What do you think?
Rate this book
Natalie Marsh #3
To Die To Sleep
After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She’s eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.
Despite Lily’s care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she’s to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man’s son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.
Despite Lily’s care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she’s to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man’s son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.
272 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
28 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Black
24 books278 followersStephanie Black has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages, and has enjoyed creating make-believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger or running around pretending to be detectives. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner for Best Mystery/Suspense novel.
Stephanie lives in California, in the Bay Area. She plays the violin in a community symphony (but never practices enough), enjoys homemade chocolate-chip cookies, and takes pictures of birds. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family, currently consisting of her husband, five kids, three kids-in-law, a cat, and three grandpets.
Stephanie lives in California, in the Bay Area. She plays the violin in a community symphony (but never practices enough), enjoys homemade chocolate-chip cookies, and takes pictures of birds. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family, currently consisting of her husband, five kids, three kids-in-law, a cat, and three grandpets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 27, 2019
Every time I think I know what's going on, I find out I have no clue. Seriously.
I grew up reading Agatha Christie, and thought she has some twisted stories, but Stephanie Black's are even more twisted.
I love these characters, Natalie and Gideon. This is the 3rd book featuring them, and I was really glad to see them together. They've been through a lot, both together and alone, and Natalie is ready for a reprieve, for some quiet time, while she reconnects with her cousin.
Of course, it doesn't happen. This story is a whirlwind from the get-go. Don't expect to start it and then go on as before.
The ending was great! Loved it!
I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
I grew up reading Agatha Christie, and thought she has some twisted stories, but Stephanie Black's are even more twisted.
I love these characters, Natalie and Gideon. This is the 3rd book featuring them, and I was really glad to see them together. They've been through a lot, both together and alone, and Natalie is ready for a reprieve, for some quiet time, while she reconnects with her cousin.
Of course, it doesn't happen. This story is a whirlwind from the get-go. Don't expect to start it and then go on as before.
The ending was great! Loved it!
I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
November 21, 2019
Stephanie Black is an author whose books I have been reading for a long time. I know exactly what I'm going to get when I pick up one of her books and I love that.
This book is labeled suspense and there was some of that but to me it felt more like a mystery. The characters are trying to piece together what is happening around the Keep because things are definitely not as they should be. I kept trying to guess who the "bad guy" was but it was always changing. The author was great at casting suspicion on all the people at some point or another. There were a lot of characters in this book but I never felt confused or overwhelmed by who was who, which is another tribute to the author.
I enjoyed the building nature of the story and the climactic ending where everything starts coming together. I tend to start reading faster when things get climactic and I really had to purposely slow myself down several time toward the end. So good!!
This book is definitely more plot driven than emotionally driven. There isn't much romance to speak. It was interesting and engaging though, from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it!
Content: death, mild violence, peril
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is labeled suspense and there was some of that but to me it felt more like a mystery. The characters are trying to piece together what is happening around the Keep because things are definitely not as they should be. I kept trying to guess who the "bad guy" was but it was always changing. The author was great at casting suspicion on all the people at some point or another. There were a lot of characters in this book but I never felt confused or overwhelmed by who was who, which is another tribute to the author.
I enjoyed the building nature of the story and the climactic ending where everything starts coming together. I tend to start reading faster when things get climactic and I really had to purposely slow myself down several time toward the end. So good!!
This book is definitely more plot driven than emotionally driven. There isn't much romance to speak. It was interesting and engaging though, from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it!
Content: death, mild violence, peril
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2019
Suspense books are some of my very favorites! I’m always happy to be a little bit scared when I know I’m perfectly safe in my house. Stephanie Black’s books are some of my very favorite suspense novels. I never quite know what to expect when I open one of her books, but I always love them. This one was no different.
I’m just going to say up front that you need to read Mind Games before this one. If you don’t, I think you’ll be a bit confused about a few things. So start there!
This book has so many different characters. And the reader gets to see things through different perspectives. I loved the way the perspectives combined to give the reader a full picture of what’s happening in this one. But it wasn’t enough to let me figure out who the killer was before it was revealed.
Natalie is a repeat character. She’s the main character in this one, as well as Mind Games. It’s always fun to me to be able to read about repeat characters. And I loved the way she was calm about everything going on in this one. She’s a psychologist, so crazy things and or people don’t bother her too much.
There are plenty of crazy things going on in the plot of this one. It keeps the reader engaged from the very beginning. I loved it!
I was sent an e-copy of To Die, To Sleep as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I’m just going to say up front that you need to read Mind Games before this one. If you don’t, I think you’ll be a bit confused about a few things. So start there!
This book has so many different characters. And the reader gets to see things through different perspectives. I loved the way the perspectives combined to give the reader a full picture of what’s happening in this one. But it wasn’t enough to let me figure out who the killer was before it was revealed.
Natalie is a repeat character. She’s the main character in this one, as well as Mind Games. It’s always fun to me to be able to read about repeat characters. And I loved the way she was calm about everything going on in this one. She’s a psychologist, so crazy things and or people don’t bother her too much.
There are plenty of crazy things going on in the plot of this one. It keeps the reader engaged from the very beginning. I loved it!
I was sent an e-copy of To Die, To Sleep as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2019
Ellsberg Keep is a mysterious place shrouded in death and danger, and when Natalie finds herself right in the middle of the peril, she can't seem to tear herself away, even though she's had a rough year.
Natalie is a solid character. As a psychologist, she has experience dealing with the crazy, yet nothing could have prepared her for what she finds at Ellsberg Keep. I loved the anticipation of wondering what would happen next and thrilling whodunit element that kept me guessing.
Stephanie Black has created a subtly suspenseful story with characters who are alarmingly deceitful. I had no idea who to trust and who was going to die next. Some characters are completely creepy, with their psychotic behaviors, and others seem normal, but aren't. Relationships aren't always as they seem. I completely enjoyed this story and always look forward to more of these puzzling novels.
Content: mild+ violence (death--not graphic)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Natalie is a solid character. As a psychologist, she has experience dealing with the crazy, yet nothing could have prepared her for what she finds at Ellsberg Keep. I loved the anticipation of wondering what would happen next and thrilling whodunit element that kept me guessing.
Stephanie Black has created a subtly suspenseful story with characters who are alarmingly deceitful. I had no idea who to trust and who was going to die next. Some characters are completely creepy, with their psychotic behaviors, and others seem normal, but aren't. Relationships aren't always as they seem. I completely enjoyed this story and always look forward to more of these puzzling novels.
Content: mild+ violence (death--not graphic)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
January 5, 2020
I picked this up on Netgalley and had no idea it was the 3rd book in a series, but now that I know it makes so much more sense!
It's basically a mystery surrounding a mysterious death in a resort at an isolated castle.
The main character doesn't get much of a backstory, but lots is alluded too...like I said it makes more sense knowing this is the third in a series. The mystery read like an Agatha Christie mixed with Shakespeare and was interesting enough, but I was so caught up wondering who everybody was.
It's basically a mystery surrounding a mysterious death in a resort at an isolated castle.
The main character doesn't get much of a backstory, but lots is alluded too...like I said it makes more sense knowing this is the third in a series. The mystery read like an Agatha Christie mixed with Shakespeare and was interesting enough, but I was so caught up wondering who everybody was.
April 11, 2020
A murder mystery with Hamlet vibes? Yes, please!
In the story, amateur (but not inexperienced) sleuth, Natalie Marsh, travels to a mountain resort to spend some time with her long-lost cousin. But a few characters have questionable sanity, and then some people die (and I won’t give more details of the plot than that, because spoiling mysteries for future readers is a crime).
This story kept my interest throughout the book. The main character and her love interest were likeable and just about everyone else was suspicious at least for part of the story. I had fun picking out the Hamlet inspiration. (I wouldn’t call it a retelling—and that’s a good thing, because then there wouldn’t be much of a mystery.) It’s the third in a series, and I haven’t read the first two (yet). The plot worked fine on its own, but I imagine the relationships between characters would be stronger if I’d read the previous books. A great choice for mystery fans. 4.5, rounding up. I received a complimentary review copy, but that didn't alter my opinion of the book.
In the story, amateur (but not inexperienced) sleuth, Natalie Marsh, travels to a mountain resort to spend some time with her long-lost cousin. But a few characters have questionable sanity, and then some people die (and I won’t give more details of the plot than that, because spoiling mysteries for future readers is a crime).
This story kept my interest throughout the book. The main character and her love interest were likeable and just about everyone else was suspicious at least for part of the story. I had fun picking out the Hamlet inspiration. (I wouldn’t call it a retelling—and that’s a good thing, because then there wouldn’t be much of a mystery.) It’s the third in a series, and I haven’t read the first two (yet). The plot worked fine on its own, but I imagine the relationships between characters would be stronger if I’d read the previous books. A great choice for mystery fans. 4.5, rounding up. I received a complimentary review copy, but that didn't alter my opinion of the book.
April 27, 2020
Psychologist Natalie Marsh has been invited to visit Lila, her cousin, whom she hasn't seen in years and who now works as a nurse at an expensive resort known as the Keep. Natalie is expecting a nice quiet vacation but things start going wrong almost immediately. First, even before she arrives, after she gets out of her car to aid a woman who seems to be ill, she is sideswiped by a car and is injured. As she is being tended in the Keep's medical facility, the owner of the Keep is brought in. He appears to be having some sort of psychotic break. He believes he is a king and, worse, that his brother is trying to poison him to steal his castle and his queen. When he suddenly dies as the result of what looks like a medical error by Lila, Natalie is determined to stay and help exonerate her cousin but she quickly finds herself up against a family that seems determined to keep its secrets at all costs.
