MQ Webb's "When You're Dying" is a well-executed thriller infused with reflections on several topics ranging from family and revenge to forgiveness. The dual narratives between Sarah and Oscar, the key protagonists whose paths merge owing to Sarah's sister missing with the past and present events, are woven exceptionally well. The author implores the reader to ponder the complexities of human interactions, relationships and choices. By the end of the book, readers have a crystal clear understanding of Sarah and Oscar. The cat-and-mouse game of chase reeled me in from page one with unexpected twists and turns, which had me reeling. At times, the narrative got a bit repetitive, which slowed the book's pacing, but that didn't deter me from giving up on this book. For fans of psychology, suspense and thrillers, do not skip this one.

Thank you, NetGalley & TBR Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

"When You're Dying" by MQ Webb is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that takes readers on a profound journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and redemption. Webb's writing skillfully captures the complexity of human emotions and delivers a gripping narrative that explores themes of mortality, love, and the pursuit of inner peace.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Sarah Mitchell, a successful lawyer who finds herself facing a terminal illness. As she grapples with her own mortality, Sarah embarks on a soul-searching expedition to reconcile with her past and seek solace before her time runs out. In her pursuit of meaning, she encounters a cast of diverse and well-developed characters who play significant roles in her journey of introspection.

MQ Webb's narrative style is both introspective and raw, allowing readers to delve deep into the mind and heart of Sarah Mitchell. The author's evocative descriptions of Sarah's emotions, thoughts, and memories make the character relatable and elicit empathy from the readers. The internal conflicts Sarah experiences and her quest for redemption create a sense of urgency that propels the story forward, making it difficult to put the book down.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the complexities of human relationships. Webb presents a vivid portrayal of Sarah's tumultuous past, unveiling the layers of her character and the experiences that have shaped her. The author deftly weaves together flashbacks, introspection, and present-day events, creating a seamless narrative that delves into the depths of Sarah's psyche.

Webb's prose is elegant and lyrical, at times poetic, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The author's attention to detail adds richness to the setting and the atmosphere, immersing readers in the vividly depicted world of Sarah's journey. The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing for moments of reflection while maintaining a sense of urgency that keeps the plot engaging.

However, there are instances where the narrative becomes overly introspective, slowing down the pace and diverting attention from the main plotline. While these moments contribute to the overall depth of the story, they may deter readers seeking a faster-paced narrative.

When You're Dying is a poignant exploration of the human condition, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of self-reflection and forgiveness. MQ Webb has crafted a powerful story that resonates with readers, compelling them to reflect on their own lives and priorities. It is a testament to the author's skill that the novel lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Overall, When You're Dying is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that tackles profound themes with sensitivity and depth. MQ Webb's ability to evoke empathy and introspection through her eloquent prose makes this book a highly recommended read for those who appreciate thought-provoking literature that explores the complexities of the human experience.

This was an interesting thriller that is really well written. It had my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout. There were lots of twists and turns. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

When You're Dying by MQ Webb is a solid thriller. It starts off with a bang and then backs up a little to tell how the plot got there. This cat and mouse chase lasts throughout the book and it is not what you think. Such a good thriller overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This was so well written. I was engrossed from the first page and it ticked all the boxes of my expectations. The character development was excellent. I would definitely recommend to others, a must read!

The truth will out. In this suspenseful thriller, one woman finds out just how far she'll go to find the truth for her sister. Protagonist Verity has cancer, and no idea how much longer she has to live. So when her sister, Ashlee, goes missing, and it seems like the police have given up, she takes matters into her own hands. What does she have to lose anyway? Oscar is our other main character, a psychiatrist who is currently feeling disillusioned and uncertain in his career. He's given the chance to work with Verity, to discover if she's telling the truth about how she ended up falling off a roof with the man who was recently a suspect in her sister's disappearance. Obviously someone out there doesn't want the truth to be known, and Verity has put herself right in the culprit's way.

I absolutely love novels with unreliable narrators, and you know from the start Verity's story is a bit questionable. I enjoyed the variation in the chapters between "then" (when Verity was investigating her sister's disappearance) and "now" (after she ends up in the hospital, still unsure of the truth). I didn't know that this was a sequel, but luckily didn't ever feel lost. The story is suspenseful and kept me guessing til near then end. Well done.

