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Pretty Dead Things: A Gripping Psychological Thriller
Returning home was her first mistake. Digging deeper may be her last.
An Old Hollywood actress. Her four adopted daughters. A sprawling Victorian manor surrounded by a bubbling swamp.
One sister drowns. Another refuses to believe it was an accident.
When Briar returns home for the funeral, she doesn’t expect the feeling of being watched or the flashes of her sister’s dark hair in the corner of her eye. She tells herself it’s just grief. It’s all inside her head. Then she finds a note, three lines in her sister’s handwriting, that changes
B,
She’s not who you think.
You’re next.
Pretty Dead Things is a dark, atmospheric psychological thriller perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Riley Sager, and Freida McFadden. When a woman returns to her family’s decaying estate in the Everglades after her sister’s mysterious death, she’s drawn into a web of lies spun by her Old Hollywood mother—a woman who might be both victim and monster.
It’s The Haunting of Hill House meets The Heiress, a gothic thriller simmering in Florida heat, buried secrets, and family madness.
An Old Hollywood actress. Her four adopted daughters. A sprawling Victorian manor surrounded by a bubbling swamp.
One sister drowns. Another refuses to believe it was an accident.
When Briar returns home for the funeral, she doesn’t expect the feeling of being watched or the flashes of her sister’s dark hair in the corner of her eye. She tells herself it’s just grief. It’s all inside her head. Then she finds a note, three lines in her sister’s handwriting, that changes
B,
She’s not who you think.
You’re next.
Pretty Dead Things is a dark, atmospheric psychological thriller perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Riley Sager, and Freida McFadden. When a woman returns to her family’s decaying estate in the Everglades after her sister’s mysterious death, she’s drawn into a web of lies spun by her Old Hollywood mother—a woman who might be both victim and monster.
It’s The Haunting of Hill House meets The Heiress, a gothic thriller simmering in Florida heat, buried secrets, and family madness.
330 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2025
416 people are currently reading
10249 people want to read
About the author
Liv Lowry
1 book45 followersLiv Lowry lives in Germany with her husband and her son.
When she’s not plotting her next thriller, she can usually be found reading true crime, exploring old castles, or sipping tea while dreaming up new ways to keep readers up at night.
When she’s not plotting her next thriller, she can usually be found reading true crime, exploring old castles, or sipping tea while dreaming up new ways to keep readers up at night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 14, 2026
Pretty Dead Things by Liv Lowry starts with a woman returning home for her sister’s funeral and quickly being pulled into a web of secrets when she discovers unsettling signs that her sister’s death may not have been what it seemed.
From the first page, I was completely pulled in by the suspense - the sense of not knowing who to trust was masterfully done. The pacing never let up, and the constant twists and turns kept me guessing right up until the end.
The characters are deliciously unlikeable and morally murky, which only deepened the tension; you’re never sure who’s being honest and who’s manipulating the truth. The unique setting also made this story especially memorable - it adds an extra layer of atmosphere and tension that lingers long after you’ve finished the final page.
I also appreciated how the book raises intriguing familial and social issues - from toxic family dynamics and generational trauma to the burden of public image and the way secrets can warp relationships. These themes gave the psychological thrills a bit more gravity beneath the surface.
If you like dark thrillers that keep you off-balance and guessing, this is definitely one to add to your list. Thank you to Liv Lowry for my copy - I’m very grateful!
From the first page, I was completely pulled in by the suspense - the sense of not knowing who to trust was masterfully done. The pacing never let up, and the constant twists and turns kept me guessing right up until the end.
The characters are deliciously unlikeable and morally murky, which only deepened the tension; you’re never sure who’s being honest and who’s manipulating the truth. The unique setting also made this story especially memorable - it adds an extra layer of atmosphere and tension that lingers long after you’ve finished the final page.
I also appreciated how the book raises intriguing familial and social issues - from toxic family dynamics and generational trauma to the burden of public image and the way secrets can warp relationships. These themes gave the psychological thrills a bit more gravity beneath the surface.
If you like dark thrillers that keep you off-balance and guessing, this is definitely one to add to your list. Thank you to Liv Lowry for my copy - I’m very grateful!
March 1, 2026
What a unique and gripping story! I absolutely loved the twists and turns. Definitely a must read if you’re looking for something fast paced. This one really draws you in!
January 28, 2026
This was a really strong read for me, and honestly one I wish I’d picked up sooner. It’s tense, heavy, and constantly has you questioning everything - the kind of thriller that gets under your skin.
This book is dark and atmospheric, built around secrets, grief, and a mystery that slowly tightens its grip. The story unfolds in layers, pulling you deeper into its world as the truth starts to feel more and more elusive.
