When I'm Dead by Hannah Morrissey is the perfect spooky book to put you in a Halloween mood!

I hadn’t known this was book number three in the Black Harbor series, but after some help from fellow Bookstagrammers, and a little additional research, I decided to treat this book as a stand alone. Of course, I absolutely have plans to go back and read the first two books in the series, because I've heard they're amazing as well!

The wide cast of characters, combined with the fast pace felt a little overwhelming initially, but eventually I got a grasp on everything. Once I was no longer trudging through muddy waters, the writing began to really shine. Maybe shine is the wrong term... how about glisten in a sliver of light like fresh blood… because that's how dark the descriptions and word usage are! They are as dark as can be, and I devoured Morrissey’s writing! Even describing mundane things, the best synonyms are chosen to evoke the creepiest of images.

I really loved Rowen, Medical Examiner and mother of missing Chloe. I found myself drawn into the narrator's voice when she spoke, and I was intrigued by her secretive past. I connected with Rowen as a mother, and straight up realized that I have a penchant for reading about gore, which there was a decent amount of it, as Rowen works with crime scenes and dead bodies.

Highlights:
-multiple perspectives and narrators
-Halloween season with appropriate spookiness
-dark wordage
-blood and dead bodies

This one really made me want to read more true crime books, and I’m sure lovers of that genre will find many similarities to this book as well!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Here I am, in Black Harbor once again, for my second read of When I'm Dead by Hannah Morrissey. I've said this with each of the previous books in the series - but this one truly cinches my love of her writing!

When I'm Dead is the one that started my love affair with Morrissey's books - with this read becoming my fifth time reading her dark, twisted, and compulsively addictive books! And still, I simply can't get enough!

Macabre is the perfect adjective for this one. Hands down, it's the darkest of the three in the series (up to this point, anyway). And I still can't believe the tone is as sinister as it is. But of course, I ate it up like the deranged reader that I am! Filled with foreboding promises, Morrissey creates an art out of turning a simple phrase into conveying the darkest of imagery! (How can I say this book depressed me and make it sound attractive? Like, that's what I signed up for and wanted! Because I did, and it's true!)

Rowen still stands out to me, but I found myself empathizing so much with Axel on this re-read! The dynamic these two have together made me long for Hazel and Kole, although they are both completely different couples. The relationships Morrissey crafts are not for the faint of heart; they are the messiest, truest form of dysfunction, and they are beautiful! Libby was the perfect character to offset these two adults.

This audiobook is a multicast narration from Andrew Eiden, Caitlin Kelly, Gary Tiedemann, and Xe Sands. In complete transparency, it was Eiden's narration that caught me off guard (in the best way! - IYKYK) and I loved the execution that he, Kelly, Tiedemann, and Sands performed for these characters! I simply can't get over the choice in narrators for this series - as the selection is pure perfection!

Another completely binge-worthy, dark, and twisty ride! I can't wait to revisit Black Harbor with the next installment: The Unlucky Ones! (And yes, I'm still thinking of snatching up property within the town - because I'm obsessed!)

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy to read and review.

A great thriller to add to my bookshelf! The author had me guessing all the way to the end and I love being surprised! Enjoyed the character dynamic and backgrounds too…it really added to the storytelling.

Thank you Hannah Morrissey, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a great book, would love to see this as a tv show lol would recommend

“What if killing was just a means to an end?”

✨ Genre: Thriller
✨ Steamy rating: Mild
✨ Profanity: Moderate

One high school girl was murdered (Madison) and another is missing (Chloe). Chloe’s father is a detective and her mom a medical examiner. Both parents are married to their jobs, so Chloe has spent a great deal of time alone. After the investigation gains momentum, the evidence points to many people in Madison and Chloe’s lives and Chloe herself. But, where is Chloe, and is she even still alive?

This was a quick entertaining read but not overly exhilarating. I liked the storyline and “who did it” aspect. I found the characters and town a little weird and unrelatable. Many of the teachers at the high school knew there was extreme bullying taking place but didn’t do anything…. a little unbelievable. Also, taxidermy was an elective at this high school. That’s so insane to me! Overall, an enjoyable murder mystery.

This is the third book in the Black Harbor series. I plan to listen to the first two soon.

Triggers: Murder, bullying, assault, untreated mental illness, and accidental death

I downloaded the audiobook and then I changed my phone and was unable to listen to it because it had already been archived. I give 3 stars to not mess with their ratings.

Haunting Small-Town Mystery

When I’m Dead by Hannah Morrissey is a gripping mystery novel set in the eerie town of Black Harbor. The story begins on a chilling October night when Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp is called to investigate the murder of her daughter's best friend, Madison. The tragedy escalates when Rowan discovers that her own daughter, Chloe, is missing. As Rowan and her husband, Detective Axel Winthorp, delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a series of disturbing clues and grisly secrets that suggest the presence of a serial killer in their midst. The plot unfolds through the dual perspectives of Rowan and Axel, offering a poignant and intense exploration of their contrasting reactions to these harrowing circumstances.

When I’m Dead stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking mystery that combines a haunting atmosphere with a deeply emotional narrative. Its strengths lie in the well-crafted characters, intricate plot, and Morrissey's evocative writing style. While some readers might find the dark and moody tone overwhelming, it is precisely this atmosphere that makes the novel so gripping and memorable. Overall, When I’m Dead is a must-read for fans of mystery and psychological thrillers who appreciate a well-told story that delves into the depths of human fear and resilience.

When I'm Dead, the latest book in the Black Harbor mystery series takes you on a thrilling journey of suspense, tragedy, and the desperate search for truth.The story begins on one October night during a school event when Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp finds herself investigating the death of her daughter's best friend. However, tragedy strikes even closer to home when Rowan discovers that her own daughter, Chloe, is missing. As Rowan and her husband start investigating the case, they are confronted with morbid clues that force them to question how well they truly knew their daughter. The author weaves together a complex web of secrets and hidden transgressions, gradually revealing the dark underbelly of Chloe's life. As each new revelation threatens to tear Rowan and her husband apart because the emotional turmoil and grief that Rowan experiences are noticeable. As Rowan navigates her grief and confronts the sins of her past, the concept of karma becomes a driving force in the story. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that the past can come back to haunt us in unexpected ways. The sit on the edge of your seat suspense and mystery will keep you turning pages to the very end.

I loved Widowmaker, and was so excited to read this! I’m a sucker for any book set in a small town, and was so hooked on this police investigation. I’ve enjoyed this series so much, and this is the third in the Black Harbor series.

Medical examiner Rowan Winthorp is investigating the death of her daughter’s best friend and just hours later, her daughter goes missing.

I paired the book with the audio, and thought both formats were great!

*many thanks to Minotaur, Macmillan audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

I was so fascinated by this small town suspenseful book. I thought the narrators were engaging and kept my interest the whole time. I thought at times it was a little slow or was longer than it needed to be. So while it wasn't a favorite, I would recommend to anyone looking for a spooky vibe.

Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp and a police Detective Axel Winthorp find themselves in the middle of investigating the murder of their daughter's friend - only to come to a realization that their daughter is missing and might be tied to the murder.

The book is set in Black Harbor and is written in a police procedural style where we follow Rowan and Axel as they try to find who is behind the murders and who might have their daughter. Is Chloe dead or alive?

The story was okay. I did find it dry at times but that might have been due to Rowan's narrator in the audiobook that I could not connect with.

The culprit in the end kind of came out of a left field and I found that Rowan's and Axel's relationship never felt resolved for me, I did want to know if they reconciled in the end, especially since it was brought up so many times through the book.

I did also enjoy the dark and suspenseful undertone of the story, the mystery was creepy and did leave me wanting to know who did it and why.

Overall, I did enjoy the writing and the premise and would pick up this author again in the future but I would skip the audiobook and go for the book instead.

"When I'm Dead" by Hannah Morrissey presents an intriguing premise with elements of mystery and suspense. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, and the characters are compelling. Overall, it's an interesting read for fans of psychological thrillers,!

I had a hard time getting into this one. I started with the digital book and ended up listening to the audiobook and it did help some. I think part of the problem was all of the different points of views. While I usually love a book that has multiple POVs, I felt like there were one or two too many in this book.

When I"m Dead is an audio that I couldn't wait to listen to! Thrillers are my go to when the weather turns warmer, as I love walking and getting to crack a case. However; I wasn't able to become immersed in the story and unfortunately decided this book wasn't the one for me at the 10 percent mark!

A police detective and medical examiner who are a married couple find themselves at the heart of a murder investigation of their daughter’s friend. I struggled with this one - I wanted to like it, but there were some things that made that hard for me.

Oh, this one was fun. I think it was my favorite out of the series. But, even though it's my favorite, it still felt like it was missing something. The crappy kids being crappy to other kids is always a great plot, though. I liked that one POV was from the Medical Examiner, too.

When I’m Dead (Black Harbor #3) was a great read by Hannah Morrissey. Medical examiner Rowan Winthorp is investigating the death of her daughter’s best friend. Hours later sh discovers that her daughter Chloe is gone. There are morbid clues that force Rowan and her husband to question how well they know their daughter. The details of her secrets threaten to tear Rowan and her husband apart. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more by the author.

Entering this book, I knew it belonged to the Black Harbor Series as Book #3. Despite not having read the preceding two books, I found this installment to stand well on its own. While familiarity with the prior books may have enhanced my rating or comprehension, I felt no hindrance in relating to the characters. As a typical crime fiction novel, it exuded a dark ambiance with intriguing characters, making it a compelling read even without prior knowledge of the series.

Although I found enjoyment in this book, it felt lengthier than its actual duration. Additionally, I struggled to establish a connection with Rowan and Axel, finding their demeanor rather nonchalant, particularly in the face of their daughter's disappearance.

Thank you #netgalley for this #arc for an honest review!

I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook. I found most of the characters hard to relate to and care about. As soon as we were introduced to Chloe's kidnapper I knew it was going to end up being him. I also felt that there were some small holes in the plot line. Overall I think many people will like this book and I would recommend it to several people. I didn't end up sharing it on social media because of the boycott of St. Martin Press marketing.

3.5 Stars

This book is #3 in a series, and I have not read books 1 or 2 and yet, I didn't feel like I was missing any pieces that substantially took away from enjoying it. My rating may have been higher having had the background from the first two books and now I definitely need to read/listen the first two books! This was a great audiobook with a twist I didn't see coming at the end. I'm super excited to read/listen to the first two books and am looking forward to the next installment!

Hannah Morrissey has quickly and easily become one of my favorite authors. I absolutely LOVED Hello, Transcriber and The Widowmaker so I had very high hopes and expectations for When I'm Dead. And it did NOT disappoint!

We're back in Black Harbor, the fictional town that joins all 3 of Hannah's novels, and I think When I'm Dead may be the darkest installment yet. I like my thrillers dark, twisty, atmospheric, and character driven and When I'm Dead ticked ALL of those boxes. It's creepy and weird and grim and I mean all of those things as tremendous compliments!

The audio for all of the Black Harbor books are excellent and When I'm Dead is no exception. The narration for When I'm Dead is well acted and evenly paced... plus Xe Sands can do no wrong. I would listen to her read the phone book and rate it 5 stars.

If you're in the mood for a chilly thriller (set around Halloween - bonus!), When I'm Dead is definitely the one!