest.
Even the secondary characters are fantastic.
A storey full of twists and turns I never saw coming. I recommend the book that deserves all the stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
What an exciting read!
Glamorous Olivia is engaged to wealthy Winston Donovan. They are so happy and in love- only one problem- he’s married.
Winston is murdered and Olivia is accused of his murder. She swears she loved him and she believes his wife did it. But can she prove it?
Then the trial- the ups and downs of it - can Olivia prove her innocence? Who murdered Winston?
Catch all the action if the trial!
What an exciting read!
Glamorous Olivia is engaged to wealthy Winston Donovan. They are so happy and in love- only one problem- he’s married.
Winston is murdered and Olivia is accused of his murder. She swears she loved him and she believes his wife did it. But can she prove it?
Then the trial- the ups and downs of it - can Olivia prove her innocence? Who murdered Winston?
Catch all the action if the trial!
March 2, 2026
💳ARC REVIEW💳
PUB DATE: 6/9/2026
💭 This was a solid suspense thriller giving a bit of Anna Delvey vibes… glam, grift, and absolutely no one to trust. Every character is morally grey at best and fully unhinged at worst… The tension builds so effortlessly and just when you think you’ve figured it out? TWIST. And then another one. And maybe one more for good measure. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you @netgalley @thomasmerceruk @wolfe.leslie
PUB DATE: 6/9/2026
💭 This was a solid suspense thriller giving a bit of Anna Delvey vibes… glam, grift, and absolutely no one to trust. Every character is morally grey at best and fully unhinged at worst… The tension builds so effortlessly and just when you think you’ve figured it out? TWIST. And then another one. And maybe one more for good measure. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you @netgalley @thomasmerceruk @wolfe.leslie
dnf-d
February 17, 2026Net Galley Arc-
I feel like this has potential but this was a drag.
It started off great. The first few chapters I was invested but as the story went on I started to care less and less about what was going on or how this would end. It felt long and it unfortunately did not hold my attention. For the sake of this being an ARC read I wanted to give the book a full chance but I couldn’t get through book. Between the 30%-60% I was painfully bored.
I feel like this has potential but this was a drag.
It started off great. The first few chapters I was invested but as the story went on I started to care less and less about what was going on or how this would end. It felt long and it unfortunately did not hold my attention. For the sake of this being an ARC read I wanted to give the book a full chance but I couldn’t get through book. Between the 30%-60% I was painfully bored.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love the book. Grabbed me right from the start. Couldn't put it down, so suspenseful. Twists you won't see coming. Betrayal, murder, lies, secrets revealed, romance and reunited family all rolled into this story. Leslie never disappoints! Highly recommend! Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
This was my second book by this author. Unlike the first book I read by her, this one was hard to keep my attention. It wasn’t really the thriller I had expected.
This was my second book by this author. Unlike the first book I read by her, this one was hard to keep my attention. It wasn’t really the thriller I had expected.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My second book by Leslie Wolf, and definitely not my last! Olivia Taylor is the main character with a shady past and present. Las Vegas is the setting. With short chapters (Just one more chapter!), and unravellings, I flew through this book. Recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a lot of foreplay for a murder, and as such maybe a little slow and boring. But the story is interesting, the writing and characters are great, and there's a very good twist.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews