4.25⭐️ - this was super engaging and enjoyable. There were definitely a few moments were I had to suspend disbelief, but it was still a great read!

Thank you so much for this ARC!

Another five star read by Jennifer Hillier! I really enjoyed all the elements of this story - troubled past, attempt to start over, celebrity lifestyle, old secrets haunting the present.

Such a great thriller. Hillier has an amazing writing style .

This was a great thriller. Kept me guessing until the last minute. We follow Paris and her husband, Jimmy, just died. We see her in the first scene covered in blood and holding what is to be known as the murder weapon. That was an incredible start! I was hooked from the first sentence and couldn’t wait to see where we were headed next. We are able to see Paris’ upbringing and how she was let down at multiple points in her life.

I really enjoyed the way this was told and it was easy to follow with so many twisty turns along the way. Definitely recommend!

This book dragged me in, hooked me, and kept me reading to the very end. Even though I did guess a few of the twists early on, I was invested in seeing where the author went with the overall plot. I thought that the characters were interesting, and their backstories were logical. I liked how the author used more than a few red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Dividing the story into different sections was also effective because it set clear markers in the course of the story. I did think that Paris’ past was a little stilted, and the whole subplot of organized crime could have been better fleshed out – more fear of it in the present would have added an edge of suspense. But the author dealt with sensitive topics (namely child abuse and molestation) in a manner that was effective but respectful. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a unique page-turner that is off the beaten path of storylines.

Wow! You know it’s a good read when you finish a book in a day and a half. Yes, I was on vacation, but still….that’s quick for me. This book keeps you on your toes with multiple mysteries all thrown into one story. Plus there is quite a dysfunctional family element as well. It all begins with a woman being arrested for the murder of her famous, older husband. Afterall, she was found next to the body, holding the assumed murder weapon so why wouldn’t you assume she killed him? And then immediately you are told she’s not who she claims to be and that she’s been using a fake identity. What? Why? I can’t tell you any of that. It would spoil the book. You’ll just have to read it to find out more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and review.

Paris Peralta is found covered in blood beside the body of her famous husband. She maintains her innocence for this crime, but the media coverage the case receives could expose the secrets she has tried to keep hidden about her past. The story is split between the present day case and her backstory. Both stories are compelling, and we were invested in finding out what had happened to her husband, but also what had occurred in her past life that led her to her present situation. A well-written thriller and an overall good read!

I’m completely hooked on Jennifer Hillier books. After reading Things We Do In The Dark, I actively sought out her backlist and bought as many as I could.

How can you not be hooked from the very first page when a wife is caught holding a weapon that most likely killed her husband. Really?!?
How can you expect me to get any work done when a book starts off like that!


Paris Peralta has had one hell of a life, and she’s worked really hard to leave it behind while try making a normal like for herself. She's co-owner of a popular yoga studio, and married to a celebrity (and I should also mention, a much older celebrity). But now two people from her past have found her, AND she is accused of murdering her husband. Thank god she knows a really good lawyer.

In this 352-page thrill ride you can look forward to: a true crime podcaster uncovering secrets, narcissistic murderer aptly named “The Ice Queen”, a missing stripper, blackmail, sketchy relatives. Did I miss someone? Maybe. There’s a lot going on, but so worth it!

4 stars!

I must also add, Jennifer Hillier has included many song lyrics to start a chapter, including one of my faves, Bobcaygeon by The Tragically Hip. Now, I like her even more!

Another fantastic thriller from Jennifer Hillier! I enjoyed every minute of Things We Do In The Dark. It was fast paced, suspenseful, mysterious and best of all: heartfelt. I felt such a connection to Joey and really appreciated the way Hillier was able to develop such amazing characters and turn their unfortunate circumstances into what made the novel compelling and suspenseful! But that's not to say that this book doesn't get gritty at times, because it does(see trigger warnings below). But I think the author does a good job of pushing when she needs to push and holding back when it's the right time to hold back. Perfectly balanced!

This book is outlined in chunks, with the first section being about Paris and her husband's death. The second part is all about Joey. And then...you guessed it, the parts crash together and it made the reading experience so fun! I thought the pacing was perfect, I honestly couldn't put this one down! I highly recommend it!

Trigger warnings: Difficult family relations, rape, pedophilia, physical abuse, foster care

I received a free digital copy from the publisher, all opinions are my onw.

Paris Peralta has kept her life low-key and under the radar. When she marries a celebrity, she only does so because he’s retired and living a quiet life in Seattle. But then one night, her much-older husband is found dead in a blood-filled bathtub, with her nearby, holding a straight razor.

Charged with murder, Paris is now on everyone’s radar. And she’s terrified her past will now catch up with her.

Twenty-five years earlier, Ruby Reyes was put in prison for life for the stabbing death of her wealthy, much-older lover. Now, Ruby has made parole, and she knows who Paris really is.

Paris has to figure out who really killed her husband and how to protect herself from the past rearing up to ruin her future.

Things We Do in the Dark goes between the past and the present and between points of view of a few main characters. It’s definitely compelling and the story of Ruby’s daughter is heartbreaking. It’s fairly easy to figure out who is who in the story. But there are a few options for how Paris’s husband ended up bleeding out in a tub, and I didn’t know for sure what was the real cause until it was revealed. Hillier writes a page-turner. I just don’t think I would have read it had I known how much of the story involves child abuse and rape. It’s not detailed but still is haunting.

Hillier is the queen of dark, page-turning thrillers and 'Things We Do in the Dark' is no exception. An addictive and twisty read that will leave readers clamoring for more.

Wow. Wow. Wow. This book addressed so many things and was not what I expected! I thought I would be more spooked, but it was still a thriller and a mystery. There are some deep conversations and trigger warnings, but I thought it was well written and I was able to connect with the characters and their stories.

I am a big fan of Hillier. This book was fast paced and kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible.

Ruby Reyes is one mean mama. Her daughter, Joey, a victim of child abused and sexual assault wants to get away from her sucky life. When her mom is out in prison for killing her boyfriend, she thinks she is free at last, but somehow people around her are always dying. Will Joey turn out like her mother?

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the #gifted copy.

I have loved every one of Hillier's books and Things We Do in the Dark was no exception. Using alternating perspectives, as well as both past and present timelines, the Reader gets taken on a slow burn journey. It wasn't full of too many twists and I guessed early on what was happening, but the character development makes this book exceptional and feel real emotions toward the character in the book. There were some heavy topics explored, though, so read the trigger warnings below if you're concerned. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do if you are arrested for murder, found holding the weapon over the body of your dead husband, but have no memory of the event? Welcome to Things We Do in the Dark.

It's not just the current situation that has the main character, Paris Paralta, gripped in fear. It's the knowledge that she now has to confront her past.-which includes a second murder.

This story was told in alternating timelines and was tautly written and fast-paced. I loved it.

4.5/5 stars

TW: Rape, sexual & physical abuse, child abuse

Paris Peralta is arrested with blood all over her, holding a straight razor with her celebrity husband’s lifeless body in the tub behind her. What scares her most is not that she is about to be charged with murder, but that the publicity of what has happened will cause her past, which she has fought very hard to leave behind, will come back to haunt her. 25 years ago, Ruby Reyes dubbed “The Ice Queen” was convicted of murdering her married lover in cold blood. Ruby, recently released from prison, knows who Paris truly is and is threatening to expose everything if she does not get what she wants. Paris is finally forced to face her dark past and secrets and put an end to it once and for all.

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This was a VERY dark novel (please be wary of the TW’s) that read more as a mystery to me. This was my first Jennifer Hillier book and I love her writing style; I could not put this one down and kept turning the pages. I will say, the twists were predictable and I did guess them early on but the way they were presented and unfolded still had me hooked regardless. There is not much I can say with giving anything away, I do think this is a good book to dive into without knowing too much. The characters were vivid and complex and I really enjoyed Paris’ character development. This book was fast paced with a lot of detail and backstory which while extremely disturbing was crucial to the character’s development. I’ve heard amazing things about the author’s other novels and I can’t wait to check them out! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review, this title is available for purchase now!

I feel bad even leaving this review but wow.
This was not her best work. Probably my least favorite. It was a bit too predictable.

All the nicknames, stage names, real names and characters started to blend together, which happens when I start to lose interest in a book.

Huge bummer. But I'll still give her a chance in the future. Felt like two different stories and for some reason, I had no interest in the middle section. I was more interested with Paris and the "murder" of her husband.

Am I reading a book or watching a thriller?! WOWOWOWOWOW!!! Paris is just a woman trying to live her life with the man she loves. When her husband, who happens to be an extremely well known celebrity is found dead in their bathtub, Paris is then arrested for his murder.

The scariest part for Paris is that she secretly hides her true identity. She is actually not Paris Peralta, but a totally different person hiding her past. When Ruby Reyes hears of the death, she starts to threaten Paris that she'll expose her true identity if she doesn't cooperate and give her what she wants.

Ruby Reyes is the Ice Queen, convicted of a similar murder 25 years ago. She wants nothing more than to be free and get what she thinks she deserves. She thinks Paris will do whatever she wants so she can continue to be in hiding.

I can't tell you more without giving away all the juicy details!! This was one of my top reads for the year for sure! So many twists, turns, and shocking revelations that I never saw coming. You'll definitely want to add this book to your cart immediately and start reading. Jennifer Hillier is an incredible author and has completely shocked me with her talent in this novel.

Thank you Netgalley and Jennifer Hillier for allowing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. 5 stars all the way! I'd give more if I could.

I would like to thank St Martins Press and Netgalley for a chance to read an arc of this book for an honest review. I really liked this book. It drew me in and it had a few different storylines that all were drawn together but each was exciting in it's own. Trouble seems to follow Paris and as she keeps trying to start over something bad happens. There were several surprises that I was starting to figure out on my own but really liked about the story. If you like a story that twists and turns and has a lot of things going on this is a good book for you!

What's worse than a murder charge? Two murder charges! Paris Peralta is arrested in her own bathroom. She's covered in blood, holding a razor with her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub. It is obvious she will be charged for his murder. But that's not what worries Paris. All of the unwanted media will bring attention to her and it's only a matter of time before she's recognized and found by someone in the past.

Five of my Goodreads friends found Things We Do in the Dark to be at least a 3⭐️ rating. However, the story was too obvious. Too foreseeable. Too repetitive. The best thing is the cover. At first glance it is a plain navy background with the title in large yellow gold caps. But behind the letters are a woman's face. Eyes that have seen better days and hide secrets. I just wish it matched the content.

Happy Pub Day, Jennifer Hillier! Things We Do in the Dark is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

~LiteraryMarie

—t h i n g s w e d o i n t h e d a r k—⁣
If you married a celeb tomorrow, who would it be? ⁣
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Things We Do in the Dark is the newest release from Jennifer Hillier and follows Paris Peralta who is arrested for the brutal murder of her very famous comedian husband. Did she do it? If not, who did? Exploring past and present, the book explores serious crimes and hidden pasts.⁣
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Like the others I’ve read by Hillier, this does not shy away. The book is disturbing - sometimes it feels needlessly so - and exceedingly dark and creepy. The twists are plentiful and even when I guessed them, I still thought they were well done. ⁣
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That said, I found the characters somewhat difficult to root for. That with the endless and off putting and sometimes gratuitous descriptions of abuse meant this wasn’t my favorite read. If you can stomach it, lots of people are raving about this one. It just ultimately wasn’t quite for me. ⁣
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Thank you so much to @minotaurbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this one!⁣
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#bookreview