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.

In 'Everyone is Watching,' the author introduces a groundbreaking reality TV show where contestants vie for a fortune. But as the stakes rise, so does the danger, with contestants realizing their lives may be at risk. The narrative truly came alive about a third of the way in, captivating me with its twists and turns. What I found most enjoyable was the author's ability to keep the identity of the culprit hidden until the last quarter of the book, introducing a level of suspense that kept me guessing. By avoiding the usual suspects, the author created a sense of bewilderment and excitement that added depth to the story. Overall, 'Everyone is Watching' is a thrilling and immersive read that will keep you eagerly turning the pages.

Heather Gudenkauf's 'Everyone is Watching' is a riveting exploration of human nature, reminiscent of watching reality TV unfold. The narrative grips readers from the start, weaving together elements of fun, suspense, and emotional depth that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The characters are intricately developed, each with their own flaws and strengths, making them relatable and compelling. As the story progresses, the layers of their lives unravel, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected connections.

What sets this book apart is its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. The suspense is palpable, and just when you think you have it all figured out, Gudenkauf delivers a twist that leaves you reeling. Yet, amidst the twists and turns, the ending provides the closure needed, tying up loose ends while still leaving room for contemplation.

Overall, 'Everyone is Watching' is a masterfully crafted novel that combines entertainment with thought-provoking themes. Gudenkauf's writing is engaging, making it difficult to put the book down. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers or stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, this book is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression

This was a really fun concept of a game show thriller. This plot is not overused and a fresh idea!

I really couldn’t stand the host, Fern. It was red flag after red flag with her especially with these crazy competitions. I really enjoyed the contestants especially Maire. A broke mom trying to win 10 million for her sick child is easy to sympathize with!

The different POVs and backstories are really what kept me intrigued. I was pretty sure I knew where the story was headed and I was correct except for one key thing. I did think that was satisfying! 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley, Park Row Books and Heather Gudenkauf for my eARC!

Anything involving a game and murder is always high on my "must read" This was suspenseful, entertaining and I enjoyed it very much! I love Gudenkauf's previous work and this is much of the same goodness!

Thank you @netgalley for my advance copy!

I heard great things about the author so I was really excited to get this ARC. I really enjoyed trying to figure out what the connection between all the characters was, and what the game was really about. This would be a good “beginner” suspense book for someone wanting to try a new genre. It doesn’t have the super scary, gore, that other suspense novels may have. It’s more of a page turner that leaves you wanting to figure out the game! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was so much fun! If you enjoy shows like survivor than I think you will also like this book. There was no slog or fluff. It was very fast paced. I did predict some of it but instead of the kind of predictability that makes it boring, it was more like "ha! I knew it!" I would definitely recommend this book for all thriller lovers. This is only my second book I have read from this author (the other being The Overnight Guest) and I really enjoyed both, so I can say that I am now a fan and will be looking for more from her.