2.5 rounded up to 3.

Dual timeline following two sisters, Nicole and Cassie, and a band that is quickly rising as one of the biggest in the UK. When dark secrets from Nicole’s past starts catching up to her 24 years later, she’ll do practically anything to keep the past buried.

I think this started off really slow, but I was living for the drama in the past timeline. The characters were unlikeable, but in a fun way. I thought the present timeline and how it connected to the past was quite obvious, so I lost interest during the 2010 chapters.

The ending/big reveals came too late to be satisfying, and I really disliked the last page. I was hoping for that big moment but it just… ended :(

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I think I see what this book was going for, but there was a lot going on and I'm not sure it all held together. Constructed from 1980s flashbacks and a 2010s narrative, the book tries to look at fan culture and obsession. (I kept thinking of watching an old Brady Bunch epidode of Marcia obsessed with some guy named Davy Jones, someone I had never heard of). I felt the band members could have been better developed, and that too many facts were withheld form the reader until the very end.

This was not my favorite. The timeline was confusing and hard to follow, and I wasn't too shocked or suprised at the twists.

This was....not it. The cover gives the wrong vibes. The characters are insufferable and I couldn't stand any of them. The story took way too long to get to the point that we all already knew.
I'm surprised I finished the whole book so for that it gets two stars but I definitely want my time back.

Thank you to the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book was a swing and a miss for me. A classic case of great ideas, but poor execution. I will say that it was an easy read and I was 100% curious to see where the story was headed so that’s definitely a positive. My biggest issues were the characters and the pacing. Nicole was fine, but I really didn’t feel like I got to know her well enough to really care about what happened to her. Cassie was COMICALLY delusional and immature and not in a good way. I think had the book focused on why she was so obsessed with the band, it would have made her storyline a litter more complex, but it just came across as ridiculous and a little cringey. The pacing was QUICK and too much so. I felt like we could have had maybe fifty more pages to really flesh out characters and smoothed out a few plot points that felt thrown in without reason. I did enjoy the dual timelines and POVs and I liked the fictional look at the groupies of the 80’s, but overall, it just wasn’t for me. Also, the ending was so freaking abrupt and frustrated the heck out of me.
CW: drug use, rape, stalking, murder, kidnapping violence

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced digital reader’s copy!

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but definitely not my last. I was completely engrossed in this book as the author took us from California 2010 to London 1986. The back story was the better part of the book, but the California part more than made up for it with the final 1/4 of the book. I loved Nicole and detested Cassie right from the beginning. Their twisted sister relationship was simply chilling. The ending found my mouth hanging wide open and my brain going…..whaaaaat.

This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal opinions.

I Would Die For You by Sandie Jones tells the story of Nicole a mom and wife living a life in San Diego. Until a reporter shows up asking questions and her daughter goes missing. The author tells the background of Nicole as the past timeline which is woven through out the story. It does help move the story along and makes you keep reading.

The characters needed more substance. The husband-wife relationship seemed like an afterthought. I did pick up on the little sisters’s craziness. I had to read the ending again to make sure I got it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for this ARC selection.

I usually really enjoy books with dual timelines and/or multiple perspectives, but this one did not work for me. I’ve read this author before and really enjoyed her writing but this book felt like work and I didn’t think it was ever going to end. Even when the book ended it didn’t really feel like an ending. It felt more like the author just stopped writing. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read, but while i would recommend this writer to a friend, I would suggest a different book.

I didn’t love this book but the writing was still good. I just didn’t like the characters or the overall storyline. Thank you for the advanced copy!

It felt like there was just way too much going on in this story. The twists kept coming and I didn't connect with the story like I hoped.

What a great book. It alternates timelines between when Nicole was just out of school and 25 years later married with a daughter. We hear about her younger sister Cassie and her obsession with Ben from a boy band. Everything slowly entwines together. The reveals are worth the wait The ending will make your Jaw drop. Still not completely sure what happened.

I just love Sandie Jones’ writing, but this book left me wanting so much more. The dual timeline, while great, confused me a bit at times. Maybe if the timeline we were in was posted at the beginning of each chapter, it would have made it easier but I did get lost a time or two. I love to hate characters in a thriller. When they’re awful, I want to keep reading to see what they do next. Usually, however, there is one redeeming character that gives you the relief from hating everyone else. This book did not have that character for me. They were all just awful. AND THAT ENDING!! WHAT?!? Ugh I don’t know whether to cry or scream or laugh. It was so good yet left way too much hanging.

This was a swing and miss for me, which is such a shame. I wanted to love this one. Her first book was just magical and one of my favorites.

I was riveted throughout 'I Would Die for You' by Sandie Jones. I both listened to and read this ARC. It was excellent in both formats. It all has to do with how past mistakes affect the future and how secrets can't remain buried. There are so many twists and turns that I'll leave the reader to discover on their own. The last bombshell happening on the final lines of the book. 4.5 stars rounded to 5 here on NetGalley.

(Rounded up from 3.5 stars)

I have mixed feelings about this book; some parts were really great and others not so much. Jones kept me guessing throughout the book, and I had so many working theories - none of which turned out to be true. I enjoyed the dual timeline, but the end felt confusing to me. Think Daisy Jones and The Six with murder thrown in!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book so much! I could not put it down, I had to know what would happen. I read it in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book.

A gripping dual-timeline thriller, The Fall blends 1980s rock-star obsession with a present-day mystery. When Nicole’s daughter vanishes in 2011, she’s forced to confront secrets from her past…ones tied to a famous British band and a love triangle that shattered her family. Sandie Jones masterfully weaves suspense, nostalgia, and family drama into a fast-paced, addictive read that keeps you guessing until the end.

3.5 stars!

In the present day, Nicole Forbes is living a quiet life with her husband and daughter when a writer shows up asking for her insight into the downfall of a famous British band from the 1980s. On the same day, her daughter goes missing under mysterious circumstances. As Nicole tries to unravel the connection between the two events, she is forced to confront her past and protect her family. The story also flashes back to 1986, where sixteen-year-old Cassie is infatuated with the band Secret Oktober and its lead singer, Ben Edwards. When Ben becomes interested in Cassie's sister, Nicole, it sets off a chain of events that could destroy their family.

The book begins with a thrilling and fast-paced introduction, setting the tone for the suspenseful journey ahead. As the story unfolded, the tempo shifted, guiding us through two timelines that enhanced our understanding of the plot.

This novel adopts a mysterious tone, with certain aspects of the story being meticulously explained to ensure clarity. The revelation of what occurred early on is complemented by a gradual unveiling of the how and why, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

The characters in the book are flawed and slowly developed as the chapters progress. Nikole emerges as a relatable protagonist, leading us through a captivating exploration of her past. On the other hand, her sister Cassie is portrayed as a less likable character, characterized by her naivety, inexperience, and obsession.

Throughout the narrative, unexpected twists and turns keep readers on their toes, shedding light on the complexities of the supporting characters. Despite the evolving pace of the story, the author skillfully maintains clarity, making it easy to distinguish between the various personalities.
While some may find the conclusion of the book less satisfying, the audiobook version offers a well-narrated experience that keeps listeners engaged and eager for more.

Overall, this suspenseful mystery delves into themes of family history, intimate relationships, and the chilling repercussions of revenge. For those intrigued by the perilous consequences of obsession and fame, this book offers a compelling exploration that is sure to captivate and intrigue.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a thriller with several twists and turns. Nicole is living a regular old suburban mom life with her husband and daughter, until a stranger appears at her door forcing their way in asking about a hurtful past. Then Nicole’s daughter gets picked up at school by an aunt, despite her not having an aunt. And everything starts to unravel from there. I thought the story had promise, but going back and forth between the present and the 80’s was disorienting at times and I found myself not enjoying the past sections much at all. The characters were unlikable, the relationships were too surface, and the ending felt abrupt and unsatisfying. An interesting idea for a story, but it just didn’t work for me. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Just ok. Predicable yet still an ok read.
Story and characters were ok but felt disjointed.