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The Death of Us
From the award-winning author of Death at Greenway and The Lucky One comes a chilling suspense novel in which the discovery of a submerged car in a murky pond reveals betrayals and family secrets that will tear a small town apart.
One rainy night fifteen years ago, a knock at the door changed Liss Kehoe’s life forever.
On that night, Ashley Hay stood on Liss’s front porch and handed over her brand-new baby Callan.
She was never seen or heard from again.
Since then, Liss has raised Callan as her own, and loves him as fiercely as any mother would. But in the back of her mind, she’s always wondered whether Ashley is still out there somewhere—and feared what might happen if she comes back.
When Ashley does reappear, it’s not in the way Liss expected. After all these years, Ashley’s car has been found…in the quarry pond on Kehoe property. But the discovery of the car dredges up more questions than answers. What really happened on the night of Ashley’s disappearance? Was it a tragic accident, or something far more sinister? Someone in town knows the truth, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep it quiet.
As tensions rise in the small community, Liss must fight to protect her family and keep her own secrets hidden—or risk losing everything she loves.
One rainy night fifteen years ago, a knock at the door changed Liss Kehoe’s life forever.
On that night, Ashley Hay stood on Liss’s front porch and handed over her brand-new baby Callan.
She was never seen or heard from again.
Since then, Liss has raised Callan as her own, and loves him as fiercely as any mother would. But in the back of her mind, she’s always wondered whether Ashley is still out there somewhere—and feared what might happen if she comes back.
When Ashley does reappear, it’s not in the way Liss expected. After all these years, Ashley’s car has been found…in the quarry pond on Kehoe property. But the discovery of the car dredges up more questions than answers. What really happened on the night of Ashley’s disappearance? Was it a tragic accident, or something far more sinister? Someone in town knows the truth, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep it quiet.
As tensions rise in the small community, Liss must fight to protect her family and keep her own secrets hidden—or risk losing everything she loves.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
About the author
Lori Rader-Day
14 books1,019 followersLORI RADER-DAY is the Edgar Award-nominated, Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author of The Death of Us, Death at Greenway, The Lucky One, Under a Dark Sky, The Day I Died, Little Pretty Things, and The Black Hour. Lori’s short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Time Out Chicago, Good Housekeeping, and others. She lives in Chicago, where she is the co-chair of the mystery reader event Midwest Mystery Conference and teaches creative writing for Northwestern University. She is a former national president of Sisters in Crime. Visit her at LoriRaderDay.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
June 20, 2023
Of course I gave it five stars. I wrote it.
October 29, 2023
Fifteen years ago, Liss Kehoe greeted Ashley Hay, the mother of her stepson Callan, at her front door and gladly took the new-born baby from her arms. Expecting it to be just a quick visit, she was surprised when Ashley didn’t return. Not in hours, or days, or even years. Instead, the new mother vanished without a sound, never to be heard from again.
Ever since, Liss has gladly stepped into the role of Callan’s mother. An ardent protector of the child she’s always wanted, she’s gone out of her way to make sure he’s safe and happy. But thanks to the lack of closure, Liss has always wondered what happened to Ashley all those years ago. After all, Liss’s world would be upended if she were to ever reappear.
So when Liss gets a call from now fifteen year old Callan, Ashley’s name is far from mind. When he elaborates that a car has been found in the old quarry pond just down the hill from the Kehoe home, however, the panic is quick and insistent. It couldn’t possibly be the one woman Liss has always wondered about, could it? But if it is, what does it mean?
As a police investigation is reopened and old scars are re-explored, the questions start to shake Liss’s life to its core just as she’d feared. What really happened that night fifteen years ago? Was Ashley’s death merely a tragic accident? Or something far more sinister in nature? As in any small town, gossip spreads like wildfire, but the one person who knows the truth will go to any extreme to keep their secrets hidden, consequences be damned. Can Liss protect her family? Or has the past finally come calling for it’s due?
Holy cannoli! Yet again, I am blown away by one of Lori Rader-Day’s books. The Death of Us was so good, in fact, that I actually forgot I was reading. With a powerful plot, heaps of foreboding, and a poignant mother-and-son relationship, it had me from hello right from the very beginning. But that wasn’t all that I loved, so let me get down to it…
The plot was typical Rader-Day through and through. Complex and deftly layered, it felt both genuine but also required a definite suspension of disbelief. At the same time, however, there wasn’t even a hint of anything over-the-top, a fact that couldn’t have been easy to achieve. Told primarily via dual POVs, each filled in just enough detail to keep me firmly in the dark. And with potential suspects galore, I was left unable to guess which decidedly iffy individual could be behind the evil deeds, as there were plenty of characters here that you’ll absolutely love to hate.
The twists, however, were what took this book from one to a hundred. With one in particular that literally had me calling out “WHAT?!” into the night. And as each one came to pass, the foreboding only crept higher up the dial, leading me to flip each page faster than the last. Perhaps that was why I read this book in just about twenty-four hours, but, of course, you won’t hear me complaining.
If I had to name my absolute favorite piece to this domestic suspense novel, however, it most certainly was that compelling mother-and-son relationship. While far from sweet and endearing thanks to Callan’s very true-to-life teenage angst, Liss’s love for him was thick from the start. Even better, though, was how their bond was hardly the only one explored. In a small town heaving with connections, I was delighted by how genuine it all felt, making the scenes play out like I was watching the gossip swirl from the sidelines. Bravo, Ms. Rader-Day, your evocative descriptions brought it all to life for me in a rather breathtaking way.
The only part that didn’t quite win me over was the somewhat confusing slow burn start that was rife with altogether too many characters. Granted, they were necessary due to the multiple storylines running throughout, but my head was reeling nevertheless. Was it necessary given the ultimate direction of the plot? Most definitely, as the subplots wove together into a blindly brilliant climax that had my pulse pounded with rising dread. After all, even the conclusion that followed meant stitching those pieces together. But then, it was the perfect ending to a stellar family drama that ran along the edges of all of those epic thrills and chills.
Done and dusted, I’m already throwing The Death of Us back onto my TBR pile. With so many threads for me to re-explore, I’m excited to dig deeper into the red herrings and rotten dirty deeds. Coming out on October 3rd, I strongly recommend you pre-order this puppy now. But if you can’t wait that long, definitely check out Rader-Day’s backlist. You won’t be disappointed. As if it isn’t already obvious, I give this one two enthusiastic thumbs up. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
PUB DATE: October 3, 2023
Thank you to Lori Rader-Day, William Morrow, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Note about the TW: unless you have personal experience with a degenerative illness or infidelity, there’s nothing particularly off putting about the content in this book.
Scroll down for said trigger list, which may potentially spoil the plot.
Trigger warning: a degenerative illness, infidelity, breaking and entering, threatening phone calls, suicide, bullying, accident involving a deer, mention of: pedophilia, police corruption
Ever since, Liss has gladly stepped into the role of Callan’s mother. An ardent protector of the child she’s always wanted, she’s gone out of her way to make sure he’s safe and happy. But thanks to the lack of closure, Liss has always wondered what happened to Ashley all those years ago. After all, Liss’s world would be upended if she were to ever reappear.
So when Liss gets a call from now fifteen year old Callan, Ashley’s name is far from mind. When he elaborates that a car has been found in the old quarry pond just down the hill from the Kehoe home, however, the panic is quick and insistent. It couldn’t possibly be the one woman Liss has always wondered about, could it? But if it is, what does it mean?
As a police investigation is reopened and old scars are re-explored, the questions start to shake Liss’s life to its core just as she’d feared. What really happened that night fifteen years ago? Was Ashley’s death merely a tragic accident? Or something far more sinister in nature? As in any small town, gossip spreads like wildfire, but the one person who knows the truth will go to any extreme to keep their secrets hidden, consequences be damned. Can Liss protect her family? Or has the past finally come calling for it’s due?
Holy cannoli! Yet again, I am blown away by one of Lori Rader-Day’s books. The Death of Us was so good, in fact, that I actually forgot I was reading. With a powerful plot, heaps of foreboding, and a poignant mother-and-son relationship, it had me from hello right from the very beginning. But that wasn’t all that I loved, so let me get down to it…
The plot was typical Rader-Day through and through. Complex and deftly layered, it felt both genuine but also required a definite suspension of disbelief. At the same time, however, there wasn’t even a hint of anything over-the-top, a fact that couldn’t have been easy to achieve. Told primarily via dual POVs, each filled in just enough detail to keep me firmly in the dark. And with potential suspects galore, I was left unable to guess which decidedly iffy individual could be behind the evil deeds, as there were plenty of characters here that you’ll absolutely love to hate.
The twists, however, were what took this book from one to a hundred. With one in particular that literally had me calling out “WHAT?!” into the night. And as each one came to pass, the foreboding only crept higher up the dial, leading me to flip each page faster than the last. Perhaps that was why I read this book in just about twenty-four hours, but, of course, you won’t hear me complaining.
If I had to name my absolute favorite piece to this domestic suspense novel, however, it most certainly was that compelling mother-and-son relationship. While far from sweet and endearing thanks to Callan’s very true-to-life teenage angst, Liss’s love for him was thick from the start. Even better, though, was how their bond was hardly the only one explored. In a small town heaving with connections, I was delighted by how genuine it all felt, making the scenes play out like I was watching the gossip swirl from the sidelines. Bravo, Ms. Rader-Day, your evocative descriptions brought it all to life for me in a rather breathtaking way.
The only part that didn’t quite win me over was the somewhat confusing slow burn start that was rife with altogether too many characters. Granted, they were necessary due to the multiple storylines running throughout, but my head was reeling nevertheless. Was it necessary given the ultimate direction of the plot? Most definitely, as the subplots wove together into a blindly brilliant climax that had my pulse pounded with rising dread. After all, even the conclusion that followed meant stitching those pieces together. But then, it was the perfect ending to a stellar family drama that ran along the edges of all of those epic thrills and chills.
Done and dusted, I’m already throwing The Death of Us back onto my TBR pile. With so many threads for me to re-explore, I’m excited to dig deeper into the red herrings and rotten dirty deeds. Coming out on October 3rd, I strongly recommend you pre-order this puppy now. But if you can’t wait that long, definitely check out Rader-Day’s backlist. You won’t be disappointed. As if it isn’t already obvious, I give this one two enthusiastic thumbs up. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
PUB DATE: October 3, 2023
Thank you to Lori Rader-Day, William Morrow, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Note about the TW: unless you have personal experience with a degenerative illness or infidelity, there’s nothing particularly off putting about the content in this book.
Scroll down for said trigger list, which may potentially spoil the plot.
Trigger warning: a degenerative illness, infidelity, breaking and entering, threatening phone calls, suicide, bullying, accident involving a deer, mention of: pedophilia, police corruption
October 23, 2023
The Death of Us is a master class in writing a contemporary psychological thriller. Gorgeously stylish writing, taut plotting, riveting characters and a compelling story. Lori Rader-Day is a rockstar in my book.
November 21, 2023
I thought it was well written. The reveals weren't surprising, but they weren't shark jumpy.
I am curious why the women in these books never have friends? And I will never understand why people who are looking into murders go anywhere without their phones.
I am curious why the women in these books never have friends? And I will never understand why people who are looking into murders go anywhere without their phones.
October 6, 2023
Review to come
September 30, 2023
Wasn’t a fan of this one at all, had to force myself to finish reading. Super super slow and only picked up a teensy bit towards the last 20%. Also felt like you were thrown into the middle of the characters stories rather than being introduced to them.
September 8, 2023
Fifteen years ago Liss Kehoes husband’s mistress leaves the baby and never returns. Present day her car is pulled out of the quarry on their land. Mercer Investigates the case and dark family secrets are revealed. This was an exciting read that kept me up into the night. Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC that will be released October 3, 2023!
January 15, 2024
3.75 stars
A baby dropped off by her husbands lover - then the mother never comes back! That is the premise of the book. The wife ends up raising the boy - her good for nothing husband rarely in the picture. Why does the young mother never come back for her son ?
A car is found in the quarry pond. Bones in the car. It is this finding that sets the story off. A very dysfunctional family - all with secrets. Liss bares the brunt of everyone's dysfunction, but Callen is the one hurt most of all.
This is my first book by this author. This book was chosen for my next in-person mystery book club and the author will be there via Zoom for our meeting.
A baby dropped off by her husbands lover - then the mother never comes back! That is the premise of the book. The wife ends up raising the boy - her good for nothing husband rarely in the picture. Why does the young mother never come back for her son ?
A car is found in the quarry pond. Bones in the car. It is this finding that sets the story off. A very dysfunctional family - all with secrets. Liss bares the brunt of everyone's dysfunction, but Callen is the one hurt most of all.
This is my first book by this author. This book was chosen for my next in-person mystery book club and the author will be there via Zoom for our meeting.
September 7, 2023
Mystery/suspense is my favorite genre. The premise of The Death of Us was intriguing. The slow beginning of this book really turned me off and it became a DNF for me. I gave it a lot of chances based on prior reviews and the kudos from authors that I respect. Besides the slow pacing, what turned me off was the beginning synopsis. The disjointed dialogue confused me. As Callan and Liss hemmed and hawed at the beginning, I lost interest.
November 29, 2024
Wow! I enjoyed this way more than I even expected! This is my second book & second 5 star from this author, excited to pick up the next 1!
August 15, 2023
An intense and well-written domestic suspense. A family is torn apart by events both past and present and it all comes to a head when a body is discovered and long lost secrets come to light. This was a fast-paced page-turner with a lot of suspects and a lot of layers to it. There were twists throughout. The descriptions completely drew me into the setting. Lori Rader-Day is skilled at creating heart-pounding suspense.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow and Lori Rader-Day for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow and Lori Rader-Day for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2023
I won’t lie, at the beginning I loathed how many people, mixed relationship + friendships there were. But as the story unfolded, I was shook and realized why so many people had to be involved. Truly probably one of the biggest plot twists ever, like jaw on the floor hand to mouth. Shook. Dare I say my fave new thriller?
The story is sooooo good, how have I never read Lori Rader-Day before?!
The story is told from multiple point of views, which I really appreciated. One person always knows just a little more than the others, and as the pins start to drop, you want so badly for the others to get up to speed. Ashley gives up her biological son, Callan, to Lissette Kehole on her front door step while her husband, Link Kehole, is out doing God knows what. Turns out, it’s Link’s baby from an affair he had with Ashley. The two raise them together, while Ashley is never heard from again… until 15 years later. Somehow everyone in the Kehole family is involved, but how?
Thank you, NetGalley, Rader-Day + William Morrow Publishing for the eARC, publishing October 2, 2023. Would 100% recommend.
The story is sooooo good, how have I never read Lori Rader-Day before?!
The story is told from multiple point of views, which I really appreciated. One person always knows just a little more than the others, and as the pins start to drop, you want so badly for the others to get up to speed. Ashley gives up her biological son, Callan, to Lissette Kehole on her front door step while her husband, Link Kehole, is out doing God knows what. Turns out, it’s Link’s baby from an affair he had with Ashley. The two raise them together, while Ashley is never heard from again… until 15 years later. Somehow everyone in the Kehole family is involved, but how?
Thank you, NetGalley, Rader-Day + William Morrow Publishing for the eARC, publishing October 2, 2023. Would 100% recommend.
Read
October 10, 2023No rating. DNF
I actually got almost half way through. Terrible dialogue and chopped pace eventually called all the others in the pile to yell out to me for deserved attention.
I actually got almost half way through. Terrible dialogue and chopped pace eventually called all the others in the pile to yell out to me for deserved attention.
October 8, 2023
The beginning moved slower than I normally like, but it picked up hella fast in the second half! Nonstop surprises and a crazy twist! All the characters kinda sucked as human beings, but I loved it for this novel! 🤣 I will definitely be recommending it to my friends!
October 3, 2023
The Death of Us is a delicious slow burn that I didn't want to put down. Rader-Day's writing totally captivated me and I became so emotionally invested in the characters and their drama.
I connected with Liss as a mother. Though her son was not biologically hers, it was evident that she loved Callan as if he were her own flesh and blood. The sacrifices she made for him were infinite and the devotion she had for him was palpable. I loved that Rader-Day explored this non-biological mother-son bond and how well she conveyed their relationship and love.
The characters also felt so real to me. I loved their messy back stories, flaws, and humanness. They were easy to resonate with and I could empathize with their plights.
I also really enjoyed the mystery. What really happened to Ashley? Who could I trust?
There were pieces to the story I definitely guessed, but watching everything unfold was so fun and satisfying.
While I would definitely classify this as a slow burn, I couldn't put it down. The character depth is fantastic and I didn't want it to end. I also recommended this book to my mother-in-law and she binged it in just a couple days!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the copy!
I connected with Liss as a mother. Though her son was not biologically hers, it was evident that she loved Callan as if he were her own flesh and blood. The sacrifices she made for him were infinite and the devotion she had for him was palpable. I loved that Rader-Day explored this non-biological mother-son bond and how well she conveyed their relationship and love.
The characters also felt so real to me. I loved their messy back stories, flaws, and humanness. They were easy to resonate with and I could empathize with their plights.
I also really enjoyed the mystery. What really happened to Ashley? Who could I trust?
There were pieces to the story I definitely guessed, but watching everything unfold was so fun and satisfying.
While I would definitely classify this as a slow burn, I couldn't put it down. The character depth is fantastic and I didn't want it to end. I also recommended this book to my mother-in-law and she binged it in just a couple days!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the copy!
September 11, 2023
This book did absolutely nothing for me. I didn't like it and could not get into it. What a waste of my time. A lot of bull and nothing much happens. Thanks to Goodreads for the Uncorrected Proof but wow what a lame story and terrible dialogue.
August 27, 2024
this gave me the ick
November 1, 2023
I borrowed a copy of The Death Of Us from my local library so I could read the physical copy. I received a digital ARC from William Morrow/Harper Collins.
The Death Of Us is a slow burn mystery novel. I didn’t feel like enough background was given to the characters and the focus was more on what happened to them than the actual characters and the relationships and connections between them.
I did enjoy the sections between chapters narrated by one of the characters, the retired cop, and I think his short narrated parts was the most interesting part of the novel.
I found the writing to be a bit choppy and I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters I was reading about. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I suppose that could be because that is where most of the excitement happened in this novel.
Overall, it was an okay read, but nothing particularly memorable or special. Glad I borrowed from the library instead of buying a copy for my shelf.
The Death Of Us is a slow burn mystery novel. I didn’t feel like enough background was given to the characters and the focus was more on what happened to them than the actual characters and the relationships and connections between them.
I did enjoy the sections between chapters narrated by one of the characters, the retired cop, and I think his short narrated parts was the most interesting part of the novel.
I found the writing to be a bit choppy and I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters I was reading about. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I suppose that could be because that is where most of the excitement happened in this novel.
Overall, it was an okay read, but nothing particularly memorable or special. Glad I borrowed from the library instead of buying a copy for my shelf.
August 24, 2023
What it’s about:
Set in a small town filled with secrets Ashley hands over her brand new baby, Callan, on the front porch of Liss’s house. Ashley leaves and is never seen or heard from again. Liss has no choice but to raise Callan as her own. She treats him like he’s her son but does wonder what happened to Ashley. Many years later Ashley’s car is found at the bottom of pond. The discovery of her car digs up many more questions than answers uncovering secrets and darker pasts. What happened to Ashley? Who is hiding what really happened?
Thoughts: If you like a very slow burn with many characters and lots of secrets this book is for you. I liked the mystery behind Ashley and her son. I found myself wondering what really happened to make her up and disappear leaving her most prized possessions with someone else. I am one that doesn’t mind a slow burn but I did struggle with the pacing of this book a bit as it seemed like the action took place in the last 15% of the book. My favorite character was Liss as I she had a good heart and was wholesome. Some of the other characters I struggled to connect with.
Set in a small town filled with secrets Ashley hands over her brand new baby, Callan, on the front porch of Liss’s house. Ashley leaves and is never seen or heard from again. Liss has no choice but to raise Callan as her own. She treats him like he’s her son but does wonder what happened to Ashley. Many years later Ashley’s car is found at the bottom of pond. The discovery of her car digs up many more questions than answers uncovering secrets and darker pasts. What happened to Ashley? Who is hiding what really happened?
Thoughts: If you like a very slow burn with many characters and lots of secrets this book is for you. I liked the mystery behind Ashley and her son. I found myself wondering what really happened to make her up and disappear leaving her most prized possessions with someone else. I am one that doesn’t mind a slow burn but I did struggle with the pacing of this book a bit as it seemed like the action took place in the last 15% of the book. My favorite character was Liss as I she had a good heart and was wholesome. Some of the other characters I struggled to connect with.
October 4, 2023
The Day I Died, Little Pretty Things, The Black Hour... these WERE a few of my favorite "things"....
That is until The Death of Us, hit the scene.
Lori Rader-Day, is an auto buy author for me. Rader-Day, could write out a grocery list and I would read it. Yes, my little kittens, she is THAT good and I need you to witness this literary genius' work for yourself.
Secrets, Lies, Family Drama.. oh my!!
Just kidding, count me in!
This book was fantastic! From start to finish I sped through the pages as if I couldn't get to the next chapter fast enough. Half way through I had it all figured out but I was dead wrong.
Before I slip and give something away, check out this teaser :
One rainy night fifteen years ago, a knock at the door changed Liss Kehoe’s life forever.
On that night, Ashley Hay stood on Liss’s front porch and handed over her brand-new baby Callan.
She was never seen or heard from again.
Since then, Liss has raised Callan as her own, and loves him as fiercely as any mother would. But in the back of her mind, she’s always wondered whether Ashley is still out there somewhere—and feared what might happen if she comes back.
When Ashley does reappear, it’s not in the way Liss expected. After all these years, Ashley’s car has been found… in the quarry pond on Kehoe property. But the discovery of the car dredges up more questions than answers. What really happened on the night of Ashley’s disappearance? Was it a tragic accident, or something far more sinister? Someone in town knows the truth, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep it quiet.
As tensions rise in the small community, Liss must fight to protect her family and keep her own secrets hidden—or risk losing everything she loves.
That is until The Death of Us, hit the scene.
Lori Rader-Day, is an auto buy author for me. Rader-Day, could write out a grocery list and I would read it. Yes, my little kittens, she is THAT good and I need you to witness this literary genius' work for yourself.
Secrets, Lies, Family Drama.. oh my!!
Just kidding, count me in!
This book was fantastic! From start to finish I sped through the pages as if I couldn't get to the next chapter fast enough. Half way through I had it all figured out but I was dead wrong.
Before I slip and give something away, check out this teaser :
One rainy night fifteen years ago, a knock at the door changed Liss Kehoe’s life forever.
On that night, Ashley Hay stood on Liss’s front porch and handed over her brand-new baby Callan.
She was never seen or heard from again.
Since then, Liss has raised Callan as her own, and loves him as fiercely as any mother would. But in the back of her mind, she’s always wondered whether Ashley is still out there somewhere—and feared what might happen if she comes back.
When Ashley does reappear, it’s not in the way Liss expected. After all these years, Ashley’s car has been found… in the quarry pond on Kehoe property. But the discovery of the car dredges up more questions than answers. What really happened on the night of Ashley’s disappearance? Was it a tragic accident, or something far more sinister? Someone in town knows the truth, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep it quiet.
As tensions rise in the small community, Liss must fight to protect her family and keep her own secrets hidden—or risk losing everything she loves.
October 5, 2023
Happy Pub Week to The Death of Us by Lori Rader-Day! Quite the suspenseful read, this one starts off fast and keeps you on your toes throughout. There were a few characters to keep straight in the beginning, but I got it together and really enjoyed this twisty ride. Liss Kehoe became a mom unexpectedly when Ashley Hay dropped off her newborn son Callan at her door one night and left, never to be seen or heard from again. Liss raised Callan as her own, but she could never relax, always wondering if Ashley would enter their lives again one day. And she does, but not in the way Liss ever expected. It is a small town and when Ashley’s car is found at the bottom of the quarry pond on Liss’ estate, you better believe all of a sudden everyone has an opinion on what happened.
I could not put this down and got through it in a couple of sittings. I love small town settings such as this, mainly because I grew up in one, and the author was spot on with how the town would react in this situation. I loved the short chapters, the different POV’s, and the ending was satisfying to me. Overall a great read that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to William Morrow Books and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the copies to review.
I could not put this down and got through it in a couple of sittings. I love small town settings such as this, mainly because I grew up in one, and the author was spot on with how the town would react in this situation. I loved the short chapters, the different POV’s, and the ending was satisfying to me. Overall a great read that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to William Morrow Books and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the copies to review.
September 18, 2023
Liss Kehoe has been raising Callan as her own for fifteen years, since the night his mother Ashley thrust him into Liss’s arms and disappeared into the night, never to be seen again. All these years later, Ashley’s car is found in the bottom on the quarry pond near Liss’s house, bringing to light new questions and old secrets. Was Ashley’s death accidental, or did someone have a reason to want her gone?
This was my first time reading a book by Lori Rader-Day, but it definitely won’t be my last! This book had so many things I love in a thriller: family drama, corruption, a small town full of secrets, and a police procedural. The drama between Liss and her almost-divorced husband, her soon-to-be former in-laws, and her nipped-in-the-bud romance with a police marshal all underpin a tensely-written plot that I couldn’t get enough of! With no shortage of suspects, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the culprit. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the author had another trick up her sleeve to surprise me!
Highly recommended for fans of small-town domestic suspense! Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.
This was my first time reading a book by Lori Rader-Day, but it definitely won’t be my last! This book had so many things I love in a thriller: family drama, corruption, a small town full of secrets, and a police procedural. The drama between Liss and her almost-divorced husband, her soon-to-be former in-laws, and her nipped-in-the-bud romance with a police marshal all underpin a tensely-written plot that I couldn’t get enough of! With no shortage of suspects, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the culprit. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the author had another trick up her sleeve to surprise me!
Highly recommended for fans of small-town domestic suspense! Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.
September 7, 2023
The Death of Us is the first book book that I have read by the award winning author Lori Rader-Day; it will not be my last.The Death of Us tells the story of a prominent small town family, living a life based on secrets, lies, unresolved conflicts, betrayal, evil and love.. When the body of a young woman who went missing fifteen years prior is discovered, everyone's life is upended, and the discovery has far-reaching ramifications for the family and the community. I must admit that at first the book seemed a bit slow to me, however that was a short-lived reaction. Once it picked up, it was a thrill ride filled with action and extremely believable characters, both good and evil. The pace quickened; I was hooked, and couldn't put it down till the final word. The Death of Us is a very satisfying read, I highly recommend it. 4 stars.
I received an ARC through NetGalley; that in no way impacted my review.
I received an ARC through NetGalley; that in no way impacted my review.
September 11, 2023
3 5 rounded to 4
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
I'm not sure the writing style was for me. At first it was quite confusing with the different characters, then the slow pace of the book but it got better at the end hence my rating. I was rooting for Liss since the beginning !
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
I'm not sure the writing style was for me. At first it was quite confusing with the different characters, then the slow pace of the book but it got better at the end hence my rating. I was rooting for Liss since the beginning !
August 24, 2023
I liked the storyline and the mystery was interesting but the execution was lacking for me. When it first started, the setup of the story and introduction of many characters felt rushed and confusing. I would have liked more time to get to know each person but it was just kind of thrown together probably in an effort to bring us into the fold. It did get better the more I read but it took a very long time for things to happen and some overly descriptive parts and tangents slowed things down. Most of the action happened in the last 20% of the book.
Read if you like slower paced suspense, families with secrets and a small town setting.
Read if you like slower paced suspense, families with secrets and a small town setting.
Read
October 9, 2023DNF-I don’t think it is fair to give a star rating since I gave up on this one. I was really excited about this one, early reviews had this up on the 4.5 average range. From the minute I started it, I felt like a had to go back and reread sentences and paragraphs to figure out who was talking and who they were talking about. I stopped, read some reviews, thought to myself, am I reading the same book these people did??? Kept going, then I got to a part that confirmed for me, this is not going to be worth your time. Too many good books waiting for my on my tbr. Hopefully you like this one better than I did!
December 28, 2023
I’m an avid reader and right away there were too many characters all at once to follow along clearly. Jumping from calling characters by their first name, then last name, by chapter 5 I stopped reading.
Read
October 20, 2023No rating because ohmygod it’s too slow. I made it to 30% and DNF’ing it now. And there’s some errors in the book. I
September 21, 2023
Fifteen years after disappearing, Ashley's car turns up in the pond on Liss' property. Liss may have been the last person to see Ashley alive, the night Ashley dropped her son, Callan, off with Liss and never returned.
Liss and her husband raised Callan for the last 15 years. Ashley's car resurfacing could put the whole future of the family in jeopardy.
The Death Of Us had a small town feel, where everyone knows everyone, and nobody's business is private. There are gossips and bullies, and just plain nosey bodies, making everything even more difficult for Liss and her family.
I loved the complicated messy characters. The story took some surprising turns, and I loved how she methodically revealed bits and pieces throughout.
My favorite character was the marshal, Mercer. I would love to see more of him.
This was my first book by this author and I'm anxious to read her backlist!
Liss and her husband raised Callan for the last 15 years. Ashley's car resurfacing could put the whole future of the family in jeopardy.
The Death Of Us had a small town feel, where everyone knows everyone, and nobody's business is private. There are gossips and bullies, and just plain nosey bodies, making everything even more difficult for Liss and her family.
I loved the complicated messy characters. The story took some surprising turns, and I loved how she methodically revealed bits and pieces throughout.
My favorite character was the marshal, Mercer. I would love to see more of him.
This was my first book by this author and I'm anxious to read her backlist!
October 10, 2023
A suspenseful domestic novel that has you on one crazy ride. Twists, secrets and small-town drama. A slow burn, but hold on as you will want to watch this story unfold.
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