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Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC.

Sarah Ochs writes such good destination based thrillers. I really loved the premise of this and the call back to mistakes made and how we will all eventually pay for them.

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This Stays Between Us by Sarah Ochs. Besties Claire and Phoebe are on a study abroad trip in Australia with a group, and it’s all fun and games until Phoebe goes missing. 10 years later the group are all called back to Australia when her remains are found. This book was pretty good, although I didn’t really vibe with any of the characters so I found it hard to pick up at times. The two friends have a complicated relationship and the book is filled with secrets and lies.
Thankyou to the author, publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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In the past two weeks, I’ve accidentally read the same book twice. Well, basically the same book—different titles, different covers, but the same core plot: Terrible things happen in college. Fast forward to adulthood, and surprise! Those terrible things come back to haunt the survivors.

For the record, my college experience was pretty wholesome. Basketball games, parties, weird advertising projects, philosophical debates in business law, and long afternoons on the library lawn pretending to study while actually checking out the hot guys walking by. Did we do bad things? Sure. Did we kill anyone? Absolutely not. (At least, not that I recall. But memory is tricky.)

Both This Stays Between Us and Our Secrets Were Safe follow a familiar formula: secrets, lies, and murder wrapped up in guilt that’s been simmering for a decade. Why is this trope everywhere? Probably because it’s easy to set up. Commit a crime, bury the past, let it rot, and watch what happens when it claws its way back.

In This Stays Between Us, the story takes us to the Australian Outback, where the remains of Phoebe, a missing American student, are found ten years after she vanished during a study abroad trip. The surviving members of her little travel group reunite for police interviews, and Claire, Phoebe’s old roommate, has to reckon with her own questionable choices. There’s drugs, there’s sex, there’s violence.

In Our Secrets Were Safe, we’re stateside in New York, where Brooke and Charlotte are being blackmailed by “Sophie,” their ex-roommate who (minor detail) has been dead for years. As the layers peel back, it turns out Sophie is exposing more than just the truth about her death. There’s… you guessed it: drugs, sex, violence. See the pattern?

Are these good books? Hmm. Debatable. Did I enjoy reading them? Sort of. It really depends on how much disbelief you’re willing to suspend and how much you enjoy watching messy people implode under the weight of their own secrets.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copies!

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Ten years ago six students participated in an Australian summer abroad program. When troubled student Phoebe disappears the group has to leave without fully knowing what happened. Ten years later they are brought back after Phoebe's body is discovered. They all have secrets that they are trying to hide, and they all have pieces of what actually happened to Phoebe.

This was a really interesting mystery. All of the characters have flaws and things they are trying to hide from the others in the others. The main focus of the story is Claire and her extremely complicated relationship with Phoebe. There are so many interesting twists and turns in the story. It is fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat guessing the entire time. I enjoyed the multiple points of view and time jumps. This is my first book by Sara Ochs. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs is a solid, twisty mystery set against the sun-bleached backdrop of the Australian outback where secrets burn as hot as the desert sun, and trust is about as reliable as cell service in the bush.

The story follows two timelines and two POVs: Phoebe, a law student with secrets, and Claire, a grieving woman with a backpack and baggage (literal and emotional). Their paths collide at an off-grid eco-hostel full of Instagram-worthy views and suspicious vibes. Ochs does a great job building tension, planting red herrings like desert weeds, and using the setting to crank up the claustrophobia despite all the open space.

But then comes the ending. And the epilogue. Ah, yes, that twist. The one you’ve seen before in thrillers that mistake shock for cleverness. The twist is delivered with a wink and a shove, and while it might thrill some readers, others (like this one) may feel like they were just duped by a genre cliché in a stylish hat. The final reveal and epilogue felt tacked on, like the book was afraid you wouldn't remember it if it didn’t scream “GOTCHA!” on the way out.

Character-wise, don’t get too attached. While the alternating voices keep the pace brisk, depth is sacrificed for convenience. I found the characters frustratingly inconsistent or just plain unlikable, which, fair, but maybe not in a way that enhances the tension.

This is a punchy, fast-paced thriller with an atmospheric setting and a backpack full of secrets. But the overused twist and epilogue may leave seasoned mystery fans rolling their eyes harder than a kangaroo avoiding tourists. Enjoy the ride but don’t expect to be surprised when the train jumps the same old tracks.

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What really happened that night years ago?

Ten years ago a group of college students met for the first time at a month-long study abroad program in Australia. Alcohol consumption, flirting and the hot sunny days were a large part of the experience, but it all came to a halt when one of the group, Phoebe, went missing. Phoebe had irritated many of the group members, so the police presume that she ran away...but she never turned up, Until, that is, the present day when her remains are found in a cave near the town where the group had been staying when she disappeared. The remaining people from the group...The Mob, as they call themselves (which is the proper name for a group of kangaroos, I now know)...have stayed in touch over the years, and several had been trying to plan a reunion Down Under. Now, with the authorities wanting to interview them all in an attempt to unearth what happened in the time leading up to Phoebe's death, even the holdouts like Claire agree to return to Australia. They arrive to discover that they are all suspects and that Phoebe's death was definitely murder. When someone else connected with The Mob turns up dead, it seems obvious that there is a killer amongst them. Each of the group, it turns out, has secrets they would prefer stay buried....but who is willing to kill to protect theirs?
This Stays Between Us is a fast=paced thriller with a fascinating backdrop. The narration switches back and forth between the present day (Claire) and ten years earlier (Phoebe), and slowly the relationships and secrets are revealed. Friendship and betrayal, the carelessness of youth and its unexpected and often harsh consequences unfold as the story progresses. The characters aren't highly developed, and I found it hard to connect with them as a consequence. Claire in particular has always held herself responsible for Phoebe's death and is convinced that she will be found out, though the rest seem anxious to find someone other than themselves to blame as well. It's a quick summer read, the plot not terribly original but gripping just the same (and there is an interesting twist at the end); its a solid 3.5 ⭐️ read rounded up to 4 given the intriguing locale. Readers who enjoy Lucy Foley, Alex Finlay and Lauren Ling, as well as those looking for a quick beach/poolside read, should give this a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

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I enjoyed this one especially with the end twist. It was difficult to keep track of the different characters in the beginning.

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This one was propulsive, with solid twists and a creeping sense of dread. I flew through it.

Crime novels set in Australia seem to always be uninviting and this one was no exception. It’s not the murders (obviously), it’s the setting: dry, arid, remote, and literally on fire. There’s a particular kind of isolation unique to Australia that adds tension but also doesn’t make me want to visit.

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I really liked Sara Ochs's last book so I jumped on the opportunity to read this one and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting of the Australian outback. This book had some good twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat til the end. I highly recommend giving this one a read if you are looking for a thriller you can't put down this summer.

Thank you Netgalley and SourceBooks Landmark for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

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This Stays Between Us is a can't-put-down, stay-up-all-night thriller that takes place in the outback of Australia and centers around a group of study abroad friends. It has been a decade since Claire studied abroad in Australia, an experience that turned out to be truly life changing. Now, living her simple routine life, Claire often wonders what her life could have been if not for the events 10 years ago. Then, when Claire receives a phone call requesting that she return to Australia because her old friend's remains have been found, she knows that the truth is about to be revealed. What Claire was not expecting was that she was not the only person keeping secrets. Upon arrival in Australia and meeting up with her former study abroad group, Claire realizes that each and every one of them has something to hide. Just how many of the secrets are related to Phoebe's death?

This Stays Between Us is easily one of my favorite thrillers of 2025! I seriously could not put the book down. The book is fast-paced and told through a dual timeline with two POVs - Claire in the present and Phoebe in the past. The author does a perfect job of truly describing the study abroad experience. I 100 percent felt like I was a college student back in my study abroad program. I also absolutely feel the need to travel across Australia now. Sara Ochs' descriptions should be used in a travel book! There are so many twists to the plot! The ending is definitely satisfying, and all the loose ends are tied up. I will absolutely be reading everything by this author and will be highly recommending This Stays Between Us to anyone looking for a gripping, can't-put-down thriller!

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Ten students studied abroad in Australia for one month but not everybody made it back home. The group reunites ten years later and the truth finally comes out about who was responsible.

This fun, fast-paced thriller alternates between Claire’s POV in the present and Phoebe’s in the past. There are so many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The cliffhanger chapter endings kept me sucked in throughout the story. The motive reveal felt like a bit of a stretch to me but ultimately a satisfying ending and epilogue.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a free ARC for review via NetGalley.

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Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Sara Ochs, author of The Resort. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ten years ago, six college students meet in an Australian summer study abroad program meant to introduce them to the beauty of the country and immerse them in the culture. In reality, it's a long, alcohol-fueled party, with hook ups and friendships turned wrong. When Phoebe disappears, the group decides to pack up and leave the past behind along with their secrets. Until they all receive a call that Phoebe's body has been found and they must return.

I love a good destination thriller, and this one highlighted Australia beautifully. Plus, every one of the students is holding secrets in both the past and present timelines and it's fun to see them peel back slowly. The story unfolds with two distinct voices and timelines - Phoebe in the past and Claire in the present. The plotting and pacing were great and I liked how little truths kept revealing themselves along with some twists and turns. A great vacation read without leaving home!

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This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs is a compelling mystery centered around the disappearance of Phoebe—a young woman whose absence sends shockwaves through a group bound by secrets, guilt, and shifting loyalties. While no one can say for sure who is responsible, it quickly becomes clear that everyone has something to hide.

Ochs masterfully weaves an atmospheric tale filled with tension and a subtle undercurrent of unease. The narrative delves deep into the characters’ pasts, revealing the choices, betrayals, and hidden motives that ultimately lead to the pivotal moment of Phoebe’s vanishing. The story’s structure allows for a gradual unfolding of events, building suspense while keeping readers questioning each character’s true role.

What stands out most is the unsettling dynamic between the characters, adding a layer of psychological intrigue that elevates the novel beyond a standard missing-person mystery. With richly drawn backstories and a slow-burning sense of dread, This Stays Between Us delivers a dark and satisfying read that lingers long after the final page.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

3.75⭐️

I’ve read another book by this author and absolutely hated the conclusion. Unfortunately in this book she chose the exact same conclusion.
The structure, the storytelling and the premise is extremely good. I really enjoyed all of the MCs theories while slowly learning what really happened through the POV of the victim.
Especially with the beautiful and well researched backdrop of the nature and culture of Australia.
But the conclusion ruined the experience, it just came way too random in my opinion.
The epilogue though? Mind blowing.

A decent thriller, perfect for your gloomy summer TBRs

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What an emotionally charged summer thriller!

Ten years ago, Claire's best friend Phoebe disappeared while they are on a study abroad trip in Australia. At present, Clair receives a call stating that Phoebe's remains have been found, and she's pulled back to Australia. She will do anything to make sure no one knows that she killed her best friend.

This premise was immediately suspenseful and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning what happened to Phoebe all those years ago. Fans of time hopping thrillers about toxic friend groups will devour this one!

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This was a great suspense read! 10 years ago, a group of college students went abroad. One was killed, and now they are all suspects.

I couldn't put this book down! I loved the dual POVs and the dual timelines. It really helped the story to unfold clearly.

I figured out some major plot points early on (I read a lot of suspense), but it didn't take away from the story. The epilogue threw me for a loop! I didn't see that twist coming.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC.

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This Stays Between Us follows Claire as she’s forced to face the past when her best friend Phoebe’s remains are found ten years after she vanished during their study abroad trip to Australia. What started as a fun month of adventure, parties, and romance quickly spiraled into something much darker, ending with Phoebe’s disappearance. Now, Claire and the rest of the group are back in Australia, but everyone is hiding something. Only Claire knows the full truth about what really happened the day Phoebe died, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep it buried. This was such a good book and it kept me engaged the whole way through. I especially liked the dual timeline between ten years ago and now, which really added to the suspense.

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Loved it!! My first question is, how are they even getting college credit for this? Do they write a paper or give a talk at the end? I'm not sure how it's a a study abroad program. It's pretty much a vacation where the kids get bussed to different locations in Australia. I didn't see much learning, just one big party with nonstop booze, drugs and sleeping around with each other. I really enjoyed how the book alternated between Phoebe and Claire in the present and past. I enjoyed reading about what happened during the study abroad program. The group camps right next to a lake that holds some of Australia's most deadly species. They are told they will be safe as long as they don't go in the lake. What is preventing these creepy crawlies from leaving the water and slithering up to the campsite. How are words going to prevent alcohol fueled kids from venturing into the water? Ellery, Kyan, Adrien, Tomas Josh, Claire, Phoebe and Hari were constantly doing stupid things all because of Truth or Dare. I didn't love any of the characters. I really don't understand Claire's mom pressuring her to attend the abroad program. I would think Claire would want to spend that time with her. Ten years later, everyone shows back up in Australis after a body is found. Noticeably two people are missing from this reunion, but that's due to events that happened during the trip. No one seems to trust each other as they try to figure out what happened. There were so many twists and turns. I couldn't imagine who the killer could be and why? I was suspicious of everyone, they all seemed to be hiding something. That ending!!!!!!! Loved it!!! It definitely changed my mind about one person. I never guessed what really happened. They all should have gotten eaten by sharks in the great barrier reef or gone for a swim in the lake. They went from friends to being down right mean with each other.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. So many secrets and lies. Australia sounds like a beautiful place to visit. Loved the story, characters and writing style. This was the first book I read by the author and I look forward to reading more. .

I received a complimentary copy of this book from SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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4 Stars (Rounded Up from 3.5)

This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochoa is a fast paced, twisty read that kept me turning pages. While the beginning took a little time to hook me, once it picked up, I was all in. The characters felt messy in a realistic way, and the tension was well crafted throughout.

The final twist completely surprised me,it added a great payoff and made the journey worth it. Ochoa has a strong voice, and I’m excited to see what she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Sara Ochs for the ARC!

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This was a fast paced, twisty little thriller that kept me turning pages straight through to the end. The twists come early and often and just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on, another secret explodes into the open. It’s pure popcorn thriller fun.

I really enjoyed the unique setting of a semester abroad in Australia. I felt that it added a fresh layer to the mystery and raises the stakes in interesting ways. That said, the sheer number of twists and buried secrets did start to feel like a bit much at times. A little whiplash is part of the ride, but it occasionally came at the expense of character depth.

Though this is definitely marketed as an adult thriller, some parts veer into young adult territory. Probably largely due to the college age characters, their messy relationships, and the frequent party scenes. Still, the blend of mystery, drama, and betrayal makes for a highly entertaining read.

If you're looking for a bingeable thriller with an exotic backdrop, plenty of secrets, and a steady stream of surprises, this one’s worth picking up.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Sara Ochs for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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