Such a good thriller! I couldn't put it down. I loved the cult aspect. Very interesting and engaging!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Aging rocker Billy Diamond has hired the renowned Locard to find his missing daughter and her boyfriend. Apparently they’re in Nevada at a remote commune/wellness retreat type ranch. It’s all very suspicious when the boyfriend is presumed to have left without Devon. Now Devon has cut off all communication with her father. Billy’s never been a traditional father figure and has all the bad habits that define his chosen lifestyle. He specifically asks for Dr. Ellie Carr, former FBI and a crime scene expert. He says he knew her now deceased sister. That will later open a Pandora box of secrets long buried. As Ellie goes undercover at the retreat she’ll delve into what type of place this is. Is it ligit? The leader, Galen, seems to have an agenda, but Ellie’s job is to find Devon. As the plot unwinds it becomes clear everything isn’t on the up and up here in the desert. Ellie is isolated, cell service is nonexistent and circumstances are deteriorating. An elderly benefactor may have answers but her mental health is failing. There were many divergent characters in the plot, kept me guessing about who was trustworthy and who was depraved. The book has great depth and a compelling subject matter. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Possible spoiler: It was a deeply moving portrayal of how easily susceptible people of any age or background can be influenced. It was a well researched plot, the author included lots of facts and I found it entertaining with a bonus of learning how cult leaders strategize and brainwash vulnerable people.
Kensington Publishing provided an Advance Reader Copy (via NetGalley) of “Not Who We Expected” Book 4 of A Locard Institute Thriller, author Lisa Black, publication expected Feb 25, 2025. My honest, personal thoughts and opinions are given voluntarily without compensation.

Firstly, I need to say that anything that Lisa Black writes is always good. I don't know how she does it, but she can get me sucked into a book before the first chapter is even over, and I am always wanting more to the story once the book is finished. This book is no different! Lisa Black is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and one of my 'automatic buy' authors.

Like I said, this book had me hooked and on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing, which for me with ADHD, is very hard to do. I am always putting a book down after a few chapters because I get distracted with other things that I could be doing.

If you are a fan of cult-based books you will like this one. Even better - it's a cult based thriller. Like can it get any better than that? Nope, no it can't. I have always been interested in cults and the thought process behind their leaders and members, so cult based books are right up my ally

There were a few plot twists in this book that came from left field. The writing in the book, like all of her others, is amazing. There were a few parts where it felt like I was right in the middle of the book with the characters. Not many authors can make me feel that way, but Lisa has magic capabilities and is able to do that, especially in this book.

Will be ordering a physical copy of this book to add to my collection. I will recommend this book to all my friends and will be suggesting it as a read in my book club!

This book kept me interested till the very end. Ellie is sent to look for rock star Billy’s daughter. She gets more than she bargained for. Murder and a lot of crazy people.

This was such a gripping thriller. I loved Ellie’s spunkiness. There are a few plot twists that left me surprised. The mentality behind cults was very interesting to learn about. It’s so sad how people manipulate others for their own gain. The writing is awesome. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I love this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I tried so hard to like this book... but I just didn't. As a fan of cult-centered thrillers, I was extra excited for this one. But it wasn't much of a thriller. It was a okay story for the most part but I felt the author switched back and forth between Ellie & Rachel in inconsistent ways that made it hard to follow. And once the book did pick up and get good (the last 1/3), the story felt SO random and so rushed to just end.

Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington for this arc in return for my honest review.

3.5/5 stars! This book played out like an episode of Bones. I liked it better than book 3 but less than book 2. I am still undecided by this author. I think she has strong writing skills, but her style is too forensic and specific at times. But I like the cast of characters, so I keep picking up the books.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Who was Isis, really? Well, not what I expected anyway ha. I thought this book was a little predictable but boy was I wrong. Good thriller!

Lisa Black is of my favorite authors. Not Who We Expected is her latest book. This book was a winner. A five star read.

This talented author has again written a page turner. Red herrings and secrets…rescuing a daughter…thanks Netgalley.