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This Book Will Bury Me
From the bestselling author of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and Midnight is the Darkest Hour comes a chilling, compulsive story of five amateur sleuths, whose hunt for an elusive killer catapults them into danger as the world watches.
It's the most famous crime in modern history. But only she knows the true story.
After the unexpected death of her father, college student Jane Sharp longs for a distraction from her grief. She becomes obsessed with true crime, befriending armchair detectives who teach her how to hunt killers from afar. In this morbid internet underground, Jane finds friendship, purpose, and even glory...
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions. Something's not adding up, and they begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Told one year after the astounding events that concluded the case and left the world reeling, when Jane has finally decided to break her silence about what really happened, she tells the true story of the Delphine Massacres. And what she has to confess will shock even the most seasoned true crime fans...
It's the most famous crime in modern history. But only she knows the true story.
After the unexpected death of her father, college student Jane Sharp longs for a distraction from her grief. She becomes obsessed with true crime, befriending armchair detectives who teach her how to hunt killers from afar. In this morbid internet underground, Jane finds friendship, purpose, and even glory...
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions. Something's not adding up, and they begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Told one year after the astounding events that concluded the case and left the world reeling, when Jane has finally decided to break her silence about what really happened, she tells the true story of the Delphine Massacres. And what she has to confess will shock even the most seasoned true crime fans...
480 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2025
1,339 people are currently reading
107k people want to read
About the author
Ashley Winstead
9 books4,869 followersAshley Winstead's bestselling, critically-acclaimed books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for television, named Library Read, Loan Star, and Amazon Editor picks, and covered everywhere from the New York Times to People magazine. She's a former academic who lives in Houston with her husband, three cats, and beloved wine fridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,619 reviews
March 25, 2025
TODAY IS PUBLISH DAY SO I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE MY REVIEW AGAIN ✨🫣
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
DNF @ 32%- i should have dnfed sooner but i don’t typically dnf books 🥺
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
this isnt even worth writing a review. i absolutely am disgusted by this author’s actions. This book is the idaho murders in a fictional book. i WILL NEVER EVER SUPPORT THIS.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Similarities of book to real case include:
❥ there are 3 girls murdered by stabbing in idaho. In real case this would be kaylee, xana, madison. There is one roommate who did not die that lived on first floor like one of the surviving roommates in the real case…
❥ The suspect got in and out of a glass door. (real and book)
❥ The three victims were in sorority. all three girls were in one in real life.
❥ FOOD TRUCK. the two blonde victims called stacie and madeline WENT TO A FOOD TRUCK like kaylee and madison did in real life case.
❥ The two blonde girls were said to look like they could be sisters… in real life this would be kaylee and madison other victim in the book had dark hair. Xana was a brunette in real life case.
❥ a large knife was used to murder them and they said it was brutal and bloody in the book. Kohlberger used a hunting knife (kabar knife) in the real case.
❥ the use of a crime forum throughout the book. Kohlberger also used a crime forum to talk about murder and other crime things etc.
❥ the theories that an ex boyfriend did it. i remember before Bryan was found everyone speculated a boyfriend or ex of the three girls
╰┈➤ THIS WAS ONLY 32% IN. ONLY 32%
╰┈➤ as a forensic psychology major i will NEVER EVER support this when you copy a real criminal case that victims have yet to receive justice 🥺
╰┈➤ i read other low ☆ reviews and people said it gets even worse with the small details. i was nauseous reading this book.
╰┈➤ i am so HEATED this book does not deserve this detailed of a one ☆ review. please do not support this authors actions.
╰┈➤ please save your time and read something better. if you are a lover of true crime this book will likely make you uncomfortable. They are so many better books out there than this. read them lol.
♡ say their names Kaylee Gonglaves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin ♡
thanks netgalley for the Earc in exchange for an honest review… ✨
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
DNF @ 32%- i should have dnfed sooner but i don’t typically dnf books 🥺
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
this isnt even worth writing a review. i absolutely am disgusted by this author’s actions. This book is the idaho murders in a fictional book. i WILL NEVER EVER SUPPORT THIS.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Similarities of book to real case include:
❥ there are 3 girls murdered by stabbing in idaho. In real case this would be kaylee, xana, madison. There is one roommate who did not die that lived on first floor like one of the surviving roommates in the real case…
❥ The suspect got in and out of a glass door. (real and book)
❥ The three victims were in sorority. all three girls were in one in real life.
❥ FOOD TRUCK. the two blonde victims called stacie and madeline WENT TO A FOOD TRUCK like kaylee and madison did in real life case.
❥ The two blonde girls were said to look like they could be sisters… in real life this would be kaylee and madison other victim in the book had dark hair. Xana was a brunette in real life case.
❥ a large knife was used to murder them and they said it was brutal and bloody in the book. Kohlberger used a hunting knife (kabar knife) in the real case.
❥ the use of a crime forum throughout the book. Kohlberger also used a crime forum to talk about murder and other crime things etc.
❥ the theories that an ex boyfriend did it. i remember before Bryan was found everyone speculated a boyfriend or ex of the three girls
╰┈➤ THIS WAS ONLY 32% IN. ONLY 32%
╰┈➤ as a forensic psychology major i will NEVER EVER support this when you copy a real criminal case that victims have yet to receive justice 🥺
╰┈➤ i read other low ☆ reviews and people said it gets even worse with the small details. i was nauseous reading this book.
╰┈➤ i am so HEATED this book does not deserve this detailed of a one ☆ review. please do not support this authors actions.
╰┈➤ please save your time and read something better. if you are a lover of true crime this book will likely make you uncomfortable. They are so many better books out there than this. read them lol.
♡ say their names Kaylee Gonglaves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin ♡
thanks netgalley for the Earc in exchange for an honest review… ✨
December 30, 2024
After the unexpected death of her father, college student Jane Sharp longs for a distraction from her grief. She becomes obsessed with true crime, befriending armchair detectives who teach her how to hunt killers from afar. In this morbid internet underground, Jane finds friendship, purpose, and even glory...
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions. Something's not adding up, and they begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Told one year after the astounding events that concluded the case and left the world reeling, when Jane has finally decided to break her silence about what really happened, she tells the true story of the Delphine Massacres. And what she has to confess will shock even the most seasoned true crime fans...
I am a True Crime fan and I really enjoyed this book! If you enjoy True Crime, this book just might be the book for you. This was a really fun and entertaining read. In the middle of the book this does have a slow burn but it is very engaging.
I loved the characters and loved the sleuthing. There are five FBI consultants in Jane's group and I loved their relationships with each other. I also love that even though Jane was a novice she still was a member of the group.
This book captivated my attention. I Loved the cliff hanger endings of some of the chapters. There are lots of layers to the story.
What Jane has to confess will shock even the most seasoned True crime fans. The book is dark and disturbing and it's a page turner. I am a big fan of this author I have loved all of her books.
I want to thank Netgalley, and Source Landmark for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions. Something's not adding up, and they begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Told one year after the astounding events that concluded the case and left the world reeling, when Jane has finally decided to break her silence about what really happened, she tells the true story of the Delphine Massacres. And what she has to confess will shock even the most seasoned true crime fans...
I am a True Crime fan and I really enjoyed this book! If you enjoy True Crime, this book just might be the book for you. This was a really fun and entertaining read. In the middle of the book this does have a slow burn but it is very engaging.
I loved the characters and loved the sleuthing. There are five FBI consultants in Jane's group and I loved their relationships with each other. I also love that even though Jane was a novice she still was a member of the group.
This book captivated my attention. I Loved the cliff hanger endings of some of the chapters. There are lots of layers to the story.
What Jane has to confess will shock even the most seasoned True crime fans. The book is dark and disturbing and it's a page turner. I am a big fan of this author I have loved all of her books.
I want to thank Netgalley, and Source Landmark for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2024
It is not the fault of this book but I cannot cleverly string together sentences right now (I am seriously burned out on using words, you guys), so here's my review in bullet form instead:
The Good
- It's suspenseful, even when it's predictable.
- The characters are mostly likeable.
- The internet-y bits are super well done, the true crime forum conversations and online chats and such.
- The found family aspect of the story is endearing.
- There isn't much romance.
The Mediocre
- It's somewhat predictable. I guessed the big twist less than halfway through, and once you've guessed the twist, it's kind of obvious where things are headed.
