This book is wonderfully written and really makes you feel for the main character, Corey. If you have ever struggled with being a new mom or have had post partum type symptoms you will relate to this book 100%. Even though this is a murder mystery the added stress of Corey being a new mom adds an air of anxiety to this one and I was stressing! I really enjoyed this one and had a great time finding out what happened and who the murderer was.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vicious Cycle is a great debut by Jaime Parker Stickle. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know who the killer was! I loved Corey and how the author shows how postpartum can affect new moms.

First off, can we make a little commotion for the cover? It’s absolutely stunning! I was first drawn in by the cover and I expected something darkly comedic or quirky based on the design. Instead, this was an emotionally rich, sharply written, socially aware mystery that kept surprising me with all its goodies.

New mom Corey Tracey Lieberman is barely holding it together. Between spin classes and sleepless nights, she’s just trying to survive postpartum life. But when two teenage girls are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as “just more street crime,” Corey’s journalist instincts kick in. And when a third death hits even closer to home, she can’t ignore the pull to investigate.

This debut had me hooked. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but it’s also so much more. It touches on issues of postpartum anxiety, gentrification, media bias, and the messy, beautiful loss of identity that comes with motherhood. It’s smart, emotional, and unexpectedly funny.

Corey is sharp, flawed, and painfully real, one of those characters you root for instantly. The chapters fly by, and the ending? Fantastic.

If you love a side of social commentary with your suspense, a touch of dark humor, and a FMC who feels relatable, then this might be a really good pick .

Vicious Cycle is a sharp, stylish psychological thriller that hooks you with its atmosphere and holds tight with its emotional depth. Set against a moody California backdrop, the story follows a complex female lead caught in a spiral of secrets, memory, and survival. The title couldn’t be more fitting — everything feels like it’s circling back, forcing the protagonist to confront a past she thought she left behind.

The writing is crisp and cinematic, with a noir edge that gives the whole book a sleek, gritty vibe. I loved how the tension built quietly rather than relying on overdone twists — it felt more personal, more real. Jaime Parker Stickle does an excellent job exploring identity and trauma through a suspenseful lens.

While I would have liked more development in some of the side characters, the lead is compelling enough to carry the story. Fans of Gone Girl and Sharp Objects will enjoy this one.

Recommended for readers who like their thrillers smart, emotional, and stylish.

A reported turned spin instructor gets sucked into a local mystery and tries to solve it while juggling her postpartum anxiety. Very well-written with a strong female lead.

By Jamie Parker Stickle
Digital/Kindle

Publishes Oct 21, 2025

I ate this thriller right up. I could NOT put it down. Corey, the main character and her experiences in postpartum anxiety were raw and real. She is such a strong bad ass mom. Ive taken many spin classes I cant imagine having a baby while doing spin let alone teaching it. I cant wait for the next book in this series because I just need more. The short chapters that grab your attention make it so hard to walk away, I kept saying one more chapter until it was 2 am and I finished the book because I couldn’t stop reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vicious Cycle from start to finish. This smart, original thriller follows Corey, a former investigative reporter turned new mom battling postpartum anxiety and OCD. After being fired from her dream job at a major LA news channel, Corey starts teaching spin classes at a local gym, her once-busy life now reduced to routines with her 9-month-old son, Jacob—whom she rarely lets out of sight.

But when two teens are found dead in a nearby park, Corey's investigative instincts kick back in. Things escalate when a co-worker goes missing and is later found dead in the same park. Corey becomes fixated on solving the cases, convinced they’re connected. As the tension builds, the story delivers unexpected twists, a colorful cast of characters, and multiple suspects to keep you guessing.

What sets this novel apart is its tone—it’s not your typical dark thriller. Jaime Parker Stickle balances suspense with humor and empathy. Corey is a compelling, relatable protagonist whose raw vulnerability and sharp wit make her unforgettable. Her journey through anxiety, motherhood, and mystery-solving is handled with nuance and heart.

Vicious Cycle is fast-paced, engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt. A fantastic debut—I highly recommend it!

I give this book a 4.5/5

**** Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.

I can't decide if I liked or disliked this book, and that's really all I can say about that. It was poorly written, but the plot was solid and fun.

An unusual story for sure, I got drawn deeper and deeper till I just had to know what was coming next! From investigative reporting to spin cycling - what a pivot life gave Corey. One can't help being fascinated by the way her mind skips and stutters. Loved the baby too - poor little fellow. Chris, the supportive friend make for an intriguing person, and way more of a good fit than the husband - would love to know more of his backstory. Waiting for part 2!

-by Jaime Parker Stickle



Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing this arc.

What a rollercoaster! I kept flipping between liking and disliking this book, it was exhilarating and frustrating and it was impactful yet weak.
Now let me start at the start. This book is about a mother, Corey, who was once an investigative journalist but is now a stay at home mom. She has severe post-partum depression and OCD (and in my opinion she also has a little bit of PTSD after a previous assault of which no one knows)
This seems like it could be big in the effect it can have on perception of these problems, yet the constant repetition and being stuck in her head only made me frustrated that the book wasn't continuing past this. Now it may be a me problem, but I felt that there could be better ways to induce thoughts and ruminations about these problems without causing the reader frustration to continue reading the book.
I do want to praise the author however for some scenes where the OCD or postpartum is prevalent, we as the reader also feel the dread and the anxiety of Corey. I think her writing style is very nice and her ideas are superb.
The main three problems I had with the book was:
1. Corey had too many problems that seem unfixable and frustrated me more than having me feel for her or experience her emotions with her. I do personally believe the author wanted to convey/project the feelings of the characters onto the reader but I think this was a bit of a miss. Coreys problems, the whole mountain of them, made me hesitant to continue reading/getting into the book. They kept me feeling out of touch with the character and the wonderful writing.
2. The book took to long to get to the proper investigative part. It feels more like a book about Corey and her life rather than a mystery and social commentary. (What I mean is that a lot of the important details and topics get lost in the myriad of ideas and chapters.)
3. The way the book ended felt rushed compared to the slacked pace of the previous portions of the book. Coreys problems are solved too easily for me as the reality is that it would take more time and patience to fix/mend that which has been broken.
I do however want to list some positives as well:
1. Firstly the ideas and topics on which the book is based are very important and should be discussed at length and taken seriously as the author has done.
2. Secondly I would like to say that I love the cover and the title of the book as they drew me in initially.
3. Furthermore, as I have already mentioned, the writer has a wonderful style and I think with a bit of refinement the author will become great!
4. Lastly, I would like to call attention to the tact the author had when handling these hard issues and I must say I am very impressed with it.
To all readers please check your TW before reading the book as it has some dark and upsetting topics at its forefront.

Characters 2/5

Setting 3/5

Story 4/5

Overall 3/5

**Vicious Cycle** by Jaime Parker Stickle is a sizzling, emotionally charged debut that hooks you from page one. Set in sunny Los Angeles, it follows new mom and former broadcast journalist Corey Tracey-Lieberman as she juggles baby duties, postpartum anxiety, and her gut-driven investigation into a chilling series of teen murders in her neighborhood. Stickle blends sharp wit and dark suspense—Corey’s spin-class pep talks and tenacious sleuthing (baby in tow!) bring both laughs and edge-of-your-seat tension. It's a powerful, compassionate thriller about motherhood, resilience, and the fierce need for justice, delivered with warmth, wit, and that unmistakable LA vibe. 

Vicious Cycle is a trip! With mental health being a main point of the book it makes the story even more scary and complex. The main character, who’s a first time mom, also goes through mental health struggles. Reading this brought me a different perspective, as someone who also lives with anxiety the overthinking could be the worst or the best! From the perspective of the character it makes the journey even more realistic. There are shocking twists and turns in this book and I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride!

4.5 stars!!

This read is exactly what you’d expect from its vibrant, eye-catching cover. If you’re a fan of Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan, then you’re in for a treat—because we could all use more independent, kickass women in our lives!

The story follows new mother Corey Tracey-Lieberman, who is shaken by the news of two teenage girls found hanged in a local park. Disturbed by the media's casual framing of the tragedy as a result of rising street crime, Corey feels compelled to investigate, drawing on her background as a former reporter and her experience teaching spin classes. As she navigates motherhood and her own postpartum anxiety, Corey uncovers deeper truths when a third murder occurs, pushing her quest for answers.

Meet Corey, a new mom navigating the wild waters of motherhood with a fierce work ethic and impressive problem-solving skills. She’s fun, relatable, and a joy to follow on the page. Honestly, I could picture myself in her shoes—if I had a child, that is! Corey is the quintessential nurturer: no drama queen here, just a straight-talking gal grappling with post-tantrum OCD and anxiety. The situations and descriptions are so authentic that you might just think this story is based on a real person. It adds a layer of realism that makes it all the more engaging.

The writing flows effortlessly, with short chapters that allow you to kick back and enjoy the ride with this charming character. Sure, you could nitpick all you want, but at the end of the day, this woman is simply trying to adjust to life with a newborn, cope with the loss of her recent job, and navigate the blues that many of us face more often than we’d like to admit.

If you enjoy murder mysteries, upbeat narratives, and a sprinkle of emotional or dark humorous moments, then this book is tailor-made for you. The ending is fantastic, and I loved every bit of it. I’m already eager to see more of Corey and hope for a sequel or another mystery to unravel soon! This debut is a delightful romp, and I can’t wait to dive into more works by this author. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, kick your feet up, and lose yourself in a book that will help you forget your troubles for a few hours. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In Vicious Cycle, Jaime Parker Stickle delivers a debut as emotionally raw as it is sharply observant—a psychological thriller that dares to blend postpartum anxiety, gentrification, and murder into a single, breathless narrative.

The result is a novel that doesn’t just entertain—it interrogates.

Corey Tracey-Lieberman, a former broadcast journalist turned spin instructor and new mother, is the kind of protagonist we don’t see enough of: flawed, funny, and fiercely perceptive. When two Latina teens are found hanged in a local park and the media shrugs it off as gang-related, Corey’s instincts kick in. What follows is a gripping amateur investigation—baby strapped to her chest, intrusive thoughts in tow—that exposes not only a chilling pattern of violence but also the systemic apathy that allows it to fester.

Stickle’s prose is brisk and biting, laced with gallows humor and moments of startling tenderness. She captures the disorientation of early motherhood with unflinching honesty, and her portrayal of mental health—particularly postpartum OCD and anxiety—is both nuanced and necessary. The mystery itself is compelling, though it’s the emotional terrain that truly elevates the novel. Corey’s sleuthing is less about solving a crime and more about reclaiming agency in a world that keeps trying to write her off.

Vicious Cycle refuses to separate the personal from the political. Stickle threads commentary on gentrification, media bias, and the invisibility of marginalized victims through every twist and turn. It’s a thriller with teeth—and a heart.

The second I started to read this book, I wanted to binge read it! Immediately I was hooked. When I had to set the book down because “life” kept going, I felt a little resentful. This book touches on multiple stigmas that plague every woman, our communities, and mental health. Most books only cover or touch on a couple and many times don’t cover it as real and raw as it is covered in this book through the main character. The main character is incredible. I felt like I was a close confidant that she allowed to know every intimate detail of her, her feelings and her life. So close that she held NOTHING back. She is just real, unfiltered in a way that is insanely refreshing. Nothing absolutely nothing was held back. I admire the strength it took for the author to develop such a character and to allow her to be real. That had to be scary. What if people don’t accept her….again… that’s the whole point isn’t it? For us to love, accept and support the reality of what is for a woman in this world going through mental health? Any person for that matter. Just f-ing awesome. As a women who has faced sooo many of these stigmas on a daily basis, I feel so seen! It is so refreshing! Thank you!

Absolutely DEVOURED this book. I will say it was going super slow in the beginning BUT the more I read it, the more I loved it.

Review: Vicious Cycle by Jaime Parker Stickle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Genre: Thriller | Mystery | Psychological Fiction

Vicious Cycle is a dark, layered thriller that dives into the fragile intersections of motherhood, mental health, and murder. Jaime Parker Stickle takes readers on a suspenseful ride with a protagonist who’s not only trying to hold her life together—but is also pulled into the unraveling threads of multiple murder cases.

What I appreciated most about this book is how it balances the psychological aspects with the mystery. The main character—a mother battling mental health struggles—feels real, raw, and unpredictable in the best way. Her emotional instability isn’t just a subplot; it’s woven directly into the suspense, making every twist hit harder and every decision feel riskier.

The plot kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer unfolded. While some thrillers lean heavily on shocking moments, this one builds tension steadily, keeping you locked in with character-driven intrigue.

One thing I personally enjoy is reading work from lesser-known or emerging authors. With fewer expectations going in, I find myself more open to the experience—and often more impressed. Jaime Parker Stickle is one of those authors who deserves more attention. Her voice is distinct, her characters are flawed and believable, and her storytelling is compelling.

If you’re looking for a thriller with emotional depth, morally gray characters, and plenty of suspense, Vicious Cycle is worth adding to your TBR. It’s perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a psychological edge.

I like the mental health rep of this book, not a lot of books go as in depth with it as this one did - which made this book completely unique. It added a layer to the many you will note as you read through and get pulled into this story. This isn't my usual read but it sounded interesting and I'm glad I gave it a chance. The story was amazing, as were the characters. I also really liked the author's writing style, and plan on adding any other works of hers onto my TBR.

I'm giving this book a 3.5 star rating, since I see a LOT of potential in this author's writing.

This book approaches something I hadn't quite seen in any other book, which is postpartum OCD and anxiety, and it was portrayed in this very raw manner, which I appreciated.

I did find it hard to delve into this book at first, since the writing style isn't my usual type (it had a lot of "breaks" in the same chapter, a lot of going back and forward in her thoughts and the present scene, which broke my train of thought and made the text seem chopped up). But, once I got halfway through it, it got a lot more interesting and the writing seemed to just flow.

The characters aren't one-dimensional, and the storyline is compelling, I couldn't wait to figure out what had happened to these characters. The only thing I'll say about it, is that the "descovering" parts were a bit anti-climatic but I still enjoyed it.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was honestly, my pleasure!! Curious to see new books from this author :)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of Vicious Cycle, all thoughts and reviews are solely my own.

Vicious Cycle breaks away from the standard thriller and you can't help falling in love with Corey, a new mom who is not only dealing with post partum and OCD but who also newly lost her job. She decides to take it on herself to start investigating a series of women's murders after the second body is found in her neighborhood.
Corey is startling real, gravitational, and a character you empathize with.

What a great book from start to finish, easy pacing, and perfect ending!
Make sure to pick a copy of this one up when it hits the shelves!