What They Buried

by H.K. Christie

Thirteen years ago, crime reporter Natalie Sloane’s parents were murdered while chasing a story no one wanted told.

The police called it a robbery gone wrong. Natalie never believed them. Now a crime reporter herself, Natalie is trying to move forward after surviving a nightmare of her own. She’s finishing a book about the serial killer who held her captive, determined to turn her trauma into something useful. Something controlled.

Then a teenager is found dead.

The location is too familiar. The details are too close to the night her parents died. And when Natalie starts asking questions, she uncovers the first thread of a story her mother may have been chasing before she was killed.

A youth center. A promising student. A death no one wants to look at too closely.

The deeper Natalie digs, the more the past begins to feel terrifyingly alive. Someone knows what her parents found. Someone knows what happened that night. And someone is watching to make sure Natalie doesn’t uncover the truth they died trying to tell.

But Natalie has spent thirteen years living with questions.

This time, she’s not waiting for answers.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

About the author

H. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal. 
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. 


The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.

The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.

www.authorhkchristie.com

Reviews

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What They Buried is such a suspenseful read that I was up reading in the middle of the night. You reach a point in the book when you just can't put it down! Natalie Sloane is a journalist whose parents were murdered when she was 16. They were both journalists and investigated something that got them killed. Natalie is working the crime beat for her newspaper and covers it all. She's still curious about her parents murders as she was just told it was a robbery gone wrong. Really? She never bought that and has tried her best to move on. Natalie has just finished writing a book about her experience of being kidnapped by a serial killer. She was lucky to get away alive and has 2 great friends that helped that to happen. They're as close as family now and spend lots of time together.

Natalie's boss calls her with a murder that just happened and it's in the same general area of where her parents were killed. She goes to the scene and the detective she knows well from her parents murders is there. He tells her to come back under the tape and shares what he knows about the current victim. It's a teenaged boy and it looks as if he's been beaten before they killed him. Who would kill a kid and why here? As Natalie and her friends begin to investigate, things take a dark turn, and they start getting threatening messages. Someone doesn't want them looking into the current murder and 3 other kids that were murdered in the same way years ago. Could this all be connected to what her parents got killed over? Did they find something out that someone didn't want getting out? This book is fantastic and will keep you guessing until the end. I rate What They Buried 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is out now and should be added to your TBR pile immediately! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Xpresso Books for an advanced copy of What They Buried in exchange for a fair review.

[Sara Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll be honest: this was a DNF. I stopped at page 49 because I was bored with the writing, particularly the dialogue. It felt like watching bad actors read a bad script.

I skipped ahead to the final “article” Natalie writes to figure out what happened and honestly… not surprised at the “twist”. Giving it 1.5 stars… won’t be reading this author again, but it’s just not MY standard for writing. Maybe if I was just dipping my toe in thriller/mysteries this would have been a better rating.

[Randi Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thirteen years ago, Natalie Sloane’s parents were murdered while chasing a dangerous story. Police ruled it a mugging gone wrong, but Natalie has never believed them. She knows there was a reason her parents were on that dark street that night, she just hasn’t been able to uncover the truth.

Now a crime reporter herself, Natalie is sent to cover the murder of a teenage boy. The crime scene is dangerously close to where her parents were found, and the similarities are impossible to ignore. As she begins asking questions about the victim and those closest to him, she realizes she’s digging into something much bigger than a single murder but the more questions she asks, the more she puts herself in danger.

This story had a strong start and immediately pulled me in with its intriguing premise. Unfortunately, the middle began to drag. Natalie spent a lot of time second guessing herself and contradicting her own decisions before taking action, which made the investigation feel repetitive and slowed the pacing.

While this is a standalone novel, it often felt like there were pieces of a larger backstory being teased throughout the book. Those moments never felt fully developed and came across more like filler than meaningful character development. I kept waiting for those details to connect to the main story, but they never really did.

Overall, What They Buried had an interesting premise and a solid mystery, but the repetitive middle and underdeveloped backstory kept it from reaching its full potential for me.

[Megan McKenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book Club book for September*
I'm not sure about my thoughts. It was a detective mystery, which is one of my least favorites. There was no twist that made reading it worth the time... the author set up the entire plot during the story. I wasn't invested in the characters. However, I found the book good enough to binge it in a single day. Detective mysteries are not my favorite because I typically just want to fast forward to the end, but this one definitely kept my attention well enough that I didn't find myself agitated or bored. This book will definitely not sit with me for a long time and I will most likely forget all details after the next book I read. Let's hope I can at least remember enough for Saturday's meeting.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What They Buried” by H. K. Christie is an absolute must-read for thriller fans! Wow! What a story. I had such a hard time putting it down that I ended up losing sleep because I had to know how it was going to end. It’s dark, intense, and packed with suspense. The tension builds perfectly from beginning to end. I also love how Christie weaves characters from her other series into the story, it makes the world feel even richer and is such a fun bonus for fans of Christie. I absolutely loved this one and am already anxiously waiting for Natalie Sloane's next adventure!

[Lauren Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fast and easy read! I really enjoyed this book, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what happens. I thought there would be a bigger plot twist than there was, but the plot was still great!

[Brittany Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was extremely predictable. The writing also felt amateur, particularly the dialogue. I was surprised to see this was not a debut novel. I was also shocked that this book is a standalone and not the second in a series. The main character constantly refers to being held hostage by a serial killer last year throughout this entire book to the point that I had to double and triple check there was not a prequel already published. I feel like that storyline would have been more intriguing than this one.

[Sarah Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like the writing style, there was far too much; He said 'blah blah blah' I said 'xyz' and so on.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆

I picked this up hoping for a gritty, layered mystery, but I came away feeling quite conflicted. Thirteen years after crime reporter Natalie Sloane’s parents were murdered—a case ruled a robbery that she never fully bought—she is trying to rebuild her life after surviving captivity by a serial killer. While finishing a book about her trauma, a local teenager is found dead under circumstances that mirror the night her parents died. Digging into the teen's death leads Natalie toward the very story her mother was investigating at a local youth centre, quickly realising someone is watching to ensure those secrets stay buried.

My main frustration right off the bat was discovering this is actually a spin-off from the Martina Monroe series, which was never clearly advertised. I haven't read that series, and while this technically works as a standalone, the constant references to past events were noticeable and left me feeling like I was missing vital context.

Beyond the backstory baggage, the narrative dragged for roughly the first 70%. There was just enough going on to keep me reading, but it felt drawn out with very little tangible progress until the pace suddenly ramped up in the final stretch. Even then, the resolution fell flat for me. The final chapter, where Natalie essentially talks to her parents' graves to tie up all the lingering loose ends, felt like quite a lazy way to wrap everything up.

The writing style simply wasn't to my taste either. For an author with a backlist, the prose felt surprisingly amateur, particularly when it came to dialogue. It relied heavily on rigid exchanges—he said this, I said that—falling into the exact trap I constantly remind my primary school students to avoid: telling rather than showing.

It also made it difficult to connect with Natalie. For someone framed as a seasoned crime reporter, her investigative choices felt distinctly amateurish, especially when she claimed to go undercover despite everyone in town knowing she was a journalist. I honestly found myself wishing the story had been told from Melissa’s perspective instead. Natalie grated on me, and Kate was genuinely horrible to read about with how controlling she was. Between that and the strange, codependent friendships that felt really unhealthy, I never quite warmed to the character dynamics. It wasn't a terrible read, but between the simplistic prose and the characters, I don't see myself continuing with the series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What They Buried is a taut, atmospheric thriller that blends personal trauma with long‑buried secrets in a way that feels both intimate and relentlessly suspenseful. H.K. Christie delivers a story that grips from the first chapter and tightens its hold as past and present begin to collide.

Natalie Sloane is a compelling protagonist precisely because she’s lived through more than most characters in the genre. The murder of her parents, dismissed as a robbery gone wrong, has shaped her entire life—and becoming a crime reporter herself feels like both rebellion and survival. Christie handles Natalie’s trauma with nuance, especially as she tries to channel her experience into the book she’s writing about the serial killer who once held her captive.

When a teenager is found dead under eerily familiar circumstances, the novel shifts into a higher gear. The echoes of her parents’ murder are chilling, and the clues Natalie uncovers—threads tied to a youth centre, a promising student, and a death no one wants to examine—create a slow, unsettling realisation that her mother may have been chasing something dangerous before she died. The sense of someone watching, someone waiting, adds a deliciously tense undercurrent throughout.

Christie excels at pacing: each revelation feels earned, each twist sharp but grounded. The deeper Natalie digs, the more the past feels alive, pressing in on her with the weight of unfinished business. Her determination not to wait for answers this time gives the story its emotional backbone—and makes the final act especially satisfying.

