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You'll Be Sorry
Listening Length: 12 hours
For Raquel and Theo Collins, it appeared to be love at first sight. Raquel, a renowned interior designer, and Theo, a brash financial wizard met and married in a matter of months, only to confront a terrible tragedy. Now, unbearably aware of the distance between them, they’ve come to a remote town in New Hampshire to begin anew.
Perched on a ledge with stunning views, the Dixon’s family lodge was once a crown jewel of the mountains. Until late one August night, when both parents and their four children vanished, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints, and a mystery that has endured for thirty years. Now, its latest occupants, the Collinses, are arriving, and the former grand lodge is once more stirring to life.
For Amanda Grady, following in her father’s footsteps as the recently appointed Shereford police chief, it’s good to see a fresh start for the derelict Dixon place. However, not everyone is happy about a new family in the old home and its hidden past may have returned with a vengeance.
When a stray dog leads to the discovery of a skeleton on the property, Raquel and Theo face a daunting choice of what to believe, who to trust, and how to survive. Because in the tiny village of Shereford the time has come. The local residents, the new neighbors, and the fledgling police chief must work together to unravel the terrifying events that happened one night thirty years ago, or …
You’ll be sorry.
For Raquel and Theo Collins, it appeared to be love at first sight. Raquel, a renowned interior designer, and Theo, a brash financial wizard met and married in a matter of months, only to confront a terrible tragedy. Now, unbearably aware of the distance between them, they’ve come to a remote town in New Hampshire to begin anew.
Perched on a ledge with stunning views, the Dixon’s family lodge was once a crown jewel of the mountains. Until late one August night, when both parents and their four children vanished, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints, and a mystery that has endured for thirty years. Now, its latest occupants, the Collinses, are arriving, and the former grand lodge is once more stirring to life.
For Amanda Grady, following in her father’s footsteps as the recently appointed Shereford police chief, it’s good to see a fresh start for the derelict Dixon place. However, not everyone is happy about a new family in the old home and its hidden past may have returned with a vengeance.
When a stray dog leads to the discovery of a skeleton on the property, Raquel and Theo face a daunting choice of what to believe, who to trust, and how to survive. Because in the tiny village of Shereford the time has come. The local residents, the new neighbors, and the fledgling police chief must work together to unravel the terrifying events that happened one night thirty years ago, or …
You’ll be sorry.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published August 4, 2026
About the author
Lisa Gardner
85 books21.2k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
August 12, 2026
There were things I really liked about this one but unfortunately it ended up being pretty average for me.
I love this author and I was really looking forward to a standalone by her; the premise (and first half) had me so intrigued. It could totally just be a “me” problem but I found myself confused quite a bit, and the pacing felt inconsistent to the point I started losing interest.
I’d still recommend trying it yourself if you’re a fan of hers, it just fell a bit short for me sadly.
I love this author and I was really looking forward to a standalone by her; the premise (and first half) had me so intrigued. It could totally just be a “me” problem but I found myself confused quite a bit, and the pacing felt inconsistent to the point I started losing interest.
I’d still recommend trying it yourself if you’re a fan of hers, it just fell a bit short for me sadly.
August 13, 2026
It was a dark and stormy night...when the the entire Dixon family — mom, dad, four kiddos — vanished without a trace. 👀
Thirty years later, the case that rocked a small New England community remains a mystery.
A young couple purchases the Dixon's abandoned home that's been left frozen in time and, well, old secrets that lie buried begin to surface.
I thoroughly enjoyed the most recent unputdownable thriller by bestselling author Lisa Gardner.
If you're a fan of Gardner, Lisa Jewell, Tana French, or Karin Slaughter, I don't think you'll be sorry if you add this one to your book pile. [see what I did there? 😘]
August 7, 2026
When I started reading this book, and up to pretty much, halfway through, I had a sense of dread, and foreboding, with my arms resembling goose flesh. Lisa Gardner has a special knack of reeling the reader in, and making them live each dreadful moment as if IRL.
One of the founding families of the town, The Dixon’s, one stormy night vanish into thin air, leaving a trail of bloody footprints, with only their new “stray” dog alerting the police to the scene. Thirty years later, uber rich and newly wed couple, Raquel and Theo Collins have bought the vast property, with the stunning views. One day a dog similar to the Dixon’s, arrives, and starts digging on their property, revealing a disused well…housing a skeleton…
This was my first book by this author, and I was totally gripped throughout, so I will definitely be reading a lot more of her books. This was a tense, eerie, and chilling, small town mystery thriller, with a lot of secrets, past and present. I loved the relationship between Raquel and Theo, and the love they have for each other. I also really liked the new police chief, Mandy Grady, who is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, and unravel this great mystery which has baffled the town for over thirty years. Highly recommended.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Lisa Gardner, the publisher, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 13 August 2026
One of the founding families of the town, The Dixon’s, one stormy night vanish into thin air, leaving a trail of bloody footprints, with only their new “stray” dog alerting the police to the scene. Thirty years later, uber rich and newly wed couple, Raquel and Theo Collins have bought the vast property, with the stunning views. One day a dog similar to the Dixon’s, arrives, and starts digging on their property, revealing a disused well…housing a skeleton…
This was my first book by this author, and I was totally gripped throughout, so I will definitely be reading a lot more of her books. This was a tense, eerie, and chilling, small town mystery thriller, with a lot of secrets, past and present. I loved the relationship between Raquel and Theo, and the love they have for each other. I also really liked the new police chief, Mandy Grady, who is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, and unravel this great mystery which has baffled the town for over thirty years. Highly recommended.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Lisa Gardner, the publisher, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 13 August 2026
August 6, 2026
You’ll Be Sorry by Lisa Gardner
Mystery, thriller.
Rachel and Theo Collins buy a home in remote New Hampshire. It was on the market for years because of an unsolved family disappearance thirty years ago. They may make it into a B&B but plans are still fluid. A stray dog shows up and befriends the couple. Then the dog finds an old well and mysteries unravel from there.
Sheriff Mandy Grady, following in her late father’s footsteps, has always been intrigued by the unsolved family disappearance. When old bones are found at the bottom of the well, she has to question if it has anything to do with the missing family.
🎧 via a second read, the audio is narrated by Hillary Huber. Fantastic overall experience. An occasional echo, or back ground noise in the audiobook gives a creepy factor to the story. One in particular actually gave me a quite a scare. I deliberately decided to listen in the daylight hours and I’m sure happy I made that choice.
Chilling story. Held me in thrall the entire way through.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Mystery, thriller.
Rachel and Theo Collins buy a home in remote New Hampshire. It was on the market for years because of an unsolved family disappearance thirty years ago. They may make it into a B&B but plans are still fluid. A stray dog shows up and befriends the couple. Then the dog finds an old well and mysteries unravel from there.
Sheriff Mandy Grady, following in her late father’s footsteps, has always been intrigued by the unsolved family disappearance. When old bones are found at the bottom of the well, she has to question if it has anything to do with the missing family.
🎧 via a second read, the audio is narrated by Hillary Huber. Fantastic overall experience. An occasional echo, or back ground noise in the audiobook gives a creepy factor to the story. One in particular actually gave me a quite a scare. I deliberately decided to listen in the daylight hours and I’m sure happy I made that choice.
Chilling story. Held me in thrall the entire way through.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 13, 2026
Setting: Shereford, New Hampshire.
A small idyllic town.
Everyone in the community knows everyone
else’s family, history & business.
The rumor mill is faster than an official meeting.
“Shereford’s not just a place, …it’s an identity.”
Police Chief: Amanda Grady, a strong woman following in her late father’s footsteps.
“You are your father’s daughter.”
“She was the chief police, she was her Father’s daughter.”
Time frame: Current while trying to find out what happened to a family that disappeared 30 years ago.
“An entire family of six, active, rambunctious, well known, vanished without a trace.”
Plus, historical (fictional?) information from the 1790s.
Multiple POVs.
Fast Paced.
Witches and treasure are involved, too (par for New England’s history).
“Ding dong bell, the witch is in the well.
Red witch, blue witch, black or white;
One for love, one for fright;
One will dance all night long;
One will see you dead and gone.
Ding dong bell, the witch is in the well.
Night’s a-coming; She draws near; Winds a-howling
Which one’s here?”
- Rhyme by Lisa Gardner with the help of her friend, Fred Paulitz
One of my favorite lines in the book is this.
“She had a talent for creating magic.”
I enjoyed You’ll Be Sorry, a standalone novel, by Lisa Gardner. I hope you enjoy this novel!
Interviews with Lisa Gardner in regard to this book can be found on social media.
Two that I watched include the following.
1) A Mighty Blaze: Crime Time with Hank Phillippi Ryan, date August 3, 2026.
2) The Poisoned Pen Bookstore with Barbara Peters, dated August 3, 2026.
A small idyllic town.
Everyone in the community knows everyone
else’s family, history & business.
The rumor mill is faster than an official meeting.
“Shereford’s not just a place, …it’s an identity.”
Police Chief: Amanda Grady, a strong woman following in her late father’s footsteps.
“You are your father’s daughter.”
“She was the chief police, she was her Father’s daughter.”
Time frame: Current while trying to find out what happened to a family that disappeared 30 years ago.
“An entire family of six, active, rambunctious, well known, vanished without a trace.”
Plus, historical (fictional?) information from the 1790s.
Multiple POVs.
Fast Paced.
Witches and treasure are involved, too (par for New England’s history).
“Ding dong bell, the witch is in the well.
Red witch, blue witch, black or white;
One for love, one for fright;
One will dance all night long;
One will see you dead and gone.
Ding dong bell, the witch is in the well.
Night’s a-coming; She draws near; Winds a-howling
Which one’s here?”
- Rhyme by Lisa Gardner with the help of her friend, Fred Paulitz
One of my favorite lines in the book is this.
“She had a talent for creating magic.”
I enjoyed You’ll Be Sorry, a standalone novel, by Lisa Gardner. I hope you enjoy this novel!
Interviews with Lisa Gardner in regard to this book can be found on social media.
Two that I watched include the following.
1) A Mighty Blaze: Crime Time with Hank Phillippi Ryan, date August 3, 2026.
2) The Poisoned Pen Bookstore with Barbara Peters, dated August 3, 2026.
July 29, 2026
Eerie, twisty, tense small town mystery about crimes both past and present. I loved the interlocking POVs and the intrigue of solving a very puzzling cold case. There were almost too many details and twists at times but I ultimately enjoyed the ending.
There are dogs in this book! They are safe and well-loved!
Content warnings: rape (descriptions of/not on the page), child loss, infertility
There are dogs in this book! They are safe and well-loved!
Content warnings: rape (descriptions of/not on the page), child loss, infertility
August 8, 2026
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for my gifted arc. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me big time. I’ve read and enjoyed this author before so I was expecting a dark and twisty thriller but instead I got a confusing story where I didn’t connect with any of the characters besides the dog.
Don’t go into this one thinking it’s a thriller or crime fiction. The beginning had me intrigued but then I quickly lost interest and never recovered.
This had the makings for a great thriller but went in a completely different direction. I’m bummed!
Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me big time. I’ve read and enjoyed this author before so I was expecting a dark and twisty thriller but instead I got a confusing story where I didn’t connect with any of the characters besides the dog.
Don’t go into this one thinking it’s a thriller or crime fiction. The beginning had me intrigued but then I quickly lost interest and never recovered.
This had the makings for a great thriller but went in a completely different direction. I’m bummed!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been a while since I picked up a mystery thriller and oh was it was nice to return to this genre. Very much overdue. Added bonus was this is a standalone, not connected to any of Gardner’s other series, so there were no existing dynamics to recall and every character was fresh and new. Not so the murders, though!
This story is all about the deeds from the past haunting the present. Mysteries unknown, unsolved, unresolved. And yes I mean mysteries. There are a few. Both related to the small town and also some that are brought there. But everything gets tangled up along the way to the reveals.
One of the mysteries in question felt very timely considering some of the crimes currently in circulation in our own news cycle but I love how Gardner both did and didn’t make a thing of it. I thought it very well done.
As with most small town settings, you usually get a pretty interesting cast of characters who populate said town. I can’t say anyone really stood out in that respect here, though. I think the story was strong because of the crimes as opposed to those who solved them, but the one exception? Or rather, the few exceptions? All the four leggeds. Shout out to Dog the dog and all of his relations. However, I did also like a certain woods-dwelling resident, they turned out to be a really interesting surprise.
At a certain point there were two things I did guess (correctly!) but that didn’t ruin anything for me. Instead I was pleased to have it proven right. The motivation for one of the crimes, however.. I don’t know. Still mulling that over. Big picture wise it doesn’t really matter because of so many other factors in the mix but.. it also kind of does? Anyway I’ll be poking through some reviews to see if anyone else felt the same about that. That said..
Definitely would recommend this one for fans of Gardner’s work or just fans of the genre in general.
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
This story is all about the deeds from the past haunting the present. Mysteries unknown, unsolved, unresolved. And yes I mean mysteries. There are a few. Both related to the small town and also some that are brought there. But everything gets tangled up along the way to the reveals.
One of the mysteries in question felt very timely considering some of the crimes currently in circulation in our own news cycle but I love how Gardner both did and didn’t make a thing of it. I thought it very well done.
As with most small town settings, you usually get a pretty interesting cast of characters who populate said town. I can’t say anyone really stood out in that respect here, though. I think the story was strong because of the crimes as opposed to those who solved them, but the one exception? Or rather, the few exceptions? All the four leggeds. Shout out to Dog the dog and all of his relations. However, I did also like a certain woods-dwelling resident, they turned out to be a really interesting surprise.
At a certain point there were two things I did guess (correctly!) but that didn’t ruin anything for me. Instead I was pleased to have it proven right. The motivation for one of the crimes, however.. I don’t know. Still mulling that over. Big picture wise it doesn’t really matter because of so many other factors in the mix but.. it also kind of does? Anyway I’ll be poking through some reviews to see if anyone else felt the same about that. That said..
Definitely would recommend this one for fans of Gardner’s work or just fans of the genre in general.
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
August 9, 2026
Unfortunately, this one really didn’t work for me.
I spent a lot of the book feeling confused and questioning what was actually going on. There were so many things that didn’t make sense to me, and instead of making me curious, the unanswered questions just became frustrating. I kept waiting for everything to come together, but when it finally did, I was left thinking… seriously? 😭
The story also felt way too long for what it was. I think it could have been much shorter and more effective without all the extra parts that dragged the story out.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but by the end I was mostly just ready for it to be over. The premise had potential, but the execution just felt messy and, honestly, a little stupid at times.
Definitely not for me.
I spent a lot of the book feeling confused and questioning what was actually going on. There were so many things that didn’t make sense to me, and instead of making me curious, the unanswered questions just became frustrating. I kept waiting for everything to come together, but when it finally did, I was left thinking… seriously? 😭
The story also felt way too long for what it was. I think it could have been much shorter and more effective without all the extra parts that dragged the story out.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but by the end I was mostly just ready for it to be over. The premise had potential, but the execution just felt messy and, honestly, a little stupid at times.
Definitely not for me.
Want to Read
April 16, 2026love this author!! This sounds like a great new mystery! I can't wait to read it!!
August 6, 2026
You’ll Be Sorry by Lisa Gardner is a gripping and layered mystery that keeps you on your toes from beginning to end. There is a lot happening in this story, with multiple characters and shifting perspectives, but if you stay focused, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
The novel centers around the Dixon house, recently purchased by Raquel and Theo, who are determined to restore it despite the unsettling history tied to the mysterious disappearance of the Dixon family years earlier. As the story unfolds, the truth behind what happened in that house slowly comes to light, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
One of the standout characters for me was Officer Amanda Grady. Her determination and investigative instincts made her storyline especially compelling, and I found myself most invested whenever she was working to piece together the mystery.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which added another layer to the experience. The sound effects and especially the haunting “witch song” brought the story to life in a unique way—and yes, that song will absolutely get stuck in your head!
Overall, this was an engaging and well-crafted thriller. While it can feel a bit complex at times, readers who enjoy intricate mysteries with strong characters will not be disappointed.
The novel centers around the Dixon house, recently purchased by Raquel and Theo, who are determined to restore it despite the unsettling history tied to the mysterious disappearance of the Dixon family years earlier. As the story unfolds, the truth behind what happened in that house slowly comes to light, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
One of the standout characters for me was Officer Amanda Grady. Her determination and investigative instincts made her storyline especially compelling, and I found myself most invested whenever she was working to piece together the mystery.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which added another layer to the experience. The sound effects and especially the haunting “witch song” brought the story to life in a unique way—and yes, that song will absolutely get stuck in your head!
Overall, this was an engaging and well-crafted thriller. While it can feel a bit complex at times, readers who enjoy intricate mysteries with strong characters will not be disappointed.
August 5, 2026
You’ll Be Sorry by @lisagardnerbks
Pub date: OUT NOW Publisher: @grandcentralpub
This may be the perfect spooky season thriller. You’ve got a mystery inside a mystery inside a mystery, and I promise you, you will not figure it out. I pride myself in figuring out twists or whodunnits before the end of the book, this one stumped me. This book not only caters to true crime fans in regards to a 30 year old disappearance, but there’s also another story being told and it is CREEPY and disturbing. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery, look elsewhere, this one is dark and will keep you on your toes!
Side note: the dog lives
Pub date: OUT NOW Publisher: @grandcentralpub
This may be the perfect spooky season thriller. You’ve got a mystery inside a mystery inside a mystery, and I promise you, you will not figure it out. I pride myself in figuring out twists or whodunnits before the end of the book, this one stumped me. This book not only caters to true crime fans in regards to a 30 year old disappearance, but there’s also another story being told and it is CREEPY and disturbing. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery, look elsewhere, this one is dark and will keep you on your toes!
Side note: the dog lives
August 4, 2026
This took so many twists and turns, I wasn’t sure where we’d end up until the end! Super suspenseful and engaging mystery. Creepy and eerie without being too much. A solid read for thriller lovers!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
May 30, 2026
“Ding dong bell, the witch is in the well.”
This is Lisa’s first (highly anticipated standalone) mystery / suspense thriller in quite awhile. She is a master storyteller and I am always super excited when she releases a new book. She NEVER disappoints.
A thrilling small town, age-old cold case that is smartly paced & that’s sure to keep you glued to the edge of your seat. As the plot unfolded, I was enveloped in a sense of dread, unease, and noose-tightening tension.
My thoughts:
* Thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
* Masterly crafted where I found myself immersed in the world the author created.
* The setting is creepy, the atmosphere evocative & the mystery compelling.
* Deliciously twisted, clever & entertaining with unsettling damaged characters that are perfectly realized.
* A gripping memorable read which deserves all the praise.
* I devoured every word, every page, every chapter.
This was pretty much perfect for me & I’ll be recommending to everyone I know who loves mystery / suspense & a cracking good tale of twists, turns & uncertainties.
Favorite Lines: “He wasn’t just a person, he was a place, a state of being she’d never expected before and would never know again.”
“If a moth is drawn to a flame, then the Dixon family has always been my bonfire.”
Many thanks to Lisa for the gifted signed ARC. You always come through for me.
This is Lisa’s first (highly anticipated standalone) mystery / suspense thriller in quite awhile. She is a master storyteller and I am always super excited when she releases a new book. She NEVER disappoints.
A thrilling small town, age-old cold case that is smartly paced & that’s sure to keep you glued to the edge of your seat. As the plot unfolded, I was enveloped in a sense of dread, unease, and noose-tightening tension.
My thoughts:
* Thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
* Masterly crafted where I found myself immersed in the world the author created.
* The setting is creepy, the atmosphere evocative & the mystery compelling.
* Deliciously twisted, clever & entertaining with unsettling damaged characters that are perfectly realized.
* A gripping memorable read which deserves all the praise.
* I devoured every word, every page, every chapter.
This was pretty much perfect for me & I’ll be recommending to everyone I know who loves mystery / suspense & a cracking good tale of twists, turns & uncertainties.
Favorite Lines: “He wasn’t just a person, he was a place, a state of being she’d never expected before and would never know again.”
“If a moth is drawn to a flame, then the Dixon family has always been my bonfire.”
Many thanks to Lisa for the gifted signed ARC. You always come through for me.
May 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Lisa Gardner book, but I’ve seen her recommended so many times by mystery and thriller readers that I was really excited to finally pick one up — and it definitely lived up to the hype for me. From the beginning I wanted to know more, and it became one of those reads where I kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading and stayed up reading until my eyes were closing.
What really worked for me was how layered the mystery was. There wasn’t just one central mystery — there were so many additional secrets and questions unfolding throughout the story that it constantly gave me something new to focus on. I especially liked Raquel and Theo and found myself most invested in their parts of the story.
I didn’t find the twists predictable overall, which is hard to pull off in crime thrillers. My biggest issue was that some of the discoveries and connections felt a little too easy for the characters to figure out, especially involving the babies/wells storyline. Some conclusions came together much faster than I think I would realistically expect.
That said, the pacing completely worked for me. It hooked me immediately and never really let go. The ending wrapped up most of the major questions in a satisfying way, even if some resolutions felt a little convenient.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy crime mysteries with multiple interconnected secrets and fast-moving suspense.
This was my first Lisa Gardner book, but I’ve seen her recommended so many times by mystery and thriller readers that I was really excited to finally pick one up — and it definitely lived up to the hype for me. From the beginning I wanted to know more, and it became one of those reads where I kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading and stayed up reading until my eyes were closing.
What really worked for me was how layered the mystery was. There wasn’t just one central mystery — there were so many additional secrets and questions unfolding throughout the story that it constantly gave me something new to focus on. I especially liked Raquel and Theo and found myself most invested in their parts of the story.
I didn’t find the twists predictable overall, which is hard to pull off in crime thrillers. My biggest issue was that some of the discoveries and connections felt a little too easy for the characters to figure out, especially involving the babies/wells storyline. Some conclusions came together much faster than I think I would realistically expect.
That said, the pacing completely worked for me. It hooked me immediately and never really let go. The ending wrapped up most of the major questions in a satisfying way, even if some resolutions felt a little convenient.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy crime mysteries with multiple interconnected secrets and fast-moving suspense.
June 18, 2026
Generally love Lisa’s books but this one just fell flat and was far fetched and even confusing. I never felt invested in the story.
August 7, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ Newlyweds Raquel and Theo move to a remote New Hampshire town to start over, only to discover their new lodge has a dark history. Thirty years ago, an entire family disappeared from the property, and when human remains are found, the mystery is reopened.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It immediately pulled me in, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the lodge and the small town where everyone seems to have secrets. There was also a slight paranormal aspect that I thought was interesting and added to the eerie feeling.
There were A LOT of secrets and mysteries happening at the same time, though, and eventually things started getting a little confusing. There were so many different pieces to keep track of that I sometimes struggled to see how everything connected. The story also goes pretty deeply into the town’s history, including the old midwives, witches, and tragedies from the past. Some of this was interesting, but I did feel like it slowed the pacing down.
I also thought the reasoning behind one of the killings was a little far-fetched, but the book was still pretty twisty and kept me guessing. I definitely had theories that turned out to be wrong, which I always appreciate in a mystery.
Overall, it was good. The creepy atmosphere and twists kept me interested, even though the number of secrets and different storylines became a little overwhelming at times.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It immediately pulled me in, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the lodge and the small town where everyone seems to have secrets. There was also a slight paranormal aspect that I thought was interesting and added to the eerie feeling.
There were A LOT of secrets and mysteries happening at the same time, though, and eventually things started getting a little confusing. There were so many different pieces to keep track of that I sometimes struggled to see how everything connected. The story also goes pretty deeply into the town’s history, including the old midwives, witches, and tragedies from the past. Some of this was interesting, but I did feel like it slowed the pacing down.
I also thought the reasoning behind one of the killings was a little far-fetched, but the book was still pretty twisty and kept me guessing. I definitely had theories that turned out to be wrong, which I always appreciate in a mystery.
Overall, it was good. The creepy atmosphere and twists kept me interested, even though the number of secrets and different storylines became a little overwhelming at times.
August 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book filled with mystery, suspense and a missing family. Rachel and Theo have just moved to New Hampshire to a house that’s got a history. Thirty years ago a family of six, two adults and four kids, just disappeared. When a stray dog arrives with a bone that leads to a skeleton, they wonder if it could belong to the family that disappeared. Will they find the answers that have haunted this town for decades?
August 9, 2026
Cold case. Entire family disappeared 30 years ago. Let the tropes begin:
Trope 1: Cop is obsessive over cold case, dies still haunted by it. Disappearance was investigated by Chief Ian Grady, who spent his life haunted by the case, connecting clues on a wallboard like a conspiracy theorist. Ian Grady dies and it remains unsolved.
Trope 2: Grady’s daughter Mandy is a screw-up who finally gets her act together and becomes a cop like her dad. When Ian Grady dies, daughter Mandy becomes police chief by default, despite her lack of experience and there already being four other cops on the town payroll.
Trope 3: Everything Chief Mandy does is a game of WWDD: What Would Dad Do? E.g., Chief Mandy makes decisions by wondering what her father would do in this situation.
Trope 4: Wacky but brilliant crime scene investigators. Body is found in a previously unknown well. Enter a hilarious anthropologist and a sarcastic crime scene (examiner? Unclear) who shout instructions and overexplain procedures to police officers and emergency responders who should, idk, already have some familiarity with crime scenes?
Trope 5: Surprise! Cute cold case investigator! Chief Mandy encounters a handsome cold case investigator with access to seemingly unlimited resources and a shared reverence for Mandy’s dad. I smell flirtation!
Trope 6: Second POV! A beautiful, wealthy, successful woman with a mysterious, traumatic past and a gorgeous, incredibly supportive husband who’s ostensibly a brilliant businessman but somehow radiates the energy and common sense of a golden retriever puppy.
Trope 7: Mysterious third POV! Who is this first-person narrator? Why is she explaining epigenetic trauma to the reader? Is she an unreliable narrator? Keep reading to find out!
Bonus trope: Just a smidge of the supernatural/psychic/unsubstantiated insight.
Bonus bonus trope: What’s the identity of at least one of the villains? Did you have “snooty, unlikeable local historian who everybody hates” on your bingo card? Congratulations.
This a very popular author, and many people I respect seem to like this book. Heck, I’ve enjoyed at least one of her previous books. Personally, I found this one excruciating.
Trope 1: Cop is obsessive over cold case, dies still haunted by it. Disappearance was investigated by Chief Ian Grady, who spent his life haunted by the case, connecting clues on a wallboard like a conspiracy theorist. Ian Grady dies and it remains unsolved.
Trope 2: Grady’s daughter Mandy is a screw-up who finally gets her act together and becomes a cop like her dad. When Ian Grady dies, daughter Mandy becomes police chief by default, despite her lack of experience and there already being four other cops on the town payroll.
Trope 3: Everything Chief Mandy does is a game of WWDD: What Would Dad Do? E.g., Chief Mandy makes decisions by wondering what her father would do in this situation.
Trope 4: Wacky but brilliant crime scene investigators. Body is found in a previously unknown well. Enter a hilarious anthropologist and a sarcastic crime scene (examiner? Unclear) who shout instructions and overexplain procedures to police officers and emergency responders who should, idk, already have some familiarity with crime scenes?
Trope 5: Surprise! Cute cold case investigator! Chief Mandy encounters a handsome cold case investigator with access to seemingly unlimited resources and a shared reverence for Mandy’s dad. I smell flirtation!
Trope 6: Second POV! A beautiful, wealthy, successful woman with a mysterious, traumatic past and a gorgeous, incredibly supportive husband who’s ostensibly a brilliant businessman but somehow radiates the energy and common sense of a golden retriever puppy.
Trope 7: Mysterious third POV! Who is this first-person narrator? Why is she explaining epigenetic trauma to the reader? Is she an unreliable narrator? Keep reading to find out!
Bonus trope: Just a smidge of the supernatural/psychic/unsubstantiated insight.
Bonus bonus trope: What’s the identity of at least one of the villains? Did you have “snooty, unlikeable local historian who everybody hates” on your bingo card? Congratulations.
This a very popular author, and many people I respect seem to like this book. Heck, I’ve enjoyed at least one of her previous books. Personally, I found this one excruciating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2026
This was a fast paced small town mystery that grabbed my attention from the start. The atmospheric and isolated setting made for the perfect backdrop for this mysterious story. The disappearance aspect of the story was what really drew me in, especially since it was a family of six of disappeared without a trace.
Even though this one hooked me, my attention did waver through the last half of the book. And some parts of the story got a little confusing since there was so much going on. It was still a really enjoyable read, it just wasn’t a standout for me.
Read this if you like:
Isolated setting
Missing family
Multiple POVs
Standalone
Thank you @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy of the book.
Even though this one hooked me, my attention did waver through the last half of the book. And some parts of the story got a little confusing since there was so much going on. It was still a really enjoyable read, it just wasn’t a standout for me.
Read this if you like:
Isolated setting
Missing family
Multiple POVs
Standalone
Thank you @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy of the book.
Did Not Finish
August 11, 2026DNF page 105.
Review of advance copy
So good. Over 4 stars
August 10, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
June 6, 2026
Good stand alone. As always, her characters filled with law enforcement depth made me want to read late into the night. There are always dogs and the case is always wrapped up.
July 28, 2026
BLURB:
Raquel Collins & husband, Theo, move to Shereford, New Hampshire, for a fresh start. When a stray dog uncovers human bones at their newly purchased lodge, Chief Amanda Grady reopens the 30-year-old cold case of the Dixon family’s disappearance.
REVIEW:
Having read and loved Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin series, I knew I had to pick up her latest standalone, and just a few chapters in I was reminded why she’s one of my favorite thriller authors! This book showcases everything she does so well—intricate storytelling, multiple mysteries, and characters who feel SO real and are easy to invest in. And this story has so many moving pieces that it makes it impossible to predict much until near the end.
This is a dual-timeline, multi-POV story that immediately hooked me with a compelling prologue set in 1998, when the wealthy Dixon family are spending the summer at their mountain lodge. After a violent storm, both parents and their four children vanish without a trace, leaving behind bloody footprints, and the mystery remains unsolved. The story then shifts to the present day, where Police Chief Amanda “Mandy” Grady, daughter of the late Chief Ian Grady, who was on the scene when the Dixons vanished, reopens the Dixon case. The abandoned lodge has sat empty since the Dixons disappeared until Raquel and Theo Collins unexpectedly buy it and begin restoring it, stirring curiosity and suspicion in town.
The POVs shift between Amanda, Raquel, and an anonymous narrator who speaks directly to the reader, often in cryptic riddles, foreshadowing truths that are about to resurface and justice that will finally be served. To be honest, I was initially very confused when this anonymous narrator appeared mid-chapters on the audio, but stay tuned b/c their eventual identity reveal is so clever!
Without giving anything away, Gardner incorporates local witch folklore and the town’s founding families after mysterious bones are discovered. I loved how so many historical elements were woven into the mystery & how intricate Mandy’s investigation became.
Both Amanda and Raquel are really well developed, and although they’re very different, I was invested in both early on. Raquel’s mysterious past and the former identity she’s been hiding, even from her husband Theo, kept me guessing and were slowly revealed. There are also several memorable supporting characters in Shereford, and many seem suspicious. You need to pay attention to the small details in conversations if you want any chance atpredicting the twists.
And the dogs in the story completely stole my heart. A mysterious stray appears in both timelines, looking eerily similar and arriving at very serendipitous moments. Their fierce loyalty, protectiveness, and appearing exactly when needed made them my favorite characters!
The chapters are relatively short & the story has just enough complexity to never feel overwhelming. The climactic scenes bring all the major threads together, and while I guessed the villain at the last minute before the reveal, there were still last-minute surprises that caught me off guard. I finished with not even a minor complaint (which is rare for me), hence my 5-star rating! If you enjoy slow-burn, intricate thrillers, authentic characters, layered mysteries, and multiple twists, I can’t recommend this one enough!
And if you’re an audio listener, you’re in for a major treat. Hillary Huber, who brilliantly narrated all of Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin novels, returns to narrate this standalone and delivers! She gives every character a distinctive voice in a dynamic performance that captures all the atmospheric suspense and witchy lore. Her delivery of the eerie folklore rhymes is still stuck in my head! A truly memorable performance!
Raquel Collins & husband, Theo, move to Shereford, New Hampshire, for a fresh start. When a stray dog uncovers human bones at their newly purchased lodge, Chief Amanda Grady reopens the 30-year-old cold case of the Dixon family’s disappearance.
REVIEW:
Having read and loved Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin series, I knew I had to pick up her latest standalone, and just a few chapters in I was reminded why she’s one of my favorite thriller authors! This book showcases everything she does so well—intricate storytelling, multiple mysteries, and characters who feel SO real and are easy to invest in. And this story has so many moving pieces that it makes it impossible to predict much until near the end.
This is a dual-timeline, multi-POV story that immediately hooked me with a compelling prologue set in 1998, when the wealthy Dixon family are spending the summer at their mountain lodge. After a violent storm, both parents and their four children vanish without a trace, leaving behind bloody footprints, and the mystery remains unsolved. The story then shifts to the present day, where Police Chief Amanda “Mandy” Grady, daughter of the late Chief Ian Grady, who was on the scene when the Dixons vanished, reopens the Dixon case. The abandoned lodge has sat empty since the Dixons disappeared until Raquel and Theo Collins unexpectedly buy it and begin restoring it, stirring curiosity and suspicion in town.
The POVs shift between Amanda, Raquel, and an anonymous narrator who speaks directly to the reader, often in cryptic riddles, foreshadowing truths that are about to resurface and justice that will finally be served. To be honest, I was initially very confused when this anonymous narrator appeared mid-chapters on the audio, but stay tuned b/c their eventual identity reveal is so clever!
Without giving anything away, Gardner incorporates local witch folklore and the town’s founding families after mysterious bones are discovered. I loved how so many historical elements were woven into the mystery & how intricate Mandy’s investigation became.
Both Amanda and Raquel are really well developed, and although they’re very different, I was invested in both early on. Raquel’s mysterious past and the former identity she’s been hiding, even from her husband Theo, kept me guessing and were slowly revealed. There are also several memorable supporting characters in Shereford, and many seem suspicious. You need to pay attention to the small details in conversations if you want any chance atpredicting the twists.
And the dogs in the story completely stole my heart. A mysterious stray appears in both timelines, looking eerily similar and arriving at very serendipitous moments. Their fierce loyalty, protectiveness, and appearing exactly when needed made them my favorite characters!
The chapters are relatively short & the story has just enough complexity to never feel overwhelming. The climactic scenes bring all the major threads together, and while I guessed the villain at the last minute before the reveal, there were still last-minute surprises that caught me off guard. I finished with not even a minor complaint (which is rare for me), hence my 5-star rating! If you enjoy slow-burn, intricate thrillers, authentic characters, layered mysteries, and multiple twists, I can’t recommend this one enough!
And if you’re an audio listener, you’re in for a major treat. Hillary Huber, who brilliantly narrated all of Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin novels, returns to narrate this standalone and delivers! She gives every character a distinctive voice in a dynamic performance that captures all the atmospheric suspense and witchy lore. Her delivery of the eerie folklore rhymes is still stuck in my head! A truly memorable performance!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You'll Be Sorry by Lisa Gardner is a standalone mystery about deep, dark family secrets and cursed land. Dig too deep, and you'll be sorry. That's exactly what a pair of new homeowners do after discovering a body on their property.
This is a fast paced mystery filled with twists and turns. Gardner is a puppet master, distracting the reader with one mystery only to quietly introduce another before you even realize it. The novel juggles the mystery of the body, the mystery of the cursed land, and the personal mysteries surrounding several of its characters. I was able to solve some of them, but there were plenty that completely surprised me.
The characters are what make this novel stand out. It is told through multiple perspectives, something I'm not always a fan of, but Gardner gives each character such a distinct voice that I was never confused about whose perspective I was reading. Everyone in this small town is invested in the mystery. Some are simply curious, some desperately want the past to stay buried, and some have far more personal reasons for wanting the truth to remain hidden.
The history of the cursed land is fascinating. The creepy witch's poem and the curse surrounding it become mysteries of their own, and I loved uncovering those pieces alongside the central investigation. I love stories involving witches, and Gardner blends those elements into the mystery extremely well.
I was especially impressed with Gardner's writing. Although I've seen her books everywhere from Walmart to Target, I always assumed they would be similar to James Patterson's style: straightforward prose designed simply to move the plot along. Instead, I found her writing surprisingly rich. She can establish an entire character's life story in just a few pages while making me genuinely care about them. One character's backstory, told in only three pages, was both compelling and heartbreaking. The novel also opens with a spicy scene that I wasn't expecting, but it was handled very well. Gardner writes characters who feel warm and approachable, yet still have an edge to them. They're the kind of people you immediately like, but they also won't hesitate to tell you to screw off.
You'll Be Sorry is a book you'll be sorry you missed. The writing is excellent, the mystery is consistently engaging, and Gardner layers together both large and small mysteries that keep the pages turning.
This was my first Lisa Gardner novel, but it definitely won't be my last. If you've read her books before, I'd love to know which series I should start next.
I highly recommend picking this one up when it's released. It strikes a wonderful balance between cozy characters and a dark mystery rooted in family secrets and a cursed past.
One content warning: miscarriage is an important part of one character's backstory and ongoing trauma. I thought Gardner handled it respectfully and never exploited it for shock value.
This is a fast paced mystery filled with twists and turns. Gardner is a puppet master, distracting the reader with one mystery only to quietly introduce another before you even realize it. The novel juggles the mystery of the body, the mystery of the cursed land, and the personal mysteries surrounding several of its characters. I was able to solve some of them, but there were plenty that completely surprised me.
The characters are what make this novel stand out. It is told through multiple perspectives, something I'm not always a fan of, but Gardner gives each character such a distinct voice that I was never confused about whose perspective I was reading. Everyone in this small town is invested in the mystery. Some are simply curious, some desperately want the past to stay buried, and some have far more personal reasons for wanting the truth to remain hidden.
The history of the cursed land is fascinating. The creepy witch's poem and the curse surrounding it become mysteries of their own, and I loved uncovering those pieces alongside the central investigation. I love stories involving witches, and Gardner blends those elements into the mystery extremely well.
I was especially impressed with Gardner's writing. Although I've seen her books everywhere from Walmart to Target, I always assumed they would be similar to James Patterson's style: straightforward prose designed simply to move the plot along. Instead, I found her writing surprisingly rich. She can establish an entire character's life story in just a few pages while making me genuinely care about them. One character's backstory, told in only three pages, was both compelling and heartbreaking. The novel also opens with a spicy scene that I wasn't expecting, but it was handled very well. Gardner writes characters who feel warm and approachable, yet still have an edge to them. They're the kind of people you immediately like, but they also won't hesitate to tell you to screw off.
You'll Be Sorry is a book you'll be sorry you missed. The writing is excellent, the mystery is consistently engaging, and Gardner layers together both large and small mysteries that keep the pages turning.
This was my first Lisa Gardner novel, but it definitely won't be my last. If you've read her books before, I'd love to know which series I should start next.
I highly recommend picking this one up when it's released. It strikes a wonderful balance between cozy characters and a dark mystery rooted in family secrets and a cursed past.
One content warning: miscarriage is an important part of one character's backstory and ongoing trauma. I thought Gardner handled it respectfully and never exploited it for shock value.
August 4, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors. I have adored her D.D. Warren, FBI Profiler and Frankie Elkin series among others. You’ll Be Sorry is her new standalone.
The book is set in New Hampshire. It is crime fiction. It is a small town mystery thriller.
This book is dark and creepy. It is set in a remote mountain location. It features a house with a dark past.
The book contains multiple mysteries, witch folklore and historical elements.
Raquel and Theo have bought an abandoned decaying luxury lodge with a 30 year old mystery.
Their house has a dark history. The book focuses a lot on the family who lived their previously disappearing.
Amanda Grady is Chief Of Police. Amanda/ Mandy’s dad was the Chief of Police when the family went missing. And this mystery haunted him.
The book alternates between Amanda and Raquel’s POVs. Plus there are some pages from another pov.
Raquel has a past that we gradually learn more about. I was fascinated by Raquel and her husband Theo. She had secrets, which I was so curious about. He loved her so much even though he didn’t know everything she was hiding.
Mandy as the Chief Of Police is a wonderful character. I enjoyed seeing her try to piece together the various cases.
There are dogs who mysteriously show up in 1998 and the present. The dogs are an important part of the book.
There is also a story of a young woman accused of witchcraft. This 18th century witchcraft storyline is weaved into the present and the 1998 mysteries.
This is a compelling complex story featuring dark secrets and tragedy both in the present, in the past 30 years ago and in the 18th century. I liked it very much.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending me this book.
Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors. I have adored her D.D. Warren, FBI Profiler and Frankie Elkin series among others. You’ll Be Sorry is her new standalone.
The book is set in New Hampshire. It is crime fiction. It is a small town mystery thriller.
This book is dark and creepy. It is set in a remote mountain location. It features a house with a dark past.
The book contains multiple mysteries, witch folklore and historical elements.
Raquel and Theo have bought an abandoned decaying luxury lodge with a 30 year old mystery.
Their house has a dark history. The book focuses a lot on the family who lived their previously disappearing.
Amanda Grady is Chief Of Police. Amanda/ Mandy’s dad was the Chief of Police when the family went missing. And this mystery haunted him.
The book alternates between Amanda and Raquel’s POVs. Plus there are some pages from another pov.
Raquel has a past that we gradually learn more about. I was fascinated by Raquel and her husband Theo. She had secrets, which I was so curious about. He loved her so much even though he didn’t know everything she was hiding.
Mandy as the Chief Of Police is a wonderful character. I enjoyed seeing her try to piece together the various cases.
There are dogs who mysteriously show up in 1998 and the present. The dogs are an important part of the book.
There is also a story of a young woman accused of witchcraft. This 18th century witchcraft storyline is weaved into the present and the 1998 mysteries.
This is a compelling complex story featuring dark secrets and tragedy both in the present, in the past 30 years ago and in the 18th century. I liked it very much.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending me this book.
August 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed You'll Be Sorry. It's my first Lisa Gardner, but it definitely won't be my last.
Based on the cover, I was expecting a slightly darker read (it was giving Home Before Dark|Riley Sager vibes). While it's certainly creepy, it almost leaned cosy, with the light comic relief of some of the towns residents in particular. In fact, what made it slightly more discomfiting was the quick switching between the day-to-day, and then the almost macabre.
I really enjoyed the Mary-Celeste-esque premise, and the various twists and turns which made this a truly unique read. The ending was satisfying and I loved the tongue in cheek writing. My favourite thrillers play with the possibility of the supernatural, and this really well, made even the more compelling by the historical elements.
I'd highly recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining and thrilling read. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
Based on the cover, I was expecting a slightly darker read (it was giving Home Before Dark|Riley Sager vibes). While it's certainly creepy, it almost leaned cosy, with the light comic relief of some of the towns residents in particular. In fact, what made it slightly more discomfiting was the quick switching between the day-to-day, and then the almost macabre.
I really enjoyed the Mary-Celeste-esque premise, and the various twists and turns which made this a truly unique read. The ending was satisfying and I loved the tongue in cheek writing. My favourite thrillers play with the possibility of the supernatural, and this really well, made even the more compelling by the historical elements.
I'd highly recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining and thrilling read. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 13, 2026
What’s scarier than the supernatural and things that can’t be explained.
A family disappears with no trace during a storm 30 years ago. It takes that long for a new family to move into their house.
What happens next unravels the mystery but also puts the whole town in danger.
I enjoyed the story and the premise of the book. Not at all what I was expecting. I would definitely recommend to people who like a twisty thriller with multiple story stands happening at once.
A family disappears with no trace during a storm 30 years ago. It takes that long for a new family to move into their house.
What happens next unravels the mystery but also puts the whole town in danger.
I enjoyed the story and the premise of the book. Not at all what I was expecting. I would definitely recommend to people who like a twisty thriller with multiple story stands happening at once.
August 13, 2026
Amazing audiobook performance but I wanted a bit a more…..
The characters are great and engaging, the pacing is fast, the story line keeps you hooked with just enough nuggets to keep you interested, but all in all it was just mediocre.
I think it would’ve been more successful if it was creepier and shorter. It kind of felt like a sitcom show trying to be scary and serious.
The characters are great and engaging, the pacing is fast, the story line keeps you hooked with just enough nuggets to keep you interested, but all in all it was just mediocre.
I think it would’ve been more successful if it was creepier and shorter. It kind of felt like a sitcom show trying to be scary and serious.
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