The atmosphere in this book is one of its biggest strengths. From the setting to the tone, everything feels unsettling and heavy in the best way. The Bellville estate felt eerie, claustrophobic, and almost like a character in its own right. I genuinely felt like I was inside the book while reading it. It had me that immersed in the pages.
I think a great credit goes to Liv Lowry as an author for her attention to detail in describing the scenes and characters. Many other thrillers i’ve read generally skim over the surface but this book went deep. It was vivid, but not overwhelming. As a debut this was great!
The pacing? Perfect. It builds naturally rather than relying on constant shocks. And when the twists do come… they are true curveballs. I didn’t anticipate them at all, and they genuinely left me reeling. The reveals felt earned and impactful.
I also really enjoyed the use of transcripts throughout the book. They added another layer to the storytelling and pulled me in even more as a reader. Those extra details made everything feel more real and immersive.
Character-wise, this book had me feeling things. I absolutely despised Vivienne, which I think speaks to how well she was written. And by the end of the book, my jaw was on the floor in regards to some of the others.
Overall, this was a gripping & immersive thriller with great twists and a sense of unease. This is one I’d highly recommend if you enjoy thrillers that focus on mood, tension, and detail.
February 24, 2026
This book wrecked me in the quietest, most beautiful way.
This book is not just a romance. It’s grief. It’s trauma. It’s loving someone in the middle of their broken pieces and choosing to stay anyway. And you guys already know, I live for stories that feel raw and almost too heavy to carry. This one? It carries you instead. This story didn't shy away from the darkness. She leans into it. The pain, the messy emotions, the kind of love that isn’t pretty or polished but real. The kind that bleeds. The kind that feels impossible and inevitable at the same time. What I loved most was how deeply it felt. The characters aren’t perfect. They’re flawed, haunted, trying to survive their pasts while figuring out if they deserve something good. And that’s what fucking got me. That question — am I worthy of love even after everything?
You can feel the ache in every chapter. The longing. The desperation to hold on to something beautiful in the middle of chaos. And when the tenderness shows up? It hits ten times harder because you know what they’ve endured to get there.
This story is fucking HEAVY.
It was haunting.
It was heartbreaking.
It’s beautifully written.
And
It will crawl under your skin.
♾️ ⭐️
This book is not just a romance. It’s grief. It’s trauma. It’s loving someone in the middle of their broken pieces and choosing to stay anyway. And you guys already know, I live for stories that feel raw and almost too heavy to carry. This one? It carries you instead. This story didn't shy away from the darkness. She leans into it. The pain, the messy emotions, the kind of love that isn’t pretty or polished but real. The kind that bleeds. The kind that feels impossible and inevitable at the same time. What I loved most was how deeply it felt. The characters aren’t perfect. They’re flawed, haunted, trying to survive their pasts while figuring out if they deserve something good. And that’s what fucking got me. That question — am I worthy of love even after everything?
You can feel the ache in every chapter. The longing. The desperation to hold on to something beautiful in the middle of chaos. And when the tenderness shows up? It hits ten times harder because you know what they’ve endured to get there.
This story is fucking HEAVY.
It was haunting.
It was heartbreaking.
It’s beautifully written.
And
It will crawl under your skin.
♾️ ⭐️
March 5, 2026
Liv Lowry absolutely nailed that eerie, slow-burn tension that just creeps under your skin and refuses to leave. It’s dark, it’s twisty, it’s emotional in ways I did NOT see coming and the vibes? Immaculate. Think unsettling but make it addictive.
The characters feel so real and layered, like you almost trust them…but you definitely shouldn’t. And the atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. I could practically feel the chill in the air while reading.
The characters feel so real and layered, like you almost trust them…but you definitely shouldn’t. And the atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. I could practically feel the chill in the air while reading.
December 7, 2025
Spooky, crazy.
Well written twisty, crazy thriller! Some shades of Mommy Dearest. So many unexpected, shocking surprises to keep you glued to the pages. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but it certainly kept me wanting to know how it all was going to end.
Well written twisty, crazy thriller! Some shades of Mommy Dearest. So many unexpected, shocking surprises to keep you glued to the pages. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but it certainly kept me wanting to know how it all was going to end.
February 20, 2026
Oh I loved this! Kinda crazy and a bit spooky
November 10, 2025
didnt like the ending ao ideally 3.5 but overall a good read 4 stars
February 10, 2026
5 🌟
Southern Dark gothic psycological thriller....
Suspense
Family Secrets
Buried trauma
Now..... Um... I do not even know what to say or think about this one.
This one had me on the edge of my seat.
Brair and her sisters where adopted by this famous Hollywood actress named Vivienne.
When the oldest Odette pops up after being murdered, that is when all their secrets come to light but then they have to do everything that they can to hide what they have done.
