This Book Will Bury Me is a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that still left me with mixed feelings. At face value, it’s nearly perfect, capturing the rawness of grief, the morbid fascination with true crime, all with an unexpected found family.

From the first page to the last, I couldn’t put it down. For a thriller, it’s a pretty long book, but I never found myself bored or wishing it were shorter. The depiction of grief is so raw and relatable that it almost became overwhelming at times, and I had to take breaks from certain scenes because of how emotionally charged they were.

The found family aspect was a beautiful and unexpected highlight. Amid the crime and violence, it brought a sense of warmth that had me tearing up a few times. The cast of characters is endearing, with each of them feeling real and nuanced, which made their relationships all the more powerful.

However, my issue with this book lies in its very noticeable inspiration (bordering on a direct reimagining) of the University of Idaho murders. The resemblance between the fictionalized events and the real-life case is so striking that it made me uncomfortable. I’m not sure how I feel about the author drawing from such a recent, ongoing tragedy, and this unease affected my overall enjoyment, lowering my rating by one star. I’ll be curious to hear more about the families’ reactions to this, as that may influence how I view the book long term.

Despite that, This Book Will Bury Me is still a gripping, emotional story with a fascinating exploration of grief. It’s definitely worth reading, but it’s hard to ignore the ethical concerns that arise when fiction so closely mirrors real-life tragedy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ohhhh, this one was tricky to rate! I'm gonna break it down with some pros and cons.

PROS

- The cover drew me in, definitely a 10/10 for thriller vibes. The font, textured effect, photographic flare, and ominous imagery all set the perfect tone.

- The "found-family" dynamic was heartwarming. The group of crime sleuths felt diverse, with a range of personalities and backgrounds that added depth to the story.

- The writing itself was really good. I enjoyed the storytelling style, even though the narrative was absolutely tragic due to its heavy inspiration from a real-life murder (more on this below).

CONS

- Around the 20% mark, I came across reviews revealing that the story is based on a real unsolved murder - the Moscow/Idaho 4 case. Since I’m from the UK, I wasn’t initially aware of this case, but after reading up on it, I was shooooocked. The case still hasn’t gone to trial, and the book’s release coincides with that. Profiting from this story when real young women in their 20s were brutally murdered feels inappropriate.
I looked into news articles about the case, and so many details from the book match real-life events: the descriptions of the friendship group, the setting in the same state, and even specific timelines + more.

- It was a pretty long read for a thriller. 480 pages and some parts lacked momentum, which made it hard to stay engaged. I ended up reading it on and off for a few months which isn't like me!

- The main character, Janeway, was underwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Since this is being published as a fictional story, I’m rating it based on the writing style and layout of the timeline. I’d give it a 3.5 stars, rounded down to a 3. I honestly feel uncomfortable rating it any higher given the ethical concerns surrounding its inspiration 😪

Ashley Winstead’s This Book Will Bury Me is a gripping, pulse-pounding thriller that explores the dark side of ambition, secrets, and obsession. Winstead’s sharp prose and expertly crafted twists create a story that’s impossible to put down. With complex characters and a tension-filled plot, this book will have you questioning everything until the final page. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers that pack an emotional punch!

Ashley Winstead has done it again with This Book Will Bury Me! This was such a gripping read—full of dark secrets, tension, and twists that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The characters felt so real and flawed, which made them easy to connect with, even when they made questionable choices. I loved how the story slowly revealed its layers, building the suspense bit by bit. The atmosphere was spot on too—Winstead really knows how to create a sense of unease that creeps up on you as you read.

Some of the twists were a little predictable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. The execution was so strong that I was fully along for the ride anyway.

If you love psychological thrillers with complex characters and a haunting vibe, this is one to check out. A solid 4 star read

When I first got into reading a few years ago, one of the first books I picked up was In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead, and I absolutely loved it. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I was approved for the ARC of her latest book, This Book Will Buy Me. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Aria & Aries, for giving me the chance to dive into this one early!

The writing in this book is super captivating and I LOVED the style in which it was written. I was hooked from the start and completely immersed in the story.

I ended up giving it 4.5 stars. While I reallyyyyy enjoyed it, I was expecting a shocking twist at the end that didn’t quite come, as I had guessed part of the mystery earlier than I’d hoped. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I loved the overall experience or the journey of the characters.

2.5 stars.

Jane Sharps father tragically passes. She soon discovers TheRealCrimeNetwork.com where she seeks comfort.

I go into my books blind, so when I finished this book I seen it had alot of controversial reviews. I liked this book and it kept me engaged from page 1. Overall it was dark, thought provoking and the chat forum from TheRealCrimeNetwork.com was a nice touch. This book was written well when it came to the grief side of things and how each individual can deal with grief differently. The characters were well written and the story as a whole was descriptive.

When I first started the book there was an authors note mentioning about the real crimes that were included in this book. I had never heard of any of them.(Not sure if because I'm from UK, but never heard or familiar with any of the cases.) When I looked into the Idaho case when I finished the book I will admit I was shocked to learn that this was still an open case and the trial isn't till summer this year. This did however affect the rating of this book sadly, as the family and friends of the victims haven't yet had any closure.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an advanced readers copy of #ThisBookWillBuryMe in exchange for an honest review.

As I started to write this review, I had my thoughts on the characters, the pacing, the twists ready to discuss.

I became aware of other readers mentioning the similarities to a 2022 case, where four students at The University of Idaho lost their lives. Not being US based, I was unaware of this tragedy. Having read up on the case, the stark similarities can’t be ignored. This fiction, and the horrific true case are extremely closely aligned, even in some of the smaller details. If I were to list the parallels, it would be extensive.

Had I known this book was using details from a real case, I wouldn’t have chosen to read it. It doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t know if the author was making a statement by literally basing a true crime book, on a true crime; but it still feels very wrong.

If I were a parent of one of those students, I can’t imagine how much additional pain would be caused, knowing that the manner of my child’s devastating loss was being used as fictional entertainment. I understand so much of fiction is based on life, but to use such a recent case that hasn’t gone to trial yet, and to use so many of the details feels opportunistic and ghoulish.
For the reasons mentioned above, I have decided to give a single star.

Im a huge true crime fan , so I knew I would connect to this one. Loved the characters. I really enjoyed how I couldnt stop reading it. It kept me engaged and interested the whole way through. Highly recommend.

Now. When I say I cancelled ALL plans when I was accepted for this ARC! I was very excited and I’m happy to say I wasn’t let down at all.

I’ve never read a book quite like this. It really got me thinking about my own True Crime consumption (YouTube true crime is my guilty pleasure).

The storyline is exceptionally plotted, the characters are very well written and I found it almost.. chilling I guess? But above all else I found it really moving and thought provoking. I write this review 24hrs after finishing the book and find myself with it still on my mind.

Exceptional.

This one was a miss for me…

This follows Jane who after her Dad’s passing turns to true crime and it isn’t long before she’s investigating cases herself.

Jane’s grief after losing her dad felt raw as someone still processing the loss of their own dad. But in the author's note it's explained as a fairly real life account of the author losing her dad too. However, if you have lost a parent I would *really* go into this with caution. It was a lot even for me who is more desensitised.

I loved concept and the sleuthing, and really enjoyed our set of main characters. That said, it felt about 100 pages too long.

But what I absolutely disliked is how closely this story resembles the real-life Idaho murders, which I’ve since learned hasn’t even gone to trial yet!!!

The twist was great but considering everything else didn’t bring it back up. Sorry Ashley

I love Ashley Winstead but I cannot read this book. As always I went in blind to the book and while she does an excellent job and dictating her thought process and intent with this book at the beginning I cannot get over how much this is related to the Idaho university murders.

I get that there are alot of fiction books that are about true crimes and armchair detectives but typically these books are fictionalized a bit more. This time she uses lots of real life facts from the case and the fact that it’s still an ongoing investigation/trial has me feeling super icky while reading.

The book itself is also boring and a little confusing at times I made it to 30% and will not be continuing

I am a big fan of Ashley Winstead and her writing so i was so excited to delve into this next one of hers. It delves into the world of social media, true crime and internet sleuthing which is very prominent in society at the minute. There was twists and turns throughout the plot and the fast paced writing kept me engaged all the way through. I would 100% recommend this to others!

A daughter in the midst of grief over losing her father begins to obsess over a true crime on line chat forum and is slowly drawn into investigating real life murders.

I really love Ashley Winstead's writing as I feel like it draws me in to the story and immediately hooks me and This Book Will Bury Me was exception. I admit I have a bit of a crime obsession so this story was fascinating and to see Jane slowly drawn in to try and dull her grief was too intriguing to put down. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

ashley winstead is literally the most perfect thriller author to exist - there. i said it. her writing is truly phenomenal and her story telling is next level.

Really loved this book. Highly recommend. Follows Jane who gets involved in true crime forums and following a mass murder teams up with other amateur sleuths to try and find the murderer. Loved the characters , writing and storyline. I will be recommending to others.

Ashley Winstead’s This Book Will Bury Me is a thrilling and captivating read, perfect for fans of true crime. Centred around the infamous Delphine Massacres, the book offers a riveting blend of mystery, suspense, and dark psychological intrigue.

The story follows Jane Sharp, a college student grappling with the loss of her father. Seeking solace in the online true crime community, she becomes deeply involved in amateur sleuthing. When the shocking deaths of three college students in Delphine, Idaho make headlines, Jane and her group of armchair detectives race to solve the mystery. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of strange details, evasive police behaviour, and a media frenzy that raises more questions than answers.

Winstead’s choice to narrate the book one year after the case’s dramatic conclusion adds a layer of tension and intrigue. Jane’s decision to finally reveal the truth about what really happened keeps readers on edge, as her confessions turn out to be more shocking than anyone could have anticipated.

The characters are well-crafted, particularly Jane and her group of five FBI consultants. Their camaraderie and the dynamics within the group add warmth and humour, offsetting the darker elements of the plot. Jane’s growth from a novice to an integral member of the sleuthing team is especially satisfying to follow.

While the book features a slow burn in the middle, it remains highly engaging, with cliffhanger chapter endings and a story layered with twists and surprises. The sleuthing is immersive, and the mystery unravels in ways that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

This Book Will Bury Me is an entertaining and gripping read that expertly blends true crime elements with fictional suspense. If you’re a fan of true crime or enjoy intricate mysteries with strong character relationships, this book is a must-read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

After her father dies, Jane drops out of college, and spends all of her time on internet forums in an attempt to ignore her sorrow. She rapidly becomes friends with a murder-solving online community, which has so far had a good deal of success. Jane grows increasingly fixated on the gang after three college women are killed in a sorority home. In an attempt to make sense of the deaths, the gang goes to the college town. As we get closer to solving the murder, Winstead instills a sense of claustrophobic tension. This book is for you if you enjoy a mystery thriller or true crime!

Another fantastic book from this author! I have brought them all and this one will be no different I absolutely devoured it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

This is based on a true crime and written in a style of a memoir. Author has shared such a poignant things. And everything terrible that happens. The book is so insightful and poignant. If you like true crime, you will definitely like this one.

Thanks to the Publisher

So, let's address the elephant in the room.
Yes, this book's story is influenced by the real life cases and most notably the murder of four students in University of Idaho, that's still ongoing. I've received the notification about the updated version of the arc from the publisher with the note from the author where she addresses the criticism. She acknowledges her own interest in the case as well as the other cases that were so heavily covered by the media and she wishes for the justice for the loved ones of the victims.
Having read the book I will say this: I find that her book conveys her feelings about the topic quite well. The issue in question - a commercialization of crime- is a direct consequence of people's interest in it and THIS is what Winstead explored here. This book is primarily focused on how and why are people so interested in crime when it happens, more than it's about the crime itself. Our main character, Jane, joins a crime community because she was fixated on a case she saw on TV during her visit to her home for the funeral. And Winstead didn't make her a likable character at all nor is she justifiable in many of her actions. In fact, from the start you are aware that Jane is really not doing ok. She is obsessing over crimes because she can't cope with the sudden loss of her father. In her own, twisted way of thinking, she wants to make him proud since she thinks he wasn't proud of her while he was alive and she can't cope with it all. She deals with it in an unhealthy way. So, that's one look at the "why" of the interest in real crimes and it's directly inspired by something author recognized in herself (per her note at the beginning). But the real digging into this topic starts when Jane is integrated into a group of people who earned themselves a reputation in true crime community because they helped the police with some cases. They become her family and we get to know their motives to join from themselves. For some of them, motives are truly noble, some of them think of it as their duty, for some of them it's to get away from real life or from boredom. And in some particular cases, people discuss about it because it's a way to get close to satisfying some of their socially unacceptable urges without doing the socially unacceptable deed. She mentions Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession and the theory that people's who have interest in true crime fall in one of the four categories: because they are really the Detective, the Defender, The Victim or the Killer. This theory is something we got back to a lot through this novel and it's the real mystery Winstead wanted to untangle with her characters. I think she explored this topic from all sides and took a nuanced stance trying to understand the behavior, but not ignoring the fact that juxtaposing it against the police for whom is their job or someone who has a personal stake, their interest seems ghoulish and opportunistic. And I liked how she doesn't isolate them in their obsession because she turns the mirror on ourselves making sure to mention the number of views, posts and articles shared about each new development on the case.
The novel does have a traditional thriller/mystery storytelling with murder as the axis and Jane and her infamous group of friends investigating on their own. Three college girls are murdered in a small town of Delphine and amateur sleuths are all over the case. It escalates further and Jane and others get in the middle of it with their lives in danger. This part of the story was a bit over the top in a sense that for amateur sleuths they had far too many opportune connections, skills and stumbling upon crucial information. It also led to a predictable conclusion, but I was interested to see how it will play out.
The novel is written entirely in first person point of view like Jane is writing a tell-all and it's a great narrative choice. First, because there are footnotes and I like when authors use them in fiction because it's a great way to clue the reader in something about the character or the ambient. And second because Winstead is masterful enough to make Jane's reliability ambiguous enough to make us wonder which, again, is a subtle and balanced outlook on the social phenomena of true crime popularity.
I really enjoyed this one, recommended.