The Plan

by Miranda Rijks

She’s done something terrible. And there’s no way out… Clara Cade is rushing to a charity fashion show at her size-inclusive dress shop when, on a winding country road near the picturesque village of Slownes, her headlights catch something in the dark. A flash of metal, a bicycle… a sickening impact.

Then silence.

When she stops, there’s no one there. Only a twisted bike and a shattered mannequin lying in the road. But something about the scene feels very wrong.

The next morning, twelve-year-old Leo Burnham is missing.

And someone knows what Clara did.

As suspicion closes in, Clara is pulled into a living nightmare. To uncover the truth about Leo’s disappearance, she must untangle a secret. A secret someone is willing to kill for.

The Plan – a chilling standalone short story from the million-copy bestselling author of Don’t Answer The Phone and The Visitors.

What readers are

"A real edge of your seat psychological thriller." - Goodreads Reviewer

"I highly recommend this gripping novella. It’s highly entertaining and very addictive. I couldn’t put it down. Miranda Rijks once again creates a thriller that will suck you in and keep you guessing all the way to the shocking and satisfying conclusion." – T. K - Reviewer

"There are many twists to the plot and a conclusion that is total surprise! 5 stars." -Goodreads Reviewer

"The twist and turns throughout this book will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor..." -Goodreads Reviewer

"...an excellent psychological thriller from start to finish with a superb twist at the end and I did not see that coming! But, wow..." -Goodreads Reviewer

Genres: Thriller

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2026

About the author

Miranda Rijks is the bestselling author of 30 psychological thrillers, with over one MILLION copies sold. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.

Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.

Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!

Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.

Reviews

[Melody McNamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Plan is a solid mystery novella with a few surprising twists. A quick and entertaining read.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick thriller novella that you can read in an hour. I love everything Miranda Rijks writes!!!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page-turner, this novella, other than a few grammatical errors, is a quick, enjoyable read. 4 and a half stars

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a real soft spot for novellas when they’re done right, and this one is absolutely perfect for anyone aiming to stick to their reading goals or looking to dive back into their reading journey. This is my favorite author, so I’ll gladly pick up anything she releases! I read this before the novella was published, but life got a bit hectic, and I'm finally taking the time to write this review.

The book is short and packs quite a punch! Just picture yourself driving late at night in the dark when suddenly you hit something. You step out and find a bike and what looks like a mannequin—how strange! Then a child goes missing, and you start to wonder... could I be responsible? This drives you to go back and search for clues, only to uncover the unsettling truth that everything is not as it seems, and you've unwittingly become entangled in something much larger than you anticipated.

I truly enjoyed this read; it was lively, clever, and perfectly paced. The eerie atmosphere seeped into my bones! There's enough character and plot development to grasp the situation, the characters, and the setting. The author cleverly keeps most of the details under wraps until the end, and when everything comes together, it all makes sense!

This novella is ideal for anyone who enjoys a short, gripping read filled with morally ambiguous characters, dark secrets, bad intentions, and a small-town creepy vibe. When I finished, I finally let out a breath of relief, astonished that this wasn’t a full-length book, as it felt just as immersive as a novel. Bravo!

Thank you, Miranda Rijks, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Celeste | bookrecs_by_celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and wish it was a full length book! This author writes some great thrillers that keep you guessing can be dark but still have the popcorn thriller feel to them as well!

A woman in a rush hits something with her car when she gets out and realizes it’s a child’s bike she begins to panic. After investigating the scene and seeing no one injured nearby she drives off. Fast forward to the following morning when a local boy is announced to be missing which begins an intense cat and mouse game when someone begins sending threatening messages to the driver knowing that she had hit something the night prior.

[Liz Alterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fast-paced thriller by Miranda Rijks. I finished this in two sittings and I'm already looking forward to her next one!

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella, this one packs a punch! I could not stop yelling at the characters, which is one of my favorite things to do. Because they can hear me, but seriously what does my yelling do? The setting is perfect. A husband and wife who move into a small town. Build a large house and are trying to break through the locals. To find friends and people they connect with.

Clara, the wife of the rich couple, runs a clothing shop. On the night of her charity fashion show her husband tells her he cannot make it. Clara is fuming and stomps on the gas of her Audi. From the side she sees a blue streak. Did she hit someone? What was it? She is so late! She takes a quick look outside, sees nothing and jumps back into her car and makes for her fashion show, not the police. Clara is a disaster; the guilt is eating her up. Leading her to take the matter into her own hands and investigate. Will she find the missing boy?

I love how this book caught my attention and did not let up until the final page was turned. That last juicy twist was incredible. Thank you to Miranda Rijks for my gifted copy.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- psychological thriller
- missing child
- anonymous threats
- toxic marriage
- small town secrets
- stalker vibes
- guilt & paranoia
- plot twists

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The Plan by Miranda Rijks is novella of 94 page.
Clara accidentally hits a bicycle on a dark road while driving to her charity event. When she gets out of the car, there’s no body, only a damaged bike and a creepy mannequin arm. Later that night, a young boy named Leo goes missing near the same road and Clara starts believing she may have killed him.
Then the anonymous messages start. Someone knows what happened. Someone is watching her. And every lie Clara tells makes the situation even darker 💀
This novella had me stressed from the first chapter 😭 The guilt, paranoia, fear, and constant tension were sooo good. Every time Clara got another message I was literally panicking with her. The story felt very fast paced and addictive because every chapter ended with something shocking.
I also loved how suspicious everyone felt, especially Steve (Leo dad). That man gave me creepy vibes from the beginning 💀 The stalking, hidden photos, blackmail, and twisted setup made the story even more intense.
Clara frustrated me sometimes because girl PLEASE just tell the police 😭 but that’s also what made the story entertaining because her lies kept making everything worse and worse.
The ending twists were actually good and I didn’t fully guess everything. It was messy, stressful, dramatic, and very binge readable ✨

[Hayley O' brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I love a short story as it packs everything in. An accident the psychological moments of question the character doesn't know we dont know ans the twists and turns are frantic as the space is short.

Throughly recommend this book esp if you love short stories !

[§am I Am · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3

Clara makes all the wrong decisions when it comes to hitting a bike with her car and lies to police and everyone. This was a bit maddening for me. Leo is missing, Clara backs into his bike and the police thinks shes a suspect. Over all an average read.

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced read that has some good momentum and a nice twist ending/reveal. I definitely want to read more from Miranda Rijks if this story is anything like the rest.

[KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story to read in one sitting because you're not going to be able to put it down. Love Miranda's books!

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"THE PLAN" by @mirandarijksauthor 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

❗️She’s done something terrible. And there’s no way out…❗️

Description:
Clara Cade is rushing to a charity fashion show at her size-inclusive dress shop when, on a winding country road near the picturesque village of Slownes, her headlights catch something in the dark.

A flash of metal. A bicycle. A sickening impact.
Then silence.

When she stops, there’s no one there. Only a twisted bike and a shattered mannequin lying in the road. But something about the scene feels very wrong.

The next morning, twelve-year-old Leo Burnham is missing.

And someone knows what Clara did.
As suspicion closes in, Clara is pulled into a living nightmare. To uncover the truth about Leo’s disappearance, she must untangle a secret a secret someone is willing to kill for.

The Plan a chilling standalone short story from the million-copy bestselling author of Don’t Answer The Phone and The Visitors.

My Thoughts: ⚠️"Unputdownable. Unpredictable. Absolutely nerve-shattering."⚠️

I finished The Plan in 2 hours, because this book was impossible to put down. The suspense starts immediately and keeps getting more intense with every chapter. It literally didn’t even give me a water break 😭 I was stressed, shocked, frustrated, and fully invested the entire time. And those twists? Completely caught me off guard 🤯

Everyone already knows I’m a hardcore fan of Mirinda rijks This is my 6th book by her, and she never disappoints. I can blindly pick up her books at this point. I honestly believe once someone starts reading her thrillers, they won’t stop.

Also, I wanted to slap the wife for increasing my pulse rate every five minutes 😭
And the rich husband deserved a hundred slaps because wow… what an asshole.

But one thing I genuinely loved was the bond between the siblings 🥺

That’s all I’m saying about the plot because you seriously NEED to experience this thriller yourself.

Highly recommended for psychological thriller lovers.

I honestly can’t wait for her next thriller release 🔥📚



#theplan #mirandarijks #review #supriyakambamreviews

[erin_leigh_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Plan by Miranda Rijks is a suspenseful, twisty, and completely captivating psychological thriller. The perfect novella when you’re craving a fast-paced read that instantly pulls you in.

In the blink of an eye, Clare Cade’s life changes forever. While driving to an event at her dress shop, she’s convinced she hits a bicycle with her car. But did she really? Was that actually a child she saw flying from the bike?

Panicked, Clare jumps out of her car and searches the area. There’s no body, no injured child — only a bicycle and a mannequin arm lying on the road. Shaken but certain she must have imagined it, she gets back in her car and drives away.

The next morning, news breaks of a missing 12-year-old boy named Leo, who never made it home from school after riding his bike home. As search parties desperately look for answers, Clare becomes consumed with guilt and fear. Should she go to the police and confess, even if it destroys her life? Or stay silent and pretend nothing happened?

I won’t say anything more because this one is best experienced blind, but wow… I did not see that ending coming. The twists kept me hooked right until the final page.

Read this if you love:
✨ Fast-paced thrillers
✨ Psychological suspense
✨ Twists and turns
✨ Edge-of-your-seat tension
✨ Truly chilling villains

Thank you so much Miranda for my arc of The Plan, in exchange for my honest review.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Plan, is psychological short story by Miranda Rijks. The story is set in the quiet English countryside, where the tranquillity suddenly ceases with the disappearance of a young local boy.

Clara Cade is the proud owner of a successful size-inclusive dress shop. Her life is a whirlwind of positive momentum, until one night her world is thrown into disarray. While running late for a major charity fashion show, she is rushing down a winding country road her headlights catch a sudden, terrifying flash in the dark. There is the gleam of metal, a bicycle, and a sickening, heart-stopping impact.

Clara, trembling with apprehension steps out of her car, terrified at what she was going to see. But there is no injured cyclist. instead, she finds only a mangled bicycle and a shattered clothing mannequin strewn across the asphalt. It feels like a sick, deeply unsettling prank, until the following morning, when the local community is rocked by the news that twelve-year-old Leo Burnham has vanished.

The village is in shock and Clara’s horror turns into a nightmare when she realises she is being watched. Someone knows she was on that road. Someone knows about the impact. And someone is expertly weaponizing the timing of the accident and Leo’s disappearance to frame her.

As the local police and suspicious neighbours close in on her, Clara is isolated in a web of small-town gossip and circumstantial evidence. To save her reputation, her business, and her freedom, she is forced to launch her own desperate investigation into the heart of Slownes. What she uncovers is a deeply buried, toxic secret involving local families, a secret so valuable and dangerous that the architect behind Leo’s disappearance is entirely willing to kill to protect it.

The story is well paced and I always felt that I wanted to keep reading it, but like most short stories I read I felt it ended a little too quickly. I enjoy reading Miranda Rijks novels and this was still a good solid read but too short for me personally.

3.5 star rating.

[Sweet book of mine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clara va conduciendo hacia un importante evento cuando impacta algo con su auto. Al detenerse a mirar, se da cuenta que acaba de golpear una bicicleta azul.

Asustada comienza a buscar a su conductor, no encuentra a nadie salvo un maniquí destrozado. Está conmocionada y nerviosa, así que sin pensárselo mucho decide abandonar el lugar. Al día siguiente se desata la pesadilla.

Leo Burnham, un chico de de doce años, está desaparecido, no volvió a casa desde su escuela. Sólo se sabe que salió con su bicicleta azul y no volvió a ser visto.

Clara lo sabe. Fue ella quien atropelló a Leo, eso no es lo peor, alguien más también sabe lo que Clara hizo. Han comenzado a llegar mensajes amenazadores de un número desconocido.

Ahora ella está está tejiendo una red de mentiras y excusas que la hacen cada vez más sospechosa. Pero algo en toda esta situación se siente muy fuera de lugar, casi irreal, y Clara está dispuesta en averiguar lo que es.

Ufff me estaba encantando este libro, hasta que llegó el final. Todo el conflicto se solucionó taaaaan rápido que no me dio ni ni tempo de disfrutarlo y sorpréndeme con el plot twist 🥲 Pintaba para ser una historia muy muy buena… lástima, será para la próxima.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Plan by Miranda Rijks is a suspenseful, twisty, and completely captivating psychological thriller that catches your attention from the first page and refuses to let go until the final twist is revealed.

The story follows Clara, a main character whose intense journey immediately hooks the reader and maintains a lively, clever momentum throughout. As she navigates immense pressure, Clara makes several questionable, highly illogical decisions that test the reader's patience, yet effectively ground her actions in the messy reality of panic and stress. Operating with zero filler or unnecessary lulls, the narrative mechanics are fine-tuned to keep the audience hyper-focused on the evolving trap closing in around her.

The pacing is exceptionally fast, creating a relentless suspense that makes it easy to devour the entire book in a single sitting. While that last juicy twist delivers an incredible shock to the system, the final resolution ultimately feels like a bit of a letdown compared to the high-stakes momentum built along the way. It lands as a highly entertaining, heart-pounding ride that earns a solid 4 heart-pounding stars.

[Veronica]

This may have been a short read, but don't let the page count fool you - it had me completely hooked from the very first chapter. 📖✨

The story wastes no time pulling you into the mystery, and the suspense just keeps building. Every chapter gave me another reason to keep reading, and I flew through it in one sitting because I had to know what was really going on.

I loved how the author packed so much tension into such a quick read. There were plenty of moments that had me questioning everyone, and just when I thought I had the answers, the story took another turn. It never felt rushed - just tightly written and incredibly engaging.

If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller that delivers suspense, mystery, and keeps you guessing without requiring a huge time commitment, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Elena Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plan is a gripping psychological thriller that begins with a disturbing incident on a country road. Clara Cade, rushing to a charity fashion show, strikes something with her car but finds no person at the scene—only a damaged bicycle and a shattered mannequin. When twelve-year-old Leo Burnham disappears the following morning, Clara is drawn into a frightening mystery, with someone seemingly aware of what happened. As suspicion builds, the search for the truth reveals a secret with deadly consequences.

With its missing-child mystery, mounting tension, and promise of unexpected twists, The Plan offers an engaging read for fans of psychological thrillers. Its short novella format makes it an appealing choice for readers looking for a fast-paced mystery filled with suspense, uncertainty, and a shocking conclusion.

[Lindatugby81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done something terrible and there’s no way out …

Clara Cade is rushing to a charity fashion show at her size- inclusive dress shop when, on a wondering country road near the picturesque village of slownes , her headlights catch something in the dark . A flash of metal .A bicycle .A sickening impact .

Then silence.

When she stops , there’s no one there . Only a twisted bike and a broken mannequin lying in the road, But something about the scene feels very wrong.

The next morning , 12-year- old Leo Burnham is missing .

And someone knows what Clara did.

As suspicion closes in , Clara is pulled into a living nightmare. To uncover the truth about Leo’s disappearance , she must untangle a secret . A secret someone is willing to kill for .

[Sarah Between the Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Miranda for this ARC opportunity!

Miranda has become one of my favorite authors very quickly.

The Plan is a gripping, heart racing psychological thriller novella. Miranda knows how to suck you into her writing within seconds of starting the book.

Being a mom, I couldn't imagine feeling the way this mom does when her 12 year old son comes up missing.

Was it him that Clara hit on her way to a charity fashion show? You'll have to read to find out!

This book releases in 2 short days on May 15!

[Reem · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

2.75/5

The beginning had me hooked, and I really liked the premise. I was genuinely curious to see where the story was going.

But somewhere along the way, things started falling apart. There were too many gaps in the plot, Clara was frustratingly stupid, and the ending was such a disappointment.

I didn’t necessarily need a shocking plot twist, but I expected something better executed. It felt rushed, like the author just wanted to get it over with.

Honestly, the story had so much potential.
What a waste.

[Valentina Besozzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

intrigue and twists

Mystery thriller that captivates from the very beginning. As someone who recently returned to reading, I found it incredibly engaging. The plot unfolds with skillful pacing, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and suspense.

What truly stood out were the unexpected twists; they kept me guessing and added depth to the storyline. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just getting back into it, this short novella is a delightful experience.

[Brooklynn McCullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Cade did something horrible. On her way to a charity fashion show on a winding road.
Her headlights see something in the dark.
Metal, a bicycle, then the impact. Then it’s complete silence.

When she stops, no one is there. Just a twisted up bike, and a shattered mannequin in the road.

Then the next morning, 12 year old Leo is missing.

And someone knows what Clara did.

This short thriller was so good!! It was super fast paced! I really enjoyed it!

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to get a copy straight from Miranda Rijks! This was an absolute great read from start to finish. I like the pacing of the story and the suspenseful twists was satisfyingly good. Thanks for the ARC.

[Valerie Vigil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick short thriller Novella. Found a bit of mistakes in the KU version. Leaving the scene of an accident trope. With it being so short, it tried to get to the point quickly and build the suspense but it just meh.

[Richard Kettlewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

RA

A twisty and twisted little story that turns from a trap into liberation, with a tender ending that shows romantic love isn't necessarily the most meaningful love. Short, and in the end, sweet too.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this author but this was a much shorter book than I expected! It ended so abruptly! And with a few huge holes. It almost seemed like she was part way through then decided she was done and just threw the last few pages out to tie up loose ends and just did it very poorly.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twisty short story by a favorite thriller author!

[Josh Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

good short story

This was a fun short read. It had me guessing and wondering what was gonna happen next and didn’t see end coming. I’m looking into more by the author