As much as I am a fan of Lucinda Berry’s work, this was just not it for me. It was too far fetched and too many moving parts that felt disjointed. I wish I could be more positive but I just didn’t like this book very much.

I’m not sure what happened here. This started off really strong, but then … it ended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy.

Berry's books will often be darker thrillers than most others, but it still was a great, compulsive read. Berry has become an auto-read author for me and will be a hit at the library.

This was a phenomenal book. I was not expecting the plot twist or the ending! It leaves me wanting to know more, like what happened to Noelle, Why the cops never came back? I liked the subtle ways it shouts out to other books in your collection. I’m not a quick reader but found myself finishing this in 3 days.
I can’t wait to buy a hard copy for my bookshelf! Great read, and I’m sure I’ll reread when it’s published

This book started off good. The concept was there and the multi layered characters were there. Then it just went completely out of left field and turned gross and violent. I kept waiting for a twist, but the “twist” wasn’t anything that changed the book and the ending was awful. This one just wasn’t what I was expecting and not my favorite from this author. There are also so major trigger warnings with this book! Rape, suicide, drug abuse, etc. so be prepared going in. This one was just under developed and then not what I wanted from a book. It was a shirt, quick read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Seriously, so good! I have so many emotions after reading this. Sure, some parts were far-fetched, but I thoroughly enjoyed the psychology behind the characters. I felt really bad for Maddie, and while I did suspect and partially predict what happened, the ending still took me by surprise. Highly recommended. 5 stars!

3.5🌟
Reality TV just became a bit too real.
Fallen from grace, having grown out of their popularity, former child stars are cast in a reality show exposing their demons in order to beat their addictions.

They’re housed at Crystal Meadows, an inpatient treatment center for addiction. In charge is the famous Dr. Laurel Harlow.

After the youngest and most loved star dies during treatment, well…as they say, “The shows over folks!”

Lots of questions… how did she die? Is someone responsible? And if so who, and why?

Sounds good right?! But then everything changed.
The storyline felt as though it veered off course about midway with and the aforementioned plot line all but disappearing.

It’s a quick read, and maybe that was the issue. I needed a bit more depth. And with a rather abrupt ending, I was left somewhat unsatisfied.

Not a favorite from this author. But I’ve enjoyed some of her previous works so I’ll definitely be watching for her next!

⚠️There are definitely a few strong trigger warnings: (view spoiler)

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer

This book starts off slow as it builds the pieces. As you hit the climax you never see it coming. What could go wrong with a reality show full of addicts who were children celebrities on a journey to become clean. One of them died and it’s a race to find out who did it and what happened. The ending though leaves you with more questions than answers. Book 2?

She has done it again! Lucinda Berry writes with emotional depth that leaves you fully invested in her characters NEEDING to know what will happen next.

What will happen when you put a group of child hood stars in a house to get sober and counseling while filming them 24/7? Will they work the program together to get their place back in the spot light or will they use each others secrets to their own advantage?

Every page will leave you on edge questioning what you think you know and what will happen next. And just when you think the story is wrapped up and ready to say goodbye you are hit with such a twist you never saw it coming.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
Former child-star addicts are in a TV reality show for detoxing. When one of them dies chaos ensues and the police are involved considering the death a murder.
I started out being curious, but as the story continued it was evident this book was not for me. The second half of the story was too cruel and dark and I flipped through to the end.

WOW! Lucinda Berry is nothing short of an amazing author! Her latest book One in Four is a wild ride! Berry discusses some of the hardest things about life. Things that we don't want to discuss or even think about about, however they need to be discussed. She hits the hot topic button and makes you look at things from a different perspective. She shows you how it effects people differently and she opens your mind.
This book was fast paced, with a couple view points, but make sure you check your trigger warnings! As always, be prepared because there is a twist that will change where the book ends up! A Berry book is like life there isn't a pretty little bow to wrap up the ending...and there shouldn't be. She'll shock you. She'll test you. She'll make you think. That's why she's so good and what she does!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy to read and review!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "One in Four" Lucinda Berry showcases her masterful storytelling style as Berry dives into the intricate dynamics of relationships and the haunting impacts of past traumas.

The story revolves around an affluent family that appears perfect on the surface but harbors dark secrets. When their teenage daughter goes missing, their carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. The plot thickens as layers of deception, hidden motives, and psychological twists are revealed.

Berry's expertise as a former clinical psychologist shines through in her nuanced portrayal of the characters' psyches. Each character is well-developed, with complex emotions and believable flaws, making them relatable yet unpredictable. The pacing is impeccable, with tension building steadily as the narrative unfolds.

A standout element of this novel is its exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the ripple effects of trauma.

Berry's writing is evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The suspense is palpable, and the twists are genuinely surprising, keeping you guessing until the final page is turned.

"One in Four" is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that delves deep into the human psyche. It's a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and for those who appreciate a well-crafted, emotionally charged narrative.

Berry has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a story that is chilling and profoundly moving.

4.5 ⭐️ Dr Berry, ma’am… this ending… why????

I loved this book. I truly did not see that ending coming.

I really enjoyed the beginning and the premise and honestly did not mind how the story changed.

I’ve never read an author that can write character like Berry does

This book definitely took a turn that I wasn’t expecting! I didn’t want to put it down. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. I really didn’t expect the ending- although I must admit it was a little bit of a let down. I love this author though and honestly overall would recommend the book!
3.5/5 just because I felt like the ending deserved a little more than what it got!

Positives:
-well-researched SUD treatment details. I enjoyed the touches about Laurel’s personal struggles with substance use and the way she described being the person experiencing addiction as well as loving someone who experiences addiction. It was not preachy and felt genuine.
-the plot was definitely unique and while I wasn’t very surprised by Gia, I thought adding in Noelle was a nice touch.
-It was fast-paced and an enjoyable read.
- does a good job discussing reality of being a woman and the frequency of sexual assault.
- while there are some loose ends in the book, I appreciated the unexpected end of Laurel actually dying.

Things to potentially address:
-the first chapter does not pull you in as well as the rest of the story. It felt a bit more “cringe.” Could consider changing the beginning to be Maddie’s perspective or just rewrite in a different tone.
-some monologues were very long and a bit unrealistic. Nobody really talks like that.
-not enough reason for Noelle to turn on Laurel (or we need more background on her having her own mental health concerns to explain her impulsive and irritional thinking).
-what happened to Paris was quite dramatic. I do know these horrible things happen, but it was almost TOO unbelievable (especially the murder). I also wonder if it would draw the reader in more to realize who Paris is in relation to the main characters (could it be Gia who actually went through all of that but made it out and wanted to punish Laurel?). I didn’t feel like I knew Paris or cared about her as much as the other characters. I DID like that it wasn’t Maddie’s history as we suspected. But they did allude to Maddie’s trauma so I was wondering if that would ever be addressed.
-Is Gia just this psychopath mastermind? It felt a bit beyond the scope of reality. Would’ve been interesting if we learned her husband was Aaron and she was actually Haley (eg she is murdering not for revenge but to tie up loose ends which would be more consistent with her having psychopathic traits).

Overall, 3.5 read.

Another winner by Lucinda Berry! As I expected, One in Four was an entertaining, twisty ride that kept me turning until the end!

This was everything that I wa1s looking for and enjoyed from the thriller concept and enjoyed the reality show element going on. I was hooked from the first page and was enjoying the feel of this book, it had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed figuring out what was happening. Lucinda Berry has a strong writing style and was enjoying the concept.

SYNOPSIS
- Dr. Laurel Hargrow is the therapist on a reality TV show featuring a group of former child stars participating in a 28-day residential program for addiction treatment. But on the 27th night of the program, tragedy strikes when one of the stars is found murdered.
- The investigation into the murderer also takes us into Laurel’s past.

MY THOUGHTS
- Lucinda Berry is one of my favorite authors! So far, I’ve read 10 of her books: The Perfect Child, Saving Noah, The Best of Friends, When She Returned, Phantom Limb, Keep Your Friends Close, If You Tell A Lie, Under Her Care, Appetite for Innocence, and One in Four.
- Lucinda Berry does it again with One in Four. From the very first page, this book had me hooked and didn’t let go.
- The premise is not only fascinating but also uniquely unsettling, and Berry masterfully builds the tension in a way that kept me glued to the story.
- The fast-paced narrative never lags, and every twist and turn had me frantically turning pages to uncover the truth. The plot is incredibly well-constructed, with each piece fitting together perfectly, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged ending that left me in awe.
- Berry’s ability to delve into human psychology and craft a compelling, intricate story is unmatched.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the kind of book you’ll want to devour in one sitting—it’s that good! If you’re looking for a gripping, well-plotted thriller with an ending that delivers, this is the one for you. Highly recommend!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer & Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchanges for an honest review. This book will be published on May 13, 2025.

I wish I had enjoyed this book, but it did not seem well-written to me, the story was too violent and far-fetched for my liking.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to read this book as I have really enjoyed Lucinda berry books in the past. But this was not for me. I was very disappointed. The book completely switched what it was about in the middle and I didn’t like the direction it went. It didn’t make sense. I hated the ending. Didn’t like any of the characters. I finished it, but was very let down.