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Thunderbird
For years, Roma Becker lived by one rule: never go back.
Not to the trailer park.
Not to the memories.
Not to the girl she used to be.
She spent her life becoming someone else—careful, composed, untouchable. But when the man accused of murdering her mother is sent to a psychiatric facility instead of death row, Roma’s carefully ordered life begins to fracture.
Because Roma has never truly been alone in her own mind.
Thunderbird—the fierce, buried part of herself forged by childhood trauma and sharpened by rage—wants what Roma has never allowed herself to revenge.
Taking a job inside the institution may bring Roma closer to the truth about her mother’s death. It may also bring her closer to the darkest parts of herself.
As old memories rise and control begins to slip, Roma must confront a terrifying possibility:
Thunderbird may be the only one strong enough to finish this.
And once she does, Roma may be gone for good.
Not to the trailer park.
Not to the memories.
Not to the girl she used to be.
She spent her life becoming someone else—careful, composed, untouchable. But when the man accused of murdering her mother is sent to a psychiatric facility instead of death row, Roma’s carefully ordered life begins to fracture.
Because Roma has never truly been alone in her own mind.
Thunderbird—the fierce, buried part of herself forged by childhood trauma and sharpened by rage—wants what Roma has never allowed herself to revenge.
Taking a job inside the institution may bring Roma closer to the truth about her mother’s death. It may also bring her closer to the darkest parts of herself.
As old memories rise and control begins to slip, Roma must confront a terrifying possibility:
Thunderbird may be the only one strong enough to finish this.
And once she does, Roma may be gone for good.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Matthew Scura
10 books16 followersMatthew Scura is an avid reader, writer, musician, podcast host, and business owner living in the Philadelphia suburbs. He writes for both adult and YA audiences—primarily psychological thrillers, speculative fiction and grounded fantasy.
When not with his family or writing, Matthew works for Edge of Cinema, an international video production and digital marketing agency he co-founded in 2009. He also love running, cooking, ripping the occasional Pokemon pack, working on handyman projects, and producing original music out of his home studio.
When not with his family or writing, Matthew works for Edge of Cinema, an international video production and digital marketing agency he co-founded in 2009. He also love running, cooking, ripping the occasional Pokemon pack, working on handyman projects, and producing original music out of his home studio.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 5, 2026
Roma is a young nurse who wants to work in a psychiatric hospital in order to understand the motives of Calvin- the disturbed man who killed Roma’s mother.
Roma must get answers, and she goes to extreme lengths to do it. No one can know who she REALLY is as she begins her plans for revenge. Can anyone find closure in the mess that these people created?
A novel about your past sins, and trying to build a life out of severe trauma- this is a weird one. You won’t root for anyone in this story, but you will be invested in the outcome.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Roma must get answers, and she goes to extreme lengths to do it. No one can know who she REALLY is as she begins her plans for revenge. Can anyone find closure in the mess that these people created?
A novel about your past sins, and trying to build a life out of severe trauma- this is a weird one. You won’t root for anyone in this story, but you will be invested in the outcome.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2026
When I first started reading this book, my initial thought was, “Oh no!!! A nurse who cheated her way through school?! Why?! I kept wondering what would drive her to do all of this, and it quickly became clear that she has a much darker, more diabolical side. She has a plan and she’s determined to carry it out. And Roma… what are you thinking getting involved with your friend/coworker’s FWB?!
I will say, the scene involving harm to an animal was really difficult for me to read as a cat lover. That said, this was a really strong book overall. The author has a way of pulling you in, and I truly enjoyed the ride and the main character’s journey. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will say, the scene involving harm to an animal was really difficult for me to read as a cat lover. That said, this was a really strong book overall. The author has a way of pulling you in, and I truly enjoyed the ride and the main character’s journey. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2026
The first 40% of Thunderbird was such a slow and jumbled burn I almost dnf'd it. However, I'm really stubborn and never really do that if I'm that close to the half way mark in any book.
While the plot had plenty of potential, I feel like it fell so flat. It geared up to what could have been a great bang but instead had a very disappointing ending.
It was like I read a whole story about intent, without it being properly finished...idk
While the plot had plenty of potential, I feel like it fell so flat. It geared up to what could have been a great bang but instead had a very disappointing ending.
