All the Dangerous Things By Stacy Willingham had me on the edge of my seat. How I love an unreliable narrator! Isabelle Drake’s son, Mason, went missing a year ago. In that time she has hardly slept. The story has a time slip from when she was a child to the present. Both stories are equally riveting.
We see that Isabelle has many, many issues. Her son is missing, her marriage is in shambles, she doesn’t have a job. The whole time I kept asking myself, who took Mason? The ending does not disappoint.
I was drawn in by the realistic, complex characters. The story does touch on mental illness. I think Isabelle gave her mom too big of a pass, while blaming her father too much for events that happened.
I listened to the story on audio. The narrator had a pleasant voice. Many thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

4.5 STARS

Another solid thriller from Stacy Willingham, but I honestly can’t say I’m surprised. I loved her debut novel and was thrilled to receive an early audio copy of All the Dangerous Things. Needless to say, I enjoyed it so much I needed a physical copy too!

I know some readers aren’t a fan of her longer descriptions, but personally that is what I like about her thrillers. It’s definitely one of those things that has to be done right in order to be effective, and I think Willingham has nailed it.
It’s not very often that I encounter a thriller that I’d label as beautifully written, but that is exactly how to describe both A Flicker in the Dark and All the Dangerous Things. Her descriptions really add to the ominous tone and help to convey Isabelle’s feelings of panic and despair regarding the disappearance of her son. While the pace is on the slower side, particularly through the middle of the book, I think the payoff was totally worth it. I was shocked when I found out what happened to her son, and that doesn’t happen often for me.

If you enjoyed A Flicker in the Dark, or are a fan of slow-burn, emotional thrillers with an unreliable narrator, then this is the book for you! Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Stacy Willingham’s newest book, ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS, is available today and it is one to get your hands on! I enjoyed A Flicker in the Dark too but this one had more unpredictable twists— and lots of them.

Isabelle Drake’s son, Mason, was taken while she was asleep one year ago. Isabelle will not give up until she finds out what happened to him, and she is not going to rest until she brings him home. This is a novel where you trust no one. Isabelle as a mother is constantly scrutinized and everything surrounding her and her story makes you feel uneasy. For some reason, characters sleepwalking make a story feel creepier to me, and we know this about Isabelle. She’s been a sleepwalker her entire life and now she’s an insomniac. I had a sense of foreboding the entire time I was reading this. I almost guessed one of the twists but still only had it partially correct. The other twists left me excited that I didn’t see it coming. This is a page-turner of a read!

I received an early eARC and early listening copy so I was able to go back and forth between reading and listening. This was perfect as I didn’t want to stop reading! Many thanks to @netgalley, @minotaur_books, and @macmillan.audio for these copies. @stacyvwillingham is now an auto buy author for me!

Wow, this book is a real attention grabber. There is a suicide (or was it), a sleep walking murder ( are you sure) and missing child. Just when i thought I figured one thing out there was a twist thrown in there dealing with something else that changes the outlook totally. I agree with the ending and believe that what everyone got they may have deserved but I will leave that for you to decide. I cant wait to read her other books.

This was a fabulous book! excellent thriller I don't want to give anything away but Willingham knocks it outta the park for her sophomore novel! if you were a fan of the edge of your seat thriller A Flicker in the Dark you are going to love this one too!!

Karissa Vacker's narration is top notch she always brings the emotion and this one is no exception!


Highly recommend this one!!

4 stars

I received this book from the publisher Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

I was not a fan of the first book by Stacy Willingham - I'm very picky about books set in Louisiana being just right - but this one exceeded my expectations. This was a fast-paced, fascinating thrill ride! All the twists and turns had me guessing the whole time and I did not want to put this book down. Highly recommended for those who love thrillers and want to read into the night.

If you liked Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, you’re going to want to read All The Dangerous Things. While the present-day plots are extremely similar, what stood out about All The Dangerous Things were the flashbacks to Isabelle’s past. I enjoyed the overlapping mysteries and how the author built suspense toward both reveals–does Isabelle’s past have anything to do with her son’s disappearance in the present? Could her insomnia have something to do with what happened to him?

I’d certainly consider this a bingeable thriller, as I finished it in just a day. Willingham’s writing makes it impossible to press pause or stop turning pages!

Audio Review: Karissa Vacker is one of my favorite thriller narrators. She does such a great job of building suspense! The production was great, and I’m very glad I listened to the audio version.

Happy book birthday to All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham!

Isabelle Drake’s son was kidnapped from his crib in the middle of the night. No one’s able to find him and the whole world thinks he’s dead, even the police and Isabelle’s husband. But Isabelle is certain that he’s still alive, so she spends every second of her life trying to find him.

A year has passed and Isabelle feels desperate and hopeless, so when a true-crime podcaster asks for an interview, she agrees to talk to him. But when he starts asking questions about her life and her past, she starts questioning everything that has happened, and she realizes that she can’t trust anyone, not even herself.

All the Dangerous Things is Stacy Willingham’s second novel and is even more compelling and suspenseful than her debut, A Flicker in the Dark. I just couldn’t put it down!

I was intrigued from the very first page and got pulled into the story right away. I love books with well-developed unreliable narrators and this one, with her history of sleepwalking and sleep deprivation, kept me guessing what was real and whom to trust until the end. The big twist really took me by surprise and the ending was very satisfying.

I also really liked the way the author explored motherhood, how it can be a lonely journey and the social expectations that come with it.

The audio was Narrated by Karissa Vacker and she did an amazing job. Now I cant wait to read Willingham’s next book! Thank you @netgalley @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copies of this great book.

Review: I really enjoyed this one! Since Isabelle’s young son, Mason, was taken from his crib one night a year ago, she hasn’t slept. The only thing she can do or think about is finding out what happened to her son. She meets and teams up with Wayland Spencer, a true crime podcaster, who is determined to help find Mason. There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t expect that made it all that more enjoyable and exciting. Secrets pop up out of nowhere and people who you thought were reliable, are not. I really liked listening to the audiobook version. I couldn’t put this one down! I enjoyed Willingham’s first book and am now looking forward to her next one!

I seriously loved this book! I loved the narrator as well and found myself not wanting to press pause on this audiobook. I listened to it all in one day and was very happy with the ending. Great book!

This is a fantastic thriller that I’d highly recommend to anyone who loves the genre! The dual timeline storytelling leads you believe things that seem most likely but that you just don’t want to believe.

I was hanging on the edge of my seat this entire listen and loved each twisty minute of it. The twists came in ways I didn’t expect and from places I wouldn’t have guessed.

The writing is really good and I love the way the author talks in the afterward about the guilt women are inherently feeling, especially mothers, no matter what we do. How our mental health is not highlighted as part of postpartum care… I was just really impressed by this (I never listen or read afterwords and I’m thinking I may need to in future!)

I think Stacy will be a new auto buy author for me when it comes to thrillers! This book releases TODAY so go grab a copy in your favorite format!

Audiobook: Narrator Karissa Vacker

Ms. Vacker did an amazing job of not only bringing Isabelle to life, but also making me feel the depth of emotions she experienced. Her performance pulled me into the story within moments and I was immediately caught up in the dark web that was Isabelle’s life. It was impossible to hit pause on this book, as I was desperate to learn what had happened not only to Mason, but what had happened in the past to Isabelle and her family. This was filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming. The narration was smooth and performed in a way that never distracted me from the story but kept me glued to it.

QUICK BITS
-Slow burn true crime
-Mother/Podcaster team
-Dual timeline

REVIEW
I have to say that thrillers these days really pack an emotional punch.

Although I generally prefer a bit of whimsy in my thrillers, this almost true crime (hey, even had a podcaster) thriller said A LOT about what it looks/feels like to be a mother and a woman in general.

I loved the atmosphere of this book and enjoyed having dual timelines both starring our protagonist, Isabelle.

This is the type of book I can see really sticking with readers who enjoy taking their thrillers a little slower for a larger lasting and emotional impact.

But, don't let me categorizing this as a slow burn lead you astray...this book is filled with twisty surprises!

RATINGS
7 Characters
9 Atmosphere
8 Writing Style
5 Plot
5 Pace
6 Intrigue
6 Enjoyment
3 SOS Bonus
TOTAL= 46+3= 49/14= 3.50

3.00/5.00 SOS Rating (scale of surprise — It's true, the king of guessing endings did not guess this one)
3.50/5.00 Rounded Rating

Happy Publication Day to this amazing book!

This is my first book by this author and she did not disappoint! Karissa Vacker might honestly be my favorite narrator. She did such an amazing job telling the story.

As for the book itself, it was so good! I only rated it 4.5 stars instead of 5 because it is more of a slow burn for me and that’s just not my cup of tea. The twists however, were great and I did not see them coming. I thought I had it lol but like any other book I read, I did not. I didn’t hate any of the characters and thought they all went together and made the book flow well. Each persons secrets slowly unraveled, leaving me guessing til the end.

Not only did the twists get me to love this book, but the overall premise and how the author portrayed the main character and her background was what made it great for me. It was unique and brought to light a lot about motherhood that should be shared more often.

Grab this book asap! And please please please read the authors note when you are done! (Don’t read it before as it may give spoilers) Willingham explains motherhood to a T. That one got to me.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @NetGalley for this gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼

Isabelle has not slept in over a year except for a cat nap or two. Her son was stolen out of her home and she has now changed her focus. All of her focus is strictly on finding her child. She will not rest until she knows what happened Mason. But her own childhood is not innocent, so she begins questioning herself and what actually happened the evening Mason was taken.

There are a lot of moving parts to this novel and the moment you think you know…you don’t know!

I loved Isabelle. My heart broke for her and her situation. And then when she starts to question her ability as a mom…geez! Then, when you actually find out about her past and what happened the night Mason went missing…it makes your blood boil!

I loved this author’s previous book, A Flicker in the Dark. But this one, I fluctuated between 4 and 5 stars. I decided on 5 because the ending is so good. It does have some slow places and mundane details but that is by design. I did listen to it. I have more patience with a slow burn that way as well.

The narrator, Karissa Vacker, nailed all the characters. She has just the right tone with Isabelle too. You can definitely hear the heartbreak in her voice.

Need a story which will have you seeing red…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This book will make you double check that you locked your doors and windows… 🫣

🌖 REVIEW: ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS 🌖

By Stacy Willingham

📖 SUMMARY: Isabelle’s young son was taken from his crib in the middle of the night one year ago, and the police still have no answers. Her entire life now revolves around solving the mystery of his disappearance, which led to both chronic insomnia and the end of her marriage. In an act of desperation, she agrees to be interviewed by a true crime podcaster who has created a community of amateur sleuths. Thought hopeful at first, the podcaster’s questioning and her sleep issues start to dredge up some painful childhood memories, and Isabelle isn’t sure who to trust, or if there was ever anyone she could trust at all.

💭 THOUGHTS: I went into this book with high hopes because I really liked the author’s previous novel. It did not disappoint! The premise was so interesting, and the pacing of this book is great — I wasn’t able to stop listening! I’m pretty good at sniffing out the answers in thrillers, but this one delivered twist after twist that surprised me in the best way. It played like a movie in my head! I did a mix of reading and audio, and really enjoyed the audio. It’s read by Karissa Vacker, one of my favorite narrators, so I’d definitely recommend!

Thank you to @minotaur_books @macmillan.audio for the advanced book and audio. It comes out tomorrow, 1/10, if you didn’t get it in this month’s BOTM box!

