This Changes Everything

by Lisa Scottoline

Julia finds her footing as a clairvoyant but upends her mental stability and her marriage when she and her best friend Courtney investigate a murder in a spooky and menacing town in Pennsylvania’s old mining region. This sequel will take the drama, action, and jeopardy to the next level, and will resonate with themes of identity, female friendship, and justice.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Psychological Suspense

490 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Reviews

[TAYA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Changes Everything
Pub date - 7/14/26
Publisher - Grand Central
Author - Lisa Scottoline
Rating - 5⭐️

The introduction -
Julia is on a FaceTime, call with her best friend as she’s arriving at her grandmother’s farm in Pennsylvania.
Then the unthinkable happens. A dreadful premonition overwhelms Julia as Courtney is entering the house—but it’s too late to stop Courtney, who makes a heartbreaking discovery. Her beloved grandmother has been murdered, and the killer is escaping out the back door.
____________

The review -
It’s like Scottoline says to herself, “can’t stop won’t stop, let’s deliver.”
This is deeper, more complex than what it appears to be. The plot steadily builds layer upon layer into a crazy suspenseful novel. I read faster and faster letting the story set the pace. The plot was superior. The intricate way Scottoline melds the storyline with the characters is sheer talent. We’ve got the crime-thriller aspect which is first and foremost, because after all there will be crimes and underground societies. Action and suspense are driving the narrative and there’s never a dull moment. Especially, when a complex turn of events rears its ugly head. Honing into her psychic abilities and standing up for what’s right, Julia is gathering up her own posse to find out just what the heck is happening around this town. Why would someone want Grandma Kay dead? Tracing the steps backward, it all unfolds. Starting at the community center, Julia and Courtney utilize the long standing friendships of women in the area for any clues or information. I liked how this was shown as a likable group willing to help. The strong female friendships portrayed was fantastic.

My recommendation goes out to all those who prefer a solid, fast paced, twisty crime thriller book.

This book can be read as a standalone or as a separate follow on from The Unraveling of Julia.

Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline
Publishing date - 07/14/26
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC. HUGE fan of Lisa Scottoline so I was super excited when Netgalley approved my request. Love her stand alone novels and her Rosato novels! Absolutely loved it when Bennie Rosato made her appearance in this book.

This is the second book by Lisa featuring Julia Pritzker as the main character. If you haven’t read Unraveling of Julia, I recommend starting with that book first. Julia has become one of my favorite fictional characters … hoping to see her in more books. ☺️

This book was a great page-turner. Highly recommend it when it releases July 14th. ❤️

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

This book started off with a lot of promise and an upbeat vibe that drew me in right away. I really enjoyed the unfolding story of Julia, and it was great to see her again!

In this sequel, Julia embraces her role as a clairvoyant, but her journey destabilizes her mental health and marriage as she and her friend Courtney probe a murder in a haunting Pennsylvania mining town...

As we reconnect with Julia, we discover her hidden talent, which may have been passed on to her daughter. She is happily married to Gianluca after some dramatic events from her past come to light, and she has moved to Italy. Meanwhile, her best friend, Courtney, lives in the US, and they only keep in touch occasionally. However, Julia has a gut feeling one day and decides to call Courtney, sensing something is off, which ultimately saves Courtney’s life. Pretty intense, right? And that’s just the beginning!

What really worked for me was the intriguing premise and character development, especially in the first half of the book. The pacing was fast and intense, which held my attention. Unfortunately, the tempo slowed down significantly later on, diving into unnecessary details that dragged the story and made me lose interest. Toward the end, Julia’s level of investment became hard to believe; it felt unrealistic that anyone would be so selfless to the point of being reckless, risking their own safety instead of involving the police. I didn't appreciate that aspect, and as I reached the end, I found myself checking how many pages were left. I felt like some sections could have been cut entirely without losing impact. The overly detailed chapters just stretched on and lost my engagement. However, I truly loved the first half of the book! If that momentum had carried through, it would have received a solid rating from me.

While this book didn’t fully resonate with me, I believe it will appeal to others, and I encourage you to give it a read. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys amateur sleuthing, an atmospheric setting, gripping plots, and emotionally driven characters. The story explores themes of childhood trauma, justice, forgotten friendships, and even touches on the supernatural with psychic abilities and strong female bonds. As I mentioned, the ending felt a bit over the top and difficult to accept; it’s hard to imagine one person taking such massive risks. Sure, the police were a bit stubborn, and their urgency was lacking, but there were definitely other ways she could have sought help. It didn’t quite work for me, but I hope the next book has a bit less emotional weight and incorporates smarter actions with less unnecessary explanation.

Thank you, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Okay, I’ll give it that. I have read many of this author’s books, so I have to say, this one felt a bit rushed. The characters were a bit flat, and the storyline seemed familiar. The ending felt a bit too quick.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy

[Collyn Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

read if you like:
🦹 mediums
🔪 murder mysteries
🐲 paranormal activity

summary:
This book starts wild and doesn’t let up. It follows Julia, who leaves her idyllic life in Tuscany when she has a premonition that her best friend’s grandmother is murdered — and it comes true. What starts as a visit for support and comfort quickly spirals into something much bigger — secrets, conspiracies, premonitions, and a truth that won’t stay buried.

If you like Scottoline’s other books, this has a similar pace and structure, but with a little more emotional twist. There is a lot of female friendship, intuition and learning to believe in yourself, which comes on top of the suspense and drama you come to expect. My biggest challenge though was the supernatural/premonition angle. As someone who likes stories that feel like they could be real, this was really hard to relate to. While the murder was realistic, the rest of the story was not, and that made it hard for me to get attached and feel a part of it. Even though it’s eerie and haunting, it feels a little over the top, and it only escalates as the story continues.

While I love the themes of small town secrets, powerful forces and things not being what they seem, I just couldn’t get hooked by this one. If you like a touch of paranormal conspiracies though, this book could be for you.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy to review!

[RonRonReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a handful of Lisa Scottoline’s book and I’m happy to report that she does it again! Courtney stumbles upon the murder of her Grandma Kay and Julia, her best friend is a witness… Except Julia was on FaceTime and in Italy… So Julia flies to America to help and support Courtney through this tragedy. After all, she had a premonition of a bad feeling right before Kay was found and now Courtney wants her to use her “powers” as a medium to help figure out why Kay was targeted. As Julia and Courtney work together to uncover the truth, they both find themselves in the middle of marital problems and conspiracy theories. When it comes down to it, only Julia can find a way to save herself and Courtney before it’s too late.

For starters, I didn’t read The Unraveling of Julia! I thought this was a standalone book and still enjoyed it. I’m not one for paranormal or supernatural elements in my books but this one to me was done well and wasn’t too “woo woo” in your face. The friendship dynamic here is so strong you can’t help but think you’d also do anything for your best friend too.

While I enjoyed the friendship storyline, I scratched my head at the Courtney/Alex dynamic and the problems that Julia faced with her husband. I guess I just struggled to find the relevance towards the story, but maybe I needed to read the first book to better understand!

Overall, I enjoyed this book despite the paranormal aspect! I’m a big Lisa Scottline fan and would recommend if you’re into mediums, deep family dynamics and cop conspiracies!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!

[Ashley Cwiklewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and grand central publishing for an advanced copy of this book! Where do I even start?! Lisa Scottoline is a must read for me every time she comes out with a new book! She has also really never written a sequal before, and I totally loved that! I also loved the bringing back of Bennie and mention of Mary! I love all of her books, but the dinunzio ones have to be my favorite! I would not mind more with the lawfirm! Not as thrilling as some, but I had to keep reading to finish and find out what was happening. I also woild not mind more with Julia and her gift! I look forward to hopefully getting the chance to read more Scottoline books, because I will always recommend her to people!

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline is a fast-paced psychological thriller that blends an intense murder mystery with a deep, emotional core. The novel masterfully explores the lengths a woman will go to protect her best friend, combining elements of psychological suspense with a moving exploration of female empowerment and enduring friendship.

Be sure to read The Unraveling of Julia first to understand the background of the character, Julia, fully.

The Hook
Imagine being thousands of miles away, on the phone with your best friend, when a sudden, terrifying psychic premonition takes hold of you—moments before she walks into her grandmother's house and discovers a brutal murder scene.

Elevator Pitch
Julia Pritzker is enjoying her idyllic new life as a wife and mother in Tuscany, but she deeply misses her best friend, Courtney, back home. During a casual late-night call, Julia senses danger just as Courtney arrives at her grandmother's Pennsylvania farm.

The warning comes too late: Courtney’s grandmother has been murdered, and the killer escapes out the back door. Julia immediately flies back to the States to help, but when the local police dismiss the crime as a simple botched burglary, the two women launch their own investigation.

Enlisting the help of legendary Philadelphia lawyer Bennie Rosato, Julia relies on her unsettling intuition to uncover a lethal small-town conspiracy that quickly puts her own life on the line.

Setting
~Tuscany, Italy: Sunny, serene, and warm, contrasting with the dark events across the Atlantic.
~Rural Pennsylvania: A spooky, atmospheric, and menacing old mining town layered with historical grime and explosive secrets.

Vibe
~Tense domestic suspense meets supernatural intuition.
~Gritty small-town mystery paired with fierce female solidarity.

Genre
Psychological Thriller / Crime Fiction / Mystery Suspense.

Themes
~The Power of Female Friendship
~Grief and Trauma Survival
~Self-Empowerment and Intuition

Standout Characters
~Julia Pritzker: The protagonist, struggling to balance her responsibilities as a mother with an overwhelming psychic gift and an intense loyalty to her friend.

~Courtney: Julia’s grief-stricken but fiercely determined best friend, who refuses to let her grandmother’s killer walk free.

~Bennie Rosato: The iconic, sharp-witted Philadelphia defense attorney from Scottoline’s beloved Rosato & DiNunzio universe, who steps in to lend legal muscle.

Author Writing Standout
Scottoline excels at pacing. She brilliantly juxtaposes the cozy, warm dynamics of long-term friendship with a suffocating, breakneck plot. Her signature legal and procedural knowledge anchors the story, while the inclusion of Julia's clairvoyant edge adds an unpredictable, eerie layer to the narrative.

Takeaway
True empowerment often comes from the dark corners we are most afraid to face, and a real friendship is a lifeline that can pull you through a conspiracy.

Title Significance
This Changes Everything marks the exact pivot point where Julia's safe, predictable life is permanently altered by a single phone call. It also signifies her evolution from a passive observer of her own intuition into a powerful force capable of fighting for justice.

Metaphor
A spider's web in an old mine shaft—seemingly fragile and easily missed, but strong enough to trap anyone who stumbles into its intricate, hidden design.

Why You Should Read
Read this book if you love twisty, fast-paced thrillers like those by Laura Dave or Lisa Jewell, but still want deep emotional stakes, relatable characters, and a story that celebrates the unbreakable bond between women.

My Thoughts
Bringing back Bennie Rosato creates a nostalgic thrill for long-time fans, but the emotional core belongs entirely to Julia and Courtney. The supernatural/clairvoyant element might require a slight suspension of disbelief for rigid procedural fans, but it works beautifully to heighten the book's psychological tension and atmosphere.

Verdict: 4 / 5 Stars
"A gripping, emotionally resonant, and beautifully atmospheric thriller that hits like a freight train."

Recs or Read-Alikes
~The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline (for the background of Julia and her journey).
~The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (for the desperate search for truth and strong emotional core).
~Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (for fast-paced, unpredictable domestic suspense).
~The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak (for small-town secrets and intense family/relationship dynamics).

Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 14, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
July 2026 Must-Read Books

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First timer & devoted readers of the author are warmly welcomed into una cocina somewhere in a Tuscan where the Italian skies make magic with the vineyards below.

A pot simmers on the cookstove of Julia Pritzker & holds simple ingredients native to the region yet tempting appetites. The room also contains the love of Julia’s husband, her young daughter, extended family & friends – both near & far. An added element to spice up this recipe includes a sudden telephone call & the mysterious death of someone dear to both Julia & her longtime friend, Courtney, back in the US.

Don’t unpack in Italy just yet because the majority of the book takes place in a familiar setting for many of the author’s writing. Prepare for wheels up & a return to Pennsylvania (PA) - the scene of many legal cliffhangers in the City of Philadelphia (plus lesser-known spots in the Commonwealth).

Reunite or get yourself acquainted with the one, the only – Bennie Rosato, Esquire. You may even hear mention of Mary DiNunzio’s legal expertise…

The highly suspect death of Courtney’s harmless, sweet & elderly grandmother forces Julia to return to PA. Still…Philadelphia is a painful reminder of the recent & senseless death of Julia’s first husband that set her across the Atlantic not long ago. While commitments back home in Italy are many, her dear friend is in need of support & in unknown danger herself.

The questionable passing of the grandmother shifts the setting to a very real & troubled ghost town in PA – Centralia. It is a true-life example of the worst of local, state & federal environmental protection. Toxic fumes, underground fires & widespread corruption have caused its community to scatter. Too many residents who remain in nearby areas spout hate-filled bitterness, racial prejudices & endorse Neo-Nazi propaganda. I grew up & worked in Central PA & I stand by my opinion of the area.

Misplaced guilt on Julia’s dear friend just adds to the pile of corruption that still exists there. Here is where Lisa Scottoline shines with her in-depth research & accuracy. I worked for 30 years in the PA Senate & I knew too many of these political players through the decades. Some even represented these very constituents & “represented” is a stretch. The author captures how poorly this real-life horror was handled as far back as a simpleton borough council in the early 1960s.

Julia’s gift of a sixth sense provides essential once again (if you read the previous book, you are familiar; but it is not necessary & her abilities will amaze the new-comer). Doubters are plenty, but Julia’s insight will prove crucial to the guilty players in murder plus the hate crimes of harmless others.

Of special note (for me) was the reference to “The Thin Place” plus the telephone call from Julia to her contact, Helen Davenport. Davenport was a noted therapeutic hypnotist that supported Julia’s gifts of visions into the past & future. How or did she just talk to Helen though?

This review has left enough tidbits to pique your interest & I encourage you to get your hands on this 5 Star Read on publication day which fast approaches on July 14th.

The book is a reminder to heed & honor a departed soul & allow them their time. Grief has no end date, but in the case of murder &/or a senseless death – the truth will always be there just like the fires still found in Centralia. You only have to care enough to see what the departed reveal.

Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing & the great one, Lisa Scottoline, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this novel written by a suspense master that moves from Italy to the wilds of rural Pennsylvania, telling a story of friendship, premonition, secrets and murder.

Social media has in many ways destroyed quite lot of things. Many of us spend hours looking at the lives of others living vicariously through them, while that couch sags lower and lower to the ground. Politics is a mess, as is the world and even more importantly human interaction. Especially friendship. We have friends on Facebook, contacts here, followers there, but friends are a commodity that nobody seems to want to invest in anymore. Real friends not AI friends. Friends who would come from far away to help in times of trouble. To stand up when things are going bad, and other are spreading rumours. Even stand in the cross hairs of a killer. This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline is a thriller about feelings, fear, friends, and the facts that people are willing to kill to keep quiet.

Julia Pritzker is enjoying life in Tuscany, Italy after her previous adventures, adventures that have made her a bride and a new mother. The only thing missing in her life is the presence of her best friend Courtney. Julia has always had feelings, and one day Julia has a feeling that something is wrong, a premonition that Courtney is in danger. Juila Facetimes Courtney catching her just as she has arrived at her grandmother's house in rural Pennsylvania. As Julia watches, Courtney finds her grandmother murdered, and the killer running out the back door, escaping. Julia flies back to the states, to her her friend in this difficult time. Courtney is asking a lot of questions, as the cops are treating this like a robbery just gone bad. Courtney has other feelings, as does Julia feelings that are telling her that thing are not right. And will soon get worse. Courtney is arrested for the murder, and Julia begins to realise that something is going on in this small town. Something someone is willing to kill for, and maybe Julia is next.

Lisa Scottoline has a real gift for taking a simple idea and crafting a fine, suspenseful story. The feelings that Julia gets are not played for laughs, nor are they Deus ex machina tropes to fill holes in the story. They are handled well, and really help form the characters and give readers something to like. Which is easy as Scottoline is also very good at creating characters one want to know more about, and even more care about. The story is good, moving quickly with a few red herrings for the reader to nibble on. Scottoline is better known for her Italian settings, so the rural Pennsylvania setting is different for her, and adds also to the flavor of the story.

This is the second book to feature Julia, but one does not have to have read the earlier books to to follow along. Though I do recommend it as the previous book was quite good. Fans will enjoy this, and new readers can start here, and enjoy a future of good reading. I look forward to what Scottoline has planned next.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call me crazy, but I have zero problem with stories about characters who have psychic powers. But females with no common sense? Gimme a break. I was pretty much okay till about the 75% mark of this one; but at that point, the main character turned into one of those ditzy females who, while being chased by a monster wielding a carving knife, runs into the dark woods instead of the well-lit police station that’s half a block away. Spare me!

Ah, but other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? Honestly, quite a lot. From start to finish, minus that annoying tidbit, I looked forward to my usual mid-evening reading session of at least an hour so I could find out how it ends as quickly as possible.

The story begins as Julia Pritzker, a U.S. transplant now living in Tuscany with her husband Gianluca Moretti and their three-year-old daughter Leni. Julia, who is prone to “premonitions,” misses her best U.S. friend Courtney but hasn’t been in contact for at least a couple of years. Sort of on a whim, she places a call to her, only to get hit with a vision that something is about to go wrong. That hunch turned out to be deadly; Courtney answers the phone just as she’s entering her beloved grandmother Kay’s house to find she’s just been murdered. Needless to say, Courtney is in shock, and no surprise that she asks Julia to drop everything and come to her side. Julia’s husband isn’t thrilled that she’s leaving, but he also claims to understand her need to help her friend. He’s concerned, though, because history has shown when the two get together, they tend to get involved in things that can take a dark turn (apparently, there’s a previous book with both characters, which I haven’t read, but no matter because this one stands on its own quite well).

Of course, Julia’s plan to comfort Courtney and return home like the next day doesn’t come to fruition, much to the consternation of Julia’s husband and daughter, who believe their needs should come before those of a friend who hasn’t been in the picture for years (need I mention I totally agree)? But then it comes to light that Courtney’s aunt likely was killed because she’d found a “treasure” for her collection just the day before her death – and that might be a huge clue to why she was murdered. Not long thereafter, unsympathetic police pay a visit to Kay’s funeral – and (another surprise), arrest Courtney for her aunt’s murder. At that point, Julia reasons she can’t leave until she gets to the bottom of things.

Doing so takes some strange twists and turns, including a couple more inexplicable murders, war reenactment encampments and hints of domestic terrorists. None of those details, of course, will I provide – those are for other readers to learn for themselves. Overall, this is an entertaining, engaging book (as are the others I’ve read by this talented author), and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s honestly so great to see Julia Pritzker back! If you haven’t read Unraveling of Julia, I highly recommend starting there to fully understand this wonderfully peculiar and gifted character. That said, this book does provide enough background for newcomers—but let me give you a quick (okay… slightly detailed 😅) refresher because Julia’s journey is a lot.

Julia endured a devastating tragedy—while walking down the street with her husband, they were attacked by a burglar, and her husband sacrificed himself to save her, dying in the most brutal way. As if that heartbreak wasn’t enough, Julia later discovers she has inherited an estate in Tuscany from a grandmother she never even knew existed. This unexpected inheritance opens the door to uncovering her ancestry—and something even more extraordinary: her gift.

Yes, Julia has a powerful sixth sense. She’s essentially an oracle (and very fittingly, a Cancer). Along the way, she meets Helen Clare Davenport, a well-known celebrity medium who has helped solve real criminal cases. Helen offers to mentor her, but Julia is initially terrified of embracing her abilities—of crossing that invisible veil between worlds. Still, she slowly begins to accept who she is, discovering a deep connection to Catherine Sforza, Italian nobility, and even finding love again with Gianluca. She builds a new life in Tuscany… and, let’s not forget, she also uses her gift to uncover the truth behind her husband’s murder. Yes—Julia is that powerful.

So now, stepping into this book, we find her in a seemingly peaceful place: happily married, raising her daughter in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. But of course… peace never lasts long in Julia’s world.

Everything changes with a phone call to her best friend Courtney in Philadelphia—a moment that quickly spirals into chaos. Courtney goes to visit her grandmother, only to find her brutally murdered. And instead of running away like a sane person (girl, WHY?!), she chases after the killer. Julia, still on the phone, becomes an ear-witness to the entire horrifying sequence, desperately begging her to stop. Thankfully, Courtney survives—but the attacker disappears without a trace.

When Courtney says she needs her, Julia doesn’t hesitate. Despite unresolved tensions at home—like her husband suddenly suggesting his parents move in (hard no from Julia)—and the guilt of leaving her daughter behind for the first time, she immediately flies to Philadelphia.

And let me tell you… the moment she lands (yes, including her emotional reunion with Dunkin’ Donuts coffee ☕), things start getting weird. The gift she thought she had left behind? It comes roaring back. Visions hit her hard—fire, fear, disorientation. She nearly collapses while driving. At the crime scene, she feels an overwhelming connection to Courtney’s grandmother. Reality and visions begin to blur, pushing Julia to the edge.

Meanwhile, the police investigation feels… lacking. Detached. Not nearly urgent enough. Which, of course, means Julia steps in. Teaming up with Courtney and the grandmother’s fiercely loyal friends, Susan and Mona, they begin their own investigation.

But this isn’t just a simple burglary gone wrong. Oh no. This runs deeper. Darker. There are whispers of past tragedies tied to the neighborhood—secrets that refuse to stay buried. And the more they dig, the more dangerous things become.

So the question is:
Will they uncover the truth?
Or will they step into something far more dangerous than they’re prepared for?

Buckle up—because this ride gets intense.

I can honestly say I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. The pacing is spot on—fast, gripping, with short chapters that keep you turning pages like your life depends on it. And can we talk about that phone call scene in Chapter 9?! I was practically yelling at the book.

The characters are vivid, lovable, and feel incredibly real. I was completely invested in all of them, especially Julia, who continues to grow into such a compelling, layered heroine.

I truly couldn’t put this book down, and I highly recommend it to fans of supernatural mysteries blended with crime thrillers.

And please—can we get a third book? I am so not ready to say goodbye to Julia yet!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for sharing this fast-paced, thrilling, and emotionally gripping supernatural mystery with me in exchange for my honest thoughts—I truly appreciated it!

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[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline is a recommended paranormal mystery, for the right reader, that focuses on friendship, justice and the use of paranormal/psychic abilities. This is a sequel to The Unraveling of Julia.

Julia Pritzker is with her husband and daughter at her villa in Tuscany when she has a premonition to call her best friend Courtney, who happens to be arriving at her grandmother's farm in Pennsylvania. Before Courtney can step in the door, Julia has a psychic premonition and warns her to not enter. Courtney, who already had the door open doesn't stop and as she enters she sees her grandmother has been murdered and the killer is leaving through the back door. Courtney pursues him but he escapes. Now Julia is traveling to the States to provide comfort and support to her friend Courtney. The police think it was a burglary, but the two friends end up investigating the murder and uncover a series of secrets, conspiracies all while Julia is having her supernatural visions.

Expect a plot full of action and twists as the two investigate, looking for the truth and justice while exposing secrets and conspiracies that have been hidden and there are people who don't want them revealed. The story is suspenseful and the tension rises throughout the fast-paced plot. While a large part of the story is focused on their friendship, the plot requires you to set aside a large dose of disbelief in order to appreciate all of it and I was not willing to do so for this plot.

Even though this is a sequel, it could be read this as a standalone although you will have more character background after reading the first novel. I was more sympathetic to Julia in the first novel and found her and all the female friendship/empowerment above everything else annoying this time around, perhaps because common sense is lacking. The paranormal/psychic activities were disconcerting and a plot device I wasn't interested in embracing yet again after reading The Unraveling of Julia. When the focus is on Julia's horoscope, astrology and the paranormal I skimmed over them.

This Changes Everything is a good choice for those who enjoy paranormal mysteries and have read The Unraveling of Julia. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Janet Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

I was so excited to return to Julia's world in This Changes Everything, the sequel to Lisa Scottoline's delightful The Unraveling of Julia. I absolutely loved the first book, especially its gorgeous Tuscan setting, so I couldn't wait to see what Julia was up to next.

Julia is now happily married to the handsome librarian, Gianluca, and the vineyard she inherited in Tuscany is thriving once again. Life seems to have finally settled down—until Julia has one of her unsettling psychic flashes. She's convinced something terrible has happened to her best friend, Courtney, back in Pennsylvania. Sadly, she's right. Courtney's beloved grandmother, Kay, has been brutally murdered, and Julia returns to the United States to support her friend. Of course, Julia's clairvoyant abilities soon pull her into the investigation as she searches for answers.

I'll admit, I was disappointed that most of the novel takes place in Pennsylvania instead of Italy. Tuscany was practically a character in the first book, and I missed wandering through vineyards, charming villages, and cozy Italian cafés alongside Julia. While I enjoyed watching Julia continue to wrestle with her psychic gift, I found the mystery itself less engaging than I expected.

I also think this is one of those series that's best read in order. The Unraveling of Julia provides so much important background about Julia, her family, and how she first discovered her abilities that jumping into this sequel would mean missing quite a bit. Scottoline also delves deeper into Julia's childhood trauma, adding another layer to her character. Some of the conflict in Julia and Gianluca's new marriage felt a little forced, and the ending asked me to suspend my disbelief more than I would have liked.

That said, Lisa Scottoline has a way of making you keep turning the pages, and this book was no exception. Even when I questioned parts of the story, I still wanted to know how everything would come together.

Overall, while This Changes Everything didn't quite capture the magic of The Unraveling of Julia for me, I still enjoyed spending time with Julia again. I'll happily pick up another book if Scottoline decides to continue her story—and maybe, just maybe, take us back to Tuscany.

Three and a half stars rounded up to four stars out of five.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Lisa Scottoline, the Author of "This Changes Everything" has written a powerful, captivating, and intense novel that kept me glued to the pages. The Genres in this amazing and well written book are : Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Friendship, Sisterhood, and Psychic Abilities Lisa Scottoline is a master of both writing and story telling. This is one book that I highly recommend to others. The author vividly describes the scenery, locations, plot, and complex and complicated characters. In this book there are betrayals, lies, secrets, racism, twists and turns, extreme danger, threats and murders. The locations are set in beautiful Tuscany and in rural Pennsylvania.

Julia Pritzker lives with her second husband and three year old in Tuscany. Julia sometimes will get premonitions, and calls her friend Courtney, who lives in Pennsylvania. While they are on the phone, Courtney's grandmother is shot. Courtney runs outside to identify the killer. Julia goes to Pennsylvania to help Courtney with the funeral arrangements and to try and find the motive for this crime, and the person/s who committed it. Sometime Julia has psychic ability (although she is not sure how it works). Courtney's husband will not be able to make it home for the funeral, and Julia feels it is important to emotionally support Courtney.

The Police force is not cooperative, and somehow antagonistic, and doesn't seem to want to see justice served. There are threats and demands for Julia and Courtney to stop searching for information. The police are convinced it was a burglary that went wrong. Courtney and Julia went to school together, and Courtney had saved Julia from being attacked years ago. The Police are looking at Courtney as a suspect and Julia finds an attorney. There have been past murders, and now the body count is escalating.

I appreciate that the Author discusses the importance of justice and equality, as well as the importance of a strong emotional support system of friends to help you. This was such an exciting, intense, and captivating story. I loved everything about this book!

[Mary Taber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that this author had a new book out, I jumped at the chance to read it. I have read numerous books by Lisa Scottoline and loved them all, so this was a real treat for me. I don’t usually like science fiction books, or books about psychics or paranormalism, but as I got involved in the story, I decided that the idea of psychics fits well.
The story focuses on Julia a young woman who has a husband, Giancarlo, and a daughter, Leni, who live in Italy at a Vineyard. At the beginning of the story, Julia is calling her former college roommate Coutney in Pennsylvania, who, while she is on the phone, witnesses her grandmother’s murder. This prompts Julia to fly to PA to assist her friend.
As the novel progresses, we meet Alex, who runs the Shenandoah Reservation, a local conservation group that is trying to reclaim the land from past mining practices. Kay, Courtney’s grandmother, and Sam, Kay’s friend, both volunteered there. Then there is Susan and Mona, Kay’s dear friends, who miss her terribly and are willing to help in any way that they can. Paul, Courtney’s husband, and Courtney are having difficulties in their marriage, and he claims he was held up at an out-of-town meeting and can’t come home to help. We also meet several police officers who ostensibly help with the investigation but may be involved in a conspiracy.
After Courtney is arrested for her grandmother’s murder, Julia undertakes a mission to find out who really killed her and why. Courtney is convinced that Julia can use his psychic powers to free her friend, but Julia doubts her abilities. However, her abilities do help her track the killer in the end.
The themes of white supremacy, racism, domestic terrorism, and conspiracy waft through the book, making the case of Kay’s murder much larger than Julia could have imagined.
I am so glad to have read this story. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Hatchette Book Group for providing me the opportunity to read and provide honest feedback.

[Marie Reads a Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline was the second book in this series, but I think you could read this book as a standalone. This book is categorized as a mystery/thriller, but also has a touch of the paranormal.

Julia Pritzker is a wife and mother who has recently relocated to Tuscany, Italy, after meeting her birth mother. She had married Gianluca and they happily settled on their own vineyard with their daughter, Leni. While making dinner at her home in Tuscany, she calls her best friend, Courtney, who lives back in Pennsylvania. She has a premonition that Courtney is in danger. But Julia isn’t able to stop Courtney from entering the house, and her friend discovers her grandmother has been murdered. Julia then rushes to Pennsylvania to support Courtney. Since the local cops are less than helpful in solving the crime, Julia and Courtney try to solve the murder themselves, but they run into more than they bargain for.

I love a good mystery story, and Julia was a reluctant psychic, which was a bonus for me. I really enjoy books that have a paranormal or supernatural element. The friendship between Julia and Courtney was also wonderful to read as it's always great to read about positive female friendships.

Some of the dialogue felt a little stiff and didn’t seem to flow realistically for me. But I still liked the story and the plot, so that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book. I didn’t like Gianluca for a lot of the book though. Though he was a man who was trying to keep his family together, he didn’t seem to trust his wife. Julia was a bit whiny about her powers, but it was necessary for the story since she was new to the world of mediumship.

I would definitely read more books by Lisa Scottoline, especially those featuring the character Bennie Rosato, who makes an appearance in this book. This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely going to her Rosato and Associates series as well.

Rating 3.75 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Topo Chicas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that combines magical realism, murder mystery, and an amazing amount of female empowerment, have I got the book for you!!

Lisa Scottoline’s latest novel, This Changes Everything, takes us all on the most incredible journey of female bonding over an unbelievable tragedy, ultimately leading to assisting law enforcement in finding clues regarding the murder mystery at the heart of the plot.

Julia and her dearest friend Courtney accidentally witness the brutal killing of Courtney’s grandmother. Unexpectedly, Julia had a split-second premonition that Courtney should not enter her grandmother’s house. Unfortunately, Courtney did not comply with her friend’s urgings.

As experienced only once before, Julia then had to reconcile with the intense and surreal premonition that was proved to be true, just like her last experience with clairvoyance. Julia begins to question how and what she experienced, and what is inside of her. She is quick to write it off as just vivid dreaming and her mind being overtaxed and overwhelmed.

Courtney and Julia’s husband are not so easily convinced, but both beg her to not pursue anything that would put her at risk. She was begged so many times to let the police handle everything.

With more self-discovery, Julia finds that she is not only at-times clairvoyant, but also a medium. I loved the magical realism that the book brought forth with the general acceptance of the possibility of extra sensory perception being a viable explanation for Julia’s experiences.

This book was also touching with the resolutions found in the plot. Life can be totally unexpected, but also amazing, and filled with so much love and support from the most surprising sources.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this wonderful digital ARC!!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline is an intriguing ride. Julia is currently living in Tuscani when she decides to contact her friend Courtney who is pulling up to her Grandmothers house for a visit. Julia gets a feeling and tells Courtney not to go inside, that something doesn't feel right. Courtney goes in anyway to find her grandmother dead on the floor. While Julia is still on the phone Courtney hears something in the kitchen and someone is taking off out the back door to a truck. Courtney chases but can't catch the person. This leads Julia to come to Pennsylvania to support her friend through this horrible process. Julia is know to have some psychic powers but she doesn't really know how to control it or use it to its full potential. She sees visions or has dreams but has a hard time making sense of them from time. If the visions are misinterpreted it can lead them to the wrong conclusions. As the ladies try to find answers from the police, it seems as though the police don't really care and this pushes the ladies to start investigating themselves.

The paranormal/psychic point isn't really front and center which is great because it isn't constantly being thrown in your face. It has its moments but it isn't driving the full story and Julia is trying to interpret what she sees and what it means for what they are trying to solve.

This novel is fast paced with some twists and turns. Definitely didn't see the ending coming in this case which was a pleasant surprise for a change. Nobody seems safe in this novel and it just raises the stakes. Lisa Scottoline knows how to write a thriller and hook the reader from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

3.5 stars

#NetGalley #ThisChangesEverything

[Summer Householder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of *This Changes Everything* by Lisa Scottoline in exchange for my honest review.

Lisa Scottoline is one of those authors I tend to gravitate toward, and I've enjoyed many of her books over the years. I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review this one. What I didn't realize before starting was that *This Changes Everything* is a sequel to *Unraveling Julia*. While there were references to events from the previous book, I had no trouble following along and felt it worked well as a standalone novel.

I'm usually not a fan of paranormal or supernatural elements in my books, but I thought they were done well here. They added to the story without taking over. The friendship at the heart of the novel was one of my favorite parts. The bond between the characters felt genuine, and it was easy to believe they would do anything for each other.

While I enjoyed the friendship storyline, I found myself a little confused by the Courtney and Alex dynamic and some of the issues Julia faced with her husband. I struggled to see how those pieces fit into the larger story. It's possible reading *Unraveling Julia* first would have given me a better understanding.

In addition to the murder mystery, the story also explores government corruption and a pocket of long-standing white supremacist activity. Unfortunately, that part of the plot didn't really work for me. It started to feel a bit over the top, and at times it seemed like there were too many storylines being introduced to distract from the ending and make the final reveal more surprising.

That said, the book kept me turning the pages, and I stayed up late to finish it. But overall this one was just an average read for me. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't one of my favorites from Lisa Scottoline either.

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This Changes Everything” re-introduces Julia from “The Unraveling of Julia,” the character who had a premonition about her husband’s murder and then went to Italy to uncover family secrets. It’s about 5 years later; Julia remained in Tuscany, has happily remarried and is now a mom to a three year old.

Another premonition overcomes Julia when she calls her best friend Courtney in Philly and while on the phone, warns Courtney to not enter her grandmother’s home. Courtney does, only to stumble upon her grandmother being murdered. Courtney begs Julia to come back to the US. Once Julia arrives at Courtney’s grandmother’s farm, more visions come to her. As the two try to find out who might have killed Grandma Kay, they come up against unhelpful detectives and a racist, misogynistic local police chief. They uncover much more than expected, and Julia’s extra sensory perception assists in revelations not otherwise possible.

Lisa Scottoline always creates wonderful main characters and we are quickly invested in Julia’s quest for the truth and the people she loves.. Scottoline’s storytelling is engaging and the story is original and even quirky in spots — with hints of the supernatural and the integration of historical facts. 4 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Courtney has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): But while Shasta and Gerber are very specific types of garden daisies, “Golden Daisy” usually refers to a shrub with yellow flowers, or maybe Marguerite or Alpine daisies.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Pritzer, living in Tuscany with her young daughter and Italian husband, has slowly rebuilt her life and her happiness after her first husband was killed on the streets of New York. Julia has for the most part put aside her moments of clairvoyance, particularly around her husband’s death, when she gets a sudden urge to phone her best childhood friend Courtney – just at the moment that she discovers that her beloved grandmother has been shot dead at her home in rural Pennsylvania and sees a man escaping out the back door.

Julie immediately catches a flight to be with Courtney, much to the chagrin of her young daughter who experiences intense and ongoing separation anxiety – so much so that her pediatrician calls in a possible case of child abuse on her husband who’s been on single parent duty for the weeks that Julia is away. This creates ongoing tension around loyalties: should Julia abandon her family to be by Courtney’s side, or does she need to step in given the extremity of her daughter’s reaction?

Fortunately, this subplot takes second stage as corrupt local police charge Courtney with her grandmother’s murder, jailed without bail as it’s a murder charge, and Julia’s launched into an investigation to prove her innocence. This investigation takes innumerable twists, as it involves both conspiracies, historical racism, deep corruption and terrorism.

The mystery and thrills carry the day as the truth of what’s going on gets slowly revealed through Julia’s tenacity and insights.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.

[Mvm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Changes Everything is another strong winner by Lisa Scottoline.

The story begins with Julia at her villa in Tuscany, on FaceTime with her best friend Courtney in Philadelphia, when she suddenly has a premonition that something terrible is about to happen. Moments later, Courtney discovers her grandmother has been brutally murdered. Julia immediately flies back to the U.S. to support her friend.

Julia has some psychic ability, though she’s never fully understood or embraced it. After the initial shock, she and Courtney begin asking questions about the murder, but frustration builds as the police make little progress. Tensions rise further when Courtney is unexpectedly arrested for the crime—at her own grandmother’s funeral.

With Courtney in jail, Julia takes it upon herself to keep digging for the truth, gradually learning to trust and use her psychic instincts. The story unfolds with constant twists and turns, peeling back layer after layer of a complex mystery.

Fans of Scottoline will appreciate the return of Bennie Rosato, the no-nonsense Philadelphia lawyer who steps in to help Courtney. It’s great to see her back in action.

As the novel concludes, Scottoline ties together multiple subplots in satisfying and sometimes surprising ways. This Changes Everything is a true page-turner—highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel saw Ms. Scottoline venture into new territory, yet the mystery still prevailed. Two steadfast friends, Julia and Courtney, live on opposite sides of the Atlantic: Julia has relocated to Tuscany with her new family, while Courtney has stayed in the States. Julia is facing challenges in her life, such as her partner wanting his parents to move onto the property. While on the phone to Courtney, Julia has a strange premonition, and before she can stop her friend from entering her grandmother's home, Courtney discovers that someone has murdered her beloved grandmother. Julia rushes home to help Courtney, but her husband cautions her, as she had a problem with her "intuition/mediumship/gift" the last time she became involved in a mystery case. Ignoring her husband's advice, Julia heads home to help Courtney pick up the pieces. In this small town, many secrets remain unanswered, and the police aren't exactly helpful, but Courtney's visions begin to unfold and prompting questions. Is this a cover-up or a frame-up? And is it connected to the missing persons' case from decades earlier? This is a thrill ride as only Lisa Scottoline can write, with a 'psychic twist' and an ending you'll never see coming.

Thank you so much Lisa Scottoline and Grand Central publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#lisascottoline #grandcentral #libraryninja📚

[Kim Benouski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read the first 35% before giving up.

This is the fourth book I have attempted to read by this author, and the second I have not finished (other two were mediocre at best). I read over 100 books a year and usually only do not finish maybe two.

First of all, I wasn’t aware this was the second in the series, so people who read the first maybe liked it better because they felt connected to the characters, which I felt were unrealistic and annoying.

The idea that one woman leaves her beautiful Tuscany home to race to the US to a friend after having a premonition that her grandmother was murdered seems odd at best, but if I could feel their friendship, maybe I would understand. They are supposed to be adults, not teenagers, but they often act either super sappy or silly or awkward. Even the flashbacks to their college years make them sound like middle schoolers, comparing a guy to Saved by the Bell characters and fighting over who he’s looking at and then one giving the other’s phone number (but a fake one) and saying “Dude,…call her. She likes you and she’s totally free.” Really?!

The beginning starts with a phone conversation where her friend is literally chasing the killer, and it is way overdone and unrealistic scene.

I just have too many books I want to read to suffer any longer. I didn’t even like it enough to skip to the end to find out the mystery.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I didn’t realize going in that this was technically the second book in a series. While each book can be read as a standalone, this is very much a continuation of the FMC’s journey. While I never felt lost or like I was missing key plot points, I do think I missed out on some of the emotional investment that comes from reading the first book. A bit more backstory would have helped me connect with her on, well, any level.

What worked best for me was the pacing. The story hits the ground running and rarely slows down, making it an easy, engaging read. At times it does become a little chaotic, but never to the point of being frustrating. I’m not personally sold on mediums specifically, but I do enjoy reading about them, and I thought that element added an interesting twist to the underlying thriller plot.

The real strength of this book, though, is its exploration of friendship. While I would have liked the characters to be a bit more fleshed out, I appreciated seeing the lengths people will go to for those they love and how those bonds can shape the course of a life.

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite thriller of the week, but I still had a good time with it. I think readers who enjoyed the first book will appreciate this follow-up and the continuation of the FMC’s story, while newcomers can still jump in and enjoy the ride.

I’m thankful to have received the eARC from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phone call is the start of changes that are both good and bad. Julia goes back to the states to help her best friend Courtney who found her grandmother murdered. Julia and Courtney are dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy with the help of her grandmother's friends, when they realize the basket her grandmother kept her clean-up finds is missing. This leads to speculation and hope for finding the murderer. Only they find themselves being ignored by the police. Why? The more they dig and search the more frustrating it becomes. It becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye but how do the pieces fit together. Conspiracy theories, more murders, and emotional fall outs make this story one where stopping reading is a no go. You need to know how it all goes together and that they bad guys lose. The character driven story made me smile at the heartwarming times, frustrated at the bigotry of some, and glad for those that stood up and did the right thing. It does have a touch of paranormal to it, but friendship, love and belief in good are really the main points to the story. Also, I did find myself looking up to see if some of what was written had truth to it and the coal fire mentioned continuously burning is a real thing. Sadly so is the fact PA had one of the largest Klan memberships in the Northeast. Finding a book that has new things for me to learn as well as have some good twists in the mystery aspect makes it a good read in my opinion.

[Tasha Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in two days. For me, that is the most honest review I can give.

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline is a fast paced, twisty mystery that grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. At its heart it is the story of two women whose friendship reads like found family, supporting each other across years and across the kind of small town secrets that have a way of following you no matter how far you run.

What impressed me most is how skillfully Scottoline threads social justice themes throughout the narrative without it ever feeling heavy handed or preachy. Women's rights, rampant hidden racism, the kind of injustice that gets buried in small towns where everyone knows everyone and nobody wants to rock the boat. It is all there, woven into a mystery that kept me genuinely guessing.

These are two capable, strong female characters doing what needs to be done in a place that failed them when they were young. There is something deeply satisfying about watching women like that take up space and demand accountability.

The timing of this read was also something I did not anticipate. Set around the 250th anniversary of America, it carries a weight that feels completely intentional and landed differently than it might have at any other moment. Timely is almost an understatement.

4 stars. A fast, smart, socially aware mystery with heart. Absolutely recommended.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Changes Everything is an entertaining follow-up to The Unraveling of Julia, bringing back Julia as she leaves her life in Tuscany after a chilling premonition comes true. Truthfully, I think you could read this as a standalone and still enjoy it. What starts as a story of friendship and support quickly turns into a suspenseful mix of family secrets, conspiracy theories, and supernatural visions.

One of the book’s strengths is the relationship between Julia and Courtney. Their friendship feels genuine, and the themes of loyalty, intuition, and trusting yourself add emotional depth to the mystery.

I started reading Lisa Scottoline's novels around age 14 and I have been a fan for decades. That said, this wasn't one of my favorite books by the author. The paranormal elements became increasingly difficult for me to connect with as the story progressed. While the murder investigation felt grounded, the premonitions and supernatural aspects sometimes pushed the story into territory that felt a little gauche. I also found some of the marital subplots distracting and wasn't always sure how they contributed to the main storyline. The characters felt somewhat underdeveloped compared to Scottoline’s stronger novels, and the cameo of Bennie Rosato was, for me, the highlight of the book.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: July 14, 2026
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Publisher: Grand Central

Rating: 3.75 ★ 

My Thoughts:
This was an engaging thriller that blends murder mystery, small-town secrets, and a touch of the supernatural. The friendship between Julia and Courtney gives the story an emotional core, while the escalating danger keeps the suspense high. It’s a compelling mix of investigation, personal growth, and unexpected twists.

This book suits someone in the mood for something: mysterious, tense, emotional, hopeful

Pace: fast

Mainly plot or character driven? a mix

Is there strong character development? yes

Do you find the characters loveable? yes

Is the cast of characters diverse? it’s complicated

Are character flaws a main focus? no

Main themes, topics, tropes: female friendship, small-town secrets, murder investigation, psychic intuition, personal empowerment

Synopsis:
Julia Pritzker is enjoying her new life in Tuscany when a disturbing premonition strikes during a phone call with her best friend, Courtney. Moments later, Courtney discovers her grandmother has been murdered, and the killer has just escaped. Convinced there’s more to the crime than a simple burglary, the two friends begin searching for answers, uncovering dangerous secrets that place Julia directly in the path of a deadly conspiracy.

Favorite Quote:
“She survived the night. The truth didn’t.”