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People Like Us

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In the intoxicating circle of influence and celebrity surrounding her ultra-rich in-laws, Astrid is an outsider. When she and her husband, Simon, return to the Morning family’s lavish estate for his sister’s wedding, she seizes the opportunity to finally prove she belongs.

As the family members set to work preparing for the ceremony, Astrid’s efforts lead to her uncovering an old radio hidden in the back of a closet. Curious, she turns it on.

Then, the nightmare begins.
Across the static-filled line, a young girl calls for help.

But is the threat real? The Mornings have dealt with cruel pranks before, and they’re certain someone is trying to trick Astrid into revealing the wedding location, or worse.

If she doesn’t heed their warnings, she might just tumble headfirst into a meticulously laid trap. But as the wedding day draws nearer and tensions escalate, she can’t shake the feeling they’re wrong. And when she crosses a line in her search for answers, even Simon can’t hide the doubt lingering in his gaze.

She must make a choice; if the girl is actually in danger, Astrid is running out of time.

In the grand, sun-soaked halls of Morning House, Astrid fears the secrets looming in the shadows. The cracks have begun to show, and in choosing between her own intuition and her new family, the very ground she walks on will crumble.

From the moment she married Simon, all Astrid wanted was the family she’s always dreamed of, but as terrifying truths are unearthed, it becomes undeniable: if she digs too deep into the Mornings’ world, she might find herself buried instead.

Perfect for fans of The Family Secret, Don’t Go Down There, and Bitter House, Modglin returns with a dark, utterly propulsive locked-room thriller, crackling with tension and dripping with wealth, whispers, and unbridled power.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2026

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About the author

Kiersten Modglin

58 books15.9k followers
KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:

➜ WEBSITE: kierstenmodglinauthor.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/nlsignup
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ KMOD SQUAD: facebook.com/groups/kmodsquad
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ THREADS: threads.net/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TEXT ALERTS: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/textalerts


Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events

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5 stars
515 (26%)
4 stars
741 (38%)
3 stars
513 (26%)
2 stars
125 (6%)
1 star
28 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
429 reviews127 followers
May 18, 2026
This book completely pulled me into the dark, captivating lifestyle of the Morning family—a family that seems impossible to escape once you’re tangled up in them. The story thrives on uneasy tension, buried secrets, and the kind of wealth and influence that quietly controls everything around it. I was constantly questioning everyone’s motives and never fully sure who could be trusted.

Astrid made for such a compelling main character because her desire to be accepted into the family felt so genuine and relatable. Watching her get drawn deeper into the Morning family’s orbit while everything around her became more suffocating and unsettling created this growing sense of doubt that worked incredibly well throughout the book.

I also loved the contrast between the initial more jovial wedding subplot and the darker atmosphere that developed as the story builds. Modglin did a great job creating this moody, claustrophobic feeling where even the most beautiful moments felt slightly off.

Overall, this was a quick, tension-filled read packed with dysfunctional family dynamics, deception, and control. The sense of unease stayed gripping throughout, and it ended up being such an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,721 reviews1,945 followers
May 15, 2026
Modglin is a hit or miss author for me, and finally there was a hit again. The story was full of suspense, drama and a very interesting character that I felt for. The ending was amazing, and I felt it was very satisfying as well. Well done, modglin and now I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for GCR | Book Realm.
255 reviews52 followers
Read
May 7, 2026
I received this ALC from High Gravity Productions

People Like Us was an interesting read and solid overall. The setup kept me curious, and I liked the way it leaned into wealthy-family dynamics, secrets, reputation, and the kind of behavior that feels very believable when money and status are involved.

That said, it was not as fast-paced as I would have liked. It held my attention, but there were moments where I wanted a little more urgency or tension to push the story forward.

The narration worked well and was easy to follow. It made the audiobook a smooth listen.

One thing I kept thinking while reading was that I would have loved to see this from Simon’s perspective.

I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy domestic suspense, wealthy-family secrets, and slower-burn mysteries centered around privilege, reputation, and messy people making messy choices.
Profile Image for Tracy Bookish.
320 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I swear Kiersten Modglin never misses for me, and People Like Us was another reminder why she’s one of my auto-read authors. I’ve now read 49 out of her 53 books, and somehow she still manages to surprise me every single time.

This book was so fast-paced and bingeable. From the very beginning I was fully invested in all of the characters and completely wrapped up in the drama, secrets, and tension building between everyone. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, another little twist would pop up and prove me wrong. That’s one of my favorite things about Kiersten’s writing — she always keeps you second-guessing yourself.

The short chapters and constant suspense made this impossible to put down, and I flew through it in no time. If you love thrillers with messy characters, secrets, and twists that keep you hooked until the very end, definitely pick this one up.
Profile Image for Cody Moore.
47 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2026
I went into People Like Us by Kiersten Modglin expecting a fast paced thriller, but I honestly didn’t expect it to hit me emotionally the way it did. Astrid’s story got to me more than I was prepared for, especially as someone who grew up in foster care myself. Underneath all the twists and suspense, there’s this really sad reality about how deeply the system affects people long after they leave it.

Astrid felt so real to me. The trust issues, survival instincts, feeling like you always have to protect yourself emotionally… Kiersten Modglin captured that in a way that felt authentic instead of overly dramatic. There were moments that genuinely hurt to listen to because they reminded me how tragically broken foster care can be and how many kids grow up carrying trauma that nobody really sees.

And Simon 😭😭 I was REALLY rooting for him. I wanted so badly for things to work out differently. Their dynamic had me emotionally invested the whole time because underneath everything messy and complicated, you could tell both characters just wanted connection and stability in their own way.

The audiobook narration made everything hit even harder too. You could hear the fear, vulnerability, and emotional exhaustion in the characters, which made some scenes feel almost too real.

What I appreciated most is that this wasn’t just drama for shock value. The characters actually felt damaged in believable ways. Nobody was perfect, but that’s what made them human.

This ended up being way more than just a thriller for me. It was emotional, frustrating, heartbreaking, and honestly healing in a weird way because it captured feelings I think a lot of former foster kids understand but don’t always know how to explain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Virginia Searles.
545 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2026
What a cleverly executed and wicked plot. I loved that as you come to know Astrid, you are never quite sure if you can trust her telling of events. Is she suffering from some kind of withdrawal from a med because she’s expecting? Is she suffering simply from hormonal flux of being pregnant? Or is her perception actually correct? As the story progresses part of your suspense is not knowing her state of mind. As the story closes and you come to realize just what kind of person she is and what kind of person Simon is, you want to cheer at how it all unfolds. This is another great read from one of my favorite authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d).
1,695 reviews23 followers
May 19, 2026
Kiersten Modglin delivered another addictive thriller with People Like Us. The tension builds fast, the family secrets are deliciously messy, and the eerie atmosphere kept me hooked the entire time. Christine Lakin’s narration was fantastic and really brought Astrid’s fear and paranoia to life. If you love twisty locked-room thrillers where no one can be trusted, this one is absolutely worth the listen! 🔥
Profile Image for Meghan Burk .
131 reviews
May 18, 2026
This was exactly what I needed! A quick and easy thriller that kept my guessing throughout. I also absolutely love anything with a shady rich family so really enjoyed the plot on this!
Profile Image for Cheryll.
25 reviews
May 20, 2026
Kiersten came through on so many levels with this book! Kept me guessing the whole way through and each twist had me gripping and needing to find out more. I truly loved the message of this book-finding yourself and belonging to yourself first before anyone else. Being able to sit with yourself and love yourself even if the world is crumbling around you. After losing my mom this past year I truly identified with more than I anticipated in Astrid. Thanks Kiersten for always coming through for the K-Mod Squad! 🩷
Profile Image for Bre Rottenstein .
35 reviews
May 16, 2026
Every time I think I have a favorite book by Kiersten, she puts out another one!
Profile Image for Erin .
82 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2026
She's at it again, folks.
Brings you in from the jump.
I was giving side eyes early on because what was happening here.
What is the truth? Who can you trust?
Definitely not Kiersten Modglin haha!
Profile Image for The Book Booth.
199 reviews26 followers
May 20, 2026
This books grabs you instantly and doesn’t let go.
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,157 reviews71 followers
May 28, 2026
KMod at her Best!

People Like Us by Kiersten Modglin
But they chose the war.
And I chose to fight back.

That quote stopped me in my tracks. Kiersten Modglin. Holy buckets. This book is beyond brilliant. Oh, my. This was deliciously KMod. The KMod storm is alive and stronger than ever, y’all!

I loved this book. And the subtlety of the twist left me with a severe case of whiplash—pure brilliance. Kiersten is an incredibly gifted storyteller, but 2026 may be her best year to date. This book was why we call her the Queen of Suspense.

These characters were something else. No one writes characters you love to hate better than Kiersten. And boy- did she nail it with this family. Wowza. I adored Astrid. She was so relatable. Her journey was intense, heavy, and bananas.

The last half of this book is wickedly good. Truly, this is Kristen at her absolute best.

Publication date: May 15, 2026
Publisher: Bitter House Publishing
Profile Image for Aurora Jay.
687 reviews43 followers
June 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Astrid hopes to finally fit in with her wealthy in-laws during a lavish family wedding, but when she hears a mysterious radio transmission, she's forced to confront her new family and risk everything.

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a simple, easy to read popcorn thriller. There’s a surprisingly large cast but they mostly blended into one sibling-in-law.

The build up is really long with lots and lots of gaslighting. Astrid felt like a Disney princess and I was desperate for her to stop taking crap and kick some ass!

I liked the reveals and ending but I think it would have made more of an impact if we’d gotten a dual timeline - backstory was definitely needed for me to care - which I kind of didn’t.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
I’m a big Modglin fan, but this isn’t one of my favorites. Definitely more of a “meh” compared to a lot of her other popcorn thrillers.

🎧 Narrated by Christine Lakin
📖 Release 05•15•26 | 280 pages | 6h 58m
22 reviews
May 24, 2026
wow, what a book

Kirsten never fails to deliver! I get lost in your books when I read. Your books are amazing and I cannot wait to read another one. Thank you for always writing something interesting this was a story that I had never read before been any book so it had my attention completely all the time.
Profile Image for Christine Cazeneuve.
1,574 reviews44 followers
June 2, 2026
I really love this author but this book just totally missed the mark for me. Too many characters that added little to the story and I couldn't connect to the main character of Astrid. The plot itself was so ridiculous and I always go into psychological thrillers with the knowledge it's strictly entertainment. However, this was just way to unbelievable to allow such leeway. I guess they all can't be winners but no worries as I will continue to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Heather.
80 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2026
Just finished People Like Us by Kiersten Modglin, and I have to say, it’s a fantastic thriller that kept me guessing until the very end! Even though I don’t usually read mini thrillers, this one had enough twists and turns to captivate me.

I received an advanced listening copy from High Gravity Productions, and Christine Lakin’s narration was absolutely incredible, drawing me into Astrid’s world. The way Astrid feels like an outsider among her ultra-rich in-laws adds an intriguing layer to the story, and the secrets surrounding them made me second-guess everything.

This book is a quick, easy listen, and if you enjoy psychological thrillers, I highly recommend checking it out. I’ll definitely be exploring more works by Modglin in the future!
Profile Image for booksy.tx.ana.
957 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2026
Family secrets.
Astrid is at her super wealthy in-laws’ home. Mysterious voice over an old radio, and no one but her has heard it. It leads with suspicion and suspense and holds it out till the very end. Twists and turns in this family come from every which way. Who knows what? What is going on? Absolutely had me hooked and needing some answers.

Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
Profile Image for Missy.
165 reviews
May 20, 2026
There were definitely anxious moments throughout the book, which pushed me through, but overall underwhelming.
Profile Image for Kris Ream.
5 reviews
May 17, 2026
Phenomenal

I couldn't put it down. I knew there would be a twisty plot,this I didn't see coming! Definite page turner,worth every word! Kirsten Modglin does it again
Profile Image for Lauren Thomas.
60 reviews
May 21, 2026
ANOTHER solid book by Kiersten!! This author is seriously slowly becoming my favorite. A little bit longer chapters than I’m used to, but I think it’s why I cruised it through so fast. I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was happening next.

Loved the family drama and love when I find myself saying “oooohhhhh!” After a plot twist.

Gives big “Bloodlines” vibes (Netflix series).

4.3/5
Profile Image for Mylissa.
2 reviews
May 21, 2026
Love a good twist!

The Morning family is everything and Astrid, wife to Simon, wants the family to love her and accept her more than anything. But what is going on around the Morning place? This book will keep you guessing, keep you on your toes, and shock the life out of you! Twists, turns and the cold hard truth. Will Astrid prove that she is morning worth once and for all?
73 reviews
May 23, 2026
Another great book by Kiersten Modglin. It was interesting from beginning to end. There were a lot twists in the book. Love it!
Profile Image for Chloe Timmons.
86 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2026
This was a rare miss for me. Modglin regularly gets 4- and 5-star ratings from me, but this one just didn't hit. It felt like there were too many characters to remember, but she's mastered that before so I'm not sure why I was struggling this time. I also had absolutely no idea where this book was going at any point in time, and not in a good way. I usually have 1-3 theories in my head when enjoying her books, but this one was just weird. The reveals also didn't hit for me. The crimes committed were just kind of bizarre and I feel like there were far too many question marks all the way up until the reveal. Modglin usually has the reader confused and guessing throughout her books, but I feel like we needed a little more information in the first 2 thirds of the book in order to make the payoff satisfying. Still love KModg, though!
Profile Image for Holly Cerutti.
186 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2026
Wow. Just wow. This book completely blew me away. From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and by the time I reached the ending, I was left staring at the pages trying to process everything that had just happened. This is suspense at its absolute finest.

Kiersten Modglin has always had a talent for creating addictive, twist-filled stories, but this one felt like she was operating on an entirely different level. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the chaos, and just when I thought I had things figured out, she effortlessly pulled the rug out from under me. The twist wasn't loud or over-the-top—it was subtle, clever, and perfectly executed. The realization hit me all at once and left me reeling. I honestly didn't see it coming.

The characters were phenomenal. Kiersten has a gift for creating deeply flawed, complicated people, and this family was a complete train wreck in the best possible way. Every interaction felt layered with tension, secrets, and emotional baggage. I found myself constantly changing my opinions about everyone involved. Some characters were impossible to like, yet I couldn't stop reading about them. That's a true testament to strong character writing.

Astrid was easily my favorite. She felt incredibly real and relatable, and I became fully invested in her story. Watching her navigate everything thrown her way was both heartbreaking and captivating. Her journey was emotional, messy, frustrating, and at times absolutely wild, but that's what made it so compelling.

The second half of this book is where things truly take off. The suspense becomes relentless, the tension keeps building, and the reveals land with maximum impact. I flew through those final chapters because there was simply no way I could put the book down.

This is Kiersten Modglin at the top of her game. Sharp, addictive, emotionally charged, and packed with the kind of twists that remind readers exactly why she's considered a queen of psychological suspense. An unforgettable read and one of my favorite books of the year.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,324 reviews54 followers
May 16, 2026
People Like Us
By Kiersten Modglin
Narrated by Christine Lakin

Oh my, was this ever a phenomenal listen. Kiersten Modglin knows how to capture my attention and keep me captivated for hours. This features Astrid. She always wanted to be part of a big, happy family and marrying into the Mornings, she thought she had found what she was looking for. But what she finds out is it's hard to win the trust and she will never be accepted. The question is why. This mystery had me wondering, is she crazy? Is she dealing with a ghost? What will happen next? There is so much going on, and the unforeseen outcome left me surprised yet satisfied. It's a fantastic listen, one that if you like family drama with suspense, this is for you!

Christine Lakin gives an amazing performance using her talents to create a vast array of characters. Every family member, from old to young, male to female, she gives them personalities that fit perfectly. From the evil to the submissive followers, she nails the emotions and excitement through the story. I loved her child voice along with the way she let Astrid grow through her journey. This is a must listen!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews