Member Reviews
This book was ultimately 3.75 stars for me. I loved the diversity of characters and the lack of a happily ever after, however the overall plot felt predictable. It was a classic whodunnit style mystery, with a few modern elements of sororities mixed in. Unfortunately, it felt like the authors were trying a bit too hard. They clearly have a large vocabulary, but some words felt forced in as if to say "hey look, I know this word!" Often times, it didn't fit with the overall tone of the book, and brought the quality of reading down.
Lastly, as I was reading this as an e-ARC, there were copious formatting errors, that I hope is just a technological issue and is resolved before publication. The book could also benefit from another sweep from an editor. The formatting issues, do not, in any way, affect my overall rating, it's just an issue I wish to make the publisher aware of.
Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
IM SCREAMING!!!
this book felt like an early 2000s thriller/horror movie (Think prom night or the roommate) I could literally see the movie taking place in my head!
This is a duel timeline story. Part of it takes place 10 years in the past where the story starts and the other part takes place in present with what is happening with all the people who were left behind after Lupe died.
I was shocked by the ending and my jaw hit the floor on multiple occasions when things were revealed!
**"Zetas" is a gripping and provocative thriller that blends steamy drama with sharp social commentary, all set against the backdrop of a tense sorority reunion. The Browns, known for their ability to intertwine sizzling romance with thought-provoking narratives, deliver yet another compelling read in this follow-up to their praised work, *Perfect Little Lives*.
The novel begins with a palpable sense of anticipation and dread as Priscilla, along with her Zeta Phi Zeta sorority sisters, prepares for their ten-year reunion. The tension is immediate and powerful: Lupe, a beloved member of their group who was murdered a decade earlier, had her killer released on a technicality just before the reunion. The sorority sisters, who haven’t been together in years, decide to honor Lupe’s memory with a grand celebration. However, this decision sets the stage for a suspenseful and dangerous turn of events.
The reunion itself is a chaotic, exhilarating throwback to their college days, but the festivity quickly turns ominous. The excitement of rekindled friendships is overshadowed by the unsettling presence of unresolved pain and lingering secrets. When one of the sisters disappears after the party, the group is thrust into a whirlwind of fear and suspicion. Priscilla’s quest to uncover the truth about Lupe’s murder leads to the chilling realization that the killer might still be among them.
**" Zetas"** excels in its ability to weave together elements of mystery, thriller, and personal drama. The Browns’ trademark style is evident in their steamy and tension-filled narrative, which is expertly balanced with an exploration of deeper issues such as justice, betrayal, and the complexities of female friendships. The plot is both thrilling and poignant, offering readers a mix of high-stakes drama and emotional depth.
The characterization is robust, with each sister portrayed with vivid complexity. The novel delves into their pasts and secrets, revealing how their lives have been shaped by the events surrounding Lupe’s death. The tension mounts as old grudges resurface and hidden truths come to light, keeping readers on edge until the very end.
In **" Zetas,"** the Browns deliver a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense that will satisfy fans of both thrilling mysteries and steamy romance. With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a testament to their skillful storytelling and a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling blend of intrigue and emotional drama.
I was looking forward to Zetas Till We Die but it left me feeling disappointed. A decade after their sorority sister is murdered, a group of women reunite at a party. This party leads to the discovery of another dead sister, mirroring their past trauma.
This book did have some fun twists at the end, but they were pretty obvious right from the beginning. I liked that the main character’s personal life mirrored the uncertainty of the murders, but her character wasn’t fleshed out enough for me to care that much. There wasn’t enough exposition from the original murder timeline to really cement any feeling for the characters. I think this might appeal to teens.
This was an ARC from NetGalley. This story is a duel timeline of a group of sorority sisters that are reuniting to remember their murdered sister only for the group to be eliminated one by one just as the convicted party is released from jail. This story moved along at a very slow pace, and felt several hundred pages too long. The plot was predictable with very little character development. The secret relationship felt forced, and didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the story. Overall, this was a standard plot with standard characters. #netgalley #zetaatillwedie #mystery #thriller #sororitysisters
I love a good sorority mystery but this one wasn’t for me. There were small plot holes and overall, I didn’t like any of the characters.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!
I was scared of sororities and greek life back when I was in college, and I can honestly say that I'm still scared of them after reading Zetas Till We Die by Amber and Danielle Brown.
But that's good, I think. The Zetas wound up being scary in a fun way. I was on the edge of my seat at their reunion party and about everything that happened after. Because let's be honest. There was a lot that happened after. Reunions for any group can be a catalyst for chaos.
The main character of Zetas Till We Die is Priscilla. She is a couples therapist who lives in a nice home with her surgeon husband Kenan. She's about to host a reunion for her college sorority, The Zetas. The sisterhood is large but her main crew is Alexis, Zoe, Dionne, Chanel, and Val. Unfortunately, they lost their sister Lupe back in college when she was found dead in their sorority house. But that just made the sisterhood even stronger.
There is a huge mix of personalities and emotions. Priscilla right off the bat seemed like a bit much. I really felt for her as she mentally compared herself to Val and the other women. Sometimes it's really hard when you imagine that all of your friends are doing so much better than you.
I must give kudos to Amber and Danielle Brown because this story got much darker than I expected. It's a thriller with many twists and turns. After one of their friends goes missing, it's up to them to try to figure out what happened because the policy don't see much help. There are a lot of red herrings which cause the women to question everyone.
I felt really bad for Priscilla. She was dealing with the situation with her sisters, but she was also dealing with issues at home (with her husband) and at work (with the many patients she saw).
Zetas Till We Die was a really intriguing thriller because the story was told partially in present day by Priscilla, but partially in the past by Lupe. We really got to see both sides of the situation as Lupe dealt with the drama of her sisters as well as trying to figure out her true self and what she wanted to be.
For a majority of the story, I felt confused. I didn't really enjoy the personalities of any of the sisters. And I had trouble feeling sympathy for them. Especially when Priscilla bossed Kenan around. He really seemed like the perfect husband. So I was confused and also not sympathetic.
But there are twists everywhere! I wound up really enjoying this story because of how complicated the characters and the theories were. Priscilla dives into detective mode the day after her party. She wakes up on the floor, but she wants to know exactly what happens. And I respect her for that. She really didn't give up until she got to the truth.
This story isn't without faults, but in the end I found it to be a really fun thriller. Everybody has secrets and that is proven true in this story. You'll just have to read the whole story to find out who is telling the truth, and who isn't.
My full Zetas Till We Die book review will be posted at www.mariankrick.com on the release date.
What a twisty mystery!! I am a big supporter of Greek life in college so when I found this book, I jumped at the chance to give it a read.
I was not disappointed. The story revolves around a tight-knit group of sorority sisters ten years after graduation. A graduation marred by the murder of one of their own by her alleged campus stalker. On the eve of his conviction being over turned, a conviction that hinged on the testimony of the surviving pledge sisters, a memorial is held for the murdered girl. After a drunken evening, they discover one of their friends never made it home. Is the convicted murdered out for revenge or is the culprit closer to home?
What I liked most about the book is that at halfway through, I had partially guessed who was targeting the group correctly. The story still threw me for a loop when we find out everything. It was such a thrilling read! Every turn of the page had me asking more questions, trying to figure it out. It was a fast paced thriller, with good characters and a good plot. The ending was done well.
I really enjoyed this one! I read it through my lunch breaks and any chance i got! Thank you NetGalley and harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC!
This was a good read! It definitely kept me on my toes and I didn't guess the ending which is always fun. It was well written, the characters were in-depth, and the plot was fast-paced and exciting.
Amber and Danielle Brown do a wonderful job of uncovering layers of this story bit by bit, taking the reader back to the college days of the Zeta Phi Zetas to give insight into the events unfolding in the present day.
I liked that there was more to Priscilla than just navigating the relationships (both past and present) that she had with her sorority sisters. She's dealing with very real issues in her personal life, which interfere with other aspects of her life, including her career and friendships, her overall focus and enjoyment of the things and people around her. She was 'real', which made her relatable and, as a result, made what she was going through more tragic and gripping.
Overall, this was an easy read and a well-written thriller. Zetas Till We Die kept me guessing and questioning until the very end.
Full review with partial summary on Goodreads.
Pulse pounding, jaw dropping, spine chilling...
Zetas Til We Die, is a full on body tingler.
I mean, I was an easy sell right off the bat. I absolutely LOVE college thrillers and this one being written by two of my favored authors, Amber and Danielle Brown, I knew this would instantly be my next 5 star read and I was not wrong!
LOVED it!
I was a little nervous in the beginning because there is A LOT of characters right from the jump but the development was perfected with ease.
Over 400 pages slipped through my finger tips in one sitting, I was addicted and there was no way I could put this one down.
Without a doubt, I can say this book will be loved by all no matter the preferred genre. Easy 5 stars!
Check out this teaser :
SISTERS…FOR LIFE.
It’s been ten years since Priscilla and her Zeta Phi Zeta sorority sisters graduated college. Ten years since they were all in the same room together. Ten years since one of them died. And now Lupe’s killer has been released from prison on a technicality, days before their ten-year reunion.
Priscilla decides that the party must go on; Lupe would have wanted it to. And besides, an epic reunion bash might be the perfect distraction. Back together, the Zetas party like it’s 2012, and it’s wild, just the way it used to be. Maybe too wild. At least everyone makes it out alive this time…or so they think.
When one of them doesn’t return home after the party, Priscilla begins to realize that there might be more to Lupe’s murder and that someone is out for blood. With the murderer in their midst circling closer and closer, the Zetas are forced to confront what really happened the night Lupe died—and the secrets each of them swore to keep.
I chose this thriller because it combined so many of the things I love- spice, mystery, & continuous twists. And all of that plus a sorority! Always love a sisterhood... with backstabbing, lies and secrets. Is there any other way? I loved how the authors set the dual timelines in this book, it added to the story and suspense.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Zetas Till We Die is a gripping mystery thriller that delves into the intertwined lives of several women who share a dark past as Zeta sorority sisters in college, where a murder took place. The narrative follows the main character, a female couple's therapist, as she navigates her own marital struggles, adding depth and complexity to the story. I found the exploration of the protagonist's profession and personal challenges to be particularly engaging. The authors skillfully weave in red herrings throughout the plot, keeping readers guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're in the mood for a captivating "whodunit" story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
OKAY WOW! This books was soo good! This book had me spouting theories, it’s had me so full of Anxiety from the suspense that my Apple Watch told me my heart rate was above 120 for 10+minutes😅 and omg that end! So good! I swear, the last half an hour of this book had my heart racinggg!
“Zetas till we die” is a who dunnit style mystery thriller that follows the entangled lives of multiple women who are connected by their past experiences of being Zeta sorority sisters at uni together where a murder occured.
The majority of the plot is set in present day where all the women are grown and leading adult lives and thrown back into the past when the so called ‘murderer’ is released from prison.
I was a fan of the main character, I enjoyed the side plot about her career in couples therapy and how this interlaced with her own relationships in present day.
I enjoy the themes of sisterhood and loyalties, taking secrets to the grave to protect your people whilst battling with the opposite of the spectrum, deceit and betrayal. I found that the characters had depth and potential for growth which gave the plot a touch of relatability.
Thank you to Amber & Danielle Brown, HTP and Netgalley for the EARC!
Publish date: September 10th 2024
Engaging thriller about sisterhood and secrets. Good paced and kept me wanting more. Story skillfully blended the dynamics of the relationships of the characters while exposing the deception and betrayal of the characters. Being in a sorority, I could really relate to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Arc! I rated this somewhere between a 3.25 and a 3.5 (which is about average for most thrillers I read!)
I’ll skip the plot and get right to the review! Or… mostly. Going in, I assumed based on the cover that this book was going to take place *in* a sorority house and center on the lives of the sisters in college. Clearly I didn’t read the synopsis, so I was pleasantly surprised to spend the majority of the pages of this book with the characters ~10-15 years *post grad* as fully formed adult women.
I really enjoyed this book—the characters had a lot of realness and depth to them, and they felt very multi-dimensional and I felt like I could imagine them as actual people I might meet in real life. I also thought the plot felt *mostly* feasible—if a bit of a stretch. The main thing I couldn’t suspend disbelief around after watching too many episodes of Law and Order is the initial trial transcripts sprinkled throughout. The initial murder case this is based around felt VERY shoddy, which I guess made the supposed killer’s release more realistic.
I thought the narrative around the FMC being a couple’s therapist and her own marital issues was really compelling. I also liked the red herrings sprinkled throughout.
Overall, I’d absolutely reccomend this—esp if you’re looking for a “who done it” pallet cleanser.
REVIEW
Zetas till we Die by Amber and Danielle Brown- 5/5
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First of all, a big thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! I’ll admit, I don’t normally go for books in the genre of mystery, but this book was more than just a murder mystery. It was a tale of sisterhood, lies, and deception spanning decades. The changing perspective between a surviving sorority alum in present day, and her sister who died a decade prior keep me on the edge of my seat, and the ending was anything but expected. Overall I highly recommend this!
#whatjillsreading #netgalley #kindleread #bookstagram
This book had an interesting premise but it felt very disjointed and all over the place, with things that simply didn't make sense - case in point, one character takes a shower yet two minutes later mentions still wearing the same single shoe she had on the night before when drunk. Things just didn't line up or make much sense.