Member Reviews

After Bridget’s parents died in a tragic car accident, her grandmother Vera Bitter took her in. Vera was always cold and uncaring. After Bridget graduated from high school, Vera kicked her out of the house and Bridget never heard from her again. That’s why Bridget is shocked to find out that she inherited the family manor after Vera’s passing. However, she did not inherit the house alone, Cole Warner, the son of her grandmother’s house manager, also inherited a portion of the manor. When a mysterious letter arrives, Bridget must set aside her dislike for Cole to work together to find out what secrets hide in Bitter House.

I am a huge fan of Kiersten Modglin, and this one did not disappoint. This one had a bit of a slow build, which is not typical for KMod, but I loved it anyway. The tension the delivery of each letter brings is palpable. I enjoyed the suspense build-up with each letter. I also enjoyed the multiple points of view in this story. The narration on this one was perfect with Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carry each narrating a different point of view. I highly recommend this one to thriller fans, especially those that enjoy Kiersten Modglin books!

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Another great novel by Kiersten Modglin! Psychological suspense at its best. "Bitter House" may be one of my new favorites by her. Quick and easy but fantastic!

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Quick and enjoyable listen. Even though this is on the shorter side, it packed a lot in!

Bridget learned that she has inherited her estranged grandmother’s house. Vera had kicked Bridget out when she turned 18 so that, along with the fact that she has to share it with a boy she grew up with, came as quite a surprise. Then the first letter arrives, which opens up decades old secrets about the house and Vera.

Some thriller, some mystery, some suspense. I loved the big reveal and thought this was a great plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I’m a huge Kiersten Modglin fan. However, this has been my least favorite of hers so far. I liked it, but didn’t love it.

It starts off strong as Bridget finds out her estranged Grandmother passed away and left her their large family home. Her Grandmother raised her after her parents were killed, but kicked her out when she turned 18.

Not only did she leave her the house, but it is to be shared between her and her childhood nemesis, Cole.

Vera Bitter, Bridget’s Grandmother, had some serious secrets. Letters begin to appear at the house with hints, leading Bridget and Cole to find out dark secrets about Vera.

Who was her Grandmother afterall? Why was she left the house, and why split it with Cole? What will these secrets reveal?

I enjoyed the mystery in the beginning, but then found the ending to drag on and become pretty predictable at the end. It was less “thriller” than her typical books- although finding the clues and what they led to, was pretty interesting!

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I usually love everything this author writes. They are typically short, clever, twisty with 🤯🤯🤯 endings. I didn’t like this one very much. The only thing I did like was when we found out what that old lady really was doing. I’m all for that kind of behavior, but other than that I was just waiting for it to end. And being just under 6 hours for the audiobook. 🫠 I did like the narrators so if audiobook is an option I recommend that path.

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I loved this audio! Is the my favorite by Modglin? Possibly! I loved the suspenseful take on the letters and the romance. Thank you for the chance to listen early.

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Kiersten Modglin is an author that’s an instant read for me. I love her style of writing and her stories. Bitter House is one of her best.

When Vera Bitter passes away she leaves half of her estate to her granddaughter Bridgette and the other half to someone who is not related but grew up living in Bitter House, Cole. Bridgette and Cole did not get along when they were younger but as an adult, Cole has been nothing but nice to her. However, she still doesn't trust him.

Letters start to arrive at the house telling Bridgette her grandma was not a good person and not who she thinks she was. If the letters are to be believed there are secrets buried at the Bitter House that will change Bridgette's life.

I was immediately sucked into this one. I had to know who was leaving the letters and what all the secrets were. I can’t recommend this one enough.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced audio-copy of Bitter House, in exchange for an honest review.

Upon the passing of Vera Bitter, her granddaughter, Bridget, inherits Bitter House. However, she is not the only beneficiary—Cole, the son of Vera's loyal house manager, Edna, also receives a share. Despite their initial animosity, Bridget and Cole are drawn together by an anonymous letter that hints at their grandmother's hidden secrets.

Together, they go on a journey to uncover the truth, unraveling a series of shocking revelations that challenge their understanding of the past. Vera Bitter, once a respected figure, is revealed to have been a complex and manipulative woman with a dark history. Through a series of flashbacks, readers are privy to the events that shaped her life and the consequences that continue to haunt the present.

Modglin skillfully weaves together the perspectives of Bridget and Cole, providing a multifaceted exploration of their characters. Bridget, initially hesitant and unsure, gradually transforms into a determined and resilient woman. Cole, on the other hand, struggles with his own inner demons while navigating the complexities of his relationship with Bridget.

The Bitter House itself becomes a character in its own right, its oppressive atmosphere and hidden passages serving as a physical manifestation of the secrets buried within. The author's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of claustrophobia and foreboding, creating a haunting backdrop for the story.

'Bitter House' is a testament to Kiersten Modglin's storytelling prowess. It is a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, revealing layer upon layer of deception and betrayal. The characters are complex and relatable, and the plot is both intricate and satisfying. This is a must-read for fans of gothic thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good dose of suspense.

This was a 4.5 Stars read for me!

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I am impressed that KM can successfully write so well in other genres. As with her last book, this one felt like a huge departure for her. It was too romance-y for me and too women’s fiction/sappy/fanciful for me as well but o can see how others who enjoy those types of books will love this and how carefully the story was woven together. I especially liked the varied timelines and use of a journal for reveals. I was also surprised by the MCs final decision but not surprised by the author of the notes.

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This was better than I could have even expected. Bitter House is a psychological thriller/mystery that is jam packed with secrets. When I say it had me in a chokehold!! 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The slow burn and banter between Cole and Bridget just added to the overall perfection that this book brings. The passing of her grandmother has Bridget returning to Bitter House years after her grandmother sent her away to learn she inherited the house 50/50 with Cole.Through letters that start to appear, the mystery of Bitter House and Vera Bitter start to unfold. There isn’t a moment you won’t be on the edge of your seat trying to predict what is coming next. 10/10 recommend!

🎧 I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook which I loved! The two narrators flow was amazing and helped bring the book to life. 🎧

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Great audiobook it was sad what happened and you find out what the grandma actually did towards the end of the book, the main character at the end joins what the grandma did and joins in the killing. There is also spice in this book and love. Loved the thriller aspect wanted to know who wrote the letters and you find out in the end.

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KMOD does it again! Even though there wasn't a huge shocking twist, I did quite enjoy the big reveal at the end and the back and forth in the story's timeline! The Bitter house and all its inhabitants and secrets are waiting for you to unleash it! I really enjoyed the audio version of the book as well!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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One of my favorite things about Modglin's writing is that it is consistent. How she's able to pack so much suspense into her short books is beyond me, but I love it and am here for it. The Bitter House is atmospheric and gave off a creepy vibe that you had in constant anticipation. This one seemed a bit different than the other books I've read by her, but it kept me hooked the entire time. The dual narration was perfection! I loved hearing from both Bridget and Vera's perspectives. Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the author for an ALC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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After the death of her grandmother, Bridget returns to the house she unhappily grew up in just in time to unbury long hidden family secrets.

Krersten Modglin is a romantic thriller queen! She crafts stories that completely suck you in and this one was no exception. Here's what I loved:

The mystery. I loved everything about it. The creepy letters. The scavenger like hunt for the truth. It was all very well laid out.

The romance. Any time romance is mixed with thrillers I adore it. Modglin goes one step further and always has at least one spicy scene to keep my romance heart pumping. I liked the relationship between Bridget and Cole. Very enemies to lovers.

The setting. The house was a perfect backdrop for the story. It gave a mysterious and creepy vibe to the story.

The narration was also perfect!

Overall, this was a perfect short, romantic thriller read!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

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I feel like lately some of her books have been a bit hit or miss but this one was a hit! I really enjoyed listening to the audio on my run! It was QUICK, fast paced and it had a romantic element I was here for! It felt like one of her better developed one even if it's short. It didn't feel so over the top like some of her past ones! It was an enjoyable listen and id recommend it if you want a fast, slowburn, romantic thriller/mystery. It's a little predictable but still good!

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Absolutely loved this book. It was definitely one of KMod's better ones as it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The envelopes with all the secrets kept coming with each envelope being juicier than the last one. With a fantastic storyline, interesting characters and a perfect ending - this was KMod at her best. The audiobook narration was excellent too.

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Another good one! I love her books so much. This one wasn’t a scary one and was very different from most of her thrillers but I enjoyed it. The audio was good!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was different from Kiersten Modglin’s other thrillers as it had a lot more suspenseful romance included. I liked the mystery in the book that surrounded Bridget’s grandmother and how all of the events of the book unfolded. This thriller was short and was very gripping. This is was a great and entertaining read.

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I know many of us are huge fans of the author's books, and if you are too, then you know she usually writes thrillers but also switches things up within the genre from time to time. While her books may be on the shorter side, don't let that fool you!

Bridget's cold and uncaring grandmother, Vera Bitter, dies and leaves her the family manor, Bitter House. When Bridget returns after years away, she is confronted with her past, including her childhood nemesis Cole Warner, now her housemate. As Bridget unravels the secrets of Bitter House, she must face her fears and trust issues to uncover the dark and dangerous truth hidden behind its walls.

In short, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish. If you're looking for a gripping read that you won't be able to put down, this is the one for you! Get ready for an exciting adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The narrator was pleasant and really helped to bring the story to the life.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Bridget and her estranged non-brother inherit the family manor home. With a strained relationship, neither are happy with the situation. So when Bridget receives an anonymous letter and told it’s one of six, she’s even less happy!

This is a super fast read, which I got through in one day. The audiobook was a joy and I recommend listening to the excellent performances

Bridget is jaded, but with reason - her grandmother threw her out of the family home at eighteen without reason

However, through her chapters and journal, we discover Vera’s secrets and it’s pretty epic!

This is a super short read but it felt a little slow at first…. The sexual chemistry slowed it right down for me - I’m really not into all the heavy breathing-will-they-won’t-they drama. That aside, it got good!

The reason this wasn’t a 5 for me, was that it was slightly too slow but mainly the twist - it didn’t floor me….. nevertheless, I loved this book and definitely recommend listening to the beautifully narrated audiobook

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

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