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Underground: A Novel
What would you risk to help a complete stranger?
After suffering for years in her thankless and stressful role working for a restaurant group in Illinois, Lindy Michaels finally catches a break when her husband, Hayden, receives a promotion that will allow her to quit her job. The only catch? It requires them to move to Oklahoma City.
After relocating, Lindy spends more and more of her newfound free time with her online group of true-crime enthusiasts and even makes a real-life friend from the group, who happens to live in Oklahoma.
The women quickly become close as they meet weekly to drink coffee and discuss their lives and the latest headlines. The peace is short-lived when they find themselves in the middle of their own true crime nightmare after a terrifying encounter connects them to the case of a local missing woman. Just how far will they go to find answers?
After suffering for years in her thankless and stressful role working for a restaurant group in Illinois, Lindy Michaels finally catches a break when her husband, Hayden, receives a promotion that will allow her to quit her job. The only catch? It requires them to move to Oklahoma City.
After relocating, Lindy spends more and more of her newfound free time with her online group of true-crime enthusiasts and even makes a real-life friend from the group, who happens to live in Oklahoma.
The women quickly become close as they meet weekly to drink coffee and discuss their lives and the latest headlines. The peace is short-lived when they find themselves in the middle of their own true crime nightmare after a terrifying encounter connects them to the case of a local missing woman. Just how far will they go to find answers?
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2021
80 people are currently reading
1119 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Hyde
10 books1,308 followersHi Everyone!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 17, 2021
This is the best book I've read in awhile!! I thought I had it all figured out but the reveal took me by surprise! I hope this is the first of many novels to come. Jamie, you are now one of my favorite authors!!
September 30, 2021
I once heard that JFK advised Frank Sinatra to leave politics out of his show. Reason? Because you will automatically loose half your audience otherwise!
It becomes apparent early on in this book that the narrator’s voice as well as the main character are left of center and hate all things to the right of center. This nearly had me giving up on reading this book, it surely was not for me, who is right of center. Wanting to be fair and open minded I pushed on.
The book is rather well written. The Author obviously is educated. As far as “who dun its” are concerned I had figured out the mystery very early on. This is not a deal breaker, I normally do have it figured early on, no matter the Author. This author’s hatred for all things on the Right, For God, Country, Men, Marriage, just made “cracking this case” way to easy, child’s play. The Author’s agenda, the message they wanted to spread was so predictable, that any grade school child could have predicted the ending of this book with In the first 50 pages.
Over all this book was a complete waste of my time to read. I am sure however that any liberal, democrat , people left of center would love it.
It becomes apparent early on in this book that the narrator’s voice as well as the main character are left of center and hate all things to the right of center. This nearly had me giving up on reading this book, it surely was not for me, who is right of center. Wanting to be fair and open minded I pushed on.
The book is rather well written. The Author obviously is educated. As far as “who dun its” are concerned I had figured out the mystery very early on. This is not a deal breaker, I normally do have it figured early on, no matter the Author. This author’s hatred for all things on the Right, For God, Country, Men, Marriage, just made “cracking this case” way to easy, child’s play. The Author’s agenda, the message they wanted to spread was so predictable, that any grade school child could have predicted the ending of this book with In the first 50 pages.
Over all this book was a complete waste of my time to read. I am sure however that any liberal, democrat , people left of center would love it.
June 2, 2021
This is the 1st review I’ve ever written, so it won’t be much. Underground deserves to be reviewed though! The characters are relatable even with the polarity of personalities between them all. The author’s descriptions of various scenes make you feel like you are actually in the pages. The plot twist at the end of the book... I am shooketh! Unbelievable. Generally you can anticipate certain aspects of a plot twist, but this twist had my jaw in my lap. Absolutely incredible new author! I’ve already found her on social media just to be notified when her next book is released. She’s made me commit to reading new, up-and-coming, self-published authors! 🙌🏽
April 27, 2021
So, I have never left a review on here, but I felt that this book definitely warranted one! I'm a huge fan of true crime and thriller novels, so Underground was the best of both worlds for me! Loved all of the twists and turns this novel had to offer. Definitely kept my attention and it was hard to put down. Can't wait to see what else Jamie has in store for us! #fireupchips
June 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook Review:
Underground by J.L. Hyde
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you on edge, Underground is an absolute must-listen!
📖 The Story: J.L. Hyde weaves a dark and gripping mystery around Lindy Michaels, a woman who finds solace in a true crime community—until she and her friend become entangled in a real-life disappearance. The tension builds masterfully, keeping you questioning who can be trusted.
🎧 The Narration: Jessica Renee Brown's performance is phenomenal—she delivers a voice that is both immersive and emotionally gripping. Her pacing is spot on, making every twist hit with full impact. She has risen to my top-tier narrators!
✨ Why It’s 5 Stars:
✅ Engaging Plot – A mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal.
✅ Atmospheric Storytelling – Hyde’s writing pulls you into Lindy's world completely.
✅ Top-Tier Narration – Ryan’s delivery enhances every chilling moment.
Underground is an unforgettable audiobook experience, blending psychological suspense with riveting narration. If you’re a fan of true crime vibes and gripping thrillers, this one is a must-add to your listening queue!
Audiobook Review:
Underground by J.L. Hyde
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you on edge, Underground is an absolute must-listen!
📖 The Story: J.L. Hyde weaves a dark and gripping mystery around Lindy Michaels, a woman who finds solace in a true crime community—until she and her friend become entangled in a real-life disappearance. The tension builds masterfully, keeping you questioning who can be trusted.
🎧 The Narration: Jessica Renee Brown's performance is phenomenal—she delivers a voice that is both immersive and emotionally gripping. Her pacing is spot on, making every twist hit with full impact. She has risen to my top-tier narrators!
✨ Why It’s 5 Stars:
✅ Engaging Plot – A mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal.
✅ Atmospheric Storytelling – Hyde’s writing pulls you into Lindy's world completely.
✅ Top-Tier Narration – Ryan’s delivery enhances every chilling moment.
Underground is an unforgettable audiobook experience, blending psychological suspense with riveting narration. If you’re a fan of true crime vibes and gripping thrillers, this one is a must-add to your listening queue!
September 6, 2021
Uh oh
This was a cute, but sophomoric who done it. It had good details, but was somewhat predictable. Even the ending seemed a little contrived. It might be a better fit for a novice mystery reader.
This was a cute, but sophomoric who done it. It had good details, but was somewhat predictable. Even the ending seemed a little contrived. It might be a better fit for a novice mystery reader.
September 10, 2021
Loved this locally set (Oklahoma City) thriller with landmarks that I have frequented many times. So refreshing to read a fun crime book that was fast and furious and still surprised me at the end.
Well done. JL Hyde! Cheers.
Well done. JL Hyde! Cheers.
January 25, 2023
Really enjoyed this! That last page was perfect!
September 15, 2023
def enjoyed. anticipated the ending fs but still a good read
April 18, 2021
hard to put down, and finished every chapter going, oh man oh man one more chapter..
5/5 Yoops and big you betcha!
5/5 Yoops and big you betcha!
July 11, 2021
Great debut novel! Loved how it all came together!!
May 30, 2021
Excellent read. I love a good twist and this book delivered. I 100% recommend!
July 27, 2021
3.5 - murder mystery fans falling into real life murder mystery was a fun premise
April 12, 2021
Started this book and couldn’t stop. It’s a quick page turner that I finished in one night. The author draws you in from the first few pages. Lindy is such a relatable character: a workaholic, a wife, and a loyal friend. The drama and suspense that develops around her keeps you entertained and wanting more. Highly suggest this book! A great and fast-paced novel!
May 11, 2021
It started a little slow but loved the twist at the end!
April 22, 2021
The "Underground" is a fantastic debut novel by JL Hyde! I found myself keeping my kids distracted with other things so that I could keep reading chapter after chapter (why do our kids always want to talk with us when we are reading something good but have selective hearing when we are trying to talk with them!?). The story is so intriguing that you will get hooked and not want to put the book down. I can't wait for more from the author! 👏👏👏
September 16, 2021
Good, but ...
Good book, but I knew who the killer was early on in the book. The author also brings in many left wing and God comments that I personally not appreciate.
Good book, but I knew who the killer was early on in the book. The author also brings in many left wing and God comments that I personally not appreciate.
September 1, 2025
Lindy and her husband Hayden decide to leave Chicago for a job opportunity for Hayden in Oklahoma. Lindy is part of an online group that is into true crime. She realizes another member Callie also lives in Oklahoma so they decide to meet up when she arrives. They seem to be adjusting well to their new home and Lindy and Callie have become fast friends but their love for true crime hits close to come when they get involved in a missing persons case.
This was a very short book under 200 pages but I feel like the beginning 75% was really slow and not a lot happened and the ending was rushed and needed more. It had potential but fell a little flat for me.
This was a very short book under 200 pages but I feel like the beginning 75% was really slow and not a lot happened and the ending was rushed and needed more. It had potential but fell a little flat for me.
January 24, 2022
The story and characters were built up strong. I had a hard time reading the book—-it just wasn’t keeping my attention. I also don’t care for endings to be rushed and this one seemed that way. The author spent the entire book leading up to the entire story being finished/concluded in 2-3 paragraphs (if I remember correctly). I felt like the very last paragraph was summed up entirely too quickly but liked the curveball that was thrown. I’d probably read a second book to the series to see how the author develops since this is her first book.
February 28, 2024
After reading four other books by this author I decided to read the first book she published. J.L. Hyde laughs when speaking of her first book on TikTok and all of the mistakes in the book. I personally thought it was a great story and am surprised she hasn’t wrote a sequel. I love a good mystery with a surprise twist at the end. J.L. Hyde accomplished that with this book, didn’t see the ending coming. I’m so glad I discovered J.L. Hyde as I enjoy her writing style. I look forward to reading all of her books in the future.
May 1, 2023
This was a fun mystery with a surprise ending! We follow a happily married couple moving to a new town, where the young wife befriends a Facebook friend in real life, the two women having true crime fascinations (Sounds like my kinda gals!) Soon, the friends become embroiled in a real-life mystery that hits closer to home than either could possibly imagine. This had a nice twist at the end and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this author's work!
July 28, 2025
Oh my goooodness!!! I flew through this one, as always with her books. They’re so stinking good! Proof that you don’t need to write a 350+ page story for it to be a page-turner and amazing.
Love the short chapters that kept me turning page after page.
This one left me wondering what would happen next when I wasn’t reading.
AND THAT ENDING! WHAAAT! I really thought I had it completely figured out like halfway through. Oh dang, was I wrong! And now I’m worried about Lindy 😩
Love the short chapters that kept me turning page after page.
This one left me wondering what would happen next when I wasn’t reading.
AND THAT ENDING! WHAAAT! I really thought I had it completely figured out like halfway through. Oh dang, was I wrong! And now I’m worried about Lindy 😩
September 9, 2025
3.74-4 ⭐️ this was a slow burn. Nothing of note really happens for the first ⅔ of the book. Your just getting to know the. Characters and OKC. That’s not a deal broker because when it really takes off it’s pretty non stop. I was able to figure out most of the who-dun-it. That wasn’t hard, but that last chapter was wild. All in all a good book. Kept me interested and wanting to have a quiet moment to read. Not bad for her first book, not as great as her others. I will continue to be a fan.
October 14, 2021
Was blown away by this first novel from J.L. Hyde. The characters are well written and relatable and the main character, Lindy, is a joy to follow along with. I enjoyed every second of reading this book and the ending was a nice surprise. I found myself wanting more at the end and enjoyed the easy, turn paging read.
April 12, 2023
What a fun + twisty read! As with all of JL Hyde's books, I devoured this one. I just love her writing style & how she keeps me on the edge of my seat until the very last word.
I lived in Oklahoma for 13ish years so several of the places & things felt familiar, but I fully thought The Underground was fictitious. It is now on my list of things to check it out next time I'm up that way!
5 stars.
I lived in Oklahoma for 13ish years so several of the places & things felt familiar, but I fully thought The Underground was fictitious. It is now on my list of things to check it out next time I'm up that way!
5 stars.
April 25, 2023
J. L. Hyde is one of the most twistiest and creative author I have ever read. I’ve read four of her books so far and all were 5 star reads. This story was a fast paced read and now that I know this author and what to expect, I was trying to think of the twist she was going to dish out and still the author got me. Never disappoints!
September 8, 2024
The beginning of this didn’t catch me as much as the authors other books…. But about halfway I was buckled in and invested. I somewhat figured out the end prior to the reveal but I found myself really connected to the main character and wanting to scream through my kindle screen at the final page. So all in all, 3 good ⭐️’s.
September 26, 2025
I’m not going to lie, when I started this book, I had low expectations. I wanted something short and I’ve read from this author before. I was sucked in so fast and in between picking up the book, I just kept thinking about it. I’m nearing the end of the book, still confused about what is about to happen, then BAM! I didn’t see it coming. Definitely recommend to a friend! 👍🏻👍🏻
January 9, 2026
J.L. Hyde’s debut novel is a gripping and fast paced thriller that explores the very thin line between being a true crime fan and becoming part of the crime. The author takes us on a thrill ride where you are absolutely sure you know who the bad guy is... then hard left and TWIST...think again! Every book by Hyde has been a true joy to read!
January 7, 2022
Such a great book, I was truly blown away. Bought the book because the author is also an awesome beer tender at my favorite brewery. I’m disappointed that I let it sit around my house so long, finished it in three days which is incredibly fast for me. Can’t wait to read her next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews