The publisher description of My Darlings as 'ABC's Desperate Housewives' meets HBO's 'Dexter' gave me high hopes for the book. I've seen every episode of both series and consider myself a fan. The book's exceptional cover art lured me too. I could hardly wait to start reading.

The story starts out strong, and the first person POV is reader-friendly and well-written. The author offers readers a look inside the mind of a female psychopath and serial killer while we follow her routine as a member of the one percent with a taste for murder. We also follow each character in Eloise's inner circle, none of whom like each other. And then, surprisingly, the direction of the book shifts. The plotlines begin to meander. The story is still interesting enough to continue reading, but the promise of 'Dexter' fades.

Writing from the perspective of a psychopath is a tough assignment, but Marie Still does a convincing job with Eloise. Despite the wandering plot, the author's writing skill and ability to create interesting characters earns her book a four-star rating.

Many thanks to Rising Action Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

A thriller this good deserves every bit of praise it is sure to get. A female serial killer, dysfunctional friendships and affluent living situations mingle together to make this a 5-star read.

Eloise has been a conniving sociopath, devoid of any emotion whatsoever, since she was a young child. When a person has those character traits, they are capable of anything. Every page will bring you new terror and unfathomable crimes.

This is a blockbuster novel that is very well written. If you’re into psychological thrillers, grab this one.

Thank you, NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the eARC.

I hang with women like Eloise on the surface. The PTO presidents, the local history group board members (I am the Vice President), and the book club gals. We attend town halls and meet to discuss local politics. We talk to the mayor about new playground equipment and wildlife rehab centers.
Anyway, so she seems like a good wholesome woman, but surprise - she is a serial killer! I loved the different perspectives. I loved the thought processes.
This was twisty and fun.

This is my first book by this author and I downloaded her other audiobook as soon as I finished. I loved this one.

Eloise is a stay at home mom. She is president of PTO, doting wife and also a serial killer. She is cold hearted and unhinged. Soon you discover that her circle of friends is conniving, back stabbing and honestly a bit cruel. I devoured this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens. If you love Dexter and Desperate Housewives you will love this.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book!

When I read the summary for this ARC, it seemed like a thriller I’d love. However, I didn’t like it mainly because it was outlandish and unrealistic. My main concern was that the plot had so many directions it wanted to go in that it came across as chaotic. I wish the author picked one direction and stuck to it. I thought the focus would be on Bryony and her potential to be a killer or someone from her past selling Eloise out. Somehow too much happened and yet it felt like nothing. I was mildly entertained and wanted to see Eloise go down but the ending was awfully predictable. There was a lot of potential but because of the aforementioned, I don't think I'd recommend this to others. Not only was the plot mediocre but the characters were all horrifically unlikeable.

This was a LOT.

I started out kind of bored by Eloise, to be honest. She wasn’t as fascinating as promised. However, once the other characters got involved and brought absolute MESS, I was in!

This is definitely an everything but the kitchen sink sort of read. Our characters are all very extra and they do things that just make you scratch your head and eat your popcorn.

I ended up really enjoying this and ended it wanting more!

• ARC via Publisher

This is my first book by Marie Still and I was excited by the premise of the book. The idea that the PTO mum, doting wife and philanthropist was also a serial killer, had me intrigued.

It had plenty of twists and turns to keep me gripped. There were a few points that were a little bit unrealistic, but enjoyable overall.

The main character Eloise, the villain in this story, was a very unlikeable character, which fits with the storyline very well.

I look forward to seeing what Marie Still writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me needing more! I found parts difficult to get through, but when I hit the good parts, I got the good parts! Over all, I probably wouldn’t rush to read it again, however I would recommend this to people I know who enjoy the genre

Ooooh what a book! My favourite read of 2024!
Deliciously dark, like the description says "desperate housewives x Dexter" kindof, ish!

A few pages and it doesn't takelong for me to be sucked into this Dexter cross Desp Housewives story as the description so accurately says
Very nicely written with beautiful descriptive words that transports you into the character's world.

What makes me love this book and in some weitf way... Eloise, is her bluntness, she says what we all think, brilliant! I can't help but like her, I find myself agreeing or "same" on most of the thoughts that go through her head! She feels true, real and not some prim and proper character that's cute and lovely and never says or thinks a bad word or thought.... Buuuut she's absolutely bat poop crazy, has been from childhood and the flipping back and forth from her past to present helps paint a better picof her, we get to know her well. But through her sadistic nature I still find myself liking her, she's such an a******e.

The plot is brilliant, it kept me on edge from the get go, I couldn't put the book down, just wanting to know what Eloise did next, who she'd ruin next. Loads of twists and turns that I didn't really see coming.

The only negative I have here is that I only wished it was a bit longer and the end scenes were dragged out a bit more and it didn't end.
5*, enjoyed this book sooooo much!

A gripping psychological thriller, “My Darlings” by Marie Still pulls no punches. The novel delves into the complexities of human nature, the secrets we keep, and the lengths to which one woman will go to maintain control. If you're a fan of thrillers that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, this book is a must-read.

In the deceptively serene Washington D.C. suburbs, evil lurks behind perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways. Meet Eloise Williams. She’s a stay-at-home mom, PTO president, and respected local philanthropist, leads a double life—one that involves serial killing. But she isn't the only lady of society playing a dangerous game. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises, and the chilling reality hiding in plain sight becomes impossible to ignore.

The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the character development masterful. Eloise's dual roles as a doting wife and mother juxtaposed with her chilling alter ego create a tension that permeates every page. Still skillfully weaves together suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected twists, which made "My Darlings" an utterly addictive read.

Still continues to prove herself as a rising star in the mystery/thriller genre, and "My Darlings" is a testament to her talent. The book combines suburban intrigue with dark, twisted elements that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Still's ability to craft a chilling suburban noir is unparalleled. Her characters leap off the page, and the tension builds to a heart-pounding crescendo. Whether you're a seasoned thriller reader or a newcomer to the genre, "My Darlings" will leave you breathless and questioning the secrets hidden within your own community.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read this on the plane cover to cover and even if I could have put this down, I didn’t want to! I was so engaged in this story I was hanging on every word. The only character I thought needed a little bit more personality/emotion/ recognition/justification was Robert. I would have liked one chapter from his perspective. But, I loved this book!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a very fast paced read

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book

Marie Still’s "My Darlings" is a gripping and darkly thrilling novel that unveils the sinister secrets lurking behind the opulent facades of Washington, DC’s elite. Eloise Williams, the seemingly perfect stay-at-home mom, philanthropist, and PTO president, harbors a chilling secret: she is a serial killer. Still crafts a compelling and multi-layered protagonist in Eloise, whose outward charm and respectability mask a deeply disturbed psyche.

The novel delves into the hidden lives of Eloise’s affluent inner circle, each with their own secrets and deceptions. As the narrative progresses, the body count rises, and the tension escalates. Still masterfully intertwines the perspectives of various characters, exposing the fragility of their carefully constructed lives and the dark truths they conceal.

"My Darlings" is not just a thriller; it is a sharp commentary on the facades people maintain and the lengths they will go to protect their secrets. The juxtaposition of the characters' glamorous lives with their sinister actions creates a captivating and unsettling atmosphere.

Still’s writing is crisp and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns. The novel’s pacing is perfect, building suspense with each chapter and keeping readers guessing until the very end. The richly detailed setting and the complex characters add depth to the story, making it a truly immersive read.

In "My Darlings," Marie Still has crafted a riveting tale of deception, power, and the dark side of human nature. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a story that delves into the hidden depths of seemingly perfect lives. This novel will leave readers questioning the true nature of the people around them and the secrets they might be hiding.

This book was well written in a way which makes you feel absorbed by the story. The main character had a really chatty style which enabled me to get to know her.

The story is about a female serial killer and the fear it brings about a town.

I liked the idea of females all trying to fit in and out perform each other, their boastful ways and lavish lives. It was an interesting read and made me keep turning the pages.

The plot was very unrealistic though and so far-fetched - just HOW many people were being killed and thinking of killing others/themselves?!

It was also quite uncomfortable at times.

Overall, it was twisty and silly and an easy read.

Welcome to the mind of a serial killer. Eloise is not your typical psychopath. She’s gorgeous, rich, and head of the PTA, a woman who has everything. But when her obsession for adding bodies to her collection of Darlings begins to get the best of her, Eloise’s carefully crafted life begins to unravel, along with the lives of those in her inner circle. Deliciously devious and deadly, My Darlings delivers twist after bloody twist, until the very end.

My Darlings is a quick read for any thrill seekers. This book kept my attention and was like riding a roller coaster. The only negative I have is I found Eloise too unlikeable. I know that is part of her personality disorder but the chapters focusing on her so much took me out of the book. I was more interested in The Watcher and her daughter's chapters. That being said, I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced thriller. Thank you to Rising Action Publishing, Marie Still, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

In the vein of Dexter series, Eloise has a few secrets about her favorite hobby of selecting a Darling to hunt and kill. Perfect nails, hair and wardrobe. Eloise knows how to create a mask of loving wife, doting mother, and community leader.

The women in her inner circle also have secrets. As they become exposed, Eloise focuses on manipulating situations to her benefit. Also, her daughter has desires that she does not share. As the body count rises - everyone's secrets are exposed.

My Darlings is one of the most suspenseful, thrilling psychological thrillers I have read to date! Marie Still has a way of writing that will have your heart racing while on the edge of your seat!

The book starts off with the killer announcing she is a killer, right after committing a murder. Eloise Williams is a housewife and stay at home mom, who is well perceived by her society. She is a respected local philanthropist and sits on the boards of many charities, but is also a serial killer. She carefully targets her victims, scoping them out, briefly meeting them, and then stalking them until the perfect time to end her "darling's" life. She is quite particular in her choosing and has rules- one rule being to never go after women she's connected to. Until things change..

This book took me on a wild ride! The author had no problem killing people off throughout the book (by Eloise's hands, of course). Murder after murder, Eloise has never been caught. She's on a streak and does not mind killing off anyone who gets in her way, no matter how close they are to her. She is remorseless, especially when she knows the other wealthy housewives within her circle are hiding their own secrets. This book is suspenseful, it is gripping, it is paced extremely well with several twists that will have you on the edge of your seat, and an ending that will leave you jaw-dropped! The anonymous POV (the Watcher) adds so much to this book as well! We quickly learn this serial killer has a stalker who has been tracking her every move for years and it makes this book even more twisted! 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing, and Marie Still for such an utterly addictive ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley for this gifted arc

I love thrillers where you get the killers pov and My Darlings was absolutely no exception. Eloise is insane!!! Literally!!!

This book did a great job at reminding why I never want to be rich (I know because there's such a chance right 😂) Out of the whole group of characters there was only one person I didn't want to strangle and what's sad is he was mentioned so little I can't remember his name 😅 but let's be honest he's probably also a terrible person to hang around this group in any capacity.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs and I thought the flashbacks of Eloise growing up were a nice touch.

It did start to feel a little chaotic about midway and the ending was so action packed I felled a bit jarred when I finished all this action and then BAM the end. I would have liked an epilogue. It was left very open to interpretation which is awesome if there is going to be another book but so many loose ends could have been tied up and now I'm left wondering

My Darlings was a page turner for me. I love how this was told from different perspectives.
This book has it all, deception and red herrings. The main character, Eloise, is hiding some dark secrets, but she is not the only ones.
This is such a dark and twisted read. Clear your schedule because this is one that you won't want to put down.