- It's long. Seriously, this book could have been a hundred pages shorter.
- What little romance there is feels forced.
The “I Didn't Like This at All”
- The very end. Not the dad-related bits, but the killer-related bits. It's super unrealistic and feels like a cop-out (kind of like me writing a review via bullet points, I suppose).
- This book is very obviously based on the 2022 University of Idaho murders, which feels kind of … gross?
Basically, This Book Will Bury Me is entertaining and suspenseful but also flawed in places. And it's way too soon to be writing fictional books based on a murder case that's still working its way through the legal system.
So, yeah. I'll give it 3.95 stars for the entertainment value and three stars for … all the rest of it. *waves hand lazily in direction of bullet points* Average rating: 3.475 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 25, 2025.
The Good
- It's suspenseful, even when it's predictable.
- The characters are mostly likeable.
- The internet-y bits are super well done, the true crime forum conversations and online chats and such.
- The found family aspect of the story is endearing.
- There isn't much romance.
The Mediocre
- It's somewhat predictable. I guessed the big twist less than halfway through, and once you've guessed the twist, it's kind of obvious where things are headed.
- It's long. Seriously, this book could have been a hundred pages shorter.
- What little romance there is feels forced.
The “I Didn't Like This at All”
- The very end. Not the dad-related bits, but the killer-related bits. It's super unrealistic and feels like a cop-out (kind of like me writing a review via bullet points, I suppose).
- This book is very obviously based on the 2022 University of Idaho murders, which feels kind of … gross?
Basically, This Book Will Bury Me is entertaining and suspenseful but also flawed in places. And it's way too soon to be writing fictional books based on a murder case that's still working its way through the legal system.
So, yeah. I'll give it 3.95 stars for the entertainment value and three stars for … all the rest of it. *waves hand lazily in direction of bullet points* Average rating: 3.475 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 25, 2025.
March 31, 2025
⚠️ While I do appreciate that the author acknowledges that this story was inspired by the murders of four University of Idaho students on November 13, 2022-the timing may be sensitive for readers since the trial against the accused has not yet even begun (slated to begin August 11, 2025 and to last for 3 months). This review is based on my feelings about the fictional story only.
3.5 ⭐️
One year after the case concluded, Jane Sharp is writing a book that will serve as a confession about her part as a “True Crime” armchair detective who got involved in a case which captured the attention of an entire nation.
Jane, a college student herself, was grieving the unexpected death of her father, when she found a connection online, in the World of True Crime, which helped to fill the void his death has left.
She is invited to join a smaller, secret group of five, who chat on the encrypted privacy of Signal, and who end up finding fame on Newsline after helping to solve a case in Florida, where Jane lives, after she becomes involved.
This book includes their “chat threads” as gives us an insider view of how those who are obsessed with True Crime, operate-sometimes getting things wrong and hurting innocent people in the process-and sometimes finding things the Detectives have missed because of their ability to comb through the lives of those involved who have made this easier by posting everything on Social Media.
Initially, I was entertained by this “fly on the wall” perspective but I guessed a big part of the story at just past 50% in-and not because it mimics the real case-it actually doesn’t. In fact, the author takes great pains to change things up around the halfway point, but this is where things lose credibility. Also the story begins to feel WAY TOO LONG!
I decided to round down despite an enjoyable first half, when I realized upon finishing this, that it did NOT compel me to seek out her backlist titles-so it was just a slightly above average read!
A buddy read with MarilynW. Be sure to read her thoughts about this one-we had much to discuss about some eye rolling moments!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title. As always, these are my candid thoughts .
3.5 ⭐️
One year after the case concluded, Jane Sharp is writing a book that will serve as a confession about her part as a “True Crime” armchair detective who got involved in a case which captured the attention of an entire nation.
Jane, a college student herself, was grieving the unexpected death of her father, when she found a connection online, in the World of True Crime, which helped to fill the void his death has left.
She is invited to join a smaller, secret group of five, who chat on the encrypted privacy of Signal, and who end up finding fame on Newsline after helping to solve a case in Florida, where Jane lives, after she becomes involved.
This book includes their “chat threads” as gives us an insider view of how those who are obsessed with True Crime, operate-sometimes getting things wrong and hurting innocent people in the process-and sometimes finding things the Detectives have missed because of their ability to comb through the lives of those involved who have made this easier by posting everything on Social Media.
Initially, I was entertained by this “fly on the wall” perspective but I guessed a big part of the story at just past 50% in-and not because it mimics the real case-it actually doesn’t. In fact, the author takes great pains to change things up around the halfway point, but this is where things lose credibility. Also the story begins to feel WAY TOO LONG!
I decided to round down despite an enjoyable first half, when I realized upon finishing this, that it did NOT compel me to seek out her backlist titles-so it was just a slightly above average read!
A buddy read with MarilynW. Be sure to read her thoughts about this one-we had much to discuss about some eye rolling moments!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title. As always, these are my candid thoughts .
Currently reading
March 29, 2025ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿📖 29/03/25
yup, that's me, fashionably late to read her arc, and now it's already published (oopsie). I'm hoping this mystery pulls me out of my slump 😃🙏🏻
⤿📖 29/03/25
yup, that's me, fashionably late to read her arc, and now it's already published (oopsie). I'm hoping this mystery pulls me out of my slump 😃🙏🏻
March 15, 2025
Wow! What an intense, slow burn, mind numbing, twisty ride just makes you feel a part of dysfunctional true crime family! Dear Ashley Winstead, congratulations again to create something so unique, unusual, highly disturbing, strangely engaging, quirky that brought out my own true crime obsessions, puzzle solving skills! This is another well developed, excited and concluded journey even though it’s a little long, I still devoured the most pages, progression of strange bounding between motley crew of character whose only common interest is catching the serial killers and bring out the justice with different motives, thinking a like detective, victim, killer, saver. I enjoyed both Star Trek, Heathers references and seriously planing to watch Heathers again as soon as finished typing this review.
Janeway Sharp, 24, reminding us goth phase of young Winona Ryder between Beetlejuice and Heathers looks, recently dropped out from college after the big shock of losing her father to a sudden heart attack. Her urge to make something remembering her father’s memory blends in her grief. Focusing on true crime boards, joining them starts like taking a break from her pain. When a middle aged woman’s decapitated body found in trash bags tossed in lake, her amateur search helps to find the killer, ending her getting invite to a special crime group insists of five people including her. A sixty five years old librarian, married, even with grandchildren, a retired police officer, an ex army and a computer wizard working on Amazon turn into her crime family she shares everything in her life.
When shocking deaths: 3 college girls’ massacre takes place in Delphine, Idaho ( in my opinion the murder scene in dorm a little reminding me of Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women blood freezing murder scene) and each amateur sleuths race to the location to solve the case, benefiting from short term fame on TikTok, turning into independent detectives, Jane’s own group also starts cooking theories, hinting a suspect which creates another media storm because tragic events afterward and tarnish their group’s reputation. But when Jane finds a clue nobody investigated before, an unexpected chance occurs for them to be five steps ahead of entire crime sleuths, they decide to meet in person in Idaho to stop the killer at the first place .
Will they piece up the pieces and bring the justice, stopping the killer who keeps taking more lives in Delphine or will they endanger their lives by going in lion’s den at first place?
Well, the big twist was a little expected for me after reading through slow burn character analysis and seeing the flaws of most of them, it was inevitable to put one and one together. But I still enjoy the creepy, dark, intense tone. Even though author’s previous“Midnight is the darkest hour” was a little more enjoyable for me, I still liked the eccentric dysfunctional family relationship of five crime sleuths, the shocking events afterwards, slow burn pacing that gives you vibes there’s something disturbing will jump on you at the next chapters.
This is one of the best thrillers with differentiated, unique without cliches tone I really recommend, gave me the vibes of flashback scenes of “A murder at the end of the world”
Many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this intense crime thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Janeway Sharp, 24, reminding us goth phase of young Winona Ryder between Beetlejuice and Heathers looks, recently dropped out from college after the big shock of losing her father to a sudden heart attack. Her urge to make something remembering her father’s memory blends in her grief. Focusing on true crime boards, joining them starts like taking a break from her pain. When a middle aged woman’s decapitated body found in trash bags tossed in lake, her amateur search helps to find the killer, ending her getting invite to a special crime group insists of five people including her. A sixty five years old librarian, married, even with grandchildren, a retired police officer, an ex army and a computer wizard working on Amazon turn into her crime family she shares everything in her life.
When shocking deaths: 3 college girls’ massacre takes place in Delphine, Idaho ( in my opinion the murder scene in dorm a little reminding me of Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women blood freezing murder scene) and each amateur sleuths race to the location to solve the case, benefiting from short term fame on TikTok, turning into independent detectives, Jane’s own group also starts cooking theories, hinting a suspect which creates another media storm because tragic events afterward and tarnish their group’s reputation. But when Jane finds a clue nobody investigated before, an unexpected chance occurs for them to be five steps ahead of entire crime sleuths, they decide to meet in person in Idaho to stop the killer at the first place .
Will they piece up the pieces and bring the justice, stopping the killer who keeps taking more lives in Delphine or will they endanger their lives by going in lion’s den at first place?
Well, the big twist was a little expected for me after reading through slow burn character analysis and seeing the flaws of most of them, it was inevitable to put one and one together. But I still enjoy the creepy, dark, intense tone. Even though author’s previous“Midnight is the darkest hour” was a little more enjoyable for me, I still liked the eccentric dysfunctional family relationship of five crime sleuths, the shocking events afterwards, slow burn pacing that gives you vibes there’s something disturbing will jump on you at the next chapters.
This is one of the best thrillers with differentiated, unique without cliches tone I really recommend, gave me the vibes of flashback scenes of “A murder at the end of the world”
Many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this intense crime thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
September 17, 2024
Okay this book was awesome from start to finish. I could not put it down even though it was actually pretty long. I read it every free moment I had. I loved the way it was told- a tell all where the main character is talking directly to us and telling us the story. She is a true crime enthusiast who works to solve active crimes and aid the police.
Be advised that there are scenes that are gory. There is murder and also animal abuse (but that was off page and only referred to).
I will say one thing that sort of bothered me is the murders in this book are extremely similar to the real Idaho murders of the college students. I mean A LOT of even the small details are the same. I think the author did this to make it more realistic and get people talking, but I just wonder if it could also be seen as a little insensitive to their families since justice still has not been served for them. However, there are still a lot of differences. For example, the killer itself was completely different and there were more murders. So I decided to look past it, because to be honest the book was just so good.
I suspected who the killer was for a while, but this book is just told in a way that you cannot stop reading. It’s action packed from start to finish which is insane considering its over 400 pages- usually I am sooo annoyed by overly long books. I literally could have read more if the author kept going. I was so fascinated by the tell all way it was written & I wish more books were written this way.
I loved the main character and her journey as “searcher” and I loved the side characters too. To be honest, this is a book I wouldn’t mind a sequel to.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Be advised that there are scenes that are gory. There is murder and also animal abuse (but that was off page and only referred to).
I will say one thing that sort of bothered me is the murders in this book are extremely similar to the real Idaho murders of the college students. I mean A LOT of even the small details are the same. I think the author did this to make it more realistic and get people talking, but I just wonder if it could also be seen as a little insensitive to their families since justice still has not been served for them. However, there are still a lot of differences. For example, the killer itself was completely different and there were more murders. So I decided to look past it, because to be honest the book was just so good.
I suspected who the killer was for a while, but this book is just told in a way that you cannot stop reading. It’s action packed from start to finish which is insane considering its over 400 pages- usually I am sooo annoyed by overly long books. I literally could have read more if the author kept going. I was so fascinated by the tell all way it was written & I wish more books were written this way.
I loved the main character and her journey as “searcher” and I loved the side characters too. To be honest, this is a book I wouldn’t mind a sequel to.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2024
Amateur sleuths are taking over police investigations. Good idea? Or are they a more of a distraction and hindrance?
I suppose it depends on who you ask.
In her senior year of college, Jane’s father passed unexpectedly. She returns home to grieve along-side her mother. As a break from her mourning she’s drawn into the world of armchair detectives. It’s not long before she has her own handle and becomes part of a team.
When a mass killing occurs on the campus of a small Idaho University Jane and her group are front and center offering their services. The local police aren’t exactly thrilled with the offer, but the FBI see a use for this group to assist in ways that they cannot. Now these amateurs are about to enter very dangerous territory!
Can they find the serial killer before they become the next target?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding this book due to the similarities of the Idaho College murders. Please read the author’s note at the beginning of the book. She did a great job of explaining why and how she used these real and horrific murders as part of her fictional storyline.
If fiction based, true-crime events, or grief of losing a parent are triggers for you then this may not be a great fit. I knew the subject matter going in and thanks to the authors note I was prepared and ended up enjoying this latest by Ashley Winstead.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark
I suppose it depends on who you ask.
In her senior year of college, Jane’s father passed unexpectedly. She returns home to grieve along-side her mother. As a break from her mourning she’s drawn into the world of armchair detectives. It’s not long before she has her own handle and becomes part of a team.
When a mass killing occurs on the campus of a small Idaho University Jane and her group are front and center offering their services. The local police aren’t exactly thrilled with the offer, but the FBI see a use for this group to assist in ways that they cannot. Now these amateurs are about to enter very dangerous territory!
Can they find the serial killer before they become the next target?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding this book due to the similarities of the Idaho College murders. Please read the author’s note at the beginning of the book. She did a great job of explaining why and how she used these real and horrific murders as part of her fictional storyline.
If fiction based, true-crime events, or grief of losing a parent are triggers for you then this may not be a great fit. I knew the subject matter going in and thanks to the authors note I was prepared and ended up enjoying this latest by Ashley Winstead.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark
April 4, 2025
A crime fiction tale the likes of which you’ve never seen before, This Book Will Bury Me was one novel that had me straight from hello. With an original premise, believable characters, and a dark, intense vibe, I flew through the 400+ pages in no time at all. I mean, who could pass up a book-within-a-book format that focuses on true-crime internet sleuths? Certainly not me. After all, from the ratcheting pace to the jaw-dropping twist that caught me totally unawares, there simply wasn’t much not to love as I flew through this superlative novel in no time at all.
The characters themselves were the clinch-pin to why this book was solid gold. Compelling, relatable, and complete with genuine flaws, I was easily pulled into their found family dynamic, which was complete with an original voice and tone thanks to the true-crime internet setting. It was this combo that truly got my attention. With a mixed media format that made the story feel all the more real, this plot’s < b>constantly changing direction kept me on tenterhooks with each new twist and unexpected turn. After all, I didn’t see that climax or conclusion coming despite all of the deftly hidden clues.
I do have to warn you, however, that the topic matter—as you can imagine—was rather dark and gritty at times. Between the grief-laden subplot and serial killer premise, I found myself both crying real tears and also visualizing some truly disturbing, visceral scenes. While I wouldn’t classify any of them as particularly graphic, I am also a hardened reader of all things thrills and chills so I might be able to tolerate more than the average reader. Just the same, it brushed up against true crime in the same manner as Bright Young Woman managed to do.
All in all, I’ve noticed that the ratings on this stellar novel are wide-ranging. Readers seem to love it or hate it—and I’m clearly with the former. Thanks to short, cliffhanger chapters that oozed with foreboding, I was beyond blown away as it caught fire towards the end. Made for fans of true crime who love a fictionalized feel, the immersive storytelling? within this metafictional tell-all book just couldn’t go wrong. Bingeable and thought-provoking, it was an out-and-out winner that made me fall in love with Ms. Winstead’s writing all over again. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
After the unexpected death of her father, college student Jane Sharp longs for a distraction from her grief. She becomes obsessed with true crime, befriending armchair detectives who teach her how to hunt killers from afar. In this morbid internet underground, Jane finds friendship, purpose, and even glory...
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions, and begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Thank you to Ashley Winstead, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: loss of a parent, grief, violence
The characters themselves were the clinch-pin to why this book was solid gold. Compelling, relatable, and complete with genuine flaws, I was easily pulled into their found family dynamic, which was complete with an original voice and tone thanks to the true-crime internet setting. It was this combo that truly got my attention. With a mixed media format that made the story feel all the more real, this plot’s < b>constantly changing direction kept me on tenterhooks with each new twist and unexpected turn. After all, I didn’t see that climax or conclusion coming despite all of the deftly hidden clues.
