This older KMod book will appeal to her die hard fans.

Brief synopsis:
Every 6 months a list is released in the small town of Bates. On that list are the names of children that live there. And all of those named end up dead.

Trigger warnings abound of course, it is a book about children dying. However the premise was interesting and reminded me of Shirley Jackson's short story, The Lottery, which I read many years ago.

This one definitely isn't for everyone, but if you're a fan of this author give it a listen!

As usual KMod uses the fast paced thriller element that makes her works binge worthy.
She really knows how to draw readers in her domestic thrillers. I always look forward to her books.

Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Once again I’m popping on to review and older KMod book. This one was just released on audiobook this summer and as per usual, I completely devoured this book.
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The List isn’t for the faint hearted, this one is kinda brutal, I mean kids being killed off to basically keep adults in line is horrifying. Some of the deaths were brutal too. This will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and grip you right from the start.
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This book was super addicting but also a little bit infuriating. Let me explain, Jordyn is given so many red flags to either not move to the area or to leave the area, but instead chooses to go all Nancy Drew and put a not only herself but multiple people at risk. I mean, I couldn’t read this one fast enough so her poor decisions clearly didn’t bother me enough. I liked all of the little twists thrown in and how it really helped the story along. I wasn’t overly shocked by the ending, but I love how it played out and why. I love seeing KMods earlier work and seeing the queen of twist getting started.
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The List on audio is a full cast. Jennifer Jill Araya, David Bendena, and Michael Crouch were awesome. I really enjoyed the “him” chapters. The three narrators complimented one another and this was a super easy on to follow. I really enjoyed listening to this one.
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This was released in July on audio and definitely would recommend it to all my thriller friends! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Kiersten Modglin and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a copy of this audiobook.

Welcome to the town of Bates where every six months a list is posted in the town containing the names of children that live here. Shortly after, every one of those children end up dead - but always seemingly due to accidental reasons.

No one who’s who is behind this list or why.

When Jordyn and her husband Connor move to Bates, it doesn’t take long for Jordyn to see what’s happening and question why no one has tried to put a stop to it and decides this needs to change.

This plot was very interesting. I feel like this could have been superb if executed a little differently. It was still a fun listen (if you don’t have triggers toward children death) to listen along and try to figure out the mystery.

There are a lot of negative reviews regarding how unrealistic this book is..I mean…did you need the synopsis? If you go into this book looking for a realistic read about how someone kills children for years and the police nor anyone else care or try to stop it..I don’t even know how that would be possible, you probably shouldn’t read this then.

The List by Kiersten Modglin was a creepy thriller! Really creepy! In some ways the storyline seems “absurd” but because it’s really not that far fetched for a sociopath to create this type of situation, it’s disturbing. The complexities of how this story came together were impressive; the details were well thought out. It’s an excellent book!

I listened to the audiobook, and it was well done! There are three different narrators, and they all brought the story to life in a fantastic way! I listened at 1.75x speed, which is my normal speed for audiobooks.

I recommend this book, and the audiobook version. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for providing me with the advanced audio copy. And I do apologize for the tardiness in my review.

Oh such a terrifying gripping story! I was definitely terrified for the characters while reading. There is something about small villages in the middle of nowhere and crimes, right?!

Every six months, the small town of Bates is crippled by a list of six names. Eah name belongs to one of the town's children, and each child will die in the intervening six months, As the police rule death after death an accident, residents feel they have nowhere to turn for help..... until newcomer Jordyn Atwood moves in. Doing her best to get to the bottom of the mystery that's plagued the town for decades, Jordyn is desperate to get answers in time.... before her own infant son ends up on the list.

Wow. I am a big fan of this author always, but this has to be one of my top three favorite from her. This book had me hooked from the first page. It has creepy, menacing vibes that immediately reminded me of Children of the Corn and The Lottery. I absolutely could not stop listening. I loved following Jordyn's journey as she tries to convince her husband she's not insane while everything seems to conspire to make it seem like she is. In the first couple chapters about how, this list could possibly exist in present day United States the residents just accepted it, but as the story unfolded enough of the logistics were explained. It's a very impressive thing to construct such a crazy concept set in present day and pull it off, but after reading most of her books I should really know by now not to underestimate this author!

10/10, highly recommended for all thirller readers but especially those who love an eerie small town setting!

Dark secrets, life-and-death choices, and child murder…..

Book Information

“The List” authored by Kiersten Modglin, is a 271-page mystery first published on October 31, 2016. The audio version is Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, David Bendena, and Michael Crouch and was released on August 22, 2023. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

A decade ago, Bates, South Carolina was forever changed by a mysterious list containing six names of people destined to die, with subsequent lists appearing every six months. Residents went to great lengths to avoid being on these lists, harboring dark secrets to protect themselves. As newcomers Connor and Jordyn Atwood move to Bates, they witness the town's extreme measures to safeguard their lives. With the enigmatic list maker controlling their fate, the Atwoods must decide whether to succumb to their new environment or fight to protect their newfound home, all while realizing that one rule governs them all: obey or find your name on The List.

My Thoughts

Kiersten Modglin's "The List" is a fast-paced and engaging read that doesn't demand too much mental exertion. This story held my interest from start to finish, making it an effortless page-turner.

However, there are aspects that left me feeling frustrated throughout the story. First, the recurring theme of characters making consistently poor decisions. This element became quite prevalent and detracted from my overall enjoyment.

One noteworthy caution for readers is the books focus on the murder of children, including babies. If you have sensitivities in this regard, you should skip this book.

While I can forgive some degree of implausibility in a story for the sake of its narrative, "The List" pushed the boundaries of credibility too far. The town's failure to put an end to the unfolding chaos felt completely implausible from start to finish.

Additionally, the reveal at the end was somewhat predictable, and the concluding events struck me as highly implausible. Unfortunately, this unexpected turn of events undermined the eerie atmosphere that had been skillfully crafted.

On a positive note, the book features multiple narrators, each with their unique pace and tone. This narrative technique added depth to the storytelling, and I particularly appreciated the ominous and cadenced voice employed in the "Him" chapters. The narration of those parts was perfect.

Recommendation

"The List" by Kiersten Modglin offers a fast-paced and easy-to-read story with multiple narrators that enrich the storytelling experience. However, the prevalence of poor decision-making, disturbing subject matter, and implausibility in many plot elements may hinder the overall enjoyment of this otherwise engaging novel. Recommended with caution if you are looking for a quick mystery.

Rating

3 Implausible Stars

modeling does it again. I can't get enough of her books and this one was no exception. I recommend every book this author writes. enjoy!

I love going into Kiersten Modglin's books blind, and it's always worth it. As always, the book starts off fast paced and rarely comes up for a breath. There were multiple narrators and I loved them all. They brought the creepy nature of the story to life! This one had so many twists and they all worked so well. Go in blind, make sure you get the audiobook and ENJOY!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kiersten Modglin and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't love this one - the first quarter of this one was intriguing, but lost steam as the book progressed. I eded up DNFing this one unfortunately.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC.

I adored the narrators and voices they performed.

This was a hell of a story, hard to take at some points. I was disappointed in myself for figuring out the killer too soon.

3.5 stars

The List is another great popcorn thriller! 🍿
New resident, Jordyn discovers a list at her local grocery store. On it are six names. Six people who die short leg afterwards, one by one. Jordyn wants to find out what’s going on in this town but no one will help, including her husband.
It was another edge of the seat journey as we find out what happens next!
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audiobook copy for review.

Another popcorn thriller in the books. 

Kiersten Modglin is the queen of the popcorn thriller. Yes, we as the reader have to suspend belief for most of her books...but it works. 

This one is set in a small town that has a secret. Every year a list comes out with the names of children that are going to die..and no one is doing a thing to stop it. Except Jodyn just moved to town and she will stop at nothing to make this stop. 

This story hooks you in from the start and doesn't let up until the bitter end. I read this book in 24 hours..it is unputdownable.

This was actually pretty darn good and I can't wait to check out more books from this author in the future. Already told a few friends to check out of too.

Ooooh this is pretty dark, but it is so good!

Even though putting kids more or less on a kill list is not necessarily a new thing (Hunger Games, Lottery…), this book was still very entertaining and hard to put down.

I had a feeling I knew who was creating the list and killing kids, I was still surprised to learn all of the details as to why it was all happening. This book is so engaging, I felt for all of the parents and could understand why everything happened the way it did.

I love Kiersten’s writing style. It is fast paced, interesting, sometimes redundant, but it always sucks me in and I don’t want to stop reading her books.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a great story! I loved every second of this book! Way to keep your reader’s attention! I could not stop listening to the story.

This book had me interested as soon as I read the synopsis. It was just what I love to read. I loved the book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. This was the kind of mystery I really enjoyed. I was clueless all the way up to the reveal then I was blown out of the water.

The plot was very interesting, a family moving to a small town, a dream neighborhood. One that felt safe and quaint. They got a steal on the house. After moving in, something was strange. People of the town were afraid for their children, there was a list of children posted and everyone became nervous. Nothing was being done about the children dying.

The story was a page turner. I was never sure if the main character was crazy or something was really going on and I had no clue what that could be.

Many mysteries I don't seem to get really attached to the main character. In this book I did. I loved her. I rooted for her. She was well written and many layered. All the characters were great. All different and all had something to give to the story.

The pacing of the story was really good. I never felt bored, always interested. I couldn't put the book down.

The narration was good too. I felt it was read in the right tone and all the character voices were well represented. The narrator was very clear and I was easily able to get lost in the story.

Really I loved this book and feel it might be in my favorites of the year. Highly recommend.

This was another crazy one by Modglin. It had some twists for sure but was pretty sad with so much death. I do like her thrillers though!

Kiersten Modglin literally never disappoints me with her crazy and twisty thrillers, and this one was no different. Just wow.