When I saw To Die, To Sleep by Stephanie Black on Netgalley quite a while ago, it was more the title and its reference to Hamlet that caught my attention. I didn't really expect much from it which is, I guess, why it took me so long to read it but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Once started, I found it almost unputdownable and a lot of this had to do with my enjoyment of its sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle homage to the Danish prince including a maybe visit from the king's ghost to his son.
But even beyond its tribute to Hamlet, this is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that kept me reading way into the night. I won't say it's perfect - at times, as Natalie runs around the Keep repeatedly putting herself in danger only to be caught, confined, eventually to escape and start all over again that it kind of felt a bit more like keystone cops than Hamlet although, in fairness, there was a lot of that in the original play too so...anyway, this didn't interfere too much with my enjoyment of the book. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend To Die To Sleep to anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery and look forward to reading more by this author and I won't put it off so long next time..
Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
When I saw To Die, To Sleep by Stephanie Black on Netgalley quite a while ago, it was more the title and its reference to Hamlet that caught my attention. I didn't really expect much from it which is, I guess, why it took me so long to read it but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Once started, I found it almost unputdownable and a lot of this had to do with my enjoyment of its sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle homage to the Danish prince including a maybe visit from the king's ghost to his son.
But even beyond its tribute to Hamlet, this is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that kept me reading way into the night. I won't say it's perfect - at times, as Natalie runs around the Keep repeatedly putting herself in danger only to be caught, confined, eventually to escape and start all over again that it kind of felt a bit more like keystone cops than Hamlet although, in fairness, there was a lot of that in the original play too so...anyway, this didn't interfere too much with my enjoyment of the book. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend To Die To Sleep to anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery and look forward to reading more by this author and I won't put it off so long next time..
Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2019
To die, to sleep;
To sleep… perchance to dream
Imagine this
You’re on your way to a secluded resort to unwind because life is rough and we all need some pampering in our lives.
SO, on your way, driving up this crazy mountain and you stop and help this woman who no isn’t a ghost (my first thought of course) but she’s sick and you help her. As you’re helping her a car clips you and YOU go tumbling down the mountainside yourself. Happy vacation to you! What a great start to some peace and relaxation and this is just the very, very beginning my dears…
Natalie Marsh’s trip to the reclusive Ellsberg Keep isn’t what she thought it would be. She thought she would finally get some well needed rest and relaxation but more importantly this is a chance for her to reconnect with her long lost cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse. Her fall down the cliff does put them together as she spends her first night at the resort in the infirmary and Lily is the overnight nurse but this wasn’t what she was expecting. At all.
Neither was she anticipating the very sudden death of the owner of the Keep, the eccentric and highly delusional Henry Ellsberg. His death was just an accident though.
Or was it?
The Keep is like a fortress, the family royalty and with the King gone the treasure is for the taking. Bodies start to pile up, accusations spill like blood and Natalie finds herself in the center of all of it.
There’s a storm brewing and she’s trapped. So much for relaxation.
I felt a mixture of emotions while reading this.
On one hand I absolutely love bloodshed so I felt absolute glee at that. ANOTHER MURDER STORY ABOUT BEING TRAPPED IN A SNOWY FORTRESS? *THE MURDER ANGELS SING*
I was irritated at the entire Ellsberg family however. To me they just seemed entitled as all hell. I don’t care how much money you have. The sequence of events that occurred at the end especially drove me especially insane. I actually had to roll my eyes because it just seemed so over the top and unreal. I was like this can’t ever possibly happen can it. But…also uber rich people so, maybe.
Apparently this is maybe part of a series which is why I felt kind of disjointed while reading this and why Natalie’s relationship with her boyfriend felt kind of off to me. It reads a lot like a standalone in most aspects but in other ways I felt completely lost. It frustrates me sometimes when books aren’t labeled as being part of a series.
Natalie’s character was pretty well written and I liked her a lot. I wish I could say the same about the rest of the characters but…I can’t LMAO. I don’t think I liked any of the others besides her cousin Lily and her boyfriend Gideon. There was another nurse named Isabel who I absolutely wanted to strangle and Soren? Obnoxious little shit. He could have drowned in the snow.
If you’re looking for something quick, light, and murderous to read this is definitely the book for you.
Thanks very much to the publisher and Netgalley for this copy of my ARC.
To sleep… perchance to dream
Imagine this
You’re on your way to a secluded resort to unwind because life is rough and we all need some pampering in our lives.
SO, on your way, driving up this crazy mountain and you stop and help this woman who no isn’t a ghost (my first thought of course) but she’s sick and you help her. As you’re helping her a car clips you and YOU go tumbling down the mountainside yourself. Happy vacation to you! What a great start to some peace and relaxation and this is just the very, very beginning my dears…
Natalie Marsh’s trip to the reclusive Ellsberg Keep isn’t what she thought it would be. She thought she would finally get some well needed rest and relaxation but more importantly this is a chance for her to reconnect with her long lost cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse. Her fall down the cliff does put them together as she spends her first night at the resort in the infirmary and Lily is the overnight nurse but this wasn’t what she was expecting. At all.
Neither was she anticipating the very sudden death of the owner of the Keep, the eccentric and highly delusional Henry Ellsberg. His death was just an accident though.
Or was it?
The Keep is like a fortress, the family royalty and with the King gone the treasure is for the taking. Bodies start to pile up, accusations spill like blood and Natalie finds herself in the center of all of it.
There’s a storm brewing and she’s trapped. So much for relaxation.
I felt a mixture of emotions while reading this.
On one hand I absolutely love bloodshed so I felt absolute glee at that. ANOTHER MURDER STORY ABOUT BEING TRAPPED IN A SNOWY FORTRESS? *THE MURDER ANGELS SING*
I was irritated at the entire Ellsberg family however. To me they just seemed entitled as all hell. I don’t care how much money you have. The sequence of events that occurred at the end especially drove me especially insane. I actually had to roll my eyes because it just seemed so over the top and unreal. I was like this can’t ever possibly happen can it. But…also uber rich people so, maybe.
Apparently this is maybe part of a series which is why I felt kind of disjointed while reading this and why Natalie’s relationship with her boyfriend felt kind of off to me. It reads a lot like a standalone in most aspects but in other ways I felt completely lost. It frustrates me sometimes when books aren’t labeled as being part of a series.
Natalie’s character was pretty well written and I liked her a lot. I wish I could say the same about the rest of the characters but…I can’t LMAO. I don’t think I liked any of the others besides her cousin Lily and her boyfriend Gideon. There was another nurse named Isabel who I absolutely wanted to strangle and Soren? Obnoxious little shit. He could have drowned in the snow.
If you’re looking for something quick, light, and murderous to read this is definitely the book for you.
Thanks very much to the publisher and Netgalley for this copy of my ARC.
May 27, 2020
Natalie Marsh is a psychologist who goes to a quiet castle resort to meet her long lost cousin and rest after a major ordeal (in a previous book).
She finds an eccentric family and unsolved mysteries that thwart her more t to rest and relax. This book is full of suspense and a good mix of who-dun-it along with detectives work and leaves you guessing until the end.
She finds an eccentric family and unsolved mysteries that thwart her more t to rest and relax. This book is full of suspense and a good mix of who-dun-it along with detectives work and leaves you guessing until the end.
March 9, 2021
This was such a fun murder mystery! The retelling of Hamlet subplots were fabulous as Hamlet is one of my favorites. I loved all the twists and turns and the way mental illness was addressed and understood. Nicely done! Can’t wait to read more about Natalie Marsh.
October 31, 2019
If you're looking for a great suspense/thriller to read on Halloween, a dark and stormy night, or basically anytime this is the perfect book. The cover is eerily fantastic and the story inside is a maze of plot twists and turns.
Psychologist Natalie Marsh has had a difficult year and is overdue for some rest and relaxation, which is why she's going to Ellsberg Keep up in the mountains, which has no cell phone reception or internet. She plans to rest and get to know her cousin Lily who she hasn't seen since they were kids. Natalie doesn't even make it there without literally running into a problem and within 24 hours of her arrival the owner of Ellsburg Keep is dead. (Dun, dun, dun!)
It was very hard for me to put this book down to get other things done, I NEEDED to know who was behind everything. When I thought I had it all figured out, I found out I didn't. This happened several times!! This book is told from multiple character points of view and moves along at a great pace, with never a dull moment for the characters or the reader. Thank goodness Gideon, Natalie's boyfriend, joins her at the Keep because I don't think she would've survived her stay without him.
This is the third book in the Natalie Marsh series, but you don't have to have read the previous books (Not a Word and Mind Games) to understand what's going on, however, I think once you read this one you'll want to read the other two. Move over Agatha Christie there's a new suspense queen in town.
Thanks to Covenant Communications for letting me read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
Psychologist Natalie Marsh has had a difficult year and is overdue for some rest and relaxation, which is why she's going to Ellsberg Keep up in the mountains, which has no cell phone reception or internet. She plans to rest and get to know her cousin Lily who she hasn't seen since they were kids. Natalie doesn't even make it there without literally running into a problem and within 24 hours of her arrival the owner of Ellsburg Keep is dead. (Dun, dun, dun!)
It was very hard for me to put this book down to get other things done, I NEEDED to know who was behind everything. When I thought I had it all figured out, I found out I didn't. This happened several times!! This book is told from multiple character points of view and moves along at a great pace, with never a dull moment for the characters or the reader. Thank goodness Gideon, Natalie's boyfriend, joins her at the Keep because I don't think she would've survived her stay without him.
This is the third book in the Natalie Marsh series, but you don't have to have read the previous books (Not a Word and Mind Games) to understand what's going on, however, I think once you read this one you'll want to read the other two. Move over Agatha Christie there's a new suspense queen in town.
Thanks to Covenant Communications for letting me read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
December 7, 2019
This was a book that I did not want to put down. Stephanie Black wrote a book that kept me guessing until the very end. There were many plot twists and turns and unique characters that made this book a page-turner.
Ellsberg Keep sounds like an idyllic vacation ... unless you work there or are related to one of the employees. Then you find out that murder and mayhem are afoot.
Natalie Marsh is a psychologist who has been involved in a few too many murder mysteries. Reconnecting with her cousin was supposed to help her relax and ready to come back to her practice. She has a supportive boyfriend who is there for her anytime, night or day, and is ready to catch a flight at the last minute to be by her side. Everything seems to be going right until her cousin is implicated in a murder.
If you love a fabulous suspense/murder mystery this book would be one you would want to read. Even if you are new to the genre this is a good place to start. I love Stephanie Black's writing style and look forward to anything she publishes.
This book contains non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Ellsberg Keep sounds like an idyllic vacation ... unless you work there or are related to one of the employees. Then you find out that murder and mayhem are afoot.
Natalie Marsh is a psychologist who has been involved in a few too many murder mysteries. Reconnecting with her cousin was supposed to help her relax and ready to come back to her practice. She has a supportive boyfriend who is there for her anytime, night or day, and is ready to catch a flight at the last minute to be by her side. Everything seems to be going right until her cousin is implicated in a murder.
If you love a fabulous suspense/murder mystery this book would be one you would want to read. Even if you are new to the genre this is a good place to start. I love Stephanie Black's writing style and look forward to anything she publishes.
This book contains non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 25, 2019
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Something is not right at the Keep, a resort in America’s mountains. Before she even checks in with her reservation, Natalie gets hurt -- becoming the first victim the week -- and shortly thereafter meets the delusional owner himself. If Natalie really wanted a relaxing vacation, going to the Keep was the wrong choice.
The intrigue of To Die To Sleep is nearly palpable. Black gives her readers no respite from the suspense, sucking you right into the action from page one. I love that all of the evidence is available to the characters and the reader the whole time, so it’s possible to suspect the correct perpetrator. While I did not know that this book is not the first to detail Natalie’s experience with murder cases, the others are not necessary to read beforehand -- but you can bet that I am now going to read the other two stories because of my wonderful experience reading this one. The violence rating is for persistent murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Something is not right at the Keep, a resort in America’s mountains. Before she even checks in with her reservation, Natalie gets hurt -- becoming the first victim the week -- and shortly thereafter meets the delusional owner himself. If Natalie really wanted a relaxing vacation, going to the Keep was the wrong choice.
The intrigue of To Die To Sleep is nearly palpable. Black gives her readers no respite from the suspense, sucking you right into the action from page one. I love that all of the evidence is available to the characters and the reader the whole time, so it’s possible to suspect the correct perpetrator. While I did not know that this book is not the first to detail Natalie’s experience with murder cases, the others are not necessary to read beforehand -- but you can bet that I am now going to read the other two stories because of my wonderful experience reading this one. The violence rating is for persistent murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
May 23, 2020
Stephanie Black did it again. This is the third book of hers that I've read in the past three months, and all three had Natalie Marsh as the main character. In the first third of the book I wondered if I'd read too many of her books too close together. By the time I reached reach about 75% of the book, my opinion had shifted 180 degrees!
I became so angry with some of the characters and how they were treating Natalie and Gideon. I wanted to call the police myself to have the authorities rush in and save them. But I couldn't because they were isolated in the middle of a winter storm. The authorities could not have responded to my call. . . Oh, and the minor detail of the fact that this is all fiction. Back to real life . . . Needless to say, I loved this book.
Thank you to Covenant Communications and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I became so angry with some of the characters and how they were treating Natalie and Gideon. I wanted to call the police myself to have the authorities rush in and save them. But I couldn't because they were isolated in the middle of a winter storm. The authorities could not have responded to my call. . . Oh, and the minor detail of the fact that this is all fiction. Back to real life . . . Needless to say, I loved this book.
Thank you to Covenant Communications and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
i loved loved this book and give it a 4.5-5 ⭐️
it started out a little slow in the beginning (the only reasoning for the -.5 ⭐️ tbh) but not too slow that i didn’t want to keep reading it. i got so drawn into the characters and i loved the way the author wrote their thoughts out, it made me feel as if i was placed inside their heads. this book is based more on medical terminology and deals a lot with the setting of an infirmary which is so intriguing to me but if it’s something that you don’t like, it could get boring or confusing. the twist of additional murders/death after the first one is the most exciting part and makes this book one that makes you want to keep reading. i read this book before any of the others connected to this storyline and still understood it all completely. overall such a great book!!!!
it started out a little slow in the beginning (the only reasoning for the -.5 ⭐️ tbh) but not too slow that i didn’t want to keep reading it. i got so drawn into the characters and i loved the way the author wrote their thoughts out, it made me feel as if i was placed inside their heads. this book is based more on medical terminology and deals a lot with the setting of an infirmary which is so intriguing to me but if it’s something that you don’t like, it could get boring or confusing. the twist of additional murders/death after the first one is the most exciting part and makes this book one that makes you want to keep reading. i read this book before any of the others connected to this storyline and still understood it all completely. overall such a great book!!!!
Read
March 27, 2024This series kind of reminds me of Hallmark murder mystery movies. I have only seen a handful of them, but still. 🤷🏽♀️
Also, the cover looks SUPER creepy, but it's not that bad, I promise.
I listen to the whole series at work in 2x audiobook speed. 📖🎧
1◇Not a Word (416 pages) 5 hrs
2◇Mind Games (312 pages) 3 hrs
3◇To Die, To Sleep (272 pages) 3hrs
4◇Bound In Shallows (264 pages) 3hrs
5◇Come, Gentle Night (362 pages) 4 hrs
⚠️Content Warning ⚠️
◇Violence (PG13)
◇Weapons
Also, the cover looks SUPER creepy, but it's not that bad, I promise.
I listen to the whole series at work in 2x audiobook speed. 📖🎧
1◇Not a Word (416 pages) 5 hrs
2◇Mind Games (312 pages) 3 hrs
3◇To Die, To Sleep (272 pages) 3hrs
4◇Bound In Shallows (264 pages) 3hrs
5◇Come, Gentle Night (362 pages) 4 hrs
⚠️Content Warning ⚠️
◇Violence (PG13)
◇Weapons
June 7, 2024
Definitely had some Hamlet vibes to it. It’s getting sort of old to have the main character in peril all of the time. Let other people do their jobs for goodness sake!
November 6, 2019
What a tense and emotional roller coaster! Once again, I feel so very bad for Natalie Marsh; she just isn't having a very nice life, and I wanted to throat-punch some of the characters that were tormenting her. However, I very much enjoyed the comic relief provided by the theatrical Anthony; it was nice to see some of the author's delightful sense of humor come through in one of her books. 4.25 stars
February 26, 2023
4.5 stars
This one kept me totally guessing. I kept suspecting people, then something would happen that would make me realize I was wrong. Turns out the very first person I suspected was the right one. I still didn't love the fact that Natalie ended up in a life-or-death situation, but I knew it was coming, so I got over it.
So far, I think this one is my favorite of the series. Fun books.
This one kept me totally guessing. I kept suspecting people, then something would happen that would make me realize I was wrong. Turns out the very first person I suspected was the right one. I still didn't love the fact that Natalie ended up in a life-or-death situation, but I knew it was coming, so I got over it.
So far, I think this one is my favorite of the series. Fun books.
December 31, 2022
This was wild! Stephanie Black does such a good job of keeping you guessing and having a huge twist that you don’t see coming but then it all adds up at the end. So good!
October 14, 2019
To Die To Sleep is a fantastic suspense novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats! This book was so good; I loved the intense suspense it carried throughout the whole story. I couldn't figure out who the villain was and enjoyed that so much of the plot was impossible to predict. Told from different characters perspectives, this novel was well written and the plot moved swiftly. Natalie is looking forward to a nice quiet break from her crazy life and reconnecting with her estranged cousin Lily. Little did the two know they would be quickly swept up in a complex web of lies, deception, and murder. Other residents of the Keep manage to leave readers wondering who really is who and contribute to a great sense of "who done it". I loved Anthony's character in particular and the way writing from his perspective changed my point of view as a reader. Just when I thought I knew who the killer would be or what the motivation was, Stephanie Black introduced some fantastic twist that kept me intrigued to the very end.
I actually rate this 4.5 stars if I could give it the other half star. I really enjoyed the characters, but felt like there was a little back story missing for Natalie and Gideon. The book references Natalie's been harmed or involved in dangerous incidents in the past which is why she sought out a vacation of solitude, but I didn't feel like it ever really clearly explained that other than it was connected to her profession. It didn't play too much into the story, but it did leave me with some questions.
Overall I highly recommend this novel. It is a great suspense novel that readers are sure to love.
I received an advance copy of this novel, all thoughts here are my own and voluntary.
I actually rate this 4.5 stars if I could give it the other half star. I really enjoyed the characters, but felt like there was a little back story missing for Natalie and Gideon. The book references Natalie's been harmed or involved in dangerous incidents in the past which is why she sought out a vacation of solitude, but I didn't feel like it ever really clearly explained that other than it was connected to her profession. It didn't play too much into the story, but it did leave me with some questions.
Overall I highly recommend this novel. It is a great suspense novel that readers are sure to love.
I received an advance copy of this novel, all thoughts here are my own and voluntary.
November 22, 2019
TO DIE, TO SLEEP is a murder mystery that begins pleasantly and then grows in intensity to the climatic end. Readers will find themselves cheering on these characters as they try to figure out what is going on. Recommended to fans of the author and genre.
I appreciated that even though this is the third book by this author with the same main characters, it can easily be read on its own. Having only read the first book, NOT A WORD, years ago these characters weren't real familiar to me, but I had no issues getting into this story. I also appreciated that there is a bit of romance, but it very much takes a backseat to the family and friend dynamics of this story, and especially to the mystery. This story is foremost about what the protagonist, Natalie, stumbles into when she's supposed to be vacationing and the subsequent investigation that ensues.
I really liked these characters. It was so easy to connect with them. I also really liked the whole mysterious vibe that Ellsberg Keep emits with its hard structure and being set during the cold of winter so that it feels even more isolated. Then there's the whole plot... full of twists and turns, which kept me guessing almost to the very end.
The only thing that didn't quite work for me was some overly dramatic characters and their actions. Some of it just felt too convoluted and illogical. Particularly the extreme loyalty and obedience towards Trudy and then the way she hides so much. Then there was also Isabel, Jake and Charlotte.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this one! It's a murder mystery with plenty of twists, a creepy setting, and lovable characters. Definitely recommended!
I appreciated that even though this is the third book by this author with the same main characters, it can easily be read on its own. Having only read the first book, NOT A WORD, years ago these characters weren't real familiar to me, but I had no issues getting into this story. I also appreciated that there is a bit of romance, but it very much takes a backseat to the family and friend dynamics of this story, and especially to the mystery. This story is foremost about what the protagonist, Natalie, stumbles into when she's supposed to be vacationing and the subsequent investigation that ensues.
I really liked these characters. It was so easy to connect with them. I also really liked the whole mysterious vibe that Ellsberg Keep emits with its hard structure and being set during the cold of winter so that it feels even more isolated. Then there's the whole plot... full of twists and turns, which kept me guessing almost to the very end.
The only thing that didn't quite work for me was some overly dramatic characters and their actions. Some of it just felt too convoluted and illogical. Particularly the extreme loyalty and obedience towards Trudy and then the way she hides so much. Then there was also Isabel, Jake and Charlotte.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this one! It's a murder mystery with plenty of twists, a creepy setting, and lovable characters. Definitely recommended!
December 16, 2019
trigger warning
Dr. Natalaie Marsh is invited to Ellersberg Keep, where her estranged cousin works as a nurse in an exclusive mountain resort. After spending their childhood together and then being separated, they want to re-aquaint themselves with each other, and little do they know that someone else has different plans for the next week.
There is this castle in the mountains. It's winter, so of course they end up snowed in, with a murderer on the loose - and slowly they begin to doubt everyone, even their own cousin.
Said castle comes equipped with an infirmary, which is the only place for miles to get wounds fixed or a bug looked after, so there are strangers - but they don't feature much in this novel. It's about Nathalie and Lily, Nathalie's boyfriend and the family who owns the Keep. Their relationships between each other, past grievances, future plans.
Despite having been entangled in a murderous mess once before, as we're told, Nathalie behaves quite confused. She reaches a point at which she doesn't know what to do, whom to trust, and at which she is not in the physical capacity to do much. I think this could get quite repetitive if you take your time with reading this book. Read over three days, it didn't bother me much.
This thriller is not one of my favourites, but it's not badly written or anything I can really put a finger on. It just didn't work very well for me, and that's okay.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Natalaie Marsh is invited to Ellersberg Keep, where her estranged cousin works as a nurse in an exclusive mountain resort. After spending their childhood together and then being separated, they want to re-aquaint themselves with each other, and little do they know that someone else has different plans for the next week.
There is this castle in the mountains. It's winter, so of course they end up snowed in, with a murderer on the loose - and slowly they begin to doubt everyone, even their own cousin.
Said castle comes equipped with an infirmary, which is the only place for miles to get wounds fixed or a bug looked after, so there are strangers - but they don't feature much in this novel. It's about Nathalie and Lily, Nathalie's boyfriend and the family who owns the Keep. Their relationships between each other, past grievances, future plans.
Despite having been entangled in a murderous mess once before, as we're told, Nathalie behaves quite confused. She reaches a point at which she doesn't know what to do, whom to trust, and at which she is not in the physical capacity to do much. I think this could get quite repetitive if you take your time with reading this book. Read over three days, it didn't bother me much.
This thriller is not one of my favourites, but it's not badly written or anything I can really put a finger on. It just didn't work very well for me, and that's okay.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2019
If I was less eloquent, I would review this book by saying, "WOW"! Since I try harder when reviewing a book I'll still say, "WOW" but tell you why. This novel is a non-stop thrill ride that keeps you wondering who did it and then suddenly you change your mind. I laughed as I suspected more and more characters until almost everyone in the book was a suspect. Black also has a way of adding more and more to the mystery with new baffling deaths and disappearances.
This is a game of CLUE that you won't win because the large cast of characters are all very shady. I loved this aspect! Of course, the main characters Natalie and her boyfriend Gideon are the only ones I left off of the list. It truly is almost to the end before things start to become clear and you find out who is behind all of the chaos.
This book is a must-read for all murder/mystery suspense readers. If you are already a huge fan of Stephanie Black I know that you will love this book. If this is the first of her books you'll get to read, I know you'll become a fan for life. This wonderful novel earns 5 Stars from me.
This is a game of CLUE that you won't win because the large cast of characters are all very shady. I loved this aspect! Of course, the main characters Natalie and her boyfriend Gideon are the only ones I left off of the list. It truly is almost to the end before things start to become clear and you find out who is behind all of the chaos.
This book is a must-read for all murder/mystery suspense readers. If you are already a huge fan of Stephanie Black I know that you will love this book. If this is the first of her books you'll get to read, I know you'll become a fan for life. This wonderful novel earns 5 Stars from me.
December 6, 2019
"To Die To Sleep" is a suspense novel. Natalie is injured when she stops to help someone on the side of the dangerous, winding road leading up to the resort. Before long, the owner is dead and some people question if the death might've been murder. A winter storm cuts off all outside help, and things grow more dangerous as more people go missing or turn up dead.
Natalie investigated to help clear her cousin's name, and she asked good questions that uncovered a tangled past. There were enough clues that I was able to guess whodunit very early on, but there were soon enough confusing/conflicting clues that I began to question my guess. Natalie and her boyfriend had to survive until they discovered whodunit and whodunit was arrested by the police (when they finally made it through the snow storm). Natalie and her boyfriend were kind, engaging characters, and I cared about what happened to them.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Natalie investigated to help clear her cousin's name, and she asked good questions that uncovered a tangled past. There were enough clues that I was able to guess whodunit very early on, but there were soon enough confusing/conflicting clues that I began to question my guess. Natalie and her boyfriend had to survive until they discovered whodunit and whodunit was arrested by the police (when they finally made it through the snow storm). Natalie and her boyfriend were kind, engaging characters, and I cared about what happened to them.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 21, 2019
From page one, readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next in this mystery and suspense filled book. With intense danger at what feels like every corner and even deaths involved, this book is an emotional ride. This book will definitely keep readers guessing throughout the entire story. Readers will come to know the characters, or at least who they think the characters are in this fast paced and suspense filled story. This is one that mystery and suspense readers are definitely going to want to pick up.
Genre: mystery, suspense, LDS
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: November 1, 2019
Number of pages: 272
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: mystery, suspense, LDS
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: November 1, 2019
Number of pages: 272
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
October 28, 2019
This book was so suspenseful and keeps you guessing right up to the end. Very well written and well edited it is told from different characters POV. This is a murder mystery that takes place in an exclusive Mountain Resort where Dr. Natalie Marsh goes to spend some time reconnecting with her cousin Lily who works as a nurse in the Resort Infirmary. When the Owner dies and it seems to be Lily's fault things start going from bad to worse and the two get tangled up in some very dangerous situations when more people start dying. This is only the second book of Stephanie Black that I have read, but I can tell you she does not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to Romantic Suspense lovers. You will not be disappointed in this one.
November 22, 2019
This book excellently written and very gripping. It starts off with a bang and does not let go until the last page is reluctantly turned. The expert way this book is written, it simply pulls you in and does not let go. Poor Natalie! Wow, she has had it rough lately. :) As always, she is a fantastic character. I tried to figure out the plot as I read, then quickly gave up, because I honestly had no idea where the story would go. I love books like that. I love to be surprised and left in awe. To Die, To Sleep, definitely does that. The characters are intriguing and Ellsberg Keep is quite creepy itself.
February 20, 2020
This book was a little too dramatic for me.
March 1, 2020
I had high hopes for this one. I love an atmospheric story about being stranded in a remote location with a group of people. It started out really well and at about 25% in I would have given it at least ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Unfortunately, as the story continued it became long and drawn out without anything significant happening.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews