Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

Anyway! I first want to say that When I’m Dead is part of the Black Harbor series, but it can be read as a standalone! I was going to read the other books, but I… kinda forgot about them until after I finished (lol).

This book follows Rowan and Axel as they chase down who is behind the string of deaths in their little town of Black Harbor while also looking for their daughter. They also have just a little bit of marriage trouble, which was a good subplot to read about.

From the first chapter, you're immediately thrown into the action, which was actually pretty cool. This book was hard to put down, but I also found that it sometimes slowed down in parts, if that makes sense. There was more talking than action in some parts of the book. That didn't make it less enjoyable though! I thought it was interesting seeing how the different detectives interrogated the different suspects.

I was invested in who was doing what on that Thursday and I enjoyed the multiple POVs. It felt more integrated than some of the other books with multiple POVs because these characters had something to say to explain their motives for doing what they were doing. The autumn atmosphere was also well executed, which was the perfect backdrop for the mystery to unravel. Morrissey knows how to illustrate where you are with her lush descriptions while still keeping the eeriness of something not being quite right in this town.

A good mystery and perfect for Halloween!

While I really enjoyed Morrissey’s earlier novel Hello Transcriber, I found When I’m Dead to be a chore to read at times. It felt overlong, but I was satisfied at the conclusion.

Once you start this book, you will get swept up in the suspense quickly!! A murder mystery that has a ton of twists and turns. A teen goes missing, two teens die and the race is on to find out who the killer is and save the missing teen. Hannah Morrissey grabs your attention right from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the start. You do not want to miss out on this book!

The cesspool that is Black Harbor strikes again. And this time it’s personal for two people who know the city at its worst, homicide detective Axel Winthrop and his medical examiner wife, Rowan. Dead bodies do not appear at convenient times, which means Axel and Rowan’s family life is often interrupted, leaving their daughter Chloe alone. This time the death phone rings while they are watching Chloe star in the high school production of Beetlejuice.

The victim is Madison Caldwell, one of Chloe’s closest friends, and her face has been mutilated. Rowan is not looking forward to breaking the news to Chloe. However, the nightmare gets worse when she arrives home, and Chloe is missing. The investigation into Madison’s death and Chloe’s disappearance will reveal that her parents did not know Chloe as well as they thought, and that surprising individuals knew her better. Also, Chloe had a motive that makes her a viable, though unlikely, suspect as Madison's killer (and a second murder that will soon occur).

The story demonstrates that appearances can be deceiving, as it is some of the characters who seem the strangest because of their appearance, behavior, and/or hobbies that prove to be the most integral to solve the murders and Chloe's disappearance. The story also amply demonstrates the danger of gossip and rumors, and how such tales can be deadly. In addition, the investigation will uncover a connection to a tragedy that occurred years ago in Black Harbor.

When I’m Dead – Hannah Morrissey

It’s a chilly October evening in Black Harbor, Wisconsin and the long-awaited school play featuring Rowan & Axel Winthorp’s daughter, Chloe, is starting. Chloe was so excited to receive the lead in the Beetlejuice production, even going so far as to adopt a gothic persona, brooding, wearing dark clothes, using black hair dye, and even wearing safety pins as earrings. Rowan misses her sunny, pleasant child, but Chloe assures her she is just method acting to prepare for her performance.

Midway through the production, Rowan, the local Medical Examiner & Axel, a Detective on the local police force, are called to a murder scene. They say their goodbyes to their weepy daughter, who is understandably upset and says so, and head to the scene, where they find the body of Madison Caldwell - a close friend of Chloe’s - by the river’s edge, the obvious victim of a homicide.

When the death assessment is complete, Rowen heads home and quickly realizes that Chloe is not there. Other than her bedroom window being left open, there’s no sign of her daughter anywhere – and Rowan fears a similar fate may have befallen Chloe. Initial searches turn up nothing, but as they dig deeper into Madison’s background, they learn that the girls have had a bit of a falling out. Rumors abound about Chloe having a relationship with her drama teacher, and Madison had been taunting her, out of jealousy for Chloe’s being given the pay lead.

When a second teen turns up dead, also accused of targeting Chloe, the investigation begins to take a hard look at Chloe as a potential suspect, while Rowan, convinced that karma has come to collect for a past misdeed, is afraid Chloe is also a victim. As the couple struggles with this divergent thinking and misunderstanding, they drift apart, only united in their desire to find their daughter.

For the reader, everyone seems suspect as the storyline unfolds, as told from the perspectives of Rowen, Axel & teenaged neighbor, Libby. Slowly, through each point of view, the reader gleans insight into each character, as pieces of their personalities & past experiences are slowly revealed. I found the novel to be more than a bit dark – and sad – with as much an exploration into the human psyche as a police procedural – but a good, solid story and a somewhat satisfying ending, despite the gloom and doom of Black Harbor.

This was my first Black Harbor novel, and from what I understand, the third in a series. I am most definitely intrigued, and will back read the first two novels to get a better sense of Rowan and her family, but I found this good as a standalone as well.

Available October 31st, from your favorite bookseller!

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

** Blog will publish on 10/28

I received a free copy of, When I'm Dead, by Hannah Morrissey, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is part of the Black Harbour Novels. Medical Examiner Rowan Winthrop is doing an autopsy on her daughters best friend, the her daughter Chloe goes missing. Is Chloe still alive?This novel kept me on the edge of my seat, what a read, it upped my anxiety, but was a good read.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’ Press for the copy of When I’m Dead by Hannah Morrissey. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but it didn’t matter even though there were probably some spoilers in this book. Rowan and Axel’s daughter disappears after her best friend is murdered. While they investigate the murder they are looking for their daughter. The writing is beautifully dark and the characters are a little quirky. If you love twisty, smart stories, try this one. I’m going to go buy the first two books in this series because I loved this one!

As a medical examiner and homicide detective respectively, Rowan and Axel thought they’ve seen it all. But a gruesome murder of a teen girl and the disappearance of their own teen daughter causes them to take a hard look at their lives. Well crafted and fast paced, When I’m Dead is great read.

Hannah Morrissey's "When I'm Dead" is a pulse-pounding thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go until the very end. With its fast pace and intricate web of multiple storylines, this gripping novel keeps readers guessing with each twist and turn.

Book #3 in the Black Harbor Series, this is my first book by Hannah Morrissey, and I was able to pick up the back stories from prior novels without reading them in advance. That said, I think it would have been beneficial to have read the first two books in the series; one example being the relationship between Chloe and her parents was a little unknown for me, so it took me longer to connect.

Set in a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop, the story centers around mysterious deaths and a missing teenager that rattle a small town to its core. As the plot unfolds, Morrissey deftly weaves together the lives of a diverse set of characters, each hiding their own dark secrets. From the seemingly perfect townsfolk to the troubled outcasts, everyone has something to hide, and it's this complexity that makes "When I'm Dead" an enthralling read.

The tension builds relentlessly, and the stakes are raised as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. The pages practically turn themselves as you find yourself eagerly racing to discover the truth behind the enigmatic deaths that haunt the narrative.

Moreover, "When I'm Dead" is not just a whodunit. It explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions, delving into the complexity of human relationships and the darkness that can lie within us all. This emotional depth elevates the novel beyond a typical thriller and makes it a truly memorable reading experience.

In the end, "When I'm Dead" delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while still managing to leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page. Hannah Morrissey's ability to maintain suspense until the final sentence showcases her talent as a great storyteller.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Hannah Morrissey for an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

This is apparently the third book in a series, and I haven't read the prior books. I do believe it could stand alone. However, I never really connected with the characters, and therefore, it was hard to care about the outcome. Some parts were a bit unbelievable (like a police department letting the father of a missing child, and he's a suspect, stay on the case). The ending was better than the majority of the book, even though I did figure out the twist prior to the reveal. I* enjoyed the story being told from three POVs. There were some problems with the pacing and a bit too much repetition.



Trigger warning: graphic violence directed at teenagers

When I’m Dead is twisted roller coaster ride of a mystery. As the medical examiner and a detective, Rowan and her husband, Axel are called away from their daughter’s high school play performance to the body of another teenager, their daughter’s best friend. When their daughter doesn’t come after the play, Rowan and Axel uncover bullying and secrets that their daughter has been keeping. They race to find Chloe while disagreeing on the likely hood that their daughter could be a killer. The story twists and turns with a shocking whodunnit. Though part of a series, I did not have trouble keeping up without reading the previous books.

While investigating her daughters best friends murder, medical examiner Rowan Winthrop's world will be turned upside down when her own daughter, Chloe goes missing. A rollercoaster of twists and several suspects make finding her daughter more and more difficult.

Thank you Net Galley and St.Martins Press for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I didn’t realize this was a series and this being the third book but it seemed to me like a standalone book
I enjoyed this creepy thriller although it did drag out for me some times. I kept reading because there was excitement in it. Who is killing these girls ? I must say I didn’t know who the villain was before it was revealed. This would be a good book to read around Halloween. I would recommend reading this book if you like creepy, scary books.

One girl missing. One girl dead.
Will the body count stop there?
Is someone seeking vengeance?

I really enjoyed this highly charged suspenseful murder mystery and couldn't put it down. It is the third book in the Black Harbor series by this author, but it can definitely be read as a successful standalone.

This story is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Rowan, a medical examiner as well as the missing girl's mother, Axel, a homicide detective and missing girl's father, and Libby, the girl next door who is an overweight, frequently bullied classmate. The suspense of this novel grows and grows like a small snowball rolled from the top of a hill and I soon began to suspect almost everyone of murder. The superb writing made me feel the raw emotions of the characters; the desperation of the parents to find their daughter at all costs and the fear of the neighbor girl. An economically struggling town and lead up to Halloween also adds a dark atmospheric touch to this thriller. There is a lot going on in this story, but ultimately the tense hunt for the killer builds to an exciting crescendo and a climactic ending.

Trigger warning: Graphic death scenes, autopsies, explicit sex, and bullying.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in Hannah Morrissey’s Black Harbor series. A teenage girl is murdered and another is missing, it’s a race against time for two of the crime investigators, since their daughter is the one missing and the murdered girl was supposedly her best friend. I couldn’t put this book down so many twists that kept me guessing. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this arc.

A young girl is murdered on a well used path and another girl, Chloe, is missing. Chole's parents are a detective and a medical examiner. What is going on? How well do they know their daughter and her friends? This is a story of parents at their wits end trying to find their daughter while doing their jobs. The police force is decimated due to cutbacks. It is very difficult for parents to work the case and stay impartial. This is part of the dilemma.

The book is an exciting read with many twists. Who is killing young girls? It seems to be someone they know which is scarier. Readers will enjoy the cat and mouse of this book. How well do we know our neighbors, our children and their friends.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #HannahMorrissey, and #MinotaurBooks for a copy of this book.
#WhenImDead

A complex mystery revolving around a missing teen. Chloe is missing while two of her friends are found murdered. But Chloe is not just any teen: her mother is the medical examiner and her father is a detective. She may be a runaway, another victim, or may be the perpetrator. Chloe has been changing a lot over the past year, and her parents aren't sure they really know her anymore. They are juggling finding Chloe, finding the truth, and protecting their daughter/family, The investigation is plagued by secrets, misdirection and rumors - all which lead to unexpected results. A motley cast of characters consistent with what you'd find in a small town - all a little strange in their own way. A very engaging mystery with an ending that blindsided me! A wonderful read!

What do you do when your child is missing and her best friend is dead? The parents in this story are dealing with this very real situation and it definitely mirrors the nightmares many parents face. Bullying and social media damage all play into the events that surround the missing girl. There is a bit of a missing story that isn't really fully explained involving mom and could have definitely used more story time here. But story had many twists and turns.

The book starts right off with a murder, a young girl is murdered and both parents of Chloe are called to the scene. Her mom, Rowan is the medical examiner and her dad, Axel is the Investigator. It's Chloe's best friend who is dead and then Chloe doesn't make it home the same night. Then another body is found of a young girl. Another friend of Chloe or is there more here? When you tease, insult, threaten, mock, speak mean to or spread rumors about someone with the intent to belittle or embarrass them, it’s considered bullying. Who is the bully? The story is about finding Chloe and the tangled mess of connections that lead you through it. A very fast paced, plot twisting story that will keep you up reading until you reach the end. The story is told through alternating narrators.
I loved this book and am confident you will too if you are a fan of mystery and thrillers! It has all the good stuff you look for in a good book.
Now I am off to the bookstore to buy everything Hannah Morrissey ever wrote!!!!!!!
Thanks to St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the gifted ARC copy. All opinions are my own.






when you tease, insult, threaten, mock, speak mean to or spread rumors about someone with the intent to belittle or embarrass them, it’s considered bullying.

Positively gripping, the author poured her heart into this one, I couldn’t read fast enough. I often read a novel where the location piques my interest. The scenic descriptions of this town are like a visual smorgasbord. So vivid that I assure you Black Harbor, Wisconsin will never be on my bucket list. It’s a dark, evil and gritty place, the frigid cold would be the death of me. There are of course some good people living there just trying to keep the criminals from winning. Rowan is the medical examiner, married to Axel, a homicide detective. Both are so devoted to their jobs, so frequently absent, summoned at all hours day and night, their teenage daughter becomes a stranger. How had they become so utterly clueless about who their teenage daughter was, who her friends are, what she’s doing with the drama teacher. Chloe attends an expensive academy where some of her friends no longer include her in their circle. Talk about mean high school girls, these are beyond vindictive and spiteful! Some of those once inseparable friends have now been viciously murdered and Chloe is missing.
Rowan and Axel are each pursuing every possible lead, each clue, all possibilities to find Chloe before she becomes the next victim. However, they have differing perspectives and theories which fractures their relationship. Is Chloe even alive, can the pieces be reassembled in the once happy family?
Relevant topics including the all to prevalent theme of police cutbacks, budget slashes, and deficit of personnel are interspersed without sounding preachy. As are the timely and tricky issues surrounding the spreading of misinformation, rumors and lies on social media sites. I’m eternally grateful my kids are no longer teenagers. What a wonderfully complex story full of intrigue and emotion that threatened to overwhelm me. There were so many plausible suspects I couldn’t begin to predict the outcome. This was a murder mystery I won’t soon forget.
I highly recommend both the series and the author! A digital advance reader copy of “When I’m Dead” a Black Harbor Novel, by Hannah Morrissey, St Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.