Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Emily Shiner - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Two female characters alternate their stories in this book, and both find themselves in dangerous territory. Beth and her husband, Ian, are headed to far Upstate NY to clear out his deceased parents' cabin. They are hoping to get enough money to pay for IVF treatments. But when they get there, there are signs that someone else is close by too and this person seems to know Beth's secrets. Meanwhile, Lizzie is at home with her very successful physician husband, Zachary. But behind closed doors, all is not as it appears.

Wow - this one had me racing through it to figure out if and how these story lines would intersect. Each chapter stopped at a crucial tense moment, leaving you desperate to get back to it. The atmosphere of the remote cabin in the woods in a snowstorm only added to the tension. Go into this one as blind as possible and enjoy the ride - especially that ending!

This was a pretty quick read and I was entertained throughout. There was a nice amount of detail but not too much.

It was quite easy to spot the parallels between Lizzy and Beth.

It was an almost good read, however, the ‘twist’ was pretty underwhelming.

You Can't Hide by Emily Shiner
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

When I first saw the cover of this book, I knew I wanted to read it; I love a good "See no evil" vibe. The story did not disappoint either.

The plot here is interesting, the story is told by two different women, but they're each telling a different story with seemingly no connection. Lizzy is a down-on-her-luck waitress in a small town who is rescued from the side of the road by the handsome new doctor in town who sweeps her off her feet. Beth and her husband are planning to sell their vacation cabin in the mountains to pay for their IVF treatment so they set out during a blizzard to get the cabin ready to put on the market.

The story is your standard psychological thriller; both women are harboring secrets that could end their lives as they know them and the author breadcrumbs us with clues along the way. The plot twist at the end was one that I didn't see coming, but all of the pieces to the puzzle had been given to us throughout the text. Perhaps readers without ADHD might have seen it coming but I skimmed right over the connection that would have brought it all together.

This was a fast, light read despite the content. There should definitely be a trigger warning though, there are themes of domestic violence, forced captivity, and some really graphic descriptions of violence that are not for the squeamish. That said, I really liked the story and will probably add some of the author's other works to my TBR.

Lizzy is stranded on the side of the road on a hot Alabama day when her beloved car, Margie, breaks down. Late for her shift at the restaurant, she is forced to hitchhike. No one seems willing to stop and help except for a truck, driven by the town’s new doctor, Zachary. Lizzy is surprised to find out that a doctor would settle in a little town in the middle of nowhere but is grateful for his help, and his proposition to fix her car for her. Lizzy makes it safely to work and is glad to say goodbye to Zachary, as she doesn’t have the time for a relationship now. No matter how attracted to him she may be. After her shift, she is shocked to see that Zachary has stayed true to his word and fixed Margie. This chance encounter leads to a relationship, a quick engagement, and then marriage. But Zachary isn’t who he says he is. The charming doctor that rescued her from the side of the road is gone and Lizzy’s past has caught up with her...

Beth is helping her husband, Ian, clean up his parent’s cabin in northern New York. Trudging through knee-deep snow is not how she expected to spend her week off work, but cleaning up and selling the cabin will help them pay for IVF. When Beth enters the cabin, she is shocked to find a clean and immaculate space, glowing embers in the fireplace, and a cat waiting to greet her. She scopes out the cabin and finds more signs that someone has been staying in the cabin, and they left recently. She rushes to tell Ian her suspicions, but he brushes her off. Ian explains that he found someone, a man named Ryan, to stay at the cabin awhile and keep it clean. He wasn’t expecting Ryan to still be around when they arrived, but reassures Beth that they are perfectly safe. Who is Ryan? And what connection does he have to Beth?

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. Lizzie’s storyline was slow paced, but Beth’s was full of suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were some elements that I found to be predictable near the end of the book, but other than that it was an enjoyable book. I think that fans of Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris would enjoy this book as it has similar elements and is a nail-biting read.

Psychological thriller books (and even those that look like one just by its cover and title) are like shiny things to me, and I zeroed in as soon as I saw Emily Shiner’s latest book in Netgalley.

The strongest feature of the book for me was that each chapter was anxiety-and-tension-inducing. I had to keep turning the pages to know what would happen next. Moreover, it was nicely paced with an easy-to-read prose. But as unsettling as the atmosphere was, the writing still felt like more of telling rather than showing.

The author was clever in intertwining the story of Lizzy and Beth. Both made dumb decisions in their lives, but I found myself rooting more for Lizzy than Beth. Setting aside Beth’s past in the equation, her character was constantly tiresome.

It pains me to say this but the story went downhill when the plot twist was revealed. However, I do believe that when things look black, there is always a silver lining and that was the book’s ending.

You know, maybe we just got off on the wrong foot.

Maybe I will enjoy more of her other works. *fingers crossed*

Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC.

The blurb only talks about the plight of Beth, but there is another woman's story woven throughout the book, that of Lizzy and her horrific marriage. I was wrapped up in both storylines and waiting to find out how or if they converged. I love this author's novels and this one was no exception, full of tension and suspense.

⚠️Trigger warning : domestic abuse

I thought this dual POV was great! In the beginning, I was somewhat confused about why there were 2 totally different stories being told, but both were equally as suspenseful. It was very well written and kept me guessing all the way til the end while I stayed on the edge of my seat, so engulfed in what happened to each character!

Lizzy thought she stumbled into the perfect life and left her dark past behind her, but your past always comes to haunt you....in the worst way possible.
Beth loves her husband so much and would do anything to make him happy! Including a week cleaning out the family cabin to work towards IVF. But did they just hike into something more than they bargained for? A past she never planned to share with her beloved husband?

I enjoyed this book a lot, kept me going and interested and had to finish it in one day. Very impressed and ready to read more from this writer

OH my God! This grabbed me from the beginning and never turned loose! I pretty much read it in one sitting moving from room to room with it in my hand. While I will admit for the most part it was a bit predictable but was written in such a way I still very much enjoyed it. It has those kind of characters in it that you really either love to pull for or really love to despise! My only problem with it mainly was the ending was a bit to quick "for me". I wanted to know more about Ian and Beth's future or lack of one. I totally want to read more from Emily Shiner!

Thanks NetGalley for this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

⭐️Rating: 3/5
✍🏼Author: Emily Shiner
📖Genre: Thriller

Beth and Ian are desperate to have a child, so much so that they decide to sell his family cabin in upstate New York to pay for IVF. When they arrive at the cabin, they meet Ryan, the caretaker. But Ryan isn't who he says he is. He's here because he knows Beth has a dark secret. And now he intends to use it against her. He threatens to tell Ian everything about Beth;'s past unless she does exactly what he says.

I really enjoyed this book, please check the TW before you read. There were lots of twists and turns and it was definitely a page turner.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are that of my own.

I really enjoyed this book! It had some good twists and turns and kept me thinking. I was constantly on the edfe of my seat. It was so hard to put this book down as I wanted to know what was going to happen! The final twist was shocking and I did not expect it. A great read from Emily Shiner. I look forward to reading more of her books.

This story revolves around Beth and her husband Ian. They want to have a child but need to pay for IVF, so they decide to sell Ian's cabin. Beth and Ian decide to go clean out the cabin. When they arrive, they are greeted by the caretaker, Ryan. However, Ryan is not who he seems to be. He knows about Beth's past secrets. If Beth does not want Ryan to reveal her secrets, she will need to do exactly as he says. Even if that is dark and twisted.

The book is also told from another individual's perspective - Lizzy. Turns out Lizzy also has a dark past that she wants to keep buried from her new husband, Zachary.

Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

First off I want to thank @netgalley & @inkubatorbooks for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked at the premise and start of this book. Unfortunately the more I read the more uninterested I was. I felt it had so much potential, but something was missing for me. It was a quick read with twists and turns that held my attention.

What missed the mark for me was the characters which were just okay, I felt no attachment or cared for Beth and what happened to her.

I felt the twists were a bit predictable and the ending left me feeling underwhelmed. Although it was still an entertaining read.

It's been a MINUTE since I finished this book, and I am still fixated on that ending. The way the author weaved this story was masterful... addicting... and gave me the chills more than once. I am not always the biggest fan of flashbacks or plots that bounce between two different points in time, but I didn't mind it once with this book. It actually added to the build up, and it had me tapping my kindle at a recording breaking pace. Our FMC is a badass, and her ability to not only survive the terrible circumstances the world has put her in more than once was amazing... and the full circle moment had me spiraling. I cannot wait to get a physical copy for my collection!

Lizzy has a secret she’s running away from. It’s driven her to a remote town, waiting tables and no long term plans.  Life isn’t tough enough when her car breaks down on the highway and she starts hitching a ride to her job. The answer to her plight arrives in a shiny car and a big smile as he pulls over to give her a lift.
   That lift leads to a whirlwind relationship ending in marriage and she is forever changed. This wonderful guy—the town doctor— becomes a control freak. Lizzy is watched, isolated, physically and emotionally abused but no one knows. All they see is the perfect wife……until she isn’t.
   Lizzy manages to leave all that and has to reinvent herself again, now as Beth, and is on her way to a remote cabin for the weekend with her husband. They need to sell the property for financial reasons and are there to clean it up. But they discover someone has been living there, and this guy is spooky.
   All of Beth’s past is disclosed in a scary scene that results in Beth reverting back to become the perfect wife.

You Can't Hide is an unnerving story that will not let you get a moments rest! well written and fleshed out, this was a thrill from start to finish

I loved Lizzy's story! It was interesting (trigger warnings needed however) and I would have loved to read more about it. But I didn't love How short the story was! It felt rushed and seemed like there was a lot of potential wasted.

Overall, this was a rather predictable thriller that had some ok characters. But the length and writing style make it a quick and easy book to read!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

The dual point of view of Lizzy and Beth is pretty good. I did guess what was happening with Beth around chapters 10-14. That did not make me enjoy this story any less.

Suspense-Thriller to its core.

Reading about Lizzy and Zachary works me up. Were there any red flags? Did anyone wonder about Lizzy? Why she never went out? Hair-raising.

Beth has a secret past. Her husband Ian, has no idea about it but when "stranger" Ryan who has been looking after their cabin tells her he knows, Beth knows her game is up.

I managed to read this book while on a train ride between two cities in Uzbekistan. It was a quick, easy read that had me intrigued from the first page. While there were parts to this story that I did piece together myself, there were other parts that I definitely was not expecting. With short chapters and a dark, twisted storyline, this was a highly entertaining book. I can't wait to read what the author writes next.

The "Queen of revenge plots," Author Emily Shiner, returns after her sizzling (Dec 2022) I'm Following You (5 Stars) with YOU CAN'T HIDE —another addictive domestic psychological suspense of revenge/obsession mixed with dark, twisted humor.

Shiner is on FIRE! Her BEST yet.

It is difficult to write a short review because I have so much to discuss, and I love her books! I want everyone to read them.

Two storylines converge for a heart-pounding explosive showdown. You can RUN, but you cannot HIDE. The past and dark secrets rise to the surface.

A cautionary tale: Note: WATCH OUT FOR THE CAMERAS! Also, REVENGE has no expiration date.

LIZZY: As the book opens in rural Turkey Pen, Alabama, we meet Lizzy, a young woman down on her luck after being stranded on the roadside. A trap of a car, and she has no money to call a tow truck or AAA.

She needs to get to Pop's Diner for her shift and hopes someone will stop and help. After several cars pass, she starts walking. A good-looking guy in a suit stops. Wow, how did she get so lucky? At least he is not a killer. ...What she does not know yet.

His name is Zachary. He says he borrowed the truck since he is getting new tires on his Lexus. He is the new doctor in town— A doctor? And he looks like he could be on the cover of G.Q. For real?

He takes her to the Diner and then asks for her keys. He will see if he can repair her car and drop it off for her before her shift ends. Who is this guy? He indeed does what he says.

It turns out he is a REAL doctor. Dr. Zachary Pierce, Board-certified family practice, went to Duke University and completed a residency in Chicago. What is he doing here in this small town? Usually, men have an ulterior motive, but what is his?

Unfortunately, she will find out, but only when it is too late. Also, Lizzy has a dark past. One that she wants to stay buried.

BLACKMAIL. This guy is PURE EVIL! A monster. A master manipulator. He knows about her past. If she does not do what he says. He will tell the world. He knows what she did. He wants someone to fix. She is the victim.

He wants the perfect wife. The perfect marriage. The Perfect life. Perfect wins. Lizzy wants the perfect murder!

She soon learns (after the marriage) her husband is a control freak and a psychopath. A devil in disguise. He is abusive. Tortures. He keeps her prisoner in her own home with cameras everywhere so she cannot leave the house. He makes sure she has no friends. He planned this very carefully. He knows her every move. Then when she disobeys, she is moved to the basement as a prisoner. He wants to make her body perfect. A sicko.

How will she ever escape? She has killed before to save herself and she will do it again, given the chance.

BETH: In alternating chapters, we meet Beth.

Beth, a florist, and her husband, Ian Myers (very sweet guy), a high school teacher/photographer. She is very private due to her past, but her husband does not know about her past and he puts it all out there on social media.

They live in the N.C. mountains, but they are headed to upstate New York near Canada in the middle of a snowstorm. Of course, N.Y. snowstorms are nothing like N.C.

The reason for the urgency is that Ian inherited his family's mountain cabin and wants to clean the place to prepare for putting it on the market. They need to sell the cabin to help finance the costly IVF treatments. They want children, and it has been not easy.

He says she does not have to go, but she goes along. Once there, she sees the cabin is nestled way back in the woods, in the middle of nowhere. They have to walk through the woods to get to it from the main road. This is difficult since it is night and the snow is so deep. They can barely see in front of them.

Once they finally arrive, a dead deer is next to the cabin. Then inside, it appears someone has been living here. There is a cat, food in the refrigerator, a book (The Art of Never Letting Go), a hunter, and someone who has built a fire recently. Weird!

She is concerned, but Ian thinks the property manager/caretaker may be looking after it. They have no cell phone coverage or internet.

This makes no sense to Beth. What if who had been staying here comes back? Who is this person he is referring to named Ryan, the caretaker?

Then things become very weird and freaky at the cabin, and Beth thinks something sinister is happening. They must get out of here. They will clean and then leave. But with power problems and other things, they are delayed. They took a week off from work and Ian is not in a hurry to leave.

She is not wrong for worrying. They are trapped. She feels like she is in the middle of a horror movie. She feels like someone is watching them. Is there a squatter? There is also a shed outside the cabin. They must leave the cabin. Start their family and leave New York, and never look back.

However, the mysterious intruder returns, and he has a PLAN. Beth is about to come face to face with her past. One she thought was long buried. What happens next will blow your mind. What he is demanding. It is sick and horrifying.

Now she and her husband are both in danger. How will they escape? Who will live, and who will die?

At first, you are unsure where Emily is taking you with Lizzy (as this part is not in the book description summary). Be patient, and enjoy the journey.

All will come together at the cabin. Oh, and then wait. Just when you think all is tied up with a bow at the end. Watch out. There is another signature Shiner jaw-dropping wicked twist to leave you smiling.

I was dying, before this twist, saying GET THE CAMERA!! PLEASE.

OMG! Between the evil Zachary doctor, the basement, and the creepy Ryan property manager at the cabin in this claustrophobic snow setting in the woods, this book is spine-chilling! The vivid settings and the characters jump off the page.

Around 50% into the book, readers will learn about Lizzy's past. You will sympathize with her until the end. She reminds me of Freida McFadden's, Millie (The Housemaid & The Housemaid's Secret. She cannot catch a break and her past keeps surfacing and being used against her.

This book was so good and I read it in one sitting. The way the two stories came together was quite clever, and that...ENDING!

YOU CAN'T HIDE pulses with suspenseful twists propelling the reader to the explosive end. Cameras are a big part of both storylines. I loved it! It would make a great movie and audiobook!

All her books are unique and original. When I start reading an Emily Shiner book, I am in for an entertaining ride. I always clear my calendar before starting one of her books because they are addictive and unputdownable.

I discovered Emily not long ago and have loved everything she writes. I love N.C. authors (I am a native) and enjoy her crisp writing style. She never takes you on a side trip. It is propulsive all the way. One of my favorite authors, and making my way through her backlist in between all my new ARCs.

This book is very unique and not like any others, but when reading parts of it, I am reminded of these (all favorites too).

~Kimberly Belle: The Personal Assistant
~Lisa Unger: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six
~Clemence Michallon: The Quiet Tenant (Out June 2023) So good, a favorite of the year.
~B.A. Paris: The Prisoner.
~Freida McFadden: The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret

A special thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Get this one on your list now!

Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Feb 19, 2023
Feb 2023 Must-Read Books

I read a lot of thrillers and sometimes I feel like I’m exhausted because they can all become quite samey - this book wasn’t like that. It took me a while to work out the story. Very good!