This book made me sad since I thought the premise sounded so good but it just did not live up to what I thought it would. It actually seemed very different then this authors previous work and just did not work for me. I found the characters to be incredibly unlikable and the twists to be unbelievable. I honestly woulnd' have probably finished this book if it wasn't for Netgalley.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am late to the Sandie Jones party but so happy to be here! This was an intense and emotional roller coaster ride. Really great characters that were totally relatable. Great interpretation of being a teenage girl. Enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley, Sandie Jones and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoy Sandie Jones' books, they usually keep my attention without taxing my brain too much. I enjoyed this one, but not as much as some others I have read by her.

Description:
Now: Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in a small seaside Californian town with her husband and daughter. She is not expecting a writer to knock on her door asking for her personal insight into the downfall of the biggest British band of the 1980s—unveiling the threads of a life she put behind her years ago. The same day, her daughter goes missing and the school claims her aunt picked her up . . . but she doesn’t have an aunt. Convinced of a link between the two, Nicole is forced to revisit long-abandoned memories from her past to protect everything she now holds dear.

1986: Sixteen-year-old Cassie is obsessed with the hottest band in London, Secret Oktober. Harboring an intense crush on the leading man, Ben Edwards, she will do anything she can to capture his attention among the throngs of groupies at the band’s scandalous backstage parties. But when Ben discovers her older sister Nicole singing at a local bar one night, he can’t help but feel drawn to her, setting in motion a collision course that could tear their family apart.

My Thoughts:
The story is told in two timelines, now and 1986. Secrets that have been hidden seem to come back to haunt us, and that is what is happening here. I was fascinated by the story of the band and all that happened with it, but the fangirl stuff with Cassie and her friend got a little tedious. The band's debauchery was over the top. The missing daughter was a mystery and was scary. Any time a child goes missing, terror strikes for the family. This was a good mystery and I think most would enjoy it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Nicole has a great, quiet life. But when a reporter shows up at her door digging into her past and later that day her daughter is abducted by the "aunt" she does not have, things begin to quickly unravel. In an alternate timeline, Cassie is obsessed with boy band Secret Oktober and will do anything to get the lead singer, Ben. So when her sister betrays her by dating Ben, Cassie begins to spiral into wanting revenge on both of them.

This was such a quick read! A perfect popcorn thriller after a long heavy read for me. For the most part I enjoyed the pacing of the story, but the last 15% felt quite rushed and I did not love the ending. I loved the alternating POV and timeline though!

I will say I thought the way Nicole jumped to Brad being involved in things felt very weird and unnecessary and any part of the story about the seals also felt completely random and was never even wrapped up in any way. The unveiling of what really happened was a bit confusing too.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones is a slow burn to start and there was even a point when I thought about giving up but, I did NOT. I kept plugging a long and once the setting was established and all the characters were developed it unfolded like a movie. I wanted to LOVE this book but, instead it was just okay.

I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.

I've read and enjoyed Sandy Jones' books in the past and was excited to see a new novel coming out written by her. This book moves back forth between 1986 and 2011 as we follow the life of sisters Cassie and Nicole. It fell a little flat for me in the first half even though it was the build up, going back to 1986 Cassie felt a little repetitious. The last half of the book really ramps up and picks up in a whodunnit, who died kind of scenario.

Teenaged girls chasing around their favorite band in 1986 London? Backstage parties and scandal? Secrets from the past threatening to unravel the protagonist's life in sunny California? Yes please!

We bounce between California (Coronado, San Diego, to be exact) in 2010 with Nicole, happily married with a young daughter, and London 1986 where Nicole's sister Cassie is obsessing over her favorite band of all time Secret Oktober and frontman Ben Edwards. With her new bestie Amelia, Cassie crashes the band's backstage parties, figures out what hotels they're staying at, the best spot to watch a mobbed free concert, and even gets her foot run over by the band's limo. Secret Oktober can't go anywhere without hordes of screaming teenagers. I was picking up strong Duran Duran vibes and cracked up that in the world of this novel, Duran Duran is Secret Oktober's arch-rival.

In California, Nicole opens the door to a visitor that wants to dredge up the past that she's been hiding for the past 25 years. A past that involves Secret Oktober...what exactly happened in 1986?

I like the idea of this book more than the execution. The back and forth in perspective isn't consistent, we spend long multiple chapters in one timeframe while the other dangles. The character swings are hot and cold (Nicole's husband is walking out one day and back in her corner the next, Nicole jumps to some pretty silly conclusions, Cassie is delusional...). The band stuff is fun until it gets pretty dark. A mixed bag read for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the Advance Reader Copy. (pub date 3/25/2025)

While I would not classify this book as a typical thriller, this book was a fast-paced and easy read. Cassie has the delusional thoughts of some teenagers who dream of winning the affections of the man of their dreams. Her obsession is what takes it to the next level and makes it so the story remains a mystery until the end.

I have had the pleasure of reading several of Sandie Jones previous books in the past. I was so excited to read her latest book I would Die For You. This was a twisty, gripping book from the very beginning all the way through until the end. It definitely did not disappoint. I was quickly flipping pages to find out what happened next in this fast-paced, captivating psychology thriller. A huge thank to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy of the book.

The exciting premise of this suspenseful story is one of love, obsession, jealousy, rivalry, revenge and ultimately consequences. Told from dual timelines and perspectives (Cassie in London, 1986 and Nicole in California, 2011).

When a writer comes knocking at Nicole’s door asking questions and looking for her insight into a band that broke up in the 80’s, it’s honestly the last thing she is expecting. Then her daughter goes is missing from her school. Nicole is informed that her daughter has been picked up by her aunt. But holdup what aunt? Her daughter doesn’t have an aunt. Nicole suspects these two occurrences are linked. She will have to return to the past if she wants to figure it out, protect her family and the life she so treasures.

The nostalgic flashbacks to the 80’s with the music and lifestyle was such a great time. I Would Die For You is a completely addictive, intense page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

This was so fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I was immediately invested in this story from the start.

I really liked the author’s writing style as a whole though - the switch between timelines felt very smooth and never felt like there was an abrupt switch.

My only complaint is that as everything started to come together at the end it felt rushed. It did quite feel finished / open ended so I was left unsatisfied.

Overall, I had a fun time with this book and plan on checking out the author’s backlist as this was the first book of hers I’ve read.

The synopsis drew me in, and I thought I'd love this book with its missing child, secrets, obsession, and sisters. While enjoyable, it didn’t fully wow me. I appreciated the exploration of groupies, obsession, and the two timelines, along with the theme of lasting consequences. The drama, twists, and tension were great, but my main issue was the lack of connection with the characters.

I would have rated this book four stars if the ending had been stronger. Unfortunately, it felt underwhelming and didn’t live up to the excitement of the buildup.

This book presents a twisted mystery along with some very compelling and relatable characters. The story is centered around a rock band and its groupies, one of whom is part of the mystery of what happened to the band and what happened to a young girl named Cassie. Nicole is a talented musician in her own right but has fled from that part of her life, leaving England far behind as she moves to the U.S., gets married and starts a family. She is an active environmentalist, a fact that seems to muddy the waters when she and her family start being threatened. The pace was moderate, just right for the story that needed to be unraveled methodically. There were plenty of clues and foreshadowing about what was really happening and what was coming, and I enjoyed guessing what would happen next. I liked the characters and how they were believable and original. With the challenge of overcoming her past, Nicole was the most relatable and presented a fascinating character study. The timeline was a dual one, the past and the present, all converging neatly as the story progressed. The story itself was brilliantly written with clever tension and well-crafted misdirection built in. This is a tale that is multi-layered, with the layers slowly being peeled back as more revelations about the past are made. I enjoyed the believable drama and the tight plot and I was totally engrossed in the story because I really wanted to know what secrets Nicole was keeping and what those secrets would do to her present circumstances.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones is a slow burn thriller in which a woman’s past comes roaring back. Is she prepared to fight back? Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in southern California with her husband and daughter. It is shattered when a journalist comes to her door and asks her for information about the downfall of Secret Oktober, the biggest British band of the 1980s. The same day, her daughter is picked up from school by her aunt. The only thing is her daughter doesn’t have an aunt! Nicole is faced with the threads of her life and hidden past that is quickly becoming unveiling. In 1986, sixteen year old Cassie is obsessed with Secret Oktober with an intense crush on Ben Edwards. She is determined to do anything she can to capture his attention among the cheering fans and groupies. What she doesn’t count on is Ben meeting her older sister, Nicole. What happened to Secret Oktober? What does Nicole know?
Sandie Jones is a new author to me and I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book. A dual timeline story with multiple POVs as Nicole searches for the person behind the events of today and Cassie as her obsession with Secret Oktober and Ben grows taking her down a dangerous past. As events of today and yesteryear begin to shine light on the truth, the twists and turns were interesting and kept me hooked. However, as the mystery was revealed, the ending was confusing and a bit abrupt. My first thought when I closed the book was “what?!?” Throughout the story, I liked the character of Nicole and the mystery about who was bringing up the past and why was engaging and kept me guessing. Overall, I enjoyed the story. The mystery was engaging, the ending was just abrupt. If you like dual timeline, multiple POVs stories with a bit of suspense and mystery, I recommend I Would Die for You.

I Would Die for You is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

I've really enjoyed Sandy Jones's writing in the past, so I was excited to read this one as well.
I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones is an absolutely gripping and addictive psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Jones’ masterful storytelling and chilling premise drew me in from the very first page, and I was completely enthralled by the twists and turns of this suspenseful tale.

Although I have enjoyed other novels by Sandie Jones, this one missed the mark for me. Told in dual timelines and POVs (one of Cassie in London in 1986, and the other of Nicole 25 years later), the novel’s main theme seems to be fame and the obsession that often comes with fame, an obsession that can sometimes be dangerous. Although this novel has a good share of twists and turns, the plotting seemed a bit off, and the ending was confusing — it seemed to just happen. I also was not all that enamored with any of the characters, so this was a decent but definitely not a great read for me.

Every book that Sandie Jones writes is my new favorite, and I Would Die for You is no exception. I loved everything about it, from the dual-timelines to the sister love/rivalry between Nicole and Cassie. It's thoroughly entertaining from the first sentence to the last, and this is one that I will be recommending to all my thriller-loving friends.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I typically enjoy Sandie Jones,but this one was a bit off for me. It was a quick read with some nostalgia involved, but kinda missed the mark.

Review of I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐

Sandie Jones' I Would Die for You is a fast-paced thriller that weaves together obsession, secrets, and the darker side of fame. The story jumps between two timelines: London in 1986, where teenager Cassie is caught up in the rockstar frenzy surrounding the band Secret Oktober, and 25 years later, when Nicole—now living a quiet life in California—finds her past catching up with her in terrifying ways.

The novel hooks you early with its exploration of 80s music culture, teenage naivety, and the manipulations of the entertainment industry. Nicole's past and present collide when a journalist comes knocking, determined to uncover the truth about the band's downfall. The tension escalates when Nicole’s daughter goes missing, raising the stakes in an already suspenseful narrative.

The book does an excellent job of capturing the nostalgia of the 80s, and the depiction of obsessive fandom feels authentic. However, some characters felt underdeveloped, and the ending left me wanting more closure. While the dual timelines are engaging, I found myself more drawn to the present-day mystery rather than the past storyline, which at times felt predictable.

Overall, this is an entertaining read with solid twists, though it doesn’t quite pack the punch of Jones’ best thrillers. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware will likely enjoy it, especially if they love a mix of psychological suspense and rock ‘n’ roll drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Long-buried secrets are about to resurface

In London in 1986 the band of the moment is Secret Oktober, its three members driving female fans crazy. Mobs flock wherever they go and it seems like they can have any girl they want, anytime they want. SIxteen year old Cassie is a huge fan and is obsessing about them, willing to go to any lengths to meet her idols...which to her is far better than dwelling upon her reality, a strict father who tried to make it as a musician himself but never really made the cut and a mother losing her battle with cancer. Her older sister Nicole has musical aspirations herself but is paying her bills by working in a diner. Both Cassie and Nicole attract Ben's attention, Cassie by hanging out with groupies and getting sucked into the sex/drugs/rock and roll scene with her new friend Amelia while for Nicole it is her musical talent that catches Ben's eye. Secret Oktober's future abruptly ends when tragedy strikes one of its members, and the two young women's lives are forever altered when they are drawn into the investigation and subsequent trial.
Twenty five years later, Nicole Forbes is married and living in Coronado with her husband Brad, who works on the nearby naval base, and their young daughter Hannah. Nicole has never told Brad much about her past and has purposefully omitted her connection to the crashing of one of he biggest bands of the 80's. But then Zoe, a young woman writing a book about that period in British music, rings her doorbell...she knows who Nicole is, or was, and is determined to interview her about it. Nicole kicks her out of the house and hopes she's dodged the bullet, but then Hannah doesn't come home on the school bus. The school says Hannah was picked up by her aunt with Nicole's permission, but that isn't true...there is no aunt in Hannah's life. A frantic search ensues, and although Hannah is found safe it is clear that someone is determined to bring Nicole's secrets to light. What really happened all those years ago, and who is looking for vengeance now? Nicole and her family will be in danger unless she can identify and stop her harasser.
In the mid 80's I was in college, and the music and the fashions of that time will always strike a chord with me. I wasn't hopping fences and crashing after hours parties, but who amongst us didn't have a period when they read all about the members of their favorite bands, feeling like they really knew these people....and maybe even hoping that maybe someday they might meet someone in the band and even form a connection? Cassie takes that a bit too far, but is still relatable in her naive teenage dreams. The characters in general are a bit underdeveloped, but I enjoyed the narration popping back and forth between the dual timelines as what happened in the past spools out and the current day suspense and drama ramp up. The premise hooked me early in the book and carried me through to the end (which wasn't quite as surprising as I'd hoped it might be). I did enjoy the story overall, and would rate it at 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to a 4 for the trip down memory lane). Readers of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and Hank Phillippi Ryan may want to give this a try. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this twisty trip to the 80's and back in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story and right up to the end I was on the edge of my seat! Nicole is in the present timeline. He peaceful life is disrupted when a reporter starts asking about a band that broke up in the 80’s. Then her daughter gets picked up from school from her aunt, but wait, she doesn’t have an aunt!
This book is filled with characters that you love to hate and nonstop action. There was so much going on.!
Many thanks to the author, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.