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River Glen #2
The Gossip
From New York Times bestselling author Nancy Bush, a gripping page-turner that explores the dark side of popularity, when harmless high school gossip turns deadly...
Every word you whisper
In high school, rumors can make or destroy a reputation. A thoughtless nickname can turn each day into a living hell. Gossip is irresistible--and contagious. But sometimes, gossip can kill...
Every secret you share
Mackenzie Laughlin, formerly with Oregon's River Glen police department, has reluctantly agreed to investigate a local woman's disappearance. The case reconnects her with Jesse James Taft, a P.I. gifted at getting under Mac's skin. But when the body is found tangled in river weeds, Mac and Taft realize that the case has changed, from one missing woman to a hunt for a terrifying and relentless killer...
Could be your last
In his old school yearbooks, they were the pretty, popular ones, confident and callous. Back then, they held the power. But now, it's all his. He's been waiting to teach them the lessons they should have learned long ago: that gossip and popularity have a price, and it's time to pay...
Every word you whisper
In high school, rumors can make or destroy a reputation. A thoughtless nickname can turn each day into a living hell. Gossip is irresistible--and contagious. But sometimes, gossip can kill...
Every secret you share
Mackenzie Laughlin, formerly with Oregon's River Glen police department, has reluctantly agreed to investigate a local woman's disappearance. The case reconnects her with Jesse James Taft, a P.I. gifted at getting under Mac's skin. But when the body is found tangled in river weeds, Mac and Taft realize that the case has changed, from one missing woman to a hunt for a terrifying and relentless killer...
Could be your last
In his old school yearbooks, they were the pretty, popular ones, confident and callous. Back then, they held the power. But now, it's all his. He's been waiting to teach them the lessons they should have learned long ago: that gossip and popularity have a price, and it's time to pay...
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 29, 2021
339 people are currently reading
3203 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 108 reviews
May 17, 2021
Mac has quit her job as a cop because of sexual harassment from her boss, but can’t stay away fro trying to solve crimes. She teams up with Taft to try to figure out who’s behind all the crime in their town. This book dragged a good bit, and had sooo many characters that it was a little hard to follow.
October 3, 2022
A fast paced interesting psychological thriller made for an interesting read.
I would like to thank Kensington Books , Zebra and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank Kensington Books , Zebra and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
June 26, 2021
This story is fast paced with a lot going on. I didnt realize that it was the second book in a series. Emma is living in an assisted care home after the events of the first book, which I really want to read now. She is on the periphery of most of the main action of this story, which makes me want to learn her back story even more.
The main character in this mystery is Mackenzie 'Mac' Laughlin. A recently ex-cop, between jobs and between living situations trying g to figure out what she wants to do with her life now that her job didn't work out. An acquaintance, thinking Mac is still a cop, contacts her to find her missing friend. Though she isn't a cop anymore Mac decides to take on the job and it quickly becomes more complicated than she ever thought it would. It also ends up hitting closer to home than Mac could have ever anticipated.
I really hope that this series continues, because I would love to see where Mac goes from here. There is most definitely an opening for a next installment.
Thank you to Kensigton books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
The main character in this mystery is Mackenzie 'Mac' Laughlin. A recently ex-cop, between jobs and between living situations trying g to figure out what she wants to do with her life now that her job didn't work out. An acquaintance, thinking Mac is still a cop, contacts her to find her missing friend. Though she isn't a cop anymore Mac decides to take on the job and it quickly becomes more complicated than she ever thought it would. It also ends up hitting closer to home than Mac could have ever anticipated.
I really hope that this series continues, because I would love to see where Mac goes from here. There is most definitely an opening for a next installment.
Thank you to Kensigton books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
April 1, 2021
The plot was original and the characters were well thought out. I did find this book dragged in for me with not enough suspense. I also found it had way way to many characters and that took away from the story. It got hard to keep everyone straight. I didn’t like the bouncing all over of which character was telling which part of the story as there was also two simultaneous stories going on. This one was not my favourite
July 4, 2021
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
While this showed promise, there was something about it that kept it from ever really getting off the ground. I can't quite put my finger on what it was, but by halfway through the book I felt like I was just reading in circles and I ended up skimming the second half and feeling like I hadn't missed much. I didn't entirely hate it, but I definitely needed more somehow.
While this showed promise, there was something about it that kept it from ever really getting off the ground. I can't quite put my finger on what it was, but by halfway through the book I felt like I was just reading in circles and I ended up skimming the second half and feeling like I hadn't missed much. I didn't entirely hate it, but I definitely needed more somehow.
June 28, 2021
The Gossip by Nancy Bush
River Glen #2
Have you ever wondered if genetics, events, or some other elements determine the path a person takes? Why can one person be bullied and become a murderer and another a philanthropist and a third end up committing suicide? I did ponder that a bit as I read this book and even though I found out the “why” of what one person was up to…I didn’t feel what he chose to do could be justified by what he seemed to have experienced…at least in comparison to others. Anyway…
What I liked:
* Mac: a woman who left her profession for personal reasons and yet is not willing to give up on finding justice for others. A good sister, daughter and potentially a super sleuth.
* Taft: a PI who left policing as he did not fit the mold – he still wanted to seek justice so seeks truth through investigating privately.
* Emma: I knew and cared for people like her…people mentally alert but neurologically impaired. She could star in her own book and hope to see more of her in the future books of the series.
* Duchess: Emma’s canine companion, protector, and alarm system.
* Twink: very aware cat that had a special sense that some in the nursing home feared – hope she ends up okay.
* Emma’s and Mac’s families – they were supportive and good people…for the most part.
* The sleuthing and searching for answers and the path that Mac & Taft ended up following
* The way the information found lead to answers and tied up some cases.
* Getting to know the characters – had not read book one of the series and wonder if it would have given more backstory but was fine without having read the previous book.
* The potential for romance between Mac & Taft in the future.
* That the book ended without a cliffhanger but did set up for book three in the series.
What I didn’t like:
* The killer: a man who seemed more than a wee bit deranged and very into what he was doing if somewhat inept at times.
* Knowing that bullying does take place and can cause serious mental damage to those bullied.
* More than one characters in the story…but only those I was meant not to like.
* Not feeling that I really connected to the main characters…and that could be because I didn’t read book one?
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? I think so…
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
River Glen #2
Have you ever wondered if genetics, events, or some other elements determine the path a person takes? Why can one person be bullied and become a murderer and another a philanthropist and a third end up committing suicide? I did ponder that a bit as I read this book and even though I found out the “why” of what one person was up to…I didn’t feel what he chose to do could be justified by what he seemed to have experienced…at least in comparison to others. Anyway…
What I liked:
* Mac: a woman who left her profession for personal reasons and yet is not willing to give up on finding justice for others. A good sister, daughter and potentially a super sleuth.
* Taft: a PI who left policing as he did not fit the mold – he still wanted to seek justice so seeks truth through investigating privately.
* Emma: I knew and cared for people like her…people mentally alert but neurologically impaired. She could star in her own book and hope to see more of her in the future books of the series.
* Duchess: Emma’s canine companion, protector, and alarm system.
* Twink: very aware cat that had a special sense that some in the nursing home feared – hope she ends up okay.
* Emma’s and Mac’s families – they were supportive and good people…for the most part.
* The sleuthing and searching for answers and the path that Mac & Taft ended up following
* The way the information found lead to answers and tied up some cases.
* Getting to know the characters – had not read book one of the series and wonder if it would have given more backstory but was fine without having read the previous book.
* The potential for romance between Mac & Taft in the future.
* That the book ended without a cliffhanger but did set up for book three in the series.
What I didn’t like:
* The killer: a man who seemed more than a wee bit deranged and very into what he was doing if somewhat inept at times.
* Knowing that bullying does take place and can cause serious mental damage to those bullied.
* More than one characters in the story…but only those I was meant not to like.
* Not feeling that I really connected to the main characters…and that could be because I didn’t read book one?
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? I think so…
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
June 26, 2021
The Gossip – Nancy Bush
MacKenzie ‘Mac’ Laughlin is a former police officer, who left the small River Glenn police force due to her mother’s cancer diagnosis and the constant, unwanted, advances from her boss, the Police Chief. Still drifting along, trying to decide where she wants her life to go, she finds herself intrigued when an acquaintance, Bibi, asks for her assistance in locating a missing friend. Rayne has been missing for a week, and while she’s been trying to dodge a rent payment, this disappearance is uncharacteristic for her. Bibi knows that Rayne was secretively seeing someone, and suspects that Rayne’s ex, a bad boy named Seth, may be responsible.
While on an initial stakeout of Seth, Mac runs into Jesse James Taft, a local PI, who also appears to be watching Seth. When Mac asks questions, Taft is evasive, but the two exchange numbers, meet for an impromptu dinner, and soon enter a partnership of sorts to assist one another. Jesse is well into discovering a drug running operation, and Mac’s assistance is invaluable.
Meanwhile, the killer, identified as Chas, decides that Bibi too, has to go. Fearful of that Rayne might have revealed about him, he ambushes her in her garage, beating her severely, before devising a way to make it look accidental. As the investigation into the deaths of the two friends continues, Chas sets his sights on some other potential victims – one of whom is Mac…
The premise of this book is good – a beleaguered teen who grows up exacting revenge on his tormentors, and in the spur of the moment, a killer is born. I struggled with a lot of the introductions and dialogue as characters were introduced – it didn’t flow all that well for me and at times I had a bit of trouble following the story and which character went where – the assisted living versus the fitness place, etc. I very much enjoyed the characters of Mac and Jesse and hope to see them together in future endeavors as they are quite likeable.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from #Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit Netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!! (3)
MacKenzie ‘Mac’ Laughlin is a former police officer, who left the small River Glenn police force due to her mother’s cancer diagnosis and the constant, unwanted, advances from her boss, the Police Chief. Still drifting along, trying to decide where she wants her life to go, she finds herself intrigued when an acquaintance, Bibi, asks for her assistance in locating a missing friend. Rayne has been missing for a week, and while she’s been trying to dodge a rent payment, this disappearance is uncharacteristic for her. Bibi knows that Rayne was secretively seeing someone, and suspects that Rayne’s ex, a bad boy named Seth, may be responsible.
While on an initial stakeout of Seth, Mac runs into Jesse James Taft, a local PI, who also appears to be watching Seth. When Mac asks questions, Taft is evasive, but the two exchange numbers, meet for an impromptu dinner, and soon enter a partnership of sorts to assist one another. Jesse is well into discovering a drug running operation, and Mac’s assistance is invaluable.
Meanwhile, the killer, identified as Chas, decides that Bibi too, has to go. Fearful of that Rayne might have revealed about him, he ambushes her in her garage, beating her severely, before devising a way to make it look accidental. As the investigation into the deaths of the two friends continues, Chas sets his sights on some other potential victims – one of whom is Mac…
The premise of this book is good – a beleaguered teen who grows up exacting revenge on his tormentors, and in the spur of the moment, a killer is born. I struggled with a lot of the introductions and dialogue as characters were introduced – it didn’t flow all that well for me and at times I had a bit of trouble following the story and which character went where – the assisted living versus the fitness place, etc. I very much enjoyed the characters of Mac and Jesse and hope to see them together in future endeavors as they are quite likeable.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from #Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit Netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!! (3)
July 5, 2021
We all know the saying about sticks and stones, but the truth is, words can hurt you. And sometimes, they can come back to haunt you, as they do in this case, when a twisted killer decides it’s time to take revenge on the popular girls who slighted him in high school… twenty years later.
The story follows the points of view of several characters, including Emma, a woman with mental damage from a long-ago trauma who is resident in a nursing home with much older people due to her special needs, and Mackenzie, a cop who recently quit the force due to harassment from her boss, now taking occasional investigative work to help out friends. When she’s asked to look into the disappearance of Rayne, who later turns up dead in circumstances which don’t feel right, Mac runs into Taft, an actual PI surveilling Rayne’s ex for different reasons entirely. Their two investigations collide and they decide to work together.
I wasn’t keen on the way Taft tried to cut Mac out of things ‘to protect her’. I did like how she very firmly set him straight on the matter. And it was really interesting to see a character like Emma with a significant mental disability as a principal character with a major role to play. Emma’s acquired brain injury makes her extremely literal and her understanding often limited, but her kindness still shone through and the things she saw and heard - when others dismissed her as irrelevant - ended up being crucial.
This feels like it’s aiming to be a romantic suspense, but to be honest the romance between Mac and Taft felt a bit grafted on and I thought it could have been dropped entirely and the story just played as a straight mystery suspense. The book starting off with a scene from the point of view of a cat also threw me as I wondered for a couple of chapters if it was going to be a cozy mystery! It’s like the author wasn’t quite sure what genre the book was meant to be. Although a good read, I’m marking it down a star for this slightly mixed messaging.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
The story follows the points of view of several characters, including Emma, a woman with mental damage from a long-ago trauma who is resident in a nursing home with much older people due to her special needs, and Mackenzie, a cop who recently quit the force due to harassment from her boss, now taking occasional investigative work to help out friends. When she’s asked to look into the disappearance of Rayne, who later turns up dead in circumstances which don’t feel right, Mac runs into Taft, an actual PI surveilling Rayne’s ex for different reasons entirely. Their two investigations collide and they decide to work together.
I wasn’t keen on the way Taft tried to cut Mac out of things ‘to protect her’. I did like how she very firmly set him straight on the matter. And it was really interesting to see a character like Emma with a significant mental disability as a principal character with a major role to play. Emma’s acquired brain injury makes her extremely literal and her understanding often limited, but her kindness still shone through and the things she saw and heard - when others dismissed her as irrelevant - ended up being crucial.
This feels like it’s aiming to be a romantic suspense, but to be honest the romance between Mac and Taft felt a bit grafted on and I thought it could have been dropped entirely and the story just played as a straight mystery suspense. The book starting off with a scene from the point of view of a cat also threw me as I wondered for a couple of chapters if it was going to be a cozy mystery! It’s like the author wasn’t quite sure what genre the book was meant to be. Although a good read, I’m marking it down a star for this slightly mixed messaging.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
May 7, 2022
Several years ago I read Candy Apple Red and Ultraviolet by Nancy Bush and found them very entertaining. However, had not seen any lately until I spotted this one. Very disappointed. The story is fairly good, but not good enough for 400 pages. In fact, I finally gave up at page 218 and just read the final two chapters.
June 15, 2021
It was good, felt like some parts could have been cut out though as it dragged a little more towards the end of each chapter. Also there were a LOT of characters, a confusing level of characters so it took a good quarter of the book to sort through them.
April 19, 2025
3.5 stars.
I’ve read the first and fourth book in the River Glen series and generally I’ve enjoyed them. So I decided to check out this novel to learn more about Mac and Taft from book 4.
Mackenzie Laughlin used to be a part of the River Glen police department. However, after dealing with some gross harassment by the chief, she decides to strike out on her own. An acquaintance of hers asks her to look into the disappearance of her friend, Rayne. Initially, Mac is hesitant, but decides to pursue it. As she begins to learn more about Rayne, she realizes that the woman may be in grave danger. During this time, she ends up connecting with a fellow ex cop, Jesse Taft, who’s now a private investigator. They realize that Rayne is connected to a man that Taft has been surveilling, so they join forces to solve the mystery. The police are also now investigating the disappearance and end up finding a woman’s body out in the woods near Ridge Care Assisted Living. Is it Rayne’s? Just as this body is discovered, another woman is found dead at her home. The house had burned down, leaving very little behind. Is it an accident or was it foul play? Will Mac and Taft be able to figure out what happened to Rayne? Is there a serial killer on the loose?
There are many mysteries at play throughout the tale. Ultimately, they do connect, but it takes time to wade through the various characters to get there. The story is told between a few different POVs. I enjoyed Mac and Taft as characters and think they make a good team. It was interesting to see how their relationship started, given that I have read a later book in the series. Another POV in the story is Emma, who was in the first book. She resides at the assisted living. Now, it may seem random, but there are threads that connect this back to the main mystery of Rayne. The killer is revealed pretty early on, which I had mixed feelings about. I found him to be a misogynistic and delusional man. I’m sympathetic to his past of bullying, but his solution for dealing with it is not something I support. His POV was difficult to read, but interesting to read from the mind of the killer. There were parts of the novel that dragged and seemed like filler that could’ve been edited down. The mysteries did intrigue me, but the way it was executed wasn’t as good as the previous books in this series. I do like Nancy Bush’s writing, so that made up for some of the flaws. In order to enjoy this book, reading the other novels in the series is recommended. There are so many characters that having the backstory on them will be easier to understand what’s happening and their purpose for being there. I definitely intend to check out the third book at some point.
I’ve read the first and fourth book in the River Glen series and generally I’ve enjoyed them. So I decided to check out this novel to learn more about Mac and Taft from book 4.
Mackenzie Laughlin used to be a part of the River Glen police department. However, after dealing with some gross harassment by the chief, she decides to strike out on her own. An acquaintance of hers asks her to look into the disappearance of her friend, Rayne. Initially, Mac is hesitant, but decides to pursue it. As she begins to learn more about Rayne, she realizes that the woman may be in grave danger. During this time, she ends up connecting with a fellow ex cop, Jesse Taft, who’s now a private investigator. They realize that Rayne is connected to a man that Taft has been surveilling, so they join forces to solve the mystery. The police are also now investigating the disappearance and end up finding a woman’s body out in the woods near Ridge Care Assisted Living. Is it Rayne’s? Just as this body is discovered, another woman is found dead at her home. The house had burned down, leaving very little behind. Is it an accident or was it foul play? Will Mac and Taft be able to figure out what happened to Rayne? Is there a serial killer on the loose?
There are many mysteries at play throughout the tale. Ultimately, they do connect, but it takes time to wade through the various characters to get there. The story is told between a few different POVs. I enjoyed Mac and Taft as characters and think they make a good team. It was interesting to see how their relationship started, given that I have read a later book in the series. Another POV in the story is Emma, who was in the first book. She resides at the assisted living. Now, it may seem random, but there are threads that connect this back to the main mystery of Rayne. The killer is revealed pretty early on, which I had mixed feelings about. I found him to be a misogynistic and delusional man. I’m sympathetic to his past of bullying, but his solution for dealing with it is not something I support. His POV was difficult to read, but interesting to read from the mind of the killer. There were parts of the novel that dragged and seemed like filler that could’ve been edited down. The mysteries did intrigue me, but the way it was executed wasn’t as good as the previous books in this series. I do like Nancy Bush’s writing, so that made up for some of the flaws. In order to enjoy this book, reading the other novels in the series is recommended. There are so many characters that having the backstory on them will be easier to understand what’s happening and their purpose for being there. I definitely intend to check out the third book at some point.
June 24, 2021
Mackenzie Laughlin isn't quite sure what to do with herself once she leaves the River Glen police force. When she is approached to help find Rayne, a local woman who has disappeared, Mac decides to take on the case. In the course of the case, Mac comes across Private Investigator, Jesse James Taft, who has a case that may be connected to Rayne. The situation takes a deadly turn when Rayne is found dead. They aren’t sure if it was an awful accident or something more sinister. As they investigate, they come across information that could make a killer come out of hiding.
The Gossip by Nancy Bush is a suspenseful thriller with characters that stand out. Mac is a strong woman and Taft is a great match for her. The Gossip is the second book in the River Glen series. I did not realize that when I requested this book and I did feel as though I was missing character development. I would def recommend reading these books in order. With that side, I really enjoyed this story and the way it kept me hooked throughout. The atmosphere is thick and almost felt like another character. Nancy Bush has created a world that I would love to visit again (after I read the first book.)
The Gossip by Nancy Bush is a suspenseful thriller with characters that stand out. Mac is a strong woman and Taft is a great match for her. The Gossip is the second book in the River Glen series. I did not realize that when I requested this book and I did feel as though I was missing character development. I would def recommend reading these books in order. With that side, I really enjoyed this story and the way it kept me hooked throughout. The atmosphere is thick and almost felt like another character. Nancy Bush has created a world that I would love to visit again (after I read the first book.)
February 26, 2023
Good book. Kept my interest from beginning to end. New author for me. Will read more by her. Only negative is i prefer a book that holds the name of the villain more towards the end rather than early in the book. More suspense that way.
June 17, 2021
The Gossip by Nancy Bush is the second in the River Glen series with Mackenzie Laughlin. Mac, as she is known, left her job at the River Glen Police Department after too many advances made by her supervisor, Bennihof. Mac has been requested to look into the disappearance of Rayne Sealy by her friend Bibi, who is concerned that Rayne's ex-boyfriend, Seth, may know what has happened. While Mac is on a stakeout to watch Seth and try to gain answers, someone opens her passenger side door. Jesse James Taft is a former River Glen detective now a PI. He demands to know who she is watching and why. They decide to team up to get answers about Seth for varied reasons.
Honestly, I just couldn't stay interested in this combination of characters. It took four attempts for me to finish this book. The story just lacked enough to keep my interest. I just wanted to finish the book and move on. Sorry! I have enjoyed other books by Nancy Bush, so I don't know why this one seemed so shallow.
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, The author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Honestly, I just couldn't stay interested in this combination of characters. It took four attempts for me to finish this book. The story just lacked enough to keep my interest. I just wanted to finish the book and move on. Sorry! I have enjoyed other books by Nancy Bush, so I don't know why this one seemed so shallow.
