Do Not Open by Kiersten Modglin takes you on a whirlwind from the first email, promising a glimmer of hope to author Mari Morgan's bleak existence. And let me tell you, it's a quick ride that'll leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat.

Mari's life takes a drastic turn after a seemingly innocent message. You'd think responding to a fan couldn't hurt, right? Well, buckle up, because what follows is a plot twist that rivals the best in the business. The suspense is maintained flawlessly throughout, making it a perfect pick for those who want a thrilling but not-too-long read.

Modglin's mastery lies in her ability to shatter assumptions. Just when you think you've got it figured out, she throws in a curveball that leaves you second-guessing everything. The pacing is rapid, and the suspense is palpable, creating a page-turner that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Now, let's talk about Mari's strategies. Some are brilliant, keeping you on the edge of your seat, but there's this one involving food that makes you go, "Really?" It's a minor hiccup in an otherwise tightly woven plot, but hey, it adds a dash of unpredictability.

And let's not forget the narrator! Their performance is nothing short of exceptional. They not only add to the thrill of the story but also navigate through the intense and graphic moments with ease. It's like they're the secret ingredient that elevates the entire experience.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

In a nutshell, Do Not Open is a captivating tale of obsession and survival, a nightmare every writer fears coming to life. If you're in the mood for a heart-pounding rollercoaster of suspense that won't take up too much of your time, give this one a shot. Just remember: do not open... unless you're ready for a wild ride!

I listened to this on audiobook and it was a quick easy read. The narrator does a great job and I was engrossed in the story because of her.

I loved Misery (only have seen the movie not the book, still need to read it!) and loved how this book gave off similar vibes. The twists were interesting and they genuinely surprised me.

Overall I found it to be a good quick read/listen for someone wanting mystery/thriller book to devour in one sitting.

I will give the author props as this book does deliver on the book suggestions of Misery, You, and Behind Closed Doors. Which I really liked about this book. It definitely was strongest with Misery. Fans are nice but number one fans can be very scary. That is what Mari learns.

I did want to shake Mari. She should have listened to her instincts, and she would not have found herself in the predicament that she did. Her number one fan was giving me some creepy vibes. He was too calm about how he interacted with Mari.

While I liked the vibes of this story, I will admit that I was not very attached to either Mari or her number one fan. So, there were periods when I would find myself not engaged in the story. Even with the big reveal I was not shocked.

Wow! The initial plot of the book was one I've read before--that of a well-regarded author becoming the obsession of a crazed (and I mean crazed to the extreme) and demented fan.
Yet, the author managed to make her tale original and intriguing. What a roller coaster ride. The story was extremely dark but had to be to differentiate this one from others. The twist at the end was unpredictable but timely.
Modglin never disappoints for keeping you on the edge of your seat as her latest proves.

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
The book started out very intriguing and I was super interested. But once the story got going, it was very predictable. Even without knowing what was going to happen, you just know what's going to happen. Not my favorite KMod book, but it was decent.

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
I enjoyed the narrator and she portrayed the emotions well. I listened at 1.25x speed and it was easy to understand. You could definitely listen faster. I'd recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to Netgalley, Kiersten Modglin and Dreamscape Media for an ALC!

On the day author Mari Morgan receives the email, she has little left to live for.

The message—simple yet utterly life-changing—offers a glimmer of hope to her dismal existence. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and if she takes it, it could change everything.

Mari’s immediate sense of unease is eclipsed only by her curiosity—elicited from the supposed fan on the other end of the email. Unsatisfied despite doing her due diligence, and with no way to discern the legitimacy of the sender, Mari takes a leap of faith and replies.

What harm could come from one innocent message?

Great writing and a great narrator made it hard to pause this one! Anytime I log into Netgalley I’m always checking to see if there is a new KMod availalble.

Darker than I was expecting (also because I don’t usually read the synopsis on her books) this was fast paced and exciting. Mari is struggling, but very likable. Not at all what I was expecting and so much more than a dark thriller. Emotional ride and some unexpected surprises made this a fun read.

3.5 stars.

Mari Morgan, an author with a dark past, received an email that seemed to offer the opportunity of a lifetime. Despite of having concerns, she took a leap of faith and replied to a man who claimed to be her ‘number one’ fan. Could it be a mistake?

I had an interesting experience with this book. The first 80% of the book was pretty much what I had expected, a pop-corn thriller. There were some laughable moments including one involving mint ice cream (iykyk). But suddenly the last 20% dropped something that made the plot a lot deeper, and I was pleasantly surprised. I actually wish it had come sooner because it gave story more texture!

Mari is an author who is looking for a career boost, and a mysterious email from a high-powered producer seems to be the answer to her prayers. But is everything as it seems? (Obviously not)


This book is billed as a modern retelling of Misery, but I just couldn’t get into it. Seemed more brutal and gruesome than necessary, and I don’t really shy away from such things when used in the right way. I guess KM and I are just not meant to be!

I received an audiobook copy of this ARC, so let me take this opportunity to ask all the audiobook companies to hire Mara Wilson to narrate all the books. Please!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a a quick and intense read. The story is about an email, an woman that gets kidnapped, and a crazy fan. Really intense. Every time I though I was getting close to the end and the main character was going to escape, she didn’t and the story kept going. Not only was it intense but the twists. I thought I understood what was going on but there was another surprise.

The main character has some issues and struggles at the beginning. As the story unfolded she got stronger and stronger.

The narrator was great too. Loved the book!

The book somehow reminded me of Misery by Stephen King. But very different in many aspects.
Mari is a thriller/slasher/mystery author who had a [call] offer to have one of her books made into a hollywood film. When she decided to give it a go, she met with the caller and that is when the trap set in.
She is locked in the house with her number one fan. The problem she is facing now is the same problem that the characters and stories she has. She knows she can outsmart him but he also knows her mind-he knows the twist and turns because he read everything… after all, he is her number 1 fan.

I enjoyed this book and has a good plot. It had underlying stories in between that will make you want to finish the book. In an old KMod twist, those questions I had from the start were answered.
It was a fast paced book and something you can finish in a day.

I listened to this book and I was so surprised it was Mara Wilson narrating! Matilda!!!

As a major Kiersten Modglin fan, I'm sorry to report that this one fell flat for me. I tried so hard to get invested in the story and the characters but I just found myself so bored with this one. Usually I struggle to put her books down, but I was struggling to pick this one up. I started and stopped so many times and it's not that it's a bad read, it just wasn't one that I felt connected with. I'd still say to give this one a try just because the author really is great and I'm a huge fan of 95% of her big (and getting bigger) catalog.

Mari Morgan, an author with little left to live for replies to an email that offers a glimmer of hope. Little did she know how much her life would change.
I found this audio book gripping and thrilling, with the narrator’s voice adding a nice edge to the story telling.. Although I thought I knew how it would end there was a nice twist for me that I did not expect.. Kiersten Modglin has done it again.
Once again, Kiersten has been not wanting to wait to see what happens, definitely could not stop listening. A recommend for readers who enjoy Freida McFadden and B.A. Paris to name a couple.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dream Scapes Media for this audio book ARC opportunity!

For fans of misery- this is the book for you, with a twist!

What happened to the main character is a worst nightmare scenario for many. This nail biting thriller really bad me wondering what would happen next.

The narrator of the audio book did a great job! She captured the story, character, and emotions well!

Thank you NetGalley for an ALC of this book!

Title: A Riveting Thriller that Keeps You Guessing - "Do Not Open" by Kiersten Modglin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kiersten Modglin's "Do Not Open" is an absolute masterpiece of suspense and psychological thrill. From the first page to the last, this gripping novel had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in its intricately woven plot.

The story follows a compelling cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives, as they become entangled in a web of deception, lies, and unexpected alliances. Modglin's skillful character development brings them to life, making it impossible not to invest emotionally in their fates. The protagonist's journey is especially well-crafted, leaving readers torn between empathy and suspicion.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with perfectly timed revelations that add layers of complexity to the narrative. Modglin expertly navigates the fine line between suspense and anticipation, leaving readers craving more with each passing chapter. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a climax that is as shocking as it is satisfying.

One of the standout features of "Do Not Open" is the author's ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting. The small town where the story unfolds becomes a character in itself, with its eerie landscapes and hidden secrets adding an extra layer of intrigue to the overall narrative. The sense of place is so palpable that readers will find themselves immersed in the world Modglin has skillfully crafted.

Furthermore, the writing style is engaging and evocative, seamlessly blending descriptive prose with sharp dialogue. Modglin's command over language keeps the reader hooked, effortlessly transitioning between scenes and perspectives, maintaining a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.

In conclusion, "Do Not Open" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted psychological thriller. Kiersten Modglin has proven herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a tale of suspense that is both chilling and thought-provoking. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving readers questioning the nature of trust and the depths to which individuals will go to protect their darkest secrets. Without a doubt, "Do Not Open" earns a well-deserved five-star rating.

This was an action packed quick read/listen. An alcohol abusing author receives an invitation from someone she thinks is a movie producer. When she decides to accept the invitation to meet, she quickly finds herself abducted by a fan. Things start to feel a little too familiar as scenes from her books begin to play out one by one. Will she be found and escape alive?

This was an average book for me. The story line was too much like Misery, and also reminded me of the Hulu show “The Patient.” The narration was well done, but this story fell flat for me and felt a lot like watching a re-run.

What's the worst that could happen? She'll soon find out.
Lately, Mari hasn't had much keeping her going. When an email with the opportunity of a lifetime comes through, she jumps at the chance. Her unease is overruled by curiosity and hope. What harm could come from one message anyhow? She quickly finds out as she comes face-to-face with her "number one fan", someone more sinister than any character she's written in her books. Will Mari escape her own Misery before it becomes her fate?
This story was entertaining and kept me on my toes. Following Mari on this journey was overwhelming and absolutely horrifying. I loved seeing her creative brain come to life in a terrifying situation. The twist in the end was one I never would have guessed amd worked so well for this story. The narrator, Mara Wilson, did a wonderful job portraying the emotions and characters in this story. I would love to see a sequel to this one!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Kiersten Modglin is a favorite of mine! I was so excited to receive this audiobook. Modglin's writing style is so captivating. I could not listen fast enough. She kept us on our toes and had a huge twist at the end that I audibly gasped! Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and will recommending it to everyone!

I really liked the plot and I think it’s every famous persons fear that their biggest fan might do something outrageous as this. The end was really twisted which added to the book. The narrator did a great job at holding the audience as well. Very good read.

Wow this book was good but the ending was a twist I definitely didn’t see coming. I’m starting to think she’s the queen of an unexpected but subtle twist at the end.

Mari Morgan receives an email that has the power to change her life. After living through one of the worst tragedies in a parent's nightmare, Mari decides that she needs to take a leap of faith. When this too turns into a nightmare, will Mari be able to use all that she has learned researching the worst of humanity and survive?

The audiobook is narrated by Mara Wilson, who performs the novel in too much of a lighthearted fashion. Mari is a woman who has faced the worst, but the narrator has a lilt in her voice that does not bring this forth.

There were a lot of plot holes that the author needed to jump over to make the story go in the direction that she wanted. I wished that the plot flowed more organically, that the character decisions made more sense. I also guessed part of the central question in the story: what happened to Mari's family. I wanted the plot to take a different turn than that, so it left me a little disappointed. As a mystery/thriller fan, I hoped to be surprised. Overall, Do Not Open did not deliver, so I would be hesitant to recommend it to other readers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Audio Copy of Do Not Open by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to listen to and review this book was entirely my own.