Hiding Places by E.J Post is a blinding novel which is at once a reflection of contemporary soceity and the attitudes and behaviours displayed during and following the aftermath of catastrophic tragedy that has become sadly an almost daily occurrence in the US

Ellie and Tom had an idyllic life, hardworking, a happy marriage, lovely home and planning to have another child, until one fateful day, when a gunman walks into the diner where Ellie is due to meet her husband and their lives are changed forever. Ellie, an ER physician assistant, takes action, actions which will open wounds on multiple levels and not just her own

Ellie is a heroine to some and the worst villain to others, all under the glaring scrutiny of media and gossip, affecting every single part of her families life. A glaring commentary on contemporary soceital behaviours

Post's writing style is fluid and yet dynamic, dramatic yet gentle and all at once, honest and observant. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone and especially those who have an interest in gripping thrillers, true crime and politics/ sociocultural issues.

Thank you to Netgalley, BDA Publishing and the incredible author E.J. Post for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

#netgalley #hidingplaces

This book! I expected profound and emotional, and I was not disappointed. Hiding Places is such a gorgeous, heart-wrenching portrayal of a young woman finding her footing after a traumatic event that steals every comfort she's ever known. It's going to resonate with everyone who has their own "hiding places" (so...everyone?? basically). And the social commentaries on mass shootings and the broken healthcare system in this country are spot on. As sad as it is, as a US citizen - if you don't have experience with one, you have it with the other (or both, increasingly). I loved Ellie and James, the golden retriever vibes of Benjamin, and the actual dog, Bandit.

I give this book a solid 3 stars. I could see what the author was trying to accomplish with the story, but there was just a little too much happening all at once. They were trying to provide commentary on mass shootings, the poor state of mental health services, the court system, and then trying to add a dash of romance that wasn't really necessary. I feel like James (MMC) could have been anyone when it came to this story. He didn't really stand out and I would have loved to had a little more from his point of view, being a victim along with the FMC. He was just kind of "there." It was obvious he was struggling with everything as well, but he was never truly touched on.

Ellie was a solid main character but for all the emotions that this story was trying to pull out of the reader, I didn't feel it in the writing. With that being said, the story did hook me and kept my attention. I was curious to see how everything was going to play out. The pacing was solid and I had no issues following along with the story lines. The ending did surprise me and I enjoyed the little twist.

This author will be one I keep an eye on for sure and I'm excited to see where their next story leads.

This was fantastic. I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested. I loved every second of this ride. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Publication date: April 16th, 2024
Page count: 304
Genre: domestic thriller
Setting: Chicago

Ellie is a traveling ER PA. While her husband is visiting her locum in Chicago, they have lunch at a restaurant. A shooter enters the restaurant, killing Elli’s husband, but she saves the life of a stranger James, and kills the shooter. Despite being seen by some as a hero, she is arrested, loses her job, and goes on trial.

The narrator was likable and I enjoyed the writing. However I did not find the book to be much of a mystery/ thriller- but more about grief, PTSD, society issues and romance- which isn’t the escape that I am looking for when reading a book labeled @mystery/thriller”.


Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced copy. This is an honest voluntary review.