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The Spring
Not yet published
Expected 13 Apr 27From USA Today bestselling author Melissa Larsen comes an alluring thriller set in Northern California, in which a young woman must infiltrate a cult-like community in an attempt to find and save her adoptive sister.
When the body of a young woman washes up on the shore of a remote beach on the Lost Coast of Northern California, with no ID, no sign of what might have happened to her, and seemingly no one looking for her, it’s up to Detective Shawn Gallo to uncover her identity and unravel the mystery of her untimely death.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Shayla Meeker is finally getting her life back on track after making the difficult decision to move her adoptive mother into a care facility, when she receives a call from someone she never thought she’d hear from Phoebe Grace Hwang, social media darling and Shay’s best-friend-turned-adoptive-sister. Shay hasn’t spoken with Phoebe in five years, not since she fell under the spell of the enigmatic Daniel Kinman.
Now Phoebe’s calling Shay in the middle of the night, begging her to come visit, whispering that she is in trouble, but the reception is poor, and the line keeps cutting out. Shay can only hear the phrase, “I think you can fix me,” before the call drops completely. Determined to find out what’s happening with her sister, Shay boards the next flight to California, but when she lands, Phoebe isn’t waiting for her. Instead, there’s a beautiful teenager named Liv at baggage claim who tells Shay that Phoebe sent her to collect her. When Shay climbs into the truck next to Liv for the long drive up the coast, she has no inkling that she is being drawn into a mystery that will wrench her back into the past and test the limits of her own strength and convictions.
When the body of a young woman washes up on the shore of a remote beach on the Lost Coast of Northern California, with no ID, no sign of what might have happened to her, and seemingly no one looking for her, it’s up to Detective Shawn Gallo to uncover her identity and unravel the mystery of her untimely death.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Shayla Meeker is finally getting her life back on track after making the difficult decision to move her adoptive mother into a care facility, when she receives a call from someone she never thought she’d hear from Phoebe Grace Hwang, social media darling and Shay’s best-friend-turned-adoptive-sister. Shay hasn’t spoken with Phoebe in five years, not since she fell under the spell of the enigmatic Daniel Kinman.
Now Phoebe’s calling Shay in the middle of the night, begging her to come visit, whispering that she is in trouble, but the reception is poor, and the line keeps cutting out. Shay can only hear the phrase, “I think you can fix me,” before the call drops completely. Determined to find out what’s happening with her sister, Shay boards the next flight to California, but when she lands, Phoebe isn’t waiting for her. Instead, there’s a beautiful teenager named Liv at baggage claim who tells Shay that Phoebe sent her to collect her. When Shay climbs into the truck next to Liv for the long drive up the coast, she has no inkling that she is being drawn into a mystery that will wrench her back into the past and test the limits of her own strength and convictions.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 13, 2027
About the author
Melissa Larsen
4 books238 followersMELISSA LARSEN is the author of Shutter and The Lost House. She received her M.F.A. from Columbia University and her B.A. from New York University. When she isn’t traveling somewhere to research her next novel―and somehow hurting herself in the process―she lives in New York City and teaches creative writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 3, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for this digital ARC.
The Spring.
by Melissa Larsen
Minotaur Books
Release Date: April 13, 2027
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 / 5 stars)
From its opening pages, The Spring establishes a creepy, anxiously tense atmosphere that grips you immediately. Part of what makes the novel’s opening so effective is how Larsen feeds the reader just enough information to signal that something is deeply off, even before introducing the isolated, cult-like setting that drives the plot.
As the narrative unfolds, the unsettling tone deepens through its stark character dynamics. The female protagonist, Shayla, is gay—a detail that subtly contrasts with the surrounding women, every single one of whom carries a tragic or brutal history with men. Male characters are strikingly absent early on, appearing only when the central villain is introduced.
This setup signals a deliberate authorial intent: to center a clear anti-patriarchal message. By stripping the story of protective or heroic male figures, Larsen intentionally subverts classic thriller tropes that rely on male saviors. Instead, male influence in the novel is positioned almost exclusively as a source of harm, toxicity, or institutional paralysis.
This thematic focus on power and capability carries directly into the law enforcement subplot. When the local police begin investigating the villain, the male detective is depicted as physically weak and ineffective. In sharp contrast, his female partner is described as a huge, physically fit machine of a woman—a dynamic made even more vital when she ultimately ends up saving Shayla's life. By granting ultimate agency and rescue power to this formidable female officer, Larsen reinforces that survival and justice in this world belong entirely to female strength and solidarity.
Calculated and tense, The Spring is a thriller that keeps you uneasy from start to finish.
The Spring.
by Melissa Larsen
Minotaur Books
Release Date: April 13, 2027
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 / 5 stars)
From its opening pages, The Spring establishes a creepy, anxiously tense atmosphere that grips you immediately. Part of what makes the novel’s opening so effective is how Larsen feeds the reader just enough information to signal that something is deeply off, even before introducing the isolated, cult-like setting that drives the plot.
As the narrative unfolds, the unsettling tone deepens through its stark character dynamics. The female protagonist, Shayla, is gay—a detail that subtly contrasts with the surrounding women, every single one of whom carries a tragic or brutal history with men. Male characters are strikingly absent early on, appearing only when the central villain is introduced.
This setup signals a deliberate authorial intent: to center a clear anti-patriarchal message. By stripping the story of protective or heroic male figures, Larsen intentionally subverts classic thriller tropes that rely on male saviors. Instead, male influence in the novel is positioned almost exclusively as a source of harm, toxicity, or institutional paralysis.
This thematic focus on power and capability carries directly into the law enforcement subplot. When the local police begin investigating the villain, the male detective is depicted as physically weak and ineffective. In sharp contrast, his female partner is described as a huge, physically fit machine of a woman—a dynamic made even more vital when she ultimately ends up saving Shayla's life. By granting ultimate agency and rescue power to this formidable female officer, Larsen reinforces that survival and justice in this world belong entirely to female strength and solidarity.
Calculated and tense, The Spring is a thriller that keeps you uneasy from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review — The Spring by Melissa Larsen
I received an advance reader copy of The Spring, and I would like to sincerely thank the publisher and NetGalley for graciously giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel ahead of publication. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
The Spring is a slow burning psychological thriller that explores trauma, vulnerability, manipulation, and the dangerous lengths people will go to feel loved, needed, or understood.
The story begins by introducing us to Shay and the seemingly simple circumstances of her current life. However, as the pages turn, it becomes increasingly clear how deeply damaged she is by her childhood. What I found particularly compelling was how that trauma manifests itself in adulthood. Shay has an almost relentless need to take care of the people around her, even when doing so means continuing to damage herself.
Her story eventually leads us deeper into the life of her sister, Phoebe, who carries her own emotional wounds and insecurities. Phoebe becomes involved with the wealthy and deeply manipulative Daniel Kinman, whose psychological control ultimately draws her into a disturbing world involving a secluded compound and several vulnerable young women living under his influence.
The character development was easily one of the strongest aspects of this book. Each chapter revealed more about the characters’ individual histories and trauma while flowing seamlessly into the next. Larsen doesn’t simply tell us these people are damaged; she shows us how their experiences have shaped their choices, relationships, and vulnerabilities.
The pacing was my biggest struggle and ultimately what kept The Spring from being a five-star read. It remains quite slow for much of the novel, but once the pieces begin falling into place, the story accelerates considerably and delivers a finale I genuinely did not predict.
What stayed with me most, however, wasn’t the ending…
it was the psychology behind everything that came before it.
Damaged people aren’t inherently weak, but unresolved trauma can create vulnerabilities that predators know how to exploit. Daniel’s most disturbing quality is his ability to recognize what someone desperately needs love, validation, security, belonging and position himself as the person capable of providing it. Larsen explores how manipulation can happen gradually enough that the person being controlled may not recognize just how much of themselves they have surrendered.
I also appreciated the contrast between the sisters. Both Shay and Phoebe carry wounds from their past, but those wounds manifest differently: Shay compulsively tries to save others, while Phoebe becomes vulnerable to someone who convinces her that she needs saving.
The Spring required patience, but its layered characters, exploration of trauma and manipulation, and genuinely unexpected conclusion made the journey worthwhile.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
I received an advance reader copy of The Spring, and I would like to sincerely thank the publisher and NetGalley for graciously giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel ahead of publication. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
The Spring is a slow burning psychological thriller that explores trauma, vulnerability, manipulation, and the dangerous lengths people will go to feel loved, needed, or understood.
The story begins by introducing us to Shay and the seemingly simple circumstances of her current life. However, as the pages turn, it becomes increasingly clear how deeply damaged she is by her childhood. What I found particularly compelling was how that trauma manifests itself in adulthood. Shay has an almost relentless need to take care of the people around her, even when doing so means continuing to damage herself.
Her story eventually leads us deeper into the life of her sister, Phoebe, who carries her own emotional wounds and insecurities. Phoebe becomes involved with the wealthy and deeply manipulative Daniel Kinman, whose psychological control ultimately draws her into a disturbing world involving a secluded compound and several vulnerable young women living under his influence.
The character development was easily one of the strongest aspects of this book. Each chapter revealed more about the characters’ individual histories and trauma while flowing seamlessly into the next. Larsen doesn’t simply tell us these people are damaged; she shows us how their experiences have shaped their choices, relationships, and vulnerabilities.
The pacing was my biggest struggle and ultimately what kept The Spring from being a five-star read. It remains quite slow for much of the novel, but once the pieces begin falling into place, the story accelerates considerably and delivers a finale I genuinely did not predict.
What stayed with me most, however, wasn’t the ending…
it was the psychology behind everything that came before it.
Damaged people aren’t inherently weak, but unresolved trauma can create vulnerabilities that predators know how to exploit. Daniel’s most disturbing quality is his ability to recognize what someone desperately needs love, validation, security, belonging and position himself as the person capable of providing it. Larsen explores how manipulation can happen gradually enough that the person being controlled may not recognize just how much of themselves they have surrendered.
I also appreciated the contrast between the sisters. Both Shay and Phoebe carry wounds from their past, but those wounds manifest differently: Shay compulsively tries to save others, while Phoebe becomes vulnerable to someone who convinces her that she needs saving.
The Spring required patience, but its layered characters, exploration of trauma and manipulation, and genuinely unexpected conclusion made the journey worthwhile.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2026
ARC Review: The Spring by Melissa Larsen
This book drew me in from the very beginning and kept me interested all the way through. I found myself completely absorbed in the story and wanting to know what would happen next.
One of my favorite parts was the way Melissa Larsen described the environments and settings. The descriptions made it easy to picture where the characters were and really helped me feel immersed in their world. I also enjoyed the dialogue between the characters—it felt engaging and added so much to the tension and development of the story.
What I especially loved was how the plot made me feel so strongly about the characters. I found myself loving some of them, hating others, and sometimes not even knowing which side I was on. Those complicated emotions made the story even more compelling for me.
Overall, The Spring was an engaging read that pulled me in quickly and held my attention throughout. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the character dynamics, and the way the story kept me emotionally invested. Definitely a book that kept me turning the pages!
This book drew me in from the very beginning and kept me interested all the way through. I found myself completely absorbed in the story and wanting to know what would happen next.
One of my favorite parts was the way Melissa Larsen described the environments and settings. The descriptions made it easy to picture where the characters were and really helped me feel immersed in their world. I also enjoyed the dialogue between the characters—it felt engaging and added so much to the tension and development of the story.
What I especially loved was how the plot made me feel so strongly about the characters. I found myself loving some of them, hating others, and sometimes not even knowing which side I was on. Those complicated emotions made the story even more compelling for me.
Overall, The Spring was an engaging read that pulled me in quickly and held my attention throughout. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the character dynamics, and the way the story kept me emotionally invested. Definitely a book that kept me turning the pages!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, The Spring, by Melissa Larsen, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Detective Shawn Gallo has a murder to solve, a women found in California. Shayla Meeker hasnt talked to her sister in years, but gets an eerie phone call from her, for help. I did not care for this book, it was too dark for me. I also didnt like how God, was not capitalized.
Want to Read
October 11, 2026A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like this book, it had a lot of the elements I like but somehow it didn't work for me. Though the topics underneath why were deep, the treatment wasn't so it didn't feel believable. I ended up skimming parts of it as I wasn't fully invested but did want to see how it ended
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I LOVE cult fiction. Honestly, even nonfiction. Anything involving cults has had an absolute chokehold on me since I was a child, when I would sit there wondering, how tf does anyone actually fall for this stuff?! And then you read a book like The Spring and suddenly think… yeah. Yeah, I can see exactly how that happened.
And that is what makes this book so brilliant.
Part thriller, part mystery, The Spring is a deliciously unsettling story woven together with murder, manipulation, and breathtaking scenery. But what really made this novel shine for me was its characters. Every single one of them is wonderfully, frustratingly flawed.
Phoebe, free-spirited, wild, and beautiful. But is she the one being manipulated, or is she the manipulator?
Daniel, older, wealthy, and overflowing with confidence. Perhaps a little too much confidence.
And Shay. Oh, my sweet Shayla! So lost, so vulnerable, and so desperately searching for something.
And then there are the girls…
I could go on and on, but I refuse to spoil a single thing about this story because I genuinely think it’s best experienced knowing as little as possible!
What I will say is that this book was phenomenal. The multiple POVs were executed beautifully, with each character possessing such a distinct voice that I never once felt confused about whose perspective I was reading. (And one of those perspectives belongs to a 5 year old). Somehow, Melissa Larsen managed to make even that feel completely authentic.
I also absolutely loved getting to experience parts of the mystery through Detective Gallo’s perspective. It added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating story.
And the twist!!! I am delighted to report that I did not catch on nearly as quickly as I thought I would! The suspense kept building, the questions kept piling up, and when the pieces finally started falling into place, I was absolutely hooked. There is something so satisfying about a thriller that manages to genuinely surprise you, and this one delivered!
I truly cannot say enough good things about The Spring. The atmosphere, the mystery, the deeply flawed characters, the creeping sense of unease… it all came together so wonderfully.
Unsettling, atmospheric, and utterly captivating. This was everything I want from a psychological thriller, and I can’t to dive into more of Melissa Larsen’s work!
I LOVE cult fiction. Honestly, even nonfiction. Anything involving cults has had an absolute chokehold on me since I was a child, when I would sit there wondering, how tf does anyone actually fall for this stuff?! And then you read a book like The Spring and suddenly think… yeah. Yeah, I can see exactly how that happened.
And that is what makes this book so brilliant.
Part thriller, part mystery, The Spring is a deliciously unsettling story woven together with murder, manipulation, and breathtaking scenery. But what really made this novel shine for me was its characters. Every single one of them is wonderfully, frustratingly flawed.
Phoebe, free-spirited, wild, and beautiful. But is she the one being manipulated, or is she the manipulator?
Daniel, older, wealthy, and overflowing with confidence. Perhaps a little too much confidence.
And Shay. Oh, my sweet Shayla! So lost, so vulnerable, and so desperately searching for something.
And then there are the girls…
I could go on and on, but I refuse to spoil a single thing about this story because I genuinely think it’s best experienced knowing as little as possible!
What I will say is that this book was phenomenal. The multiple POVs were executed beautifully, with each character possessing such a distinct voice that I never once felt confused about whose perspective I was reading. (And one of those perspectives belongs to a 5 year old). Somehow, Melissa Larsen managed to make even that feel completely authentic.
I also absolutely loved getting to experience parts of the mystery through Detective Gallo’s perspective. It added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating story.
And the twist!!! I am delighted to report that I did not catch on nearly as quickly as I thought I would! The suspense kept building, the questions kept piling up, and when the pieces finally started falling into place, I was absolutely hooked. There is something so satisfying about a thriller that manages to genuinely surprise you, and this one delivered!
I truly cannot say enough good things about The Spring. The atmosphere, the mystery, the deeply flawed characters, the creeping sense of unease… it all came together so wonderfully.
Unsettling, atmospheric, and utterly captivating. This was everything I want from a psychological thriller, and I can’t to dive into more of Melissa Larsen’s work!
Did Not Finish
September 25, 2026DNF @ 6%
I cannot get into this book
I cannot get into this book
September 8, 2026
This is my second Melissa Larsen read and so far, I have not been disappointed by this author! In this book, Shayla is awakened in the middle of the night by a phone call from Phoebe, her adoptive sister whom she hasn't spoken with in five years. Not since Phoebe fell under the spell of Daniel, a very wealthy and manipulative man/cult leader. Shay is so happy to hear from her that when Phoebe asks Shay for help. Shays hops right on a plane and heads to California to find her. When Shay lands, someone else is there to pick her up and take her to Phoebe.
At the same time, a body is washing up on a California beach and Detective Gallo is on the case to figure out who this girl is. We get to learn how the cases are connected. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting. The author makes you feel as though you are there. The characterization is great! You learn so much about these people and this makes you care. This is a dark and emotional tale. It will hang with you. I really enjoyed it although it was a bit slow as you are getting the lay of the land, but it always kept me interested. I look forward to more from Melissa Larsen.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Melissa Larsen and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
At the same time, a body is washing up on a California beach and Detective Gallo is on the case to figure out who this girl is. We get to learn how the cases are connected. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting. The author makes you feel as though you are there. The characterization is great! You learn so much about these people and this makes you care. This is a dark and emotional tale. It will hang with you. I really enjoyed it although it was a bit slow as you are getting the lay of the land, but it always kept me interested. I look forward to more from Melissa Larsen.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Melissa Larsen and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those cult classics that has simultaneously added so many different POVs without being overwhelming or hard to follow despite the amount of leads that are being released or subtly shared. The sheer determination and devotion this sister has for her estranged half sister will not be diminished. No matter what she’s told or how hard people try to scare her nor sending her down the wrong path in this terrible journey to bring her half sister home. The large amount of cult members she has to handle is staggering and intimidating. Although it could be easy to get lost in their distractive ways or the stories they tell her to keep her from pursuing what she believes she is there to do, she doesn’t waver. She remains hyper focused on her sister and finding out where she’s been disappeared to. This is her biggest strength and will ultimately be what leads her to enduring the crucial moments that seem as though there’s just no end in sight. Everyone in the cult claim the same thing, that her sister has left and she is not there. They continue to tell Shay she’s wasting her time. Yet, she believes nothing that they say and her instincts tell her and is where she’s supposed to be..
As the detective shows up on the scene, it is a huge relief for Shay because she finds him very forward, upfront and is there to get a job done. As Shay and the local detective set out to find what this cult is really all about and the circumstances going on behind the scenes. They want to know what is luring these people to this place and what’s keeping them there even when they’re discontent or uncomfortable. The deeper they delve into the secrets behind the place the higher the stakes become and the more desperate Shay is to get her sister out.
What a compelling mystery that has major obstacles in the journey for answers!! You cannot possibly imagine what is coming up around the bend, it’s absolutely impossible to get ahead of all the roadblocks and when one question is finally answered there seems to be five more that fill its place. The plot is riveting, the suspense intense, the racing of the heart and rise of your blood pressure is continuous. Anticipating the next shock keeps you immersed in this fast paced and thrilling story. The cult aspect is creepy and becomes terrifying as more of its daily way of living and thinking becomes available. Their eagerness and near obsession with the cult and its creator is everything a cult needs to be successful in its manifestation and manipulation of the people drawn to it. The longer they remain there and enmeshed in their way of life and live according to its belief and philosophy the greater their desire to remain and the more difficult it is to remove them and replace that programming with independent thought and logical reasoning. This is why Shay is relentless in her efforts to find her sister and destroy the cult. The more knowledge she gathers about the place the more determined to she is not only to save her sister but all the others as well. She knows it is only a matter of time before something drastic happens.
Thank you to #MelissaLarsen for your brilliant and creatively inspiring mind in writing this book. #The Spring and a huge thank you for sharing with me this Netgalley ARC and having the pleasure to read this prior before it is released to the public. I will forever continue to always have such graciousness towards you all and cannot express what reading does for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
As the detective shows up on the scene, it is a huge relief for Shay because she finds him very forward, upfront and is there to get a job done. As Shay and the local detective set out to find what this cult is really all about and the circumstances going on behind the scenes. They want to know what is luring these people to this place and what’s keeping them there even when they’re discontent or uncomfortable. The deeper they delve into the secrets behind the place the higher the stakes become and the more desperate Shay is to get her sister out.
What a compelling mystery that has major obstacles in the journey for answers!! You cannot possibly imagine what is coming up around the bend, it’s absolutely impossible to get ahead of all the roadblocks and when one question is finally answered there seems to be five more that fill its place. The plot is riveting, the suspense intense, the racing of the heart and rise of your blood pressure is continuous. Anticipating the next shock keeps you immersed in this fast paced and thrilling story. The cult aspect is creepy and becomes terrifying as more of its daily way of living and thinking becomes available. Their eagerness and near obsession with the cult and its creator is everything a cult needs to be successful in its manifestation and manipulation of the people drawn to it. The longer they remain there and enmeshed in their way of life and live according to its belief and philosophy the greater their desire to remain and the more difficult it is to remove them and replace that programming with independent thought and logical reasoning. This is why Shay is relentless in her efforts to find her sister and destroy the cult. The more knowledge she gathers about the place the more determined to she is not only to save her sister but all the others as well. She knows it is only a matter of time before something drastic happens.
Thank you to #MelissaLarsen for your brilliant and creatively inspiring mind in writing this book. #The Spring and a huge thank you for sharing with me this Netgalley ARC and having the pleasure to read this prior before it is released to the public. I will forever continue to always have such graciousness towards you all and cannot express what reading does for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Spring by Melissa Larsen
What happens when a sister you haven't heard from in five years suddenly calls, whispering that she needs you to come to her immediately? And what happens when you arrive only to discover that nothing is quite what it seems?
Shayla has spent years caring for her adoptive mother, now living in a care home, while wondering what happened to her sister, Phoebe. The two haven't spoken in five years, despite Shayla's attempts to reach her. Then, out of nowhere, Phoebe calls, desperately asking Shayla to leave New York and come to California. Something is clearly wrong, but what?
When Shayla arrives, she is stunned to discover that Phoebe is married to the mysterious Daniel, who lives in an enormous mansion surrounded by acres of secluded land. Even more shocking, Phoebe has a three-year-old daughter Shayla knew nothing about! And where is Phoebe? Supposedly off camping and taking photographs for her blog. Really? After begging her sister to come all that way?
Then there are the young runaway girls living on the property, seemingly devoted to Daniel. Who are they? Why are they there? And why does Daniel seem to have such a hold over everyone?
Meanwhile, Detective Gallo is investigating the murder of a young woman. When his intern sees a photograph of the victim, she recognizes her as someone known as "Freebee." Could this possibly be Phoebe? Or is it all just a strange coincidence?
As Shayla desperately tries to piece together the mystery of her missing sister, Daniel's elusive behavior, and the strange young women surrounding him, the secrets become darker and more disturbing.
And as if things weren't unsettling enough, raging California wildfires are closing in, adding another layer of danger and urgency to an already chilling situation.
The Spring is an atmospheric, unsettling mystery filled with secrets, suspicious characters, and questions that kept me wondering whom to trust. I especially loved the eerie, isolated setting, with the wildfires creating a sense of impending doom.
Just when you think you might have figured things out, another question arises. What is Daniel hiding? Where is Phoebe? And most importantly, what has Shayla walked into?
A dark, twisty read that keeps you turning the pages, wanting to uncover the truth!
Thank you to St. Martins Press, Netgalley and Melissa Larsen for an advanced copy of this book.
What happens when a sister you haven't heard from in five years suddenly calls, whispering that she needs you to come to her immediately? And what happens when you arrive only to discover that nothing is quite what it seems?
Shayla has spent years caring for her adoptive mother, now living in a care home, while wondering what happened to her sister, Phoebe. The two haven't spoken in five years, despite Shayla's attempts to reach her. Then, out of nowhere, Phoebe calls, desperately asking Shayla to leave New York and come to California. Something is clearly wrong, but what?
When Shayla arrives, she is stunned to discover that Phoebe is married to the mysterious Daniel, who lives in an enormous mansion surrounded by acres of secluded land. Even more shocking, Phoebe has a three-year-old daughter Shayla knew nothing about! And where is Phoebe? Supposedly off camping and taking photographs for her blog. Really? After begging her sister to come all that way?
Then there are the young runaway girls living on the property, seemingly devoted to Daniel. Who are they? Why are they there? And why does Daniel seem to have such a hold over everyone?
Meanwhile, Detective Gallo is investigating the murder of a young woman. When his intern sees a photograph of the victim, she recognizes her as someone known as "Freebee." Could this possibly be Phoebe? Or is it all just a strange coincidence?
