What a surprise this book was! After reading the synopsis, I was intrigued, so I was glad to be approved for an early copy. I was not prepared for the twists and turns and unique story that was about to unfold.
Maggie and Lizzie lose their Mother in her 40’s due to a genetic blood disease. As their Father moves on in life, he meets a con artist named Connie. The sisters know their loving Father deserves so much more than this wicked woman. Years later, Maggie faces her own battle with the same disease that took her Mother, but she vows to not sit around and watch her husband Alex and two kids go through the same thing her Father did. Maggie decides to search out the perfect replacement for her, before she passes away.

This story is SO MUCH MORE! The relationships, the secrets, the lies, the twists and the turns. I loved everything about this one. It was mysterious, witty, and had great banter between characters. I thought the writing was fantastic. It made me laugh, it made me sad, and boy, was I shocked multiple times.

I’m so glad this book didn’t fly under my radar, I would have missed out on, what I’m sure will be, one of my Top Reads of 2025.

Run to the store on March 4, 2025 and pick this one up. Clear your calendar and immerse yourself into this wild ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an early copy.

Marshall Karp’s “Don’t Tell Me How to Die” introduces readers to Maggie Dunn, a 43-year-old woman who, upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, embarks on a mission to find her husband’s next wife to ensure her family’s future stability. This unique premise sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines elements of domestic life with suspenseful twists.

While the novel is lauded for its originality and Karp’s signature biting humor, I found the plot’s progression challenging. The story leads you down one path, only to abruptly redirect you onto a completely different trajectory towards the end. This broad and sudden diversion can feel jarring, and the plot twist might have been more impactful with a more thoughtfully planted buildup.

Despite these structural concerns, “Don’t Tell Me How to Die” offers a fast-paced and emotionally resonant experience. Karp’s deft array of three-dimensional characters and his sharp character development keep readers engaged. The novel’s unpredictable twists and turns ensure that it remains thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. However, the abrupt narrative shift may leave some readers wishing for a more seamless transition.

In conclusion, while the book’s structure might benefit from a more gradual plot development, it remains a compelling read for those who appreciate thrillers infused with dark humor and emotional depth.

In Don't Tell Me How to Die, our protagonist discovers that she's soon to die from the same disease which took her own mother when she was a teenager. She's ready to accept her fate, but worries about how her family will move past her death. Therefore, she decides to find the next Mrs. Dunn before she passes. But how many secrets will be uncovered by her search...?

I really enjoyed this read. The characters and family dynamics felt surprisingly realistic. The sense of loss was palpable. I had to go hug my own mom after reading. The thriller elements aren't introduced until near the end of the story, but they were truly shocking. Not a twist many will see coming. Would recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A woman facing a terminal illness seeks to find a replacement wife and mother for her family before she dies. With only three months left to live, she is determined to prevent the same tragedy that happened to her family when her mother passed away.

I recently discovered this author and am always intrigued by different writing styles. This particular book was captivating, featuring a dark and twisted storyline that led to an unexpected ending.

One challenging aspect was the unique timeline structure. The author frequently shifted between the day of the funeral, events from the past, and the present, which made it difficult to follow at times. Despite this, I was able to focus on the plot and immerse myself in the story.

The exploration of previous generations provided valuable insights into the characters and their motivations. The protagonist, Maggie, faces challenges that mirror those of her mothers, creating a sense of history repeating itself. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists and turns keep the reader engaged, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion.

This book allows readers to step into the characters' shoes and question how they would respond in similar situations. With its suspenseful and dark tone, unexpected plot twists, and touches of dark humor, it offers a unique reading experience. The pacing is moderate, keeping the reader engaged without feeling rushed.

I highly recommend adding this book to your "to-be-read" list, as it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Thank you, Blackstone Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have been a fan of Marshall Karp's work since the first time I picked up a collaboration he did with James Patterson. The first thing I did after that? was find everything else he had ever written and read them too! It was one of the best decisions I made. He's hilarious, he's witty, and he's poignant and dark, all at once. I have since been blessed to appear in one of his books with Patterson having won a contest (I lived!), and even accidentally discovered he and I have people in common as I indirectly worked with his cousin. None of that adds to this review, but I like throwing it around. This was no less enjoyable and I already cannot wait for his next book!

Wow! This book was amazing. I devoured it so quickly. As I was reading the first bit I had to look it up again since I thought this was supposed to be a humorous thriller! I cried several times in the first part of the book. The jaw dropping surprised started happening and then i just couldn't stop!

If you want to cry, laugh and be surprised please read this! It comes out March 4th 2025. This is definitely one Id reread!

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for the eArc.

𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

I'm SO glad I gave in to FOMO and got this book!

Unlike most thrillers, the central focus is on grief, and it's unbelievably well-executed. You know that feeling when you went to the theater to see UP thinking it was going to be a cute movie for kids, and then you're sobbing hysterically into your bucket of popcorn? That's this book.

Starting in present day then moving to twenty-six years prior, the story centers around Maggie and her Irish twin Lizzie finding out that their mother has a rare cancer. The girls shared one perfect day with their mom before she died at forty-three. Before her death, she warned her teen girls that "women with casseroles" would flock to their now-single father before she was even in the ground. They did-and one woman got her hooks into their father good, intent on ruining all their lives.

Maggie is now the same age her mother was when she died, and blood tests have confirmed she has the same illness. She's never been a victim, and she's not about to start now. With the time she has left, she's going to find the perfect replacement for her husband Alex and her two children. But that saying,"We plan, and God laughs," comes busting in and shatters the entire trajectory of this story.

Absolutely riveting, with a cast of characters who you will love, easily visualize, and will stay with you long after the story is over. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this early copy. This book is expected to publish March 4, 2025.

So this was a thriller if I ever read one. I usually am pretty good at seeing the twist in a book coming, but not with this one at all. And I was shocked, to say the least. I have learned that the best type of thriller is one where you can't figure it out, and this one did that. I rated this 4.5 stars, but I can't put that here in NetGalley.

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 🫰🏼