Absolutely brilliant! Such and amazing story. Will keep you on the edge till the end. Amazing. I recommended this book to everyone I know!

With multiple points of view & dual timelines, Jennifer Hillier's story of Paris Peralta and her foiled attempt at a quiet life when she is accused of the murder of her celebrity husband, was an absolute ride! The through line of pole dancing and a podcast made the story unique and multilayered. This read was full of twists and was truly a page-turning read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan for the ARC of this book.

Thank you Net Galley and Minotaur Books for the sampler that included this book. I might not have seen or selected it and that would have been my loss.

Things We Do in the Dark is a well-written thriller/mystery with a wealth of excellent characters. Paris, Joelle, Ruby, Elsie and Zoe were well structured, emotionally evocative people. The roles they play throughout kept me guessing about the death of Jimmie until nearly the end of the book. Was it murder, suicide or accident? What part did these women play? Very seldom does a book keep me so completely “in the dark”.

Not to leave any loose threads, Ms. Hillier spends time polishing off the story with a very satisfying ending.

This review wouldn’t be finished without a mention of Drew, Joelle’s lifelong best friend. Long suffering, emotionally attached to Joelle, but apparently unable to say so. Drew is the shovel that kept digging at the mountain of incongruity which was at the heart of this story. He was critical to plot movement and resolution.

Great job Jennifer Hillier and Minotaur Books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Jennifer Hillier for the advanced copy of Things We Do in the Dark in exchange for my honest review.

I am very mad at myself that it took me until the year 2022 to start reading Jennifer Hillier. I've begun working my way through her backlog but was very excited to receive an early copy of her upcoming book.

The dark, fast-paced, suspenseful elements fans of Hillier have grown to expect from her are all on full display in this book. Those who have enjoyed her previous works surely won't be disappointed on that front. (Please check triggers!)

I absolutely flew through the pages, but not necessarily because I *needed* to know what happened, I was just so invested in how the plot developed. It's rare for me to enjoy a book so much if I figure out a twist or two, and it's a true testament to Hillier's writing that I largely figured out what was going to happen and still give this one 5 glowing stars.

I look forward to continue working my way through Hillier's backlist, and I'll be (im)patiently waiting for her next release, whenever that may be!

Things We Do in the Dark will be on US bookshelves July 19.

I have seen a ton of people really loving this one, but it just fell flat for me. I had the "twist" figured out very early on, and it was just slow. I would still read more by this author because I loved Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets, but this one just wasn't to great for me.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

This is an excellent gripping story! I didn’t want to put this one down. Paris has been through so much in her lifetime. She worked hard to reinvent herself only to be accused of murdering her husband. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in her deep story. Highly recommend this one.

This was definitely my kind of mystery!! It took me forever to pick up Little Secrets, so when I got this one, I knew I needed to get to it sooner rather than later!! I really enjoyed this story, and even though I had big portions of the story figured out, the writing and flow of this one kept me on the edge of my seat! I found it hard to put this one down once I started it and definitely recommend to other mystery/thriller readers!!

Paris Paralta is charged with murder after she finds her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub. Ruby Reyes was charged with murder twenty-five years ago. Reyes knows who Paris really is and she threatens to expose all of Paris’ secrets. This is a heart-pounding and surprise-filled plot that started out slow but heated up and kept me turning pages until the very end. The timeline switches between the past and present. If you love action thrillers then you will enjoy this one. I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy for an honest review.

Wow! I really like this book! Jennifer Hillier's writing style is absolutely gorgeous!

This is a twisty turny read that will keep you guessing until the very end. I LOVED to hate the character Ruby. Absolutely could not wait for more scenes that she was in because she was absolutely horrible but it really gave a well-rounded look of why the characters are the way they are.

Paris was easy to root for even though you're wondering what the heck happened to Jimmy! Definitely would recommend!

4.5

Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Paris Peralta looks guilty when she's arrested in her own home covered in her husband's blood holding a straight razor. But Paris is more concerned that the publicity of her arrest will bring up the past she ran away from many years ago.

I will read anything Jennifer Hillier writes. She always come through with excellent thrillers. Things We Do in the Dark jumps between different points of view and different timelines split into 6 parts. While I was hanging onto every word in the beginning, things started to slow down during the next section that provided a lot of the background on Paris. I almost gave up on the book during this point, but I stuck it out and I'm so glad I did.

A big twist around the halfway mark got me right back in and it was hard to put down after that.

I think I feel about this book the same way that Megan Fox feels about Machine Gun Kelly - It is my twin flame. 🔥🔥 Even though it unsettled me at times, I couldn’t stay away from its light…or in this case, its dark.

Full transparency:
🔪 I have never been accused of murdering my wealthy husband
🍒 I have never worked at a strip club
and thankfully, I have never been a giver or a victim of child abuse.

BUT I felt this book on many levels and every time I was apart from it, it’s all I could think about. I am already calling it as the best thriller of 2022 and will be very surprised if something tops it for me.

A lot of writers are one trick ponies, but not Jennifer Hillier. No, she is a unicorn. Or what’s the one with the wings? A Pegasus? Well, whatever she is, she is made of magic. 🦄✨

I don’t remember the last time I was in a “one more chapter” bargain loop like I was with this gritty read. Laundry had to wait. Dishes? Nope. Dinner? Fine. But only if I can read while I eat.

I could not put it down. The suspense level of is perfection.

The story begins from the perspective of a woman named Paris, who is accused of killing her famous husband who is almost 30 years her senior. Things don’t look good for her and it’s quickly apparent that Paris has a lot of secrets.

Then, about 20% in, the story does a pivot and the perspective shifts to create a truly dynamic thriller with intricate layers and levels. It doesn’t give away its secrets all at once.

🎧 BOOK / REVIEW 🎧

This was such a lovely weekend, y'all. So much sunshine, time with friends and of course a good #book. I still get chills every time I get #bookmail - and think, how am I so darn lucky to get copies from my favorite authors like @jenniferhillierbooks before everyone else 🥺

#thingswedointhedark was deliciously wicked and sinister. I read this cover to cover in under 24 hours. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I read somewhere this is her favorite book to date, but its nearly impossible to beat #jarofhearts in my opinion (though a close second). This one will rip you apart for a lot of reasons and there are definitely trigger warnings like sexual assault and some graphic crime scene descriptions, but I strongly suggest you grab this ASAP. Thanks @minotaur_books and #shelfawareness for my copy - out 7/19/22! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 19, 2022
*TW: child physical and sexual abuse, drug use*
Brilliant Canadian thriller writer, Jennifer Hillier, returns with her new novel “Things We Do in the Dark”. I found Hillier by accident one day when I discovered “Creep”, was again pulled under her spell with “The Butcher” and was captivated by “Little Secrets”. There is no denying that I’d read Hillier’s grocery list, so it was a no-brainer that I would jump at the chance to read this one, too.
Paris Peralta is arrested after she is found covered in blood, holding a blade, while her husband bleeds out in the bathtub. Although her husband was a famous, televised comedian, Paris has been successful at staying out of the spotlight- until now. Now Paris not only has to worry about being tried and arrested for the murder of her husband but she also has to worry that someone from her past will recognize the girl she used to be, and make her pay. Unfortunately for Paris, someone does. “The Ice Queen”, Ruby Reyes, is being released from prison, after serving years for murdering her married lover, and she has the power to reveal Paris’ secrets to the whole world, unless Paris is willing to pay for it.
“Dark” is divided into sections; first, we hear from Paris as her husband is discovered dead and she is taken away from her home in handcuffs. Secondly, we are introduced to Drew Malcolm, whose podcast “Things We Do in the Dark” is focusing on the Ice Queen herself, Ruby Reyes, and slowly, we begin to see the connection between Paris and Ruby, and between Drew and Paris herself. The final two sections converge the storylines, and Paris’ identity and backstory are revealed, as well as the drama of her courtroom legal battle. Although all characters and storylines connect at the end, there does seem to be a bit of disjointed storytelling at the beginning, as the novel goes from one plotline (the murder, the legal trial) to another (Paris’ backstory, Ruby’s connection). It is definitely worth pushing through though, as Hillier makes a seamless connection, full of twists, turns and psychological mind games that will leave you breathless!
Paris is an intriguing character and although she was not exceptionally relatable, she was likable and I rooted for her from the start! The connection between Paris and Ruby was pretty easy to recognize right from the hop, although the ending had a nice twist that I didn’t expect!
“Things We Do in the Dark” is definitely a different type of novel than I was expecting but it was still entertaining, terrifying and gripping all at once. Hillier does psychological thrillers right, and “Dark” is no exception!

I loved Jennifer Hillier's book Little Secrets and looked forward to reading an ARC of her latest novel, Things We Do In The Dark. This novel is highly recommended. I loved it! Hillier's writing is stellar and her plotting is exceptional. I'm officially a fan.

Throughout the story, I rooted for main character, Paris Peralta, who survives a childhood of violence and abuse from a sadistic mother and finally finds happiness with an older man who happens to be a famous comedian. The juxtaposition between a horrific childhood and marriage to a comedic genius was irony that wasn't lost on me. Of course, since Things We Do In The Dark is a thriller; drama, tragedy, and suspense soon follow.

Many thanks to St Martin's Press Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will be posted to Bayside Book Reviews website and Instagram page on release day. https://baysidebookreviews.com/ *NetGalley Top Reviewer.

Little Secrets was the first book I read by Jennifer and was excited when I was approved for electronic ARC by NetGalley and Minotaur books.

Covered in blood with a straight razor, Paris is the immediate suspect of the murder of her famous comedian husband who’s much older than her. Paris doesn’t like being in limelight, and she has her own reasons. She has her own past that she doesn’t wish to dig but this trial can make it difficult. This story has six parts, and each part reveals a new story that I’m sure readers will enjoy reading. It’s a dark thriller and I enjoyed reading it as much as I loved reading Little Secrets.

I am a big fan of Jennifer Hillier! This book helped me get out of my reading (with my eyes) rut! I loved this book, but not as much Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets,

This book was absolutely incredible! I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Hillier and this book did not disappoint. It was thrilling and face paced. I’m a huge fan of a dual timeline and this book was just so interesting. I couldn’t put it down

This was a bit of a disappointment for me. Loved her previous book Little Secrets. I really also loved how this story started out, but when it went to the past for the backstory it just really fizzled out for me.

Paris comes out of a trance with the police asking her to put down the weapon. In her hand is a razor blade. And in the tub next to her is her dead husband. Her husband is an older wealthy famous comedian, and many have been skeptical of their relationship. Paris also has her own secrets to keep hidden.

It was easy to figure out who killed her husband as there were only 3 choices of suspects. And the end tied up waaaaaay too neatly in the last two chapters in my opinion. Started off strong, but was a slog to finish.

This was a good page turning mystery, bouncing between characters and timelines. I will say this wasn’t as dark or shocking as Jar of Hearts, but I do think fans of the author will still enjoy it. I figured out the “twist” very early on but I think that’s to be expected. The ending definitely made it for me, I was concerned where it would go but liked where it ended up. I recommend for fans of Samantha Downing’s He Started It. Gave me very similar vibes.

After reading and loving Little Secrets, I was so excited to get an early copy of Jennifer Hillier’s newest release, Things We Do in the Dark. All that to say… I was a bit let down with this one. I was able to guess every twist along the way, and I really didn’t connect with the characters at all. I found myself really enjoying part 1, but after that, the book went downhill for me. The flashbacks were confusing, and flip flopping between characters and timeframes left me lost. Unfortunately, I found myself wanting to DNF by the 40% mark. I pushed through, and while I didn’t love the story, I really did appreciate the ethnic representation, which you don’t see often in thrillers these days!