When I saw Heather Day Gilbert had written another book, I knew that it was one I wanted to read as I have really enjoyed her other books. While the first person present tense was difficult for me to read it first, I settled into the book as if the protagonist was telling me her story as it was happening.

The plot kept me interested and up late through the night towards the end, especially as a teacher who has had several students on the autism spectrum. I loved that this is a story of an author who describes her writing process along the way, while dealing with a stalker and odd things happening around her.

The climax of this book was tricky for me. It was honestly hard to follow the main character through her reality/fantasy. Although I understand that this is the psychological side of the plot and also a part of her ASD, it was challenging to follow what was really happening and almost felt like there were some plot holes, especially regarding Renard and Micah.

However, I was glad that there was an epilogue that tied up one of the winding threads through the story. It just left Alex and Henry a little vague without a solid resolution, although that might have been intentional as that is exactly how the protagonist’s plot concluded.

Overall, this was a great read, and I look forward to more from Heather Day Gilbert.

*I received an advanced e-copy of this book through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Heather Day Gilbert’s “Queen of Hearts” is a psychological thriller that intertwines the fragility of the human psyche with the dark underbelly of fan obsession. The novel follows Alexandra Dubois, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for her romantic suspense series featuring twisted serial killers. However, art imitates life when an “invested reader” begins to blur the lines between admiration and fixation, leading to a series of escalating threats that force Alex to question her safety.

Gilbert’s narrative prowess shines as she delves into the complexities of Alex’s character, an author with autism who faces the daunting challenge of adapting to a new environment while under duress. I really enjoyed this part of the book, the subject of the protagonist's "quirks" due to her challenges were carefully written, and almost made the character more likeable.

The decision to retreat to her editor’s secluded West Virginia home sets the stage for a claustrophobic and tension-filled experience, reminiscent of the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Mary Higgins Clark.

Gilbert avoids gratuitous violence, instead opting for psychological depth and character-driven suspense. The setting—a storm-ridden mountain hideaway—becomes a character in itself, amplifying the sense of isolation and vulnerability that Alex endures.

“Queen of Hearts” is both a homage to classic thrillers and a fresh take on the genre.

“Queen of Hearts” is a compelling read that will typically appeal to fans of psychological thrillers.

It wasn't my cuppa, as soon as it went into the author being gorgeous "like a young Elizabeth Taylor" and not having any clue, for some reason I started finding the writing slightly sophomoric. The premise was fine, but the content didn't keep my interest.

If the storyline interests you, please give it a read, it may be your new favorite.

I really enjoyed Queen of Hearts. I was intrigued from the very beginning and I stayed interested the whole time I was reading. I really enjoyed Heather's writing style.

The main character is autistic and knew herself well. I noticed, though, that she explained everything she did and her reasons why throughout the entire book and eventually I felt like the need to explain wasn't necessary. It was established in the beginning she was autistic and had ways of coping, managing and being self aware. I didn't feel like she needed to keep explaining herself. Just do you, girl. You're good.

I did have it figured out very early on in the story, which is fine. That didn't bother me. It was still a good story. I do feel like I got a little confused at the end. There were a few plot holes and loose ends that I don't feel were explained all the way and I kind of had to keep going back and making sure I didn't miss something.

However, I DID enjoy the book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read it.

“Queen of Hearts” is a mystery/thriller by Heather Day Gilbert. Let me just say that I was hooked from the beginning of this book - a story within a story to begin the book (always my favorite) and then we get to the heart of the story - a mystery writer with a stalker. I liked that the main character was autistic but had her coping mechanisms in place. I also liked how she had to learn to depend upon people … just wish she’d trusted herself a bit more (but then don’t we all need someone like Emily in our lives - those carers who just care about people?). I liked how Ms. Gilbert described the writing process (“write what you know”) and the inclusion of Jordan’s story. What I didn’t like so much was the last 15 or so percent. The book went from logical and going along - to an unmasking that I saw coming (but even that didn’t bother me) to just - I don’t know. It was disappointing because it didn’t read as sharply logical as the previous 85% - there were just odd loose ends never tied up (What was the point of the other author? Why did she go all the way to WV? Why was the murderer trying to recruit people - or trying to find them - for what purpose?) This book had a number of red herrings that I found interesting, though I was glad that my initial thought of “who done it” was correct. I did fly through this book and it held my interest - so I’ve recommend it - just be aware that the ending may feel like you’re on one of those WV roads with many switchbacks.

alex is an author of mystery novel and also has a stalker. when the police suggest she go away till the find the person her agent has her go to his home in a secluded area . she goes but reluctantly she has autism and does not to well with changes . this story has lots of twists and turns.. the person who is after seems to have found her and is leaving notes for her , she is having trouble knowing who she can trust . good story page turning story. i was given a copy of the book from net galley but this is an honest review

I hate to be the first person to give this book a low rating so I feel like I should explain. First, I’ll start with what I enjoyed.

I flew through this book; the premise is so good and will hook you immediately. Alex is an author with autism that writes suspenseful romance then finds herself with a stalker that clearly isn’t the romantic variety. I appreciated how Gilbert portrayed Alex being an autistic author and her thought process, it was done in a gentle and respectable way.

I did guess the stalker from the very beginning, which is ok with me, but it did feel a bit obvious. Once Alex is threatened by her stalker, she seeks safety in West Virginia at her editor’s vacation home. But soon her stalker finds her there as well.

The end is what I didn’t love. It felt too similar to too many other thrillers. Y’all know the ones, the main character is in a secluded house, no phone service, a big storm comes up, no way to escape, cue the killer. I also felt like the author was going for the “shock value” but it came out of left field and was way too unrealistic.

I’m trying my best to keep this spoiler free, but the next portion might have MILD spoilers. There is a rival author that comes up and I’m still confused about the point of her character. Like, she supposedly hates Alex because of how she critiqued her book, yet she shows up randomly in West Virginia to try to help? Then after the stalker attacks Alex (and she thinks she gets away), she just goes back to the house and goes to sleep??? *side eye* After that, it almost turns into something out of Inception. It left me so confused I had to go back to reread and make sure I didn’t miss something.

Like I said, you will be hooked from the beginning and it is fast paced so you’ll fly through but the ending got muddled for me.

I love Heather Gilbert! She wrote such a great book in this one!! It was so enthralling and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want it to end!!

What an amazing mystery read. I was immediately hooked from the beginning and devoured Queen of Hearts in no time. Alexandra, an author, has a stalker. She heads to West Virginia to get away from her stalker, but her stalker follows her there and the mysterious incidents and notes escalate. I enjoyed Alex, Henry, and the side characters. Gilbert not only did a wonderful job portraying Alex as autistic accurately and respectfully but also crafted a well-written novel with shocking twists and turns that I wasn't even expecting. Queen of Hearts is a fast-paced thriller that fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.