Member Reviews

What happens when you look back on the videos that your parents take? You don't expect to find something that will change who they are in your eyes, right? When our three siblings have to go through their parents' items, that is exactly what happens. The way Beth, Nicole, and Michael acted and what they went through felt like normal people. They have their flaws, and I liked how they did not get along with each other. I almost felt that this was my family trio. I enjoyed the mystery and so did not see it coming on who was behind it all. Some secrets are dangerous, and they can get you killed. Their different POVs were really good to have, and they went together well. I didn't feel lost when going back and forth between them. If you want a good mystery/thriller to keep you on your toes and have you wondering who committed the crimes years ago, check this book out. The story flowed well, and I felt it was not slow like some mysteries. I plan to read more by this author, because I do like her work.

Was this review helpful?

This was an excellent read. Honestly it kept me engaged and turning pages and I didn't see the end coming. But at the same time, it made total sense! Why didn't I think about that? Because it was well-crafted. I actually enjoyed the multiple perspectives and the sibling dynamics...and the 90's vibes! And originally being from northern Illinois, I was familiar with almost all of the Wisconsin towns mentioned so that was kind of fun too!

Was this review helpful?

Decided to give this one a try based on the premise and the fact that I enjoy following the author on TikTok, and while I'm not mad I did, I think there were some clear giveaways early on in the POV chapters that made the supposedly twist ending fairly easy to predict. Ultimately, a fun and diverting popcorn thriller to read over an afternoon, but didn't necessarily reinvent the wheel for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I adore Jeneva Rose and so far, I haven't rated a single one of her books below a 5, so why would that change with Home Is Where the Bodies Are?! Besides the author, what drew me in initially was the cover and I love how it looks exactly like a VHS tape. So very fitting for the story inside, and I would want to keep it on my shelf just for the coolness factor. This book is full of family drama, and I was glad there was a viewpoint from all of the family members (except for their dad). I liked all of the different angles that gave us, and it helped to keep me guessing since we aren't always getting the full picture from each one.

The cast for the audiobook was killer with Brittany Pressley, Andrew Eiden, January LaVoy & Cassandra Campbell at the helm. So many of my favorites all on one audio, and it was one of the best audiobooks I have listened to. I was also a fan of Rose reading her acknowledgments, though I wish she would have broken down and shared that secret of hers. 😂 Guess we gotta wait for the next book! The title of Home Is Where the Bodies Are tied into the book perfectly and I enjoyed seeing things come full circle. I can see a reread of this book in my future because I loved it that much, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all the thriller and family drama fans out there.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great, fast-paced read! It was a little predictable but still an amazing read nonetheless! Would definitely recommend to thriller fans

Was this review helpful?

This was a nice popcorn thriller I read in a few sittings. A little predictable but still a good story!

Was this review helpful?

Like 3.5-4 ⭐️?


I was lucky enough to read this book early but wanted to see what others thought of it was well. I personally enjoyed this book and decided to listen to it on audio as well after it was released. I figured out who the killer was early on but it was still seeing how the story played out. I look forward to reading her next book and hoping she does finally tell her secret.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first Jeneva Rose book I have read. I'm hooked. A mother's dying words left unfinished build such suspense at the start of the book. I just had to know what she meant. Boy does Rose take you on a ride. I couldn't put this one down. It was really hard for me to stay on task and not just skirt all responsibilities and read this book. Jeneva Rose is not on my list of authors that jump to the top of my TBR list.

Was this review helpful?

"Home Is Where the Bodies Are" by Jeneva Rose is a book that, unfortunately, reveals too much in its title, leaving little to the imagination. From the start, the lack of twists made the story feel predictable. While the plot had moments of engagement, it ultimately didn't live up to expectations. The writing style was competent, and there were some intriguing character dynamics, but these aspects couldn't fully compensate for the overall sense of letdown. This book may appeal to readers looking for a straightforward thriller, but those seeking surprises and suspense might find it lacking.

Was this review helpful?

Three estranged siblings reunite at their mothers home after her passing. As they're going through her things, they come across old home videos. They decide to watch them, expecting happy memories. What they find on these videos is the OPPOSITE of happy. Now they need to decide if they should dig up the secrets their mother took to her grave, or leave the past in the past!

This wasn't my favorite, but it also wasn't bad. This is a slow burn that slowly unfolds. I was intrigued by the premise. This has some twists and although I did guess some of it early into it, I still enjoyed it. It alternates between past and present which worked well for this book. I did see lots of people really loving this one so I'd say give it a try if it sounds good to you.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Well written! Somehow even though this story seems so far fetched, Jeneva has you believing this could be the doing of your next door neighbors. A thrilling ride with a beautiful family sentiment intertwined.

Was this review helpful?

LOVED THIS BOOK! Jeneva Rose is an auto buy author for me and I knew this book would be a must read, especially with that nostalgic VHS cover. Loved the premise of this story of 3 siblings coming together after the death of their mother, to find a clip on an old VHS tape that should have never been recorded. This book was so hard to put down and the ending was one reveal after another.. I especially loved that she wrote this book based out of her home town. The note at the end of the book was a special treat.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (4.75/5)

“Feeling dead while your body still walks this earth is far worse than being dead.”

I 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀𝘿 the nostalgic elements to this book. I always find myself reading her books and being like “OMG, same girl! Me too!” Plus I’m 40 so all of the music references are in that sweet spot of my teenage years. 🎶

I’m so impressed that Jeneva knows about one of the best Sega games ever, Zombies Ate My Neighbors! #didwejustbecomebestfriends 😂🤣

Ok now back to like the actual story, enough of me fangirling. This book was so much fun. The pacing was slow at first, just so you can get a feel for the family and town dynamics and to set the stage. Once you get to the last 40% of the book…things really start moving. Usually I give up on slower paced books (my attention span is 0) but I know better than to do that with a Jeneva Rose book. IYKYK.

The characters were well developed and I loved the notes and flashbacks to their mother’s POV. Something else I really thought was well done was the time jumps, I struggle sometimes when stories are bouncing all over the place but Jeneva does a nice job of referencing dates in her chapters so they flow well without being redundant or overly simplified.

I ordered the special edition from Barnes & Noble so my copy was extra special. It’s already signed but WHEN *cough*cough* Jeneva comes to the Baltimore/ DC area I’m gonna have it personalized. It’s one of my favs of hers along with One Of Us Is Dead.

Was this review helpful?

I’m new to the world of suspense and thrillers but I really enjoyed this book. The characters were compelling and the concept was really well done. It was relatable because how much do we all really know about anyone? We only see what they show us so of course everyone has secrets. This one came full circle in a way I wasn’t anticipating and I really enjoyed the symmetry of that! Overall I really like the characters and the story kept me hooked from start to finish.

Was this review helpful?

I love Jeneva Rose's writing and this did not disappoint!

Three siblings reunite to handle their mother's estate after she passes, but it's more like three strangers. Beth is the oldest and had stayed and cared for their mother all the way up until she passed. And her final words to Beth has Beth feeling confused along with bereft. Nicole is the middle child and battles substance abuse leaving her on the outs with everyone in her family. And Michael, the youngest, got out of their small town and now lives a life of luxury. He hasn't been back to his home town in seven years. With old wounds opening along with the fresh wound of their mother's passing they are more than eager to go through their mother's things and get the estate settled. However, when they stumble upon an old VHS that was meant to be their home tape from summer of 1999 but ends with the image of their father in bloodied clothes, a body, and their parents stating they plan on hiding the body, the siblings are left shocked and wondering what they should do with this information.

I really enjoyed how the story opens and progresses. It's told in the perspective of all three siblings and it's fascinating seeing how each sibling sees themselves and each other. The memories of their childhoods differ and each has a different perspective on how to handle this new knowledge they've gained. As the story unfolds I had several different ideas of what the twist was going to be. Jeneva Rose does a great job of making you feel like you've figured it out and then throwing another wrench in your theory. Overall, I did guess the twist but the lead up to its revelation was still fun. I especially enjoyed that there weren't too many characters involved, making it easy to keep up with the story.

Was this review helpful?

Jeneva Rose never disappoints! Her books are always an amazing read with great characters and a surprising ending. This book did not disappoint! I recommend for everyone to read!

Was this review helpful?

I am probably in the minority but this book was not for me. Written amatuerishly and overrun with metaphors and similies I couldn't stop rolling my eyes and wondering how this gets published. The mystery of the video recording being uncovered by the siblings of the dead parents sounded interesting, but I guessed the twist way before it was revealed. It needs more. The best thing going for this book is the really cool cover design. Top-notch for that.

Was this review helpful?

Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Geneava Rose is a rollercoaster of a thriller that had me hooked from the first page. The author's skillful storytelling weaves together a gripping plot filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. Rose has a knack for creating tension and suspense, making it impossible to put the book down once you start reading.

The setting of the small town adds to the atmospheric suspense, and the pacing is perfect, keeping the tension high throughout. From shocking revelations to heart-pounding action sequences, this book has it all.

Was this review helpful?

I want to be transparent and say I received an ARC of this novel. I own Page & Flame Bookshop in Landrum, SC.

Title: Home is Where the Bodies Are
Author: Jeneva Rose

Rating: *****

"Home is Where the Bodies Are" by Jeneva Rose is a riveting psychological thriller that delves deep into family secrets and the consequences of burying the past. Set against the backdrop of a small Wisconsin town, this novel follows the journey of three estranged siblings as they come together to settle their mother's estate, only to unearth a chilling mystery that threatens to unravel their entire reality.

Beth, Nicole, and Michael are compelling characters, each grappling with their own demons and haunted by their tumultuous family history. As they sift through their parent's belongings, they stumble upon a series of home videos that reveal a shocking secret from their past—a night in 1999 that none of them can remember, featuring their father drenched in blood and a disturbing pact between their parents to dispose of a body.

Rose expertly weaves together the present-day narrative with flashbacks to 1999, slowly unraveling the layers of deception and betrayal that have plagued the family for years. The tension mounts as the siblings are forced to confront long-buried truths and grapple with the moral dilemma of confronting the darkness lurking in their past or letting it remain hidden.

What sets "Home is Where the Bodies Are" apart is its atmospheric setting and richly drawn characters. From the eerie quiet of the family home to the haunting memories captured on VHS tapes, Rose creates a sense of unease that permeates every page. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the final, shocking revelation.

In conclusion, "Home is Where the Bodies Are" is a gripping thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Its complex characters, atmospheric setting, and spine-tingling plot make it a must-read for fans of the suspense genre. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last.

Was this review helpful?

Home is Where the Bodies Are has a fantastically intriguing cover and title and that's where it ends. While this book is billed as a thriller, there isn't much that's thrilling about it. The mystery is completely lacking in urgency and suspense. After learning that the parents of the main characters where responsible for hiding a body many years ago, I wanted to know what happened but no one in the book seemed all that invested in learning the truth. Nicole did eventually decide to look into it, but all she did was read old police files which didn't help her at all. And there was no reason for them to solve the mystery. No threat hanging over their head if they didn't, no race against the clock to solve it before the evidence was destroyed. It was all very lack luster. The big reveal at the end wasn't even exciting. I hadn't figured out who the killer was, but beyond general curiosity I didn't really care either.
There was also a lot of moralizing and philosophizing in the characters internal dialogues that was really strange and really dragged the pacing down. It didn't make a lot of sense or add anything to the story. All it accomplished was making me like the characters less.

Was this review helpful?