3.5 Stars.

I have mixed feelings on this. No complaints about the writing or pacing, even for such a long book. The chapters are short and it moves fast, so my original worry about this dragging was squashed. I do believe some of it could have been cut but it is what it is.

found family vibes, strong storytelling, addictive. by the time it hit part two, the twist was easy to guess. once it hit part three it moves super speed.

my biggest complaint is that it's way too close, and obviously so, to very real crimes where the trials are still on going. whatever point it wanted to make missed the mark, and could have been done without it.

overall it was a good read.

4.5 ⭐ This was such a fun slow burn!! Perfect for fans of true crime that like podcasts or true crime forums. I loved the layout of the form posts and the character development of each online profile and real life sleuth. The core group was fun to get to know and I liked their dynamic.

This made me want to get into true crime, lol. I'm always too much of a scaredy cat but this made it seem so fun. (And also intense!) Is this a real part of the Internet that I'm missing out on?!

Ashley Winstead knows how to write a twisty book that leaves you wondering where it's going while also trying to solve the mystery. I will say that I thought I knew who our killer was but there were definitely some things I didn't see coming.

If you like Ashley Winstead and are excited for another book from her you will not be disappointed! Get ready for a slow burn that keeps you coming back for more.


Thank you to netgalley for a copy to review.

This book was INCREDIBLE! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until the last. Perfectly paced, expertly plotted, and deliciously bingable

It is not the fault of this book but I cannot cleverly string together sentences right now (I am seriously burned out on using words, you guys), so here's my review in bullet form instead:

The Good

- It's suspenseful, even when it's predictable.
- The characters are mostly likeable.
- The internet-y bits are super well done, the true crime forum conversations and online chats and such.
- The found family aspect of the story is endearing.
- There isn't much romance.

The Mediocre

- It's somewhat predictable. I guessed the big twist less than halfway through, and once you've guessed the twist, it's kind of obvious where things are headed.
- It's long. Seriously, this book could have been a hundred pages shorter.
- What little romance there is feels forced.

The “I Didn't Like This at All”

- The very end. Not the dad-related bits, but the killer-related bits. It's super unrealistic and feels like a cop-out (kind of like me writing a review via bullet points, I suppose).
- This book is very obviously based on the 2022 University of Idaho murders, which feels kind of … gross?

Basically, This Book Will Bury Me is entertaining and suspenseful but also flawed in places. And it's way too soon to be writing fictional books based on a murder case that's still working its way through the legal system.

So, yeah. I'll give it 3.95 stars for the entertainment value and three stars for … all the rest of it. *waves hand lazily in direction of bullet points* Average rating: 3.475 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 25, 2025.

This is the second book I’ve read from Ashley Winstead. I read Midnight is the Darkest Hour and kind of hated it, but this book was much better than the one I previously read. Jane joins a group of amateur sleuths who are trying to solve the mystery of three sorority sisters. Jane is currently grieving the loss of a loved one and is looking for any way to distract herself from her reality.

Even though I liked this book better than the one I previously read, I still couldn’t fully connect with the characters. The premise was great, but somehow it didn’t land for me. The twists in the book were decent, but kind of felt like I’ve seen this before.

I would recommend this for people who like true-crime style books. It wasn’t for me, but I bet many people will like this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

Wow. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, NetGalley, and Ashley Winstead for allowing me to read an ARC of this amazing book. I literally could not put this down and finished it in two days. I've always loved Ashley's books and find her writing to be incredibly captivating, going into just enough detail / character development without dragging the book on unnecessarily.

This Book Will Bury Me is a book within a book, told from the POV of Jane "Searcher' Sharp. After her father unexpectedly dies of a heart attack, Jane delves into the world of true crime, finding solace amongst those searching for answers; them, the 'armchair detectives' solving murders and her, trying to figure out who her dad really was throughout his life on earth. As a distraction from all her grief, Jane quickly finds herself becoming obsessed with helping find the culprits of unsolved murders and befriends a small group of 'elite' internet sleuths. When a 3 college girls are murdered, the group immediately jumps into action and makes it their sole purpose to find who did this. Things quickly spiral when an additional 3 girls are murdered, so they decide to travel to the college where it all took place in hopes they can find answers.

Although I picked up on who the murderer was early on, I wasn't disappointed. I was happy with how everything tied together and even more so how the ending played out. The tension in this book, the relationships the characters had, was extremely well done and I felt like I was right there with them trying to solve the mystery. Highly, highly recommend!

First, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Ashley Winstead for the ARC. Ashley Winstead is one of my favorite authors and I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to read this one early.

This Book Will Bury Me is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that blurs the line between fiction and true crime in a way that feels visceral and hauntingly real. Winstead’s ability to craft characters that linger long after you’ve turned the final page is nothing short of masterful. With a cast of fiercely strong characters who come to life through the voice of the protagonist, I found myself drawn to them all, even those I knew I couldn’t trust.

The prose is undeniably beautiful, with Winstead painting scenes that are as vivid as they are unsettling. The writing deftly evokes the bleak, eerie setting, and you can almost feel the oppressive weight of secrets buried within each sentence. Winstead’s descriptive skill doesn’t just set the scene—it makes you feel as if you're right there, inside the story, experiencing each emotion alongside not only the protagonist, but her group of true crime internet sleuths.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how it seamlessly weaves elements of true crime into its fictional plot. The exploration of the murder mystery feels deeply authentic, as if it were based on real events, lending the story a sense of gravity and urgency. Winstead brings a fascinating meta-narrative that examines our society's obsession with true crime, all while delivering a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Certainly the murder mystery is reminiscent of a story we all know, but it’s also so much more. The combination of gritty realism, psychological depth, and literary grace makes This Book Will Bury Me a standout thriller that transcends its genre. This novel will grip you, unsettle you, and stay with you long after you finish.

I devoured this book! Twisty turny, kept me guessing, and not too gory. Probably my favorite Ashley Winstead! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Another great (if disturbing!) thriller from Ashley Winstead. She does dark so well. Definitely a page-turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Will definitely be recommending.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This Book Will Bury Me is an utterly compulsive read, one that you will struggle to put down. I quickly got swept up in the mystery element, but I also liked how it forced the reader to take a step back and contemplate our cultures obsession with True Crime and how we consume it. Would definitely recommend to others.

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.

I have been a fan of this author for a while, and after her last book wasn't entirely for me, I was so glad to read another winner.

The amateur sleuth plot always reels me into a book. I also really enjoy that this seemed to be loosely based on a true crime case.

The characters are all loveable in their own ways because they all have their little quirks.

Overall, I would highly recommend this one to thriller lovers.

Once again, Ashley has delivered a captivating narrative that draws readers in from the very first page. The story immerses us in a world filled with heavy themes, intricately weaving together the emotional turmoil surrounding multiple tragic deaths and intense criminal investigations. It powerfully captures the deep sorrow of losing a parent, resonating with anyone who has experienced such heartache.

I found the plot to be engaging and exceptionally well-crafted. It really showcases the author's skill in developing the interconnected events and characters. While the detailed nature of the storyline, with its many layers and complexities, made it somewhat longer than I typically prefer for this genre, I still enjoyed reading each scene as it unfolded, revealing the depth of the characters' struggles and triumphs. The ending ties everything together nicely.

This book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys piecing together clues and unraveling mysteries.

Thank you so much, Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing, for providing me with an ARC of this book. Expected publication: March 25, 2025

As always, all thoughts are my own. ♥

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way that is was written as a tell all story. I liked all the footnotes and how it incorporated the online forum. I was able to guess who did it fairly early on, but it didn't take away from the book for me. The only thing was it all was super similar (even in the small details) to the University of Idaho murders and kept feeling like I had read this before as I was reading. I thought the pacing was good overall - the ending last 50-100 pages felt long, but that might have been a me issue since I wasn't surprised by the who done it reveal. This was my first read by Ashley Winstead and can't wait to read more!

Overall, this was a REALLY good book. I was intrigued from the very start. I’m a true crime girlie, like so many others are, and this was a book that had me hooked early on. I also really like the writing style of this book, and the subtle hints/teases dropped early on about the big twists. If you are into true crime, or have ever wished you were one of the armchair detectives helping to solve a big case, this book is for you.

Now, some things to note. This book SEEMS to be inspired by the horrific tragedy that occurred in Idaho, where four students were murdered in their shared home, that made international news. I agree with others saying it just feels too soon and too real to be reading a “fictional” story about. Also, it is quite a longer book. Those things aside, it was a very well written story with an intriguing plot line.

If Ashley Winstead writes it, I’m going to read it. I was no disappointed. This was a twisty slow burn. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

All good thrillers need a good hook and this one grabbed me from the start. We're told Jane Sharp is a well-known individual in true crime circles. You're introduced to her right when the FBI surround her.

It's basically:
*record scratch, yup that's me, you're probably wondering how I got here*

What follows is a memoir, a first-person retelling of the events that led up to that moment as a way for Jane to clear her name. Early on you learn of her father's passing and as a way of focusing her energy onto something other than grief, she joins a group of amateur sleuths. The writing is snappy and addictive and includes forum posts and letters and other epistolary narrative devices. It's not a serious police procedural but it's done well and I read through it pretty quickly.

I found it really entertaining and I enjoyed where the story went and how it all played out. Go pick this up when it comes out in March 2025.

Release: March 24, 2025 
 
Rating:  4.25/5 ★ 
 
This Book Will Bury Me is a dark, atmospheric tension and introspective tone. The writing is immersive to readers as we explore narrator’s psyche, blending mystery with existential dread, well-constructed suspense and the way the protagonist’s fears and secrets unfold, as well as the immersive descriptions that make every setting feel ominously alive.

Ashley Winstead’s writing is sharp and immersive, pulling readers into a richly atmospheric setting that enhances the tension throughout the narrative. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and complexities, making the unfolding drama feel both personal and gripping. The friendships and rivalries add depth to the story, keeping readers invested in their fates. 

The pacing is expertly handled, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Winstead artfully weaves in themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of choices, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of loyalty and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface. 

The way the footnotes add suspense by breaking the flow just enough to make you wonder what’s being left unsaid can really keep the tension high. They almost act like subtle clues, making you second-guess the main storyline. It’s a clever technique for a thriller like this!

The protagonist’s mental state brings uncertainty about what’s real and what’s imagined, making readers question their version of events.

Key secrets from the protagonist’s past emerge at pivotal points, reshaping the reader’s understanding of their motives and relationships.

The story involves unexpected betrayals, especially from those the protagonist believes they can trust, adding layers of tension and emotional impact.

Characters that initially seem antagonistic or irrelevant sometimes end up becoming important allies, shifting the story’s direction and suspense.

As the protagonist unravels one mystery, they stumble onto another, more personal secret that changes everything they thought they knew.

Overall, This Book Will Bury Me is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will satisfy fans of psychological thrillers. Winstead delivers a clever plot with emotional resonance, making this book a standout in the genre. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating mystery with rich character dynamics and unexpected revelations. 
 
Favorite Quote: 
 
"Stories have a way of revealing the truth, even when we wish to keep it hidden."

All I can say is wow! This thriller follows Jane Sharp, who is experiencing loss, grief, and an identity crisis following the unexpected death of her father. To distract herself, she begins an obsession with true crime and a group of amateur internet sleuths. One of the cases is centered around a serial killer who targets a group of sorority girls on an Idaho college campus. This is similar to the real-life case a few years ago. When the amateur sleuths become internet and television sensations, Winstead beautifully shows America's fascination with serial killers and true crime podcasts, and how these groups can both help and hurt the progress of local and federal law enforcement. They can also unknowingly put themselves and others in harm's way. I loved being buried in this book for a few days. The pacing kept me turning the pages from beginning to end to find out what happened next. The imagery of the title is also skillfully present throughout the novel. This is sure to be one of the top books of 2025. Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Ashley Winstead for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: serial killer, detailed crime scene descriptions, and mentions of child and animal abuse (no details).

Ashley Winstead delivers another hit! I was thrilled to receive an early copy through NetGalley. As a fellow Houstonian and a long-time supporter of our local thrillers book club, Ashley’s releases always feel extra special to us.

Her latest book, This Book Will Bury Me, dives into the true crime community, exploring how everyday people connect over unsolved cases and even attempt to crack them. It’s fascinating to see how popular these groups have become and the lengths some will go to uncover the truth. I thought this novel offered a fresh take on crime-solving from an “armchair detective” perspective. The twists completely caught me off guard, and I was hooked right until the last page.

This Book Will Bury Me is a retrospective story of Jane, whose father’s death has her spiral into a true crime obsession that eventually connects her with a group of true crime junkies. As she gets more and more involved with the group, a shocking and very publicized series of murders places her at the front and center of both media attention and an active investigation. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did; the plot is parts investigative procedural, a dissection of our true crime cultural obsession, and Jane’s grief over her loss. The ending stays true to the story’s style, and you’ll recognize the similarities to life 2022 homicides that shook the media then.