Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

She Must Go

Rate this book
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

Published June 19, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

A.J. Campbell

16 books769 followers
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/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
419 (48%)
4 stars
299 (34%)
3 stars
112 (13%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Bo.reads.
419 reviews28 followers
August 2, 2026
A.J. Campbell has written several thrillers that I've been meaning to try, so after seeing the high ratings for She Must Go, I was convinced I'd love this one too. It has all the ingredients I usually look for in a domestic and psychological thriller, but unfortunately it never quite came together for me.

Scarlett is determined to find out what really happened to her sister after her death is ruled an accidental overdose. Alongside her story, we also follow Beth, whose life becomes increasingly complicated as she deals with a controlling husband while undergoing cancer treatment. At first the two storylines seem completely separate, but it gradually becomes clear that they're connected in ways neither woman realises.

The premise was intriguing, and I was genuinely curious to discover what had really happened. Scarlett's chapters were the strongest part of the novel for me, and I found myself far more invested whenever the story returned to her investigation. Piecing together the truth kept me reading, even when other aspects of the story weren't working as well.

Beth's storyline was where the book began to lose me. I initially felt a great deal of sympathy for her situation, but as the story progressed I started to feel more frustrated than emotionally invested. I felt for everything she was going through, but I couldn't help thinking that if those circumstances had been different, there wasn't actually much about her character that I connected with.

The novel certainly isn't short on twists, but most of them felt fairly easy to spot, which left the reveals lacking the impact I was hoping for. In the end, this was one of those cases where the premise appealed to me far more than the execution. I can absolutely understand why it's worked so well for so many readers, but sadly this one just wasn't the right fit for me.
Profile Image for Tonya.
881 reviews213 followers
July 8, 2026
Wow! With an opening sentence like “She had to die,” I knew I was in for an addictive, mind-blowing treat. I was not disappointed. The constant sense of foreboding kept me turning pages rapidly. I enjoyed how cleverly the storylines came together to build tension and unease. The plot is unpredictable and twisted in all the right ways. If you start reading this at night, be aware that it will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning. The line between victim and villain blurs as secrets are revealed and lies are exposed. This is a gripping, suspenseful, and heart-racing thriller. Thank you to the author for my copy.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Michelle (Murder Books and Wine).
134 reviews255 followers
July 21, 2026
If UNHINGED characters are your cup of tea ☕️, run 🏃‍♀️ and grab this book ASAP!! Because what in the bat 💩 crazy was that?! 🤯😆🤯

My first A.J. Campbell book and I was lucky enough to be asked to join her book blitz for this month!

Beth and her husband Justin take a trip for Beth’s birthday to reconnect. On the plane while Beth is asleep, Justin takes up a conversation with the woman seated next to them. Beth wakes up and notices the conversation and says to herself, she looks like the last girl. 👀

And next thing you know, Justin is inviting this woman to their house. And then he hires her to live with them to help care for his aging mother, Hattie, to make things easier for Beth, of course. I mean, he openly does this right in front of his wife, who has no say in the matter, because that’s totally normal. Not! 🫣

But, Immy isn’t there on accident. She got close to Justin on purpose and she has a plan.

I can’t say much more than that without spoilers, but this one had me questioning my ability to guess what was happening. And no matter how much I tried, I still didn’t figure it out!

This story will have you rooting for one character and then questioning your morals by the end. If you want a fast paced, hard to put down thriller, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!!! For fans of A.R. Torre, Jeneva Rose, and Natalie Barelli, you will enjoy this twisted, and sort of dark domestic thriller.

I gave this book 4.25 ⭐️

Thank you to A.J. Campbell for gifting me with an ebook. 💞 All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,236 reviews125 followers
June 28, 2026
If you are looking for a bingeable propulsive thriller, this one is for you. AJ Campbell is the queen 👑 of short snappy chapters that have you flying through the story.

She Must Go builds to an intense edge of your seat ending that will have your heart racing!
Profile Image for Jennifer Bendel.
304 reviews126 followers
June 21, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Craig and Phil.
2,455 reviews154 followers
June 22, 2026
Big thanks to AJ for gifting us a ebook copy to read and review.
I’ve been a fan of AJ Campbell for a while now and I’m lucky to be a part of her early readers.
She Must Go is thrilling, dark and a book that you won’t want to put down.
A new bunch of characters to bring the intense tension.
Their worlds are about to collide in the most intriguing way.
Then twists, suspense and that shocking ending.
Short snappy chapters and a compelling storyline give the reader a reading adventure of greatness.
A catchy premise, a masterful plot, a cast of sneaky characters and that unexpected ending are all the best elements for an engaging narrative.
You always get an entertaining read with this popular author and there’s regularly a surprise or two.
A story to keep you on your toes until the very end.
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
957 reviews11 followers
June 23, 2026
“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!
Profile Image for Louise Malae.
133 reviews
July 18, 2026
Holy bleep I know I’m free mostly five stars but this book was a crazy crazy crazy good!
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
842 reviews30 followers
July 1, 2026
Prepare a pathway for the new queen of deceit! This journey takes some unexpected turns, revealing how cleverly one can outsmart the antagonist.

Beth Lakeland and her husband, Justin, meet an overly friendly young woman named Immy on a flight. Immy is invited to stay with them to help care for Justin's mother, but Beth feels threatened by her growing presence in their family...

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives from Scarlet and Beth, along with a dual timeline that helps us understand the events leading up to our characters’ introductions. Scarlet is a relatable character—curious and brave—but she has her reasons. On the other hand, Beth is likable to an extent, until you realize how easily her husband and her health issues manipulate her. Then there’s Justin, the narcissistic type who will undoubtedly make your skin crawl. I've encountered people like him, and they’re certainly ones to avoid at all costs.

The storyline is exceptionally well-crafted, featuring believable moments and relentless twists that keep coming. We all know we should steer clear of anything that feels off, yet these characters seem drawn to trouble. I appreciate how little is revealed with each turn, setting the stage so that you find yourself devouring each chapter, eager for more details about how it all unravels. It’s brilliantly executed, with each element serving a purpose. The balance of emotion, drama, and action maintains the momentum without dragging on, and the twists often surface at the last moment, showcasing exceptional writing.

The atmosphere is thick with intensity and dread, making you ponder: who would let a stranger into their home and offer them a job? You’ll start questioning everything and everyone, particularly as the mind-blowing ending unfolds—a conclusion you expect only to realize you hadn’t been thinking about until it’s right in front of you. This cat-and-mouse game and the surprising twists will keep you on your toes!

This marks my second time joining AJ on her release journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I loved this book just as much as the last one! I truly hope more readers discover this talented author. This read is perfect for anyone interested in tales about manipulative self-help influencers, domestic suspense thrillers, and the dynamics of inviting strangers into their homes. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I might cancel my ticket to a conference—better safe than sorry in case I run into a wannabe Justin! Ha!

Thank you, AJ Campbell, for having me on your Book Blitz July Team and for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for janine.
809 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2026
Now, I've been a complete avid fan of Amanda's books from the very beginning, I've been lucky to read near on every book and even luckier to have recieved numerous ARC's from the auther herself, this being one of them.

I can honestly say, hand on heart, this has flown straight to the no#1 spot! I was completely and utterly captivated from the very first chapter and read it in one sitting.

When Daisy is found dead from an overdose, her older sister Scarlett won't let it go. Daisy was a fitness freak just like her sister, she'd have never done drugs let alone the drugs that killed her. Meeting up with Daisy's boyfriend George to empty her flat, some home truths are spoken which Scarlett finds hard to hear but also realises she has an ally in George, he also doesn't believe the verdict and wants to help Scarlett find out what really happened. The only clue they have is a leaflet to a Meeting of Minds conference, one that Daisy attended the same day she died.

The plotline was original and, as always, brilliantly written. The pacing was perfectly set so that you feel the build up continuously without any sluggish drops, so no fear of a break in interest.

The characters were executed sublimely, I loved the tenacity of Scarlett and the total creepiness of Justin actually made me skin crawl and talking of skin, the research that was obviously put into Ruth's illness was so well written *no spoilers* I found myself scratching along with her.

The threads that are woven throughout the book are expertly done and come together in the most perfect, unexpected way and the last chapter... wow!

Huge thanks to AJ Campbell for the ARC.
Profile Image for Kelly (aka jsybookworm).
264 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2026
Another captivating and outstanding read from the very talented AJ Campbell. Her books never ever disappoint me, and they just seem to get better and better. Such a good gripping twisty story that it broke my star rating with a wholly deserved 5+ star rating.

When Scarlett’s sister, Daisy, is found dead, she doesn’t believe the police’s official report saying it was a drug overdose and she swears to the late Daisy that she will find out the truth. Meanwhile in Edinburgh Beth is trying to survive the flight from hell, watching her handsome but lothario husband, Justin, flirt up a storm with a young blonde he just met. She’s survived cancer once, is fighting it again but she isn’t sure she can survive her husband having another affair after he made her promises never again following the last affair he had. Things just get even more nightmarish for Beth once she and Justin get home. With Beth’s cancer battle and having to look after Justin’s mother, Hattie, who has dementia, Justin asks the young blonde from the plane to stay and help them care for Hattie. Beth is aghast but too ill to complain. Both Scarlett and Beth are leading completely different lives but are still unknowingly connected. Will Scarlett find out what truly happened to her baby sister, and will Beth win her cancer fight and be able to ever trust her husband again?!

As I said above, this was another riveting read from AJ Campbell that I struggled to tear myself away from. I absolutely loved Scarlett, felt so sorry for Beth and detested Justin with a passion. I always say it is great writing when an author makes me feel such strong emotion for a fictional character and I certainly felt this way with the character of Justin. There were so many elements to this story that all came together beautifully, and I felt the creepy uneasy atmosphere was captured amazingly at Justin and Beth’s house. I was kept guessing all the way through and I really had no clue how the story would evolve and was definitely shocked at the twist at the end- I did not see that coming. I really loved how that this book was so good I wasn’t even looking at pages or percent progress on my kindle and when I did actually look my heart sank when I realised I had only about 80 pages left as I was enjoying the story so much.

I would say this is the best book I have read so far from AJ Campbell, there have been some fantastic stories by her but in my opinion this one really stands head and shoulder above all the rest. I was completely and utterly enthralled and the only reason I didn’t read it really fast was that I was enjoying it so much I wanted it to last.

If you love dark and twisty psychological thrillers where you have no clue what will happen next, then I highly recommend this story- you will not be disappointed. A very much deserved “broke my star rating” 5+ stars!

Thank you to AJ Campbell and Book Funnel for my advanced reading copy. Out 19th June 2026.
Profile Image for Maddie Weeks.
239 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2026
**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**

I was accepted by AJ Campbell to be a part of the book blitz team for She Must Go and below is my honest review.

After reading The Village by this author, I was excited to be a part of this book blitz. This is a great, bingeable thriller read with some interesting characters 👀

The story is told through the POVs of the two female main characters. It’s a premise that I’ve read before but I enjoyed the way this was written. The short and snappy chapters and fast pace definitely add to the intensity.

I guessed the ending quite early on but that didn’t affect how I feel about the book.

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, bingeable thriller.

I give this 4 stars!

Thank you AJ for asking me to read and review!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
26 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2026
I could not put this down! So SO good👏🏼
Profile Image for Claire - TheBookendReviews.
482 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2026
4.5 stars

When Scarlett's sister Daisy is found dead from an apparent overdose, she refuses to accept the official verdict and sets out to uncover the truth. What follows is a gripping psychological thriller packed with secrets, manipulation, and plenty of twists along the way.

This was another compulsive read from A.J. Campbell. Part psychological cat-and-mouse game, part family drama, I found myself racing through the pages trying to work out who was pulling the strings and who was being played. Every time I thought I had a handle on things, something shifted and sent me back to square one.

The characters were brilliantly drawn. I loved Scarlett's determination, felt deeply for Beth, and absolutely despised Justin - which is always a sign of great writing. The multiple POVs worked really well, gradually revealing connections between the characters and keeping the tension building throughout.

As someone who happily tears through thrillers at an alarming rate, this had me fully locked in, eagerly turning pages to see what questionable decision someone would make next. Beneath the mystery is a story about family, loyalty, grief, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.

The twists kept me guessing, and the ending brought everything together beautifully. Whilst I felt slightly less emotionally connected to this one than some of the author's previous books, the story itself absolutely delivered.

A tense, twisty psychological thriller that will keep you questioning everything - and everyone.
Profile Image for dianas_books_cars_coffee.
505 reviews15 followers
July 8, 2026
This is now my third A.J. Campbell book, and they just keep getting better. This one has become my favorite of hers.

Beth and her husband, Justin, are returning home after a special weekend getaway. But on the train to the airport, Justin is up to his antics and strikes up a conversation with the young woman, Immy, who is sitting next to him. The next thing Beth knows, Immy is seated next to Justin on the flight and has been invited to their house. Justin has asked Immy to move in to help take care of his mother with dementia. Beth wants/needs Immy gone. But Immy has other intentions. She embedded herself into this family to find answers and will not leave without them.

Told in the alternating POVs of Beth and Scarlet, this was a dark, intense ride! It definitely gripped me from the very first page. This book was suspenseful, mysterious, and compelling. There was psychological manipulation, cultish vibes, lots of gaslighting, and tons of secrets. Beth was suffering from cancer, trying to take care of her mother-in-law with dementia, and dealing with her husband! It was A LOT! And then there was Scarlet, trying to find out what really happened to her sister. The two different perspectives really made the book interesting. There were shocking twists and the ending was truly unpredictable! This is an entertaining, completely unputdownable psychological thriller that I HIGHLY recommend!🩷
Profile Image for Becky • bookmarked by becky .
889 reviews34 followers
July 12, 2026
When Scarlett’s sister Daisy dies from an apparent overdose, she refuses to believe it. Daisy was devoted to fitness and wellness and had never used drugs. Determined to uncover the truth, Scarlett joins forces with Daisy’s boyfriend, George. Meanwhile, Beth watches uneasily as her husband becomes infatuated with a young woman named Immy, who soon moves into their home as a caregiver.

Told through Scarlett and Beth’s dual POVs, these seemingly separate storylines are woven together with remarkable precision. The mystery surrounding Daisy’s death kept me guessing, and I never knew whom to trust. Themes of jealousy, gaslighting, and manipulation create an atmosphere of emotional dread, while the cult-like undertones and well-timed twists kept me turning the pages. I’m usually not an epilogue fan, but this one was absolutely *chef’s kiss* 😘

🎧Narration Notes: Deirdra Whelan is fantastic, perfectly capturing the mounting tension and unease throughout the story.

Final Verdict: 👍 Addictive, unsettling, and full of delicious misdirection. I never saw that ending coming. Bravo!!!👏👏👏 Can’t wait for her next thriller!!!!
Profile Image for erin_leigh_reads.
260 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2026
She must go

I have been a fan of AJ Campbell since the very beginning and have loved every single book she has written. Hands down, every one of her books has been a 5⭐️ read for me — and book #14, She Must Go, is no exception.

This one starts off at a slower pace, but with each turn of the page the tension intensifies until I found myself on the edge of my seat — anxious, invested, and absolutely flying through the chapters.

She Must Go is packed with twists, turns, and psychological manipulation that had me completely hooked. One character was downright despicable and had me wanting to scream at the pages.

What I love most about Ms. Campbell’s books is the way she weaves everything together so masterfully. Every piece of the puzzle clicks into place for a jaw-dropping conclusion that leaves you reeling.

AJ Campbell is truly phenomenal — she has an incredible ability to draw readers completely into the story and keep them there. She is an absolute master of psychological thrillers and consistently delivers stories that are tense, addictive, and impossible to put down.

If you’re a psychological thriller lover and haven’t picked up one of her books yet… you are seriously missing out.

Who is your go-to psychological thriller author — and have you read any books by AJ Campbell yet?
Profile Image for Toni A..
44 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2026
She Must Go
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author AJ Campbell

Oh my gosh, what a roller coaster ride of a book! How do I even talk about it without giving anything away? Let's just say AJ Campbell had me completely on edge. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was genuinely worried about how things were going to turn out. The tension kept building, and I found myself bracing for the worst. Thankfully, the outcome left me feeling very relieved.

This psychological thriller hooked me from the very beginning and kept me turning the pages late into the night. The premise is wonderfully unsettling—a chance meeting on a train quickly spirals into something far more sinister as Immy inserts herself into Beth and Justin's lives with alarming ease.

The tension builds steadily throughout the story, with Beth's growing unease feeling completely justified, even when those around her seem willing to accept Immy's presence. Immy is an intriguing and unsettling character whose motivations remain just out of reach for much of the novel, creating a constant sense of dread. I found myself questioning everyone's intentions and wondering what secrets were lurking beneath the surface.

AJ Campbell does an excellent job of exploring themes of trust, manipulation, and obsession while delivering plenty of twists along the way. The pacing is strong, and each revelation raises the stakes until the gripping finale.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with family drama, suspense, secrets, and characters who are not quite what they seem, this is definitely one to add to your reading list. Tense, addictive, and packed with twists, this is a book that kept me guessing right to the very end.
Profile Image for Jamele (BookswithJams).
2,249 reviews99 followers
July 14, 2026
This was such a great page turner! I started She Must Go on the kindle and switched to the audio so I could take the dogs on a walk, and honestly I never stopped once we got back. I was captivated by this story, loved the different POVs, and was completely shocked by a couple of twists in here. These characters were out of their minds, but I loved it. This was so unique, I was expecting straightforward when it started and boy did I get anything but. I mean by the time we got to the end I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would end, and it was NOT what I was expecting. I loved this book so much and need to read her backlist now.

Thank you to @ajcampbellauthor for the DRC copy to review. Thank you for including me on your book blitz for July!
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,504 reviews466 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
Buckle up: "The girl from the plane just moved into the guest room—and she isn't leaving.” ✈️💀

A TENSE, RELENTLESS, AND BRILLIANTLY TWISTY DOMESTIC SUSPENSE THRILLER. "A rare weekend away turns into a terrifying waking nightmare when a calculated stranger from a flight systematically infiltrates a vulnerable woman's home."

The Hook
~Travel-Trap Setup: The nightmare starts somewhere we all consider mundane—an airport terminal and a crowded flight.

~Inevitable Collision: Immy didn’t just stumble into Beth and Justin's life; it was a deeply calculated intrusion from the moment they took off.

~Domestic Invasion: The claustrophobia of Beth being trapped in her own home with a stranger, while her husband Justin plays the oblivious host.

In SHE MUST GO, bestselling author A.J. Campbell delivers a deeply atmospheric, tension-soaked London-to-suburbia domestic thriller mystery. The story hinges on an unconventional, cancer-battling wife facing immense physical and emotional hurdles to evict a manipulative squatter and a gaslighting husband, before her family is destroyed. Vulnerable wife vs. calculating grifter.

"A razor-sharp thriller where a deceptive stranger (the girl on the plane) orchestrates her way into the home of a vulnerable wife.

Elevator Pitch
Returning from a weekend getaway between chemotherapy rounds, a vulnerable wife watches in horror as a "too-friendly" stranger from their flight systematically manipulates her unfaithful husband into moving her into their home as a live-in carer for the mother.

Setting
The story transitions from a claustrophobic airplane cabin to the deceptive, pristine comfort of the Lakelands estate. The home is defined by its isolated suburban architecture, rehearsed neighborhood smiles, and a tightening, inescapable web of domestic control.

Vibe
Tense, paranoid, and suffocating. It perfectly pairs the calculated, slow-creeping dread of a Trojan-horse domestic thriller with the frantic, helpless anxiety of a psychological home invasion.

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Noir Mystery.

Themes
~The Vulnerability of Illness
~The Anatomy of Infidelity
~Calculated Intrusion
~The Battle for Autonomy
~Gaslighting & Blackmail

BETH LAKELAND: THE GASLIT SURVIVOR. Turning medical exhaustion into a fierce, desperate crusade for domestic survival.

Standout Characters
~Beth Lakeland: The fierce protagonist; navigating chemotherapy rounds while desperately trying to expose the dangerous outsider her husband brought home.

~Immy: The calculation incarnate; a friendly, chatty stranger from the plane whose helpful exterior masks a cold, premeditated vendetta.

Author Writing Standout
Campbell’s trademark gift for crafting intense, twist-filled domestic torment shines through in her meticulous, highly empathetic rendering of Beth's physical and psychological isolation. She avoids making the cancer diagnosis a mere plot device, writing the everyday logistics of medical vulnerability, marital mistrust, and a grifter’s calculated micro-aggressions with striking, tactile realism.

Takeaway
The most dangerous monsters are the ones who don't force their way in, but rather get invited through the front door by weaponizing our own hidden vulnerabilities against us.

Title Significance
She Must Go acts as a frantic, desperate internal mantra for Beth. It represents her absolute psychological necessity to purge the intruder from her life, while simultaneously signaling to the reader that if Immy does not leave, the family's survival is forfeit.

Metaphor
Immy’s role as a live-in "carer" serves as the central metaphor of the novel. It represents a wolf in sheep's clothing—a deceptive position of absolute trust and dependency that is systematically used to paralyze, isolate, and control the household from the inside out.

Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of fast-paced, addictive domestic thrillers like those by Freida McFadden or B.A. Paris, or if you want an atmospheric story featuring a fiercely resilient protagonist who must rely entirely on her wits to out-maneuver a predator.

My Thoughts
While I absolutely devoured the plot, I found myself wishing it had been titled The Girl from the Plane or The Girl on the Plane! The current title and cover disguise what is actually a brilliant, high-octane travel catalyst. If you love airport-encounter thrillers, don't let the generic title fool you—this is exactly the book you've been looking for!

Author/Novel Highlights
~The Ultimate Airport Nightmare:
Takes the "overly friendly stranger on a plane" trope and turns it into an aggressive, domestic hostage situation.

~Masterclass in Marital Gaslighting:
Captures the terrifying isolation of a wife realizing a calculating outsider is manipulating her husband right in front of her face.

~Fast-Paced Paranoia:
Builds tension seamlessly from the moment the plane wheels touch down to the final, tense showdown inside the house.

~Juicy & Addictive Dynamics:
A brilliant character study on a husband's naive savior complex versus a woman's dark, hidden motives.

"An addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller inspired by a suspicious mid-flight encounter." Loved the inspiration behind the novel.

Coming up: Blog Tour & LitLiftMiniAuthorChat June 23
Hitting the blog on June 23rd, behind the scenes with Amanda & her wildly addictive psychological thriller, She Must Go. Check out my fun #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat, a lightning-fast ride for readers who crave high-drama domestic suspense and the mysterious girl from the plane.

Think of it as a juicy, paranoid, edge-of-your-seat domestic thriller packed with reckless secrets, a hidden history between sisters, and instant hooks. This binge-worthy thriller delivers a fast, fun ride packed with calculated manipulation and deceptive neighborhood smiles.

The novel succeeds beautifully in building domestic paranoia. The transition from a chance airport encounter to absolute home captivity is masterfully executed. Beth is an unforgettable lead; her physical limitations make her psychological stubbornness and tactical focus incredibly grounded. A masterfully executed, high-stakes climax.

Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars
"A gripping, atmospheric domestic thriller that pairs a highly unique survival story with a genuinely chilling home-invasion conspiracy."

“A stellar domestic thriller that will make you want to put your headphones on and ignore absolutely everyone the next time you sit at an airport gate!”

Recs
~My Perfect Marriage by A.J. Campbell (for more of the author’s signature, twist-filled marital deceptions)
~The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan
~The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
~The New Neighbour by Valerie Keogh
~The Inmate by Freida McFadden

Special thanks to the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 19, 2026
June Newsletter
June 2026 Must-Read Books
June 23 #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat & #BlogTourStop
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,447 reviews47 followers
July 17, 2026
Here is my review for She Must Go by AJ Campbell

I absolutely loved this addictive, gripping, psychological, suspenseful thriller that I just couldn’t put down. I got drawn into this fantastic story right from the very start of the book. Scarlett and her mum are informed that Daisy has died of an overdose of drugs but they can't accept that. That's not Daisy's scene, she's anti-drugs and trained along with Scarlett in triathlon events until George came along. A lot of people turned up for her funeral but it wasn’t the right place to speak to George. He's cut up about losing her, like we are. Scarlett went to Daisy's flat on Monday to make a start on boxing up her stuff and found a leaflet for A Meeting Of Minds on Layla's bedside cabinet. It doesn't seem Daisy's usual sort of thing but might be worth a look and George agrees we should go to the convention in Brighton next weekend. Looking into them in the meantime. Marcus Aurelius is a motivational speaker and mindfulness expert plus owner of the organisation. Scarlett thinks he's a total sleaze ball when she sees him at Brighton but unfortunately, she doesn't get the chance to talk to him. She does some more research into the company and finds out his real name is Justin Lakeland. Scarlett finds out he's doing a talk at Edinburgh so she decides to go and manages to get in the hotel opposite. Also, she got the last ticket on the flight up to Edinburgh which was pricey but cheaper coming home Sunday. She saw him chatting to a redhead at the bar and he got her a free ticket for his show. On the way home Sunday, they all appear to be on the same flight. She manages to get talking to him and even gets invited back to their home! Does she know what she's doing? No-one knows where she is…

Wow! This story just kept me in suspense and hooked the whole way through. Were Scarlett and George right in thinking that Daisy's death wasn't a drugs overdose but something else? Why wouldn't the police listen to them? This story was brilliantly written, superbly plotted and extremely well thought out. Scarlett is a strong character who is battling her grief over her sister, upset at the police decision and now trying to find the killer herself. Possibly put herself in danger with no-one knowing where she is. The story is told from the povs of Beth and Scarlett making it a really intriguing read. It’s a highly descriptive story and everything is described in great detail. I believe the author did an awful lot of research before writing this story as it shows in the information contained within the novel. I'm really excited about reading the next book from this author as they just seem to get better and better.

Synopsis :

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 at 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…

Buy now to discover what happens to the girl from the plane

A psychological thriller for readers of Freida McFadden, Claire Douglas, B.A. Paris, Lucy Foley, Gillian McAllister, Lisa Jewell, Jeneva Rose, Shari Lapena, Daniel Hurst and Maria Frankland.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Joy Mijdam.
383 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
She Must Go by AJ Campbell
Release Date: June 19, 2026

First of all, thank you to AJ Campbell for trusting me with this ARC and for casually inviting me into a psychological cat-and-mouse game that absolutely nobody involved should have signed up for. I accepted anyway. Zero regrets.

This is my second ARC book by AJ Campbell, and somehow I think I enjoyed this one even more. It has exactly the kind of suspense I love. Was it predictable at times? Sure. But here’s the thing—predictable doesn’t automatically mean boring. I was still happily turning pages like an overcaffeinated little thriller goblin waiting for everyone to make increasingly questionable decisions.

And thankfully, they did.

The story plays with manipulation so well that it almost becomes a competition. Who’s controlling who? Who’s pulling the strings? Who’s convinced they’re the puppet master while actually dancing to someone else’s tune? Every time I thought I had it figured out, I found myself questioning it again.

I also appreciated how relatable parts of the story felt. Not because I secretly aspire to live inside a psychological thriller—that sounds exhausting—but because the emotions, relationships, and power dynamics felt believable. It’s the kind of situation you hope never happens to you, yet you can absolutely imagine it happening to someone.

My heart genuinely broke for certain characters. Some deserved my sympathy. Others absolutely did not. I’m not telling you which is which because spoilers are crimes, and I choose to stay on the right side of the law.

The multiple points of view worked really well for me. Sometimes books throw different perspectives at you and expect you to assemble the plot like IKEA furniture without instructions. Not here. Everything connected, everything made sense, and I never felt lost—which is exactly what I want from a psychological mind game.

Beneath all the deception lies a story about marriage, loyalty, endurance, family, and the bond between sisters. It’s also about that relentless need to uncover the truth, even when the truth might destroy everything that came before it.

So why four and a half stars instead of five? Honestly, I felt a little more emotionally distant from this story than I have with some of AJ Campbell’s other books. That says more about my connection to the characters than about the quality of the writing, because the story itself absolutely delivers.

If psychological thrillers are your comfort genre—and if emotional damage is your preferred reading experience—pick this one up. Grab a blanket, a drink that makes your soul happy, your emotional support Goldfish crackers, and settle in.

Just don’t be surprised if swimming in lakes suddenly loses all of its appeal.
Profile Image for Becki Pearce.
544 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 4, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Carrie Shields.
1,847 reviews214 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 1, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Ivona.
69 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2026
I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't stop turning the pages.

A.J. Campbell knows exactly how to get under my skin, and She Must Go is another reminder of why she's one of my favourite psychological thriller authors.

The story follows Beth Lakeland, who's already dealing with more than anyone should have to while undergoing chemotherapy. When she and her husband, Justin, meet Immy at the airport and offer her a place to stay, it seems like a simple act of kindness. But it doesn't take long before things start to feel wrong, and the tension keeps building from there.

What I loved most was how believable everything felt. Nothing seemed over-the-top, which somehow made it even more unsettling. I found myself noticing the little things alongside Beth, questioning people's intentions, and wondering who could actually be trusted. That constant feeling of unease had me completely hooked.

Beth was such an easy character to root for. My heart broke for everything she was going through, and I just wanted someone to believe her. And Immy... she gave me chills. Every scene she was in made me feel uncomfortable in the best possible way.

The pacing was spot on, with short chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. Every time I thought I'd worked things out, A.J. Campbell threw in another twist that had me changing my mind all over again. I flew through the final chapters because I had to know how it was all going to end.

If you love psychological thrillers full of tension, manipulation, family drama, and twists that genuinely catch you off guard, don't miss this one.

A tense, addictive, and brilliantly executed thriller that reminded me why A.J. Campbell remains one of my go-to authors.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
3,213 reviews153 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
This is my umpteenth read by AJ now and honestly, these just keep getting better and better.

 

This story sets off running and I was instantly hooked and needing to know just what had happened to Daisy.

I felt so sorry for Scarlet and her mum - just knowing that what they were being told couldn't be true had me rooting for them from the start.

 

I loved that we were pretty sure who the suspect was straight away too, but this wasn't so much a who done it, but a why and how they did it!

 

I liked that we followed the dual pov format as that meant that we were following both of our main characters and were able to get both sides of the story, leaving us a little unsure which perspective was going to turn out to be true....but I was really getting some strange vibes from Justin as soon as we met him.

 

It took me a little while to work through the timeline at the beginning, but as the story unfolds and things come together, I loved how this all linked up and led us to the real investigation.

 

I can't say too much about the plot, so am being somewhat vague here, but things escalated quickly once the timeline synched up and this takes a darker turn - I even gave myself a jump scare whilst reading at one point!

 

This was brilliantly worked through and I was completely gripped from start to finish.

With a fair few twists along the way, this kept me guessing right to the end.

My opinions on each of the characters were forever changing - and I loved this!

 

Another great thriller read - I don't know how you do it, but please keep doing it - I can't wait to see what's coming next .....
Profile Image for Bob Fendt.
211 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 26, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Akku.
757 reviews24 followers
July 12, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - June 17, 2026 - available on KU

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- psychological thriller
- amateur investigation
- sister's death mystery
- dark family secrets
- unreliable characters
- twisty plot
- serial killer vibes
- small town mystery

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
After Scarlett's sister Daisy is found dead and her death is ruled as an overdose, Scarlett refuses to believe it. While searching for the truth, she uncovers dangerous secrets that lead her to a charismatic motivational speaker. The deeper she digs, the more shocking everything becomes.
This book completely pulled me in from the first few chapters. I kept thinking I had everything figured out, but every twist proved me wrong. The suspense kept building, and I honestly didn't want to stop reading. Every chapter revealed something new that made the mystery even more addictive.
Scarlett was such a determined main character. I loved how she never gave up on finding the truth, even when everyone else accepted the easy answer. Her determination made it easy to root for her from beginning to end.
The story had so many creepy moments, hidden secrets, and unexpected reveals. Every time I thought I knew who to trust, another twist changed everything. The atmosphere stayed tense throughout, and the ending was intense, emotional, and perfectly wrapped up the mystery.
If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers with shocking twists, dark secrets, and constant suspense, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews