📚: Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass
⭐️: 3/5

Shelby Dawson was left for dead. Fifteen months later, she’s trying to move forward with her life - doting on her daughters and working at the local senior center. Then she sees the note on her windshield reminding her to keep quiet, or else.

This was a *very* quick read that had a great hook at the start. However, over time, this plot dwindled. A few issues I encountered - while I loved (loved!) the senior center crew, they brought some comedic relief… but the comedic relief felt a bit out of place? It was clear that two different stories were being told that would converge, but even with the (sort of) twist at the end, it fell flat for me.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing & Graydon House via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nothing Ever Happens Here is out today!

Loved this fast paced mystery with a cast of quirky characters. Florence is a big hearted geriatric woman who wants to help her two friends by starting a podcast. Shelby and her family are being targeted by an unknown person who is threatening their safety, Mack has a missing husband who has taken all their money with him. Both women are terrified but are lucky to have Florence and her friends to help. Told from multiple points of view, this book is beautifully written with a great twist.

The plot had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hold my attention as I’d hoped. It started off with great promise, drawing me in right from the beginning, but by the middle, I found myself dragging my feet. The book wasn’t overly long, but it took me far longer than usual to get through, it just didn’t have that pull to make me eager to pick it up.

I also struggled with the multiple POVs; at times, it felt a bit disorienting and left me feeling confused rather than engaged. While I can appreciate the attempt at depth, it just didn’t quite work for me in this case.

I would stuck recommend to the right audience

Shelby and Mack are best friends living and raising their families in the same small town until one night Shelby gets assaulted and left with permanent injuries. On the same night, Mack's husband Leo disappears mysteriously leaving a trail of theft and deceit in his wake. Months later, Leo still missing, more awful things start happening to Shelby and her family. The local police don't seem to be taking anything seriously so some elderly residents at the local living facility where Shelby works decide to take matters into their own hands. They begin to uncover some unthinkable secrets. Will they solve the mystery before anyone else is hur

Okay this one was FUN! I loved the residents at the living facility and especially enjoyed the banter and camaraderie between them. The story was twisty and interesting although I did find myself sometimes struggling to differentiate Shelby and Mack and often had to flip back to see which chapter I was in. I also found I kept putting this down in the middle but once things picked up again I was much more engaged and invested. This gives cozy mystery but it's absolutely far more sinister and a bit triggering in some places (minor child and elderly endangerment, suicide, poisoning). Overall it was a decent thriller with some laugh out loud moments.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review!

Ah, small towns—the land of charming diners, quirky locals, and apparently, the dumbest police force in fictional history. This book had all the ingredients for a solid thriller: an almost-murdered protagonist, an ominous small-town atmosphere, and a group of meddling senior citizens with internet access. Sounds promising, right? Well, much like Shelby Dawson’s sense of safety, that promise quickly went up in smoke.

First off, I spent the first half of the book trying to figure out what genre I was actually reading. Cozy mystery? Thriller? A sitcom about an elderly crime-solving squad that somehow trended on TikTok? Who knows! Every time the plot started to build tension, some baffling character decision or laughably bad detective work yanked me right out of the suspense. Shelby keeps getting attacked, and the police respond with, "Huh, weird! Anyway…" as if repeated attempted murder is just a mild inconvenience in this town.

And let’s talk about the characters. Between Mackenzie—the forgettable best friend—and the town’s collection of personality-free background extras, I genuinely struggled to tell most of them apart. I had to reread the first two pages three times just to figure out who was who. Where’s the context? Where are the physical descriptions? Give me something to work with! The only ones who left an impression were the elderly busybodies, but even they blurred together into one collective nosy grandparent.

But the absolute cherry on top? That ending. I’ve suspended my disbelief for a lot of things in thrillers, but this? This was a bridge too far. The final twist was so absurd, so wildly implausible, that I half-expected a Scooby-Doo villain to rip off a mask and yell, “And I would’ve gotten away with it too!”

In the end, this is a book where too much happens, none of it makes sense, and the police should probably consider new career paths.

I’ve heard great things about Seraphina Nova Glass, so when Nothing Ever Happens Here became available as an ARC, I knew I needed to grab it.

I’ve read quite a few thrillers set in Minnesota recently, and it’s the perfect frozen backdrop for a chilling, tense thriller.
This started off strong when small town life and the main character, Shelby, are devastated by a brutal crime and trying to recover, until Shelby receives a menacing message which brings her right back into the thick of her worst fears.
The star of the show was truly the unexpected heroes made up of a group of senior citizens, who inadvertently make the case go viral and become detectives of sorts. They brought such a lighthearted, chaotic side to an otherwise dark and twisty story, which made for the perfect balance.
Through a rollercoaster of emotion, drama, and fear, the answers everyone seek come out in shocking and unpredictable turns all the way to the final reveal.

If you love small town thrillers with a cast of unexpectedly lovable characters, that are full of twists and turns, Nothing Ever Happens Here is definitely one to pick up.

Thank you so much Harlequin Trade Publishing - Graydon House for providing me with this eARC via NetGalley.
Publication date 2/11/25

Happy <b>Release</B> Day!

This book was absolutely hilarious. Honestly it had me laughing to the point of tears.

When Florence decides she is going to be a podcaster who investigates a killing, and some other crazy stuff in her little town. Sylvia is afraid that the secret of her attack are going to be revealed and that she will be putting her family at risk.

What she didn't know is that Florence should have been in the FBI along with the other old people who lived at Oleanders.

Okay, so I used to work at a nursing home for 8 years and I could so see them doing something like this. Well, not this far but the scheming and mind blowing antics had me laughing. The killer/stalker/idiot was not who I thought it was and I was pleasantly surprised.

Only two things really caught my eye here which is why I only gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.

1. I hate when a book does not have a Prologue. This was like Lights, Camera, Action....Boom.
2 It was something about the phone. Don't really want to put it out there because it could be a spoiler.

Thank you to Netgalley and Graydon House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Small town thrillers are always enjoyable for me because I live in a small town and it adds to the creepy, this could possibly happen here, vibe. Nothing Ever Happens Here is such a relatable statement for small towns, so the title alone drew me in, aside from the fact that I loved The Vacancy in Room 10.

This was very different from her last and now what I expected at all. With the end of each chapter, I thought I knew who it was, then changed my mind, then bounced back. I had my guard up and one of my three culprits was the actual killer, but it was a fun ride. I loved the old folks and their wannabe detective game they had going on. While it felt highly unlikely it would ever happen, it was fun and cute and added something positive to such a fast-paced, tense thriller.

Nothing Ever Happens Here published today, just in time to snuggling up with on this cold winter day! Thanks to Graydon House for my eARC.

"Nothing Ever Happens Here" was a captivating, bingeworthy thriller that I could not put down. I absolutely devoured this book! The story is told from the POVs of Shelby, the victim of a violent attack, her best friend Mackenzie, whose husband is missing, and Florence, a senior citizen at the assisted living facility where Shelby works. The seniors at the assisted living facility stole the show and were my favorite characters. They set this book apart from other thrillers and were the perfect comic relief. This book was like "The Thursday Murder Club" meets "Only Murders in the Building," but darker and more suspenseful. The first 75% of this book was amazing and had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was just too over-the-top for me. Overall, though, I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing ever happens in small towns, except when it does.
Shelby Dawson has almost found a sense of security and safety after surviving a harrowing attack that left her nearly dead. However when she starts to receive messages worded the same way her attacker spoke, she fears not just for her life but also for her 5 year old twin daughters. Shelby fears her attack was not an isolated incident because the same night, her best friend Mack's husband Leo had disappeared, never to be seen again. With a lovable group of elderly senior citizens who accidentally make her case go viral, Shelby embarks on an investigation to find out what happened that night.
This story was very well paced and perfect for a wintry day. It almost felt like the snowy cold setting of Minnesota added to the tension. I especially loved the cast of elderly sleuths, arguing over editing and follower counts. With lots of twists and red herrings I absolutely recommend this page turner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Seraphina Nova Glass, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. Release day is February 11th 2025.

This twisty thriller almost has cozy mystery vibes to it in places, with its amusing cast of characters and laugh out loud moments.

Shelby survived an attack a year ago, though the perpetrator was never caught. Now, she is suddenly getting messages using the same threats the masked person had used and Shelby and her family are once again in danger. She now manages a senior living facility, and a handful of the residents decide to start a podcast to find out who is after their friend.

Shelby's chapters are full of tension and anxiety as she attempts to keep her kids safe from the threat swirling around them. While I had multiple guesses as to what would happen in the end, I was absolutely wrong on every single one of them, and I love when a book manages to surprise me!

While Shelby's experience is harrowing and nerve wracking, the residents of The Ole provide so much levity to the story. Think senior citizens arguing over technology, follower counts, and editing, and you will be able to picture the humor of their chapters of this book. I was incredibly entertained by their group, led by the very brave and slightly reckless Florence.

This was a great wintry read, set in the cold winter of Minnesota. It was fast-paced and entertaining, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Thank you HTP for the gifted ARC; all opinions are my own.

This book gripped me from the very first page. Thank you to @htpbooks and the @htp_hive for the sneak peek! It’s out today!

🎙️ I would describe this book as ‘Thursday Murder Club’ if it was a true thriller and not a cozy mystery. This has all the suspense and action of a thriller but the retirement home residents certainly provide the comedic relief.

🎙️ What you can expect:
- a pageturner that grabs you on page one
- atmospheric writing that puts you in winter in small-town Minnesota
- lots of red herrings that will keep you guessing
- twists and turns you never see coming
- laughs courtesy of a group of senior citizens with a podcast

🎙️ I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect winter thriller.

A Twisty, Unputdownable Thriller with Layers of Betrayal

From the very first page, Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass grips you with an intensity that doesn’t let go. The shock factor in this novel doesn’t just hit once—it rolls over you in waves, making it impossible to put down. Told from multiple perspectives, the story masterfully navigates the tangled web between two close friends whose lives are upended by an unthinkable betrayal. As secrets unravel, the reader is left questioning whether their friendship can survive—and more importantly, whether one of their spouses is the mastermind behind the chaos.

What makes this novel shine is its perfect balance of tension and relief. The older characters from the Orleander inject just the right amount of humor, breaking up the heavy suspense while adding depth to the story. As someone who prides themselves on guessing twists before they happen, I was completely blindsided by this one—a testament to Glass’s ability to craft a truly unpredictable thriller. While a few moments could have been fleshed out more, the overall execution kept me on edge until the very last page. Nothing Ever Happens Here is an absolute page-turner, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers that keep you second-guessing everything. A solid 4 out of 5 stars—I highly recommend it!

Seraphina Nova Glass’s latest book, as I embarked on my fifth reading of her work, was an absolute delight. With the excellent narration in the audiobook I received through NetGalley, I was able to immerse myself in the story during a perfect reading weekend.

Glass’s signature style shines through in her intricate characters and captivating narratives. The plot unfolds at a rapid pace, never once slowing down until its satisfying conclusion.

The story begins with Shelby Dawson, a woman who, after a harrowing attack that nearly claimed her life, has finally found a sense of security. However, her fragile peace is shattered when she starts receiving threatening messages. Now, Shelby’s concern is not only for herself but also her five-year-old twin daughters.

As Shelby grapples with her fear, she discovers that her attack may not have been an isolated incident. On the same night of her attack, her best friend Mackenzie’s husband, Leo, mysteriously disappears. Mackenzie is understandably devastated by the sudden loss, and Shelby can’t help but wonder if there’s a connection between the two situations.

Amidst the unfolding mystery, secrets and lies lurk beneath the surface. A group of elderly citizens, unexpectedly drawn into the investigation, embark on a thrilling adventure as amateur sleuths. Their quest for answers just might put them in danger, mirroring Shelby’s own perilous situation. These secondary characters provide a welcome contrast to the intense drama, adding a touch of levity to the unfolding events.

The chilling atmosphere of a cold, snowy Minnesota winter further intensifies the suspense. Keep an eye out for Easter eggs, as Glass’s clever writing often rewards close attention. This fast-paced thriller promises to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This was a unique thriller that was a lot of fun to read. I absolutely adored the residents of the Oleander, a senior living home run by one of the main characters in the book.

I read this book going between the kindle and the audiobook. The story from 3 different POVs and the audio really helped keep track of each part, as they had their own narrators. Shelby was attacked inside her friend Mack's cafe one night and no one has been able to figure out who did it or why. On the same night, Mack's husband Leo goes missing, as if he vanished into thin air.

This thriller was set in a small town and had all the vibes I love when a small town is involved in a book. This book also had several twists that I was not able to figure out and was completely shocked by the ending and who was behind everything that had been going on in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio for the ARC and ALC of this fantastic thriller in exchange for my honest review!

The book started off suspenseful and had my full attention. I liked the idea of the oldies group getting involved with small town sleuthing and being introduced to podcasting. Those characters were fun! But there were just a lot of characters throughout the story and it was hard to keep track of them all and their storylines. It also got a bit stagnant as it progressed. The ending picked up some but there really weren’t any shocking twists.

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ALC and ARC.

⭐️⭐️Review⭐️⭐️
📖 Title: Nothing Ever Happens Here
🧍‍♀️Author: Seraphina Nova Glass

About?
Long-time friends Shelby and Mackenzie live in cold, snow-filled Minnesota. Shelby is viciously attacked inside Mackenzie’s coffee shop late one night and no one knows who did it or why. Shelby wants to just move on, but the other strange part is the same night, Mackenzie’s husband Leo, goes missing - vanishes into thin air.

The fun component of this book is Oleander’s, a senior living run by Shelby. There is a small group of seniors that get together and create a podcast that ends up going viral to bring attention to the case. Between Florence, Herb, and Mort - there is an endless supply of entertainment as they work together to solve the crime over podcast.

Makes you feel?

This was a fun thriller. The small town vibes did something for me personally as I live in a small town and know how everyone knows everyone and families grown up together. The group of senior citizens are absolutely hysterical and add such a fun element to the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to @Netgally & @seraphinanovaglass & @harpercollinsca for an advanced digital and physical copy in exchange for an honest review.

Master storyteller Seraphina Nova Glass returns following The Vacancy in Room 10 (top books of 2024) with her latest twisty whodunit thriller, NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE. The novel is filled with quirky characters, witty senior sleuths, a mystery, a podcast, and a spine-chilling atmospheric snowy winter Minnesota setting, all woven into an engaging plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

About...

Shelby Dawson, a resilient survivor, is on the path to recovery after a traumatic, violent attack over a year ago at a coffee shop, where she was left for dead.

The same night, her best friend, Mack's husband Leo, goes missing. Are the two connected?

Shelby tries to move on and then begins to receive sinister messages on her car, cryptic notes that suggest her attacker is still out there, taunting her and threatening her safety.

Meanwhile, she works at a senior assisted housing (The Oleander), and they begin working together to solve the mystery. These tenacious, funny seniors soon go viral with a podcast, which becomes a crucial tool in their investigation.

A missing husband and a potential killer on the loose. What is happening in this small Northern Minnesota town, and how do the pieces connect?

My thoughts...

NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE is captivating, unpredictable, intense suspense with a cozy feel, mystery, and memorable, fun senior sleuths.

I laughed as I recently moved to an independent senior living facility on Oleander Street (Greenlawn Manor). I love stories that involve seniors as they are resourceful with active minds, and this twist adds to the narrative.

While this book is a little different than her last, Glass is a pro, and I enjoy how she blends dark, twisty psychological thrillers with fun and well-developed cozy characters with humor and wit.

The charming cast of seniors, particularly Florence, injects delightful humor into the story, making it a truly entertaining read. The narrative is action-packed, with a chilling small-town atmosphere, and filled with twists, misdirection, and clever surprises.

Recs...

The thriller is for fans of the author and those who enjoy small-town stories and cozy mysteries with humor and memorable senior sleuths.

I look forward to listening to the audiobook version narrated by Brittany Pressley, Stacey Glemboski, and Petrea Burchard.

Thanks to Graydon House and NetGalley for sharing a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 11, 2025
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Not For Everyone. Read It Anyway. This is one of those tales that with its focus on a distinct type of character - namely, elderly residents of a care home - and with its use of multiple perspectives to tell its tale won't be something everyone likes. Well, not everyone likes [insert your personal favorite book here], so read this one anyway and maybe see some things from perspectives you might never have considered before. To me, Glass creates her characters well - yes, they are all old and have some stereotypical elder shenanigans, but they're also all truly complex characters with their own secrets and motivations and connections, and this winds up working well to drive the narrative, particularly as we get deeper into the overall story here.

Ultimately a satisfying thriller that sits comfortably within its genre as far as overall story goes, and with the particular characters employed helps it to stand out a bit from the literal millions of other books within this general space. If you enjoy thrillers at all, this is absolutely one you should check out. And even if you don't generally enjoy thrillers, this is still an interesting one to try out to see if you may be more open to the genre than you thought.

Very much recommended.

This was such a FUN thriller! Not sure I have ever described a thriller that way but throw in a group of nosy-wannabe detective senior citizens and fun is what you have. I ate this book up in less than a day!