This is unnecessarily complicated.

While I liked the conceit of messaging through song titles at first, it got wearying. Then, the way they communicated got more and more complex and more and more unbelievable.

I did like Marissa. I mean…I didn’t at first. At first she seemed to be a mix of naïve, doormat, and practically work a kick me sign on her back. But…she gains a spine. I mean, it takes a long, long time. But eventually.

I don’t know that it’s super twisty. The bad people were clearly bad from the beginning. Only our MC couldn’t see it.

The ending was mostly satisfying, though I ended it feeling that Marissa’s short period of time actually having a spine was coming to an end.

Entertaining and an easy read. It just kind of makes your head spin.

• ARC via Publisher

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book early! I could not put down this debut thriller by Elle Owens! I fell in love with this book as soon as I read the synopsis… the plot/storyline was so interesting to me, and one I have never heard before- so I was automatically intrigued.
Could you imagine being a mother of a young child, and having a husband that mysteriously vanishes one morning after leaving for work? That’s what happens to Marissa Creighton… and the last words her husband Ethan says to her on the way out of the door are, “Tell me you trust me, Marissa.”. Marissa quickly learns she cannot trust anyone, and begins discovering clues Ethan has left behind for her in hopes that she can solve the mystery and reason behind his disappearance. After a little while, she realizes that she can communicate through music with him on their shared Spotify playlist.
The twists, turns and deceitfulness in this story had me hooked and engaged the whole time. I often found myself second guessing Marissa’s decisions on who she should be trusting, or what was going to happen next… which is an indication of a good thriller to me! One of the things I absolutely loved most about this book was Marissa’s sheer determination to figure out what was going on… even when she thought she couldn’t keep going, she never gave up on herself or her child, Logan. I also thoroughly enjoyed the aspect of technology that Owens included in this story. I highly recommend reading this debut novel, you won’t regret it!!

This book gave me so much anxiety! I couldn't stand how Marissa's parents belittled and gaslit her. I was so eager to get to the part where she finally stood up to them.

I loved the way the characters used Spotify to communicate. Such a clever means of passing messages and very unique to this book. I enjoyed following all the clues Ethan was leaving that only Marissa would understand. Clearly my husband and I need more inside jokes, because if he tried to leave a trail like this I definitely wouldn't follow.

Marissa's character arc is the best part of the story. I mentally cheered for her when she finally escaped her parents and went to a hotel, and was crushed when they found her again. How suffocating!

I will say we could have used some more misdirection and red herrings--I'll go into this more on my blog to avoid spoilers here!

Overall a strong debut and I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author publishes.

Good book. New author for me. I liked the premise of the lady communicating with her husband using song titles. Lots of twists in the story, which kept my interest.

I loved the premise of this one! A missing husband who is communicating with his wife via playlists?! Yes, please! I did guess who the "villain" was very quickly but this didn't make the read any less enjoyable. I look forward to what this author produces next!

3.5/5

This book starts immediately and grabs your attention. Marissa’s husband goes missing and she doesn’t know who to trust. There’s so many twists. I actually felt so and for Marissa because there’s so many people who end up disappointing her. She’s a fighter though and gets through it all.

For a debut writer (in this genre) Elle Owens “Tell Me You Trust Me” had plenty of surprises. I’m happy to have read the acknowledgments to understand the thought behind such a wild story! If you’re a fan of music, suspense and mystery this would be the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to preview this ARC and provide my honest review.

Wow! What a brilliantly executed thriller!

The plot follows Marissa, a normal girl with a normal family- a loving husband, a cute toddler, a caring brother and doting parents. Until the day her husband goes missing and everyone is acting a little strange. Her husband starts communicating with her via playlists... telling her to trust no one.

The book starts off with the disappearance, building the tension from the first sentence. The pace is incredibly fast, keeping you hooked on this rollercoaster of a ride!

I loved Marissa's character and how it develops throughout the book. The author has an amazing sense of eerie timings to line up everything and eventually tied it all up perfectly!

The whole climax plot in entirety isn't something very unusual, but I loved how it was executed.

**Book Review: "Tell Me You Trust Me" by Elle Owens**

Elle Owens delivers a gripping debut thriller with "Tell Me You Trust Me," a tale that seamlessly intertwines suspense, mystery, and the complexities of trust and communication. When Marissa Creighton’s husband, Ethan, mysteriously disappears, the emotional and psychological stakes escalate as she grapples with the uncertainty of his fate and the revelations that follow.

Marissa is a relatable and compelling protagonist, and her emotional turmoil is palpable from the start. The bond she shares with her eighteen-month-old son, Logan, serves as both her anchor and her driving force in the search for Ethan. The initial premise hooks you immediately: the last words Ethan spoke, "Tell me you trust me," haunt Marissa, compelling her to delve deeper into their shared history and the music that once connected them.

The inclusion of the shared playlist is a brilliant narrative device, transforming song titles into a coded language that Marissa believes Ethan is using to communicate from the shadows. This inventive concept adds layers to the story, as each new song brings hope, confusion, and a sense of urgency. As she unravels the meaning behind the tracks, the tension builds, drawing readers deeper into the mystery.

Owens expertly crafts a web of intrigue as Marissa navigates her overprotective family's involvement, hinting at the dark undercurrents that may be at play. The family’s background in surveillance adds an unsettling layer to the story—what begins as concern quickly shifts to a feeling of entrapment. This tension mirrors Marissa's internal struggle as she questions not only her husband's loyalty but also the motives of those closest to her.

As the narrative unfolds, secrets emerge, and the plot twists keep you guessing. Marissa's determination to uncover the truth leads her down a treacherous path, filled with shocking revelations about Ethan’s life, including allegations of infidelity and hidden financial dealings. Each twist adds complexity to the character dynamics and deepens the mystery of Ethan’s disappearance.

The pacing is brisk, and Owens skillfully balances suspense with emotional depth, making it hard to put the book down. The psychological elements are particularly well-executed, as Marissa confronts her fears and the possibility that the people she trusts the most may not be who they seem.

"Tell Me You Trust Me" is a captivating thriller that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. Owens' debut is not just a page-turner; it’s a thought-provoking examination of relationships under strain. Readers will find themselves swept up in Marissa’s quest for truth, eager to uncover the layers of deceit that threaten to unravel her world.

In summary, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Owens' debut showcases her talent for crafting a suspenseful narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Highly recommended!

A husband goes missing and communicates through Spotify. This book felt like one big spoiler because I could well where it was heading after just a few pages. That took some of the enjoyment out it.

This book was amazing!!! I have never read something like this and I literally couldn’t put it down. It starts off with Marissa, her husband has been gone for a few days, but left his wallet and keys. He has not been at work but Marissa doesn’t think he would just leave her and their 2 year old son. She notices he is using his Spotify so they connect through songs, this plot was genius!

Imagine the love of your life/father of your child goes missing. You're relieved to find that he's alive when you find a clue that tips you off to the fact that he's out there and trying to communicate with you, but you can't tell anyone because he makes it explicitly clear you can't trust anyone. Oh... and you can only communicate with him via the song titles you play on Spotify.

While it was pretty clear from the jump who the villains were and the twists were fairly easy to see coming (at least for someone that reads a of thrillers), this was still an incredibly fun read.

I usually stick to reading romance, but there are a few thrillers I like to try out from time to time. I am SO glad I read this one because it did not disappoint. Once I started, I couldn't put it down and this is the first book in awhile I read in a 24 hour period of time. I love music, and seeing that songs would be playing a big part in solving the mystery of what happened to Marissa's husband after he goes missing instantly intrigued me. I thought it was such an interesting concept to use song titles as secret messages, and Owens executed this well. Throughout the story, there wasn't a single character I didn't suspect. I loved how each chapter uncovered one thing while opening up more questions. It was like unpacking a nesting doll, and by the time the truth of it all was revealed, my mind was blown. The major thing that impressed me is that even though the reader is given every reason not to trust her husband, Ethan, you still find yourself rooting for them to make it back to each other in the end. There's something about their relationship that I found endearing, and I was truly hoping everything would make sense and end up okay for them. But I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out if everything pans out well!

"Tell Me You Trust Me" is a fast-paced debut thriller that delivers a truly fun read. This story starts with intrigue, suspense, and intensity right off the bat. From the very first chapter, you are sucked in and invested in the story. The author does a fantastic job of pulling us in and not letting go, as we are constantly given clues about where Marissa's husband, Ethan, could be, along with new discoveries that make us question everything and long for answers!

The chapter endings are engaging, keeping you hooked, and the music references sprinkled throughout the narrative add an enjoyable touch. Marissa's character development is a highlight, making her journey both relatable and compelling. The author's writing style is sharp and concise, perfectly complementing the book's brisk pace. The narrative delves into themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between friend and foe, with tension that builds skillfully until the very last page.

Overall, "Tell Me You Trust Me" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended for fans of suspenseful and fast-paced reads.

This domestic thriller has me biting my nails. It was everything I expected from it and more. The title couldn't be more apt, and it stayed with me for days after I finished it. It's short, fast-paced, and something rather memorable. I recommend picking it up ASAP.

An unusual storyline as the author used song titles for Marissa and Ethan to communicate. Ethan goes missing and Marissa’s family are hovering over her. What is their involvement and where is Ethan. I enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing.

This book had me from word one and I could NOT put it down! Full of twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat! Thank you NetGalley and Elle Owen’s for my first ARC. Book is released February 2025…read it! You will not be disappointed!

Wow… I was already familiar with this author from her romance novels, and immediately knew I had to pick up this book when she announced it. I’m such a sucker for Mystery/Thriller that has to do with family, and this book did not disappoint. I found myself second guessing everything right along with the main character. Lovers of mystery, drama, and believing in the ones you love should absolutely check this one out.

This was such a twisty debut. Marissa and Ethan Creighton both share a love of music. Sharing playlists is one of their things. I won’t go into spoiler territory, but I loved how the playlists play a huge role in this story. Even though since their son Logan was born, Marissa feels a change in Ethan.
Before he leaves for work one morning, he asks Marissa to trust him. She has no idea that he will not come home that night. All of her insecurities come out and her overbearing family does not help. But Marissa is determined to understand why her husband left. Even if it will expose all of his secrets and make her doubt her own family
I enjoyed walking next to Marissa, uncovering clues, and watching her gain strength. I’ve been thinking about how this book ended for days. That is the only part that just seemed to not totally work for me. No spoilers, but after everything was revealed, I personally would have been playing, Going to California, alone.

Very unique way to tell a story in this suspense filled drama. A husband goes missing after leaving the house and making his wife promise to trust him. He then communicates to her through songs shared on playlists, as music plays a big part in their history. She has to decipher what he is trying to tell her to hopefully answer questions about his disappearance and bring him back home. While I found it frustrating that the husband chose to do this rather than just tell her what was going on (I would be seriously enraged at this if it happened in real life) it truly was a fun way to watch the story unfold.