What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Things
Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 27A forensic assistant is pulled into the wilderness by a beguiling fugitive accused of murder in this taut, emotionally-charged erotic thriller, as the author of the Booktok-viral survivor romance
Still Beating
explores how love can take root in even the darkest places.
Dead bodies always tell the truth. You just have to listen.
As a forensic assistant, I live among the dead—cataloging wounds, dissecting silence, searching for the truths people try to hide. It’s the only place I’ve ever trusted what’s real. Until Miller Banks.
We once worked side by side. He was the brilliant forensic pathologist I idolized. The man I watched with adoring eyes, certain there was nothing he couldn’t solve.
Then the murders started. Seven bodies on my table. And every trail led back to him.
Miller vanished two years ago, presumed dead. But he isn’t in the grave. He’s in the woods. And now, so am I.
He swears he won’t hurt me. That he didn’t kill those people. That he needs me to see the truth no one else would. I call him a monster.
Yet the longer I’m bound to him, the more the lines blur—between guilt and innocence, truth and obsession, predator and protector. Because sometimes the one who holds you captive . . . is the only one who can set you free.
Dead bodies always tell the truth. You just have to listen.
As a forensic assistant, I live among the dead—cataloging wounds, dissecting silence, searching for the truths people try to hide. It’s the only place I’ve ever trusted what’s real. Until Miller Banks.
We once worked side by side. He was the brilliant forensic pathologist I idolized. The man I watched with adoring eyes, certain there was nothing he couldn’t solve.
Then the murders started. Seven bodies on my table. And every trail led back to him.
Miller vanished two years ago, presumed dead. But he isn’t in the grave. He’s in the woods. And now, so am I.
He swears he won’t hurt me. That he didn’t kill those people. That he needs me to see the truth no one else would. I call him a monster.
Yet the longer I’m bound to him, the more the lines blur—between guilt and innocence, truth and obsession, predator and protector. Because sometimes the one who holds you captive . . . is the only one who can set you free.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 23, 2027
About the author
Jennifer Hartmann
35 books18.6k followersJennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her own personal romance hero and three children. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely pondering all the ways she can break your heart and piece it back together again. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, bingeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and that time of day when coffee gets replaced by wine. She loves tacos. She also really, really wants to pet your dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jam packed with suspense and nail biting fear at every corner ... I was completely consumed by this. It was a brutal ride, from page one that gobsmacked me in the face, to the last where I held on to hope with my clammy hands. Incredibly unique story, the like of which I've NEVER read before. When I started this book, I was somewhat taken aback how a main character could behave so out of norm, I had a bias setting in. But as the story walks deep into the Adirondacks, my vision gained clarity, all due to the remarkable plotting by Jennifer. Her complex web keeps getting larger and elaborate with every chapter. I was just a fly stuck there, watching events unfold.
“Two people are trapped in the same room. One has the key but doesn’t trust it. The other doesn’t have the key but doesn’t trust the person who does. Who gets out?”
Neither.
Not Until one of them decides to believe"
Miller Banks has forcibly taken Blair Lennox, his past co-worker from the morgue of Dr Redford Lennox. He was framed for murder, but he manages to escape. Taking her away from people influencing her opinion, far away from civilization, he hopes to make her see his side of the truth.
Here the story stands at a crossroads of trust and betrayal. Does she trust him enough to hear him out, or does she trust and gets betrayed again.
“ You counted the graves but missed the thread, And buried more than just the dead.”
The whole story walks backwards to events that happened by purposeful staging and find out who is weaving the silky threads, so to speak. He also has a creepy hanger on in Jimmy Tucker. Another rock around his neck and an ogre to keep an eye on.
And then comes The TWIST!! Completely mind blowing!!. My jaw and stomach, both fell to the floor. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
If I had to sum up the theme of the book, I'd say it's a testament to the tenacity of truth that outlives, outperforms and prevails when the whole world transpires against you. If you hold on to that One thread, the whole tapestry woven with colourful lies unravels.
Not everything one sees, hears or feels is real sometimes, it's just a borrowed perspective which clouds vision and belief
Blair was etched with extreme care and love. Her heart is bigger than most, with a lot of room for compassion. Her noteworthy characteristic was her unwavering fortitude. Whichever side she stood on, be it Miller in early days, her friends, her colleagues, her mom who vanished, her dad who taught her...she was all in. I loved that her senses were firing on all cylinders and she was present in every scenario with steadfastness. It's like once her doubts dissipate, she can see all the dimensions of a scene like a rubiks cube
“Branches bend, Roots hold”
Miller was a man cornered like a wounded animal. dangerous and hungry To clear his name and get his life back. Desperate situations require desperate measures. After years running, he needs a break to re-assess and re-evaluate his strategy cause clearly this one won't be feasible long term!
I'm amazed by the potency of their chemistry. What they both felt in that one brief night in the alley, was strong enough to keep him warm for two years in cold, unforgiving forest. Making his stolid, grounded love was bigger and deeper than the entire forest they sought shelter in. He never, ever fell out of love, And I love that in a hero.
“ “I didn’t die,” I say, quieter now. “But I haven’t lived either.””
The rest of the characters I won't comment on...they're to be Read to be believed.
Jennifer has detoured into abject darkness with this book. Her normal stories are angsty and emotional. Here those sentiments carry a shadow behind and beneath them. My Dark heart sang a tune Of ABBA throughout..it was a delight to witness this side of her. Hard, resounding and impactful, this book will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“6 stars for Removing The Variable”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
“Two people are trapped in the same room. One has the key but doesn’t trust it. The other doesn’t have the key but doesn’t trust the person who does. Who gets out?”
Neither.
Not Until one of them decides to believe"
Miller Banks has forcibly taken Blair Lennox, his past co-worker from the morgue of Dr Redford Lennox. He was framed for murder, but he manages to escape. Taking her away from people influencing her opinion, far away from civilization, he hopes to make her see his side of the truth.
Here the story stands at a crossroads of trust and betrayal. Does she trust him enough to hear him out, or does she trust and gets betrayed again.
“ You counted the graves but missed the thread, And buried more than just the dead.”
The whole story walks backwards to events that happened by purposeful staging and find out who is weaving the silky threads, so to speak. He also has a creepy hanger on in Jimmy Tucker. Another rock around his neck and an ogre to keep an eye on.
And then comes The TWIST!! Completely mind blowing!!. My jaw and stomach, both fell to the floor. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
If I had to sum up the theme of the book, I'd say it's a testament to the tenacity of truth that outlives, outperforms and prevails when the whole world transpires against you. If you hold on to that One thread, the whole tapestry woven with colourful lies unravels.
Not everything one sees, hears or feels is real sometimes, it's just a borrowed perspective which clouds vision and belief
Blair was etched with extreme care and love. Her heart is bigger than most, with a lot of room for compassion. Her noteworthy characteristic was her unwavering fortitude. Whichever side she stood on, be it Miller in early days, her friends, her colleagues, her mom who vanished, her dad who taught her...she was all in. I loved that her senses were firing on all cylinders and she was present in every scenario with steadfastness. It's like once her doubts dissipate, she can see all the dimensions of a scene like a rubiks cube
“Branches bend, Roots hold”
Miller was a man cornered like a wounded animal. dangerous and hungry To clear his name and get his life back. Desperate situations require desperate measures. After years running, he needs a break to re-assess and re-evaluate his strategy cause clearly this one won't be feasible long term!
I'm amazed by the potency of their chemistry. What they both felt in that one brief night in the alley, was strong enough to keep him warm for two years in cold, unforgiving forest. Making his stolid, grounded love was bigger and deeper than the entire forest they sought shelter in. He never, ever fell out of love, And I love that in a hero.
“ “I didn’t die,” I say, quieter now. “But I haven’t lived either.””
The rest of the characters I won't comment on...they're to be Read to be believed.
Jennifer has detoured into abject darkness with this book. Her normal stories are angsty and emotional. Here those sentiments carry a shadow behind and beneath them. My Dark heart sang a tune Of ABBA throughout..it was a delight to witness this side of her. Hard, resounding and impactful, this book will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“6 stars for Removing The Variable”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This wasn’t what i expected. The writing was different from her other books and the way this was advertised it made it seem like it would be a dark romance. The romance in this felt like a subplot, there was hardly any relationship building. It was definitely more focused on the thriller aspects and i did like the plot it was just hard to get into for the first 40% of it. Overall it was ok.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Love is the first alibi we’re taught to trust.”
Truly one of my favorite reads of the year. Jennifer Hartmann knows how to write angst and tension so well, but THIS… A whole different circumstance with high stakes. This book kept me on my toes. Kept me wondering who I should trust, and ultimately had me rooting for a couple I wasn’t 100% sure about. I loved every minute of it.
“He was my torch. The fire I wasn’t supposed to touch.”
Blair is a great character for anyone who struggles to find their own footing. “A little ray of pitch black.” I don’t want to say “she’s not like the other girls,” but truly, she’s not. She’s miles ahead. Her struggle with grief, acceptance, and self worth is really fleshed out throughout this whole book, which gave her character a very satisfying ending. Her resilience is what you admired most about her.
“I don’t know when she became the line between surviving and breaking. I just know I crossed it without noticing.”
I truly don’t know what to say about Miller other than the fact that he tested every moral code that I have. He’s the person that breaks you, but puts you back together again. Someone who throws morals out of the window when trying to claim his innocence and rewrite how people view him. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Depends on how you’re willing to view a situation and its bigger picture.
“Is this what forgiveness feels like? To stand in the wreckage of what we’ve done and still want to touch the flame?”
Jennifer Hartmann is no stranger to angst and tension when writing a couple, but THIS book had a whole new feel to it. The tension between Blair and Miller had my stomach hurting. Blair’s distrust of Miller and Miller working through betrayal from Blair. Mix that with stolen glances, forced proximity, and a loaded history… A masterpiece!
I would say there’s two major twists in this book, as someone who typically doesn’t read thrillers, I never saw them coming. The first one came slow and left you reflecting on clues at the beginning of the book that pointed you there. The second one was jaw dropping and honestly, so unbelievably emotional, I just kept shaking my head. The nerve…
I really loved the ending. It was satisfying and left me with a bit of wonder. Again, the ending is one where you have to consider what you deem a “happily ever after.”