Talking about airing out your dirty laundry....
Odette and Briars husbands end up dead. Vivienne has had 4 husbands to come up missing all to be believed to have been murdered.
And then all the secrets come to light. Portia isn't as perfect as she seems.
Elise has held on to so much for so long. Held so many secrets.
And Julie is 7 and so innocent and all of that is gone in the flash.
Southern Dark gothic psycological thriller....
Suspense
Family Secrets
Buried trauma
Now..... Um... I do not even know what to say or think about this one.
This one had me on the edge of my seat.
Brair and her sisters where adopted by this famous Hollywood actress named Vivienne.
When the oldest Odette pops up after being murdered, that is when all their secrets come to light but then they have to do everything that they can to hide what they have done.
Talking about airing out your dirty laundry....
Odette and Briars husbands end up dead. Vivienne has had 4 husbands to come up missing all to be believed to have been murdered.
And then all the secrets come to light. Portia isn't as perfect as she seems.
Elise has held on to so much for so long. Held so many secrets.
And Julie is 7 and so innocent and all of that is gone in the flash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
This was my first book by her. Definitely did not disappoint. I didn't see the twists coming. She kept me guessing & very interested. I will be reading more of her books.
January 7, 2026
DNF- Found it very hard to get into, didnt get me hooked at all.
February 20, 2026
After finishing Pretty Dead Things by Liv Lowery, I’ve got a lot of mixed thoughts - mostly in a good way.
There were a few moments where the plot raised questions for me, like where Juliet actually was while Briar and Portia were being held captive. It felt like there were opportunities for her to intervene (like slipping out to get Owen) that weren’t fully addressed. I also wish we’d had more detail around how the husbands’ bodies were being preserved - the gothic horror of that idea was great, but leaning a bit more into the science of it (and even practicalities like masking decomposition) would have made it feel more grounded and unsettling.
Near the beginning, a couple of chapters did feel slightly repetitive, with similar jump-scare style reveals happening back-to-back, and the sheer number of dead husbands introduced early on (Odette and Briar both widowed, alongside their mother’s four marriages) started to feel a bit excessive without more context around how or why those men died. I got that information in the end but could have done with a bit more a little sooner.
That said, Vivienne was a fantastic villain. Even before the imprisonment and drugging, she was brilliantly manipulative - a real snake in the grass. I absolutely loved to hate her. I also had an early suspicion about the “butler”, so Elise’s loyalty to Vivienne didn’t come as a shock.
Emotionally, I think the aftermath of Vivienne paralysing Briar could have been explored more deeply - I would have liked to see more trauma reflected in her behaviour afterwards. And more drama whilst she was in it - like close calls of rescue. Maybe the detective a bit more. Maybe Luke showing up as a white knight for Portia? Like he doesn’t believe her replies are her the way Owen believed Vivienne’s replies were Briar. Juliet trying to drag them out of bed. Anything that had us rallying for their rescue but seeing it slip through our fingers again.
Similarly, while I understood how wearing her mother’s clothes marked a turning point and pushed her into becoming a more unreliable narrator, her decision to side with Portia felt a little too quick. Even with Owen’s betrayal, her bond with Odette should have carried more weight than such a rapid shift allowed. The baby girl twist though was genius. The perfect cherry on the cake.
I did feel like one of the biggest twists came slightly too early, which made me wonder what could possibly top it — although to the book’s credit, the final twists still managed to land in a different, satisfying way.
On the positive side, I really enjoyed the use of mixed media like transcripts, and the whole novel had a very visual quality to it. I could easily imagine this as a film — all glamour over rot, with rich, spoiled dark colours on screen.
Overall, it was a refreshing read and something a bit different from the usual thriller formula. A great book I’ll be recommending to bookish friends. Thanks Liv ✨
There were a few moments where the plot raised questions for me, like where Juliet actually was while Briar and Portia were being held captive. It felt like there were opportunities for her to intervene (like slipping out to get Owen) that weren’t fully addressed. I also wish we’d had more detail around how the husbands’ bodies were being preserved - the gothic horror of that idea was great, but leaning a bit more into the science of it (and even practicalities like masking decomposition) would have made it feel more grounded and unsettling.
Near the beginning, a couple of chapters did feel slightly repetitive, with similar jump-scare style reveals happening back-to-back, and the sheer number of dead husbands introduced early on (Odette and Briar both widowed, alongside their mother’s four marriages) started to feel a bit excessive without more context around how or why those men died. I got that information in the end but could have done with a bit more a little sooner.
That said, Vivienne was a fantastic villain. Even before the imprisonment and drugging, she was brilliantly manipulative - a real snake in the grass. I absolutely loved to hate her. I also had an early suspicion about the “butler”, so Elise’s loyalty to Vivienne didn’t come as a shock.
