The story started out strong, with Charles lying dead in a bathtub in a pool of blood, and his wife, Paris, holding the murder weapon and covered in blood. Unfortunately, it all goes downhill from there.

I won’t waste time going into the plot, but instead on what did not work for me:.

• It was boring, repetitive, and tedious.
• There were no thrills, and no suspense.
• After the murder and Paris’s arrest, the majority of the book is spent on backstory.
• The backstory is icky and distasteful with much of the narrative focusing on childhood abuse and the life of an exotic dancer/stripper with graphic descriptions of “going beyond the call of duty”
• I knew the “twist” from the very beginning. I read a lot of mystery/thrillers and I’m always wrong so that tells you how obvious this one is.
• The implausibility of nearly everything.
• I disliked every single character and could not have cared less what happened to any of them. I love character-driven stories and I don’t mind unlikable characters if they are funny or relatable in some way. Or if the journey to the end is well-done and compelling.
• The characters were so over the top, they bordered on caricatures.
• The ending left me rolling my eyes.
• The story would have benefitted from the perspective of a police investigation to break up the endless backstory.

Here’s yet another winning novel for 2022, I think it may be my favorite Jennifer Hillier book so far! Things We Do In the Dark is yes, a dark story but has so many interesting elements to it that it earns a spot on my Best of 2022 list.

We have Paris, accused of murdering her much older, wealthy husband. It sure looks like she’s guilty. But Paris can’t afford to be charged with murder because what will happen once her past is exposed… what exactly is she hiding and why?

When Paris Peralta is arrested in her own bathroom—covered in blood, holding a straight razor, her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub behind her—she knows she’ll be charged with murder. But as bad as this looks, it’s not what worries her the most. With the unwanted media attention now surrounding her, it’s only a matter of time before someone from her long hidden past recognizes her and destroys the new life she’s worked so hard to build, along with any chance of a future.

Twenty-five years earlier, Ruby Reyes, known as the Ice Queen, was convicted of a similar murder in a trial that riveted Canada in the early nineties. Reyes knows who Paris really is, and when she’s unexpectedly released from prison, she threatens to expose all of Paris’s secrets. Left with no other choice, Paris must finally confront the dark past she escaped, once and for all.

Because the only thing worse than a murder charge are two murder charges.

I loved how Jennifer constructed the story and the twists and turns kept me fully engaged in what was happening with Paris. A definite must-read for those who love suspense, thrillers, and mysteries!

Coming out on July 19

This book was very unexpected. It was not your typical thriller. I liked that we got to hear from two different perspectives. We heard from Drew and from Paris. I always like to hear a story from multiple perspectives because it makes me understand and connect to the story more. I also feel like it makes the novel go by faster.

The author covered some very difficult topics such as child molestation and child abuse. She gave us a look into the foster care system and the prison system. My heart went out to Joey as her story was uncovered. The author did a good job of introducing us to a very sad part of society. She opened my eyes to things and educated me on a very sad but true part of the world.

I do have to say that I did guess the twist pretty early on. I think that is what made me dock the book down a star. It was too predictable.

Overall, I'm really thankful that I got the advanced reader copy and I encourage everyone to preorder the book as soon as possible!

**Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

I enjoyed Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, so I was excited to read her newest book. This is a solid thriller where the main character is not who you think she is. I only saw one of the twists coming, and I stayed up late two nights in a row reading as much as I could. My only critique is that I think the pacing was a little off. The story bounces back and forth between the main character's present and past, and the second section--which focuses on the past--lasted so long that I almost forgot about the characters we met in the first part! But it ultimately all comes together. This book will keep you entertained and it's perfect for anyone looking for a book to devour in a weekend!

CW: child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide

I overall enjoyed this one! There were some points where it felt it jumped around a little too much for my taste, but then it came back around and was tied up!

I’m a big thriller fan, so this kept my attention.

2.5 stars

Thank you to Jennifer Hillier, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story.
I was so looking forward to reading Jennifer Hillier’s new book, Things You Do In The Dark. Unfortunately, it was not up to the caliber of her previous book, Little Secrets. Our group of three readers were so anxious to read this book as we had enjoyed her last outing, and of course there was raving reviews. So, count us hugely disappointed when this story turned out to be nothing but a tawdry book, that had a number of flaws and irritating writing. There were a number of things that bothered me about the story which included graphic child abuse and gratuitous sex. Another bothersome item was the author chose Filipino people as the villains in her story. Granted the author is Filipino, and perhaps that the underlying issue, but it was over the top. It made for an uncomfortable read that was at times, cringe worthy. The main character had an abusive relationship headed by her mother who was a heinous individual. With a parade of men, of course this opened up her daughter, Paris (Ruby , Joelle) to sexual abuse on a grand scale. There is murder too, and one of the scenes involving the way in which the man, Charles was killed was awful. The story itself has quite a few plot holes and as we follow the main protagonist, Paris , we become acutely aware of the abuse she went through. Her adult sexual escape working as a stripper made this reader cringe and seemed like a nod to a shock value. This was a thriller that lacked thrills and the best I can summon to describe this story is distressing. Jan, Dorie, and I were hugely disappointed and quickly realized that this story was just not for us. It made us cringe at many points. Readers should be forewarned that there is child abuse and sexual issues that make up a large portion of this book.

Jennifer Hillier has pulled off another outstanding psychological thriller. This has layers upon layers of suspense with lots of action and multiple twists. Dual time periods create an abundance of tension and make this a page-turner. The story is both heart wrenching and pulse pounding. It was pulled off brilliantly and will leave readers wanting more.

Fast paced, dark, and thrilling.
I was able to connect the twisty dots fairly early, but this was still a page-turner.
However, the back and forth with the present and the past was told in an almost jarring way. Although the information with the time-jumps adds up in the end, it does throw off the pacing a bit at times. But that's really the only critique. Otherwise, I thought this was well-written. The characters were riveting, the story was very dark, and surprising emotional for a thriller. Adding that to the already good things I've heard about Hillier's other books, they have definitely jumped up on my TBR.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I expected this book to be a real page turner and it did not disappoint! The story begins with Paris in her bathroom with a straight razor, covered in blood and her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub. She knows how it looks, especially since her husband is 30 years her senior. Being indicted for his murder is not her only worry. She knows her shady past could comes back to haunt her.
The story has many elements. A similar murder committed decades earlier, contains many similarities. Ruby Reyes is being released after her conviction of that murder. She knows Paris, what is the connection? The story takes us to the world of pole dancing and a popular podcast. Threatening to expose Paris’s well hidden past. Another winner by Jennifer Hillier. Thanks for the opportunity to review this book in advance of publication. #NetGalley #ThingsWeDoInTheDark @JenniferHillier #MinotaurBooks

Heavy trigger warning for this book: SA.

Look, I know this book isn’t about Bob Saget, but that’s who I pictured reading about Jimmy Peralta, and that made it even more awesome and more tragic. I don’t think it would have had the same impact if I read it before Bob Saget’s death.

That being said - this was the typical Hillier thriller… it was straight up AMAZING. I have literally never read anything dull from her. I was completely invested in the characters and their outcomes. It was written beautifully, it flowed so well, and it kept me wanting to know more. This is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read so far this year. I HIGHLY recommend this book when it is published in July, you won’t regret it.

Jennifer Hillier has written another lovely, deeply felt story about love, loss, family, and murder.

The story is about two girls that are actually one - Joey, a little girl who grew up with a difficult mother and a long line of awful stepfathers - and Paris, the wife of a successful, rich, older comedian who is found dead in the bathtub. The story of how Joey grows up to become Paris is a long, heartfelt and sad one. The books asks us to consider whether little Joey grew up into the type of woman who would murder her husband (it may be in her family history), or whether she is being set up.

Trigger warnings abound for sexual abuse and a lot of other sad and awful things, but the story of Joey’s childhood is told sensitively and with the lovely writing Jennifer Hillier is known for. I really got invested in the character of Joey/Paris and her unconventional but real marriage to an older comedian. Joey’s mother Ruby, also known in the media as the Ice Queen, is a trip. I loved the way this plot unfolded. The book was always interesting because Joey was always interesting, and even though I figured out all the twists including the ending, I loved the way they were revealed.

This latest work solidifies my status as a fan of Jennifer Hillier, and I will read her next book sight unseen. This book is a good companion to the other recent great read, Real Easy - both books are about women who are strippers, but both books also go way beyond stereotypes to paint a layered and interesting picture of the complex and intelligent women they describe.

Four plus stars, and I can’t wait for Hillier’s next book. Many thanks to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and the author for this satisfying and layered read.

Hillier is really great at crafting a story that draws you in. With well thought out characters, and a twist that’s sure to please. This one did drag at times for me, comparing to her previous novels. Overall the book is a work of art and has a great concept! It’s a steady guessing game, with many turns. It’s sure to make Hillier fans happy!

So I enjoyed this story of a much younger wife accused of murdering her wealthy husband. There were several POVs, as well as different time lines…past & present, childhood to adulthood. It was fast paced & I enjoyed the story….but there wasn’t much of a payoff at the end. There were 2 twists, 1 of which I guessed early on. But the journey kot me turning the pages. Jennifer Hillier continues to be one of my favorites & I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

This was great! I love how the plot & characters developed. My only two plot hole issues were wouldn’t Paris at least have brought her cellphone to Vancouver with her and don’t Teslas track your location in the computer? Or with the nav system at least. Aside from that I loved the book and couldn’t put it down!

Oh my god Jennifer Hillier knows how to write a freaking thriller, LET ME TELL YOU!!

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I was in a bit of a slump and this novel grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me right out of it!

I loved how there are multiple parts in the book (I believe 5 total), and you jump back and forth between the past and present, and then between Paris, Joey and Drew! The flow was great and I can’t say there was one time where I was confused.

PLEASE READ TRIGGER WARNINGS THOUGH. There are some tough topics touched on in this book so be aware. But 5 freaking stars from me!!!!!!

I definitely need to read more of her books because the two I’ve read so far were wonderful!

Things We Do In The Dark by Jennifer Hillier was so GOOD! If you enjoyed Little Secrets and Jar of Hearts, you’re going to love this one.

I was intrigued from the beginning and loved each little twist and turn, right down to the very last page. Full of mystery and suspense, this will be a favorite of 2022 for sure.

Swipe for the full synopsis and pre-order your copy today!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for my advanced copies. This was an absolute treat to read!

Jennifer Hillier does it again!! This was an unputdownable thriller with a unique storyline, intriguing characters, loads of suspense, and a mysterious atmosphere.

Paris Peralta wakes up one morning, in her bathroom, covered in blood with a weapon in hand. Her husband, a famous comedian and millionaire, is dead lying in the bathtub behind her. While Paris did not kill him, she is being arrested on the suspicion of murder. But, this conviction is not what worries her the most. Someone from Paris's past is blackmailing her, threatening to expose her secrets and life she left behind. At the same time, the story follows a Canadian investigative journalist, Drew Malcolm, who is centering the new season of his Podcast around "The Ice Queen", or Ruby Reyes. Ruby is being released from prison early, on grounds of the "me-too" movement, after initially convicted of a life-sentence for murdering her wealthy ex-boyfriend. The third storyline takes place in the past and centers around Ruby's daughter Joey and her life after her mother went to jail. As the story unravels the past and present timelines weave together seamlessly and keep you on your toes until the very last page.

The storyline was so brilliantly done, and I recommend it for all thriller fans! While I figured out one of the major twists early on, it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book and watching all the pieces unfold.

Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: 7/19/22

Paris Peralta is married to famous comedian Jimmy Peralta, who’s decades older than her. To a random observer, Paris is likely a gold digger. So things can only get worse when Paris finds her husband dead in the bathtub after returning early from a work conference. As the prime suspect, Paris faces a lifetime in jail if convicted.

Weeks before Jimmy’s death, Paris started receiving blackmail letters from Ruby Reyes, an infamous murderer in Toronto who sliced her lover’s neck with an ice skate. Known as the Ice Queen, Ruby is getting out of jail and she’s determined to get millions out of Paris to start a new life in Toronto. She’s threatening to reveal Paris’s secret if she doesn’t pay up.

As the novel unfolds, we learn about both women’s secrets and the lengths they’re willing to go to in order to protect them.

It’s rare to find diversity in thrillers or mysteries so I always look forward to reading anything written by Jennifer Hillier. Not only is she Filipina, but she grew up in Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Things We Do in the Dark is partially set in Toronto, and its main characters are Filipina. It was refreshing to read a mystery with characters whom I can relate to culturally and geographically. I appreciate that Hillier doesn’t rely on common tactics found in domestic suspense/thrillers nowadays such as unreliable narrators using too much alcohol or drugs. This book had no gimmicks and it was clear that Hillier just wanted to tell a compelling story that would thrill readers. She’s also great at plotting and keeping the reader engaged. Each chapter makes you want to continue reading and it was hard to put this book down.

The only thing I found a bit wanting in this novel were the twists and the ending, which I found anticlimatic. But it may be because I just read too many thrillers. Others may be surprised.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m a fan of Hillier. I look forward to reading future thrillers from her.

This is one of the best stories I’ve read in a while. It begins with a woman charged with her husband’s murder, journeys through a child’s abusive childhood, and ends with the monsters being slain. An incredible story of redemption and survival, this is one book that will stick with the reader long after the final chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first read by this author and had high expectations. There are six parts to the book with different POV. Part 1 matches the synopsis of the book. After that it goes in different directions. Part 2 threw me a little because it was about a character in the past and I didn't understand the relevance at first. That part dragged for me and took me a while to get through. Once Part 3 started, the story came together more. By Part 4 I couldn't put the book down and really wanted to know what happened and where things were going. I read the rest of the book in one day. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a detailed mystery. Check the trigger warnings because some parts are disturbing. The ending was very satisfying.

T/W: child abuse, murder, suicide, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse