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Don't Look #1

Don't Look Behind You

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The truth is a deadly blade that cuts deep.

Megan Pritchard aches to find safety and security when she starts fresh in a new town. Yet the habits of a chilling past are hard to break.

Keep her head down.
Never tell them who she is.
When someone asks about her scar... lie.

For a brief flicker of time, she thought she was safe. That she could find ways to fit into that small town with secrets of its own. Then... the prickle down her spine returns.

Someone is watching and waiting—just like before. But this time they won’t settle for shallow cuts. Knives, and secrets, will be buried deep.

Don’t Look Behind You is a dark psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end. Fans of Karen McManus, Chelsea Ichaso, or Natasha Preston are sure to love Emily Kazmierski’s chilling masterpiece!

ebook

First published May 10, 2021

84 people are currently reading
305 people want to read

About the author

Emily lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and two daughters. When she's not in her book dragon form devouring books, she can be found in the kitchen making homemade ice cream or baking something delicious. In addition to reading and writing, Emily loves watching police procedurals, playing with makeup, and cuddling with her two long-haired dachshunds Nestlé and Kiefer.

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5 stars
58 (30%)
4 stars
63 (33%)
3 stars
42 (22%)
2 stars
14 (7%)
1 star
12 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,353 reviews52 followers
May 15, 2021
I will start off by saying that Don't Look Behind You is a thriller, so I don't want to give too many details during my review. It's really a book you need to experience, because I wouldn't want anyone not experience this action packed book all on their own. You need to know as little as possible.

Don't Look Behind You starts off with us not really knowing that much about what happened to our main character and I really appreciated that. Trying to put together the details as we slowly learn more added to this whole experience. Megan clearly needs protection from a serial killer on the loose, but we don't know what exactly happened. The author did a great job at keeping us in the dark, but also releasing information slowly as we went.


Besides slowly learning more about Megan's past I really enjoyed the side characters. The group of friends she gains is really heartwarming. They were really welcoming. Then you have the love interests. The "geeky" Noah and the theater loving Esau who can be pretty grumpy, but definitely has some appeal. I have to say I had some issues with the romance in this book for awhile, but after a certain aspect of the story was revealed it made so much more sense and I was hooked!


This book had me on the edge of my seat and suspecting everyone! I loved how I kept trying to put together the puzzle pieces, but was still so surprised by the ending. Emily Kazmierski did an amazing job with this story and I can't wait for the next book! She knows how to write a thriller!
884 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2021
This is the perfect title for this book…. and I might add, ‘don’t look behind you BUT be aware, always aware. Not everything is as it seems. This book is a mystery, it’s a thriller and definitely a suspense.

Just a couple pages into the book, I knew I was going to like it. I’m one that loves to pick up clues as I read, love to use those clues to guess the outcome before it unfolds. Well, in this book I guessed like always… but then I guessed and guessed and kept on guessing. That in itself kept me turning the pages. I wanted to figure this all out…. I needed to figure it out, but whoa, those plot twists made it hard.

Megan is on the run with her secrets. But can she really run away when those secrets are so much apart of her, of her fears, of her pain … and maybe her future?

So, not to give things away, but here’s a couple ‘clues’ I picked up on right away, in the first chapter. I’ll state them below, but you have to figure out where they belong and what role they play, if any.

… She has a bracelet with special meaning. Her parents would want her to wear it.

… Aunt Karen picks up a pair of new red scissors with tags still hanging so she can cut off a tag still attached to Megan’s blouse. Fear and pain can be sensed. Even Aunt Karen is afraid Meg will collapse if the scissors touch her skin.

… Megan winces when she sees a cheerleading picture on the school window

… And what about that scar marring her face?

As you keep reading you’ll keep finding what you think may be clues…. but are they really? How does all this fit? Eventually, it all becomes clear. But, I’ll bet it keeps you guessing. Enjoy putting the puzzles pieces together. I know I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
213 reviews
April 25, 2021
Disclaimer: I've received this book as ACR from the author
This was a great YA thriller! The suspense pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down. It had everything: delicious mystery, romance and unpredictable twists. At some point the suspense started getting flat, but the author quickly changed the pace. I removed a star because of wanting to have just little bit more personality to the side characters, but it doesn't take away the enjoyment. Cant wait to read more from Emily!
3 reviews
August 19, 2021
RUN don’t walk to your local bookstore and BUY THIS BOOK! If you want a thriller read with intricate clue trails and interesting characters then you gotta read this book. The book starts out purposely keeping the reader in the dark about our protagonist and her past. The way the author slowly reveals her secrets over the course of the book will keep you turning the page. Even the best detectives couldn’t see the ending twist. I’m going to re read it again to look for the clue trails and I just really enjoyed the writing and world building. Will be reading more from this author
Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
May 12, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
694 reviews41 followers
May 29, 2021
Thrilling, chilling, exciting, and so addictive. This was an amazing book filled with so much suspense I didn't want to stop reading. It really helped take me away from my real world problems and threw me into the spine tingling world the author has created. With twists and turns that chill you to the bone, you'll be up turning the pages all night.
33 reviews
April 11, 2021
Oh my word.
I need a few more books like this.
Really didn't expect the twist at the end. A really good read. Will definitely recommend this as a great read.
Loved the storyline and character ARCS.
Loved the flow of the story and the way it was written.
Well done Emily Kasmierski.
Profile Image for Megan Noe.
204 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2022
Holy… I don’t even know where to begin. This psychological thriller had me not wanting to put it down!! A page turner literally until the last word! It was intense and kept you guessing the entire time!! I can’t wait to dive into book 2!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
June 10, 2022
Such an intense dark psychological thriller. This grabbed me from the get go with it’s captivating and enthralling storyline. Full of mystery and intrigue it’s gripping and has me on the edge of my seat. So so good!
Profile Image for Liz.
14 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2023
This book hella confused me at the end. Let’s just say it was plot twist central.
Hoping there’s another book in the series, especially with how it ended.
This is also the first book in a while that actually freaked me out a bit…I’m impressed.
Profile Image for Caitie (caitiegirlreads).
171 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2022
It takes a lot to surprise me sometimes because I’m constantly guessing and trying to think ahead in suspense/mystery books. But man. That ending. Wow. Loved it.
15 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2021
I am a very big fan of mystery thrillers. The beginning was a bit confusing for me, but that's what makes a good thriller and afterwards I could quickly empathize with the story. It's about Megan, who moves to a small town with her aunt. Her parents died, but we don't find out what exactly happened until the end. She get used to the new school very quickly, but she hides many things about her past from her classmates and as a reader you can only guess which things are true. I really liked Megan as a character, because I think she was very true to herself and you could really feel with her. I cannot say too much of the plot, without spoiling the book for you. I really had to cheer and guess every minute. After the first 20% of the book I just couldn't put it down, I really needed to know what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. In addition to this tension, we can also read how two relationships with different guys develop. This leads to further tensions as to who she chooses or neither of the two. As history progresses, we learn more and more details and even look back at the past. The plot twist, which I love most about this type of books, is really very good and well thought out. I never expected how the book would end, even though I thought I already knew every plot twist. I recommend this book for readers who immerse themselves in an exciting story and want to guess with the help of the details. I really liked the book and I will definitely try another book from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madison Cruz.
57 reviews
April 22, 2024
I enjoyed it and was captivated enough, but gave it three stars because the way the ending plot twist played out confused me a bit. I liked the idea of them being twins and switching on and off the whole book and I guess most things got answered in the end, but I was confused about which parts throughout the story were which twin and the whole thing was just confusing for me. Maybe not executed the best or maybe it’s just me lol. I enjoyed it though and plan on reading the second one! There is just a lot of layers to this book especially with the ending being that the killer had a twin too and idk I just thought there was so much going on with so many twins and siblings that it confused me a bit. I liked it though!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beth.
93 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2021
A twisty, engaging thriller! Megan moves to a small town to live with her aunt after surviving a tragic attack that took her family. The killer is still at large, and is slowly approaching the town where she lives, living death in his wake. Megan struggles with the usual teenage anxieties of fitting in and joining the drama club, but with the added pressure of knowing that the killer is still hunting her. The book is full of characters acting suspiciously, creepy happenings, and many clues along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
165 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2021
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*

Let me start by saying that this is not my usual genre. However, the description sounded so good I had to give it a try!

I've noticed when I read these kinds of books, I'm always trying to figure out "who did it," and then re-guessing when my guess is wrong. Then, it ends up being a huge surprise at the end. This book is just like that.

Megan has moved to a small town with her aunt after a horrible attack on her family. She has to start over, but also keep secrets. On top of all of this, she has the usual teenage issues when starting a new school year in a new town.

Eventually, all of the pieces start to come together and you get a clearer picture. This was a great read and I look forward to more from Emily!
Profile Image for Caroline.
6 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2021
“Don’t Look Behind You” was excellent! I read quite a bit of mystery/thriller - both YA and adult - and *still* didn’t see this twist coming. The characters were so real and I was on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole book! Highly recommend reading this if you (or if you’re like me, your students) are always seeking thriller novels. I cannot wait to store a copy of this on my classroom bookshelves! (Oh, and it’s going to be a series and I ALREADY can’t wait for the next book!!)

*I received an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.*
Profile Image for c.reads.kc.
39 reviews
May 2, 2021
I received a complimentary ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Kazmierski’s Don’t Look Behind You is a gripping thriller told in first person. The secret of Megan’s relocation unfolds in the midst of a new school year. She knows she is being followed again, but the many guesses she makes seem to fall flat.

In small town California, Megan finds herself making unexpected friendships, falling in love, and learning how to live again after tragedy. Kazmierski thoughtfully portrays Megan’s struggle to be herself in a world where revealing her past presents immense danger. Don’t Look Behind You will suck you in and leave you waiting for more. I’m definitely hoping for a sequel.

Perfect for fans of Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, and Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces series.
Profile Image for (Sarah) Write Thing Johns.
37 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2021
I loved this book! I received an ARC and the story kept me guessing about what was really going on until the very end!

It’s obvious that Megan is involved in keeping a secret...but it’s not obvious what that secret is or why there seems to be someone who is after her.

I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to give anything away! You’ll just have to read it yourself.
421 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2021
This is a great story that keeps you guessing until the very end. I thought I had it figured out every other chapter only to find out I was wrong. I was wrong to the very end. I did not see the end coming at all. Wow I look forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christy .
504 reviews
April 30, 2021
I can honestly say that I didn't see that twist coming, which is kinda new for me. Usually I figure it out pretty quickly. This book kept me guessing, which I loved. It made it impossible to put down. In a way I wish there had been only one..... girlfriend to tall, dark and grumpy, and best friend to tall, dark and nerdy, but it was kinda cool too, that each got his own. I was, however, frustrated that the guys didn't show a little more understanding. It was the girls lives at stake, for goodness sake. All in all though, the characters, the plot, and the setting were spot on and made a completely enjoyable read. This is my introduction to this author. I will definitely be checking out her other books. I received this ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
73 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2021
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. And honestly, this book was fantastic. The twists, turns, romance and suspense make this a must read. This is one of the few mystery books that actually had me guessing what was going to happen until the very end! I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
Profile Image for Michelle Boyer.
39 reviews
April 18, 2021
Don’t Look Behind You was a really good book. Kazmierski has you looking at every character suspiciously right from the start and leaves you guessing until the very last page. I really didn’t see that end coming!
Profile Image for Mariana.
16 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2021
Megan is on the run from her agonizing past and hopes to find some peace and safety on a small town. She has to lie about her scar and hide her past. However, it seems like dangerous is always on the hunt and she soon finds out someone might be lurking in the shadows.

Don’t Look Behind You is one of the most thrilling and engaging books I’ve ever heard. It kept me on my toes throughout the whole book and the TWISTS. KEPT. COMING!! I loved the way the story was told and how you really don’t see the end coming. Every single questions is answered in the end. Or is it...?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2021
Megan’s life changes after she has to move in with her aunt, always looking over her shoulder. She has to go unnoticed in her new school but her love for photography and theater makes her capture the attention of several of her classmates.
But she still can’t help but feel watched at every step she takes, and her suspicions are confirmed when she starts receiving threatening notes.
Little by little, she will have to discard suspects, but as she does so, she find herself closer and closer to the terrible serial killer who ended the life of her family.
Unexpected twists awaits us at the end of the book, and throughout the book, the author manages to keep you in tension.
Very entertaining reading.
Profile Image for TheQDB.
281 reviews
May 10, 2021


Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 💋 only
Feels: 🤔🤫🙃😓😖😲

~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty:  Girl moves to a new town and tries to start a new life to escape her parents’ murderer, except everything is indicating that he may have found her.

I was hooked from the first chapter! Emily Kazmierski did a great job setting the reader up to feel all the angst of the storyline and while I did guess a few aspects of the story before they were revealed, the twists and turns along the way kept things interesting. Psych thrillers aren’t my normal genre and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading the book.

I did have a few small qualms with the story. The first that I found there to be a few parts at which I questioned the plot and felt there were a few holes. I also questioned the MC’s actions several times because they felt more like plot devices than genuine responses but then again, she’s a teen so...  The biggest issue I had was the feel of the ending. The author does a fantastic job building up the tension and the angst so I think I was expecting an explosive ending. I felt the pace and transitions of the book were really good, and I didn’t see the twist at the end coming but it was the delivery — I felt like that entire section needed a little more; more time to breathe and a little more oomph because the tension throughout the book was so high. Overall a good read and I’m excited to see what happens next; I’m just hoping the ending of the next book is explosive as opposed to just a sizzle. 

**I was graciously offered an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.**

~QD STORY DETAILS~
Shelves: YA thriller/mystery
Location: Near Santa Cruz, California
MC age range: Teen
Lead: Megan
Love interest(s):🤫
POV: 1st person
Tear jerker: No
HEA: No, mild cliffhanger


~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: 315
Publisher: Self published
Audible: No
Series: Yes - Don’t Look Series
1. Don’t Look Behind You - released 05/10/2021

~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: N/A - kissing only
Possible triggers: violence, harassment, PTSD, kidnapping, graphic mention of homicide

Profile Image for Kathryn.
19 reviews
May 17, 2022
Wow. This book was incredible. Megan has a terrifying secret, that you will never guess (and I’ll never tell). So many twists and turns. So much suspense. This is a book that you can’t put down. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
485 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2022
I don’t understand the higher ratings I see for this book. The characters are shallow as is the plot. There could have been much more details and character moments in this, because the idea is a good one. It’s just the execution that doesn’t work.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews342 followers
December 28, 2025
Hello, my lovely bookish friends! Grab your favorite cuppa and settle in, because today I'm chatting about a thriller that had me reading late into the night with all the lights on.

Emily Kazmierski's Don't Look Behind You dropped me right into Megan's world , a girl trying to build a normal life with her Aunty Karen in a quiet smalltown, living under a new name. But here's the twist that got my heart racing: Megan is the one who got away from the Mayday Killer, and he's not finished with her yet. Talk about unfinished business that'll keep you up at night!

The Mayday Killer is methodically working his way closer to Megan's new haven, leaving a trail of victims connected to her past. The Mirror Museum scene particularly gave me chills, there's something deeply unsettling about a killer who targets places meaningful to your family. As I read curled up on my sofa with a blanket, I found myself checking over my shoulder more than once.

Now, I'll be honest with you (as I always am in my little corner of the internet) I was initially puzzled about the whole recorder-at-school situation. It felt like an odd detail that didn't quite fit. But patience paid off! Near the end, everything clicks into place with a twist I genuinely didn't see coming. I do wish we'd gotten more time with that final interaction though it felt like dessert being whisked away just as I was savoring the first bite.

Watching Megan try to navigate normal teenage life while receiving ominous notes and messages that could only be from the Mayday Killer created this delicious tension throughout. The paranoia is palpable . is it her neighbor Justin? A teacher? That suspicious car circling the neighborhood? Kazmierski keeps you guessing, and I loved not knowing who to trust.

If you're a fan of Chelsea Ichaso, Megan Lally, Natasha Preston, or Michelle Leathers, you'll want to add Emily Kazmierski's "Don't Look" series to your TBR pile immediately. And here's a bonus that made this budget-conscious reader very happy , the series is available on Kindle Unlimited!

Don't Look Behind You delivers that heart-pounding YA thriller experience perfect for a cozy reading session that'll have you anything but relaxed. Just maybe read it during daylight hours.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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