Wow. I loved this book! It’s been a minute since a book gripped me and made me not want to put it down. I read this one in less than 24 hrs.

The setting and the multiple POV/timeline made this book completely bingeable. The story focuses on themes of grief and motherhood and I can’t recommend it enough. It is a slower burn, but I enjoyed that and would read 200 more pages of this story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you @atriathrillers @atriabooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review. PUB DATE: 10/7

One hot August night in 1993, a young couple is attacked after their car breaks down. The woman, Fiona Green’s mother, is abducted and never seen again. Decades later, serial killer Eddie Ward lies dying in prison and suddenly claims he didn’t kill her. Fiona returns to the small town that’s haunted her entire life, only to find history repeating itself. Another woman disappears after a roadside breakdown, and this time the main suspect is Eddie’s son, Jason Ward.

Told through multiple POVs and dual timelines, Keep This for Me is a slow burn suspense novel that explores generational trauma, the ripple effect of violence, and the unanswered questions that can shape a life. The pace may be gradual and the cast of characters large, but I found myself completely invested. The setting is rich and atmospheric, adding tension and depth that pull you into the story.

While the final reveal wasn’t shocking, it felt satisfying and emotionally earned. The real strength of this novel lies in how thoughtfully it examines the long shadow of a terrible crime, not just on the victim’s family but also on the criminal’s. Fiona’s journey is raw and compelling, and I appreciated how the story didn’t just chase thrills but gave space to the lingering emotional consequences of what happened all those years ago.

A compelling and well-written mystery that sticks with you long after the final page. Recommended for fans of character-driven suspense with depth and heart.

4.5, Fiona’s mother and father were victims of a serial killer. While her father survived, her mother did not, but they are able to catch the killer. Thirty years later, the killer makes a deathbed statement that has Fiona back at the small lake town where it all happened, trying to find answers.

This was an engrossing slow burn mystery with multiple POVs and timelines, but it is not hard to keep up with at all. The POVs are distinct and interesting. Instead of focusing on the crimes, it looks more at what happens to the families and the people left behind - including the perpetrator’s family. The lake, and what it means to so many of the characters, is a fantastic setting. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.

3.5 ⭐️

Keep This for Me is a moody, emotionally layered story that explored lingering grief and the weight of generational trauma.

In 1993 a young couple, Ana and Ben, drove to a party when their car broke down. They were picked up by Eddie Ward, who attacked Ben and abducted Ana-who was never seen again. Eddie was later convicted and a mass grave was discovered at his property-but Ana’s body was not found. Thirty years later when Eddie was on his deathbed, he confessed that he didn’t kill Ana. This compelled Fiona, Ana’s daughter, to become deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere-the quiet lakeside town setting created a strong sense of place. I also appreciated the dual timelines, shifting between 1993 and the present, which added depth to the unfolding mystery. The overall tone was tense and immersive, which really pulled me in.

That said, the pacing felt slower than I expected, and a few storylines lacked full resolution. I went into this anticipating a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, so the more reflective, subdued nature of the story caught me off guard. Still, those minor drawbacks didn’t take away from my overall appreciation of the book.

I’d recommend this to readers who prefer character-driven, literary suspense rather than twist-heavy thrillers—especially those who value emotional depth alongside mystery. If you enjoyed The Quiet Tenant or The Night Swim, chances are you’ll connect with Keep This for Me as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book was slow to start, but about halfway through, I was engrossed in what was going to happen next. It was suspenseful, leaving me wanting more. I really liked how it was written about a true story, but she took a different direction by giving her thoughts on what came after and put them on these pages. The ending had me so shocked. I honestly didn’t see it coming.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Atria Books for allowing me to ARC this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Keep This for Me by Jennifer Fawcett due to be published October 7, 2025.

In 1993, a young woman disappears after she and her husband are kidnapped. Is she still alive? Fiona, her daughter, wants to discover what happened to her. The kidnapper had a son…did nurture or nature take over?

What a thriller this was! I was shocked at the ending and what had happened to Fiona’s mother. Throw in her childhood friend, David, now turned detective, and it made for an intriguing read – kept me interested the entire time. Multiple points of view and timelines helped the story build to a climax at the end that I didn’t see coming – highly recommended!

#NetGalley #JenniferFawcett #KeepThisForMe #AtriaBooks

The story centers around Fiona trying to find answers about her mother’s abduction by serial killer Eddie Ward. Eddie says he didn’t kill her on his prison’s deathbed and her body was never found. Eddie had a young son named Jason at the time and now Jason has a daughter Lily. You learn what it is like living in a society where everyone knows who you are related to. And both Jason and Lily fight an inner urge their patriarch had, to be in control and kill. This story was good (and inspired by a true event) but for me at the 70% mark the story became truly addicting and I read thru to the end in one sitting. I couldn’t stop, it sucked me right in! And the ending! Did Fiona get answers she was looking for or not?!? Oh boy, I’ve got some feelings about that ending! 😄 Great writing @jenniferfawcett_author And thank you @atriabooks @netgalley for this advanced readers copy! I truly enjoyed it! Pub date 10/7/2025

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆; 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔.

Chilling, atmospheric, and completely immersive, the author's sophomore released after UNDER THE STAIRS takes place in two timelines, the 1990s and present day. One hot August night in 1993, a young couple go to a party, leaving their toddler daughter Fiona with a sitter. When their vehicle breaks down, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks Fiona's dad, and as for her mom? She is never seen again.

An investigation determined that the trucker, Eddie Ward, was a serial killer after a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard--but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later, Eddie is dying in prison, yet he still insists that he didn't kill Fiona's mother.

Fiona is now a mother herself and is fighting some pretty dark demons of her own. She heads back to the town and the lake house that holds so many memories; the place where she only had her mother for a few years. She's desperate to talk to Eddie and fervently hopes he will make a deathbed confession so she will have closure. But what happens instead is the stuff of nightmares--history repeats itself with another woman gone after a roadside breakdown. But this time, the prime suspect is Jason Ward, Eddie's son. Has he been unfairly targeted because of who his father is, or is the finger of blame pointing exactly where it needs to be?

The tension builds to a quiet climax, and uncovering the truth about what happened to Fiona's mother was revealed in an intense, emotional manner. While inspired by true events, it's a completely fictional take on what could have transpired between predator and prey, and more importantly, how an act of violence resonates through the years. Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this early copy. This title is expected to publish October 7, 2025.

What happened to Ana that fateful night. Fiona returns to the last place that her mother was seen alive. A generational tale of what happens to the survivors of a terrible crime. The victim, her family and the criminal and his family. How the crime lives on and attaches itself to everyone involved. Thoughtful and well written.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy for reading and giving feedback.

Fiona’s mother tragically disappeared, and her father was badly injured when she was just a toddler. Eddie Ward was convicted of many crimes and everyone is certain, even though he has not admitted to it, that he is responsible for Ana’s death. There is little hope that an incarcerated Eddie will reveal Ana’s location, but he is now dying, and Fiona heads back to her childhood home, hoping for some closure. Before Eddie dies, all he says is he did not kill Anna. Fiona arrives too late to ask him for answers.
Told in the present by Fiona and in the past by Ana. Both of these women were unsure about their abilities, both scared of being mothers. Ana’s story slowly unfolds, while Fiona finds herself embroiled in another disappearance. A woman vanishes in an eerily comparable way to her mother. This time, however, the spotlight shines on Jason Ward, Eddie’s son.
Nothing against Fiona, but it was Ana’s story that really grabbed my interest and would not let go. I made my final guess regarding her fate, and I was 100% wrong.
This was a beach read for me, and I just could not stop turning the pages.

When Fiona Green is only a baby, her mother and father are attacked on their way home one night, her father seriously injured and her mother was never seen again. Investigations determine that Eddie Flynn, a serial killer, is responsible for this heinous crime.

This incident, and the trauma her family endured, has shaped Fiona’s life, and in order to live peacefully, she needs some answers. She returns to the scene of the crime and lets nothing get in her way while she searches for the truth.

With multiple POV’s and a timeline involving both before and after the crime, this story picks up speed until the truth is revealed. At times, it gets intense and becomes hard to put down. The ending, I feel, is emotionally satisfying and this story will stick with you.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy.

Keep This For Me is, essentially, a classic "Who done it" type of mystery where thr FMC (Fiona) is trying to figure out what happened to her mother who disappeared after her body was not found amongst the other victims of Eddie Ward. I liked the plot of th story and that the book had a variety of characters and multiple POVs. The pacing of the book was extremely slow in an unnecessary way, especially considering that the story became predictable very early on. There were many times where I just wanted the story to move along and it almost became a DNF. The pacing took away from the suspense. Also, the big reveal, if you want to call it that, was odd because why had no one looked "there" before. This wasn't a bad book by any means. I think anyone who loves a slow burn mystery will really enjoy this story.

This book had a lot of things that I historically dislike: multiple POVs, slow pace, a lot of characters. However, I really enjoyed it! I liked the plot a lot. I absolutely loved the setting and felt that really added to the vibe. I didn't find the big reveal to be too shocking, but I felt satisfied with the outcome. I really enjoyed how this was written, and found myself super invested in the story.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.

What if the answers you’ve been chasing your whole life turn out to be more dangerous than the mystery itself?
Thirty years ago, Fiona Green’s mother vanished without a trace after a party on a sweltering August night—abducted by a stranger after a car breakdown on a lonely stretch of road. When serial killer Eddie Ward was arrested shortly after, a mass grave was unearthed in his backyard. Dozens of victims. But not Fiona’s mom.

Now, decades later, Eddie is on his deathbed and delivers a final, haunting twist: I didn’t kill her. Fiona returns to the town that swallowed her mother whole, chasing the last sliver of hope, but finds herself in a chilling echo of the past. Another woman disappears. Another broken-down car. And the spotlight turns to Eddie’s son, Jason.

Tense, shadowy, and deeply human, Keep This to Me explores how violence ripples through generations, and how some stories refuse to stay buried.

#KeepThisToMe #AtriaBooks #JenniferFawcett #DarkReads #TrueCrimeVibes

This was good, but I felt that it dragged a bit too much. It wasn't as suspenseful as it could have been. The main characters have a lot of issues and the end was a bit baffling. Why did no one think to look there in all the years that passed? I won't say more because I don't want to give anything away.

This book is chilling and suspenseful. I enjoyed how it was written that I stayed up half the night reading because I could not put it down! Fiona Green wants to know what happened to her mother. Did truck driver Eddie Ward kill her since that is the night she disappeared? But now his son Jason Ward is up to no good. This had dual timelines and and multiple POVS. You will want to read to see what happens.

The premise for this one was so intriguing. It was a good book, but the reveals came too early which kind of lowered the suspenseful feeling for me. The mystery was predictable. The atmosphere was chilling and eerie which I really enjoyed, it was just missing that extra oomph to make it memorable for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a suspenseful book that I couldn’t put down. A man responsible for Fiona’s mother’s disappearance dies in prison and before he dies, he again claims he isn’t responsible. She makes it her mission to try and get to the bottom of what happened but now the man’s son Jason is involved also. He knows things. And with his dad dead, and another woman goes missing, Fiona is even more determined to find out what is really happening. There was soooo much suspense as I read it made me nervous (in a good way) and I felt like I was in the book trying to solve the mystery on my own. A great book about the long term effects of violence and crime as well as the burden of secrets, this is a must read!

Keep This for Me opens with a chilling premise: a decades-old disappearance, a serial killer’s final confession, and a daughter returning home to search for answers. I was drawn in by the setup, but ultimately, this one didn’t quite land for me.

The mystery felt predictable, with reveals that came too early or didn’t carry the impact they needed. And while the story shifts between narrators, only Fiona’s chapters are written in first person—a choice that created emotional distance from the other perspectives and made the structure feel uneven.

I also struggled to connect with Fiona as a protagonist. Her mother’s disappearance is undeniably tragic, but I wanted more insight into who Fiona is beyond that trauma—more reason to root for her, especially when her decisions started to strain believability. And by the end, I was still unclear on what exactly her goal was. What was she really searching for? The story never fully clarified that, and the conclusion felt abrupt, leaving a lot emotionally unresolved.

That said, there are moments of atmospheric tension and interesting reflections on generational trauma that kept me curious throughout.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. A solid domestic thriller with a plot that keeps you emotionally invested.