As Shayla desperately tries to piece together the mystery of her missing sister, Daniel's elusive behavior, and the strange young women surrounding him, the secrets become darker and more disturbing.
And as if things weren't unsettling enough, raging California wildfires are closing in, adding another layer of danger and urgency to an already chilling situation.
The Spring is an atmospheric, unsettling mystery filled with secrets, suspicious characters, and questions that kept me wondering whom to trust. I especially loved the eerie, isolated setting, with the wildfires creating a sense of impending doom.
Just when you think you might have figured things out, another question arises. What is Daniel hiding? Where is Phoebe? And most importantly, what has Shayla walked into?
A dark, twisty read that keeps you turning the pages, wanting to uncover the truth!
Thank you to St. Martins Press, Netgalley and Melissa Larsen for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Spring started slowly enough that I wasn't quite sure where it was taking me. Several hours later, it was 2 a.m., I had about fifty pages left, and my body staged an intervention. I woke up with my iPad on the floor. Of course, I immediately finished those last pages.
Shay hasn't spoken to her best friend and adopted sister, Phoebe, in five years when Phoebe suddenly calls from California. Something is obviously wrong. Phoebe buys Shay a plane ticket and asks her to come—but by the time Shay arrives, Phoebe has disappeared.
And a woman's body has washed up on the coast.
Enter Daniel, Phoebe's wealthy, charismatic boyfriend, who made me uncomfortable almost immediately. He's very good at uncovering people's secrets, there are underage girls possibly hiding out on his property, and his apparent control over them gives the whole situation an unsettling, almost cult-like atmosphere.
I really liked Shay, although there were several moments when I desperately wanted her to develop a stronger sense of self-preservation. When your gut tells you something is wrong, that's a million years of evolution telling you to GET OUT OF THERE. Listen to it, Shay!
I had a hunch about the murderer, but I wasn't prepared for how everything eventually came together. The slow beginning was my only real criticism because once this one got moving, it REALLY got moving.
Five stars. It started as a slow burn and ended with me sacrificing sleep to people who don't even exist. That's about as good an endorsement as I can give. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Shay hasn't spoken to her best friend and adopted sister, Phoebe, in five years when Phoebe suddenly calls from California. Something is obviously wrong. Phoebe buys Shay a plane ticket and asks her to come—but by the time Shay arrives, Phoebe has disappeared.
And a woman's body has washed up on the coast.
Enter Daniel, Phoebe's wealthy, charismatic boyfriend, who made me uncomfortable almost immediately. He's very good at uncovering people's secrets, there are underage girls possibly hiding out on his property, and his apparent control over them gives the whole situation an unsettling, almost cult-like atmosphere.
I really liked Shay, although there were several moments when I desperately wanted her to develop a stronger sense of self-preservation. When your gut tells you something is wrong, that's a million years of evolution telling you to GET OUT OF THERE. Listen to it, Shay!
I had a hunch about the murderer, but I wasn't prepared for how everything eventually came together. The slow beginning was my only real criticism because once this one got moving, it REALLY got moving.
Five stars. It started as a slow burn and ended with me sacrificing sleep to people who don't even exist. That's about as good an endorsement as I can give. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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November 5, 2026There is a LOT going on in this book. Multiple stories, multiple issues.
Shayla (Shay) lives in New York City. When she was three, she entered the foster care system and suffered all of the stereotypical abuse and trauma of foster care. (I know it exists but I know foster parents and they are not all monsters.) In middle school, she makes friends with a girl named Phoebe and her single parent mom, Alma. Alma adopts Shay and for the first time in her life she feels secure. Sort of. Fast forward a half a dozen or so years. Phoebe has abandoned the family to go to college in California where she eventually becomes an influencer. Shay is left to take care of Alma - eventually putting her into an assisted living facility because she has developed dementia. Phoebe has broken off contact with the family until one evening when she reaches out to Shay and begs her to come to Northern California -- Phoebe needs her (The one thing Shay cannot say no to is Phoebe needing her.)
Once in California, she meets the charismatic and very wealthy Daniel and discovers that Phoebe is married.
Meanwhile, interwoven into this story is the mystery of a kidnapping and an unidentified body washing up on a beach in a small town on the Lost Coast of Northern California (a few hours north of San Francisco). Also wildfires.
And lots of different points of view. Mostly from Shay's perspective but police detective Gallo has chapters along with the cast of characters living at Daniel and Phoebe's extensive property.
Shayla (Shay) lives in New York City. When she was three, she entered the foster care system and suffered all of the stereotypical abuse and trauma of foster care. (I know it exists but I know foster parents and they are not all monsters.) In middle school, she makes friends with a girl named Phoebe and her single parent mom, Alma. Alma adopts Shay and for the first time in her life she feels secure. Sort of. Fast forward a half a dozen or so years. Phoebe has abandoned the family to go to college in California where she eventually becomes an influencer. Shay is left to take care of Alma - eventually putting her into an assisted living facility because she has developed dementia. Phoebe has broken off contact with the family until one evening when she reaches out to Shay and begs her to come to Northern California -- Phoebe needs her (The one thing Shay cannot say no to is Phoebe needing her.)
Once in California, she meets the charismatic and very wealthy Daniel and discovers that Phoebe is married.
Meanwhile, interwoven into this story is the mystery of a kidnapping and an unidentified body washing up on a beach in a small town on the Lost Coast of Northern California (a few hours north of San Francisco). Also wildfires.
And lots of different points of view. Mostly from Shay's perspective but police detective Gallo has chapters along with the cast of characters living at Daniel and Phoebe's extensive property.
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October 2, 2026Thanks to NetGalley and Melissa Larsen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Plot: After receiving disturbing calls from her adopted sister, Phoebe, Shay heads to Cloister Cove help her. Little does Shay know, there are many suspicious things going on at The Spring. Young girls are living with Phoebe and Daniel, and something just doesn't feel right. Not to mention, Phoebe is no where to be found.
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I had a bit of a hard time getting into the beginning of the book, but I was sucked in around 50% completion. All of the characters are mysterious and evasive which makes for a great psychological thriller. There are many options for the killer, and I enjoyed attempting to deduce who it was before the ending. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I look forward to picking up some of Melissa Larsen's other books!
Plot: After receiving disturbing calls from her adopted sister, Phoebe, Shay heads to Cloister Cove help her. Little does Shay know, there are many suspicious things going on at The Spring. Young girls are living with Phoebe and Daniel, and something just doesn't feel right. Not to mention, Phoebe is no where to be found.
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I had a bit of a hard time getting into the beginning of the book, but I was sucked in around 50% completion. All of the characters are mysterious and evasive which makes for a great psychological thriller. There are many options for the killer, and I enjoyed attempting to deduce who it was before the ending. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I look forward to picking up some of Melissa Larsen's other books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shayla is struggling in NYC and has just moved her adoptive mother into a care facility. She receives a surprising phone call late at night from her best friend and adoptive sister Phoebe. Phoebe is an influencer and lives in small community in Northern California with Daniel Kinman. The phone call is garbled yet Phoebe, who Shayla has not seen in five years, seems to be asking for help. Meanwhile, detectives are looking into an unidentified body on a beach. When Shayla arrives, she is not met by her sister and is stunned by Daniel and the girls at this cult-like place. The Spring is a well written and rather dark book. The descriptions will immerse you in the beautiful environment and the tension is palpable. With thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spring, A novel, started off slowly for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to read it or not., then my interest picked up again, I kind of went back and forth., but thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book. What and her sister Phoebe relationship seems to have fallen apart over the years when a strange call comes through. To Shay. She has been taking care to their mom, who we only hear about basically in the first of the book. Phones needs What to come to California or does she, the story is somewhat all over the place and I got lost a few times but about 2\3s into the book it got pretty good and I want to find out the ending so I didn't bail. Read the book you might enjoy it honestly...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
Shayla is busy trying to keep life together while caring for her mother. She receives a desperate call from her sister Phoebe, who she has not heard from in years. Shayla takes a flight across the country to California, and discovers that her sister has been murdered. Throughout the book, Shayla tries to uncover what happened in the cult like compound where her sister lived. Overall, this book was a quick read and kept my interest. There were chapters from various perspectives that gives the reader insight into each character. I would have liked to see the book go deeper into Shayla's perspective shifts about both herself and Phoebe as she discovered the truth of what happened.
Shayla is busy trying to keep life together while caring for her mother. She receives a desperate call from her sister Phoebe, who she has not heard from in years. Shayla takes a flight across the country to California, and discovers that her sister has been murdered. Throughout the book, Shayla tries to uncover what happened in the cult like compound where her sister lived. Overall, this book was a quick read and kept my interest. There were chapters from various perspectives that gives the reader insight into each character. I would have liked to see the book go deeper into Shayla's perspective shifts about both herself and Phoebe as she discovered the truth of what happened.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book, although it took me a little while to get into it. At first, I thought it was going to be similar to several other books I've read with a familiar premise. However, as the story progressed, I found myself becoming more invested and wanting to know how everything would unfold.
The suspense kept me reading, and I was glad I stuck with it. Unfortunately, the ending was a bit underwhelming. After everything that had been building throughout the story, I expected a little more. I was left with quite a few unanswered questions, and I would have liked more closure.
Overall, an enjoyable read with an intriguing storyline, but I wish the ending had been stronger.
The suspense kept me reading, and I was glad I stuck with it. Unfortunately, the ending was a bit underwhelming. After everything that had been building throughout the story, I expected a little more. I was left with quite a few unanswered questions, and I would have liked more closure.
Overall, an enjoyable read with an intriguing storyline, but I wish the ending had been stronger.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Shay receives a cry for help and a plane ticket from New York to California from her sister. Although once very close, they haven't connected in 5 years, and Shay is reticent to go but she does. Her sister is already dead by the time she arrives, and Shay is left to unravel the trajectory that her sister's life has taken. Arriving at a place that appears to be heaven on earth and meeting Daniel, the perfect husband that Shay is unaware of, the suspense mounts as Shay moves on to find the truth.
