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Pretty Dead Things: A Gripping Psychological Thriller
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 12:34:28
15 copies available
U.S. only
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.
328 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2025
159 people are currently reading
6360 people want to read
About the author
Liv Lowry
1 book38 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
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.
November 10, 2025
didnt like the ending ao ideally 3.5 but overall a good read 4 stars
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!
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.
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.
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 ☺️
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...
December 16, 2025
Wow just wow 🤯, just when I thought nothing else can blow my mind BOOM another twist. I really enjoyed this book and enjoyed the interviews and the articles in the book. All I have to say is I hate Vivienne shes the worst.
"Every family has secrets. It's just a matter of learning how to live with them".
"Every family has secrets. It's just a matter of learning how to live with them".
December 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Love a book that starts off strong and the author did a great job at
character descriptions. The book had twists that I didn't see coming and I stayed engaged Didn't have the ending figured out at all and I loved that Bonus points that the story takes place in Florida! Definiely would recommend this thriller!
character descriptions. The book had twists that I didn't see coming and I stayed engaged Didn't have the ending figured out at all and I loved that Bonus points that the story takes place in Florida! Definiely would recommend this thriller!
November 6, 2025
This book was so so good!! I couldn’t stop reading it
November 7, 2025
Excellent
November 10, 2025
3.5 really but that's not an option
December 5, 2025
All I can say is what the heck 🤯 these people are WILD
December 7, 2025
Not my usual genre at all but this was a fun read. I HATED the mom so so so so so so much and ironically this book made me hungry a bunch. Turkey cheese and pickle wraps ftw
December 18, 2025
I really loved this book! A crazy, self-centered, narcissistic mother who does unspeakable things to her beloved husbands and children...omg! This was a very quick read for me!
January 7, 2026
I couldn’t tell where this book was going at all! Once it picked up I couldn’t put it down and the ending…. I really didn’t see it coming!
January 7, 2026
DNF- Found it very hard to get into, didnt get me hooked at all.
January 9, 2026
Loved this book! If you enjoyed Evelyn Hugo , Sweetpea or any book that has unhinged women or complicated family dynamics you will love this! Can't wait to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Such a beautifully written, haunting book! From the beginning, I was drawn into the world created by the author. The family dynamics, the intrigue surrounding the matriarch, Vivienne and the mystery of the murder of a sister were all well-crafted elements. This story follows a family of four sisters and their starlet mother who has a complicated and questionable past. She’s been married several times and all her husbands have mysteriously died. When one of her daughters is killed, her other daughters come back home to the family home and try to investigate what happened to their sister. It’s clear from the beginning that Vivienne is not trustworthy and self-absorbed, but is she as devilish as she’s been made out to be and is she capable of murder? Her daughter Briar sets out to find the truth, entangling herself in a series of dangerous situations and terrifying moments throughout the book. The writing is poetic and descriptive. The author has a beautiful way with words. I really enjoyed this read and think it’s in a class of its own!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews