I have read many K. Mod. books and this one just doesn't do it for me. I didn't get that suspense of "something big is coming". While it was a good read, it just wasn't like her other books that I can devour in a couple hours. The audiobook version is fantastic with different narrators for Bridget and Vera. But as a K.Mod. read, I'm a little disappointed that this one didn't blow me away.

*Thank you so much partner @dreamscape_media for the #gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

Kiersten Modglin has done it again! Lauren Ezzo is a new narrator for me and did an amazing job! Great story!

Publisher's summary
Vera Bitter is dead, but her secrets have yet to be buried.
After the tragic death of Bridget’s parents, her grandmother took her in. Vera Bitter raised her from behind a closed door—cold and uncaring from the moment she arrived at Bitter House. After Bridget’s high school graduation, Vera kicked her out without so much as a goodbye, and Bridget never heard from her again. Which is why, when she receives word of Vera’s passing and discovers she’s inherited the family manor, she’s immediately filled with dread.
Those worries are amplified when she arrives at Bitter House after years away to find an enigmatic piece of her past waiting for her. Growing up, there was only one person Bridget distrusted more than her grandmother, and that was Cole Warner—the son of Vera’s house manager and the bane of her childhood existence. Now, he’s her new housemate.
Owning the house she was once forced to leave with a man she’s always despised forces Bridget to confront feelings and questions she’s been running from since the day she was driven away from Bitter House.
Then the first letter arrives.
And with it, a world of secrets, darkness, and deception is unlocked. Years ago, Bridget tried and failed to find sanctuary inside the shadowy halls of Bitter House, and as she struggles to imagine a future there now, she discovers a terrifying truth: behind the iron gate and stone walls of the old estate, nothing is quite what it seems. Bitter House has secrets and, if she can’t decide whom to trust, danger lies in wait.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book!

Bitter House
By: Kiersten Modglin
Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo, Melanie Carey
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Release date: 07-09-24

Bitter House by Kiersten Modglin (audiobook narrated by Melanie Carey & Lauren Ezzo)

Bridget didn't have a great childhood after the fatal car accident she was in with her parents.  She was the only survivor and was sent to live at the infamous Bitter House with her grandmother. Vera Bitter was not the typical grandparent who spoiled her grandchildren with love and affection.  Brief interaction only when necessary was their relationship and she was raised by Vera's live-in assistant who had a son named Cole who was two years older than Bridget and seemed to get more attention in her grandmother's home than she did being her granddaughter.  Any interactions that Bridget and Cole had as children were negative which made her childhood growing up there even harder.  Immediately after Bridget’s high school graduation, Vera kicked her out of the house without so much as a goodbye, and Bridget never heard from her again.

Until now when she is told her cold-hearted grandmother passed away and shocked to hear that she left the huge mansion estate in her will to Bridget.  Oh, and she equally shares that ownership with Cole, the bane of her childhood existence.  He is now her new housemate since neither wants to sell the property nor afford to buy the other out.  Bridget is forced to deal with the past trauma of owning and living in a home where she was not wanted along with her childhood arch-enemy. 

You would think it was bad enough trying to sort things out with him, but they both have to deal with family drama over what her grandmother left to her living family.  Adding to those burdens the first of six anonymous letters is left in front of the door to their gated and locked property. 
Who has the code to get on the property and why are they leaving mysterious and scary notes? 
Was her grandmother doing illegal things and how does this person know of them? 
Are the dark secrets mentioned in the letter about her grandmother true? 
If so, are they in danger or is this just a ploy to scare them to sell the house to the family members who desperately want the house? 
Why after barely acknowledging her existence would she leave this huge mansion to her and the boy she fought with when she lived there? 

Bitter House seems to hide many secrets, dark deeds, and deception and is now being revealed to Bridget and Cole.  They need to put aside differences from their past and work together to determine what is true, and what is the end game with this information being given to them.  

😶Family Secrets
😾😻Enemies to Lovers
😘Slow Burn attraction
🔥Sprinkle of Spice
😨Thiller
😵Murder

Available NOW in audio, paper, and digital formats so if you like a quick mystery thriller, give this a go. I enjoyed this story.

I received an audio-book ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I just listened to this one. I listened in almost 24 hours. It was such a great story. It had me from the start. It was fast paced and engaging. This is suspense and a little bit of romance. I did manage to guess one part of the story, but the rest was a complete surprise. The narration I struggled with only because some parts were loud and some parts were so much quieter. I had to continuously turn the volume up and down. Other than that the narration was great. I listened to it at 2x the speed, because I had to know what was going on and I can't listen that slow. Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this one, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be recommending.

This book did not start with as much of suspense as I thought it would have, but the twist! I got hooked and really enjoyed the story, I wanted to know what happened and what was happening next. Parts 2 & 3 kept me in suspense till the end and the truth comes out! A quote I loved and is applicable in our lives today, “Silence of the good is the weapon of the wicked” - Vera Bitter

I adore KMod, but this one was a miss for me. It was a slow burn, but it never really went up in flames. It dragged a bit and was a bit boring to be honest. This wasn't a thriller, but more of a mystery/suspense with a touch of romance. I didn't feel that the twist was a real twist. It seemed predictable and the natural revelation.

While I enjoyed the character of Cole, I found it hard to connect with Bridget. Since most of the narration was from her perspective, it made the book a bit of a struggle to get through.

This one was not for me, but I am excited to check out the next KMod book!

Bitter House was another top of my list new release - I mean that cover! Unfortunately, for me, I was expecting the story to be a lot creepier than it actually was. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable and the pacing just felt so slow. Not a lot happened through the majority of the book. I mainly finished this one in order to give a review for my NetGalley. If not for that, this one probably would have been a DNF for me.

Narrators were fantastic though and I appreciate the audio version and their ability to make a very slow novel somewhat more interesting. 5 stars for the narration!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for an advance copy of Bitter House!

I found Kiersten Modglin’s "Bitter House" to be a great mystery suspense with a bit of romance. A quick and engaging read that kept me interested from start to finish. As a fan of Modglin’s quick reads, I was pleased this audiobook was just under six hours—perfect for a busy day or a couple of evenings. I finished it within 24 hours.

The story follows Bridget, who inherits her grandmother Vera Bitter’s house. After being forced out at 18 and facing a loveless upbringing, Bridget returns to Bitter House, stirring up old memories. The premise alone intrigued me.

Despite its shorter length, "Bitter House" delivers with an engaging plot and likeable characters. Bridget's journey back home is delivers some unexpected twists, and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. Vera, shrouded in bitterness, reveals surprising depth as the narrative progresses, which kept me fully invested. I also quite enjoyed that we hear from Vera herself along with Bridget’s POV.

Although Modglin is known for her thriller writing, I found the romance and suspense in this book were a refreshing change. The romance complements the main plot, enhancing the overall experience.

"Bitter House" is another fun read with its eerie atmosphere and gripping suspense. If you’re a fan of Kiersten Modglin, you’ll likely enjoy this book as much as I did.

It’s a yes for me!! 🖤

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Kiersten Modglin for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. It was my pleasure.

@deannsdailydrop

The plot was so intriguing and suspenseful. The characters are not likeable. While they have their own share of life. Sometimes the only choices you have are sinister.

Bridget moved in the bitter house with her grandmother after the death of her parents, though the death of her parents remains a mystery to her. Vera Bitter was always cold to her. The lady always kept secrets from everyone. And one day sent Bridget away abruptly. Bridget couldn’t understand but she moved on yet one day when she gets to know about her grandmother’s death and the inheritance of Bitter House has been passed on to her. But that’s not it, after going to Bitter House, more secrets waits for her and some twists were surprising and shocking. As well as Bridget also discovers Vera’s secrets.

Terrible things happens in this book. If you read this book, get yourself ready to discover unspeakable things. I liked Vera’s perspectives, she came off as strong while Bridget’s character was kind of not that strong. The narration was good.

Thanks to the publisher and author.

I recently had the pleasure of diving into the audiobook "Bitter House" by Kiersten Modglin, all thanks to NetGalley for the ARC edition. The gripping narration by Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carey truly brought the story to life as I found myself on a long family road trip, completely engrossed in the Bitter family saga. The complex dynamics between matriarch Vera and her granddaughter Bridget added layers of intrigue and mystery to the plot. As the family secrets unravel, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. This thrilling tale seamlessly weaves together elements of romance and suspense, especially in the captivating love story of Bridget and Cole. "Bitter House" is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and suspenseful read that will keep you hooked until the very end.

"Women are given a slip of paper for protection that means nothing."

You'll find a love story at the core of this book which isn't quite my jam, but it's not too mushy. :)

The book, though is hard to categorize. It's about grief and trauma. It's part mystery with some thriller aspects. It's a story about family and secrets.

I loved the audiobook version. It's a brief and interesting story that's well constructed. And, Vera Bitter is a badass. Heck to the yes. You go.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"What are we going to do about the house?"

"Wait for all the secrets to be revealed, obviously."

Oh and what secrets they are; each one a chapter creating the shocking story of Bitter House that only the clever queen author of thriller mystery romance, Kiersten Modglin, could tell with a fast paced domestic drama theme.

Bridget is unhinged when her Aunt Vera dies leaving her Bitter mansion. Bridget lived there after her parents died but cold stern Vera kicked her out right after her high school graduation. She hasn't seen her in years. Bridget was "glad she had the Bitter name because that's what she was, bitter."

Even worse, upon entering the house she finds her nemesis Cole, son of Vera's loyal longtime live in housekeeper. Seems Vera left half the house to Cole. Before she can finish fighting with him the relatives start showing up threatening to fight the will. Vera would never leave her home to the niece she kicked out and the son of a servant!

Then the first letter arrives. Each letter leaves a clue to a dark secret about the house, signed, "Your Friend." As the secrets unfold, more questions arise and the tension builds to a reveal I never imagined but loved with every fiber of my being.

Voice actresses Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carey were perfect in building the anxiety, upping the suspense and raising the stakes between enemies to lovers Cole and Bridget.

This mystery is a tale of "perception versus reality." It's best kept secret is, "Secrets are the most powerful things a woman owns." There's nothing bitter about this writer's creative storytelling.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I want to start by saying I am a fan of Kiersten Modglin! Her books are quick and easy thrillers that usually have a big twist you'd never see coming. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite do it for me. It was a little too on the romance side of things which I had a hard time connecting with coming from this author. That said, I am still looking forward to more works by her in the future!!

Coming to audio July 9, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my early audiobook!

A magnificent and beautifully written thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat with goosebumps for the whole ride!

Bridget was "raised" by her grandmother, Vera Bitter, after the untimely death of her parents when she was a young child. As the town's wealthy and mysterious socialite, Vera did not have time to actual raise her and left that task to her house keeper, Eda. As soon as she graduated, Bridget found herself tossed out and virtually cut off. Years later, she discovers that her grandmother left her the Bitter mansion in her will. Upon returning to her childhood home, Bridget prepares to deal with all the legal and mental hurdles to manage the change in her life only to discover the house wasn't only left to her. In some twisted fate, the house was also left in equal parts to Cole Warner, Eda's son and Bridget's long time nemesis.

As the two enemies work to decide how to not only live peacefully but also brave the storm of Bridget's additional family trying to take the house away from them, mysterious letters begin appearing on the front porch vowing to uncover all of Vera Bitter's many sins. Bridget and Cole have to rely on each other as each letter takes them further and further into the twisted mysteries of the Bitter House.

The suspense element in this book was incredible! The conflict began from page 1 and the twists and turns along the story kept me wanting more the whole way. I devoured this book in one day and was SO incredibly pleased with the ending. I truly can't give any similar book recommendations without giving away the major plot twists and that would definitely take away from the book!

If you enjoy thrillers, who did it mysteries and GREAT SUSPENSE then you MUST read this book! I look forward to finding other works by this author because the writing style was fantastic!

Holy crap this book had me hooked from the very first chapter and had me glued to my seat the entire time. I finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! Just wow. K-Mod does it again with another killer thriller with insane twists & turns.

Another home run by Kmod.
I absolutely loved this book!
It was short and sweet, filled with of suspense , and twist.
I absolutely love secret letters in books, a good who done it/ or did you really know this person mystery. I loved both Bridgette and Cole’s characters (although i wish i had a little bit of Cole POV.
The narrators did a great job showcasing the emotions too.
This book definitely kept me wanting more as each chapter went on.
I finished in just a few hours.

This book was interesting for me. The mysterious house and unlikable grandmother drew me in, quickly. I was stunned at the sudden and brief steamy romance scene that quickly went right back into the story. I love the "ridding the world of bad men" conclusion.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Kiersten Modglin's "Bitter House" is a low-key rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. Modglin has an extraordinary talent for crafting unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Even though some plot developments might stretch plausibility, they only add to the novel's compulsive readability, making it a standout in the suspense genre.

The story centers around Beatrice, who inherits her grandmother's house aptly named "Bitter House". Letters from a "friend" and the dual POV of Beatrice's grandmother's journal entries unravel with the discovery of buried secrets and hidden motives. Modglin’s skillful character development ensures that each individual is compelling and multi-dimensional, drawing readers into their complex emotional landscapes. The protagonist's journey through the tangled web of deceit and betrayal is both pulsing and immersive.

Just when you think you have the story figured out, she throws in another twist that completely upends your expectations. These twists are crafted with such finesse that they feel both shocking and inevitable in hindsight, a testament to her storytelling prowess. While some of the plot twists might defy logic, they are executed with such flair and creativity that you can't help but be captivated.

The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading. Modglin's writing is crisp and engaging, pulling you deeper into the mystery with every page. The atmosphere she creates is palpably tense, adding to the sense of unease that permeates the novel.

"Bitter House" is a testament to Modglin's ability to blend psychological depth with thrilling plot mechanics. It's a novel that invites you to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride, offering a reading experience that is as exhilarating as it is unpredictable. For fans of thrillers who love to be kept guessing, this book is an absolute must-read.

In conclusion, Kiersten Modglin's "Bitter House" is a masterclass in delivering twists and turns that are as shocking as they are entertaining. While some elements may be implausible, they are part of what makes this novel so irresistible. It’s a compulsive read that will keep you hooked until the very last page, deserving every bit of its five-star rating.

4.5stars.
My 1st Kiersten Modglin book and I loved it!
It's a short book but the story packs a hefty punch. Quick paced, suspenseful and full of meaning. I especially like the romance aspect in this book which was quite an integral part and not that common to see in a mystery/thriller but it worked so well.
The dual POV narrative between Bridgit in the present and Vera in the past via her diary entry gave a nice change of scene and definitely perspective on the story with revelation after revelation in the form of the mysterious letters that arrive at the Bitter house, it kept me on my toes listening to whatever was coming next.
The narrators did their job well and conveyed the appropriate emotion when called up. To say I felt the feels as they felt says it all really.
Highly recommended!
Thanks to Dreamscape Media who provided me with the audio version of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A solid story but missing some "wow" factor for me. Felt a bit like other things I have read! Writing style was superb, just not the story for me.