It was like I read a whole story about intent, without it being properly finished...idk
May 1, 2026
Roma Becker has spent years trying to erase her beginnings with excessive cleaning compulsions & living her life under careful self-control. All that is threatened by the death of her mother who is murdered by serial killer, Calvin Gap & when Calvin is pronounced unfit to stand trial for his crimes, Roma vows revenge.
Her plan is to get a job at the psychiatric facility Calvin has been sent to & get close enough to kill him. This is tricky enough but Roma fears the hidden side of herself, the fierce, brutal, hedonistic Thunderbird, could take control & then all hell may be unleashed & her carefully built life would be in ruins.
This is a dark psychological thriller with a fascinating main character & taut plotting. I was glued to it until the last few chapters because personally, I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax compared to the rest of the book plus I had to skip the scene of animal cruelty/death. Other than that, I enjoyed most of it, it was definitely different, & at times I wasn't sure exactly where it was going to go. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: Good - Was glued to this one until the final few chapters. I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax compared to what had gone before.
Writing Style: OK - Overfond of using certain words & it reads very much as a male take on a female character.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - This is a good psychological thriller but certain aspects just didn't quite work for me.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Federal Pen Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
TWs:
Her plan is to get a job at the psychiatric facility Calvin has been sent to & get close enough to kill him. This is tricky enough but Roma fears the hidden side of herself, the fierce, brutal, hedonistic Thunderbird, could take control & then all hell may be unleashed & her carefully built life would be in ruins.
This is a dark psychological thriller with a fascinating main character & taut plotting. I was glued to it until the last few chapters because personally, I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax compared to the rest of the book plus I had to skip the scene of animal cruelty/death. Other than that, I enjoyed most of it, it was definitely different, & at times I wasn't sure exactly where it was going to go. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: Good - Was glued to this one until the final few chapters. I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax compared to what had gone before.
Writing Style: OK - Overfond of using certain words & it reads very much as a male take on a female character.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - This is a good psychological thriller but certain aspects just didn't quite work for me.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Federal Pen Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
TWs:
April 28, 2026
This story was a rollercoaster. I enjoyed this revenge tale more than I thought I would. I would have preferred seeing more through Romas eyes than being told everything that's happening. I felt a big disconnect with the writing.
August 6, 2026
Book Review
Personal Copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thunderbird by Matthew Scura
Published: May 2026
Well… this book was rude.
I finished it and couldn’t decide whether I liked it or wanted to argue with the author. Usually that’s not a great sign. This time? I think it is. It has been living rent-free in my head ever since, so I’m giving it four stars… even if it’s still trying to convince me otherwise.
The beginning and I weren’t exactly best friends. I had to drag myself through it, and patience has never been one of my better personality traits.
Then there was Roma.
From the moment she appeared, I wanted to shake her. I have a personal allergy to people who fake their way through life instead of putting in the work. But then she became interesting. Because people who hide behind masks usually have something worth hiding, and I needed to know what it was.
The support group? That whole thing made my skin crawl. Every scene felt just a little… off. Uncomfortable enough to make me want to leave, but curious enough to keep turning the pages.
Once this story grabbed me, it didn’t let go. I loved being trapped inside a place that’s supposed to fix broken minds while quietly wondering if the people running the place might need the therapy more than the patients.
And then…
That ending.
Excuse me?
I was fully prepared for one last punch to the face, and instead the book simply folded its arms, stared at me, and said, “You’ll figure it out.”
The audacity.
The annoying part? It worked.
Hours later I’m still thinking about it, replaying scenes, questioning characters, and trying to decide how I actually feel. Books that leave me mentally pacing the room deserve credit, even when they refuse to give me the neat little ending my brain was begging for.
So if you’re looking for sunshine, emotional stability, and people making healthy life choices… this isn’t your stop.
But if trauma, revenge, murder, broken people, and enough psychological chaos to make you question everyone’s sanity sound like a good time… add this one to your TBR.
Personal Copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thunderbird by Matthew Scura
Published: May 2026
Well… this book was rude.
I finished it and couldn’t decide whether I liked it or wanted to argue with the author. Usually that’s not a great sign. This time? I think it is. It has been living rent-free in my head ever since, so I’m giving it four stars… even if it’s still trying to convince me otherwise.
The beginning and I weren’t exactly best friends. I had to drag myself through it, and patience has never been one of my better personality traits.
Then there was Roma.
From the moment she appeared, I wanted to shake her. I have a personal allergy to people who fake their way through life instead of putting in the work. But then she became interesting. Because people who hide behind masks usually have something worth hiding, and I needed to know what it was.
The support group? That whole thing made my skin crawl. Every scene felt just a little… off. Uncomfortable enough to make me want to leave, but curious enough to keep turning the pages.
Once this story grabbed me, it didn’t let go. I loved being trapped inside a place that’s supposed to fix broken minds while quietly wondering if the people running the place might need the therapy more than the patients.
And then…
That ending.
Excuse me?
I was fully prepared for one last punch to the face, and instead the book simply folded its arms, stared at me, and said, “You’ll figure it out.”
The audacity.
The annoying part? It worked.
Hours later I’m still thinking about it, replaying scenes, questioning characters, and trying to decide how I actually feel. Books that leave me mentally pacing the room deserve credit, even when they refuse to give me the neat little ending my brain was begging for.
So if you’re looking for sunshine, emotional stability, and people making healthy life choices… this isn’t your stop.
But if trauma, revenge, murder, broken people, and enough psychological chaos to make you question everyone’s sanity sound like a good time… add this one to your TBR.
May 9, 2026
• ARC RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR •
This book completely consumed me from beginning to end. The atmosphere was dark, haunting, and emotionally intense in a way that made it impossible to stop thinking about. Roma was such a compelling character and watching her unravel while confronting the trauma and rage she spent years burying was absolutely captivating.
The psychological tension throughout the story was incredible. Thunderbird added such a chilling and fascinating layer to the narrative, and the constant battle between survival, revenge, and identity kept me completely hooked. Every memory that resurfaced and every crack in Roma’s control made the story feel heavier and more addictive.
I loved how raw and emotionally charged this book felt. It explored trauma and grief in such a brutal but beautiful way, and the writing pulled me so deeply into Roma’s mind that I felt every ounce of her anger and pain. I really didn’t want the book to end!
This book completely consumed me from beginning to end. The atmosphere was dark, haunting, and emotionally intense in a way that made it impossible to stop thinking about. Roma was such a compelling character and watching her unravel while confronting the trauma and rage she spent years burying was absolutely captivating.
The psychological tension throughout the story was incredible. Thunderbird added such a chilling and fascinating layer to the narrative, and the constant battle between survival, revenge, and identity kept me completely hooked. Every memory that resurfaced and every crack in Roma’s control made the story feel heavier and more addictive.
I loved how raw and emotionally charged this book felt. It explored trauma and grief in such a brutal but beautiful way, and the writing pulled me so deeply into Roma’s mind that I felt every ounce of her anger and pain. I really didn’t want the book to end!
April 26, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and I was so excited! This was my first ARC and it was so much fun! Thank you again to Matthew Scura!!
Roma and her mother have been alone all their life. Her mother has done everything she can to provide for Roma, legally and not so legally.. Roma is determined to be different, to leave the trailer park, make something of herself.
However, Roma’s life is turned upside down when her mother’s life is taken by a mass murderer. Anger, grief, frustration and sadness spew as Roma waits for his trial. Will he be sentenced? Will he be seen fit to stand trial? Will Roma and the other victims receive justice?
How far would you go to ensure justice is served? Is there a difference between justice and revenge?
This book poses the question: how well do you really know yourself?
This book had me on my toes. I received it today and just could not put it down!!! Twist after twist!! I thought I knew exactly how this book was going to end, but boy was I wrong. The ending definitely caught me off guard!!! This book will have you questioning everyone, including yourself. This book is filled with suspense, psychological themes and a little spice. I would love to read a second book to get an ending for all the characters and see what Roma has become…
If you’re thinking about reading this book, definitely do!
Thank you Matthew for this Arc, I have and will be recommending it to friends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Roma and her mother have been alone all their life. Her mother has done everything she can to provide for Roma, legally and not so legally.. Roma is determined to be different, to leave the trailer park, make something of herself.
However, Roma’s life is turned upside down when her mother’s life is taken by a mass murderer. Anger, grief, frustration and sadness spew as Roma waits for his trial. Will he be sentenced? Will he be seen fit to stand trial? Will Roma and the other victims receive justice?
How far would you go to ensure justice is served? Is there a difference between justice and revenge?
This book poses the question: how well do you really know yourself?
This book had me on my toes. I received it today and just could not put it down!!! Twist after twist!! I thought I knew exactly how this book was going to end, but boy was I wrong. The ending definitely caught me off guard!!! This book will have you questioning everyone, including yourself. This book is filled with suspense, psychological themes and a little spice. I would love to read a second book to get an ending for all the characters and see what Roma has become…
If you’re thinking about reading this book, definitely do!
Thank you Matthew for this Arc, I have and will be recommending it to friends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2026
Roma Becker, the protagonist in the new novel “Thunderbird” is a piece of work. Or a nutjob. Who wouldn’t be after your mother was murdered by Calvin Gay, a serial killer who also killed 80 women. Her “tribe,” the Love Hug, comprised of other women who lost someone to the same killer, stand together in their common grief.
But Roma is more complex. She is on one hand a competent nurse, on the other hand a woman split in two between her upward mobility daily self and a dark, twisted soul she calls the “bird” or Thunderbird after her prostitute of a mother who chugged Thunderbird wine with great regularity. She abhors her lower class upbringing, cleans her apartment fanatically or hours until it is spotless. Constantly monitoring her own behavior to be sure she is perceived as upwardly mobile and sane, her emotions constantly roil as she fights the bird for control of her behavior. When it slips, when her mask is down, there is hell to pay especially by men.
The two of them, her bright efficient self and the bird, her darkest companion, plan Calvin’s murder with fully committed fanaticism following a judge’s ruling that Calvin is mentally incompetent to stand trial and instead commits him to psychiatric care. When and if he is ruled mentally competent, then he can be tried for his crimes. That ruling cements Roma’s plan: gain entry to the facility where Calvin will be treated in order for her to kill him.
Roma manages to find out where Calvin is being committed, fakes a competent background for her light psychiatric hospital resume, uses multiple cell phones to answer multiple phony background endorsements. Once accepted for employment, she weasels her way onto the tight medical team that will help Calvin undo years of prescription meds and respond to therapy. Awaiting Calvin is the morphine that Roma stole from her previous hospital, a syringe to inject him with a killer dose, and plans for how she will get away with it.
Here is where the problem occurs. After all this buildup, there’s a twist ending well in keeping with the direction of the book but the novel fails to stick the landing. You expect a socko finish in keeping with all that has gone before, but after all this buildup, her scheming and planning, the book fails to deliver. It provides a clear path in terms of the twist, but what we get is a concept for the future when we’re hoping for a Sunday punch. If it is a cliffhanger for a next book, it’s a cheap way out and a big disappointment.
Nonetheless, it’s a good read, clever, fiendish in the ways that Roma ducks and dodges every effort to thwart her deadly quest. It’s only too bad the payoff was not stronger.
But Roma is more complex. She is on one hand a competent nurse, on the other hand a woman split in two between her upward mobility daily self and a dark, twisted soul she calls the “bird” or Thunderbird after her prostitute of a mother who chugged Thunderbird wine with great regularity. She abhors her lower class upbringing, cleans her apartment fanatically or hours until it is spotless. Constantly monitoring her own behavior to be sure she is perceived as upwardly mobile and sane, her emotions constantly roil as she fights the bird for control of her behavior. When it slips, when her mask is down, there is hell to pay especially by men.
The two of them, her bright efficient self and the bird, her darkest companion, plan Calvin’s murder with fully committed fanaticism following a judge’s ruling that Calvin is mentally incompetent to stand trial and instead commits him to psychiatric care. When and if he is ruled mentally competent, then he can be tried for his crimes. That ruling cements Roma’s plan: gain entry to the facility where Calvin will be treated in order for her to kill him.
Roma manages to find out where Calvin is being committed, fakes a competent background for her light psychiatric hospital resume, uses multiple cell phones to answer multiple phony background endorsements. Once accepted for employment, she weasels her way onto the tight medical team that will help Calvin undo years of prescription meds and respond to therapy. Awaiting Calvin is the morphine that Roma stole from her previous hospital, a syringe to inject him with a killer dose, and plans for how she will get away with it.
Here is where the problem occurs. After all this buildup, there’s a twist ending well in keeping with the direction of the book but the novel fails to stick the landing. You expect a socko finish in keeping with all that has gone before, but after all this buildup, her scheming and planning, the book fails to deliver. It provides a clear path in terms of the twist, but what we get is a concept for the future when we’re hoping for a Sunday punch. If it is a cliffhanger for a next book, it’s a cheap way out and a big disappointment.
Nonetheless, it’s a good read, clever, fiendish in the ways that Roma ducks and dodges every effort to thwart her deadly quest. It’s only too bad the payoff was not stronger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was given this ARC of Thunderbird by Matthew Scura from NetGalley and Federal Pen Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say I enjoyed this book and would give it a solid 3.75 Stars. Going into it I think that the cover should be reconsidered since it's set in a very modern day environment. By the cover and the dated nurses uniform I was expecting it to be from the 1940' to the 60's and that was way off! As much as I really like the cover it doesn't suit the story's era.
I enjoyed getting to know Roma the protagonist in this novel and the other characters as well, it was easy to envision it all. I like that there is a mystery to to Roma and her odd / OCD / irrational behaviors and how there's always more to her than meets the eye. It's what drives you through this read rather effortlessly. That air of mystery also makes it impossible to know what might happen next and that is WONDERFUL!! Nothing kills it for me like a predictable story line and this is definitely not predictable!!
I didn't care for the over use of the word "coup" always in reference to her sinister "plan" or "scheme" but I would have liked to see it referenced with multiple options not just coup that didn't elevate dialog for me it only made it seem less exciting than it was.
Other than that it is a great story with some edginess and depth it gives closure where needed and it has an ever so slightly incomplete ending BUT it works in this book and it doesn't leave you craving more it's an oddly satisfying unknown...
So thank you to NetGally and Federal Pen Publishing for this ARC of Thunderbird! I liked it and would recommend it to my fellow readers!
I have to say I enjoyed this book and would give it a solid 3.75 Stars. Going into it I think that the cover should be reconsidered since it's set in a very modern day environment. By the cover and the dated nurses uniform I was expecting it to be from the 1940' to the 60's and that was way off! As much as I really like the cover it doesn't suit the story's era.
I enjoyed getting to know Roma the protagonist in this novel and the other characters as well, it was easy to envision it all. I like that there is a mystery to to Roma and her odd / OCD / irrational behaviors and how there's always more to her than meets the eye. It's what drives you through this read rather effortlessly. That air of mystery also makes it impossible to know what might happen next and that is WONDERFUL!! Nothing kills it for me like a predictable story line and this is definitely not predictable!!
I didn't care for the over use of the word "coup" always in reference to her sinister "plan" or "scheme" but I would have liked to see it referenced with multiple options not just coup that didn't elevate dialog for me it only made it seem less exciting than it was.
Other than that it is a great story with some edginess and depth it gives closure where needed and it has an ever so slightly incomplete ending BUT it works in this book and it doesn't leave you craving more it's an oddly satisfying unknown...
So thank you to NetGally and Federal Pen Publishing for this ARC of Thunderbird! I liked it and would recommend it to my fellow readers!
May 12, 2026
This book started like a steam train and I was immediately intrigued by main character Roma and her mission for revenge against her mother's killer.
It is clear early on that Roma has some serious issues, ranging from OCD to extreme self-esteem issues. That's before we even get onto her supressed personality, Thunderbird, which becomes increasingly prominent as the story progresses.
This was an intense, dark and gripping read and I would have easily finished it in one sitting if those silly life responsibilities hadn't gotten in the way. As much as I wanted to know what was going to happen, I was enjoying the story so much that I didn't really want it to end.
The narrative was already interesting enough but it really stepped up a gear when we started to get an insight into Roma's target, serial killer Calvin.
There was so much jeopardy as the book neared its conclusion and I was on edge in anticipation of what was going to happen. At that point, how it ended was going to decide whether it would be a mere 5-star read or would ascend to my book hall of fame.
Was the ending perfect? Probably not but it was definitely fitting for what had gone before and there was enough left unsaid to give the reader something to think about well after the book is closed.
This is my second Matthew Scura book after biotechnology thriller Evolution Bay. Two excellent offerings from very different genres and so this author is definitely firmly on my autoread list.
It is clear early on that Roma has some serious issues, ranging from OCD to extreme self-esteem issues. That's before we even get onto her supressed personality, Thunderbird, which becomes increasingly prominent as the story progresses.
This was an intense, dark and gripping read and I would have easily finished it in one sitting if those silly life responsibilities hadn't gotten in the way. As much as I wanted to know what was going to happen, I was enjoying the story so much that I didn't really want it to end.
The narrative was already interesting enough but it really stepped up a gear when we started to get an insight into Roma's target, serial killer Calvin.
There was so much jeopardy as the book neared its conclusion and I was on edge in anticipation of what was going to happen. At that point, how it ended was going to decide whether it would be a mere 5-star read or would ascend to my book hall of fame.
Was the ending perfect? Probably not but it was definitely fitting for what had gone before and there was enough left unsaid to give the reader something to think about well after the book is closed.
This is my second Matthew Scura book after biotechnology thriller Evolution Bay. Two excellent offerings from very different genres and so this author is definitely firmly on my autoread list.
May 7, 2026
Today I read Thunderbird by Matthew Scura.
“Calvin Gap had murdered eighty-six women. He wasn't a serial killer-he was a walking genocide.” …..M. Scura
Calvin skirts prison by being sent to a psychiatric institution until he can stand trial. Roma, a nurse with her own suitcase of mental health issues gets a job there, having hidden the fact that her mother was one of his victims. Roma has a reckless alter-ego named after her mother’s choice of alcohol, Thunderbird. There is a support group of women whose family members were also killed by Calvin. And a whole cast of folks easily recognizable as people who work long hours for bad pay.
As a retired RN with many years of psychiatric nursing I knew I had to check it out. It’s chock full of tension, anxiety, twists, darkness, layers, and an overall feeling of “what the heck am I reading” and “where will this go?.” No option to make it a slow read. The need to know is strong with this one.
I absolutely recommend this book to lovers of thrillers, psychological thrillers, psychological horror, or anyone wanting a little peak into those hospitals that always have the really long driveways and big fences around them.
I was able to read this as an advanced copy from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
“Calvin Gap had murdered eighty-six women. He wasn't a serial killer-he was a walking genocide.” …..M. Scura
Calvin skirts prison by being sent to a psychiatric institution until he can stand trial. Roma, a nurse with her own suitcase of mental health issues gets a job there, having hidden the fact that her mother was one of his victims. Roma has a reckless alter-ego named after her mother’s choice of alcohol, Thunderbird. There is a support group of women whose family members were also killed by Calvin. And a whole cast of folks easily recognizable as people who work long hours for bad pay.
As a retired RN with many years of psychiatric nursing I knew I had to check it out. It’s chock full of tension, anxiety, twists, darkness, layers, and an overall feeling of “what the heck am I reading” and “where will this go?.” No option to make it a slow read. The need to know is strong with this one.
I absolutely recommend this book to lovers of thrillers, psychological thrillers, psychological horror, or anyone wanting a little peak into those hospitals that always have the really long driveways and big fences around them.
I was able to read this as an advanced copy from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 25, 2026
I really enjoyed the mental health aspects in the book. The insight into trauma, mental illness, and the characters' psychological struggles felt thoughtful and believable, and that was easily my favourite part of the book, especially the hint towards Roma's own implicated disorder.
The story itself started off strong and did a great job building tension albeit being a bit slow. It felt like everything was leading to a huge twist and I kept expecting a major climax but unfortunately, the story fizzled out. It felt like the story just stopped. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions like what happened to Calvin and the Love Hug group? What happened to Roma, did she stay working at the asylum? What happened with her old job? And what about Jeanie's partner? Surely he would notice she's missing and start looking for her? Sadly there was a lot of missed potential opportunities for plot twists especially since it's a thriller.
If this turns out to be the first book in a series, then I think the ending works great as a cliffhanger and setup for what's to come. In that case, I'd be very interested in picking up the next book to see where these loose ends lead.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself started off strong and did a great job building tension albeit being a bit slow. It felt like everything was leading to a huge twist and I kept expecting a major climax but unfortunately, the story fizzled out. It felt like the story just stopped. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions like what happened to Calvin and the Love Hug group? What happened to Roma, did she stay working at the asylum? What happened with her old job? And what about Jeanie's partner? Surely he would notice she's missing and start looking for her? Sadly there was a lot of missed potential opportunities for plot twists especially since it's a thriller.
If this turns out to be the first book in a series, then I think the ending works great as a cliffhanger and setup for what's to come. In that case, I'd be very interested in picking up the next book to see where these loose ends lead.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2026
I struggled with whether this would be a 4 or 5 star review so let’s realistically call it a 4.5.
There were at least 5 typo errors that consistently pulled me out of the story. Beyond that, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was well paced. I would have enjoyed more time getting to know Calvin’s story a bit more, that part felt rushed. However, I also appreciated that this was a story about Roma’s journey and Calvin didn’t really matter as much as the reader may have initially thought. I was shocked when I ended up sympathizing with Calvin in the end and I was very surprised that the author was able to make me feel that way in so few chapters of Calvin’s POV. All in all, this was a pretty quick read and I spent a lot of that time mentally yelling at Roma to make better choices but also wondering what the heck she would do next. I think this could make a very interesting book club book if interested in discussing mental health.
There were at least 5 typo errors that consistently pulled me out of the story. Beyond that, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was well paced. I would have enjoyed more time getting to know Calvin’s story a bit more, that part felt rushed. However, I also appreciated that this was a story about Roma’s journey and Calvin didn’t really matter as much as the reader may have initially thought. I was shocked when I ended up sympathizing with Calvin in the end and I was very surprised that the author was able to make me feel that way in so few chapters of Calvin’s POV. All in all, this was a pretty quick read and I spent a lot of that time mentally yelling at Roma to make better choices but also wondering what the heck she would do next. I think this could make a very interesting book club book if interested in discussing mental health.
June 28, 2026
This is one of those books that's almost impossible to put down because you just have to know what the protagonist is going to do next. She's completely unpredictable, and watching her interact with the rest of the cast kept me hooked from beginning to end.
One of my favorite parts was getting to spend time inside her wonderfully twisted mind. As readers, we watch her carefully plan and carry out her revenge while maintaining the image of a kind, well-adjusted young nurse who just wants to help people. That contrast made the story even more entertaining.
Dark, clever, and packed with satisfying revenge, this was a really fun read. I loved every twisted minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my favorite parts was getting to spend time inside her wonderfully twisted mind. As readers, we watch her carefully plan and carry out her revenge while maintaining the image of a kind, well-adjusted young nurse who just wants to help people. That contrast made the story even more entertaining.
Dark, clever, and packed with satisfying revenge, this was a really fun read. I loved every twisted minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2026
When Roma learns that the man who murdered her mother and 85 other women is unfit to stand trial she leaves her job as a nurse to become a psych nurse at his hospital. Armed with a plan to kill Calvin, she works to gain the trust and respect of the other employees and patients at the hospital.
What the synopsis doesn’t tell you is that this book is about mental illness. It’s about how life can break the human spirit. And it’s about loss of control when it finally does.
I had no expectations heading into this book. And was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The characters are well written. You feel their emotions. Highly recommend.
What the synopsis doesn’t tell you is that this book is about mental illness. It’s about how life can break the human spirit. And it’s about loss of control when it finally does.
I had no expectations heading into this book. And was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The characters are well written. You feel their emotions. Highly recommend.
August 6, 2026
This book had my attention- and sadly I noticed every plot hole and mistake- such as when a character is rinsing out their milk glasses but then 2 paragraphs later the MC is still sipping from her glass. That was a super tame mistake.
The larger ones were harder to ignore.
BUT
if the ending would have been satisfying I could have overlooked them all.
the ending was not satisfying at all! I turned the page thinking surely I was mistaken and the book wasn't over. Then I thought okay, maybe it's a horrible cliffhanger- nope. The book was done.
in reality I should probably give this 2 stars, but since I spent my afternoon reading it I bumped it up to 3.
The larger ones were harder to ignore.
BUT
if the ending would have been satisfying I could have overlooked them all.
the ending was not satisfying at all! I turned the page thinking surely I was mistaken and the book wasn't over. Then I thought okay, maybe it's a horrible cliffhanger- nope. The book was done.
in reality I should probably give this 2 stars, but since I spent my afternoon reading it I bumped it up to 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thunderbird for me was a great read! I’d say 4.5 stars. A great dive into mental health treatment. The story will pull on your morality because murder is wrong. However, killing your mother’s murderer is a grey area for me. Enjoyed the intertwined characters and support group . Everyone had their secrets it seemed. My only complaint is it felt slow in the beginning. I would have liked more of the trial or skipping to more interaction with Calvin. Still a great read and such an interesting topic.
I did receive the book as an ARC for my honest opinion, which is provided above.
I did receive the book as an ARC for my honest opinion, which is provided above.
May 17, 2026
Thank you so much to Matthew Scura for the ARC of Thunderbird!
My favorite reads are about serial killers, so I was really intrigued going into this. While this book centers on a serial killer and the daughter of one of his victims, it didn’t fully click for me compared to others in the genre.
It was an easy, extremely well-written read, but I found myself wanting more detail to really elevate that thriller-esque intensity.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Trigger Warnings: This story touches on mental health issues, which may be a heavier topic for some readers.
My favorite reads are about serial killers, so I was really intrigued going into this. While this book centers on a serial killer and the daughter of one of his victims, it didn’t fully click for me compared to others in the genre.
It was an easy, extremely well-written read, but I found myself wanting more detail to really elevate that thriller-esque intensity.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Trigger Warnings: This story touches on mental health issues, which may be a heavier topic for some readers.
June 18, 2026
The story line was great…but not the writing.
First of all, I get the significance of the Thunderbird but her continuous talking to herself genuinely pissed me off. It’s just a nickname stop talking to yourself 😭
The second thing was the way he write certain things, like using the word ‘coup’ for the plan of trying to kill Calvin. I’m not sure why it irritated me so much but it did. There were so many other words that could have been used and for some reason the word ‘coup’ was in every other sentence.
First of all, I get the significance of the Thunderbird but her continuous talking to herself genuinely pissed me off. It’s just a nickname stop talking to yourself 😭
The second thing was the way he write certain things, like using the word ‘coup’ for the plan of trying to kill Calvin. I’m not sure why it irritated me so much but it did. There were so many other words that could have been used and for some reason the word ‘coup’ was in every other sentence.
May 1, 2026
This book was intense!! A dark look into a mind so twisted with delusion that he believed he was doing the world a favour. Roma was a deeply troubled woman who tried to reinvent herself after a traumatic childhood. But some traits can’t be hidden and she became undone after her Mothers tragic murder. This book was gripping, unhinged with an unsettling undertone. A must read for any psychological thriller fan.
May 28, 2026
Roma is genuinely the most unfortunate protagonist I’ve read in a while. Her luck was absolute crap. 🤣
I spent the entire book on edge watching everything spiral further out of control. The pacing is slow-burn, but the creeping psychological dread made it impossible for me to stop reading.
Not a perfect thriller, but definitely unsettling in all the right ways. I would definitely recommend if you like a slow burn read. Great concept, but I wish it was a little bit more fast paced.
I spent the entire book on edge watching everything spiral further out of control. The pacing is slow-burn, but the creeping psychological dread made it impossible for me to stop reading.
Not a perfect thriller, but definitely unsettling in all the right ways. I would definitely recommend if you like a slow burn read. Great concept, but I wish it was a little bit more fast paced.
May 17, 2026
This was an arc read and it was okay. I felt like the ending fell a little flat for me. Roma and Calvin's relationship was an interesting twist but the whole ordeal with Janie was anticlimactic. It was a little show in some places for me too.
Thunderbird herself was probably the best part for me.
Thunderbird herself was probably the best part for me.
Review of advance copy
This was my first book by Matthew Scura. I got this book as an ARC. I couldn’t put it down. It was soooo good!!! The wrong is awesome!! Keeps you entertained. Keeps you wanting to know more. Definitely recommend this book!!!
May 5, 2026
Wow. Just wow. This book is a mind warp! Prepare to have your thinking messed with a bit. This story was gripping and had me reading every opportunity that I coild get to see what was going to happen!
May 10, 2026
Wow. This was my first book by Matthew Scura, but not my last. Some minor misspellings, but nothing crazy. The psychological drama is intense, with an unexpected ending…or beginning? It would be really interesting to read a sequel!
May 25, 2026
This book was so great ! My only issue is , Is there going to be more ? I felt the end was kind of flat like the story wasn't over .
June 12, 2026
This is a great read, it hooks you from the start and you're never quite sure which way it's going to go
September 21, 2026
What!?
Where's the ending?? I don't like how this ended with the reader having to complete. Ok book in my opinion.
Where's the ending?? I don't like how this ended with the reader having to complete. Ok book in my opinion.
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