This book moves quickly and is mesmerizing as one secret opens up to another.
@minotaurbooks
@melissalarsenauthor
This book moves quickly and is mesmerizing as one secret opens up to another.
@minotaurbooks
@melissalarsenauthor
September 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Spring by Melissa Larsen. This novel will be published on April 13, 2027.
What a thought-provoking read! This is one of those reads that stays with you long after you’ve finished. There’s a resolution at the end but as I reader, I’m not sure I have all the closure I’d like. I still want more.
The story is primarily told with Shayla Meeker as your female lead. She’s taking care of her adoptive mother while estranged from her adoptive sister, Phoebe Grace Hwang. A phone call from Phoebe and a plane ticket has Shay traveling to California where everything seems off.
This was superbly written but I think we are given too much too soon as it relates to the events that happen. In between every few chapters, we get the point of view from other characters like Detective Shawn Gallo and others from the cult-like atmosphere. It becomes the type of story where the reader knows what happens but we’re following along for Shay and Shawn to figure out what is happening who is responsible.
Some of the subject matter was hard to digest and I think that may be the point the author was trying to convey. Like I said, this is a read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.
What a thought-provoking read! This is one of those reads that stays with you long after you’ve finished. There’s a resolution at the end but as I reader, I’m not sure I have all the closure I’d like. I still want more.
The story is primarily told with Shayla Meeker as your female lead. She’s taking care of her adoptive mother while estranged from her adoptive sister, Phoebe Grace Hwang. A phone call from Phoebe and a plane ticket has Shay traveling to California where everything seems off.
This was superbly written but I think we are given too much too soon as it relates to the events that happen. In between every few chapters, we get the point of view from other characters like Detective Shawn Gallo and others from the cult-like atmosphere. It becomes the type of story where the reader knows what happens but we’re following along for Shay and Shawn to figure out what is happening who is responsible.
Some of the subject matter was hard to digest and I think that may be the point the author was trying to convey. Like I said, this is a read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Big shout out to Netgalley for providing this book.
The Spring starts off with Shay, in NY, receiving a strange phone call from her adoptive sister in CA. She’s asking her to see her.
Shay drops everything to be with her sister. But things seem off when she gets to CA.
The twists and hidden details in the book are paced just right to keep you guessing. Guessing and reading quickly to figure out who did what.
It had a satisfying ending too.
1. Vanlife
2. Social media influencer
The Spring starts off with Shay, in NY, receiving a strange phone call from her adoptive sister in CA. She’s asking her to see her.
Shay drops everything to be with her sister. But things seem off when she gets to CA.
The twists and hidden details in the book are paced just right to keep you guessing. Guessing and reading quickly to figure out who did what.
It had a satisfying ending too.
1. Vanlife
2. Social media influencer
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Melissa Larsen, and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the ARC of The Spring!
This book was wild from start to finish. I loved Shay and following her journey to California to go help her sister Phoebe. I also really enjoyed the snippets we got to see into the other characters' heads. This book was super entertaining, and I don't know what to say to not give anything away, but if you like a thriller and cult vibes this is a must read!
This book was wild from start to finish. I loved Shay and following her journey to California to go help her sister Phoebe. I also really enjoyed the snippets we got to see into the other characters' heads. This book was super entertaining, and I don't know what to say to not give anything away, but if you like a thriller and cult vibes this is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A really slow start to this "thriller," that doesn't actually get thrilling until 2/3's of the way in. I think I only stuck with it to fulfill my obligation of reading an Advanced Copy. I didn't really get a true sense of Phoebe's character and found that frustrating. She's both good and evil and I guess that jives with her childhood self but it didn't hang together well for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was a good read, but it did feel a little slow at times. I kept waiting for something to really grab me or catch me off guard, but nothing ever quite got there. That said, I still liked the story and found it enjoyable. Not a book that completely blew me away, but definitely a solid read!
November 10, 2026
The concept of a woman going into a cult like compound searching for sister is a good one…but ultimately I found the execution of the book not as compelling. The mystery of the sister felt revealed a bit early. The first half dragged a bit, the last half was more exciting but still left me less than satisfied.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as I wanted to.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as I wanted to.
August 28, 2026
The Spring was a dark book. I found myself wanting to keep reading on and try to figure out what was going on out there in the woods. Definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers. Thanks Netgalley for the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a page turner and beautifully written, but I did feel frustrated at times with not getting enough story or character development in certain parts. Also didn't love how the female police officer is called a "brick shithouse" more than once.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC.
Unfortunately, I didn't finish the book, although I peeked at the ending.
The theme of grooming put me off, it made me uncomfortable. Plus I thought there was a lot of naval gazing which I found boring. Sorry!
Unfortunately, I didn't finish the book, although I peeked at the ending.
The theme of grooming put me off, it made me uncomfortable. Plus I thought there was a lot of naval gazing which I found boring. Sorry!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I really enjoyed The Spring. The Lost Coast in Northern California has always fascinated me and I’ve rode Matole Road. Good story. Good characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 stars
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