Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

These Deadly Words

Rate this book
What happens when the line between fiction and reality blurs?

All Camille Monroe wants is a quiet place to work on her novel. Hoping for inspiration, she retreats to a cabin in Asheville, with only her dog Brody as company.

Leah Strauss thought the summer after high school graduation would be amazing, but when her boyfriend Vincent suffers an untimely loss, her dream of the perfect summer is destroyed. Attempting to cheer up Vincent, Leah’s twin sister Ava and her boyfriend Noah join them on a road trip.

When a snowstorm strikes the mountains while Leah and her friends are hiking, they struggle to find their campsite. After becoming lost in the woods, they stumble across a cabin and seek shelter from the storm.

As the days pass, the guests feel increasingly unsafe in the stranger’s cabin. Camille seems to know all their secrets, and she doesn’t want them to leave. Who is this dangerous writer and what does she want from them? Their biggest problem quickly becomes escaping the cabin alive.

*Content warnings: swearing, alcoholism, underage drinking, suicide, murder

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

6 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Nichole Heydenburg

10 books116 followers
Nichole Heydenburg is the author of The Shadow Bound Chronicles and other thriller and fantasy books for adults and teens. She also owns Poisoned Ink Press, where she provides editing services to authors. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis in writing from Adrian College. When she isn’t writing, Nichole enjoys exploring new cities, reading, and drinking iced mochas. She currently resides near Asheville, NC with her husband Zed and their crazy rescue dog Mr. B.

Be the first to learn about Nichole Heydenburg’s new releases and other thrilling news! Subscribe to her monthly newsletter on www.nicholeheydenburg.com.

You can also follow her on social media: Facebook @NicholeHeydenburg and Instagram @nicholehtheauthor.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (18%)
4 stars
41 (43%)
3 stars
26 (27%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
7 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Phoebe.
227 reviews34 followers
April 15, 2023
I received an ARC for free and I'm writing this review voluntarily.

I read this book in 3 days because it was so good, thrilling and fast paced! My first book by Nichole and I'm a fan!!
The author managed to add so much detail into her descriptions of the scenery I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading the book and normally I don't pay a lot of attention to descriptions😅

The characters were all so likeable for their own reasons, even creepy Camille.
The story was so original, I've never read a book like this before. Even though I kinda guessed the 'twist', it didn't really bother me because there was still a lot to find out and to read about😄

All I can say is: read this if you love thrillers with supernatural elements!
Profile Image for Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books.
1,012 reviews51 followers
May 10, 2023
This was a quick read with an interesting concept. There were parts that I thought could have had some more details, but overall a good story. It is fast paced, and full of hurdles. I did figure out the big twist fairly early in the game, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book. I’m also stuck on the fact that I don’t know what happened to the dog at the end. I NEED TO KNOW HE’S OKAY, PLEASE! Sigh. But definitely check this out, it’s a good one.

Four teenagers are camping and go for a day hike. It suddenly starts to snow, heavy and cold, when it was supposed to be nice all week. They stumble upon a cabin and beg the single occupant for shelter from the storm. As they settle in, the woman acts strangely. Has she been isolated for too long, or is something foul afoot?

Thanks to BookSirens for the copy to review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,249 reviews18 followers
March 28, 2023
This was a great concept from Nichole Heydenburg, and it had what I enjoyed from the Quiet Girl. It did everything that I was looking for and enjoyed how good the story was. It had a great supernatural element going on and it had what I was looking for in a thriller novel. I enjoyed how good everything was and I can't wait to read more from Nichole Heydenburg.

"No worries. It was no trouble,” she responded sweetly. “Open that cupboard in front of you—the top one.” Camille pointed. “There are snacks in there. Thankfully, I have plenty of food here. Although, unfortunately, I’m sure the snow will severely delay my garden for the year. Fresh vegetables and fruit would have been a delightful addition to my food supplies. I’ll worry about that later, though.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilks.
151 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

These Deadly Words is a Thrilling murder mystery dual narrative book and very easy to read. I read it in days as I just couldn't put it down. This is my first of Nicholes books and I will definitely read her other books.

Content warnings: swearing, alcoholism, underage drinking, suicide, murder
Profile Image for Book Loft Reader.
42 reviews
May 13, 2023
These Deadly Words by Nichole Heydenburg is a supernatural young adult thriller novel which tells the story of four recent high school graduates - Leah, Ava, Vincent, and Noah. In the beginning of the novel the reader is introduced to Leah and her boyfriend Vincent who has recently gone through a very emotional and traumatic event. Leah, wanting to help her boyfriend, decided that they should go on a road trip with her twin sister Ava and her boyfriend - Noah. While at the same time Camille Monroe is an author working towards her next big novel and ventures out to a cabin in Asheville with Brody her dog. Vincent and his friends, enjoying their road trip in the mountains, take a turn for the worse when a snowstorm strikes causing the group to get lost on their way back to the campsite. Instead they find themselves at Camille’s cabin, sneaking refugee. While waiting out the storm isn’t the cabin the group discovers that Camille got secrets of her own and then she knows each and everyone of theirs. In addition to this, the group begins to notice that they are unable to leave the cabin. Leah, Ava, Vincent, and Noah must figure out what Camille is planning and find the solution to their biggest problem escaping the cabin alive.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading These Deadly Words. It was a fairly simple read while at the same time had a very complex plot that was able to be conveyed in a way that would be appealing to young adults. While reading this book, I found myself as a read trying to figure out what was happening. These Deadly Words is written from both Camille and Leah’s point of view as they switch every chapter. Due to this, there were certain parts that were repeated or very similar between some of the chapters that at first were a little confusing at the beginning. However, as I continued to read I was able to understand the author's intention of having some of the dialogue and sections repeat from different points of view. Heydenburg included many emotional events that the characters had to go through which had me hoping and wanting to know the reasons why Camille was able to do the various things that occurred in the novel. Another thing that I found myself consistently doing while reading These Deadly Words was trying to put together what was actually going on. I was able to guess half of the reason as it was similar to other supernatural books and series. I gave this book 4 stars as it was a fairly simple read with a very compelling plot that had my attention throughout the entire time. I would of liked a little more explanation about what happened with Camille during the epilogue as it was not really fully explain what was going on and gave me the impression that there was more to Camille and the person who gave her the typewriter. Other than that this book was a fantastic read! I would love to be able to read this again without knowing what happens in the end! This book would be appealing for young adults who enjoy reading about supernatural events.
Profile Image for Rebecca Greef.
17 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Four young adults are stuck in a snowstorm and find sanctuary in a cabin in the woods.

Nicole Heydenburg has managed to add an interesting development to the classic horror film set up which was intriguing. Four people (Leah, Vincent, Noah, and Ava) get stranded in a snowstorm and stumble upon a cabin with a host (Camille) who reluctantly lets them stay. From that point, more things go wrong and the characters find it harder and harder to try and get home. For much of the novel, you are successfully left guessing what is actually going on - is Camille simply a lonely lady suffering mentally, or is there a supernatural twist controlling events?

The setting of the cabin is well established and Heydenburg makes it easy to feel part of the cast of characters. Her dual narrative is effective at portraying both sides of the mystery and links the thoughts of Camille and Leah well. I did find, however, that Camille's POV started to reveal more than I wanted. Dramatic irony is great, but this told us a little too much too early. I would have preferred a more subtle approach or some red herrings to throw us off her scent as it felt like the other characters were playing catch-up too much.

The characters were varied and Heydenburg has developed them quite well throughout the story. Camille's backstory is slowly revealed but some of the potentially more interesting parts of her history are left vague. Vincent makes you question what effect the cabin is having on his already low mood. Leah's worries that Vincent is cheating on her are a little overdone and annoying, but after a point she becomes a more consistent character and fleshes out nicely. Ava and Noah are quite secondary, but still play important roles in the novel. It would have been nice to have a little more depth to Camille in particular, but it is enough for the story to make sense.

Overall, the general feel of this story contained mystery and intrigue which at times were genuinely enthralling. However, I feel it lost itself a few times by reiterating ideas rather than deepening them. An interesting concept that was enjoyable.

***
Profile Image for Sixella MK.
147 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2023
Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “These Deadly Words” by Nichole Heydenburg

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author.

After a mysterious snow storm interrupts a hiking trip, four teens, Leah, Vincent, Ava, and Noah, get lost in the woods only to find shelter at the cabin of Camille, an independent author who isolates herself with her dog to work on her latest novel. When a series of strange and dangerous coincidences start to take place, it’s up to these teens to figure out the source of the chaos. Are these events truly coincidences or are these protagonists unknowingly part of a more sinister game at play? 


Wow..This book was such an exciting fast-read, I finished it in a week! If you’re a fan of “Misery” or anything Stephen King and 80’s horror movie related, then this is the book for you! Most of the characters were a joy to read about! Vincent, Leah and Ava, as protagonists not only paid homage to 80’s horror Final Boys and Final Girls, but their story arcs throughout the story make you want to root for them to be ok by the end of the book.Camille has to be one of the most fascinating Horror antagonists I’ve ever read! Her character, backstory, and transition from a seemingly sweet woman to menacing manipulator was effective. Her character was definitely the love child of Annie Wilkes and Paul Sheldon from “Misery”, and that combination made her slay the narrative! (See what I did there)? The twists and turns in this book were also so effective, one can argue it’ll give M. Night Shyamalan a run for his money! Highly recommend checking out this book once it hits online stocks April 25th!


Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Tropes to Expect: Friend Group Protagonists, Cabin In The Woods Narrative, Slow-Burn Horror, and Love-Triangle.

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Suicide, Mentions of and Implications of Pedophilia, Anxiety, Mentions of Addiction,  and Existential Dread!
Profile Image for Ashley ☾.
228 reviews15 followers
March 31, 2023
"These Deadly Words" by Nichole Heydenburg is a creatively chilling novel that captures the reader's attention with its dark atmosphere. The author's writing style is engaging and she creates a world that is both eerie and intriguing. The story revolves around four teenagers who are off on a camping adventure many hours from their home in order to help their friend get away from home after the death of his father. When an out of place snow storm hits and they wind up relying on a stranger for shelter, strange things start to happen.

Heydenburg has created a unique and captivating story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The dark and eerie atmosphere is excellently crafted and adds to the suspense of the story. However, there are some holes in the plot that left me with unanswered questions. The story seemed to jump from one scene to another without much explanation or context, which sometimes made it difficult to follow.

Despite its flaws, "These Deadly Words" is a creative and intriguing read that will keep readers hooked until the very end. My favorite part of the book was the epilogue, which left me wanting more. Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars. It has its flaws, but the author's creative storytelling and excellent atmosphere make it worth reading
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,419 reviews36 followers
June 5, 2023
Title: These Deadly Words
Author: Nichole Heydenburg
Release Date: April 25th, 2023
Page Count: 234
Format: ebook
Start Date: May 16th, 2023
Finish Date: June 4th, 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

I liked this book very much. There were parts that I didn't really like though. I feel like some of the execution didn't really hit the way I expected it to. I also wasn't expecting many turns in the book. I love books that throw me through loops in all honesty. That was one of the strengths about this book. One of the weaknesses is that I just couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. I feel like some of them could have been set up a bit more. Or put more up front if you will. I also wish that several scenes in the book were more elaborated. I would have been okay with this book being a lot longer if that's what it would take. All in all, it was a really great read that I enjoyed very much. I'd definitely be willing to read other books by this author. Also, this cover! So gorgeous!
308 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2023

Thrilling, mysteries are always my favourite and the book grab my attention at one glance.

"Writers are powerful" -

When the book introduced me to the character - Camilie, instantly i felt an eerie feeling, like something is really wrong and creepy about Camilie.

As the story progresses, you will find that Camilie is something close to witch but as well as master of manipulation and i was right about that feeling.

So author did a commandble job on portraying Camille.

The twist at every chapter put me on the edge entire time.

While i found Leah and Vicent adorable as couple.
The narration style of was persuasive as well as suspense builder.


Camilie's unspoken relationship with typewriter was something different.

A definitely recommend to powerful suspense ride to unknown secrets and sinister.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joan Smith.
813 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2023
Thank Nichole Heydenburg and BookSirens

This Novella seems to be one story however it has several stories within the main story. It unfolds like Matryoshka dolls (nesting dolls). It's a unique way of presenting a writing trope that has been used before. I first seen this trope used Once Upon a Time 2011 tv series. Some of the characters are developed more than others. The writing pacing is smooth.

A group of friends go camping to cheer a friend up after the friends father funeral. The weather is snowing during Summertime. They find a cabin in the middle of nowhere to seek shelter in. At first I was getting the feeling it was inspired by Hansel and Gretel then the trope changed the further I read. There were several really good twist. I enjoyed the book and recommend this solid 4 star Novella.

The Cover Art is a is an antique typewriter. It works great for the story.



Suspense
Creepiness
Profanity
Dark Fantasy

Asheville, North Carolina
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kait.
408 reviews
April 3, 2023
These Deadly Words is my first read by Nichole Heydenburg, and I’m a fan. Check content warnings.

The premise of this book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the beginning. Definitely the most unique locked room story I’ve read. The supernatural elements added so much to the spooky atmosphere.

The dual POV added a lot to this story. I felt I never knew which narrator to trust, if either of them. I really enjoyed getting both Camille and Leah’s thoughts and I thought this made the story really strong.

If you’re looking for a unique thriller, this is the book for you. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This may have been my first Nichole Heydenburg book, but it won’t be my last.
Profile Image for Priya.
325 reviews50 followers
May 3, 2023
This is my first book from the author, and I know that I will be reading more of her works.

Four people (Vincent, Leah, Ava and Noah)are stuck in a snow storm and they find a cabin in the woods to ask for shelter.

They get in easily as the owner lets them in, but will they be able to escape the place?
Will the owner let them leave so easily?

The plot line is quite interesting with setting of the scenes is well established. The author has created a story line that keeps the reader on edge.