On top of that, her writing continues to be so faithful to me. There’s a reason why Jennifer Hartmann is my favorite author. Her writing is so lyrical and personal. It truly draws you in from start to finish. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about my next opportunity to pick the book back up again. I was immersed in her writing, like always.
Thank you Jennifer Hartmann and Kensington for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Truly one of my favorite reads of the year. Jennifer Hartmann knows how to write angst and tension so well, but THIS… A whole different circumstance with high stakes. This book kept me on my toes. Kept me wondering who I should trust, and ultimately had me rooting for a couple I wasn’t 100% sure about. I loved every minute of it.
“He was my torch. The fire I wasn’t supposed to touch.”
Blair is a great character for anyone who struggles to find their own footing. “A little ray of pitch black.” I don’t want to say “she’s not like the other girls,” but truly, she’s not. She’s miles ahead. Her struggle with grief, acceptance, and self worth is really fleshed out throughout this whole book, which gave her character a very satisfying ending. Her resilience is what you admired most about her.
“I don’t know when she became the line between surviving and breaking. I just know I crossed it without noticing.”
I truly don’t know what to say about Miller other than the fact that he tested every moral code that I have. He’s the person that breaks you, but puts you back together again. Someone who throws morals out of the window when trying to claim his innocence and rewrite how people view him. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Depends on how you’re willing to view a situation and its bigger picture.
“Is this what forgiveness feels like? To stand in the wreckage of what we’ve done and still want to touch the flame?”
Jennifer Hartmann is no stranger to angst and tension when writing a couple, but THIS book had a whole new feel to it. The tension between Blair and Miller had my stomach hurting. Blair’s distrust of Miller and Miller working through betrayal from Blair. Mix that with stolen glances, forced proximity, and a loaded history… A masterpiece!
I would say there’s two major twists in this book, as someone who typically doesn’t read thrillers, I never saw them coming. The first one came slow and left you reflecting on clues at the beginning of the book that pointed you there. The second one was jaw dropping and honestly, so unbelievably emotional, I just kept shaking my head. The nerve…
I really loved the ending. It was satisfying and left me with a bit of wonder. Again, the ending is one where you have to consider what you deem a “happily ever after.”
On top of that, her writing continues to be so faithful to me. There’s a reason why Jennifer Hartmann is my favorite author. Her writing is so lyrical and personal. It truly draws you in from start to finish. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about my next opportunity to pick the book back up again. I was immersed in her writing, like always.
Thank you Jennifer Hartmann and Kensington for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
November 3, 2026
This book was a little different than I anticipated. I enjoyed how interesting and unique the story was, but the writing felt different from her other books. Based on the tropes, I expected romance to be at the center of the story, but this leaned much more heavily into the thriller plot. That’s completely fine, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I also struggled to connect with the characters. There were a lot of moving pieces, and I never felt fully invested. While I appreciated the premise, I wanted to feel more connected to the characters and their relationships than I ultimately did.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
At this point, my Jennifer Hartmann obsession is only getting worse because here we are adding ANOTHER one of her books to my favorites list.
One of the things I love most about Hartmann's writing is the balance. There's just enough prose to make you feel everything, enough plot to keep you completely invested, and enough romance to have you desperately rooting for these characters without any one element swallowing the others.
And Dead Things gives us a MYSTERY on top of it all?!
Yes. Absolutely. Give it to me.
The story jumps between the past and present as we slowly piece together what happened, why Miller disappeared, and exactly how the hell we ended up with him hiding in the woods years later. I loved getting those pieces little by little instead of having everything dumped on us at once.
But Blair and Miller? UGH.
Their chemistry is so damn good. The give and take. The banter. The tension. The steam. The way their relationship develops alongside the mystery instead of feeling separate from it. It's definitely slow-burny, but it is SO worth the wait.
I also really loved watching my perception of the characters and their circumstances shift as more of the story unfolded. There are questions you desperately want answered, but the romance still has enough room to breathe and develop naturally.
This is exactly the kind of romantic suspense/mystery combination I want more of.
As always, I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in because this story does deal with some potentially triggering subjects.
But for me?
Five stars. Easy.
Jennifer Hartmann continues to emotionally compromise me, and apparently I'm just going to keep letting her.
One of the things I love most about Hartmann's writing is the balance. There's just enough prose to make you feel everything, enough plot to keep you completely invested, and enough romance to have you desperately rooting for these characters without any one element swallowing the others.
And Dead Things gives us a MYSTERY on top of it all?!
Yes. Absolutely. Give it to me.
The story jumps between the past and present as we slowly piece together what happened, why Miller disappeared, and exactly how the hell we ended up with him hiding in the woods years later. I loved getting those pieces little by little instead of having everything dumped on us at once.
But Blair and Miller? UGH.
Their chemistry is so damn good. The give and take. The banter. The tension. The steam. The way their relationship develops alongside the mystery instead of feeling separate from it. It's definitely slow-burny, but it is SO worth the wait.
I also really loved watching my perception of the characters and their circumstances shift as more of the story unfolded. There are questions you desperately want answered, but the romance still has enough room to breathe and develop naturally.
This is exactly the kind of romantic suspense/mystery combination I want more of.
As always, I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in because this story does deal with some potentially triggering subjects.
But for me?
Five stars. Easy.
Jennifer Hartmann continues to emotionally compromise me, and apparently I'm just going to keep letting her.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
OH MY GOODNESS! Jennifer Hartmann has never failed to deliver a book that I don't want to devour. Empty your bladders, grab your snacks, and get comfortable because once you start this, you won't want to put it down!
She has spun the perfect web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. This story will stick to you like a film. It is gritty, raw, and creates a palpable unease.
The way the story bounces between past and present, giving us multiple character POV's- it was absolute perfection. My jaw was on the floor with the twists, and I am still feeling unsettled days later.
Dark romance at it's finest and when I say dark, I mean DARK. We are going to the depths of the morgue in this. As a reader, you will feel like a chess piece at play as the final parts of the puzzle are revealed.
So.Damn.Good
She has spun the perfect web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. This story will stick to you like a film. It is gritty, raw, and creates a palpable unease.
The way the story bounces between past and present, giving us multiple character POV's- it was absolute perfection. My jaw was on the floor with the twists, and I am still feeling unsettled days later.
Dark romance at it's finest and when I say dark, I mean DARK. We are going to the depths of the morgue in this. As a reader, you will feel like a chess piece at play as the final parts of the puzzle are revealed.
So.Damn.Good
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a dark psychological romance.
Our FMC, Blair, has a lot of past traumas. She works in the morgue as a forensic pathologist, following in her father's footsteps. She only has her father to rely on; her mother disappeared at an early age. Her father is more of a mentor/teacher instead of a loving and doting Dad.
She is out for a jog in the wooded area near her home when she gets attacked and taken by the last person she suspected. I really enjoyed Blair's character. She was very goth and had a unique sense of humor with working with dead bodies on a daily basis. Not much terrified her, but with her past traumas, she very much seeks love and approval.
We have an age gap! Miller is Blair's senior pathologist at the morgue, but he is a great character. He really understands her and listens. He sees her. He is fighting his own inner demons over right & wrong. He switches back and forth with being so angry and just wanting to give up.
This book is broken up into two parts. Part one is all about survival. Part two is about piecing together the mystery.
For the most part, the beginning of this book is not all that dark. It does take a dark turn somewhere around chapter 50 that left me with my mouth gaping.
Although this one is a little different than this author's normal writing style, I really did enjoy it!
Our FMC, Blair, has a lot of past traumas. She works in the morgue as a forensic pathologist, following in her father's footsteps. She only has her father to rely on; her mother disappeared at an early age. Her father is more of a mentor/teacher instead of a loving and doting Dad.
She is out for a jog in the wooded area near her home when she gets attacked and taken by the last person she suspected. I really enjoyed Blair's character. She was very goth and had a unique sense of humor with working with dead bodies on a daily basis. Not much terrified her, but with her past traumas, she very much seeks love and approval.
We have an age gap! Miller is Blair's senior pathologist at the morgue, but he is a great character. He really understands her and listens. He sees her. He is fighting his own inner demons over right & wrong. He switches back and forth with being so angry and just wanting to give up.
This book is broken up into two parts. Part one is all about survival. Part two is about piecing together the mystery.
For the most part, the beginning of this book is not all that dark. It does take a dark turn somewhere around chapter 50 that left me with my mouth gaping.
Although this one is a little different than this author's normal writing style, I really did enjoy it!
Want to Read
June 19, 2026Ahhh! ❤️ A new Jennifer Hartmann book! Cant wait for this! 🥰 Will be counting down the days till Feb 23rd, 2027
August 13, 2026
I would give this 6 stars if I could. It had me in its grip from the very beginning. Jennifer Hartmann creates this incredibly atmospheric, unsettling story that leaves you with a constant sense of worry & dread. It’s the perfect blend of thriller, romance, and dare I say horror?!…I was uneasy reading this one & that was the point. It’s dark, gruesome, dreadful, hair raising, but also tension filled, emotional & tragic. The storyline was so intricate & the web that was woven and how it all tied together was very well thought out. What an incredible talent this author has for writing stories that are beautiful and emotional while the storyline that’s taking place is dark, tragic & intense.
This one is gripping, haunting, and impossible to put down. I also loved the ending, it was so authentic to the story!
This one is gripping, haunting, and impossible to put down. I also loved the ending, it was so authentic to the story!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dead Things is an amazing romantic, psychological thriller that kept me captivated the whole time I was reading.
Jennifer Hartmann has a writing style that always draws readers into the storyline. A deep, emotional roller coaster ride is felt in the gut when reading. Which I absolutely love.
In this book we follow the main characters Blair, a forensic assistant and Miller, a forensic pathologist on a chaotic and dangerous journey filled with lies, deception, manipulation and blurred lines. The truth is out there, but will Blair be willing to seek it out?
Some tropes in this book are as follows:
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Age Gap
- KidN$-pping
Ensure to look up triggers prior to reading.
I found this book a medium-paced read with a detailed and entertaining storyline. The chapters periodically switched POV between many characters, but primarily the two main ones.
The whole plot is very engaging, emotional and captivating.
A huge thank you to Kensington for the ARC. Such a great read!
Jennifer Hartmann has a writing style that always draws readers into the storyline. A deep, emotional roller coaster ride is felt in the gut when reading. Which I absolutely love.
In this book we follow the main characters Blair, a forensic assistant and Miller, a forensic pathologist on a chaotic and dangerous journey filled with lies, deception, manipulation and blurred lines. The truth is out there, but will Blair be willing to seek it out?
Some tropes in this book are as follows:
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Age Gap
- KidN$-pping
Ensure to look up triggers prior to reading.
I found this book a medium-paced read with a detailed and entertaining storyline. The chapters periodically switched POV between many characters, but primarily the two main ones.
The whole plot is very engaging, emotional and captivating.
A huge thank you to Kensington for the ARC. Such a great read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was ok, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
I can honestly say this was the hardest book to finish for me. I was bored right away, then interested and then bored. It wasn’t bad though, just not for me!
Thank you Kensington for this ARC read
I can honestly say this was the hardest book to finish for me. I was bored right away, then interested and then bored. It wasn’t bad though, just not for me!
Thank you Kensington for this ARC read
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Dead Things completely pulled me in from the first page. Equal parts psychological thriller and romance, this story had me questioning everyone and everything. I figured out the main twist fairly early on, but the author still managed to throw in a couple of curveballs I never saw coming.
"Only the dead tell the truth" couldn't be a more fitting tagline. In a story where trust is constantly tested, you'll never know who to believe. Dark, addictive, and impossible to put down, this is a must-read for anyone who loves thrillers with a touch of romance.
"Only the dead tell the truth" couldn't be a more fitting tagline. In a story where trust is constantly tested, you'll never know who to believe. Dark, addictive, and impossible to put down, this is a must-read for anyone who loves thrillers with a touch of romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beguiling, compelling, and haunting, Jennifer Hartmann pens a riveting and twisted dark novel about Blair Lennox, a forensic assistant, and Miller Banks, a forensic pathologist, in their harrowing attempt to uncover the truth by proving innocence, exposing deceits, and unraveling manipulations.
Blair is a fighter. She is strong-willed and determined, but underneath her resolution lies someone inquisitive, vulnerable, and full of self-doubt. Miller is astute. He is steadfast, understanding, and practical. However, all he wants is to clear his name, be absolved of a crime he didn’t commit, and have Blair choose him. Blair and Miller’s dynamic complemented and complimented one another so well. They both wanted the other person to truly see them for who they are underneath their barriers and to be accepted. Their insecurities, vulnerabilities, and complications made their love difficult to achieve, yet their understanding and trust in each other made it worth fighting for. Miller is perhaps one of my favorite male characters Hartmann has written, and I adore him so much.
I am gobsmacked and left speechless by this captivating tale of love, loyalty, lies, loss, and redemption. Hartmann knows how to write, but more importantly, she knows how to masterfully and brilliantly craft and deliver the overall themes and messages within her stories. Her characters are always written with so many real-life emotions that they feel human and not dormant in their fictitious self. This is a story of truth, betrayal, forgiveness, absolution, and vindication. It centers on what you know, what you’re taught, and what you believe. But most importantly, it’s an introspective and reflective story of not letting your past confine or define you. I’m always excited to read whatever Hartmann writes, and I’m already excited and anticipating her next work after this magnificent release.
Blair is a fighter. She is strong-willed and determined, but underneath her resolution lies someone inquisitive, vulnerable, and full of self-doubt. Miller is astute. He is steadfast, understanding, and practical. However, all he wants is to clear his name, be absolved of a crime he didn’t commit, and have Blair choose him. Blair and Miller’s dynamic complemented and complimented one another so well. They both wanted the other person to truly see them for who they are underneath their barriers and to be accepted. Their insecurities, vulnerabilities, and complications made their love difficult to achieve, yet their understanding and trust in each other made it worth fighting for. Miller is perhaps one of my favorite male characters Hartmann has written, and I adore him so much.
I am gobsmacked and left speechless by this captivating tale of love, loyalty, lies, loss, and redemption. Hartmann knows how to write, but more importantly, she knows how to masterfully and brilliantly craft and deliver the overall themes and messages within her stories. Her characters are always written with so many real-life emotions that they feel human and not dormant in their fictitious self. This is a story of truth, betrayal, forgiveness, absolution, and vindication. It centers on what you know, what you’re taught, and what you believe. But most importantly, it’s an introspective and reflective story of not letting your past confine or define you. I’m always excited to read whatever Hartmann writes, and I’m already excited and anticipating her next work after this magnificent release.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“There are no saints. Only survivors. And sometimes the closest thing to absolution is someone who looks you in the eye, sees the darkness threaded through your light, and doesn’t look away.”
I enjoyed the plot and the writing which is never a surprise when it comes to Jennifer Hartmann. She always knows how to leave the reader shocked by the end of the book — predictability is never a word I would use to describe her writing. As much as you feel confident in guessing the twists and answers, I assure you you couldn’t ever really guess where Hartmann is going and I always trust to follow where she leads.
However, I didn’t really feel the romance between the two main characters. Eventually for me, I kind of viewed their romance as secondary to the plot and didn’t seem to care as much compared to the actual mystery and thriller aspect of the story. I’m not exactly sure what was missing for the romance for me, but I just didn’t really feel their connection as much. Compared to Hartmann’s past books, I feel I was expecting a strong level of chemistry that would take me on an emotional journey with the characters. Of course that appeared near the end of the book, but before then it was falling kind of flat and lackluster (which saddens me to say!).
Again, the writing alone saves the book for me every time despite what may be missing or lacking. I know I’m always gonna leave one of her books with her words close to my heart.
“The odds of not loving you never existed.”
I enjoyed the plot and the writing which is never a surprise when it comes to Jennifer Hartmann. She always knows how to leave the reader shocked by the end of the book — predictability is never a word I would use to describe her writing. As much as you feel confident in guessing the twists and answers, I assure you you couldn’t ever really guess where Hartmann is going and I always trust to follow where she leads.
However, I didn’t really feel the romance between the two main characters. Eventually for me, I kind of viewed their romance as secondary to the plot and didn’t seem to care as much compared to the actual mystery and thriller aspect of the story. I’m not exactly sure what was missing for the romance for me, but I just didn’t really feel their connection as much. Compared to Hartmann’s past books, I feel I was expecting a strong level of chemistry that would take me on an emotional journey with the characters. Of course that appeared near the end of the book, but before then it was falling kind of flat and lackluster (which saddens me to say!).
Again, the writing alone saves the book for me every time despite what may be missing or lacking. I know I’m always gonna leave one of her books with her words close to my heart.
“The odds of not loving you never existed.”
October 29, 2026
Review of advanced copy from author, Netgalley, and Kensington. (Thank you to all.)
Let me start by saying - this one is dark, even by Jennifer Hartmann’s standards. Reader be warned.
Things I loved:
-I was hooked from page one. The intensity of the tension grabs you and never lets go!
-It’s all so smart. The research that JH had to dive into to get these details onto the page had to be extensive (and maybe worrisome if anyone ever looks at her search history).
-I felt like Blair was a very well represented neurodivergent character.
-The twists all felt like they made sense for the story.
-Blair taking control of the story in the end was the only way that it all made sense. So I’m glad she did!
Things that I didn’t:
-As I said, this book is dark. The content is not dissimilar to JH’s previous books (kidnapping, murder, torture etc) BUT the romance part of the story line never seemed to take the front seat in a way that I’ve come to love from her. I’m not sure I ever really loved the love between Blair and Miller and that definitely made it harder to ever fully buy in.
-Blair and Miller’s relationship felt like a record that kept scratching. The repetitiveness of their arguments got tiresome quickly - as did their hasty and mostly feeling-free sex.
-Jimmy. In the end I guess he served some purpose but I just really couldn’t stomach the character.
Overall, it was a solid addition to Hartmann’s library but definitely not my favorite.
Let me start by saying - this one is dark, even by Jennifer Hartmann’s standards. Reader be warned.
Things I loved:
-I was hooked from page one. The intensity of the tension grabs you and never lets go!
-It’s all so smart. The research that JH had to dive into to get these details onto the page had to be extensive (and maybe worrisome if anyone ever looks at her search history).
-I felt like Blair was a very well represented neurodivergent character.
-The twists all felt like they made sense for the story.
-Blair taking control of the story in the end was the only way that it all made sense. So I’m glad she did!
Things that I didn’t:
-As I said, this book is dark. The content is not dissimilar to JH’s previous books (kidnapping, murder, torture etc) BUT the romance part of the story line never seemed to take the front seat in a way that I’ve come to love from her. I’m not sure I ever really loved the love between Blair and Miller and that definitely made it harder to ever fully buy in.
-Blair and Miller’s relationship felt like a record that kept scratching. The repetitiveness of their arguments got tiresome quickly - as did their hasty and mostly feeling-free sex.
-Jimmy. In the end I guess he served some purpose but I just really couldn’t stomach the character.
Overall, it was a solid addition to Hartmann’s library but definitely not my favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dead Things by Jennifer Hartmann 🖤🔪
Blair is an incredibly intelligent forensic scientist who has spent her entire life surrounded by death. With a well-known and respected doctor for a father, she was raised in this world, with him guiding and molding her into the woman she is today.
Enter Miller Banks, the man from Blair’s past whom she believed was dead. When he suddenly pulls her into the woods during her run, you would expect her to be terrified, but Blair isn’t scared. She’s angry! And honestly, I loved that about her!
Miller is exhausted from running and barely surviving in the woods. He needs Blair’s help, and she may be the only person who can uncover the truth and prove his innocence. But their history is filled with hurt and betrayal, making everything between them complicated.
This book had me in a grip! 🔥 Some of the plot twists I saw coming, while others genuinely surprised me. Jennifer Hartmann delivered the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and romance, keeping me invested until the end.
If you love dark, twisty stories with complicated characters, secrets, and romance woven into the mystery, add this one to your TBR! 🖤
Blair is an incredibly intelligent forensic scientist who has spent her entire life surrounded by death. With a well-known and respected doctor for a father, she was raised in this world, with him guiding and molding her into the woman she is today.
Enter Miller Banks, the man from Blair’s past whom she believed was dead. When he suddenly pulls her into the woods during her run, you would expect her to be terrified, but Blair isn’t scared. She’s angry! And honestly, I loved that about her!
Miller is exhausted from running and barely surviving in the woods. He needs Blair’s help, and she may be the only person who can uncover the truth and prove his innocence. But their history is filled with hurt and betrayal, making everything between them complicated.
This book had me in a grip! 🔥 Some of the plot twists I saw coming, while others genuinely surprised me. Jennifer Hartmann delivered the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and romance, keeping me invested until the end.
If you love dark, twisty stories with complicated characters, secrets, and romance woven into the mystery, add this one to your TBR! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jennifer Hartmann, WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK DID I JUST READ!
I went into Dead Things knowing Jennifer was going to put me through it, but I was NOT prepared for this one. I was emotionally invested, playing detective, questioning EVERYTHING, and trying to piece things together while this woman had me in an absolute chokehold.
I don’t even want to say too much because this is one of those books you NEED to experience without knowing what’s coming. Just know that Jennifer Hartmann did what Jennifer Hartmann does best SHE LAUGHS AT THE AGONY WE GO THROUGH SHE LIVES FOR THIS AND HERE I AM A WILLING PARTICIPANT VOLUNTEERING AS TRIBUTE LOL AND boy she put me through the damn wringer!!!
And yes you can call me Detective Gabriela I have my credentials now 🕵🏽♀️
Send SOS talk to me in three business days!!!!
Oh and LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST TRUST MEEEEEEEEEEEEE OKAY THAT IS ALL!!!!!
I went into Dead Things knowing Jennifer was going to put me through it, but I was NOT prepared for this one. I was emotionally invested, playing detective, questioning EVERYTHING, and trying to piece things together while this woman had me in an absolute chokehold.
I don’t even want to say too much because this is one of those books you NEED to experience without knowing what’s coming. Just know that Jennifer Hartmann did what Jennifer Hartmann does best SHE LAUGHS AT THE AGONY WE GO THROUGH SHE LIVES FOR THIS AND HERE I AM A WILLING PARTICIPANT VOLUNTEERING AS TRIBUTE LOL AND boy she put me through the damn wringer!!!
And yes you can call me Detective Gabriela I have my credentials now 🕵🏽♀️
Send SOS talk to me in three business days!!!!
Oh and LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST TRUST MEEEEEEEEEEEEE OKAY THAT IS ALL!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jennifer Hartmann has been an auto-read author for me for so long and this book just shows me how RIGHT that decision was. My only complaint about this book is that it was only 320 pages. I could have followed Miller and Blair forever. I got to 30% and told my husband this is ending to quickly. This story grabbed me immediately. Hartmann had me second guessing everything. I wasn’t sure who we could trust. Didn’t know who was loyal to who. Didn’t know how this was going to get to the happily ever after. It was amazing! Miller and Blair are working on edging out Dean and Cora as my favorite Hartmann couple and I didn’t think that was possible. Dead Things has 100% made it to the top tier of my books of this year. I will be recommending this book to EVERYONE!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars- round up to 5! I love all sides to Jennifer Hartmann and when she said she jumped back into her darker side I was here for it. I really enjoyed the over all plot and Blair and Miller are both such great characters. I loved Miller and while he is questionable in his methods he’s doing it all for the right reasons. This book kept me on my toes and the second half I really never saw coming and I loved the ending!
If you are a Jennifer Hartmann fan please know going into this one it’s a completely different vibe than her others. This is a thriller/suspense with a dark side. It is not an angsty heartbreaker so for mood readers just know that before going into it! For me the story definitely was front and center and the romance was secondary.
Check triggers!
If you are a Jennifer Hartmann fan please know going into this one it’s a completely different vibe than her others. This is a thriller/suspense with a dark side. It is not an angsty heartbreaker so for mood readers just know that before going into it! For me the story definitely was front and center and the romance was secondary.
Check triggers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This one leans more into the thriller plot line whereas most of Jennifer Hartmann’s books tend to lean more on the emotional side.
I was not mad about switch up in this one! The suspense was suspensing so good!!!
I did feel like the relationship between MC’s felt a little forced at times and I swear they kept having the same argument throughout the entire book which was giving miscommunication and ugh I loathe miscommunication lol
My heart was broken with this one because my little optimistic heart kept hoping for it to not be what it was lol I’m pretty sure I’m still holding out hope even after it’s over!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I had just not emotional damage to break me and enough plot to keep me glued to the pages!!!
I was not mad about switch up in this one! The suspense was suspensing so good!!!
I did feel like the relationship between MC’s felt a little forced at times and I swear they kept having the same argument throughout the entire book which was giving miscommunication and ugh I loathe miscommunication lol
My heart was broken with this one because my little optimistic heart kept hoping for it to not be what it was lol I’m pretty sure I’m still holding out hope even after it’s over!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I had just not emotional damage to break me and enough plot to keep me glued to the pages!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Branches Bend, roots hold.
JH, you have done it again.
Miller and Blair you are my sweetest yet most stubborn love story yet.
Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't. The twists and turns take you down another spiraling road. I love picking up a book and it not being predictable and keeping me on the edge of my seat. And in JH style it has all the emotions. Every single one. I can feel it bone deep! Not only the emotions, but the thrill, the mystery, the secrets hidden in dark places, some to find, some that stay hidden, and you will never know.
If you need a book with love, mystery, thrill, secrets, stories the dead can only tell, then this is definitely your book!
10/10 Recommend!
JH, you have done it again.
