Camille Gardner still blames college student Harris Blanchard for her daughter’s death. At a ceremony honoring him with a humanitarian award, she loses her cool and screams “murderer” in front of the crowd and, of course, her rant becomes an instant viral sensation. As people consider her crazy, Camille withdraws from the public eye until a mysterious woman hands her a card that invites her to a site on her dark web where she can express her feelings without judgment to other mothers who have also experienced the unpunished loss of a child. But soon she begins to wonder if they are seeking justice or retribution.

“The thing with the truth, it hides in plain sight. It crouches in corners and pounces—but you have to look at it first. You have to stop and face it head-on and then it will leap at you and if you are not ready, you will fall. . . .”

I’ve read and enjoyed several books by Alison Gaylin but this could be her best one yet!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What is the difference between revenge and justice and how far will you go to get it? Camille's daughter died and the person responsible for it wasn't held responsible. When a secret group of grieving mothers contacts her with an offer to make things right, does she agree? I read this in about one sitting. Compelling and suspenseful! Highly recommended.

Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
#TheCollective #AlisonGaylin #NetGalley #CustomHouse
Talk about Mama Bear. This is my kind of girl. I love a good angry mama story.
Camille is still reeling from her daughters’ death after five years. She’s obsessed with the man responsible. Who wouldn’t be? Camille finds a group of women that understand her pain and, seemingly, will do anything to help her. It seems therapeutic at first, but as more and more is revealed, it becomes hard to tell just where their loyalties lie.
This story was masterfully paced. I couldn’t stop reading and thinking about it all the way through to the shocking ending. This was one of the most relatable characters I have come upon in a long time. Being a mother myself, this story brought out the visceral part of me. Multiple times throughout the book, I felt the need to check on and hug my kids. This story was beautifully written. Five Stars!

This book had it all. I read this in one sitting (with a few breaks in-between, #momlife). It was riveting, heart-wrenching, emotional, suspenseful, thrilling...all the adjectives. I was so impressed by the way the story grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go until the last. As soon as I thought there would be a lull in the plot I got hit with another twist. The idea of a bunch of grieving mothers who find each other and don’t apologize for their feelings was brilliantly relatable. The plot obviously takes a darker turn and that’s where things get crazy! I was invested in the characters and felt their loss. The ending was unpredictable (which I always appreciate). There were some outlandish plot points but nothing too ridiculous. Parents, thriller-lovers, fiction fans, anyone - put this on your tbr / pre-order it / tattoo it on your arm to remember : just make sure to read it.

Thanks to the publisher/author for allowing me to review this arc.

4.5 stars - rounded up.

Such a solid read. I love Alison Gaylin’s writing and this is so well paced. I connected easily with Camille and her story of pain and loss. This boook kept me turning the pages and the twist was a great one. Definitely a great suspenseful read.

This was a wild ride for sure. The premise was very intriguing- how far would you go to get justice for your child?? I really felt for Camille and what she had gone through with the death of her daughter. She was completely broken until she joined a group online with similar stories. The Collective really understands her and her need for justice- but at what cost??? I thought the ending was good and not expected. Great book!

What an amazing book. I stayed up way too late reading it all in one sitting. Following the main character’s story all the way to the finish. The building distrust and anxiety. And then that twist. I’ll recommend this to all of my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3880959349

My first 5 star review of 2021. I can't begin to describe the excellence that is this book!
Camille's 15 year old daughter Emily was raped and murdered by a rich, older frat boy. He didn't do any real time faced no real justice. Camille is merely existing on the pain, anger and frustration it is to lose a child while the murderer gets to walk free. Her marriage is over. Her daughter is gone. Her job kind of keeps her going.
Then things take a turn. She finds a community that REALLY gets her. But, belonging to this collective comes with a price.
The twists and turns and (finally) the shocking ending. I am rarely shocked or thrown for a loop. But this book managed to do just that.
Camille's character is very well written. As is the book itself. It was more than I expected. I look forward to what else this author has in store.

Oh.my.word. that was me times 230 after reading this book!! What did I even just read??! Holy cow!! I pride myself on figuring out books and the mystery but this book completely shocked me, and left my mind reeling!!!!! I think i may have to read it a second time just to fully let it all sink in! It was twisty in a way I have never read before and man, just man!!!! Such a good book!!!!!

Loved the premise of the book, fast thrilling read that makes you root for the group. However the ending seemed a bit abrupt and missing some pieces. Would have liked to learned more about the group and maybe have a sequel based on the leader’s perspective.

An interesting novel perfect for the #metoo era. The characters in this book and their experiences are very real. There are parts that are harrowing to read. However it’s an important narrative that needs to be told even in fiction.