Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. How Bad Things Can Get ended up being pretty bad. However I felt kind of disjointed with this book. It had potential to go so many places and then in the end I felt like it was just trying to rush things together haphazardly.

The narrative skillfully blended elements of horror and thriller, creating a suspenseful reading experience. The author's approach was commendable, delivering a plot that kept me thoroughly engaged. Although some aspects were predictable, the overall execution was quite impressive. Ultimately, the combination of both genres made this a standout read.

I don’t always love horror books, but this one was well done and had a lot of thriller aspects, as well. One reveal was clear from the beginning, but the details weren’t and provided so much more explanation than just guessing the reveal. 4.5 stars.

How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates starts like a dream vacation and ends like a nightmare you can’t wake from. Ruth, sole survivor of a cult, wins a luxury getaway to Prosperity Island—only to find its beauty hides deadly games, ancient whispers, and a hunger that won’t let go.

A wicked blend of slasher horror, cult secrets, and influencer drama, this is tense, bloody, and impossible to put down. Coates takes you from slow-burn unease to full-blown chaos in a way that’s both gruesome and addictive.

If you like your horror fast, creepy, and ceremonial, this is the ride to take....just don’t expect to come back unchanged.

How Bad Things Can Get lures you in like a tropical vacation—a five-day festival on Prosperity Island, all sunshine and cocktails—until you notice the place has a history of shipwrecks and cannibalism. That’s when the unease sets in.

The story centers on Ruth, the only survivor of a cult that once made headlines. She’s trying to keep her past buried, but when festival guests—including a flashy millionaire influencer—start vanishing, old traumas bubble back to the surface. Soon, no one knows if they’re in paradise or walking straight into a trap.

The chapters slip between the chaos of the present and Ruth’s dark memories, building a creeping dread until things spiral into full-on slasher territory. I’ve read plenty of Darcy Coates’ gothic horror, but here she trades haunted houses for cults, influencers, and tropical isolation—without losing that tight, suspense-driven style she’s known for.

It’s fast, bloody, and cinematic, the kind of book you can picture as a movie while you’re reading. Horror fans who like their scares sunny on the surface but rotting underneath will have a great time with this one.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have no words for this. To say I was hooked is an understatement. This book is creepy and suspenseful without being too graphic and over the top. I kept wanting to know more and found myself unable to put the Kindle down.

The "stuck on a deserted island" storyline has been done over and over lately so I was wary going in, but this is a different take on it. I would highly recommend.

I'm still reeling!

This book was WILD. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down, except when I needed a break from abject terror. I’ve seen descriptions of this book say “Blair Witch meets Fyre Fest,” and I think that doesn’t do it justice - I thought Blair Witch was dumb, personally. I’d say this is more like if you decided to hold Fyre Fest at Jurassic Park. The monsters aren’t dinosaurs, but the danger, the secluded island, and the hype set a very similar scene.

I can’t put my finger on why I give it four stars instead of five, but I stand by it. Maybe it was a little hokey at times, or just a little much. I actually really hope they make this into a campy-yet-horrifying scary movie, a la Cabin in the Woods. I would absolutely go see that movie.

First thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

This was the first book I have read by this author, I did enjoy it but it is not for the faint of heart. If you’re a fan of horror you’ll enjoy it. It follows a group of people who go to a secluded island to take part in an event where they’ll play games in order to win money. While there on the island things go from fun party atmosphere to a tense game of survival.
A free cruise to a secluded island where guests have five days to eat and drink for free and compete in competition to wins money, what could go wrong?

When Ruth and her friends win tickets to the exclusive event put on my social media influencer Eton all of them as super excited, all expect Ruth. Ruth has spent her life trying to be pretty invincible but these games will be streamed to all to see and people might find out who she really is.

One evening Eton tells the story of the island, many believe it is cursed because anytime someone new buys it and begins to build on it terrible things happen. Many believe it is because it was once the home of a cult, who eventually turned on the leader and killed her. None of the members wherever seen or heard from again. As the story of the cult unfolds flashes of Ruth’s past comeback to haunt her. As the lone survivor of one of the most infamous cults it’s all hitting a little too close to home. When guests begin to go missing and even some say that they saw a dead body everyone thinks that it is all part of the game. But Ruth can’t help but feel that something sinister is happening.

WARNINGS
🦴-BODY HORROR
🪚-DETAILED INJURY
🔪-CULT
🩸- BLOOD
☠️- DEATH BY SUICIDE
💀-MURDER

I was so glad when I saw this ,I remember saying yes a new Darcy Coates book, and not even caring what it was about hitting the request button, that how much I Absolutely love her books ,no matter what the topic of her story is there is just something about her writing, the Atmosphere, the tension, as will as the Suspense she puts in her books . And let's not forget to mention that her books every time check off all my boxes when I go to pick up her books .
Like I said before the atmosphere, the tension, the Suspense, as well as the felling of something watching you from the shadows and getting ready to jump out at you. But they also keep me on the edge of my set to the point that instead of going to bed I just want to stay up and read , and this book did all of that and so much more .

When an influencer invites hundreds of his biggest fans to Prosperity Island, it’s meant to be five days of games, drinking, sun and fun. Ruth, the only survivor of a notorious cult, is just hoping to blend in and keep her past buried. But when the island’s true history emerges and guests start to disappear, she realises the nightmare she’s been running from might have been waiting for her on the island all along.

I’ve been reading a lot of influencer-focused stories lately, and maybe I’m hitting fatigue with content creators as main characters. But this was a Darcy Coates novel, and I usually really enjoy her writing. Maybe it’s just because it’s so different from her usual isolated protagonist, although yes, it’s still technically isolated, since it’s on a remote island, but here there are hundreds of people.

When “games” were mentioned, I pictured team-building challenges. Instead, we get elaborate, high-stakes competitions - Ninja Warrior crossed with Hunger Games. With so many characters and activities, I sometimes struggled to keep track, much like one of the more bewildered attendees trying to work out what’s really going on.

I also found it hard to connect with any of the characters, even Ruth, despite her more layered past, which likely impacted my overall enjoyment. What I did love were the cultish undertones. The influencer trope lends itself perfectly to exploring the idea of a “following,” both figuratively and literally. We’re in such a strange era of idolising people at their best and sometimes at their worst which this book taps into that unnerving dynamic.

While I still prefer Coates’ other works, I think readers who enjoy high-energy survival-style stories and the influencer angle will find plenty here to escape into. 3/5

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Available on the 26 August 2025.

How Bad Things Can Get
By Darcy Coates

FINALLY! A book to take me out of my reading slump!

To start, I am a Darcy super-fan. I’ve read every book she’s published! So when NetGalley sent me the notification that my request had been approved.. I flew to my kindle!

How Bad Things Can Get is about a woman, Ruth, and her friends wining tickets to an exclusive stay on a remote island hosted by a big-time social media influencer.

Everyone. And I mean, EVERYONE has secrets. Ruth, was a child and only survivor of a deadly cult known as Petition. She has changed her name, and made a new life for herself 20 years later, but on the island, things are starting to feel a little too familiar.

This book, especially the climax, can be gruesome. A tad more so than Darcy’s other books. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I tend to lean more towards her supernatural horror books rather than just horror. The ending was a tad predictable, but I feel like I also didn’t fully understand the “how”

The multiple POV was very fun! You as the reader got to see more of what was going on around the island rather than just seeing what Ruth sees.

Another great read by Darcy Coates! If you enjoy horror, this is a no brainer!

Where do I even begin with the chilling dread that How Bad Things Can Get so expertly conjures? From the moment I turned the first page, I was swept into the eerie allure of Prosperity Island. What starts as a decadent influencer retreat soon spirals into something dark, twisted, and utterly unforgettable.

Darcy Coates has outdone herself here. Ruth, the protagonist, is a cult survivor determined to stay under the radar but the island’s haunted legacy (and her own terrifying past) refuses to let her vanish into the background. The claustrophobic atmosphere, combined with escalating suspense and gruesome surprises, made this a true page-turner. I devoured it in one sleepless sitting.

This novel checks all the horror-thriller boxes: unsettling isolation, survival stakes, and psychological anguish. Ruth’s journey her resilience and fragility is magnetic; I rooted for her every twist of the way.

If you love atmospheric, heart-pounding thrillers with cult elements and sharp, bloody tension, do yourself a favor and read this. Truly spectacular Coates at her most chilling and compelling yet.

Secluded island, games turning deadly, and horror galore—what more could you ask for?? HOW BAD THINGS CAN GET creates a paradise lost for hundreds of unsuspecting souls who only wished for an escape from reality and a few fun games. And like any book from Darcy Coates, you are pulled in immediately from the opening chapter and there’s no letting go until the final page.

We are introduced to our protagonist, Ruth, a survivor in every sense of the word. By her side are friends Zach, Hayleigh, and Carson, who are lucky enough (rather unlucky) to be invited to a week of fun in the sun by internet influencer Eton, playing games with huge winnings and prizes to die for (quite literally). Ruth is wonderfully written and so very likable, and as Darcy does better than anyone, the characterization is so rich that you can’t help but care about Ruth during her ordeals, rooting for her with all your heart. Other characters stand out, including Eton’s assistant, Petra, whose loyalty goes above and beyond, as well as influencer, Logan, who’s quiet demeanor belies a determination to ensure survival. How will the week of games play out? You’ll have to read to find out.

Darcy Coates definitely delivers another horror-filled, nail-biting novel with HOW BAD THINGS CAN GET. It has everything horror fans crave—eerily horrific atmosphere, spine-tingling suspense, and is deeply unsettling in the best possible way (it is quite grisly in parts, just so you know). The pacing is perfect, drawing readers in slowly but surely until they’re completely immersed in the dread and mystery she creates. Darcy truly has a gift for crafting horrifically eerie spaces that feel chillingly real, creating a visceral response in her readers. A must-read for anyone who craves intelligent, creepy (but often gory) storytelling that lingers long after its conclusion as you close your Kindle.

I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Darcy Coates, and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me the ARC of HOW BAD THINGS CAN GET! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read this novel before publication in August.

I actually really enjoyed this horror book! Sometimes Darcy Coates can be hit or miss for me but this one was very good,

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book

This is my first Darcy Coates book and definitely will not be my last. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The author does a wonderful job of drawing you in with the main character until you feel their terror, their pain and their story. Loved it. The only reason it is not a 5 star is that I am not sure what happened to one of the characters at the end and it feels like its unfinished (unless she is gearing up for a sequel??)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, Haunting, and Completely Unputdownable 🖤👻

Darcy Coates has done it again!
How Bad Things Can Get is a chilling, atmospheric masterpiece that had me holding my breath more times than I can count. 🌫️🏚️
From the very first page, the sense of dread seeps in, wrapping around you like cold fog, and by the time you realize you’re hooked… it’s already too late to put it down. 📖💀

The setting is deliciously eerie, the characters feel achingly real, and the tension builds with that slow, creeping inevitability that only Coates can pull off. Every chapter left me wondering if I really wanted to know what was coming next… but of course, I had to. 😈🔦

If you love haunted vibes, spine-tingling suspense, and that sweet spot where fear and fascination collide, this book is an absolute must-read. 📚🩸

Thank you Darcy Coates, Poison Pen Press & Netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review 🖤

How Bad Things Can Get was a great fun horror novel to read. Darcy was able to connect past events with present events in a unique and fun way. I found myself looking forward to learning about past events just as much as present stories. Ruth captured a part of my soul very early on with the first game and led me on a wild ride of liking and disliking her in the best way possible. I found myself routing for even side characters. The only minor issue that took me some time to adjust was the changing of POVs rapidly. The changing did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book but did happen more than any other Darcy book that I have read.
I highly recommend this book for a good horror book with a slasher feeling without too much gore and a unique and interesting plot that pushes the story forward a great pace and keeps you wondering why everything has gone south. 5/5 for me.

Book Title: How Bad Things Can Get

Author: Darcy Coates

Genre : Fiction-Mystery & Thriller

No of Pages: 416

Start Date: 7/8/25 End Date: 7/15/25

Rating: 4.5 STARS


Summary: Prosperity Island...sounds magical doesn't it? Days spent drinking, eating, socializing with other influencers...what could go wrong? THINK AGAIN! Dark secrets will be revealed whether socialite Ruth wants them to be or not. Is there a sinister connection to the Island and Ruth? Will Ruth make it out alive? You will just have to read this one to find out.

Review:

Darcy Coates did not disappoint. Her creative genius shined through on this read in true Darcy fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was filled with suspense, secrets, manipulation and overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys psychological thrillers. Easy to follow and the transitions were smooth. 4.5 STARS!!!


Thank you NetGalley, Author Darcy Coates, and Poisoned Pen Press Publishing for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve heard amazing things about this author and h was so thankful to receive an ARC from Netgalley to finally make the plunge to read one of her books!

This was a great thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I enjoyed the premise and setting

I recommend this book and i look forward to reading more from this author!

Twenty years after a mass cult suicide and the only surviving child Ruth is trying to forget her past. But when she joins three friends for an exclusive party on Prosperity Island, the shadows of her past come creeping back. What’s meant to be the party of the century quickly spirals into something more sinister.

This was my first Darcy Coates book, and I totally get the hype now. The creepy, atmospheric setting was such a vibe, and the story was fast paced. It had a great mix of cult horror, mystery and gore. I do wish some of the characters had a bit more depth, but overall this was a fun, tense, and super bingeable read. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a fast paced thriller with a creepy edge.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC, I really enjoyed this one!