Jennifer Hillier never disappoints and this is my favorite yet. There was never a dull point and the suspense kept me turning the page way past when I should’ve been asleep. I love thrillers and I feel like this had a fresh take and in a good way. The story flowed so well between the different timelines and the characters felt so genuine that you couldn’t help but root for Paris. I will be recommending it to anyone and everyone. I am so incredibly thankful to get this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!

This book has it all - a little seedy underbelly, a little glamour, a little murder, a little romance, a big mystery- I loved it. Paris' character seems a bit flat until she starts to tell her story, and her history of trauma reveals she thinks deep and says little - except when she needs to.

Especially revealing, as always, is Jennifer Hillier adding Filipino flair and history into every scene. It makes it especially personal and resonant.

Thanks for the early review copy, Net Galley!

Jennifer hillier is an auto-buy author for me and I was immediately intrigued by the plot of this story - the celebrity husband of a woman with her own secrets to hide is found murdered and she is accused of the crime, thus beginning to unravel the truth about her own dark past. I generally liked the pacing of this story, little bits from the past slowly leading to the revelation of who Paris Peralta is. Sometimes it felt a tiny bit scattered, the story of character Joey could have unfolded in a slightly more linear way, but ultimately this was a fun and satisfying read. And just when you think you have worked out the reveal, there is a final surprise in the last pages. This was an enjoyable thriller from an author I can always count on. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me this advanced copy for review.

NO SPOILERS

Have you ever read a book that you took your time reading because it was so good you didn't want it to ever end? That's exactly how I felt about this book!! Hillier is a fantastic writer and this book is no exception! There was never a dull point in the book. Her writing flowed beautifully! The story is told from different points of view weaving a suspense-filled thriller that will keep you up reading late into the night.

Thank you to Net Galley & St. Martin's Press for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.

Another engaging pageturner from Hillier. A recommended purchase for collections where thrillers and her previous titles are popular.

Jennifer Hillier is such a great author that while each book is different you can expect the same great attention to detail in the story line. The story here was also fantastic. Paris Peralta is finally living a quiet, safe life with the man she loves. But when she wakes up one morning to police pointing guns at her and accusing her of murdering her husband, she has to prepare for not just a murder trial, but also all of her secrets to get spilled for public consumption. Because hundreds of miles away in a Canadian women’s prison is Ruby Reyes, and Ruby knows a thing or two she shouldn’t. And she’s about to get out of prison. This is told In 5 parts and at different times reveals Paris’s past in slow, horrific detail. But just because she was raised in violence doesn’t mean she’s meant to repeat it…does it?

JH fans: you’re going to love this next hit!

Several different story lines and narrators work together to tell about Joelle and her abusive mother Ruby; Drew, the investigative reporter; Paris and her husband, Jimmy; and the ladies in his life. Dark and raw, this novel will keep you reading late into the night. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

Paris Peralta is married to a wealthy older man. Her husband is a celebrity and she has managed to stay out of the spotlight for several years in spite of being married to him. Paris has a past that she would like to keep hidden. When Paris returns home early from a trip, she finds her husband dead in the bathtub. She is soon arrested, covered in blood and charged with his murder.

Twenty-five years earlier, Ruby Reyes, was arrested and is serving time in prison for a similar murder. Ruby knows all about Paris and her past and who she really is. When Ruby is released from prison early, she threatens to expose all of Paris's secrets. Paris has no other choice than to confront her past that she escaped. Will the truth be exposed? Will it destroy everything Paris has worked so hard to bury? OR will this all come crashing down and ruin her life forever.

Absolutely another great book from this author. She never seems to disappoint. I am very thankful to get this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press! Be sure to add this to your list for its release on July 19, 2022.

( tw: physical abuse, implied sexual assault, slight gore, child abuse )

Things We Do In the Dark is a well written thriller that provides excellent representation of a well written character of color. The author does an excellent job of making the characters personable. You’re rooting for some of them, because you can’t be rooting for them all.

The writing is poignant and draws you in. You’re invested in this case because somehow it matters to you to. It’s somehow reminiscent of “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers. You feel pity and rage and sadness and it’s all in the span of a few minutes.

I read this on a flight and the turbulence properly reflected my thoughts and response to this novel. The twists are done well and paced immaculately. The only setback was the slowness of the beginning but you just have to be patient.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this free arc to me in exchange for an honest review.

Things We Do in the Dark
by Jennifer Hillier
Pub Date: 19 Jul 2022
4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan for the ARC of this book.

Ever since I read Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier I’ve been obsessed. I was elated to be given this ARC of her upcoming book release.

Paris Peralta wakes up to find herself covered in blood, holding a straight razor, and arrested for the murder of her famous husband. This story is told in multiple POVs and flashbacks to Paris’ past. She’s a survivor and used to lying to protect herself. She’s willing to do anything to keep her past life secret. This book is a thrilling ride from start to finish, reminding us that revenge is, indeed, a dish best served cold.

I enjoyed this suspenseful story, and I would highly recommend it.

Paris Peralta is arrested for the murder of her celebrity husband, Jimmy, but did she really do it? And what secrets is she hiding? Paris is also being blackmailed by a convicted murderer, Ruby Reyes "The Ice Queen", who is about to get out of prison. So what does Ruby have on Paris? This is a really good mystery/suspense that has multiple POVs and weaves the past and present together seamlessly. Although not my favorite Hillier book (Jar of Hearts!!), I would recommend Things We Do in the Dark for anyone wanting a dark read.

This was a fun to read mystery. The book was filled with enough suspense to keep the reader turning the pages to see what happens next. Some interesting twists add to the enjoyment of the book. This is a book which I would recommend to others who like a good mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

WOW. Firstly, I want to mention that I love Jennifer HIllier novels, so when I saw her newest on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it (VERY grateful to have been given a copy to read and review).

I devoured this book. I don't even really know where to start - the story line itself was so twisted and something new that I haven't seen in other thrillers I've read, it was a good break from your typical husband / wife murder. Paris, the main character, was easy to like and believe, although you knew from the get go she had her fair share of secrets.

The novel switched between a few different story lines, all intertwined, and all wrapped up quite nicely at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed how everything worked together. I definitely saw 1 of the major twists coming (well I had more of a hunch than anything), however everything else was played out so well, I wasn't expecting the twists presented.

I highly recommend adding this to your TBR.

This was a well written book, jumping between POVs and time periods pretty seamlessly. This felt like a book where the narrative didn't really rely on the twists so even when you saw them coming it didn't take away from the overall story. Paris was an incredibly sympathetic character too and I loved that you never once had to doubt that she did in fact love her husband; that being taken out of the narrative and not questioning that made it much more than just a murder-mystery/girl with a past story and the way it trickled out really led you to understand them.

This is my third Hillier book and I’m freaking RUNNING to buy her others! This woman can WRITE!!! I truly enjoy the way the story flows between characters and timelines. I love learning a little about each character over time. Mostly though I love the story itself. Interesting and intriguing and sometimes I wonder if I’m meant to like, dislike, love, or hate each character and my thoughts and feelings change throughout the book. I loved the way this book ended just like I loved the endings of her other books. Sometimes I love the writing in a book only to hate the ending. Hillier has a talent for writing endings that are so strong. Brilliant author!

Hillier’s best yet! Paris Peralta has had a rough life. With an abusive uncaring mother, who let her be abused by many others, Paris is happy to live a quiet life with the man she has fallen in love with. When her husband gets murdered and she is blamed, Paris is afraid that the anonymity she has worked to protect is now in jeopardy. With this murder charge, people from her past are coming back to haunt her, especially her mother who is being released from prison after being convicted on her own murder charge. Excellent, fast paced, multilayered story that is impossible to put down. I have read all of Hillier’s books and this one is her best!

Intergenerational trauma and its harrowing legacy is explored as we race along a well crafted plot. We are guided by an incredible survivor of a protagonist who shows us how to be a phoenix: with courage. An excellent thriller with a duo who I'd love to see show up in a subsequent novel.

Wow! Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier was a page-turner that kept me up way too late. If you enjoy thrillers with twists, this book is for you. Very engaging and exciting! I look forward to more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC copy of this book! Jennifer Hillier is one of my must read authors.

This whole book screams Destiny’s Child-“Survivor.” I thought the book was well written. I learned a few things about the Filipino culture as well.
This was a slow burn mystery, and even though I figured out most of the twists, it didn’t bother me at all! I loved the blurbs of song lyrics before each part of the book. It really tied in with what was about to happen.
I would definitely recommend this book!

I was beyond excited to get the chance to read Jennifer Hilliers latest book!! She is one of my top 10 authors and I had just finished reading The Butcher to be caught up on all her books! Things We Do In The Dark was amazing start t finish! Paris charged with the murder of her famous husband was just the start of the story with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the last word!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a must read!! Thanks netgalley!! Publish date July 19,2022