✨ MADE ME FEEL: on edge & a bit wary of rabid true crime fans

👍 YOU’LL ENJOY IF: you liked Willingham’s previous novel

ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🔪I was in a maaaaaajor reading slump this past week, but this book finally pulled me out of it. 👏 Turns out all I needed was a good thriller to reignite my love for reading. I still haven’t read A Flicker in the Dark (even tho it feels like everyone else on the planet has 🤪🫣) so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one! Going into this one blind was such a fun ride! Parts of the plot reminded me of other thrillers I’ve read, but it definitely had its own unique twist that I really enjoyed.

🔪Here’s a summary of the plot:👇
Isabelle’s son has been missing for an entire year. One night, while Isabelle and her husband were sound asleep, someone broke into their house and stole their toddler. Isabelle hasn’t gotten a solid nights sleep since her son went missing. She now spends her days traveling to true crime conventions, doing whatever she can to spread the word about her missing son. Then the host of a popular true crime podcast approaches Isabelle about sharing her story on his podcast. As she shares her story for the podcast, she realizes that the host is also digging into Isabelle’s own dark and dangerous past. Can she keep all her past secrets hidden, or will all of her darkest secrets be exposed in her quest to find her son?

🔪This one was a fun ride!! Quite a few times I was caught off guard by the twists and turns in the plot. Sometimes the unreliable narrator got to be a biiit much. It felt like sometimes I was waiting for the narrator to put together pieces of the story I had already figured out earlier on in the book. But overall I really enjoyed this one and this it would be a great read for pretty much anyone!

🔪Also need to take a moment for the author’s note at the end. I loooooved the author’s note on this one and need everyone to read it. It’s impossible to elaborate on why I loved the author’s note without spoiling the book (but it’s a must read imo).

🔪Thanks to @macmillanusa and @macmillan.audio for sending me an advanced copy of this one! It publishes everywhere tomorrow (January 10th)!

Isabelle’s son is missing, taken in the middle of the night. But just a year later, the case is cold & the search to find Mason has found nothing. With nowhere left to turn, Isabelle has taken matters into her own hands, speaking with true crime fans desperate for answers.

Nowwwww I think I may have an unpopular opinion here bc I thought this was fine? I thought the pacing & reveals of clues was done well. I did not guess what happened to Mason (always a plus). The dual timelines was a fun touch having two mysteries going at the same time. I think the author did a good job of making us distrust the MC & had lots of suspects floating around that it made it fun to guess.

While I had a good time the plot, I felt some of the side plots were unnecessary. Without getting too spoilery, when a certain character was introduced & immediately accepted, I’m suspicious. I also wanted more from Isabelle not sleeping, more of her being unreliable. It was just missing for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than the authors first book. I think I will see what she comes out with next bc her books are very readable!

𝔸𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕓𝕪 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕪 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕙𝕒𝕞

After a few holiday audiobooks, I was ready for something different and All the Dangerous Things was perfect for that.

A year after Isabelle Drake’s baby goes missing from his crib in the middle of the night, she is not resting until she finds him. Isabella has not slept since Mason vanished. She spends her hours looking for evidence, attending public speaking events to share her story, while also questioning her own uncertain behaviors.

This book was a quick, engaging listen. I was captivated from the very beginning and I was guessing until the end.

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for this audiobook.

It’s almost publishing day for this twisty read! Thank you to @netgalley the author and @macmillan.audio for the advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is one I couldn’t stop listening to over the start of Christmas break. The narration was great but the storyline also captured my interest quickly.

One year ago, Isabelle Drake’s son, Mason, was taken from his bed. There didn’t appear to be any signs of forced entry or exit. And of course Isabelle couldn’t just move on and it was causing her to not be able to sleep at all. She knew the police thought she had something to do with it so was careful who she spoke to. Isabelle decided to go to a conference and meets a true crime podcast host on the flight home who had attention her talk.

He gives her a proposal that she can tell her side of the story on his podcast. She agrees but between his questions and her insomnia, it brings up childhood memories. It makes her question the real events of that night Mason was taken and who is really responsible.

I loved all the twists this one had. I immediately rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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