Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A disquieting sense of unease permeates every page of Samantha Bailey's Hello, Juliette, a psychological thriller that masterfully blurs the lines between perception and reality. From the outset, Bailey plunges the reader into a world where the familiar becomes menacing, and the comforting façade of domesticity slowly erodes to reveal something far more sinister.

The narrative is a carefully constructed house of cards, each chapter adding another layer of unsettling detail, ratcheting up the tension with a quiet, insidious dread. Bailey's strength lies in her ability to craft characters who are simultaneously relatable and deeply flawed, their vulnerabilities serving as fertile ground for the escalating psychological torment they endure. The reader isn't merely observing the unraveling; they're experiencing it alongside the protagonist, questioning every motive, every interaction, and most unnervingly, their own judgment.

What sets Hello, Juliette apart is its sophisticated exploration of trust – its fragility, its betrayal, and the terrifying void left in its wake. The narrative doesn't rely on cheap scares or sensationalized plot twists. Instead, it opts for a slow, agonizing burn, the suspense building through subtle hints and whispered doubts. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken anxieties, the kind that settle in your bones and refuse to leave.

Bailey's prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures without resorting to excessive description. She understands the power of implication, allowing the reader's own imagination to fill in the most shocking blanks. The pacing is deliberate, each revelation carefully timed to maximize its impact, leading to a conclusion that is both shocking and disturbingly logical within the context of the chilling world she has created.

Hello, Juliette is not a book for those seeking a straightforward whodunit. It is a nuanced and unsettling journey into the darker corners of the human psyche, a compelling study of how easily truth can be distorted and how profoundly we can be deceived, even by those we believe we know best. Prepare to have your nerves frayed and your perceptions challenged, long after you've turned the final, haunting page. This novel is a chilling testament to Bailey's considerable talent.

This was a fun and suspenseful read about the stars of a Dawson's Creek type show, who have as much drama off-camera as they do on camera. The newly discovered star or the show, Ivy, begins to suspect that the real-life drama is being manufactured on purpose by someone involved with the show. But to what end?

Told over dual timelines, the first ten years ago or so when the show was a hit and then the second one years later when a reunion goes wrong and ends in murder. There is a little more romance and YA-feeling content in this book than your usual suspense novel, and it's done very well and had me riveted to the characters and all their Hollywood exploits and gossip.

A very juicy and interesting insider's view of a hit TV show that feels real and dramatic. Ivy has no one she can trust, and as people who were associated with the show start dropping like flies, she has to solve the mystery of who is committing the murders so she can make sure she isn't next.

Really liked this author's writing style, and would love to read more by her.

This book was so enjoyable! The twists, were twisting!! I was totally blindsided and I love when that happens. Everything I thought I knew, I did not. I knew nothing. I enjoyed the time jumps back and forth, they were very well done and clear and understanding. I really enjoyed all the characters, and was so glad to find out that what was portrayed was real and genuine. I highly recommend this book, HIGHLY!

Thank you Thomas & Mercer, #partner, for the advanced e-copy of Hello, Juliet in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Samantha M. Bailey’s books since her debut novel, Woman on the Edge, and was thrilled to finally get to this latest book, especially as I knew I’d be seeing her at the @MontrealMysteryFestival. And let me just say…it did not disappoint!⁣
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This book just might be my new favorite by her…I mean any book that manages to give me one of my favorite “It shows” from back in the day vibes – and yes, I’m totally aging myself here, but 90210 was all the rage at one time!!! ⁣
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Give me all the juicy drama of a reunion TV show and flashbacks to the original show and how an unknown gets the lead role? Toxic friendships, romance, mother-daughter relationships–this book explores it all, with a darker lens than I was expecting but couldn’t have loved more. The twists and turns kept me guessing where it was ultimately headed. This is the perfect example of a story that builds in intensity and just when you think you have it all figured out, the floor drops out from under you. I cannot recommend this one enough!

This book is, overall, a decent read. The plot is a bit predictable, but I did enjoy it. Readers should give it a chance.

Hello, Juliet is the name of the short lived series that is the only notable thing on Ivy’s resume. So when she’s asked to do a secret reunion show, she jumps at the chance. But while she hopes to make amends with her for cast mates, she arrives to find one of them dead.

What follows is an investigation with a lot of twist. They are revealed a bit too slowly for my taste. And the timeline was a bit confusing for me. The main character, Ivy, seemed to be incredibly young and immature for her actual age. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but would’ve preferred a quicker pace.

Title: Hello, Juliet
By: Samantha M. Bailey
Pub. Day: April 29, 2025

Genre:
Fiction, Mystery, Suspense

Trigger Warnings:
Drugs, Overdose, Murder, Death, Sexual Harassment, Suicide, Violence, Cyberbullying

Summary/Review:
In this fast paced thriller, four former childhood stars Jesse, Lauren, Ivy and Caleb, once inseparable, now mostly estranged—are invited back for an unexpected reunion by the same producer who first launched them to fame. But when Ivy arrives, she’s met not with treasured memories of the past, but with something far more disturbing. As tensions rise and old memories resurface, the lines between past and present emerge, and a deadly game begins. Will the stars confront the darkness that connects them—or will the reunion become their final curtain call?

This is my first read by Samantha Bailey. The premise and plot line for Hello Juliet was fast paced, action packed and the transitioning from the past to present was created smoothly which added an element of engagement for the reader. While the novel had suspenseful moments, many felt predictable, diminishing their overall impact. For me, the main characters needed additional depth and greater details..
Hello Juliet is worth the quick read.

Thank you to Samantha M. Bailey, Thomas and Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my review.

#HelloJuliet
#ThomasandMercer
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

When I saw the author was releasing another book, I knew I had to read it! Samatha M. Bailey is definitely a “must read” author for me based on her other three novels, two of which I rated five stars.

This one was no different. Her books immediately hook me and I love how the plot hits the ground running!

From beginning to end, I was on the edge of my seat (well, my bed 😊) and holding my breath. I quite literally read this in one day.

Hello, Juliet is available in both book and audio format - AND, as of this review (5.25.25) you can read and listen to the book free if you’re a Kindle Unlimited member!

Thank you NetGalley, Samantha M Bailey, and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to devour this five star thrilling novel!

A solid read. Started off strong and dragged during the middle. The characters were strong and their individual personalities shown through. The plotting got a little confusing during the middle. However, the author came back strong with the last part of the book. I'd never suspect that ending, which brought up my overall rating.

#hello,juliet
#NETGALLEY
#samathambailey

Wow, this was a great, twisty mystery.

Ivy spent her teens first, fighting for roles, then running from the fame turned infamy of her lead role. Now, years later, she's been invited back for a reunion of the show, but when she arrives, she finds her old best friend dead. It isn't until after the shock and the police arrive that she realizes they are saying she was murdered.

This was a great audio- the narrator did a great job of giving voice variation for the characters and really pulling me into the story. Ivy was a compelling main character, as she fights for her roles and tries to be an actor. She's given up so much and so has her mom, for her fame, only for her to still be tied to the last lead role that didn't end well. The mystery was was paced, the tension high, and the ending was a shock. So good, I loved it! This was my first from this author but won't be my last.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. This was an okay read for me. I will continue reading more books from this author bit this one was not the best o me. I found this one to be quite predictable but I don’t know if it is only her book but it could be related to the amount of thrillers I read. I rate it a 3.5 because it was bit bad.

Hello, Juliet is a thriller set in LA about the cast of the former teen drama, by the same name. A planned reunion special turns deadly and lead Ivy Wescott is determined to solve the murder. This book is full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing. Hello Juliet reminded me of my favorite teen dramas Dawsons Creek & 90210. The story is told in then & now timelines. This is my first book by Samantha M. Bailey and I will check out her other books for soapy dramas.

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for letting me read this ARC.

Another bingeable story from Samantha Bailey! If you were a fan of The OC and mourned Marissa’s death like I did or if you watched Beverly Hills 90210, you’ll love this thriller about a teen drama tv reunion that turns deadly. The novel explores the cutthroat industry of Hollywood and the price of fame. The MC Ivy Wescott is a character you’ll want to root for.

☆ARC REVIEW☆
Publication date: Available now!

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS*

Another thrilling book by Samantha M. Bailey with a who dunnit theme!

The book cover gives off the same creepy vibes that the author brings throughout the book. I absolutely love a good childhood star, insane momager, and 'Mommy Dearest' thriller!

I truly had not guessed what was coming!

Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!

Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Samantha M Bailey for the eArc of Hello, Juliet.
Narrated by Kira Fixx

Having read, Friends in the Dark by the same author, I was looking forward to reading Hello, Juliet. The premise and the synopsis was intriguing. Ivy, wanting to be loved as hard as she loves others was thrust into the limelight with her acting career. Staring in a teen drama, the constant pressure and a death of a co-star. Ivy leaves LA with her Mother, Secrets are set to leak though at a 10 year anniversary when all the stars are called for one last curtain call.

This book started strong and grabbed me from the start, the pacing was good throughout the book but unfortunately didn't grip me as much as her previous book. Maybe I was having an off day as I can't even say it was anything to do with the writing style, pacing or themes. I just felt a little flat in the middle but did pick up near the end as the mystery started to unravel. I did enjoy the book and how it was presented with different media input overall though and looking forward to reading more of the authors looks.

3.25 for story graph, 3 stars for other review sites,

Ivy Wescott is a former actress who was known for the teen drama "Hello, Juliet" that she did when she was 22. Now ten years later she has been hired for a sequel to the popular show but when she shows up for filming she finds one of her co-stars dead. This behind the scenes of Hollywood thriller was interesting and twisty and we learn about Ivy's story and her fears that someone is out to harm her and her fellow "Hello, Juliet" cast. Ivy tried out for the show having not much experience and was very surprised to have been given the lead over the popular and pretty Lauren Malloy who everyone thought was a guarantee for the role. Ivy is also surprised to find that Lauren is down to earth and becomes Ivy's best friend, and Ivy also becomes close with her male costars Jesse and Caleb. In the present, it appears someone doesn't want the new show to start and Ivy and her manager mother have to hide out while Ivy tries to find out who wants to harm the former cast mates. Ivy has been hiding out and working as a grocery store bagger after the fallout from a tragedy that happened during the first season of her show and now that she is back in the spotlight she feels the same sense of fear and shame as the public calls her "poison Ivy" and blames her for everything that went wrong with the cast of the show. The show's producer Mack and his wife Rachel are also involved as they tried to protect the cast as well as produce a popular teen drama.

The author does a good job with the dual timelines and the use of social media, gossip sites and transcripts for gossip TV shows adds in to the behind the scenes drama. At times Ivy seems to be very young especially the way she is so attached to her mother. There are lots of complications between the four actors of the show including romances, possible stalking and drug use. I didn't guess the main twist but it did tie everything together in a logical way. Good for fans of Hollywood drama, teen shows and complicated relationships. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC for review.

I flew through this one but unfortunately, not for the right reasons. This just didn’t work for me. I found the story dull, the characters unlikeable & lacking depth & the plot was too predictable. I’m genuinely disappointed because I’ve really enjoyed this author’s other books but it seems like a lot of other readers loved it, so maybe this one just wasn’t for me.

Ivy was once star of a big CW-like teen drama, but after one major incident she lost her job, her boyfriend, her best friend and her career imploded. Sick of living paycheck to paycheck, she signs on for a reunion special purely for the money. But when she finds her costar dead, she starts to fear there is something more sinister around the reunion.

Likes: The twist surprised me! I liked the pacing for the most part.

Dislikes: Some parts of the story felt too slow or too YA. Ivy was also kind of infuriating when trying to get to the bottom of things.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read quite a few books by this author and don’t regret a single one! She creates such vivid characters and stories that stick with you long after you’ve finished the book! I loved how this book was set in my home state and was able to really spotlight a lot of the chaos and issues that come with being an actor in Hollywood. I would definitely recommend this book if you like psychological thrillers, mysteries, and deception!

This novel gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at the drama that is part of being a part of the Hollywood scene. The dual timeline made this book extra interesting and captivated me with the back story along with the current events. The action was fast-paced and getting to know the characters was like reading a gossip magazine with lots of dirt being dished out little by little. I wasn’t sure whether the narrators were reliable or not since they were actors and could have been playing a role and presenting themselves in the best life possible. I liked getting to know the characters but my favorite part was cheering for everything to come out well for Ivy since she had a bad reputation from starring in a show previously. Ivy just wants to help out the living circumstances for her and her mom, so her choices are colored by necessity and maybe a little desire for fame. This is a great, entertaining read!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.