💭: The buzz is real for this one! It kept me guessing until the end! And THE END! Can we talk about it?! That last chapter had me like “WHAAAAAT?”

Stella’s brother disappeared from a beach party 6 years earlier. Ever since, she has thought the detectives didn’t do enough. She started a true crime podcast and then began receiving creepy emails, a burner phone turned up on her porch, and mysterious calls….the caller saying he knows what happened to her brother.

This one gets cray cray! Go pick it up on September 9!

A Killer Motive has been fun to read but I want to switch to the audiobook to finish it out! Full review coming for the audiobook.

4.25/5

Stella sneaks her younger brother out of the house to go to a beach party. It’s all harmless fun until Max turns up missing. Stella lives with guilt everyday. Six years later during an on air promotion for her podcast “A Killer Motive”, she receives a call that will turn her world upside down and lead her into a sick and possibly deadly game of cat and mouse.

This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. This book has everything a thriller lover likes….twists, red herrings, suspense in every chapter, a heinous crime where everyone is suspect. It had me guessing right up until its shocking conclusion. I just added a new (to me) author to my auto buy list!

Thanks to Harper Collins/Mira and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

A Killer Motive is a fast paste thriller with many twists and turns. You will be completely surprised at the ending. I was not able to put this down. This is a cat and mouse game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I just love Hannah McKinnon books but I really think this might be her best one yet.
Stella snuck her 17 year old brother out of the house to take him to a beach party. When Stella got ready to leave she could not find her brother and is determined to find him no matter how long it takes. This was such a great thriller. You definitely need to read this, if you are a fan of thrillers. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What a dark, twisted book that will keep you guessing. And it will keep you guessing to the very end of it!
A bonus: the book is perfect for all true crime fans, and for those who are into podcasts, as the main character is a true crime podcaster.
And, what is it with Maine? Why do all the bad things happen in Maine? This book is set in Maine also, WHAT IS UP WITH MAINE?

I did the audio of this one and I really enjoyed it! The main character is a podcaster and I feel like that added to the enjoyment of the Audi version of this. I thought the story was compelling and I was definitely invested the whole time! I absolutely did not see that ending holy heck! I thought the narration was excellent and the chapters with the killer were freaky which had me rapt! I thought the pacing of the story and the narration were perfect!!! I would absolutely recommend this thriller!!!!

One of Hannah Mary McKinnon's best and the narration was amazing - the male narrator was so creepy and had me double checking the locks!

4.5 stars!

I loved McKinnon's short, punchy chapters which kept me wildly turning pages. In her signature dark humour and clever writer, A KILLER MOTIVE is Hannah's best book yet! The pacing is spot on, it never lets up for even a second. Pure entertainment from start to finish.

I loved this twisty thriller with the cat and mouse chase feature and the cold case / podcast elements as well. I am a big fan of this author and have really enjoyed every book I’ve read by her so far!

Stop! If you’re thinking about grabbing this book—just do it. But be warned: don’t pick it up if you don’t like thrillers that completely hook you, hijack your schedule, and throw your life into chaos because you have to keep reading. This one will keep you up way past your bedtime, distract you all day, and ruin your routine in the best way possible.

Stella is a true-crime podcaster who co-hosts her show with her best friend, Vivian. She specializes in cold cases, driven by the heartbreaking fact that her own brother vanished six years ago. The guilt runs deep—she was the one who helped sneak him out to a beach party the night he disappeared.

The story is told mostly from Stella’s perspective, with chilling interludes from a psychopath who may—or may not—have kidnapped her brother’s friend, Kenji.

I’ve read several books by Hannah before, but this one I absolutely devoured. The pacing had me hooked, the twists kept me guessing, and I was constantly trying (and failing) to figure out who was guilty. I couldn’t put it down until I finally had answers.

Tense, fast-paced, atmospheric, and utterly captivating—this is a thriller that delivers.

🫣 F R E A K Y F R I D A Y review 🫣 featuring “A Killer Motive” by Hannah Mary McKinnon!

Six years ago, Stella Dixon snuck her younger brother Max out of their parent’s house to hit up a beach party! Stella ended up drinking way too much, fought with her boyfriend and passed out on the beach. When she woke up she could not find Max anywhere and to this day no one has been able to find him.

After Max’s disappearance, Stella and her best friend Vivian start up a true crime podcast called A Killer Motive. When on a local radio show trying to promote their podcast, someone calls into the show asking Stella why she wasn’t focusing on Max’s case. Over the air she expresses that she wishes she could trade places with Max and all she needs is one new clue to revisit his case.

One listener who knows too much about the case takes this as a challenge and what ensues is a sinister game of cat and mouse that includes a new disappearance … Max’s best friend!

💭 God damn, Hannah Mary McKinnon has done it again and literally sent me into a stress spiral with this one! Emotionally charged, deeply twisted and diabotical to its core, readers get put through the wringer as the game commences and all bets are off! A chaotic mix of Russian roulette, a Jigsaw like antagonist and well placed red herrings that will distract you and toss what you think is happening into the fire!

My friends and I at #thepulse are LOVING this book and I am so thankful to receive an advanced copy and a spot on this book tour in exchange for my honest review! I will forever be a huge fan of anything that @hannahmarymckinnon writes!

This book was WILD — in the best way. If you love cold case mysteries, true crime podcasts, and a self-driven case that spirals into something much darker…… A Killer Motive is calling your name.

The story follows Stella, whose brother went missing years ago after sneaking out with her one night. She’s been haunted by it ever since, and now, years later, she finds herself pulled into a game where someone claims to have the answers… if she plays along. Oh, and she can’t tell anyone.

I connected with Stella so much that she’s smart and determined, but also very human. I definitely found myself yelling at her choices sometimes, but also totally understood where she was coming from. I kept thinking, “What would I do if someone I loved went missing?” That really pulled me in.

Additionally, I love thrillers with podcast elements, and this one did it exceptionally well. The pacing was great (short chapters for the win!), the suspense built with every page, and the twists were so satisfying. And those weird emails sprinkled in? Creepy in the best way.

This is one of those books that keeps you guessing the whole time. I had theories, but I never fully figured it out. The ending caught me off guard in the best way, and I loved how everything came together.

This was my first book by Hannah Mary McKinnon, and now I want to read everything she’s written. Her writing style is fast-paced, tense, and just addictive. If you’re into thrillers that give you cold-case vibes, emotional stakes, and lots of twists, definitely add this one to your list.

Thank you so much to the author, @hannahmarymckinnon , and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the gifted e-ARC of A Killer Motive!

A Killer Motive an exhilarating, dark, and twisted tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With a whirlwind of unexpected turns and emotional highs and lows, it's nearly impossible to put down. Just when you think you've figured out who is orchestrating the cruel games, the book throws you another curveball. The author brilliantly weaves a tale of mystery, ensuring you'll be guessing until the very last page. For anyone who loves an unpredictable thriller, this book is an absolute MUST READ! This isn’t my first Hannah Mary McKinnon book, but it very well might be my favorite!

Audio Review: I love thrillers with a podcast theme, and they’re always better in an audio format. This book was no different. The cast of characters really brought the story to life! The short gripping chapters featuring the antagonist were my favorite. The narrator perfectly brought his true evil nature to life and really added that extra intensity I was looking for from the story.

Thank you to HTP Books and Harlequin Audio for the #gifted e-ARC and ALC of A Killer Motive. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars. Stella is a podcaster, and her podcast is focused on finding her brother (or information about what happened to him) after he disappeared from a party she snuck him into decades ago when he was a teenager. She has felt guilty and berated herself ever since this happened, and so she goes on a seemingly endless search for clues — during which secrets are revealed and twists and turns abound. This was a very engaging read. I have read one other book by Hannah Mary McKinnon (Never Coming Home) that I also enjoyed, so I definitely look forward to reading more from her!

Title: A Killer Motive
Author: Hannah Mary McKinnon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: eBook
Publication Date: 9th September, 2025
Publisher: MIRA Publishing

**Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA Publishing for the eARC of A Killer Motive in exchange for an honest review.**

A Killer Motive is a dark, twist-laden psychological thriller that expertly toys with your trust and keeps you on edge until the very last page.

Stella Dixon has never quite forgiven herself for their brother Max's disappearance years earlier—an event she feels directly responsible for after sneaking him out to a beach party that night he vanished. Now, as a true-crime podcaster, she uses her platform to revisit cold cases, but one live radio segment changes everything. A seemingly offhand comment about Max's case ignites a dangerous game against a shadowy adversary. When Max's childhood best friend, Kenji, also disappears, Stella finds herself caught in a web where every move is anticipated, and every misstep could be fatal.

McKinnon crafts an atmosphere that's as chilling as it is addictive, layering tension through tight pacing, unnerving character dynamics, and unexpected twists. Stella is a multi-faceted and deeply human protagonist driven by guilt, grief and fierce loyalty. Her determination to uncover the truth is admirable, even it borders on self-destructive, and her vulnerability adds an emotional gravity that pulls you in. The supporting cast—each with their own secrets and questionable motives—keeps the reader second-guessing their allegiances at every turn.

One of the most captivating elements is the addition of short, unsettling chapters from the perspective of the adversary. These glimpses into the mind of Stella's unseen opponent ratchet up the suspense and make the stakes feel razor sharp. McKinnon's writing strikes a perfect balance between psychological depth, and propulsive plotting, with an atmosphere that hums with unease.

While the ending is undeniably creative—and genuinely caught me off guard—it felt slightly disconnected from the book and its early thematic promises. I found myself wanting a deeper dive into the "why" behind the twist, a final layer of motive that would have made the conclusion as inevitable as it was surprising. The abruptness of the final act also tempered some of the momentum McKinnon had been building so beautifully.

That said, A Killer Motive is still a throughly engrossing, high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse that blends sharp plotting, strong character work, and an eerie atmosphere into a taut, singable thriller. It's a fast, tension-filled read, perfect for those who crave unpredictable twists, morally complex characters, and a narrative that refuses to let you catch your breath.

This psychological thriller is engrossing and unpredictable. The story follows Stella, a true-crime podcast host haunted by her teenage brother Max's disappearance six years ago. Her guilt from sneaking him out to a party where he vanished drives her to help other families find answers for their missing loved ones. After a radio interview, she gets caught in a sinister game by an unknown person who claims to have information about Max, leading Stella into a desperate and dangerous search for the truth.
While listening to the audiobook, I could feel Stella's intense emotions. The story led me to suspect each character at different times and the ending was unexpected.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow! This was pretty good! I really enjoyed the storyline, the twists and turns, especially at the end! The killer’s motive, didn’t see it coming!

Some discoveries I was kind of like “oh really?” But I really liked the spin from one suspect right to the true killer! It was a great time close to the end and raced to find out what was next!

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

thank you to Harper Collins, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this arc!

i had so much fun with this book! i haven’t read a thriller where the main character was true crime podcaster and i really liked that element! it gave stella (the main character) knowledge of police procedures and connections in the field she was able to rely on and use to her advantage. while some of her decisions i didn’t love, i couldn’t help but root for her to beat the kidnapper’s game!

there were some discoveries that were a bit “really? 🙄” but i was able to get past them quite quickly because of how much i was enjoying the story.

i had a lot of different theories while reading, some i was excited about! but the actual who was a bit lackluster. i’m pretty sure i audibly said “oh okay”. i loved everything about the reveal except the who!

one thing i loved that genuinely gave me the creeps were the chapters we got from the kidnapper’s perspective. i won’t say too much, but i read the first one at night before bed and needed to immediately turn on a light and watch cat videos for a bit 😅

i haven’t read too many mystery or thriller books recently, but A Killer Motive reminded me how much i love them and how happy they make me as a criminal minds fan and a criminology major graduate 🫶🏻 this was my first read by Hannah and won’t be my last. i really enjoyed her writing!

This was so twisty and creepy! I loved the layered plot and the narrations with the killer definitely added to the tension! I also didn’t see that ending coming!! This story was so captivating, and a solid twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end! I also loved the author’s note at the end!

Release: Sept 9, 2035
Author: Hannah Mary McKinnon
Publisher: Harlequin Trade

Rating: 4 ★ 

Six years ago, Stella Dixon snuck her younger brother Max out to a beach party—only for him to vanish without a trace. Since then, her family has been shattered, and Stella has carried the weight of guilt ever since. Now, she pours her energy into A Killer Motive, a true crime podcast where she helps others find the closure she never got.

When she makes a public plea on a radio show, saying she could solve Max’s case if she just had one clue, someone unexpectedly takes her up on it. She receives a chilling invitation to play a game—with the promise of answers about Max if she wins.

At first, she thinks it’s a cruel prank. But when Max’s best friend suddenly disappears and new threats arrive, Stella realizes the stakes are real—and deadly. Now, she’s trapped in a high-stakes game with a faceless enemy who’s always one step ahead, and she must follow their rules if she wants to survive… and finally uncover the truth about what happened to her brother.

I was instantly hooked by this one. The story kicks off with a chilling premise—Stella sneaks her younger brother Max out to a beach party, and he vanishes without a trace. Six years later, Stella is still carrying the guilt, now channeling her pain into a true crime podcast called A Killer Motive, where she helps other families find closure for their cold cases.

But things take a terrifying turn when a mysterious invitation arrives, offering her clues about Max in exchange for playing a dangerous game. When Max’s best friend disappears, Stella realizes this isn’t just a cruel prank—someone is watching, and the stakes are deadly.

This book had everything I love in a thriller: a true crime podcast element, a haunting cold case, and a fast-paced plot full of tension and twists. I especially enjoyed the short, eerie chapters from the villain’s perspective—they added a creepy edge and kept me on edge. McKinnon does a great job balancing suspense and emotion; Stella’s guilt and desperation felt incredibly real.

The setting in Maine added a great layer of atmosphere—isolated, moody, and perfect for a story like this. And just when I thought I had it figured out, the ending completely blindsided me in the best way. If you’re a fan of dark thrillers with secrets, red herrings, and a protagonist you can root for, don’t miss this one.

Favorite Quote:
"when I woke up a while later... The world's axis tilted, everything spinning from the buds I'd drunk and the puffs I'd taken from a joint going around."