
Member Reviews

She has done it again! Lucinda Berry writes with emotional depth that leaves you fully invested in her characters NEEDING to know what will happen next.
What will happen when you put a group of child hood stars in a house to get sober and counseling while filming them 24/7? Will they work the program together to get their place back in the spot light or will they use each others secrets to their own advantage?
Every page will leave you on edge questioning what you think you know and what will happen next. And just when you think the story is wrapped up and ready to say goodbye you are hit with such a twist you never saw it coming.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
Former child-star addicts are in a TV reality show for detoxing. When one of them dies chaos ensues and the police are involved considering the death a murder.
I started out being curious, but as the story continued it was evident this book was not for me. The second half of the story was too cruel and dark and I flipped through to the end.

WOW! Lucinda Berry is nothing short of an amazing author! Her latest book One in Four is a wild ride! Berry discusses some of the hardest things about life. Things that we don't want to discuss or even think about about, however they need to be discussed. She hits the hot topic button and makes you look at things from a different perspective. She shows you how it effects people differently and she opens your mind.
This book was fast paced, with a couple view points, but make sure you check your trigger warnings! As always, be prepared because there is a twist that will change where the book ends up! A Berry book is like life there isn't a pretty little bow to wrap up the ending...and there shouldn't be. She'll shock you. She'll test you. She'll make you think. That's why she's so good and what she does!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy to read and review!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this eARC.
In "One in Four" Lucinda Berry showcases her masterful storytelling style as Berry dives into the intricate dynamics of relationships and the haunting impacts of past traumas.
The story revolves around an affluent family that appears perfect on the surface but harbors dark secrets. When their teenage daughter goes missing, their carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. The plot thickens as layers of deception, hidden motives, and psychological twists are revealed.
Berry's expertise as a former clinical psychologist shines through in her nuanced portrayal of the characters' psyches. Each character is well-developed, with complex emotions and believable flaws, making them relatable yet unpredictable. The pacing is impeccable, with tension building steadily as the narrative unfolds.
A standout element of this novel is its exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the ripple effects of trauma.
Berry's writing is evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The suspense is palpable, and the twists are genuinely surprising, keeping you guessing until the final page is turned.
"One in Four" is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that delves deep into the human psyche. It's a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and for those who appreciate a well-crafted, emotionally charged narrative.
Berry has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a story that is chilling and profoundly moving.

4.5 ⭐️ Dr Berry, ma’am… this ending… why????
I loved this book. I truly did not see that ending coming.
I really enjoyed the beginning and the premise and honestly did not mind how the story changed.
I’ve never read an author that can write character like Berry does

This book definitely took a turn that I wasn’t expecting! I didn’t want to put it down. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. I really didn’t expect the ending- although I must admit it was a little bit of a let down. I love this author though and honestly overall would recommend the book!
3.5/5 just because I felt like the ending deserved a little more than what it got!

Positives:
-well-researched SUD treatment details. I enjoyed the touches about Laurel’s personal struggles with substance use and the way she described being the person experiencing addiction as well as loving someone who experiences addiction. It was not preachy and felt genuine.
-the plot was definitely unique and while I wasn’t very surprised by Gia, I thought adding in Noelle was a nice touch.
-It was fast-paced and an enjoyable read.
- does a good job discussing reality of being a woman and the frequency of sexual assault.
- while there are some loose ends in the book, I appreciated the unexpected end of Laurel actually dying.
Things to potentially address:
-the first chapter does not pull you in as well as the rest of the story. It felt a bit more “cringe.” Could consider changing the beginning to be Maddie’s perspective or just rewrite in a different tone.
-some monologues were very long and a bit unrealistic. Nobody really talks like that.
-not enough reason for Noelle to turn on Laurel (or we need more background on her having her own mental health concerns to explain her impulsive and irritional thinking).
-what happened to Paris was quite dramatic. I do know these horrible things happen, but it was almost TOO unbelievable (especially the murder). I also wonder if it would draw the reader in more to realize who Paris is in relation to the main characters (could it be Gia who actually went through all of that but made it out and wanted to punish Laurel?). I didn’t feel like I knew Paris or cared about her as much as the other characters. I DID like that it wasn’t Maddie’s history as we suspected. But they did allude to Maddie’s trauma so I was wondering if that would ever be addressed.
-Is Gia just this psychopath mastermind? It felt a bit beyond the scope of reality. Would’ve been interesting if we learned her husband was Aaron and she was actually Haley (eg she is murdering not for revenge but to tie up loose ends which would be more consistent with her having psychopathic traits).
Overall, 3.5 read.

Another winner by Lucinda Berry! As I expected, One in Four was an entertaining, twisty ride that kept me turning until the end!

This was everything that I wa1s looking for and enjoyed from the thriller concept and enjoyed the reality show element going on. I was hooked from the first page and was enjoying the feel of this book, it had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed figuring out what was happening. Lucinda Berry has a strong writing style and was enjoying the concept.

SYNOPSIS
- Dr. Laurel Hargrow is the therapist on a reality TV show featuring a group of former child stars participating in a 28-day residential program for addiction treatment. But on the 27th night of the program, tragedy strikes when one of the stars is found murdered.
- The investigation into the murderer also takes us into Laurel’s past.
MY THOUGHTS
- Lucinda Berry is one of my favorite authors! So far, I’ve read 10 of her books: The Perfect Child, Saving Noah, The Best of Friends, When She Returned, Phantom Limb, Keep Your Friends Close, If You Tell A Lie, Under Her Care, Appetite for Innocence, and One in Four.
- Lucinda Berry does it again with One in Four. From the very first page, this book had me hooked and didn’t let go.
- The premise is not only fascinating but also uniquely unsettling, and Berry masterfully builds the tension in a way that kept me glued to the story.
- The fast-paced narrative never lags, and every twist and turn had me frantically turning pages to uncover the truth. The plot is incredibly well-constructed, with each piece fitting together perfectly, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged ending that left me in awe.
- Berry’s ability to delve into human psychology and craft a compelling, intricate story is unmatched.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the kind of book you’ll want to devour in one sitting—it’s that good! If you’re looking for a gripping, well-plotted thriller with an ending that delivers, this is the one for you. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer & Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchanges for an honest review. This book will be published on May 13, 2025.

I wish I had enjoyed this book, but it did not seem well-written to me, the story was too violent and far-fetched for my liking.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to read this book as I have really enjoyed Lucinda berry books in the past. But this was not for me. I was very disappointed. The book completely switched what it was about in the middle and I didn’t like the direction it went. It didn’t make sense. I hated the ending. Didn’t like any of the characters. I finished it, but was very let down.

💝 First of all, thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Lucinda Berry for providing me with this early copy for free in exchange for my honest review.
What a wild ride this was! Typically and wonderfully Lucinda. I am looking at all these other early reviews and wondering if any of these people have ever read a Lucinda Berry book before. Of course it is triggering and dark. Of course it twisted massively half way through. That’s what her fans love her for!!!
The story follows Dr. Laurel Hargrove, a prior addict turned chemical dependency counselor. Laurel agrees to participate in a reality tv show that follows ex celebrity children’s as they battle their addictions and attempt recovery. One of the patients turns up dead and the ensuing investigation uncovers secrets that were meant to be kept hidden.
I loved the concept of the celebrity kids rehab reality show. It’s a train wreck of a show that I would definitely be tuning into. I also enjoyed the different characters backstories and details about their differing personalities and experiences. It kept you guessing. I couldn’t quite figure anyone’s motives or desires out - right until the very end. I loved how I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. I loved the pacing. I loved the ending.
Let’s not gloss over how relevant this narrative is. One in Four is a statistic that we need to keep repeating until something more is done about it. The underlining message touches on how trauma can stay with us throughout our lives, and how it can manifest differently in each individual. Of course it was dramatized fiction, but the experiences of these characters could have really taken place. The lgtbq representation was an added bonus and really well done.
One in Four was fun and exciting and entertaining. It wasn’t predictable. It was dark and twisted. It was Berry doing what she does best as the reader falls victim to the psyche of another one of Berry’s multi-faceted, deranged and unhinged, yet somehow remarkably redeemable villains. I haven’t stopped thinking about the ending since I finished the book.
I would recommend this to people who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and relevant narratives. This is not for the easily triggered or soft hearted.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas&Mercer for this ARC!!!
I absolutely DEVOURED this novel. I have loved every single one of her novels I have read. I love that she doesn't shy away from taboo or usually not talked about topics. Also, the end had my mouth gaping. Do yourself a favor and go on this rollercoaster ride.

Miss Berry has done it again! She takes some of the most unlikeable people, scandal, twists and makes it an unputdownable read! Laurel had gotten sober, had a great counselor job helping other addicts and a beautiful wife. She had it made until of of her patients ends up dead and it seems she did it. Except, she didn’t. She couldn’t have. Who did? And why?

NetGalley Review — my rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Laurel is a counselor with a background in addiction...something that is personal to her. She's been asked to work on a reality television show as the counselor to childhood stars that have succumbed to drugs and alcohol and are looking to start fresh in rehab and come back out on top. But when one of them ends up dead, and her past comes back to haunt her, Laurel can't seem to shake that things aren't all what they seem.
I wasn't sure how I was going to rate this book when it was taking me one way for the first half of the book and another for the second half, but as always, Lucinda Berry brought it together in the end. I maybe would've liked a different premise to story if it was going in the direction it did, which is why I knocked it down a star, but I followed it and enjoyed the twists.
Give this one a shot on May 13, 2025!
Big thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
#netgalley #oneinfour #lucindaberry #thomasandmercer @netgalley

I am obsessed with everything that Lucinda writes! This book was such a captivating and enthralling read that i devoured it in one sitting.
This book follows Dr. Laurel Harlow who is a therapist working with celebrities in a sober house. Through the lens of Dr. Laurel, we get to see the darkest and most disturbing parts of addiction and how difficult recovery can be. This book was extremely fast paced with multiple POV’s (true Lucinda style).
This book was truly a unique concept and as an avid psych thriller reader, it was so refreshing to see a book with this kind of plot. I loved all the characters, the entertainment, the DRAMA!
I actually adored the “shock factor” ending! It’s not realistic that everything always works out and gets tied together with a neat little bow. I think Lucinda did an amazing job with how she ended the book and the choice for the ending. I love how Lucinda stays true to her own writing with plots/endings that aren’t always favourable to the readers, making all her stories a unique and captivating reading experience!
Gruesome, mortifying and uncomfortable - i loved it.
Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading this book as some very dark and heavy themes are covered.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

Seven former child stars struggling with addiction move into a sober house together for a live stream reality show. What could possibly go wrong? Well, someone dies for starters. along with so much drama and unlikeable characters. Everyone has a secret, and I hung on every word! Laurel is the house therapist, and she becomes one of many suspects. There are a lot of hard-core issues that these people are dealing with, besides addiction and you can't trust anyone. This is only the second book from this author that I have read, but it won't be the last. She certainly doesn't shy away from the dark and difficult topics. I loved the short chapters and dual timelines. Lucinda Berry's stories are not for everyone, but I definitely recommend her! Can't wait for more!
Thank you, Lucinda Berry, #NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Instagram and other retail and Social Media sites upon publication day of May 13, 2025.

I wanted to love this one as I adore this Author, this fell major flat for me. Just was a no . I didn't even finish it.

Of course, as always, Lucinda Berry delivers another amazing thriller!!! I had my suspicions of who was responsible BUT that damn twist!!!! WHAT?!?
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!!!