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, The author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
March 10, 2022
This is my first book by this author and although this is the second book in this series, it can be read as a standalone. Thankfully, that works for me because I seem to keep finding books out of order in a series lately 😂😂
So initially, this one started out really well, but then began to drag as character after character after character was introduced. At times, I did tend to get a little confused because I felt like it was jumping around between the characters too often and without any connectors. It was seriously a lot to keep in check.
I also felt like the chapters dragged and could have been culled a bit. That definitely took away from the flow and the suspense for me. I did enjoy Mackenzie and Taft. I think they had a good rapport going and worked well together.
I definitely enjoyed this one enough that I will go back and grab The Babysitter, which is the first book in this series. I sincerely appreciate Kensington Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
So initially, this one started out really well, but then began to drag as character after character after character was introduced. At times, I did tend to get a little confused because I felt like it was jumping around between the characters too often and without any connectors. It was seriously a lot to keep in check.
I also felt like the chapters dragged and could have been culled a bit. That definitely took away from the flow and the suspense for me. I did enjoy Mackenzie and Taft. I think they had a good rapport going and worked well together.
I definitely enjoyed this one enough that I will go back and grab The Babysitter, which is the first book in this series. I sincerely appreciate Kensington Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
June 13, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Gossip by Nancy Bush that I read and reviewed.
This book was just okay for me. There was just too much going on and way too many characters in this book to try to keep straight it got confusing at some points with two separate storylines that seemed to be going on at the same time. I guess I wish Bush would have focused on one story and not thrown in a second one, for me it was just too messy and really had no real finish or setup for a second book it was just a loose end.
I am only able to give The Gossip three out of five stars.
This book was just okay for me. There was just too much going on and way too many characters in this book to try to keep straight it got confusing at some points with two separate storylines that seemed to be going on at the same time. I guess I wish Bush would have focused on one story and not thrown in a second one, for me it was just too messy and really had no real finish or setup for a second book it was just a loose end.
I am only able to give The Gossip three out of five stars.
September 21, 2021
READING DIARY
The book ended in one of those tidy endings that felt rushed despite plenty of time to not rush it. Thad was found out . He kidnapped Mac and of course stripped her naked. He tried to kill his mom but she ended up killing him. Emma came to see thad's grandmother who slept through the whole deal. Seth was a drug dealer who also died. Mac and Taft ended up together. Her stepsister was the last of the three mean girls on Thad/Chas' murder list.
The book ended in one of those tidy endings that felt rushed despite plenty of time to not rush it. Thad was found out . He kidnapped Mac and of course stripped her naked. He tried to kill his mom but she ended up killing him. Emma came to see thad's grandmother who slept through the whole deal. Seth was a drug dealer who also died. Mac and Taft ended up together. Her stepsister was the last of the three mean girls on Thad/Chas' murder list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
Second in a series, which I did not realize, but fine as a stand alone to read. Lots of characters and a couple different storylines going on, the main one being the psychopath Chas/Thad seeking revenge on girls from his past teasing and making fun of him. This book should be a warning for all those bullies in school...don’t do it...people don’t forget how they were treated. A decent read. Will go back and read The Babysitter, which is the lead in to this one.
June 10, 2021
The Gossip while presenting an interesting storyline did not reach its full potential. The story for the most part was slow paced with a few too many characters to keep straight. The last few chapters however moved very quickly and seemed rushed as they tied up the essentials and concluded with answers for the reader. 3 stars
August 24, 2021
This book should be a testament to all those Individuals who make fun or gossip about others.
I gave this book a 3 1/2 star rating because it took too much time setting the scene. You had to read 350 pages to set the scene and then only a line or to that was devoted to wrap up all the action in 65 pages. It leaves you hanging.
I gave this book a 3 1/2 star rating because it took too much time setting the scene. You had to read 350 pages to set the scene and then only a line or to that was devoted to wrap up all the action in 65 pages. It leaves you hanging.
June 26, 2022
Too long, too much, too boring! Just awful!
June 4, 2022
In Nancy Bush’s The Gossip, the 2nd installment in the River Glen romantic suspense series, this romantic suspense will have you at the edge of your seat. For former cop Mackenzie Laughlin, it all started for her when she was assigned to look for Rayne Sealy, who had been reportedly missing by her best friend Bibi. While she looked into her disappearance, she looked for clues in her life from her family and friends. Back at the Ridge Point Assisted Living facility, she’s been the latest gossip among the ladies including Emma Whelon, who might have a piece of the puzzle. But when her body was founds in the river weeds, she knew something sinister happened to her. And that’s when she hooked up with Jesse James Taft, a PI who’s working on a different angle on the same case with the same suspect in mind. While they worked together, someone lurked int he distance, keeping an eye on the investigation and the players involved with a watchful eye. He hated the pretty mean girls who made fun of him in high school. And now it was his time to pay them back with karma. During the investigation, they begin to connect the dots and piece the puzzle together while they’ve gotten underneath each other’s skin. When they’ve thought they had the right suspect to help out the RGPD, they guessed wrong when it hit come to home for Mackenzie as she fought for her life to bring him down in the end.
This twisted romantic suspense will send you goosebumps and take you on a wild ride. I cared for Mackenzie who wanted her job back at the police force and climb the ladder her own way. A woman on a mission, she cared for her mother and step-sister while she needed to find a place of her own. As for Taft, I’ve found him charming and amusing as a PI, and how he cared for her and Carnoff’s two pugs. They do make a helluva team and have great chemistry with each other. The dual locations of River Glen and Laurelton Oregon painted a vivid picture to the scene. The theme of the story is if you don’t have nothing nice to say, they don’t say it at all since what goes around comes around.
This spine-tingling romantic suspense has all the right ingredients splashed together for a recipe of a great read this summer. I did find one thing to nitpick on since most spots were repetitive in nature in some scenes. I rated this book, four out of five stars because of some dragged spots. If you love romantic suspense with spine-tingling suspense, a splash of romantic drama, and tons of non-stop breath-taking action, The Gossip is the one for you. This book is recommended for readers who love Lisa Jackson, Karen Rose, and other romantic suspense novels that make you want to read more.
This twisted romantic suspense will send you goosebumps and take you on a wild ride. I cared for Mackenzie who wanted her job back at the police force and climb the ladder her own way. A woman on a mission, she cared for her mother and step-sister while she needed to find a place of her own. As for Taft, I’ve found him charming and amusing as a PI, and how he cared for her and Carnoff’s two pugs. They do make a helluva team and have great chemistry with each other. The dual locations of River Glen and Laurelton Oregon painted a vivid picture to the scene. The theme of the story is if you don’t have nothing nice to say, they don’t say it at all since what goes around comes around.
This spine-tingling romantic suspense has all the right ingredients splashed together for a recipe of a great read this summer. I did find one thing to nitpick on since most spots were repetitive in nature in some scenes. I rated this book, four out of five stars because of some dragged spots. If you love romantic suspense with spine-tingling suspense, a splash of romantic drama, and tons of non-stop breath-taking action, The Gossip is the one for you. This book is recommended for readers who love Lisa Jackson, Karen Rose, and other romantic suspense novels that make you want to read more.
August 8, 2021
𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧: Nancy Bush knows how to write an intense suspense novel and it shows through her work! The Gossip is one of a kind and I enjoyed it immensely.
I used to read suspense novels like this one all the time before I got into other genres and these ones fell to the wayside. Thankfully, Nancy Bush has reignited my love for the genre through the River Glen series. This is the second book and while it CAN stand alone, I personally recommend reading the books in order because there are characters in this one that come from the first book. While they are secondary, they do play an integral part in both books, so I think you’d get a better reading experience if you read them in order. That being said, I enjoyed this one immensely. It’s a little darker as the plot does deal with perverse sexual desire from the killer (readers be warned of this if you don’t like that kind of thing!) but its extremely well written, intriguing, and suspenseful; everything it should be!
The one thing that holds me back from giving these one a solid five stars is that the book revolves around revenge because the killer was picked on (and gossiped about) when in middle school. That doesn’t sound like a problem, right? Well, it’s not. However, I think the gossip and the revenge wasn’t as prominent as the secondary mystery going on within the story (a big drug bust). I wish the author focused solely on this killer and the revenge he was seeking rather than adding in another layer of suspense that had nothing to do with the main focus of the story. Had this occurred, the book would have been shorter too which is something many readers like! Me, I prefer a book with 350 pages and under.
All that aside, this is another great addition to the series, and I hope Nancy continues to write more because I’m seriously addicted! I highly recommend this one and the first book in the series which is titled The Babysitter!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Suspense and romantic suspense (heavier on the suspense than the romance)
• Suspenseful novels about revenge
• Authors like Lisa Jackson, Karen Harper, and Wendy Corsi Staub
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I used to read suspense novels like this one all the time before I got into other genres and these ones fell to the wayside. Thankfully, Nancy Bush has reignited my love for the genre through the River Glen series. This is the second book and while it CAN stand alone, I personally recommend reading the books in order because there are characters in this one that come from the first book. While they are secondary, they do play an integral part in both books, so I think you’d get a better reading experience if you read them in order. That being said, I enjoyed this one immensely. It’s a little darker as the plot does deal with perverse sexual desire from the killer (readers be warned of this if you don’t like that kind of thing!) but its extremely well written, intriguing, and suspenseful; everything it should be!
The one thing that holds me back from giving these one a solid five stars is that the book revolves around revenge because the killer was picked on (and gossiped about) when in middle school. That doesn’t sound like a problem, right? Well, it’s not. However, I think the gossip and the revenge wasn’t as prominent as the secondary mystery going on within the story (a big drug bust). I wish the author focused solely on this killer and the revenge he was seeking rather than adding in another layer of suspense that had nothing to do with the main focus of the story. Had this occurred, the book would have been shorter too which is something many readers like! Me, I prefer a book with 350 pages and under.
All that aside, this is another great addition to the series, and I hope Nancy continues to write more because I’m seriously addicted! I highly recommend this one and the first book in the series which is titled The Babysitter!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Suspense and romantic suspense (heavier on the suspense than the romance)
• Suspenseful novels about revenge
• Authors like Lisa Jackson, Karen Harper, and Wendy Corsi Staub
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 22, 2024
In high school, rumors have the power to make or break someone’s reputation. A careless nickname can make life unbearable, and gossip spreads like wildfire—an indulgence that’s just as addictive as hard drugs. But occasionally, rumors can be deadly…
Mackenzie Laughlin, once part of the River Glen, Oregon police force, hesitantly takes on the case of a local woman’s disappearance. This investigation brings her back in contact with Jesse James Taft, a talented private investigator who has a knack for getting under her skin. However, when the woman’s body is discovered in a river, Mac and Taft both have a gut instinct that there is more to the “accident.” What began as a missing persons case has now turned into a race to stop a formidable and ruthless killer.
Even though new characters are introduced in this second installment of the River Glen series, characters from the prequel make a reappearance as well: Jamie & Emma Whelan, Harley (Jamie’s daughter), and Detective Cooper Haynes (now Jamie’s boyfriend).
The mystery is quite the departure from the prequel as you, the reader, know who the killer is. So it’s more thriller than it is mystery. Despite the departure, it adds a new element to the series of illustrating the disturbing mind of the killer. Additionally, Bush utilizes dramatic irony—a literary device seldom used in mysteries/thrillers, which is when the audience knows something the characters do not. Also, if you like romance, some of that continues in this book as well.
As one can tell from the title, the book’s motif is gossip, and it does a good job of reminding me how much I hate it when people gossip. As the gossipers are killed off, they should never be blamed, but it does reinforce how much actual damage our words can cause others, and why we shouldn’t say anything if we have nothing nice to say.
Mackenzie Laughlin, once part of the River Glen, Oregon police force, hesitantly takes on the case of a local woman’s disappearance. This investigation brings her back in contact with Jesse James Taft, a talented private investigator who has a knack for getting under her skin. However, when the woman’s body is discovered in a river, Mac and Taft both have a gut instinct that there is more to the “accident.” What began as a missing persons case has now turned into a race to stop a formidable and ruthless killer.
Even though new characters are introduced in this second installment of the River Glen series, characters from the prequel make a reappearance as well: Jamie & Emma Whelan, Harley (Jamie’s daughter), and Detective Cooper Haynes (now Jamie’s boyfriend).
The mystery is quite the departure from the prequel as you, the reader, know who the killer is. So it’s more thriller than it is mystery. Despite the departure, it adds a new element to the series of illustrating the disturbing mind of the killer. Additionally, Bush utilizes dramatic irony—a literary device seldom used in mysteries/thrillers, which is when the audience knows something the characters do not. Also, if you like romance, some of that continues in this book as well.
As one can tell from the title, the book’s motif is gossip, and it does a good job of reminding me how much I hate it when people gossip. As the gossipers are killed off, they should never be blamed, but it does reinforce how much actual damage our words can cause others, and why we shouldn’t say anything if we have nothing nice to say.
July 4, 2021
First things first: This is the second book in the River Glen series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
When a local woman is found at the base of a popular overlook, the police assume it was an accident, but after a friend asks ex-cop Mackenzie “Mac” Laughlin to look into it, she begins to think it could be much more than that. Her investigation runs into the investigations of local P.I. Jesse Taft, himself a former cop, and the pair begin to look into a series of suspicious deaths and activities surrounding a group of people in the small community.
There was a lot going on in this book, but I really enjoyed it. The pieces all seemed to work together to create a really good story that drew me into the River Glen community. I was really sucked into the story from the very beginning. There were a couple of nice twists in there, but overall the story flowed smoothly, and I just enjoyed reading it. It was. Nice, quick long weekend read.
The characters were really great as well. Mac was great, and I really felt connected to her and was rooting for her. Her stepsister, Stephanie was also a great supporting character. There was also a second family unit with Emma, Harley, Jamie, etc. and they were great as well. I hope to see more of all of them in future River Glen books.
Also, several animals make up the supporting cast of this book and I loved that. They were some of my favorite characters, lol! I loved to see it!
Nancy Bush remains one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, I encourage anyone interested in the genre to check her out!
When a local woman is found at the base of a popular overlook, the police assume it was an accident, but after a friend asks ex-cop Mackenzie “Mac” Laughlin to look into it, she begins to think it could be much more than that. Her investigation runs into the investigations of local P.I. Jesse Taft, himself a former cop, and the pair begin to look into a series of suspicious deaths and activities surrounding a group of people in the small community.
There was a lot going on in this book, but I really enjoyed it. The pieces all seemed to work together to create a really good story that drew me into the River Glen community. I was really sucked into the story from the very beginning. There were a couple of nice twists in there, but overall the story flowed smoothly, and I just enjoyed reading it. It was. Nice, quick long weekend read.
The characters were really great as well. Mac was great, and I really felt connected to her and was rooting for her. Her stepsister, Stephanie was also a great supporting character. There was also a second family unit with Emma, Harley, Jamie, etc. and they were great as well. I hope to see more of all of them in future River Glen books.
Also, several animals make up the supporting cast of this book and I loved that. They were some of my favorite characters, lol! I loved to see it!
Nancy Bush remains one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, I encourage anyone interested in the genre to check her out!
July 14, 2021
A lot of characters and a twisting plot
Hm. I’ve read both books in this small series. While I liked this story and am amazed at the way some authors can weave a story (as this author does), I was a bit put off by some things. First, what in the H does “spread his hands” mean? This phrase was used at least eight times in this book. Many, many people “spread their hands” as they spoke. There has GOT to be a better way to explain whatever this means in its context. Same with “chewing his lip” also used at least eight times (thanks, Kindle, for your search option). Did some writers workshop somewhere tell writers this was a great description? It’s not. I’ve read that line about “chewing his lips” in other books by other authors. It just seems lazy, overused and lame. Lastly, the overuse of pretentious language. Words like “bonhomie” “recalcitrant” and “unprepossessing” just don’t fit and stand out like a smack.
Was the story well written and good? Yes. But the things above landed like flicks to the nose and annoyed me as I read. I read A LOT of these type books, so I may sound nitpicky. I read a lot but only leave reviews when I need to vent, good or bad, about the book. I just couldn’t let the above go unmentioned.
Hm. I’ve read both books in this small series. While I liked this story and am amazed at the way some authors can weave a story (as this author does), I was a bit put off by some things. First, what in the H does “spread his hands” mean? This phrase was used at least eight times in this book. Many, many people “spread their hands” as they spoke. There has GOT to be a better way to explain whatever this means in its context. Same with “chewing his lip” also used at least eight times (thanks, Kindle, for your search option). Did some writers workshop somewhere tell writers this was a great description? It’s not. I’ve read that line about “chewing his lips” in other books by other authors. It just seems lazy, overused and lame. Lastly, the overuse of pretentious language. Words like “bonhomie” “recalcitrant” and “unprepossessing” just don’t fit and stand out like a smack.
Was the story well written and good? Yes. But the things above landed like flicks to the nose and annoyed me as I read. I read A LOT of these type books, so I may sound nitpicky. I read a lot but only leave reviews when I need to vent, good or bad, about the book. I just couldn’t let the above go unmentioned.
October 22, 2021
Mackenzie (Mac) Laughlin has been asked to look into the death of Rayne Sealy. Police ruled her death as an accident as it looked like she fell from the cliff while taking a selfie. But where is her phone? Her friend Bibi doesn’t agree with police finding and thinks Rayne was murdered. When Mac starts following Rayne’s suspected boyfriend Seth Keppler, she gets a visit from Jesse James Taft, a freelance private investigator who is investigating Seth on another matter. They combine notes and decide to work together. Taft’s angle is drug-related and Seth’s activity as a dealer. Then Bibi is killed and it’s no accident. Mac knows there’s a link to Rayne’s death but what is it?
Gossip centers around the inhabitants of the senior care center that is close to the trail leading up to the cliff where Rayne supposedly fell from. Rayne had worked at the center but most of the women gossiped about her and her loose ways where she had been seen kissing the grandson of one of the women.
There were several parts of the book that were slow. Overall, it was not as good as other books by Ms. Bush.
Gossip centers around the inhabitants of the senior care center that is close to the trail leading up to the cliff where Rayne supposedly fell from. Rayne had worked at the center but most of the women gossiped about her and her loose ways where she had been seen kissing the grandson of one of the women.
There were several parts of the book that were slow. Overall, it was not as good as other books by Ms. Bush.
June 23, 2021
Who would want to kill a young woman? Rayne can’t believe how lucky she is to have met Chas he is everything that she has ever wanted. But Chas has decided that it is time for her to go he has had fun with her but he needs to carry on with his plan.
Mackenzie knows that she shouldn’t get involved in looking for a missing woman but she was asked and she has some spare time. She still misses being a cop but she had no choice but to move on with her life. She knows that she shouldn’t get involved with Taft but she needs his help and he is so easy on the eye.
When her client is found murdered Mac knows that there is more to play here she just needs to find out the truth.
Will Mac & Taft be able to find the answers that they are both looking for?
A good read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Mackenzie knows that she shouldn’t get involved in looking for a missing woman but she was asked and she has some spare time. She still misses being a cop but she had no choice but to move on with her life. She knows that she shouldn’t get involved with Taft but she needs his help and he is so easy on the eye.
When her client is found murdered Mac knows that there is more to play here she just needs to find out the truth.
Will Mac & Taft be able to find the answers that they are both looking for?
A good read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2024
Thank you to Kensington and BTC for a copy of The Gossip that was part of a book prize package. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
Nancy Bush always writes a twisty/turny thriller mystery that is such a great read. I also really like how the killer is part of the story and is revealed early on and adds his or her voice to the story as much as other characters. Sometimes, I find the killer the most fascinating character in the book and I did with The Gossip.
Mac is an ex-cop who is trying to sort out her life and agrees to investigate a woman's death for an old friend. That leads to her meeting up with Taft again - and working for him to solve the many deaths that are all connected.
Such a great crime story. I'm looking forward to reading book one of this series and other books in the series as well.
Nancy Bush always writes a twisty/turny thriller mystery that is such a great read. I also really like how the killer is part of the story and is revealed early on and adds his or her voice to the story as much as other characters. Sometimes, I find the killer the most fascinating character in the book and I did with The Gossip.
Mac is an ex-cop who is trying to sort out her life and agrees to investigate a woman's death for an old friend. That leads to her meeting up with Taft again - and working for him to solve the many deaths that are all connected.
Such a great crime story. I'm looking forward to reading book one of this series and other books in the series as well.
June 5, 2025
I could not finish it. It really doesn't deserve one star, but I had to rate it to review it.
SO much bad language and predictable plot. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I don't think I missed much except what happened to Emma that caused the traumatic brain injury that has her living in basically an old folks home. But we spend way too much time inside the killer's head, which frequent references to his cock, aka dick, and accounts of his sexual activity and then masturbation when he remembers past killings and considers future ones. We know he's going to try to rape and kill our former cop heroine and we're sure he won't succeed but the description will be horrific. Life is too short for me to continue with this.
SO much bad language and predictable plot. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I don't think I missed much except what happened to Emma that caused the traumatic brain injury that has her living in basically an old folks home. But we spend way too much time inside the killer's head, which frequent references to his cock, aka dick, and accounts of his sexual activity and then masturbation when he remembers past killings and considers future ones. We know he's going to try to rape and kill our former cop heroine and we're sure he won't succeed but the description will be horrific. Life is too short for me to continue with this.
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