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The Past We Thought We Knew
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26When her latest partnership implodes, Special Agent Riley Reynolds is reassigned to work her toughest case yet: the death of a photographer who happens to be a former classmate. Worse? Her new partner is the last person she'd choose-her old rival, whose mere presence dredges up memories.
As the investigation deepens, Riley begins to realize the victim wasn't defined by his family's past. Secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the line between personal and professional grows dangerously thin.
With a killer still at large and clues in short supply, Riley must work tirelessly to uncover the truth.
Because this case isn't just about solving a murder-it's about confronting her past and accepting her future.
As the investigation deepens, Riley begins to realize the victim wasn't defined by his family's past. Secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the line between personal and professional grows dangerously thin.
With a killer still at large and clues in short supply, Riley must work tirelessly to uncover the truth.
Because this case isn't just about solving a murder-it's about confronting her past and accepting her future.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Nicolette Brandon
3 books11 followersMinnesota-born author Nicolette Brandon has been an avid reader and storyteller for as long as she can remember. Books served as a refuge during her childhood, especially while managing chronic illness, and they ultimately inspired her passion for writing. She finds comfort in the escape that fictional worlds can provide. In 2019, she stepped away from the corporate world to homeschool her daughter and devote more time to her creative work. Today, Nicolette writes from her home in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Nicolette for proving me the opportunity to read your debut novel. I can tell a lot of love and devotion went into this!
Special Agent Riley Reynolds is devoted to her job and its impact on people's lives. Her partner (ex-partner, in more ways than one), not so much. After being shot on the job due to negligence by Logan, Riley demands a new partner. She was not expecting to be partnered with Jackson, her old schoolyard bully. These two have to reconcile their past in order to solve a homicide case - the victim of which is another former classmate.
What I liked about this book: Both Riley and Jackson act like mature adults. While there is a lot of drama going on in this book (everyone knows everyone from their schools days!) it doesn't negatively impact either of their character growth. They both genuinely participate in their therapy sessions (and I love them for this) and act in the best interest of the case. They're able to work together despite their past history. It's rare to find characters who feel like real, adult people. I really liked both of these characters a lot (and Riley and I have similar taste in coffee).
Other thoughts: I typically don't read police procedural novels when I want a mystery, so I am not sure how this compares to others in the genre. Both the beginning and ending are action packed and fast paced, whereas the middle bit slowed down a touch as they conducted their investigation. The investigation/mystery component didn't stick with me as much as Riley and Jackson's evolving relationship did. That is neither a good or bad thing, just something I have come to realize as I've reflected on the book. And, as mentioned before Riley, Jackson, and Logan share a past. This lead to a bit of exposition in the first few chapters, which personally isn't my favorite, but it doesn't last long so I wouldn't say it was a negative for me.
Overall, this was a pleasant, quick, and fun read, and Nicolette should be proud. I'm rounding my rating to 4 stars.
Special Agent Riley Reynolds is devoted to her job and its impact on people's lives. Her partner (ex-partner, in more ways than one), not so much. After being shot on the job due to negligence by Logan, Riley demands a new partner. She was not expecting to be partnered with Jackson, her old schoolyard bully. These two have to reconcile their past in order to solve a homicide case - the victim of which is another former classmate.
What I liked about this book: Both Riley and Jackson act like mature adults. While there is a lot of drama going on in this book (everyone knows everyone from their schools days!) it doesn't negatively impact either of their character growth. They both genuinely participate in their therapy sessions (and I love them for this) and act in the best interest of the case. They're able to work together despite their past history. It's rare to find characters who feel like real, adult people. I really liked both of these characters a lot (and Riley and I have similar taste in coffee).
Other thoughts: I typically don't read police procedural novels when I want a mystery, so I am not sure how this compares to others in the genre. Both the beginning and ending are action packed and fast paced, whereas the middle bit slowed down a touch as they conducted their investigation. The investigation/mystery component didn't stick with me as much as Riley and Jackson's evolving relationship did. That is neither a good or bad thing, just something I have come to realize as I've reflected on the book. And, as mentioned before Riley, Jackson, and Logan share a past. This lead to a bit of exposition in the first few chapters, which personally isn't my favorite, but it doesn't last long so I wouldn't say it was a negative for me.
Overall, this was a pleasant, quick, and fun read, and Nicolette should be proud. I'm rounding my rating to 4 stars.
March 21, 2026
Thank you to Nicolette Brandon for the advanced reader copy.
The story follows Special Agent Riley Reynolds as she’s reassigned to a case involving the death of a former classmate—only to be partnered with her old nemesis. As the investigation deepens, buried secrets surface, and the line between the past and present begins to blur.
This was easy to get into, and the twist genuinely caught me off guard—I didn’t suspect that character at all. The chemistry between Riley and Jackson adds tension without taking away from the mystery, and I appreciated how their dynamic layered into the investigation.
Final thought:
A strong debut with an unexpected reveal and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested. I’ll be picking up book two.
The story follows Special Agent Riley Reynolds as she’s reassigned to a case involving the death of a former classmate—only to be partnered with her old nemesis. As the investigation deepens, buried secrets surface, and the line between the past and present begins to blur.
This was easy to get into, and the twist genuinely caught me off guard—I didn’t suspect that character at all. The chemistry between Riley and Jackson adds tension without taking away from the mystery, and I appreciated how their dynamic layered into the investigation.
Final thought:
A strong debut with an unexpected reveal and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested. I’ll be picking up book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Many thanks to the author Nicollette Brandon for sharing her debut novel with me in return for my thoughts. I enjoyed stepping into Riley’s world and would happily follow her into the next book. Here’s hoping this is only the beginning of a series.
📘 INSIDE THE PAGES
Special Agent Riley Reynolds is defined by her dedication, the job comes first, it has to. But when a high-stakes bust spirals into a near-fatal disaster, Riley is forced to face the chilling reality that she can no longer trust the person at her back. Requesting a new partner feels like the professional and personal reset she has needed for sometime. But Riley never imagined her "fresh start" would come in the form of her school time nemesis, a face she hoped she’d never have to see again.
As they dive into a case that unearths buried secrets and a shared history, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. Every lead pulls them deeper into a hunt for a killer who is always one step ahead, pushing Riley and Jackson to the point of exhaustion. In the quiet, high-pressure moments of the investigation, uncomfortable feelings begin to surface, feelings that must be sidelined until this case is closed.
🌟 MY THOUGHTS
This story begins with a bang. The first two chapters are fast paced and hit pretty hard. But then we slow down a little and get to see beneath the surface of these characters and learn about their past that feels very much alive in their present. I found Riley to be such a likable FMC. She has layers with the hard edges you’d expect from an agent, but with hints of a softer center. The web of shared history between the characters is incredibly dense, but rather than being a distraction, it made me want to learn more.
If you’re looking for a book that is easy to jump into and hard to put down, this is it. The pacing is well-tuned, and the story flows perfectly. I didn't find the mystery to be overly complicated, which actually made for a really pleasant reading experience as I got the satisfaction of following the clues without feeling like I needed a notepad to track a dozen subplots.
I’ll leave you with my parting wish for Riley:
- she improves her diet and ditches the late night takeaways and vending machine sandwiches
- despite her harsh life experiences she opens her heart for love
- she never loses her defiant optimism and the unwavering belief that she can still be the shield for those who cannot save themselves.
📘 INSIDE THE PAGES
Special Agent Riley Reynolds is defined by her dedication, the job comes first, it has to. But when a high-stakes bust spirals into a near-fatal disaster, Riley is forced to face the chilling reality that she can no longer trust the person at her back. Requesting a new partner feels like the professional and personal reset she has needed for sometime. But Riley never imagined her "fresh start" would come in the form of her school time nemesis, a face she hoped she’d never have to see again.
As they dive into a case that unearths buried secrets and a shared history, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. Every lead pulls them deeper into a hunt for a killer who is always one step ahead, pushing Riley and Jackson to the point of exhaustion. In the quiet, high-pressure moments of the investigation, uncomfortable feelings begin to surface, feelings that must be sidelined until this case is closed.
🌟 MY THOUGHTS
This story begins with a bang. The first two chapters are fast paced and hit pretty hard. But then we slow down a little and get to see beneath the surface of these characters and learn about their past that feels very much alive in their present. I found Riley to be such a likable FMC. She has layers with the hard edges you’d expect from an agent, but with hints of a softer center. The web of shared history between the characters is incredibly dense, but rather than being a distraction, it made me want to learn more.
If you’re looking for a book that is easy to jump into and hard to put down, this is it. The pacing is well-tuned, and the story flows perfectly. I didn't find the mystery to be overly complicated, which actually made for a really pleasant reading experience as I got the satisfaction of following the clues without feeling like I needed a notepad to track a dozen subplots.
I’ll leave you with my parting wish for Riley:
- she improves her diet and ditches the late night takeaways and vending machine sandwiches
- despite her harsh life experiences she opens her heart for love
- she never loses her defiant optimism and the unwavering belief that she can still be the shield for those who cannot save themselves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Past We Thought We Knew by Nicolette Brandon in exchange for an honest review.
As someone whose favorite genre is murder mystery with a romantic subplot, this novel struck exactly the right balance for me.
What stood out most is how character driven the mystery feels. The investigation unfolds at a steady, intentional pace, but the emotional stakes are what truly elevate the story.
Riley is sharp and capable, but she’s also human. The case forces her to confront unresolved pieces of her past, and that internal conflict makes every decision feel heavier. The blurred line between personal history and professional duty adds a layer of realism that I appreciated so much.
Past rivals forced to work together will always have me seated. The slow-burn energy simmering beneath a high-stakes investigation? Perfect balance. The romance never overshadows the mystery. It enhances the narrative rather than distracting from it, which is something I always appreciate in this genre blend.
I also enjoyed how the novel explores perception — how we think we understand the past, and how easily those assumptions can unravel when examined more closely. The emotional arc feels just as important as the resolution of the case.
And the ending genuinely surprised me. I believed I had pieced together where the story was heading, but the final reveal shifted my perspective in a way that felt both unexpected and earned. It recontextualized earlier moments without feeling forced — which, in my opinion, is the mark of a well-constructed mystery.
Overall, The Past We Thought We Knew is a strong, emotionally layered mystery with a well-balanced romantic thread and a satisfying, surprising conclusion. Readers who enjoy character-focused thrillers with interpersonal tension woven into the investigation will find a lot to appreciate here.
As someone whose favorite genre is murder mystery with a romantic subplot, this novel struck exactly the right balance for me.
What stood out most is how character driven the mystery feels. The investigation unfolds at a steady, intentional pace, but the emotional stakes are what truly elevate the story.
Riley is sharp and capable, but she’s also human. The case forces her to confront unresolved pieces of her past, and that internal conflict makes every decision feel heavier. The blurred line between personal history and professional duty adds a layer of realism that I appreciated so much.
Past rivals forced to work together will always have me seated. The slow-burn energy simmering beneath a high-stakes investigation? Perfect balance. The romance never overshadows the mystery. It enhances the narrative rather than distracting from it, which is something I always appreciate in this genre blend.
I also enjoyed how the novel explores perception — how we think we understand the past, and how easily those assumptions can unravel when examined more closely. The emotional arc feels just as important as the resolution of the case.
And the ending genuinely surprised me. I believed I had pieced together where the story was heading, but the final reveal shifted my perspective in a way that felt both unexpected and earned. It recontextualized earlier moments without feeling forced — which, in my opinion, is the mark of a well-constructed mystery.
Overall, The Past We Thought We Knew is a strong, emotionally layered mystery with a well-balanced romantic thread and a satisfying, surprising conclusion. Readers who enjoy character-focused thrillers with interpersonal tension woven into the investigation will find a lot to appreciate here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Past We Thought We Knew pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. This is a fast-paced mystery filled with tension, emotional depth, and a strong female lead who feels both capable and deeply human.
Riley Reynolds is the kind of protagonist I love—tough, intelligent, and driven, yet carrying emotional scars that shape her decisions and relationships. The opening scene immediately sets a dark, gripping tone, and the story doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, particularly the emotional and psychological toll of her work.
The pacing was strong, especially during the action scenes, which felt cinematic and tense. The mystery unfolds steadily, layering past and present in a way that keeps you guessing. While some moments felt slightly predictable, the emotional weight and character dynamics kept me invested throughout.
The relationship tension—particularly between Riley and Logan—added realism and emotional stakes beyond the central investigation. The psychological elements and personal backstory gave the story depth beyond a standard procedural.
If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with strong female leads, emotional complexity, and high-stakes tension, this book is definitely worth picking up. I’m curious to see where Riley’s journey goes next.
Riley Reynolds is the kind of protagonist I love—tough, intelligent, and driven, yet carrying emotional scars that shape her decisions and relationships. The opening scene immediately sets a dark, gripping tone, and the story doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, particularly the emotional and psychological toll of her work.
The pacing was strong, especially during the action scenes, which felt cinematic and tense. The mystery unfolds steadily, layering past and present in a way that keeps you guessing. While some moments felt slightly predictable, the emotional weight and character dynamics kept me invested throughout.
The relationship tension—particularly between Riley and Logan—added realism and emotional stakes beyond the central investigation. The psychological elements and personal backstory gave the story depth beyond a standard procedural.
If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with strong female leads, emotional complexity, and high-stakes tension, this book is definitely worth picking up. I’m curious to see where Riley’s journey goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC Review***
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Nicolette Brandon for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
This was an amazing book! WOW! I was hooked from the beginning.
Riley was such a powerful lead in this book proving that women can be what or whoever they want. This was not a man’s world. This was a powerful, strong, and bad ass woman that won my vote from the beginning. In this book Nicolette takes you through turns and curves keeping you on your toes and guessing who did it. I honestly never saw the end coming. I had a completely different villain in mind the last quarter of the book. Boy, was I way off. I guess I wouldn’t be a good detective or FBI agent.
The storyline was amazing too. I loved the way Nicolette intertwined the four friend’s lives in the book. I honestly cannot say a bad thing about this story, nor would I change a thing. I’m still in shock. I have not read a good mystery book as an ARC since I’ve been reading ARCs.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Run, don’t walk and pick up this book on release date on April 14th. Oh, and this is not a standalone… it’s a series. I’m curious to see what Riley and Jackson will be up to in the next book.
