TINY WILD THINGS – by Danielle M. Wong

I mean, how can you not be pulled in immediately after reading the opening lines:

‘So this is how it ends—with me standing over a corpse. Dirt wedged beneath my nails, blood caked onto my palms. Body fraught with tension. Heart thudding uncontrollably. Hands trembling, limbs stiff like the lifeless ones beneath me.’

About:

‘Journalist Fran Hendrix thinks she’s about to get the scoop of her career. A reclusive artist has chosen her to take his first interview since the tragic death of his wife years before. Not long after arriving at his secluded country estate, Fran receives a shocking anonymous message.’

‘He is lying to you. Get out while you can.

My Thoughts:

TINY WILD THINGS is a dark and twisted tale that simmers throughout. It is sprinkled with bits of mysterious messages from an unknown sender that up the ante of intrigue.

The ending, though predictable, seemed rushed. Also, I feel that an important interview (not the Artist interview) at the end was skipped, making suspension of disbelief as to how things play out in one’s favor a requirement.

Overall . . .

Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of TINY WILD THINGS at the request of an honest review.

“I have always been drawn to tiny, wild things…” That opening line sets the perfect tone for this eerie, slow-burning thriller that had me hooked from the start.

Tiny Wild Things is a clever blend of psychological suspense and gothic atmosphere. Journalist Fran Hendrix is a determined, sharp narrator whose quest for a career-defining story leads her deep into the heart of a secluded estate—and deeper still into the twisted mind games of a mysterious artist still haunted by his wife’s death.

The tension builds gradually but effectively. The anonymous note ("He is lying to you. Get out while you can.") kicks off a creeping paranoia that never quite lets up. The remote setting is almost a character in itself—wild, untamed, and unsettling. As Fran begins to unravel the truth, the lines between hunter and hunted blur in chilling ways.

The novel shines in its psychological depth and slow unraveling of secrets. That said, it takes its time getting to the action, and some readers may wish for a faster pace or clearer answers by the end. Still, the writing is sharp, the characters layered, and the suspense keeps you turning pages late into the night.

If you enjoy moody thrillers with unreliable characters, a touch of the wild, and a growing sense of unease, Tiny Wild Things delivers.

This is a great, very unusual novel as it centers on Fran whose articles usually focus on trendy skincare. So when her boss, Edna suddenly wants her to interview the reclusive Jonathan Kramer, she isn't sure why she's been chosen. And when she arrives at the "Gatsbyesque" mansion that's in the middle of nowhere, she's a bit frightened as she's been seeing a therapist about an incident when she was a child that she can't quite remember. And Jonathan himself is an enigma, with his sculptures lying around and doors that are always locked--seemingly for no reason! It's part horror, part mystery, and really just a fantastically original novel!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the chance to read this book

Quick fast paced read, had me hooked from the beginning, quite a bit of twists and turns that I'm not sure I followed 100%, once things started happening it got very fast and a bit confusing at times. But other then that it was pretty good

This was the perfect psychological thriller. It was mostly fast-paced and kept me wanting more. I did not see the ending coming! But that made me love it even more.

"Tiny Wild Things" is an incredibly dark story. Fran is invited to interview a very private and reclusive artist, Johnathan Kramer,, who very rarely gives interviews and there is very little known known about him. Despite the fact that this means Fran will traveling to a very isolated place, she sees this as an opportunity to further her career. Unfortunately for Fran, once she arrives, Kramer is reticent to answer questions and this fills Fran (and the reader) with a creeping sense of dread.

I will admit this book took a while to get going, but after it did, it was thoroughly enjoyable and the pacing was on point. I often didn't know where this story was going, especially when we the reader is reminded again and again that Fran really likes tiny wild animals.

Everything does come together towards the end, and that twist at the end had my going "WHAT?!"

I love dark and creepy books, but this book may be a bit too dark for some readers, but it was exactly what I like.

I will be recommending this story to my friends who I know will be able to handle the intense atmosphere that drips from every page.

4/5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tiny Wild Things is a haunting psychological thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.

Journalist Fran Hendrix thinks she’s landed the scoop of her career when Jonathan Kramer, a once-famous artist turned recluse, invites her for his first interview in years. Hidden away on his isolated estate, Fran soon realizes nothing here is what it seems. Anonymous notes warn her to leave. A woman who looks uncannily like her appears in the shadows. And Jonathan himself seems to know more about Fran than she’s ever shared.

As the days unfold, the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Fran is forced to confront both the secrets Jonathan hides and the darkness she’s carried within her since childhood. By the time the truth comes to light, the revelations are shocking—and devastating.

Creepy, atmospheric, and relentlessly twisty, Tiny Wild Things is a slow-burn thriller that builds to a jaw-dropping finale. If you like psychological suspense with gothic undertones, this one is not to be missed.

I really wanted to enjoy this story, but I didn't. I don't think its a bad book; it just wasn't my kind of book. The overreaching vocabulary kept pulling me out of the story, and it was too slow, with nothing much happening. There were some interesting parts that made me want to continue reading, but not enough. And the writing built a strong, dark atmosphere. I think those who like slow burn, atmospheric horror would love this.

Buckle up for an incredible ride because this one is awesome! Tiny Wild Things is a thriller and once you start reading it you better be prepared to cozy on up for the duration. It will leave you with wondering what the F... just happened. This will not be a waste of your time I can promise you that.

It all starts for Fran Hendrix when she gets chosen by a reclusive artist to do his first interview. Now, being a journalist she thinks that this is her big break. Except that she receives an anonymous note saying that he isn't who he says he is and get the heck out of there. Fran thinks to herself that she is a professional and she doesn't walk away from big breaks. Until things go haywire then she wonders why she didn't listen.....

This is a psychological thriller that will leave you chilled to the bone!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early read.

Buckle up, this one’s a real wild ride!
This is my kind of psychological thriller, dark, twisty, and so intense that you just can’t put it down. I loved the short chapters; they made it super easy to read. And the ending… wow. I did not see that coming!

This was creepy and atmospheric, but it seemed to spiral for me, and I felt like I was keeping up with the most insane plot ever, that didn't really make sense. And this just was not for me. I think the writing is beautiful and if you like REALLY off-the wall plots, this is definitely for you.

Tiny Wild Things is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. What starts as Fran landing the assignment of a lifetime—an interview with the elusive artist Jonathan Kramer—quickly spirals into a story full of unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the book flipped everything on its head.

The writing is sharp and layered, with a slow build of tension that keeps you leaning closer to the page. Each reveal feels earned, and by the time the final twist landed, I was hooked. I tore through those last chapters like my life depended on it.

What I loved most is how the story balances intrigue with emotion the unraveling felt raw, dramatic, and perfectly paced. The ending? Easily my favorite part. It ties everything together in a way that lingers long after closing the book.

Not a perfect read, but definitely a memorable one.

Love it. Atmospheric, creepy and couldn’t hardly put it down.
Thank you for an adventure and advanced copy of this book.

Do yourself a favour and keep the lights on

Wow! Amazing read! Loved this brilliant book! Wonderful writing, great premise. Loved, loved, loved. Highly recommend this one.

Dark, twisted, and atmospheric, 'Tiny Wild Things' is a great thriller. Fran is given one last chance to revive her career: go to an isolated location and interview a reclusive artist. Almost immediately after arriving, all is not what it seems. The plot twists and secrets come to light. 4 stars.

Tiny Wild Things by Danielle M. Wong and this is the first book I have read by this author and what an excellent psychological thriller, it was so addictive and once I started to read it, I found it hard to put this book down especially as it was full of excellent twists and turns that just had me turning the pages over to find out what happens next. Superb I am so please I found a new author who I enjoyed reading. I will be looking out for more books by Danielle in the future.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.

Tiny Wild Things
By: Danielle M. Wong

4 Stars

Fran just knows this is her big break. An artist, a very reclusive artist, has agreed to an interview. Jonathan Kramer has been out of the public eye for years after the tragic loss of his wife. Fran travels to where he has been living a very secluded life. She has no clue where she is at, but she knows she has a job to do. The interview proves harder to accomplish as she battles daily with different versions of the same man. Soon, she finds herself deep within a mystery. Is something going on in this house, or is this a mystery of her own making, of her minds own making?

This is a book that grabs. It has an atmosphere of thrill and mystery from the very beginning. It was twisty and dark with characters that gave this story a very real and compelling feel. By the end, you will be shocked, I know I never saw it coming.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

This tense and atmospheric thriller drew me in from the start. Journalist Fran Hendrix arrives at the secluded country estate of reclusive artist Jonathan Kramer, expecting the interview of her career. Instead, an anonymous warning note changes everything: He is lying to you. Get out while you can.

Fran’s determination to get her story keeps her there, even as Kramer dodges her questions and displays an unnerving knowledge of her personal life. The sense of vulnerability and danger builds steadily, especially when he invites her to go hunting – a moment that becomes as much psychological as physical in its threat.

Danielle M. Wong makes full use of the isolated setting to create a constant feeling of unease, and the push and pull between Fran and Kramer kept me eagerly turning pages.

A chilling, slow-burn game of control and suspicion.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Tiny wild things
von Danielle M. Wong
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tiny wild things erzählt die Geschichte von Francine, die auf die Chance wartet, ihre Arbeit als Journalistin aufs nächste Level zu bringen. Als einer der berüchtigsten, in der Versenkung verschwundener Künstler Fran für ein Interview in seinem geheimen Wohnsitz auswählt, scheint ihre Chance gekommen zu sein.
Aber nach und nach verliert der Charme des Künstlers und seines Hauses an Stärke. Eine Frau taucht auf, nur nachts, die Fran zum Verwechseln ähnlich sieht. Ein Fremder schickt Fran Warnungen, sie stößt auf immer seltsamere Vorkommnisse. Und dann ist da noch die Dunkelheit, die Fran seit ihrer Kindheit im Inneren hat. Wird Fran dieses Grundstück wieder verlassen können? Wer schickt ihr Warnungen, wer ist die Frau, die sie zu verfolgen scheint?
Und wird Frans Dunkelheit gewinnen?

Das Buch startet in Frans Alltag und ich konnte mich schnell in sie hineinversetzen. Ihre 'Dunkelheit' oder 'Episoden' werden früh eingeführt, was die Spannung der Geschichte direkt am Anfang hoch anlegt. Auch Frans Albträume packen einen von Anfang an.
Als der Schauplatz sich ändert und Fran für ihr Interview im umzäunten Grundstück des Künstlers ankommt, wusste ich nicht, was ich erwarten sollte. Bis zur Mitte des Buches fiel es mir dann schwer, die Handlumgsstränge zu verfolgen und manche innere Prozesse Frans erschienen etwas weit hergeholt. Die Auflösung und Einführung von Ramona und die Wahrheit über Frans Vergangenheit passieren schnell und für mich etwas aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen. Dennoch steigt die Spannung wieder an und bleibt bis zum Schluss hoch. Der letzte Plottwist lässt einige Fragen offen, die ich gerne beantwortet hätte. Dennoch hatte das letzte Kapitel Gänsehautpotenzial und alles in allem ist Tiny wild things ein solider, packender Thriller.

Tiny Wild Things is a real page turner. There are more twists and turns than I ever imagined could happen after Fran gets the assignment of a lifetime... an interview with famous artist Jonathan Kramer. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, I was proven wrong. Fantastic writing, and a story to remain in the memory for years.