Member Reviews
This one was fun and the twists kept coming! A locked room mystery within the context of a reality competition with multiple POVs and flashbacks. Revenge. Secrets. Ten million dollars on the line. All the things. This was a fast-paced, exciting thriller that I would definitely recommend. Publishes 3/26.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!
4 stars!! Survivor Reality TV meets locked-room mystery! In an age where everything can be done thru your phone, a thriller novel was the last thing I expected! The twists and turns were fabulous and each character blended into one another perfectly! The chapters were expertly written and kept you on the edge of your seat! I can’t wait for this to hit shelves March 26th!
Thank you to the publisher, Park Row, the author, Heather Gudenkauf, and Netgalley for the advance copy of this novel!
A fun, locked room thriller that manages to add an original element via a reality TV show where anyone can watch what’s going on at any time. The revelations aren’t shocking, but this book is nonetheless very entertaining.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a widget of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This page-turning thriller combines reality tv competitions and locked room mysteries, and when you take into account Gudenkauf's characters and rich writing, this is a must read.
Fun, interesting, fast-paced, great writing- fantastic.
Sorry the hive but this one was not for me. It felt like a weird attempt at clue and inheritance games but too many character and just a funky weird concept. Couldn’t get into this one. DNF at 25%
Book: Everyone is Watching
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Park Row, for providing me with an ARC of Heather Gudenkauf's latest release, "Everyone is Watching." Having previously delved into the author's work, I approached this novel with eager anticipation, and I'm delighted to report that it exceeded my expectations. Gudenkauf has crafted a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends everyday individuals with perilous circumstances, delivering a compelling locked-door thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
At the heart of the story lies "One Lucky Winner," a groundbreaking game show where contestants vie for a jaw-dropping prize of ten million dollars. Isolated from the outside world, participants find themselves thrust into a relentless series of challenges, their every move broadcasted globally. Yet, as the competition intensifies, it becomes clear that there's more at stake than just monetary gain. Each contestant harbors secrets and motivations, driving them to desperate measures, with vengeance simmering beneath the surface.
The allure of this book lies in its ability to deliver on its promise of high stakes. Gudenkauf masterfully escalates the tension with each turn of the page, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner. Through skillful storytelling, she immerses us in the competition, presenting a diverse cast of characters whose fates we can't help but become invested in. As the challenges grow increasingly perilous, the line between victory and tragedy blurs, leaving us anxiously rooting for our favorites while fearing for their safety.
What truly sets this novel apart is Gudenkauf's adept characterization. Each contestant is meticulously fleshed out, their backstories and motivations intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative. From heart-wrenching struggles to self-serving ambitions, we're given a glimpse into the human complexities that drive their decisions. By offering a glimpse into their inner worlds, Gudenkauf fosters a deep connection between readers and characters, ensuring that their triumphs and tribulations resonate long after the final page is turned.
Gudenkauf's writing is nothing short of captivating, drawing us into a world where deceit and desperation reign supreme. With every twist and revelation, she keeps us guessing, skillfully maneuvering through the labyrinth of secrets and lies. While the characters may withhold information, it only serves to heighten the suspense, keeping us eagerly anticipating each new revelation.
In "Everyone is Watching," Heather Gudenkauf has crafted a pulse-pounding thriller that delivers on its promises and then some. With its gripping narrative, well-drawn characters, and relentless pacing, this novel is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. Prepare to be ensnared in a web of intrigue and suspense as you join the contestants in their quest for glory and survival.
This book comes out on March 26, 2024.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/h3Uc_9toAMU
At first glance, Everyone is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf, seems to be the story of a reality show-- One Lucky Winner!-- that seems to be too good to be true. It becomes very clear just a few chapters in, however, that the reality show is definitely too good to be true. Like if MTV's The Real World met Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games. In alternating chapters we learn about the five contestants-- The Best Friend, The Confidante, The Executive, The Senator and The Boyfriend-- as they compete for the $10 million prize as well as their back stories that prompted their selection for this particular competition. Because everybody has a dark, dark past. Though the characters are not all likable (and some are reprehensible) this fast-paced thriller keeps the reader's attention until the end, if only to make sure that everyone gets what they deserve.
This book grabbed my attention right away. This book grabbed my attention right away. This was a fun mystery thriller with elements of Survivor, Big Brother, Squid Game and Clue. The chapters alternate between different characters, both in past and present. The characters back stories were well developed and I loved the way it came together.
Read if you like
✨reality TV competitions
✨locked room mysteries
✨multiple POVs
✨revenge plots
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row and NetGalley for an advanced copy. Make sure to pick up EVERYONE IS WATCHING when it comes out March 26, 2024.
What would you do for 10 million dollars?
In this great twisty book you get to find out just how far some people will go.
I could not put this one down.
Holy Cow! This book was actually insane! I definitely really liked the concept of all the characters being in this seriously messed up version of Big Brother. The reveals and mystery building up throughout the book was GREAT! There were some flashbacks to explain the character’s background and the events that led them to where they are during this story. I loved this book and I really sped through it and could not put it down! Definitely one of the thrillers to look forward to this month! I have really enjoyed both of the books I’ve read by this author and continue to look forward to her next stories!!!
Thank you so much HTP Hive for giving me access to this bingeable thriller!!!
Being my first read from this author, it did not disappoint at all! The twists and turns are always what makes the book so good! You must check this one out and definitely add to your TBR..
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!!!
Everyone is Watching is the latest novel by Heather Gudenkauf (author of The Overnight Guest). Five people have been asked/chosen to compete on a reality TV show in which the prize is 10 million dollars. The show is unique in that not only are there competitions to determine who stays/leaves but also viewer voting. Once the contestants arrive, they begin to realize there is much more going on at the show than they thought!
I enjoyed this book as it had a unique premise. This wasn't a typical mystery where a person is killed and the rest of the characters have to figure out "who dun it". I liked the dual timeline format to allow readers insight into the pasts of the various characters. I was surprised by the ending which is always a plus in a mystery book. This was a fast read that fans of Gudenkauf will enjoy!
I'm a sucker for game shows, but I generally don't like reality shows. That said I do like reading about them. When I read the descritpion for Everyone Is Watching, I couldn't resist the book.
Description:
The Best Friend. The Confidant. The Senator. The Boyfriend. The Executive.
Five contestants have been chosen to compete for ten million dollars on the game show One Lucky Winner. The catch? None of them knows what (or who) to expect, and it will be live streamed all over the world. Completely secluded in an estate in Northern California, with strict instructions not to leave the property and zero contact with the outside world, the competitors start to feel a little too isolated.
When long-kept secrets begin to rise to the surface, the contestants realize this is no longer just a reality show—someone is out for blood. And the game can’t end until the world knows who the contestants really are…
My Thoughts:
This book was a wild ride. Ten million dollars is a lot of money and would be hard for people to resist trying to compete for it. This is an edge of your seat kind of thriller. It starts our as a game to win a lot of money but quickly turns into doing whatever it takes to survive. It seems every contestant has a secret they will go to extraordinary lengths to protect. How did this group of people end up together in this competition?
This is a complex mystery and well done by Heather Gudenkauf. The twists are well executed and there were certainly surprises throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good thriller/mystery.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on Marsh 26, 2024.
How far would you go to win ten million dollars?
“One Lucky Winner” is a new reality game show, streaming live on social media, with 5 handpicked contestants who know very little about what they are getting into. Deepest darkest secrets and connections from the past are used against the contestants and are revealed throughout the story which is what kept me guessing, and second guessing, throughout the whole book. But how far is too far? There can only be one winner, and these contestants will do just about anything to win the money. Everyone has their own motives for winning, some out of greed but some out of necessity. The game becomes very toxic and involves dangerous challenges that have the contestants being pushed to the extreme and battling literally to survive. The longer the game plays out the more past secrets and regrets exposed…all while EVERYONE IS WATCHING.
As a reality show/drama lover, I really enjoyed the unique premise of this book and the way it was structured. It is told through dual timelines and from multiple POV. It was a fast paced page-turner, hard to put down and kept me up way past my bedtime.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Heather Gudenkauf for granting me early access to Everyone is Watching in exchange for an honest review.
This book is so good it kept me up until after midnight so I could finish it in one sitting! It's murder mystery meets reality TV game show competition. The multiple POVs are executed well. Must read!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy!
Well this was a hoot! I enjoyed slowly learning about the characters' backstories and how they ended up in the game. The challenges that the contestants had to do were insane - let’s just say I’ll never look at a sandbox the same. The ending wrapped things up nicely and I was glad to see some people get what they deserved. If you are in the market for a wild and crazy popcorn thriller than definitely grab this one.
This book was exactly what I needed today! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning. With a premise that’s basically a mix of survivor and big brother but add in a game of clue…….how could you miss.
The cast of 5 reality contestants were flawed but mostly loveable. I mean you can’t have a reality show book without the bad guys can you?
The book keeps you guessing just enough. Just the best kind of bloody fun!
I received an advanced reading copy, all opinions are my own!
Reality competition show gone very bad!!! I loved loved loved this book!!!
5 contestants are chosen to compete in a reality competition TV show for the chance to win $10 million dollars. Each of the contestants desperately needs to win that money and they are ready to fight to the end. But as they arrive at the location and the game starts they realize that the game has taken a sinister turn. Now they are fighting for their lives…not the money!
Heather Gudenkauf has written another thriller that sucks you in from the first page. I love all of her books and she has become an auto-buy for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Park Row books for the chance to read and review this book.
Everyone Is Watching is a locked-room psychological thriller with a unique twist that is reminiscent of Squid Game and Big Brother. Five strangers are brought together to compete in a reality show for a $10 million prize. As the game begins, it is clear that something isn’t right - why were these 5 people chosen for this competition, who is behind the show and why are the challenges so personal?
This book has short chapters that made me unable to put it down! The chapters alternate between the perspectives of several characters, both in the past and present. I love this style of writing - it kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat!
This book reminded me a little bit of The Passengers by John Marrs , so if you liked that book as much as I did, I’m sure you will enjoy this one!
4.5/5 stars ⭐️
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for sending me an advance review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Great concept. I liked the idea of a brutal live streamed game show. I think it's entirely a possibility based on the way the world is going. However, I did feel like it moved very quickly once we got to the actual game and challenges and I would have liked to see it drawn out more.