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The Swallow

The Swallow

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Sometimes you have to embrace the darkness to find the light.

There was a time when Michelle Landry thought she had the perfect life. Happiness, love, they were all in her grasp. But then loss and despair had her waking up and realizing the only thing she was guaranteed in life was a broken heart.

The city of Stillwake is the chance for a new beginning. With her problems behind her and a fresh start in front of her, Michelle feels like she has purpose again... like she can be happy once more.

Like she can love.

But Stillwake has its own evils lurking and its surrounding Michelle. With a string of serial killings making headlines, Michelle feels her tentatively healed world crashing around her.

She starts to wonder if maybe that darkness is coming back, threatening to pull her down further. She either has to fight for the surface, or just accept her life and let it take her under.

*Blurb unedited/not final

372 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2020

40 people are currently reading
2301 people want to read

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Marie Snow

2 books136 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for CC.
1,257 reviews725 followers
August 16, 2020
4.25 ★



After a painful loss, Michelle Landry relocates to a small town for a fresh start. Though she has insecurities, Michelle is determined to try new things despite her nature. Upon beginning a relationship, she slowly feels more courageous, but circumstances start to change when several women are murdered causing Michelle to decide if she is going to retreat or fight.

“Sometimes, you had no choice. Sometimes, you had to do what you had to do. That’s just the way it was.”

As the prologue sets an ominous tone, the storyline shows how the characters battle with inner darkness. When Michelle meets Johnny, they are both broken in different ways. As they try to navigate through their own shortcomings and doubts, the tension rises as suspicions surround inexplainable events.

At times, I grappled with Michelle’s vulnerability. With Johnny, there were aspects of his personality that I related to, and the way he sought out Michelle made me wonder about his intentions. Though there was some lag, once the plot takes a certain turn, I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end. 😈

The Swallow is a dark romance thriller about damaged characters and the notion of sacrifice for love.



*An ARC was provided in exchange for a review*.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*


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Profile Image for warhawke.
1,557 reviews2,236 followers
August 10, 2020
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
4.25 Stars




Michelle Landry needed a break in life. Moving to Stillwake was supposed to be a clean slate and meeting new people including Johnny Roman helped her floated above the darkness of her past. But with a serial killer on a rampage in the small town, it could kill the budding relationship and pull her back into the darkness she ran from.



I’ve read and enjoyed Jenika Snow and Jordan Marie’s Romance books so of course, I jumped into it when I found out they ventured into Thriller under a new pen name. I can say I’d certainly want to read more from them.

I moved here to get away from the darkness that surrounded my life, but it looked like it was following me.


I liked the characters even though one of them grated my nerve at some points with the timidity. At first, I was worried if this book was skirting too much in a certain direction but the author pulled it back where it mattered and I loved the ending.

The Swallow is a story of moving on and embracing oneself. It would appeal to readers looking for a Thriller with elements of Romance.






🔹🕊🔹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔹🕊🔹






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Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
July 28, 2020
What happens when 2 best selling authors get together with their brilliance and step out of their comfort zones? You get Marie Snow and one hell of a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the ENTIRE.BOOK!!!
I couldn't put this book when I started, I will admit that I went in totally blind not knowing what to expect but with only the knowledge that it was a thriller.
From the very first page you get sucked into this story about a killer, but there are so may twists and turns that you brain keeps changing directions of who it could be and what the backstory is with each character.
The way we are introduced to each character has you wondering if THAT is the killer the BOOM something happens to change you thinking, ALL THE WAY thru till the end!!
I enjoyed the multiple POV because it puts you in their brain and are made to feel what THEY feel, truly an experience I haven't experience many time while reading a story.
I truly hope this isn't the last time we get a story form this phenomenal author duo.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,960 reviews104 followers
October 26, 2020
The Swallow is the debut book of a writing duo and I think they did a great job of creating a romantic suspense atmosphere that didn't feel like more than one person was writing the story.
Told from multiple POVs, this is a small town romance with some major darkness. A serial killer is on the loose and this is the place that our broken heroine, Michelle has decided to move to. Probably not the best choice for a woman that thinks a darkness may take her over, but it's where she has chosen to make a new beginning. There she meets the town landscaper, Johnny and they have an instant connection. They don't open up to people easily, but there is something about each of them calling out to the other.

"We're two broken pieces that can start to be put back together. There will be cracks, imperfections, but we will survive, Johnny. We will survive because we have each other now."

This was a faster read with shorter chapters that helped in it's pacing. There are more than 2 characters' POV, but it's mainly told from Michelle and Johnny's POV. I figured out the killer rather early on, but the twist at the end was creative and brought together a loose end. I liked that it wasn't perfect and neither were the characters. Just like life. Good debut for this writing duet. Would read more by them.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,330 reviews146 followers
July 30, 2023
Omg!!!!
This book was pure brilliance and exactly what this dark soul needed!!!
I was transfixed from cover to cover, unable to look away. Having never read either of the authors that have joined forces under this new pen name, I wasn't sure what to expect, but knew it would be epic from the blurb alone.
Every time I thought I had guess what was happening in this amazing mind bender, by the next page I was proved wrong and did not see the ending coming.
I hope they do more together soon as I need more books like this in my life.
2,298 reviews91 followers
August 16, 2020


Wow, this story literally swallows you whole from the beginning. Your attention is totally absorbed and even though there is a lot going on with multiple characters giving their points of view throughout the telling of the story I found it difficult to put down.

I have to admit I did need to sit back and have a little think about what to write as this story is intense, as psychological thrillers are, captivating and plain darn fantastic! When you have a serial killer on the loose things do get tense and when you add some strange characters in the mix as well, you find yourself going from one to the other deciding that it might be them or them or even that one maybe! 😆 Yep, lots of puzzle pieces were spinning and although I did fit some together, as I am sure we were meant to, I loved the twists and turns this story took us on. And... that ending holy moly, it is perfect! Enough said!

What interesting characters too! The descriptions of each were built up gradually throughout the story and they helped build the suspense really well, too. I have to admit there were some times where my heart just about broke for some characters and then at other times it seemed to nearly jump out of my chest with fear! Great job ladies, I was totally invested in the story from start to finish.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to everyone who enjoys reading a quality psychological thriller, it is a thoroughly entertaining story. I certainly hope we are given the opportunity to read more wonderful stories in this genre by Marie Snow.
Profile Image for Siobhan (Bookish Vibes).
883 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2020
The Swallow is a fast paced, psychological thriller with elements of romance. I love it when my two favourite genres are combined!

Michelle relocates to a small town looking for a fresh start. Here she meets Johnny and they embark on a relationship neither of them were expecting to ever experience. Just when Michelle starts to feel happiness and confidence in her new home, a series of murders in the area puts all of the characters on edge as the hunt for the killer ensues.

While it was fairly predictable (maybe I read too many thrillers!) It kept me intrigued nonetheless and I flew through it. I loved that it was told from multiple point of views. The last 20% or so had me completely hooked, waiting to see how it all was going to play out.

Recommended to those who like a hint of romance, suspense and murder all in one.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,538 reviews63 followers
July 28, 2020
This was an exciting and fantastic mystery. You think you figure it out, then all of a sudden, the story twists
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,932 reviews49 followers
August 17, 2020
Wow, this story literally swallows you whole from the beginning. Your attention is totally absorbed and even though there is a lot going on with multiple characters giving their points of view throughout the telling of the story I found it difficult to put down.

I have to admit I did need to sit back and have a little think about what to write as this story is intense, as psychological thrillers are, captivating and plain darn fantastic! When you have a serial killer on the loose things do get tense and when you add some strange characters in the mix as well, you find yourself going from one to the other deciding that it might be them or them or even that one maybe! 😆 Yep, lots of puzzle pieces were spinning and although I did fit some together, as I am sure we were meant to, I loved the twists and turns this story took us on. And... that ending holy moly, it is perfect! Enough said!

What interesting characters too! The descriptions of each were built up gradually throughout the story and they helped build the suspense really well, too. I have to admit there were some times where my heart just about broke for some characters and then at other times it seemed to nearly jump out of my chest with fear! Great job ladies, I was totally invested in the story from start to finish.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to everyone who enjoys reading a quality psychological thriller, it is a thoroughly entertaining story. I certainly hope we are given the opportunity to read more wonderful stories in this genre by Marie Snow.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*



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Profile Image for Jennifer - You Can't Resista Dirty Book .
461 reviews14 followers
August 24, 2020
The Swallow is a new creation from the writing pair of Jordan Marie and Jenika Snow. It is not I repeat not a romance novel, but a psychological thriller that will send chills racing down your spine.

This is the pairs debut novel and I have to admit that I was very impressed by the writing style and the books content. Although this book is outside the pairs normal genre I have to say that they absolutely smashed it. The story is mysterious, intriguing, misleading and will completely mess with your head.

Michelle Landry is looking to start over in a new town after a tragic loss. Filled with insecurity and doubts in herself makes Michelle standoffish and unable to form bonds with others easily. She comes across as very meek and broken. This doesn't stop her from catching the eye of Johnny Roman.

Johnny is a broken lost soul. But were Michelle is meek, Johnny is volatile and domineering. He likes the idea of trying to fix Michelle as the more he does for the her the more the balance of power is tipped in his favour.

But something evil is lurking in the small town of Stillwake and Michelle may have bitten off more than she can chew with this new life in this small town and Johnny's eyes are not the only ones watching her.

This book will take you on a thrilling ride through a small town and give you multiple person POV to really round out the story. You will be glued to the pages and the plot does not take long to take off and launch you into a dark and twisted tale. This is a bumpy journey filled with twists and turns so you better hold on for the ride💋
Profile Image for Christine F..
277 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2020
“The Swallow”—Marie Snow [5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] This book is the author’s debut psychological thriller and I think she did an awesome job with this! I flew right through this book and was intrigued right from the beginning. Michelle Landry moves to the small town of Stillwake to get a fresh start; she’s leaving behind the devastating loss of her mother along with heartbreak from a relationship. Being the new girl in town and very shy, she finds it hard to be sociable, that is, until she meets the town’s notorious landscaper, Johnny. The two start to hit it off and Michelle thinks things may finally be starting to look up for her; little does she know that there’s evil lurking in this town. There’s been a string of murders taking place where women’s bodies are being discovered in town that all seem to be connected to a serial killer on the loose. There are many secrets that need to be uncovered to stop this killer before they strike again. I really liked the multiple points of view in which the story was told and it allowed us to really delve into these characters, their backstories, and their experiences. This was definitely a page turner that had me guessing the whole time. “The Swallow” is set to be released on August 25th so make sure you add to your TBR now! 👍🏼Thank you to Marie Snow for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! 📚
Profile Image for Becky.
1,252 reviews123 followers
August 22, 2020
This book grabs you and sucks you in from page one. You become totally absorbed into the story. We have lots of different points of view with all the characters that are in play but it is so well done you can’t help but immerse yourself into the story!

This story is intense! It is exactly what you want from a psychological thriller. It is captivating and all consuming.
A serial killer on the loose, bizarre characters and you find yourself seconding guessing who is who and who did what!
This story has a lot of pieces and the web it spins. Some of the pieces fit nicely where you think they belong others leave you questioning your own sanity. The twist and the turns of the story line keep you engaged and then BAM! The ending! OMG THE ENDING!
The story line in this story is good, but it is also filled with some great characters. Each character is constantly being built up throughout the story. It is gradual adding to the suspense of the plot. There are some very emotional moments for the characters causing some big feels. The element of surprise and fear is there.
This is a well-done thriller. While not my typical genre I loved this. I would recommend this to everyone who likes a well-done psychological thriller. This writing duo has done a phenomenal job. This was a 5/5 read for me. I cannot recommend this enough
11 reviews
August 11, 2020
The Swallow definitely swallowed me whole. I was warned in advance that this was not the usual storyline by Jordan Marie or Jenika Snow, but put their names on it and I’m in....and...I was not disappointed!

New love comes with excitement and hope, but it can also come with doubt and fear. When two damaged people are hoping the other can help them heal, they may never find real peace.

With this story we get new love, suspense and a murder mystery. As new characters are introduced and secrets are revealed there are more and more twists and turns. From the beginning, this book had me guessing and throughout I was jumping back and forth questioning...“what will happen next?,” and “who did it?” My answers kept changing and just when I thought I had it figured out...“I didn’t see that coming!”

Oh my gosh, great job ladies!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you don’t stop at one.
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,193 reviews37 followers
August 23, 2020
The Swallow is an adrenaline rush between the covers of a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. The characters are unforgettable, and the tension is palpable. Get ready for the ride of your life in this new story from author Marie Snow.

Two accomplished and wonderful authors have woven their story telling abilities into this thrilling story that will leave the reader guessing and turning the pages at lightning speed. I feel for the characters from the beginning and I really was a bit unsure of the leading lady. She has some character flaws that grated on my nerves but in the end turned out to be her saving grace. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the pacing of the story is excellent. The mystery, the psychology and the thrilling conclusion makes this a wonderful debut for this writing team and a MUST read for story lovers across the board. 4.5 stars.

Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,411 reviews24 followers
August 25, 2020
Holy smokes, what an interesting book! I am a sucker for a good book that makes me think and is a little bit twisted- and The Swallow will keep you engrossed and guessing throughout the entire story from beginning to end. I will say that the ending was a great twist and I liked that the author was actually two awesome actors collaborating together!

I can't really describe this book, or at least any better than the blurb does, so this review is just really about how I felt while reading it. I gotta say that if you are looking for a psychological book that will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing, I totally recommend this book. The authors did a great job of sucking you in and giving you just enough clues at the right time. I personally give this book 4.5 outta 5 stars and really enjoyed it!

PS: Thank you to Marie Snow and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,385 reviews120 followers
August 25, 2020
Anyone who knows me, know I am into psychological thrillers and enjoy a good romance read on any given day. When the two are combined, it is perfect. The authors create a brilliant read, especially by utilising multiple points of view, which keeps you on you toes, and also really gives it a fresh feel, so it feels unique from most reads, at least looking at the numbers I’ve read and how few have been this nature.

I loved the characters and how each one had tendencies that either clicked with you or got on your last nerve. This mad it very real and even made you start to think the plot might lead in one direction or another, purely for how you were swayed by a character.

The world was detailed nicely and it moved well within the story and pace, to make it all feel very real.

Overall, this was an excellent read. I have definitely marked these two in my books as ones to look out for, with more of this genre.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
August 25, 2020
HOLY MIND BLOWN HELL!  I've read individual books by this dynamic duo, especially Jordan Marie, so I always believed they could write anything brilliantly, and it's so awesome to be right.  The Swallow is definitely different & my dark & twisty soul couldn't get enough of this thriller.  And since it is a thriller, I'm not going into details because it's so much more mind blowing to go in blind. It's told from multiple POVs, and frankly, that took it up another notch since I was trying to guess who dun it, but honestly, I never guessed right even with all the crazy going on.  That means that there are so many turned out twists that it left only one choice, to just drop f-bombs until they leveled me completely so there were no other words I could utter.  Yeah, it's that brilliantly twisty and/or just plain brilliant.  I seriously hope that they keep writing books like this because I AM HERE FOR IT! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL WHO ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO ENTER!  
Profile Image for Elyse Kelly.
Author 41 books506 followers
August 25, 2020
This is INTENSE!

This book had me on the edge from the very beginning! So intense and intriguing and absolutely captivating! With a serial killer and a whole host of crazy characters, the suspense is positively nail-biting. There are so many twists and turns and just when you think you’ve figured it out, your mind is blown. So psychologically twisted I can’t even give you a summary.

I love the various characters and how their depth is built throughout the book, how you begin to, in some way, connect with several of them. The buildup of suspense was so intense, forcing you to read faster just to get to the next page. AND THAT ENDING?!

I love murder mysteries and this one did not disappoint!! Refreshing to see something different from these two authors and they did a fantastic job with this thriller that BLEW MY MIND!! Well done ladies!!

If you like mind-bending suspense thrillers with an ending that’s out of this realm, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,161 reviews22 followers
August 17, 2020
If you like a good psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, that has you second guessing your theories as to who the killer is, only to change your mind multiple times throughout, then you'll love The Swallow. 

I found myself sucked into this book fairly quickly. It's clear from the start that Michelle is a troubled soul. I was fascinated by the shy quiet mousey woman and I was intrigued to learn her secrets. I was drawn to her but dubious at the same time, what exactly was she running from? 

I went through every scenario trying to figure out who the killer was, every character was a suspect, I swear it had my head spinning. The story kept me gripped and when the puzzle pieces came together....OMFG! Jaw on the fucxing floor is putting it mildly. 👏

Great Job Ladies, I'm hoping you'll continue writing together in this genre.  
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
August 24, 2020
I love the work from these authors’ individually, and now that they have joined forces into psychological thrillers, this makes this dynamic duo outstanding. Michelle has suffered a great loss, and despite her insecurities, she moves to have a fresh start in Stillwake. Michelle has not been there long when a serial killer starts murdering women in the area, which had me on tenterhooks throughout. This is a well written tale with an intricate and in-depth plot, as well as damaged characters, which leads to a dark, intense, and thrilling read with suspense and twists. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from these authors.
583 reviews
August 16, 2020
This book is crazy! Michelle is a little timid thing who mom passed of cancer, she moves to a small town call Stillwater to get a brand new lease on life. She meets Johnny who she can has come to enjoy his company, she notice there is something about him but she can’t place her finger on it. Than there is the detective who is investigating the murders, he seems to linger around when he shouldn’t, let’s not forget how Michelle has her two therapist as well to help with her mental state and the loss of her mother. This book had some twist, surprises and just some “oh my lawrd” moments.
Profile Image for Kristen.
513 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
The Swallow is a stand alone psychological thriller and is told from several different POVs than just the main characters. I absolutely love seeing inside each person's head to understand their thoughts and actions and i feel this is a huge contribution to the story. We meet Michelle, Johnny, Detective Murdock and learn a little back story on each one. Things are not as they seem in the town. There is a hidden past for each character that will be revealed in time. The ending though, i did not see that coming.
Profile Image for Amanda Belford.
59 reviews
August 25, 2020
This story blew me away! Romance, heartache, pain, adventure, drama..all wrapped into one thrilling read.
After Michelle's mother's passing, she decides to move on to a new town to try and start her life over. She has some dark secrets that make it difficult to move on. Especially with a serial killer on the lose and finding comfort in a man who has some secrets of his own.
Could not put this one down. Every turn of the page surprised me and had me needing to know more. Loved it from beginning to end!
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
809 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2021
A dark, twisted romance...
After her mother's death, Michelle moves to the city of Stillwake to start a whole new life from scratch... she desperately tries to get away from all the darkness that surrounded her... bit it seems that something very strange and sinister is going on here too and she has only just begun to unravel the mysterious ball of yarn. Meeting your other half should have brought her joy... but when skeletons start crawling out of their closets, life takes an ugly turn. 5 Extremely Intense Stars for "The Swallow"...where secret agendas come to light.
Profile Image for Crystal.
569 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2020
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Beautifully written in multiple POV'S to deepen the mystery and make you put on your detective hat. You get so far into each characters person you can't help but let yourself care and bleed for them. This book shows how talented both authors are and how they can cause a reader to sink so far into the story that by the end you are gobsmacked. An awesome, awesome book and I recommend everyone put this on their TBR.
116 reviews
August 30, 2020
Just when I thought I could not be shocked again, I am shocked again. So many secrets are being held by everyone in this book. Who is going to be left standing? Who is going to be freed? Who is going to hold on to their secrets? One thing is for certain, you need to read this book and follow the journey of The Swallow. I promise every single word to the very END will keep you mesmerized and awestruck.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
August 24, 2020
This is not just a thriller with elements of romance but it's also a story about moving forward, coming out of your darkness, and embracing the future. I was on edge the whole reading this because just when I thought the story was going one way, it quickly veered left and left me blinking wondering what happened. It's thrilling!
138 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020
This is the perfect book--it's suspenseful and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are so many possibilities as to who the culprit is, you are constantly guessing and re-evaluating as you progress through the story line. Love the book and hope these authors collaborate on another book in the genre!
Profile Image for Fabiola Cadet.
2,068 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2021
The Swallow

Wow, these ladies were not playing around when they wrote this book. 😳if you're looking for a romantic love type of boom this book is not for you. It's gritty, raw, in your face, these ladies opened up my mind to whole a new level of reading, Swallow is a phenomenal read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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