Don't Look Close

by Jaima Fixsen, Libby McKnight (Narrator)

11 hours, 26 minutes

From USA Today bestselling author Jaima Fixsen, comes a gripping crime novel perfect for fans of William Kent Kruger, following one man who would do anything for his sister, even if it means catching a serial killer…

If you look closely, you just may catch a killer.

Peter's sister Ellie has always had his back. So of course, now that he's learning to use his wheelchair in a polio rehabilitation ward under the eyes of his well-meaning parents, it's Ellie who offers to help him escape, no matter what the doctors order.  

But on the day they're scheduled to leave, Ellie doesn't show. Then Peter gets a phone call. Ellie is still in Canmore, a nearby mining town, and the police won't let her leave.

She's a suspect in a murder investigation. 

Determined to clear his sister's name, Peter makes his own way to Canmore—even if that puts him square in the path of a murderer. Because tensions between the miners and the establishment run deep, and soon Peter's sure the town is harboring a monster—one who targets those who won't step in line.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Horror, Historical Fiction

Audiobook

Expected publication August 18, 2026

About the author

Jaima Fixsen is a USA Today and international bestselling author living and writing in Alberta, Canada. Her novel The Girl in His Shadow (co-authored under the pen name Audrey Blake) was selected as Libby's 2022 Big Library Read and has been translated into eight languages.
Jaima studied occupational therapy at the University of Alberta, and her experiences learning anatomy and dissecting cadavers began her fascination with the history of science and medical ethics. She loves reading, snow, mountains, snow, history and snow. And Diet Coke.

Reviews

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Look Close is a gripping and emotional read that kept me invested from start to finish. What stood out most to me was the relationship between siblings Peter and Ellie. Their bond felt authentic and added a strong emotional core to the story, especially as Ellie is accused of killing her ex-husband, Jack, and Peter comes to her aid.

Peter was a particularly unique and compelling character. I’ve never read a story with a main character living with polio, and it added an extra layer of depth and perspective that made his role even more impactful.

I also loved that the story is set in Canada—it gave the book a refreshing sense of place that made it feel even more relatable. Overall, this was a well-written, engaging thriller with strong character dynamics. Definitely worth the read!

[theliterateleprechaun]

3 ⭐

The cover and the setting caught my attention and the author’s use of clues in her mystery was fantastic. She pulled me closer to the truth with some and then pushed me away with others; I was definitely kept guessing. Fantastic misdirection. Wonderful 1950s immersion.

However, the wonderful cover, the small town Canadian setting, the spotlight on polio, and the well-developed pacing weren’t enough to win me over. I felt this story lacked a final race toward the big moment. The deliver didn’t pay off.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cancel your plans when this book comes out August 18, 2026 because you won’t be able to put it down! This is a small-town, atmospheric mystery will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can.

The main characters, bother and sister Peter and Edie, are likeable making you root for them at every turn when Edie’s husband is found murdered. The setting in a Canadian small down in the 1950’s also plays an interesting part of the puzzle. There is also a medical aspect involved which I ate right up!

I loved it and I hope you pick it up! Thanks to Netgalley and Poison Pen Press for the eARC!

[Joseandbooks]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Don’t Look Close pulled me in right away and kept me guessing until the very end. The mystery was layered with plenty of twists, and I found myself constantly changing my mind about who I could trust. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story managed to surprise me again.

I also appreciated that the book tackled difficult topics like racism, medical malpractice, domestic abuse, and controlling relationships. These themes added emotional weight to the story without taking away from the suspense, and the diverse cast felt authentic and well-developed.

The audiobook narration kept the tension high and made it easy to stay invested in the story. It was an engaging listening experience that matched the fast-paced mystery.

Overall, this was a solid, suspenseful thriller with memorable twists and important themes woven into the plot. If you enjoy mysteries that keep you second-guessing everyone until the final pages, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This story is a must-read for fans of historical murder mysteries set firmly in their time! As I was reading, I found myself delving into various details. I love when a narrative prompts me to question historical contexts and discover intriguing facts; it feels like reading a history book but so much more engaging!

The hook was strong, and I couldn't put this book down until I reached the end. Set in the 50s, a time when certain illnesses still loomed large, this murder mystery captivated me. For those familiar with polio and its progression, it was fascinating to learn that some individuals were able to recover from the iron lung to lead relatively "normal" lives. Peter is one of the fortunate few who managed to recover, and the story follows his journey as he navigates this new reality. His sister Edie is steadfast in her support for Peter during this transition, as he relies on a wheelchair or crutches due to the toll the disease has taken on his body. Just as Peter is finally discharged from the hospital after two long years, his sister finds herself entangled in a murder investigation regarding her ex-husband, Jack. This unexpected twist gives Peter a much-needed purpose, pushing him to be more courageous and step out of the house rather than wallow in self-pity over his condition. It serves as the perfect distraction he needed!

The author did an exceptional job of immersing me in the era, capturing both its challenges and charm. The relationship between Peter and Edie is kind, genuine, and extremely respectful. Throughout the story, there's a sense of careful navigation of sensitive situations, as Edie strives to ensure Peter doesn't feel diminished or appear weak. Her unwavering support deepens the bond they share as siblings, a rarity in today’s world where people often treat each other harshly and speak without regard. The dynamics reminded me of how I grew up in my home country, where there was an unspoken understanding of what could be discussed openly and what remained unsaid but fully acknowledged. I felt fully immersed in their world, watching everything unfold.

The audiobook truly brought this story to life! I could feel the energy, excitement, and dread that the characters were experiencing. It was clear that they couldn't have chosen a better narrator. The atmosphere was just perfect! If I had to suggest one thing, I’d say go for both—the book is great, but the real magic lies in the audiobook, thanks to the narrator’s fantastic performance!

This is not your typical murder mystery! The story is infused with heart and direction, featuring an array of characters that make you question their intentions. If you enjoy tales filled with small-town secrets that read like true crime, along with recent murders and plenty of twists to keep you guessing, this book is for you. It’s a timely cinematic piece that examines the truth behind medical ethics and the power imbalance between men and women – Edie's divorce from her husband is particularly groundbreaking for that era! Themes of stalking, emotional abuse, and the unsettling reality that evil often lurks unnoticed among us add depth to the narrative. This was a stunning read, and if you’re a fan of historical fiction, it absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR list. The ending took me by surprise, and the main twist blew my mind! This book is perfect for anyone who appreciates strong female characters fighting for their place in a difficult world. Bravo!

Thank you, Recorded Books, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley, for the DRC copies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashdeclet Audiobook Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Look Close was a little more of a slow burn than I was expecting, and I would probably rate this one at a 3.5 stars more than a 4.

I think others have said this, and I am going to say this as well, Peter was my favorite. His attitude and character in general contributed to a sense of hope throughout the book. I also loved the relationship that he had with his sister and that added a lot to the story.

There were a couple things I struggled with. The historical accuracy may not have been on point 100%, but that is probably more of a me issue. Women getting divorced in the 50s was a huge stigma and women had a very difficult time basically doing a lot on their own if they weren't married. (or that is my understanding based on my knowledge of history) I also struggled with the narration. This wasn't my first choice of narrators and sometimes it felt more methodical than enjoyable.

The plot moved at a pretty good pace, and I was interested in who ultimately had done what, but I wouldn't say it had me on the edge of my seat. This is for you if you like a small town vibe, a bit of mystery, and a little history thrown in the mix.

Thanks to Netgalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.

[Robin | BookAdoration Marchadour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Look Close is an absolute page-turner! I binged this book in just two days and couldn’t put it down. This small-town murder mystery, inspired by the stunning setting of Canmore, Alberta, had me completely hooked from the start. It gave me major William Kent Krueger vibes, with its atmospheric setting, intriguing characters, and gripping mystery.
One of my favourite parts was getting occasional chapters from the killer’s perspective. Every time one appeared, I found myself desperately trying to piece together the clues, figure out who the killer was, and what their motive could be.
If you love atmospheric small-town mysteries with plenty of suspense and a mystery that keeps you guessing, Don’t Look Close is definitely one to add to your TBR.

Thank you to @netgalley , @byjaimafixsen and @poisonedpenpress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🥰

[Lauren.booksalways · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was working up until the halfway point……

Great atmosphere, it’s set in the 1950s; and you’re following a brother and sister who are trying to help each other through different situations…. One has an illness and the other is being framed for murder….

My biggest struggle was with the decisions the characters were making and the ending was really underwhelming.