A gripping, character‑driven thriller about old lies, buried truths, and a reporter who refuses to let the past stay silent. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Jess Lourey, and Lisa Regan.

with thanks to HK Christie, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Maria Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you HK for allowing me once again to be part of your team! First off let me start off by saying I LOVEEE that you included a recipe at the end!! Being a home cook I love having that little connection. Now anytime I make it I will think of you and Natalie! Now about the book, as many of her books this book is connected to past books with characters and background information from previous books, but there is enough information in the book to get the idea of what you need to know where you definitely can read this as a stand alone book. The characters you introduced in previous books now have their own story and I love it! What a team of bad ass women! A investigating journalist, a homicide detective and a private detective with the best ties in town! All of these ladies have such strong roles and I absolutely adore it. This story is sad, it's hard, and above all it is real. While the story itself isn't exactly "real" scenarios like this are! Troubled kids wanting a better life and getting caught up in trouble to make that dream come true. This story also gives you a better idea of who Natalie is, where she came from, what made her the person she is today, making her feel more real to the reader. Also, with an ending like that I'm assuming Kate's story is next?? I hope so!! As usual H.K. touches on many heart strings and subjects that are often heard of but never truly discussed enough. Beautiful story, with a bittersweet ending. There is happiness in the ending of it all, but also sadness for those effected and even some of those involved. Written from multiple points of view it helps you get the story from the inside and outside letting you make your own opinion of the characters. Absolutely 5 stars and I cannot wait for the next story to come out!

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to thank H.K. Christie, Keekstar Media, Xpresso Book Tours, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC of What They Buried, A Natalie Sloane Thriller.

If you haven’t read an H.K. Christie thriller before, buckle up! Her books are always fast-paced and fun. The main character is Natalie Sloane, who is beginning her career as crime reporter at the Bay Insider. The story opens with the murder of Natalie’s investigative reporter parents when her mother goes to meet a source and her father follows in an attempt to keep her mother safe. Twelve year old Natalie loses both parents in one night.

For her job, Natalie is assigned to report on the death of a teen, Tyreek, who spent time at Bay Youth Center. The center is located in an impoverished part of the Bay Area. As she pursues insight into his life and past, Natalie feels that something is really off about the youth center. Little does she know that her investigation could uncover a lurking darkness.

Throughout the story, Natalie shows her youthful bravado by heedlessly digging for information regardless of the danger. As the tension mounts, so does the threat from those who would keep their secrets buried at all cost.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I like a story that really moves. The pacing was good and flowed well from one chapter to the next. The changing past/present time lines enhanced and didn’t detract from the plot. I felt that references to a previous book that included Natalie came up a little too often. Generally the characters are nuanced, some hiding their duplicity well.

If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller that champions youth and the underprivileged, this one’s for you.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: July 31, 2026
Author: HK Christie
Publisher: Xpresso Books

Rating: 4★ 

This was an intense, emotionally layered thriller that blended investigative journalism with a deeply personal mystery. The dual focus on a cold case and the protagonist’s own trauma gave the story real emotional weight, while the steady stream of revelations kept the suspense high. Every new clue raised the stakes, making it nearly impossible to stop reading.

This book suits someone in the mood for something: mysterious, tense, dark, emotional

Pace: fast

Mainly plot or character driven? a mix

Is there strong character development? yes

Do you find the characters loveable? yes

Is the cast of characters diverse? it’s complicated

Are character flaws a main focus? yes

Main themes, topics, tropes: investigative journalism, cold case, family secrets, serial killer survivor, buried truths

Thirteen years after her journalist parents were murdered while pursuing a story that was never fully explained, crime reporter Natalie Sloane found herself drawn back into the past when a teenager’s death mirrored the circumstances surrounding her parents’ case. As she pursued answers, she uncovered long-buried secrets that powerful people had worked tirelessly to conceal. The closer Natalie came to the truth, the clearer it became that someone was determined to silence her before history could repeat itself.

#WhatTheyBuried #ARCReview #PsychologicalThriller #BookTokThriller #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction

Favorite Quote:
“The deeper Natalie digs, the more the past begins to feel terrifyingly alive.”

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.K. Christie’s What They Buried is a suspenseful and intricately woven story that was so so good! The novel follows crime reporter Natalie Sloane, a character shaped by the trauma of her parents' brutal murder when she was a teenager. Thirteen years later, she is not only grappling with her own horrific experience being held captive by a serial killer but is also on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths. From the very beginning, the author captures the story's tension and urgency with some very good twists. I also liked the dual timeline with her mother and another character in the book. And the addition of Martina Monroe and Kate Maddox are added character highlights

As the plot unfolds, the discovery of a murder linked to her parents’ story serves as a chilling reminder of how closely the past can echo into the present. The pacing is well-crafted, with unexpected twists and revelations that challenge Natalie’s understanding of what she thought she knew. The supporting characters are well-developed, adding complexity and depth to the narrative, making you question their motives and how they relate to the central mystery.

The author's ability to blend suspense with profound emotional stakes is impressive; there were some sad parts that had me crying. I would also love to see these characters in other stories!

I would definitely recommend this book.

#WhatTheyBuried #NetGalley @XpressoTours

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What They Buried
by H.K. Christie
Release date: July 31st
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Y’all, What They Buried had me chasing clues like I was on Natalie Sloane’s payroll. H.K. Christie delivers another addictive thriller packed with buried secrets, corruption, and danger lurking around every corner.

Natalie is one of my favorite heroines because no matter what she’s survived, she refuses to stop fighting for the truth. Her courage, determination, and heart make her impossible not to root for. I also loved how Christie seamlessly wove familiar characters from previous books into the story, without letting them take over, making this world feel even richer.

Christie’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. The suspense builds one clue at a time until it explodes, and I was hooked from beginning to end. I’m officially all in on Natalie Sloane and cannot wait to see where H.K. Christie takes her next!

[Justice Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars !!

HK Christie does it again! First I’d like to thank@you for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team. I was in a reading funk and then I received this arc and immediately opened it and quickly read it in just a few days. If it wasn’t for life I probably would have just read it all in one sitting.

It’s fast paced. Thrilling. Enjoying. Suspenful enough to keep the pages turning. It keeps you engaged.

I think this has been one of my top favorites from you thus far. I like that Martina is included even though she’s not the main character in the storyline here. I really enjoyed the crime/investigating reporter side.

If you enjoy crime and reporters and quick paced thrillers this one’s definitely for you and you should add it to your TBR for release day expected July 31,2026!

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What They Buried is a fast paced thriller that is gripping from beginning to end.

Natalie Sloane, a dedicated crime reporter is a victim of crime not once but twice. Her parents were murdered while covering a story and she herself was held captive by a serial killer .

She is determined to find out the truth behind her parents murders.

Secrets and lies prevail but secrets have a way of exploding.

Natalie follows in her mother's footsteps and her investigating in put everyone in danger.

The emotional tension is palpable, the mood is twisted and dark as she puts her life in danger to get to the truth.

Jaw dropping twists will have you binge reading just one more chapter.

I could not put this book down.

Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours/Keekstar Media for the privilege of reading and reviewing What They Buried.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What They Buried is a gripping, fast paced thriller that explores trauma, loss, and long buried secrets with incredible depth and tension.

From the very first page, this story had me completely hooked. Dark, unsettling, and packed with suspense, it kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. Every twist added to the tension, leading to a satisfying and unforgettable ending.

Everyone already knows how much I love H.K. Christie’s books, and once again, she did not disappoint. Her storytelling is immersive, her plots are brilliantly crafted, and she has a remarkable ability to keep readers guessing until the very end.

Another incredible thriller that I highly recommend!

Thank you to H.K. Christie for providing me with this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Sloane is a crime reporter, but after events from last year, has just finished writing a book about her experience of a crime against her. She receives an assignment from her boss about a teen who was found murdered. The scene is similar to what happened thirteen years ago to both her parents, who were reporters, too, and their murders were said to be a robbery gone wrong. Is there a connection? This crime is in the same location as her parents. The more she digs the more Natalie is convinced of a connection, and the more danger she is in herself.
(Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy)

[Tripip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a psychological thriller that had lots of twists and turns. Natalie is a newspaper crime reporter who is called out to investigate and report on a murder of a teenager. What she discovers are secrets that not only involve this current murder but also has ties to the suspicious death of both her parents many years ago. While I liked following the clues in her investigation, I did not find it high tension. I actually guessed the villains early on so the reveal was anti-climatic. What I did find disturbing was the twisted human psyche that could take advantage of the innocent ambitions of youth. In our current world environment, this is all too close to reality.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down with this book one day and absolutely flew through it! It had a bit of a slow burn beginning but in a way that drew you in. As the story progressed, the tension continued to build. The dual timeline is one that I feel needs to be done correctly or it can really detract from the story or make it confusing for the reader. This is a case of it being done well and adding to the story! I loved the way things intertwined and you got pieces of the real story sprinkled in throughout. I look forward to seeing what H.K. Christie has in store next!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love psychological thrillers then you should read What They Buried. It follows Natalie Sloane, a crime reporter who survived a serial killer and is now digging into a teen's death that looks exactly like her parents unsolved murder from years ago. Natalie is a great main character, she is dealing with serious trauma but is still incredibly sharp and stubborn. The small town vibe is super creepy and corrupt, which keeps the stakes feeling really high.
The twists are actually smart and don't just feel thrown in for shock value. Watching Natalie go from a survivor to actively hunting down the truth makes it addictive to read.

[Alexis Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw that the author wrote a spinoff series of the Martina Monroe books, I was really excited as I have read all of those.

I finish this book in one setting, it was a super easy read. I really hated how naïve and dumb at the main character came off, but it really helped connect the story in the end.

This book is all about the main character who is a reporter and decides to go undercover to try and figure out the real story behind a kid who is killed from a community center. And doing so she starts to connect the dots to other murders, including her own parents. And with the help of her two best friends, the case begins to be solved, and everything starts to unravel.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book thanks to NetGalley !

What They Buried details the story of Natalie, a reporter who is reckless, determined, and driven by the mystery of what happened to her parents 13 years prior.

While investigating local crime, Natalie uncovers a bigger mystery that she thinks might tie back to previous cases that went cold.

With help from her friends and a little (a lot!) of digging, Natalie ends up in an extremely dangerous situation- will she ever find answers or is she next on the list of names to add to the cold case files? Read to see!

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for this author! I was engaged from page one. The story’s protagonist is a reporter who suffered early in her life, her parents both murder. She still longs to solve to case, but seems to run into unexpected hurdles. I liked this character and her resilience and determination to join the puzzle pieces she discovers. As I turned the pages, I was easily drawn in to this character’s research, clues, and yearned to learn the answers with her. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Ashley Jakob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book tours for the ARC!

I have gone back and forth between is this 4 or 5 stars.. I truly loved the book I was hooked. It was very suspenseful. I just felt like I was missing something and that I needed to read a different book beforehand. Which I found out at the end there was another book that gave a little background. Granted in the story the author did a good job going back. However I’m someone who likes to get the whole picture so to say.

That being said now I want to read the authors other series because if they are like this book they will be amazing.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie is a journalist. She has a harrowing past. Her parents killed senselessly while chasing a story, and then she was kidnapped by a serial killer.

This is a tense thriller. And emotional. Natalie is a good person, and the death of a teenager spurs her to investigate his death.
She uncovers a lot more than she expected. She uncovers deaths from the past, and all these events are tied to her own story.

I enjoyed this. It is twisty and well worth reading.

4/5 stars from me.

[Gisela Marengo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was giving to me as an ARC by NetGalley and the Author for my voluntarily review.
4⭐️ I really enjoyed reading this book I couldn’t put it down it kept me interested the whole time non stop tension and suspense layer by layer, revealing secrets that feel heavier with every chapter not only that but with every revelation added another piece to a puzzle that was much harder to trust anyone. This is my first book of this Author but it won’t be the last definitely 💯 recommend.

[twistedchapter13 | Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚
Thank you to the author, Xpresso Book Tours for the advance reader copy! It was a pleasure to read this before release, and as always, my review reflects my honest opinion.

What They Buried is a gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. As the story unfolds, decades of secrets, lies, and betrayals begin to surface, making it nearly impossible to know who can really be trusted. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another twist completely changed my perspective and had me saying, "Just one more chapter."

One of my favorite parts of this book was how H.K. Christie blended emotional family drama with a twist-filled mystery. Each character had something to hide, and every new revelation uncovered another layer of the truth, making me question everything I thought I knew.

If you love psychological thrillers with family secrets, unreliable characters, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG such a great book! I just love the way this author ties her different series together by having characters cross over to take both big and little roles in other stories but letting the protagonist be the star in their series. Lots of action happening in this book and the storyline was exceptional. A timely and sensitive subject.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.