Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for this amazing psychological mystery thriller!

Wow! What a roller coaster. The book had me second guessing myself until the ver end.

The authorvhad me on the edge of my seat. Full if that will keep you guessing to the very end!! Full of so many twists and turns.

This is not my typical gonre, but is thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Highly recommend.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

A brutal murder of a teenage girl in a small town....with the chief suspect as the girl's best friend.

Lots of interesting twists and turns, told from multiple points of view.. An enjoyable read.

To be fair, I don't normally read this type of novel so the morbid descriptions were difficult for me. It may be the perfect spooky season read for you but I just didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

“You’ll love me more when I’m dead” are the last words Rowan Winthorp’s daughter says to her.

When the Black Harbor medical examiner is called away to investigate the death of her daughter’s best friend, it causes her to leave her daughter Chloe’s school play. Between Rowan and her police officer husband Axel, one or both of them is always having to go when duty calls, leaving Chloe lonely and feeling forgotten. But on this night, while Rowan and Axel are at the crime scene, Chloe also goes missing. Now Rowan and Axel are at a race against the clock to find their daughter. They will stop at nothing, following any lead even if it causes them to questions everything they thought they knew.

Man, it was good to be back in Black Harbor!! The town itself is practically a character in Hannah Morrissey’s books. Once again, she skillfully weaves a mystery set against the backdrop of a dark town. The spookiness of Black Harbor radiates off the pages along with the desperation Rowan and Axel felt. Rowan was so tortured by her past and my heart broke for her; I just wanted her to get her daughter back. I related a lot to Libby, the neighbor’s daughter who was a bit of a loner. Told from multiple perspectives, the story unfolded bit by bit and I felt like each character added something new to it. Although this is book 3 set in Black Harbor, “When I’m Dead” can definitely be read as a stand-alone! As a long-time fan though, it was fun for me to catch the Easter eggs and references to previous characters and their stories. Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

“When I’m Dead” releases October 32, 2023. This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.

On a chilly October night, Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp and her husband Alex, a detective for the Black Harbor Police Department, are called away to investigate the murder of a young girl who just happens to be their daughter’s school friend. Hours later when they arrive home, they discover that their daughter Chloe is missing! The panic that ensues and the disturbing clues that are uncovered lead them to a case that is truly unsettling. As more bizarre deaths are discovered, the town of Black Harbor is rattled, and more and more people become suspects.

This was a great tale of mystery and suspense. There were twists and turns that led authorities to suspect first one person and then another. The unsettling conclusion was a twist that blindsided the whole town, and I loved it. This is the third installment of the Black Harbor Mystery series but easily could be read as a stand-alone. I recommend this suspenseful thriller.

I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Hannah Morrissey for generously providing me with a digital review copy of this thriller and to experience this author’s exceptional storytelling in exchange for my honest review.

You'll Love Me More When I'm Dead" those words haunt Rowan after her daughter goes missing, and they replay in her mind. Chloe goes missing the same night her friend is found murdered. It is a twisted tale of loneliness, regret, heart ache and at the root, love and what it can do to us.

This book had my heart and mind racing the whole time. So many suspects, such a dark town. The ending was wild.

The story is a must read for true crime thriller lovers.

This is my first novel by Hannah, will not be my last. Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinpress for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful, twisty, true crime novel that doesn't surprise you, but entertains you none the less.
I'll dive right in to the positives with this book. I was pulled in immediately and quickly became obsessed. The characters felt complex, distinct and interesting for a reader. I didn't expect the ending, but also I wasn't surprised. The title was clever and the 'phrase' the daughter says that created the title was extra clever. It had all the gross, crime situations we want.
I know this is part of a series, but I think it's a fine enough stand alone book. I didn't feel like I was missing out any the past or not part of the 'inside' jokes (ha).
A little into the cons I noticed and I'll go back to the title.... As I said, clever. I wish the author would have spent time really hitting 'you'll only love me when I'm dead' home for me. Maybe have an unrelated murder that interrupted Chloe's life at first to hit it home and THEN dive into the story. Devil's advocate, then we wouldn't have had such a 'wow' beginning that pulled me in instantly. The ending didn't really do it for me, the big reveal did nothing. Sex scene was weird, unnecessary. Yet, I was still pulled in.
A very entertaining book and Morrissey put herself on my radar now.

This is quite the creepy serial killer book and an excellent choice for spooky season.
I'm not gonna lie, it sounded a little too gruesome for me when I initially read the premise. And when I realized it was book 3 of a series, I was even more apprehensive.
But this certainly doesn't read like a series I'd need any specific background for and through the killing of teen girls and discover of their bodies was rough to read about, When I'm Dead isn't too gruesome.
I certainly didn't see the killer coming and I was entirely wrapped up in the drama of these bratty teens and the detective storyline. This book examines childhood friendships and relationships with parents along side the efforts to find a serial killer in town and it's all done well. The October timeline is perfect as well.
One star removed because the middle dragged a bit for me- just a pacing thing- and I felt endlessly uncomfortable that the missing girls parents were both professionally involved in her case. As a truecrime consumer, I worried about the ramifications. But overall, an excellent murder mystery.

This was an excellent read. I could not put it down. It was such a page turner. Definitely recommend!

Wow, this story grabs you by the throat and never lets go until the final page! The dark, menacing atmosphere of the depressed lakeside town of Black Harbor makes a perfect backdrop for the action as each murder increases the claustrophobic horror of the small community, straining the friendships between schoolmates, neighbors, and coworkers. The main characters, Rowan and Axel, must deal with the heavy burden of guilt and fear that follows the killing of their teenage daughter's student persecutors and her own disappearance after her parents are called away from her starring performance in a school production. The toll that Chloe's disappearance and the murders of her schoolmates take on her investigator parents and their marriage builds the story's tension as they race to catch a murderer who always seems to be one step ahead. The story's twists are skillfully plotted as suspicion falls first on one character and then another, and the gradual revelation of each character's secrets and motivations is paced perfectly, propelling the action through to the explosive conclusion.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book for review.

“You’ll love me more when I’m Dead.” - Chloe

One girl was found dead, and another girl was missing. "When I'm Dead" is a chilling tale that strikes a nerve with parents, vividly portrayed through the characters of Rowan and Axel, the missing girl's parents. What sets this book apart is that the main protagonists have demanding jobs that consume their time 24/7, leaving their daughter to fend for herself. The guilt of prioritizing work over their child is palpable.

I particularly enjoyed the alternating points of view between Rowan and Axel. As they face the immense pressure of finding their daughter and uncovering the truth behind the murders, their relationship begins to crumble, adding depth to their characters.

The story is a gripping psychological mystery thriller, filled with clever misdirection and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It delves into the darkest corners of fear, resonating deeply with the anxieties of motherhood.

Thank you @minotaur_books @hannahmorrisseywriter for the #gifted copy of this book!

Dare I say this is Hannah’s best yet? There. I said it! 💃 It is! I really enjoyed this book! This is the 3rd book in her Black Harbor series and I think what I love most about Hannah’s writing is it makes me feel the dark, gritty, cold, vacant city streets, abandoned houses vibe. Nice and murdery. 🤌🏻 Just how I like it. Her books are extraordinary atmospheric and I eat all of those details up!

I know Black Harbor is a fictional city BUT being that Hannah is local to me I feel I can truly envision some of the areas by us making it feel real. As if I know exactly where she’s taking about. Just another crime ridden city. Eek! Why else did I love this story? The roles that these parents played. One medical examiner and one investigator. I don’t want to give spoilers but let’s just say I loved their differing viewpoints about their daughters disappearance in a city that doesn’t sleep and crime is always happening. I could feel Rowan’s stress and frantic need to race against the clock! I love this series and cannot wait to see what happens next!

When I'm Dead is the 3rd book in the (Black Harbor, Series) but can be read as a standalone. It's a psychological thriller with complex characters that fit in well with the story.

After reading book 3 in the series I definitely will read books 1 and 2!

When I'm Dead will be released October 31, 2023, just in time for Halloween the spooky season!

Synopsis:

On a bone-chilling October night, Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp investigates the death of her daughter’s best friend. Hours later, the tragedy hits even closer to home when she makes a devastating discovery—her daughter, Chloe, is gone. But, not without a trace.

Many thanks to #Netgalley and #MinotaurBooks for giving me an E-ARC of this book.

Welcome back to Black Harbor! Safe to say it’s a deliciously dark place to read about, but I’m not sure I’d want to live there.


I do however love to live between the pages of a HANNAH MORRISSEY book & WHEN I’M DEAD had me from the start.

The central character of the series is Black Harbor, a place ripe with all kinds of crime. I love a police investigation especially when it’s not afraid of going to a gritty place.

WHEN I’M DEAD opens with the news of a teenage girl’s murder. Medical Examiner, Rowan Winthrop, is called to the scene and learns the girl is her daughter Chloe’s best friend. Also on the scene is Homicide Detective + Rowan’s husband, Axel.

The murder itself is shocking. But the nightmare really begins when Rowan tries to call Chloe. She doesn’t answer her phone. She’s not at the neighbor’s house. And when Rowan takes off running for their home she finds Chloe’s bedroom empty - and the window open.

What are the odds that one girl would be murdered and another disappears on the same night? Rowan and Axel feverishly try to find Chloe and track down a killer. Battling grief and fear, they can’t stop their minds from going to the darkest of places about who their daughter is, where she is and what she is capable of doing.

This book centers around complex family dynamics and is filled with darkness + desolation + desperation (love 🖤). I was gripped by the writing, the story and the characters. Unraveling secrets and finding clues. Following evidence and chasing down leads. This town is no stranger to terrible things and is haunted by its grim history.

You can absolutely jump into this book first. Plus it’s set in October so hello, perfect timing! And when you’re done I’d highly suggest going back to read the first two books. There’s one character who is a through-line for the books, whose part varies in each book (from big to supporting). For me part of the fun is reading all the books and seeing the references and call backs to the different stories.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur & St. Martin’s Press for the eARC. Can’t wait for my preorder to take its place on my shelf!

I cannot believe that I could have enjoyed a book in this series MORE than The Widowmaker, but Hannah Morrissey gets better and better with each book!

This one pulled me in from the get go, whereas the first two books in this series were a bit more of a slow burn. I loved the character dynamics, the intensity of fear for the potential loss of a child, but also the fear of what that child could actually be capable of.

Morrissey is quickly mastering the art of mystery and intrigue, not participating in blatant foreshadowing, but instead letting the ambiance of the story lull you into a sense of security only to bash you over the head!

Just absolutely obsessed!

Perfect book to read for spooky season! Black Harbor in the Fall is dark, brooding and dangerous, reminiscent of Gotham City. This story starts out with a bang, opening with Axel, a homicide detective, and his wife, Rowan, the medical examiner, investigating the murder of their teen daughter’s best friend. Tragically, while they are at the scene, they discover that their own daughter did not make it home after her school musical performance. The rest of the story is a race against time to not only find their daughter but to also find a vicious killer preying on the young girls in their community. This is the third book in the Black Harbor series but this one was a stand alone. I have not read the previous two books and had no trouble following the story. Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on October 31, 2023

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I knew that this was book #3 in the series and wondered if that would impact my understanding of the story. After a quick glance at the description for #1 and #2, I thought I’d be safe to read this as a stand alone and I was right! A good mystery that had me unsure of the culprit until the reveal. And such an interesting take having the two main characters be the medical examiner and the detective.

It’s definitely intrigued me to read the author’s other books. Definitely would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC.

This town may be small, but it is far from sleepy. The population may be minimal, but the secrets are not. How well do you know your neighbors? Your neighbors kids? What about the teachers that teach your children?

In Black Harbor we are introduced to Chloe and she comes with the typical high school drama that tends to attach itself to teenage girls. Now that she is missing and there have been multiple victims prior to her disappearance we are forced to ask did this young girl seek vengeance and take off? Or are the skeletons in Black Harbor simply starting to emerge?

This roller coaster of a read leaves you questioning everyone and every thing while simultaneously forcing yourself to ask... What would I do? How far am I willing to go to find and fight for the ones I love?

When I'm Dead written by Hannah Morriessey is an easy five stars. I neglected to read the first two in this stand alone series but have easily made the decision to go back and read the first two and continue my journey in Black Harbor.

If you are looking for a dark, steady-paced mystery for spooky season, one that does not involve demonic spirits, this is a great pick.

Begrudgingly, a couple is ripped away from a rare and joyful moment in their daughter’s life. The school play is abandoned as obligation calls them both away to process a scene during Chloe’s opening night performance.

With death always a mere phone call away . . . Rowan Winthorp, the Chief Medical Examiner in Black Harbor, and her homicide detective husband, Axel, are sadly familiar with gruesome discoveries. Years on the job did not prepare either of them for the shocking identity of the town’s latest lifeless body, nor the level of desperation this investigation would bring.

I like suspenseful mysteries, police procedurals, and the study of human behavior . . . so a story about a married couple who discover their child has gone missing while gathering evidence in the field was right up my alley.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of When I’m Dead for my unbiased evaluation.  4 stars

The third Black Harbor book finds Rowan investigating the death of her daughter’s best friend. Things get worse when Rowan realizes her daughter is missing.

You don’t need to have read the previous two to read this one. They revolve around different characters within the same setting. The writing style is very similar though. Fans of the previous two are sure to like this one.