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Bad Things
Some mistakes you have to live with . . .
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school--or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick's death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick's death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others--all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole's help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust--and a secret that has unleashed a killer's unstoppable fury . . .
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school--or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick's death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick's death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others--all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole's help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust--and a secret that has unleashed a killer's unstoppable fury . . .
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
790 people are currently reading
4772 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Bush
87 books1,103 followersNancy Bush is a New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including the River Glen Series, Nowhere Series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Wicked Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Lisa Jackson, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Lisa Jackson and Rosalind Noonan.
Nancy has called Oregon her home all of her life. She grew up in a small logging community and after graduating from high school, attended Oregon State University where she met her husband, Ken and graduated with a degree in nutrition. They married a few years after graduation and together they have one daughter. After working in banking and the travel business, with her daughter still in diapers, Nancy read an article in Time Magazine about young mothers who, once the last diaper was changed and the final bottle was washed, pulled out their typewriters and wrote romance novels for the then expanding market. Nancy convinced her sister, Lisa Jackson, that they should try their hand at writing.
After writing several successful romance novels such as Lady Sundown, Miracle Jones, Jesse’s Renegade and Scandal’s Darling and a stint writing for one of ABC’s top-rated daytime shows: All My Children, she turned her attention to writing thrillers for Kensington Publishing. Today, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
In her free time Nancy enjoys walking, working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles and hanging out with family and friends. When she and Ken aren’t visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Southern California, Nancy is busy working on her next book!
Visit https://www.NancyBush.net where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Nancy has called Oregon her home all of her life. She grew up in a small logging community and after graduating from high school, attended Oregon State University where she met her husband, Ken and graduated with a degree in nutrition. They married a few years after graduation and together they have one daughter. After working in banking and the travel business, with her daughter still in diapers, Nancy read an article in Time Magazine about young mothers who, once the last diaper was changed and the final bottle was washed, pulled out their typewriters and wrote romance novels for the then expanding market. Nancy convinced her sister, Lisa Jackson, that they should try their hand at writing.
After writing several successful romance novels such as Lady Sundown, Miracle Jones, Jesse’s Renegade and Scandal’s Darling and a stint writing for one of ABC’s top-rated daytime shows: All My Children, she turned her attention to writing thrillers for Kensington Publishing. Today, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
In her free time Nancy enjoys walking, working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles and hanging out with family and friends. When she and Ken aren’t visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Southern California, Nancy is busy working on her next book!
Visit https://www.NancyBush.net where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
June 27, 2019
2 Stars
My reaction to most of the book:
Unfortunately Bad Things just didn’t work for me. I’m giving it two stars because I finished it and it entertained me enough to muddle through, but the approximately 156 main characters (insert sarcastic emoji) made for a convoluted and muddled mess of a story most of the time.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
My reaction to most of the book:
Unfortunately Bad Things just didn’t work for me. I’m giving it two stars because I finished it and it entertained me enough to muddle through, but the approximately 156 main characters (insert sarcastic emoji) made for a convoluted and muddled mess of a story most of the time.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
June 5, 2021
Bad Things was not the first book that I’d read from Nancy Bush so I was quite surprised that I didn’t really enjoy this thriller at all. The story in this one is set in Edwards Bay, Washington near the Puget Sound and is told from multiple points of view.
When Kerry Monaghan’s stepbrother, Nick, dies she decides to return to her hometown of Edwards Bay that she left after high school. Nick’s death brings Kerry back into contact with Cole Sheffield who Kerry had once fallen for with Cole now working with the Edwards Bay police department. When the first death is followed by another Kerry and Cole’s old group of friends from high school find themselves facing a murderer.
With a rating of two stars it’s pretty obvious that this was one that I didn’t really enjoy reading but I did trudge through the entire story to finish. I often find myself reading books with multiple points of view and sometimes, this being one of those, it just doesn’t work for me. I found that this one was just too scattered for my taste and harder to follow along and actually get to know anyone or care what was happening. Personally I found this one needed some more editing to cut it down as it was a lengthy one too that probably would have benefitted with cutting out some of the jumping around.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When Kerry Monaghan’s stepbrother, Nick, dies she decides to return to her hometown of Edwards Bay that she left after high school. Nick’s death brings Kerry back into contact with Cole Sheffield who Kerry had once fallen for with Cole now working with the Edwards Bay police department. When the first death is followed by another Kerry and Cole’s old group of friends from high school find themselves facing a murderer.
With a rating of two stars it’s pretty obvious that this was one that I didn’t really enjoy reading but I did trudge through the entire story to finish. I often find myself reading books with multiple points of view and sometimes, this being one of those, it just doesn’t work for me. I found that this one was just too scattered for my taste and harder to follow along and actually get to know anyone or care what was happening. Personally I found this one needed some more editing to cut it down as it was a lengthy one too that probably would have benefitted with cutting out some of the jumping around.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 29, 2019
Oh my god, why am I so stubborn?! My extreme stubbornness is the only reason I finished this book, and now I'm mad at myself for wasting time reading this crap when I could have been reading one of the number of good books sitting on my shelf. I wish I had known the "Bad Things" the title refers to are the writing, the plot and the characters. I was actually rooting for the killer, and the fact that he or she didn't kill everyone, and quickly, only added to my disappointment. These are the most outrageous things in the book:
1. Kerry apparently has a magic phone. In one part, it specifically says she powers it off and she goes to bed. She's later woken up when her phone rings. Hmm, mine doesn't ring when it's off. Then later, her phone has some mystery ailment so she borrows Marcia's to call Josie back. Josie doesn't answer, so she wants to text her instead, but can't look up Josie's number because she's not using her phone. So she can call someone without her number but not text her? Ooookaaaay.
2. Chad calls Josie and she asks if he's heard about Diana. He says no, so she tells him and he's shocked. Chad later comes to Josie's house where she asks him if he's heard about Diana. He says no, so she tells him and he's shocked.
3. Officer Paige randomly asks Cole not to call her Charlene because...reasons. He never once in the book called her that, especially not in that scene. It came out of absolutely nowhere.
There's also a lot of pointless repetition in various parts of the book. All these things tell me that even the author's editors couldn't bear to read this. And neither should you. Instead read anything by Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and Tess Gerritsen. They are far better at their craft.
1. Kerry apparently has a magic phone. In one part, it specifically says she powers it off and she goes to bed. She's later woken up when her phone rings. Hmm, mine doesn't ring when it's off. Then later, her phone has some mystery ailment so she borrows Marcia's to call Josie back. Josie doesn't answer, so she wants to text her instead, but can't look up Josie's number because she's not using her phone. So she can call someone without her number but not text her? Ooookaaaay.
2. Chad calls Josie and she asks if he's heard about Diana. He says no, so she tells him and he's shocked. Chad later comes to Josie's house where she asks him if he's heard about Diana. He says no, so she tells him and he's shocked.
3. Officer Paige randomly asks Cole not to call her Charlene because...reasons. He never once in the book called her that, especially not in that scene. It came out of absolutely nowhere.
There's also a lot of pointless repetition in various parts of the book. All these things tell me that even the author's editors couldn't bear to read this. And neither should you. Instead read anything by Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and Tess Gerritsen. They are far better at their craft.
June 21, 2019
Let’s get something out of the way first.
I’m reading an ARC of this one. Hopefully, by the time this is published someone will step in and say NO and remove this. But right now, at about 64%, the author decides to give us a completely-unnecessary-to-the-story Latino laborer who for some reason speaks in a completely offensive and phonetically offensive accent. For no reason whatsoever. I’m really hoping that this misstep is removed prior to this being published. Example: He talks to “Keree” about “Safetee” and then says it’s about “Queeting time”. It was terrible.
So, totally offensive bit of random badly handled diversity aside, this was actually a good read.
It’s a beach read, but it deals very well with toxic masculinity, the #metoo movement, violence against women, rape, etc. The baddie took me completely by surprise. It was a good choice and it worked.
Honestly, I was thoroughly enjoying this until 64% and then it took me a bit to get back into the story.
Overall a good read. But the publisher, writer & editor need to talk to someone about what’s okay and not okay when it comes to diversity.
I still give this 4 stars for most of the book, but it grates a bit.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
I’m reading an ARC of this one. Hopefully, by the time this is published someone will step in and say NO and remove this. But right now, at about 64%, the author decides to give us a completely-unnecessary-to-the-story Latino laborer who for some reason speaks in a completely offensive and phonetically offensive accent. For no reason whatsoever. I’m really hoping that this misstep is removed prior to this being published. Example: He talks to “Keree” about “Safetee” and then says it’s about “Queeting time”. It was terrible.
So, totally offensive bit of random badly handled diversity aside, this was actually a good read.
It’s a beach read, but it deals very well with toxic masculinity, the #metoo movement, violence against women, rape, etc. The baddie took me completely by surprise. It was a good choice and it worked.
Honestly, I was thoroughly enjoying this until 64% and then it took me a bit to get back into the story.
Overall a good read. But the publisher, writer & editor need to talk to someone about what’s okay and not okay when it comes to diversity.
I still give this 4 stars for most of the book, but it grates a bit.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
May 13, 2019
Bad Things is a good thriller with a good storyline. I have not read this author before and I would read more from this author. Written well and good storyline.
July 5, 2019
There is a group of former high school classmates referred to as the A-Team. One of them is the apparent victim of an overdose. Then another is brutally murdered. Will anyone else from the group suffer an awful fate? Are these people really friends, or is what happened during their high school years enough to bond them together for life...or death?
What a great premise and quite a promising book. However, there were a couple turns in this story that changed my beginning impressions. First of all, the underlying cause of the murders, and ever-present danger, was all wrapped up in sex. I cannot even begin to count how many sexual references there were in this story. The other issue I had is in reminding readers, over and over, that one of the characters is bipolar. I find myself to be a responsible reader who can actually remember facts and characteristics of the players in any book I read. I can see being reminded once or twice, but the references were far too frequent for my liking.
Back to what did work in this book. The large cast of characters hid behind secrets, lies and covetousness. These were literally deadly sins. The story begins with Kerry Monaghan having returned to the small town of Edwards Bay to be nearer to her family, as well as to begin a new job. When her stepbrother Nick is murdered she is devastated. This also brings her back into contact with her ex, Cole Sheffield, who is chief of police, and one of Nick's high school friends.
While the story progressed, secrets of the past begin to come to light. All the while connections are slowly made that increase the danger to more than one of the group of friends. When I say group of friends, there were many. However, it was rather easy to keep track of all of them. The conclusion was actually exciting and I will admit to not being able to put this book down, and will say that the killer was really a surprise to me.
Although this did not quite hit the mark for me, I will continue to read works by this author.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGallley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
What a great premise and quite a promising book. However, there were a couple turns in this story that changed my beginning impressions. First of all, the underlying cause of the murders, and ever-present danger, was all wrapped up in sex. I cannot even begin to count how many sexual references there were in this story. The other issue I had is in reminding readers, over and over, that one of the characters is bipolar. I find myself to be a responsible reader who can actually remember facts and characteristics of the players in any book I read. I can see being reminded once or twice, but the references were far too frequent for my liking.
Back to what did work in this book. The large cast of characters hid behind secrets, lies and covetousness. These were literally deadly sins. The story begins with Kerry Monaghan having returned to the small town of Edwards Bay to be nearer to her family, as well as to begin a new job. When her stepbrother Nick is murdered she is devastated. This also brings her back into contact with her ex, Cole Sheffield, who is chief of police, and one of Nick's high school friends.
While the story progressed, secrets of the past begin to come to light. All the while connections are slowly made that increase the danger to more than one of the group of friends. When I say group of friends, there were many. However, it was rather easy to keep track of all of them. The conclusion was actually exciting and I will admit to not being able to put this book down, and will say that the killer was really a surprise to me.
Although this did not quite hit the mark for me, I will continue to read works by this author.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGallley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 27, 2019
The plot idea was a good one. A story focused on a group of friends who harbor a years long secret. When one of them is murdered secrets start to be revealed. The romance angle was between the local chief of police and the murdered man’s stepsister.
This book was about 100 pages too long and had easily the same number of characters. I’m talking about a ridiculous amount of characters and a good chunk of them had their own POV parts scattered throughout the book. While I do enjoy getting to see different aspects of a story there were just too many to keep track of. The ending could have been a great reveal, but the multitude of characters mashed everything and I ended up not being surprised because I was just trying to remember how each of the people fit into it.
Despite being marketed as a romance novel it didn’t have a lot of romantic parts. There was the one central romance between Kerry and Cole, but I had no opinion whether they would get together again or not and I never felt the tension between them.
I did not appreciate how the author handled the #metoo movement. There were a few aspects that seemed true to life, in regards to how the woman who reported sexual harassment was treated, but there was no resolution or support for that person and it was used as a character deficit rather than the empowering movement it is.
This book is an ARC provided for me by Kensington Publishing Corp via Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.
This book was about 100 pages too long and had easily the same number of characters. I’m talking about a ridiculous amount of characters and a good chunk of them had their own POV parts scattered throughout the book. While I do enjoy getting to see different aspects of a story there were just too many to keep track of. The ending could have been a great reveal, but the multitude of characters mashed everything and I ended up not being surprised because I was just trying to remember how each of the people fit into it.
Despite being marketed as a romance novel it didn’t have a lot of romantic parts. There was the one central romance between Kerry and Cole, but I had no opinion whether they would get together again or not and I never felt the tension between them.
I did not appreciate how the author handled the #metoo movement. There were a few aspects that seemed true to life, in regards to how the woman who reported sexual harassment was treated, but there was no resolution or support for that person and it was used as a character deficit rather than the empowering movement it is.
This book is an ARC provided for me by Kensington Publishing Corp via Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2020
I would say this book fell to around a 3.5 star read for me. It kept my attention, but because I was reading it while reading another (that's what happens when you leave your book at home..you start a different one when at work) that got my attention more, it probably affected how I felt once I finished. I have never read anything by Nancy Bush before but I will keep my eye out for more books by her.
July 26, 2019
Bad Things happened at Edwards Bay High School and a decade later someone is seeking revenge on the senior calls when one of them decides to set things right at their reunion.
There is a large cast of characters but their names were distinct and personalities different enough that made this book easy to follow.
The more the story continued, the more depth of characters and he more intriguing the plot became. High tension as the murderer concludes the murder spree.
A Kobo deal of the day.
There is a large cast of characters but their names were distinct and personalities different enough that made this book easy to follow.
The more the story continued, the more depth of characters and he more intriguing the plot became. High tension as the murderer concludes the murder spree.
A Kobo deal of the day.
dnf
December 26, 2019This is a mystery/thriller that involves high school friends who remain friends after high school. The book opens with a conversation between a patient (killer) and a psychiatrist. This conversation immediately grabbed my attention and made me want to keep reading. Then the actual story began, and it was a bit less interesting. Things went downhill after the prologue. From what I could tell, the weight of this story is carried by the characters, and I didn't like any of them. They are the caricatures of who they were in high school. It's as if they physically got older but mentally stayed in that cesspool of immaturity. Maybe this will be one that I circle back to, but for now, I am saying pass.
June 24, 2019
Wow! This was amazing. What a thrill-ride! I couldn’t put this book down!
It seems almost too simple when they come upon the dead body of Nick. The first assumption is suicide. But it all just seems so wrong. He was so perfect. He had nothing to die for. But when he came back to Edwards Bay he did have something troubling on his mind. Then after Nick’s funeral and much speculation about what might have happened another person in their close knit group labeled the A Team dies. And then another. Why are they being targeted and what does a decades old Top Conquest List have to do with it all?
I truly enjoyed this book. It made me remember when I used to read a lot more of Nancy Bush’s previous work and she has only gotten better with age. This was complex, thrilling and suspenseful. I had no idea who could have done it or what was even going on. So many secrets are buried in this book. I marvel at how an author can tie all the mysterious threads together so perfectly.
My highest recommendation.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
It seems almost too simple when they come upon the dead body of Nick. The first assumption is suicide. But it all just seems so wrong. He was so perfect. He had nothing to die for. But when he came back to Edwards Bay he did have something troubling on his mind. Then after Nick’s funeral and much speculation about what might have happened another person in their close knit group labeled the A Team dies. And then another. Why are they being targeted and what does a decades old Top Conquest List have to do with it all?
I truly enjoyed this book. It made me remember when I used to read a lot more of Nancy Bush’s previous work and she has only gotten better with age. This was complex, thrilling and suspenseful. I had no idea who could have done it or what was even going on. So many secrets are buried in this book. I marvel at how an author can tie all the mysterious threads together so perfectly.
My highest recommendation.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 11, 2019
Just Not For Me
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that the storyline could have been good. It was just too long and I had a hard time getting into it. Some may love this book but this just didn’t do it for me.
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that the storyline could have been good. It was just too long and I had a hard time getting into it. Some may love this book but this just didn’t do it for me.
January 28, 2022
AWESOME read!!!
August 12, 2019
The best part of Bad Things is that the plot was original, and the ending was unpredictable, which is rare for some of the thrillers I've read recently. However, the book didn’t hook me until I was already 75% finished, and it took me a month to read because I kept putting it down. I also did not appreciate the way the Latino laborer in the book was portrayed. He was given an unnecessarily offensive and phonetically inaccurate accent. Plus, his appearance in the novel could have been left out completely. I did enjoy that the plot moves quickly and all the characters were flawed in some way which left me with more questions about how devious and sinful their secrets were. I just couldn't get into this novel like I wanted to.
Full review at: https://justkeyana.com/bad-things/
Full review at: https://justkeyana.com/bad-things/
September 8, 2019
Oh God this book is awful! I especially hate when something’s promoted as “edge of your seat suspense” and then is so NOT! The writing is atrocious....repetitive....and pointless. There are three paragraphs dedicated to the main character’s changing the batteries in a tv remote. I’m reading....thinking, “How will the piece of plastic doohickey from the back of the remote figure into a later plot line?” ....since it’s featured so prominently. Almost done with this HORRIBLE novel, and it’s finally dawned on me....IT DOESNT!!??😳🤪 (Groan) I PAID good money for this stinker of a paperback. SUCKS!
June 5, 2019
Nancy Bush is an author I always have on never ending book wish list. I have always loved reading her books in the past. Unfortunately, this one just didn't cut it. I had to restart from the beginning a couple of times as I found it really difficult to get started and into the book. I didn't connect to (nor really like) any of the characters and really found myself not really caring about what was happening.
Thank you #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for the eARC.
November 7, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review thank you Zebra and NetGalley for my chance! It was a true suspense filled thriller! Immediately it free Me in and I couldn't put it down! So many twists and turns in this book I couldn't keep up! I thought I guessed this ending maybe half way through! I loved that I was wrong! Wow! A great read! Highly recommend this!
June 26, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author. I won an ARC of the book. The book had a suspenseful and interesting plot with many in-depth characters. It keeps you guessing right up to the end of the story. I recommend it.
June 6, 2019
This book is a DNF for me. I got 47 pages in and just didn’t click with the characters (always worried about their make up, hair, and aging) nor the writing style (repetitive and superficial).
October 5, 2019
I could not finish this book. Too many characters and predictable plot.
June 28, 2019
Diana Conger awoke knowing she again had too much to drink. Diana had gone to the reunion to find out they hadn’t surpassed her life but were just as messed up and clueless as she was. At least most of them were. Diana was pretty sure she ,ade ot back to her apartment by the grace of God. She struggled to remember how she got home but couldn’t remember while in her bathroom. Than on returning to bed she discovered a man in her bed. She found Nick Radnor in her bed. He was the one classmate who made it big. SOmething on the tech field. Lots of money. She smiled but wondered how Nick had made it in her bed. Diana remained with the A Team- the old HS gang. Those who remained in Edwards Bay had never really separated. Thye hung out at the same bar with the same friends. She couldn’t wait to tell Miami and Josie all about last night. Than she went to get on top on Nick for some sex when she realized his skin was cold, and he was dead an naked in her bed. She then tried to decide what to do. It is sthree in the morning. Than she called Kerry - Nicks stepsister. Kerry was to meet with her stepfather -Jerry who she had remained very close to even after her mother and him had divorced. Kerry taken on bing temporary manager for jerry during the renovation of his Sanddrift Hotel while still holding down her full time job at Starwood Homes. Randy was her boss and had moved her to Edwards Bay after his long time manager retired. Than Kerry answered her cell phone and it was Diana telling her Nick was dead in her bed and she didn’t know what to do and Kerry told her call 911 and she would be there. Kerry thought this was all some bad joke until she pulled up to Diana and saw the cop car and an ambulance. She saw Nick being life on a gurney , Diana ran to her sobbing. Kerry finally got to Nick and felt his cold arm. Kerry went into shock and would have fallen but someone caught her. Than she heard Cole’s name , he was the police chief and Nick’s friend and Kerry’s almost fiance until he broke things off after his brother died while in the service. She didn’t want to see Cole so she left. And went home. Josie was married to Kent but having an affair with Nick. She planned to divorce Kent to be with Nick. Kent made her life hell. The only good guy she knew was Nick but he was becoming an obsession with Josie. Miami was supposed to be Josie’s best friend. She thought Miami and her man Killian -who had broken up several times but always got back together. Miami had been with killian since they had been nine years old. Their relationship just never got over itself. Although lately Miami thought it was time to leave Killian for good. Miami called Josie to tell her Nick was dead. Diana was arrested and in jail for giving Nick drugs. Josie had tried to catch Nick’s eye all night, but he scarcely had looked at her. Playing it cool to hide their affair. When Cole got back to the Police department he told Ben to set Dinan free before she sued the PD as at this time she hadn’t been charged, so Bed begrudgingly let her out. Cole gave diana a ride home and she said she would never hurt Nick or anyone. At the morgue Cole had talked to the coroner and hse said there was a needle mark in Nick’s neck. Jerry was Nick’s dad and had suffered a heart attack the year before and Kerry was very worried about him. After the coroner’s results came out it was death due to an overdose of heroin shot in Nick’s jugular. Kerry nor Jerry believed Nick used drugs and they as most everyone else blamed Diana, as Diana was known to be easy and a party girl and drank and did drugs to excess. Diana went home drunk after being at the hotel bar the memorial had been in. She could not remember the blonde’s name who drove her home. Than someone taped on her bedroom slider and said” Diana, let me in”. Than her arms werte grabbed and she was thrust across the room . her pink scarf was tightened around her neck. Kerry was again awakened by a three am call from diana she heard someone breathing but nothing was said than the phone clicked off. The hair lifted on her arms as nothing had been said. Cade got a call about diana and that a teenager ran away again _Justin- than his body was found in the bay he had overdosed. There were three suspicious deaths in a little over a week. Josie admitted she had never had an affair with Nick it was only her fantasy and she let people believe her and Nick were having an affair.
Excellent thriller. I really loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. I loved the plot and pace. This book had me on the edge of my chair. I didn’t figure out who the murderer was to the author let us know. I loved that Kerry got a second chance at happiness, and that Josie decided to change her life. Also that Jerry was okay. This had my attention right from the beginning to the end. I loved the characters and the twists and turns and I highly recommend this book.
Excellent thriller. I really loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. I loved the plot and pace. This book had me on the edge of my chair. I didn’t figure out who the murderer was to the author let us know. I loved that Kerry got a second chance at happiness, and that Josie decided to change her life. Also that Jerry was okay. This had my attention right from the beginning to the end. I loved the characters and the twists and turns and I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2019
I received this ARC book from Publisher for honest Review.
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
July 14, 2019
Some mistakes you have to live with . . .
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school—or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick’s death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick’s death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others—all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole’s help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust—and a secret that has unleashed a killer’s unstoppable fury . . .
This was a great thriller read.
It was filled with lots of action, suspense and twists.
i liked the two main characters but the others were just not likeable people. That's a sign of good writing when that happens.
Good story line and plot which kept me guessing til the end.
I was suprised at the ending.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school—or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick’s death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick’s death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others—all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole’s help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust—and a secret that has unleashed a killer’s unstoppable fury . . .
This was a great thriller read.
It was filled with lots of action, suspense and twists.
i liked the two main characters but the others were just not likeable people. That's a sign of good writing when that happens.
Good story line and plot which kept me guessing til the end.
I was suprised at the ending.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 21, 2019
Bad Things is a romantic suspense novel written by the ever talented Nancy Bush. The story follows Kerry Monaghan as she returns to Edwards Bay, her small hometown. Kerry is the stepsister of Nick Radnor and stepdaughter of Jerry Radnor. Going back to your small hometown can sometimes be difficult, but things are made harder when Nick ends up dead from an overdose. At first, the death seems accidental but soon everything turns upside down and the small town on the water is rocked. One by one, the bodies start to pile up and the connections between the past and the present come to light in the worst way.
First of all, wow! I've read quite of few of Bush's novels so I knew what I was getting into. I just didn't expect it to end the way it did! The beginning on the novel felt like it dragged for a while but when the story picked up speed, boy was it a ride. The secrets that came out as the story progressed were right on time with the current #MeToo movement and the general social climate. In the middle of the book, I kind of figured that was where the story was headed. My prediction of what happened was a little more grim than it actually came to be but I was close, making the story hit a little close to home. But that's not always a "Bad Thing" (see what I did there!)
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
First of all, wow! I've read quite of few of Bush's novels so I knew what I was getting into. I just didn't expect it to end the way it did! The beginning on the novel felt like it dragged for a while but when the story picked up speed, boy was it a ride. The secrets that came out as the story progressed were right on time with the current #MeToo movement and the general social climate. In the middle of the book, I kind of figured that was where the story was headed. My prediction of what happened was a little more grim than it actually came to be but I was close, making the story hit a little close to home. But that's not always a "Bad Thing" (see what I did there!)
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
November 14, 2021
This is the first book I have ready by this author and it just did not do well for me. Unfortunately, it felt rushed and the characters were not well developed.
I believe the story has potential though and hope to give this author another chance in the future.
Synopsis:
Some mistakes you have to live with . . .
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school—or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick’s death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick’s death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others—all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole’s help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust—and a secret that has unleashed a killer’s unstoppable fury . . .
I believe the story has potential though and hope to give this author another chance in the future.
Synopsis:
Some mistakes you have to live with . . .
One victim succumbs to an overdose. Another is brutally bludgeoned to death. Each, in turn, will pay. Because you never forget the friends you make in high school—or the enemies . . .
And others . . .
In the wake of her stepbrother Nick’s death, Kerry Monaghan is visiting Edwards Bay. Kerry has just returned to the small town overlooking an arm of Puget Sound that she left before high school, though not before falling hard and fast for Cole Sheffield, now with the local PD. But Nick’s death may be more than an accident. And soon there are others—all former teenage friends, linked by a dark obsession.
You will die for . . .
With Cole’s help, Kerry sets out to learn the truth about what happened to Nick. But within Edwards Bay is a shocking legacy built on envy and lust—and a secret that has unleashed a killer’s unstoppable fury . . .
July 7, 2019
This book just didn't do it for me. Although the plot was originally, this book was so hard to get into and should have been 100 pages shorter. There were some twist and turns making it and OK thriller but it was pretty far fetched and the ending just didn't wow me even though I didn't know who the killer was. I thought the writing itself was good but it was filled with these large dictionary-esque words that just really felt out of place.
One thing that really bothered me about this book that I just could not get past was the way they talked about Egan and him being bipolar. I found it offensive how Bush made it seem that his perverted personality traits were a biproduct of him being bipolar. Also more than one character referred to that fact that a lot of bipolar people commit suicide, even though he was murdered, one saying "the poor shit was bipolar. We all know they have a high suicide rate." I think that this was disgusting and totally misrepresents those suffering.
I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One thing that really bothered me about this book that I just could not get past was the way they talked about Egan and him being bipolar. I found it offensive how Bush made it seem that his perverted personality traits were a biproduct of him being bipolar. Also more than one character referred to that fact that a lot of bipolar people commit suicide, even though he was murdered, one saying "the poor shit was bipolar. We all know they have a high suicide rate." I think that this was disgusting and totally misrepresents those suffering.
I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 23, 2019
I believe that I have read most, if not all, of Nancy Bush's books. None of them were disappointing, including "Bad Things." Even though you may dislike some of them, the characters were portrayed well. Considering all of the characters Ms. Bush introduced, eventually any confusion with them was cleared up.
The plotline was excellent! Who killer Nick Radnor? (and others?) I found myself changing my mind quite a few times wondering who was the murderer, and I was wrong. Twists abound in this great story!
I liked the doctor/patient asides because they "grounded" me to the plot.
As with the rest of Nancy Bush's books, I found this a brilliant read. There were a lot of characters but that just helped the reader to constantly "shift the blame" from one character to another. A great suspense/thriller!
Many Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp./Zebra Books and NetGalley for one of this summer's best.
The plotline was excellent! Who killer Nick Radnor? (and others?) I found myself changing my mind quite a few times wondering who was the murderer, and I was wrong. Twists abound in this great story!
I liked the doctor/patient asides because they "grounded" me to the plot.
As with the rest of Nancy Bush's books, I found this a brilliant read. There were a lot of characters but that just helped the reader to constantly "shift the blame" from one character to another. A great suspense/thriller!
Many Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp./Zebra Books and NetGalley for one of this summer's best.
April 7, 2021
When death follows a group of people who have been friends since high school, will the police figure out the perpetrator before it is too late?
Bad Things gave me a sense of deja vu as I was reading it, with its familiar plot line and generic characters. The characters themselves are two dimensional at best and there are just too many of them to keep straight, if in fact the plot was compelling enough to warrant my complete attention.
The mainly inept, corrupt, and prejudicial police department has become the go-to in many mystery thrillers, which is a "cop-out". There is no discovery or investigation, just reactionary Had I skipped directly to the ending, which I was sorely tempted to do, I would have saved myself a couple of hours to read another book.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Bad Things by NetGalley and the publisher, Zebra Books. The choice to receive and review this book was entirely my own.
Bad Things gave me a sense of deja vu as I was reading it, with its familiar plot line and generic characters. The characters themselves are two dimensional at best and there are just too many of them to keep straight, if in fact the plot was compelling enough to warrant my complete attention.
The mainly inept, corrupt, and prejudicial police department has become the go-to in many mystery thrillers, which is a "cop-out". There is no discovery or investigation, just reactionary Had I skipped directly to the ending, which I was sorely tempted to do, I would have saved myself a couple of hours to read another book.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Bad Things by NetGalley and the publisher, Zebra Books. The choice to receive and review this book was entirely my own.
December 8, 2021
easy low stakes read
This was something I picked up because I’m in the mood for domestic and suburban thrillers. This reminded me of Pretty Little Liars though far more realistic. However. Nothing really happens. Hence the three.
If the author had made this about a hundred pages longer w a prologue of events or a scene that gave us a bit more depth to the events at Edwards Bay High we’d care more. But like other reviewers have said the characters aren’t done justice. Tbh this feels like a made for tv movie script that couldn’t get made into a TV movie and became a book kind of cobbled together. Good performances and some artistic license would knock this out of the park.
This was something I picked up because I’m in the mood for domestic and suburban thrillers. This reminded me of Pretty Little Liars though far more realistic. However. Nothing really happens. Hence the three.
If the author had made this about a hundred pages longer w a prologue of events or a scene that gave us a bit more depth to the events at Edwards Bay High we’d care more. But like other reviewers have said the characters aren’t done justice. Tbh this feels like a made for tv movie script that couldn’t get made into a TV movie and became a book kind of cobbled together. Good performances and some artistic license would knock this out of the park.
May 22, 2019
Kerry returns to her hometown after being transferred and to help her stepfather remodel a hotel and cottages. Her stepbrother, Nick, is killed after being found in bed with a known drug user. Cole is the chief of police and Kerry’s former boyfriend. While investigating Nick’s death, others in their little group start dying too. Can he find the killer before someone else dies?
I know it’s a little short but I didn’t want to give anything away. Great story with action, and secrets. Told in several different points of view. A group of high school friends and their secrets they kept.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
I know it’s a little short but I didn’t want to give anything away. Great story with action, and secrets. Told in several different points of view. A group of high school friends and their secrets they kept.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
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