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Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Book Review

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Book Review

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden book review

I’m not usually a dark-humor girl when I pick up a thriller. When I want thrills, I want thrills. No jokes unless it’s an ironic, “did that really just happen?” kind of laugh. So I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden and the humor woven throughout the story.

This isn’t laugh-out-loud comedy, but it is the kind of humor that makes you smirk or pause and shake your head. And somehow, it works. The balance between suspense and subtle humor felt intentional instead of distracting, which is not easy to pull off in a thriller.

At its core, Dear Debbie follows Debbie Mullen who seems like your typical suburban mom, she keeps the house running, raises her kids, and writes an advice column called Dear Debbie for her local paper, where woman after woman turns to her for sympathy, encouragement, and practical guidance. But when her own life starts to unravel , losing her job, family tensions rising, and secrets bubbling just beneath the surfaces, Debbie begins to question what being reasonable really gets her.

She’s always been someone who solves problems and not just for her readers, but for the people she cares about most. And when life starts pushing her to the edge, she doesn’t sit back and stay “reasonable” for long. Instead, she starts taking her own advice in ways that are surprising, unsettling… and sometimes downright ruthless. Debbie’s fierce loyalty to her family slowly reveals itself as a kind of warped justice: she’ll do anything for the people she loves, even if it means fighting fire with fire.

What I really liked was reading a thriller from the point of view of the person doing the dirty work. Debbie has a reason for everything she does. Whether you agree with her logic or not is another story, but she’s convinced she’s justified, and that makes the experience way more engaging. You’re constantly questioning whether she’s right, wrong, or somewhere in between.

The premise also hit a nostalgic note for me. I was obsessed with Dear Abby growing up and genuinely believed I could be the kid version of her. I even wrote in once with that dream in mind. Spoiler alert: she never responded. So when I saw the concept behind this book, I knew I had to read it as soon as it came out.

It’s no secret that I love Freida McFadden’s books. If you’ve read my review of The Boyfriend, you already know she’s one of my go-to authors when I want something fast, twisty, and bingeable. Dear Debbie absolutely delivered on that front. The twists were satisfying, and even though I’m starting to recognize some of her patterns, I still enjoy the ride every single time.

I finished this in about a day and a half. The only reason it took that long is because I had to work. Otherwise, this easily could’ve been a one-sitting read.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.9/5 Lighters

Readability When High:

Very easy to follow and quick to get through. The chapters move fast, the perspective stays clear, and nothing feels overly complicated. This is a true binge read, even if you’re only half paying attention at first.

Mind-Blown Factor:

The twists aren’t jaw-dropping, but they’re satisfying. Once you start to understand Debbie’s mindset and motivations, things begin to fall into place. The fun is less about shock and more about watching how far she’s willing to go.

Vibe Check:

Everyday mom life, small-town routine, and quiet frustration simmering under the surface. It feels grounded and familiar, which makes the darker choices and humor hit harder as the story unfolds.

Smokability:

A smooth hybrid vibe. Relaxing enough to stay comfortable, but engaging enough that you don’t zone out. This is a “one more chapter” kind of read.

Would I Reread While Baked?:

Yes. This feels like a good reread because knowing Debbie’s motivations adds another layer to her decisions. The buildup and internal logic are just as entertaining the second time around.

If you enjoy thrillers that are quick, a little messy, and told from an unexpected point of view, Dear Debbie is worth picking up. It’s not heavy or emotionally draining, but it is entertaining and easy to get lost in. You can grab your copy here and see for yourself why this one kept me hooked until the very last page.

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The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine Book Review (Domestic Thriller)

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine Book Review (Domestic Thriller)

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine book review featuring a twisty domestic thriller.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine is a domestic psychological thriller that gives rich-people chaos, obsession, and a woman who wants someone else’s life way too bad. The wealth in this book is actually insane. I don’t even know if I fully understand how the wealthy live for real, but it was still such an interesting perspective to read through, because everything is bigger, shinier, and somehow more dangerous.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

I loved this book even though I’m not going to lie… I did think the ending was a little predictable once the twist started coming into focus. Not in a way that made it unenjoyable, just in a “okay yeah I see where this is going” kind of way. But the thing is, the author set this story up really well, especially with the way the perspectives are written. The pacing made it hard to stop, and the voice for each main character was distinct enough that you stay locked in.

What really worked for me was the way the story builds tension with image, status, and control. It’s not just a “she’s jealous” book. It’s very much about power, access, and how someone can quietly insert themselves into your life while you’re not paying attention. I also liked how the writing made the setting feel real, even when I couldn’t relate to the lifestyle at all. It still felt immersive.

My only real critique is that I wanted more time with the controlling behavior and the full impact of it. I wanted to see more of the tension and the ways it affected the women beyond what we got, but maybe that’s something the second book explores more. I’m still deciding if I’m even reading the next one though, because the premise looks like a lot of teaming up and back-and-forth and I don’t know if I’m in the mood for that… but I also might be judging too early.

Also, I heard Jennifer Lopez is filming the Netflix movie adaptation for this, and I’m not even mad at it. Actress J.Lo? I like her. I think she could be a great Mrs. Parrish.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.9/5 Lighters

Readability When High: Easy to follow and super bingeable. The writing flows and the perspective shifts keep it moving.

Mind-Blown Factor: The twist is good, but I did find the ending a little predictable once it started clicking into place.

Vibe Check: Wealthy suburb perfection on the outside, messy intentions underneath, and tension that builds quietly but consistently.

Smokability: A clean hybrid. Something that keeps you relaxed but not too sleepy, because you’ll want to keep going.

Would I Reread While Baked? Yes. I’d reread it for sure, especially for the buildup and the way the perspectives are set up. It’s one of those books that’s fun to revisit once you already know what’s coming.

If you want a domestic thriller with rich-people obsession, shifting perspectives, and a smooth bingeable pace, The Last Mrs. Parrish is worth picking up. Pick it up here!

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Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton Book Review (Black Gothic Thriller)

Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton Book Review (Black Gothic Thriller)

Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton book review featuring a Black gothic thriller with Harlem Renaissance mystery vibes.

Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton is a dual-timeline Black gothic thriller that moves between a present-day writer and a Harlem Renaissance artist, tied together by a painting with a deadly secret. It’s tense, eerie, and layered in a way that feels culturally rich instead of generic. And yes, it kept me turning pages… even when the main character had me wanting to reach through the book and shake her.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card. Thank you for supporting Ashley Jane!

The story follows Shanice Pierce, a present-day writer whose life starts spiraling while she’s dealing with grief, stress, and the kind of mental exhaustion that makes everything feel heavier than it should. When a mysterious painting comes back into her life, it opens the door to a whole history she wasn’t prepared for. At the same time, the book flips you back into the Harlem Renaissance timeline, where we meet Estelle Johnson, an aspiring painter who gets pulled into the orbit of a wealthy patron who insists on being called “Godmother.”

What made this book hit for me was the atmosphere and the cultural alignment. This wasn’t just a thriller with Black characters dropped in. It had voice, texture, and a real sense of place. The Harlem Renaissance chapters were my favorite part, and every time the story jumped back, I was locked in. Those sections had that mix of beauty and danger that makes a book feel cinematic, especially with the way “Godmother” positions herself as a protector and benefactor while everything underneath her feels off.

I also loved that the book didn’t treat mental health like a quick plot device. Shanice’s stress, overwhelm, and family dynamics felt human, not just “thriller stuff happening.” The tension wasn’t only coming from the mystery, it was coming from her life already being heavy, which made everything feel sharper.

My only real annoyance was some repetition and the fact that Shanice stressed me out. There were moments where the same thoughts kept circling and I found myself like okay girl we get it. And she made choices that had me whispering “why would you do that???” more than once. But honestly, that’s also how I know the thriller was working. If the main character has your blood pressure up, the tension is doing its job.

Another critique is that I wanted the damage to feel more concrete. The concept of Godmother is so strong that I wanted one or two more moments that showed exactly how deep her reach goes, not just hints and vague references. That would’ve made the threat feel even bigger and the impact hit harder.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.9/5 Lighters

Readability When High: Easy to follow and the timeline switching doesn’t get confusing. The pacing is steady and it keeps you locked in.

Mind-Blown Factor: Not constant shock twists, but the suspense builds in a way that keeps you reading because something feels wrong the whole time.

Vibe Check: Black gothic thriller energy with Harlem Renaissance beauty, art, power, and control layered underneath it all. Creepy, cinematic, and culturally rich.

Smokability: Something that keeps you calm but alert. Not too heavy, because you’ll start side-eyeing every character like it’s personal.

Would I Reread While Baked? Yes. Especially for the Harlem Renaissance chapters. That timeline was elite.

If you’re in the mood for a thriller that feels eerie, layered, and culturally aligned, Do What Godmother Says is worth the ride! You can pick it up here!

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Thrillers That Weren’t For Me (But Might Be For You)

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Thrillers That Weren’t For Me (But Might Be For You)

Not every thriller book is a bad book. Sometimes it’s just not my thriller book.

I’m picky about thrillers and I’ve realized I have a few “red flags” that will make a story fall flat for me fast. So this isn’t a drag on any author, and I’m not telling you not to read these. These are thrillers that weren’t for me, but they might be for you depending on your thriller taste. If you want a thriller that actually did work for me, here’s my review of The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden.

So if you’re a thriller reader who likes honest opinions (without all the dramatic “worst book ever” energy), here are four popular thrillers that weren’t for me, why they didn’t work, and who I think they might be perfect for.

 

My Thriller Red Flags

What usually makes a thriller not work for me:

  • When it’s marketed as a thriller but reads more like romance or drama
  • When the middle gets too messy and loses the main plot
  • When characters feel off or the writing choices pull me out
  • When the ending doesn’t have enough payoff and I’m left like… “that’s it?”
  • When characters of color are written in a way that feels off, unnecessary, or distracting

If any of these don’t bother you, honestly you might have a better time with these than I did. Heads up: this post may include affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you)!

Four Thrillers That Weren’t For Me

1) Verity — Colleen Hoover

 

Premise

Verity follows a writer who’s hired to finish a bestselling author’s book series after an accident leaves that author unable to continue. But once she enters the author’s home and life, she finds a manuscript full of disturbing “truths,” and things get messy fast.

It wasn’t for me because…

I kept waiting for the suspense to really kick in, but for me this read more like romance/drama with a dark twist than an actual thriller. It didn’t feel suspenseful or intense the way I want thrillers to feel. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat… I was more like “okay so… when are we getting to the THRILL?”

And I’ll be honest, the writing style felt immature in a way that made it hard for me to take the story seriously. I’ve heard people say that’s a thing with some of Colleen Hoover’s books, and I definitely felt it here. It just wasn’t the type of writing voice I enjoy in this genre.

But you might like it if…

You love relationship mess, obsession, shock value, and books that feel like a fast binge-read. If you like thrillers that lean more emotional, dramatic, and scandalous, this might be your kind of chaos.

Also… she’s clearly doing something right because there’s a movie coming and Anne Hathaway is going to KILL it. I’m honestly more excited for the film version than the book.

2) Last Girl Ghosted — Lisa Unger

Premise

This one follows a woman whose online dating experience turns into a mystery when a man she’s been seeing suddenly disappears, and she starts realizing she might not be the only one he’s done this to. It’s a modern thriller with that “something is not adding up” vibe from the start.

It wasn’t for me because…

This one actually started strong. It was well-written, the plot idea was interesting, and it pulled me in fast. But somewhere in the middle, it started getting too in the weeds. The story felt like it was juggling too many directions at once, and it lost some of the focus that made the beginning so gripping.

I also felt like the most interesting part of the story was the angle involving the past girls and their situations, and I wish the book leaned harder into that and what it meant with the characters of the book. That part had the most potential to be intense, haunting, and emotionally heavy. Instead, it felt like the story rushed through pieces that could’ve been more developed, and then suddenly we were at the conclusion.

But you might like it if…

You enjoy modern mysteries, online dating thrillers, missing person stories, and books with a steady slow-burn unraveling. If you like a plot that gets more complicated as it goes, you might love this one.

3) Creep — Jennifer Hillier

Premise

Sheila Tao is a psychology professor who’s engaged, but she ends up in an affair with her graduate teaching assistant, Ethan. When she tries to end it and move on with her life, Ethan does not take rejection well and things spiral into blackmail, obsession, and a nasty cat-and-mouse situation.

It wasn’t for me because…

I tried so hard to like this book because the premise is strong and the thriller angle is definitely there. But I spent most of the book frowning. The story kept pulling me out instead of pulling me in.

And I’m going to say it plainly: I didn’t like how the book wrote characters of color. But to be fair, as little as they were in there at least she tried to put them in versus other authors. Certain choices felt off to me, and once that feeling set in, it kept distracting me from the suspense. So even when the plot was doing what it was supposed to do, I wasn’t enjoying the reading experience. I finished it, but it just wasn’t for me.

But you might like it if…

You like darker thrillers that lean into obsession, control, and “this is getting worse by the page,” and you don’t mind characters making messy decisions that set the whole plot on fire.

4) Every Last Secret — A.R. Torre

Premise

This is a domestic/psychological thriller about two couples in a wealthy neighborhood: Cat and William Winthorpe, and their new neighbors Neena and Matt Ryder. Neena becomes fixated on William and the Winthorpes’ lifestyle, and the story turns into a rivalry between Cat and Neena that escalates into manipulation, secrets, and a lot of calculated behavior.

It wasn’t for me because…

It wasn’t that A.R. Torre cannot write, the writing is strong and the alternating perspectives are one of the best parts of the book. I also liked the way the characters were drawn because you can feel the power struggle.

But the payoff didn’t hit for me. I got to the end like… okay? That’s it? I wanted more suspense and more “thriller” energy. It felt like it was building toward something sharper or more shocking, and then it just kind of… landed. So I walked away disappointed because I could see the potential, but it didn’t deliver the impact I wanted.

But you might like it if…

You like rich-neighborhood drama, messy power dynamics, and psychological tension that’s more about rivalry and control than jump-scare twists.

Final Thoughts

If you loved any of these thrillers, don’t jump me 😂 they just weren’t for me. Everybody’s thriller taste is different, and sometimes a book can be popular as hell and still not hit your personal buttons. These are just the books that weren’t for me, but they might be perfect for you depending on what you like. And if you have a thriller that actually delivered suspense the whole way through and had a real payoff at the end… I need recommendations immediately. I’m always looking for my next “can’t put this down” read.

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The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest – All The Feels

Book Review: The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, All The Feels

Cover of The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, a feel-good romance novel featuring a soft, slow-burn Black love story.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest is a contemporary romance that delivers all the cozy, slow-burn vibes. Centering on Lily, an aspiring editor, and Nick, a mysterious author, this story begins through anonymous emails and blossoms into an unexpected in-person connection. What starts as a virtual pen pal relationship soon becomes deeper without either of them initially realizing it. It’s giving You’ve Got Mail for the modern reader, but better. With a Black couple at the center, soft moments, and a drama-free romance arc, this book was refreshing and joyful.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

Kristina Forest became an auto-read author for me with this one. I picked up the book after seeing it around during her promo tour, and I’ll admit, the gorgeous cover featuring a Black couple drew me in immediately. I was looking for a feel-good romance, and this gave me exactly what I needed. The initial email thread felt cheeky, nostalgic, and sweet, just like a 2000s rom-com.

What made this book resonate with me was its writing style. Kristina’s voice is smooth and familiar in the best way, like a friend telling you a love story. From the song references to the cookout moments, it felt like I was reading something written for me, not just at me. The supporting characters added depth and warmth, too. I didn’t realize this was part of a series with Lily’s sisters, but I plan to read the others once I come down from my thriller phase.

If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that I wanted more from the email exchange. That part of the story pulled me in, and I wish it had lasted just a bit longer. But maybe I was going too fast because I was enjoying it so much.

This is the kind of romance that lets love be soft. No trauma bonding, no heartbreak Olympics, just chemistry, tension, and joy. It made me feel stoned and in love in the best way.

🔥 Lit Meter: 5/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: Super easy to follow, even if you’re a little faded. The writing flows, the pacing is smooth, and the dialogue feels real.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: This isn’t a twisty read, but emotionally? The vibes hit hard. Especially if you’re craving soft love stories.
  • Vibe Check: Romantic, nostalgic, and just a little cheeky. It’s like slipping into your favorite hoodie and watching a rom-com that gets you.
  • Smokability: This is a warm-tea-and-a-hybrid type of book. Something that relaxes your body and lets your heart stay open.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Yes. 100% yes. Especially the email parts. They’re cozy and intimate in a way that feels timeless.

If you’re looking for a romance that gives you joy without dragging you through the mud, The Neighbor Favor should be next on your list. You can grab it here and let yourself fall in love a little.

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Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A Domestic Political Thriller

Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams, A Suspenseful Political Thriller

The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A suspenseful political thriller with secrets, ambition, and deception. A must-read for domestic thriller fans.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

The Bitter Truth Book Review” dives into a domestic political thriller that blends ambition, deception, and hidden secrets. Shanora Williams delivers a suspenseful read where power and lies collide, making this a gripping story that keeps you questioning every character’s true intentions. I typically struggle with political thrillers, but I can’t pinpoint why. Perhaps, one day, I’ll figure it out. However, The Bitter Truth touches on politics without venturing too deeply, making it an easier read. It includes enough campaign drama and high-stakes deception to set the scene without overwhelming the reader with policy discussions or complicated political strategies, which worked in its favor.

Shanora Williams is one of my favorite authors; she knows how to create a thriller that captivates you. Jolene “Jo” Baker embodies the role of the ideal political wife, polished, and ready to stand by her husband, Dominic, as he runs for governor. However, as the campaign intensifies, so do the secrets. A woman from Dominic’s past resurfaces, causing Jo to question whether she truly knows the man she married. As Jo investigates further, she uncovers a tangled web of deceit that extends beyond her marriage and into the very essence of the campaign. This story goes beyond politics; it explores themes of control, ambition, and how far someone will go to keep their past hidden.

The book combines domestic suspense and conspiracy thriller elements. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps the story engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but the way everything unfolded made the read worthwhile.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.5/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: The writing is solid. It keeps you engaged without requiring you to track complex details, so you won’t get lost if you’re a little altered.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Some twists hit hard, while others fall flat. If you’ve read many thrillers, you might see a few coming from a distance, but how they play out remains intriguing.
  • Vibe Check: This is more of a character-driven thriller than an in-depth political analysis. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with elements of power struggles, this one delivers.
  • Smokability: Best enjoyed with something that keeps your mind sharp without causing overanalysis. A sativa-heavy hybrid.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Maybe not immediately, but it’s a fun one-time ride.

I approached The Bitter Truth cautiously since I don’t usually prefer political thrillers. However, this book resonated with me because it focuses more on secrets, personal ambition, and high-stakes deception than policy debates. It feels like a blend of Scandal and a domestic thriller, offering just enough complexity to keep it entertaining. If that sounds appealing to you, check it out! You can find it on Amazon here.

This story combines elements of domestic suspense with a conspiracy thriller vibe. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps things engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but how everything unravels adds to the intrigue.

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The Bigamist Book Review by Rona Halsall, When One Life Is Not Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall Book Review, When One Life Just Isn’t Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall book review – A psychological thriller with twists, reviewed by Ashley Jane’s Lit Reads.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

 

What happens when one life isn’t enough? This book review is about The Bigamist by Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller packed with deception, double lives, and jaw-dropping twists. But does it hit different when you’re high? If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one might be for you. Read my full review to see if it’s worth the hype or just another overhyped plot twist.

Things aren’t always what they look like, especially when someone’s hiding behind a web of secrets.

Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller in The Bigamist that keeps you side-eyeing every character. Emma’s got the whole “perfect life” thing down—loving husband, cozy home, the works. But when stuff stops making sense, she starts asking questions. Let’s say, the answers? Not what she signed up for. One discovery leads to another; before you know it, her world feels more upside down than a snow globe.

Emma is kinda complicated. She’s not the kind of character you slap on a “World’s Best MC” mug. She’s messy, makes terrible calls, and you’ll either yell at or cheer for her (sometimes both in the same chapter). But that’s what makes it so hard to put this book down. If you love stories packed with secrets, lies, and enough twists to make you say, “Wait, WHAT?”, you’ll have a good time with this one.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.75/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: Super readable. But if you’re too zoned out, some sneaky details might slip by. Nothing tragic, you’ll still get the main story. Maybe bookmark anything that feels shady.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Twists hit you in waves instead of a one-punch KO. It’s a more “wait for it…” vibe that leaves you guessing at every turn.
  • Vibe Check: Solid slow burn. It’s tense but doesn’t slap you with nonstop adrenaline. You’ll want to keep turning pages, but it’s chill enough not to fry your nerves.
  • Smokability: Perfect for a hybrid strain. Something balanced that you’ll stay sharp enough to connect the dots but relaxed enough to enjoy the ride.
  • Would I Reread Baked? Eh, maybe. Once you know the twists, the shock factor’s gone. But Emma’s train-wreck moments might be worth revisiting when you’re in the mood for drama.

I read this curled up on the couch, Kindle in one hand, a nice blunt in the other. Ideal setup. This book doesn’t slap you in the face with action, but it’s sneaky. The twists creep in like, “Hey, there didn’t see that coming, huh?” Low-key addicting. If character-driven drama and slow-burn mysteries are your jam, grab a cozy spot and give The Bigamist a go. Here’s the Amazon link if you’re curious. Enjoy my stoner loves!