The Hive was a good mystery suspense that I thought was entertaining. I found I didn’t want to put it down and was fascinated by the Bee farm and its secrets. The characters were unique and I enjoyed the writing. The ending was a good shock.
Thanks Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.

Gregg Olsen is a prolific author of excellent books and has a permanent space on my followed authors list. His books do not stay on my TBR list long, they jump to the top quickly. I don't bother to read the synopsis, I know I'm going to love his books. Olsen writes nonfiction and fiction that could easily be interchangable. If you are looking to expand your library, I'd recommend any of his titles in either genre.

The Hive is fiction that reads as an expose of a popular skin care company brought down by criminal acts that include fraud and murder. The products are made in a cult-like compound where media attention is not welcome. The characters are so real you expect them to step out of the book at any time. The compound and the business are described in detail, the good parts and the bad. The story unwinds slowly at first, building pace and tension as attention is drawn to a business that worked well in the dark for so many years. The ending.....well, you'll just have to read it yourself.

I wanted this to be good but I could not get into it. I do not like when the main character is a police officer so that really threw me off

I’m a sucker for a book about cults, This was a little different in that there was no true religious aspect to the cult, which really made it more interesting. I will say there was a lot more of a mystery/crime aspect than really getting into the workings of the cult. Very enjoyable, loved the different POVs.

Gregg Olsen's ‘The Hive’ is an engrossing thriller that plunges readers into the heart of a sinister web of secrets and deceit. From the opening pages, he constructs a novel around a cult and cult leader that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to unravel the haunting mysteries within.

Set in a small, tight-knit community, ‘The Hive’ delves into the lives of seemingly ordinary people, revealing the darkest corners of their souls. Olsen's vivid and evocative prose captivates readers, immersing them in a world where nothing is as it seems. With each turn of the page, the tension escalates, sending shivers down the spine.

His characterization is a standout aspect of the book, breathing life into a disparate assortment of characters. From the enigmatic detective, Lindsay Jackman, who is fighting her own demons, every character feels authentic and multi-dimensional. Olsen expertly explores their motivations, drawing readers into their complex emotional journeys.

One of the book's most powerful quotes underscores the book's dark undercurrent: "In the hive, secrets fester like poison, corroding the bonds that hold us together." This haunting line encapsulates the central theme of the novel—the destructive power of secrets and the devastating consequences they unleash upon unsuspecting lives.

Olsen deftly navigates the intricate twists and turns of the plot and his storytelling keeps readers guessing, with each revelation more shocking than the last. The pacing is relentless, driving the narrative forward with unremitting force.

‘The Hive’ is a book that defies easy categorization. Part psychological thriller, part gripping mystery, it transcends genre conventions, delivering a truly original reading experience. Olsen's ability to create an atmosphere of palpable suspense is second to none, immersing readers in a world where danger lurks at every corner.

The author’s prose is as sharp as a blade, cutting through the mundane and exposing the sinister truths that lie beneath the surface. Each sentence is meticulously crafted, evoking vivid imagery that plays out in the mind's eye. His attention to detail is astonishing, adding an extra layer of depth to an already captivating narrative.

In ‘The Hive’, Olsen explores the dark side of human nature, peeling back the layers of the human psyche with unnerving precision. The characters' inner struggles and moral dilemmas resonate long after the final page is turned. Through his portrayal of flawed and haunted individuals, Olsen challenges readers to confront their own capacity for darkness.

With its gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and relentless suspense, ‘The Hive’ is a tour de force in the world of psychological thrillers. Gregg Olsen proves once again why he is a master of the genre, leaving readers breathless and eager for more. Don't miss this electrifying journey into the depths of human depravity.

As I closed the book, one final quote reverberated in my mind, a testament to the power of Olsen's writing: "In the end, the hive consumes us all, devouring our secrets and leaving nothing but darkness in its wake." This eerie reminder of the book's themes encapsulates the lingering impact of ‘The Hive’, a novel that will leave readers questioning the hidden truths that reside within their own lives.

A huge thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

The premise of this book was really interesting with how the cult-like group was used. The jumping timelines did confuse me in some parts of the story but overall I enjoyed it. I did not, however, really care for the end. It felt rushed.

Twists and turns galore, two mysteries, and a cult. Gregg Olsen is the king of crime! His books are well researched and therefore have an authentic feeling that easily immerses you in the story. I normally don't read stories centered around crazy cult leaders, but this was a good one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

If you tell will always hold a place In my heart for favorite special books. So naturally this one did not surpass that. This book is about secrets and secrets and then a little more secrets. This book follows the mystery of two very different murders that occurred years apart and the cult that is mysteriously linked to them. I feel like with this book there was to much POV shifting it more so slowed the pace down for me. This may not be as good as if you tell but it definitely is a creep mystery story to it. Id recommend it and more than likely read it again!

Gregg Olsen can do no wrong in my eyes. I have been a huge fan and will continue to be a huge fan. Great book, great writing, great characters and plot. What more can you ask for?

Great mystery story and loved the premise but felt this story fell flat at times.
The characters were strong and I love how the author writes strong female voices. The Hive follows two different murders occurring years apart and a cult that is mysteriously linked to them.
I'd recommend this book if you enjoy a good mystery tale.

The Hive is definitely different from Mr. Olsen's previous books, but it is engaging, has a credible plot and he is able to explore the dark side of cults and the lies concealed in them. The story is well-written, and the characters are intense and well-defined.

Loved it. I'm a huge Gregg Olsen fan; I tend to like his nonfiction more than his fiction, but I really did enjoy this one! I found myself not wanting to put my Kindle down and read most of this in one sitting, 4 stars!

This was one crazy plot!

This is a book full of twists and turns, reiterating the fact that self-help gurus are dangerous. There were so many well developed characters throughout this book. The flashbacks and the stories that were told were so thought out that the past and present were woven together seamlessly.

Overall, a decent read and recommend to anyone looking for a creative thriller.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!

I love a book about cults and it seems like this has become a more and more popular subject recently. I don't know why I took so long to read this book because once I started I could not put it down!!! Highly highly recommend this amazing read!

Full disclosure: I DNF’d this about 100 pages in.

The premise sounded a lot better than how the plot actually went, unfortunately. I didn’t mind Gregg Olsen’s writing style but the plot and the actual characters and all and the idea of the “cult” just felt kind of misogynistic and gross. Maybe, I hope, it wouldn’t have felt that way once the book actually finishes but it was just too much for me personally to finish.

Another successful novel from Gregg Olsen. The story kept me interested with the characters and the twists and premise. I felt as the story went on it became more convoluted and wordy than was necessary and did distract from my ability to follow it and the punch it packed. Still a strong read. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love, absolutely love Olsen's work, so getting an ARC of this book was the highlight of my year. Which meant, I basically savored it like a fine book wine. The Hive had all of my favorite things: suspense, creepiness, cults, and twists that made me chew my lip as I kept flipping pages. As a true crime enthusiast, I would recommend this to anyone else who loves the genre, but not newbies as this is a bit of a long one to start for a beginner.

Dark and twisting. I’m forever fascinated by books and stories of cults and found this to be a uniquely fresh take. I thoroughly enjoyed THE HIVE!

Having read a few books by Olsen, I was a bit surprised when I read THE HIVE. It was a bit different than his previous novels. Though the story was engaging and kept my interest until the end, I think I wanted more from the characters. At the end of the day, Olsen can weave a thrilling story and this is just that. I am just not sure if this book was for me.

What can you say about The Hive? Some say it’s a cult, others well….after reading this book you will definitely find out exactly what it is. That’s what happens when detective Lindsey Jackson as she investigate the death of a young woman. I found that this book was interesting and kept my attention in some parts but other it was a little to long to get to the point. I wouldn’t want to sit down and read it again like other books in my collection. Thanks NetGalley for this opportunity in exchange for my honesty.