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The Spring
Not yet published
Expected 13 Apr 27Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 10:18:23
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
From 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
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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!
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.
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!
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 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.
Did Not Finish
September 25, 2026DNF @ 6%
I cannot get into this book
I cannot get into this book
August 23, 2026
I want to thank the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. In exchange for the book, I am writing this review.
I feel like this story took a little while for me to get into. Once I was more involved in the characters and the setting and the story, I could not put the book down. The descriptions of the landscape and flowers and the water became so vivid in my head.
My heart hurt for these girls who went through so much that they thought they were better off in a place that would take from them as well.
I think in the end, Shay really found herself in helping the girls and maybe realized she didn’t need anyone to save her. Just to find who she was saved her.
I definitely recommend this book.
I feel like this story took a little while for me to get into. Once I was more involved in the characters and the setting and the story, I could not put the book down. The descriptions of the landscape and flowers and the water became so vivid in my head.
My heart hurt for these girls who went through so much that they thought they were better off in a place that would take from them as well.
I think in the end, Shay really found herself in helping the girls and maybe realized she didn’t need anyone to save her. Just to find who she was saved her.
I definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fast-paced, gripping thriller and such a quick read that I finished it in a single afternoon. At times, I genuinely felt like I couldn’t read quickly enough because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It had all the tension and suspense I want from a thriller, but without the pit-of-anxiety feeling that some thrillers give me!
I guessed the identity of the killer at around the 70% mark, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the rest of the book. There were still enough additional revelations towards the end to catch me by surprise and keep me invested right through to the final pages.
A really enjoyable, easy-to-devour thriller that kept me turning the pages from start to finish.
This was a fast-paced, gripping thriller and such a quick read that I finished it in a single afternoon. At times, I genuinely felt like I couldn’t read quickly enough because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It had all the tension and suspense I want from a thriller, but without the pit-of-anxiety feeling that some thrillers give me!
I guessed the identity of the killer at around the 70% mark, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the rest of the book. There were still enough additional revelations towards the end to catch me by surprise and keep me invested right through to the final pages.
A really enjoyable, easy-to-devour thriller that kept me turning the pages from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews