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Killer Trail: Dreh dich nicht um
Provoziere niemals einen Serienkiller.
Jade geht mit ihren besten Freundinnen Stef und Zoe wandern. Auf dem Bones Hollow Trail trieb früher ein Serienkiller sein Unwesen, aber der wurde längst gefasst – oder? Als Stef sich den Knöchel verletzt, bleibt den dreien nichts anderes übrig, als einen zwielichtigen Einsiedler um Hilfe zu bitten. Doch als die Situation außer Kontrolle gerät, ist der nicht das einzige Problem. Denn plötzlich sind sich die Freundinnen nicht mehr sicher, ob sie einander überhaupt trauen können.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Backstabbers features a Girls Adventure Trip gone bad. Some of us may have been on a few bad Girls' Trips ourselves, but trust me, not like this.
Or at least I hope not...
We're following 3 besties: Jade, Zoe and Stef. Jade is our narrator, and it's quickly clear that each of the women has their own role within their tight knit friend group.
Zoe is the sun the other two revolve around. Not necessarily because she's a shiny embalm of all that is good, but more because she's such a powerful force that steam rolls over everybody else, regardless of their thoughts or opinions.
Jade is our pragmatic one and Stef is light and carefree, the epitome of being along for the ride. Somehow though, despite their vastly different personalities, the trio has stuck together through thick and thin for many years.
They love traveling together and their latest trip has brought them to the Pacific Northwest for a 3-day hike on Washington's Bones Hollow Trail. For the experienced hikers in the crowd, be prepared to be annoyed.
During their hike they've been listening to a True Crime podcast. Yes, you read that right. Without headphones whilst walking the splendor of nature on a hiking adventure they've been blasting a True Crime podcast on the trail.
The podcast has put them on edge, as it's discussing a serial killer known to hunt on the Bones Hollow Trail; the very trail they're currently traversing.
Meanwhile, Zoe has the great idea to do a little bushwhacking to find the location of a waterfall that she insists isn't far from the trail. While trying to make their way there however, Stef ends up badly twisting her ankle. She can't put any weight on it, so her friends need to assist her if they have any hope of getting out of there.
Zoe insists returning to the trail, an uphill battle through uncut terrain, would be futile. She asserts they continue moving forward. She says eventually, they'll reach a road.
Though they don't come across a road, or the waterfall, they do come across a cabin, and it looks like someone is home. That's when the real nightmare begins.
Backstabbers is a great debut. It's fun and intense in the same ways a B-Horror flick is fun and intense. I had moments of real frustration with the characters, but I believe that's the intent of the author and it did add to my enjoyment.
I love those moments in the midst of a Horror movie, when you're screaming at the characters, don't go in there, why are you going upstairs, don't drink that, and on and on.
This novel had those moments in spades. It felt very cinematic to me. I could picture everything unfolding perfectly in my mind, and seriously, I think this would make a very fun movie.
I had the pleasure of Buddy Reading this one with a friend and we both ended up having fun with it. We were definitely laughing at all the terrible decisions being made. I mean from the very start I'm like, what are these girls doing??
But let's get real, if they only made good choices, it would be a short and boring book. So, cheers to bad choices!!
It's also very fast-paced. After they discover the cabin it's pretty intense from there forward. It's full of twists, and though so of them were pretty wild, that's what I'm here for.
I think if you're looking for the ultimate Girls' Trip gone bad, this one is a great choice. As Travel Horror goes, this is a ton of fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously either, and I always appreciate that.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I hope Eliza Jabore stays in this lane, because I could definitely do with some more of this!
Backstabbers features a Girls Adventure Trip gone bad. Some of us may have been on a few bad Girls' Trips ourselves, but trust me, not like this.
Or at least I hope not...
We're following 3 besties: Jade, Zoe and Stef. Jade is our narrator, and it's quickly clear that each of the women has their own role within their tight knit friend group.
Zoe is the sun the other two revolve around. Not necessarily because she's a shiny embalm of all that is good, but more because she's such a powerful force that steam rolls over everybody else, regardless of their thoughts or opinions.
Jade is our pragmatic one and Stef is light and carefree, the epitome of being along for the ride. Somehow though, despite their vastly different personalities, the trio has stuck together through thick and thin for many years.
They love traveling together and their latest trip has brought them to the Pacific Northwest for a 3-day hike on Washington's Bones Hollow Trail. For the experienced hikers in the crowd, be prepared to be annoyed.
During their hike they've been listening to a True Crime podcast. Yes, you read that right. Without headphones whilst walking the splendor of nature on a hiking adventure they've been blasting a True Crime podcast on the trail.
The podcast has put them on edge, as it's discussing a serial killer known to hunt on the Bones Hollow Trail; the very trail they're currently traversing.
Meanwhile, Zoe has the great idea to do a little bushwhacking to find the location of a waterfall that she insists isn't far from the trail. While trying to make their way there however, Stef ends up badly twisting her ankle. She can't put any weight on it, so her friends need to assist her if they have any hope of getting out of there.
Zoe insists returning to the trail, an uphill battle through uncut terrain, would be futile. She asserts they continue moving forward. She says eventually, they'll reach a road.
Though they don't come across a road, or the waterfall, they do come across a cabin, and it looks like someone is home. That's when the real nightmare begins.
Backstabbers is a great debut. It's fun and intense in the same ways a B-Horror flick is fun and intense. I had moments of real frustration with the characters, but I believe that's the intent of the author and it did add to my enjoyment.
I love those moments in the midst of a Horror movie, when you're screaming at the characters, don't go in there, why are you going upstairs, don't drink that, and on and on.
This novel had those moments in spades. It felt very cinematic to me. I could picture everything unfolding perfectly in my mind, and seriously, I think this would make a very fun movie.
I had the pleasure of Buddy Reading this one with a friend and we both ended up having fun with it. We were definitely laughing at all the terrible decisions being made. I mean from the very start I'm like, what are these girls doing??
But let's get real, if they only made good choices, it would be a short and boring book. So, cheers to bad choices!!
It's also very fast-paced. After they discover the cabin it's pretty intense from there forward. It's full of twists, and though so of them were pretty wild, that's what I'm here for.
I think if you're looking for the ultimate Girls' Trip gone bad, this one is a great choice. As Travel Horror goes, this is a ton of fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously either, and I always appreciate that.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I hope Eliza Jabore stays in this lane, because I could definitely do with some more of this!
June 12, 2026
May this kind of friendship never find me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It had all the ingredients for a nice twist on the classic slasher, but unfortunately it did not work for me.
The story in itself is entertaining, and I liked the "lost in the woods" setting, but the characters are underdeveloped, and a little annoying to be honest.
The collective obsession with true crime podcast had me rolling my eyes after a while. It felt like a weak motivation for the characters behaviour, but it might just be me.
Overall, I hoped for a better execution of the classic tropes.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
The story in itself is entertaining, and I liked the "lost in the woods" setting, but the characters are underdeveloped, and a little annoying to be honest.
The collective obsession with true crime podcast had me rolling my eyes after a while. It felt like a weak motivation for the characters behaviour, but it might just be me.
Overall, I hoped for a better execution of the classic tropes.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
February 10, 2026
I read somewhere that this was Yellowjackets meets Heathers, sadly it’s not. It’s a straight by the numbers slasher, complete with women who fall over, rely on men to come to their rescue, and stop mid serial killer attack to bicker about things 12 year olds would argue about. Full of ridiculous dialogue and unbelievable decisions from every character. I feel backstabbed by the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an early look at this one.
July 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review
What an incredibly entertaining read, perfect for the summer season! Backstabbers was a tense, creepy, and ridiculously fun popcorn-thriller that came very close to earning a full 5 stars from me!
Backstabbers was so close to being a five-star read for me, largely because of how incredibly entertaining it was from beginning to end. The atmosphere was fantastic—there's something inherently creepy about a group of friends venturing deep into the woods in pursuit of a serial killer, and the novel fully leans into that tension. The isolated setting created a constant sense of unease that kept me eagerly turning pages.
What made this one especially fun, though, was just how outrageously bad some of the characters' decisions were. Nearly every choice felt like the exact opposite of what any reasonable person should do in real life, and somehow that only made the story more enjoyable. Instead of frustrating me, their questionable judgment added to the chaos and suspense, creating plenty of moments where I found myself shaking my head while simultaneously being completely invested in what would happen next.
This isn't a book that asks you to overanalyze every decision or demand perfect realism. I would recommend those that pick this one up to just go into it completely blind, and be willing to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride for what it is! It's a wild, suspenseful ride that embraces its premise and delivers plenty of twists and turns along the way. If you enjoy atmospheric survival thrillers, dangerous wilderness settings, and stories where characters repeatedly make the kinds of choices that have you yelling at the pages, Backstabbers is a highly entertaining read that's well worth picking up, at least it was for me!
What an incredibly entertaining read, perfect for the summer season! Backstabbers was a tense, creepy, and ridiculously fun popcorn-thriller that came very close to earning a full 5 stars from me!
Backstabbers was so close to being a five-star read for me, largely because of how incredibly entertaining it was from beginning to end. The atmosphere was fantastic—there's something inherently creepy about a group of friends venturing deep into the woods in pursuit of a serial killer, and the novel fully leans into that tension. The isolated setting created a constant sense of unease that kept me eagerly turning pages.
What made this one especially fun, though, was just how outrageously bad some of the characters' decisions were. Nearly every choice felt like the exact opposite of what any reasonable person should do in real life, and somehow that only made the story more enjoyable. Instead of frustrating me, their questionable judgment added to the chaos and suspense, creating plenty of moments where I found myself shaking my head while simultaneously being completely invested in what would happen next.
This isn't a book that asks you to overanalyze every decision or demand perfect realism. I would recommend those that pick this one up to just go into it completely blind, and be willing to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride for what it is! It's a wild, suspenseful ride that embraces its premise and delivers plenty of twists and turns along the way. If you enjoy atmospheric survival thrillers, dangerous wilderness settings, and stories where characters repeatedly make the kinds of choices that have you yelling at the pages, Backstabbers is a highly entertaining read that's well worth picking up, at least it was for me!
May 30, 2026
This is a book that you cannot take too seriously. When I started it I had a good feeling that it was going to be a solid thriller. Unfortunately it didn’t stay that way.
If I didn’t know differently I would have thought that these characters were teenagers and not
Age 20s, early 30s. 3 best friends since school head off hiking through the Washington State Bone Hollow Trail on an adventure. It doesn’t take long before one of them is injured and they need to find help. No mobile service and miles away from roads, they stumble across a cabin and a man who offers to help them.
Ok, now there is something else that you need to know, the area is infamous for a serial killer who preyed on women in the area, who may or may not have been caught. And these girls are listening to a true crime podcast about it as they walk. What the??
First of all, why go hiking there. Second of all, do not trust this man. Yes they need help but they admit to be feeling uncomfortable around him and yet they go inside and drink with him…. Oh no
These girls are incredibly frustrating and make some monumentally ridiculous decisions. Get out of there!! but no, these girls, particularly 2 of them are real mean girls. Why anyone would be friends with them is beyond me.
Thanks Ballantine for my copy of this book to read. Some parts worked better than others for me. I can see that some people absolutely loved this and others hated it.. I am somewhere in the middle.
If I didn’t know differently I would have thought that these characters were teenagers and not
Age 20s, early 30s. 3 best friends since school head off hiking through the Washington State Bone Hollow Trail on an adventure. It doesn’t take long before one of them is injured and they need to find help. No mobile service and miles away from roads, they stumble across a cabin and a man who offers to help them.
Ok, now there is something else that you need to know, the area is infamous for a serial killer who preyed on women in the area, who may or may not have been caught. And these girls are listening to a true crime podcast about it as they walk. What the??
First of all, why go hiking there. Second of all, do not trust this man. Yes they need help but they admit to be feeling uncomfortable around him and yet they go inside and drink with him…. Oh no
These girls are incredibly frustrating and make some monumentally ridiculous decisions. Get out of there!! but no, these girls, particularly 2 of them are real mean girls. Why anyone would be friends with them is beyond me.
Thanks Ballantine for my copy of this book to read. Some parts worked better than others for me. I can see that some people absolutely loved this and others hated it.. I am somewhere in the middle.
March 24, 2026
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, hear me out, this was kind of terrible. The dialogue was awful, the characters said and did ridiculous things, there was so much repetition… it almost read like a terrible movie script, BUT I couldn’t put it down. If you are in it for a quick, hooked immediately, potato chip type of read, it’s a worthy thriller. The twists and turns are somewhat obvious, but you also can’t tell what direction the author is going, so you’re constantly guessing. The whole plot idea about backstabbing friends is a unique play on a thriller, I just wish it had been a teensy bit more realistic and less annoying middle school vibes. For god sakes these girls are almost 30. Act like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, hear me out, this was kind of terrible. The dialogue was awful, the characters said and did ridiculous things, there was so much repetition… it almost read like a terrible movie script, BUT I couldn’t put it down. If you are in it for a quick, hooked immediately, potato chip type of read, it’s a worthy thriller. The twists and turns are somewhat obvious, but you also can’t tell what direction the author is going, so you’re constantly guessing. The whole plot idea about backstabbing friends is a unique play on a thriller, I just wish it had been a teensy bit more realistic and less annoying middle school vibes. For god sakes these girls are almost 30. Act like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 29, 2026
🔪🌲 Backstabbers 🩸🥾
Ooo, this was MESSY and I freaking loved it! 🔪😂
The pacing started out a little slower than I would have liked, but once it got going... WHEW! One thing after another kept happening, and suddenly I could not put this book down.
I had a feeling where the story was going, but in the most satisfying way. It was one of those times where figuring things out didn't ruin the reveal at all. If anything, I was just waiting to see if I was right. 👀
And that ending was PERFECTION! 🤌🩸 It was left just slightly open to interpretation, but I already know exactly what I'm choosing to believe happened. And I wasn't sad one bit!😂
What to Expect
🥾 Hiking Trip
🌲 Isolated Forest
🔪 Slasher Horror
🎙️ True Crime Podcast
👯♀️ Unreliable Friendships
🏚️ Creepy Cabin
⛈️ Survival Thriller
💀 Secrets & Betrayal
_ _ _
⭐ Rating: 4.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Ooo, this was MESSY and I freaking loved it! 🔪😂
The pacing started out a little slower than I would have liked, but once it got going... WHEW! One thing after another kept happening, and suddenly I could not put this book down.
I had a feeling where the story was going, but in the most satisfying way. It was one of those times where figuring things out didn't ruin the reveal at all. If anything, I was just waiting to see if I was right. 👀
And that ending was PERFECTION! 🤌🩸 It was left just slightly open to interpretation, but I already know exactly what I'm choosing to believe happened. And I wasn't sad one bit!😂
What to Expect
🥾 Hiking Trip
🌲 Isolated Forest
🔪 Slasher Horror
🎙️ True Crime Podcast
👯♀️ Unreliable Friendships
🏚️ Creepy Cabin
⛈️ Survival Thriller
💀 Secrets & Betrayal
_ _ _
⭐ Rating: 4.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 18, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much! It’s stressful, frustrating, (girls, you make terrible choices), and had me on the edge of my seat. The perfect popcorn horror book! I absolutely loved how this was a different take on the podcast element and had so much fun with Jade’s inner podcast dialogue. Also, the wilderness was the perfect backdrop for this tense non-stop ride.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
June 17, 2026
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Backstabber is a debut suspense thriller that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy the survivalist tension of Taylor Adams and the interpersonal suspense of Heather Gudenkauf.
The story follows Jade and her longtime friends, Zoe and Stephanie, who venture into a remote forest after becoming fascinated by a series of murders discussed on a cold case podcast. Years earlier, a serial killer murdered a dozen women in the area, and what begins as a reckless adventure quickly turns into something much more dangerous when the women discover a secluded cabin occupied by a deeply unsettling stranger. As the situation escalates, Jade begins to question whether she can trust the people she’s known for most of her life.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the growing sense of paranoia. The question of who Jade could trust kept me turning the pages, and I enjoyed the uneasy dynamic between the three friends. The isolated setting also created an effective atmosphere, and Eliza Jabbour clearly knows how to build tension.
Where the book struggled for me was in the pacing and characterization. Several storylines felt as though they were introduced and then left behind, and I never felt like I got to know the characters deeply enough to become fully invested in their fates. By the time the big reveal arrived, it didn’t land with the impact I was hoping for because the emotional groundwork hadn’t quite been established.
That said, I think Jabbour is a talented writer. My takeaway was less that the execution failed and more that this may not have been the story she was most interested in telling. There were moments and character threads that felt more compelling than the central mystery itself, and I found myself wishing the novel had explored those elements further.
Overall, Backstabber is a solid debut with an intriguing premise, but it ultimately didn’t come together as strongly as I had hoped. Unless you’re a dedicated suspense reader who enjoys wilderness thrillers, podcasts, unreliable friendships, and mounting paranoia, this one may be easy to skip. Still, I’ll be interested to see what Eliza Jabbour writes next.
Backstabber is a debut suspense thriller that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy the survivalist tension of Taylor Adams and the interpersonal suspense of Heather Gudenkauf.
The story follows Jade and her longtime friends, Zoe and Stephanie, who venture into a remote forest after becoming fascinated by a series of murders discussed on a cold case podcast. Years earlier, a serial killer murdered a dozen women in the area, and what begins as a reckless adventure quickly turns into something much more dangerous when the women discover a secluded cabin occupied by a deeply unsettling stranger. As the situation escalates, Jade begins to question whether she can trust the people she’s known for most of her life.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the growing sense of paranoia. The question of who Jade could trust kept me turning the pages, and I enjoyed the uneasy dynamic between the three friends. The isolated setting also created an effective atmosphere, and Eliza Jabbour clearly knows how to build tension.
Where the book struggled for me was in the pacing and characterization. Several storylines felt as though they were introduced and then left behind, and I never felt like I got to know the characters deeply enough to become fully invested in their fates. By the time the big reveal arrived, it didn’t land with the impact I was hoping for because the emotional groundwork hadn’t quite been established.
That said, I think Jabbour is a talented writer. My takeaway was less that the execution failed and more that this may not have been the story she was most interested in telling. There were moments and character threads that felt more compelling than the central mystery itself, and I found myself wishing the novel had explored those elements further.
Overall, Backstabber is a solid debut with an intriguing premise, but it ultimately didn’t come together as strongly as I had hoped. Unless you’re a dedicated suspense reader who enjoys wilderness thrillers, podcasts, unreliable friendships, and mounting paranoia, this one may be easy to skip. Still, I’ll be interested to see what Eliza Jabbour writes next.
July 15, 2026
Oh, dear. Three-person best friend groups can be so tricky, with the risk of someone feeling left out and less appreciated. That dynamic is very, very much at play here. Three young women, best friends since middle school and now approaching 30, have always done amazing adventure travel together, spurred on by their daring ringleader Zoe. She’s somehow forever getting them into tight, scary spots but then turning on the charm and the brush with danger becomes something amazing. But this time, Jade (whose point of view this story unfolds from), can’t help but think Zoe has lost her fricking mind. The three women are hiking in the dense woods of the Pacific Northwest, apparently well and truly lost, days from the nearest road and with no cell service, in territory that is well-known to be the favoured hunting grounds of the Bones Hollow Killer, a terrifyingly brutal serial killer. Then Stef has a fall and badly injures an ankle. They’re now moving very slowly, are out of water and food. Emotions are running pretty high, and Jade has plenty of recriminations for Zoe, who has refused to share the map and has got them into this predicament. When all seems lost, they stumble onto a very isolated, remote cabin with a big, scary guy with a wolfish grin and sketchy social skills. Oh, no. Could he be…?
June 2, 2026
This one is SO good! These three friends are something else, doing all the things you should never do, starting with going into the woods. And of course, nothing goes right for them after that. It is one nightmare after another, and oh hey let’s listen to a true crime podcast as our survival guide while we are out here. I mean, really. It would almost be a comedy of errors if people weren’t dying or fearing for their lives. You could smh at these gals, but their stupidity was entertaining, and then we get to the end, and man I did not see that last scene coming. But I sure did enjoy it, a LOT, so I don’t know what that says about me, but I also don’t know that I care?
The audio for this was fantastic as well, Brittany Pressley narrates, need I say more? This one is out today, make sure it is on your list!
Thank you to Bantam Books #partner for the gifted copy and to PRH Audio for the ALC to review.
The audio for this was fantastic as well, Brittany Pressley narrates, need I say more? This one is out today, make sure it is on your list!
Thank you to Bantam Books #partner for the gifted copy and to PRH Audio for the ALC to review.
July 22, 2026
The decisions that were made by this friend trio were staggeringly bad and a bit unbelievable truth be told. If they were teenagers I might have cut them some slack, but they were 30(ish) and well past the age of this type of dumb behavior. I have to believe in a character to get lost in a book and that's why the low rating. It did shift a tad in the latter third towards some decisions that actually made sense and on a positive note, the overall story was engaging and had a surprising twist, but that wasn't enough to salvage my disappointment.
June 24, 2026
This felt like a campy B-horror movie. It was an average read overall, but the fast pacing kept me turning the pages.
Unfortunately, most of the plot twists were painfully obvious, so if you're hoping to be shocked, there's a good chance you’ll be disappointed.
Still, it's a quick, entertaining ride if you're in the mood for dark summer read.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, most of the plot twists were painfully obvious, so if you're hoping to be shocked, there's a good chance you’ll be disappointed.
Still, it's a quick, entertaining ride if you're in the mood for dark summer read.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2026
*2.5 Stars*
I wanted to like this book because the synopsis sounded interesting, but as I read, I started to feel frustrated. For the first time, I actually hoped some of the main characters would be killed off early. Zoe and Stef treat Jade badly. They leave her out of their plans and often abandon her during their trips. Just when I thought they couldn’t treat her any worse, they did. Jade was the only one who seemed reasonable and tried to get them out of trouble, but by then it was too late. Some of the twists caught me off guard, but many were easy to guess since the book often felt like a guide on what not to do when being chased by a serial killer. Overall, I struggled to finish this book, and when I got to the conclusion, I rolled my eyes and thought, "Why am I not surprised?"
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to review Backstabbers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wanted to like this book because the synopsis sounded interesting, but as I read, I started to feel frustrated. For the first time, I actually hoped some of the main characters would be killed off early. Zoe and Stef treat Jade badly. They leave her out of their plans and often abandon her during their trips. Just when I thought they couldn’t treat her any worse, they did. Jade was the only one who seemed reasonable and tried to get them out of trouble, but by then it was too late. Some of the twists caught me off guard, but many were easy to guess since the book often felt like a guide on what not to do when being chased by a serial killer. Overall, I struggled to finish this book, and when I got to the conclusion, I rolled my eyes and thought, "Why am I not surprised?"
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to review Backstabbers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
Well that was fun!! 😍 Thank you @bantambooks #partner for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰 Also thank you @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner for the gifted audiobook. 🎧 I LOVED it!! How is this a debut?! @elizajabore_theauthor killed it!! Literally!
Where to start??? This was SO much fun… you know in a serial killer… final girl kind of way. 😍😉 I highly recommend the audiobook!! Why?? First off… @britpressley … Need I say more?! I think not. 👏 Second… it just brought it to life. I mean that creepy dude Jeremiah. I literally cringed every time I heard him. SO good!! OH and the podcaster giving her 2 cents… made me laugh way too many times. Totally snarky and I was here for it!
SO you want to be a final girl… some things you shouldn’t do but probably did… some final girl bad decisions…🔽
✅ Go into the woods where a known serial killer hunts😳
✅ Go into a strangers house 🏠
✅ Drink a cold one from a stranger… cheers 🍻
Look 👀 some of these things may or may not have happened…. Just saying. 😂🤷♀️ I mean HELLO you listened to the podcast.
This was SO much fun and I loved it!! This took a direction that I didn’t see coming! I couldn’t stop listening!! I had had so much FOMO over this book!! I definitely agree that it deserves the hype!
Where to start??? This was SO much fun… you know in a serial killer… final girl kind of way. 😍😉 I highly recommend the audiobook!! Why?? First off… @britpressley … Need I say more?! I think not. 👏 Second… it just brought it to life. I mean that creepy dude Jeremiah. I literally cringed every time I heard him. SO good!! OH and the podcaster giving her 2 cents… made me laugh way too many times. Totally snarky and I was here for it!
SO you want to be a final girl… some things you shouldn’t do but probably did… some final girl bad decisions…🔽
✅ Go into the woods where a known serial killer hunts😳
✅ Go into a strangers house 🏠
✅ Drink a cold one from a stranger… cheers 🍻
Look 👀 some of these things may or may not have happened…. Just saying. 😂🤷♀️ I mean HELLO you listened to the podcast.
This was SO much fun and I loved it!! This took a direction that I didn’t see coming! I couldn’t stop listening!! I had had so much FOMO over this book!! I definitely agree that it deserves the hype!
February 18, 2026
Besides the fact that I never want to travel with friends ever again, I loved this book! What a great debut novel. I absolutely hated how dumb these girls were, but I think that may have been what made it so compelling. A total binge read. And that ending bumped me up from 4 stars to 5! Wow!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
May 29, 2026
Rating: 3.75⭐️
I loved the premise of this book, it was tense and the creepy wood setting of a serial killer’s hunting grounds was perfect. It felt very claustrophobic at times! However, the chapters were too long which worked against the tension, shorter chapters would have helped the tension and pace. Still a great debut and I would recommend.
I loved the premise of this book, it was tense and the creepy wood setting of a serial killer’s hunting grounds was perfect. It felt very claustrophobic at times! However, the chapters were too long which worked against the tension, shorter chapters would have helped the tension and pace. Still a great debut and I would recommend.
May 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own!
2.75⭐️. Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore had a really strong setup, but overall this one just was not fully for me. Three friends stranded in the woods while paranoia, old friendship issues, and the possibility of a killer nearby start closing in should have been exactly my kind of book. There were definitely some creepy and entertaining moments, especially once the cabin was introduced, but I never felt as invested or tense as I wanted to.
My biggest issue was that the book read very YA to me, and that style usually does not work for my personal taste in thrillers. The dialogue and friendship drama often felt younger than I expected, which made a lot of the tension fall flat for me. Instead of feeling like a brutal survival slasher, it leaned more into messy friendship dynamics with horror layered on top.
I will say the ending was probably my favorite part. Things finally picked up, the tension got stronger, and I liked the direction everything went in by the end. There were enough interesting moments throughout to keep me reading, but I kept waiting for the story to fully pull me in and it never quite got there.
Overall, not a bad read at all, just not the type of thriller I personally connect with. I think readers who enjoy YA survival horror with friendship drama and slasher vibes will probably have a much better time with this one than I did.
2.75⭐️. Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore had a really strong setup, but overall this one just was not fully for me. Three friends stranded in the woods while paranoia, old friendship issues, and the possibility of a killer nearby start closing in should have been exactly my kind of book. There were definitely some creepy and entertaining moments, especially once the cabin was introduced, but I never felt as invested or tense as I wanted to.
My biggest issue was that the book read very YA to me, and that style usually does not work for my personal taste in thrillers. The dialogue and friendship drama often felt younger than I expected, which made a lot of the tension fall flat for me. Instead of feeling like a brutal survival slasher, it leaned more into messy friendship dynamics with horror layered on top.
I will say the ending was probably my favorite part. Things finally picked up, the tension got stronger, and I liked the direction everything went in by the end. There were enough interesting moments throughout to keep me reading, but I kept waiting for the story to fully pull me in and it never quite got there.
Overall, not a bad read at all, just not the type of thriller I personally connect with. I think readers who enjoy YA survival horror with friendship drama and slasher vibes will probably have a much better time with this one than I did.
July 11, 2026
Thank you so much for the e-proof
Regardless of my rating this did keep me picking it up and I'm not sure if its because I was just flabbergasted or not. The pace works well, song choices were ✨️❤️ just felt a little more YA for me than I had hoped for given the premise.
Regardless of my rating this did keep me picking it up and I'm not sure if its because I was just flabbergasted or not. The pace works well, song choices were ✨️❤️ just felt a little more YA for me than I had hoped for given the premise.
June 1, 2026
This book wasn't for me. If you like fast paced action and typical horror movies than this book would definitely be for you. I wanted to have fun but this wasn't it for me.
June 24, 2026
Three longtime friends Jade, Stef, and Zoe head into Washington's eerie Bones Hollow Trail for what's supposed to be another adventure together. But this forest carries a grim history. It was once the hunting grounds of a serial killer. As they hike deeper into the wilderness fueled by a true crime podcast about the murders, tension starts to descend on the group. When an injury leaves them stranded and the only shelter is a rundown cabin in the middle of nowhere, survival becomes a game of trust, betrayal and brutal choices.
Backstabbers was such a fun adrenaline fueled ride! It has all of the ingredients for a binge-worthy thriller with wilderness survival, slasher vibes, messy friendships and a podcast woven into the mystery. The wilderness setting was such a perfect backdrop. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric making the isolation and danger feel so real! Jabore really nailed that sense of unease while keeping the pace sharp. I also like the complicated dynamic between Jade, Stef and Zoe. Their friendship felt layered with resentment, secrets and history even if I wished I got a bit more depth out of each of them individually. This one is perfect for you if you love over the top survival thrillers with slasher vibes and non-stop tension!
Thank you to NetGalley, Eliza Jabore, and Bantam Books for both the eARC and physical copy!
Backstabbers was such a fun adrenaline fueled ride! It has all of the ingredients for a binge-worthy thriller with wilderness survival, slasher vibes, messy friendships and a podcast woven into the mystery. The wilderness setting was such a perfect backdrop. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric making the isolation and danger feel so real! Jabore really nailed that sense of unease while keeping the pace sharp. I also like the complicated dynamic between Jade, Stef and Zoe. Their friendship felt layered with resentment, secrets and history even if I wished I got a bit more depth out of each of them individually. This one is perfect for you if you love over the top survival thrillers with slasher vibes and non-stop tension!
Thank you to NetGalley, Eliza Jabore, and Bantam Books for both the eARC and physical copy!
July 16, 2026
The second-hand anxiety from this book was INSANE. The most toxic friend group you'll ever meet with a trainwreck of bad choices from our FMCs, but you can't look away because it makes for a wild thriller. 🔥
3 lifelong friends take to the trails for a getaway, but the mystery of the Bones Hollow Trail hunter plague their thoughts (and their headphones) through the voice of podcaster Laurie Wolff as they explore that very trail.
Their plans unravel and only a lone man and his cabin in the woods can save them. Bad idea? Worst idea of the year. These ladies have the survival instincts of ants.
This cat and mouse thriller was a perfect popcorn read with nonstop action (and stress). I bounced back and forth between audio and ebook and you could find me just screeching at the screen every time Zoe and Steph opened their (DUMB!) mouths. I wanted to crumble and hide and take Jade with me to safety. 🫣
The podcast elements weaved in were 10/10 because it had a unique role compared to other "podcast thrillers" and it was perfect in audiobook form.
3 lifelong friends take to the trails for a getaway, but the mystery of the Bones Hollow Trail hunter plague their thoughts (and their headphones) through the voice of podcaster Laurie Wolff as they explore that very trail.
Their plans unravel and only a lone man and his cabin in the woods can save them. Bad idea? Worst idea of the year. These ladies have the survival instincts of ants.
This cat and mouse thriller was a perfect popcorn read with nonstop action (and stress). I bounced back and forth between audio and ebook and you could find me just screeching at the screen every time Zoe and Steph opened their (DUMB!) mouths. I wanted to crumble and hide and take Jade with me to safety. 🫣
The podcast elements weaved in were 10/10 because it had a unique role compared to other "podcast thrillers" and it was perfect in audiobook form.
June 10, 2026
Głupota bohaterek jak i przypadkowość odpowiednich wydarzenia starannie obniżyła ocenę dla tej książki (bo planowałam trzy lub wyżej)
Ale przez to ile tutaj jest głupot, absurdu i fakt że bohaterek nie da się polubić odwiódł mnie od wystawiania pozytywnej oceny.
Gdybym miała wybór pomiędzy takimi koleżankami jak w tej książce a samotnością to wybrałabym to drugie.
Ale przez to ile tutaj jest głupot, absurdu i fakt że bohaterek nie da się polubić odwiódł mnie od wystawiania pozytywnej oceny.
Gdybym miała wybór pomiędzy takimi koleżankami jak w tej książce a samotnością to wybrałabym to drugie.
July 12, 2026
This one was so fun!! It kept me on the edge of my seat and had me sweating!
Podcast element ✅
Serial Killer ✅
Drama ✅
If you’re looking for a fast-paced slasher-esque summer thriller this one is for you! Shout out @scaredstraightreads for putting this one on my radar! And thank you @bantambooks for the finished copy!
Podcast element ✅
Serial Killer ✅
Drama ✅
If you’re looking for a fast-paced slasher-esque summer thriller this one is for you! Shout out @scaredstraightreads for putting this one on my radar! And thank you @bantambooks for the finished copy!
June 16, 2026
I give a 3.5. I thought it turned a little childish toward the end and it just ruined the vibe of the book for me.
May 15, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I have mixed feelings
Okay time to put my thoughts together, honestly, I was drawn in from the beginning ! Three girlfriends go on a hike together to cross another adventure off the list, only they end up taking a detour to see a waterfall only to end up possibly living their last day alive.
This one gives the final girl(s) in the best way possible, I did find myself urked at some of the characters asking and shaking my head - hence why my mixed feelings. The dialogue between the characters really give young adult/ teenager, but I was able to look past that. The emotion that evoked from this one really is what allowed me to lean into the 4 stars instead.
But if you're looking for a suspenseful book from the first chapters to end, then THIS is the one for you!! fast paced, suspenseful, enjoyable read!
I have mixed feelings
Okay time to put my thoughts together, honestly, I was drawn in from the beginning ! Three girlfriends go on a hike together to cross another adventure off the list, only they end up taking a detour to see a waterfall only to end up possibly living their last day alive.
This one gives the final girl(s) in the best way possible, I did find myself urked at some of the characters asking and shaking my head - hence why my mixed feelings. The dialogue between the characters really give young adult/ teenager, but I was able to look past that. The emotion that evoked from this one really is what allowed me to lean into the 4 stars instead.
But if you're looking for a suspenseful book from the first chapters to end, then THIS is the one for you!! fast paced, suspenseful, enjoyable read!
July 4, 2026
3.75 stars - great debut thriller! Lots of suspense and tension and I enjoyed the storyline.
Bingeable, popcorn read that you can finish in one sitting or a weekend.
Most of the characters annoyed me, but likely that was the point. It was pretty predictable, too.
Not mad with how it ended, but I do have questions about it.
Can’t wait for more from Jabore!
Bingeable, popcorn read that you can finish in one sitting or a weekend.
Most of the characters annoyed me, but likely that was the point. It was pretty predictable, too.
Not mad with how it ended, but I do have questions about it.
Can’t wait for more from Jabore!
July 1, 2026
Backstabbers follows three friends who become lost during a hiking trip while uncovering the story of a serial killer. From the start, the fast-paced plot kept me turning the pages. I also enjoyed the true crime elements woven throughout the story, which added another layer of intrigue. The novel leans heavily into slasher vibes. I found myself doing exactly what every horror fan does, yelling at the characters, "Don't do that!" as they made one questionable decision after another. If that's your favorite kind of horror experience, you'll have a good time with this one.
For me, the book read more like a young adult thriller than an adult horror novel. Much of that came from the dialogue and the maturity level of the characters. While that wasn't exactly what I was expecting, the pacing kept me engaged enough to want to see how everything unfolded.
This is one of those books that's less about shocking twists and more about enjoying the suspense, the survival elements, and the fun of watching the chaos escalate.
I would recommend if you're a fan of survival horror and slashers.
If you enjoyed the stranded-in-the-wilderness tension of Yellowjackets or the group dynamics of Lord of the Flies, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy here. I'd also recommend it to readers looking for a fast-paced story that can be read in just a few sittings.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For me, the book read more like a young adult thriller than an adult horror novel. Much of that came from the dialogue and the maturity level of the characters. While that wasn't exactly what I was expecting, the pacing kept me engaged enough to want to see how everything unfolded.
This is one of those books that's less about shocking twists and more about enjoying the suspense, the survival elements, and the fun of watching the chaos escalate.
I would recommend if you're a fan of survival horror and slashers.
If you enjoyed the stranded-in-the-wilderness tension of Yellowjackets or the group dynamics of Lord of the Flies, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy here. I'd also recommend it to readers looking for a fast-paced story that can be read in just a few sittings.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2026
This is a thriller packed with toxic friendships, buried secrets, and enough tension to keep me turning the pages. Every chapter built the suspense, but the scenes involving Jeremy and the cabin had me completely invested. I was frustrated, angry, and questioning every character’s motives. If these are what they call friends, I’ll happily pass.
This was an entertaining, twist-filled ride that kept me guessing, and I definitely recommend it to thriller fans looking for a story full of manipulation, drama, and toxic relationships.
⭐️ Rating: 3.8/5
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Publishing June 2, 2026.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSje893H/
This was an entertaining, twist-filled ride that kept me guessing, and I definitely recommend it to thriller fans looking for a story full of manipulation, drama, and toxic relationships.
⭐️ Rating: 3.8/5
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Publishing June 2, 2026.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSje893H/
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