I read and enjoyed A Flicker in the Dark a pretty medium amount; there were a few things that kept me from loving it, but I knew I wanted to give Willingham another try if/when her second book released. And I’m glad I did! I liked this story more, and found myself eager to keep turning the digital page.

I’m not a mother (and never plan to be) but I liked Willingham’s take on motherhood here. You see it a lot in true crime: people blame the husband when a wife is murderer, but as soon as children are involved, moms take the brunt of the blame. If not for killing anyone, then for not being a good enough mom to keep her kid safe. Mothers are also villainized rather than empathized with when they experience mental health problems. Willingham really covers this and more without the story feeling weighed down or trite.

I’m also a sucker for podcasts in thrillers, so the Waylon thing was great for me. Kinda wish we would’ve gotten more of him, though. It seemed like he was really only introduced to give the mc her “aha” moment, and then was swept aside. Maybe a little less beginning stuff and more sleuthing would’ve helped? Because when I got to the end of the book, I was surprised that it was ending—it felt somewhat rushed.

I could not get to the end of this book fast enough. I alternated between the audio version and electronic version so that I would not have to stop the story. Willingham did a great job developing Isabelle’s character and backstory to help the reader sympathize with her. This was one of the best books I’ve read in a while!
One year ago, Isabelle’s life was forever changed as her son, Mason, was taken in the middle of the night from his crib. Isabelle is determined to find out what happened to him, even after others have given up hope. She goes to around the country telling his story and hoping that someone will have information. She meets a true-crime podcaster who wants to interview her. She is skeptical at first but later agrees. As Isabelle continues with the interviews, she begins to doubt people in her life and even herself.

Loved this one! This was my first book by this author, but had high expectations. I consider a great thriller one I did not guess the ending. This has enough twists to keep me interested. Would recommend to a friend.

I really enjoyed Stacy Willingham’s debut novel, A Flicker in the Dark, so I had absolutely no hesitations on picking this one up. In fact, I was so excited to read this one that I practically begged Minotaur Books to let me read it. Ok… I didn’t really beg… but I did request it so same thing. As writing consistency goes, Willingham did not disappoint. When I started this book I was worried that I wasn’t going to like it because it does start slowly, but once things started moving along, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.

Isabella Drake hasn’t slept since her son, Mason, was kidnapped a year ago. We obviously all know that you can’t live without sleep so how was this explained? Well, she does in fact “micro sleep” which essentially means that she blacks out for a while here and there. I know absolutely nothing about the science of sleep, so I have no idea if this is an actual thing, but it made sense to me so I didn’t dwell on it. Isabella is a strong female character. She’s a mother fighting against everyone to bring her son home – including the police, the community, and her ex-husband. While everyone views her as completely unhinged (I mean.. she’s not sleeping, people!), but she has this sheer determination that is admirable. While she interferes with the police investigation, it’s all she can do to make sure leads are followed.

This book is so multi-layered with every story weaved to perfection. There are chapters set in present day that follow Isabella and her insomnia, as well as the hunt for her son. Then there are past chapters that focus on Isabella’s childhood and a mysterious incident that surrounds her. We also get insights into Isabella’s past with her husband and their relationship. Every tidbit the readers receive adds another layer to the deeper story. What appears to be a simple book about kidnapping is actually so much more than that.

I get nervous with books that have an unreliable narrator because sometimes it can be a bit over-the-top. I did, however, enjoy how this one was written. Although Isabella is not entirely reliable due to her insomnia (and her past), it’s written so well that it feels believable. She doesn’t always make the right choices, but the reader still wants to root for her to find her son and get to the truth. Between the kidnapping, Isabella’s mysterious childhood, and her relationship with her ex-husband, this book manages to be a hell of a ride. I promise it will keep you reading late into the night.

The writing was A+, the characters were well-fleshed out, the twists were twisty with some unpredictable ones thrown in, and the plot was fantastic! If you like thrillers, then you need to add this one to your list!

A huge thank you to Minotaur books for the digital copy to read and review via NetGalley!

Rating: 4 / 5
Twists: 4 / 5

The buildup at the beginning was very slow. However, the plot was captivating and the two timelines were easy to follow. Great, but sad, book.

4.5 but rounding up!

This book was not at all what I expected! Both the storylines of “missing child” and “woman who isn’t thinking clearly due to sleep deprivation and/or alcohol” are ones I’ve seen thrown around before and seemed overdone to me, so I had hesitation going into this one. This book exceeded all expectations and I can’t believe I waited so long! From the start, suspicion arose in so many areas of the story. I had so many questions as things weren’t adding up. Through the many twists and turns that kept me on my toes, I quickly learned that nothing is as it seems. Watching the pieces slowly come together had me both gasping as wondering why I didn’t see it sooner. Though thoroughly flawed, I couldn’t help but root for Isabelle as she searched for her missing son. While there were a couple loose ends and misdirections that can’t be explained, overall I still really enjoyed the captivating story and where it went. This is very much a top-notch thriller!

Thank you to Stacy Willingham, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for my advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

Isabelle Drake has never been perfect. In fact, she's felt extreme guilt since she was a child. But so much about her childhood seems to be behind a curtain of things she doesn't want to think about and things she can't quite remember. Instead, she moves forward and is thrilled when she is hired at her dream job.

Then comes marriage and a baby although along the way she loses so much of herself, her hopes, her identity. Once her baby is born she's so exhausted but eventually she wants more, only to lose everything she had left. Sleep deprivation is a beast and it's not like Isabelle hasn't struggled with sleep irregularities in the past.

Now Isabelle is giving talks to the public about her missing baby, who was taken from her home a year before. She knows she is a suspect in his disappearance. She knows people try to get close to her for their own reasons, such as the true-crime podcaster who offers to help her find out who took her son. He's had a successful case and is on a roll. She could use his help but fears a trap.

Motherhood meant sleep deprivation but since Isabel's baby was taken, she's had no real sleep in a year. She's at a new level of sleep disfunction and it's hard to think straight. She doesn't even trust herself now or her memories of the past. Are there more reasons to feel guilty than she already knows?

This is the kind of book that makes me want to stay up all night to keep reading, especially since each chapter ending begged for me to move on to the next chapter. When the main character isn't sure she can trust herself, what does she do? How far back in her life did she go wrong to end up where she is now? This story made for a great buddy read with DeAnn and Jayme.

"All The Dangerous Things" by Stacy Willingham is a gripping and masterfully crafted thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With its complex characters, relentless suspense, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is an absolute triumph in the genre.

The story revolves around Isabelle Drake, a mother whose world shattered when her toddler son, Mason, was abducted from his crib. Consumed by grief and fueled by her unwavering determination, Isabelle embarks on a relentless quest to find her son, even as her own sanity hangs in the balance. Stacy Willingham expertly weaves a narrative that delves into the depths of a mother's love and desperation, capturing the raw emotions and vulnerability of Isabelle's journey.

The author's skill in creating a palpable atmosphere of tension and unease is commendable. As Isabelle agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster, the layers of mystery and suspense deepen. The constant questioning, combined with Isabelle's severe insomnia and the resurfacing of haunting memories from her past, creates a web of uncertainty and doubt that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.

The strength of "All The Dangerous Things" lies not only in its thrilling plot but also in its well-developed and multidimensional characters. Isabelle is a compelling protagonist, flawed yet resilient, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her journey. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic podcaster and Isabelle's loved ones, adds depth and complexity to the story, keeping readers guessing about their true motivations and loyalties.

A fabulous 5 stars for me! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

One year ago Isabelle Drakes son Mason went missing from his crib during the night, Isabelle hasn’t slept a full night since he’s been gone. Isabelle’s husband Ben has left her and is offering no support. Ben just wants her to get over it and move on. Ben’s even moved on to another relationship. Everyone else looks at Isabelle with suspicion believing she did something to Mason, shes actually starting to question it herself. Isabelle’s past is a mystery, the daughter of a senator, her sister Margaret died unexpectedly years ago and the circumstances were never clear. Isabelle has always blamed herself for Margarets death. As a former sleepwalker, Isabelle has always wondered if she did something to Margaret and just doesn’t remember. The question that haunts Isabelle daily, could she have killed Margaret’s and Mason? As Isabelle works to find out what happened to Mason she may also discover the truth about Margarets death and thr secrets her family and her husband Ben have been keeping.

Thank you Minotaur Books for this ARC #minotaurinfluencer #AllTheDangerousThings

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I kept trying to figure out what happened. Had the best twist I didn't see coming. Definitely 4 stars for me!

I enjoyed this book. I was certainly drawn into the atmospheric setting created by the author, with its sleep-deprived almost trancelike descriptions of the south. Isabelle is desperate to find her young son who disappeared a year ago while she was asleep. As a result of her obsession, she has been unable to sleep and is suffering from the effects of severe sleep-depravation while she does whatever she can to find the truth about her son. She reluctantly teams up with a true-crime podcaster who offers to tell her story, and soon Isabelle begins to doubt what she believes is true and begins to wonder what really happened the night her son disappeared, as well as what secrets her troubled childhood could hold.
This mystery unfolded very well, despite Isabelle being a bit unlikeable at times. This fact really drove home her struggles with reality as she fought to hold on to reality as her inability to sleep interfered with her life more and more. I really had no idea what would happen next and enjoyed the reveal of what happened to Isabelle's son and even her sister. My only real issue was the way Isabelle's parents' actions were a bit glossed over in the end. I think something more should have been done with that.
I would recommend this book.

I am in the minority from all of my friends on this rating, but I did not particularly enjoy this book. I thought the plot twist was way too underdone and it could have been way more thought out plot-wise.

I found myself picking this book up shortly after putting it down (a great sign) and it kept me guessing. I am a little over the unreliable narrator trope and the true crime podcast element is getting a little old too, but these minor annoyances didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment. While not overly original, I still enjoyed this thriller.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance read. All opinions in this review are my own.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinions. I've read Stacy previously and really enjoyed her writing style so couldn't wait to sit down and read her newest release. It was everything I hoped it would be - twisty, suspenseful and takes your breath away at times. So good and you will not be disappointed by the ending. Read it as soon as you can.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

The story centers around Isabelle Drake. Her 18 month old son Mason was kidnapped one year ago and Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn’t slept in a year. With a frustratingly Unreliable narrator this is a Psychological Thriller at its best. Everyone has secrets and everyone is a suspect. Just when you think you know who done it you get more info and have all new set of questions. This one really kept me guessing. Great unexpected twists. Spooky, and chilling and bingable. Multiple timeline but easy to follow. A mystery in the past and another in the present.
Themes motherhood mental health
Isabelle Drake appears to lead a normal life, but behind that facade, she lives with the guilt that she did something really bad as a child.
Isabelle has been giving speeches to packed audiences, pleading with attendees to come forward with any information, no matter how small. From the list of people attending her speeches she tortures herself going through them, seeing if any of them are known criminals, desperately trying to find a link.
Husband Ben is split from her because she wouldn’t let go ..

Her life is consumed by finding her son, Mason. She hasn’t slept; she speaks at public events, telling her story, attempting to find learn who took her child. Her husband, Ben, who has moved out, yet they aren’t divorced, begs her to stop making a spectacle of herself.

Okay, Stacy Willingham is officially a new favorite author after reading this one!

I was a little worried because I was told this storyline deals with child kidnapping, but I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did!

Isabelle hasn’t slept in a year. Her son, Mason, was kidnapped in the middle of the night from his crib. With little evidence and no leads, Isabel spends every moment talking to police, searching the web, and speaking as a victim of true crime. Hoping to see any clues that will help her find her son. Then a true crime podcaster reaches out and wants to interview her for his show…

The true crime elements really worked for this story. Watching dateline is a weekly activity for me and so this book, though fictional, was just as enthralling as watching an episode of any true crime tv show.

There are dual timelines from Isabel’s childhood which are revealed during her interviews, but honestly the flow of the book was just perfection. Willingham definitely knows how to end a chapter! I was so convinced I knew the ending, and of course she blew me away with several other theories… but the ending was still completely surprising. Usually thrillers might leave some holes in how things would pan out realistically, but I think the author nailed the execution on this one, making it much more believable in my opinion.

Overall, this book was excellent and unpredictable. I think it would appeal to all readers but especially fans of podcasts and true crime.

I highly recommend this book (and her last) but I’m SO EXCITED to see what book she’s writing next!

As I loved Stacy Willingham’s debut novel, I was pleased to receive an ARC of ‘All the Dangerous Things’ from NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books.
I found this book just as gripping as her first one. It really makes you wonder what you’re capable of doing when you’re sleep deprived. The author kept it very suspenseful. I also listened to the audio version, which was amazing.
I am really looking forward to her next book.
#AlltheDangerousThings #NetGalley

Really enjoyed this novel. Story was very interesting and engaging. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Highly recommend!

Isabella hasn’t slept since the night her baby Mason was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night and kidnapped. It’s been a year since that fateful night and Isabella has held on hope for his return. Her every breathing moment has been focused on finding him, but without any leads the police has filed it a cold case. The only sign of an intruder was the open window, Isabella and her husband have now separated the stress taking a toll on their marriage. She feels like Ben has moved on to quickly and she has fallen into a depression. Isabella talks at events for true crime enthusiasts, this is where she meets true crime podcaster Waylon Spencer. Waylon has taken an interest in her case and suggests to Isabelle that they work together, and hope it brings more exposure to her case. She agrees and Waylon comes to Savanna. We soon see Isabella has held onto a dark tragedy that happened during her childhood, she has never faced the trauma, could this hold a key to the disappearance of her son? I was immediately drawn to Isabella, as a mother I can’t imagine what she was going through the horror and fear. I loved how flawed she was the twist got me!