A huge thanks to Nicolette Brandon for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is released.
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Nicolette Brandon for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
This was an amazing book! WOW! I was hooked from the beginning.
Riley was such a powerful lead in this book proving that women can be what or whoever they want. This was not a man’s world. This was a powerful, strong, and bad ass woman that won my vote from the beginning. In this book Nicolette takes you through turns and curves keeping you on your toes and guessing who did it. I honestly never saw the end coming. I had a completely different villain in mind the last quarter of the book. Boy, was I way off. I guess I wouldn’t be a good detective or FBI agent.
The storyline was amazing too. I loved the way Nicolette intertwined the four friend’s lives in the book. I honestly cannot say a bad thing about this story, nor would I change a thing. I’m still in shock. I have not read a good mystery book as an ARC since I’ve been reading ARCs.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Run, don’t walk and pick up this book on release date on April 14th. Oh, and this is not a standalone… it’s a series. I’m curious to see what Riley and Jackson will be up to in the next book.
A huge thanks to Nicolette Brandon for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review — The Past We Thought We Knew by Nicolette Brandon
This was gripping, emotional, and completely pulled me into Riley’s world from the very first chapter. The mystery unfolds at a steady, addictive pace, blending suspense, personal history, and emotional tension in a way that kept me fully invested the whole time.
Riley is a strong, determined FMC, but what really made this story shine was the emotional depth behind the investigation. Working alongside her former rival adds layers of unresolved tension, past hurt, and complicated trust, making the case feel intensely personal. As secrets unravel and the truth slowly comes to light, the story becomes less about just solving a murder and more about confronting the past and finding closure.
The balance of mystery, emotion, and character growth made this a powerful and engaging read. I found myself completely hooked, wanting answers but also deeply invested in Riley’s journey.
Overall, this was a compelling, emotional, and suspenseful story that delivered both a strong mystery and meaningful character development.
Read this if you like: emotional mysteries, strong female leads, partner tension, past-meets-present story lines, and character-driven suspense.
This was gripping, emotional, and completely pulled me into Riley’s world from the very first chapter. The mystery unfolds at a steady, addictive pace, blending suspense, personal history, and emotional tension in a way that kept me fully invested the whole time.
Riley is a strong, determined FMC, but what really made this story shine was the emotional depth behind the investigation. Working alongside her former rival adds layers of unresolved tension, past hurt, and complicated trust, making the case feel intensely personal. As secrets unravel and the truth slowly comes to light, the story becomes less about just solving a murder and more about confronting the past and finding closure.
The balance of mystery, emotion, and character growth made this a powerful and engaging read. I found myself completely hooked, wanting answers but also deeply invested in Riley’s journey.
Overall, this was a compelling, emotional, and suspenseful story that delivered both a strong mystery and meaningful character development.
Read this if you like: emotional mysteries, strong female leads, partner tension, past-meets-present story lines, and character-driven suspense.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this fast paced book! Riley is a special agent in the FBI. The book starts out with her and her current partner, Logan, getting involved in a trafficking ring and Riley getting shot. Logan was no where to be found. Some time behind a desk and a new partner later, she's back on a new case but this time, it's someone she knows from High school. Her new partner used to bully her in high school as well so she's got a lot of emotions going on trying to keep everything professional. While Jackson, her new partner, apologizes and seems to have grown up from the kid that he used to be, Riley is still wary of him. The rest of the book is them following leads and trying to find out who the killer is before anyone else gets hurt. The pages turned quickly and I had a hard time putting this book down! I look forward to reading more in this series. thank you to Book Sirens and the author for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
As a long-time watcher of shows like Criminal Minds and Bones, this book was right up my alley. Following FBI agent Riley Reynolds, this story blends a complex personal backstory with a current case to be solved. Filled with interesting interpersonal dynamics between the characters, it kept me guessing until the end both in terms of the case, and the will they/won't they that makes so many crime fighting duos more fun to watch. I'm looking forward to reading more stories about Riley, so long as they also include her dashing new partner!
Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Review of advance copy
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This book was interesting. I enjoyed reading it.The principal character is an FBI agent whose partner in work was also her romantic partner until she ended it. There is history between them and a number of their old high school contemporaries that caused a lot of problems for them and between some but most have matured into stable adults. This book looks at how far someone who hasn't made that transition will go for revenge. There is a slowly simmering romance forming between the agent, Riley and her new partner. The author says it's the first in a series - I'm looking forward to reading how it develops.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very well written mystery with Riley and her police adventures in her hometown with school classmates as partners.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
A man is murdered and dismembered. Can Riley find the killer? With the help of her new partner she tries hard to solve the case.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews