Raisa Susanto, an FBI linguist, receives a letter from her incarcerated serial killer sister Isabel telling her that “by the time you read this, I’ll be dead.” Shortly after, Isabel is found dead in her cell, and Raisa is racing to determine who killed Isabel, and who is responsible for a killing very similar to Isabel’s style.

This book is the third in a series, and I received this ARC not realizing this. However, I had no problem following along with the characters and what was going on, and I was absolutely hooked. I couldn’t put this book down, and I was deeply invested in finding the truth.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This was a weird read that fell flat. I had a hard time keeping up with the million characters and to be honest, I didn’t connect with any of them. The plot had so much potential but was very convoluted and far fetched. To be fair, I didn’t read the first few books in the series and maybe that was my downfall with this one….. Regardless, I loved the premise and thought I’d be super engaged, but alas, this one was not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy.

I really enjoyed this book and plan to go back and read the first two in the series. I enjoyed the viewpoint of Raisa being the sister of a serial killer as well as being an FBA linguist. I liked all of the twists and turns and how the story weaved together. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy.

4.5 stars

Another great story about FBI Agent Raisa Susanto. With so many mystery/thrillers published each year, it can be hard to find an angle that hasn't been covered yet, but the backstory of Raisa's older sibling not only having killed their parents and oldest brother, but then becoming a prolific serial killer who loves to play games with her remaining siblings, makes for a very layered main character who often has to use her high intellect to outsmart her own family member. Even with the death of her serial killing sibling, Isabel, in this book, Raisa is left to connect the dots on a deadly scavenger hunt that Isabel set into motion. I hope there's another Agent Susanto novel coming after this one.

By the Time You Read This will be out on May 27, 2025

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"By the Time You Read This" by Brianna Labuskes is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. Labuskes masterfully crafts a stellar thriller.

The novel follows the protagonist, Raisa Susanto, as she navigates a web of deceit and danger in her quest to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious events. Labuskes skillfully builds tension throughout the narrative, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward. The pacing is impeccable, with moments of high-stakes action balanced by introspective pauses that allow for character development and reflection.

This story explored themes including trust, betrayal, and the search for identity. Labuskes delves into the psychological depths of her characters, revealing their motivations and vulnerabilities in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The protagonist's journey is both a physical and emotional one, as she grapples with her own inner demons while trying to solve the mystery at hand.

The supporting cast of characters is well-developed, each adding a unique layer to the story. Labuskes excels in creating multi-dimensional characters that feel real and complex, enhancing the overall reading experience. The interactions between characters are dynamic and engaging, adding depth to the narrative.

Labuskes' writing style is sharp and evocative, with a keen eye for detail that brings the story to life. The settings are vividly described, creating a rich and immersive world for the reader to explore. The dialogue is natural and believable, adding to the authenticity of the characters and their interactions.

"By the Time You Read This" is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that showcases Brianna Labuskes' talent for crafting compelling psychological thrillers. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative writing, this book is sure to captivate readers.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or new to Labuskes' work, this novel is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating her next book (personally, I am OBSESSED by this series).

By the Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes is an electrifying thriller that hooks you from the very first page. The novel masterfully blends psychological intrigue, family dysfunction, and the chilling allure of true crime, delivering a story that feels fresh and utterly gripping.

Raisa Susanto is a compelling protagonist, grappling with the trauma of her serial killer sister's crimes while being drawn into a twisted game even after Isabel’s death. Her dynamic with Callum Kilkenny adds depth, their shared determination and tension creating a fascinating partnership. The supporting cast—especially the eerie true-crime enthusiasts—feels disturbingly real, enhancing the sense of unease.

Labuskes’s plot is a unique maze of past and present horrors, with each twist raising the stakes. The pacing is relentless, and the emotional complexity of Raisa’s struggle with her sister’s legacy makes this more than just a standard thriller.

The only minor drawback is a few moments where the psychological themes could have been explored further, but this hardly detracts from the story's impact. For fans of dark, character-driven mysteries, this is an absolute must-read. (Full Rating: 4.75 stars)

FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her psychopathic serial killer sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It’s just a single message: By the time you read this, I’ll be dead! Good book! This book had suspense, intriguing, murder, serial killer, mystery, a good who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was interesting, it wasn't one of my top favorite but still worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I became a big fan of the Raisa Susanto series unexpectedly after getting the first one through the Prime First Reads program. Because of this series I have found the area of forensic linguistics so interesting and hope more authors start to write about crime solving via writing analysis.

This, the third installment in the series, focuses less on the linguistics than the previous books—between that and the somewhat confusing timeline, I’d have to put this in a solid third place ranking of the Raisa Susanto books. Still a solid mystery with interesting twists, just not quite as fun to read as the previous installments.

Well this is the third in the series, and if you have been following my reviews the first was a bummer for me and then the second was great and this one well… I am happy to report it was also pretty awesome. I don’t know what happened with the first one but let’s never speak about it again…

Raisa is back and she has grown on me all the way now… I disliked her in the beginning but I am here for her friendship with Killkenny and her weird sister (Delaney) and her psycho sister (Isabel)… this one packed a punch.

It is told in multi-POV and a short multi-timeline which I love. You get Raisa’s POV from the outset, then you also get a little bit before Isabel’s death from the POV of Delaney and then also from Delaney as the timeline jumps around a bit from day 1 to day 4 etc like that. Now… you might be thinking this is difficult to follow, but it’s really not, its clearly labelled and if you just read where you are up to at the heading and who you are reading then you are good to go. IF however you hate Multi-pov and multi-timeline then skip this one.

The story is engaging and its back to Brianna’s writing style that I love so much, the sarcasm, the jokes and the tension… so its all here really. Why not 5 stars, well I cant just hand those out Willy Nilly so its 4 ok, its a good four!! 🤣

An absolutely fascinating family with disturbing dynamics forms the basis of this fascinating mystery. The way in which two of the sisters go about working out what became of the third is incredibly interesting to witness and explore. It’s a clever plot and the author does a good job of giving depth to the characters without losing pace,

4.5/5

This might be the best book in the series. I couldn’t put it down. When Raisa’s sister, Isabel, is killed while in custody. She goes out to figure out how did it. There’s so many twists and turns. This book didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ enjoyed it and finished it in a day and a half!!!

Raisa’s prolific serial killer sister has been locked up for life, but she comes home one night to a note slipped in her mail box with one line… By the time you read this I’ll be dead!!

Raisa know’s its her sister Isabel and she knows things are about to get messy!!

Well this is the third in the series, and if you have been following my reviews the first was a bummer for me and then the second was great and this one well… I am happy to report it was also pretty awesome. I don’t know what happened with the first one but let’s never speak about it again…

Raisa is back and she has grown on me all the way now… I disliked her in the beginning but I am here for her friendship with Killkenny and her weird sister (Delaney) and her psycho sister (Isabel)… this one packed a punch.

It is told in multi-POV and a short multi-timeline which I love. You get Raisa’s POV from the outset, then you also get a little bit before Isabel’s death from the POV of Delaney and then also from Delaney as the timeline jumps around a bit from day 1 to day 4 etc like that. Now… you might be thinking this is difficult to follow, but it’s really not, its clearly labelled and if you just read where you are up to at the heading and who you are reading then you are good to go. IF however you hate Multi-pov and multi-timeline then skip this one.

The story is engaging and its back to Brianna’s writing style that I love so much, the sarcasm, the jokes and the tension… so its all here really. Why not 5 stars, well I cant just hand those out Willy Nilly so its 4 ok, its a good four!! 🤣

I do have one complaint and that is that Killkenny isn’t in it much (no spoilers) but there is a reason for that… it does mean that Raisa kind of makes a new buddy which I liked as well… so I hope we see her again in another book. She was fun.

Overall, I recommend this if you like the character, the author and the series then go for it… you can kind of read this as a standalone but it does help to have the back story, I dont know what you do about book one, it was kind of ass… I mean I gave it 3 stars but I am committed to the author… so… up to you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Brianna Labuskes, and it was a pleasant surprise. She writes as well as top authors like Patterson. I loved Raisa Sausanto, the FBI forensic linguist, and her relatable character. The unique way of solving crimes through language added intrigue. The plot was filled with great characters and twists that made it a true page-turner.

Labuskes creates suspense that keeps you engaged, and the supporting characters were well-developed, enhancing the story. Just when I thought I had it figured out, she introduced unexpected twists that kept me guessing.

If you enjoy crime thrillers, this book is a must-read. Labuskes has made her mark, and I look forward to her next work. Grab a copy for a thrilling ride!

By the Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes A gripping psychological thriller that blends mystery and investigation, featuring twists, dark family secrets, and the search for justice. The POV alternates between Delaney and Raisa which were easy to follow the distinct narratives. The book has solid characters including a manipulative psychopath, a forensic psychologist, profilers, and a linguistic expert. Offering a gripping dynamic as they collaborate to solve the case, Callum a forensic psychologist presents a strong contrast to Raisa's forensic linguistics expertise. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The book excels in blending a deep, twisting mystery with the exploration of Raisa’s emotional turmoil. Author does a fantastic job of balancing the psychological aspects of the story with the investigation. The introduction of Callum Kilkenny, a forensic psychologist, provides a sharp contrast to Raisa’s linguistics expertise, creating a compelling dynamic as they work together to solve the case. With taut prose and a relentless pace, this book is a psychological rollercoaster, brimming with twists, dark family secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice. I enjoyed reading it.

I am absolutely in love with Raisa, Kilkenny, Delaney and their stories. This book has me loving them all even more. Brianna Labuskes really knows how to write a thriller that keeps you on your toes and engaged the entire book. She has turned the worlds of Raisa and Delaney into a a place I want to visit all the time. When I saw this book was being released in 2025 I tripped on my way to Netgalley to see if the ARC was available and I read it as fast as I could. Do yourself a favor and read this book. If you haven't read the first 2, what are you waiting for? You need to read them before this one. And while this isn't a perfect book. because those are rare, it's so darn close. Must read!

I very much enjoyed this third book in the Raisa Susanto series! The twisty, psychological plot line kept me fully involved. In fact, I was reading in the car and when we reached our destination, I asked my fiancé if he would please drive around a little longer so I could finish the book! (He said I could stay in the car and finish!)

You do need to pay attention to the timeframe listed at the beginning of each chapter, or you will end up confused (it took me several chapters before I realized this).

This could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the first two - you don’t want to skip out on them!

Another fantastic book by this author! I’m hooked!

Note: I received an Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Great and unique series - addictive and twisty! Solid characters with a lot of history and layers of secrets. A solid take on the brilliant and manipulative psychopath which echos throughout and keeps you guessing until the end. The whole forensic linguist paired with profiler is a winning combination.

By the Time You Read This by B. Labuskes, published by Thomas & Mercer is book 3 in the Raisa Susanto Series. Every book can be read as a stand alone, for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are The Liues You Wrote and The Truth You Told.
I just wanted to take a peek at this book, but now, hours later I just read the last page in this masterpiece that left me breathless. A raw and gritty read, suspenseful from start till finish.
I recommend the book and the series, 5 stars.
Blurb: FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It’s just a single message: By the time you read this, I’ll be dead.
Soon after, Isabel is discovered dead in her cell, forcing Raisa back into her depraved orbit—one that includes a band of true-crime worshippers obsessed with Isabel, her killing spree, and those who survived it.
When a new victim is found dead in the same manner that made Isabel notorious, Raisa and FBI forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny aren’t just tasked with finding out who killed Isabel and why. They’re hunting for a protégé following in Isabel’s footsteps. Raisa must uncover the truth—whether or not she’s ready for it—before someone else dies.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC via NetGalley.

Every book I’ve read by Brianna Labuskes is well-written, tightly plotted, and full of twists and turns that never fail to surprise me.

<b>By the Time You Read This </b> is the third book in the Raisa Susanto series. It is not necessary to have read the first two, as the author does an excellent job of filling in the gaps, but I suggest you read them, so you don’t miss out on the enjoyment of them.

In this third book, Raisa, a forensic linguist for the FBI, receives a message from her oldest sister Isabel which reads, “By the time you read this, I’ll be dead.” Isabel, a prolific serial killer, is incarcerated in Washington State. Or, rather, had been incarcerated. Just moments after reading the note, Raisa gets a call from her partner, Callum Kilkenny. Isabel has been found dead in her cell, seemingly of natural causes. Although Raisa doesn’t mourn her sister’s death, she feels obligated to look into it. At the same time, a third sister, Delaney, has received messages of her own from Isabel, and sets off on a course that will make her question just how much like Isabel she is.

The pacing never drags. From the moment Raisa gets the letter to the very last sentence, I was hooked. Some readers might not like the layout of the book. The POV alternates between Raisa and Delaney, and, although the plot moves linearly through each POV, Raisa’s sections start after Delaney, but the move past . It took me over half the book to realize this, even though the relative times are clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter. It didn’t matter, because it was easy to follow the separate storylines. Throughout the book, there are also articles, interviews, notes, etc. that give more background or underscore and explain the character’s actions. It’s all really well done. This is my fourth book by Labuskes and she has become one of my favorite thriller authors.