If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina is a Texas-based thriller that pulls the reader into the severe weather and anxiety of unsolved crimes.

Luke and Carrie Conway have returned to Texas after years in LA. Carrie's father, a retired Sheriff, is dying, and Carrie wants to spend as much time with him before it's too late. Luke, also in the police force, is eager to escape after a tragedy when he was on duty.

Carrie is famous in her small town. Famous because she survived an assault and two other girls didn't. Famous because the mystery remains unsolved. Famous because she doesn't remember anything.

Luke is trying to restart his career; however, one stormy night, as he drives down a dark country road, he hits something... or someone. He has to find this person before someone else does.

Carrie's memory slowly returns as she visits her old haunts, but something still doesn't feel right. A man on death row confesses to the murders, but that doesn't feel right either.

As Carrie's memory returns and the local newspaper updates the story, new information and details start to leak out, and Luke, Carrie, and her father are in a race for the truth.
----
If you read the summary of this book, it reads like Luke is the main character. Nope. Carrie is the main character and the most compelling. Her trauma and memory loss are the central plot, and I would have LOVED more flashbacks to the days leading up to the crime. Luke was obsessed with hiding his accident and trying to remain unseen by his new co-workers.

I enjoyed Carrie and Denise's chapters the most. They moved the plot more. The story is fascinating; I love the idea of a local girl coming back and having to reconcile with the truth, no matter how terrible. Carrie's love for her dad is clear, as is his love and need to protect her and her family.

There were a lot of car references, which all made sense later, but it was a bit too "product placement-y." Of course, I loved the Whataburger inclusion (honey butter chicken biscuit forever!).

This was my first Rick Mofina book (I think), and will not be the last. There's ways to write a domestic thriller and this is it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In "If Two Are Dead", author Rick Mofina sets the stage for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller in the opening pages.

The book is about highly likeable, but drama embroiled Luke and Carrie Conway. The Conways recently moved from LA back to small town Clear River, Texas where they both grew up. As the story begins, Luke, driving in a fierce storm, hits something (someone?). Finding nothing in the area, he must quickly make a decision that could impact the rest of his life.

This couple has more than enough on their plate. Luke is trying to get himself back on track after a traumatic work incident with the LAPD. Carrie is returning to spend time with her ill father. She never would have agreed to come back otherwise. When in high school, she and two other girls went into the woods, and Carrie was the only one to come out alive. The other girls were murdered. Carrie, badly injured in the incident, has no memory of what happened. But people in small towns talk, and many think Carrie, once a suspect, committed the still unsolved murders and knows more than she admits.

This is a quick and enjoyable read. The characters are very relatable, and the story well told. I felt as if I was "in" the story with Carrie and Luke. I love how the author layered this mystery, revealing bits of the truth little by little. This gets four stars from me! I look forward to reading more by this author.

My thanks to Mira for allowing me to access a DRC of the book via NetGalley. Publication is 4/29/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

3.50 stars
-
I went into 'If Two Are Dead' blind, and found myself let down from the slower pacing of this thriller. This multi-layered thriller will drag you through its plot for the majority of the book, it certainly does pick up at the 70% mark, and once you hit that mark, you won't want to put it down. I've always loved Rick Mofina's crime thrillers as I feel like he's able to bring in a fresh perspective as a former journalist.

Luke and Carrie have recently moved back to Carrie's hometown, a place where Carrie has never imagined she would come back to after being involved in a tragedy. Everyone knows what happened to Carrie...three girls walk into the forest, but only one comes out. I wish the plot had just focused on Carrie and having her work through the heavy emotions of being back in town all while questioning what happened to her that day.

Instead, our plot is intertwined with Luke a local cop who struggles with the fact that he's potentially hit someone with his car while off-duty. As a reader, you start to question how everything is connected, and for a long moment, you wonder if there's any point to the plot at all. I will mention that the author does a great job at tying everything up at the end (although a little unsatisfying), and kept me guessing the entire time. There were a few times when I thought I had figured it out, but I was wrong.

If you don't mind a slower-paced crime novel, you most likely would enjoy this one! I prefer my books to grip me from the start, and this was almost a DNF as it took me a long while to even get into the plot and concept.
-
I would like to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, Rick Mofina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early review copy of 'If Two Are Dead' in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions formulated in this review are my own. If Two Are Dead is scheduled to be published on April 29th, 2025, pre-order your copy today.

If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina is a very highly recommended suspenseful, twisty thriller.

Luke Conway and his wife Carrie with their one-year-old daughter Emily have moved back to Texas to spend time with her terminally ill father, Vernon Hamilton, during his final days. Luke has already obtained a position as a deputy with the county where his father-in-law was a sheriff. The decision was a difficult one. Carrie left years earlier after she was the sole survivor of an attack that left two girls dead in the woods. Carrie was hospitalized with brain injuries at the time and still has no memory of what happened. Luke was involved with a shooting as an LAPD officer and is ready to make a new start.

In the opening of the novel, just as Carrie and Emily are ready to move to Texas, Luke is driving home in a storm and hits something or someone. He gets out of his car and looks for what he hit but finds nothing so he decides to not call it in after his experience in LA. He ends up investigating on his own. This decision torments and distracts him. At the same time, after Carrie arrives some fleeting memories begin to return to her. She is still receiving support from her therapist, Dr. Bernay. Adding to the stress is the fact that residents of small towns never forget and take vehement sides on all manner of events.

The uneasiness, secrets, and stress remain high throughout this well-written, fast-paced, un-put-downable thriller. Honestly, much of the tension is due to the fact that you don't know if any of the characters are trustworthy. At one time or another it seems any or all of them have done some nefarious deed in their past. Both Luke, Carrie, and Vern are searching for answers, from the present and the past. You don't know if you should be sympathetic for their positions or hope they are caught.

The secrets, twists, and information just keeps coming strong right to the surprising, shocking, and unpredictable ending. Honestly, Mofina plotted and paced this novel like the skillful writer he is, which kept me glued to the pages waiting for the next revelation or crumb of information. The ending, though, was masterfully played and is what made the rating so high. Thanks to MIRA Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

2.5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. It took longer than expected for the main storylines to show the connection. The characters were well-crafted, though I didn't really like any of them, particularly the husband, who was annoying. The pace was way too slow, particularly for the genre. And I didn't find it as thrilling as I expected it to be. There were unanswered questions, which made for frustrating and unsatisfying ending.

I enjoyed this one a lot and how the many parts all came together. I wish there was more detail at end for what was really going on, maybe a flashback tying it altogether.

3⭐️

I'm conflicted on this one. It appears most people have loved this so far so I might be the odd one out but this was just okay for me. It was a bit too much of a slow burn for me until about the last quarter of the book and then the pace flew. I did like the mystery of who attacked Carrie and the two other girls in high school and all the different possibilities that entailed. I definitely wasn't able to guess who did it and was constantly changing my opinion on everyone throughout the book. I also really liked Luke joining this small town sheriff station after having been a part of LAPD and how he tried to sneak around and investigated on his own. Even though he grew up in a small town near by, he didn't seem to remember that you get away with nothing when everyone knows everyone.

One of the advantages of Rick Mofina's writing is that he's a former crime reporter who's interviewed death row inmates. I had high expectations of a police procedural just based on that and this fell kind of flat for me. I also found Carrie's mother's cause of death to be odd. It was repeatedly said that she had a 'brain seizure' and died. That just feels redundant for for me since even if it wasn't an epileptic seizure, it would still be caused by trauma to the brain.

Thanks Netgalley, MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for providing this ARC to me!

I really enjoyed this one! Lots of twists and turns. My main critique was that it felt a bit hard to follow at times and there were a lot of characters to keep track of.

"If Two Are Dead" by Rick Mofina is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story follows a determined journalist who becomes deeply involved in a complex murder case involving a missing couple. Mofina expertly weaves a tale full of suspense, as the protagonist uncovers layers of deception and danger.

The characters are well-developed, with relatable motivations and emotional depth that draw readers into their plight. Mofina's writing is fast-paced and engaging, with twists that keep the plot unpredictable and compelling.

Themes of obsession, truth, and the consequences of choices resonate throughout the narrative, adding depth beyond the thrilling plot. Overall, "If Two Are Dead" is a masterfully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers, leaving them eager for more.

I enjoyed the story but struggled through parts of it. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I gave this book 4 stars because the story was good.

This was so good and such a great paced mystery! I did not see the shocking ending coming and I loved this one so much. My only drawback with this is I felt like there were so many characters, it was hard to keep track of who was who when only a first name was mentioned. I loved the atmosphere of this one and that opening will haunt me for years! I will definitely check out more from this author.

Three girls go into the woods, but only one comes out alive. If Two Are Dead is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction. Rick Mofina has created a suspenseful novel that skillfully combines mystery, character development, and plot twists. It’s book that will keep you engaged from start to finish, offering both thrills and depth..
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Ahhh I love this author and this book did not disappoint. I was instantly invested in the story and characters. The pacing was perfect and the action - as any book by this author - was heart racing fantastic.

