This is a gothic horror books that was definitely creepy. I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. This book was a lot like horror movies where you want to scream at the protagonist to stop making ridiculous choices and ignoring all of the red flag things around her. I found the very ending to be cheap and unsatisfying. It took me from a 4 to 3 stars honestly. I liked the way history played into the story and it was an interesting take on what happened with Roanoke. Sam and Ben are newlyweds but they are called from their honeymoon to Ben’s hometown as his mother needs support. Sam’s sister Becca and her son Jax joined Sam, her daughter Emma, and Emma’s best friend Hannah to go to the island Ben is from for the summer. The island is beyond small and there are very few residents who have some strange behavior. And there is something about the house next door, the house where Ben’s first wife died with her baby in child birth. This book is well timed for spooky season and it is super creepy.

Don’t Eat the Pie is a well paced, creepy horror perfect to add to your spooky fall reads!

I don’t typically read horror (I’m a chicken depending on the content), but this story had a description that drew me in. And it delivered. I definitely felt creeped out and intrigued the entire way through, making it a propulsive read. There were several points when I thought the end must be nearing, with the heightened content, only to discover it wasn’t coming to an end at all, it just kept me on the edge of my seat for hours.

This is a multi POV story. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was incredibly well done by two narrators. I listened at 1.75x speed (my normal audiobook listening speed is 1.75-2x speed).

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Rising Action Publishing for this advanced copy.

Wow. I really enjoyed this book! I have been wanting to read it for so long. I initially got denied for the arc but then I applied for the audiobook version and got approved, I was SO excited. This book isn’t really scary, definitely more thriller. It keeps you on your toes and I was invested from about chapter 3 I would say. There’s some BIG twists, which I love. Loved the book and crossing my fingers that there might be a sequel!!!!

4.5★
Don't Eat The Pie by Monique Asher is an amazing horror debut about a newly wed family who go to a strange island to take care of the husband's ill mother. Things progressively get more bizarre and more culty.
This audiobook is perfect for the fall season! The narration was fantastic and I would listen to more of her work in the future.
The story was fun and there was always something happening so it made time fly by fast. I was always wondering what will happen next and who to trust. Everyone was suspicious.
I do admit, I found it kind of predictable near the end. Also at times the writing felt young adult/teenlike at times.
The characters were fun, I love the amount of writhing stuff like snakes in the book.
But what was that ending? My jaw dropped and I had to rewind the last minute. After plenty of time to review the book, I can't tell if I loved the ending or hate it.
Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Monique Asher for the fun audio Arc. I am looking forward to see more of Monique Asher's work.

ARC REVIEW: don’t eat the pie by monique asher (out 9/24!) 🥧 where gothic horror meets family drama transporting readers to the hauntingly picturesque camillia island 🤍

people start behaving oddly claiming they see shadows passing in windows. no one is willing to answer questions about the island and its residents even though it’s full of sinister secrets. I was a big fan of the cult-like elements and unraveling the generational trauma with one of our characters!

such a strong concept but unfortunately, the execution wasn't the best. I never connected with the writing style and the story didn’t flow well moving between the mother and daughter pov’s. the level of gaslighting within is INSANE. although marketed as an adult horror, it felt very ya… despite all of the bloody, gruesome descriptions!

I don't think I’ll be making a return trip to camillia island anytime soon. thank you netgalley & dreamscape media for an advanced copy 👻 2 stars!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Wow. Ok this was a wild ride. The comparisons to Rosemary’s Baby are accurate, but also do a bit of a disservice, as this is an interesting book on its own.

This story revolves around Sam and her family- her daughter, her sister and nephew, and her fiancé- and his family of course. Sam is marrying into an established family with traditions and rituals- like freaky rituals. Her mother in law is welcoming but also a smidge pushy but hey- she’s a wealthy old lady entrenched in her close-knit society, so that’s not totally unusual… right?

Anyway, not everything is as it seems and she finds herself in an unusual and dangerous position, and then all hell (literally) breaks loose.

This story definitely kept my attention and the author didn’t shy away from making character sacrifices in order to move the story forward. A cool gothic horror story that is smart and fun to read!

This book was just weird.

I chose this book because a horror story with a witchy-promised in the book summary feel is exactly what I have been craving. Unfortunately, for me it missed the mark.

The dual perspective of Mother who is being gaslit and daughter who knows something is wrong isn't cohesive. The book drags on because their storylines don't line up. Once the evil is finally uncovered, the lack of setup made the supernatural element register more as weird than the creepy horror I was expecting.

To avoid spoilers, I won't say much about the ending except that it was just as weird and unsatisfying as the rest.

Gothic Twist on Rosemary’s Baby

Newlyweds Sam and Ben return early from their honeymoon when his mother becomes ill. Sam decides to move her whole family to Camillia island for the summer to help care for her. But everything is not as it seems when ghosts appear to warn them about an evil presence. What dangerous secrets are hiding on the island?

Don’t Eat the Pie is a very creepy, atmospheric, and suspenseful horror novel containing supernatural elements. There are many unsettling scenes that might be triggers for some readers so please read the warnings prior to reading. The book felt very long and I’m still not sure I completely understand parts of the plot.

Don’t let the publishers fool you! While the subject matter is for a mature reader, the young protagonists skew the intended audience to the YA genre. This is probably what most led me to round down my rating, as I am not the right reader.

The book ends very abruptly, hinting at a potential sequel. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be packing my bags for a second trip to Camillia Island.

I listened to the audiobook expertly read by Cady Zuckerman and Stephanie Willing. I enjoyed this format and do recommend it.

3.5/5 stars rounded down

Trigger warnings: cult, rape? incest? (I’m still not sure what actually happened)

Expected publication date: 9/24/24

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of Don’t Eat the Pie in exchange for an honest review.

This is really a creepy and eerie horror story. The atmosphere is perfect for it. Well developed characters. Absolutely love the cover. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, suicide, miscarriage, cult activity

“People leave stains, like watermarks on photographs.”

Sugar.. butter.. ritual sacrifice 🥧
Don’t Eat the Pie was a deliciously dark thriller, full of twists, turns, and teenage angst. The perfect start to spooky season.

I loved this concept, it was excellently executed. Creepy old women, snakes, evil entities and ghostly warnings; what more can you ask for in a horror novel. Like many great horror novels, the ending was left for interpretation or perhaps there’s more story to tell in the future. For a debut novel, this was fantastic! I can’t wait to see what this author will do next!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

Incredibly written thriller. The writing was probably my favorite part of this book. However the plot itself just wasn’t perfect for me. I’m sure so many people would like it but weird vibes horror/thriller tends to just make me feel off and I don’t like that. I know that’s just because of how well it’s done but yeah if you like a good weird vibes , what’s going on in this small town mystery thriller this is the book for you. I also didn’t feel super attached to the characters except for a few but not the mother and daughter main duo. It did a really good job at twists and I’d recommend it just wasn’t for me!

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 26th September and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of October.

Newlywed Sam moves to Camillia Island to care for her sick mother-in-law, hoping for a happy family life. But strange occurrences, including ghosts trying to warn her daughter Emma, suggest dark secrets on the island. As the messages become more urgent, Sam must confront the island's mysteries and decide whether to protect her new family or uncover the truth.

This dark gothic horror story will transport you to a secluded, creepy environment reminiscent of Rosemary's Baby. The eerie island setting, complete with cult-like vibes, sets the stage for a chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The audiobook was incredibly captivating, making it difficult to press pause. The narrator's voice was perfect, exuding an upbeat tone that complemented the story well.

The characters were provided with a wealth of background information, which greatly contributed to the development of the story. I particularly appreciated the detailed historical context that supported the mysteries of the islands.

If you have a penchant for spine-tingling horror stories set in isolated locales, this is the perfect choice for you. Just remember, whatever you do, don't eat the pie!

Thank you, Dreamscape Media for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Dreamscape Media, Netgalley and Monique Asher for the audio Arc of Don't Eat the Pie.
Narrated by Cady Zuckerman; Stephanie Willing.

Being someone who loves my food, Don't Eat the Pie intrigued me from the title alone! How can you NOT eat a nice pie?
This narrative is se on a n idilic Camilla island. Sam, a newlywed, comes home to look after her poorly Mother-in law with her husband and her daughter, Emma. Things seem great, until it isn't. There's history in the house, creepy atmosphere and Emma, starts seeing things. Messages from the grave. Don't Eat the Pie...

Monique really knows how to set up a book for some creepy atmospheric story telling, ghosts and some good old witchcraft! The beginning of the book is a slow burn, building not only in the creepiness, the character building but the general plot line. You know where it's going and it's a great ride! The speed of the book picks up and just keeps rolling. I really warmed to both Sam and her daughter Emma. The characters in general are varied and 3D with some unlikeable/likeable characteristics.

Both narrators did a great job in keeping the characters feeling separated and individual.

4.5 stars for Storygraph. 4 stars for Amazon, Netgalley, Goodreads

Monique Asher's debut novel has all the key elements for a gripping horror/thriller: unsettling elderly characters, strange smoothies, an infamous pie, eerie rituals, and a pregnant woman at the center of it all. These ingredients come together to create an atmosphere of suspense and unease, making for an unforgettable reading experience.

Asher delivers a strong first novel, building tension and mystery that kept me engaged throughout. The blend of horror and thriller elements felt fresh and intriguing, showing great promise for future works from this author.

I'd like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was a fantastic debut that I highly recommend to fans of the genre.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

Uhhh I really didn’t like this book as much as I thought I would. I really wanted to like it. I’ll try reading it again some other time.

Sam and Ben have recently married but Ben’s mother has become ill. They decide to move with Sam’s daughter Emma care for her. The house is next to Ben’s home that he previously shared with his former wife who has since passed away. Emma starts to notice bizarre things happening but Sam doesn’t want to cause problems with their new family.

This book was a wild ride! I really enjoyed how bizarre and creepy the story was. There was so much happening and just when I thought things couldn’t get any more weird, they did! This was a fun creepy read perfect for this time of year!

This audiobook was narrated by Cady Zuckerman and Stephanie Willing. They put on a great performance!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Monique Asher, and Dreamscape Media for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes on September 23rd.

I have posted my review on Goodreads, my Facebook book club, and will make a TikTok to post before the pub date raving about this book!

I spent the first part of this book confusing the characters and not really knowing what was going on, I spent the rest of it being a little creeped out, but also semi bored? I seem to be truly in the minority here. But while I did enjoy it a little, i felt like it just didn't connect with me.

I enjoyed this title, though I found the end kind of petered out, I felt there were more questions to be answered and more ways the story could develop.

I contemplated DNFing this several times, but curiosity won out. The first 50-60% percent was confusing- a lot of POV switching, timeline switching. I felt like I had no idea what was going on. Once things were made more clear, I did enjoy it more. Enough to bump it to two stars.

I really have nothing else to say because I was completely lost for over half of the book.

I admittedly am not a big horror reader- I enjoy branching out into the genre on occasion. So I am also not really the target audience. So that could be part of the reason I didn't enjoy it very much.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rosemary’s Baby vibes, told from the perspective of a mother / daughter duo. This was interesting to watch the story unfold, both characters slowly discovering the horrors surrounding them, redefining their relationship with each twist. The story was interesting, but hard to stay engaged with at times. I can’t put my finger on what didn’t quite hit for me except, perhaps, the cover art had me expecting something more quirky and campy— which this book is not.