Echo Ridge

by Audrey J. Cole

In this atmospheric thriller from USA Today bestselling author Audrey J. Cole, a wellness retreat turns deadly when a violent storm churns up grief and betrayal…and murder reveals a shocking truth.

Surrounded by lush rainforest high in the Cascades, Echo Ridge Sanctuary is the picture of calm and isolation. Visitors flock there to better their souls. But some souls are too fractured to fix―and after murder rocks its tranquil grounds, the luxury wellness retreat descends into chaos.

Tai chi instructor Jade Vega, reeling from a recent betrayal, accepts her aunt’s offer to teach at Echo Ridge, hoping to unplug and heal. Guest Naomi March, grief-stricken after one daughter’s death, seeks similar solace with her other daughter by her side.

But the sanctuary’s promise of serenity shatters when two more guests arrive. Jade’s former best friend and business partner appears, and her new fiancé is the one man Naomi’s family has never been able to forgive.

When a violent storm traps them among the towering evergreens and suspended walkways, there’s more to fear than just wind and rain. Secrets, paranoia, and revenge abound―and a killer lurks somewhere in the shadows.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 5, 2027

About the author

Audrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.

Reviews

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

A wellness retreat gone wrong.
Multiple people go on a secluded wellness retreat and suddenly people are being killed one by one. Who is killing them? Why?

This was told from multiple POVs and the people in the retreat share past history too, so there are many motives. You will guess one person and then within the next chapter, you will think someone else is the killer.

This was good and a fun read with a lot going on. I had started to suspect what the ending would be about halfway through the book, but I did second guess myself several times, so it keeps you on your toes for sure. This is a good book for those that like a mystery where multiple people could be the killer and everyone has a different motive and backstory.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remote wellness retreat in the Cascade Mountains, a storm rolling in and a group of guests who aren't quite as disconnected as they first appear. So much for a relaxing getaway.

The story opens with a shocking hook when Naomi receives the devastating news that her daughter, Lily, has been murdered. Still grieving, she reluctantly agrees to accompany her younger daughter, Miranda, to Echo Ridge Sanctuary, hoping that getting away for a few days might do them both some good. Of course, things don't exactly go to plan.

The Cascade Mountains were a big part of what worked for me. The lush rainforest, mist drifting through the evergreens and quiet mountain surroundings were really easy to picture, and I enjoyed the way Cole brought the setting to life. At the same time, all that beauty comes with a real sense of remoteness. There's no service, help isn't going to arrive quickly and, with a rainstorm closing in, the isolation gradually starts to feel claustrophobic. It's the kind of setting that lends itself perfectly to a mystery where everyone is stuck together and suspicions begin to shift.

Naomi was probably the character I found myself rooting for most. She's a grief-stricken mother who sees Echo Ridge as a chance to reset, only to arrive and discover someone connected to her daughter's death is there too. From that point, I really wanted answers for her and to know exactly what had happened to Lily.

I do think the story lost a little steam in places, and some of the earlier red herrings made certain reveals easier to spot. However, Cole did a good job of shifting my suspicions around, and whenever I thought I had it in the bag, something would happen that made me reconsider.

Echo Ridge was an atmospheric and entertaining read that made great use of its isolated setting. I'd recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers with a closed circle of suspects, remote locations and a wellness retreat angle.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey J. Cole has become an auto-read author for me, so when I noticed that she had a new book coming out I was quick to request it.

Imagine that you’re going to a wellness retreat in a remote area in the Cascade Mountains (the closest town is 25 miles away).
You go there to heal, rejuvenate and enjoy the luxurious amenities…sound baths, yoga, water tai chi, private sessions with a life coach, and 3 gourmet meals a day prepared by a talented chef.
The irony is that for the 4 guests and 3 staff members, instead of feeling healing energy, everyone’s anxiety is at a level 10.
Someone is murdered and then they lose power due to a storm and have no way to contact the outside world.
A large tree fell and is blocking any cars from getting in or out of the retreat.
After the murder there are 6 people remaining and one of them is the killer.
But who? And why?

This book took longer to get into it than I thought it would.
Parts of the first third felt a little slow to me, but I understand the author wanting to take the time to introduce the reader to all of the characters and explain their backgrounds.
Around the 35% point things started to get really interesting and stayed that way throughout the rest of the book.
Needless to say, I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first half.

This did have kind of a melancholy ending, but just like in real life, all endings can’t be perfect and happy.
Still, Audrey J. Cole always delivers a great thriller!

Thanks to Audrey J. Cole and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

ECHO RIDGE
By Audrey J. Cole

An Atmospheric Mystery at Echo Ridge

Set in the remote Cascade Mountains of Washington, the isolated Echo Ridge Sanctuary provides an atmospheric setting for this mystery thriller. Chaos ensues when a murder occurs during a violent storm, leaving everyone trapped without power or a way to call for help.

This was just an okay read for me. The setting, the violent storm, and the loss of power pulled me in at first, but as the story progressed, there were too many things that didn’t feel believable to me. The middle of the book felt slow and dragged with the repeated accusations.

I also never felt a real connection to any of the characters. There isn’t a huge cast, and most of them have some connection to one another, which felt a little too coincidental for me. Without giving away any spoilers, some of the events and revelations also didn’t work for me and kept me from fully getting into the story.

If you’re an avid reader of Audrey J. Cole’s books, you will probably enjoy this one more than I did. This is my second book by her, and unfortunately, both have been just okay reads for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of Echo Ridge.

[Elle · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars rounded up

I love books with this kind of plot. They're like a guilty pleasure of mine. This had a good bit of drama in it that had me guessing the motives of every single character. I liked that the author was able to paint every character as unreliable.

While this book kept me thoroughly entertained, I personally found the reveal to be pretty obvious. I don't think it was necessarily a bad thing though since I was still interested to see the reasoning behind it. There were also moments after I locked in on my choice for the culprit that had me second guessing myself.

Predictable? Maybe. Enjoyable? Absolutely. I'll definitely pick up another book by this author again in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Victoria Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A locked-room mystery set in a wellness retreat where you stay in treehouses in the Cascades? SIGN ME UP. I'm not the only one who googled this to see if actually exists, right? Because I don't think I'd mind a little murder if I could stay here, just sayin'.

So we have the owner and her niece, Jade, who lost her life savings to her former business partner Piper and is now leading water tai chi. You'll never guess who shows up at the retreat, ready to relax and do recon? Yes, Piper! She brings along her fiancé who just may have killed his first wife. Then, of course, the mother and sister of the murdered woman are booked for the same week. Awkwardness and strife ensues, as you would imagine. Then there's a storm and it gets murder-y!

I know, it sounds like a set of ridiculous coincidences and thriller tropes, but the writing is great and it all works so well! I really enjoyed this one!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via Netgalley, for the ARC!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo Ridge
By: Audrey J. Cole
Pub Day: January 5, 2027
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Heading to a wellness retreat sounds like heaven! But when a storm hits, being in isolation at Echo Ridge Sanctuary in the Cascades might be a little too isolated.

Echo Ridge provides Jade an opportunity to teach while she heals. Other residents are Naomi and her daughter trying to get over the grief of her other daughter. Then Jade’s former best friend checks-in with her new fiancé. The fiancé has a history with her Naomi’s family. What are the chances they would show up.

This story has a few stories that had me invested, scared and cringing in a good way as a thriller should. Cole is an auto-buy author for me and will pre-order my physical copy soon.

[Cynth · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I loved how captivating this was. A group of people isolated in a wellness retreat and people start to die? Yes please. The most perfect atmospheric setting and tangled relationships. This was a super quick read with multiple POVs and short chapters that kept me turning the pages. I love Audrey’s writing and this one didn’t disappoint. ARC

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

I can’t contain my excitement about the breathtaking beauty of Washington State! It’s no wonder I’m completely captivated by Audrey's books. Each page becomes a magical portal, whisking me back to that stunning landscape I love. My weekends were filled with adventures in the Cascades alongside my pups, and every time I read, I can vividly picture the incredible locations Audrey brings to life. I'm such a huge fan! Just look at that cover! It's a true reflection of the Pacific Northwest's awe-inspiring charm!

The story unfolds through the perspectives of several characters: Naomi March, Jade Vega, and Miranda. Naomi, a mother, suffers the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Lily in a tragic incident. Meanwhile, her other daughter Miranda seems to harbor some resentment toward the family, especially after she wasn’t invited to her mother’s birthday celebration. A lot happens in a short span, and Naomi is eager to reconnect with Miranda. They decide to visit the Echo Ridge Sanctuary wellness retreat, where they encounter Jade, who is starting fresh as a tai chi instructor.

Things get "complicated" when the weather takes a turn for the worse, and a brewing storm halts everyone’s plans to arrive or leave. It doesn't help that Jade’s former best friend shows up with her new fiancé, who coincidentally happens to be Lily's husband. Wait, what? Naturally, Naomi is not thrilled to see him. I could go on and on about the intricacies of the plot, but you really need to read it yourself to untangle the twists!

The author excels at capturing the atmosphere and events within the surroundings. You genuinely feel as though you’re in one of the treehouses, witnessing all the drama unfold. The setting is both atmospheric and at times claustrophobic, as the secluded area and narrow walkways between the cabins create an uneasy feeling. You can’t shake the sense that something is bound to go wrong. As the storm approaches, tensions rise among the guests and staff. Bodies begin to pile up, and with no way for anyone to come in or out, and communication cut off, the vibe quickly becomes chilling. Oh, and of course, there’s no cell signal!

This deliciously twisted page-turner from the Pacific Northwest really hits differently! It’s perfect for fall when you’re already in the mood to curl up with something that will keep you guessing (and maybe mess with your mind a little). If you enjoy a secluded murder mystery filled with a cast of suspects, each with their own motive, this book is for you. It delves into themes of toxic friendship, complicated mother-daughter relationships, grief, resentment and brings forth unexpected revelations alongside some dark truths. You start to question whether you truly know someone, and the book leaves you second-guessing everyone, especially in such confined quarters where secrets lurk and people are hesitant to come clean. If you’re drawn to challenging whodunits and enjoy watching characters squirm in close proximity, don’t hesitate to dive into this story! Well done!

Thank you, Thomas&Mercer (Amazon Publishing) and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author Audrey J Cole as well as the publisher Thomas and Mercer for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.

I loved it! So many shocking twists that your head will spin. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in another spin.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publishes January 2027

[Kimberly R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jade Vega goes to her aunts Echo Ridge Retreat for some peace of mind and r&r. While there her and other guests become trapped during a storm. Bodies start dropping and panic arises as they fight for their lives.
This story was kind of a locked room mystery. It had some great twists and my attention was fully vested.
Thanks NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC that will be released January 5, 2027!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Isolated setting, many secrets and murder. There was 2 points a view. Naomi, a mother who is devastated about the murder of her daughter and Jade, a woman who has been betrayed by a friend and lost everything. Both end up at a retreat where their stories intersect. This is the first book I have read by this author which I read through an ARC. I look forward to reading her backlist.

[Drew VanEtta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The different POV’s and short chapters had me saying “Just one more chapter” throughout the entire book. Multiple family dynamics, suspense, murder, and sadness all wrapped into a secluded wellness retreat getaway turned into a nightmare. The author had me questioning who to trust and who not to trust the entire length of the book.

[Amanda Alviz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The setting alone made it feel unique—a secluded wellness retreat deep in the rainforest surrounded by towering trees and suspension bridges created the perfect eerie atmosphere for a thriller. As a storm rolled in and everyone became trapped together, the tension just kept building.

The characters all had complicated pasts and secrets, which made it nearly impossible to figure out who could be trusted. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, another twist changed everything.

The pacing was steady, with enough suspense to keep me wanting to read "just one more chapter." The ending tied everything together well and surprised me without feeling unrealistic.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC.

[Deveny · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4,5* Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Mag ik alsjeblieft naar een retreat? Ondanks dat er in dit boek meerdere mensen vermoord worden in een retreat heb ik meerdere keren gedacht aan de mogelijkheid om zelf ergens heen te gaan.

Het hele verhaal bevatten een bepaalde rust die heel goed paste. Normaal zou ik de stukjes waar een breathing session, hyponse of tai chi gehouden wordt zweverig vinden of een opvulling van woorden, maar het paste zo goed bij het verhaal dat ik me er totaal niet aan ergerde.

Een klein minpuntje voor mezelf was dat ik aan het begin van het verhaal al een idee had wie er achter alles zou zitten, maar het verhaal en de karakters waren goed opgebouwd om me nog wel aan het twijfelen te brengen. Toen het eenmaal bekend was, vielen alle puzzelstukjes in elkaar en vond ik het een mooi en compleet verhaal worden

Wat ik verder heel prettig vond, was dat er voor 80/90% van het verhaal maar uit 2 perspectieven verteld werd. Dit was voor mij meer dan voldoende. Je ziet tegenwoordig vaak dat er veel meer perspectieven gebruikt worden en dat voegt voor mij vaak niets toe buiten ergernis. Hier had je 2 perspectieven die geen (familie)relatie met elkaar hadden, maar waardoor wel de juiste delen van het verhaal verteld konden worden.

[Stéphanie Labonté · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

A wellness retreat, a violent storm, a group of people with questionable intentions, and a murder? Well, that's certainly not the relaxing getaway anyone signed up for ... (oops)

I really enjoyed this one! What I particularly liked was how everyone seemed to have their own reasons to potentially hurt someone. With everyone stuck at the resort because of the storm, naturally, suspicions start flying everywhere, and you're left wondering who the hell you can actually trust.

The characters each had their own personalities and backgrounds, which made getting to know them and understanding their motivations an interesting part of the story. Although, I will say there was ONE character who really tested my patience with the constant blaming and pointing fingers. I understand why, but PLEASE, can we take a breath? Every mystery needs that one character you just want to tell to shut the **** up if you know what I mean.

The pacing was engaging from the start, and around the 30% mark, things really started moving towards the heart of the mystery. There were a few slower moments, but I actually appreciated them because they gave us time to understand the characters, their histories, and their reasons for being there. And trust me, I wanted to know what the hell was going on!

The atmosphere was another highlight. Audrey J. Cole did a great job creating that feeling of isolation and tension, especially with everyone trapped at the resort during the storm. I definitely wouldn't want to find myself in that situation, but I have to give the resort owner some credit for keeping their composure through all the chaos. There were moments when terrible things were happening, and somehow, you could still feel that this was supposed to be a calming wellness retreat. Talk about commitment to the zen lifestyle ;)

I did start developing a few suspicions towards the end, so my little spidey senses were definitely tingling, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. I really liked the twists and, most importantly, the ending. It wrapped things up in a way that left me satisfied.

This was my first book by Audrey J. Cole, and I'm definitely curious to explore more of her work. Always love discovering a new author to add to the ever-growing TBR!

To brief: I recommend, fun, mysterious, well paced, I hate this damn character but I get it, omg the twist (dang I'm sorry), yes some good epilogue!

[Stephanie Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

Audrey J. Cole has quickly become one of those authors I'll happily pick up without reading much beyond the synopsis, and Echo Ridge reminded me why. While it wasn't my favorite of hers, it was another entertaining locked-room mystery with an atmospheric setting that kept me turning the pages. The setting was easily my favorite part of the book. A secluded wellness retreat tucked away in the Cascade Mountains already feels isolated enough, but once a violent storm cuts everyone off from the outside world, the tension really starts to build. Between the towering trees, relentless rain, and the growing realization that no one can leave, the atmosphere felt wonderfully claustrophobic.

The story follows several guests and staff members whose lives unexpectedly collide at the retreat. What begins as a place for healing quickly turns into a murder investigation, and with the roads blocked and communication cut off, everyone becomes a suspect. I always enjoy locked-room mysteries, and this one delivered exactly the kind of paranoia and suspicion I was hoping for. The mystery itself kept me engaged, even though I correctly guessed the killer before the reveal. Fortunately, knowing where the story was heading didn't lessen my enjoyment because I was invested in the characters and the emotional layers underneath the investigation. The themes of grief, loss, and healing gave the story more depth than a typical murder mystery.

The first third was a little slower than I expected. There are quite a few characters to introduce, and it takes some time before the story really settles into the mystery. Once everything was in place, though, the pace picked up considerably, and I found myself flying through the second half. This was another solid thriller from Audrey J. Cole. While I predicted several of the major reveals, I still enjoyed the journey, the isolated setting, and the strong atmosphere. If you're a fan of locked-room mysteries, remote settings, and suspense built around complicated relationships and buried grief, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Mandy K · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Echo Ridge 3.75⭐️

Sign me up for all of Audrey Cole’s books. Here books always keep my attention and make for easy reads full of suspense and mystery. Echo Ridge is a locked “room” whodunit mystery that takes place at a wellness resort. Add in a dangerous storm that leaves no option for leaving and a power outage, PLUS murder(s). There are only 4 guests and 3 resort employees at the start, but you will be questioning everyone, especially with the heavy history hanging between multiple characters. Just about everyone is connected in some way, giving motive galore. Saying I suspected the actual murderer(s?) means nothing after I suspected each one of them at some point.

This is told primarily from two perspectives. Jade: a resort employee and Naomi: a grieving mother. For most of the book, I wasn’t sure if they were reliable narrators. Overall, I liked the ending and it wrapped everything up nicely. The things I didn’t like as much was some repetitive descriptions/information. (This is something that always jumps out to me and I find it annoying if it doesn’t flow well). I recommend picking this one up if you enjoy suspense, mystery, whodunits, locked room concepts, and a nature/holistic setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Jan 5 2027

[Marilena EchoHawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Echo Ridge definitely gave me the kind of thriller I enjoy!
I really enjoyed the setting at Echo Ridge . Audrey J. Cole’s writing made the retreat feel incredibly real, from the rainforest and towering trees to the storm that leaves everyone isolated. 🌲🌧️
And… I didn’t trust ANYONE. Everyone seemed questionable There were betrayals, grief, complicated relationships, and plenty of reasons to suspect just about everyone.
Once the storm rolled in and the characters were trapped together, the tension really started to build. I enjoyed trying to piece everything together and figure out who could be trusted.
And a very special thank you to Audrey J. Cole for sending me a signed ARC! ❤️, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to read Echo Ridge. It made this reading experience even more special. 📚💕
If you enjoy thrillers with secrets, suspicious characters, complicated relationships, and murder, Echo Ridge is definitely worth adding to your TBR!
Be ready for this one .. coming out in January !

[Kaci Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A luxury wellness retreat full of people who desperately need therapy—and apparently a background check? Sign me up.
Echo Ridge’s gorgeous rainforest setting makes for the perfect backdrop for a thriller in which peace and healing quickly give way to secrets, resentment, and murder. Between the isolated location, the storm, and the tangled relationships, there’s plenty of reason to be suspicious of everyone.
I especially liked the layers of grief and betrayal woven into the mystery. Jade and Naomi each bring emotional baggage to the retreat, and the unexpected arrivals make an already tense situation even messier. Nothing says “relax and recharge” like being trapped with people you never wanted to see again!
A solid, atmospheric thriller for readers who enjoy personal grudges, forced proximity, and a beautiful setting with something sinister underneath. This sanctuary would have me requesting a refund.

[KDRBCK]

Echo Ridge by Audrey J. Cole is the newest thriller by this outstanding wordsmith. The book is published by Thomas & Mercer.
Naomi is griving a big loss. Her beloved elder daughter Lily was unalived a year ago. and the perpetrator still isn't found.
Her younger daughter Miranda books a yoga retreat only for the women to discover their sol 7 bil is there with his new and shiny fiancee.
So trouble is programmed. But to make matters more complicated there's a whole other level of a story. And this packs a punch. I will not spoilere here, only so much no-one, literally no-one is truly innocent.
A whirlwind of drama, suspense, twists and unexpected turns had up long into the night.
An outstanding book, 5 stars.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

Echo Ridge is a fast paced thriller that not only will keep you guessing but also turning the pages as fast as possible.

When Naomi and her daughter check into the Wellness retreat, the very last person they expect to see is their late sister's husband and his fiancee.

Naomi thinks that he murdered her daughter and got away with it and she is just learning to move on a bit.

Tension mounts as a storm moves in and one of the guests is murdered.

I trusted no one and suspected everyone.

Audrey Cole masterfully throws in twists and turns that will have you binge reading to the very end.

Echo Ridge as fun twisty read that I totally enjoyed

[Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc! I’ve read several books by Audrey J Cole and loved them all, including this one.

Echo Ridge is set at a beautiful and remote wellness resort in the mountains. When a storm hits and blocks the only exit, the guests and employees soon discover they may be trapped with a killer or killers.

This was a fast-paced and emotional whodunnit where everyone is a suspect. I loved the multiple POVs. I loved the setting, and as always with an Audrey Cole book, I loved the writing. Mark your calendars for January!

[Dani Colón · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’m a big fan of a locked room thriller, and this hit the mark. Multiple points of view, great environment, interesting premise, and good twists. I will definitely make a point to read more books by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! First read from this author. The switching POVs kept me intrigued and the setting was perfect for a thriller: isolated, atmospheric, and tense. A fast, entertaining read that kept me wanting to know what happened next and how it ends. Kind of predictable with a twist. Definitely recommend for thriller fans!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

[Autumn Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was wildly entertaining!!

So much drama, so many twists, and the characters being intertwined was such a great element of surprise.

The 'middle of nowhere' vibe just added a whole new element that I really enjoyed!

Such a great book that I definitely recommend!

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Audrey Cole for an ARC of Echo Ridge. This book was great! It kept me guessing constantly.! Just when I thought I figured everything out, BOOM, nope you are wrong!

The setting was perfect and made me want to go visit the retreat myself. I loved everything about this book. I would highly recommend reading it if you like a thriller that keeps you guessing. I will definitely read more by this author. I would give this book a solid 4.5

[Dimity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Audrey! I thought it was going to be a one by one book which I don't love, it wasn't. It was well written, twisty, fast paced and a little unhinged if I'm honest. Definitely add to your TBR!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Audrey writes it. I’m gonna read it. The suspense of this one. Just when I think I knew what was gonna happen I was mistaken.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

This is my first book by Audrey J. Cole, and I really enjoyed her writing! The characters were developed well and there was enough background information given on each without going into too much detail. The retreat setting was beautiful to imagine, and the writing style brought a lot of the beauty to life.

My only critique would be the repetitiveness of Naomi’s finger pointing toward Dylan.

I loved the multiple POV storytelling and the pacing was fast and exciting, with minimal slow points which made me read quicker than usual.

In the end I wasn’t shocked by the outcome, although it didn’t ruin the enjoyment of the book for me. There were still elements of the ending that surprised me and made me want to read “just one more” chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!