This is one of those books you can’t put down.

Great mystery thriller! I really enjoyed the small-town setting, hidden secrets, and how everything came together in the end. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop—I had to know how it would all unfold! Solid 4/5 for me. If you like thrillers with multiple storylines that come together in a satisfying way, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Release: April 29, 2025
Author: Rick Mofina
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing

Rating: 4 ★ 

If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina is a gripping, tension-filled thriller that weaves together past trauma, buried secrets, and a chilling mystery that refuses to stay in the past.

Luke and Carrie Conway move back to Carrie’s hometown in Texas to care for her terminally ill father, hoping for a fresh start. But the town holds dark memories—fifteen years ago, Carrie was the sole survivor of a brutal attack in the woods that left her two classmates dead. Found with severe injuries and no memory of the event, she has spent years trying to move on. Now, as she returns with her husband and newborn, old suspicions resurface, and the town begins to question whether Carrie was a victim or a killer.

Meanwhile, Luke, a former California cop, is battling his own demons from a tragic incident at work. One stormy night, while driving home, he believes he hits someone on the road. But when he searches, there’s no body, no evidence—nothing. Instead of reporting it, he decides to investigate on his own, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that will unravel shocking truths.

As Carrie pushes herself to revisit places from her past in hopes of unlocking her lost memories, and a determined journalist starts digging into the unsolved murders, the couple finds themselves caught in a dangerous web of lies, suspicion, and long-buried secrets. With the town turning against Carrie and a killer possibly still on the loose, the truth might cost them everything.

Mofina masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers guessing with twists, hidden motives, and a creeping sense of dread. If Two Are Dead is a fast-paced psychological thriller that will have you questioning every character’s motives until the very last page.

Favorite Quote:
"the truth is a cold, hard thing, and sometimes, it's better to let the lies linger."

A twisty and mind-blowing thriller!

Three girls go into the woods, but only one comes out.... is she a victim or a killer?

With lots of secrets, cover-ups lies – and an killer on the loose – nobody is safe.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading — I could not turn the pages fast enough.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC

3.75 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this one and finished it in 24 hours. It's well-paced and the story pulls you in right away. I love a thriller that keeps me guessing and this one really did. Will need to check out Mofina's backlist.

I received the ARC for If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina through Killer Crime Club.

If Two are Dead is the story of Rick and Carrie’s move back to Carrie’s hometown to support her terminally ill father. The move to Clear River was supposed to be a fresh start for both of them —Rick recently experienced a tragic event at work and Carrie is the sole survivor of an unsolved murder investigation. However, the decision Rick makes while driving alone at night during a severe rainstorm has unforeseen consequences. Meanwhile, Carrie finds herself facing the scrutiny of her hometown as it is the scene her own trauma experience. As tension rises, will the answers they seek resolve the questions they have or place them in further jeopardy?

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I quite liked it. It contained a lot of elements I enjoy—oppressive atmosphere, secrets, deceit, red herrings, twisty plot and lots of suspense. Best of all, it ended with a bit of a bang and I was shocked when the killer was revealed.

I always enjoy reading new authors and so will likely take a look at Mr. Mofina’s back list to see if I can find another read.

The opinions offered in this review are my own.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, Killer Crime Club and NetGalley for providing the ARC.

This was a solid unique read. I didn’t really attach to the characters myself but they were well written. The plot was solidly twisty and turny. You think it’s going to take you one way but it doesn’t. It was a decent paced book with a solid ending. Overall it’s a recommended read from me

Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead," Benjamin Franklin.

Back in high school Carrie entered the woods with two other girls and and only Carrie was able to come back alive. Found with serious injury including ones to her head she cannot remember what happened. She wakes up in the hospital and finds her dad, Vern, looking at her scared. With the help of her doctors and even therapy sessions her mind won’t bring the events into Carrie’s memory.
Now an adult Carrie has a new baby and she is married to a police officer name Luke and their living in California. However, Vern her father reveals he has a terminal illness therefore she leaves California with her family and moves back to their hometown in Texas even though she had once vowed to never return. Luke has become a Deputy in Texas now and one night while Luke is off-duty and driving home he thinks he hits something, he can't find a body so he drives on, deciding not to report the incident but rather to secretly investigate it. He can’t put more stress on Carrie, who’s already haunted by her unsolved attack. With a reporter digging into Carrie’s attack and soon the town thinks Carrie maybe the killer.. but Carrie and Luke’s anguished search for answers will slowly reveal the horrific truth.