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If They Knew
Not yet published
Expected 10 Oct 26When Theo Parrish’s father dies, he inherits more than grief—he inherits Parrish Cruise Lines, the ambitious start-up company his father spent years building from the ground up. Since his twin brother, Tyler, has no interest in the business, sole responsibility falls on Theo's shoulders.
Determined to prove himself—and to honor his father’s legacy—Theo boards the company’s first vessel for what should've been a simple training voyage, turns out to be anything but...
Without warning, a merciless storm hits and in the midst of the chaos, the ship's communications fail, and power falters. Adrift and aimless, the vessel is left dead in the water.
Tasked with the unthinkable, Theo must choose his every move carefully, as the fate of every soul left on board is in his hands.
As days bleed into weeks, then endless months, supplies dwindle, and desperation sets in. Alliances form, leaders emerge, and dark secrets surface–with one passenger on board carrying the darkest secret any of them could imagine...
The question is no longer when rescue will come…
…but who will still be alive when it does?
Determined to prove himself—and to honor his father’s legacy—Theo boards the company’s first vessel for what should've been a simple training voyage, turns out to be anything but...
Without warning, a merciless storm hits and in the midst of the chaos, the ship's communications fail, and power falters. Adrift and aimless, the vessel is left dead in the water.
Tasked with the unthinkable, Theo must choose his every move carefully, as the fate of every soul left on board is in his hands.
As days bleed into weeks, then endless months, supplies dwindle, and desperation sets in. Alliances form, leaders emerge, and dark secrets surface–with one passenger on board carrying the darkest secret any of them could imagine...
The question is no longer when rescue will come…
…but who will still be alive when it does?
- GenresThriller
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 10, 2026
About the author
A.J. Wooding
1 book72 followersAustin was born and raised in Plant City, Florida, a small town known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. After meeting his now-husband, he moved to Orlando, and their journey eventually led them to Delaware. Austin began his professional life as a dental assistant, but after years of working in dentistry, he decided to chase adventure and became a flight attendant.
When he’s not jet-setting across the globe, Austin is at home with his family: his husband, their child, and two spirited pit bull terriers. An avid reader and storyteller, Austin enjoys writing dark, suspenseful thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. Off the page, Austin’s happiest moments are spent with his family and taking his son to Disney World or planning their next Disney cruise—a family tradition filled with laughter, magic, and always an unforgettable adventure.
When he’s not jet-setting across the globe, Austin is at home with his family: his husband, their child, and two spirited pit bull terriers. An avid reader and storyteller, Austin enjoys writing dark, suspenseful thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. Off the page, Austin’s happiest moments are spent with his family and taking his son to Disney World or planning their next Disney cruise—a family tradition filled with laughter, magic, and always an unforgettable adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 25, 2026
I was hooked right from the start. It was pretty dark and violent for a good majority of it so be sure to read the trigger warnings prior to reading. However, the end of the book had me so surprised and wanting more! A very good thriller! Thank you for the ARC! 😊🎉 4 ⭐️
June 13, 2026
What a ride! First, I want to thank A.J. for selecting me as a beta reader for his debut novel. I devoured this book in two days! I couldn’t put it down. I loved experiencing the events from multiple points of view. He did a phenomenal job of putting the reader in the middle of the action. The cover art drew me in immediately the first time I saw it, and the book does not disappoint. There were plenty of terrifying moments and lots of suspense. There are a lot of characters, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping track of them. A.J. does an excellent job showing the emotional toll that the circumstances are taking on each character. The ending has the perfect amount of twists and revelations that will surprise you, while at the same time, pull everything together. I highly recommend you embark on this wild ride. You won’t be disappointed.
July 31, 2026
First, I just want to say THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for If They Knew. I’ve been waiting for a chance to read this book ever since A.J. Wooding first started teasing it, even before the cover was revealed! The moment ARC sign-ups was announced, I was basically checking the Facebook group for a chance like my life depended on it. After all that anticipation, I can confidently say the wait was 100% worth it.
Whatever level of creepy that black room helps you write in, Mr. Wooding…please don’t ever leave it. Because WHAT DID I JUST READ?!
You know a book is good when you’re forcing yourself to put it down because you’re flying through it too fast and you don’t want it to end. Meanwhile, every chapter ends with a cliffhanger that has you saying, “Okay…one more chapter.” Spoiler alert: it’s never just one more chapter.
The number of times I caught myself holding my breath, audibly gasping, or staring at the page in complete disbelief was absolutely ridiculous…but in the best way. This book had me questioning everyone. Trust no one. Suspect everyone. Then question yourself because somehow you’re still wrong.
And that ending?! EXCUSE ME?! You can’t just end a book like that and walk away. I’m going to need a sequel immediately because I’m not okay.
⚠️ Possible spoilers ahead! If you’re waiting until October to read this, save the rest of this review for later!
Can we please talk about the cruise ship? Have we learned absolutely NOTHING from the Poop Cruise? Why are we still boarding ships that have faulty systems and aren’t even fully completed? Honestly…terrible decision-making. But also…thank you, because without it we wouldn’t have gotten this chaotic masterpiece.
And the characters? Every. Single. One. of the main characters had me fooled. Every time I thought I had someone figured out, another twist hit and I was back at square one. The betrayals? The lies? The reveals? Top tier. There were definitely a few characters I would’ve happily thrown overboard myself.
