What can I say but - WOW! I was elated to receive the opportunity to review Jennifer Hillier's latest novel after absolutely LOVING her 2020 novel "Little Secrets". And "Things We Do in the Dark" definitely did not disappoint! Such a unique, fun read that takes you on quite a journey before a very satisfying end.

Paris just found her older husband dead and wakes up surrounded by police telling her to drop her weapon. What weapon?! As she deals with her arrest, she also begins receiving notes in her husband's fan mail that seem to come from a past enemy...what is going on? Just as I was excited to begin diving into this mystery, Part Two began and I found myself meeting a famous podcast director working on a new season about convicted murderer Ruby Reyes. I found myself briefly frustrated with the new direction, but I was soon engrossed and excited to find how the plots would intersect! We are taken on a generation-long journey, and the ride does not disappoint. I was continually surprised and thrilled at how excited I was to be reading! The length is perfect and gives plenty of time to really connect with all the characters - you'll find yourself loving AND hating them!

This is the freshest novel I've read in quite awhile. The plot is fascinating, I was continually surprised, and I felt a true feelings while reading. I was so thrilled with the ending, and yet so sad to see it end. If you buy one book this summer, make it "Things We Do in the Dark" - you won't be disappointed! One of the great thriller writers of our time!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in return for a review. All opinions are very much my own.

I was so thrilled to be able to read this book! "Things We Do in the Dark" is a twisty, fast paced thriller that kept me guessing. I absolutely love when I don't "figure it out". I loved the dual storylines that eventually came together. 5 amazing stars for this novel!

Here's the thing: I love thrillers, normally psychological, and legal thrillers. While this one hooked me from page one, once it gets a few chapters in, the story gets lost and muddled with the past. Then it starts picking up again, and everything from the past ties into the present, it makes sense, but I feel like it could have been executed better.
I found it very predictable, so it didn't make me guess much, but it was a decent book all in all.

Yet another excellent book by Jennifer Hillier. Hillier manages the details of this intricately twisty plot with an expert hand. Highly recommended.

It’s no surprise I’m giving this book all the stars. This is the third book I’ve read from Hillier, and just like the other two, this one grips you right from the beginning. It’s packed with layers that you get to peel back as you read further. Full of twists, that leave you suspicious of almost everyone, and for a second you think you have it all figured out. Until you don’t. The past and present are perfectly woven together. The main character has her flaws, with an incredibly heartbreaking backstory, that still has you rooting for her. This is not your typical husband/wife murder thriller, as there is much more to this twisted story. The ending is perfectly wrapped up.
Hillier has a way with writing thrillers unlike any other, and for that, she is an “auto-buy” for me.

A fun, twisting and turning suspense story. This was just pure joy to read. A nice escape from heavier fare.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724802

A full five stars once again to Jennifer Hillier for her newest mystery/thriller THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK, It's a story of abuse (if you thought you had a horrible childhood, just wait.) It's a story of friendship and new beginnings and of course love.

The story opens with the death of an aging comedian. His wife is arrested covered in his blood. Simple enough premise right? Nuh uh. The twists and turns will will keep you reading without skipping any pages. What a fantastic book! Hillier gets better and better with every novel she writes. It's a small thing. And maybe I shouldn't even mention it. But since I'm me, I will. Jennifer Hillier didn't write about Caucasians as most authors seem to do. She varied the races and I really appreciated that. The world is not homogenous.

All in all I think this was a great book and St. Martn's is so lucky, not to mention smart to have signed Ms. Hillier. If thrillers are your jam, don't miss THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK.

CW: child abuse, rape

First impression: Let me start out by saying @jenniferhillier is one of my favorite thriller writers! I own all of her books and she’ll forever be an auto buy author for me! She never fails to push the limits and bring on the twists. I can’t wait to see what her new book brings! Major shoutout to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ARC for my review. This was a dream! & what makes it even better is doing it as a buddy read with @davynsden! We’ve buddy read almost every Hillier novel together!

Halfway point: The twist and theories are forming and I am here for it! I can’t wait to see how this all comes together!

Final impression: This one wasn’t as dark and twisted as her previous books, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! I don’t know what else to say other than Jennifer Hillier is still one of my favorites! I’ll happily read anything she puts out and I already can’t wait to see what she comes up with

3.5 stars - I'm a fan of Hillier's and can always count on her for a good dark, creepy book. While this book was certainly very dark I found it to be less of a thriller/suspense and more of dark drama. I think my hopes were up a little for more suspense but most of the twists were pretty predictable. I was invested in present day a lot more than the past sections but all that being said, it was still a strong story overall. Will definitely continue to read books from this strong author!

It definitely starts off high on drama when Paris, wife of Jimmy, celebrity is found in blood next to her husband's body. And obviously she is the suspect as she is 30 something wife of older millionaire husband. She claims to be innocent but she is definitely hiding where she was which opens up more questions. But what is she hiding and who is blackmailing her but why? There are two unsolved deaths that are connected with Paris and she seems to be responsible for both. Regarding her past, I felt no suspense as I guessed the whole plot right away. But there was confusion with Jimmy's death and that part kept me hooked mostly.

Overall, though it was more or less expected plotline, it was engaging all the way.

Jennifer Hillier has been on my "Must Read" list ever since about 10 or so years ago when Creep first came out. I have since read everything she has written. Imagine my excitement to receive an ARC of this one. WOW!!! Jar of Hearts is still my favorite, but this is a very, VERY close second! The story is told in 2 timelines. We hear from Paris Peralta, whose husband has just died, and she is holding a bloody razor. We also hear from Joey, whose mother is the Ice Queen, named for murdering her lover. Last but not least, we hear from Drew, a podcaster. How do the stories connect? We find out in a super-fast paced story that I could have easily read in one sitting if I didn't have to work and take care of responsibilities. The characterization is EXCELLENT, as is the atmosphere. I really could visualize the Cherry club and feel Joey's desperation. Buckle in for a dark and crazy ride with this one, you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Jennifer Hiller and St. Martin's Press for this much appreciated ARC!

I always look forward to Jennifer Hillier books! They're always perplexing, with a great twist and and great character development. This one didn't disappoint. While I will admit, it was a slower start than some of her other books, this one got me hooked immediately. I will definitely recommend this to my audience!

Paris Peralta is found covered in blood and holding a razor in the bathroom with her dead husband, Jimmy. Paris is subsequently arrested and realizes that she will face a murder charge. However, she is more concerned with her past being exposed than the actual murder charge. Over two decades prior, Ruby Reyes is charged with a very similar murder in Canada. Ruby knows all about the secrets from Paris’ past. When Ruby is unexpectedly released from prison, Paris realizes that she might have to face her past, front and center!

Jennifer Hillier blew me away with this highly entertaining and very engaging novel! The main characters are developed perfectly throughout the story. To be able to stand out with a very unique storyline in a crowded genre is an amazing accomplishment. This book earned each and every star!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

My weekend was MADE when the approval email arrived for Things We Do In The Dark! I loved author Jennifer Hillier's last two books, Jar Of Hearts and Little Secrets, and couldn't wait to dive into this one.
⁣
And let's just say, this one is GOOD!! I love a dark mystery, different POVs and twists and turns that unravel layer by layer until the very end. I also like multifaceted characters and enough details to feel like you know them, and Hillier's books have it all. And in the thriller book world, it's truly a hard thing to find!
⁣
So, in short, add this book to your list, it's not to be missed! I already know it will be making waves this summer in the reading world. This one hits bookstore shelves on July 19th, 2022!

This was such a fun read, one that kept me turning the pages and held my interest the whole way through and even though I saw a lot of things coming, the writing was so engaging and entertaining I didn't even care. There were still lots of twists and surprises that kept me on my toes and kept me reading.

Turning a fun story that every fan of a good mystery and thriller is going to get completely caught up in.

Jennifer Hillier has been a favorite author of mine since I first read Jar of Hearts. Her latest, THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK gave me all the feels Jar of Hearts did.

Character driven, dark and gritty, this book will have your head spinning with all the twists. I read it in less than 24 hours and trust me, you will not be able to put it down once you start. There are multiple POV and dual timelines which I love in a book, and I think they were handled perfectly. I think the less you know going in the better. The ending was very satisfying, and I screamed WTF out loud! I’m still thinking about this book days later.

Add this to your TBR now!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC.

Serious question- is Jennifer Hillier capable of writing anything I won't immediately devour and absolutely love? Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets are two that I especially loved, but Things We Do in the Dark just edged them out as my most favorite.

Paris Peralta, a yoga studio owner in Los Angeles, is arrested for the murder of her husband, Jimmy Peralta, a beloved stand up comic thirty years her senior. Because of Jimmy's popularity, media coverage of the event is swift and prolific. Paris worked hard to build this life after escaping her past, and she fears that someone who knew her then will destroy everything she has built, along with her future.

Another key player in this novel is Ruby Reyes, known as the Ice Queen after a conviction for killing her on again, off again lover. Ruby knows all about Paris' past, and when Ruby is granted early release, she threatens to expose Paris to the world.

Hillier's characters in this book were well fleshed out, and even the characters that I liked best had acknowledged personality flaws. I absolutely love when characters seem so real and can evoke a range of emotions in the reader; you know she's an excellent author when I feel for the antagonist. The plot was well paced, and I really like the way the story unfolded; it alternated between past and present seamlessly. I didn't expect the book to end the way that it did, and it was beautifully done. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging thriller or who is already a fan of Jennifer Hillier.

Starts with a bang... "Things We Do in the Dark" begins with the main character waking up on the bathroom floor holding a bloody razor while her husband lies dead in the tub feet away from her. Intrigued yet? She is arrested and named the prime suspect in his murder. I was really enjoying the story from Paris' perspective but then the story switches to a different character and I was confused and lost interest a little. It DOES shift back to Paris though and I was hooked again.

Paris has secrets and is afraid the past she hoped to stay buried will catch up to her. It was a fun ride to discover all the secrets she was hiding...

This was a quick, enjoyable thriller that I recommend to any thriller lovers and I can't wait to see what Jennifer Hiller comes up with next!

A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for granting me an advanced copy of this book.

Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier has a very contemporary vibe to it, and a familiar plotline, a younger woman, not too successful married to a much older and much more successful man. Then a murder. The woman is accused of murdering her husband and from there the story unfolds. A little predictable, this one was just okay for me.

Hiller has become one if my favorite writers. I thought Jar of hearts was good but this top this and more. It's definitely in my top 10 books I've ever read. I like the pov from each character in the story. It keeps you on the edge of your sit reading it.