Peter the brother was the only intelligent individual. I rolled my eyes too many times at various characters and the detectives. At some point, I thought this was meant to be comical because the decision-making was extremely juvenile. Edie the sister, lacked zero urgency around her being suspect number one… it was just wild how dumb the thought process was.

I made it to the end mainly because of Peter, he was the only good part of this book.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, slow-burning 1950s historical noir masterclass.
"A razor-sharp thriller where the hunter is forced to out-think a hidden monster from the confines of a wheelchair."

In DON'T LOOK CLOSE, bestselling author Jaima Fixsen departs from her usual Victorian medical dramas to deliver a deeply atmospheric, mid-century Canadian Rockies, 1950's historical thriller mystery. The story hinges on an unconventional detective in a wheelchair facing immense physical and social hurdles to protect the only family he has left.

Polio survivor vs. small-town serial killer.

Elevator Pitch
A polio survivor wheels out of his rehab clinic and into a hostile post-war mining town, armed only with a camera and a stubborn streak, to catch a hidden serial killer before his sister is wrongfully convicted of murder.

Setting
The story is set in the 1950s in Clairbeck (Canmore), a rugged, isolated mining community nestled in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies. The town is physically segregated by class and wealth, defined by soot-choked air, dangerous coal shafts, and a cold, unforgiving mountain climate.

Vibe
Tense, claustrophobic, and gritty. It blends the bleakness of mid-century noir with the slow-burning dread of an isolated small-town thriller where everyone is watching, but no one is telling the truth.

Genre: Historical Mystery / Crime Fiction / Serial Killer Thriller.

Themes
~Perception vs. Reality
~Disability and Autonomy
~Class and Corporate Greed
~Sibling Devotion

PETER SIMMONS: THE EYE FOR TRUTH
"Turning vulnerability into an investigative superpower ".

Standout Characters
~Peter Simmons:
The protagonist is a fiercely independent polio survivor who refuses to let his physical limitations or his wheelchair stop him from investigating a murder.

~Edie Simmons:
Peter’s sister, a resilient medical professional running a local clinic, caught in a web of town gossip and legal jeopardy.

Author Writing Standout
Fixsen’s background in occupational therapy shines through in her meticulous, highly empathetic rendering of Peter's physical reality. She avoids making his disability a mere plot device, writing his everyday logistics—from maneuvering a 1950s wheelchair on unpaved mining roads to framing a shot with his camera—with striking, tactile realism.

Takeaway
True sight requires looking past social prejudices and surface-level assumptions; the most dangerous monsters are often the ones hiding in plain sight behind a veneer of ordinary respectability.

Title Significance
Don't Look Close acts as a warning from the killer and the town itself. It represents the community's desire to bury its dark secrets and corporate negligence, while simultaneously hinting that if Peter looks too closely through his camera lens, he will draw the killer’s deadly attention.

What happens when you look too close?

Metaphor
Peter’s camera lens serves as the central metaphor of the novel. It represents a tool that both distances him from a world he can no longer physically run through, while sharply focusing on the microscopic clues that able-bodied townspeople completely overlook.

Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of slow-burn historical mysteries like those by William Kent Krueger, or if you want an atmospheric thriller with a uniquely capable, neurodivergent, or physically challenged protagonist who wins by out-thinking his opponents rather than out-running them.

My Thoughts
The author builds historical tension beautifully. The 1950s timeline is perfectly captured—not just through aesthetics, but through the medical anxiety of the post-polio era and the systemic labor battles of the time. Peter is an unforgettable lead; his frustration, wit, and stubbornness make him incredibly grounded. A masterfully executed, high-stakes climax.

Verdict 5 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A gripping, atmospheric historical thriller that pairs a highly unique detective with a genuinely chilling small-town conspiracy. A razor-sharp thriller! Mid-century tension & sibling devotion.”

Recs
~Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger (for the rich historical atmosphere and emotional depth)
~The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen (for more of the author's signature medical mystery roots)
~Until I Find You by Rea Frey (If you love a twisty thriller featuring a protagonist who relies on unique physical observations/sensory pacing to unmask a criminal)

Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 18, 2026
Aug 2026 Must-Read Books

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Look Close by Jaima Fixsen
Narrated by Libby McKnight

Set in the 1950s, this story is atmospheric and never lets up on allowing us to remember the time and place of the events. Ellie divorced her husband, Jack, in a time when getting a divorce is extremely hard for a wife to do and she'll always be looked down on in scorn by many for daring to leave her husband. Ellie, a nurse, works very hard at the tiny rural hospital in Canmore, surrounded by mountains, and one of the reasons she picked this location is for her brother, Peter, whose made a living climbing and photographing from the tops of mountains.

Peter, extremely athletic and loving his life as an adventure photographer, with the focus on the highest, most challenging of mountains, contracted polio in the prime of his life. He spent time in an iron lung and long days and nights in a polio rehabilitation ward, his fiancé dumping him and moving on quickly, and now he lives with braces on his legs and needs a wheel chair to get around. He also has his crutches but he's still very wobbly with them and Peter tires easily. He's such an admirable character, doing what needs to be done about a situation that can't be changed but he's chafing at the hovering of his well meaning parents. I like the way we are always aware of Peter still dealing with this "new" body, new way of life, having to learn how to do everything again, but differently. Nothing is easy, even carrying a cup of coffee from one room to another is impossible when Peter's shaky arms need to use both crutches just to get from one room to another, with no way to carry a cup of liquid.

Peter is escaping to the little home Ellie bought after her divorce but when it's time for her to pick him up a neighbor has to do so because Ellie can't leave Canmore due to being under suspicion of murder of her ex husband. This quiet little town has danger brewing. As Ellie and Peter dig into what is going on, why Ellie's domineering and pushy ex might have been killed, it's easy to see why the cops would just like to sit back and pin the murder on her, the ex wife. But there are a lot of players in the story and it seems people have much to hide and many grudges that might merit consideration when it comes to who might commit a murder(s).

Maybe no one is safe in this little town and certainly not Ellie or Peter. I enjoyed this slow moving story, which is a cozy in that amateurs are doing so much sleuthing but a mystery/thriller as it seems that not just one man has been killed and more bodies may be ahead. Just how many victims could there be and will Ellie or Peter be the next victim? Libby McKnight does a fine job of narrating and I wouldn't mind another audiobook that features these characters (at least the characters who survive to the end) and this narrator.

Expected publication August 18, 2026

Thank you to RBmedia | Recorded Books and NetGalley for this ARC

[Megan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all mysteries need relentless pacing and shocking twists to leave an impact. Some quietly unfold like an old photograph developing in a darkroom — rich with detail, humanity, and emotion. Don't Look Close was exactly that kind of read for me.

Set in the 1950s, this novel absolutely transported me. I loved the nostalgic atmosphere and the way the mystery had to be solved through observation, intuition, persistence, and genuine detective work — no modern technology, no shortcuts, just people relying on their minds and instincts. As someone who loves photography myself, I especially adored how Peter’s passion for photography became woven into the investigation. It added such a unique layer to the storytelling and made the mystery feel even more immersive.

What truly elevated this book for me, though, was Peter himself. It is still incredibly rare to find a protagonist living with physical limitations written with this level of authenticity and care. Peter’s experience after surviving polio felt deeply human — not reduced to inspiration, but explored honestly through both the physical and emotional realities of losing access to the life he once had, particularly his love of climbing. The grief, frustration, adaptation, and resilience throughout his journey rang so true to experiences I’ve witnessed supporting my own brother, and that authenticity hit me hard in the best possible way.

I also loved the relationship between Peter and his sister. Their dynamic — the support, dependence, protectiveness, and occasional tension — felt incredibly real and refreshing to see represented with such nuance. Combined with a strong female presence and the medically and culturally authentic backdrop of the era, this book managed to explore so many meaningful themes while still delivering a compelling murder mystery.

The entire cast felt vivid and believable, which makes perfect sense given how much of the story draws from the author’s own life experiences. There’s a sincerity running through this novel that makes every interaction feel lived-in and genuine.

This was such a thoughtful, layered, beautifully human mystery — one that balances suspense with heart exceptionally well. If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong characterization, emotional depth, and an atmospheric setting, absolutely keep this one on your radar. A very easy 4.5 stars for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay… I fully judged this book by the cover 😂 And honestly, I’m glad I did because the cover and title were exactly what made me want to pick this one up in the first place. It had that dark small-town mystery feel that I’m always drawn to.

I really liked the atmosphere of this book. The 1950s setting, the mining town drama, the tension between everyone in town… it all felt very immersive. You could feel that something bad was sitting underneath the surface the entire time.

Peter was probably my favorite part of the story. Watching him try to clear his sister’s name while also navigating life after polio made him feel different from a lot of thriller characters I’ve read lately. I found myself really rooting for him.

The mystery kept me interested the whole way through too. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story would shift just enough to make me question myself again. I always appreciate that in a mystery because I hate when the ending feels too obvious.

For me personally though, the ending didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted it to. It wasn’t bad at all, and everything wrapped up in a way that made sense, but I kept waiting for that final punch that never fully came for me.

Overall, I’d probably give this one around 3. The atmosphere, cover, setting, and slow-building mystery were definitely the strongest parts for me. If you like historical mysteries with family drama, small-town secrets, and a slower suspenseful build, this is worth picking up.

[Julianne Harkleroad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick note: in my ARC copy, the female protagonist is Edie, not Ellie like Goodreads says. I'm going to use my copy in my review 💕

Peter is trying stay hopeful, but the life he loved is over- and that was before his sister is accused of murder! Surprisingly, moving to Canmore to help clear Edie's name gives Peter the motivation he needs to face this new life with focus and determination. He grapples with new physical limitations as he faces mental ones: is he still the kind of man who can protect his sister? How much can he accomplish at a fraction of the abilities he once had? Will his newfound challenges leave him as a liability instead of an asset or wipe him out completely?

Stakes rise immeasurably when an investigator is found dead, leading Peter and Edie the realize this mystery is more convoluted than they first imagined and unsure who they can trust. If the police only investigate one suspect, are they purposefully twisting the case or honestly blinded by tunnel vision? Who would have a motive and the means to commit these murders in a humble mining town without leaving any discernible evidence?

This thriller is an excellent "whodunnit" mystery that effectively balances both suspenseful plot and the protagonist’s psychological struggles and triumphs. I really enjoyed the multi-faceted nature of the story and recommend it!

Troupes: amateur sleuth, premature suspect, confrontational reveal, grand escape
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸 implied
Language: 0/5 👀

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded up! This one hooked me from the setup alone: Peter checks himself out of a polio rehab ward, still learning to get around without full use of his legs, to go prove his sister’s innocence after her ex-husband turns up dead. There’s something so compelling about a protagonist who has to work twice as hard just to move through the world, let alone chase down a killer, and the author uses that tension well. The “retro Nancy Drew” vibe comes through in the pacing, old grudges, small-town secrets, a mining community that closes ranks against outsiders, and a mystery that unspools a little at a time.

Libby McKnight’s narration suited the story nicely. She gave Peter a stubborn, wry quality that made him easy to root for, and she handled the shifting cast of locals with enough distinction that I never lost track of who was who, which matters a lot in an audiobook with this many suspects.

Where it lost some steam for me was pacing in the middle section. The small-town intrigue is atmospheric, but a couple of the subplots (the mining tension especially) slowed the momentum right when I wanted the investigation to push forward. Still, the ending pulled the threads together in a satisfying way, and I liked that Peter’s disability was written as a real obstacle he had to problem-solve around rather than something the plot conveniently ignored.

If you’re into slow-burn small-town mysteries with a determined, unconventional amateur sleuth, this book is for you.

Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ARC.

[domsbookden]

DNF 26%

I really enjoyed Fixsen's previous historical mystery, The Specimen, so I was looking forward to checking out Don't Look Close. Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me in the same way. The Specimen's mad scientist/doctor angle made it much more intriguing for my personal taste, as I tend to love stories with medical or biological elements.

This is very much a historical mystery in its execution, with a slower pace and a light, domestic tone. If you pick this up expecting a twisty, high-stakes thriller, you will likely be disappointed. I'm not sure if it's because of the pacing or the tone, but I became bored very quickly. I wasn't feeling much momentum or investigative intrigue, and I didn't find the characters all that interesting. This just wasn't a good fit for me.

I think readers who enjoyed The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance will have a better time with this. And for readers looking for a historical mystery that is more mystery-forward with slightly higher stakes (and who don't mind a light speculative element in the form of uncomplicated time travel), I'd recommend The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths instead.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Look Close - Jaime Fixsen

Thank you to Netgalley, RBmedia, and the author for the opportunity to listen to an advanced audiobook copy of this story.

From the very first page, Fixsen immediately drew me in with Paul, the male main character.

While struggling with the after affects of polio, his sister is supposed to fetch him to stay with her... however that wasn't the case. At this part in the story, I immediately had to know more about Paul since his curiosity stuck out to me.

We learn that his sister Edie was held up because her ex-husband has been murdered and must go to the police station to answer questions.

The atmosphere was awesome with the 1950s mining town vibes set in Alberta, Canada.

The townies all felt suspicious to me. After Paul promised to help Edie, I was struck by every little odd detail of each new character.

My mind instantly made everyone guilty. Paul's quick thinking made this book feel fast paced to me and every moment that ticked by felt detrimental.

I enjoyed listening about Paul and Edie and their fight to prove her innocence. I ESPECIALLY loved their sibling banter and how quick witted they both are.

This story ended far from what I had originally thought and for that, it's an instant 5 star read for me!!

Tropes:
*Everyone seems guilty
*Small town
*Sibling rivalry (but its okay they love each other)

Please pick this book up on August 18th, 2026 if you're a fan of mystery thrillers!

[lorenzodulac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally speaking, you give me an Agatha Christie-esque book, set in the fifties, you have me hooked. While I don’t necessarily think this book was my favorite, not particularly remarkable in any way, I still see its potential and I think I quite liked it actually. And there’s a reference to Poirot, so that’s a point in its favor.
The writing I really liked and thought it was on theme. One thing I will say is that even though the plot moved fast enough and the chapters were short, there was something missing to keep my attention. I don’t know why exactly, but my mind kept drifting away from the story and even in the most intense moments I was just a bit bored. It was a bit bland, the overall story.
I liked the sibling bond/relationship we had represented here, but I can’t really find anything specifically wrong with the characters, and that’s probably why I didn’t feel much for them. I’m the minority I’m pretty sure though, because it had the potential for being almost heartfelt and emotional, and I see how it would’ve been so.
About the pacing, as I said, nothing negative to say. It’s just my personal interest in the story that was lacking. Which I don’t think it’s my fault personally because I was very much in the mood for a book like this. But it could be to somebody else’s taste. It did keep me guessing until the end though.
But yeah it’s around a three and a half. Nothing exceptional about it, but good. I really wish I had enjoyed this one more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rae B Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything came together… Just not quite the way I hoped

⭐ Rating:

4.2 stars

✍🏽 Review:

This was one of those thrillers that keeps you fully locked in the entire time.

The pacing was strong, the tension steadily built, and I really appreciated how intentional the clues felt throughout the story. Everything came together in a way that made sense, which is always satisfying in a mystery.

From author Jaima Fixsen this delivers a well-structured, clue-driven mystery.

But for me, it stopped just short of being unforgettable.

The ending delivered answers, but not that jaw-dropping moment I was hoping for. It felt more resolved than shocking.

Still, a very solid read and one I’d absolutely recommend, especially if you enjoy a slower, psychological build.

And the cover? Beautiful. It completely pulled me in before I even started reading.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC of this 2.5‑star read.
This book is a mystery set in a small mining town in the 1950s. It follows Peter, a disabled photographer who goes looking for answers when things in town, and around his sister, start to feel off. As he investigates, he begins to see something off in everyone around him. What first drew me in was the cover and the setting. The story does a great job bringing the 1950s to life, and I liked how the author used clues throughout the mystery. Some hints pulled me closer to figuring things out, while others sent me in the wrong direction, which kept me guessing. That said, the book didn’t fully work for me. It seemed like the story was building toward a big, intense moment, but that final push just wasn’t there.

[michellereadsatmidnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.

I had no idea what to expect going into this story other than a mystery. But this was a really well-written, historical mystery thriller focused on a brother and sister, where the sister's ex-husband has been murdered. The story is set in the 1950s and we all know that means that Ellie (the ex-wife) is not believed and accused of the crime with no thought. Peter, her brother, has just left a polio hospital and is unable to walk without crutches. Without care for himself, he dives headlong into solving the crime and getting his sister off the hook. This cast of characters was so well done! I'm going to have to go through this author's backlist for sure!

[Amanda Podlesny · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say this book had me in a chokehold, I truly mean it. I couldn't put it down and found myself constantly saying, "Just one more chapter." The suspense and mystery kept building, and I had to know what was going to happen next.
The story follows Edie and her brother, Peter, as they try to uncover who murdered Edie's ex-husband. One of my favorite parts of the book was the sibling dynamic between them. Their relationship felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for them from beginning to end.
As a Canadian reader, I also loved seeing a thriller set in Canada. It made the story feel even more immersive, and it was refreshing to read a mystery in a setting that felt familiar.
If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, suspense, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Tabathareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the premise of this one. A sibling centered story will almost always grab my attention, and I was immediately invested in Peter’s determination to clear Ellie’s name.

This leaned much more into mystery than thriller, so it was a slower, more methodical unraveling of the truth. While it did not completely land for me, I still enjoyed following the investigation and seeing the pieces come together.

If you tend to prefer mysteries over fast paced thrillers, I think this one will be a better fit. The sibling relationship was the standout for me, and it made this a solid read overall.

The narration was done well and made for a great listening experience.

Thanks to NetGalley & RB media for the gifted ALC!

[Ashley Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley @poisonedpenpress for the opportunity to read and review this book as an arc. This is my honest opinion.

✨️My Thoughts/mini review✨️
This is a very busy book and it was indeed a very fast read for me. Honestly, it was a huge puzzle in the first half of the book. The second half, everything just fits together perfectly. I love the brother and sister relationship and how they dont give up on each other. They keep searching for the truth as Ellie is a suspect for a murder investigation. Seeing how the entire murder investigation was put together and how Peter handled certain things was AMAZING.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This one really threw me for a loop – so different from her other books! I was sucked in from the very first page and honestly suspicious of everyone. The story deals with some heavy stuff (racism, medical malpractice, domestic abuse, controlling relationships) but it's handled well.

I loved the twists and turns – there were genuinely several people who could've done it, which kept me guessing right up until the end. The characters were diverse too, and it never felt like that in-your-face preachy shaming you see in a lot of books lately.

I definitely recommend it!

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Jaima Fixsen and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.

3.25 Stars

First of all, have to give a shout out to small town Canada as it's often small American towns I often read about. However, it was nice seeing names that were familiar.

The character development was okay but could have used more depth. I somewhat was suspicious of the guilty party but the ending was the best part of the book. I wish there was more of that creative writing in the beginning in the same way I could see the effort in how it ended.

The narration performance was good. No issues there.

Okay read.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple murders among people who all know each other kept me on edge throughout the book.
If you look closely, you just may catch a killer.

Don’t Look Close by Jaima Fixsen was such a fun thriller! It started a little slow. But drew me and I kept flipping pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next. There were a bunch of twists, and I definitely found myself second-guessing what was real and what wasn’t, which made it even more fun to read.

Liobby McKnight provided an awesome audible performance.

Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.Look closely so you can get your copy on the expected release date August 18th.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC.
This was a really good book, set in 1950's Canada and featuring a brother and sister who have just started living together. The sister has offered her home to the brother to help him live his life as a polio survivor.
The sister is divorced (not easy in the 1950's!) but things worsen when her ex-husband is found dead in her car.
The siblings go through hell to prove her innocence; the book's tensions are very high and the ending extremely gratifying.

[Sandra Vd Donk · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Don't look close by @byjaimafixsen

OUT ON 6-18

In this story we go back to the 1950" Clairbeck in the Canadian Rockies.
We follow Peter who is a polio surviver who is navigating through life in a wheelchair.
The life he had is not the same anymore.
His sister Edie is accused of murder and he wants to clear her name.
But can he still be there all the way for his sister and did she kill her ex husband???
A true who did it!!!

Thanks to @netgalley and @poisonedpenpress
for my E arc.
I really had a good time with this book!
Thanks to @byjaimafixsen for this story

[Heather Gothie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy! I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it was subpar. The mystery was sort of boring and it seemed people were getting killed left and right for pretty silly reasons. I very much enjoyed Peter the brother and found it interesting to read about his struggles with polio. I would’ve liked a little more detail on his diagnosis and knowledge of how he came to be with polio. But I guess that’s another book entirely. I wouldn’t recommend this book as I felt it was just missing development. The ending was just kind of slapped on.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss

I absolutely loved this book! It is a late 1950's murder mystery taking place in a small town with a well-developed cast of characters. I liked the switch from 1st person of the killer to 3rd person of the rest of the characters; it got a sneak peek into the mindset and I was trying to guess who it was the whole time! (All three of my guesses for who it could have been were wrong!).