Miller and Blair you are my sweetest yet most stubborn love story yet.
Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't. The twists and turns take you down another spiraling road. I love picking up a book and it not being predictable and keeping me on the edge of my seat. And in JH style it has all the emotions. Every single one. I can feel it bone deep! Not only the emotions, but the thrill, the mystery, the secrets hidden in dark places, some to find, some that stay hidden, and you will never know.
If you need a book with love, mystery, thrill, secrets, stories the dead can only tell, then this is definitely your book!
10/10 Recommend!
October 21, 2026
I was SO invested in this story!! I honestly could not put this book down because I needed to know what really happened and whether Miller was guilty or not. I kept questioning everything and second guessing myself, and I was hooked the entire time. The twists, the tension, the obsession… I was completely pulled into this story and just needed answers! This is definitely one of those books that keeps you turning the pages because you HAVE to know what happens next. I absolutely loved how much this story kept me guessing, and I was so invested in finding out the truth. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In true JH style she gives us a story that sucks us in from the beginning and leaves you on the edge of your seat with her slow burns. The way that she is able to set this story up and execute it so well, is why I love her writing so much. You fall in love with the characters right away and are invested in what happens to them (even if one is a serial killer). I am so grateful to Kensington Publishing for giving me an ARC to devour and enjoyed every second of it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for this ARC. I was captivated immediately by the quirky, believable FMC, Blair Lennox. I thought the tension and macabre atmospheres throughout the book were well done. This book was a page-turner that read like part psychological thriller, part murder mystery and part spicy dark romance. The twists and turns make for perfect jaw-dropping revelations that leave you questioning what it means to love, be loved and to also be seen.
October 31, 2026
I’ve never felt more seen with the dark humor that was in this. This book was definitely a journey that involved roughing it in the woods and discovering people may not be all that they seem.
The way she was able to set up so many details that completely transformed my thinking was incredible. I was left with so many different emotions and perspectives just trying to figure things out.
Blair is a forensic pathologist assistant in a morgue working under her father and I loved the descriptions and detail of the work they did. The psychology of it was so well written.
Miller is also a forensic pathologist who worked closely with Blair and her father. Blair and Miller become close and share a night together before things fall apart.
Miller disappeared after being accused of crimes he claims he didn’t commit and after some interesting circumstances, Blair finds herself with Miller trying to help clear his name.
The way she was able to set up so many details that completely transformed my thinking was incredible. I was left with so many different emotions and perspectives just trying to figure things out.
Blair is a forensic pathologist assistant in a morgue working under her father and I loved the descriptions and detail of the work they did. The psychology of it was so well written.
Miller is also a forensic pathologist who worked closely with Blair and her father. Blair and Miller become close and share a night together before things fall apart.
Miller disappeared after being accused of crimes he claims he didn’t commit and after some interesting circumstances, Blair finds herself with Miller trying to help clear his name.
November 1, 2026
Jennifer Hartmann gets me everytime, always emotional trauma. While I did find this a little different than her usual books, it still served some heart damage!
If you like:
✨Forced Proxity
✨K$dn@pping
✨Age Gap
✨Enemies to Lovers
I loved Blair, and her chemistry with Miller was steamy. Their journey is a tortured one.
Thank you so much to the author and Kensington for the e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If you like:
✨Forced Proxity
✨K$dn@pping
✨Age Gap
✨Enemies to Lovers
I loved Blair, and her chemistry with Miller was steamy. Their journey is a tortured one.
Thank you so much to the author and Kensington for the e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an awesome read! I was on the edge of my seat for so many moments and my how Jennifer twisted the twists and turns! I will say I truly say I am not often caught completely off guard and there were moments I didn’t see coming at all! I hope Jennifer writes more of this kind of story because it was a blast to read and lives rent free in my mind!
October 29, 2026
“I love you, wholeheartedly. Not half heartedly. Not in pieces or borrowed breaths. Not in passing or pretense. It’s the kind of love that outlives reason. That outlives time. That outlives death itself. And it will follow me into every lifetime that still remembers your name.”
Blair is a forensic assistant and finds herself kidnapped and taken to the woods where she is held captive by someone from her past. Miller was accused of several murders but vanished two years ago until now. Is he guilty or innocent? Can she trust him? Will they resolve things?
Reading this book felt like I was watching a movie. There was so much suspense, so much inner turmoil, and so much heartbreak. This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like a thriller mixed in with Jennifer Hartmann’s usual dark romance vibes. I loved every second of it.
Blair is a forensic assistant and finds herself kidnapped and taken to the woods where she is held captive by someone from her past. Miller was accused of several murders but vanished two years ago until now. Is he guilty or innocent? Can she trust him? Will they resolve things?
Reading this book felt like I was watching a movie. There was so much suspense, so much inner turmoil, and so much heartbreak. This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like a thriller mixed in with Jennifer Hartmann’s usual dark romance vibes. I loved every second of it.
November 1, 2026
Wow!! This was another crazy ride from Jennifer Hartmann! This book is dark and twisty in true Jennifer fashion! OMG, I can’t believe how good this story was and it kept me on the edge of my couch the entire read. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
At this point I don’t think there is absolutely anything this woman can write that I won’t absolutely devour in one sitting. This book was absolutely fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews