She Must Go

by A.J. Campbell

You look like the last girl…

Beth Lakeland is flying home with her husband, Justin, after a rare weekend away. It was a birthday celebration. A chance, finally, to reconnect.

But on the train to the airport, a young woman strikes up a conversation. Immy is friendly. Too friendly. And exactly Justin’s type.

By the time the plane takes off, Immy is sitting beside Justin. By the time they land, Justin has invited her to stay the night. And by morning, he’s arranged for her to live in to help care for his mother.

Beth wants Immy gone—needs her gone—but she’s part of the family now.

Immy made sure of that. Because she isn’t here by accident…

322 pages, ebook

Expected publication June 19, 2026

About the author

AJ Campbell is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author, who loves throwing characters into unbelievable situations and figuring it out from there. The result is psychological suspense novels full of twists, turns, and torment, with gasp-worthy endings. An avid hiker, AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a Netflix junkie, a theatre tragic, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast. 

Connect with AJ here:

www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/

Reviews

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark psychological thriller will keep you up late turning pages. If your sister had a suspicious death, how far would you go to find answers? Would you just accept the police’s findings? Or would you try to get close to the person you think could be responsible?
This book had me suspicious of everyone. The last 40% I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what was going on. The end will have your jaw dropped to the ground. A must read.

[Becki Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honoured to received this ARC from A.J Campbell, her writing is easy to read and she writes amazing thriller that are quick pace and quick reads, they are full of suspense and thrilling stories which you think you have solved but throws a twist which you never saw coming.

In this we follow two different POVs and what the story unfold with the truth finally be uncovered but it's a dangerous plan.

Beth Lakeland is flying home with her husband, Justin, after a rare weekend away, well a weekend for her to stay in the hotel mostly while Justin works at a convention for their company, but it was meant to be a chance for them to have time together and to reconnect, especially with everything going on at the moment. But on the train to the airport, a young woman strikes up a conversation. Immy is friendly. Too friendly. And exactly Justin’s type. Beth knows all about his type!

By the time the plane takes off, Immy is sitting beside Justin, and they are chatting all through the flight and Beth can see how Justin is with her and all she can do is say to herself she will be gone when we land. But after they land and they bump into Immy again, Justin has invited her to stay the night, Beth while enraged and thinking of all things, thinks it's ok she will be gone in the morning, but the next morning she is surprised to find Immy still in their home and Justin has arranged for her to live in as his mother’s carer.

Beth wants Immy gone, no needs her gone, but everything she does is in vain, Justin won't let her go as they need the help and Immy is perfect. Beth can't help she too sick to fight and in part she knows Justin is right with her helping with his mother, Immy is part of the family now.

Immy made sure of that. Because she isn’t here by accident, Immy isn't who she says she is and she wants the truth.

Overall this was a fab thriller, I thought I had guessed what had happened and I mean I guess I had but wow you had to go and throw that twist in, I did not see that coming, but also that ending it gets you wondering about the family. This was another well written, fast paced and easy read for me, I destroyed this book and had a great time. I would highly recommend A.J. Campbell books you won't be disappointed by them. Look forward to my next read from you.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏.

Beth Lakeland and her husband, Justin, are returning home from a rare weekend away when they meet a young woman named Immy. At first, the encounter seems like nothing more than an awkward coincidence. Then Immy begins inserting herself into their lives with alarming ease. Before long, she is living with Justin's family as his mother's carer, and Beth finds herself watching a stranger become untouchable. But Immy is not there by chance, and the truth behind her arrival is far darker than anyone realizes.

I have enjoyed A.J. Campbell's books for years, but this felt like her darkest thriller to date. The themes woven throughout this story are uncomfortable, heartbreaking, and frighteningly real, yet they never overshadow the plot. Instead, they are expertly threaded through every revelation and every character interaction, adding layer upon layer of tension. I thought I had a handle on where this story was headed more than once, only to discover I was completely wrong. The deeper I got, the more invested I became in uncovering the truth behind Immy's presence and the devastating secrets hiding beneath the surface.

What impressed me most was how skillfully the author balanced emotional depth with suspense. This is not a thriller that relies solely on shocking twists. It succeeds because it understands people, their vulnerabilities, their blind spots, and the damage they can inflict on one another. By the time everything came together, I was stunned by how seamlessly the author had planted the clues all along. Dark, unsettling, and impossible to put down, this is A.J. Campbell at her absolute best. I am thrilled to be a part of her ARC team, and I thank her for this early copy that will publish June 19, 2026.

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Release date 19th June.

She Must Go
By AJ Campbell

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

This is truly an amazing and addictive psychological thriller. It is incredibly tense, and there are so many twists and turns I couldn't see coming.
I was totally hooked from the start and just wanted to keep reading, full of shocks and surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat.

On the return home from Beth Lakeland's birthday celebration break with her husband Justin, at the airport l, Immy a young woman starts a conversation, she is friendly, maybe to friendly, and just the type Justin likes.
Once seated on the plane, only to find Immy is sitting next Justin and getting a bit too familiar.
After landing Justin has invited Immy to stay with them for the night rather than her staying overnight at the airport, only for to find he has offered her to stay as a live to look after husband mum, Beth needs her gone, she must go, she fears it's happening all over again, another of Justin's projects, and after he promised her there would be no others.
Immy has planned to become part of the family, she is not there by chance.

An outstanding and riveting psych thriller by AJ Campbell, with visually strong characters and settings.
I could not predict how this was going to go, I was taken by surprise at every turn.
It is a brilliantly written novel that held me in suspense throughout.
I have loved every book by this amazing author, AJ Campbell, and this is no exception. It comes with my full recommendation.

[Nina Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She Must Go," A.J.'s new thriller has arrived, and she has done it again...With every one of her books, I become glued to it from page 1, and by the time I look up, I've finished another nail-biting page turner with all kinds of twists and turns. But, "She Must Go" has a sinister element which drew me in even more! A couple, Justin and Beth, live in a secluded area and are living double lives - Justin is the devoted motivational speaker guru who's popularity bleeds into the mainstream public. He travels to different conventions to spread his mantra of 'living the best life you can.' Beth is his partner and wife, who unfortunately is struggling with cancer, which weakens her with each day that passes. We're introduced to "Immy," who just happens to sit next to Justin and Beth on a plane ride home. Justin couldn't get over her (even though Beth is beyond irritated by her), and by the end of the plane and train ride, decides Immy will be indispensable as a carer for his mother, Hattie. She has severe dementia and needs a caregiver 24/7. But, as their hidden second lives begin to unravel, we learn about all the secrets and crimes these two are tangled with. Atrocities you cannot imagine! So, I dare you - go grab this book and enter Justin and Beth's dark world. It will be a journey you don't want to miss!

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - She Must Go - Release date 19th June 2026

Another brilliant book by AJ Campbell.

This book has a dark, almost cult, feeling to it that grips you from the very first chapter.

When Scarlett's sister Daisy is found dead of a suspected overdose, Scarlett struggles to accept this, believing that her sister didn't even take drugs. She is determined to find out the truth no matter what risks are involved...

Justin and Beth are returning from her birthday weekend break away when a woman called Immy gets talking to Justin, first on the train to the airport and then because she is also sitting next to him on the plane. By the time they reach their destination, he has invited her to stay at their house to help look after his mother, who has dementia.

But who is Immy and was their's a truly chance meeting??

This book is full of twists, turns and lots of suspense.

AJ Campbell just seems to get better and better with each book and this one is probably her best yet!!!
A fabulous page turner that you won't want to miss!!

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Must Go by AJ Campbell
OH. MY. STARS. This might be the best thriller AJ has written to date! The way this story is told is pure genius. The way this story collapses together was sheer brilliance.

This story was so addicting. I was sucked in after the first paragraph and devoured the plot. The characters were so well developed, and the emotions in this book were beautifully represented.

Grief is difficult to write in a way that reads as authentic. Because everyone experiences grief differently, it’s hard to make it relatable, but AJ nailed it. I am truly so impressed with every element of this story.

The twists and turns will leave your jaw on the floor, but I cannot recommend preordering this one immediately. This will be the thriller of the summer.

Publication date: June 19, 2026
Publisher: Code Grey Publishing

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Beth and Justin Lakeland, Beth has cancer and Justin is caring for her….just not in the way we would consider caring to be

Meanwhile Daisy’s sister is trying to find out what really happened to Daisy, she doesn’t for one minute believe she died of a drug overdose and will go to any length to get to the truth

All 3’s paths are about to cross and when they do none of them will he the same again

Justin is a despicable character with no redeeming features and so of course brilliant to read about

The book takes a sympathetic and emotive look at dementia and its affects and also breast cancer ( from experience both subjects covered truthfully and with insight )

A dark, treacherous story that has many levels and an ‘urgency to solve’ that reaches the reader and also horrifies when realise just what is really happening, well written and told

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She must go by AJ Campbell is a dark twisty thriller and the authors best one yet.
Scarlett finds out that her missing sister Daisy has been found dead after a drug overdose. But Scarlett refuses to believe this is the case. Her sister wasn’t into drugs as they used to train for triathlon together. The Police thinks that Scarlett should accept her sister death. But she is not happy and decides to do her own investigation to find out the truth.
Once again, AJ Campbell has written another chilling read that had me hooked throughout. There is lots of suspenseful twists and great characters especially Beth and Justin who are not as they seem and an ending that you didn’t see coming. I loved it. 5 stars from me.

[Ann Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟She Must Go…..

Absolutely Brilliant read by AJ Campbell. Takes you down a modern day version of what could be seen as a Cult and how they play on people’s vulnerability.

Scarlett cannot rest until she finally finds out why her sister died. She doesn’t believe the Coroner’s outcome and wants to find the truth. Although she does find out things about her sister that she never knew about during her life. This side shows you how anyone can become vulnerable and hide it will.

She believes Justin is the one to unlock what her sister has been up to and how she truely ended up dead. Although self doubt moves in when she witnesses just how committed to his sick wife he is and how passionate he is to help others.

[J.C. Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Must Go was an addictive, fast-paced thriller that completely hooked me from the first few chapters. I finished it in just two days because I couldn't stop turning the pages. The tension builds steadily as Beth becomes increasingly suspicious of Immy, whose sudden and unsettling presence in her life feels anything but coincidental. The author does an excellent job creating a sense of unease, making me question everyone while anticipating what would happen next. With compelling characters, unexpected twists, and a storyline that kept me guessing, this was one of those books that constantly tempted me to read "just one more chapter." A gripping psychological thriller that I highly recommend.

[Helen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Super easy to get into thanks to an enthralling first chapter and after that, the authors trademark style of short paragraphs drew you right into the story which moved along at pace and I finished the book in two days.
I found the characters to be believable and although I had mostly guessed where we were going, I confess to having an audible reaction to one of the discoveries made by Scarlett towards the climax of the story! (No spoilers here)
Would not hesitate to recommend this. I think it might be my new favourite by this great author who continues to evolve with experience and deserves all the success with this novel.

Thanks to the author for allowing me to be part of the ARC panel. All opinions are my own

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Must Go is a gripping psychological thriller packed with twists and suspense. After Scarlett’s sister dies from an apparent overdose, Scarlett becomes convinced there’s more to the story and sets out to uncover the truth.
Then there’s Justin and Beth, a couple who help a girl at the airport with a place to stay for the night, but who is she and why is she here? Lies and deep dark secrets will be uncovered.
Brilliantly written, fast paced and full of shocking surprises chapter after chapter. It kept me hooked until the very last page, you won’t see the twists coming. An easy five stars and my firm favourite of AJ Campbells!

[Sue Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an author ARC of this book for an honest review.

Justin and Beth Lakeland are on a flight home from a birthday weekend for Beth. A woman named Immy sits next to them and manages to have a good enough conversation with Justin that he invites her to sleep overnight at their home instead of the airport where they land. What starts as a night in the house, turns into so much more!

This was an a great premise with suspense building steadily throughout. You start to question which characters you can believe and never really know whom to trust! The twists were great and the ending was perfect!

[Vicsta Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ Campbell for me has created a standout book that will live long in the memory. This book is a real engrossing thrill ride that builds and builds with twists I did not see coming. The story is so cleverly written and has chapters that end on real gasp moments.

The story has subjects of murder, coercion, friendship, lies and survival all entwined within a group of really well created characters.

I have throughly enjoyed all the books I’ve read of this author but this one has become my favourite. No question easy 5 stars

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the official story is a lie?

​A.J. Campbell always reaches another level with her writing, proving herself to be an absolute force in the psychological thriller genre.
With She Must Go, Campbell weaves a brilliant tale with multiple layers, demonstrating an incredible ability to lock readers into a tense, inescapable grip.
When Scarlett refuses to believe her sister Daisy died of an overdose, she promises at her graveside to find the truth. Scarlett goes to extreme lengths, stepping into a dark world where the walls feel like they are closing in.
She is a fiercely determined, relatable protagonist whose desperate investigation leads to an explosive finale you won't see coming. A chilling, brilliant read that I'd gladly give 10 stars if I could.
Huge thanks to Amanda Campbell for the privilege of an ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Catherine Skeet-Yaffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, the narrative centres on a grieving sister’s relentless pursuit of truth following her sibling's suspicious death, which the police prematurely categorised as a drug overdose. In her path is a master manipulator and coercive influence. This book took for me a loop, and in several places I found myself going gasping out loud and going back to read passages again - always the sign of a good book.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A J Campbell has done it once again. This was an addictive and gripping thriller with twists that you did not see coming. Hooked from page one and just wanted to keep reading. Strong characters and setting. From Scarlett to Justin to Daisy and Beth. I dont want to give too much away but you truly felt intrigued by each character. An ending you do not see coming. 5 stars for me a must-read thriller.

[Mrs C F Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days! I think this is AJ Campbells best yet! Packed with suspense, thrilling with a sinister undercurrent running through it.
Chilling storyline that you won't want to put down.
I read in under two days.
I'd give six stars if I could.
You will not be disappointed - very lucky to have been an advanced reader of this brilliant book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She Must Go” by A.J. Campbell is my new favorite from this author! Wow! This one was dark, mysterious, and incredibly intense. Every character seems to have their own lies and ulterior motives, which kept me constantly questioning everything. I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Twisty, suspenseful, and completely addictive!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a tense and addictive thriller, it really did keep me turning the pages and guessing until the shocking conclusion. Plenty of shocks and twists! What a fantastic lead character too, who commits to do anything to find out what happened to her sister. Fantastic book! Thanks for choosing me as an ARC reader!

[Teresa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crikey, had to get my brain in gear to read this but once I sorted who was who I ploughed through it like a rate of knots! It was my first as an ARC reader and it most definitely won't be the last. Simply a great read, plenty of twists and very easy to read. Loved it. The storyline was brilliant, the characters equally so. Very visual a book too.

[Mrs Lindsay Scarborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well! What a smasher of a book!
What started off slow and it took me a while to get into, once the pace picked up so did the intensity.
All I’m going to say that AJ’s husband must sleep with one eye open after reading this!
Another fantastic read.
Thank you for the privilege of being able to read this early. Always a pleasure. Look forward to the next one!

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and oh my goodness was it the best one yet from AJ Campbell. Dark and mysterious with so many twists. My jaw dropped more than once. I read it in a day and a half because I could not put it down. I can't wait to get the actual book when it comes out.

[Jo Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly!! You need to buckle up for this brilliant book 📖 x its got so many twists in it you wont guess them at all totally had me hooked from page 1 to the end x another brilliant book by AJ Campbell and thank you for letting me be part of your ARC team x

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a dark thrilling read that once I picked it up I couldn't put down so finished in a few days. This is definitely the best AJ Campbell book to date and I look forward to what she comes up with next. I would recommend, 5 stars

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story, which I couldn’t put down. Held my attention from start to finish with an ending I could never have imagined.

[Mrs Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five star read with lots of twists and turns The characters are so believable which makes the story
So much drama and suspense I wasn't disappointed AJ has done it again

[Cheryl Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A J Campbell did it again 5 ⭐️read
The way she brings the characters together a real page turner had me hooked from the start
One of my favourite books so far 🤩

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no surprise what I’m going to say BUT this is my favourite book by the author, I’ve loved all her books but this was even more special as it’s dark, I love me some darkness and Amanda has some dark ole thoughts in her noggin!! More please!

I was hooked throughout, the stable parts were so tense, you can feel Scarlett and Beth’s fear, the fast pace works well with the hectic scenes of the house, out buildings and land, every part of the setting was a character.

Justin and his hold over people was so scary! Such a powerful character, I also feel that Hattie was a beautifully written character, her cognitive function IMO was so true, especially the changes from talking about her husband to other characters.

The ending was amazing! This needs to be on your TBR