All Her Lies

by Matt McGregor

Brie wanted to start over. But not like this.

Drowning in debt and desperate to escape her controlling boyfriend, Brie MacKenzie jumps at a summer job at Pine Ridge Homestead.

The remote property offers a fresh start. And the owners, Grace and Bradley, seem like the perfect couple.

They’re not.

Locked doors. Veiled threats. And rumors of a young woman who vanished from the property years ago—and was never seen again.

When Brie uncovers the couple’s dark secret, she understands they have brought her here to be a pawn in their twisted games.

As wildfires close in and cut off all escape, Brie realizes she has fled one trap to find herself caught up in something far more terrifying. Because in this deadly game, only one thing is certain—the pawn will be sacrificed.

All Her Lies – the chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Nicola Sanders, John Marrs.


What readers are saying about All Her Lies:

“Amazing book! Fast paced and thrilling. Read it in one sitting. …the ending, wow, speechless. Great book and definitely recommend!” -Booksprout Reviewer

“…a light, easy thriller that made for a quick and entertaining read. I think this would be a great pick for readers who enjoy books by Freida McFadden and want something fast-paced with plenty going on.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…an enjoyable, easy read—ideal for a lazy afternoon or a quiet night in, and likely to appeal to fans of Freida McFadden.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…the kind of psychological thriller that creeps under your skin before you even realise it, tightening its grip page by page. …chilling, addictive, and cleverly constructed… A gripping read from start to finish.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“This was my first time reading Matt McGregor and I am happy I did! All Her Lies was full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed this psychological thriller!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Great story with fast building intensity. It will keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“This fast-paced thriller is a complex web of deceit, mystery, and high-stakes intrigue that will have you glued to the pages. …a thrilling read for fans who love a mystery with a high body count and non-stop momentum.” -Goodreads Reviewer

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2026

About the author

Matt McGregor is a writer of psychological thrillers. Before becoming a writer, Matt taught English, ran a nonprofit, worked with maps, and worked in tech startups.

Now, he mostly spends his time inventing surprising ways to murder his characters, which is totally fine and nothing for you to worry about.

When he’s not writing in the third person, he likes to explore the local wilderness, swim in the sea, and play with his exhaustingly energetic young children.

Reviews

[readerLina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

All Her Lies was a fun, fast-paced thriller that I found to be quite enjoyable. My only real qualm lies with the characterization of Brie, she goes from being this smart and calculated skeptic to a docile, clueless damsel whenever it is convenient for the plot. While I understand she was in a vulnerable position, the sudden personality shift felt inconsistent with her earlier setup,it was just not believable. Additionally, a specific plot device was used in the final quarter of the book that I and many thriller readers tend to despise. I won’t name it to avoid spoilers, but I felt it could have been handled differently. While the plot twists weren't necessarily extraordinary, they weren't anticlimactic either. Overall, this is a solid choice for going out of a reading slump or acting as a palate cleanser between heavier books.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz Alterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and twisty

This book was a fast read that kept me guessing all the way to the final page. I look forward to reading more of Matt McGregor’s work!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | Brie definitely got more than what she bargained for. She is down on her luck, after escaping a toxic relationship. Which is why when Bradley contacted her to accept a job at Pine Ridge Homestead, she jumped at the opportunity since it provided room and board. This couple made me side eye them from the very beginning.. Bradley’s wife Grace was weird from the start & shortly after I suspected her of nonsense, he made me question his motives as well! The ending, I definitely did not see coming! Overall, this was a well written domestic thriller. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some thrillers hook you with twists. This one hooked me with pure frustration. Specifically me yelling “BRIE, NO!” like she could hear me.

Thank you to Matt McGregor and Inkubator Books. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really engaging, fast-paced read. The story moves quickly and the tension builds in that way where you keep telling yourself “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight.

Brie makes a lot of choices that had me internally screaming. Personally, I would not have believed half the things she did or followed some of the paths she took. But most of her decisions were believable enough, because we all know THAT friend. The one who trusts the wrong person, ignores the red flags, and talks themselves into the version of the story that feels easiest in the moment.

My biggest hesitation, and the reason this landed at 4 stars instead of 5, was a couple of plot points that didn’t quite hold up on closer inspection. One in particular near the end left me scratching my head and pulled me out of the story for a minute.

That said, if you like thrillers that keep you questioning who’s telling the truth and who’s manipulating the narrative, this one delivers a tense, bingeable ride.

[Tina A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Pine Ridge!
Where you’re free to feel unexpectedly unsettled, claustrophobic and trapped.
Where games, threats and deception run rampant amongst messy, morally gray, complicated, and crazy characters.
Where a heavy air of secrecy hangs over every interaction.
Where you wonder if everything is EXACTLY what your gut is telling you.

Bradley and Grace welcome Brie to their homestead after she eagerly accepts their job offer to work on their property. She’s desperate to go anywhere her controlling boyfriend, Neil, won’t be able to find her.

But the cottage isn’t the sanctuary she imagined, especially when her new boss is an eccentric author fixated on crime scenes. She stumbles across things no one was meant to see. A glutton for punishment, ‘Brie-like-the-cheese’ remains, hoping her fears will melt away so she can work long enough to earn the money she needs to get further away from Neil. But is Neil really the gravest threat?

All Her Lies is my third book by Matt McGregor from New Zealand. They have all been riveting, easy, fast-paced, twisty psychological thrillers that I can’t put down. I enjoy where McGregor takes his characters until the very end, even when they won’t listen to their own gut instincts. And this end did have a few big twists that gave me a huge wicked smile!

Favorite quote:
What would the author of a murder mystery do to me? What would the owner of an actual human skull have planned?

***I received an Advance Reader Copy from Inkubator Books via Booksprout. The thoughts expressed are my own.***

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brie MacKenzie escapes her controlling relationship and financial struggles by taking a summer job at a remote countryside homestead. At first, Pine Ridge and its owners, Grace and Bradley, seem like the perfect fresh start but as she settles in, cracks begin to appear and Brie realises she may have left one dangerous situation for another. When truths start to unravel and secrets refuse to stay buried, nothing in this story is quite what it seems.

All Her Lies is a tense, psychological thriller that kept me second-guessing from start to finish. The layers of deception slowly built an atmosphere of unease that was hard to shake. Just when I thought I figured it out, the story shifted direction again - and that exactly what I want from a good thriller.

It was a gripping read, and while the ending didn’t completely land for me, I did really enjoy the twists and turns throughout.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Lies by Matt McGregor was such a twisty read 👀

This isn’t one where you’re constantly trying to guess what’s coming next, instead, the twists just happen, and a lot of them completely caught me off guard. I actually really enjoyed that because it kept the story feeling fresh and unpredictable without overthinking it.

The plot unfolds well, gradually revealing different layers and keeping that steady tension throughout. It’s an easy one to get pulled into and just keep reading.

And the ending?! I really liked it. It’s slightly open, giving you space to make your own judgement but at the same time, it explains enough that you’re not left confused or questioning everything (which I appreciated!).

Overall, a gripping, fast-paced thriller with plenty of unexpected moments.

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

This was the third book I’ve read from Matt McGregor and as usual, I flew through it and couldn't put it down! It was giving Verity vibes at some points, but man oh man was “Brie-like-the-cheese” a gullible goof. I was yelling at her literally the ENTIRE book. BUT, I loved the twists and thought the book was great!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

For readers who love a twisty psychological thriller with a touch of domestic drama, All Her Lies by Matt McGregor is one that will feel both familiar and addictive in equal measure.

We meet Brie (yes, “Brie-like-the-cheese”), a woman on the cusp of reinvention. Freshly single after leaving her boyfriend Neil and newly thirty, she’s determined to take control of her life and embrace her independence. So when a job opportunity pops up at a university campus working at a house called Pine Ridge with free accommodation included Brie jumps at the chance. No questions asked. And if you’re anything like me and a seasoned thriller reader, you’ll already be sensing those early warning bells ringing.