Emotionally, I think the aftermath of Vivienne paralysing Briar could have been explored more deeply - I would have liked to see more trauma reflected in her behaviour afterwards. And more drama whilst she was in it - like close calls of rescue. Maybe the detective a bit more. Maybe Luke showing up as a white knight for Portia? Like he doesn’t believe her replies are her the way Owen believed Vivienne’s replies were Briar. Juliet trying to drag them out of bed. Anything that had us rallying for their rescue but seeing it slip through our fingers again.
Similarly, while I understood how wearing her mother’s clothes marked a turning point and pushed her into becoming a more unreliable narrator, her decision to side with Portia felt a little too quick. Even with Owen’s betrayal, her bond with Odette should have carried more weight than such a rapid shift allowed. The baby girl twist though was genius. The perfect cherry on the cake.
I did feel like one of the biggest twists came slightly too early, which made me wonder what could possibly top it — although to the book’s credit, the final twists still managed to land in a different, satisfying way.
On the positive side, I really enjoyed the use of mixed media like transcripts, and the whole novel had a very visual quality to it. I could easily imagine this as a film — all glamour over rot, with rich, spoiled dark colours on screen.
Overall, it was a refreshing read and something a bit different from the usual thriller formula. A great book I’ll be recommending to bookish friends. Thanks Liv ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to the author for the free copy via Amazon.
Disclaimer: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD. READ WITH CAUTION!
This story starts with the FMC returning home for her sister’s wake, and from there, everything slowly unravels into a series of strange, unsettling events. The writing instantly grabbed me — it’s easy to read, easy to follow, and the pacing is just right. I never felt bored or lost. The author does a great job painting vivid pictures of the characters; I could imagine each one clearly, and their dialogue matched their personalities perfectly.
Juliet, the youngest sister, gave me weird vibes from the start, and Vivienne — the mother — was someone I could never trust. The family is wealthy and well-known, but the fame and pressure drove the second and third older daughters to build lives far away from Hollywood and their judgmental, micromanaging mother. And honestly, knowing what Vivienne was capable of, I can’t blame them.
One moment that confused me was when Briar and Owen go to his house and she sees Willa sitting on the porch offering pralines. Just a few paragraphs later, we’re told Willa died six years ago. Was Briar seeing a ghost? A hallucination? Reliving a memory? I’m still not sure, but it definitely added to the eerie atmosphere.
Vivienne herself is absolutely deranged — manipulative, sadistic, and terrifying. She kills her husbands, preserves their bodies in different rooms like twisted trophies, and even paralyzes her own daughters to keep them trapped in the house forever. Honestly, I’m surprised the surviving sisters ever stayed in that home after the trauma they endured.
And just when I thought the story couldn’t get any darker, the ending hits. I did not expect Portia to be involved in all the horrific things happening in that household — and dragging a seven-year-old into it? My jaw actually dropped. That poor child… she’s going to grow up to be a serial killer, I swear.
The ending was unexpected in the best way. Overall, I really enjoyed this book: it was easy to read, the twists kept me on my toes, and I never knew what was coming next.
Kelly’s Rating Scale:
1. Storyline - 5/5
2. Characters (well developed or relatable?) - 4/5
3. Writing - 5/5
4. Pace (good pace, dragged or rushed?) - 4/5
5. Enjoyment - 4/5
6. Originality (compared to past books I’ve read) – 5/5
7. Ending (fulfilling or disappointing?) - 5/5
8. Emotional Impact (evokes strong emotions?) - 3/5
Disclaimer: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD. READ WITH CAUTION!
This story starts with the FMC returning home for her sister’s wake, and from there, everything slowly unravels into a series of strange, unsettling events. The writing instantly grabbed me — it’s easy to read, easy to follow, and the pacing is just right. I never felt bored or lost. The author does a great job painting vivid pictures of the characters; I could imagine each one clearly, and their dialogue matched their personalities perfectly.
Juliet, the youngest sister, gave me weird vibes from the start, and Vivienne — the mother — was someone I could never trust. The family is wealthy and well-known, but the fame and pressure drove the second and third older daughters to build lives far away from Hollywood and their judgmental, micromanaging mother. And honestly, knowing what Vivienne was capable of, I can’t blame them.
One moment that confused me was when Briar and Owen go to his house and she sees Willa sitting on the porch offering pralines. Just a few paragraphs later, we’re told Willa died six years ago. Was Briar seeing a ghost? A hallucination? Reliving a memory? I’m still not sure, but it definitely added to the eerie atmosphere.
Vivienne herself is absolutely deranged — manipulative, sadistic, and terrifying. She kills her husbands, preserves their bodies in different rooms like twisted trophies, and even paralyzes her own daughters to keep them trapped in the house forever. Honestly, I’m surprised the surviving sisters ever stayed in that home after the trauma they endured.
And just when I thought the story couldn’t get any darker, the ending hits. I did not expect Portia to be involved in all the horrific things happening in that household — and dragging a seven-year-old into it? My jaw actually dropped. That poor child… she’s going to grow up to be a serial killer, I swear.
The ending was unexpected in the best way. Overall, I really enjoyed this book: it was easy to read, the twists kept me on my toes, and I never knew what was coming next.
Kelly’s Rating Scale:
1. Storyline - 5/5
2. Characters (well developed or relatable?) - 4/5
3. Writing - 5/5
4. Pace (good pace, dragged or rushed?) - 4/5
5. Enjoyment - 4/5
6. Originality (compared to past books I’ve read) – 5/5
7. Ending (fulfilling or disappointing?) - 5/5
8. Emotional Impact (evokes strong emotions?) - 3/5
November 26, 2025
Pretty Dead Things is the kind of thriller that sinks its teeth in quietly, then refuses to let go. Briar returns home after her sister’s death, landing back in the childhood house she hoped she’d never see again. Her mother — a once-famous Hollywood actress with charm polished to a mirror shine — is every bit as unsettling as Briar remembers. The glamour is for the cameras. The bite is for behind closed doors.
As Briar settles back in, strange things start happening. Little cracks in reality. Odd moments she can’t quite explain. The brilliance of the book is that it keeps you guessing without tipping its hand — you feel Briar’s disorientation as sharply as she does, but you never feel manipulated. Every thread tightens with purpose.
The pacing is quick but never careless. The writing is vivid without drowning you in detail. You’re right there in the house with her — hearing what she hears, feeling what she feels, trying to piece together the truth before it slips away again.
And the twists? They land. Hard. You won’t see them coming, but you’ll kick yourself for missing the signs.
If you love mystery thrillers with sharp character work, a claustrophobic setting, and a main character whose grip on reality feels both fragile and relatable, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. Highly recommended.
As Briar settles back in, strange things start happening. Little cracks in reality. Odd moments she can’t quite explain. The brilliance of the book is that it keeps you guessing without tipping its hand — you feel Briar’s disorientation as sharply as she does, but you never feel manipulated. Every thread tightens with purpose.
The pacing is quick but never careless. The writing is vivid without drowning you in detail. You’re right there in the house with her — hearing what she hears, feeling what she feels, trying to piece together the truth before it slips away again.
And the twists? They land. Hard. You won’t see them coming, but you’ll kick yourself for missing the signs.
If you love mystery thrillers with sharp character work, a claustrophobic setting, and a main character whose grip on reality feels both fragile and relatable, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2026
Sensational debut
I am so shocked that this a debut novel because it is amazing!
From the beginning you are pulled into the Belville family's dark and dysfunctional dynamics. Beginining like any great dark and twisted tale at a funeral but this isn't your typical grieving family, it is a family filled with secrets, resentment and lies.
Liv writes a gripping tale, portraying the lengths members of this family will go to in order to protect the secrets they keep from the outside world, and ultimately from each other.
There are some truly despicable characters and at points you won't be sure who to despise more. The tension is palpable, the twists and turns will have you dizzy. The action is relentless.
The use of mixed media elements, such as transcripts of videos from the past, made this a truly immersive experience, slowly building a picture of the past and how the present came to be.
I was around 100 pages from the end and so much had already happened. I wasn't even sure which direction it could go in but then Liv said 'hold my drink' and absolutely shook me to the core. The ending and the way it was tied up was *chefs kiss*
All I can say is don't sleep on this book! If it is on your tbr, move it up immediately. If it isn't, add it immediately and move it to the top 😂
Can't wait till the next one!
I am so shocked that this a debut novel because it is amazing!
From the beginning you are pulled into the Belville family's dark and dysfunctional dynamics. Beginining like any great dark and twisted tale at a funeral but this isn't your typical grieving family, it is a family filled with secrets, resentment and lies.
Liv writes a gripping tale, portraying the lengths members of this family will go to in order to protect the secrets they keep from the outside world, and ultimately from each other.
There are some truly despicable characters and at points you won't be sure who to despise more. The tension is palpable, the twists and turns will have you dizzy. The action is relentless.
The use of mixed media elements, such as transcripts of videos from the past, made this a truly immersive experience, slowly building a picture of the past and how the present came to be.
I was around 100 pages from the end and so much had already happened. I wasn't even sure which direction it could go in but then Liv said 'hold my drink' and absolutely shook me to the core. The ending and the way it was tied up was *chefs kiss*
All I can say is don't sleep on this book! If it is on your tbr, move it up immediately. If it isn't, add it immediately and move it to the top 😂
Can't wait till the next one!
February 19, 2026
Liv Lowry is THE EXCEPTION.
The thing is, I don't read psychological thrillers. But I also have one exception to every rule, and in this case, her name is Liv Lowry. Pretty Dead Things is exactly why.
Briar is a protagonist I loved instantly: sharp, self-aware, with a dry wit that had me genuinely laughing out loud in a book soaked in dread and buried secrets. That balance is so hard to pull off, and Lowry makes it look effortless. The humor doesn't undercut the tension; it makes you lower your guard right before the story pulls the rug out from under you.
The atmosphere is suffocating in the best way. The decaying Victorian manor, the Everglades heat, the sense that something is deeply wrong - I loved it and hated in the same time and I could not stop reading.
The ending floored me 10000%.
I read the final chapters too fast because I needed to know what happened, and now I have to go back and do it properly. There are layers I know I missed.
Now I can't wait to see what she writes next. I don't care if it's not 'my' genre. If Liv writes, I read. Simple as that!
The thing is, I don't read psychological thrillers. But I also have one exception to every rule, and in this case, her name is Liv Lowry. Pretty Dead Things is exactly why.
Briar is a protagonist I loved instantly: sharp, self-aware, with a dry wit that had me genuinely laughing out loud in a book soaked in dread and buried secrets. That balance is so hard to pull off, and Lowry makes it look effortless. The humor doesn't undercut the tension; it makes you lower your guard right before the story pulls the rug out from under you.
The atmosphere is suffocating in the best way. The decaying Victorian manor, the Everglades heat, the sense that something is deeply wrong - I loved it and hated in the same time and I could not stop reading.
The ending floored me 10000%.
I read the final chapters too fast because I needed to know what happened, and now I have to go back and do it properly. There are layers I know I missed.
Now I can't wait to see what she writes next. I don't care if it's not 'my' genre. If Liv writes, I read. Simple as that!
January 8, 2026
📖 Book Review 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A lot of you reached out to me to cover the case of the Old Hollywood actress Vivienne Belville, and let me tell ‘ya, this one is wild!’
‘That we were the monsters Vivienne created.’
Returning home was her first mistake.
Digging deeper maybe her last.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
You know when you just start nervous laughing because you don’t know what else to do? - yeah same.
This book is insane. Completely unhinged, twisted, messed up, shockingly INSANE.
I LOVE a book that just keeps hitting you over and over with the most messed up twists that you don’t see coming or, you think you do but it’s just so much more messed up!
It got to the point where I didn’t think much more could be added but I was so so wrong.
@livlowryauthor first book she has published and what a book it is - the fact that she even replied to all my ‘super-fan’ style messages while I was reading too made it even better. Sorry about those 😂 Cannot wait to see what comes next.
It’s so hard to write a review with no spoilers but Vivienne is such a hate-able character, in fact I don’t think there is a likeable one in the entire book.
I cannot recommend this book enough, the first Five star of 2026 and going straight to the trophy shelf. ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A lot of you reached out to me to cover the case of the Old Hollywood actress Vivienne Belville, and let me tell ‘ya, this one is wild!’
‘That we were the monsters Vivienne created.’
Returning home was her first mistake.
Digging deeper maybe her last.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
You know when you just start nervous laughing because you don’t know what else to do? - yeah same.
This book is insane. Completely unhinged, twisted, messed up, shockingly INSANE.
I LOVE a book that just keeps hitting you over and over with the most messed up twists that you don’t see coming or, you think you do but it’s just so much more messed up!
It got to the point where I didn’t think much more could be added but I was so so wrong.
@livlowryauthor first book she has published and what a book it is - the fact that she even replied to all my ‘super-fan’ style messages while I was reading too made it even better. Sorry about those 😂 Cannot wait to see what comes next.
It’s so hard to write a review with no spoilers but Vivienne is such a hate-able character, in fact I don’t think there is a likeable one in the entire book.
I cannot recommend this book enough, the first Five star of 2026 and going straight to the trophy shelf. ✨
January 15, 2026
I really wanted to give this five stars but...
When I first started reading this I was totally sucked in. I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed the character development, the plotting, and pacing.
There's a point in the book where it seems like it's all over. It definitely feels like the climax. Honestly, the book should have ended there.
No, we wouldn't get this huge twist that came after. But the huge twist that comes after, was so unrealistic I lost my willing suspension of disbelief.
Also you come to like and feel sorry for these characters and then... (Maybe a spoiler here...) Nothing turns out good for anyone.
It feels like the book had two endings and the first one was the better one. Or, it could be construed as a book that had an ending that just kept going and going, and going. And began to feel really tedious. The more we kept leading up to that second ending the more unrealistic the twists became.
So my biggest reasons for not giving this five stars is the ending. But I would definitely read more by this author.
When I first started reading this I was totally sucked in. I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed the character development, the plotting, and pacing.
There's a point in the book where it seems like it's all over. It definitely feels like the climax. Honestly, the book should have ended there.
No, we wouldn't get this huge twist that came after. But the huge twist that comes after, was so unrealistic I lost my willing suspension of disbelief.
Also you come to like and feel sorry for these characters and then... (Maybe a spoiler here...) Nothing turns out good for anyone.
It feels like the book had two endings and the first one was the better one. Or, it could be construed as a book that had an ending that just kept going and going, and going. And began to feel really tedious. The more we kept leading up to that second ending the more unrealistic the twists became.
So my biggest reasons for not giving this five stars is the ending. But I would definitely read more by this author.
January 13, 2026
I don’t even quite know where to start. I’ve never read anything with a story like this, a thriller that keeps on going. I was 50% of the way through at the start of today and assumed I’d read a little. I read the whole damn lot in one sitting.
When Vivienne and Elise died I was confused there was unsure as to why there was still like 20% or so left. I was like this is where a regular thriller might end.
Then it continued, I was not expecting ANY of it, I was left actually stunned.
Everything about the pace was brilliant, the writing was up my street. I can’t think of any part of the story that didn’t get wrapped up either.
Also really admired the news like articles and cuts in the story to video transcriptions. Just felt it added a different perspective without just being a different POV like most other thrillers would do.
Highly recommend!
When Vivienne and Elise died I was confused there was unsure as to why there was still like 20% or so left. I was like this is where a regular thriller might end.
Then it continued, I was not expecting ANY of it, I was left actually stunned.
Everything about the pace was brilliant, the writing was up my street. I can’t think of any part of the story that didn’t get wrapped up either.
Also really admired the news like articles and cuts in the story to video transcriptions. Just felt it added a different perspective without just being a different POV like most other thrillers would do.
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
Wow was I surprised
I don’t think I was ready for how intense Pretty Dead Things turned out to be! As someone who loves psychological thrillers, I thought I had a sense of what might happen but Liv Lowry completely threw me for a loop. The twists kept coming, and I found myself constantly rethinking everything I thought I knew about the characters. The way the story explores the impact of Vivienne as a mother… my word, it’s dark, disturbing, and heartbreaking all at once. It really shows how one person’s choices can ripple through the lives of everyone around them. I absolutely ate this book up I couldn’t put it down. If you love suspense, unexpected twists, and complex family dynamics, this book is an absolute must read.
I don’t think I was ready for how intense Pretty Dead Things turned out to be! As someone who loves psychological thrillers, I thought I had a sense of what might happen but Liv Lowry completely threw me for a loop. The twists kept coming, and I found myself constantly rethinking everything I thought I knew about the characters. The way the story explores the impact of Vivienne as a mother… my word, it’s dark, disturbing, and heartbreaking all at once. It really shows how one person’s choices can ripple through the lives of everyone around them. I absolutely ate this book up I couldn’t put it down. If you love suspense, unexpected twists, and complex family dynamics, this book is an absolute must read.
January 11, 2026
A quiet, razor-sharp thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. Pretty Dead Things follows Briar as she returns home after her sister’s death, back to a house filled with secrets and a mother whose Hollywood glamour hides something far darker. Strange cracks in reality begin to surface, and the tension builds relentlessly. The pacing is tight, the writing immersive, and the twists hit hard without feeling cheap. You’ll feel as disoriented as Briar, and just as desperate to uncover the truth. A must-read for fans of claustrophobic, character-driven thrillers. if you are into Women Psychological Thriller, then this book will not disappoint you! Amazing! I can’t wait to see what this amazing author will write next.
January 28, 2026
This is one of those books that makes you think, scares you, and knots your stomach with its gruesome details....and I was here for every bit of it.
The story revolves around a deeply twisted family where one daughter dies, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions. I flew through the chapters, unable to put it down. I especially loved the way it was written....the cassette details, the slow reveals, the atmosphere...everything worked perfectly.
For a debut novel, this was impressive, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work.
If you enjoyed the gothic suspense of The Only One Left by Riley Sager and the scandal-filled drama of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this one is definitely for you.
The story revolves around a deeply twisted family where one daughter dies, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions. I flew through the chapters, unable to put it down. I especially loved the way it was written....the cassette details, the slow reveals, the atmosphere...everything worked perfectly.
For a debut novel, this was impressive, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work.
If you enjoyed the gothic suspense of The Only One Left by Riley Sager and the scandal-filled drama of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this one is definitely for you.
November 29, 2025
It's like nothing I have ever read before. I must say, at first it reminded me somewhat of Mommie Dearest, the aging actress with four adopted children. I must admit I sort of expected to read " No wire hangers"! But happy to report that line is no where in the book! And I'm also happy to report much like this tag line " A Gripping Psychological Thriller " it delivered and then some. It also delivered a few surprises and many twist and turns. I don't want to say too much as I want people to read the book and enjoy it as I did. And be surprised as I was.
Good job Liv Lowry! I look forward to reading your next book.
Good job Liv Lowry! I look forward to reading your next book.
February 16, 2026
This thriller pulled me in from the very first page. When Briar returns to her family’s estate deep in the Everglades after her sister’s supposed accidental drowning, she finds herself trapped in a suffocating atmosphere of secrets and grief, presided over by a Hollywood mother whose charm masks something far more dangerous. As eerie sightings, the sensation of being watched, and a chilling note in her sister’s handwriting, warning that their mother isn’t who she seems and that Briar may be next, it begins to unravel the family’s carefully constructed lies. With its swamp setting, family dynamics, and escalating tension, the story builds relentlessly, and I genuinely could not put it down.
January 3, 2026
This was my first read of 2026, and Pretty Dead Things turned out to be a pretty decent way to kick off the year. It pulled me in quickly with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling moments, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. I liked the dark tone and the creeping sense that something was always just a little off, which kept me turning the pages. While there were parts that felt a bit predictable, overall it was an enjoyable, creepy read that set a nice mood for my reading year. Not perfect, but definitely a solid start.
January 18, 2026
This is my first thriller and I think I've been converted! I love how you never know who you can trust. Every time you thought someone was suspicious there was always someone else that stood out more. I also love how detailed and descriptive the author is. All the twists and turns made my heart beat so fast! I couldn't put it down, I read it in a day! The family dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the character's relationship. If you're looking for your next read, I definitely recommend this one!
January 23, 2026
Pretty dead things was a gripping psychological thriller with plenty of twist and what just happened moments.
Liv Lowry writes her characters as people who feel messy, insecure, and painfully human, the kind who make bad choices for understandable reasons. I loved how no one felt purely good or bad; everyone is carrying something, hiding something, or lying (sometimes to themselves most of all).
The emotional tension between the characters was just as compelling as the mystery itself.
Overall this was a great read and I would definitely recommend picking it up ☺️
Liv Lowry writes her characters as people who feel messy, insecure, and painfully human, the kind who make bad choices for understandable reasons. I loved how no one felt purely good or bad; everyone is carrying something, hiding something, or lying (sometimes to themselves most of all).
The emotional tension between the characters was just as compelling as the mystery itself.
Overall this was a great read and I would definitely recommend picking it up ☺️
February 20, 2026
Briar returns home to her family’s estate in Florida following her sister’s unexpected death. Briar left home years earlier to escape her complicated & painful past. With a famous old Hollywood actress for a mother, who was controlling, overbearing & let’s not forget the rumors circulating around her for killing her previous husbands, Briar cant help but question if her sister’s death was truly an accident. The deeper she digs to expose the truth, the more secrets & lies she uncovers.
This book had so many twists & turns it kept me flipping the pages. The ending? Pure chaos.
Recommend: YES
For fans of:
Gothic thriller/suspense
Mommy Dearest vibes
Creepy estate
Dark family secrets
January 10, 2026
A Darker Mommy Dearest with a Killer Twist
Wow, this book kept me hooked from the first page. The storyline was so interesting and the scene settings really set the stage well for the storyline. I could totally picture the psychotic mom and the "Ghosts" being seen. I dont want to give anything away. If I say anymore I will. Rockstar Gothic Thriller filled with feminine rage and psychotic family drama. There is a love story woven in as well.
Wow, this book kept me hooked from the first page. The storyline was so interesting and the scene settings really set the stage well for the storyline. I could totally picture the psychotic mom and the "Ghosts" being seen. I dont want to give anything away. If I say anymore I will. Rockstar Gothic Thriller filled with feminine rage and psychotic family drama. There is a love story woven in as well.
January 24, 2026
This was a wild rollercoaster. This dark thriller grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. I'm going to think about this one for a long time. A beautiful written thriller about the bond of sisters. The characters are flawless and so well described, which for me is very important. While reading i said a few times no, no, no... but hey it had it's own will. An excellent job writing. Can't wait for the next one, quite a debut! Can't believe I don't see this book more often, it's worth it!
A plot twist like no other and I didn't see this one coming...
A plot twist like no other and I didn't see this one coming...
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