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s packed with nonstop tension, shocking twists, morally questionable characters, and enough cliffhangers to keep you up way past your bedtime, If They Knew absolutely delivers.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here impatiently waiting (and manifesting) a sequel because I refuse to believe that’s the end.
One of the easiest 5 star ratings, I’d give it 10 if I could!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whatever level of creepy that black room helps you write in, Mr. Wooding…please don’t ever leave it. Because WHAT DID I JUST READ?!
You know a book is good when you’re forcing yourself to put it down because you’re flying through it too fast and you don’t want it to end. Meanwhile, every chapter ends with a cliffhanger that has you saying, “Okay…one more chapter.” Spoiler alert: it’s never just one more chapter.
The number of times I caught myself holding my breath, audibly gasping, or staring at the page in complete disbelief was absolutely ridiculous…but in the best way. This book had me questioning everyone. Trust no one. Suspect everyone. Then question yourself because somehow you’re still wrong.
And that ending?! EXCUSE ME?! You can’t just end a book like that and walk away. I’m going to need a sequel immediately because I’m not okay.
⚠️ Possible spoilers ahead! If you’re waiting until October to read this, save the rest of this review for later!
Can we please talk about the cruise ship? Have we learned absolutely NOTHING from the Poop Cruise? Why are we still boarding ships that have faulty systems and aren’t even fully completed? Honestly…terrible decision-making. But also…thank you, because without it we wouldn’t have gotten this chaotic masterpiece.
And the characters? Every. Single. One. of the main characters had me fooled. Every time I thought I had someone figured out, another twist hit and I was back at square one. The betrayals? The lies? The reveals? Top tier. There were definitely a few characters I would’ve happily thrown overboard myself.
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s packed with nonstop tension, shocking twists, morally questionable characters, and enough cliffhangers to keep you up way past your bedtime, If They Knew absolutely delivers.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here impatiently waiting (and manifesting) a sequel because I refuse to believe that’s the end.
One of the easiest 5 star ratings, I’d give it 10 if I could!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 24, 2026I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and I flew through it. The action started so quickly and it didn't lose momentum. It's a gory, fast paced survival thriller exploring what desperation can do to people and what part does hope, or lack of it, play in the chance for survival.
I found the cruise ship setting to be unique and it made for a tense, gripping story. Whilst full of action, it also had a lot of suspense and creeping dread. The character dynamics were interesting and well developed. I enjoyed getting multiple perspectives and they were all very distinct. There were twists in this book that I didn't see coming and I was happy to have my expectations subverted.
It was a complete and satisfying story, yet still left a door open for another book in this world, which I would gladly pick up in a heartbeat.
I had so much fun with this book. It was very cinematic and I was fully immersed in the story.
I definitely recommend people pick it up when it's out in October.
I found the cruise ship setting to be unique and it made for a tense, gripping story. Whilst full of action, it also had a lot of suspense and creeping dread. The character dynamics were interesting and well developed. I enjoyed getting multiple perspectives and they were all very distinct. There were twists in this book that I didn't see coming and I was happy to have my expectations subverted.
It was a complete and satisfying story, yet still left a door open for another book in this world, which I would gladly pick up in a heartbeat.
I had so much fun with this book. It was very cinematic and I was fully immersed in the story.
I definitely recommend people pick it up when it's out in October.
July 28, 2026
Omg I was privileged enough to read an ARC of this book and the whole thing just had me in shock flipping page after page. The epilogue made me “release a breath I didn’t know I was holding” IYKYK 😅 I can’t wait till this comes out and I can get a physical copy for my shelf! And I still think it’s so awesome someone from my home town has published a book! AJ you did a great job and can’t wait for the next one!
July 23, 2026
This debut novel had me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time. The action started way sooner than I anticipated & it literally never stopped. What a dark, twisted read & I loved it.
Thank you to A.J. Wooding for the ARC!
Thank you to A.J. Wooding for the ARC!
July 29, 2026
I received this as an ARC, during the Lucky 100 🍀 giveaway. Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a copy.
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(If I could rate more stars I would- this book will most definitely be in my top 10 of 2026)
Review - No Spoilers
Holy Cow. This book is a wild ride in the best way. What drew me in was the cover of the book. I love Cruise ships, but I also love when things go bad and a little chaotic. This book also throws in a survival aspect. In which I was sold. The characters were so interesting. I say this because I don’t read many POV books where it’s more than 2, but it worked so good for this book in the best possible way.
In this book, I feel like I was immediately drawn in. In came the action, and everything that followed was - well all I can say without spoiling anything is CHAOS. I read A LOT of thriller, end of the world/dystopian, psychological thrillers but I did not anticipate the ending. I was up until after midnight reading this book. I read this book in roughly 1 day, I was that into it. This is going to be a book I think about 5yrs from now. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and even was annoyed with some and their actions (when you read the book you will immediately know who I am talking about)
I did read the triggers before going into the book. So if this will help anyone out if you’re debating on reading it. I read the book and I’m 9 weeks pregnant and nauseous all the time - and this book didn’t make me sick at all. I also don’t have any triggers. Don’t get me wrong, some stuff was gross definitely.. but not enough to make me physically sick. So, I hope that helps.
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(If I could rate more stars I would- this book will most definitely be in my top 10 of 2026)
Review - No Spoilers
Holy Cow. This book is a wild ride in the best way. What drew me in was the cover of the book. I love Cruise ships, but I also love when things go bad and a little chaotic. This book also throws in a survival aspect. In which I was sold. The characters were so interesting. I say this because I don’t read many POV books where it’s more than 2, but it worked so good for this book in the best possible way.
In this book, I feel like I was immediately drawn in. In came the action, and everything that followed was - well all I can say without spoiling anything is CHAOS. I read A LOT of thriller, end of the world/dystopian, psychological thrillers but I did not anticipate the ending. I was up until after midnight reading this book. I read this book in roughly 1 day, I was that into it. This is going to be a book I think about 5yrs from now. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and even was annoyed with some and their actions (when you read the book you will immediately know who I am talking about)
I did read the triggers before going into the book. So if this will help anyone out if you’re debating on reading it. I read the book and I’m 9 weeks pregnant and nauseous all the time - and this book didn’t make me sick at all. I also don’t have any triggers. Don’t get me wrong, some stuff was gross definitely.. but not enough to make me physically sick. So, I hope that helps.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review: If They Knew
Rating: ★★★★★
Would you have boarded this cruise liner if you knew what was going to happen?
If They Knew is a fast-paced, high-stakes ride from beginning to end. The initial social dynamics gave me serious West Side Story vibes—just without the musical overture! As the situation escalates, it transforms into an intense 'them vs. us' fight for survival. This isn't Lord of the Flies fighting over someone's glasses; this is a raw struggle over the most vital elements of human life: water and food. It’s not necessarily a story about survival of the fittest, but rather survival of the one with the right mix of pluck and pure luck.
The tension in this book ebbs and flows like the tide, lulling you into that false sense of security that thriller writers do so well, right before another cataclysmic catastrophe hits. There is a lot of breath-holding along the way, and at times the atmosphere felt so frigid that my own temperature dropped while reading. The author handles the limits of the human mind and the bleak acts of desperation required for survival with a steady hand. It’s gory and intense, but if you can handle Final Destination or Speed 2, you can handle this!
The description of the cruise liner’s shift from luxury to total decay is epic, and the cast of characters drives the story forward at breakneck speed. Knowing from the prologue how severe the outcome will be doesn't ruin the ride—it just leaves you constantly wondering how it could possibly happen, and holding out hope for the survivors against all odds.
A dramatic, fast-moving maiden voyage for a debut author. Who survives? You'll have to read it yourself to find out—I’m giving nothing away! Good luck to the author on his launch this October!
Rating: ★★★★★
Would you have boarded this cruise liner if you knew what was going to happen?
If They Knew is a fast-paced, high-stakes ride from beginning to end. The initial social dynamics gave me serious West Side Story vibes—just without the musical overture! As the situation escalates, it transforms into an intense 'them vs. us' fight for survival. This isn't Lord of the Flies fighting over someone's glasses; this is a raw struggle over the most vital elements of human life: water and food. It’s not necessarily a story about survival of the fittest, but rather survival of the one with the right mix of pluck and pure luck.
The tension in this book ebbs and flows like the tide, lulling you into that false sense of security that thriller writers do so well, right before another cataclysmic catastrophe hits. There is a lot of breath-holding along the way, and at times the atmosphere felt so frigid that my own temperature dropped while reading. The author handles the limits of the human mind and the bleak acts of desperation required for survival with a steady hand. It’s gory and intense, but if you can handle Final Destination or Speed 2, you can handle this!
The description of the cruise liner’s shift from luxury to total decay is epic, and the cast of characters drives the story forward at breakneck speed. Knowing from the prologue how severe the outcome will be doesn't ruin the ride—it just leaves you constantly wondering how it could possibly happen, and holding out hope for the survivors against all odds.
A dramatic, fast-moving maiden voyage for a debut author. Who survives? You'll have to read it yourself to find out—I’m giving nothing away! Good luck to the author on his launch this October!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to A. J. Wooding for the ARC of this book. I have been dying to read it since I first viewed the cover reveal months ago.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Holy moly, what a ride!!! The compelling premise, well-developed characters, vivid descriptive writing, and sheer entertainment value made this an easy 5-star read for me. From the very beginning, the story hooked me and never let go.
The novel begins by introducing three main characters. Theo is overseeing the training voyage of his family’s new cruise line that his father founded before becoming seriously ill. In hopes that his father would be able to see the ship set sail, the launch date was moved up. But sadly, he passed away before the voyage. Theo’s twin brother, Tyler, and his wife, Julie, join him on the inaugural excursion, which quickly turns into a nightmare when an unexpected storm strikes and everything begins to unravel.
As the story unfolds, we’re introduced to even more characters, each facing unimaginable challenges as they struggle to survive. The author’s descriptive writing makes every character feel authentic and brings the chaos vividly to life. I felt as though I was right there alongside them, experiencing every terrifying moment.
Told through multiple points of view, the pacing never lets up. My heart was racing, my mind was constantly trying to piece together what would happen next, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This was an intense, edge-of-your-seat read that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!
⭐️This should be on everyone’s TBR when it is released on October 10th!⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Holy moly, what a ride!!! The compelling premise, well-developed characters, vivid descriptive writing, and sheer entertainment value made this an easy 5-star read for me. From the very beginning, the story hooked me and never let go.
The novel begins by introducing three main characters. Theo is overseeing the training voyage of his family’s new cruise line that his father founded before becoming seriously ill. In hopes that his father would be able to see the ship set sail, the launch date was moved up. But sadly, he passed away before the voyage. Theo’s twin brother, Tyler, and his wife, Julie, join him on the inaugural excursion, which quickly turns into a nightmare when an unexpected storm strikes and everything begins to unravel.
As the story unfolds, we’re introduced to even more characters, each facing unimaginable challenges as they struggle to survive. The author’s descriptive writing makes every character feel authentic and brings the chaos vividly to life. I felt as though I was right there alongside them, experiencing every terrifying moment.
Told through multiple points of view, the pacing never lets up. My heart was racing, my mind was constantly trying to piece together what would happen next, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This was an intense, edge-of-your-seat read that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!
⭐️This should be on everyone’s TBR when it is released on October 10th!⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so lucky to be one of the few people selected as an ARC reader for A.J. Wooding— Author. debut novel, If They Knew.
First of all, the cover art was incredible. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a must read!
The prologue hooked me right away. It was intriguing and immediately grabbed my attention. The story started with plenty of action, and the suspense just kept building. There was so much detail about the boat that I could picture everything so vividly. I felt like I was really there! Pace yourself and really take it all in—you’re not going to want to miss any of the action.
The character development was well done, and you really got to know each character and their quirks. I could identify with a few of them and found several of them relatable. There was chaos happening all around, and I found myself hoping my favourite characters would survive. I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter”!
If you enjoy fast-paced books with plenty of action, strong characters, and suspenseful survival stories—and don’t mind a little gore—you’ll enjoy If They Knew.
A. J. Wooding definitely has the ability to keep readers engaged and on edge from beginning to end. He nailed it! The book left me wanting more (fingers crossed there’s another one!).
The book is released officially in October!
First of all, the cover art was incredible. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a must read!
The prologue hooked me right away. It was intriguing and immediately grabbed my attention. The story started with plenty of action, and the suspense just kept building. There was so much detail about the boat that I could picture everything so vividly. I felt like I was really there! Pace yourself and really take it all in—you’re not going to want to miss any of the action.
The character development was well done, and you really got to know each character and their quirks. I could identify with a few of them and found several of them relatable. There was chaos happening all around, and I found myself hoping my favourite characters would survive. I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter”!
If you enjoy fast-paced books with plenty of action, strong characters, and suspenseful survival stories—and don’t mind a little gore—you’ll enjoy If They Knew.
A. J. Wooding definitely has the ability to keep readers engaged and on edge from beginning to end. He nailed it! The book left me wanting more (fingers crossed there’s another one!).
The book is released officially in October!
August 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC
Omg I loved this read! We have several ‘main’ characters and the book is told from different points of view but the central main character is Theo. He’s an officer on board the ship but is also the owner of the cruise line after his father passed away. They are doing a test sailing which they had brought forward in the hope that his father would be able to make it but sadly he passed beforehand. The ship isn’t fully finished but it is only crew and the guests are friends and family of the crew so it doesn’t matter that it’s not fully done right?
Theo’s guests are his wife Julie and his twin brother Tyler, they don’t really get on but try to be nice to each other for Theo’s sake. Add in a very unexpected storm, an explosion and chaos ensues and it is BRILLIANT!! It had me gripped from the get go as I just had no idea where it was going and what was going to happen along the way! And I can honestly say that I wasn’t disappointed! There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming right up until the very end.
I love cruising and the way it was written made me really feel like I could be on board with them with the descriptions. And that ending - I just loved it! I don’t recommend starting this if you have things to do as there is no way you will get them done as you won’t be able to put it down!!
Omg I loved this read! We have several ‘main’ characters and the book is told from different points of view but the central main character is Theo. He’s an officer on board the ship but is also the owner of the cruise line after his father passed away. They are doing a test sailing which they had brought forward in the hope that his father would be able to make it but sadly he passed beforehand. The ship isn’t fully finished but it is only crew and the guests are friends and family of the crew so it doesn’t matter that it’s not fully done right?
Theo’s guests are his wife Julie and his twin brother Tyler, they don’t really get on but try to be nice to each other for Theo’s sake. Add in a very unexpected storm, an explosion and chaos ensues and it is BRILLIANT!! It had me gripped from the get go as I just had no idea where it was going and what was going to happen along the way! And I can honestly say that I wasn’t disappointed! There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming right up until the very end.
I love cruising and the way it was written made me really feel like I could be on board with them with the descriptions. And that ending - I just loved it! I don’t recommend starting this if you have things to do as there is no way you will get them done as you won’t be able to put it down!!
July 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely relentless from beginning to end!
When I saw the cover to this book. I knew I had to read it. I was VERY lucky to be given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)
(Thank you!!!! )
If They Knew completely exceeded my expectations. The premise alone had me hooked—a stranded cruise ship left drifting for months—but I wasn’t prepared for just how intense this story would become.
This book is packed with nonstop action, shocking twists, and plenty of blood and gore. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another surprise came along. It never slowed down, and I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” until I finished it.
If you’re a fan of thriller and horror novels that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is absolutely one to add to your reading list. The tension is constant, the survival aspects are gripping, and the twists are genuinely unexpected.
The ending was perfect—satisfying while still leaving me wanting more. The teaser at the end was the icing on the cake and has me excited for AJ woodings next book.
I highly recommend If They Knew to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, suspenseful horror thrillers with unforgettable twists. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I saw the cover to this book. I knew I had to read it. I was VERY lucky to be given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)
(Thank you!!!! )
If They Knew completely exceeded my expectations. The premise alone had me hooked—a stranded cruise ship left drifting for months—but I wasn’t prepared for just how intense this story would become.
This book is packed with nonstop action, shocking twists, and plenty of blood and gore. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another surprise came along. It never slowed down, and I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” until I finished it.
If you’re a fan of thriller and horror novels that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is absolutely one to add to your reading list. The tension is constant, the survival aspects are gripping, and the twists are genuinely unexpected.
The ending was perfect—satisfying while still leaving me wanting more. The teaser at the end was the icing on the cake and has me excited for AJ woodings next book.
I highly recommend If They Knew to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, suspenseful horror thrillers with unforgettable twists. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 29, 2026
Words are hard to find after finishing this 5-star read.
From the very beginning, this book reminded me of reading a Freida McFadden novel. There were moments that had me so frustrated I wanted to put the book down—but at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know if everything would play out the way I was hoping. More than once I caught myself thinking, “Why on earth are people believing this?!” (If you know, you know.)
The plot twists were absolutely impeccable. The intensity kicked in early and never let up. At no point did the story lose momentum or make me feel like I was waiting forever for the suspense to build again. I’m actually glad I took my time reading it because I knew the moment I finished, I’d be left completely shattered.
I’m so honored to have received an ARC of this book. I’ve been following A.J. and eagerly waiting for this release for months, so getting the opportunity to read it early was incredibly special. I already can’t wait to see what A.J. writes next, and I hope to be a forever A.J. Wooding ARC reader!
Thank you, A.J., for such an unforgettable story. This novel is truly a work of art. I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf and revisit it again and again.
From the very beginning, this book reminded me of reading a Freida McFadden novel. There were moments that had me so frustrated I wanted to put the book down—but at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know if everything would play out the way I was hoping. More than once I caught myself thinking, “Why on earth are people believing this?!” (If you know, you know.)
The plot twists were absolutely impeccable. The intensity kicked in early and never let up. At no point did the story lose momentum or make me feel like I was waiting forever for the suspense to build again. I’m actually glad I took my time reading it because I knew the moment I finished, I’d be left completely shattered.
I’m so honored to have received an ARC of this book. I’ve been following A.J. and eagerly waiting for this release for months, so getting the opportunity to read it early was incredibly special. I already can’t wait to see what A.J. writes next, and I hope to be a forever A.J. Wooding ARC reader!
Thank you, A.J., for such an unforgettable story. This novel is truly a work of art. I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf and revisit it again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, the cover is what caught my eye first. Put a cruise ship in a thriller and I’m immediately sold. Getting my hands on an ARC of If They Knew was a total dream, but actually reading it? Absolute chaos in the absolute best way possible.
My heart was racing from start to finish. The pacing in this book is relentless. Just when you think the characters finally have a situation under control, another disaster strikes. Before you know it, multiple dilemmas are spiraling out of control all at once. I was literally just lying there completely stressed out, unable to put it down.
A.J. Wooding’s writing is so visual. It totally takes over your imagination, and it honestly feels tailored for a movie adaptation.
I’m genuinely sad I finished it so fast. You know that rare feeling where you desperately wish you could wipe your memory just to experience a book for the first time again? That’s where I’m at right now. October can’t come fast enough so everyone else can finally read it. In the meantime, I’ll be eagerly waiting for whatever he writes next.
Will this stop me from going on my next cruise? Absolutely not. But I’ll definitely be brushing up on my survival skills before stepping foot on the deck!
My heart was racing from start to finish. The pacing in this book is relentless. Just when you think the characters finally have a situation under control, another disaster strikes. Before you know it, multiple dilemmas are spiraling out of control all at once. I was literally just lying there completely stressed out, unable to put it down.
A.J. Wooding’s writing is so visual. It totally takes over your imagination, and it honestly feels tailored for a movie adaptation.
I’m genuinely sad I finished it so fast. You know that rare feeling where you desperately wish you could wipe your memory just to experience a book for the first time again? That’s where I’m at right now. October can’t come fast enough so everyone else can finally read it. In the meantime, I’ll be eagerly waiting for whatever he writes next.
Will this stop me from going on my next cruise? Absolutely not. But I’ll definitely be brushing up on my survival skills before stepping foot on the deck!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If They Knew is one of those thrillers that grabs your attention early and never lets go.
Even though the story is set almost entirely on a cruise ship, it never feels repetitive or confined. There is always something happening, whether it’s a new revelation, shifting relationships, or another reason to question what might happen next. The pacing is excellent, and I never felt like the story dragged.
What stood out most to me was how invested I became in the passengers themselves. I was so caught up wondering what everyone was going to do next that I almost forgot there was even supposed to be a villain. That’s a testament to how engaging the characters and story are.
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that keeps the tension high without relying on slow buildup, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list. It releases on October 10, making it a perfect spooky season read, and is available for preorder at Barnes & Noble.
Thank you to A.J. Wooding and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
If They Knew is one of those thrillers that grabs your attention early and never lets go.
Even though the story is set almost entirely on a cruise ship, it never feels repetitive or confined. There is always something happening, whether it’s a new revelation, shifting relationships, or another reason to question what might happen next. The pacing is excellent, and I never felt like the story dragged.
What stood out most to me was how invested I became in the passengers themselves. I was so caught up wondering what everyone was going to do next that I almost forgot there was even supposed to be a villain. That’s a testament to how engaging the characters and story are.
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that keeps the tension high without relying on slow buildup, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list. It releases on October 10, making it a perfect spooky season read, and is available for preorder at Barnes & Noble.
Thank you to A.J. Wooding and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for A.J. Wooding. First off I want to thank A.J. for choosing me and trusting me with his work and to be one of the fist ones to read this book! I devoured this book. He has created charcters and story lines that immeditly draw you in. You never have to ask yourself "Now who is this charcter again?!" because the introductions and development is clear as day! All of the charcters you meet in this book and the situations they are put in are going to make you feel some kind of emotion! As you are reading this book you are going to have the clearest picture in your head of what these charcters are going through. A.J.'s attention to detail is something me as a thriller reader can't get enough of and what makes me never want to put it down til the last page. I will not stop saying good things about this book and when it comes out will not stop recommending it to people. Everyone that wants to read this is in for a true thrilling and wild ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow... where do I even begin? If They Knew by A.J. Wooding completely exceeded my expectations. It delivers the glory of a luxury cruise turned nightmare, packed with twist and turns that you think you see coming, but then realize you don't! Multiple times I thought I had it figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me.
Wooding's writing is incredibly immersive, right from the beginning. I didn't just read the story—I felt like I was living it. Every scene was so vividly described that I could picture it perfectly, and the characters felt authentic and relatable. I became emotionally invested in their journeys, making every revelation even more powerful.
If you love thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, make your heart race, and leave you saying, "what?! 🤯," this book is for you. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend going in blind. The less you know, the better the experience
Wooding's writing is incredibly immersive, right from the beginning. I didn't just read the story—I felt like I was living it. Every scene was so vividly described that I could picture it perfectly, and the characters felt authentic and relatable. I became emotionally invested in their journeys, making every revelation even more powerful.
If you love thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, make your heart race, and leave you saying, "what?! 🤯," this book is for you. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend going in blind. The less you know, the better the experience
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be selected as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) reader for this book, and WOW... this one absolutely delivered!
From the very first chapter, the story takes off at full speed and never lets up. I was completely hooked from the beginning. There were so many times I was convinced I had the BIG twist figured out... and every single time, the author quickly proved me wrong. Just when I thought I knew exactly where the story was headed, another twist completely changed everything. I absolutely loved never being able to predict what was coming next.
The character development was incredible, making me genuinely invested in what happened to everyone. I was so hooked that I finished the entire book in just 8 hours because I simply couldn't put it down!
⭐️ I cannot recommend this book enough! If you love suspense, jaw-dropping twists, and characters you'll become attached to, add this one to your TBR immediately!
From the very first chapter, the story takes off at full speed and never lets up. I was completely hooked from the beginning. There were so many times I was convinced I had the BIG twist figured out... and every single time, the author quickly proved me wrong. Just when I thought I knew exactly where the story was headed, another twist completely changed everything. I absolutely loved never being able to predict what was coming next.
The character development was incredible, making me genuinely invested in what happened to everyone. I was so hooked that I finished the entire book in just 8 hours because I simply couldn't put it down!
⭐️ I cannot recommend this book enough! If you love suspense, jaw-dropping twists, and characters you'll become attached to, add this one to your TBR immediately!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to A.J. Wooding for the opportunity to read If They Knew as an ARC!
The moment I saw this cover, I knew I HAD to read it. A luxury cruise ship with hints of something much darker? I was instantly hooked!
This is the kind of thriller that grabs you from page one and truly never lets go. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, another twist would prove me wrong. I eventually stopped trying to predict what would happen and just enjoyed the ride (or shoukd I say, waves?).
The cruise ship setting was incredibly immersive, and the tension never let up. The multiple POVs made me genuinely care about the characters, and I found myself racing through until I reached the end.
If you love fast-paced survival thrillers with high stakes, shocking twists, and plenty of suspense, add this one to your TBR. Go in as blind as possible and it really makes the experience even better!
My only complaint? I finished it too fast, and now I can't wait to see what you write next!!
The moment I saw this cover, I knew I HAD to read it. A luxury cruise ship with hints of something much darker? I was instantly hooked!
This is the kind of thriller that grabs you from page one and truly never lets go. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, another twist would prove me wrong. I eventually stopped trying to predict what would happen and just enjoyed the ride (or shoukd I say, waves?).
The cruise ship setting was incredibly immersive, and the tension never let up. The multiple POVs made me genuinely care about the characters, and I found myself racing through until I reached the end.
If you love fast-paced survival thrillers with high stakes, shocking twists, and plenty of suspense, add this one to your TBR. Go in as blind as possible and it really makes the experience even better!
My only complaint? I finished it too fast, and now I can't wait to see what you write next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to AJ Wooding for selecting me as a beta reader for his debut thriller.
I could not put this book down! From the get go, the cover of the book sucked me in, so if you're a "judge a book by it's cover" type human, you're a gonner. AJ presents the story from multiple different viewpoints, adding insight and dimension to the story to keep you on your toes. Every character is so well constructed that you don't have a hard time keeping them straight. The story line is insane without being unbelievable. The traumas the characters go through and decisions they have to make are realistic given the situation and I easily put myself in their shoes.
You'll be gasping in surprise and have your jaw hanging open. The twist is perfect and the ending ties everything up nicely, but will have you shocked. Hold on to your hats, you're in for a wild wide with this one!
I could not put this book down! From the get go, the cover of the book sucked me in, so if you're a "judge a book by it's cover" type human, you're a gonner. AJ presents the story from multiple different viewpoints, adding insight and dimension to the story to keep you on your toes. Every character is so well constructed that you don't have a hard time keeping them straight. The story line is insane without being unbelievable. The traumas the characters go through and decisions they have to make are realistic given the situation and I easily put myself in their shoes.
You'll be gasping in surprise and have your jaw hanging open. The twist is perfect and the ending ties everything up nicely, but will have you shocked. Hold on to your hats, you're in for a wild wide with this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
WOW!! Thank you A.J. Wooding for this amazing ARC!!
The first time you posted the cover of this book months ago I knew I needed to read this and then I read what is was about and did eveything I could to get an arc. From the first page this book had me hooked. I loved how the action started right away and wasn't drawn out. The story is told through multiple point of views and was very easy to follow. At one point I literally had my nose scrunched up in disgust and then the next sentence I read the characters were doing the same thing. It's amazing how in the book I was. It was so believable that I could absolutely see how this could happen! When I wasn't able to read I was constantly thinking about what was going to happen next. What an amazing debut novel A.J. Wooding! I can't wait for your next book!!
WOW!! Thank you A.J. Wooding for this amazing ARC!!
The first time you posted the cover of this book months ago I knew I needed to read this and then I read what is was about and did eveything I could to get an arc. From the first page this book had me hooked. I loved how the action started right away and wasn't drawn out. The story is told through multiple point of views and was very easy to follow. At one point I literally had my nose scrunched up in disgust and then the next sentence I read the characters were doing the same thing. It's amazing how in the book I was. It was so believable that I could absolutely see how this could happen! When I wasn't able to read I was constantly thinking about what was going to happen next. What an amazing debut novel A.J. Wooding! I can't wait for your next book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
I received an ARC copy of If They Knew by A.J. Wooding, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
As someone with an attention disorder, it can sometimes be really hard for me to stay focused on a book, but I had zero issues staying engaged with this one.
The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. A.J. Wooding’s writing is so vivid that I could easily picture every scene playing out in my head like a movie.
Even though I managed to guess the final twist around the 65% mark, the execution was so well done that it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. I was fully invested and couldn't wait to see how everything unfolded.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases from this author!
Thanks to the author for choosing me as an ARC reader for his first book.
If They Knew will be released on October 10, 2026.
I received an ARC copy of If They Knew by A.J. Wooding, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
As someone with an attention disorder, it can sometimes be really hard for me to stay focused on a book, but I had zero issues staying engaged with this one.
The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. A.J. Wooding’s writing is so vivid that I could easily picture every scene playing out in my head like a movie.
Even though I managed to guess the final twist around the 65% mark, the execution was so well done that it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. I was fully invested and couldn't wait to see how everything unfolded.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases from this author!
Thanks to the author for choosing me as an ARC reader for his first book.
If They Knew will be released on October 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, thank you to A.J. Wooding for allowing me to ARC read this book. I honestly don’t think you understand how good it is.
This book is definitely a five star read for me, and if I’m being honest, it is probably the best Psychological Thriller I have ever read.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions and felt like a car wreck you couldn’t look away from. I didn’t know you could get whiplash from a book, but this book definitely kept me on edge. Every time I thought I knew what the next plot was, it went in the best possible way that I couldn’t even think of.
It’s gory, and heartbreaking but intense and captivating. You will absolutely love characters and despise others. No one is how they seem.
Definitely give this book a shot, but please check the triggers! This book is not for the light hearted. 🫶🏼
This book is definitely a five star read for me, and if I’m being honest, it is probably the best Psychological Thriller I have ever read.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions and felt like a car wreck you couldn’t look away from. I didn’t know you could get whiplash from a book, but this book definitely kept me on edge. Every time I thought I knew what the next plot was, it went in the best possible way that I couldn’t even think of.
It’s gory, and heartbreaking but intense and captivating. You will absolutely love characters and despise others. No one is how they seem.
Definitely give this book a shot, but please check the triggers! This book is not for the light hearted. 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to A J Wooding for choosing me to be a beta reader for this book. I was hooked from the book cover and the description right away. This story is full of suspense, twists, and terrifying moments. I knew from the very beginning of this book that I was going to love it. The amount of details included gave you such a good sense of what the environment and the characters were like. You won’t have a hard time keeping track of who the characters are with the amount of detail and character development that has been put to the page. I was intrigued the whole way through and truly shocked by the twists (a constant state of 😳). I’ve never been so blown away by an ending sentence before and now I need a sequel!! (📖)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank the author for selecting me to be an advanced reader for his debut novel.
This book deserves a 10/10, I could not put it down!
I love that we jumped right into the story and the timeline of events was spread out in a way that kept me reading without having a lull.
The way the author explained certain scenes made me feel like I was there in the room watching everything unfold and the severity of the situation progressively increased throughout the book causing me to drink in every word so I didn't miss any information.
This book left me wanting more but also wrapped up perfectly. I would love a small spin off or sequel one day but I am satisfied with how it ended.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good psychological thriller!
This book deserves a 10/10, I could not put it down!
I love that we jumped right into the story and the timeline of events was spread out in a way that kept me reading without having a lull.
The way the author explained certain scenes made me feel like I was there in the room watching everything unfold and the severity of the situation progressively increased throughout the book causing me to drink in every word so I didn't miss any information.
This book left me wanting more but also wrapped up perfectly. I would love a small spin off or sequel one day but I am satisfied with how it ended.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good psychological thriller!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I was selected as an ARC reader for If They Knew by A.J. Wooding (release date October 10th, 2026)! As someone who loves both reading thrillers and going on cruises, I hopped right into this book, expecting to be blown away.
I WAS. The action started fast, and almost never stopped except for interesting plot-supporting situations and surprises. Some things that happened were so outlandish that I questioned if they were even realistic, which made it extremely fascinating. It kept me engaged through every page. I have so much more to say but don’t want to give out too much information before it’s out!
Definitely add this to your list! I wish it didn’t have to end…and there better be some movie producers out there with their eyes targeting this book!
I WAS. The action started fast, and almost never stopped except for interesting plot-supporting situations and surprises. Some things that happened were so outlandish that I questioned if they were even realistic, which made it extremely fascinating. It kept me engaged through every page. I have so much more to say but don’t want to give out too much information before it’s out!
Definitely add this to your list! I wish it didn’t have to end…and there better be some movie producers out there with their eyes targeting this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!!
I have just released a breath I didn't know I was holding!
What a wild ride that was!
When I first saw the cover and read the blurb I instantly knew this book would be a bit of me. Little did I know it would be one of my favourite reads ever!
I have always wanted to go on a cruise.. but I will NOT be booking one in a hurry after reading this 😱
Just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM! Another twist occurs. My jaw hurts from amount of times it has hit the floor during this read.
It has left me wanting SO much more. PLEASE hurry and write the next one A.J!!
Thank you for allowing me to have an ARC of this book, I am so glad I didn't have to wait until October for the release.
Take a bow A.J. Wooding ❤️
I have just released a breath I didn't know I was holding!
What a wild ride that was!
When I first saw the cover and read the blurb I instantly knew this book would be a bit of me. Little did I know it would be one of my favourite reads ever!
I have always wanted to go on a cruise.. but I will NOT be booking one in a hurry after reading this 😱
Just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM! Another twist occurs. My jaw hurts from amount of times it has hit the floor during this read.
It has left me wanting SO much more. PLEASE hurry and write the next one A.J!!
Thank you for allowing me to have an ARC of this book, I am so glad I didn't have to wait until October for the release.
Take a bow A.J. Wooding ❤️
July 31, 2026
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader and being able to experience this book before the release date!
I truly don’t know if I can accurately describe how amazing this book is without spoiling anything but I will try!
This book is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. I truly never knew what was going to happen, from the beginning of the prologue until the end of the epilogue. I thought that Freida McFadden wrote fantastic twists, but this definitely topped it for me!
You would never guess that this book is a debut. I am definitely looking forward to more of this author’s work!
Side note: I have never been on a cruise and this book makes me never want to go on a cruise 😂
Don’t forget to check the trigger warnings!
I truly don’t know if I can accurately describe how amazing this book is without spoiling anything but I will try!
This book is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. I truly never knew what was going to happen, from the beginning of the prologue until the end of the epilogue. I thought that Freida McFadden wrote fantastic twists, but this definitely topped it for me!
You would never guess that this book is a debut. I am definitely looking forward to more of this author’s work!
Side note: I have never been on a cruise and this book makes me never want to go on a cruise 😂
Don’t forget to check the trigger warnings!
August 11, 2026
ARC READER REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Easily my favorite thriller of the YEAR! Truly up there as one of my top favorite reads in this genre.
This book pulls you in from the beginning & keeps you reading (even when you said to yourself “just one more chapter..” 😅) I enjoyed every single character, every scene painted a vivid picture of what was happening — I literally saw it playing out like a movie with the turn of every page. And the ending?! I can’t handle it! I’m SO ready for the next one already!
The perfect mix of gore, suspense, and dare I say romance? 🫢
A.J. Wooding — You are definitely making a name for yourself, and I cannot wait to read more of your work! You should be so proud of yourself. Can’t wait to see this as a bestseller! KEEP THEM COMING! 👏🏼
WOW! Easily my favorite thriller of the YEAR! Truly up there as one of my top favorite reads in this genre.
This book pulls you in from the beginning & keeps you reading (even when you said to yourself “just one more chapter..” 😅) I enjoyed every single character, every scene painted a vivid picture of what was happening — I literally saw it playing out like a movie with the turn of every page. And the ending?! I can’t handle it! I’m SO ready for the next one already!
The perfect mix of gore, suspense, and dare I say romance? 🫢
A.J. Wooding — You are definitely making a name for yourself, and I cannot wait to read more of your work! You should be so proud of yourself. Can’t wait to see this as a bestseller! KEEP THEM COMING! 👏🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are you kidding me?? WOW
I was chosen as an ARC reader for A.J. Wooding— Author.’s debut thriller novel……. If They Knew
I cannot wait for this to release so others can experience it too!!! It was a wild ride the entire time, right from the start!
Not only did it keep the twists and turns coming to the very last sentence but it had it all; suspense, gore, horror, humor, insight, etc.
If you love a twisty turny ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the first page, this is the book for you!!! Expected to be released in October.
I’m ready for more from this author so I hope he writes fast!!!
I was chosen as an ARC reader for A.J. Wooding— Author.’s debut thriller novel……. If They Knew
I cannot wait for this to release so others can experience it too!!! It was a wild ride the entire time, right from the start!
Not only did it keep the twists and turns coming to the very last sentence but it had it all; suspense, gore, horror, humor, insight, etc.
If you love a twisty turny ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the first page, this is the book for you!!! Expected to be released in October.
I’m ready for more from this author so I hope he writes fast!!!
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