Don't Ask Why: A Thriller

by Steph Nelson

She hoped this girls’ trip would help her heal. Instead, it just might kill her.

Still reeling from her husband’s death, Courtney joins her three best friends on a secluded island in the Florida Keys. But the getaway meant to bring peace quickly spirals into chaos.

First comes a rumor about a woman who was recently killed on the island. Then the property manager is nowhere to be found. When a stranger shows up at the vacation rental and one of the friends goes missing, Courtney starts to wonder if they’ll make it home at all.

There’s no Wi-Fi. No cell service. No way off the island for four days.

But four days is too long to wait for help.

If Courtney wants to survive, she’ll have to fight for her life.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 12, 2026

About the author

A lifelong PNW girl, Steph currently lives in Boise, Idaho.

Her books have been reviewed in the New York Times and Library Journal.

She loves long walks by the Boise River, thrifting for vintage clothing, yoga, traveling just about anywhere, and devouring books.

Find her on Instagram/Threads: @stephnelsonauthor

Reviews

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

another thriller that is easy to read and hard to put down! I enjoyed that I didn't have to think too hard while reading this one - I just got to jump into the story. there were a few times where the book slowed down but read a few pages and it picked back up.

thanks to netgalley for the arc.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Steph Nelson’s other book, Last One Out and was so excited to receive an ARC for her new book. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. I found the cast of characters to be sad and unlikeable each one with their own tragic backstory. The astrology part was fun but became too repetitive. There were references to drug abuse, addiction, and foster care abuse. In the author’s defense there were trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, just wish I saw them before I requested.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Audrey Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gut-punch of a thriller that tightens its grip from page one and doesn’t let go. Steph Nelson delivers a relentlessly fast-paced, unputdownable read with a twist that blindsided me.

[Catherine Yeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this advanced copy. This is a solid and enjoyable holiday read or weekend binge. It has a fantastic premise and the very first chapter hooks you in.

At times some of the dialogue felt unnecessary and wasn’t moving the story forward. I did find Tori getting on my nerves with her starsign talk. But overall the characters all had very distinct voices and personalities. I loved Paige and Courtney.

I felt this started strongly and became less of a thriller and more of a mystery/action/drama which was still very enjoyable but not what I expected.

[Emily Larche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this one was fun!

I’ve always loved thrillers that take place at a resort, or on an island, anything like that. And I’ve also recently decided that I enjoy survival thrillers. I’m fully aware I have no survival skills and would be the first to die in any of these books, but enjoy them all the same.

Don’t Ask Why comes out March 12th, and is th perfect fast paced read. Courtney, a recent widow, takes a weekend to get away with friends and mourn her husband in an environment he chose for her. But is it a little bit too deserted? And can she trust everyone there?

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Escaped My Fantasy Hangover and Immediately Got Stranded on an Island (10/10 Would Panic Again) 🏝️😳🚩

Listen. I was deep in a Briar Boleyn fantasy hangover. Swords. ⚔️ Angst. 😩 Emotional devastation. 💔 The works. And then Steph Nelson said, “Oh, you think you’re safe? Let’s strand you on a secluded island with no Wi-Fi and a recent murder.” Bravo, ma’am. Truly. 👏🔥

So what’s it about? 👀

We’re following four women — and yes, multiple POV — but don’t panic because Steph handles it beautifully. Courtney – recently widowed, still shattered after losing the love of her life, Bryce. 🕊️ Paige – Bryce’s sister and the powerhouse founder of a multimillion-dollar dating app, SoulMatch. 📱 Tori – best friend energy, tarot-loving, zodiac-reading, twin-flame-believing queen who lost her husband in the line of duty and is still trying to make sense of it all. 🔮✨ Reese – ex-military turned nurse who cared for Bryce during his final year. 🩺

The prologue? Immediate chills. 🥶 A woman walking on a beach while on vacation feels like she’s being followed. It’s heavily implied she’s being stalked — and that he will always find her. 👣 The scene cuts. We fast-forward years. And just like that, we’re on a secluded island in the Florida Keys. 🌴🌊

What’s supposed to be a healing girls’ trip turns into: A rumor about a murdered woman. 🩸 A missing property manager. ❓ A stranger showing up at the rental. 👤 One friend disappearing. 🏃‍♀️💨 No Wi-Fi. 📵 No cell service. No way off the island for four days. FOUR. DAYS. Absolutely not. 🙅‍♀️

The Execution? Chef’s Kiss. 🤌💋

Multiple POV thrillers are hard. Like, really hard. Especially when every single character is hiding secrets. 🤫 Steph Nelson pulled this off with control and confidence. Every perspective mattered. Every secret had purpose. Nothing felt thrown in for shock value. And when the reveals came? They landed. 🎯 Everything tied together in a way that felt intentional and satisfying. Not messy. Not rushed. Just sharp. 🔪 Also — the little nod to Noelle W. Ihli and references to Run on Red and Gray After Dark? As a thriller girlie who adores those books, I LOVED that moment. 🫶📖

Final Thoughts 🌟

After five-star reviewing Last One Out, I knew Steph Nelson was one to watch. After Don’t Ask Why? She’s officially auto-read status. 👑 This was fast-paced, tense, emotionally layered, and executed with precision. Exactly what I needed to snap me out of a fantasy spiral and remind me why I love thrillers so much. 🖤

If you like: Isolated settings 🏝️ Friend groups with secrets 👯‍♀️ Mounting dread 😰 “Wait… WHAT?” reveals 🤯 Add this to your list. Immediately. 🏃‍♀️💨

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Review: Don't Ask Why by Steph Nelson
​Masterful Narrative & Realism
​Steph Nelson has a rare talent for crafting stories that grip you from the very first sentence of the prologue and don't let go until the final word of the epilogue. What stands out most in Don't Ask Why is the authenticity of the characters. They don't feel like "fictional tropes"; they feel like real people. Their flaws, their voices, and even their mistakes make them incredibly relatable, which only heightens the stakes as the story unfolds.
​The "Red Flag" Factor
​From the opening chapters, the atmosphere is heavy with red flags. Nelson expertly portrays the "poor decision-making" that we often see in real life but dread in a thriller. There is a specific confession when the characters reach the island destination that is so chilling, I personally would have turned around and gone straight home! However, the author’s ability to keep the reader guessing—and staying—is what makes this a page-turner.
​A Test of Friendship: Who Can You Trust?
​The core of this book asks a haunting question: How much can I really trust my friends? * The Mystery: Trying to identify the villain is a psychological game.
​The Suspense: Nelson leads you down one path only to shift the ground beneath your feet.
​The Climax: It is raw, brutal, and physically paralyzing. The way everything concludes left me stunned and breathless.
​The "Noelle W. Ihili" Connection
​As a huge fan of Noelle W. Ihili, finding references to her work within these pages was a brilliant touch. It adds a layer of community and shared universe that makes the reading experience feel personal and rewarding.
Final Verdict & Lingering Questions
The ending left me fully satisfied but with a heavy philosophical question: Would you ever truly be able to go on a vacation again after experiencing such a traumatic trip? Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Atmosphere: Deeply unsettling and tense.
Pacing: Flawless from start to finish.
Recommendation: A must-read for anyone who loves psychological thrillers that feel uncomfortably real.
Amazing job, Steph Nelson! Keep these captivating stories coming.
A big hug from your fan, Christian from Wisconsin.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney is with her three best friends in the Florida Keys following the death of her husband, on a trip he planned while he was sick, knowing she would need a getaway to help her heal after losing him. But immediately upon arrival, the women begin noticing that things aren’t right. Trusting their instincts and keeping a lookout for anything suspicious, the women begin trying to enjoy their tropical vacation, but there are more red flags, and soon this paradise turns into their worst nightmare. And along the way, the group must reveal some of its darkest secrets in order to survive.

This book is told from the POVs of the four main women in the story, all in the present timeline.

Talk about a roller coaster ride from beginning to end! I love thrillers where the characters are in an isolated location and have to puzzle their way out, so the description, for this one immediately caught my attention. And let’s just say, I wasn’t disappointed. As I said above, the red flags immediately start flying, and it’s clear to both the characters and the reader that things are not right from the beginning pages, so the suspense is high right from the get-go. The big questions that we don’t have to figure out are: who and why?

Those answers were well worth waiting for as I absolutely tore through this book eager to figure it all out. There’s quite a few little nuggets that get thrown in there that connect the dots between all of the characters that I didn’t see coming, which made the book a little more exciting, if a little bit far-fetched, but I liked the idea the author was going for so I went with it.

I also liked the main group of women in the book. They all had their faults, and could be annoying at times, but I liked that they weren’t perfect and even a bit flawed, because that made them more realistic in my eyes. Having perfect heroines doesn’t make for an interesting read, and that’s what I’m looking for!

Overall, if you’re into high suspense, high action, thrillers, this is the book for you! I was really drawn in by this one and spread through it.

Highly recommended!

[Valeryia Skuryat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

It’s a really solid thriller that delivers exactly what you want from a fast-paced, entertaining read. I was immediately drawn in by the premise - the isolated island setting and the classic “holiday gone wrong” trope is one of my favorites, and this book uses it so well. There’s something about characters being cut off from the outside world that automatically raises the tension, and that atmosphere definitely worked here.

I especially loved the character development. Even in a relatively quick read, the author made the cast feel distinct and believable, which made the shifting dynamics and underlying tensions even more compelling. The pacing was strong throughout - it never dragged, and each chapter pushed the story forward in a way that kept me turning the pages. It’s absolutely the kind of book you can devour in one sitting because you just need to know what happens next.

I’ll admit I personally expected it to lean a bit darker or more unsettling in tone, but that’s just a matter of personal preference. If you’re someone who enjoys intense, ultra-gritty thrillers, you might feel the same. That said, it doesn’t take away from how fun and engaging this story is. It strikes a great balance between suspense and readability.

Overall, it’s the perfect “popcorn thriller” - entertaining, twisty, and incredibly bingeable. I can already see this being a go-to pick for seasonal mood readers, especially in the summer. It has that sun-soaked tension and locked-in setting that pairs perfectly with warm weather reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review 🤍

[Britney Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher of Don't Ask Why in return for my honest review and opinion.

The book immediately captivated me, holding my interest and attention from the very first page right through to the satisfying conclusion. It was, without a doubt, an utterly engrossing read.

The story centers on Courtney, a woman grappling with the devastating loss of her husband. Seeking a much-needed change of scenery and a reprieve from her grief, she reluctantly agrees to join her closest friends on a restorative trip to the beautiful, yet isolated, Florida Keys.

However, their arrival on the remote island is immediately overshadowed by a disturbing revelation: the recent, unsolved murder of a young local girl. The idyllic vacation quickly takes a sinister turn.

They meet Leslie, the enigmatic owner of the charming, albeit slightly unsettling, rental house. There is an immediate, palpable sense that something is profoundly "off" about Leslie and their temporary home.

The unsettling atmosphere culminates in a heart-stopping event: one of Courtney's friends vanishes without a trace. This disappearance shatters any remaining sense of security and forces the remaining friends to confront the terrifying reality of their situation. Isolated and increasingly paranoid, they are forced to question everything and everyone, including Leslie and each other. These events leave all of them wondering if they will make it back home alive.

[Vivian Mora · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true Steph Nelson fashion “𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗪𝗵𝘆” is a one-sitting, cancel-your-plans kind of read.

Four friends. A beach getaway. Sun, sand, crystal-clear water. It should be giving cocktails and cute group pics. Instead? It’s giving secrets, grief, guns, drugs, betrayal, revenge… and a couple of characters that made me side-eye my own life choices. Dream vacation? Gone. Poof. Kaput.

Was it as pulse-pounding, edge-of-my-seat thriller-y as I typically gravitate toward? Not entirely. But here’s what got me: I felt it. I understood these characters. Their messy decisions. Their grief. Their desperation. And honestly? That emotional undercurrent is what kept me locked in. I didn’t just want to know what happened — I needed to understand why.

And the grief and loss themes? They hit. Hard. In that quiet, uncomfortable way that lingers after you close the book. But sometimes sitting with those feelings is weirdly healing. Sometimes thrillers aren’t just about the shock — they’re about the emotional wreckage underneath.

By the end, I kept thinking about the title. Maybe because asking “why” pulls at threads that unravel everything. Maybe because sometimes we’re not ready for the truth behind people’s choices. We’d rather live with the mystery than face reality. Unfortunately for these characters, the truth doesn’t wait for readiness.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘩 𝘕𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯 + 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

[gina dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for providing me with an ARC.
From the first few chapters, I knew this was going to be one of those thrillers that’s just plain fun to read. The premise is a Girls Trip and immediately there is instant tension between the women as cracks start to show in their friendships. I didn't love any of the women instantly, but what really worked for me was how the story pulled me deeper into the group dynamics as secrets and motivations slowly came into focus. I found myself getting more invested in the characters the longer I spent with them.
The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. It moves quickly without feeling rushed, and is not drawn out. I appreciated that the suspense built in a way that kept me engaged rather than overwhelmed. It’s the kind of thriller that’s easy to fly through because you genuinely want to see how everything plays out.
While I wouldn’t call it the darkest or most shocking thriller out there, it absolutely succeeds at being entertaining and addictive and delivers an unexpected twist. If you’re looking for something atmospheric, character-driven, and perfect for a weekend binge, this is a great pick especially if you’re in the mood for an escapist suspense read. The setting in the keys also makes it a perfect summer read.

[RavenReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Don't Ask Why was an absolute blast from start to finish! The cast of characters is so sharply drawn that I was hooked almost immediately. Some are deeply unlikable, others are fiercely competent take no prisoners type of women, and then there are the men you instinctively don’t trust. The interpersonal dynamics are layered and tense, making every interaction feel charged with meaning.

This is the kind of thriller that demands to be read in one sitting. The chapters are short with multi POVs. The pacing is tight, the dread steadily builds, and just when you think you have a handle on where things are headed, Nelson pivots in a direction I genuinely did not see coming. My favorite kind of surprise.

Dark, atmospheric, and expertly constructed, this thriller delivers a gripping buildup and a knockout ending. Sharp writing, relentless tension, and a final act that completely lands. I loved this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Steph Nelson Ticking Clock Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[LISAS CURRENTLY READING · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Steph Nelson and will not be my last. This book took off immediately and the pages flew every time I sat down to read, you could easily binge this in one sitting! Each of the women in this group are relatable and I especially enjoyed Courtney and Reeses' personalities. The back and forth viewpoints aren't usually something I enjoy but this flowed so well it just really worked for this book. The relationship between the women was unraveled in just the right pacing and their dynamic with each other felt realistically true, I loved the way they came together and strengthened each other. The conclusion of this story was so satisfying and perfectly executed with all the delicious twist and turns you could want and I can't wait to pick up my next one from Steph, looks like I'll just read them all! Many thanks to @netgalley @stephnelsonauthor and to Ticking Clock Press for the ARC 🖤

[CarrieLynn S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Four longtime girlfriends travel to a private island in Key West to support a friend who is grieving the recent death of her husband. But each woman arrives with secrets of her own, and the island is hiding a few, too.

This was a good, easy, and very quick read… and that’s where it fell short for me. I’m a fan of this author because she typically delivers darker, more unique, and thought-provoking stories. In comparison, this novel felt lighter and more surface level. The characters weren’t as fully developed as I expected, and I never quite became invested in them or their outcomes.

It’s an enjoyable read if you’re looking for something fast and breezy, but it didn’t have the depth or staying power I usually associate with this author’s work.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this eARC.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and definitely won’t be the last! A group of 4 friends, Paige, Tori, Courtney and Reese, some old and new, travel to a secluded island in Key West following Bryce, Courtney’s late husbands, dying request. But not all is as it seems. There’s a looming since of dread in the beautiful backdrop and the captain mentioned a death?! The property manager Leslie doesn’t seem right to the girls and things promised in the emails aren’t there. Rawson seems to be keeping secrets and Tori can’t see past her astrological signs. But when one of the girls goes missing, it’s a race to find her while piecing together what really happened on this island a year ago. All the girls are keeping secrets and you’ll be shocked when they come to light. A fast paced read with plenty of twists and shocking secrets!!

[Devi (TheBookAccountant) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t Ask Why - 3⭐️
yeah and don’t ask me why…….
I actually don’t get the title.
This is a girls trip after one of the friends’ husband passed away recently but it just those trips with bad vibes right from the start.
Multiple POV, fast-paced and a locked room kinda thriller but in an island but I wasn’t invested in this. I wish there were more depth to these characters for me to like at least one of them but nope. Also there’s so much astrology in this book (like even in the most serious moments where your life is at stake) and it kinda made me frustrated like GURL idk if I have a rising moon in Gemini we need to shoot these bad guys down. But yeah very fun entertaining read where you have to suspend alot of belief.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: March 12, 2026
Author: Steph Nelson
Publisher: Ticking Clock Press

Rating: 4★ 

Still grieving her husband’s death, Courtney joins her three closest friends for a girls’ trip on a remote island, hoping distance and sunshine will help her heal. Instead, isolation, rumors of a recent murder, and a sudden disappearance turn the getaway into a fight for survival. With no way off the island and no one to trust, Courtney realizes grief might not be the only thing that kills her.

Favorite Quote:
"the pain of losing someone doesn't vanish with time; it transforms into a quiet strength you didn't know you had."

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, thank you both Netgalley and also Ticking Clock Press for this ARC!

I did devour Last One Out last year, so, yes, I was over the moon when I got approved for this early read, as well. It started as a trip to paradise with sun and beaches and good weather. But the thing is, paradise can be dangerous. Deadly, even...

Like damn, this one was a rocky wild ride, and that in more than one way. There was the fast-paced thriller aspect, of course. But just like Last One Out, the emotions did also hit me in the face more than once, I deeply felt the frief and the loss while reading. I can only very much recommend this one!

[Heather H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steph Nelson does it again!
This time, we’re following four friends on a paradise vacation turned nightmare.

When Courtney’s husband and Paige’s brother succumbs to a terminal illness, Paige takes Courtney and two of their friends on a private island vacation per his request.

Each woman comes face to face with their own secrets when they discover the pre-planned vacation is not what it seems.

Secrets
Friendship
Trauma
Astrology
Healing
Captivity
Self-discovery

Thank you, NetGalley, Nelson, and team for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Steph Nelson & Ticking Clock Press for the ARC!

This was just ok. It had a strong start with the prologue but after that it fell kind of flat. The constant astrology talk was also a bit much.

I did start to enjoy the book near the end with all of the twists and action. That part was interesting and entertaining, I just feel like there wasn't much in the beginning and middle and the characters were not particularly likeable. 🫤

I did read that Steph Nelson started out writing horror, so I will give those a try!

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and writing style but the story got way too unrealistic towards the end.
Suddenly we had weird links to characters to engineer the plot and it was a bit far fetched. I don't believe every character needed to be linked, it made some parts of the story too complicated and sometimes simple is better.
Having 'Rawdog' there was a complete waste, he was annoying and not even a red herring either, none of his actions towards Keith or the girls made sense to keep consistent with the plot

[Hadriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really loved this fast paced thriller. It would definitely be perfect for a vacation beach read. Loved all the characters and how the story unfolded with each intertwined. Showcasing the complexity of female friendships and strong female characters was so appreciated. Also the shout out to my hometown was amazing (Spokane, Wa). I loved how the characters fit into the PNW and the history. Especially from the ninties era. If you know you know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for the ARC for this book. Loved it!

[Makena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for the copy. I’m giving Don’t Ask Why 4.5 stars rounded down to 4 stars.Don’t Ask Why is the second book that I’ve read by Steph Nelson and it won’t be my last. It follows a group of friends as they travel to a private island in Florida after the death of one of their husbands. It has two of my favorite tropes in a thriller which are survival and isolation. I liked the alternating POVs and felt like it added to the story. I do think it was a bit predictable, but overall I enjoyed the story.

[Heather Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girls trip to a private island goes wrong. This was quick paced with lots of twists. It definitely got me emotional a few times. This book didnt have the biggest creepy vibes like other books I have read from this author, but the suspense is there!

Also shout out to Noelle Ihli shoutouts in the book - that was so cute! And I loved the astrology inclusion as I also love the art and science of astrology so that was a fun addition I was able to relate to.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc.

[Madame Strange]

“Don’t Ask Why” - Don’t try to take me on a “Girls Trip” EVER!

★★★☆☆ (3,5)

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.

I was surprised at how this novel felt very different compared to some of Steph’s previous works. This one was a quick and easy read but some of the characters felt shallow and had traits that threw me off. I love a dark tale that goes deep and I felt this one to be a lot “lighter” and less deep than some of her other stories. Beyond that it was an enjoyable suspense story with a fast pace and secrets waiting to be discovered.

[Autumn Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this book as quickly as possible!

It was an intense storyline that shared real raw emotion from a foursome of friends that each had their own issue. The character development was fantastic and the 'thrill' of the storyline just fit right in along with the characters and their issues.

Steph Nelson just has an incredible rewriting style but I love her friendships with other authors and the Noelle Ihli book mentions in this book just made me smile!

[Estée · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me this was a fast paced thriller that I couldn’t put down. I previously read two of this author’s books and both of them were unputdownable to me as well. As for Don’t Ask Why, I really liked the multiple POVs and the fact that it kept me guessing what was happening and what the twists would be. The characters were very likable as well. Overall this was a nice quick read, 4-4.5 stars, and I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book!

[Josh Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind and I’m glad I did. This is a story about love, happiness, friendship and death and surviving all of that. I had questions about some of the characters that I sort of answered but not all the way. It was a gritty story about people coming together and what you’ll do to get out of any tough life threatening situation. This was my first book by the author and I’m gonna check out more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bonnie Traymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love vacation thrillers and this one did not disappoint! Courtney has just lost her husband, and she heads to the Florida Keys for a healing vacation with her three friends. But this island paradise hides secret dangers, ones that might prove deadly. The sense of unease starts right away and never lets up, building into an explosive, jaw-dropping finale. Steph Nelson is the queen of survival thrillers. Highly recommended!