3 stars

This one was okay. It was fine. It had two storylines that were intertwined in not-so-surprising ways, and although the basic premise was initially intriguing, it didn’t hold my attention as well as I’d hoped. Full disclosure, I was listening to the audiobook and kind of fell asleep for a brief chunk in the middle; I didn’t end up rewinding because I didn’t seem to have missed anything that wouldn’t allow me to keep following the story, but I guess the fact that I didn’t want to go back was a bit of a testament to how I was feeling about it. Anyway, this one was an okay mystery with some interesting bits, but it wasn’t my favourite.

3.5 stars

If you’re looking for a thriller that incorporates true crime documentaries, look no further! This story centers around our MC, who is a film student sleeping with her professor. She takes on a huge project when she decides to film a documentary about one of her true crime obsessions - a famous mystery writer who disappeared two decades prior.

I enjoyed the plot and the writing, as well as the character arc. I docked a bit since this story does center around a woman who is carrying on with a married man, which - despite her growth throughout the novel - I could not get behind whatsoever. Overall, this book had a few good twists and turns (albeit some were out-of-the-blue) and a few relatively entertaining side plots to pad the story.

Overall I enjoyed this novel! It was a standard whodunnit with extra layers of intrigue and family drama. Pear Blossom Jubilee Masterson, AKA June, is working on her final project for her college graduation in the area of video journalism/filmmaking and her completion of her degree is dependent on her documentary regarding the disappearance of mystery writer, Greer Larkin.

Many characters involve themselves into June’s pursuit to find the truth behind Greer’s mysterious disappearance - some are there to help and some are there to thwart her efforts. In the end, I think it made a good story and I’d kinda like to check out that (obviously fictional) documentary!

The story opens up with June hiding under her married lover’s bed in his home (while with his wife) and the story of her relationship with this man seems almost unnecessary, but serves to help June make some tough decisions about where her life is heading.

I’d recommend this one for a fun mystery read. The MC is young, and a lot of her decisions are poor ones in the beginning, but I enjoyed following her journey as an aspiring filmmaker, as well as her journey into true adulthood.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for early access to this title for my honest review!

4/5 stars

A quick and fun whodunnit, but the main character was absolutely insufferable. I enjoy some unlikeable MCs at times, but what made her so obnoxious was that there was too much of an attempt to make her seem so "quirky." Too hard of an attempt was made, and it reminded me of a 12 or 13 year old who is trying too hard to show how unique they are.

I want to thank the publishers and Netgally for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook as an ARC.

I think I’m giving this a 3.5/5 stars. The mystery in the story is good. Pear Blossom goes on an investigation to find out what happened to a popular Thriller Author. Throughout the investigation she finds out there are a lot more secrets then she expected, both in the disappearance of the author, and in her personal life.

Right away we find out she is having an affair with her married college advisor. This is the biggest issue I have with the book. I tried my best to understand why she was doing it but I just couldn’t. I really have no sympathy for people that cheat or knowingly help someone cheat on there partner.

If this book didn’t have such an inappropriate relationship it may have gotten a better rating from me. The relationship didn’t do much for the plot, except for some character development on Pear’s part which could have happened without him.

If that troupe doesn’t bother you I would recommend this book because as I said the mystery is a good story. Don’t know if this is one I would go out of my way to recommend though.

I want to say, I knew what happened...I had theories left and right throughout the entire story...I was wrong. With an opening line to leave you questioning if you heard that right and a story that leaves you unsure what way is up, I was more than satisfied with this story. June is just curious enough, and has just enough potential for you to root for her, while she finds her way to being the best version of herself. I enjoyed this story.

Ok, so there are so many books who say “for readers who liked Gone Girl” but I never really understood the connection when I read the book. This book however, had a DEFINITE connection. This book so far in my opinion is the only book who can rightfully claim that.

First, I LOVED listening to this book. The narrator was great and her voice definitely matched Pear Blossom (or June) and her personality. Perfect match.

Second, I loved this story line. So unique and from an interesting perspective. Being told from a documentary film maker’s point of view was pretty cool.

Third, the ending was perfect. That’s all I’ll say about that!

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Gone Girl. ;)

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book. The writing was a bit juvenile, but the story was so good that the writing style didn't bother me. It was written more like a YA novel. This was a fun whodunnit style mystery/thriller. The idea was unique, which is rare anymore and the author didn't try to go for the "shock and awe" factor by throwing in a bazillion twists throughout. The twists were shocking and I had no idea that what was coming. It really left me guessing. I loved the way that it was all wrapped up neatly in the end. Sometimes I like an open ended finale, but this story needed to have answers, which we got.

June is a documentary film maker in film school. For her final project, she decides to do a story on an author who went missing several years earlier. Quickly, the two paths begin to converge and June finds herself in the path of Greer's suspected killer.

Initially, I found June's character appalling. She made stupid decisions and she made me a bit angry at times. However, as the story progressed, her character progressed and we are given the rationale behind some of her decisions and that caused me to have empathy for her in the end. Actually, for the first half of the book, I didn't find a redeeming character in the lot, however, by the end, I found humanity in most of the characters. Excellent character development.

The audio was great. I really enjoyed the narrator. She exemplified June's character. This was a 4.25 star read for me. Looking forward to reading more from Mindy Carlson!

A college student making a documentary film for her thesis gets drawn into the mystery surrounding one of her favorite writer's disappearances. Along with her (married) thesis advisor/boyfriend, June quickly finds herself in way over her head.

This is another book I could immediately see as a streaming adaptation. The first sentences of the book are surprising, and you immediately get a sense of the main character's personality and I think it would be a great open for an adaption.

I generally don't love amateur sleuthing stories because I generally think if a whole police force with all their resources can't solve something a kid with a dream can't either.... but this one manages to avoid that kind of thing because the documentary means she doesn't have to hide why she's investigating, and the characters with money mean that they have resources police might not. So overall, it was really well done aside from a single scene where June absurdly sneaks into and out of a place where it it's laughable for her to have been able to do that..

I would definitely love to read more from this author!

My thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape for this audio. Unfortunately I can't give this anymore than 3 stars.

Premise of book was good. Documentary film maker June was making a film to investigate the disappearance of writer Greer Larson. I wished it focused more on that than the affair with her married professor who clearly was not going to leave his wife for her despite her fantasies. I found June naive and one dimensional. Liked the narrator. Just an ok book.

It didn't have the best opening for me. Our main character, Pear Blossom aka June, is hiding under the bed while her married lover is with his wife above her. He gives her all the usual excuses like that they aren't in love, they have a prenup, blah blah. Come to find out he's not only her lover but her advisor. Since they're so close, he's given her permission to change her thesis.

She's dreamt of writing about the disappearance of Greer Larkin, a crime novel author, for most of her life. June used to live on a commune with her family, hence the weird name, and staying up reading Greer by flashlight was all that kept her going sometimes. She feels a connection to Greer. So much so that she even thinks they look alike. She's an elite member of the online sleuth site dedicated to Greer.

She first throws the line out with some emails to Greer's inner circle. Greer’s best friend Rachel takes the bait quickly and is so interested in the true crime investigation that she forwards the email to Greer's former agent. Before long, she's permeated this group and is interviewing all the power players. Rachel and Greer's mother think her then-boyfriend Jonathan did it. He thinks one of those two are responsible.

Some think she was murdered. Some think she commited suicide. Some think she's still out there somewhere. Everyone has a motive but they also all seem sincere. With the loved ones pointing fingers at each other and threats coming to June, will this mystery ever be unraveled? Who is standing in the way of that happening?

This was a fast-paced thriller with excerpts of Greer's novels peppered in to really nail home the Agatha Christie comparison in my opinion and I thought it was really neat! Give it a read.. just promise me you won't take any of June's relationship advice!

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the chance to listen and review. The narration was good too!

June (Pear Blossom) Masterson is a film student in NYC who is just a few short months away from graduating. However, she needs to complete her documentary as a graduation requirement. After changing the topic multiple times June chooses to focus on the 20 year old unsolved disappearance of a prominent young writer. This topic is close to home as the author's books are what got June through an isolating adolescence on a commune. However, the closer June gets to solving to what happened, the closer gets to danger.

I wanted to love this book and I think if it focused more on solving what happened to Greer Larkin, the missing author, I would have enjoyed it more. June starts off the novel by stating rules to abide by if you are sleeping with your married professor, then adds more rules as the book goes on. In my opinion, the additions to the list come randomly and take the reader out of the story. Furthermore, the entire plot line of June sleeping with her professor was not enjoyable and I did not feel it added to the story. June explains and references her life on the commune numerous times throughout the novel and June repeatedly states that she did not like it there and did not like her parents decision. The reasoning behind the commune is explained, but again I felt like it did not move along the plot of what happened to Greer.

Hilary Huber is a fantastic voice in this story. She keeps the tone cheery, tongue and cheek and engaging. It's not often that I enjoy the audiobook more but this was certainly one of those times. In the story we meet June aka Pear Blossom as she is scrambling to complete her graduation thesis in film school. She's made some questionable choices and is about to choose a new topic for the third time via her married advisor who she is having an affair with.

June (Pear) exuberantly moves forward with the new project idea and attempts to solve a well known mystery - What happened to Greer Larkin, the infamous mystery writer and potential heir to Agatha Christie's crown? Her fiance, agent and mother are all pointing their fingers at each other. June dives in headfirst to create the documentary of the century but it seems Greer might actually have been murdered and the killer may have June in their sites next.
If you like a mystery, love stories that include podcasting and filming, or just love a bright and light style of humour writing in your thrillers, then Her Dying Day. is for you! #HerDyingDay #MindyCarlson #dreamscapemedia

I think I would have liked this better as an e-book. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

A pretty average thriller in terms of twists and villain motives, although still an entertaining read.
There was a random sub-plot regarding June's secret back-story probably meant to heighten intrigue... but it was never resolved and honestly kind of unneeded imo. Maybe a set-up for a sequel? Either way it just seemed like filler.

Her Dying Day was a great audiobook to stumble upon on NetGalley. I was happy I was chosen to review this ARC by Mindy Carlson. I thought this would be a dark mysterious thriller but I was surprised when the first few sentences started to make me giggle. There was humor and mystery. I figured out 1/2 of the plot midway through listening however, that did not stop me from continuing. I wanted to make sure I got all my questions answered toward the end. I thought the ending was great and solid. Everything I wanted for the main character happened.. The majority of the characters were lovable. There is swearing and mild sexual content. I will definitely read another novel from this author.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator was fantastic! She portrayed the characters voices perfectly and the story flowed perfectly. It was great.

I enjoyed the storyline as well! I will say that I really did NOT like Pear/June much. The whole "happy to be a mistress" characterization was extremely annoying. I mean - you can't honestly tell me that someone would be okay with their "boyfriend" sleeping with his WIFE while you're hiding under the bed? Noooo. And the restaurant scene where she has to crawl under tables to get away? There's no way.

That being said, I found the story interesting and it kept me engaged. I can't say the ending was super shocking, however I didn't guess the whole ending so that was a plus! All in all, it was a great read and if you like mystery/thrillers, it's one you should check out.

This started out in a very clever way, but then it just got silly. I couldn't finish it.


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Pear Blossom Jubilee Masterson, AKA June Masterson, is a 24 year-old film student working on her final project before graduation, while sleeping with her married advisor. The subject of her film is the suspicious disappearance of her favorite mystery author, Greer Larkin, which occurred 20 years ago. The documentary calls for interviewing people in Greer's circle and law enforcement who handled the missing person's case, opening up a lot of old wounds and rustling a whole lot of feathers in the process. Honestly, the premise of this book is great. Almost like a true crime read. However, I had a lot of issues with the execution.

For starters, June, the main character, is immature and self-centered, hates her parents, has no moral compass whatsoever, and is incredibly blasé about absolutely everything. She was very hard to relate to and impossible to like.

I had issues with how repetitive the author became throughout the novel, not to mention the unnecessary explanations of what had just been said. More than once I found myself saying, "Like you just said..."

But my biggest turnoff was the audio narration. The narrator came off very robotic and emotionless. It was incredibly hard to get vested in the story when all you want is for it to end. I considered jumping ship a few times, but thought it best to finish listening to it in order to provide an honest review.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I listened to the audiobook version and overall enjoyed the story minus a few things. However, I was not a fan of the narrator and certain voice inflections used. There were times where her voice was very whiney. That’s possibly due to how June would actually sound but it made listening at those points very difficult.

June, real name Pearl Blossom, is a last year film student who’s changed her final project topic three times. Third times the charm as she chooses to focus on her favorite author, Greer Larkin, who’s 20 year anniversary of her disappearance is approaching. June read all of her books growing up as it was one of the only things she was allowed to do by her parents who moved her to a commune in the middle of nowhere and didn’t even allow her to go into town. As June investigates more about the disappearance of Greer she starts receiving threats and they escalate with severity each time. The author does a great job of making each person close to Greer seem like a suspect. Her overbearing, controlling mother Blanche. Her estranged best friend Rachel, who turns out to be in love with Greer. Or her fiancé who was never given approval by her mom and is accused of stealing her money. I definitely wasn’t expecting the outcome we received.

What I didn’t like is the underlying mystery of Maya Davenport, the person who’s mail June keeps receiving and her cousin seems to know more about than she’s letting on. It wasn’t the added mystery I didn’t like, it was how nothing ever came of it. We were told that’s June’s actual birth name & her parents have been on the run and trying to keep her safe from her paternal grandfather. She doesn’t tell her parents he’s still out there although they believe he died after her 18th birthday or that he found her and has been trying to contact her. She claims her family is what’s most important to her after shutting them out for 6 years, aside from Meadow, but still doesn’t tell them this vital information that they need to know if her grandfather is as dangerous as her parents say he is. It was made to be this big deal and was a huge letdown in the end.

June really isn’t a likable character to me but you don’t always have to like the main character and their decisions. But the story itself was intriguing from the beginning. I would definitely recommend it.