From the outset, this novel gave me strong vibes of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, blended with the dark, tangled relationships found in Verity by Colleen Hoover. It’s that delicious mix of unease, secrets, and morally grey characters that keeps the pages turning.

At Pine Ridge, Brie becomes entangled in the lives of Grace, a successful author, and her husband Bradley, a university professor. It doesn’t take long before things begin to feel… off. Strange occurrences escalate, and Brie becomes increasingly convinced that Grace may be trying to harm her. But in true psychological thriller fashion, nothing is ever quite as it seems.

Then comes the inevitable complication when Brie and Bradley cross a line, and suddenly the tension ramps up tenfold. With betrayal, suspicion, and shifting loyalties in play, it becomes clear that revenge is simmering just beneath the surface. And when Grace turns up dead, the stakes skyrocket.

While parts of the storyline may feel predictable for avid thriller readers especially given how popular this trope has become lately , there’s still plenty of intrigue to keep you hooked. The pacing is sharp, the drama is high, and the characters are flawed in all the best ways.

Now, with Grace gone, Bradley appears to have found the perfect scapegoat. But Brie isn’t the kind of woman willing to sacrifice her hard-won freedom especially not for a murder she didn’t commit. The question is: will she outplay him, or will she become just another victim in a house full of lies?

If you’re after a fast-paced, drama-fuelled read with plenty of tension and a satisfying dose of suspicion, All Her Lies is well worth adding to your TBR.

[Georgia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A claustrophobic, "out of the frying pan" nightmare.
I’m a sucker for a "fresh start gone wrong" thriller, and All Her Lies delivers exactly that with a side of suffocating smoke.
We’ve all seen the trope where a woman flees a toxic relationship only to land in something worse, but McGregor adds a ticking clock that actually feels urgent. Brie is desperate—drowning in debt and running from a controlling ex—so when she takes a job at the remote Pine Ridge Homestead, you’re already screaming at her to turn the car around.
What I Loved:
• The Atmosphere: The wildfires closing in weren't just a background detail; they acted as a physical wall that made the "locked room" mystery feel ten times more intense. The heat and the smoke were visceral.
• The "Perfect" Couple: Grace and Bradley are masterclasses in "creepy-polite." The way McGregor peels back their layers from "saviors" to "predators" was genuinely unsettling. The veiled threats felt more dangerous than outright violence.
• The Pawn Dynamic: Seeing Brie realize she wasn't just an employee but a piece in a pre-planned game made for a great mid-book pivot.
My Gripes:
• The "Vanished Girl" Trope: The subplot about the girl who disappeared years ago felt a bit "paint-by-numbers" for the genre. I saw the connection coming a few chapters before the reveal, which took a little sting out of the tail.
• Brie’s Decision-Making: I know, I know—it’s a thriller—but there were one or two moments where Brie ignored massive red flags that even the most desperate person would have bolted from.
The Verdict: It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes read that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you liked The Guest List or anything where the setting is just as much a villain as the characters, you’ll dig this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candice E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Inkubator Books, for providing this e-book ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A suspenseful thriller which begs the question: how well do you know your employers?

Matt McGregor’s book All Her Lies is based upon Brie MacKenzie, who is trying to escape her controlling ex-boyfriend and start a new life for herself. With an accumulation of debt and limited options, she starts her employment at the rural Pine Ridge Homestead, owned by Bradley, an English professor, and his wife Grace, a struggling but famous writer. As Brie discovers that a previous tenant disappeared, will she unravel her employers’ secrets in time, or will she become another character in Grace’s book?

I enjoyed the writing style of the book; succinct, fast-flowing, with unnecessary filler. The storyline kept me engaged and guessing; Matt McGregor understands how to lead a reader in one direction, then deviates to a completely different notion. I felt the character development built over the latter part of the book, which started to unfold for the reader, the initial perception of someone versus who they really are. For the ending, I reserve hope for some of the characters involved.

4/5 - Overall Recommendation
I really enjoyed the book, between the character development, the various directions of the plot, and the narrative of Brie. The premise of the story was suspenseful, and I felt claustrophobic alongside Brie in the cabin, and I felt the constant stress and anxiety she experienced as she came across more clues and information.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller that is both engaging and a somewhat anxiety-ridden read.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - April 12, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- isolated setting
- secrets and lies
- manipulative characters
- psychological mind games
- survival thriller
- woman revenge energy

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Brie is desperate for a fresh start when she takes a remote summer job at Pine Ridge. The place feels peaceful at first, but the couple who own the property, Grace and Bradley, hide far too many secrets. Strange rules, tense conversations, and the feeling of always being watched slowly turn the quiet retreat into something much darker. As the truth begins to unravel, Brie realizes she might already be trapped inside a dangerous game of manipulation and lies.
This book completely pulled me in from the first chapters. The atmosphere felt tense and mysterious the entire time, and I loved how every chapter slowly revealed another secret. The setting felt so isolated and eerie, which made the suspense even stronger. I kept feeling like something bad was about to happen and the tension never dropped.
The characters were messy, complicated, and full of secrets, which made the story even more addictive. I especially loved the psychological mind games happening between the characters.
The twists were honestly so good. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, another reveal changed everything. The final part had such a strong woman-revenge vibe and it made the ending feel powerful & satisfying.
This was such a gripping psychological thriller. The suspense, the secrets, and the dark atmosphere made this story incredibly entertaining. It gave me major Freida McFadden, Nicola Sanders and John Marrs vibe and I absolutely loved it.
Thank you zooloosbooktours & Inkubator Books for the ARC!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Lies is the kind of psychological thriller that creeps under your skin before you even realise it, tightening its grip page by page. Brie MacKenzie is a heroine you can’t help but root for—worn down, cornered, and desperate for a way out, yet still carrying that flicker of hope that things might finally change. When she arrives at Pine Ridge Homestead, you feel that same breath of relief she does… and the slow, dawning dread when the cracks begin to show.

The setting is wonderfully unsettling: remote, sun‑bleached, and humming with the kind of silence that feels like it’s listening. Grace and Bradley present themselves as the perfect couple, but the veneer slips quickly, revealing locked doors, whispered warnings, and a history that refuses to stay buried. The tension builds with a steady, deliberate pace, the kind that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop.

As Brie uncovers the truth, the story shifts into a sharp, claustrophobic nightmare—wildfires closing in, escape routes vanishing, and the horrifying realisation that she’s been chosen for a role she never agreed to play. The sense of entrapment is palpable, and the final act unfolds with a breathless urgency that left me racing through the pages.

Fans of Freida McFadden and John Marrs will feel right at home here. All Her Lies is chilling, addictive, and cleverly constructed—a story about control, survival, and the terrifying lengths people will go to when they believe they hold all the power. A gripping read from start to finish.

with thanks to Matt McGregor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Mo Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Lies had a really intriguing premise, and I was immediately on edge with the isolated setting and the underlying sense of unease that runs throughout the story. The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest elements, and it was easy to picture the environment and the tension building within it.

There are plenty of twists woven through the narrative, which kept the story moving at a good pace and added to the overall sense of unpredictability. It’s the kind of book that keeps you curious about what might happen next. While the writing style was clear and easy to follow, I didn’t always feel fully immersed in the story, which meant some of the more intense moments didn’t land quite as strongly for me.

Some of the twists leaned more into “wait, what?” territory and didn’t always feel fully convincing. The pacing could feel a little uneven at times, particularly where developments moved quite quickly. That said, the core idea is a strong one, and I can definitely see the appeal for readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with lots of dramatic turns. Overall, an atmospheric and engaging read with a compelling premise, even if it didn’t fully come together for me.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Lies is a fast paced thriller full of lies, deception, and manipulation.
Brie is really going through some things in this story. Fresh out of a relationship that she's running from, living out of her car, she is in desperate need of a job when finally, the call that she has been waiting for comes in. A job that she applied for has come through and she's lucky enough that it comes with a live in position. On her last fumes of gas, she arrives at her destination to meet her new bosses. What she ends up finding though, is herself entangled in lies, threats, and a game of manipulation from both the husband and the wife.
Brie's character confused me at times. She came across as this, "I'm not a home wrecker" type of girl, as she proceeds to wreck the home., turning a blind eye to everything unfolding right before her. I also couldn't understand why she was running from Neil. He didn't seem like a bad person. He seemed to genuinely love her. Just... her decision making process confused me right up until the end and made me not like her character. Aside from that, I thought the story was pretty well written and full of intrigue to keep you reading.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

#AllHerLies

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this novel.

A Spiraling Mystery That Keeps You Guessing

This fast-paced thriller is a complex web of deceit, mystery, and high-stakes intrigue that will have you glued to the pages. While I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, I genuinely enjoyed the twists and turns of the storyline, even though at times it felt like a lot was happening.

The narrative centers on Brie, a protagonist desperately trying to escape a dangerous situation, only to find herself immediately ensnared in a new, equally twisted one after accepting a seemingly simple job. The core of the novel lies in the twisted games she inadvertently becomes a part of and the chilling truth that she begins to uncover. The central mystery expertly poses the question: What kind of elaborate deceptions has Brie stepped into, and how deeply will she become tangled in the lies of others? The plot is dense and action-packed, making it a thrilling read for fans who love a mystery with a high body count and non-stop momentum.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Lies by Matt McGregor is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that blurs the line between a serious psychological thriller and dark satire. All Her Lies seems to have hit that sweet spot of "accidental satire"—where the characters are so suspicious, and the drama is so high-stakes that it circles back around to being fun. There is something uniquely entertaining about a book that manages to be tense and uneasy while simultaneously being so over-the-top that you can't help but giggle.
Centred on the desperate Brie MacKenzie as she flees a controlling relationship only to stumble into a "twisted game" at a remote homestead, the novel thrives on a constant sense of unease.
While the protagonist’s tendency to ignore her survival instincts can be frustrating, the easy-to-follow multi-POV structure and the lack of jumping timelines make for a smooth, engaging read.
With a plot that balances chilling truths with "giggle-worthy" melodrama, it delivers a dense, mystery-filled experience that leaves the door wide open for a sequel. A satisfying, 4-star "madhouse" of a mystery.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.

This is a psychological thriller. I remembered enjoying a previous book by this author, so I was excited to read this one as well.

The protagonist is Brie, who has accepted a job at Pine Ridge, working for married couple Bradley and Grace. She's taken the job to help her get away from things for a while, but she has no idea how much everything is about to change…

I connected with Brie through her narrative and found it thought-provoking in some ways. Bradley and Grace were the type of characters that messed with my head; especially Bradley; I was never sure of his intentions.

The book was fast-paced, with an atmosphere that was very present on the page. It was surprising and full of twists, particularly in the latter part of the story. I never knew what to expect next, and after I finished it, I needed a moment to come back to reality.

Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: All Her Lies
Author: Matt McGregor
Publisher: @inkubatorbooks
Pages: 331
Genre: Physiological Thriller
Release Date: 12th April 2026
Format I Read: Digital/Ebook

💭 My Thoughts 💭

All Her Lies was an intense, suspenseful and wild ride. It is full of lies so many that you really don’t know who you can trust or where the truth begins.

Brie (like the cheese) is struggling in a really awful relationship has no money and sleeping in her car when the advert for a job at Pine Ridge seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. I enjoyed Brie as a character for the most part although sometimes she really frustrated me with her decisions. She seemed such an intelligent young woman who surely would have seen past so many things. Grace and Bradley were wonderful occupants of the big secluded house. They are Such a dynamic duo I loved their weird marriage never knowing who I could trust.

Matt has written a wonderful novel of proper deception and unreliable narrators. It was such a ride and it’s one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again.

Jessica’s Bookshelf Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



✨ Thankyou so much to @zooloosbooktours @inkubatorbooks and Matt McGregor for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review ✨

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free advance reading copy via Netgalley. Thank you to Matt McGregor and InkubatorBooks. This review is being left voluntarily and the opinions are my own. 

What a rollercoaster of a ride that was! 

I started this one and it felt strangely similar to the Housemaid but it quickly took its own turns and came into its own!

We meet Brie (like the cheese) who is desperately looking for a job and somewhere to live. She takes a live-in job working for Bradley, a college professor, and Grace, a crime author. 

From the moment she moves in things feel off and it is not long before her life starts to feel like it should be on the pages of a book. 

Brie had me so mad because why are you being so naive and trusting with people you don't know!? 

This book had interconnecting layers which as they were revealed made it suspenseful and an absolute page turner. 

I half guessed one of the big twists but it actually didn't take away from my enjoyement as this book was just so good! 

I would recommend, especially if you enjoyed the Housemaid or if you just love a suspenful read!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the plot and it kept me wanting to read and find out what would happen next. I enjoyed the author's writing style. I also very much appreciated that the ending left room for a sequel. I asked for an arc for this book because the description said that readers of Frieda McFadden would enjoy this book. This was definitely the case, and yet I felt like the plot line was too close to McFadden's The Housemaid, particularly in the first half of the book. The twist near the end was predictable, although maybe that's because I've read so many thrillers. Also, I would've loved to see this book end with chapter 63; I felt like that would've been a better cliffhanger than the actual ending. Overall, it was a good read, but maybe give it some time if you've recently read the housemaid. Wish I could give half stars because this was a 3.5 for me.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really intrigued by All Her Lies—I’m always drawn to stories built around unreliable narrators (especially when there’s more than one) and the challenge of figuring out who to trust.

The novel centres on Brie—“like the cheese”—as she attempts to rebuild her life after answering a ‘help wanted’ ad. There are plenty of twists along the way, along with a cast of thoroughly dislikeable characters that keep things entertaining. That said, the relationships develop at such a warp-speed pace that it sometimes undermines the story’s believability. While I don’t expect thrillers to be entirely realistic, a few moments tipped into feeling a bit far-fetched.

The narrative voice is lively and engaging, but the ending left me slightly frustrated. It felt abrupt—so much so that I went back to check I hadn’t skipped a page.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable, easy read—ideal for a lazy afternoon or a quiet night in, and likely to appeal to fans of Freida McFadden.

[La · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Advanced Readers e-Copy from NetGalley of All Her Lies by Matt McGregor

Well, what can I say about this one? I would have never guessed that ending, never! How?! I even had to go back and re-read chapters to make sure I didn’t miss anything. 😂 This one will definitely stay on my mind for a while.

Brie leaves her life behind to start fresh and takes a job working on land owned by Bradley (a professor) and his wife Grace (an author). But things quickly get strange. Grace gives her wrong instructions, acts oddly, and even gives her something that could be poison.

Bradley and Brie grow close, but it becomes clear this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Brie discovers a list of 52 names, and hers is on it. Grace has been keeping track.

And when Grace knows… that’s when everything really goes crazy. So many twists and shocking moments! It’s like a season of Days of Our Lives! 😂

[Andrea Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy from NetGalley*

This book just didn't pan out for me. The main character, Brie, is naive and unlikeable. Despite the fact that she shows a level of self-awareness, she still falls back into the same patterns almost immediately upon arriving at Grace & Bradley's place. She is wildly unreasonable through the course of the book and her actions simply don't make sense. The writing is choppy and it feels like there were important conversations that were had off page leading to confusion about some of the things discussed on page. There's zero build up and no tension. No chemistry between any of the characters. The "twist" at the end was predictable despite all of the characters being unreliable. The book is mostly repetitive dialogue that doesn't really add to the plot. Nothing about this book was shocking, which is a disappointment when it comes to reading a thriller. I was really hoping for more.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brie is getting away from a boyfriend and down on her luck. She takes a summer job at a remote place, with isolation vibes. Her employers, are weird creepy people. Another person has disappeared from the property in the past, Seems like this fresh start is a bad decision. There are some twists and turns in the story. Reminds me of Verity by Hoover, McFadden's housemaid vibes and maybe a little Natalie Barelli thrown in. Brie is that character that ignores red flags and may not be thinking all that wisely. The tension and suspense kept me reading the story, and I was trying to figure out what the outcome would be. Chapters are short, the story is entertaining, and I certainly didn't figure out the ending and also makes me wonder if there is another book coming. I will be reading some more books by the author, just recently bought two more of his books. Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description
Drowning in debt and desperate to escape her controlling boyfriend, Brie MacKenzie jumps at a summer job at Pine Ridge Homestead. When Brie uncovers the couple’s dark secret, she understands they have brought her here to be a pawn in their twisted games. Brie wanted to start over. But not like this.

Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire.. Brie, baby girl, those red flags were were flying higher than Snoop Dog. But you just kept rationalizing the the most unbelievable. Great story with fast building intensity. It will keep your turning the pages way past your bedtime.

Highly recommend you get your copy on the release date of April 12 2026. Looking forward to reading more from Matt McGregor

Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book said fresh start and immediately said “just kidding.” 😏🔥

Brie takes a job at a remote homestead to escape her controlling boyfriend… but the couple who hired her? Off. Locked doors, quiet threats, and whispers about a missing girl had me instantly on edge. 👀

Then the wildfires roll in, cutting off escape, and suddenly the tension is thick, hot, and suffocating. Brie realizes she didn’t find freedom—she walked straight into something far worse.

Brie is scrappy and easy to root for, while Grace and Bradley are unsettling in that calm, controlled way that makes everything feel dangerous. The writing builds a steady, claustrophobic tension that keeps you hooked.

✨ Dark, twisty, and uncomfortably tense—this one pulls you in and doesn’t let go..
m.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reeling at what I have just read.
Brie has left her controlling boyfriend, and just fallen in love with another controlling guy.
But get this, she falls for every tale he tells her. And he is married to a woman who is unbelievably cruel to Brie. Like the cheese.

Brie is supposed to be an independent woman, who has cared for her dying mother and supported them both, and then gone to university to study and also graduated.
So I don't know how she could have fallen for all the lies - desperate? Or just greedy because she wanted the good life?
Also, being a 'good' person, she excused him for his wrong doing?

Ah well.

The twist is good. But I did suspect that exact scenario.

3/5 from me.

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m an avid thriller reader — I once read more than 10 of Freida McFadden’s books in less than a month, and I agree that her fans will enjoy this tense story about a young woman with nowhere to go who becomes entangled with a rich, eccentric couple. (The setup reminded me of McFadden’s the Housemaid, but the plot took its own turns from there.)

One of my favorite tropes in thrillers is the writer with writer’s block who will do anything to get some words on the page, and Grace’s character really delivered in this department. Overall I found this book to be very well paced, and I finished it quickly, wanting to know how everything would come together. A quick and satisfying read.

[Hannah Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Zooloosbooktours and Inkubator Books for the advance copy.

This was my first Matt McGregor read and it won’t be my last! The plot drew me in to a web of twists, turns, and lies immediately.

Set in a rural location with wildfires closing in, McGregor creates a chillingly claustrophobic setting which is cleverly mirrored in the controlling relationships among the characters.

Our main character, Brie, is looking for a clean slate and a fresh start but is quickly pulled into a dark and twisted game of cat and mouse. She’s a character who makes some fatal flaws along the way but you can’t help but hope that she gets her fresh start and second chance in life.

I sped through this book as the fast-paced storyline kept me wondering what the next surprise would be. It’s a cleverly constructed thriller full of action which explores themes of control, power, and what a human will do to survive the seemingly unsurvivable.