I do have to warn you, however, that the topic matter—as you can imagine—was rather dark and gritty at times. Between the grief-laden subplot and serial killer premise, I found myself both crying real tears and also visualizing some truly disturbing, visceral scenes. While I wouldn’t classify any of them as particularly graphic, I am also a hardened reader of all things thrills and chills so I might be able to tolerate more than the average reader. Just the same, it brushed up against true crime in the same manner as Bright Young Woman managed to do.
All in all, I’ve noticed that the ratings on this stellar novel are wide-ranging. Readers seem to love it or hate it—and I’m clearly with the former. Thanks to short, cliffhanger chapters that oozed with foreboding, I was beyond blown away as it caught fire towards the end. Made for fans of true crime who love a fictionalized feel, the immersive storytelling? within this metafictional tell-all book just couldn’t go wrong. Bingeable and thought-provoking, it was an out-and-out winner that made me fall in love with Ms. Winstead’s writing all over again. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
After the unexpected death of her father, college student Jane Sharp longs for a distraction from her grief. She becomes obsessed with true crime, befriending armchair detectives who teach her how to hunt killers from afar. In this morbid internet underground, Jane finds friendship, purpose, and even glory...
So when news of the shocking deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho takes the world by storm, and sleuths everywhere race to solve the crimes, Jane and her friends are determined to beat them. But the case turns out to be stranger than anyone expected. Details don't add up, the police are cagey, and there seems to be more media hype and internet theorizing than actual evidence. When Jane and her sleuths take a step closer, they find that every answer only begs more questions, and begin to suspect their killer may be smarter and more prolific than any they've faced before. Placing themselves in the center of the story starts to feel more and more like walking into a trap...
Thank you to Ashley Winstead, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: loss of a parent, grief, violence
November 7, 2024
It all starts on 31st of August 2023 at a 90s throwback party for students at the University of Central Florida in Orlando – perhaps this is the last time that our narrator Janeway (hello, Star Trek) Sharp is truly innocent. She receives a call from her mother with the news that her father has had a heart attack. Jane rushes to the hospital to receive the worst news, her life would not be the same again as her father means everything to her and she unravels. To distract herself from her grief she starts going down the rabbit hole of true crime forums, sparked by a gruesome discovery of a body in a bin bag discovered in a Floridian lake. She becomes involved with the RealCrimeNetwork, acquiring the handle of Searcher, along with other members Goku, Mistress, Citizen, and Lightly. This group becomes central to an investigation into a mass killing of female students at the University in Delphine, Idaho. Each member has a different reason for their true crime passion but for Jane it becomes her eulogy to her father. The million dollar question is what direction will the eulogy take?
This is an intense slow burner of a read with a complex, constantly changing, well thought out plot which despite the books length keeps me riveted throughout, indeed, cliffhanger endings have me on tenterhooks. It’s suspenseful, brimful of tension and has so many twists and turns that you might be in danger of whiplash. There’s high risk, plenty of shocks, navigating the truth from lies or misdirection and bravely stepping up despite the dangers of what you might encounter and so at times it’s quite an adrenaline rush.
One of the things I enjoy most is the tone the author strikes in this very well written novel. There are a different shades of dark and some light, night and day with the mood often on the greyer end of the spectrum. There’s the occasional injection of humour but as the crimes investigated are of a violent nature clearly the pitch is dark. I enjoy how things are in constant flux with all the plot directions beginning to connect.
The storytelling has multiple layers to it, central is the puzzle of Jane herself and how to categorise her, what her grief leads her to but also the value of the group to her personally. All of them are obsessed and that leads to flaws in the murder investigation alongside several major breakthroughs. There are many questions to be asked about the true crime networks. How far is too far in the quest of the truth? Who are the villains of the piece? How culpable are they when things get out of hand? I find this a fascinating aspect of the plot and the rivalry between the different true crime groups is an intriguing element too. This feels very current and fresh as there is most certainly terrific interest in true crime.
As it builds to a cracking ending there are a number of scenes that are very moving. Overall I find this a compelling read from the tantalising start to the very end. It’s completely engaging, it’s very powerful in places with aspects that will resonate, especially if you have lost someone that you love. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus/Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is an intense slow burner of a read with a complex, constantly changing, well thought out plot which despite the books length keeps me riveted throughout, indeed, cliffhanger endings have me on tenterhooks. It’s suspenseful, brimful of tension and has so many twists and turns that you might be in danger of whiplash. There’s high risk, plenty of shocks, navigating the truth from lies or misdirection and bravely stepping up despite the dangers of what you might encounter and so at times it’s quite an adrenaline rush.
One of the things I enjoy most is the tone the author strikes in this very well written novel. There are a different shades of dark and some light, night and day with the mood often on the greyer end of the spectrum. There’s the occasional injection of humour but as the crimes investigated are of a violent nature clearly the pitch is dark. I enjoy how things are in constant flux with all the plot directions beginning to connect.
The storytelling has multiple layers to it, central is the puzzle of Jane herself and how to categorise her, what her grief leads her to but also the value of the group to her personally. All of them are obsessed and that leads to flaws in the murder investigation alongside several major breakthroughs. There are many questions to be asked about the true crime networks. How far is too far in the quest of the truth? Who are the villains of the piece? How culpable are they when things get out of hand? I find this a fascinating aspect of the plot and the rivalry between the different true crime groups is an intriguing element too. This feels very current and fresh as there is most certainly terrific interest in true crime.
As it builds to a cracking ending there are a number of scenes that are very moving. Overall I find this a compelling read from the tantalising start to the very end. It’s completely engaging, it’s very powerful in places with aspects that will resonate, especially if you have lost someone that you love. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus/Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 9, 2025
After her father’s sudden death, college senior Janeway Sharp stumbles across a true crime network on the interweb and quickly becomes enthralled as she looks for a distraction from her own pain and grief. Soon close friendships and alliances are formed as the armchair detective group takes on the shocking and brutal murder of three sorority students in Delphine, Idaho and are suddenly thrust into the spotlight themselves.
Looking at the reviews for this book, it strikes me that most people fall into two categories on it - you either love it or you hate it. Turns out, I am in the former. While this book didn’t quite bury me, it sure gripped my attention to the point of complete absorption. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down.
Unlike Ashley Winstead’s other novels that are works of pure fiction, the primary case in this book is based on a very true crime, and is part of what makes this book controversial. Is it too early to be featuring this brutal murder, an event that has left a town broken, in such a front and centered way? In fact, Winstead even includes an author’s note to explain her rationale on this and it’s definitely worth a read.
I would argue that although it is pivotal to the story, it is very much not THE story. At the core, TBWBM is about community and making sense of the senseless. It’s about our overarching desire for answers we may or may never be able to find. And it’s about family, those who we love and who offer comfort, and those who seek only to knock us down.
To prevent the risk of spoiling a book that’s best when gone into blind, I will end my review by saying that although, I didn’t love her last, this book was a major winner for me and such a pleasant surprise. Not since Verity has a first page grabbed me hook, line and sinker and I hope it does the same for you, if you choose to read it.
Thank you to the Alisᵗᵐ for buddy reading this one with me. Sorry I wasn’t able to slow myself down there at the end, but what a testament to the addictiveness of this book.
Read if you like:
▪️true crime
▪️serial killer storylines
▪️quasi-cozy mysteries
▪️epistolary format
▪️unputdownable thrillers
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy.
Looking at the reviews for this book, it strikes me that most people fall into two categories on it - you either love it or you hate it. Turns out, I am in the former. While this book didn’t quite bury me, it sure gripped my attention to the point of complete absorption. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down.
Unlike Ashley Winstead’s other novels that are works of pure fiction, the primary case in this book is based on a very true crime, and is part of what makes this book controversial. Is it too early to be featuring this brutal murder, an event that has left a town broken, in such a front and centered way? In fact, Winstead even includes an author’s note to explain her rationale on this and it’s definitely worth a read.
I would argue that although it is pivotal to the story, it is very much not THE story. At the core, TBWBM is about community and making sense of the senseless. It’s about our overarching desire for answers we may or may never be able to find. And it’s about family, those who we love and who offer comfort, and those who seek only to knock us down.
To prevent the risk of spoiling a book that’s best when gone into blind, I will end my review by saying that although, I didn’t love her last, this book was a major winner for me and such a pleasant surprise. Not since Verity has a first page grabbed me hook, line and sinker and I hope it does the same for you, if you choose to read it.
Thank you to the Alisᵗᵐ for buddy reading this one with me. Sorry I wasn’t able to slow myself down there at the end, but what a testament to the addictiveness of this book.
Read if you like:
▪️true crime
▪️serial killer storylines
▪️quasi-cozy mysteries
▪️epistolary format
▪️unputdownable thrillers
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy.
November 30, 2024
This was a Dnf for reasons below. I just can't get behind someone profiting off of a real tragedy because they thought a story like this might make an interesting plot for their book.
I started reading this book and wondered why it seemed so familiar. I always keep my TV on for background noise. It's most often on the ID channel. I was not too far in the book and put my Kindle down to get a snack, and that's when I heard the TV talking about whatever case, and that's when it hit me. This book is a fictional version of the Idaho 4. I started thinking maybe that I was exaggerating, so I continued on more. I wasn't wrong. I had to dnf about 40% in. Before I quit. I came to read the reviews to again make sure I wasn't wrong. I wasn't. That many similarities just isn't a coincidence.
I started reading this book and wondered why it seemed so familiar. I always keep my TV on for background noise. It's most often on the ID channel. I was not too far in the book and put my Kindle down to get a snack, and that's when I heard the TV talking about whatever case, and that's when it hit me. This book is a fictional version of the Idaho 4. I started thinking maybe that I was exaggerating, so I continued on more. I wasn't wrong. I had to dnf about 40% in. Before I quit. I came to read the reviews to again make sure I wasn't wrong. I wasn't. That many similarities just isn't a coincidence.
January 14, 2025
I think this was the longest book that I’ve ever read… I seriously didn’t think that it would ever end. This book literally buried me in guilt. Guilt that I should have put this in the DNF pile several days ago.
I will say that I wanted to read this book as I loved Winstead’s, “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife”- in fact I loved that book so much, that I keep looking for the same “high” I got with that book with every other Ashley Winstead book. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t happened. Each book I’ve read of hers after that one has been less and less appealing for me, with this one being the worst. With that being said- I think it’s time that I part ways with this author (it’s not you Ashley, it’s me), as we are just not a good fit anymore. :(
In this story, we have Janeway Sharp who unexpectedly loses her father. With this devastating news, she leaves college and moves back home with her mother. Jane is grieving (and rightfully so), and so she joins a true-crime online forum to help solve murders and cold cases. On this online forum, Jane makes many new friends who become like family to her. Solving crimes may just be what Jane needs to distract her from her own pain and grief.
This book is a work of fiction, which reads kind of like nonfiction (does that make sense?). In the very beginning of the book there is an Author’s Note, in which she states that she drew her inspiration for the stories from real cases, such as the University of Idaho (which played a major role in this book). I felt that were too many characters to keep track of, or maybe I just didn’t want to. I also felt that this book was geared towards a younger audience. I wish this book would have worked better for me, but it ended up not being my cup of tea…
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for a DRC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: March 25, 2025
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Women’s Fiction
I will say that I wanted to read this book as I loved Winstead’s, “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife”- in fact I loved that book so much, that I keep looking for the same “high” I got with that book with every other Ashley Winstead book. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t happened. Each book I’ve read of hers after that one has been less and less appealing for me, with this one being the worst. With that being said- I think it’s time that I part ways with this author (it’s not you Ashley, it’s me), as we are just not a good fit anymore. :(
In this story, we have Janeway Sharp who unexpectedly loses her father. With this devastating news, she leaves college and moves back home with her mother. Jane is grieving (and rightfully so), and so she joins a true-crime online forum to help solve murders and cold cases. On this online forum, Jane makes many new friends who become like family to her. Solving crimes may just be what Jane needs to distract her from her own pain and grief.
This book is a work of fiction, which reads kind of like nonfiction (does that make sense?). In the very beginning of the book there is an Author’s Note, in which she states that she drew her inspiration for the stories from real cases, such as the University of Idaho (which played a major role in this book). I felt that were too many characters to keep track of, or maybe I just didn’t want to. I also felt that this book was geared towards a younger audience. I wish this book would have worked better for me, but it ended up not being my cup of tea…
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for a DRC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: March 25, 2025
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Women’s Fiction
March 17, 2025
4.75 stars - loved so much !!! Read in one sitting
Review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTY4kHrrB/
Top 24 of 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2gBTSQh/
Review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTY4kHrrB/
Top 24 of 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2gBTSQh/
November 9, 2024
2.5 I have to first say that Ashley Winstead is an automatic read for me - whatever genre she writes. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife is one of my favorite thrillers and I have recommended that book so many times.
I love the internet sleuthing in this book. Armchair detectives have become huge, podcasters also. Every since Don't F*ck with Cats came out showing how everyday people can solve crimes and "find" people I have been fascinated by those smart sleuthing every day people. So this story line instantly grabbed me and I dove right in.
What I absolutely disliked so much that I cannot forgive is that this story seems plagiarized by real life horrific murders that happened in Moscow, Idaho very recently and a story in which I am very familiar with and have read every thing about it from news reports to reddit. This case is set to go to trial in 2025 after publication of this book. To say that it "closely" resembles these Moscow murders would be wrong - it is almost identical. Stop reading here if you do not want spoilers:
It is so similar, down to the state it happens in, to the sorority aspects of two best friends, down to the even ordering food literally just before the murders occur, to the boyfriend being the initial subject after having been telephoned multiple times the times the night the murders occur and even to the lone survivor seeing someone dressed all in black and walking down the hallway! To the small town police force, to people protesting to destroy the 3-level house it takes place in, to the TA in criminology being suspected. This was just not okay with me at all. I do not think this is fair to the families of the survivors of the Moscow Murders. This is not something someone else should profit from in a fictionalized account of virtually everything that happened.
It's very odd to me since Winstead could have chosen a different state, a different set of circumstances, but that she intentionally chose so many similarities and I cannot understand why. A few changes and this book could have been a 5 star read - or if you are completely unaware of the Moscow Murders then you probably could rate this 5 stars.
Yes, the book then diverges to the role of crime sleuths and their interactions in helping law enforcement but at that point I didn't really care because this case is still so active and was so horrific.
I also did not like how the book talks to you as the reader. This bothered me - as if the narrator was talking to you. I didn't really care about the main character either way - she was a wayward 24-year old which is fine but she just seemed to lack personality or conviction. The title of this book is odd to me too - the novel describes a book being written about the internet sleuthers but doesn't really discuss the outcomes of that book or how it really impacts the narrator at all.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion. I anxiously await the next Winstead book but for me this one failed because it is too close to a current case.
I love the internet sleuthing in this book. Armchair detectives have become huge, podcasters also. Every since Don't F*ck with Cats came out showing how everyday people can solve crimes and "find" people I have been fascinated by those smart sleuthing every day people. So this story line instantly grabbed me and I dove right in.
What I absolutely disliked so much that I cannot forgive is that this story seems plagiarized by real life horrific murders that happened in Moscow, Idaho very recently and a story in which I am very familiar with and have read every thing about it from news reports to reddit. This case is set to go to trial in 2025 after publication of this book. To say that it "closely" resembles these Moscow murders would be wrong - it is almost identical. Stop reading here if you do not want spoilers:
It is so similar, down to the state it happens in, to the sorority aspects of two best friends, down to the even ordering food literally just before the murders occur, to the boyfriend being the initial subject after having been telephoned multiple times the times the night the murders occur and even to the lone survivor seeing someone dressed all in black and walking down the hallway! To the small town police force, to people protesting to destroy the 3-level house it takes place in, to the TA in criminology being suspected. This was just not okay with me at all. I do not think this is fair to the families of the survivors of the Moscow Murders. This is not something someone else should profit from in a fictionalized account of virtually everything that happened.
It's very odd to me since Winstead could have chosen a different state, a different set of circumstances, but that she intentionally chose so many similarities and I cannot understand why. A few changes and this book could have been a 5 star read - or if you are completely unaware of the Moscow Murders then you probably could rate this 5 stars.
Yes, the book then diverges to the role of crime sleuths and their interactions in helping law enforcement but at that point I didn't really care because this case is still so active and was so horrific.
I also did not like how the book talks to you as the reader. This bothered me - as if the narrator was talking to you. I didn't really care about the main character either way - she was a wayward 24-year old which is fine but she just seemed to lack personality or conviction. The title of this book is odd to me too - the novel describes a book being written about the internet sleuthers but doesn't really discuss the outcomes of that book or how it really impacts the narrator at all.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion. I anxiously await the next Winstead book but for me this one failed because it is too close to a current case.
October 18, 2024
This was a hard one to rate. And I still can’t quite figure out if I liked it or not tbh.
On the one hand, this book managed to really pull me in, it stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading. I think the author did a fantastic job with this cast of characters, especially Jane, she was complex and well written. She wasn’t necessarily likeable, but I don’t mind that in a thriller. I felt for her at times, but I also despised her for some of the choices she made. I found it truly fascinating how the author managed to simultaneously make me like and dislike her.
This played nicely into the commentary on true crime. Jane getting involved with the group and then watching her slowly but surely become obsessed with solving these cases was very well done. It also served as a great way to show how some of the people who engage with these true crime cases and ‘investigate’ will think themselves helpful and important. But what they’re actually doing is often times insanely invasive and disrespectful to the victims and their families and just plain irresponsible and dangerous for the (innocent) people they think are guilty.
On the other hand, though, I felt like it was too long. The pacing was just a bit off.
Don’t get me wrong, it was interesting and well written for the first like 60%, but it also dragged. It only started to really get going after around the 60% mark. All of a sudden, things were happening left and right.
I also struggled with the group’s ‘investigation’ and what goes on towards the end, all of that seemed very unbelievable to me, honestly ridiculous. At the same time, I don’t know anything about the whole true crime thing because that shit really weirds me out, so what do I know? Maybe this actually does happen?
Now with all that said I’d have given the book a solid 3.75 stars.
However, I read some reviews saying that this story is very similar to a real murder case that happened not too long ago? I don’t know anything about that, since it happened in the US. But if it’s true, then I’m kind of confused by what this story was trying to do. Because it obviously discusses and comments on the dangerous fascination with true crime that seems to be so common nowadays and shows the very real consequences this can have. But then at the same time it uses a real murder case as I guess inspiration? That kind of goes against everything the story tried to say, no? It still doesn’t make sense to me, but maybe I just didn’t get it.. 🤷♀️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
Just saw I got the arc for this?!🥹
Starting it immediately 🫡
On the one hand, this book managed to really pull me in, it stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading. I think the author did a fantastic job with this cast of characters, especially Jane, she was complex and well written. She wasn’t necessarily likeable, but I don’t mind that in a thriller. I felt for her at times, but I also despised her for some of the choices she made. I found it truly fascinating how the author managed to simultaneously make me like and dislike her.
This played nicely into the commentary on true crime. Jane getting involved with the group and then watching her slowly but surely become obsessed with solving these cases was very well done. It also served as a great way to show how some of the people who engage with these true crime cases and ‘investigate’ will think themselves helpful and important. But what they’re actually doing is often times insanely invasive and disrespectful to the victims and their families and just plain irresponsible and dangerous for the (innocent) people they think are guilty.
On the other hand, though, I felt like it was too long. The pacing was just a bit off.
Don’t get me wrong, it was interesting and well written for the first like 60%, but it also dragged. It only started to really get going after around the 60% mark. All of a sudden, things were happening left and right.
I also struggled with the group’s ‘investigation’ and what goes on towards the end, all of that seemed very unbelievable to me, honestly ridiculous. At the same time, I don’t know anything about the whole true crime thing because that shit really weirds me out, so what do I know? Maybe this actually does happen?
Now with all that said I’d have given the book a solid 3.75 stars.
However, I read some reviews saying that this story is very similar to a real murder case that happened not too long ago? I don’t know anything about that, since it happened in the US. But if it’s true, then I’m kind of confused by what this story was trying to do. Because it obviously discusses and comments on the dangerous fascination with true crime that seems to be so common nowadays and shows the very real consequences this can have. But then at the same time it uses a real murder case as I guess inspiration? That kind of goes against everything the story tried to say, no? It still doesn’t make sense to me, but maybe I just didn’t get it.. 🤷♀️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
Just saw I got the arc for this?!🥹
Starting it immediately 🫡
October 10, 2024
I'm just automatically DNFing this book -
the trial for Kohberg is still in motion (June 2025), this book is obviously more than just *inspired* by that tragic incident, she's used exact details from it. Horrendous.
the trial for Kohberg is still in motion (June 2025), this book is obviously more than just *inspired* by that tragic incident, she's used exact details from it. Horrendous.
April 7, 2025
How far can you go when you take “inspiration” from real-life tragedies?
Even if that's not the point of Ashley Winstead’s This Book Will Bury Me, the detailed murders and massacres copied from reality overshadowed the story and its message when you found out how similar they are to still-open cases.
I mean, I was shocked and terrified of what I was reading, but that's not even close to how sick I felt when I discovered where those bits were taken from — and that's why I also understand the people who cannot overlook this aspect.
That said, the book can be divided into two sections that go hand in hand: Jane’s dad's sudden passing and her new obsession with the need to find justice for people who will be otherwise ignored, who will easily evolve in doing what she does to stay connected with her “online family”.
Now, there's something I'm dying to say about that part, but I can't or I’ll just spoil the whole thing but… I loved the whole mystery-true crime portion of the story (a bit ruined by what I said before, but still so addictive).
I believe there are different angles to this story but what I really appreciated was the deep dive into sleuth culture and how south things can go when a bunch of obsessed people with too much free time decide to become their own vigilantes, ruining people's lives for “necessity” without thinking twice and completely ignoring the consequences of their actions.
The format of the story and AW’s narration are the most addicting aspects of all, and the remainder of how easily is to become what you despise.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Even if that's not the point of Ashley Winstead’s This Book Will Bury Me, the detailed murders and massacres copied from reality overshadowed the story and its message when you found out how similar they are to still-open cases.
I mean, I was shocked and terrified of what I was reading, but that's not even close to how sick I felt when I discovered where those bits were taken from — and that's why I also understand the people who cannot overlook this aspect.
That said, the book can be divided into two sections that go hand in hand: Jane’s dad's sudden passing and her new obsession with the need to find justice for people who will be otherwise ignored, who will easily evolve in doing what she does to stay connected with her “online family”.
Now, there's something I'm dying to say about that part, but I can't or I’ll just spoil the whole thing but… I loved the whole mystery-true crime portion of the story (a bit ruined by what I said before, but still so addictive).
I believe there are different angles to this story but what I really appreciated was the deep dive into sleuth culture and how south things can go when a bunch of obsessed people with too much free time decide to become their own vigilantes, ruining people's lives for “necessity” without thinking twice and completely ignoring the consequences of their actions.
The format of the story and AW’s narration are the most addicting aspects of all, and the remainder of how easily is to become what you despise.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 for GR!
i so very much enjoy Ashley’s writing and will always continue to read her work! when comparing this her other thrillers, i found this one to fall bit short. it’s never fun playing the comparison game but sadly is inevitable!!! this was certainly an entry into a new type of plot and trope for her with the true crime aspect (which i did enjoy v much) but ultimately a few things prevented me from loving it.
read if you like: true crime books, serial killer tropes, murder mystery plots
i saw a lot of reviews saying that this was slow to start/ hard to get into, but i actually felt the total opposite—i was captivated right away and i think that is a tribute to her terrific storytelling! i actually found the whole true crime/Reddit sleuth plot to be very interesting because it’s something that i personally don’t know a lot about. Reddit is wild (clearly) so i usually stay far away 😂
for me what didn’t work: while like so many others, i’m interested in what to see happens with the Idaho murder case, part of the plot following that case so similarly was a little bit challenging because it has not been solved. i also found out/correctly guessed who the killer was probably 20-30% into the book, so to see that come true in the back half took a little bit away from the “wow” twist factor for me. buttttt, i read a LOT of thrillers so i’m not surprised that i was able to guess this correctly and don’t think it will be a problem for other thriller readers :)
TLDR—i enjoyed the true crime aspect and Ashley’s writing (as always) but personally enjoyed IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE and MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR more than this.
thanks to the publisher for a gifted early copy! this is out in March
i so very much enjoy Ashley’s writing and will always continue to read her work! when comparing this her other thrillers, i found this one to fall bit short. it’s never fun playing the comparison game but sadly is inevitable!!! this was certainly an entry into a new type of plot and trope for her with the true crime aspect (which i did enjoy v much) but ultimately a few things prevented me from loving it.
read if you like: true crime books, serial killer tropes, murder mystery plots
i saw a lot of reviews saying that this was slow to start/ hard to get into, but i actually felt the total opposite—i was captivated right away and i think that is a tribute to her terrific storytelling! i actually found the whole true crime/Reddit sleuth plot to be very interesting because it’s something that i personally don’t know a lot about. Reddit is wild (clearly) so i usually stay far away 😂
for me what didn’t work: while like so many others, i’m interested in what to see happens with the Idaho murder case, part of the plot following that case so similarly was a little bit challenging because it has not been solved. i also found out/correctly guessed who the killer was probably 20-30% into the book, so to see that come true in the back half took a little bit away from the “wow” twist factor for me. buttttt, i read a LOT of thrillers so i’m not surprised that i was able to guess this correctly and don’t think it will be a problem for other thriller readers :)
TLDR—i enjoyed the true crime aspect and Ashley’s writing (as always) but personally enjoyed IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE and MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR more than this.
thanks to the publisher for a gifted early copy! this is out in March
February 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's a 'like' from me. This book begins with an author's note explaining that Winstead's plot was drawn from some real-life true crime cases. After her father unexpectedly dies from a heart attack, Jane Sharp becomes enraptured by TheRealCrimeNetwork.com. Think Don't F**k With Cats—it is a place for amateur online sleuths to come together and solve crimes. At first, the website is a simple distraction, but it quickly develops into more as Jane's online relationships with other home investigators grow. The characters were really awesome, but I unfortunately guessed the killer at around 50-60% of the novel. After that, I was just reading for the sake of my reading goal. 😔
It's a 'like' from me. This book begins with an author's note explaining that Winstead's plot was drawn from some real-life true crime cases. After her father unexpectedly dies from a heart attack, Jane Sharp becomes enraptured by TheRealCrimeNetwork.com. Think Don't F**k With Cats—it is a place for amateur online sleuths to come together and solve crimes. At first, the website is a simple distraction, but it quickly develops into more as Jane's online relationships with other home investigators grow. The characters were really awesome, but I unfortunately guessed the killer at around 50-60% of the novel. After that, I was just reading for the sake of my reading goal. 😔
November 6, 2024
✯✯✯✯✯5/5 stars✯✯✯✯✯
this book follows Jane Sharp as she deals with grief when she loses her father unexpectedly, and falls down a true crime rabbit hole with a group of people online who spend their time breaking down cases and finding killers. this put me through an emotional ROLLERCOASTER. i’m genuinely still in shock about the ending and the truth of everything that happened, even though i did guess it at some point (but i was heavily in denial).
the writing was incredible, i felt like i was in the story and trying to figure things out myself. Jane’s moments where she reflects on her father and her grief honestly got me teary eyed a few times, i felt for her and just wanted to give her the biggest hug. The author knew exactly what to write to pull at my heart strings.
The group that Jane surrounded herself with was so interesting, they were all completely different with the same goal in mind: solve the murders and bring justice to the victims. they became a found family for each other (which is one of my favorite tropes in any book and i absolutely ate that up) and i became so equally as invested in them as i was in Jane. i just loved the execution of this book and the plot and the different characters involved, it was fun to include my own theories as i read and i just KNOW the true crime girlies/people would eat this up.
10/10 recommend✨
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC 🤍
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pre-review: finished this at 3:43 am and it was so worth it. this was insane. rtc
this book follows Jane Sharp as she deals with grief when she loses her father unexpectedly, and falls down a true crime rabbit hole with a group of people online who spend their time breaking down cases and finding killers. this put me through an emotional ROLLERCOASTER. i’m genuinely still in shock about the ending and the truth of everything that happened, even though i did guess it at some point (but i was heavily in denial).
the writing was incredible, i felt like i was in the story and trying to figure things out myself. Jane’s moments where she reflects on her father and her grief honestly got me teary eyed a few times, i felt for her and just wanted to give her the biggest hug. The author knew exactly what to write to pull at my heart strings.
The group that Jane surrounded herself with was so interesting, they were all completely different with the same goal in mind: solve the murders and bring justice to the victims. they became a found family for each other (which is one of my favorite tropes in any book and i absolutely ate that up) and i became so equally as invested in them as i was in Jane. i just loved the execution of this book and the plot and the different characters involved, it was fun to include my own theories as i read and i just KNOW the true crime girlies/people would eat this up.
10/10 recommend✨
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC 🤍
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pre-review: finished this at 3:43 am and it was so worth it. this was insane. rtc
December 17, 2024
THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is a pivot for Ashley Winstead and her most personal thriller yet.
After losing her father unexpectedly, college student Jane Sharp immerses herself in the world of true crime, joining online sleuths who teach her how to track killers from afar. When the shocking murders of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho, make headlines, Jane and her friends race to crack the case, only to uncover a web of deception and danger far more sinister than they imagined. One year later, Jane breaks her silence to reveal the true story of the Delphine Massacres—a confession that will stun even the most seasoned true crime fans.
THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is perfect for fans of Michelle McNamara's true crime book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark. This book reads more like a true crime thriller (which it is) than a psychological thriller that you may expect from this author. This book is still twisty at times that you won't expect, but the story does dive into a "story within a story" narrative, which is very different than the author's previous thrillers. The pacing is a bit slower, which took me a bit longer to finish, but I do believe that the reason for the pacing was to fully immerse into Jane's world. The narrative about Jane's father was deeply personal, raw, and compelling. You will root for Jane in ways that you won't expect. THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is entertaining and suspenseful, and fans of this author should prioritize this book when it comes out in March 2025!
After losing her father unexpectedly, college student Jane Sharp immerses herself in the world of true crime, joining online sleuths who teach her how to track killers from afar. When the shocking murders of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho, make headlines, Jane and her friends race to crack the case, only to uncover a web of deception and danger far more sinister than they imagined. One year later, Jane breaks her silence to reveal the true story of the Delphine Massacres—a confession that will stun even the most seasoned true crime fans.
THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is perfect for fans of Michelle McNamara's true crime book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark. This book reads more like a true crime thriller (which it is) than a psychological thriller that you may expect from this author. This book is still twisty at times that you won't expect, but the story does dive into a "story within a story" narrative, which is very different than the author's previous thrillers. The pacing is a bit slower, which took me a bit longer to finish, but I do believe that the reason for the pacing was to fully immerse into Jane's world. The narrative about Jane's father was deeply personal, raw, and compelling. You will root for Jane in ways that you won't expect. THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is entertaining and suspenseful, and fans of this author should prioritize this book when it comes out in March 2025!
September 22, 2024
this is such a fun read! i personally don’t involve myself with true crime because i find that a lot of the people in the community overstep and ignore the victims family and friends just so they can engage in something that fascinates them which the characters in this book do but i think for the main character it made sense why she was like that, plus it’s fictional so it’s fine. i enjoyed the main character and the cast in general.
December 10, 2024
ARC for review. To be published March 25, 2025.
A strong 4 stars for this.
After the sudden death of her father Floridian Jane Sharp is looking for a place to belong. It’s not back at University of Central Florida for her senior year, but she doesn’t know where it is. Then she finds it among true crime sleuths online, particularly a small group of them who band together and have some success.
The comes the murder of college students in Idaho and the group becomes deeply involved. Can they actually assist in solving this crime?
Obviously the book is based, in part, on the murders of the college students in Idaho (but with significant differences) and is Jane’s story after the events have concluded. I knew there were true crime buffs out there who had websites and such, but I guess, in my mind, they mostly focused on cold cases, but of course that makes no sense, and they certainly follow crimes as they happen as well. One has to be willing to accept a bit of disbelief as to how much inside information the group would be able to get (I assume, but what do I know?). Anyway, I really enjoyed this and I’m willing to bet that if you like thrillers you’ll find something to like here (again, with the disbelief thing.)
A strong 4 stars for this.
After the sudden death of her father Floridian Jane Sharp is looking for a place to belong. It’s not back at University of Central Florida for her senior year, but she doesn’t know where it is. Then she finds it among true crime sleuths online, particularly a small group of them who band together and have some success.
The comes the murder of college students in Idaho and the group becomes deeply involved. Can they actually assist in solving this crime?
Obviously the book is based, in part, on the murders of the college students in Idaho (but with significant differences) and is Jane’s story after the events have concluded. I knew there were true crime buffs out there who had websites and such, but I guess, in my mind, they mostly focused on cold cases, but of course that makes no sense, and they certainly follow crimes as they happen as well. One has to be willing to accept a bit of disbelief as to how much inside information the group would be able to get (I assume, but what do I know?). Anyway, I really enjoyed this and I’m willing to bet that if you like thrillers you’ll find something to like here (again, with the disbelief thing.)
February 8, 2025
2.0 Stars
This was a thriller that was average at best. I ultimately found the characters and subsequent plot forgettable. The premise was intriguing but it didn’t end up working for me in execution.
This was a thriller that was average at best. I ultimately found the characters and subsequent plot forgettable. The premise was intriguing but it didn’t end up working for me in execution.
October 3, 2024
This book had me completely sucked in, by the time I looked up from it I had less than an hour left on my flight. This book deals with a loss of a parent and how people cope with grief. As a true crime connoisseur myself, I absolutely loved the sleuthing and Reddit feeds, the TikTok video references and the podcasts. This is a true crime fan’s perfect book. I also thought the ending was done perfectly! All in all, this was a fantastic read!
October 15, 2024
I am just so disappointed that this book turned out to be what it is. It had a ton of potential. It’s just too soon to use Idaho as inspiration. Honestly, it’s not too late to pull this book from publishing. I would strongly recommend pulling it before it damages your reputation further. I sincerely like Ashley and her other books… but I hope you take my advice.
December 21, 2024
3.5
Jane, struggling from her father ‘s sudden death, finds solace in an online group who is dedicated to solving real life crimes. She has had trouble in the past fitting in whether it be a college or in her job and is welcomed into this group with open arms. She finds her niche and the group of four others work together solving crimes the police have trouble solving on their own. Their success of solving high profile crimes is featured on a dateline type show, which makes them a celebrity within the online community that comes with its pros and cons. The next big case comes up that the police are extremely inept at solving and the team jumps on it.
I like the idea of the online community and delving further into what I would consider the armchair detective scene. I personally am a huge fan of dateline as well as follow all the true crime and documentary shows . It was interesting to me to see this behind the scenes, armchair detective theme play out. The crime itself is very closely related to one that is currently in the headlines today. The fictional crime had so many details that were pretty much identical to the true crime that I questioned the reasoning behind why the author chose this route. Some of the details were almost identical to the case itself and became a distraction. I couldn’t discern between what was fact and fiction and found myself on Google several times. Once I got past all of the details of the case I enjoyed where the author went with it. The twists at the end were very good and I did not see them coming. I’ve read a few books by this author and have come to enjoy her writing style..
There is a lot of controversy circulating in regards to this book and the topic that closely resembles the Idaho murders. If this is something that is too soon to be read about then I suggest you skip this book, but I’m glad I I continued on as it did deviate from the headlines once it got going. Again, the author does address all of this prior to the start of the book so it might be a good idea to read that to determine if this is for you or if it will be triggering..
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Jane, struggling from her father ‘s sudden death, finds solace in an online group who is dedicated to solving real life crimes. She has had trouble in the past fitting in whether it be a college or in her job and is welcomed into this group with open arms. She finds her niche and the group of four others work together solving crimes the police have trouble solving on their own. Their success of solving high profile crimes is featured on a dateline type show, which makes them a celebrity within the online community that comes with its pros and cons. The next big case comes up that the police are extremely inept at solving and the team jumps on it.
I like the idea of the online community and delving further into what I would consider the armchair detective scene. I personally am a huge fan of dateline as well as follow all the true crime and documentary shows . It was interesting to me to see this behind the scenes, armchair detective theme play out. The crime itself is very closely related to one that is currently in the headlines today. The fictional crime had so many details that were pretty much identical to the true crime that I questioned the reasoning behind why the author chose this route. Some of the details were almost identical to the case itself and became a distraction. I couldn’t discern between what was fact and fiction and found myself on Google several times. Once I got past all of the details of the case I enjoyed where the author went with it. The twists at the end were very good and I did not see them coming. I’ve read a few books by this author and have come to enjoy her writing style..
There is a lot of controversy circulating in regards to this book and the topic that closely resembles the Idaho murders. If this is something that is too soon to be read about then I suggest you skip this book, but I’m glad I I continued on as it did deviate from the headlines once it got going. Again, the author does address all of this prior to the start of the book so it might be a good idea to read that to determine if this is for you or if it will be triggering..
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2024
Once again, Ashley has delivered a captivating narrative that draws readers in from the very first page. The story immerses us in a world filled with heavy themes, intricately weaving together the emotional turmoil surrounding multiple tragic deaths and intense criminal investigations. It powerfully captures the deep sorrow of losing a parent, resonating with anyone who has experienced such heartache.
I found the plot to be engaging and exceptionally well-crafted. It really showcases the author's skill in developing the interconnected events and characters. While the detailed nature of the storyline, with its many layers and complexities, made it somewhat longer than I typically prefer for this genre, I still enjoyed reading each scene as it unfolded, revealing the depth of the characters' struggles and triumphs. The ending ties everything together nicely.
This book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys piecing together clues and unraveling mysteries.
Thank you so much, Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing, for providing me with an ARC of this book. Expected publication: March 25, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own. ♥
I found the plot to be engaging and exceptionally well-crafted. It really showcases the author's skill in developing the interconnected events and characters. While the detailed nature of the storyline, with its many layers and complexities, made it somewhat longer than I typically prefer for this genre, I still enjoyed reading each scene as it unfolded, revealing the depth of the characters' struggles and triumphs. The ending ties everything together nicely.
This book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys piecing together clues and unraveling mysteries.
Thank you so much, Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing, for providing me with an ARC of this book. Expected publication: March 25, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own. ♥
March 29, 2025
This Book Will Bury Me is a gripping true crime thriller... But… Did she really just go there?
While it’s a wild ride that kept me up past midnight, it’s also a book that occasionally stumbles over its own ambition, like a drunk friend trying to explain a conspiracy theory after several drinks. It’s compelling, messy, and oh so addictive, but it’s not without its baggage.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: this book is basically the Idaho 4 murders with the serial numbers filed off. We’ve got three college girls (minus the bonus boyfriend) stabbed to death in a sleepy Idaho town called Delphine, their last night spent partying before the grim reaper—or rather, a knife-wielding psycho—shows up. Sound familiar? It’s so close to the real-life tragedy of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin that I half-expected to see a white Hyundai Elantra parked in the plot. There’s even a Bryan Kohberger doppelgänger—a brooding, criminology-obsessed grad student who’s just a little too good at lurking. Winstead’s not subtle about it, and while she slaps a “this is fiction, y’all” disclaimer at the front, it’s hard not to feel like you’re reading a fanfic of a still-open wound. The trial’s not even happened yet (it’s set for June 2025, folks), and here we are, fictionalizing it like it’s a Netflix docuseries ready for binging.
The main character, Jane Sharp, is an obvious self-insert—Winstead’s practically admitted as much, tying Jane’s grief over her dad’s death to her own loss. Jane’s a college kid who spirals into the dark web of true crime forums after her father shufflds off the mortal coil. Jane’s obsession with cracking cases feels real, raw, and a little unhinged in the best way. She hooks up with a ragtag crew of online sleuths. It's Only Murders in the Building but with less Steve Martin and more Reddit vibes, and they dive headfirst into the Delphine murders. The pacing is relentless; I tore through the 400+ pages in two days, fueled by soda and a nagging need to know whodunit. (I'll admit, I was close to DNFing it as I already know what happened in real life Idaho, but Ashley piled up more bodies).
Winstead’s writing is a highlight. She’s got a knack for making you feel Jane’s desperation, like when she’s hunched over her laptop, chasing ghosts in chatrooms while the real world fades away. The twisty plot delivers too. (I won’t spoil it).
But here’s where the snark creeps in: the book’s a little too pleased with itself. The Idaho parallels are so blatant it’s almost tacky—like, Ashley, we get it, you watched the news. And Jane? She’s a compelling mess, but her self-righteous tangents about truth and justice made me roll my eyes so hard I saw my brain. Plus, the sleuth crew’s antics sometimes feel like a true crime podcast gone rogue—entertaining, sure, but I couldn’t shake the sense that Winstead was winking at me through the pages, daring me to call her out.
Still, I can’t deny the pull. I devoured this thing (once it deviated from reality) like it was a bag of sour gummies, even if I winced at the aftertaste. It’s a love letter to true crime junkies, a middle finger to armchair ethics, and a therapy session for Winstead’s grief all rolled into one.
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