Skip to main content

Member Reviews

If the original Scooby gang lived in a retirement home and started a podcast together to solve a small town murder mystery. Outstanding. One of my top surprise books of the year. I loved every minute.

Was this review helpful?

Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass
.
Nothing ever happens in small towns. But one night a man goes missing and a woman is attacked and left to die in a small Minnesota town. Shelby survives the attack and lives in fear of her attacker finding her or her family again. Meanwhile Mackenzie cannot help to keep hoping her husband is alive out there somewhere, even though that would mean he left her.
.
What I liked:
-This was a fast paced mystery that kept the secrets slowly revealing and the suspense simmering. I loved every minute of it.
-I adored our older community and their desire to help. The fact that they learned how to put together a popular podcast was applaud-worthy.
-I didn’t really see the end coming.
-I was seriously worried for one characters life multiple times! The tension was real.
-The audio was flawless, it kept me on the edge of my seat, anxious to know what happened next.
.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love fast paced and suspenseful mystery books then be sure to add Nothing Ever Happens Here to your read-list!

Was this review helpful?

This was a 3.7 that I'm rounding up to 4 stars. I really like this author and that definitely influenced my thoughts on this book. I felt the first half dragged on quite a bit. It started off with a bang and then it was a bit of a slow burn till 60% where it took off again till the end. This isn't my favorite book by her, but I will still continue to read her books!! This is just my personal opinion, and I hope you will still give it a go!

Was this review helpful?

NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE is a multi-perspective domestic thriller with a unique cast of characters, heightened tension, and fabulous twists. The author expertly weaves together the fear of the aftermath of a traumatic event and the emotions of dealing with a missing spouse, all while dealing with a group of elderly residents and their well-meaning antics.

What made this book so good was the way all three women’s stories were presented. Shelby, Mackenzie, and Florence each contributed something unique, facing their own challenges. However, when they overlapped in the timeline, this was where I was pulled in further. It is always more intriguing to me when one event is told from multiple perspectives, as it creates a richer, more complete picture.

I will tell you this. I have read a few books by the author, and none grabbed me as much as this one did. It had engaging characters that I instantly invested in, a compelling story, and a well-crafted build-up of suspense. NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE delivered for this reader.

Audiobook Note: Having this book narrated by three women—Brittany Pressley, Stacey Glemboski, and Petrea Burchard—allowed the listener to have a voice for the three points of view of this novel. The transition from character to character is seamless and pushes forward at a decent pace. If you are an audiobook listener and enjoy domestic thrillers, this is one to add to your to-read list.

Was this review helpful?

What a ride!! A mind bending story of a woman left in a freezer, a missing husband, numerous other assaults, and a whole cast of characters trying to figure it out!

From page one all the way to the end I was hooked! So many twists and turns, I constantly was thinking I had it figured it out but I was no where close.

I loved the writing of this story, and found myself on the edge of my seat the entire time. So many things happen that you are constantly trying to piece it together, but let me tell you, you won’t be able to!

Was this review helpful?

Such an apt title for this slog though paragraphs that went nowhere, copious repetitions, with nowhere paragraphs and characters that were poorly developed. In other words, I was not a fan of this story.

Our main character, Selby finding herself locked in a freezer by a very bad guy, with the help of her friend, Mackenzie, returns to calm and peace but then a note appearing on her windshield sends her into a tizzy. With the entrance of an old age group who decide to start a pod cast who believe themselves to be the second coming of Murder Inc. Oh and Mackenzie's husband has vanished leaving her with a mountain of debt, so all fingers eyes, and toes point to him as the culprit.

With a promising start, this story went downhill rather quickly and left me shaking my head with a bit of eye rolling on the side. Disappointing!

Was this review helpful?

A riveting thriller from start to finish!
Nothing ever happened in Shelby’s small, Minnesota town until one night she is locked in a walk in freezer and left to die. Now, over a year later, her attacker is back and is set on tormenting her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one start to finish! It sucks you in from page one and keeps you guessing throughout the book. I had it narrowed down to 2 suspects at the end and I will say one of my guesses was correct 💁🏼‍♀️ but it wasn’t obvious at all!
I’ll definitely be looking out for more by this author going forward! I really enjoyed the characters and the small town setting and the way the story was told!

Was this review helpful?

Seraphina Nova Glass does it again with "Nothing Ever Happens Here," a thriller that blends heart-pounding suspense with an irresistable dose of humor. When Shelby survives a brutal attack and her best friend Mackenzie's husband vanishes the same night, their quiet Minnesota town becomes a hotbed of mystery. Fast forward 15 months, and just as Shelby starts to feel safe, chilling threats resurface, along with the suspicion that her nightmare never really ended. But the real show-stealers? A group of meddling senior citizens who turn amateur detectives with their viral podcast, adding a delightful, cozy charm to this gripping story. Glass masterfully juggles multiple POV's, crafting a plot that's as addictive as it is twisty. The mix of dark tension and laugh-out-loud moments makes this one a standout. Was it a little over-the-top? Sure, but in the best way possible. Grab this book, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! 4 stars!

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed the authors previous books, but I had the hardest time getting into this one. I started and stopped in a few times before I finally stuck with it. It was a good premise, but it just wasn’t my favorite.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass!

Was this review helpful?

Seraphina Nova Glass’s Nothing Ever Happens Here is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. Known for her knack for crafting suspenseful, character-driven stories, Glass once again delivers a tale that balances psychological depth with fast-paced tension.

The novel centers around a seemingly quiet town where life appears predictable — until it isn’t. As unexpected events begin to unfold, the line between safety and danger blurs, and the characters find themselves caught in a web of secrets and suspicion. Glass expertly builds this sense of unease, making the town itself feel like a character, filled with hidden tensions and unspoken fears.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Glass creates protagonists who feel real and relatable, each dealing with their own struggles and desires. As their lives intersect, the emotional stakes rise, and the reader becomes deeply invested in their fates. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, and the shifting perspectives add layers to the story’s complexity.

The pacing is spot on — the novel never drags, but it also allows enough space for moments of reflection and character growth. Twists and revelations are well-timed, keeping readers guessing without feeling contrived. Glass’s prose is clear and evocative, painting vivid scenes that heighten the sense of suspense.

Nothing Ever Happens Here is more than just a mystery — it’s a thoughtful exploration of trust, fear, and the masks people wear. Seraphina Nova Glass has once again proven her skill in blending emotional storytelling with thrilling plotlines, making this novel a must-read for fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

I really really loved this book! I loved the characters, loved the immediate grab of the plot, and the twists throughout the book. I'm also a sucker for dual POVs, so if you don't like those books, this may not be for you. But, if you like fast paced, quick (under 300 page) thrillers, then this is definitely a book for you! Seraphina Nova Glass did it again!

Was this review helpful?

A year ago, Shelby was violently attacked by a masked intruder at her best friend, Mack’s cafe. That same night, Mack’s husband, Leo disappeared, leaving behind his business ventures and some questionable files. As Mack begins to dig deeper into Leo’s world, Shelby and “the gang,” at the assisted living facility where she works, begin to notice strange happenings. It appears that the attack on Shelby and Mack is not over - hopefully everyone survives it.

This book is told from multiple POVs, but all along the same timeline.

This book is one of those great books that embodies two distinct genres: mystery (because there really is a great and often chilling mystery at its core) and comedy, because, y’all, there were times I was legitimately laughing out loud while reading this. Let me tell you, the residents of the Oleander and Shelby and her twin girls were the true stars of this book, just bringing in some amazing comic relief to this book that had me absolutely rolling. (One example is when the podcast the residents make goes “viral” and they don’t know what that means.)

But you can’t forget about the mystery, which is also really good. There were plenty of red herrings, twists and suspense to keep me reading and guessing all along the way. There’s also a lot of small town politics going on, which adds an extra dimension to things. And having grown up in a small town, the author nails that aspect.

This wasn’t my first book by Seraphina Nova Glass, and it was yet another winner from her.

I would encourage anyone to pick this one up and then check out her other books. I haven’t been disappointed yet, and I don’t think you will be either.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Seraphina Nova Glass and St Martin’s Press for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t really know how I feel about this. The premise is good and I felt very invested once we got half way and had more characters involved in trying to solve this crime. It has decent twists but the pacing was just off.

Was this review helpful?

I am always interested in a new story from Seraphina Nova Glass, and this may be my favorite yet. A quintessential winter mystery set in northern Minnesota, the book captures the isolation and quiet tension of a snow-covered small town. Shelby Dawson is trying to rebuild her life after a brutal attack, but when threatening notes start appearing on her windshield, her fragile sense of safety shatters completely. At the Oleander assisted living facility, a group of seniors becomes unexpectedly central to her story. Florence leads the charge, transforming local gossip into a viral podcast investigation. Their involvement isn't just comic relief—it's a really neat exploration of how marginal voices can drive a narrative, as these seniors bring collective wisdom, stubborn determination, and an outsider's perspective to Shelby's desperate situation. The multiple perspectives could have felt disjointed, but Glass weaves them together through a shared sense of uncertainty. Mackenzie's mysterious missing husband, Shelby's ongoing threat, and the seniors' investigation create a web of tension that keeps things moving along. Set against the cold, isolating backdrop of Minnesota, the story explores how community—in all its messy, imperfect forms—can be a lifeline. The bad guy is almost comically predictable, but there's something oddly satisfying about that predictability—it's part of the book's cozy, hygge-like charm. I found myself completely caught up in the ride.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this "cozy mystery". I think my favorite was Florence and the other residents rallying together to figure out what is going on in the town. In the first chapter Shelby is assaulted and traumatized by an attack. The very same night Mackenzie's husband, Leo, goes missing. Months later Otto passes away in the hospital, but was it of natural causes? You'll have to read it to find out!

Was this review helpful?

Nothing Ever Happens Here is a blend of small-town cozy mystery and a twisty suspense! It started in a dark place when Shelby is attacked at her best friend Mack’s restaurant and then veers into cozy territory when we are introduced to senior citizens turned amateur sleuths. I appreciated the levity of the scenes at the Senior Home, but I do feel like we were trying to solve a few too many mysteries. This was my first by Seraphina Nova Glass, I have heard her other thrillers may be more my speed (darker!) I will definitely try her other books!

Was this review helpful?

What a great read! It began with a really thrilling intensity and kept it up throughout the entire story.

Shelby survives an experience like no other at the beginning of the story. Stuff nightmares are made of and her attacker made a big threat towards her before he fled. A year later and she finds a note reminiscent of what she was threatened with. So begins a thrilling and scary cat and mouse game that attempts to make Shelby out to be the bad guy. The seniors that live in her senior citizens home called Oleander get involved in a podcast to try their hand at being detectives.

I really enjoyed this suspense filled drama. The addition of the seniors really made this novel come to life. Their personalities shined and though laughs were had at their thoughts, the story was creepy and intense. Very well written and made for an exciting reading experience. 4️⃣⭐️❗️

Was this review helpful?

Posted a feature on my instagram account as to not leave a poor review on my feed.

I wasnt a big fan of this one. I found it somewhat slow and cant recommend it. I wasn't crazy about the audio narration of this one either. I would recommend On a Quiet Street or The Vacancy in Room 10 if you want to read something from this author instead.

Thank you to HTP books for my audio and digital copy.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this one fell very flat for me. It started out so good and instantly hooked me, but then nothing ever happens. I wanted to love it so I stuck with it because I love this author and thought there may be a spark, but no there never was. I was so annoyed with the characters and couldn’t wait for this to end.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc of Nothing Ever Happens Here. Although this one didn’t work for me I have loved every other book the author has written.

Was this review helpful?