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Over Her Dead Body
An inheritance that comes with a warning.
Ashley Brooks’s life isn’t working out as planned. After years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, she’s still waiting for her big break. When fate leads her to the doorstep of legendary casting director Louisa Lake George, Ashley thinks her luck is about to change: the prickly old pro knows about a role she’s perfect for. The aspiring actress never gets to thank her, though, because the day after the audition, Louisa is dead. The bigger shock—she left all her money to Ashley.
Louisa’s grown children arrive stunned and ready to fight. Her nephew tries to play peacemaker, while Ashley grapples with why Louisa would leave her fortune to a stranger—and whether she should keep it. But Ashley quickly discovers everyone, including the dead woman, is hiding something, and it’s a race to get to the truth before someone else winds up dead.
Ashley Brooks’s life isn’t working out as planned. After years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, she’s still waiting for her big break. When fate leads her to the doorstep of legendary casting director Louisa Lake George, Ashley thinks her luck is about to change: the prickly old pro knows about a role she’s perfect for. The aspiring actress never gets to thank her, though, because the day after the audition, Louisa is dead. The bigger shock—she left all her money to Ashley.
Louisa’s grown children arrive stunned and ready to fight. Her nephew tries to play peacemaker, while Ashley grapples with why Louisa would leave her fortune to a stranger—and whether she should keep it. But Ashley quickly discovers everyone, including the dead woman, is hiding something, and it’s a race to get to the truth before someone else winds up dead.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
4306 people are currently reading
12485 people want to read
About the author
Susan Walter
6 books574 followersSusan Walter is a recovering screenwriter and film director who started writing books to kill people because it was frowned upon in real life. Her first two novels, “Good as Dead” and “Over Her Dead Body” are set in the movie business, but then she discovered there are places that are even more dangerous. She is now murdering people on airplanes, on ski hills, and in safehouses while on the run from organized crime.
A sometimes director, her Netflix movie ALL I WISH, which she also wrote, stars Sharon Stone and Tony Goldwyn and won a screenwriting award that you have never heard of, but that she is proud of nonetheless. Her latest novel, "Letters from Strangers," is based on the real-life mystery that riddled her own childhood. You can learn more about Susan at www.susanwalterwriter.com, and thanks for stopping by!
A sometimes director, her Netflix movie ALL I WISH, which she also wrote, stars Sharon Stone and Tony Goldwyn and won a screenwriting award that you have never heard of, but that she is proud of nonetheless. Her latest novel, "Letters from Strangers," is based on the real-life mystery that riddled her own childhood. You can learn more about Susan at www.susanwalterwriter.com, and thanks for stopping by!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 837 reviews
October 31, 2022
Well, I DNF'd at 75% , a first for me! So close, but so far. I just couldn't continue....
1) Started off well
2) POV's that continuously repeat the same events/ Really!
3) Annoying characters/actions
The further I read, the less I cared. No, I didn't even bother to skip to the end to "find out" anything. 🤷♀️I chose this one from Amazon First reads because I really enjoyed her novel, Good As Dead.
If this is on your TBR, hopefully you'll have a better reading experience! 🤞
November 21, 2023
Fantastic thriller alert! I LOVED this one!
Well… it all started with a dog 🐕 walk that went horribly wrong…😬 .. No worries… NOTHING but good stuff happens to the dog. ❤️Whew right?? Anyways…
Brando the dog 🐕 takes off and leads Ashley into the yard of THE HOUSE… the one that says No trespassing… basically letting you know… you will be shot dead ☠️ if you do..😳😬😳⛔️ Let’s just say… things got very…. Interesting 🤔
Why did I love this book??? A struggling actress in Hollywood meets a famous director…they hit it off like a house 🏡 on fire..🔥.. Louisa is crafty.. aloof and cold as ice 🧊… so why is she so interested in helping Ashley with her career??? 🤔 Weirder yet… why is Louisa… now dead???😳… Guys that is JUST the beginning!! 🤭🤫
This was so twisted and well quite frankly.. FUN!! It’s a super fast read and I literally couldn’t put it down! ❤️
5 big Hollywood stars for this one!!
Well… it all started with a dog 🐕 walk that went horribly wrong…😬 .. No worries… NOTHING but good stuff happens to the dog. ❤️Whew right?? Anyways…
Brando the dog 🐕 takes off and leads Ashley into the yard of THE HOUSE… the one that says No trespassing… basically letting you know… you will be shot dead ☠️ if you do..😳😬😳⛔️ Let’s just say… things got very…. Interesting 🤔
Why did I love this book??? A struggling actress in Hollywood meets a famous director…they hit it off like a house 🏡 on fire..🔥.. Louisa is crafty.. aloof and cold as ice 🧊… so why is she so interested in helping Ashley with her career??? 🤔 Weirder yet… why is Louisa… now dead???😳… Guys that is JUST the beginning!! 🤭🤫
This was so twisted and well quite frankly.. FUN!! It’s a super fast read and I literally couldn’t put it down! ❤️
5 big Hollywood stars for this one!!
December 2, 2022
Pop the popcorn! 🍿
Screenwriter Susan Walter’s second novel is JUST AS MUCH FUN as a Hollywood movie!
When fate (or actually her dog, Brando 🐕) leads struggling actress Ashley Brooks to the doorstep of legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George, she has no idea that her life is about to change dramatically!
She is offered a chance to “audition” for a part that Louisa thinks she will be perfect for and promised an introduction to the Hollywood Players that can make a career.
Unfortunately-Louisa is dead before that can happen.
But, fortunately-she changed her “Will” the day prior-leaving her house and all of her money to the wannabe actress, instead of to her ungrateful heirs.
JUST HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET WHAT YOU WANT?!
Told from the alternating POV’s of Ashley and Louisa, Ashley’s roommate Jordan, and the heir apparents-Nathan, Winnie, Charlie, and Marcela, the chapters are short and the pace is fast.
If the repetition of hearing how several characters view the same event in completely unique ways, bothers you-this one may not work for you-but I enjoy that!
I think the final twist seemed out of character-but all in all-a solid, entertaining read!
This was a FIRST READ selection through Amazon Prime, and it’s AVAILABLE NOW!
I also enjoyed the author’s first book-“Good as Dead” and look forward to her next release, scheduled for publication in 2023.
Good As Dead: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Screenwriter Susan Walter’s second novel is JUST AS MUCH FUN as a Hollywood movie!
When fate (or actually her dog, Brando 🐕) leads struggling actress Ashley Brooks to the doorstep of legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George, she has no idea that her life is about to change dramatically!
She is offered a chance to “audition” for a part that Louisa thinks she will be perfect for and promised an introduction to the Hollywood Players that can make a career.
Unfortunately-Louisa is dead before that can happen.
But, fortunately-she changed her “Will” the day prior-leaving her house and all of her money to the wannabe actress, instead of to her ungrateful heirs.
JUST HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET WHAT YOU WANT?!
Told from the alternating POV’s of Ashley and Louisa, Ashley’s roommate Jordan, and the heir apparents-Nathan, Winnie, Charlie, and Marcela, the chapters are short and the pace is fast.
If the repetition of hearing how several characters view the same event in completely unique ways, bothers you-this one may not work for you-but I enjoy that!
I think the final twist seemed out of character-but all in all-a solid, entertaining read!
This was a FIRST READ selection through Amazon Prime, and it’s AVAILABLE NOW!
I also enjoyed the author’s first book-“Good as Dead” and look forward to her next release, scheduled for publication in 2023.
Good As Dead: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 24, 2024
A very entertaining fun easy read. Some of the povs led to a bit of repetition but I could see why those versions were included. A good by the pool/beach read!
November 1, 2022
About the book: “An inheritance that comes with a warning.
Ashley Brooks’s life isn’t working out as planned. After years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, she’s still waiting for her big break. When fate leads her to the doorstep of legendary casting director Louisa Lake George, Ashley thinks her luck is about to change: the prickly old pro knows about a role she’s perfect for. The aspiring actress never gets to thank her, though, because the day after the audition, Louisa is dead. The bigger shock—she left all her money to Ashley.
Louisa’s grown children arrive stunned and ready to fight. Her nephew tries to play peacemaker, while Ashley grapples with why Louisa would leave her fortune to a stranger—and whether she should keep it. But Ashley quickly discovers everyone, including the dead woman, is hiding something, and it’s a race to get to the truth before someone else winds up dead.”
What a juicy story! Short chapters (my favorites), several points of view that propel the story forward and fully flesh it out, and the tension - so palpable! The characters unsettled me in a good way; I was often reflecting on them and their behavior, which kept me invested in their stories.
I read Over Her Dead Body in a pretty quickly because it’s so hard to put down. It’s fun and unexpected and devious! Loved the twists and turns, too! Highly recommend if you are looking for a sharp and twisty mystery!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Ashley Brooks’s life isn’t working out as planned. After years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, she’s still waiting for her big break. When fate leads her to the doorstep of legendary casting director Louisa Lake George, Ashley thinks her luck is about to change: the prickly old pro knows about a role she’s perfect for. The aspiring actress never gets to thank her, though, because the day after the audition, Louisa is dead. The bigger shock—she left all her money to Ashley.
Louisa’s grown children arrive stunned and ready to fight. Her nephew tries to play peacemaker, while Ashley grapples with why Louisa would leave her fortune to a stranger—and whether she should keep it. But Ashley quickly discovers everyone, including the dead woman, is hiding something, and it’s a race to get to the truth before someone else winds up dead.”
What a juicy story! Short chapters (my favorites), several points of view that propel the story forward and fully flesh it out, and the tension - so palpable! The characters unsettled me in a good way; I was often reflecting on them and their behavior, which kept me invested in their stories.
I read Over Her Dead Body in a pretty quickly because it’s so hard to put down. It’s fun and unexpected and devious! Loved the twists and turns, too! Highly recommend if you are looking for a sharp and twisty mystery!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 13, 2022
Wow it’s so good I finished it in a day! Struggling actress Ashley Brooks’ luck changes when her pup Brando runs off & wanders into Louisa’s lawn. Louisa Lake George is the famous casting director with lots of connections! But that luck turned sour quick! Louisa is dead, Ashley inherits Louisa’s money, Louisa’s two kids are pissed - it’s crazy! This is told in multiple POV’s, there’s a lot of action & the pacing is great! Thank you to the author for a gifted copy!
October 4, 2022
Well, I almost DNFd this after the first twenty pages. Unfortunately, I ignored my better angels and pushed through. Blessedly, it was short.
This is my first journey into the work of Susan Walter, and it also be my last. The work was tedious, repetitive and not as clever as she clearly thought. The characters were each abhorrent and wholly unlikable as well. Additionally, the unbelievable specifics in which the reader was asked to invest bordered on parody or satire—which, even if intended, was a hearty miss.
The structure of the novel led directly to the tedium experienced as a reader. The narrator shifts from chapter to chapter, which is a technique I’ve seen used quite effectively by other authors. Walter, however, has put her own spin on cycling narration by retelling a single series of events over and over, from each character’s “unique” perspective. As the detail changes between those chapters were subtle, the result is reading what were nearly identical consecutive chapters. I suppose it is a way to fill pages, but furthering the action with each narration shift would have been far more entertaining.
As for the characters, I found each (save Jordan) to be flawed beyond redemption. Their life choices, as well as their circumstantial choices, revealed them as selfish, morally reprehensible people without a single saving grace. It would have been nice to have a single character to invest in and cheer for. That just didn’t happen.
Finally, the plot reminded me of Verity by Colleen Hoover—just so far reaching as to be ridiculous. I didn’t believe a single page. Again, it read as almost a parody of the suspense genre, like Walter was writing the extremes to show the banality of common themes and plot details. I have to repeat myself here, though—even as a parody it just doesn’t work.
I’m so glad I received this on First Reads. Had I purchased it, I’d be doing a slow burn about money wasted. As it is, the only thing I lost was time. Two stars for decent editing. Choose something else!
This is my first journey into the work of Susan Walter, and it also be my last. The work was tedious, repetitive and not as clever as she clearly thought. The characters were each abhorrent and wholly unlikable as well. Additionally, the unbelievable specifics in which the reader was asked to invest bordered on parody or satire—which, even if intended, was a hearty miss.
The structure of the novel led directly to the tedium experienced as a reader. The narrator shifts from chapter to chapter, which is a technique I’ve seen used quite effectively by other authors. Walter, however, has put her own spin on cycling narration by retelling a single series of events over and over, from each character’s “unique” perspective. As the detail changes between those chapters were subtle, the result is reading what were nearly identical consecutive chapters. I suppose it is a way to fill pages, but furthering the action with each narration shift would have been far more entertaining.
As for the characters, I found each (save Jordan) to be flawed beyond redemption. Their life choices, as well as their circumstantial choices, revealed them as selfish, morally reprehensible people without a single saving grace. It would have been nice to have a single character to invest in and cheer for. That just didn’t happen.
Finally, the plot reminded me of Verity by Colleen Hoover—just so far reaching as to be ridiculous. I didn’t believe a single page. Again, it read as almost a parody of the suspense genre, like Walter was writing the extremes to show the banality of common themes and plot details. I have to repeat myself here, though—even as a parody it just doesn’t work.
I’m so glad I received this on First Reads. Had I purchased it, I’d be doing a slow burn about money wasted. As it is, the only thing I lost was time. Two stars for decent editing. Choose something else!
July 16, 2022
Shake & Stir Me Like Bond's Dirty Martini! 😳😯🤯😳🤯
Uhm... pardon Mademoiselle! Just.. just hold my dog... my iced coffee.. my book... oh fluff! Just hold ME! I've been wolly-whooped! I'm gobsmacked! Once again; Walter has hit another novel right out of the park, past Lady Liberty, The Eiffel Tower, & straight for the moon! The absolute delectable thrills, suspenseful uncovering of the plot and don't get me started on these fab characters! Freakin' brilliance!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Ashley is a struggling actress in L.A. She's been at it for nearly several years. But her luck is about to change after a chance encounter with retired casting director, Louisa. Louisa is positive Ashley is perfect for a role she has in mind. And Ashley, well... she's about to enter the role of a lifetime. That is, certainly someone's life. Ashley's luck is definitely about to change... but will it be for the better?
I KNEW it was gonna be good, but I didn't realize how good until I got to that ending and Walter reduced me to gasps and jaw drops. This fab lady can do no wrong with her novels. This gem is worth the wait darlings, I assure you! I don't know if I need to stuff my face with cheesecake, take my dog on a walk, or a cold shower (perhaps all 3!), to deflate after this devious, crazy, suspenseful family drama with one twisted twist of an ending like 3 pretzels intwined. Gah! Sumptuous!
Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Release Date: November 1, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
Uhm... pardon Mademoiselle! Just.. just hold my dog... my iced coffee.. my book... oh fluff! Just hold ME! I've been wolly-whooped! I'm gobsmacked! Once again; Walter has hit another novel right out of the park, past Lady Liberty, The Eiffel Tower, & straight for the moon! The absolute delectable thrills, suspenseful uncovering of the plot and don't get me started on these fab characters! Freakin' brilliance!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Ashley is a struggling actress in L.A. She's been at it for nearly several years. But her luck is about to change after a chance encounter with retired casting director, Louisa. Louisa is positive Ashley is perfect for a role she has in mind. And Ashley, well... she's about to enter the role of a lifetime. That is, certainly someone's life. Ashley's luck is definitely about to change... but will it be for the better?
I KNEW it was gonna be good, but I didn't realize how good until I got to that ending and Walter reduced me to gasps and jaw drops. This fab lady can do no wrong with her novels. This gem is worth the wait darlings, I assure you! I don't know if I need to stuff my face with cheesecake, take my dog on a walk, or a cold shower (perhaps all 3!), to deflate after this devious, crazy, suspenseful family drama with one twisted twist of an ending like 3 pretzels intwined. Gah! Sumptuous!
Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Release Date: November 1, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
October 2, 2022
OH MY GOODNESS, this was such a suspenseful and twisty book! I loved everything about this book, the plot, the short chapters, multiple POVs, and the great ending! When going into this book you will definitely not expect the ending. It’s such a fun and quick read!
Definitely read this book! It now available as an Amazon First Read for October 2022 so go grab it up! Thank you Susan Walter’s for the #gifted ARC!
Giving 4.5 stars but rounding up on Goodreads.
Definitely read this book! It now available as an Amazon First Read for October 2022 so go grab it up! Thank you Susan Walter’s for the #gifted ARC!
Giving 4.5 stars but rounding up on Goodreads.
October 22, 2022
Contest of Wills
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook (Oct. 1, 2022) released in advance of the official Lake Union paperback/Kindle/audiobook (Nov. 1, 2022)
I choose Over Her Dead Body along with Alice Hoffman's The Bookstore Sisters for my Amazon First Reads picks for October 2022. The former was promoted as the 'suspense' selection for the month, but i found that elements of the structure caused it to constantly lose momentum. It didn't help matters that almost all of the characters are either unsympathetic from the get-go or are gradually revealed to be so by the ending.
The plot is easy enough to summarize. Through a chance encounter, a struggling actress Ashley Brooks makes the acquaintance of a retired film casting director Louisa Lake George, who was big in her day but is now living a bitter isolated life in a rambling mansion while estranged from her children. Louisa uses Ashley in a scheme to manipulate her family. Ashley thinks she is auditioning for a possible break in her career but it all comes undone. Various characters attempt or take steps for revenge or to fulfill their greed.
The loss of momentum is caused by having chapters that simply repeat the events of previous chapters but from a different character's point of view. While this adds some brief insight into the opposing forces, it hardly moves the plot forward and I've always found it to be a method of padding the material. I'm not opposed to unlikeable characters and protagonists, as long as they can be entertaining and clever in their schemes. This one was a downer though. I seem to be in the minority, based on the other advance reviews, so call this an Unpopular Opinion Alert.
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Commonly they offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook (Oct. 1, 2022) released in advance of the official Lake Union paperback/Kindle/audiobook (Nov. 1, 2022)
I choose Over Her Dead Body along with Alice Hoffman's The Bookstore Sisters for my Amazon First Reads picks for October 2022. The former was promoted as the 'suspense' selection for the month, but i found that elements of the structure caused it to constantly lose momentum. It didn't help matters that almost all of the characters are either unsympathetic from the get-go or are gradually revealed to be so by the ending.
The plot is easy enough to summarize. Through a chance encounter, a struggling actress Ashley Brooks makes the acquaintance of a retired film casting director Louisa Lake George, who was big in her day but is now living a bitter isolated life in a rambling mansion while estranged from her children. Louisa uses Ashley in a scheme to manipulate her family. Ashley thinks she is auditioning for a possible break in her career but it all comes undone. Various characters attempt or take steps for revenge or to fulfill their greed.
The loss of momentum is caused by having chapters that simply repeat the events of previous chapters but from a different character's point of view. While this adds some brief insight into the opposing forces, it hardly moves the plot forward and I've always found it to be a method of padding the material. I'm not opposed to unlikeable characters and protagonists, as long as they can be entertaining and clever in their schemes. This one was a downer though. I seem to be in the minority, based on the other advance reviews, so call this an Unpopular Opinion Alert.
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Commonly they offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
October 26, 2022
4.5
This was a fun mystery that I really didn’t want to put down. There were so many twists that kept surprising me. And I loved the multiple POVs. The Hollywood aspect and the creepy house with Scooby Doo vibes made me enjoy it even more. I highly recommend this one out next week.
This was a fun mystery that I really didn’t want to put down. There were so many twists that kept surprising me. And I loved the multiple POVs. The Hollywood aspect and the creepy house with Scooby Doo vibes made me enjoy it even more. I highly recommend this one out next week.
October 29, 2022
Over Her Dead body
By Susan Walter
Oh do I have a great thriller recommendation for you! I enjoyed Susan Walter’s latest thriller immensely, and this one, you can literally read in one sitting or two.
This propulsive thriller is about an aspiring Hollywood actress, named Ashley Brooks who finally gets the break she needs. As fate would have it, Ashley lands an unexpected meet, thanks to her pup, with a legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George who hands her the role of a lifetime.
All seems to go well until Louisa suddenly dies and leaves her the inheritance. But why? Louisa has her own family – something is afoot here and I am so immersed into what will happen next, and also exploring the back stories.
In multiple point of views, timelines, and perspectives, I was thrown into a whirlwind in this engaging mystery that was so exciting and hard to put down. The story is propelled forward so well with its short chapters and twisted storyline. I loved the ending, and I was really entertained. Any thriller reader would enjoy this one.
By Susan Walter
Oh do I have a great thriller recommendation for you! I enjoyed Susan Walter’s latest thriller immensely, and this one, you can literally read in one sitting or two.
This propulsive thriller is about an aspiring Hollywood actress, named Ashley Brooks who finally gets the break she needs. As fate would have it, Ashley lands an unexpected meet, thanks to her pup, with a legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George who hands her the role of a lifetime.
All seems to go well until Louisa suddenly dies and leaves her the inheritance. But why? Louisa has her own family – something is afoot here and I am so immersed into what will happen next, and also exploring the back stories.
In multiple point of views, timelines, and perspectives, I was thrown into a whirlwind in this engaging mystery that was so exciting and hard to put down. The story is propelled forward so well with its short chapters and twisted storyline. I loved the ending, and I was really entertained. Any thriller reader would enjoy this one.
August 24, 2022
Over Her Dead Body by Susan Walter. Thanks to the author for the gifted signed Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Ashley meets legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George, her days as a struggling actress may be over. She expects a possible role. What she doesn’t expect is for Louisa to suddenly die and leave her the inheritance.
This was a twisty and compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages. I could not figure out the twists and then when I thought I had, more twists. I loved the different perspectives and how they often went over the same events. One would think that could get boring or repetitive, but not at all! It takes true talent to write the same scene twice, but keep it fresh and new. I also loved the movie, Hollywood aspect of the story which ends up playing a big role!
“This was my show, and it was my turn to be the star. I was going to go through with this if it was the last thing I did. Which it turns out it was. Because sometimes the ending is not what’s in the script and the characters have secrets even the writer doesn’t know.”
Over Her Dead Body comes out 11/1.
When Ashley meets legendary casting director, Louisa Lake George, her days as a struggling actress may be over. She expects a possible role. What she doesn’t expect is for Louisa to suddenly die and leave her the inheritance.
This was a twisty and compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages. I could not figure out the twists and then when I thought I had, more twists. I loved the different perspectives and how they often went over the same events. One would think that could get boring or repetitive, but not at all! It takes true talent to write the same scene twice, but keep it fresh and new. I also loved the movie, Hollywood aspect of the story which ends up playing a big role!
“This was my show, and it was my turn to be the star. I was going to go through with this if it was the last thing I did. Which it turns out it was. Because sometimes the ending is not what’s in the script and the characters have secrets even the writer doesn’t know.”
Over Her Dead Body comes out 11/1.
November 26, 2022
I loved this! Read it late into the night to see what happened. The story centers on Louisa, an aging casting director who has an unnamed terminal injury. She comes up with a plan that involves her grown kids and nephew as well as an unsuspecting neighbor to enact revenge on her family who she feels has let her down over the years. The book calls out the greed and ambition of the elite in Hollywood in a way that may not be relatable but is definitely understandable. The story is told in short chapters that alternate between the POVs of these characters as well as a couple others. Despite a lot of characters, each has their own voice and it’s never confusing.
The shifting POVs means that sometimes the same situation is revisited by multiple vantage points, which I know greatly annoys many reviewers but I always like to see how different people interpret the same events. I guess none of these characters was meant to be likable but I actually liked all of them to an extent- they each had reasons to do the things they did and I could empathize. There were some good twists and some testing of alliances and I appreciated the dynamics between the characters. I found the ending to be satisfying as well.
Overall, I think you should go read this book and I hope you like it as much as I did!
The shifting POVs means that sometimes the same situation is revisited by multiple vantage points, which I know greatly annoys many reviewers but I always like to see how different people interpret the same events. I guess none of these characters was meant to be likable but I actually liked all of them to an extent- they each had reasons to do the things they did and I could empathize. There were some good twists and some testing of alliances and I appreciated the dynamics between the characters. I found the ending to be satisfying as well.
Overall, I think you should go read this book and I hope you like it as much as I did!
October 29, 2022
If you like a book that goes through the same scene four or five times from a different character's POV without advancing the story, this is the book for you. I found this to be a tedious read with terrible, unlikable characters. The whole story is unbelievable, and the repetition got old quickly. The book could have been quite a bit shorter. Toward the end, I started skipping large chunks of text to get it over with, and I don't think I missed much of what was happening. The twist at the end surprised me, but I didn't find it believable. And everything was tidied up and tied up quickly right at the end. Thankfully, this was the October Amazon First Reads, and I didn't pay for this. This is the first book I've read from this author and will likely be the last.
October 27, 2022
Plot Twist
This was a fun book to read. Each character had their own unique perspective of the same story. It had a few surprises throughout.
This was a fun book to read. Each character had their own unique perspective of the same story. It had a few surprises throughout.
October 6, 2022
I REALLY REALLY enjoyed this book! It was such a fun, addicting read. I loved the drama, the thrill, and the crazy psychological twists. I wasn't expecting this book to be told from many different characters POVs, but it was awesome! I feel like it adds to the suspense. This one really had me guessing--my thoughts were all over the place!
Susan Walter is a new-to-me author and I can't wait to dive into Good As Dead.
Highly recommend!!
4.5/5 stars
Susan Walter is a new-to-me author and I can't wait to dive into Good As Dead.
Highly recommend!!
4.5/5 stars
August 21, 2022
I loved AS GOOD AS DEAD, so I jumped at the chance to read this book, and it did not disappoint!
Ashley Brooks is down on her luck, and she often laments that her life hasn't turned out as she'd hoped. Another struggling actress in Los Angeles working often humiliating day jobs to stay afloat, her luck changes when her dog runs away. As fate would have it, her dog ran to the house of Louisa Lake George, a crotchety retired casting director who takes an instant liking to Ashley. Turns out she has the perfect role for Ashley, but the day after she auditions, Louisa is dead, and Ashley is shocked to discover that Louisa has bequeathed her a 10 million dollar fortune. Unbeknownst to Ashley, however, she got the part and is playing it without even realizing it.
I loved the alternating points of view with often simultaneous timelines. It gave the reader a unique, multi-faceted experience that I really enjoyed. The family drama that plays out and the varied assortment of supporting characters just made this story. If you like your thrillers heavy with dark comedy, this is a must read! Releases November 1, 2022. Thank you to the author for my signed ARC!
Ashley Brooks is down on her luck, and she often laments that her life hasn't turned out as she'd hoped. Another struggling actress in Los Angeles working often humiliating day jobs to stay afloat, her luck changes when her dog runs away. As fate would have it, her dog ran to the house of Louisa Lake George, a crotchety retired casting director who takes an instant liking to Ashley. Turns out she has the perfect role for Ashley, but the day after she auditions, Louisa is dead, and Ashley is shocked to discover that Louisa has bequeathed her a 10 million dollar fortune. Unbeknownst to Ashley, however, she got the part and is playing it without even realizing it.
I loved the alternating points of view with often simultaneous timelines. It gave the reader a unique, multi-faceted experience that I really enjoyed. The family drama that plays out and the varied assortment of supporting characters just made this story. If you like your thrillers heavy with dark comedy, this is a must read! Releases November 1, 2022. Thank you to the author for my signed ARC!
October 3, 2022
This is a tweaked version of “Knives Out.” If you liked that movie, you probably will like this book. Initially I was pulled in by they characters, but when every chapter started to end with a deliberate “ah-ha” followed by a change of POV, I started to get irritated. Especially when each change resulted in a past scene being repeated verbatim with the new character’s thoughts added in. As every single character was revealed to be a creep, I began to get more irritated. I finished it almost in spite of myself, but wasn’t pleased with the ending. No amount of research was going to reveal the hidden vent for the bomb shelter. The timing of Ashley’s actions seemed a bit off. She did her audition, discovered she was in the will, figured out what Louisa was doing, ranted at Jordan and I guess snuck out that night to get her revenge? Anyway by the end, I felt all the characters deserved punishment and instead they lived happily ever after on mean old mom’s money. Even Jordan. I prefer characters that at least have redeeming qualities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
Although this popcorn thriller was pacey and engaging, it suffered from too much repetitious text and eye-rolling moments.
I listened to the audiobook and, IMHO, what saved the book was the outstanding full-cast narration read by Selah Victor, Jane Oppenheimer, Marcus Stewart, Timothy Andrés Pabon, Joe Knezevich, Lauren Ezzo, and Rebecca Mozo.
These narrators made it impossible to push my phone's stop button.
3.5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook and, IMHO, what saved the book was the outstanding full-cast narration read by Selah Victor, Jane Oppenheimer, Marcus Stewart, Timothy Andrés Pabon, Joe Knezevich, Lauren Ezzo, and Rebecca Mozo.
These narrators made it impossible to push my phone's stop button.
3.5 stars.
April 22, 2023
This book was borderline cozy. The beginning had me baffled, thinking I picked up a poorly written rom-com by mistake. But the cheeky twists and turns were a complete delight and kept me guessing and reading well into the night.
October 3, 2022
I haven't seen much early buzz for this book and I am shocked because I absolutely loved it! I read the entire book in one sitting and what a great read it was.
I really enjoyed that we got point of view chapters from every single important character. I never got confused about who was who, which I can always appreciate.
Even though there were a couple characters I really did not like, there were a couple big twists I didn't see coming, and I was satisfied with the ending.
While Over Her Dead Body doesn't officially publish until November 1, it's available to Prime members now as an October First Reads pick!
I really enjoyed that we got point of view chapters from every single important character. I never got confused about who was who, which I can always appreciate.
Even though there were a couple characters I really did not like, there were a couple big twists I didn't see coming, and I was satisfied with the ending.
While Over Her Dead Body doesn't officially publish until November 1, it's available to Prime members now as an October First Reads pick!
October 14, 2022
Be careful what you wish for. This book such a ride it was so twisty, and I could not read it fast enough. It is a real page tuner. I have to say mystery fans are going to devour this book in one sitting.
4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
December 14, 2022
Twisted fun! Thoroughly enjoyed this multi-POV mystery with a stinger in the tail.
May 25, 2022
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I don't like to give spoilers in my reviews. So, I've given as much info as I can while trying not to compromise the thrill of the chase.
I was immediately drawn into "Part 1" of the story wherein Ashley (an aspiring broke actress) loses her dog, Brando, in the yard of Louisa (a rich retired Hollywood casting director). Their meet cute sets up the bigger arc for the book's mystery and exciting plot. Both characters have interesting voices and if you go in blind, you will be left guessing where the story is going and even what type of book this is. As you move through the book, you'll be introduced to the entire ensemble. This book sets you up for a twist, but leaves you guessing right until the end.
I sat down to start the book and zipped through the entire section and the through the second section and so on and so on.
The way the story is woven is interesting and different, richly textured and layered. There are many perspectives but never too many at one time. You're getting several sides to a story, but usually just from two viewpoints. By the time you have all of the voices you know which character is which. So, you don't get lost like with some multiple perspective books--I give up on those ones.
I don't like to give spoilers in my reviews. So, I've given as much info as I can while trying not to compromise the thrill of the chase.
I was immediately drawn into "Part 1" of the story wherein Ashley (an aspiring broke actress) loses her dog, Brando, in the yard of Louisa (a rich retired Hollywood casting director). Their meet cute sets up the bigger arc for the book's mystery and exciting plot. Both characters have interesting voices and if you go in blind, you will be left guessing where the story is going and even what type of book this is. As you move through the book, you'll be introduced to the entire ensemble. This book sets you up for a twist, but leaves you guessing right until the end.
I sat down to start the book and zipped through the entire section and the through the second section and so on and so on.
The way the story is woven is interesting and different, richly textured and layered. There are many perspectives but never too many at one time. You're getting several sides to a story, but usually just from two viewpoints. By the time you have all of the voices you know which character is which. So, you don't get lost like with some multiple perspective books--I give up on those ones.
November 29, 2022
If you’re looking for a book to get you out of a reading slump…this is the book for you!
It’s been a minute since I‘ve been able to pick up a thriller and not put it down until I was done, but y’all this had a little bit of everything you want in a great book.
A Hollywood wanna be actress, an adorable dog, creepy house, BFF marriage pact, love at first sight mixed in with an absurdly kooky family with manipulative and devious tendencies especially when the manipulative Matriarchs large inheritance becomes at play…you will find yourself flying through those pages figuring out what could possibly be next.
Creative, shockingly fun with twists you won’t be able to resist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
It’s been a minute since I‘ve been able to pick up a thriller and not put it down until I was done, but y’all this had a little bit of everything you want in a great book.
A Hollywood wanna be actress, an adorable dog, creepy house, BFF marriage pact, love at first sight mixed in with an absurdly kooky family with manipulative and devious tendencies especially when the manipulative Matriarchs large inheritance becomes at play…you will find yourself flying through those pages figuring out what could possibly be next.
Creative, shockingly fun with twists you won’t be able to resist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 26, 2023
I’m giving this a 3-3.5 rating because I didn’t fully enjoy how it was written.. BUT I will say the turning points and twists were very intriguing to me and i loved that aspect. Having so many “suspects” was a really neat feature in this mystery.
January 11, 2023
4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I gave four stars to this fun little thriller/romcom.
Ashley‘s life is not exactly taking off. She came to LA to be an actress, like millions of other people before her. She has not been getting any parts and it’s left her a little frustrated. She lives with her BFF from high school who is a medical student. His life seems to be headed the right way, hers is stalling. One night, while walking her dog, he runs into a strangers yard. She chases the dog and ends up getting shot at. Turns out the person who shot at her is a legendary, casting director, although the casting director is now retired, she offers to help Ashley. She has Ashley Reed for her and tapes her audition to send to her connections. The only problem is, it turns out this woman has passed away soon after Ashley’s audition, before giving her tape to anyone in the business. And the story keeps getting weirder. The casting director left everything to Ashley instead of her family. A giant house and millions of dollars. Wow. What a ridiculous move, and what a crazy position for Ashley to find herself in. Now, Ashley has a lot to contend with. Obviously, her children are very upset about this. And Ashley just can’t help but think something really weird is happening. She starts snooping around and what she finds is quite surprising.
Truly enjoyed this cute little fun thriller. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Beach Read or something fun to read.
I gave four stars to this fun little thriller/romcom.
Ashley‘s life is not exactly taking off. She came to LA to be an actress, like millions of other people before her. She has not been getting any parts and it’s left her a little frustrated. She lives with her BFF from high school who is a medical student. His life seems to be headed the right way, hers is stalling. One night, while walking her dog, he runs into a strangers yard. She chases the dog and ends up getting shot at. Turns out the person who shot at her is a legendary, casting director, although the casting director is now retired, she offers to help Ashley. She has Ashley Reed for her and tapes her audition to send to her connections. The only problem is, it turns out this woman has passed away soon after Ashley’s audition, before giving her tape to anyone in the business. And the story keeps getting weirder. The casting director left everything to Ashley instead of her family. A giant house and millions of dollars. Wow. What a ridiculous move, and what a crazy position for Ashley to find herself in. Now, Ashley has a lot to contend with. Obviously, her children are very upset about this. And Ashley just can’t help but think something really weird is happening. She starts snooping around and what she finds is quite surprising.
Truly enjoyed this cute little fun thriller. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Beach Read or something fun to read.
November 15, 2022
This was such an entertaining and intriguing mystery! I relished in the Hollywood setting and always love some juicy family drama and secrets!
The formatting of this one made this book for me. Walter perfectly used multiple POVs and differing timelines to tell such an engaging story and her short but concise chapters really drove the suspense and ultimately allowed me to fly through this one. *chefs kiss*
With an abundance of clever twists and turns, this made for a fun read that I think every type of thriller reader will enjoy!
The formatting of this one made this book for me. Walter perfectly used multiple POVs and differing timelines to tell such an engaging story and her short but concise chapters really drove the suspense and ultimately allowed me to fly through this one. *chefs kiss*
With an abundance of clever twists and turns, this made for a fun read that I think every type of thriller reader will enjoy!
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