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Try to Keep Up: A Psychological Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Twenty-two-year-old Kody Thomas takes a nanny job hoping for the clean slate she desperately needs. Instead, she walks into a house where nothing-and no one-is what they seem.
Fifteen-year-old Piper wakes up as different versions of herself. Some days she's shy and soft-spoken. Other days she's bold, impulsive... or chillingly strategic. Her handwriting changes.
Her memories don't align. Her moods snap like a switch flipping in the dark. And the girl Kody is meant to protect may be hiding truths even from herself. When the boy next door goes missing, a diary of disturbing drawings suggests Piper knows more than she's saying.
Trapped in a tightening maze of fractured memories, shifting identities, and buried secrets, Kody must uncover the truth before it's too late. Because the danger might be living behind Piper's eyes, or lurking much closer.
Fifteen-year-old Piper wakes up as different versions of herself. Some days she's shy and soft-spoken. Other days she's bold, impulsive... or chillingly strategic. Her handwriting changes.
Her memories don't align. Her moods snap like a switch flipping in the dark. And the girl Kody is meant to protect may be hiding truths even from herself. When the boy next door goes missing, a diary of disturbing drawings suggests Piper knows more than she's saying.
Trapped in a tightening maze of fractured memories, shifting identities, and buried secrets, Kody must uncover the truth before it's too late. Because the danger might be living behind Piper's eyes, or lurking much closer.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Shay Knudsen
1 book100 followersShay Knudsen writes psychological thrillers that dig into secrets and the things people try to hide. When she’s not plotting dark twists and sinister motives, you can usually find her buried in a book, wandering through bookstores, or quietly imagining what terrible thing could happen next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much for picking up my book, it truly means more to me than I can put into words. As a debut author, every read, every page turned, and every moment you spend in this world I created means so much to me. I’m truly grateful for every reader who chooses to spend their time in this story, and I hope it stays with you long after the final page.
June 7, 2026
It’s been so fun being apart of this ARC team! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read your debut early! It was a twisty gem!!!
Try to Keep Up is a psychological thriller done right. I felt uneasy, confused, and at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I really loved the dash of horror aspects throughout the book as well. It paired so well with the psychological aspect. At some points I was like “am I losing my mind??” while trying to keep up (no pun intended)
This was such a unique thriller! Shay Knudsen will be a thriller author to watch for. Her debut was deliciously twisted and dark I can’t wait to read what she reads next!
Try to Keep Up publishes September 1st be sure to add it to your tbr you won’t be disappointed!
Try to Keep Up is a psychological thriller done right. I felt uneasy, confused, and at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I really loved the dash of horror aspects throughout the book as well. It paired so well with the psychological aspect. At some points I was like “am I losing my mind??” while trying to keep up (no pun intended)
This was such a unique thriller! Shay Knudsen will be a thriller author to watch for. Her debut was deliciously twisted and dark I can’t wait to read what she reads next!
Try to Keep Up publishes September 1st be sure to add it to your tbr you won’t be disappointed!
May 21, 2026
Try to Keep Up immediately pulled me in because it jumps right into a major plot point from the start, and I was HOOKED! I ended up reading this book all in one day because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next, and the plot kept me completely invested.
I especially loved the diary pages and charcoal drawings that were included in the book because they added so much to the atmosphere and really immersed me into the story. The twists toward the end were JAW-DROPPING and definitely unexpected!
For a debut novel, I think this was a really strong start from Shay Knudsen, and I’m excited to read more from them in the future!
May 8, 2026
The book is totally good! I loved the characters, the way everything is described in a very detailed way.
The plot will make your head spin 🔥🔥 The twist is unexpected and makes you question if you guessed it right 😂
It's like a very thrilling rollercoaster ride!
My Rating: 4/5⭐
The plot will make your head spin 🔥🔥 The twist is unexpected and makes you question if you guessed it right 😂
It's like a very thrilling rollercoaster ride!
My Rating: 4/5⭐
June 28, 2026
3.5⭐️
I was lucky enough to be part of Shay Knudsen’s ARC team for Try to Keep Up, and for a debut novel, I was genuinely impressed by the strength of Shay’s writing. The premise immediately intrigued me, and despite a few frustrations along the way, I remained invested from beginning to end.
The standout element for me was Piper. I found the exploration of her dissociative identity disorder genuinely fascinating, and it added such an interesting layer to the mystery. There was one aspect of Piper’s personalities that gave me Hidden Pictures vibes, which as someone who loved that book, I really appreciated. I also completely adored Trystan, whose innocence provided a really lovely contrast to some of the darker themes explored throughout the novel.
I did find the plot a little jumpy at times, and there were a few areas where I found myself wanting to sit with certain moments for longer. Some of the emotional threads introduced early on felt like they could have had a greater impact later in the story, particularly surrounding Kody’s own experiences following the opening events of the novel. Similarly, while we get glimpses of Kody’s life outside of the Hennison family, I found myself wanting a deeper understanding of who she was beyond her role as Piper’s nanny.
As someone who’s currently very much enjoying legal thrillers, I also have to admit there were aspects of the courtroom scenes that frustrated me a little. Annie was probably the character I struggled with most. While it’s obvious she loves her children, I often found myself questioning where her priorities actually lay and feeling frustrated by the responsibilities she continued to place on Kody. Brett, meanwhile, felt somewhat underdeveloped compared to the rest of the cast.
Despite those criticisms, I remained invested throughout and genuinely wanted to see how everything would come together. Shay’s writing kept me turning the pages, and while there were aspects I would have loved to see explored more deeply, this is still a very strong debut with an original premise, compelling ideas and a memorable central character. I’m absolutely keen to see what Shay Knudsen writes next.
I was lucky enough to be part of Shay Knudsen’s ARC team for Try to Keep Up, and for a debut novel, I was genuinely impressed by the strength of Shay’s writing. The premise immediately intrigued me, and despite a few frustrations along the way, I remained invested from beginning to end.
The standout element for me was Piper. I found the exploration of her dissociative identity disorder genuinely fascinating, and it added such an interesting layer to the mystery. There was one aspect of Piper’s personalities that gave me Hidden Pictures vibes, which as someone who loved that book, I really appreciated. I also completely adored Trystan, whose innocence provided a really lovely contrast to some of the darker themes explored throughout the novel.
I did find the plot a little jumpy at times, and there were a few areas where I found myself wanting to sit with certain moments for longer. Some of the emotional threads introduced early on felt like they could have had a greater impact later in the story, particularly surrounding Kody’s own experiences following the opening events of the novel. Similarly, while we get glimpses of Kody’s life outside of the Hennison family, I found myself wanting a deeper understanding of who she was beyond her role as Piper’s nanny.
As someone who’s currently very much enjoying legal thrillers, I also have to admit there were aspects of the courtroom scenes that frustrated me a little. Annie was probably the character I struggled with most. While it’s obvious she loves her children, I often found myself questioning where her priorities actually lay and feeling frustrated by the responsibilities she continued to place on Kody. Brett, meanwhile, felt somewhat underdeveloped compared to the rest of the cast.
Despite those criticisms, I remained invested throughout and genuinely wanted to see how everything would come together. Shay’s writing kept me turning the pages, and while there were aspects I would have loved to see explored more deeply, this is still a very strong debut with an original premise, compelling ideas and a memorable central character. I’m absolutely keen to see what Shay Knudsen writes next.
May 10, 2026
A R C • R E V I E W
Kody Thomas works as a nanny for the Kennison children, Piper and Trystan. Everything is perfect until after a car accident, 15 year old Piper wakes up as different versions of herself. Some days she’s shy, some days she’s sarcastic, some days she’s bold and impulsive. Kody starts noticing these changes and begins to worry about Piper. And when Bobby, the boy next door goes missing, a diary suggests maybe Piper knows more than what’s being said.
✨ I just want to say a huge thank you to @shayknudsenstories for allowing me be apart of her amazing ARC team and part of the first strand of readers! 🫶🏼
Trystan is definitely my favorite character! He makes me want a baby boy even more now 😅 He’s such a sweetheart.
This book was so wonderfully written! It had me hooked from start to finish. I was literally trying to keep up constantly with all the chaos! Such a thrilling page turner!
Be on the lookout 🎭 SEPTEMBER 1 !
Kody Thomas works as a nanny for the Kennison children, Piper and Trystan. Everything is perfect until after a car accident, 15 year old Piper wakes up as different versions of herself. Some days she’s shy, some days she’s sarcastic, some days she’s bold and impulsive. Kody starts noticing these changes and begins to worry about Piper. And when Bobby, the boy next door goes missing, a diary suggests maybe Piper knows more than what’s being said.
✨ I just want to say a huge thank you to @shayknudsenstories for allowing me be apart of her amazing ARC team and part of the first strand of readers! 🫶🏼
Trystan is definitely my favorite character! He makes me want a baby boy even more now 😅 He’s such a sweetheart.
This book was so wonderfully written! It had me hooked from start to finish. I was literally trying to keep up constantly with all the chaos! Such a thrilling page turner!
Be on the lookout 🎭 SEPTEMBER 1 !
June 24, 2026
Thank you so much for including me on the ARC team! Congratulations on your 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 debut novel! It was so well written and brilliantly executed.
From the very first page, the story had me hooked with its creepy, suspenseful atmosphere. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘... 🤯
The twists never stop coming and kept me guessing until the very end. I loved questioning whether something supernatural was at play or if there was another explanation for what was happening. It was unlike any thriller I've read in quite some time. The plot was incredibly unique and creative.
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭:
🎭 Unreliable characters
🎭 A shocking ending
🎭 Suspenseful atmosphere
🎭 The drawings and diary entries.
From the very first page, the story had me hooked with its creepy, suspenseful atmosphere. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘... 🤯
The twists never stop coming and kept me guessing until the very end. I loved questioning whether something supernatural was at play or if there was another explanation for what was happening. It was unlike any thriller I've read in quite some time. The plot was incredibly unique and creative.
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭:
🎭 Unreliable characters
🎭 A shocking ending
🎭 Suspenseful atmosphere
🎭 The drawings and diary entries.
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 25, 2026⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
I received an advanced reader copy of this book!!! Thank you, Shay Knudsen, for trusting me with an advance copy and for the opportunity to be part of your ARC team. I had a great time reading Try to Keep Up, and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
This was a solid psychological thriller that kept me invested from beginning to end. This was definitely entertaining, dark, kind of creepy and full of suspense.
The story follows multiple points of view, which added depth to the mystery and kept me curious about what was really happening. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the story made me question my theories. I found myself constantly wanting to know what had happened to Bobby and how everything connected.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was its psychological focus. Piper’s dissociative identity disorder was at the center of the story, and I found myself fascinated by how trauma shaped her mind and influenced the mystery. It reminded me of the psychological tension in Split (movie), which made the reading experience even more compelling for me cause I loved this movie.
The atmosphere was dark, creepy, and unsettling in all the right ways. I also loved the artwork scattered throughout this book. The sketches and letters added another layer to the story, making it feel even more immersive. They fit the tone perfectly and were one of the most memorable parts of the reading experience.
The writing was descriptive without feeling overwhelming, and it was easy to picture each scene. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs, which helped build suspense and allowed the story to unfold from different perspectives.
As for the mystery itself, I appreciated that the author planted clues throughout the story. I was able to predict part of the reveal, but the book still managed to make me second-guess myself before bringing everything full circle. The ending was satisfying. I even went back and reread the final pages to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
Overall, this was an enjoyable psychological thriller that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy dark mysteries, multiple POVs, creepy atmospheres, and stories that explore the effects of trauma on the human mind.
I’d definitely read another book by this author. This is her debut psychological thriller, and I think she did a great job, and I loved the extra effort she put into creating original artwork that made the story even more immersive.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book!!! Thank you, Shay Knudsen, for trusting me with an advance copy and for the opportunity to be part of your ARC team. I had a great time reading Try to Keep Up, and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
This was a solid psychological thriller that kept me invested from beginning to end. This was definitely entertaining, dark, kind of creepy and full of suspense.
The story follows multiple points of view, which added depth to the mystery and kept me curious about what was really happening. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the story made me question my theories. I found myself constantly wanting to know what had happened to Bobby and how everything connected.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was its psychological focus. Piper’s dissociative identity disorder was at the center of the story, and I found myself fascinated by how trauma shaped her mind and influenced the mystery. It reminded me of the psychological tension in Split (movie), which made the reading experience even more compelling for me cause I loved this movie.
The atmosphere was dark, creepy, and unsettling in all the right ways. I also loved the artwork scattered throughout this book. The sketches and letters added another layer to the story, making it feel even more immersive. They fit the tone perfectly and were one of the most memorable parts of the reading experience.
The writing was descriptive without feeling overwhelming, and it was easy to picture each scene. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs, which helped build suspense and allowed the story to unfold from different perspectives.
As for the mystery itself, I appreciated that the author planted clues throughout the story. I was able to predict part of the reveal, but the book still managed to make me second-guess myself before bringing everything full circle. The ending was satisfying. I even went back and reread the final pages to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
Overall, this was an enjoyable psychological thriller that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy dark mysteries, multiple POVs, creepy atmospheres, and stories that explore the effects of trauma on the human mind.
I’d definitely read another book by this author. This is her debut psychological thriller, and I think she did a great job, and I loved the extra effort she put into creating original artwork that made the story even more immersive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
Try to Keep Up is Shay Knudsen's debut psychological thriller, and it absolutely delivers.
The story follows Kody, a nanny for the seemingly perfect Kennison family. But after a neighbor mysteriously goes missing, the cracks in their perfect life begin to show. Secrets surface, lies unravel, and suddenly no one can be trusted.
I've never questioned my own sanity more while reading a book. What. The. Actual. F did I just read! This book had me questioning everything. I spent the entire book feeling uneasy, suspicious, and completely invested. If a psychological thriller can make me wonder whether I'm losing my mind, it's doing its job.
One of my favorite parts wasn't just the story itself—it was how it was told. Along with the narrative, you're given diary entries, therapy notes, and haunting illustrations that pull you even deeper into the mystery. Those added elements made the reading experience feel so immersive and unique.
The eerie atmosphere is constant, with just enough horror, which I’m not a huge fan of…or wasn’t, woven in to amplify the psychological tension without overshadowing it. Every page left me unsettled in the best possible way.
If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with domestic suspense, unreliable characters, mental health themes, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, Try to Keep Up is one you won't want to miss.
Shay, this would be amazing on audio! Holy crap!
Thank you to Shay and Harbor Stone Press for the opportunity to be part of this truly fantastic ARC team and to read this book. I truly appreciate it!
The story follows Kody, a nanny for the seemingly perfect Kennison family. But after a neighbor mysteriously goes missing, the cracks in their perfect life begin to show. Secrets surface, lies unravel, and suddenly no one can be trusted.
I've never questioned my own sanity more while reading a book. What. The. Actual. F did I just read! This book had me questioning everything. I spent the entire book feeling uneasy, suspicious, and completely invested. If a psychological thriller can make me wonder whether I'm losing my mind, it's doing its job.
One of my favorite parts wasn't just the story itself—it was how it was told. Along with the narrative, you're given diary entries, therapy notes, and haunting illustrations that pull you even deeper into the mystery. Those added elements made the reading experience feel so immersive and unique.
The eerie atmosphere is constant, with just enough horror, which I’m not a huge fan of…or wasn’t, woven in to amplify the psychological tension without overshadowing it. Every page left me unsettled in the best possible way.
If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with domestic suspense, unreliable characters, mental health themes, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, Try to Keep Up is one you won't want to miss.
Shay, this would be amazing on audio! Holy crap!
Thank you to Shay and Harbor Stone Press for the opportunity to be part of this truly fantastic ARC team and to read this book. I truly appreciate it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
《4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️》
Twenty two year old Kody Thomas takes a nanny job hoping to leave her past behind and start over. Instead, she finds herself caring for two kids, Trystan and Piper. Trystan is a normal young boy but Piper is different. She is a fifteen year old girl whose attitude, memories, and even handwriting seem to change without warning. When a neighborhood boy vanishes and a disturbing diary emerges, Kody is pulled into a web of buried secrets and unsettling truths. As reality becomes increasingly difficult to trust, she must uncover what's really happening when nothing is as it seems and the most dangerous secrets are the ones within.
Try To Keep Up completely pulled me in to it's tangled web of secrets and psychological suspense! From the very beginning, there was an unsettling feeling that something wasn't quite right and that tension only grew stronger. Piper was such a fascinating and unpredictable character. Watching Kody try to make sense of Piper's missing memories and disturbing clues kept me constantly guessing. What I really enjoyed was the atmosphere. The story balances mystery and psychological Intrigue so well I found myself questioning everyone and everything. The twists felt earned, the suspense kept me invested and I was eager to keep flipping the pages to uncover the truth! Try To Keep Up is Shay's debut and let me tell you, this is an author to keep an eye on!
Thank you so much to Shay for having me on your ARC team! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
Twenty two year old Kody Thomas takes a nanny job hoping to leave her past behind and start over. Instead, she finds herself caring for two kids, Trystan and Piper. Trystan is a normal young boy but Piper is different. She is a fifteen year old girl whose attitude, memories, and even handwriting seem to change without warning. When a neighborhood boy vanishes and a disturbing diary emerges, Kody is pulled into a web of buried secrets and unsettling truths. As reality becomes increasingly difficult to trust, she must uncover what's really happening when nothing is as it seems and the most dangerous secrets are the ones within.
Try To Keep Up completely pulled me in to it's tangled web of secrets and psychological suspense! From the very beginning, there was an unsettling feeling that something wasn't quite right and that tension only grew stronger. Piper was such a fascinating and unpredictable character. Watching Kody try to make sense of Piper's missing memories and disturbing clues kept me constantly guessing. What I really enjoyed was the atmosphere. The story balances mystery and psychological Intrigue so well I found myself questioning everyone and everything. The twists felt earned, the suspense kept me invested and I was eager to keep flipping the pages to uncover the truth! Try To Keep Up is Shay's debut and let me tell you, this is an author to keep an eye on!
Thank you so much to Shay for having me on your ARC team! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
June 7, 2026
Try to Keep Up completely consumed me from the very first chapter. What starts as a seemingly simple fresh-start story quickly spirals into a chilling psychological thriller packed with secrets, tension, and twists that kept me questioning everything. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another layer unraveled and pulled me even deeper into the mystery.
Piper was one of the most fascinating and unsettling characters I've read in a long time. Her shifting memories, changing behaviors, and the constant uncertainty surrounding her had me completely hooked. Watching Kody try to piece together the truth while navigating a house full of unanswered questions created the perfect sense of suspense. The atmosphere was dark, eerie, and impossible to shake, making it nearly impossible to put down.
What I loved most was how the story kept me guessing until the very end. The tension builds steadily with each chapter, and the feeling that something isn't quite right lingers over every page. The mystery, psychological intrigue, and emotional depth blended together so seamlessly that I found myself thinking about the story long after I finished reading.
For a debut novel, Shay Knudsen absolutely delivers. Try to Keep Up is a gripping, addictive thriller filled with unforgettable characters, haunting secrets, and twists that will leave readers scrambling to uncover the truth. If you love psychological suspense that keeps you on edge and second-guessing everything, this is one you won't want to miss. I already can't wait to see what Shay writes next!
Piper was one of the most fascinating and unsettling characters I've read in a long time. Her shifting memories, changing behaviors, and the constant uncertainty surrounding her had me completely hooked. Watching Kody try to piece together the truth while navigating a house full of unanswered questions created the perfect sense of suspense. The atmosphere was dark, eerie, and impossible to shake, making it nearly impossible to put down.
What I loved most was how the story kept me guessing until the very end. The tension builds steadily with each chapter, and the feeling that something isn't quite right lingers over every page. The mystery, psychological intrigue, and emotional depth blended together so seamlessly that I found myself thinking about the story long after I finished reading.
For a debut novel, Shay Knudsen absolutely delivers. Try to Keep Up is a gripping, addictive thriller filled with unforgettable characters, haunting secrets, and twists that will leave readers scrambling to uncover the truth. If you love psychological suspense that keeps you on edge and second-guessing everything, this is one you won't want to miss. I already can't wait to see what Shay writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excited to have found this debut author and I look forward to what other books she comes out with!
Try to Keep Up is a psychological thriller with an interesting premise - the teenage daughter has Dissociative Identity Disorder which beautifully adds to the stories complexity, psychological unraveling, and twisty ways the plot unravels.
I really enjoyed Piper; her character added so much color and depth to the story. And it provided a nice play on having an unreliable narrator/character. Additional, Trystan was a perfect side character - offering light and silliness (in a realistic little boy way) in what was otherwise a dark and warped world.
In some ways this was the perfect definition of a psychological thriller - it kept me guessing (sometimes outlandishly) at what was happening, the world all the characters were in seemed unsettling and veering for disaster, and it felt like multiple character’s mental state was unraveling before our eyes.
From the beginning, Kody’s character confused me. She was being described by others how she talked about Piper (but the writing was more ‘tell’ than ‘show’). I think I wanted those personalty traits to be more intentional, so to bring the story full circle or to have given them more context so the actions felt more logical (e.g., why is she already so on nervous boarding on paranoid on the first page?).
Thanks to Shay Knudsen and Harbor & Skull Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Try to Keep Up is a psychological thriller with an interesting premise - the teenage daughter has Dissociative Identity Disorder which beautifully adds to the stories complexity, psychological unraveling, and twisty ways the plot unravels.
I really enjoyed Piper; her character added so much color and depth to the story. And it provided a nice play on having an unreliable narrator/character. Additional, Trystan was a perfect side character - offering light and silliness (in a realistic little boy way) in what was otherwise a dark and warped world.
In some ways this was the perfect definition of a psychological thriller - it kept me guessing (sometimes outlandishly) at what was happening, the world all the characters were in seemed unsettling and veering for disaster, and it felt like multiple character’s mental state was unraveling before our eyes.
From the beginning, Kody’s character confused me. She was being described by others how she talked about Piper (but the writing was more ‘tell’ than ‘show’). I think I wanted those personalty traits to be more intentional, so to bring the story full circle or to have given them more context so the actions felt more logical (e.g., why is she already so on nervous boarding on paranoid on the first page?).
Thanks to Shay Knudsen and Harbor & Skull Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 24, 2026I was given this ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
While I was reading this book, I had to keep reminding myself that Shay Knudsen is a new author, and this is her debut novel!
The writing is crisp, the pacing is perfect, the characters well developed, and the plot is compelling.
The main character is 22-year-old Kody Thomas, who needs a fresh start and begins working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family. She is tasked with caring for 15-year-old Piper, but Kody quickly realizes this is not your usual nanny gig.
Piper is not a typical teenager with mood swings - she appears completely different from day-to-day. Sometimes, she is shy and quiet. Sometimes, she is chilling and calculating. Her writing style varies, her memories change, and the household is chaotic.
The story gets more complicated when the boy next door vanishes, and Kody finds a secret diary with strange drawings that seem to infer that Piper knows more than she is saying. Is Kody in danger? Is Piper a victim or the perpetrator?
The author keeps the reader off-balance; with Piper's moods and actions always changing - we never know what is real, and this makes for a twisty and chilling read - I had to keep telling myself - "one more chapter".
This psychological thriller will keep you guessing and turning the pages. You can not trust anyone, and this makes for the perfect thriller. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
4.5 🌟
While I was reading this book, I had to keep reminding myself that Shay Knudsen is a new author, and this is her debut novel!
The writing is crisp, the pacing is perfect, the characters well developed, and the plot is compelling.
The main character is 22-year-old Kody Thomas, who needs a fresh start and begins working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family. She is tasked with caring for 15-year-old Piper, but Kody quickly realizes this is not your usual nanny gig.
Piper is not a typical teenager with mood swings - she appears completely different from day-to-day. Sometimes, she is shy and quiet. Sometimes, she is chilling and calculating. Her writing style varies, her memories change, and the household is chaotic.
The story gets more complicated when the boy next door vanishes, and Kody finds a secret diary with strange drawings that seem to infer that Piper knows more than she is saying. Is Kody in danger? Is Piper a victim or the perpetrator?
The author keeps the reader off-balance; with Piper's moods and actions always changing - we never know what is real, and this makes for a twisty and chilling read - I had to keep telling myself - "one more chapter".
This psychological thriller will keep you guessing and turning the pages. You can not trust anyone, and this makes for the perfect thriller. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
4.5 🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
What. The. Actual. Hell. This book absolutely terrified me.
It's been a LONG time since I've read something that got under my skin the way this did. Ominous, eerie and genuinely unsettling, this is the kind of story that has the hairs on your arms standing up while you're reading.
I was completely hooked from the start. Every chapter seemed to reveal something even stranger and more disturbing than the last, and I constantly felt like I was trying to piece together a puzzle that didn't want to be solved.
Without giving anything away, there was one particular diary entry that had me mentally bracing myself before I turned the page. I KNEW I wasn't going to like what I found and honestly... I was right 😭
This gave me some of the same feelings I had while reading Hidden Pictures - that creeping sense of dread where you're desperate to know what's happening but also slightly terrified to find out, and if you've read Hidden Pictures, you'll know exactly the kind of stress I'm talking about.
There were genuinely moments where I felt too freaked out to carry on reading... yet somehow completely unable to put it down.
Have I started looking at people and their reflections with a little more suspicion since finishing this book? Yes. Do I wish I could stop thinking about it? Also yes. Can I? Absolutely not.
Easily one of the best ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reads I've had all year.
It's been a LONG time since I've read something that got under my skin the way this did. Ominous, eerie and genuinely unsettling, this is the kind of story that has the hairs on your arms standing up while you're reading.
I was completely hooked from the start. Every chapter seemed to reveal something even stranger and more disturbing than the last, and I constantly felt like I was trying to piece together a puzzle that didn't want to be solved.
Without giving anything away, there was one particular diary entry that had me mentally bracing myself before I turned the page. I KNEW I wasn't going to like what I found and honestly... I was right 😭
This gave me some of the same feelings I had while reading Hidden Pictures - that creeping sense of dread where you're desperate to know what's happening but also slightly terrified to find out, and if you've read Hidden Pictures, you'll know exactly the kind of stress I'm talking about.
There were genuinely moments where I felt too freaked out to carry on reading... yet somehow completely unable to put it down.
Have I started looking at people and their reflections with a little more suspicion since finishing this book? Yes. Do I wish I could stop thinking about it? Also yes. Can I? Absolutely not.
Easily one of the best ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reads I've had all year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, I want to thank Shay for allowing me to be part of her influencer team and for the honor of reading her debut thriller early.🖤
I will not be forgetting this story any time soon! And that’s saying a lot because usually I forget mostly everything the minute I close a book😬 The diary entries, therapy sessions and drawings take this book to a whole other level. There is so much talent that went into this book!
I loved getting a look into Piper’s fractured mind and learning what she experienced as a child as the book progressed. Her little brother, Trystan is such a delightful little boy. Some of the things he said made me laugh out loud.🤣 Kody, their nanny, loves them to death and would do anything to protect them. Their mother, Annie, is a tough nut to crack and her true motives do not become clear until the very end.
I tore through the book in one day because I had to know how the story was all going to play out. I NEVER would have guessed the ending.🫣😱 My thoughts bounced back and forth thinking - okay yeah I know where this is going, but I was never right!
Try to Keep Up is the very definition of a psychological thriller! It messes with your mind and makes you question everyone and everything that is happening. You really need to read this book. Good luck trying to keep up!
I will not be forgetting this story any time soon! And that’s saying a lot because usually I forget mostly everything the minute I close a book😬 The diary entries, therapy sessions and drawings take this book to a whole other level. There is so much talent that went into this book!
I loved getting a look into Piper’s fractured mind and learning what she experienced as a child as the book progressed. Her little brother, Trystan is such a delightful little boy. Some of the things he said made me laugh out loud.🤣 Kody, their nanny, loves them to death and would do anything to protect them. Their mother, Annie, is a tough nut to crack and her true motives do not become clear until the very end.
I tore through the book in one day because I had to know how the story was all going to play out. I NEVER would have guessed the ending.🫣😱 My thoughts bounced back and forth thinking - okay yeah I know where this is going, but I was never right!
Try to Keep Up is the very definition of a psychological thriller! It messes with your mind and makes you question everyone and everything that is happening. You really need to read this book. Good luck trying to keep up!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You know that feeling when you think you understand the story, and then suddenly you realize you’ve been reading the wrong story the whole time? Try to Keep Up by Shay Knudsen gave me that feeling.
The story follows Kody, a nanny for an affluent family. An accident early in the book reveals something unexpected about one of the children, Piper and from that moment, the story shifts into something darker. When a neighbor’s kid goes missing and the connection to the family emerges, the pieces start to fall into place in ways I didn't see coming. Think John Marrs‑level twists.
I really enjoyed Shay’s writing style - it’s clear, easy to follow, and keeps you grounded in the story. I also thought the portrayal of the mental health disorder was handled thoughtfully, and the therapy scenes felt realistic and well‑written.
The one thing that really set this book apart for me, aside from the story, was the illustrations.
The artwork and diary entries woven throughout the book were a brilliant idea. As someone whose brain immediately visualizes everything, having illustrations in a thriller was something I didn’t know I needed. It gave my imagination permission to rest and just receive.
Overall, an easy 4/5 stars. For a debut, this was genuinely impressive, and I’m already excited to see what Shay writes next.
The story follows Kody, a nanny for an affluent family. An accident early in the book reveals something unexpected about one of the children, Piper and from that moment, the story shifts into something darker. When a neighbor’s kid goes missing and the connection to the family emerges, the pieces start to fall into place in ways I didn't see coming. Think John Marrs‑level twists.
I really enjoyed Shay’s writing style - it’s clear, easy to follow, and keeps you grounded in the story. I also thought the portrayal of the mental health disorder was handled thoughtfully, and the therapy scenes felt realistic and well‑written.
The one thing that really set this book apart for me, aside from the story, was the illustrations.
The artwork and diary entries woven throughout the book were a brilliant idea. As someone whose brain immediately visualizes everything, having illustrations in a thriller was something I didn’t know I needed. It gave my imagination permission to rest and just receive.
Overall, an easy 4/5 stars. For a debut, this was genuinely impressive, and I’m already excited to see what Shay writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow… this is INCREDIBLE!
Is this really a debut? Because it certainly doesn’t feel like one.
Try To Keep Up completely blew me away. It’s immersive, chilling, packed with twists and tension from start to finish. I could go on and on about everything I loved, but honestly, just trust me and add this to your TBR immediately.
Shay Knudsen’s writing is exceptional. It flows so effortlessly that you forget you are even reading, it feels like you are right there beside the characters, experiencing every moment with them. I found myself completely invested, cheering them on, piecing things together, and fully absorbed in the story.
The characters are beautifully developed, strong yet vulnerable, and incredibly real. The plot is both clever and unique, blending emotional depth with a gripping, edge of your seat narrative.
And those final chapters… absolutely devastating in the best way. They were so vivid and powerful that I couldn’t hold back my emotions, I just let it all hit me.
To my fellow book lovers and thriller fans, don’t hesitate. This one is something special.
A huge thank you to Shay Knudsen for this unforgettable story, your hard work truly shines through. And thank you for the eARC, I’m so grateful to have experienced this and to share my honest review.
Is this really a debut? Because it certainly doesn’t feel like one.
Try To Keep Up completely blew me away. It’s immersive, chilling, packed with twists and tension from start to finish. I could go on and on about everything I loved, but honestly, just trust me and add this to your TBR immediately.
Shay Knudsen’s writing is exceptional. It flows so effortlessly that you forget you are even reading, it feels like you are right there beside the characters, experiencing every moment with them. I found myself completely invested, cheering them on, piecing things together, and fully absorbed in the story.
The characters are beautifully developed, strong yet vulnerable, and incredibly real. The plot is both clever and unique, blending emotional depth with a gripping, edge of your seat narrative.
And those final chapters… absolutely devastating in the best way. They were so vivid and powerful that I couldn’t hold back my emotions, I just let it all hit me.
To my fellow book lovers and thriller fans, don’t hesitate. This one is something special.
A huge thank you to Shay Knudsen for this unforgettable story, your hard work truly shines through. And thank you for the eARC, I’m so grateful to have experienced this and to share my honest review.
June 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Looking for your next thriller author.. look no further because you will be fed! 🍽️
And Shay I have to give you the biggest props because this did not read like a debut at all!! You are so talented and I am stoked to see you in what comes out of your wonderful brain in the future!!
I absolutely loved the writing style in this book, I was invested, informed (sometimes ill informed 🤣🤣… but all for a good reason for the climax and ending!) The chapters were not too long and it kept me wanting to read on to see what was actually really happening because this story was like peeling back layers to an onion!
I do not suggest trying to get anymore information on what the book is about beyond the blub!! Go in blind and thank me later!! I also love that this was a multi layered thriller with multiple plots of crazy going on.. it keeps you guessing the whole time, precisely why I gave a nod to the Charlie Day meme, because seriously I was constantly writing down things in my notes app trying to piece everything together. And I didn’t trust a single person in this book, they were alllll getting the side eye from me 🤣This book was giving Holly Jackson and Jason Rekulak in the BEST possible way!
Thank you so much to the author and Harbor and Skull publishing for the eARC!!
Looking for your next thriller author.. look no further because you will be fed! 🍽️
And Shay I have to give you the biggest props because this did not read like a debut at all!! You are so talented and I am stoked to see you in what comes out of your wonderful brain in the future!!
I absolutely loved the writing style in this book, I was invested, informed (sometimes ill informed 🤣🤣… but all for a good reason for the climax and ending!) The chapters were not too long and it kept me wanting to read on to see what was actually really happening because this story was like peeling back layers to an onion!
I do not suggest trying to get anymore information on what the book is about beyond the blub!! Go in blind and thank me later!! I also love that this was a multi layered thriller with multiple plots of crazy going on.. it keeps you guessing the whole time, precisely why I gave a nod to the Charlie Day meme, because seriously I was constantly writing down things in my notes app trying to piece everything together. And I didn’t trust a single person in this book, they were alllll getting the side eye from me 🤣This book was giving Holly Jackson and Jason Rekulak in the BEST possible way!
Thank you so much to the author and Harbor and Skull publishing for the eARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Try To Keep Up is a gripping psychological thriller that will leave you on edge throughout the journey.
I was equal parts terrified and curious after the first few chapters. The story revolves around Kody and the Kennison family, whom she nannies for. One accident leaves the entire family and Kody reeling for answers. As secrets pile up, their lives unravel, revealing haunting truths about the entire family.
Piper, the teenager, seems to be the most affected. Every morning, she wakes up as a different person. No one seems to know why. Is her childhood trauma the reason or was it the accident? Every character in the story has a purpose. Each character has been written with a nuance that cannot be ignored.
The refreshing thing about this story is that the plot doesn’t tiptoe around sensitive issues, but normalizes them. At a time when mental health issues are stigmatized, Shay effortlessly weaves the story to start a conversation around how it is ok to live with such issues.
Shay has written a thriller that will stay with you for a long time. This dark and twisted tale will grab your attention from the get go.
Thank you Shay, for letting me be a part of the ARC team! I can’t wait to read more of your work.
I was equal parts terrified and curious after the first few chapters. The story revolves around Kody and the Kennison family, whom she nannies for. One accident leaves the entire family and Kody reeling for answers. As secrets pile up, their lives unravel, revealing haunting truths about the entire family.
Piper, the teenager, seems to be the most affected. Every morning, she wakes up as a different person. No one seems to know why. Is her childhood trauma the reason or was it the accident? Every character in the story has a purpose. Each character has been written with a nuance that cannot be ignored.
The refreshing thing about this story is that the plot doesn’t tiptoe around sensitive issues, but normalizes them. At a time when mental health issues are stigmatized, Shay effortlessly weaves the story to start a conversation around how it is ok to live with such issues.
Shay has written a thriller that will stay with you for a long time. This dark and twisted tale will grab your attention from the get go.
Thank you Shay, for letting me be a part of the ARC team! I can’t wait to read more of your work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts off with a bang and instant action! What started as a fast-paced, suspenseful read became far more intriguing than I expected. 👏👏👏
22 year old Kody is the nanny for a wealthy family to children Piper and Trystan. After a car accident, she's asked to spend more time with Piper just to make sure she's ok and soon feels like Piper is not always...Piper. Not to mention a missing persons case to spice things up. After about chapter 3, I was hooked!
Knudsen keeps you guessing! Each chapter creates more and more suspense and you're left wondering if the strange happenings are supernatural, psychological, or something else entirely and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
We have multiple POV and a missing persons case and the tension builds steadily throughout. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the book delivered a twist on top of a twist!
While it took me a little time to connect with the characters...the suspense, surprises, and payoff made for a great read. Plus there are some diary entries and excellent creepy drawings to add a little intrigue (and I love mixed media). If you enjoy stories that keep you second-guessing your theories and aren’t afraid to pull the rug out from under you, this one is worth picking up!
4.5 stars
22 year old Kody is the nanny for a wealthy family to children Piper and Trystan. After a car accident, she's asked to spend more time with Piper just to make sure she's ok and soon feels like Piper is not always...Piper. Not to mention a missing persons case to spice things up. After about chapter 3, I was hooked!
Knudsen keeps you guessing! Each chapter creates more and more suspense and you're left wondering if the strange happenings are supernatural, psychological, or something else entirely and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
We have multiple POV and a missing persons case and the tension builds steadily throughout. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the book delivered a twist on top of a twist!
While it took me a little time to connect with the characters...the suspense, surprises, and payoff made for a great read. Plus there are some diary entries and excellent creepy drawings to add a little intrigue (and I love mixed media). If you enjoy stories that keep you second-guessing your theories and aren’t afraid to pull the rug out from under you, this one is worth picking up!
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
First things first... read the trigger warnings before picking this one up.
This one completely caught me by surprise. I went in expecting a psychological thriller, but it ended up being so much more layered than I anticipated. There were several moments I never saw coming, and I found myself completely invested in trying to figure out what was actually happening.
I especially loved Kody's character. She genuinely wanted to protect Piper and Trystan, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the way Shay Knudsen incorporated journal entries and drawings throughout the story. They added such a creepy atmosphere and fit the plot perfectly. Every time one appeared, it pulled me even deeper into the mystery and made the story feel even more unsettling.
The ending was easily the standout for me. The final twist completely got me, and I love when an author can still surprise me after I've spent the entire book trying to figure everything out.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly well done. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Shay Knudsen writes next.
Thank you to Shay Knudsen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one completely caught me by surprise. I went in expecting a psychological thriller, but it ended up being so much more layered than I anticipated. There were several moments I never saw coming, and I found myself completely invested in trying to figure out what was actually happening.
I especially loved Kody's character. She genuinely wanted to protect Piper and Trystan, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the way Shay Knudsen incorporated journal entries and drawings throughout the story. They added such a creepy atmosphere and fit the plot perfectly. Every time one appeared, it pulled me even deeper into the mystery and made the story feel even more unsettling.
The ending was easily the standout for me. The final twist completely got me, and I love when an author can still surprise me after I've spent the entire book trying to figure everything out.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly well done. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Shay Knudsen writes next.
Thank you to Shay Knudsen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book!
Kody works as a nanny for the Kennison family caring for Piper and Trystan. One day on their way home from school they are involved in a pretty serious car accident which injures Pipers head. While every is recovering Kody notices odd things with Piper. One minute she is acting like herself and the next she is a totally different person. She is concerned about what she is seeing and finally convinces Pipers parents to have her see a therapist. The first session is very enlightening and Kody realizes she never really knew Piper like she thought and when she finds her diary she becomes even more concerned that something sinister is going on.
This had me absolutely hooked from the beginning! The story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the twists absolutely shocked me! The characters were so well written and it makes you feel really connected to them and the story. I love a seemingly perfect family that in reality is full of secrets! I am so grateful to be a part of the ARC team! This comes out in September and it is the perfect creepy read!
Kody works as a nanny for the Kennison family caring for Piper and Trystan. One day on their way home from school they are involved in a pretty serious car accident which injures Pipers head. While every is recovering Kody notices odd things with Piper. One minute she is acting like herself and the next she is a totally different person. She is concerned about what she is seeing and finally convinces Pipers parents to have her see a therapist. The first session is very enlightening and Kody realizes she never really knew Piper like she thought and when she finds her diary she becomes even more concerned that something sinister is going on.
This had me absolutely hooked from the beginning! The story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the twists absolutely shocked me! The characters were so well written and it makes you feel really connected to them and the story. I love a seemingly perfect family that in reality is full of secrets! I am so grateful to be a part of the ARC team! This comes out in September and it is the perfect creepy read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay, this was so good, I've been looking for a different thriller to knock me out of the thriller rut I've been in and this did it.
Kody wants to start over a little, no she needs to, this is it for her, we've all felt that I think.
So she finds a nanny job, should be simple but it's anything but, everything is off, the house the people, the secrets.
Trystan and Piper should be easy, but Piper has some problems everyday she seems to be different and it's not just her personality it's everything the way she moves, the tones, her inflection even her handwriting, it's bizarre. But probably something you can deal with, it's a job, no one is getting hurt, until the neighbor kid goes missing, then maybe there is a problem, maybe things are too weird.
Things get even more chaotic when evidence turns up, the diary pages and those drawings woof.
Does Piper know more about the boy then it seems or did she do something herself...Nothing is as it seems in this household and Kody needs to figure it out fast before more go missing or worse, she finds out just enough for her to dissappear as well.
Thanks for letting me check this out early!
Kody wants to start over a little, no she needs to, this is it for her, we've all felt that I think.
So she finds a nanny job, should be simple but it's anything but, everything is off, the house the people, the secrets.
Trystan and Piper should be easy, but Piper has some problems everyday she seems to be different and it's not just her personality it's everything the way she moves, the tones, her inflection even her handwriting, it's bizarre. But probably something you can deal with, it's a job, no one is getting hurt, until the neighbor kid goes missing, then maybe there is a problem, maybe things are too weird.
Things get even more chaotic when evidence turns up, the diary pages and those drawings woof.
Does Piper know more about the boy then it seems or did she do something herself...Nothing is as it seems in this household and Kody needs to figure it out fast before more go missing or worse, she finds out just enough for her to dissappear as well.
Thanks for letting me check this out early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW. What a phenomenal book.
Try to Keep Up was one of my most anticipated ARCs, and somehow it still exceeded my expectations. I was excited for it because the cover is absolutely stunning, but the story inside completely blew me away.
The book follows Kody, a nanny, and Piper, the very suspicious girl she is caring for. That is honestly all I want to say about the plot because this is one of those thrillers you should go into without knowing too much.
Shay Knudsen’s writing is beautiful. She takes her time with the characters, lets you really get to know them, and suddenly they feel like real people living in your head. The atmosphere is also fantastic. The creepiness does not hit all at once. It slowly builds, seeps from the pages, and pulls you deeper and deeper into the story.
I loved the pacing, the unsettling vibe, the little details, and especially the idea behind Piper’s character. No spoilers, but it was fascinating and so well done.
And this is a debut? I still cannot believe it. Try to Keep Up is easily one of the strongest debuts I have ever read, and I already know Shay Knudsen is an author I will be watching closely.
Try to Keep Up was one of my most anticipated ARCs, and somehow it still exceeded my expectations. I was excited for it because the cover is absolutely stunning, but the story inside completely blew me away.
The book follows Kody, a nanny, and Piper, the very suspicious girl she is caring for. That is honestly all I want to say about the plot because this is one of those thrillers you should go into without knowing too much.
Shay Knudsen’s writing is beautiful. She takes her time with the characters, lets you really get to know them, and suddenly they feel like real people living in your head. The atmosphere is also fantastic. The creepiness does not hit all at once. It slowly builds, seeps from the pages, and pulls you deeper and deeper into the story.
I loved the pacing, the unsettling vibe, the little details, and especially the idea behind Piper’s character. No spoilers, but it was fascinating and so well done.
And this is a debut? I still cannot believe it. Try to Keep Up is easily one of the strongest debuts I have ever read, and I already know Shay Knudsen is an author I will be watching closely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Try to Keep Up is perfectly named, because it is a fast paced thriller that will constantly keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose or Freida McFadden, this story centers on themes like what does it mean to protect your loved ones? What does having an identity mean? And what lengths are we willing to go to, to protect our family?
Kody was giving Nick Carraway vibes in a good way. As the nanny of a family in the middle of a crisis, she is within, but also without. She loves, but there is also always line she doesn’t cross. She is a great FMC to get perspective of.
And l’ll be the first to tell you, when the plot centers around children, the mama bear in me roars. And I don’t like it when it’s not done well, but Try to Keep Up is in a rare league like Hidden Pictures. Absolutely serious when it comes to the matter of children and rooted in reality, but still eerie as hell of what could be. I am so thankful that Shay trusted me with a copy in advance. I can’t wait for you all to read it.
Kody was giving Nick Carraway vibes in a good way. As the nanny of a family in the middle of a crisis, she is within, but also without. She loves, but there is also always line she doesn’t cross. She is a great FMC to get perspective of.
And l’ll be the first to tell you, when the plot centers around children, the mama bear in me roars. And I don’t like it when it’s not done well, but Try to Keep Up is in a rare league like Hidden Pictures. Absolutely serious when it comes to the matter of children and rooted in reality, but still eerie as hell of what could be. I am so thankful that Shay trusted me with a copy in advance. I can’t wait for you all to read it.
May 13, 2026
It has been such an honor to be part of Shay Knudsen’s ARC team for this one! First things first— I absolutely judged this book by the cover because LOOK AT IT. Instantly obsessed. But thankfully the story completely lived up to the vibes.
This book genuinely rattled me in the best thriller kind of way. The concept alone is terrifying. Nannying is stressful enough, but nannying for a teenager whose personality, memories, handwriting, and behavior constantly shift? Absolutely not. The entire atmosphere of this book felt deeply unsettling, and there were moments where I genuinely did not want to read it alone in the dark.
What really worked for me was how immersive everything felt. The multiple POVs, diary entries, and actual drawings scattered throughout the story made it feel incredibly real and added so much tension. I was constantly questioning who to trust, what was real, and where things were heading. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted again.
This one is creepy, emotional, layered, and genuinely hard to put down. If you love psychological thrillers with unsettling vibes, unreliable characters, and a constant sense of dread creeping under your skin— get this one on your radar immediately.
Out in September & absolutely worth the read.
This book genuinely rattled me in the best thriller kind of way. The concept alone is terrifying. Nannying is stressful enough, but nannying for a teenager whose personality, memories, handwriting, and behavior constantly shift? Absolutely not. The entire atmosphere of this book felt deeply unsettling, and there were moments where I genuinely did not want to read it alone in the dark.
What really worked for me was how immersive everything felt. The multiple POVs, diary entries, and actual drawings scattered throughout the story made it feel incredibly real and added so much tension. I was constantly questioning who to trust, what was real, and where things were heading. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted again.
This one is creepy, emotional, layered, and genuinely hard to put down. If you love psychological thrillers with unsettling vibes, unreliable characters, and a constant sense of dread creeping under your skin— get this one on your radar immediately.
Out in September & absolutely worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a little bit like an onion. Because you read it and then you discover that there is more than just one book - there are also drawings, and the drawings somehow end up turning the story into what it is. Yes, the story is well written and well told, but the drawings somehow ended up getting the biggest part of my love. Whoever is the person who did those - omg you did so good! And then, another layer of an onion. There is this letter thing... inside the book. Which also makes the book as special as what it is.
I know people usually have issues with books where the twist is somehow mental-health related, but this isn’t the case. This is not a twist per se, it’s a story. And yes, there still is a twist, just not what you expect at first. The book will most likely break you (at least a little bit at some point), and the book most definitely will make you feel all kinds of weird feels. You will love the characters and by the time you are done reading it, you will feel like you know them all, like, REALLY KNOW THEM ALL.
I know people usually have issues with books where the twist is somehow mental-health related, but this isn’t the case. This is not a twist per se, it’s a story. And yes, there still is a twist, just not what you expect at first. The book will most likely break you (at least a little bit at some point), and the book most definitely will make you feel all kinds of weird feels. You will love the characters and by the time you are done reading it, you will feel like you know them all, like, REALLY KNOW THEM ALL.
Review of advance copy received from Author
TRY TO KEEP UP by @shayknudsenstories
📖 book review • out 09.01.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thanks to the author + @harborandstonepress • @harborandskullpublishing for my gifted ARC & letting me be a part of your team!!
this book was so eerie 👀 and gave me that uneasy feeling throughout the whole book - which is the perfect feeling for psychological thriller fans. and let me tell you… this one puts the *psychological* in that context, because it really messed with me! my husband travels for work, and I scare easily, and I didn’t want to read it when it was dark outside 😵💫😂
the therapy notes, the diary entries, the pure UNEASINESS of this story.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
🖤what to expect:
•Kody is a nanny to Trystan and Piper
•their family has a weird dynamic, but she loves the kids
•after an unfortunate car accident on the way home from school, the oldest isn’t quite herself anymore
•Kody wants to help, but the mom brushes everything off
•is something else going on with piper? She is different with every interaction
•now a local kid is missing, and one of piper’s personalities may know the answer
📖 book review • out 09.01.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thanks to the author + @harborandstonepress • @harborandskullpublishing for my gifted ARC & letting me be a part of your team!!
this book was so eerie 👀 and gave me that uneasy feeling throughout the whole book - which is the perfect feeling for psychological thriller fans. and let me tell you… this one puts the *psychological* in that context, because it really messed with me! my husband travels for work, and I scare easily, and I didn’t want to read it when it was dark outside 😵💫😂
the therapy notes, the diary entries, the pure UNEASINESS of this story.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
🖤what to expect:
•Kody is a nanny to Trystan and Piper
•their family has a weird dynamic, but she loves the kids
•after an unfortunate car accident on the way home from school, the oldest isn’t quite herself anymore
•Kody wants to help, but the mom brushes everything off
•is something else going on with piper? She is different with every interaction
•now a local kid is missing, and one of piper’s personalities may know the answer
June 22, 2026
Shay Knudsen is definitely a thriller author to watch.
I was immediately hooked into this book with the fluid and easy way this book started:
A tragic accident that rocks Kody and the 2 kids she nannies for to their core.
After the accident, things change for Piper, the young girl Kody is a nanny for.
Piper is not the same, and the entire family feels it.
Things start to get creepy fast.
And when a neighborhood boy goes missing, Kody is left trying to figure things out.
Not to mention, the mother Kody nannies for (Annie), refuses to believe there’s anything wrong with Piper.
Throughout all the twists and turns this book takes, it’s clear no one is who they seem, and you never know who to trust.
I was not prepared for this ending! 🤣
And while I felt the stakes could have been a bit higher for Kody at times, I loved all the things I learned about mental health in this book, and it was a good nanny thriller!
BIG thanks to the author for allowing me to review this book early!
I was immediately hooked into this book with the fluid and easy way this book started:
A tragic accident that rocks Kody and the 2 kids she nannies for to their core.
After the accident, things change for Piper, the young girl Kody is a nanny for.
Piper is not the same, and the entire family feels it.
Things start to get creepy fast.
And when a neighborhood boy goes missing, Kody is left trying to figure things out.
Not to mention, the mother Kody nannies for (Annie), refuses to believe there’s anything wrong with Piper.
Throughout all the twists and turns this book takes, it’s clear no one is who they seem, and you never know who to trust.
I was not prepared for this ending! 🤣
And while I felt the stakes could have been a bit higher for Kody at times, I loved all the things I learned about mental health in this book, and it was a good nanny thriller!
BIG thanks to the author for allowing me to review this book early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW. This absolutely blew me away. I knew after the first chapter I was in for a five star read.
Shay’s writing is so descriptive in the best way, you feel like you’re there. It’s never so descriptive that you’re skimming pages; it’s the perfect amount that lets the whole story play out like a movie in your head.
The suspense had me staying up way too late but I couldn’t stop 🤣
At one point I was literally walking around my house with my Kindle trying to cook dinner because I couldn’t put it down.
It’s fast-paced and reads like your favorite Frieda McFadden thriller…but on 10.
I also really loved the mental health aspect of the story. It adds so much depth to the mystery and had me constantly questioning what was real. It’s handled in a way that kept me thinking long after I finished.
So good. No notes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early!
✨ This is Shay’s debut thriller, and it releases September 1.
Mark your calendars because you’re going to want this one on your Kindle ASAP.
WOW. This absolutely blew me away. I knew after the first chapter I was in for a five star read.
Shay’s writing is so descriptive in the best way, you feel like you’re there. It’s never so descriptive that you’re skimming pages; it’s the perfect amount that lets the whole story play out like a movie in your head.
The suspense had me staying up way too late but I couldn’t stop 🤣
At one point I was literally walking around my house with my Kindle trying to cook dinner because I couldn’t put it down.
It’s fast-paced and reads like your favorite Frieda McFadden thriller…but on 10.
I also really loved the mental health aspect of the story. It adds so much depth to the mystery and had me constantly questioning what was real. It’s handled in a way that kept me thinking long after I finished.
So good. No notes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early!
✨ This is Shay’s debut thriller, and it releases September 1.
Mark your calendars because you’re going to want this one on your Kindle ASAP.
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