The story is fast paced, with good and thrilling twists. It has a supernatural element as well.

However, there are a few plot holes that made me question somethings. But overall, it is a quick and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Marisabel Arauz.
16 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2023
Disclaimer:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I truly enjoyed the book, from the very beginning, was fast-paced and the four main characters were described enough for the reader to expect and at the same time be surprised by their actions. The story is scary because the twist at the end is both expected and unexpected. You know there is a twist coming up but is not until it is revealed that we can put it together. The end was good to me, it was sad but scary, and the very end was… surprising in a good malevolent way. It was a fast read, with strong characters, twist plots, all encompassed on an unstable location, it was intriguing and scary…
Profile Image for Rawan Mohamed.
20 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2023
This book is soo enjoyable and easy to read. It was thrilling too and I always wanted to know what will happen next so it was hard to put it down!

I really liked the idea of this book, i guess i haven’t read anything like that before so it was fun and it was like im seeing a movie!! And i really liked the characters except for Camille ofcourse 🙄

Also, I guessed the twist but i was still enjoying it and i dont know why the epilogue left me with some questions😂 but overall it was an enjoyable, fun, quick, and thrilling read! Im looking forward to read books from Nichole Heydenburg!!

Thanks to BookSirens and the author for sending me an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews40 followers
April 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a way of painting a picture and making the story really come to life. The whole time I was reading it, I felt the eerie and dark vibes of this book. I honestly got scared by sounds in my house because I was so enthralled in this book lol. When 4 friends decided to take off on a camping trip hours away from home to get their friend away after the death of his father, a snowstorm hits and they have to rely on a stranger for shelter. And that's when things start to happen.This book still gives me the creeps just thinking about it. If you want to good thriller, then this is the perfect one for you.
Profile Image for Britt.
54 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2023
Weird to say it about such a deadly book, but what a fun book! I was able to guess what was going on pretty early on, but the details about how it was happening were intriguing. The characters were a bit annoying due to immaturity, but given that they are recent high school grads I would say that’s pretty realistic. This book would be a great addition to a high school teacher’s classroom library, for kids who like thrillers, supernaturals, and mysteries.

I received an ARC of this book from BookSires for free and wrote this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Wanda Madelaine.
42 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2023
I like that this got me out of a reading slump. I read it in one sitting. I just have to control the urge to see the ending, but I need to read it page by page, or else it will spoil the climax.

I love a good supernatural thriller read. I'll definitely recommend this to those who want something fast-paced.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cody Paxton.
63 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2023
Thank you for the ARC BookSirens!

Wow what a ride! I loved the fast paced character development. The way the characters were described to the end was excellent. The plot twists were timed perfectly.

The ending left me with so questions and I'm worried about the dog 😅

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,239 reviews60 followers
April 26, 2023
Four teens stranded in a blizzard think they found a safe place. The owner of the cabin is hiding a secret. She is a writer with a special gift. Can they make it back home? Amazing characters suspense filled read. I received a complementary copy and left a voluntary review.
Author 5 books2 followers
April 28, 2023
It started kind of slow, but once it ramped up, the suspense didnt slow down. It's a unique idea, something you dont see on the shelves every day. And the ending blew me away!! This book is HIGHLY recommended!
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
1,539 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2023
This was a fast-paced, quick read that was entertaining and scary. The author did a great job at detailing the characters and their emotions so that it was like you were right there next to them as things progressed in the story. Super good!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
143 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2023
I read this book thanks to BookSirens! I had been looking forward to this book and was so excited to see it on BookSirens. The concept was really interesting and even though it’s YA I really feel like anyone can enjoy this mystery. I loved the little twists and turns and the ending was not what I wanted but fit the story so well. If you want a unique murder mystery that may or may it be magical i highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Hailey walsh.
3 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2023
Ok so this was a wild ride! I had a hard time investing in the book at first. I thought that there was no real character development and I had a hard time connecting but holy cow now that I have finished I feel it was done on purpose. Loved the twist and turns. I will definitely be recommending
2 reviews1 follower
Read
April 24, 2023
I like reading this book with all of its plot and twists. It felt like the action was rising in each page.
Profile Image for Jenni.
30 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2023
Amazing just read it!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
68 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
This was my first book by Nichole and I loved that it was a unique concept. Will be looking for others that she has written. Quick read!
626 reviews53 followers
May 5, 2023
Started off creepy but right away I figured out the twist. You could probably figure it out based on the title…and the rest of it was just nonsense.
967 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2023
This was my first book by this author. It was definitely an original storyline and well written. . The plot twists were surprising. The characters were very well defined and felt like real everyday teens! The ending was shocking and surprising! Overall it was a very interesting and good book. Not at all what I was expecting in a good way. I recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.