I received an ARC audiobook of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. And to be honest, I started not to request the book. Let's be honest. The book's title and that cover are super cheesy. I honestly looked right past it without even bothering to see what it was about the first few times I saw it. Then the word "horror" in the description caught my eye, so I read the description just to see what it could POSSIBLY be about.

For some reason -- and without much hope of enjoying it -- I requested the book.

And I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

It's very Rosemary's Baby-esque, except set in modern day North Carolina. And yes, that plays a HUGE role in the story, as manners, hospitality, and Southern Gentility are at the core of everything that eventually happens.

It's such an odd and interesting story that I couldn't help but enjoy it.

It had its flaws, for sure. I have no knowledge of the author, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if she was a first-time author. The book was weak and predictable in a few places. But the sheer .... ridiculousness (in a good way!) ... of the book made those weak places not seem so bad.

I don't know. I finished the book about a week ago. And now that I've had time to digest it, I think I'd probably give it 3 stars instead of the 4 that I originally gave it. But straight off of finishing it, four stars was where my mind was, so four stars is where it's going to stay -- at least on Netgalley. I may drop it down to three on Goodreads.

I can't go into the plot without fear of giving things away. But if you enjoy horror and weird, random books, give it a try.

This is the perfect creepy fall read. I was drawn in by the pie, and the complex weave of interpersonal, witchy, and historical elements kept me on the edge of my seat.

Sam is a newly wed, who has been through some hard times but is now trying to embrace life with her seemingly perfect new husband, Ben. Emma is her daughter, who is nearly grown but for now is just along for the ride while life happens to her. Kristen was Ben's first wife, who died a sudden tragic death in child birth.

After Ben's mom has a fall during their honeymoon, this new family is back on the little island where he grew up to help care for his mom, with the ghost of his first wife living next door... At first things seem pretty picture perfect, but as the days and weeks go on, things seem to get progressively more bizarre and unexplainable. This one gets more and more wild as you read it, and the ending actually left my heart in my throat. WTF in the very best way.

The audio narrator managed to embody each of the three POVs really well. Jumping from an anxious but trying to hold it together mother, to an even more anxious teen, to the skeptical first wife, all without breaking any of the characters.

Not going to lie I went into this almost completely blind. I saw a few reviews saying it gave Rosemary’s Baby vibes so I knew I had to get my hands on it. This felt like early seasons of American Horror Story in the best ways, it was creepy and gross but at the same time heartbreaking in spots. I was able to get access to the audiobook thanks to NetGally and the publishers and I’m so thankful I did. The narrator did an amazing job bringing our mother and daughter to life, this has to be one of my favorite audio experiences of the year! This is definitely one I’ll be picking up on release date!! Thank you again NetGally and the publishers for the ARC for my honest review.

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

The audio for this book was top notch and so well done. It was such an entertaining listen. I felt all the emotion from the narrators and they brought this story to life. They brought the dread to life. Highly recommend

I really wanted to like this more, but the nonstop terror events happening back to back to back was just too much. It would be different if they were fewer and farther between, or if there was a hint of subtlety to them, but as it stands, it's just not doing it for me... ESPECIALLY when the premise is "daughter tries to convince mother to leave messed up creepy island but mom doesn't want to rock the boat". Like, that would make more sense if the events occurring were subtle enough to explain away, but they're Halloween haunted house attraction-level of drama, and every event happens like two hours MAX from the last. As in, without exaggeration, it would not be shocking if the grim reaper himself waltzed into the house and started sawing away at this woman's neck and she'd find a way to stay in old witch hell isle.

This book also reads fairly young. For example, there's a child in her late teens whose chapters sound like they're written in the POV of a kid closer to 7-9. I found myself checking more than once to make sure this wasn't YA. And to be honest, it's unfortunate that it's not, because tagging this as YA would have made a lot of my issues with it evaporate.

OK WHAT DID I JUST READ!

This was such an unexpectedly good read! This is the book you want a read that throws together multiple tropes and makes you squirm as all the suspense builds. The characters will frustrate you and have you yelling like you're watching a horror movie and can just SEE all the bad things unfolding.

Weird small island vibes with even stranger occurrences!

I was lucky enough to recieve both the ebook and audiobook and I loved both formats. The narrator was amazing and hooked me from the start. Great pace, enjoyable narration and was the hook that snagged me into the whole read!

OMG, y'all! I just finished Don't Eat the Pie and it was giving Stepford Wives with a full-on Southern charm makeover meets Rosemary's Baby with a side of The Craft! Like, bless your heart, but this audiobook had me craving pie, and not in a cute, Betty Crocker way. Seriously though, the pie in this story? Cursed, y'all—like, evil-witch-spell kind of cursed. So, note to self: NO PIE! EVER!

The twist? Honey, I did not see that coming! I love how they wove all these supernatural elements into the perfect mix of spooky and sassy. I mean, there’s witchy magic, suspiciously perfect southern housewives, and secrets everywhere! It’s like one big spellbinding mystery, and I am HERE for it. I’ll definitely be coming back for seconds (of the book, not the pie, duh). Five stars for making a little Southern hospitality seriously sinister!

This was an absolutely amazing ride of a book. Set near Roanoke on a small island, Emma's mom Sam just remarried, and they move to Edenic Camillia Island. Emma feels there is something strange, especially with the people on the island, and she doesn't want her mother to get caught up in it. There were great twists and turns in this novel, and I loved the narrators. I loved that this was based in folklore and history. Great book just in time for spooky season!
'

Don’t Eat The Pie by Monique Asher

Don’t Eat The Pie is an interesting gothic style horror set in current times. When Sam’s new mother in law falls ill, they move back to an island that has more secrets and danger than they could have anticipated. With crazy parties and mysterious warnings, this strange book will have you up all night, unable to put it down. The book had a decent amount of scare and horror, especially if you want to set the mood for the fall. No one is as they seem.

Secrets have a tendency to come out, This book gave the classic Rosemarys Baby feel, but at the same time even darker. This book kept me engaged and wanting more, and while I feel the ending was good, it left you hanging. Not everything is answered, but is that the authors way of going into the next book. This will definitely make you question that slice of pie.

I loved the Audiobook version. The narrators Cady Zuckerman and Stephanie Willing did a fantastic job setting the mood. I loved listening.

Holy crap this book is a ride! It was not what I was expecting at all. The story line is fascinating, with a little bit of folklore and the supernatural thrown in. The best part, is it solves the mystery of what happened to the people of Roanoke!! lol, well it’s a little far fetched, but totally believable!
At its core, in my opinion, the story is about motherhood and a woman’s right to choose if they want children or not. The approach is extremely unique, which I appreciated. This is a hot topic in thrillers, as of recently, and I do think it’s being overdone as a story line. BUT this book did it well, and never felt recycled.
I did listen to this one on audio. I can’t recommend that version enough! You need the narrator, with the changing accents and emotion to really feel the story. There were two narrators for this book, for the two character points of view. Told from the mother and daughter, you needed that more mature voice and the softer teen voice. It helps to connect the reader to the character. I only wish there was witchy music in some points of the story, lol.
This is an excellent book, with a well thought out storyline that grips you until the end. But that ending really seals the deal. Holy crap is it intense. I can’t recommend this book enough.

No spoilers but TWs included at the end of the review.

Sam’s mother in law falls ill suddenly so she brings her family to Camilla island to care for her. In the shadow of where her husband’s last wife died she must navigate small town isolation and meddling elders. When her daughter Emma starts seeing ghosts and giving her ominous warnings she must decide how to proceed in her unfamiliar surroundings.

I knew this horror novel would be creepy but wow! I was sucked in right from the beginning and it took over my life until the end. I felt like I was there on Camilia island facing the horrors right there with Sam and Emma. There were a few flash back chapters from other povs that really brought the thrills and chills and made me question what was really going on. Very creepy characters and premise. Southern gothic vibes with a healthy case of unreliable narrator. I loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape media and the author for an Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

TW: abuse/domestic violence, suicide, unauthorized medical procedures, unwanted pregnancy, pregnancy complications, car accident, snakes

Well, that escalated quickly!
This one had me starting out thinking I was going into one genre and totally flipped me into another like a black belt I didn’t see coming. Emma and Sam, daughter and mom, travel to a remote island off of Roanoke, where the islanders have a strange way of community. They seem like a perfect little island group of close-knit families and celebrations. But when the annual pie contest arrives, this sleepy little island flips its lid! From eccentric mother-in-laws and aunties to ghostly appearances and witchy vibes, this one kept me engaged and waiting for the next reveal. It definitely would’ve been a 4 star for me, if the ending hadn’t been cut to abrupt. Unfortunately, so many questions were left and problems not solved that it was left wanting. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A modern gothic horror that goes off the rails. This one wasn't for me. There's a lot about pregnancy, marriage, mother-daughter relationships, family ... all things I don't really care for, set against high strangeness that feels more random than chilling. I really struggled to follow what was going on. The novel starts out strong, with overly eager new neighbours and an oddly placed honeymoon home ... the pie is 'et, and pandemonium ensues. A white picket fence horror with a 60s vibe.

Don't Eat The Pie
Monique Asher

The Gothic horror and the familial drama are served up in thick slices in this excellent new novel of terror.

I was completely intrigued by both the duel perspectives that we're given - Each very different, they are characters that are fleshed out and complex, with tangled family dynamics.

Rosemary's Baby vibes galore, mixed with flavorings of Nat Cassidy's Nestlings and sweetened with some dark cult vibes, I greedily gobbled up every last page.

But whatever you do, Don't Eat The Pie!
I promise you'll just want more.

4.75 / 5

Thank you NetGalley, Monique Asher, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC audiobook.

Don't Eat the Pie by Monique Asher is a gripping, suspenseful read that immediately gave me the feeling of Rosemary’s Baby with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling undertones. Though it's listed as a horror novel, I would classify it more as a young adult thriller with a few adult themes sprinkled in. The suspense has a good build-up that kept me engaged as the plot unfolded.

However, after all the build-up, the ending felt a bit underwhelming. I was hoping for a more impactful resolution that matched the intensity of the earlier chapters. Additionally, I would have loved to see more character development, especially in terms of exploring the backstories of some of the key figures. It would have added even more depth to the story and made the characters' motivations clearer.

Overall, it's a solid, enjoyable read that balances tension and intrigue well, but with just a few tweaks, it could have reached its full potential. If you enjoy psychological suspense with a touch of horror, Don't Eat the Pie is worth picking up

Interesting concept - unfortunately this didn’t really work for me. I went in expecting an adult horror novel per the description and was met with a very young reading story. While it did have moments that gave me the heebie jeebies - I ultimately was left underwhelmed.

As always - just because this one wasn’t for me it may totally be a hit for you! Read if you’re a fan of Rosemary’s Baby + American Horror Story from a YA perspective.

Please check TW prior to reading - especially for literally everything Pregnancy related.

Thank you Dreamscape for the advanced copy.

hank you to NetGalley for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion of the story.

This is a great story for a debut author, one that has definite Rosemary's baby vibes wit a satisfying ending. I thought the book was fast paced and fun and delivers on its promise.

There were a few strings that weren't neatly tied up in the end, which didn't bother me that much. The pace was quick and sometimes I had a little bit of whiplash from not being able to sit with the horror, but it was fresh and modern and enjoyable.

The narrator did a wonderful job with the telling. Look forward to more from Asher.

Thanks to Netgalley, Monique Asher, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC audiobook.
Do you find small town southern charm to be unsettling? Is Rosemary's Baby on your top ten movie list? Then you'll love this gothic horror from author Monique Asher. While this does tend to read as more YA, there are a couple parts that are more mature than what would be in YA novels. Being that the story switches POV from an adult to a teenager throughout the story, it makes sense for portions of the book to read as YA.
When the story first started, I found myself getting slightly confused as the POVs switched, but it didn't take long for me to get the flow of the shifting perspectives, and once I did, I didn't want to put Don't Eat the Pie down!
There is just the right amount of descriptions and backstories given to the reader to feel immersed in the story without slowing down the plot progression. While I was familiar with how the story was going to go, as the similarities to Rosemary's Baby are not subtle, it still kept me engaged and wanting to know how certain parts would end. Who is in on it? What exactly do they want? The pacing was perfect in my opinion until the very end of the book. The last few chapters felt rushed and flew right through the climax of this story. The actual ending of the book is so abrupt that I rewound the chapter and thought something was wrong with my file before realizing that really was the end. I would have liked to have another chapter to tie it up. With how the last chapter ends, it almost feels like the author ran into a deadline and had to wrap it up, or just didn't know where else to go with the story. That is the only reason my review isn't 5 stars.

This story took me down so many twists and turns. You never know who to trust or what’s actually going on till close to the very end and I really enjoyed it. I loved the ghost aspect and the isolated island part. The narration was great too. 🥧