She Thought She Was Safe

by Terri Parlato, Kelli Tager (Narrator)

A young woman is reunited with the famous father she never knew at a secluded lakeside community hiding nightmarish secrets in this immersive modern-day gothic for fans of psychological suspense by Mary Kubica, Shari Lapena, and Megan Miranda.

After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.

The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.

There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?

As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive....

“Brimming with creeping dread and isolation, this novel held me in its thrall from page one. Parlato tightens her expert grip, layering a creepy backstory of families enmeshed in disturbing and deadly ways, with increasingly nerve wracking circumstances in the present, and leading the reader to an explosive finale.”—Emily Carpenter, author of Gothictown on She Thought She was Safe

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Gothic, Suspense

Audible Audio

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Terri Parlato was born and raised in upstate New York. She currently lives in a small north Georgia town with her husband and their dog Lucy.

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With an onion-like plot, multiple mysteries, and an atmospheric setting, She Thought She Was Safe was yet another stunner of a novel by Ms. Terri Parlato. Already one of my favorite suspense authors, I was thrilled to get pulled into the initially slow-boiling storyline from the very first word. You see, not only were there more and more dark secrets to uncover with every page, but the complex group dynamics made the exhumation of the long-hidden lies addictive in the extreme. Potentially calculated and cunning in a spine-tingling way, the small cast of suspicious characters earned their fair share of side-eye glances from me. But when the big, giant twist was finally revealed, it earned a huge gasp as well as a “NO F***ING WAY!!” After all, while I picked up on a few of the revelations before they were completely revealed, this one caught me 100% unawares.

The only teeny, tiny issue that I had other than the slow pace at the start of the novel was how I had to suspend all disbelief. Just a step too far beyond coincidental at times, I was still happy to lay aside my issues and enjoy the ride as a flurry of secrets blew up one by one. In addition to the shocks and surprises, however, were the gothic vibes that underscored the claustrophobic feel of the locked-room setting. Twisting and turning as the sinister history grew more complex, I was instantly immersed in this captivating murder mystery story. I mean, how could I not want to know all of the whos, whats, and whys? So if you’re a fan of the great Megan Miranda or just love messy families with oodles of secrets, grab this book now. Even though there were a few minor flaws, it was an immersive one-sitting read that I couldn’t put down for even a minute. Rating of 4 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.

The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.

There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?

Thank you Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: February 24, 2026

Content warning: dementia, murder, forced confinement, mention of: death of a parent, suicide

[mariya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgallery & the publisher for allowing me to read this!

This was so good, I read it all in a day!

Our fmc, Emma, finds out who her dad is, after rummaging through her recently passed mother’s belongings. Her father is a famous writer, what a coincidence Emma loves to write too! She reaches out, and simultaneously she’s dealing with a divorce from her ex in a large debt. The debtors are now harassing her too for money so when her father offers her a place to stay in a little cottage, she can’t decline.

Emma goes to the cottage, surrounded by peace and nature and new neighbours! There’s 4 houses in total, 3 (including her dad’s family) are interconnected & have known each other for generations, whilst a newly built house is occupied by a newer family. Emma likes everyone, they’re all accepting and are glad to have another person in their area. Her meeting with her dad gave her hope for new beginnings, a new curated life. She left behind her sad life and wants to write, and just get over her divorce & her mother’s death.

However, the night after a neighbour dinner, one of the neighbours, an elderly man, goes missing. The wife & the nephew knocks on Emma’s door to see if she knows where the man is. She doesn’t, but she offers to try search for him alongside the other neighbours. Into the early morning, Emma, and a neighbour similar to her age, Noah, finds the elderly man dead. Outside the newer neighbours house.

This neighbourhood is isolated from the main cities, on the outskirts of it, and it’s hard to access due to it being gated. So who could’ve killed the old man? Did someone on the outside break in, or was it one of the neighbours? Emma and the neighbours are placed on suspicion by the police. The neighbours are viewing Emma as the odd one out, as shes the newest member in this community. This is not what she needs right now.

So, what really happened?


The plot was easy to understand and flowed well. I was hooked and the neighbourhood community painted the characters well, it felt like I was involved in this little town too. I wanted to know more and find out the secrets they all had!

However, the main plot twist was pretty predicable imo but the ‘side’ plot twist was unexpected. This is a three star due to the simplicity of the story but I still liked it overall, and the characters are written well. I would recommend for a quick read :)

————————————

not too bad! rtc soon!

[Shereadbookblog]

Reunited with her father, a successful author whom she never knew, and invited to stay at his secluded lakeside home, Emma’s visit turns into a nightmare as someone is murdered, long held mysteries unfold, and she finds her life in danger.

With an atmospheric setting, the tension and suspense build as the story progresses. There are unexpected twists and turns that will have readers holding their breath until the final resolution.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma’s life is turned upside down after she catches her husband cheating and finds out he owes tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts, her mother passes away, and she finally learns who her father is, a very famous author.

I wanted to love this book but unfortunately it just missed the mark for me. The pacing was too slow and I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters. I wanted to feel the gothic lore from the lake and Victorian home but it just didn’t get there for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: She Thought She Was Safe
Author: Terri Parlato
Publishers: Kensington + Recorded Books, Inc.
Pub Date: February 24, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: February 27, 2026 – March 1, 2026

🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: She Thought She Was Safe is a wild one and I am kicking myself for this being my first time reading Parlato. I was on the edge of my seat while Emma was in the Spencer house and I had no idea where this nail-biter was going to take me, but the author definitely had some tricks up her sleeve! In some respects, it felt a little like something I had read before, but there were also fresh elements that kept the reader guessing and I never grew tired of the story. So much tension, so much unease, and just the perfect amount of drama/no one you can trust seasoning to make this a terrific book that I highly recommend.

🎧 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: I do believe this was my first time listening to Kelli Tager narrate but I sure hope it won’t be my last! Girl has skills and somehow made me even more frustrated with Emma than I had a right to be. 🙈🤣 That is a talented narrator in my book, and she did an excellent job bringing both the characters and tension to life.

T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: ✍🏼😱🥧😶🪓

𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brittany]

I was really looking forward to this book based on the storyline, but unfortunately I was not able to fully get into it and ultimately had to DNF. That said, I do think this book could be a better fit for a different audience. I personally tend to gravitate toward extremely fast paced thrillers, and this one just was not quite the right match for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to provide honest feedback.

[Vonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one but it just didn’t grab me. The setup had so much potential with the gothic lakeside house, family secrets, and eerie small-town vibe. The story dragged and never built the tension I was hoping for. I didn’t feel connected to the main character and the mystery felt predictable. There were a few interesting moments but overall this one just wasn’t for me.

[Raymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to stay up past my bedtime to finish this book because I kept reading there was twist after twist towards the end I had to know how it ended.

This is my second Terri Parlato book and I think this one so far is my favorite.

This is a thriller under 300 pages. It is fast paced and everyone feels like a suspect.

I did guess one of the twist but I think it’s because I read so many thrillers. But even guessing that twist correctly didn’t stop the enjoyment of the read.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 271
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Thought She Was Safe has all the gothic thriller elements I love in a book. The story is set in a sprawling 1800s Victorian on a secluded lake in a small town, an atmosphere that feels both detached and claustrophobic. With only four homes on Cheshire Lake, the setting plays a huge role in building tension. Not long after Emma arrives, one of the residents turns up dead, making it unclear whether it was an accident or a case of murder.

This is a medium-paced thriller, with apprehension steadily creeping in as the mystery unfolds and secrets come to light. The dread builds gradually, and by the second half of the book I was on the edge of my seat, feeling like I couldn’t trust ANYONE. While I did manage to figure out a couple of details, the twists still caught me off guard and went in directions I absolutely did NOT expect. My head was SPINNING!

[Sharon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this eerie thriller, after the death of her mother and nasty divorce, Emma Shrader accepts an invitation to meet her biological father, a successful novelist. While staying at the 1800's Victorian home in a lake community, a local is killed, a submerged car is recovered, and lies begin to unravel.

An ominous atmospheric thriller that you don't want to miss!

[Cynth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Really enjoyed this one, it’s a slow burn to start (in the best way) with a fast-paced anxiety filled last 20%. I loved the characters and the setting. Set in a small community around a lake it was atmospheric. Dark secrets come back when new relationships are formed. I would absolutely recommend! I loved Terri’s writing!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Thought She Was Safe by Terry Parlato, Emma‘s life is spiraling she just lost her mother and also learned her husband gambled all her money away and told the people he owed that she had money due to the sale of her mother‘s home. Her mom never told her who her father was but after her death Emma finds out that he is famous author Alex Spencer and after a DNA test he invites her down to his little enclave by the lake. Her sister Sunny doesn’t like her her dad is ingratiating but also very self-absorbed he wants nothing more than to have her in his life. All Emma‘s life she had nightmares of a woman screaming something she tries to put at bay while she settles in at Spencer house but unfortunately being there will create nightmares on its own. Soon after she arrives her neighbor Ruth husband Simon is found murdered on the street by the lake but this is just the first of many strange things that happen in before it’s over memories are drugged up that causes her to be the one thing between prison and freedom for a new family member and it may spell life or death for her. all this on top of her investigation into her aunts mystery and the truth she didn’t know she knew. I really enjoyed most of this booook. At no time did I want to set it aside due to boredom and although I would love to say what I didn’t like in the book I just don’t want to give anything away I did like her relationship with Lance I found Jeffrey at first quite creepy but all in all it is a solid read in one I definitely recommend. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Stacy40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma is staying at her estranged authors father’s lake house after meeting him for the first time. She plans to finish her own novel while in the peace and quiet of the Maine lake. When a neighborhood is found murdered, the atmosphere begins to feel less peaceful and welcoming.

A little on the slower side but it does a great job of building anticipation and suspense. I didn’t really get the main character because she seemed a bit too trusting and willing to stick around, but if you can suspend disbelief for a slow burn, dramatic family based suspense, definitely give this one a try.

“But then there are others. Charming, smart, accomplished men. Men, who when they were finally exposed as cold-blooded killers, left astonished and devastated families in their wake.”

Read if you like:
-Messy family dramas and history
-Neighborhood suspenses
-Thrillers about authors and writing
-Gothic feel mysteries

She Thought She Was Safe comes out 2/24.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say that I missed Detective Rita Myers in this story. Told from one POV, we follow Emma as she leaves behind her old life and heads straight into a new family with a father she never knew about.

Her new found father Alex offers her refuge at the family home at a private enclave on a lake. Emma really needs to learn to follow her mother's advice of 'you can't trust anyone'. And she really finds this out, as no one in this story is trustworthy.

Murder, missing women, and old secrets start to unravel this community and everything they've kept hidden.

SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SAFE is a departure from the author's usual multiple POVs and Detective Rita Myers. It's a slow build to the first secret but then gains speed from there.

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good thriller. I was immediately drawn in by the premise and I loved how the story developed. The story was so layered and kept getting better and better as the story went on. There were quite a few twists towards the end that made it impossible to put down. This one had me engrossed until the very end. I can’t wait to try more by this author.

Read this if you like:
→ Suspense
→ Cat & Mouse
→ Atmospheric Setting
→ Twists & Turns

Thank you @kensingtonbooks for the gifted copy of the book.

[Sydney Victorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

She Thought She Was Safe is a pretty solid thriller. While I didn’t find it groundbreaking, I did really enjoy myself while reading it.

Where I think this book really shines is the setting. An isolated lake house in a strangely tight knit community is the perfect place for a mystery/thriller. The setting was quite eerie at times, and the neighbors were definitely spooky and unsettling. The way they interacted with Emma often raised the hair on the back of my neck. I don’t even know how to describe the unsettled feeling they instilled in me whenever they were on page.

I did find the overall mystery to be relatively predictable, but that’s not necessarily something that would make or break a story for me. I felt like this book was much more about the journey than the conclusion. It was an interesting enough story that it kept my attention pretty easily.

Thank you Kensington Books for the early review copy and finished copy of She Thought She Was Safe! All opinions are my own.

[Jessi - TheRoughCutEdge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how this one had a slow build up and a air of never quite being sure who to trust. However, I wasn’t a fan of the choices the main character makes for most of the books. It is undeniably creepy and well-written in parts, but the pacing felt off. The suspense dragged in the middle and then rushed to a conclusion. It’s a quick weekend read if you like domestic thrillers and you’ll be not it if you prepare yourself to suspend belief.

Thank you Kensington Books for the #gifted copy!

[Shannon Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Terri Parlato’s gripping, spine-chilling psychological thriller, SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SAFE, Emma Shrader embarks on a tumultuous journey as she seeks a fresh start following the heart-wrenching loss of her mother and the devastating fallout from a divorce that shackled her with her ex-husband's staggering gambling debts.

As the narrative unfolds, Parlato masterfully delves into the shadowy undercurrents lurking beneath the facade of a seemingly "perfect" life, revealing the hidden dangers and unsettling truths that lie just beneath the surface.

Highlights...

The father:
Emma reaches out to her estranged biological father, Alex Spencer, a wealthy and famous author of historical mysteries. After a DNA test confirms their relation, he invites her to stay at his secluded Victorian home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.

The Setting: 
The community is a tight-knit and insular one, comprising only four houses on the lake. Emma hopes to use the isolation to finish her own novel under Alex's guidance.

Rising Tension: 
Emma’s arrival is met with hostility from Alex’s other daughter, Sunny, who manages his career and is fiercely protective of him. Emma also learns about a new pregnant wife and the complex Spencer family history.

The Murder: 
The idyllic atmosphere shatters when a neighbor, Simon, is found brutally murdered. As the police investigate, Emma realizes the community is hiding dark secrets, including past disappearances and mysterious deaths.

The Investigation: 
Emma forms a bond with Noah, a journalist who is the only person she feels she can trust. She begins to suspect that her father’s successful novels are based on real-life, potentially criminal experiences.

The Discovery: 
While investigating, Emma finds a hidden room in the attic containing evidence that may offer connections to the community's deadly history.

The Climax: 
Emma discovers she is in immediate danger as she realizes that those closest to her—including Alex, Ruth, and Larry—may be working against her to keep their secrets buried.

As Emma begins to uncover the unsettling tales of other disappearances and eerie deaths surrounding Cheshire Lake, what initially appeared to be a fresh start quickly transforms into a source of growing dread. She once believed that this quaint lakeside town held the promise of the home and family she had yearned for all her life. Yet now, an insidious doubt creeps in, leaving her to question whether she will ever be granted the freedom to leave this haunting place alive . . .

My thoughts...

If you've delved into Terri Parlatos ' previous novels, you likely recognize her remarkable skill in weaving an atmosphere thick with tension and unease. Her narrative expertly engulfs the reader in a suffocating sense of malice and claustrophobia, creating a world where shadows loom large, and every turn of the page heightens the feeling of dread. A big fan of the author and highly recommend all her novels.

The tightly-knit ensemble of characters is not only insular but also grows increasingly menacing with each passing moment. Beneath a veneer of cordiality, every display of "kindness" is a carefully orchestrated maneuver, motivated by veiled agendas that linger just out of sight. Their polished smiles conceal intricate webs of deception, making each interaction feel like a dance on the precipice of danger.

Atmospheric and claustrophobic, the Maine lakeside setting is moody and evocative, acting as its own character. Despite the vast woods, the community creates a stifling sense of being trapped.

Every character is deceptive and wears a mask, making the narrative unreliable and twisty. There is a constant, lingering dread that Emma's "fresh start" is actually a trap surrounded by Gothic vibes with the secluded estate and family secrets with a sharp, modern edge.

Both Emma and her father are attempting to rewrite their stories. Emma wants a fresh start, while Alex uses his fiction to reprocess or hide his reality, suggesting that identity can be a tool for survival or deception.

Emma’s survival depends on acknowledging the small red flags she initially dismissed for the sake of comfort while vulnerable and looking for a savior.

The author cleverly explores the dark underbelly of the perfect life through recurring themes where nothing is as it seems. The serene lakeside setting masks her father's prestigious status, a chilling history of violence and manipulation.

~Deception of Appearance
~The Danger of Desperations
~Family as a Threat
~Identity and Reinvention
~Isolation and Power

The physical isolation of the Maine woods reflects the power imbalance between Emma and the established residents.

The takeaway of SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SAFE is that safety is a fragile construction that can be easily manipulated by those in power, serving as a cautionary tale. Parlato highlights how success and prestige act as a shield for predators. The Spencer family uses their status to create a fortress of complicity, proving that the most dangerous monsters often live behind a facade of wealth masking the wickedness.

Recs...

SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SAFE is for fans of the author, featuring her signature shattered domestic illusions. Also for fans of authors, Shari Lapena, Emily Carpenter, Mary Kubica, Lisa Jewell, and Riley Sager.

Special thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 24, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Feb Newsletter

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one more than I did, and honestly, all the ingredients for an incredible read were there. A gothic-style lake house. A tight-knit community deeply suspicious of outsiders (made even worse when one of their own is murdered). Add in the daughter of one of the town’s most prominent residents (a world-renowned author, no less) trying to navigate her sudden place in this insular world while building a relationship with the father she never knew and dealing with his obnoxious other daughter, and this should have kept me up late turning pages. Unfortunately, it just never got there for me.

A big part of the issue was pacing. The story often took the long way around in saying what needed to be said, which meant the tension the author was clearly aiming for never fully materialized. Then, just when something genuinely important happened, it was rushed through at a speed that didn’t feel natural. One example that really stood out was when Emma waits until Sunny and Alex leave for dinner so she can investigate her father’s room, driven by growing inconsistencies between what her mother told her and what her father has said. She has time to enter his room, make her way up into the attic, and discover a hidden room… but just as she begins connecting the dots, she hears a car pull into the driveway. Sunny and Alex are suddenly back from dinner. After so much dragging elsewhere, this moment felt oddly rushed which lessened its impact.

The characters also didn’t feel as fully realized as they could have been. Sunny, in particular, worships the ground her father walks on and appears to work for him in some professional capacity, keeping his schedule, organizing press events, and managing his book tours, etc. Even accounting for pressure, her reactions were so over the top that they bordered on laughable. At one point, she asks her father’s pregnant wife why she didn’t schedule a C-section to ensure the baby wouldn’t interfere with his book tour. Her treatment of Emma (even after the truth comes out) was equally unbelievable. Emma herself wasn’t without issues, constantly swinging between distrusting everyone and then oversharing deeply personal details with people who were still, essentially, strangers to her had me constantly shaking me head.

There were also a couple of side plots that either made little sense or stretched plausibility beyond its breaking point. The threat of loan sharks tied to Emma’s ex-husband felt unnecessary, existing solely so Alex could swoop in and handle it; something that didn’t ring true, especially given how newly revealed their relationship was. The second side plot, which veered entirely outside the realm of possibility, is something I can’t discuss without major spoilers. What I can say is that when it was revealed, I just sat staring at my Kindle thinking there was absolutely no way events could have unfolded as described. Certain people never would have trusted someone with a secret that significant without keeping them under constant watch.


That said, I’ve seen a lot of readers give high praise to one of this author’s series, so I wouldn’t rule out trying that down the line. This one didn’t work for me, but I’m open to the possibility that this was simply a miss rather than a reflection of their overall work.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚She Thought She Was Safe
✍🏻Terri Parlato
Blurb:
A young woman is reunited with the famous father she never knew at a secluded lakeside community hiding nightmarish secrets in this immersive modern-day gothic for readers of psychological suspense by Mary Kubica, Sheri Lapena and Megan Miranda.


After the double blow of divorce and her mother’s death, Emma Shrader receives an invitation to meet her estranged father for the first time. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who had a brief fling with Emma’s mom, then disappeared. Now he’d like Emma to come stay at his beautiful home on Cheshire Lake in Maine.


The Spencer house is a towering Victorian steeped in history and lore, from its ornate turret to the little cemetery nestled in adjoining woods. It should be an inspiring place for Emma to finish working on her own novel, especially with Alex’s guidance. But when a neighbor is found dead under strange circumstances, the surroundings begin to feel less idyllic and welcoming. Not everyone is happy about Emma’s arrival, either—especially not Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.


There are things Emma keeps to herself about her chaotic childhood and ex-husband, but Cheshire Lake harbors secrets too—some recent, some decades old. What exactly has been going on in this quiet, close-knit community? And how much of it has to do with Emma’s arrival?


As Emma learns of other disappearances and mysterious deaths, what seemed like a fresh start begins to fill her with unease. Emma thought Cheshire Lake held the home and family she’s long been looking for. Now she wonders if she’ll ever be allowed to leave alive . . .
My Thoughts:
Emma’s life is turned upside down after she catches her husband cheating and finds out he owes tens of thousands of dollars on gambling debts, her mother passes away, and she finally learns who her father is, a very famous author.. The setting is an eerie gothic lakehouse, filled with family secrets and eerie vibes. She Thought She Was Safe is an eerie psychological suspense.

After the unexpected death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage. Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings. For fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena you will enjoy this book, I highly recommend.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Books and Author Terri Parlato for the advanced copy of "She Thought She Was Safe" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#SheThoughtSheWasSafe
#TerriParlato
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato is a highly recommended gothic mystery/thriller set at a small, secluded lakeside community.

Emma Shrader just went through a painful divorce where her ex-husband's huge gambling debts are revealed which was followed by the death of her mother. She decided to look for her father, a man she never knew and whose name her mother never revealed. After he is found and it is determined that they are related through a DNA test, she briefly meets him. Alex Spencer is a wealthy, renowned author who invites Emma to stay at his home on Cheshire Lake in Maine. There are only four homes on the lake and when she arrives it is clear that this is not a simple lakeside cabin, the Spencer house is a large Victorian house.

Emma meets the welcoming neighbors and settles in to her writing when the unthinkable happens. A neighbor is found dead, and it is determined to be a murder. The police begin investigating. Alex arrives with his daughter Sunny, who is the antithesis of her name, and suddenly the idyllic lake setting and quiet community begins to feels less accommodating and increasingly threatening.

This is an even-paced mystery/thriller with gothic undertones in an atmospheric setting. The tension and apprehension increase gradually with every page leading up to several mysteries followed by some much larger plot twists and a very satisfying ending. I actually enjoyed it and was immersed in the plot throughout. However, the essential requirement to enjoy this novel is that you must be willing to set a huge dose of disbelief aside, multiple times, while reading.

The first main hurdle of disbelief to jump is that Emma would even accept an offer to stay at her father's lakeside home. She's never developed a relationship with him and doesn't know anything about him beyond what she can find online. Agreeing to meet in order to get to know each other is one thing; staying at one of his homes is another. Once you accept this premise, the other unbelievable plot points are easier to accept while you keep reading, after all, there is obviously a murder to solve but there are also other mysteries which are revealed and need answers.

Emma has a complicated background and meeting her father does not simplify it, rather it adds more complications. Along with all the residents at the lake, there is also emerges an unspoken, sinister history. The murder investigation uncovers other secrets from years ago, which add to the threatening atmosphere and plot complexities while making the plot take on even more of a gothic atmosphere.

She Thought She Was Safe is a good choice for those who enjoy mysteries/thrillers with a gothic atmosphere and can set disbelief aside. Thanks to Kensington 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...

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets at the Lake

Terri Parlato's She Thought She Was Safe kicks off with Emma Shrader at rock bottom: her marriage is over, her mother's gone, and life’s offering no answers. Then, out of nowhere, the father she’s never met invites her to a quiet lakeside community, a place that promises calm but delivers a whole lot of darkness. Emma arrives hunting for solace, but quickly finds herself tangled up in secrets old and new, in a setting so eerie it practically begs for the blinds to be drawn.

Emma’s the kind of heroine with just enough baggage to feel real. Her flaws and resilience anchor every twist, while the people surrounding her, especially her complicated father, Alex, layer on suspicion and depth. Parlato’s novel isn’t just about who did what or why. It’s about how messy families get, all the things we never say, and the ways ghosts (literal and figurative) stay put even when you pack up and leave.

What stands out most is the atmosphere: the sense that something’s off lingers from the first page, making you uneasy in the best possible way. Parlato doesn’t rely on frenetic action; instead, she draws out tension, letting the dread build slowly, drip by drip. Her writing is brisk but immersive, with just enough psychological insight to let the reader live in Emma’s tangled thoughts without bogging things down.

If the novel stumbles, it’s mostly with side characters; some get lost in Emma’s shadow. And readers expecting a turbo-charged thriller might wish for a bit more speed. But for those willing to let the story unfold, the payoff is plenty rewarding. Critics and readers alike have praised Parlato’s ability to balance a modern gothic mystery with genuine emotional heft.

She Thought She Was Safe is perfect for anyone who wants their mysteries slow-burning, their characters complicated, and their sense of unease turned up to eleven. It’s got all the hallmarks of a satisfying suspense read, quiet menace, buried secrets, and writing that keeps you turning pages long after you planned to stop.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Shrader, reeling from divorce and her mother’s death, accepts an invitation to meet the famous father she never knew. Alex Spencer, a celebrated author, welcomes her to his grand Victorian home on Cheshire Lake, a place steeped in history and shadowed by unease. What should be a chance for Emma to reconnect and finish her own novel quickly turns ominous when a neighbor is found dead and tensions rise within the family—particularly with Alex’s other daughter, Sunny.

As Emma settles into the lakeside community, she discovers that both her past and Cheshire Lake itself are riddled with secrets. Strange disappearances, unsettling deaths, and buried memories converge, leaving Emma to question whether she has found the family she longed for—or stepped into a nightmare she may never escape.

Parlato delivers a chilling tale that immerses the reader in a world where nothing is as straightforward as it appears and trust is constantly in question. The suspense builds layer by layer, intertwining past shadows with present dangers, until both Emma and the reader are ensnared in a maze of doubt. With its gothic flavor and psychological intensity, this novel will appeal to those who enjoy thrillers steeped in family secrets and hidden motives.

The setting itself amplifies the unease—dim corridors, fractured family ties, and a community steeped in whispers all heighten the tension. Emma’s uneasy bond with her half-sister Sunny adds another edge of mistrust, while the slow revelation of Cheshire Lake’s sinister history keeps the mystery alive. Shifting timelines, morally ambiguous characters, and unexpected turns transform what begins as a familiar thriller into something far more compelling. The combination of eerie atmosphere, emotional resonance, and shocking discoveries makes this a striking and unforgettable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, The views presented here are solely my own.

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advanced copy of She Thought She Was Safe courtesy of NetGalley, and this was my first experience with Teri Parlato’s work. It turned out to be an engaging, atmospheric thriller that blends family secrets, small‑town tension, and a steady undercurrent of danger. At the center of the story is Emma Shrader, who returns to her estranged father Alex Spencer after years of distance and unresolved hurt. Their relationship is one of the most compelling threads in the book strained, complicated, and shaped by the wealth and privilege that Alex wielded while keeping Emma at arm’s length. His decision to let her use the secluded family home adds a layer of unease, as if the house itself is holding onto the past just as tightly as Emma is. The isolation of the property amplifies the suspense, making every creak and shadow feel intentional. Emma’s dynamic with her ex‑husband adds another emotional layer. Their interactions reveal lingering wounds and unfinished business, grounding the story in real human conflict rather than just plot mechanics. The neighbors, too, play a significant role friendly on the surface, but each carrying their own secrets and motives. Parlato uses these relationships to build a sense of community that feels both welcoming and quietly threatening. The plot unfolds with a measured pace, dropping clues that seem straightforward until the twist reshapes everything you thought you understood. Without spoiling it, the reveal ties together the family history, the strange behavior surrounding the house, and the shifting loyalties of the people in Emma’s orbit. It’s the kind of twist that makes you rethink earlier chapters and appreciate how carefully the tension was constructed. Overall, She Thought She Was Safe delivers a satisfying blend of character depth, atmospheric suspense, and a twist that lands with impact. A strong four‑star read and a promising introduction to Teri Parlato’s storytelling.

[Tini · Rating 3 out of 5]

In She Thought She Was Safe, Terri Parlato serves up a modern gothic full of family secrets, fog-shrouded lakes, and questionable life choices. It's moody, atmospheric, and compulsively readable - even if the heroine's logic occasionally made me want to throw my Kindle across the room.

After a messy divorce and her mother's death, Emma Shrader accepts an invitation from the father she never knew, Alex Spencer, a famous author who ghosted her mother decades ago. He now wants her to stay at his grand Victorian mansion on Cheshire Lake, Maine - a secluded place complete with a turret, a private cemetery, and some suspicious neighbors. What could possibly go wrong?

At first, the setup promises a deliciously gothic blend of family reunion and creeping dread. The eerie lakeside setting is beautifully drawn, and the sense of unease builds steadily. But then… the decision-making begins. Why, pray tell, would anyone stay in a house where the dynamics of your newly discovered family scream therapy needed, the neighbors keep dying or disappearing, the local police investigation borders on parody, and your gut is screaming run? Uber exists, Emma. So do hotels. And lawyers.

That said, Parlato's writing is propulsive, and the atmosphere - often rain-slicked, always secretive, and a little off-kilter - is so well rendered it almost makes you forgive the protagonist's baffling choices. Almost.

In the end, She Thought She Was Safe delivers exactly what its title promises: a false sense of security wrapped in gothic gloss. It's the literary equivalent of yelling at a horror movie screen: "Don't go in there!", and then watching her go anyway.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington for providing me with an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"She Thought She Was Safe" is slated to be published on February 24, 2026.

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel leans heavily into familiar thriller tropes, which makes parts of the narrative feel somewhat predictable. However, while the plot devices are recognizable and clearly designed to propel the story forward, the book maintains its tension through suspenseful moments, particularly the unfolding mysteries surrounding the residents of secluded lakeside.
Following the death of her mother, Emma relocates to her estranged father’s lakeside home, only to find herself surrounded by unsettling deaths, disappearances, and long-buried truths that begin to threaten her own safety. While Emma serves as the emotional center of the narrative, she is not always the strongest anchor. Her decisions, particularly those related to self-preservation, can feel frustrating or difficult to justify. Still, the novel attempts to contextualize her behavior through layers of grief, isolation, divorce, and a longing for familial connection, encouraging readers to approach her choices with empathy rather than simple judgment. In contrast, the supporting cast, especially the enigmatic lake residents, adds atmosphere and intrigue. Though several characters align with recognizable thriller archetypes, their presence deepens the sense of unease that permeates the setting and helps sustain narrative momentum.
The third act is where the novel truly finds its footing, where things begin to converge, the scope of the mystery becomes clearer, and the pacing sharpens into a more compelling and cohesive resolution. This convergence provides the novel’s most satisfying sense of movement and payoff. Overall, readers who enjoy traditional, formula-driven thrillers will likely find this an engaging and worthwhile read. While it follows a familiar structure, it offers enough suspense and intrigue to make for an entertaining and worthwhile read within the genre.

[BookByBook karenreadslotsofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review - She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato ⭐⭐⭐
PUB Date: February 24, 2026
She Thought She Was Safe is a mystery/thriller that follows the FMC Emma, an aspiring writer who is dealing with her recently divorced husband’s baggage and the unexpected loss of her mother. Emma has also recently discovered the identity of her estranged father and decides this is the perfect time to pack her belongings and leave upstate New York and start anew in Maine in the hopes of getting to know her father and maybe gaining a new found family. Emma arrives at her father’s Victorian lakefront home in a small, secluded gated community with eager anticipation, but any hopes of a new found peace and sense of belonging are quickly dashed when the elderly next door neighbor is found dead and soon after another neighbor goes missing. It doesn’t take long for Emma to realize that the supposedly tight knit little neighborhood is full of secrets, ill feelings and danger. As the police investigation into the murder and disappearance intensifies, more secrets are uncovered and more questions are raised. Who is responsible? Can Emma trust her own father, her half-sister, anyone? Should she leave and move on, or is it too late?
The author immediately creates an eerie atmospheric setting that is unsettling and bleak. The characters all present as mysterious and somewhat pretentious, all with motive, keeping the reader guessing as to who can be trusted. The FMC is likable and sympathetic, but overly trusting and naive. Although the pacing is steady, some of the character dialogue and interactions were at times simplistic, repetitive and unnecessary. I was engaged throughout the story and was guessing until the final pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of She Thought She Was Safe by Terri Parlato.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terri Parlato’s She Thought She Was Safe is an atmospheric, modern gothic that blends family drama with psychological suspense in a way that feels both elegant and unsettling.

Emma Shrader arrives at Cheshire Lake carrying the weight of grief and betrayal, hoping to reconnect with the father she never knew. The towering Victorian house, with its ornate turret and shadowed cemetery, promises inspiration and belonging—but quickly reveals itself as a place steeped in secrets. Parlato captures that delicious tension between beauty and menace, where every creaking floorboard and wary glance hints at danger.

The novel thrives on contrasts: Emma’s fragile hope for a fresh start set against the hostility of her half-sister Sunny, the allure of her father’s literary world shadowed by mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Emma begins to peel back the layers of Cheshire Lake’s history, the story becomes a haunting exploration of identity, trust, and the darkness that can linger in even the most idyllic settings.

Parlato’s prose is immersive and elegant, drawing readers into a community where nothing is quite as it seems. The suspense builds steadily, weaving past and present together until Emma—and the reader—are left questioning who can be trusted, and whether escape is even possible.

This is a gripping, gothic-tinged thriller perfect for fans of Mary Kubica and Shari Lapena, where family ties, buried secrets, and a chilling sense of place combine to create a story you won’t want to put down.

With thanks to Terri Parlato, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Books for this gifted ARC!

This was a really short thriller/mystery and it was pretty enjoyable for the length that it was. Because it was a bit on the shorter side I wouldn't say there was a lot of connection or depth to it, but at surface level it was still an enjoyable quick read.

The main character, Emma, is thrown into a world of seemingly close neighbors but things really aren't what they appear to be. There are many twists, murder mysteries that arise, and tensions among the entire cast of people. I didn't guess anything correctly for the book, so that is a major win for the author, when it comes to these types of stories I want to be wrong. There were a lot of revelations at the end that I really didn't see coming and I enjoyed that. The main point of Emma needing to get away to this remote area in New England is to disappear from her ex-husband and his troubles, and I wish there had been more focus on that as well. It was more of a side point and not really fleshed out as much as it could have been. Again, I think that comes back to the short page count of the book, there just wasn't enough time for it.

For the short length of the book, it delivers what you would want out of a mystery/thriller. It kept me guessing and invested enough to keep reading. I would have absolutely enjoyed this more if it was longer and given a bit more depth for all of the characters as well! This comes out February 24th!

*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*