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Thank you Minotaur books for the ARC!

I really wanted to love this novel as the description is something that intrigued me a lot however the writing style of this novel was not for me. I was not getting the on the edge of my seat thrill feel that I wanted. I know that someone somewhere will absolutely love this novel, and I wish that person was me. However it was not. The characters were developed fairly nicely I thought though.

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"I Would Die For You" begins with Nicole Feiney being questioned about her past interactions with a rock band in the 1980s. Soon after, she discovers that her daughter has been taken from school by a so-called aunt—who doesn’t actually exist. Although her daughter is quickly returned, the real mystery is just beginning, as echoes from Nicole’s past start to haunt her present.

The narrative shifts between Nicole’s present in California and her past in London, gradually revealing that something terrible happened—and that Nicole may be one of the few people who knows the truth.

As the mystery unfolds, the story takes some far-fetched turns, making certain plot points feel a bit eye-roll-inducing. Additionally, the pacing between the two timelines feels uneven, which disrupts the flow of the novel.

Overall, I’d call it a "fine" mystery—engaging enough but not one I’d rave about.

Book: I Would Die For You
Author: Sandie Jones
Genre: Mystery
Places Featured: California, United States and London, England
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Finished Reading
DNF @ p116

Pre-Read notes

I was offered a widget of this ARC and don't have any expectations for it. The only thing I know about it is that it's a thriller about a girl who goes missing. Expecting a fun read!

Final Review

Review summary and recommendations

I really wanted to like this one, but it started out labored and it just got worse from there. Once the author added a far-fetched and sensationalized depiction of mental illness, I was out.

Thriller writers: please learn how to write about characters with all kinds of disabilities, including mental illness.

Reading Notes

Four things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. Sure, he always volunteers to lend a hand when there’s trouble or when there’s something practical that needs doing; he’s spent many a weekend taking our eight-year-old daughter, Hannah, down to the beach at dusk to tidy up after inconsiderate day-trippers and nosey tourists have left the life-threatening remnants of their picnics for the seals to navigate. p6 The author's syntax is needlessly complicated in many places. This sentence is 67 words long, but it only needs like ten of them.

2. I'm 30 pages in and I can't tell if this book is adult fiction or YA. Maybe NA?

3. The plot has so many problems. Plus, every character behaves in an unnatural way, so it's difficult to trust any of their perspectives.

4. And a not-great depiction of mental illness. Sorry, everyone, but it's a DNF for me!

Rating: DNF @ p116
Recommend? no
Finished: Mar 15 '25
Format: accessible digital arc, NetGalley

Thank you to the author Sandie Jones, publishers Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of I WOULD DIE FOR YOU. All views are mine.
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Secrets. Lies. A decades-old mystery that Nicole thought she left on another continent, in another century. Will her past come back to haunt her and threaten her current life, which she's carefully cultivated and kept separate?
The years of lies and delusions eventually unravel in a convoluted spiral of half-truths.

I was intrigued to find out that the idea for this book was inspired by the author's time as a *dedicated fan* (groupie?) of the real-life band Duran Duran.

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy twisty thrillers, complicated family dramas, and behind-the-scenes stories about bands.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the Advanced Reader's Copy provided through #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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2.5🌟
Nicole is living a quiet life with her husband and daughter. Suddenly the peace she so desperately sought is about to come crashing down. A stranger appears at her door, questioning her about a breakup of one of Britain’s biggest bands from the 80’s. But what does that have to do with her? Hmmm… Nicole, I do believe you may be keeping secrets!🤔

But Nicole’s strange day isn’t over yet. Her daughter was picked up from school by her aunt. Odd… her daughter doesn't have an aunt!😱

Meanwhile, we have a completely separate storyline regarding this 80's rock group, and the fans that will stop at nothing to be part of that circle.

Sounds like a lot? It was! I enjoyed the present timeline with Nicole and wish more time was spent on that story line.
But the past was simply a bit too messy for me. And found myself less than enthusiastic to read those chapters.

I’ve been hit or miss with this author and sadly this fell into the latter category. But I’ve read all her books and will continue to do so!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins press

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This was not my favorite from the author. I didn't find the characters that likable. I also found the pace to be inconsistent which made my interest level sway to much. Thank you, NetGalley.

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A great page-turner, though the premise is REALLY hard to swallow. A pop star somehow gets involved with two sisters, one inadvertently but one on purpose, without anyone knowing...it defies the imagination. All that being said, you can tell the author had fun with this one, and it was fun to read.

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I Would Die For You by Sandie Jones was a book that felt like it could have been so much more but it mostly read a bit uncomfortably and disorganized. The overall premise of a woman running from a past where she was involved in a murder investigation, and that past is now coming to haunt her in her present day is an exciting one for me to read, but it the plotline itself fell apart fairly quick, and it felt disorganized from an early point in the novel. From there, it felt as though it tried to tie up loose strings to make up for lacking coherence, but mostly, the novel was overall rather messy in how it moved back and forth between both dual perspectives of the two sisters, as well as the dual timeline.

It was not a book that I hated, but I anticipated so much more from the overall plotline. It became hard to follow, and quite frankly muddled in trying to reach a point in the narrative. At the risk of spoilers, I think the idea of an unhinged, obsessed sibling character who haunts the narrative before an ultimate reveal is an exciting premise, and was excellent as a driving force for this novel. That said, and this is from the perspective of having to suspend my disbeliefs, that too felt muddled, and it felt as though the full idea of the reveal wasn't wholly realized before the novel's end.

As well, at times, the perspectives of the novel came across as preachy, and as if the characters were speaking for something other than themselves. I like flawed characters, and I also like hypocritical characters, but something about these characters felt fairly one dimensional, and it was hard to sympathize with anybody, or relate to anybody, and most of it came across as feverish, unstrung scenarios rather than a fully realized and cohesive plot.

That said, I would read more by Sandie Jones based on reviews of this book comparing it to her other works: this one feels like a hit or miss novel, whereas her other works are far more cohesive.

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Sandie Jones, and Netgalley for this early reader copy!

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My favorite book by this Author is still "The First Mistake." With that said, I get excited to always read a new one by Sandie Jones. The acknowledgement at the end of this book is great, She was inspired by Duran Duran.

Nicole is the main character in this story, living a quiet live in California. She flashes back to her past life in London. Told in dual timelines, it was past and present, 1986 to now, 2010. Her younger sister Cassie, who is a mess, chases a rock band around town. Does this band change the course of the sister's lives? During the different timelines, it plays a bit of the guessing game to figure out what is going on. At the end, all the dramatic moments come tumbling down.

Mystery Thriller, Interesting Timeline, and Fan Obsession! 3 stars!

Thanks so NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 3/25/25.

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Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy. This was my first book by Sandie Jones, and probably not my last. This dual timeline mystery/thriller which follows two sisters was entertaining for me. In addition to the family drama, there was a music theme which also interested me. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys twisty characters and story lines.

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Nicole Forbes is living a quiet life in 2011 when two things happen in the same day: a journalist shows up at her door asking about the downfall of a famous British band, and her daughter vanishes — allegedly picked up by an aunt who doesn’t exist. The mystery seems to point back to Nicole’s own sister, Cassie, whose obsessive crush on the band’s frontman, Ben Edwards, once altered the course of their lives forever.

The dual timeline structure works well, with the 1986 storyline offering a compelling look at the frenzied world of fandom and a sister’s single-minded fixation on a pop star. Cassie’s unpredictable behavior keeps things interesting, and the eventual reveal of what went down between her, Ben, and Nicole is satisfying — though not without some confusion-inducing plot holes.

The present-day mystery, on the other hand, leans too heavily on withheld information and convoluted twists. As a first-person narrator, Nicole keeps too much from the reader, making the mystery feel more like an artificial puzzle than an organic unraveling. Add in a frustratingly distrustful marriage, some repetitive writing, and a resolution bogged down by shuffled identities, and the modern-day storyline feels like a missed opportunity. Frankly, the 1986 plot could have stood on its own.

Readers drawn to the nostalgia of a fictionalized 80s pop band will likely enjoy I Would Die for You, but overall, this one falls into "airport book" territory — fine for passing the time, but not particularly memorable.

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I Would Die For You by Sandie Jones attempts to blend suspense, family drama, and the feverish fandom of the 1980s, but unfortunately, the execution falls short. The premise—of Nicole being thrust back into her past after her daughter’s mysterious disappearance—is intriguing, but the disjointed narrative and abrupt pacing make it difficult to fully engage with the story.

The novel follows alternating timelines between Nicole’s present-day life and the 1986 world of a rock band and teenage obsession. However, the transitions between these timelines often feel jarring and the characters, particularly Nicole, lack depth, making it hard to connect with their motivations. Furthermore, the ending feels rushed and unclear.

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I was not impressed with this read at all. I felt like the author just put a bunch of words on paper. That hurts me to say because I love this author.

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𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This was just okay for me. Was it entertaining? Sure. It did not feel like a thriller at all to me, and lacked the suspense, but it played out more like a mystery. The story is told in dual timelines with multiple POVs, has all the 80’s nostalgia vibes, a slow burn mystery, and an 80’s boy band. The characters were all boring, one dimensional, and extremely unlikeable. I had a hard time finishing this one, and when I finally did I was disappointed at myself for wasting the time doing so. There was no suspense, no twists, slow moving, rather boring for the most part, and the ending felt rushed and was extremely disappointing. Overall, this was a no for me and my least favorite book by the author.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦A slooowww burn
✦Entertaining reads that lack any sort of real development
✦Dual timelines and multiple POVs
✦Boring, one dimensional, underdeveloped, and extremely unlikeable characters
✦An ending that feels extremely rushed and leaves you feeling unsatisfied


𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️💫2.5/5

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Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for advanced copy for honest review.

Everyone grew up idolizing a rockstar/rock group. Well for Amelia and Cassie, Secret Oktober was that group. Becoming a groupie, getting close to the band can have its advantages but also disadvantages. It’s all sex, drugs and rock-n-roll until the burn-out hits. Down everything crumbles and it’s bringing family with it. 4 stars, recommend

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93.5, rounded up to 4)

Sandie Jones’s "I Would Die For You" is a taut and emotionally charged thriller that masterfully intertwines themes of love, betrayal, and the dangerous allure of fame.

The story follows Nicole Forbes, whose seemingly idyllic life in California unravels when her past resurfaces, bringing with it long-buried secrets and tragedies. The plot is both gripping and labyrinthine, expertly blending Nicole’s present-day struggles with harrowing flashbacks to her entanglement with a British pop star. The pacing is sharp, and the steady escalation of tension keeps readers riveted until the final, explosive reveal.

The novel’s strength lies in its intricate characterization. Nicole is a richly developed protagonist whose vulnerability and resilience make her a compelling anchor for the story. Her younger sister, Cassie, is equally fascinating, embodying the heartbreak and recklessness of blind devotion to a flawed idol. Ben Edwards, the enigmatic pop star, is portrayed with a blend of charm and ambiguity that adds layers to the narrative. While the supporting cast enhances the drama, their development sometimes takes a backseat to the central trio’s intense dynamics. Nonetheless, the relationships shifting power balances are deeply engaging.

"I Would Die For You" is engrossing, and offers a potent mix of mystery, intrigue, and emotional depth. Jones’s exploration of the darker side of fandom and fame lends the novel a unique and thought-provoking angle. While some plot threads could have been explored further, the story’s clever structure and Jones’s talent for creating suspense make this a satisfying and entertaining thriller. It’s a compelling reminder of how past choices can echo through the years, leaving scars and revelations in their wake.

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This one was just not for me. It was a tad bit long and I felt it could be trimmed. It was a rough read because I felt it was dragging on so much. I wasn't a big fan of the characters and I really struggled getting through the second half to finish.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

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Mystery/ thriller. This had a very disjointed feel to it. Dual time line, multiple POV. Situations were far fetched, didn’t really like most of the characters. 3 stars.

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I have seen some mixed reviews for this one, but I’m here to admit that I enjoyed it. It summoned memories of NKOTB and other bands from the 90s!

While others have mentioned wanting more from Nicole’s relationship with her husband, Brad, that is not really vital to the story, and therefore, it didn’t bother me. In fact, I was more engaged with the 1980s storyline and the mystery of what happened to the band, so I only cared about the present day to see how everything played out.

I will admit that repetition of the song lyrics got a little annoying and the ending felt rushed. And, speaking of that ending, well – I am not sure if I loved it or hated it! Hated it, I think! I wanted more but read it and tell me what you think!

In true Sandie Jones fashion, one character is not quite how she appears, and I appreciated when that came to light. I also liked the pace of it. It kept me engaged and I needed to find out how it all came together. That’s why I am rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 for its entertainment and engaging mystery. While it may have lacked the character depth of other mysteries, it was a twisty ride that kept me intrigued from start to finish.

I had both the eARC and ALC (thank you to @netgalley and @macmillanaudio) so I could experience this one as an immersive read. I thought the audio version, narrated by Imogen Wilde, was very well done!

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I enjoy anything from Sandie Jones. This book was definitely enjoyable, but not my favorite of hers. I really liked all the twists and turns, duo timelines and tension throughout the story. I just feel like something was missing and thinking about that took me out of the story. It was still fun with all the drama mixed in which made it hard to put down. Thank you NetGalley, Sandie Jones and Minotaur Books for this digital arc.

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