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Buyer Beware
From the internationally bestselling author of 56 Days, a page-turning thriller about two women whose shattered lives come crashing together around a house whose secrets could bury them both.
If these walls could talk, they’d scream...
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn’t know is that her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets—and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
As Ellie starts to unravel the house’s disturbing backstory, coming closer to the shocking mystery at its center, she unwittingly puts herself on a deadly collision course not just with her new home’s history, but with her own as well.
A puzzle box of a thriller full of mind-boggling twists and turns, Buyer Beware is a chilling exploration of the dark secrets that any house can hold—and of the lengths we’ll go to start over.
If these walls could talk, they’d scream...
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn’t know is that her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets—and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
As Ellie starts to unravel the house’s disturbing backstory, coming closer to the shocking mystery at its center, she unwittingly puts herself on a deadly collision course not just with her new home’s history, but with her own as well.
A puzzle box of a thriller full of mind-boggling twists and turns, Buyer Beware is a chilling exploration of the dark secrets that any house can hold—and of the lengths we’ll go to start over.
Hardcover
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Catherine Ryan Howard
20 books4,713 followersCatherine Ryan Howard is an internationally bestselling crime writer from Cork, Ireland. Her debut novel, DISTRESS SIGNALS, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey/New Blood Dagger. THE LIAR'S GIRL (2018) was shortlisted for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. REWIND (2019) was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year and is currently being developed for screen by Clerkenwell Films (Misfits, Lovesick, The End of the F***ing World.) THE NOTHING MAN was a no. 1 Irish Times bestseller and a no. 1 Kindle bestseller (UK) and was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her latest novel, 56 DAYS, was published in August 2021. It is a thriller set in lockdown that Catherine wrote while she was in lockdown.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
April 13, 2026
Another mystery triumph from Catherine Ryan Howard—utterly unputdownable, heart-in-your-throat, edge-of-your-seat reading that has you flipping pages as fast as you can. This isn’t just good… it’s great. You’re swept into a whirlwind of shifting perspectives and timelines, with brilliantly executed characters, steadily escalating tension, cleverly planted twists, and mind-bending revelations. With its haunted-house atmosphere, domestic thriller intensity, and irresistible whodunnit vibes, this story grabs you and never lets go.
In the present day, we’re introduced to Ellie, a woman in her early forties who suddenly moves into 1 Delaney Row—a house whose abrupt sale has already made the neighbors uneasy. Ellie arrives with just one bag, carrying everything she owns… which isn’t much. She’s guarded to the point of paranoia, determined not to reveal a single detail about her past or her true identity, knowing that if it ever came to light, it would destroy her chance at a fresh start. But someone seems equally determined to disturb her fragile new life. There are break-ins. Acts of vandalism. Intrusions that happen twice in a frighteningly short time. Ellie becomes convinced that someone knows exactly who she is—and that they’re watching her from inside or around the house.
Could it be Sophie, the neighbor who lives with her brother Alex and had previously tried to buy the house herself? Or the nosy neighbor who keeps snapping photos, posting cryptic messages in the neighborhood WhatsApp group, only to delete them moments later? The sense of menace is constant, and the question lingers: is Ellie being hunted… and if so, why?
We’re also taken back in time through two other compelling points of view. First, Erin—whose life we follow from the age of eighteen: a bright, science-obsessed young woman with enormous potential, eventually becoming a virologist. Her future seems limitless until one night at a party at Bruce College, where she meets Jason, the man she believes is the love of her life. Slowly, heartbreakingly, Erin begins reshaping her dreams and choices around his demands—choices that pull her away from her ambitions and the people who once mattered most.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah—ambitious, creative, and independent. She’s built a successful brand called Curated, selling candles, ceramics, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, with her own shop in one of the town’s most prestigious areas. In her early thirties, Hannah finds herself gradually drifting away from her married friends, but she’s content with her freedom and the life she’s created… until she, too, meets Jason—the same man to whom Erin once devoted everything.
How do these women’s stories intersect?
Why is Ellie running?
Who is targeting her?
And what dark secrets does 1 Delaney Row hide within its walls?
You’ll want to grab your copy immediately to find out.
I adored everything about this book. I deeply connected with these characters—even the psychologically damaged ones—because every action they take is driven by the raw need to survive and claim their own freedom. This is, without a doubt, one of Catherine Ryan Howard’s finest works, and I’m awarding it five shining feminist stars with my whole heart.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this brilliant thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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In the present day, we’re introduced to Ellie, a woman in her early forties who suddenly moves into 1 Delaney Row—a house whose abrupt sale has already made the neighbors uneasy. Ellie arrives with just one bag, carrying everything she owns… which isn’t much. She’s guarded to the point of paranoia, determined not to reveal a single detail about her past or her true identity, knowing that if it ever came to light, it would destroy her chance at a fresh start. But someone seems equally determined to disturb her fragile new life. There are break-ins. Acts of vandalism. Intrusions that happen twice in a frighteningly short time. Ellie becomes convinced that someone knows exactly who she is—and that they’re watching her from inside or around the house.
Could it be Sophie, the neighbor who lives with her brother Alex and had previously tried to buy the house herself? Or the nosy neighbor who keeps snapping photos, posting cryptic messages in the neighborhood WhatsApp group, only to delete them moments later? The sense of menace is constant, and the question lingers: is Ellie being hunted… and if so, why?
We’re also taken back in time through two other compelling points of view. First, Erin—whose life we follow from the age of eighteen: a bright, science-obsessed young woman with enormous potential, eventually becoming a virologist. Her future seems limitless until one night at a party at Bruce College, where she meets Jason, the man she believes is the love of her life. Slowly, heartbreakingly, Erin begins reshaping her dreams and choices around his demands—choices that pull her away from her ambitions and the people who once mattered most.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah—ambitious, creative, and independent. She’s built a successful brand called Curated, selling candles, ceramics, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, with her own shop in one of the town’s most prestigious areas. In her early thirties, Hannah finds herself gradually drifting away from her married friends, but she’s content with her freedom and the life she’s created… until she, too, meets Jason—the same man to whom Erin once devoted everything.
How do these women’s stories intersect?
Why is Ellie running?
Who is targeting her?
And what dark secrets does 1 Delaney Row hide within its walls?
You’ll want to grab your copy immediately to find out.
I adored everything about this book. I deeply connected with these characters—even the psychologically damaged ones—because every action they take is driven by the raw need to survive and claim their own freedom. This is, without a doubt, one of Catherine Ryan Howard’s finest works, and I’m awarding it five shining feminist stars with my whole heart.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this brilliant thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
August 5, 2026
There are some authors where I need to read the synopsis before deciding whether I'm interested, and then there's Catherine Ryan Howard. If she writes it, I'm reading it. While I've definitely had some highs and lows across her books, her writing has earned enough of my trust that I never really hesitate to pick up whatever she releases next.
The opening was a great hook, and it quickly became clear that not only was the first character hiding secrets of her own, but that 1 Delaney Row was too. From that point on, I was keen to uncover what had happened inside the house and how it had become the street's infamous murder house.
The story is told across multiple timelines, and while it did feel a little fragmented at times, I really enjoyed trying to piece everything together. Watching the different threads slowly connect was easily one of my favourite aspects of the novel.
My only real gripes came down to the predictability and pacing. I enjoyed the central mystery, but I found myself a little ahead of the game, which took away some of the impact of the reveals. I was also surprised to discover the book is under 300 pages because it honestly felt longer than that. The suspense was always there, but it never quite gripped me enough to become completely immersed in the story. I've also read a few thrillers with similar premises recently, so I do wonder whether that made the overall experience feel a little less fresh for me.
Even though this won't be one of my favourites from Catherine Ryan Howard, her writing is every bit as strong as it was when I first discovered her books. Having now read eight of her nine novels, I think it's safe to say she's still very much an auto-read author for me. This one fell a bit short, but I'm already eager for her next release.
3.5⭐
The opening was a great hook, and it quickly became clear that not only was the first character hiding secrets of her own, but that 1 Delaney Row was too. From that point on, I was keen to uncover what had happened inside the house and how it had become the street's infamous murder house.
The story is told across multiple timelines, and while it did feel a little fragmented at times, I really enjoyed trying to piece everything together. Watching the different threads slowly connect was easily one of my favourite aspects of the novel.
My only real gripes came down to the predictability and pacing. I enjoyed the central mystery, but I found myself a little ahead of the game, which took away some of the impact of the reveals. I was also surprised to discover the book is under 300 pages because it honestly felt longer than that. The suspense was always there, but it never quite gripped me enough to become completely immersed in the story. I've also read a few thrillers with similar premises recently, so I do wonder whether that made the overall experience feel a little less fresh for me.
Even though this won't be one of my favourites from Catherine Ryan Howard, her writing is every bit as strong as it was when I first discovered her books. Having now read eight of her nine novels, I think it's safe to say she's still very much an auto-read author for me. This one fell a bit short, but I'm already eager for her next release.
3.5⭐
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May 3, 2026I received this through NetGalley
Blurb: From the internationally bestselling author of 56 Days, a page-turning thriller about two women whose shattered lives come crashing together around a house whose secrets could bury them both.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. There were moments that kept me curious enough to finish, but the overall reading experience felt slower than I expected.
I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but here they never quite settled. I found myself questioning who was who too often, especially after putting the book down and coming back to it, which made it harder to stay connected to the characters and the tension.
By the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder. But it felt more muted than shocking, and the payoff didn’t land for me. It wasn’t a bad read, just not the gripping experience I expected.
I’d recommend this more to readers who enjoy slower suspense, multiple POV stories, and quieter reveals. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but I can see it working better for someone who likes a more gradual build.
Blurb: From the internationally bestselling author of 56 Days, a page-turning thriller about two women whose shattered lives come crashing together around a house whose secrets could bury them both.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. There were moments that kept me curious enough to finish, but the overall reading experience felt slower than I expected.
I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but here they never quite settled. I found myself questioning who was who too often, especially after putting the book down and coming back to it, which made it harder to stay connected to the characters and the tension.
By the end, I wanted the twists to hit harder. But it felt more muted than shocking, and the payoff didn’t land for me. It wasn’t a bad read, just not the gripping experience I expected.
I’d recommend this more to readers who enjoy slower suspense, multiple POV stories, and quieter reveals. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but I can see it working better for someone who likes a more gradual build.
July 28, 2026
All houses hold secrets.
But this one held on far too long.
I'm a big fan of the writing of Catherine Ryan Howard and have read so many of her novels. Maybe it was just me, but I had a hard time getting into this one.
Ellie unlocks the door to her current abode on Delaney Row. We enter alongside her. As Betty Davis once said: "What a dump!" Everything seems to be in disarray. Desperation keeps Ellie there even with doors that don't close well and a kitchen that should be condemned. She fears closing her eyes at night. Sleep doesn't come easily. But Ellie stays.
The storyline lurched along as we find out about two other women who stayed in this house. That would be Erin and then Hannah. I waited for some WooWoo moments surrounding this broken down house. They came, but it wasn't quite enough.
But you may have more patience than I did for Buyer Beware. It was a bit off-track and so was I. Take it for a spin and see what you think. I'm counting on Catherine Ryan Howard's next one to be on a grander scale. I know that for certain.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and to Catherine Ryan Howard for the opportunity.
But this one held on far too long.
I'm a big fan of the writing of Catherine Ryan Howard and have read so many of her novels. Maybe it was just me, but I had a hard time getting into this one.
Ellie unlocks the door to her current abode on Delaney Row. We enter alongside her. As Betty Davis once said: "What a dump!" Everything seems to be in disarray. Desperation keeps Ellie there even with doors that don't close well and a kitchen that should be condemned. She fears closing her eyes at night. Sleep doesn't come easily. But Ellie stays.
The storyline lurched along as we find out about two other women who stayed in this house. That would be Erin and then Hannah. I waited for some WooWoo moments surrounding this broken down house. They came, but it wasn't quite enough.
But you may have more patience than I did for Buyer Beware. It was a bit off-track and so was I. Take it for a spin and see what you think. I'm counting on Catherine Ryan Howard's next one to be on a grander scale. I know that for certain.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and to Catherine Ryan Howard for the opportunity.
July 30, 2026
3.5 stars. Not my favorite of the authors, but a serviceable, if slightly predictable, thriller. I did enjoy how it all came together at the end.
July 28, 2026
the setup…
What do three women and 1 Delaney Row, a house in Dundrum outside of Dublin have in common? There’s Ellie in present day who’s just moved into the house, down on her luck with nothing but that place. We meet Erin in 2000 when she’s graduating from high school and clear on her next steps, until she meets Jason O’Reardon who changes that course. Then there’s Hannah Flynn who in 2015 owns her own business and is happy with her life…until she meets the charming Jason. But it’s Ellie who guides this story as she is confronted with danger in her new home, not sure if the threats are ethereal or real. Is it haunted, cursed or attracting someone who represents a true threat?
the heart of the story…
The multiple timelines added so much texture to this story as I tried to figure out Ellie’s backstory and how Hannah and Erin would intersect. I was never sure of the deal with that house as the story unraveled and more was revealed. Jason is integral in the lives of all the women but even that was murky.
the narration…
Ayoola Smart did a wonderful job of storytelling here, giving away nothing but a sense of something impending. I appreciated her understated performance…until it wasn’t!
the bottom line…
Twisty isn’t the right way to describe what happens here…more like a long, winding road that I’m driving in reverse on. I sort of guessed Ellie’s backstory but not fully and that’s part of the mystery. Buyer beware might apply to that house or to the people you let into your lives. No matter, this was mind bending in a very good way.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
What do three women and 1 Delaney Row, a house in Dundrum outside of Dublin have in common? There’s Ellie in present day who’s just moved into the house, down on her luck with nothing but that place. We meet Erin in 2000 when she’s graduating from high school and clear on her next steps, until she meets Jason O’Reardon who changes that course. Then there’s Hannah Flynn who in 2015 owns her own business and is happy with her life…until she meets the charming Jason. But it’s Ellie who guides this story as she is confronted with danger in her new home, not sure if the threats are ethereal or real. Is it haunted, cursed or attracting someone who represents a true threat?
the heart of the story…
The multiple timelines added so much texture to this story as I tried to figure out Ellie’s backstory and how Hannah and Erin would intersect. I was never sure of the deal with that house as the story unraveled and more was revealed. Jason is integral in the lives of all the women but even that was murky.
the narration…
Ayoola Smart did a wonderful job of storytelling here, giving away nothing but a sense of something impending. I appreciated her understated performance…until it wasn’t!
the bottom line…
Twisty isn’t the right way to describe what happens here…more like a long, winding road that I’m driving in reverse on. I sort of guessed Ellie’s backstory but not fully and that’s part of the mystery. Buyer beware might apply to that house or to the people you let into your lives. No matter, this was mind bending in a very good way.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 12, 2026
1 Delaney Row - if these walls could talk. This is a house with a history, a dark past that people will do anything to keep hidden. When a woman moves in after the house has been empty for many years the neighbours are curious and suspicious.
This book begins slowly but certainly builds up the mystery and the tension. Told from multiple points of view and timelines, we learn about this house and what has happened here. It is gripping and had me reading late into the night. It does take a little while to understand what is happening but once you get that lightbulb moment it is worth the wait.
Thanks to Random House UK, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Out on July 16th.
This book begins slowly but certainly builds up the mystery and the tension. Told from multiple points of view and timelines, we learn about this house and what has happened here. It is gripping and had me reading late into the night. It does take a little while to understand what is happening but once you get that lightbulb moment it is worth the wait.
Thanks to Random House UK, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Out on July 16th.
August 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Told from multiple POV’s and three timelines I was a little confused at first. Once this twisty mystery/thriller got going though I was fully engaged. I was well into the book before I guessed the twist!
We have Ellie in present day, just released from prison, Erin in 2000, and Hannah in 2015. The story unfolds and connects these women all with Jason, a charming , manipulative loser.
The mystery involves Ellie’s story and what happened to land her in prison and her house at 1 Delany St. Did something occur in the house years ago and is it haunted?
Great ending that wrapped it all up nicely!
Thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Although not living up to my expectations, I had a nice time reading this. Mainly because I was in the mood for something light and not too complicated. The story is slow and sometimes really sluggish but at the end it gained some pace.
I hope the next title by this author is as good as some of her other books I’ve read and reviewed, especially 56 Days and The Trap.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for this review copy.
I hope the next title by this author is as good as some of her other books I’ve read and reviewed, especially 56 Days and The Trap.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for this review copy.
July 31, 2026
PUBLISH DATE: July 28, 2026
DNF @40%
"If these walls could talk, they'd scream..."
This book portrays itself in the description as a suspense thriller, and I definitely wanted to know what secrets the walls of this house had to tell. Although it started out with some creepy instances that Ellie experienced it moved entirely too slow to keep my attention.
This was a dual timeline story, but the second story line had nothing to draw me in or keep my attention. At 40% I still felt like it was moving too slow, and didn't have me hooked yet. So I ultimately decided to DNF this book.
I rated this book 3 stars based off the average rating at the time of my review since I didn't finish the book. This book may be great for readers who expect a slow burn and not a fast paced page turner.
PUBLISH DATE: July 28, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Buyer Beware
AUTHOR: Catherine Ryan Howard
PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 288
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
DNF @40%
"If these walls could talk, they'd scream..."
This book portrays itself in the description as a suspense thriller, and I definitely wanted to know what secrets the walls of this house had to tell. Although it started out with some creepy instances that Ellie experienced it moved entirely too slow to keep my attention.
This was a dual timeline story, but the second story line had nothing to draw me in or keep my attention. At 40% I still felt like it was moving too slow, and didn't have me hooked yet. So I ultimately decided to DNF this book.
I rated this book 3 stars based off the average rating at the time of my review since I didn't finish the book. This book may be great for readers who expect a slow burn and not a fast paced page turner.
PUBLISH DATE: July 28, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Buyer Beware
AUTHOR: Catherine Ryan Howard
PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 288
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Did Not Finish
August 8, 2026This was pretty slow and was reading like a drama. Maybe I’ll go back, maybe I won’t. I’ve enjoyed some of her other novels and recommend picking up her backlist.
August 1, 2026
This one took about a quarter of the book to hook me, but once it did, I was intrigued. Ellie moves into 1 Delaney Row hoping for a fresh start, but break-ins and vandalism convince her someone knows far more of her dark history than she has revealed. The story also jumps back to two earlier timelines: Erin, a promising student whose life gets reshaped by a controlling boyfriend named Jason, and years later, Hannah, a business owner who falls for the same man. All three threads circle back to the house. Given the haunted-house setup, I expected more atmosphere and creepy chills. This book stays fairly low-key on that front, so if you're the type to worry about getting too scared while reading, this may be a solid choice for you. While I personally would have perferred the book a little more intense, the multiple timelines and steady reveals kept me curious enough to see it through.
Read this if you like:
- Slow-burn mysteries with multiple timelines
- Domestic thrillers that don't swing too far into horror
- Past-and-present mysteries tied to one house
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy for honest review. 3.75 rounded up.
Read this if you like:
- Slow-burn mysteries with multiple timelines
- Domestic thrillers that don't swing too far into horror
- Past-and-present mysteries tied to one house
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy for honest review. 3.75 rounded up.
August 9, 2026
3.25 stars. 🎧 I’ve always enjoyed Catherine Ryan Howard’s books, but unfortunately Buyer Beware came up a little short for me. 😕📖 The premise had me intrigued(!!) and there were definitely moments that kept me curious 👀🔪, but overall I never felt completely pulled into the story the way I usually do with her thrillers. I’ve also come to expect a larger-than-life atmospheric presence and feel Buyer Beware only touched a tip of it—and I wished the pace would have picked up at some point.
That said, one book isn’t changing anything—Catherine Ryan Howard is still an auto-read author for me, and I’ll be right there for whatever she writes next. 🤓📚
On another note, I REALLY enjoyed Amazon Prime’s adaptation of 56 Days! 📺🔪 The constant not knowing “who did the dirty deed to whom” was intense. 😮🫣🫢 Definitely kept me guessing.. although after watching first then reading the book, I was surprised by just how different the two were. 🤷🏼♀️📖
That said, one book isn’t changing anything—Catherine Ryan Howard is still an auto-read author for me, and I’ll be right there for whatever she writes next. 🤓📚
On another note, I REALLY enjoyed Amazon Prime’s adaptation of 56 Days! 📺🔪 The constant not knowing “who did the dirty deed to whom” was intense. 😮🫣🫢 Definitely kept me guessing.. although after watching first then reading the book, I was surprised by just how different the two were. 🤷🏼♀️📖
August 2, 2026
I truly hope I'm am outlier opinion. I think this author is fantastic and very talented. And it has been a long wait between this new book and the previous. However, I just don't get this one. There's a build up, some attempt at humoring a supernatural aspect, and absolutely zero summit reached. This was a long and often confusing ride across a beige plateau.
June 29, 2026
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
This book had me doing THE very thing that every thriller reader does. I confidently accused everyone by the halfway mark. Thirty percent in, I was still waiting for the story to remember it was supposed to be a thriller. The pacing played dead while I sat there poking it with a stick like, “Come on. Do something suspicious.”
By 70%, I knew exactly what mystery we were supposed to be unraveling, but the book seemed determined to keep circling the parking lot instead of actually pulling into the destination. Then at 86%, one of the BIG reveals landed and my reaction was basically, “Yes, we’ve been expecting that for the last hundred pages.” There was still one lingering mystery left and sadly, I kept hoping for a jaw dropping finale that would make the slow burn worth it.
I finished with the literary equivalent of a shrug. I don’t hate a slow building suspense novel but I do hate when a book is marketed as a thriller and spends more time teasing the tension than delivering it. The ending wasn’t bad but it just left me staring at the last page thinking, “That’s it?” Overall, there were a few interesting moments but if you’re looking for pulse pounding suspense, this one is more “mildly concerning” than edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: July 28, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
This book had me doing THE very thing that every thriller reader does. I confidently accused everyone by the halfway mark. Thirty percent in, I was still waiting for the story to remember it was supposed to be a thriller. The pacing played dead while I sat there poking it with a stick like, “Come on. Do something suspicious.”
By 70%, I knew exactly what mystery we were supposed to be unraveling, but the book seemed determined to keep circling the parking lot instead of actually pulling into the destination. Then at 86%, one of the BIG reveals landed and my reaction was basically, “Yes, we’ve been expecting that for the last hundred pages.” There was still one lingering mystery left and sadly, I kept hoping for a jaw dropping finale that would make the slow burn worth it.
I finished with the literary equivalent of a shrug. I don’t hate a slow building suspense novel but I do hate when a book is marketed as a thriller and spends more time teasing the tension than delivering it. The ending wasn’t bad but it just left me staring at the last page thinking, “That’s it?” Overall, there were a few interesting moments but if you’re looking for pulse pounding suspense, this one is more “mildly concerning” than edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: July 28, 2026
December 31, 2025
4 Stars.
🏠 The vibes:
- unlikable characters
- Leans more mystery than thriller
- Slow paced
- House mysteries
🏠 My thoughts:
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn't know is that her new home is already hiding someone else's secrets-and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
🏠 I would go into this one for a slow paced, mystery. If you are expecting a fast paced thriller, you may be disappointed because the vibes are definitely less thriller and more mystery.
🏠 There’s some unlikable characters that are hard to root for- which I think can be common for this genre. Hannah is one of the most difficult and unlikable characters for me. I understood where she was coming from in several scenarios, but golly was she difficult to root for.
🏠 The mystery did have me guessing throughout and did keep me turning the pages. I’m not sure how believable everything is. At times I felt like it was maybe a bit too outlandish, but I did overall enjoy the read.
🏠 Whether you love this book or not, I insist that you read 56 Days. It’s a must read and probably one of my favorite books of all time. It’s the book that always keeps me coming back to this author’s work.
Note- language (f*)
Release date: July 28, 2026.
Thank you so much to Catherine Ryan Howard, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
🏠 The vibes:
- unlikable characters
- Leans more mystery than thriller
- Slow paced
- House mysteries
🏠 My thoughts:
When Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row, she hopes to find a fresh start—a place where no one knows her name, her history, or her secrets. But what she doesn't know is that her new home is already hiding someone else's secrets-and the people determined to keep them are watching her.
🏠 I would go into this one for a slow paced, mystery. If you are expecting a fast paced thriller, you may be disappointed because the vibes are definitely less thriller and more mystery.
🏠 There’s some unlikable characters that are hard to root for- which I think can be common for this genre. Hannah is one of the most difficult and unlikable characters for me. I understood where she was coming from in several scenarios, but golly was she difficult to root for.
🏠 The mystery did have me guessing throughout and did keep me turning the pages. I’m not sure how believable everything is. At times I felt like it was maybe a bit too outlandish, but I did overall enjoy the read.
🏠 Whether you love this book or not, I insist that you read 56 Days. It’s a must read and probably one of my favorite books of all time. It’s the book that always keeps me coming back to this author’s work.
Note- language (f*)
Release date: July 28, 2026.
Thank you so much to Catherine Ryan Howard, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
January 4, 2026
I love Catherine Ryan Howard’s books but unfortunately this missed the mark for me. This was an extreme slow burn with a heavy back story for both Erin and Hannah. I found myself not caring about the characters and only interested in the present day mystery surrounding Ellie. Everything did come together in the end but it wasn’t enough to make up for the sluggish first half of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
August 12, 2026
📌New Review
Thank you #partner @simon.audio for my #gifted copy.
🎬From the author of “56 Days” now on Prime Video starring Dove Cameron, comes a new mystery featuring a house that holds a shocking past that must NEVER be revealed.
🎧: Buyer Beware
✍️: Catherine Ryan Howard
🖨️: Simon and Schuster
📈: 3.5⭐️
🩸: Thriller
📝: “Her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets & the people determined to keep them are watching her.”
Two women’s lives will collide whether they like it or not & it will lead to a place that’s far too dark to come back from.
It all begins when Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row hoping for a new beginning. There are only 3 houses on Delaney Row, so she hopes this will give her the privacy she so desperately craves.
But come day one, neighbors come knocking, she’s added to the neighborhood group chat & the vibes are VERY off. The brother & sister duo in 2 are FAR too observant of every move she makes; asking questions & ready to lend a hand. The woman in 3 is odd & always sends strange messages.
“Welcome Ellie, I pray the house is happy now. At long last…”
Ellie also comes bearing a dark past that she’s less than eager to admit. But it’s always there lurking in the recesses of her mind, reminding her what she did. Is this house & all that comes with it some kind of punishment?
“I know why I’m lying to them, but why are they lying to me?”
“The world beyond the house is completely silent. Inside the house there’s a scuffling sound, footsteps…”
It’s hard to say much about this story without giving away the ending, but I what I will say is that I FLEW through it & it got me out of a reading slump!
Thank you bestie @angiearoundwonderland for buddy reading this with me!
💭Would you purchase your dream home at an unbeatable price if it comes with a sinister past?
🏷️
#newbookrelease #newbookreview bookrecs
Thriller Book Review | New Release Book | 56 Days | Thriller Lover | Popular Booktok Books | Bookstagram | Bookstagrammer | Reader | Book Addict | Haunted House Books
Thank you #partner @simon.audio for my #gifted copy.
🎬From the author of “56 Days” now on Prime Video starring Dove Cameron, comes a new mystery featuring a house that holds a shocking past that must NEVER be revealed.
🎧: Buyer Beware
✍️: Catherine Ryan Howard
🖨️: Simon and Schuster
📈: 3.5⭐️
🩸: Thriller
📝: “Her new home is already hiding someone else’s secrets & the people determined to keep them are watching her.”
Two women’s lives will collide whether they like it or not & it will lead to a place that’s far too dark to come back from.
It all begins when Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row hoping for a new beginning. There are only 3 houses on Delaney Row, so she hopes this will give her the privacy she so desperately craves.
But come day one, neighbors come knocking, she’s added to the neighborhood group chat & the vibes are VERY off. The brother & sister duo in 2 are FAR too observant of every move she makes; asking questions & ready to lend a hand. The woman in 3 is odd & always sends strange messages.
“Welcome Ellie, I pray the house is happy now. At long last…”
Ellie also comes bearing a dark past that she’s less than eager to admit. But it’s always there lurking in the recesses of her mind, reminding her what she did. Is this house & all that comes with it some kind of punishment?
“I know why I’m lying to them, but why are they lying to me?”
“The world beyond the house is completely silent. Inside the house there’s a scuffling sound, footsteps…”
It’s hard to say much about this story without giving away the ending, but I what I will say is that I FLEW through it & it got me out of a reading slump!
Thank you bestie @angiearoundwonderland for buddy reading this with me!
💭Would you purchase your dream home at an unbeatable price if it comes with a sinister past?
🏷️
#newbookrelease #newbookreview bookrecs
Thriller Book Review | New Release Book | 56 Days | Thriller Lover | Popular Booktok Books | Bookstagram | Bookstagrammer | Reader | Book Addict | Haunted House Books
July 28, 2026
I enjoy Catherine Ryan Howard’s books, and Buyer Beware did not disappoint. She tends to have a slower build while setting the stage, and then the back half is utterly unhinged, and that was the case here, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Told in two timelines and multiple POVs, Ellie moves to 1 Delaney Row and is excited for a fresh start, and soon realizes she is getting anything but. As she tries to unravel this mystery, we move to the past where the mystery occurred, and with the different perspectives it is actually quite the wild scenario.
I listened to this one in a day, and with Ayoola Smart narrating it was a joy to listen to as she did not disappoint, especially as everything became so off the rails at the end. It does take a minute for it all to come together, at least it did for me, but once it clicks, then it was impossible to put this one down.
Thank you to Simon Books #partner for the gifted copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
I listened to this one in a day, and with Ayoola Smart narrating it was a joy to listen to as she did not disappoint, especially as everything became so off the rails at the end. It does take a minute for it all to come together, at least it did for me, but once it clicks, then it was impossible to put this one down.
Thank you to Simon Books #partner for the gifted copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
May 30, 2026
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
I struggled a bit with this one as it felt very slow. I did like the characters and their stories and how everything wrapped up together. I would say it’s more a mystery than a thriller, I wasn’t gripped. Would recommend as I love Catherine’s writing and the characters were interesting.
I struggled a bit with this one as it felt very slow. I did like the characters and their stories and how everything wrapped up together. I would say it’s more a mystery than a thriller, I wasn’t gripped. Would recommend as I love Catherine’s writing and the characters were interesting.
February 26, 2026
This book was alright, but definitely a slow burn. More of a mystery than a thriller. It did keep me guessing until the end, but there was a ton of backstory then the ending wrapped up super quick.
August 8, 2026
The title and cover of this book is what sparked my interest. I don’t know what it is, but I am such a fan of books/movies where a house has a dark past, has secrets or is haunted. This was my first book by this author and I liked her writing. Buyer Beware is a slow burn so I struggled getting into it at first. Once some pieces of the story came together though the pace picked up and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. I really liked how all the secrets were revealed. I also liked the multiple timelines, the mysteries and the dual POVs. I recommend this to anyone who likes slow burns and mysteries. 3.5 starts rounded up.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
June 28, 2026ARC received. Thank you, Simon & Schuster!
I've really enjoyed novels from Catherine Ryan Howard int he past, and this one sounds extra creepy. Talk about a nightmare new home situation!
I've really enjoyed novels from Catherine Ryan Howard int he past, and this one sounds extra creepy. Talk about a nightmare new home situation!
June 30, 2026
Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard had an interesting premise, but unfortunately it didn’t keep me hooked the way I hoped a thriller would. The story follows a woman who becomes involved with a house that has a disturbing history, unraveling secrets and questions about what really happened.
I kept expecting the big twists and shocking turns that usually come with a thriller, but they never really came. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself wanting to hurry through it just to be finished. While the concept was promising, the execution didn’t give me the suspense or excitement I was looking for.
I kept expecting the big twists and shocking turns that usually come with a thriller, but they never really came. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself wanting to hurry through it just to be finished. While the concept was promising, the execution didn’t give me the suspense or excitement I was looking for.
April 6, 2026
I love a real estate centered thriller and this is definitely a story I’d recommend for your TBR! It was twisty and suspenseful until the end. I enjoyed the neighborhood (Delaney Row, how could I not?) and the array of characters we got to meet. Give this one a read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
July 28, 2026
3.5/5
The premise immediately grabbed me. I’m always a sucker for a creepy house with a complicated history, and Delaney Row had that unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning. One of the book’s biggest strengths is that I genuinely had no idea where the story was headed. Every time I thought I’d figured things out, another piece of the puzzle shifted. It never became predictable, which kept me invested even when the pace slowed.
I also liked the structure. The three timelines featuring Ellie, Erin, and Hannah gradually weave together, and watching those connections emerge was satisfying. Rather than relying on nonstop action, this leans much more toward slow burn suspense, letting the mystery build over time.
Where the book lost me was the pacing. For a relatively short novel, it often felt much longer than it actually was. Some of the backstory sections dragged, and it took quite a while before they reached the revelations they were building toward. Once everything finally came together, some twists worked well while others felt a little too over the top for my taste, making the ending a bit uneven.
Overall, Buyer Beware is an atmospheric suspense novel with an intriguing premise and an unpredictable mystery. While the slower pacing and some of the bigger reveals didn’t completely land for me, readers who enjoy character driven suspense with multiple timelines and eerie settings will likely have a great time piecing this one together.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Slow burn suspense over nonstop thrills
* Multiple timelines that gradually connect
* Creepy houses with dark histories
* Character driven mysteries with unpredictable reveals
The premise immediately grabbed me. I’m always a sucker for a creepy house with a complicated history, and Delaney Row had that unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning. One of the book’s biggest strengths is that I genuinely had no idea where the story was headed. Every time I thought I’d figured things out, another piece of the puzzle shifted. It never became predictable, which kept me invested even when the pace slowed.
I also liked the structure. The three timelines featuring Ellie, Erin, and Hannah gradually weave together, and watching those connections emerge was satisfying. Rather than relying on nonstop action, this leans much more toward slow burn suspense, letting the mystery build over time.
Where the book lost me was the pacing. For a relatively short novel, it often felt much longer than it actually was. Some of the backstory sections dragged, and it took quite a while before they reached the revelations they were building toward. Once everything finally came together, some twists worked well while others felt a little too over the top for my taste, making the ending a bit uneven.
Overall, Buyer Beware is an atmospheric suspense novel with an intriguing premise and an unpredictable mystery. While the slower pacing and some of the bigger reveals didn’t completely land for me, readers who enjoy character driven suspense with multiple timelines and eerie settings will likely have a great time piecing this one together.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Slow burn suspense over nonstop thrills
* Multiple timelines that gradually connect
* Creepy houses with dark histories
* Character driven mysteries with unpredictable reveals
July 21, 2026
This was my first Catherine Ryan Howard novel, and while I didn't completely love it, I definitely enjoyed it enough to want to read more from her.
The opening was incredibly strong and immediately pulled me into the mystery. Between the three timelines and multiple perspectives, the victim, the police investigation, and the past, I was completely invested in watching the story unfold. I had plenty of theories, but for once I found myself happy to simply follow the breadcrumbs instead of trying to solve everything ahead of time.
That said, this is very much a slow-burn domestic thriller. The tension is there from beginning to end, but don't expect a nonstop, pulse-pounding ride. You know people are lying, you just don't know why, and uncovering those motivations is what keeps the pages turning. My biggest struggle was keeping everyone straight at times. With several points of view and shifting timelines, there was a lot to juggle, and I occasionally had to stop and remind myself who I was reading about. I also wish the ending had gone just a little darker. Everything wrapped up a bit too neatly for my taste, and I kept waiting for one final twist that never came. Not because the ending was bad, but because it felt like the story had one more surprise hiding up its sleeve... and then decided not to play that card.
Overall, this was an engaging domestic thriller with an interesting structure, solid tension, and plenty of mystery. It may not have been the creepy, jaw-dropping thriller I was hoping for, but it was an enjoyable read, and I'm definitely interested in picking up more from her.
The opening was incredibly strong and immediately pulled me into the mystery. Between the three timelines and multiple perspectives, the victim, the police investigation, and the past, I was completely invested in watching the story unfold. I had plenty of theories, but for once I found myself happy to simply follow the breadcrumbs instead of trying to solve everything ahead of time.
That said, this is very much a slow-burn domestic thriller. The tension is there from beginning to end, but don't expect a nonstop, pulse-pounding ride. You know people are lying, you just don't know why, and uncovering those motivations is what keeps the pages turning. My biggest struggle was keeping everyone straight at times. With several points of view and shifting timelines, there was a lot to juggle, and I occasionally had to stop and remind myself who I was reading about. I also wish the ending had gone just a little darker. Everything wrapped up a bit too neatly for my taste, and I kept waiting for one final twist that never came. Not because the ending was bad, but because it felt like the story had one more surprise hiding up its sleeve... and then decided not to play that card.
Overall, this was an engaging domestic thriller with an interesting structure, solid tension, and plenty of mystery. It may not have been the creepy, jaw-dropping thriller I was hoping for, but it was an enjoyable read, and I'm definitely interested in picking up more from her.
August 3, 2026
Buyer Beware is a psychological thriller with so many shocking layers to it that you won't be able to put it down! And if you do, you will still think about the story, which revolves around a mysterious house in Dublin, it's history and its curious past. But I am here to tell you that when the pieces all come together at the end you won't be able to catch your breath!
One Delaney Row is where Ellie, fresh out of jail finds herself. Broke, hiding her real identity and somehow now a homeowner.
She immediately is welcomed into the neighborhood group chat, and one particular neighbor who seems to be obsessed with her. But her first night at One Delaney Row becomes a nightmare. First, she discovers some sort of stain on the floor of one of the rooms and then she wakes up to someone trying to break into the house. Thank goodness for her nosy neighbor who suggests she change the locks, which if she could afford them she would.
As the chapters take us back in time, we will discover Ellie is not her real name and there is another woman named Hannah. Of course there is also a man involved. But what could they all have in common? What could One Delaney Row be hiding and why are the neighbors so keen on protecting the house?
Buyer Beware is a superb mystery upon mystery upon mystery. You will be startled by the ending and the story itself.
Thank you #NetGalley #Simon&Schuester #BuyerBeware #CatherineRyanHoward for the advanced copy.
One Delaney Row is where Ellie, fresh out of jail finds herself. Broke, hiding her real identity and somehow now a homeowner.
She immediately is welcomed into the neighborhood group chat, and one particular neighbor who seems to be obsessed with her. But her first night at One Delaney Row becomes a nightmare. First, she discovers some sort of stain on the floor of one of the rooms and then she wakes up to someone trying to break into the house. Thank goodness for her nosy neighbor who suggests she change the locks, which if she could afford them she would.
As the chapters take us back in time, we will discover Ellie is not her real name and there is another woman named Hannah. Of course there is also a man involved. But what could they all have in common? What could One Delaney Row be hiding and why are the neighbors so keen on protecting the house?
Buyer Beware is a superb mystery upon mystery upon mystery. You will be startled by the ending and the story itself.
Thank you #NetGalley #Simon&Schuester #BuyerBeware #CatherineRyanHoward for the advanced copy.
July 28, 2026
While 'murder house' mysteries have become a highly popular trend lately, Catherine Ryan Howard successfully hooks the reader by gradually unravelling the backstory. The novel's slow-burn pacing works brilliantly alongside its non-linear format, keeping me deeply intrigued as it shifts seamlessly between three distinct perspectives and multiple timelines.
February 5, 2026
The story begins in the present day with Ellie, who appears to be running away from something, moving into 1 Delaney Row. But someone is definitely not wanting her living there. In her first couple of days there, the house is broken into, vandalized and destroyed. She makes it her mission to find out who is out to get her.
Then, the story goes back in time, and we are introduced to Erin, who has her whole world ahead of her as she is about to head to college. Her boyfriend, Jason, doesn’t seem to be heading in the same direction as her but their relationship stands the test of time and they end up getting married. Over the years, Erin starts to feel trapped & held back from all the dreams that she had for herself.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah, a very smart, independent woman who has built her own business and has no time for relationships and is rather happy with her independence. That is, until she neets Jason (yes, Erin’s Jason).
How will these women’s lives intersect? And who is sabotaging Ellie’s home? And what secrets is this house keeping? I found this book to be fast-paced once you got to know all of the characters, and there were a lot of twists & turns to unpack.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Then, the story goes back in time, and we are introduced to Erin, who has her whole world ahead of her as she is about to head to college. Her boyfriend, Jason, doesn’t seem to be heading in the same direction as her but their relationship stands the test of time and they end up getting married. Over the years, Erin starts to feel trapped & held back from all the dreams that she had for herself.
Then, years later, we meet Hannah, a very smart, independent woman who has built her own business and has no time for relationships and is rather happy with her independence. That is, until she neets Jason (yes, Erin’s Jason).
How will these women’s lives intersect? And who is sabotaging Ellie’s home? And what secrets is this house keeping? I found this book to be fast-paced once you got to know all of the characters, and there were a lot of twists & turns to unpack.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
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