Echo Ridge

by 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, Crime

287 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

[Matt]

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.

[Casey Reads 🌸]

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.

[Elle]

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.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50)]

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.

[Victoria Reads]

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!

[Michelle Parker]

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

[Angela]

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.

[Kimberly R]

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!

[Drew VanEtta]

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]

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.

[Stephanie Barnett]

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.

[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.

[Paxton]

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!

[Tucker Kotnick]

𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥
A HUGE thank you to Audrey J. Cole for sending me this copy herself!

Wow! I’m pleased to say that this book was amazing! An easy story to follow, with a good amount of twisted characters as well! I’d be lying if had I said I didn’t question each of them at one point or another while reading this! The short chapters, and switching POVs also made this book impossible to look away. And the final twists…. WOW! Can’t wait for everyone to read this in January!

[Dani Colón]

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!

[Autumn Hanson]

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]

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]

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!

[Gali]

"Echo Ridge" by Audrey J. Cole is a compelling thriller that kept me eagerly reading until the very end. Told alternately from the first-person POVs of two women, it follows Naomi, a grieving mother, and Jade, a tai chi instructor, whose lives collide at the luxury wellness retreat.

After being cheated out of her invested money by her best friend and business partner, Jade reinvented herself by accepting her aunt's offer to run the Echo Ridge Sanctuary and teach tai chi as well. There, she finds some comfort in nature and in her friendships with her aunt and the cook, who has his own baggage to deal with.

Naomi's eldest daughter was murdered, but the case was never solved. She firmly believes her son-in-law is the murderer, and she is so consumed by her hatred toward him that she has put her life on hold. Her youngest daughter, Miranda, takes her to the isolated retreat in the hope of reconnecting with her.

The serenity of the retreat is shattered when two new guests arrive: Jade’s former best friend, Piper, and her fiancé, Dylan, Naomi's son-in-law. The plot thickens when one of the guests disappears, and a violent storm prevents any of them from leaving. They have no internet connection, and the satellite phone is down. Secrets, paranoia, and chaos set the stage for murder, and there is a murderer on the loose.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It was well written and moved smoothly from one POV to another. The author has seamlessly woven themes of grief, betrayal, jealousy, and fallible human nature into the story. Cole also creates some good characters, and I liked the emotional dynamics between them. I liked Jade, and I felt sorry for Naomi, although she went too far at times. Both of them have a couple of things in common. They were full of hatred and anger and needed to learn to let go. I didn't like Piper and thought her behavior reprehensible. A couple of characters surprised me, for better and for worse. I won't mention names to avoid spoilers.

The first half had a slower pace than the second, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I liked the breathing sessions, the tai chi, and the hot springs, which gave the story a nice sense of setting. The second half was faster-paced, with a good build-up to the twists. While I didn't guess some of the twists, hooray to the author for that, I did guess the final twist. It didn't lessen my enjoyment, though.

All in all, it was an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion. Although the trope may be familiar, the execution was original and well done. The setting is beautifully constructed, and the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere deepened the story. I recommend it to fans of locked-room mysteries and vacations gone awry. The author has woven a well-crafted mystery with plenty of intriguing characters, a delicious amount of suspense, and a few dashes of crime.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[Bo.reads]

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.

[Carrie Shields]

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Seeking a fresh start after betrayal, Jade Vega takes a job teaching tai chi at Echo Ridge Sanctuary, a secluded wellness retreat tucked deep in the Cascade rainforest. At the same time, grieving mother Naomi March arrives hoping to find a little peace with her surviving daughter. Instead, old wounds reopen, unwelcome faces appear, and when a violent storm cuts the sanctuary off from the outside world, murder turns this peaceful retreat into the last place anyone wants to be. There is something undeniably fun about a locked-room mystery, and this setting absolutely delivered.

I flew through this one because the atmosphere did so much of the heavy lifting. The pounding rain, the towering trees, the suspended walkways, and the growing sense that no one could leave made every chapter feel a little more claustrophobic than the last. I kept changing my mind about who I trusted, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. But beneath all the suspense is a surprisingly emotional story about grief and the different ways people try to survive unimaginable loss. That thread gave the mystery a lot more weight than I expected.

While I guessed a few pieces before the reveal, it never took away from the experience because I was so invested in the characters and the tangled relationships between them. The emotional stakes felt just as important as solving the murder, and that balance kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you're a fan of isolated settings, mounting paranoia, and thrillers that remember to give their characters a heartbeat beneath all the twists, this is an easy one to recommend. Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer Publishing for this early copy that will publish January 5, 2027.

[Hope Stewart]

Apparently, when you book a luxury wellness retreat in the middle of nowhere, “healing” comes with a side of murder, a violent storm, questionable life choices, and enough secrets to make everyone desperately need the therapy they came for.

Echo Ridge by Audrey J. Cole is a wonderfully atmospheric thriller set at a secluded retreat in the Cascades, where the scenery is gorgeous, the wellness activities are abundant, and the murder rate is, let’s just say, not ideal for repeat customers.

The first part took a little while to get moving. There are quite a few characters, complicated histories, betrayals, grief, and enough interpersonal baggage to require its own luggage rack. But once the storm rolls in and everyone is conveniently trapped together, things get considerably more interesting. Because apparently the best way to achieve inner peace is to discover that one of the people around you may be a murderer.

I did manage to suspect the culprit before the big reveal, which is always slightly annoying when a thriller is supposed to be making me question everyone. Fortunately, there were enough twists, red herrings, and suspicious behavior to make me second guess myself repeatedly.

The setting was probably my favorite part. Echo Ridge sounds absolutely beautiful, right up until you remember you're trapped there with people who have grudges, secrets, and possibly homicidal tendencies. Five stars for the scenery, zero stars for the vacation safety record.

Overall, this was a fun, suspenseful read with a great atmosphere and plenty of drama. Not quite a five star “I have forgotten how to sleep” thriller for me, but definitely a solid four stars.

Would I visit Echo Ridge? Absolutely.

Would I recommend bringing a murder board, emergency supplies, and a healthy distrust of everyone? Also absolutely.

[Leanne]

Echo Ridge is an atmospheric, slow‑building thriller that pulls you straight into the misty, rain‑soaked tension of a wellness retreat that promises healing but delivers something far more dangerous. The setting is wonderfully vivid — suspended walkways, towering evergreens, and the quiet hum of isolation high in the Cascades. It’s the kind of place that should soothe the soul, yet from the moment Jade Vega arrives, you can feel the unease simmering beneath the surface.

Jade’s attempt to reset her life after a painful betrayal makes her an easy character to root for, and her arrival at Echo Ridge feels like a chance to breathe again. Naomi March’s grief adds another emotional layer, and the parallel journeys of these two women give the story a strong, heartfelt core. But the sanctuary’s calm quickly fractures when unexpected guests arrive, dragging old wounds and unresolved conflicts into the open.

The tension really sharpens once the storm hits. With the retreat cut off from the outside world, the atmosphere becomes claustrophobic in the best way — secrets rising, paranoia spreading, and every interaction carrying a hint of danger. The tangled relationships, buried resentments, and shifting alliances make the mystery feel personal, not just procedural.

As the storm rages, the question of who can be trusted becomes wonderfully murky, and the lurking threat in the shadows keeps the pages turning fast. It’s a story about grief, betrayal, and the fragile line between healing and harm.

Moody, immersive, and packed with suspense — a gripping thriller that makes brilliant use of its setting and characters.

With thanks to Audrey Cole, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[bookedupnurse]

‘We’re all capable. It’s not a matter of that. It’s only a matter of who was pushed past their breaking point’.

A violent storm. An isolated, phone-free wellness retreat. And a group of people who have dangerous history. What could go wrong?

Located in the lush Cascade rainforest, Echo Ridge Sanctuary is the picture of tranquility and health. Visitors look to better their souls and heal relationships. But during a stormy weekend, the luxury treehouses descended into chaos. Whilst instructor Jade and her aunt, Crystal, owner of Echo Ridge, chef Nathan and guests Naomi, Jade, Piper and Dylan are all trapped following the weather, the wind and rain is the least of their worries. When a murder occurs, we slowly discover that each of the attendees - as well as staff - all have interlinked history. But who is angry enough to kill? And what is their motive?

Atmospheric, secluded and full of betrayal, this compelling thriller is shockingly good! Told across the POV of Jade and Naomi, we learn why each guest and staff has chosen to attend the retreat, and why each could equally have been the one ‘whodunnit’. The remote environment was a character on its own, eerie and tense. I loved these writing techniques.

Unexpected twists, incredible environment and a prologue that had you hooked, AJC has once again successfully created an emotional, psychological, domestic thriller with an excellent writing style and an unexpected ending. This NEEDS to be added to your TBR! 🤩

With thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Audrey J. Cole for the ARC of this book, in return for an honest review.

[theliterateleprechaun]

Echo Ridge Sanctuary, high in the Cascades, is the battleground for ethical dilemmas and human drama. Cole has taken the concepts of justice and jealousy and used them as cornerstones in a place we’d least expect to see them: an isolated resort where rejuvenation is the sole focus.

Cole is a masterful plotter and always brings thought-provoking topics to her narratives. I know when I have a Cole book in my hands that I need to clear my schedule and allow for a binge read. This is the tenth novel I’ve read by this author, and she’s yet to disappoint me!

In addition to praising Cole’s skills, I’d like to draw attention to two of her themes that I felt were perfectly executed: jealousy and justice. Without giving too much away, let me say that Cole’s characters are in for a surprise because (1) they haven’t factored in the non-financial cost of getting justice, (2) nor have they considered the echo of truth. I was most surprised that Echo Ridge Sanctuary (a character in itself) survived the battle for truth and that its outcome wasn’t destruction, but change. Truth changes us. It doesn’t have to destroy us.

I’m still pondering the fine line between security and privacy…what am I willing to give up in the name of safety?

Congratulations on a fantastic title!

If you enjoy not knowing what characters to trust, love a twist or two or even donning your detective’s hat, this one’s for you. Cole’s 5-star thriller is one you need on your night table. It’s a clean read.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Suesyn Zellmer]

Jade has started a new job working for her Aunt Crystal at Echo Ridge Sanctuary, a wellness center in the Cascade Mountains. But it’s not the peaceful atmosphere that she’s looking for when the guests arrive full of drama. One set is a mother and daughter (Naomi & Miranda) hoping to heal after the other daughter’s death (Lily), and the other pair is Jade’s former best friend, Piper, and her fiancé, Dylan. Dylan just happens to be the man Naomi blames for Lily’s death. Got all that? So not the best situation, but everyone (sort of) attempts to make the best of it. Until the first body is discovered.

A good portion of the dialogue is unfortunately repetitive, especially between Naomi and Dylan. She accuses him of killing Lily; he denies killing Lily. Crystal tells everyone to calm down and try a soothing exercise. And because they get stranded due to a storm, there’s nothing else to do but try to avoid each other, which of course doesn’t work and leads to the repetition.

I unfortunately knew who the culprit was because there aren’t that many suspects to choose from. But the author does a good job providing everyone with a motive, so at first glance, it really could be any of them. And talk about atmosphere – the story couldn’t be set in a more tranquil and beautiful place. I’d definitely risk my life to experience it!

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Michelle | Simply in the Moment]

Once again, Audrey J. Cole has proven why she has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She has a real talent for drawing the reader in and making them feel the emotions that the characters are experiencing. There is intensity from page one, and it does not let up until the end.

You just don't know which character you can trust, and you'll find yourself second-guessing yourself at every twist and turn. The intensity is palpable, just like her other books, but this one felt different for me. The setting was different from the other books I've read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love her writing style, and the urgency that she builds as the story develops is so addicting. I found myself staying up too late to read just one more chapter; I had a hard time putting the book down. The book is paced perfectly for a thriller and will keep the reader engaged and constantly guessing incorrectly who the killer(s) are, without giving away any of the plot or mystery.

I appreciate how the author provides details of the murder scenes without gore. She describes the scenes in a way that the reader can perfectly visualize without being graphic or gruesome. It makes reading her books much more enjoyable than other thrillers I've read.

The author did a wonderful job of pulling the story together at the end to provide a very satisfactory conclusion. I'd recommend the book to anyone who enjoys thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Sneha R]

Echo Ridge was one of those thrillers that quietly pulls you in before completely taking over. I loved how isolated the setting felt, it gave the story an eerie atmosphere where every conversation felt like it was hiding something.

What stood out to me most was the way the suspense kept building instead of relying on constant action. The author slowly peeled back each character’s secrets, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist made me question my theories all over again.

I also appreciated that the characters weren’t perfect. They all carried emotional baggage, and their flaws made their choices feel believable, even when they frustrated me. It made the mystery feel more personal rather than just another whodunit.

The ending tied everything together in a satisfying way, although I would have loved a little more time with the aftermath after such an intense finale.

Overall, this was a gripping, atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing and made me want to keep turning the pages. If you enjoy stories full of secrets, unreliable characters, and a setting that almost feels like a character itself, I’d definitely recommend giving Echo Ridge a try.

Thank you Audrey and Netgalley for this copy!!

[Jeff]

Welcome to Echo Ridge. A place of healing and hope…and a murder or two.

There are two main threads that weave throughout this novel. Jade works for her aunt at Echo Ridge, teaching Tai Chi. She’s trying to work through her issues of being betrayed by her best friend and business partner.

Then we have Naomi. Naomi lost her oldest daughter and knows for a fact that her son-in-law is the one that killed her. Naomi is at Echo Ridge with her youngest daughter to try and work through her grief and see if she can finally get over her crippling bitterness. At least that is what her daughter hopes will happen.

These two threads weave together as Jade’s former best friend shows up with her new fiancé who happens to be Naomi’s son-in-law. Sounds like a fun time, doesn’t it?

The only thing missing is a dead body. One that leads everyone to suspect everyone else.

This book was twisted. Absolutely crazy. If you thought anyone was good with anyone else, that quickly gets thrown to the side as everyone’s secrets seem to float to the top.

The book has a satisfying conclusion, but the journey there is well worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Mimi Chamelian]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This was a solid 4-star book until reaching the mid slump. When the main traumatic event happened, the book was repeating the same thoughts and sentiments through two characters, Jade and Naomi. It felt stagnant until the last 10% of the book.

I just didn’t like the vibe where everyone tried to calm Naomi down. If it was me in her situation, I’d absolutely be the same.
Especially during the private session with Crystal, (without giving spoilers) Crystal asked if her wellbeing would get better if she got what she had wanted. This gave a vibe that Crystal was excusing what happened. It was just icky.

There were only a few characters in the book so the reveal of any of them at the end was expected to be underwhelming. Each of them had a history and reasons for being a suspect and I had enough time to analyse each character. There was no room for a surprising plot twist because all scenarios were worked out in my head. The final reveal was just a casual, “oh yeah it was xyz, makes sense”.

I also don’t see the value of Jade’s chapters. Naomi had her role, but Jade was just a filler.

Overall I enjoyed it in some parts but others were a bit of a chore to get through.