Rating:5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 3/4
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I just found one of my top reads for this year. This book was so unbelievably unique for a thriller and I ate this entire story up in a matter of one sitting. Absolutely Phenomenal. All the praise for this one.
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Don’t Tell Me How to Die is one that I recommend going in blind on. I had no idea what this story was supposed to be about and at one point I even questioned if it was a thriller. Because of its uniqueness, I am telling you, trust the process.
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This is told in a nonlinear timeline of the life of Maggie, the main character. Let me just say parts of this book will have you sobbing like a baby (well it at least had me sobbing and I was pretty sure I didn’t have a heart anymore until this happened).. But the rawness of the journey that Maggie goes on makes you truly feel like you are walking along side her.
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This is a fast paced book. It is super addicting and it will have you wanting more. There are twists that will come out of no where, leaving your jaw on the ground in utter disbelief. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and I truly cannot recommend this one enough.
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I listened to this one via audiobook while reading my ebook and it was narrated by the amazing January LaVoy. She is incredible, I’d listen to her read a grocery receipt so yeah…. this is a must listen to audiobook if you are an audiobook person.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Marshall Karp, Blackstone Publishing and Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for the ALC and eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is a must read this year!!

This book has been getting a lot of hype. It’s definitely well written and addictive, but it is a slow burn. It took me awhile to even see that it’s a thriller book. It has so many different elements to it.

You get family drama, family bonding, family loss, I don’t think I ever read a thriller that made me tear up before this one. It was very well done.

I love the duel timeline for this book. You read about the FMC in her teen years and current time with her family. You get to see the full picture of her life and why she is reacting the way she is.

Lizzie was such a fun character. She is the little sister of the FMC. She’s the character that has the best one liners, the best comebacks and the overall comedic relief with such hard topics. As serious and focused as the FMC is, I think her character was a good balance. I enjoyed the banter so much!

The last 20% of this book was pure chaos. Everything begins to make sense and you see the reality unfold. It was well worth the wait!

If you can handle a slow burn type of thriller that has a lot of comedy and loss, I recommend this one. It’s a fast read and it’ll keep your interest from start to finish!

Very enjoyable. I loved the character development and relationships between the MC and her kids and sister, especially the humor in the face of...not great things. I anticipated one of the twists but absolutely not all of them. Definitely a page-turner and recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Don’t Tell Me How to Die will take you on a rollercoaster of family drama, emotional trauma, and nail-biting twists. At its heart is Maggie, a woman who seems to have nailed the perfect life—two adorable kids, a devoted husband, and a flourishing legal career. Her husband Alex, a skilled doctor, rounds out their seemingly idyllic existence. But lurking beneath the surface of their glossy lives is a ticking clock, one thing money and success cannot buy: time.

To truly understand Maggie's story, you have to dig into her past. Losing her mother at just 17 had a seismic effect on her. Diagnosed with a rare cancer, Maggie's mom knew her days were numbered and left her teenage daughters with an unusual request: protect their vulnerable father from the predatory women who often latch onto grieving widowers. Despite their best efforts, the sisters couldn't fend off everyone—and one woman, carrying a casserole as her guise, slipped through with secrets of her own.

For Maggie, life after her mother’s passing unraveled. Struggling to cope, she sought solace in all the wrong places—experimenting with drugs and falling for rebellious boys. Yet, somehow, beneath the chaos, Maggie managed to excel academically and climb her way to a prestigious legal career. Still, her high school classmates couldn’t forget the edgy side of her: she’d once been named “Most Likely to Kill Someone to Get What She Wants.” In some ironic way, that title foreshadowed the storm to come.

Fast forward to the present, and in a cruel twist of fate, Maggie has received the same grim diagnosis that claimed her mother’s life. The weight of mortality forces her to reflect on her own children and husband. With memories of her mother’s warnings haunting her, Maggie contemplates how to protect her family, even from beyond the grave.

What begins as a family’s bittersweet journey through love, heartbreak, and loss quickly escalates into a high-stakes story packed with deception and sinister truths. Karp expertly weaves suspense into the tender, often raw exploration of grief, creating a riveting thriller that will keep readers guessing. Just when you think you've untangled the web, another shocking twist slaps you in the face.

This book isn’t just about death—it’s about life, love, and the desperate lengths we’ll go to protect our own. The final pages will leave you breathless, with a gut-punch ending that lingers. If you're a fan of twisty, emotionally charged thrillers, *Don’t Tell Me How to Die* deserves a spot on your must-read list. Buckle up—this one will keep you hooked until its brilliant, jaw-dropping conclusion.
#NetGalley, #Donttellmehowtodie, #MarshallKarp

Holy Smokes!

1997 – Seventeen-year-old Maggie McCormick, and her 16-year-old sister Lizzie lose their mother to a rare, genetic, incurable blood disease. Her final wish, that her daughters promise to watch over their father because there are many women in their small town of Heartstone, New York, who will take advantage of his grieving state. But one gold-digger is persistent!

2023 – Maggie is flying high. She is now the mayor of Heartstone, married to a brilliant surgeon named Alex Dunn, and together they share fifteen-year-old twins – Kevin and Kate. But Maggie’s world comes crashing down when her latest test results reveal she has the same blood disease her mother had. She remembers how the women flocked around her father back then. She doesn’t want to leave her husband and kids vulnerable to that. Maggie has a plan.

A thrilling premise, a title that grabbed my attention, and eye-catching cover art. I was pretty much sold when I swiped to the first page, and once I’d read the foreboding prologue I was hooked. Don’t Tell Me How to Die was a psychologically disturbing story of deceit, deception, and misdirection. I was immediately drawn to the characters, and quickly grew to like and care about them, even as I reminded myself that I probably shouldn’t trust or grow attached to anyone in a thriller. I think because the 1990’s timeline read more like literary fiction/family drama, saga/YA it lulled me into a false sense of security. Although there were some parts even in the first half where I was like, “I smell a rat!” But nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind number of twists in the last half. How it all came together in the end was executed to perfection. Did I guess correctly regarding any of it? Nope!

Another highlight was the dialogue, every line felt natural, real, and on-point. And even though there were dialogue tags they weren’t needed as every character had a distinctive voice and tone. The humorous dialogue really stood out as well, and lightened the mood. And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the setting of Heartstone and its charming sense of community and neighbourhood, and how the author brought it to life with his intricate descriptions of the layout – I could clearly picture all of it in my head.

I’m unable to think of a single negative. And my fellow reviewers are in complete agreement as I’ve read so many glowing 5-star reviews praising this one. I’m sure there’ll be many more to come once Don’t Tell Me How to Die is released next month. My top favourite of the novels I’ve read so far published in 2025.

I’d like to thank Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Marshall Karp for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 4th March 2025

Loved, loved, loved this book. It was so much different than I had expected, but in the best way possible! Twists and turns galore, with everything neatly tied up at the end.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.

Ok, what? Thank god Marisha told me this was required reading! I freaking LOVED Don’t Tell Me How To Die! I was so here for the heavy topics with the dark humor! I was trying to figure out if it was really a thriller when.. 😱😱😱 shit went down! I did not see the turn this book would take, and I loved all the twists that happened after the big reveal! For someone who reads a lot of thrillers, this was one unique, hell of a ride! I didn’t suspect a thing and felt literally every emotion at some point while reading this! I will pass on Marisha’s message and say, add this to your TBR now!! With a 4.53 star rating on Goodreads, for a thriller, that speaks volumes!!

Maggie has just found out she is going to die. She has been diagnosed with the same blood disease that killed her mother when Maggie was 17. But she isn't going to waste her limited time left with medical intervention that won't help like her mother did. She is going to live her life to the fullest for her last days. Remembering her mother's final request to Maggie and her sister Lizzie to take care of their dad and watch out for women who would take advantage of him, Maggie sets out to find a replacement for herself for her husband and kids. She has 3 months to get everything in place for her family's future. It might sound mad, but she wasn't voted "Most Likely to Kill Someone to Get What She Wants" for nothing.

I had some mixed feeling about this one while reading. The book is written in 3 parts and parts 1 and 2 read more like a family drama than a thriller. I even pulled up Goodreads at 29% to check that it was listed as a thriller because it sure didn't feel like one. It wasn't bad, I was actually really enjoying it. I was just confused that it was listed as a thriller. Part 3 picks up with the twists and suspense though. Just don't go into it expecting an action packed thriller. I would call it more a suspense mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC and ARC for review. Publication expected March 4, 2025.

Don’t Tell Me How To Die – More Like, Don’t Tell Me How To Feel (Because I Felt Everything)

I finally understand the universal reaction to this book: WHAT DID I JUST READ?! Seriously, I went in expecting a psychological thriller, and instead, I got a multi-layered, emotionally devastating onion. Every time I thought I had a grip on things—bam! Another layer peeled back, revealing even more depth in the characters, the plot, and the overall chaos of this story.

Despite its dark themes, this book expertly weaves in humor and joy, like a well-placed joke at a funeral (which, incidentally, feels very on-brand for Lizzie’s bold, unapologetic humor). There were moments where I wasn’t sure if I was crying from the emotional gut punches or from laughing too hard—either way, tissues were involved.

I’m dying (too soon?) to talk about the plot, but honestly, it’s best if you go in blind. If you’ve already read a bunch of reviews, stop right now and just dive in. Trust me. You won’t regret it. I devoured this book in a day.

I need a physical copy of this book for my shelf when it releases on 3/4/25—because this is one I will absolutely reread.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC!

Absolutely loved this book! My first 5 star read in a while. I couldn’t put it down. Holds your attention from beginning to end. This book will make you cry and will make you laugh. Quite an imaginative storyline and it amazes me what this author came up with. I will recommend this book to everyone I know!!

📚 Book Review 📚

Don’t Tell Me How To Die by @marshallkarpauthor
Publisher- @blackstonepublishing
- Pub Date - 3/4/2025

Maggie is forty three, married, has two kids and just found out she has 3 months to live. She carries the same deadly disease her own mother died from.

She wants to find the perfect woman to take her place and care for her family.

@marshallkarpauthor has crafted some of the best characterizations here! The family bond and the relationship between the two sisters are so strong. I just loved Lizzie and Maggie so much! I was definitely emotionally attached to them that’s for sure.

One thing to note is that this story unfolds as a domestic drama. Fans of Sally Hepworth will love this one too. There is a shocking twist towards the end that blew me away!!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 3/4/2025

Massive thanks to @blackstonepublishing @marshallkarpauthor for the gifted copy!! Grateful to be a part of #blackstoneinsiders

Alright, let’s talk about Don’t Tell Me How to Die. Honestly, I was a little skeptical when I first read the synopsis. But that title? Totally irresistible to me!

So, here’s the deal: we know right off the bat that Maggie Dunn, our FMC, is dealing with a terminal illness and has a timeline for her death.

I thought I was signing up for a dark, non-emotional thriller, but then I found myself having all sorts of emotions. First, the main character: Maggie is super relatable and definitely has her flaws. There were times when I wanted to yell at her, “Just tell them you’re freaking dying already!” But I think Karp did this on purpose to make us feel all the feels. It got me thinking about life and death and sparked some deep convos with my husband about what we’d do if we had to say goodbye (lol, it got deep 🫠).

What blew me away was how Karp mixes dark themes with humor. This isn’t just another heavy read; it’s light-hearted in a way that makes you laugh even when you’re crying. Words will not do this book justice, but in a nutshell, this book was such an original take on the psychological thriller genre, and it’s one plot I can safely say I’ve never read before.

There’s a reason this book is getting consistent 5-star ratings: it’s unpredictable, relatable, and super entertaining. The characters’ backstories are so well done; they feel real and add so much depth to the story. I LOVE when a book’s characters are WELL COOKED 🤌🏼

This is a must-read that absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR list - and I mean ASAP!

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Huge thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC! Wouldn’t have found this gem very early otherwise 🫰🏼

This was a fun original - twisty story. Twenty five years later Maggie is diagnosed with the same disease that killed her mom. Now she needs to get ready to pass on and prepare her family in advance.

It's main character focused (female) and the male author did a great job of that. I seldom cry at books but this one came close.

This book is more than a "thrilled". It's a look at family and love and loss and grief. And definitely some family drama on the side. All of which is told well. And an A+ for short well written chapters.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. I truly enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Blackstone publishing, and the author for giving me this book. With that being said, this is my unbiased review.

Don't Tell Me How to Die lures you in with the perfect hook, line and sinker. Poor Maggie is worried about dying of the same disease that took her mom from her too early on in her life. She is the mayor of her small town dealing with a lot on her plate. To top it off a dead body was discovered on the news, and it was none other than her husband's arch-nemesis.

This story quickly sucks you in with that first chapter and then you are transported back to the childhood of Maggie and Lizzie. The story continues from there to focus on growing up after their mother passed from her fatal blood disease and trying to fulfill her last wishes of looking out for their dad. This book continues to transport you from the present to the past and so forth bringing you along on this mystery that ever so slowly plays out in front of you. This is definitely a slow burn mystery that leaves you guessing on what is coming next the entire time. At times, the story gets a little too slow with a bunch of filler. However, you can't help but continue to think about how that first chapter played out and who ultimately did it. Which really keeps you pushing through. This book was a 3 star up until the end where it ultimately left me at giving it 4 stars because I was not ready for that ending. I highly recommend picking this book up! You will not be disappointed with the constant twists and reveals that take place.

5/5 STARS! This is one of the best books I have ever read! Funny, witty, sharp, humorous at all the right spots....these characters grow on you & become your family in the end. I was laughing and crying & totally stunned at certain chapters. What a whirlwind this book is. It's super quick paced & quite addicting! I found myself not being able to put it down. The big twist was one I did not see coming & I'm still in shock. This is a MUST READ!

Marshall Karp has struck gold with the absolutely amazing book. He has found the sweet spot with a twisty mystery/thriller and a deeply emotional family drama. The story opens with a body found in a small town lake, but the bigger problem is who that person was when they were alive. The story unfolds in alternating timelines giving us the details of our narrator, Maggie’s life. As a teenager she is a straight A student, who takes a turn down an unruly path while trying to cope with her mothers impending death. Her mother has a rare blood disorder and with what little time she has left, she wants to leave her daughters with one task, to make sure their father marries the right person after she is gone. She also leaves them with the potential time bomb of inheriting the same disorder. Once every year Maggie and her sister Lizzie have their blood tested, but on the day that the body is found Maggie’s doctor orders a second blood test, sending Maggies world spinning. Now Maggie is in her mother’s shoes, and she wants to ensure that her husband finds the right next partner, someone with good intentions that will take care of her twins and the life she has carefully built. As we learn more about Maggie’s past and she rushes to plan for her future, the pace quickens and takes some crazy turns. This book isn’t structured like your typical page turner, but i found myself unable to stop reading. I cried more than a few times and audibly gasped quite a number of times as well. What seems like a simple character driven story explodes into something amazing. I feel like this is the book that would make Gillian Flynn fans very happy. If you are looking for a something dark and cozy to wrap yourself up in, this is the book for you.

Dammmmmmmn. I read this just to enter to win free audiobooks from Blackstone Audio but I do not regret it. I was kind of iffy about a good portion of the book, was thinking 3 stars for awhile, but then my jaw dropped when some stuff happened and that boosted my opinion a lot. Things I was not expecting AT. ALL. Whoa. I still don't love how the male author wrote his female characters but the story was a RIDE.

Editor's note: This review will appear in print and online with the March book roundup at www.cullmantimes.com

Marshall Karp, of NYPD Red series (aka, co-conspirator of James Patterson) fame, offers a taut, sharp and on-target psychological thriller in “Don’t Tell Me How To Die” (Blackstone).
Told in parts, past and present, Karp crafts a evolving storyline centered on 43-year-old Maggie, a woman who is not only diagnosed with the same deadly disease that claimed her mother but vows to not recreate the adolescent hell she endured because of the passing.
Seeing firsthand her dying mother’s warning that, once she died, women would flock to 17-year-old Maggie and her sister’s father “like stray cats to an overturned milk truck” and that it would be up to girls to protect him. Which they do, admirably — until one slips through their gatekeeping. …
Determined that the same thing won’t happen to her own family, Maggie devises a plan to find a perfect match as wife and mother … before she dies.
If this was all to the plot, the storyline would be worth an afternoon, but in succeeding parts of the novel, Karp continuously turns everything upside down, projecting surprise after surprise in a trope-laden, over-blown style that works perfectly for a main course instead of the appetizer it would have been coming from a lesser pen.
Karp is a veteran in keeping the cinematic action going and the shocks coming — both of which are abundantly on display in his latest.

Maggies mother is dying in her 40s of a fatal blood disease. She does everything she can to prepare her 2 teenage daughters for what’s to come, but still a woman coming into their father’s life almost ruins it. Years later, Maggie, around the same age, gets the same diagnosis and decides she will find her perfect replacement in order the prevent the same type of tragedy for her husband and children.

The story is told in 3 parts, so much of this book takes place while Maggie is 17 and dealing with her mother’s death. This section of the book is very literary. I believe it’s necessary for us to learn about Maggie and her family. Just when it starts to feel slow, we are thrust back into the present and Maggie’s current situation. From this point on, the story is fast paced and very twisty! While I did see some things coming, at one point I laughed out loud at myself for not realizing something before. This was a pretty unique concept and it really feels like more than one story. It is difficult to even place it into a genre- it’s literary, thrilling, and there are some mysteries to solve. I enjoyed the journey!

I did have one issue with the book… While I understand that teenagers have sex and smoke, I felt like the way it was portrayed in this book was slightly excessive. Reading about 17 year old girls being intentionally promiscuous and then laughing about it as adults (using the word slut) was uncomfortable. An aunt in her 40s offering to write a prescription for her 15 year old niece and nephew was uncomfortable. It took me out of the story a few times. This is my first NetGalley review and I want to be honest.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book!

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

This one starts with a dead body, a grudge over a new hospital building and a terminal diagnosis.

Maggie has always known there would be a chance her life would be cut short, her mother died young of a heriditary disease. So when the diagnosis comes, she is ready with a somewhat insane plan to find her husband the right replacement wife. There's a reason this is her motivation and the first half of the book skips us back to her childhood / teen years to fill in the gap. I'll admit, while reading that first half, I went back to the outline a few times and thought, this is a thriller? It read more like Tracey Lange, an Irish family with lots of love, a tragedy where they must learn to deal with their grief and find purpose again.

But thriller readers, don't turn away... the second half of the book is for you. I would say this is akin to Gone Girl where you don't even know the dominoes have been set until they start to fall, and then you're like WHAT? The second half of the book I read in one sitting. I was invested in the first half but thought it was a little slow and more emotionally focused than I usually feel in a thriller. But what that did was have you so much more invested when the action happens. It definitely didn't go the way I expected at all, every new domino was a fresh surprise.

These are the kind of thrillers I want to read: complex, psychological and genre bending.