I wasn’t a huge fan. I haven’t been able to finish it. Having a hard time grabbing my attention. I loved her other books though!

Watch It Burn" is a riveting suspense novel set in the small Texas town of Edenberg, where the mysterious death of Beverly Hoffman sets off a chain of events that entangles the lives of three determined women. This book is a masterful blend of Southern mystery and compelling drama, making it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy a mix of scandal, intrigue, and deep-rooted secrets.

The story begins with the shocking discovery of Beverly's body in the Guadalupe River, an event that seems like a tragic accident but soon reveals layers of deception. The narrative follows Nichole Miller, an elementary school teacher who finds Beverly and refuses to accept the easy explanation of her death. Nichole's suspicion is shared by her best friend, Jenny Martin, a journalist fighting to save her marriage and career. Together, they bring in Beverly’s daughter-in-law, Robin, adding a personal and emotionally charged perspective to the investigation.

One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of the close-knit community and the impact of Beverly's death on its residents. The authors skillfully unravel the connections between the town's inhabitants and Genetive, Inc., the personal-development company co-founded by Beverly and her husband, which becomes a focal point of suspicion.

The character development in "Watch It Burn" is exceptional, with each of the three main characters displaying a unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and determination. Their personal struggles and motivations are intricately woven into the larger mystery, adding depth to both the characters and the plot.

The pacing of the novel is expertly handled, maintaining suspense and building tension throughout. The authors do a remarkable job of balancing the intricate plot details with the emotional journeys of the characters, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "Watch It Burn" is a compelling and intricately plotted novel that offers a deep dive into the complexities of small-town life, the dangerous allure of self-help movements, and the power of female solidarity. It's a must-read for fans of Southern mysteries and suspense novels, delivering a satisfying blend of mystery, drama, and character-driven storytelling.

Three women work to uncover the scorching lies and scandal behind a self-help movement, igniting a powder keg of secrets that could blow their town apart, in this suspense novel perfect for readers who love Southern mystery.

This was a great mystery with really well-developed characters and surprising twists and turns. I would definitely recommend it for mystery lovers everywhere.

I love the multiple POVs that Kristen Bird uses to tell us the story of Watch It Burn. I found myself unable to put the book down. The anticipation of discovering what would happen next and how all the pieces fit together kept me on the edge of my seat.

One aspect that truly stood out for me was Bird's choice to write from the perspective of the deceased. It's a perspective we rarely encounter, and I appreciated how it added depth and intrigue to the novel. The richness of detail in Bird's writing is amazing, and I couldn't help but highlight several passages that I not only found beautiful but also incredibly relatable and witty.

Each of the three women play a vital role, bringing a unique perspective to the table as they unravel the mysteries of their hometown. Their distinct contributions enrich the storyline.

I couldn't help but draw parallels between the story and real-life events, especially the unsettling resemblance of the chilling practices of NXIVM and the current state of Texas' education system. "It stated that this person would be evaluation—and, when necessary, censoring—books and exercises deemed 'inappropriate' or 'irrelevant' to 'today's cultural climate'." Scary!!

Definitely a top favorite read from this year!

Cheers for this fantastic novel, which is immediately gripping and consistently suspenseful! Highly recommended for fans of suspense novels and thrillers.

Kristen Bird is not afraid of an action-packed plot and this inures to the reader's benefit. This story has a ripped from the headlines feeling, and I like how Bird tackles the very real possibilities in terms of various fiery dystopian consequences.

The diverse points of view work well and give the narrative a tapestry effect. Beverly was probably my favorite POV character in that she demonstrated self awareness and growth.

This novel should have wide appeal.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance e-galley; all opinions are my own.

Watch It Burn follows the lives of three women, told in their own voices, as they work to uncover the lies happening in their small Texas town.

I enjoyed the changing narrator, giving you a chance to focus on what was occurring with the plot with a slightly different perspective. I found myself trying to piece together each narrative to figure out what was going on at the core.

I also enjoyed the cult aspect. I find cults fascinating, and their practices mirror the very actions in this book. I did find the parallels to be a little too close to those that were recently exposed with NXIVM, though it did make for a very entertaining read.

The book read easily, and I found myself devouring the chapters trying to figure out the story. This is a slow burn but worth it for the twists at the end. It did not disappoint!

I really really really loved this book!!! It was the perfect amount of cult-y and creepy and whodunnit and why! Set in an insular tight knit small town with secrets behind every corner.

The vibes:
✨N I X I M -esque cult 🚩(costly $10,000+ relationship courses, status pins, branded accessories and tattoos)
✨Little Big Lies (show)
✨The Mare of Easttown (show)
✨The Last Housewife by: Ashley Winstead (book)
✨Small town, BIG secrets
✨Asian FMC
✨Enigmatic Charming Leader with hands in every part of the community (sus🤭)
✨a slip, fall, and drowning or a ☠️?
✨Art History Buff
✨A little help from beyond the grave (???)
✨🔥🔥🔥

I really loved most of the main characters in this book because they were dedicated to looking for answers no matter what the cost!

⭐️Hits shelves MARCH 2024⭐️

4.75⭐️

Special thanks to NetGalley and @_mira_books_ for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Nichole and Jenny live in the small town of Edenberg, Texas. Where life is peaceful and everyone knows everyone. A doctor by the name of George Hoffman owns the town. His work into connection and society has slowly overtaken Edenberg. Hoffman's company Genetive is trying to improve people while also falling into the category of cult. When Beverly Hoffman is found dead in two inches of water, questions start to arise. How connected are the deaths of 15 children years ago in a flood, Nichole's sister, Christina, and Beverly? How can one man owning nearly the entire town catapult into unthinkable acts?

This was such a good book. Kristen Bird weaves together past traumatic events with present day loss. All the small minute details start to link together and leave you with a solid picture. If you enjoy murder, cults, and power dynamics, pick this up when it comes out. Thank you Kristen and the Netgalley team for the advanced reader copy of this book.

In Watch It Burn by Kristen Bird, three women work to uncover the scorching lies and scandal behind a self-help movement, igniting a powder keg of secrets that could blow their town apart.

The story is told from three different perspectives and flashes back to an accident that happened many years ago. The story and plot flow nicely, and it's easy to keep track of what is going on. There are so many lies happening and many twists that kept me guessing. The cult-like nature of the book is interesting. So many lies and so many turns in the story. A very good read.

#WatchItBurn #NetGalley @htp_books

Amazing read told from three prospectives it kept me guessing till the end trying to figure out the secrets and lies in a small town.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

I love the way these 3 perspectives collide. Right from the beginning, there is something off about this small town. Of course, when it's run by one person and the money he has, it's easy to see how he wields the power. A journalist, a teacher, and a daughter-in-law are teamed up to find out why the man who runs this town's wife died. It might have looked like an accident, but sometimes things aren't what they seem. The book continues to flash back to an accident that occurred long ago and takes place in an "institute" meant to better yourself. What can go wrong?

I love the writing of this. It's easy to follow and the mood and tone are set right from the beginning. I loved the characters and I love the insight from a dead character is included - it adds something different to the book.

FIVE FLASHING STARS!!!

Holy, moly, my head might have just spun right on off my shoulders!

Kristen Bird, has done it again!

Lies, Secrets, Deceit..

Well, now you're just speaking my love language!!

Talk about a scandal, this book delivers!

After reading both previous publications, I Love It When You Lie, and The Night She Went Missing, Kristen Bird, became an auto-buy author. Her writing speaks straight to my little black soul and I just can't get enough!

Watch It Burn, will stay with you long after concluding and you won't help but speak of Nichole, Jenny and Robin as though they really exist. Bird's talent shines through with her character development and fluid chapters. I was never once bored but in fact, the complete opposite, I was completely consumed within the pages. I could not get to the next chapter fast enough.

Talk about some strong female characters!

Kristin Bird is a literary genius and I am so here for it. Bring on book FOUR!

Congratulations to Kristin Bird and HTP on what I believe is the next bestseller!

Check out this teaser :

Three women work to uncover the scorching lies and scandal behind a self-help movement, igniting a powder keg of secrets that could blow their town apart, in this suspense novel perfect for readers who love Southern mystery.

It’s early morning in the small Texas town of Edenberg when the body of sixty-five-year-old Beverly Hoffman is discovered in the Guadalupe River—drowned in only two inches of water.

After elementary school teacher Nichole Miller discovers the woman's body, she makes two phone calls: first to the police, who call Beverly's death a slip and fall, and second to her best friend, journalist Jenny Martin. Jenny is attempting to revive her flailing marriage and her all-but-DOA career, and she knows foul play when she sees it. The two women enlist the help of Beverly’s daughter-in-law, Robin, who’s eager to expose the truth.

Beverly had been beloved in the tight-knit community, having cofounded the wildly popular personal-development company Genetive, Inc., alongside her influential husband. But something sinister has been smoldering beneath the surface of their picturesque hometown. And Genetive is at the center of it all.

This was an amazing read! A small town ruled by a single person, trying to indoctrinate them into his way of life, cult-like in nature… A courageous journalist that wants to find out the town’s secrets, following the suspicious death of one of the prominent citizens… Highly recommend this one to all mystery lovers!

Watch It Burn is addictive, eye-opening, and explosive! It completely blew me away.

Edenberg embodies the very real, dystopian consequences of the current policies being enacted by school boards, town councils, and legislatures around the U.S. It was chilling to read how one man’s views dictated the governance of an entire town - from its schools to its cultural organizations and even its relationships.

I loved the inclusion of the distinct POVs, especially Beverly’s. Her reckoning with her own complicity is such an important part of this story. I enjoyed how she both described the reasoning behind her ignorance and sometimes active participation but also took responsibility for how that ignorance harmed many others.

Watch It Burn is so much more than another suspense novel - it’s timely, relevant, and doesn’t shy away from tackling current issues. It’s an extremely well-written story and I can’t wait to read more of Kristen Bird’s work. Highly recommend!

When the body of Beverly Miller is found in two inches of water, a series of events is set into motion that no one in the small town of Edenberg saw coming.

Genetive, Inc. is the latest phenomenon in personal growth and development. Genetive’s ideals and practices have been transforming the town of Edenberg for years. The owner of the company has bought up property, had his hands in the school system, the churches, and more. With everything going on in the town, it seems like there’s more to this mysterious death that what meets the eye… and three women have made it their mission to get to the bottom of it.

Bird’s latest novel completely blew me away. As an avid reader, it’s hard for a book to surprise me. But Watch It Burn’s twists got me twice! I loved the multiple POVs and how deep the story delved into Genetive’s corruption. This is my new favorite book from Bird.

Watch It Burn is addictive, eye-opening, and explosive! It completely blew me away.

Edenberg embodies the very real, dystopian consequences of the current policies being enacted by school boards, town councils, and legislatures around the U.S. It was chilling to read how one man’s views dictated the governance of an entire town - from its schools, to its cultural organizations, and even its relationships.

I loved the inclusion of the distinct POVs, especially Beverly’s. Her reckoning with her own complicity is such an important part of this story. I enjoyed how she both described the reasoning behind her ignorance and sometimes active participation, but also took responsibility for how that ignorance harmed many others.

Watch It Burn is so much more than another suspense novel - it’s timely, relevant, and doesn’t shy away from tackling current issues. It’s an extremely well-written story and I can’t wait to read more of Kristen Bird’s work. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA Books, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.