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Stalked

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"For a heart-stopping moment, they’re gone, as if swallowed whole by the darkness and the soil below. The earth seems to hold its breath, time stretching and compressing into an odd dreamlike sensation as I stand frozen, watching, caught at the edge of this unfolding drama."

When Rachelle is compelled to return to her rural childhood home to care for her ailing mother, she must set aside her aspirations of a vibrant life in the big-city.

Isolated in endless cornfields, Rachelle finds herself overwhelmed by the monotony of country living. But soon, she begins to sense that something is not as it seems. Hidden among the tall stalks are unsettling secrets waiting to surface. Mysterious messages start to appear, leaving her fearing for her safety and questioning what might be happening in her own backyard.

“J.C. Ward’s STALKED is as eerie and unsettling as a stroll through the cornfields at night. Simmering with romantic tension and psychological suspense, it’s a great read for those that celebrate spooky season all year long. There were so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming!”

—Miranda Smith, author of SMILE FOR THE CAMERAS

“Stalked gripped me in from the beginning pages and refused to let go-I could not stop reading it! If JC Ward’s debut is any indication, this is an author destined for big things!”

~Christie, Reader Review

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

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J.C. Ward

4 books29 followers

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5 stars
40 (54%)
4 stars
25 (34%)
3 stars
6 (8%)
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2 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste).
531 reviews151 followers
February 1, 2026
I love discovering a new thriller author! This was a solid debut - bingebale , fast paced , kept me guessing - all of my favorite things in a thriller. I really did think I had it all figured out but some of the twists in the end got me! I’m excited to read on to book 2. Available on kindle unlimited.

After a freak accident Rachelle is sent back to her hometown to care for her ailing mother. After returning home she realizes the people and places around her are not what they seem. With the help from a cute and mysterious new neighbor in town Elliot, Rachelle begins to dig into the past with him and realize that present day events may have a correlation with the past and the fate of her future.

Many thanks to the author JC Ward for the gifted copy of her debut thriller!
Profile Image for Carol Gulliford.
Author 5 books54 followers
November 9, 2025
I enjoyed the storyline and the interesting rural surroundings, which added to the creepiness of the story. J.C. Ward has a poetic style of describing her settings and the way her characters are feeling. It was suspenseful, with a little romance thrown in. An impressive debut. I will keep an eye out for what is next for this author!
Profile Image for Bob Fendt.
197 reviews19 followers
January 5, 2026
Review

Stalked

Author JC Ward

My rating is a big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WOW!! What a truly incredible debut novel by JC Ward, I was totally captivated by this brilliant and suspenseful thriller, I was hooked from the very beginning, the stunning cover was a great start.

As Rachelle was preparing to move on to a new life in the city she received a call informing her that her mom had had an accident and had received serious injuries.

Rachelle moves into her mom's house, and she has a feeling the cornfields surrounding her are holding secrets waiting to be revealed, are the sightings in the corn stalks real or ghostly hallucinations?
She is suspicious of her mysterious neighbour Elliott and his odd behaviour and fears he may be a threat and involved in the strange things going on, but knows he's hiding something from his past.

Then there's farmer Dan, whose farm is on the opposite side of the road to Rachelle, does he know of the hidden secrets?

Stalked is an incredibly addictive and very well-written novel by JC Ward, with exceptionally believable characters and visually stunning settings, I can even hear the corn stalks rustle such is the author's descriptive narrative.
With short chapters and amazing twists with a totally unexpected and tense surprising ending that keeps you on the edge.
I loved this book by the awesome JC Ward and looking forward to book 2.
36 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2026
Stalked by JC Ward starts off a bit slow, and at first I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish it. However, once the plot thickens, the story quickly becomes gripping and hard to put down. The twists, turns, and unexpected surprises made the buildup completely worth it—I truly didn’t expect the story to unfold the way it did.

This book dives into some heavy and heartbreaking trauma, making parts of it difficult to read, but also incredibly powerful. A central theme that stands out is resilience and hope, perfectly captured in the line, “every storm eventually runs out of rain; keep pushing forward because brighter days are ahead.” The characters, who at times question why their lives have been so difficult, ultimately find moments of happiness and healing.

There are subtle life lessons woven throughout the story, especially surrounding trauma and the idea of trauma bonding. Overall, Stalked is an emotional, suspenseful read that feels like a storm you have to weather—but one that leads to something brighter. I’m really looking forward to the sequel coming out this year.
Profile Image for Whitney Casarez.
36 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2026
Soooo, I sat and read the last 40% of this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Things got very interesting and there were a whole lot of unexpected turns I didn’t see coming at all.
I will say that it is kind of slow in the beginning, maybe some unnecessary details here and there, (probably just my own opinion) but overall, once things started to unravel, I was hooked. Literally NEEDED to know what happened next!
I need to read book 2 because I feel like there is so much more I need to discover! This isn’t over!
Profile Image for Kay Lyn Kaiser.
47 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2026
Really, 3 1/2 ⭐️. I love the clever title & enjoyed this story, as the secrets unfolded.
Profile Image for Jenny Fraser.
84 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2026
I have never read anything by them before and found this one hard to put down, also wanting to know what happens next. I liked this book so much I went and got the second one.

Secrets to be figured out. A very weird accident happens and then things just start spiraling. This book has a little bit of everything in it.
Profile Image for Tara Leigh.
169 reviews30 followers
April 29, 2026
Wait… is vanilla in scrambled eggs actually a thing? Because after reading this book, I’m strangely tempted to try it!

This story completely gripped me. It was shrouded in mystery and kept me in total suspense from the Prologue right until the final chapter. Speaking of the ending, it was an absolute adrenaline rush!

I’m already looking forward to diving into Book 2 to see where this journey goes next.
Profile Image for travel_thru_books.
Author 2 books93 followers
December 29, 2025
This book absolutely blew me away! I couldn’t put it down! This debut has the kind of tension that crawls under your skin and stays there. And listen… as someone already scared of cornfields (thanks Stephen King), that opening had me clutching the book like it was a life raft. I was freaked out to the point I PM’d JC, I then laughed at myself, and was fully invested within minutes.

What I loved most is how JC builds this creeping sense of “something is off” without ever overplaying it. The atmosphere is thick, the unease was a constant for me, and the twists hit at just the right moments. Every time I thought I had a grip on what was happening, she yanked the rug out from under me — in the best way.

It’s one of those reads where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly you’ve inhaled half the book. The tension, the questions, the little shocks along the way… it all worked for me.

For a debut, this is wildly impressive. If this is what JC can write as a debut, I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Profile Image for Jody Vogler.
152 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2026
This story was sooo well written, I was hooked from the prologue and it didn't let me go until the very end. The twists were unique and so unexpected! It was also so fun to read a book based on where you're from, and the corn fields of Ohio are near and dear to me. I remember the feeling of staring out at them at night, wondering what secrets that they held.

When Rachelle is forced to return to her rural Ohio childhood home to care for her mother after a freak accident, she has to trade her big city dreams for endless cornfields and isolation. But the small town safety doesn’t last long. The creepy atmosphere builds fast...

Enter Elliot and the mysterious notes, secrets hidden among the stalks, and that bunker… I was literally yelling at him to just go inside already from the moment he found it. I just loved his character! From tragedy, to survival mode, to incarceration, to learning to control his urges and rebuild, he was quite different from most mmc and I enjoyed it!

Once the messages start showing up, the tension skyrockets. Watching Rachelle and Elliot piece everything together had me on edge in the best way. I loved how these two broken souls slowly learned to trust each other. The conspiracies, the second guessing, the way they finally start working together instead of against each other..it was so satisfying. I absolutely loved that it was written in both of their POV, it made seeing what each thought of the other leading up to their HEA that much more suspenseful.

The twist will have you clutching your book unable to believe what you're reading! Honestly the best wtf moment I've read in quite awhile!!

Poor Macie!! I couldn’t imagine being locked away like that for so long. I was so happy she got reunited with her mother AND gained a sister.

This story perfectly balances creepiness, drama, romance, and small town secrets. It will keep you truly invested!! If you love atmospheric thrillers with emotional depth and shocking reveals, this one needs to be put right to the top of your tbr!!!
10 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2025

Book Review : Stalked by J.C. Ward

Stalked is told through multiple POVs and follows Rachelle as she returns to her rural hometown in Ohio after her mother suffers an unexplained injury. Surrounded by isolation and endless cornfields, an unease settles in quickly as cryptic messages begin to appear, small unsettling moments start to stack up, and nothing feels entirely accidental.

The story unfolds at a measured pace, taking time to build atmosphere and tension before quickly pulling you in. Once things start to escalate, I found myself flying through the pages, completely invested and needing answers.

Rachelle is a character I really loved. Her vulnerability feels honest and real, yet she has a quiet strength that makes her easy to root for. Elliot, the reserved neighbor with a complicated past, adds emotional depth and an undercurrent of suspicion that kept me questioning his intentions. Farmer Dan’s presence only adds to the unease.

The slow burn romance between Rachelle and Elliot develops naturally through shared moments and growing trust, adding warmth and emotional tension to the darker aspects of the story. By the time everything comes together, the suspense hits hard. The ending was a complete wow, and this feels like a strong start to a series. I cannot wait for the next book, Coasted !
Rated : 5 ⭐️


Profile Image for The Plot Thickens Book Club.
224 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2026
Reviewed by Dee on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: Stalked
Author: J.C.Ward
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book because I consider this a psychological thriller with a little twist of romance. This book was absolutely mind blowing. Once I read the blurb I was like not really sure how I would feel about it but I'm so glad I kept pushing because boy was it good. It started with Rachelle our FMC returning home to her hometown where her mom had had an accident and needed help. With the never ending cornfields in Ohio things started to take a very creepy and weird turn. I will say that I do like how the author kept the creepiness and that really like crazy feeling in the bottom of your stomach going through the whole book. It wasn't overwhelming but it was just the right amount. I love when the FMC met the neighbor Elliot. I really like Elliot although he had a very questionable past and his motives were kind of questionable I still like them. I love how the author did his character. I love how the little subtle wording always kept you questioning in the back of your mind about him but again not too crazy just the right amount. Then Elliott and Rachelle romance the slow build that was the absolute best. The author did an amazing job with that she let it build naturally and blossom beautifully with the little moment shared and the little small details here and there which was the chef's kiss. I thought it was written very beautifully. (I will say side note farmer Dan was really a weirdo in my book like that character made me have weird feelings which is really crazy.) Yet overall this book was absolutely amazing I think that it was very well written, I think everything was built up perfectly, the character the suspense just everything was very beautifully put together I'm excited to see where this book goes. I feel like the author did such a great job that this could be an amazing series.
Profile Image for Thomasina Bloom.
Author 7 books36 followers
November 11, 2025
A thrilling, suspenseful ride from start to finish! Stalked is an impressively suspenseful debut, and one of the best thrillers I've read in the past few years. The writing is thoughtfully crafted with poetic imagery and details that make you think you are being stalked in the cornfield yourself.

Rachelle, who returns to her sleepy hometown in Ohio to care for her sick mother, discovers more secrets in her backyard than just the eerie feeling of being watched. There's a new sexy neighbor, too, and Rachelle wonders if it's safe to get to know him, or if he's just another mystery she doesn't dare solve.

Better writing that most thrillers out there, I couldn't put Stalked down. A fast, super-engaging read. I can't wait for the sequel and more books from J.C. Ward.
Profile Image for Tracey.
128 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2026
Rachelle has to return to her country home in Ohio to look after her mother, who's been in an accident. Hidden in the endless cornfields are secrets - lots of them. Rachelle starts to question her own sanity as messages appear, people start acting weird, and she has no idea who to trust.

This book is awesome!!! A psychological thriller that had me hooked from the beginning. I felt like I could hear the stalks of corn moving in this eerie and unsettling book. There's some romance, subterfuge, secrets galore, and a shocking ending....

Thanks JC, I loved your descriptive writing which allowed me to 'feel' and 'see'. The story flowed effortlessly, and the tension was built up perfectly.
Profile Image for Trina 🖤.
321 reviews52 followers
May 29, 2026
I was lucky enough to win an audiobook code for JC Ward’s debut thriller!!

I’m a thriller girly through & through so when I had the opportunity to listen to this audio {my latest obsession!} I jumped at the opportunity!

Stalked was a wild ride full of suspense, unanticipated twists & kept me engaged throughout. Well written, great plot, believable characters.

Narration was done perfectly to align with the story. A fast paced & exciting listen {& possibly some extra head turns over my shoulder!}

Looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for K. D. Capener.
Author 1 book44 followers
January 27, 2026
J. C. Ward's debut, Stalked, is an enjoyable thriller ride. No one trusts anyone else and all the characters have information they keep to themselves. Once Rachelle and Elliott allow themselves o share information, they begin to unravel the mystery surrounding strange deaths, accidents and circumstances. I enjoyed Ward's style of writing. The descriptive prose had me feeling everything the characters felt.
Profile Image for Matthew Runals.
Author 4 books14 followers
May 26, 2026
What a read! If you enjoy stories where you get the POV from each main character, thrilling sections, vivid descriptions, this is the read for you. I really enjoyed it. As soon as you felt you knew exactly how the puzzle pieces were going to fall together-plot twist! Each character felt real, and the conversations felt genuine. I also appreciated the author's ability to describe scenes without telling me what I should see. Pick it up and enjoy it!
8 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2025
recommend

Stalked by J.C. Ward is a tense, fast-paced thriller that leans into psychological suspense and creeping dread. The author does an effective job of building unease, making the reader constantly question who can be trusted and how close the danger really is. The pacing is sharp, with short chapters that keep the story moving and heighten the sense of being watched.
Profile Image for Mandy-Jane Kennick.
Author 19 books25 followers
December 16, 2025
Stalked by J.C. Ward is a tense, fast-paced thriller that leans into psychological suspense and creeping dread. The author does an effective job of building unease, making the reader constantly question who can be trusted and how close the danger really is. The pacing is sharp, with short chapters that keep the story moving and heighten the sense of being watched.
Profile Image for Thriller Bookie.
133 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2026
Stalked is a compelling and suspenseful thriller. The story flows smoothly, keeping the tension high while exploring emotional depth. Rachelle is a strong lead, and the mix of suspense, twists, and moments of vulnerability made the story feel both exciting and immersive. Definitely an engaging read.
Profile Image for Blanche Reynolds.
2 reviews
January 19, 2026
Thrilling Debut

This was a strong, fast-paced debut with thoughtful characters and a plot that kept me turning pages. The story really takes off in the middle, and there were twists I didn’t see coming. I’ll absolutely be picking up more books by J.C. Ward.
4 reviews
November 4, 2025
Stalked is a very good book. I love to read and this book was very suspenseful and had a lot of unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming. I hated to put it down! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Profile Image for Shelli.
2 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Excellent Read!

This was an excellent book! Loved getting to know the characters. The plot twist. Did not see that coming! Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Courtney P.
95 reviews17 followers
January 10, 2026
This was my first from this author. This was a creepy suspenseful telling of Elliot and Rachelle. Elliot is a convict who just got out of prison and Rachelle is visiting her mom after a suspicious accident. The plot of the novel is intriguing with just enough suspense to keep you on your toes, with dash of romance sprinkled in! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this quick read.🤌

The sequel, Coasted, is set to come out on Feb 3! ⭐️
Profile Image for A.M. Walker.
Author 2 books96 followers
February 5, 2026
This thriller was a unique reading experience for me, as it was my first time reading a dual-perspective story, which took a moment to fully grasp. Once I settled into it, I found myself constantly surprised and never quite sure what was coming next, which kept me engaged throughout. The plot moved in unexpected ways and held my attention, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more insight into the characters’ internal thoughts and emotions. Overall, it was a compelling and suspenseful read that stood out from others in the genre.
Profile Image for Andrea.
66 reviews11 followers
December 18, 2025
Stalked is a slow-burn suspense told through multiple POVs, which I loved. The shifting perspectives keep the tension high and create a constant feeling that something big is about to happen. I was always wondering when it would.

I also really enjoyed the building romance between the main characters, which made the thriller even more exciting for me. The story kept me hooked and eager to see what would happen next. A great read for fans of suspense with tension, depth, and a touch of romance.
Profile Image for Jane Ruff.
52 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2026
This #debut thriller is everything I love about this genre!

The story sucked me in from the very beginning, as it starts with creepiness in the corn stalks. I have always been freaked out by corn mazes, so yes, this made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

There is a bit of mystery, love interest, and thriller storylines here, and for a while, it seemed too slow. But when it picks up - WOW!!!

We have the aforementioned corn maze, cryptic notes, dead animals in a shed, lawn mower mishaps, secret pasts, and actual terror scenes that had me rapidly turning pages.

This is a must-read for all you thriller fans out there!

4.25 🌟
Profile Image for Korey Willis.
58 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2026

Have you ever read something that just… completely exceeds your expectations? And genuinely has you so blown away you *literally* cannot put it down? I’ve read a lot of indie books this year— and this has to be one of the most un-put-down-able books I’ve read all year.

From the isolated creepy setting that felt like a character itself, to the thick atmosphere that is so perfectly curated, to even the characters and their vulnerabilities. Everything in this story is so palatable that you cannot come up from air until you’ve completely and totally consumed it.

Multiple POVs are amazing, and I honestly prefer it. But the way that J.C. Utilized it in such a smooth way, had me completely dumbfounded. The multi-pov was a great plot device to keep the pacing.

I loved this book. Everything about it. Tension, twists, uneasiness. Everything was perfect. I’d highly recommend this read to anyone looking to be on the edge of their seat… (or someone that doesn’t have an interest in sleeping).

J.C. Ward…. You have gained a new fan.
1 review3 followers
November 22, 2025
What a Great Read!!!

I was entranced with the characters immediately in this book. Just couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read more from JC Ward!!!
10 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2026
I flew through Stalked in one day, the fast paced page turner keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Rachelle and Elliott become neighbours due to a set of coincidental circumstances, both becoming tenants of the gentle, aging Farmer Dan. Set apart from the local town, they find themselves drawn to each other, but will Elliott tell the truth about his history and what will the secrets buried in the back gardens reveal about the past, and the circumstances surrounding the accident that put Rachelle's mother in the hospital, losing 10 years of her memories?

Stalked is a tense, fun little read with twists and turns that keep you guessing. I enjoyed the development of Rachelle and Elliott's relationship and Rachelle's struggle with her emotions. What starts out as a daughter moving to care for her mum and Molly the dog, soon turns into something much more sinister.
Quick, tense and twisty. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews