Most of the moments in your life are inconsequential. It’s hard to hear, I know.
All the little details we obsess over—choosing to have coffee or tea, wearing a red shirt or a purple one, springing for extra guacamole— none of it matters. Sure, while you’re living it, everything feels important. We want to believe that each moment holds value, because then it means our life, our existence has value— but I won’t remember which choice I made a week from now, and neither will you.
But some split second decisions can change the whole trajectory of one’s life. And for everyone I’m around, that moment was the second they met me.
On Friday the 13th, I lost someone dear to me.
Exactly one year later, it happened again.
Over five years, I attended five funerals until everyone I loved was dead.
Now, I need to figure out who or what is doing this before I become the final victim.
Wow the emotions I felt during this book!! So many twist and turns. As the story unfolds you are trying to hurry to the next page to find out what could happen next. Brittany is what you think of a typically thirty something year old woman or so you think until her dark secrets come out. Tragedy after tragedy continue to unfold in her life with the positive of meeting the love of her life. You'll second guess yourself on who is the killer multiple times.
Very good book, really enjoyed it and felt very excited to be able to read it before it was published as this was my first ARC read.
I like the way it is written - very fast paced and enough detail that you understand the characters but not so much detail that you lose track of what's going on. Some psychological thrillers spend a lot of time explaining relationships and working on character development that the 'action' doesn't start until half way through the book. However this book dives straight in and you instantly get an understanding for the characters.
I also liked how in places it feels like you are gossiping with a friend, sentences like 'I grabbed a quick banana before leaving the house', it doesn't add to the plot but it just feels like you are really there with this character setting out on their journey.
The book leaves you guessing the entire way through and the twist was impossible to guess, so a really good thriller if you don't want a predictable outcome.
SPOILER ALERT - I will be talking about the ending so do not continue reading if you are wanting it to be a surprise.
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The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt like we jumped / skipped / lost a lot of detail in the last chapter. It turning out to be Ian was a great plot twist, however we went from finding out it was his sister who had died to him revealing everything. There was no detail into how he discovered the main character was connected to his sister, and considering he wrote in his final post that he was almost estranged from that second family of his dad's, how would he have known that information?
If he never met Anna, but felt angry enough to seek revenge, it would have been good to have some kind of development of his feelings, how did he come to be so angry, how did he decide the main character was at fault, how did he even find out that information if everyone was under the impression it was an accident - and considering everyone was affected by the accident also died, where would he start asking questions to discover who the 'friend' was. That would have been interesting to read, especially as the final post was directed at his wife, he could have gone into more detail and really dug the knife in so she felt his pain completely.
One question I also had was if he wanted her to be in pain forever - why would he reveal all of that information? Surely leaving her to be terrified of March 13th for the rest of her life would cause more emotional damage, she would never leave the house in fear of her baby being hurt. Of course he didn't know about the baby but ending it with him feels like not the best method of revenge.
It almost would have made more impact and more sense, that he was doing all the killing, and intended to keep doing so forever, whilst playing doting husband, but he was killed by his business partner purely by coincidence on the same day she is scared of.
That also then raises the question - what were his business partners doing?? Craig wanted to speak to her, but we never found out why, and Mike was highly suspicious and definitely cutting people out of the business - it made sense to have that story line going on throughout though as it added extra people to be suspicious of.
I thought that was done very well, as it really made you guess and question all the people in her life.
However I just thought the ending was a bit too lacking in detail, and she is now free to heal from her trauma, and meet someone else who won't kill everyone she loves....
So it kind of feels like she won?? Maybe that's the point - Ian's plan didn't work out as planned.
Annnnyway - very good book, really enjoyed it and will be looking out for more books by this author. Thank you for the opportunity and for a great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh, my goodness! What have I gotten myself into?!? Five funerals in five years? This is my second book by Amber, and honestly, this one is easily my favorite! She really nailed it!
It begins with the tragic loss of Brittany's friend Katie, followed by her parents, then her sister, and then... But the lingering question is, will Brittany be next? To uncover the twists and turns of this gripping tale, make sure to add this book to your reading list or pre-order it; you won't believe how everything unfolds!
Brittany has so much on her plate that you can’t help but empathize with her struggles. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to be her! I mean, losing someone close on the 13th of each year? That's like a nightmare come to life. You can feel the weight of the tragedies piling up, and all you want is for it to stop or for Brittany to wake up! It’s a lot to take in, but it made the book incredibly hard to put down!
We briefly meet characters like Katie, Melissa, and Ian; some will resonate with you, while others might surprise you. There’s nothing quite like having someone close to you hiding deep, dark secrets that are bound to come out and leave you reeling! And let’s not forget sweet Rosco—he provides a dose of comfort amidst the growing tension in the story.
I felt overwhelmed, troubled, and confused as I tried to untangle the web of events. What on earth is happening? Brittany has so much to deal with, and the story is just getting started! So, buckle up, buttercup, because this plot is relentless until the very end! This is one of those books that will make you want to toss your Kindle and shout, because seriously??? I never saw the perpetrator or the ending coming! Bravo!
The story, the emotions, and everything that goes wrong felt so real, as if I were watching someone's life unravel right before my eyes! This book is for anyone who enjoys dark humor, wild situations where everything goes horribly wrong, and more twists and turns than you can handle. I was holding my breath, my head was spinning, but this was an incredibly twisted read! If you'll excuse me, I need to grab some good luck charms to keep the darkness from these pages at bay!
Thank you, Amber, for the DRC copy. It was my honor to be on your ARC team. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Everyone I Love Is Dead by Amber Leigh Larrain is dark, unsettling, and impossible to look away from. The story opens on March 13, 2020, right as the pandemic shutdown begins, and introduces us to Brittany, or Britt. At this point in her life, things are genuinely good. She has a solid career in advertising, she is newly dating a man named Ian, and she seems content and optimistic about where her life is headed. That sense of normalcy is shattered almost immediately when, during a phone call with her best friend, Britt overhears her friend being brutally murdered. From that moment on, the book takes a sharp turn into something far more disturbing.
That horrific opening sets off a chain of events that unfolds over the next five years, during which someone close to Britt dies again and again, perfectly living up to the title. Watching this pattern emerge is both fascinating and horrifying, especially as Britt tries to keep moving forward with her life while death keeps circling her. This was a very fast read for me, largely because the pacing never lets up. Early on, I kept wondering how the author could possibly stretch this premise without it becoming repetitive, but the story continues to evolve in ways I genuinely did not expect.
There are moments in this book that are truly twisted, the kind that make you pause and say “what did I just read?” yet somehow still want to keep going. By the time I reached the end, I was fully shocked, unsettled, and impressed. The writing is sharp, the structure works beautifully, and the story commits fully to its darkness.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book, and I am absolutely planning to check out more of Amber Leigh Larrain’s work. This review is left voluntarily.
I received an advance copy of Everyone I Love Is Dead in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is compelling and immediately drew me in. The storyline is intriguing, the tone is appropriately dark, and several of the twists genuinely worked for me—I was engaged and curious to see how everything would unfold. As a psychological thriller, it has a solid hook and sustained tension throughout much of the book.
However, the execution didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way. There were details that felt left unexplained, characters who appeared briefly and then vanished without clear purpose, and background elements that seemed important but were never fully developed. I found myself wanting more depth and clarity to make the story feel cohesive. Unfortunately, the ending felt flat compared to the buildup, leaving more unanswered questions than intentional ambiguity.
That said, I still enjoyed this more than many popular thrillers in the genre—certainly more than any Freida McFadden book I’ve read. The ideas here are stronger, and the twists felt more thoughtful, even if the follow-through wasn’t always there.
Overall, this is a solid, readable psychological thriller with a strong premise and engaging moments, but it would have benefited from tighter plotting and a more impactful conclusion or cliffhanger. Worth a read for genre fans, especially those looking for something a step above formulaic thrillers.
Everyone I Loved Is Dead immediately pulled me in because the action begins right away, making it nearly impossible to put down. From the start, the story moves quickly and keeps the reader constantly questioning what is really happening and who can be trusted. It truly feels like a roller coaster ride—just when you think you know which character is responsible, the focus shifts, keeping the suspense high and the plot binding from beginning to end.
One of the most impactful aspects of the book is how accurately it captures life during the COVID pandemic. As a teacher, I found the depiction of teaching during that time to be spot-on and highly relatable. The author does an excellent job portraying the emotional and physical side effects of the pandemic, including isolation, discomfort in public settings, mask-wearing, weight gain, and unhealthy coping habits. These details made the story feel realistic and personal.
The suspense is constant, and I found myself unable to stop reading because I needed to know who was behind what was happening to Brittany. The combination of fast pacing, relatable real-world experiences, and constant twists makes Everyone I Loved Is Dead a gripping and memorable read that I would highly recommend.
Release Date: March 13, 2026 Pre-order: Now Available
I had the opportunity to read Everyone I Love Is Dead by Amber Leigh Larrain as an ARC, and wow — what a fast-paced psychological thriller! This was a quick, gripping read packed with twist after twist that kept me fully locked in from start to finish.
Brittany’s world comes crashing down when everyone she loves ends up dead or murdered — including her husband. As devastating as her reality becomes, the driving questions are impossible to ignore: Why is this happening, and who is behind it all?
From the very first pages, the story pulls you into a chilling mystery surrounding the killer’s identity. Just when you think you have it figured out, the narrative shifts and leaves you questioning everything. The final plot twist completely blindsided me — it was the last person I expected, and I love when a thriller can genuinely surprise me like that.
Amber Leigh Larrain delivers a suspenseful, emotionally charged story that thriller fans will absolutely devour. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very last page, this one deserves a spot on your must-read list.
10/10 — I already cannot wait to see what Amber writes next!
This book grabs you by the throat from the very first paragraph and does not let go. What starts as a quiet, almost philosophical reflection on the small, meaningless choices we make in life twists into something dark, chilling, and unforgettable.
The premise is razor-sharp: moments don’t usually matter… until one does. And in this story, the moment you meet the narrator becomes a death sentence. The repeating tragedy tied to Friday the 13th is haunting, and the slow accumulation of loss—five funerals, five years—hits with emotional weight, not just shock value.
What really shines is the voice. It’s intimate, unsettling, and painfully self-aware. You feel the grief, the paranoia, and the creeping dread of realizing you might be the common denominator. The mystery builds steadily, with a constant sense that time is running out—and that the answer may be worse than the question.
Dark, smart, and deeply unsettling in the best way. If you love thrillers that make you question fate, coincidence, and the cost of survival, this one is a must-read. 🖤📖
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy of this book from the author. From the get-go, the style of writing really brought me in and kept me wanting more. I enjoyed the plot from the start. Our FMC Brittany has been to 5 funerals in five years. All the people that she loved the most, and were closest to, passed away on the same day year after year. It was an emotional roller coaster where she was at the point she didn't want to let anybody whom she cared about out of her sight. The chapters were emotionally driven. You see her and her boyfriend turned husband through the years and how they each react and handle the horrors. The introduction of Kelly and Hank, the podcaster/journalist and her boyfriend, wasn't flowing as much as I would've liked it to.
I didn't see the ending coming, however I would've liked it to be handled a little differently. But overall, a solid book to add to your shelf to enjoy. Thank you again Amber Larrain for giving me this sneak peek.
Thank you so much to Amber for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I devoured this quick pretty quickly, as it was fun read. I'd consider it pretty fast paced, yet is able to keep you questioning the characters' motives. I also really appreciated how the MC's grief was captured and permeated the story throughout. That being said, while I enjoyed the book, it was certainly not among my favorites. I found some moments in the story to be too far-fetched and unrealistic. The MC was a bit melodramatic at times, more than one would expect from someone suffering with PTSD. That could just be my interpretation though. It doesn't keep you questioning everything, as a thriller should. However, there seemed to be some issues that were left unresolved that I feel like could have been, or otherwise explained better. Overall, I would recommend as a quick, fun read. The concept was intriguing and the twist, well-executed.
One of the most fun books I’ve read in a long time!
Everyone I Love Is Dead pulled me in immediately! In the first few paragraphs, the story jumps straight into the action and never lets up! It’s an easy, engaging read with twists and surprises that keep things moving!
What really worked for me were the characters. They felt familiar and warm, like spending time with friends, which made it easy to settle into the story quickly. The pacing moves along steadily with new developments sprinkled in just often enough to keep interest high & the story exciting! The ending was sooo satisfying! When the killer & his motive were revealed, I yelled an audible "OF COURSE!".
This is the kind of book you are going to want to block a day off on the calendar to read, because you want to stop until you find out why EVERYONE is DEAD!
THANK YOU, AMBER, for the opportunity to read & review this title. I LOVED IT! SO GREAT!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in return for my honest review.
I loved this book for start to finish. I started it this morning and finished it just now. I could not put it down. Brittany had a whole lot of mental issues that she needed help with. Ian had that much and more. Everyone Brittany loved died, six people, in five years, all on the exact same day. You became even more messed up. She was so paranoid to leave the house, she wanted everyone with her, yet they still died. This all took place before the first chapter.
I thought it was very well written. I didn't find any slow spots. I thought the characters were great. The end came out of no where. I thought it was someone else the whole time. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Five deaths. Five funerals. From the very beginning, Brittany’s story pulls you in. She’s losing at least one loved one every year, and the weight of that grief is impossible to ignore. You can’t help but wonder how one person can endure so much — or whether something more sinister is happening.
The suspense builds steadily, and I found myself turning pages quickly, trying to piece together the truth. The mix of emotion, mystery, and tension kept me fully invested.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely interested in reading more. I also kept thinking how compelling it would be to see a companion novel told from the killer’s perspective. There’s so much room to explore that angle.
Readers who enjoy quieter stories that focus more on feelings than fast paced plot will likely appreciate this one.
This book has a strong emotional focus on grief, loss and the lasting impact of love.
The story unfolds at a measured pace, with much of the tension and forward momentum building gradually and coming together toward the final portion of the book. While the ending brings more movement and clarity, the earlier sections lean more heavily on emotional exploration than plot progression.
Overall this is a reflective and emotionally driven story that will resonate with readers who enjoy slower, or mood focused narratives.
This book is a wild ride! I loved every minute of it! This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and I was engrossed in it from the very beginning. I wish there was more, but at the same time the ending was perfect and the story was perfectly written. She paints a picture well and you understand perfectly what the main character, Britt is going through and what she is feeling. I definitely have another favorite author and am going to check out more books by her!
I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an ARC reader and very much appreciate the opportunity to read this!
I never take for granted the opportunity to be an ARC and want to thank Amber Larrain for the opportunity. This book pulls you in from the very beginning. Immediately immersed in the traumas that come to the MC. And from page one you just need to find out what is happening. It was easy to get lost in this book and not even realize how much time you’re spent reading. As we follow along with the MC everyone becomes suspicious until the final twist. Highly recommend this one. Release date is Friday, March 13, 2006
When everyone you love dies, you start to question everything. This story follows a woman who has been dealt so much in life, and I thought the emotional depth was handled really well. The storyline gave just enough to keep you turning pages, wanting more, and bracing yourself for what might come next. This was such a gripping read, impossible to put down. I loved the twists and genuinely didn’t see them coming. I’m a full-on mood reader, here for the vibes, so maybe others caught things earlier… but for me? The suspense worked perfectly and kept me hooked the entire time!
Everyone I Love is Dead, by Amber Leigh Larrain, is a psychological thriller that takes you on a wild ride. Brittany, a women plagued by loss, starts to fear that she may be the link to all the loss in her life. While determined to not loose anymore people, she is taken on a grief-stricken journey to find out why she may be connected to so much loss in her life.
In this fast passed psychological thriller you are thrown into the chaos and fear that one person can endure, while they try to make sense of it all.
It is gripping story that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Wow!!! I can’t give this book enough stars. This book was amazing. This is my kind of book. It will grip you and keep you on the edge of your seat. It kept me guessing and trying to figure it out the entire time. I loved the roller coaster ride it lead me on, even the jaw dropper of a twist it concluded with! This authors writing was a chef’s kiss and I will defiantly be reading more of her books!!
This is the first book I have read by Amber Leigh Larrain. I usually listen to books on Audible. I saw on a Facebook page to enter to be an ARC reader. I was picked! I was so excited to get to do this! I really enjoyed this book. I thought I knew where the ending was going - but boy was I surprised! This is my favorite kind of book! Loved the suspense. I look forward to reading more books by this author! Thanks again for letting me be an ARC reader!!!
ARC Review - One of the best written books I have read in a long time, engaging from page 1 I did not want to put it down! With every page turn I was wishing something would or wouldn’t happen, sad, exhilarating and leaving you feeling every emotion the main character is experiencing, you will crave every word of each chapter. So many twists, and depths to the story it leaves you unsure where you’re heading, I promise you will not be disappointed a must read.
ARC REVIEW . This book is a medium-paced thriller that follows the life of Brittany, a girl haunted by tragedies of death throughout her life. As you read, you’ll encounter anyone who knows her to be at risk of dying. The twist at the end was unexpected and left me gasping. I was impressed with Brittany’s resilience and determination throughout the story, and I was proud of her for fighting on until the very end.
The concept of this book was a good one, the execution was lacking. I think it was trying to do too much and nothing was developed as fully as it could have been. I really liked the blog post at the end, but wonder if that could have been the story - maybe the main character isn't Brittany, but Ian. Even though this book was pretty mid, I would read other things by this author.
I read this book in a day! This was my first time reading this author and I was absolutely speechless by the time I finished this book. I did not see the twist at the end coming and I am usually pretty good at figuring this type book out. I don't want to give anything away, but when this is released it is a MUST READ! 10/10 recommending this to my friends!
I thought this book started out great! I was really excited and into it. Overall I enjoyed the book but did feel like certain areas of the book could have been slowed down, it felt very rushed and left me wanting more. I did enjoy the main character and the focus on the complexity of grief and past trauma.
The first half of the book was fast paced but the part where the killer is exposed is slow and drawn out. I skimmed the italicized words towards the end of the "confession" because it dragged on. But.....the writing style is amazing and I would love to read other work from this author. I would have given 3.5 stars, if I could!
Incredible thriller again from Larson! She does a terrific job keeping you questioning where she is going with the story until the very end! A fantastic gripping tale of a girls past coming back to haunt her.
I received this book as an ARC - it started off GREAT. I give a book five chapters and this one pulled me in before the five. It’s well written, in a few places slow, but the author does well to tie everything together in the end. I would recommend, good easy fast read.
Omg! I could not put this book down. This book had me instantly hooked. Fast paced and easy to read. The book kept me guessing til the end trying to figure out what was going on & I definitely was blown away by the ending. So good!
I was given an advanced copy of the book. I enjoyed the book over all. I feel it’s a very emotionally charged book. It really focused on the grief and anxiety, seemed more of a slow burn to me which is not my usual book choice.