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This is a book about a dying woman who wanted to find out what happened to her missing sister before it was too late. When I started this book, it was just okay. I liked the then and now timelines of Verity's POV. I had a hard deciphering who was honest between her and Dale, the main suspect in her sister's case.
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I also liked Oscar, I love Psychologists, so it's always a plus when they are featured in a book and he didn't disappoint. He also had a lot of baggage to unfold from his past, and I could empathize with him. He was an interesting character. I'd love to read more about him though.
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Verity was very brave, battling with cancer and still brave enough to investigate what happened with her sister. She was so admirable! I also loved her job, a Caseworker is honorable and selfless and she embodied that.
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I loved the mystery, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined who the culprit was, and you would never guess either. I felt sorry for Ashlee(the victim and Verity's sister), I understood why she did what she did, but the end doesn't justify the means
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Although the book got really interesting at the end, I still enjoyed the beginning, and it formed a solid foundation for the rest of the book. If you're a fan of thrillers, then you should read this

When You're Dying took me on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride from start to finish. With every twist and turn, the suspense never let up, leaving me breathless and captivated. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of blood, guts, gore, and suspense. It deserves the title of the year's best book, and I feel privileged to have read and reviewed it before its release. A thrilling journey that will leave you craving more.

I’m not exactly sure what high blood pressure is, but I’m pretty sure I have it after concluding When You’re Dying.

This book right here put me on a ride of a lifetime . There was no slowing down, I was thrown right into the chaos. Every time I caught my breath, I was gut punched by another twist and left speechless.

This book right here is THE book of the year and I want to be the first to let you know all that this book is a must read for all my blood, guts, gory and suspense lovers! You know my, blood sucking soul sisters (and brothers)

Once again i received the highest honor imaginable by being allowed to read and review this sure to be best seller before its release date.

Teaser :

When you're dying, a lot goes through your mind...

A shock diagnosis forces Verity Casmere to consider how she wants to spend the time she has left.

The question haunting Verity is what happened to her missing sister, Ashlee. Was she murdered, like the police suspect?

How far will Verity go to learn the truth?

Moved by her situation, Forensic Psychiatrist, Oscar de la Nuit, agrees to help Verity learn what happened, but with the truth comes consequences neither of them could predict.
Can they resurface before a dark secret consumes them both?

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an awesome read!! The short chapters really kept this suspenseful story moving. Highly recommend

"When We're Dying" is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that dives deep into the darkest recesses of the human brain. Webb's superb narrative and cunning structure make this novel a riveting read from beginning to end.
Detective Emily Parker is a relentless detective who is haunted by a past case that continues to haunt her. Emily finds herself in a race against time to catch a nasty criminal after a sequence of brutal killings rattles their little town. As Emily uncovers a network of secrets and twisted agendas, the lines between good and wrong blur and Emily's sanity is tested. Webb's ability to create a terrifying and immersive environment is one of the film's notable elements. The author's evocative descriptions and thorough attention to detail bring the location to life, producing a sense of unease and tension that throughout the story. Readers will be completely immersed in Webb's dark and gritty universe, from the barely lighted streets to the spooky crime scenes.
This novel's characters are rich and deeply flawed, bringing layers of depth to the plot. Detective Emily Parker is an engrossing protagonist, driven by her demons and a tenacious quest for justice. Webb deftly examines her psychological difficulties and insecurities, transforming her into a likeable and nuanced figure.
The supporting ensemble is equally well-drawn, with each character adding to the plot's rich tapestry.
Webb's flair for suspense and plot twists is also evident in "When We're Dying." The plot moves at a breakneck pace, with each chapter revealing new clues and surprises that keep readers guessing until the finish. The author expertly weaves numerous tales together, producing a complex and linked narrative that grows in intensity with each page turn.
"When We're Dying" delves into thought-provoking subjects such as the nature of evil, the fragility of the human psyche, and the lengths we are ready to go to for justice, in addition to its gripping plot. Webb's exploration of these deeper dimensions gives the plot a captivating complexity that elevates it above the level of a suspenseful thriller.
While "When We're Dying" is a wonderful and engrossing read, certain scenes or themes may be unsettling to some readers owing to their vivid nature. However, these characteristics contribute to heightening the story's intensity and authenticity, immersing readers in the story's dark underbelly.
To summarise, "When We're Dying" is a riveting and frightening thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. MQ Webb's deft writing, evocative location, and complex characters work together to provide a tense and thought-provoking reading experience. If you enjoy psychological mysteries that stretch the genre's boundaries, "When We're Dying" is a must-read.

4.5*

This book was so gripping and so very hard to put down. I was really enticed with the short chapters, and I couldn't wait to read the next one. I loved this story. It made me feel so many emotions, and I was so shocked at who the bad guy was at the end! Total shocker. I haven't read the first book in the series, but it didn't take away from this story at all, but I will definitely read the first one. I felt so much for Verity and can't say too much without giving spoilers. I liked how the book was past and present as it gives you the backstory as to what is happening in the present. Overall, it was a really gripping, fast-paced psychological thriller. 👌

This was my second or third foray into mystery/thriller novels this year since I’m not usually drawn to these types of stories, and while there were elements of this story that I found intriguing, I can’t say I’m 100% sold on the genre(s) just yet. There were quite a few times while reading where I struggled to suspend my disbelief with choices the main character made and some ways she was able to get out of dangerous and sticky situations she put herself in (in my opinion) unnecessarily. I suspected the correct culprit in their first appearance on the page, which wasn’t my favorite, but I will say that figuring that out early on still didn’t prepare me for the specific details and motives revealed in the crux of the main action of the story. The first half of the novel moved at a bit of a slower pace, then the majority of “what happened” is unleashed like rapid-fire as the book comes to an end. I also think that the message/meaning behind Verity’s “why” gets a little lost in the (slightly repetitive) declarations she makes about her diagnosis that end up spelling things out for the reader rather than showing them the desperation she feels to get the answers she’s looking for. I do appreciate the author introducing a sense of doubt that the narrator is completely reliable all of the time. It added a needed layer of misdirection and texture to the story, even if only for a little while.

While this read wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, the audacity of some of the characters and the general mess surrounding the case kept me reading to at least figure out what really happened to Ashlee.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thanks #netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was so much fun. I couldn't put it down. The twist at the end was great. Highly recommend.

Interesting story, interesting premise. I wonder what precipitated the character of Verity. I can certainly understand wanting to discover what happened to her missing sister, especially given the urgency.
The truth ended up being disturbing, but I believe it tied up enough of the loose ends.
The story moves along, fairly quickly,

I found this book very odd and convoluted - for me. Strange pacing and strange motivations...

The start and the introductions to the characters made me interested, but every day after that I found it hard to pick the book up.

i just could not understand why most of the things were happening, at the same time, the book was very repetitive. The end left a lot to be desired.

The title & cover caught my eye and that has been the best part of the book, sadly.

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!

Despite the title, this is not a story about dying, it's a story about learning to be alive and living. Verity Casmere has been told she will die from terminal cancer, but she is using the time she has left to the fullest, trying to find her missing sister and bring justice to the person responsible for her disappearance.
Loved the twist! An engaging read that had me compulsively reading to the end!

I enjoyed reading this a lot. I've read too many books with terrible twists lately, and this one the twist was great! :D

The problem is it's somewhat forgettable - I already have no idea what happened. Lol. But I would definitely read more from this series!

Verity Casmere is trying to find out what happened to her sister, Ashlee, before the cancer consumes her. She claims the main suspect in the disappearance, rich playboy Dale Carmot, kidnapped her and tried to kill her. Dale claims she is following him and he just wanted to scare her away, now she is setting him up.
Oscar De La Nuit is a psychologist who is disillusioned, yet drawn to the case after a colleague asks him to consult. He is struggling with his own personal issues, past and present, that keep interrupting his life.

I loved this book. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter and grabbed every second I had to keep reading. I was especially moved by the thought that the author put into Verity's cancer and how she felt- the strong desire for wine, even though it conflicted with her treatment, the desire to keep her condition secret so that everyone still treated her normally as her world was falling apart. Having had relatives with cancer I know how real those feelings can be.

I was unaware that this was book two in a series before I read the book, but I do not feel that I lacked anything from not reading the first book before this one. That being said, I will be running out to get the first one because I was so impressed with the writing and the story here. MQ Webb has a talent!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

This was an interesting mystery and was a fast-paced quick read. I liked that the story took place from the point of view of both Verity and Oscar. It made it more interesting to see the story play out from both of their perspectives. Overall it was a great quick read and I enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.