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This Stays Between Us
You can never escape a summer abroad…
Ten years ago, six college students meet in an Australian summer study abroad, ready to enjoy the break from their studies and travel the country. Their program is meant to introduce them to the beauty of Australia and immerse them in an unforgettable cultural experience. In reality, it's a thrill-fueled summer of outdoor excursions, adrenaline rushes, alcohol, lust, and friendship turned wrong. When Phoebe, a troubled girl with jealousies and fractures spreading like wildfire between them all, suddenly disappears, presumed to have run away in a small outback town, the group decides to pack up and leave the past behind. All their secrets hidden for good. Or at least, that's what they tell themselves…
Ten years later, they each receive a call. They've found Phoebe's body. And now it's time to return.
Each of the friends is summoned back to Australia, confronted with their past selves and the brutal heat and sting of that summer. The police have questions, and the secrets they've been keeping buried deep in the outback start to slowly unearth. It soon becomes clear that everyone knows something about Phoebe's murder, and once again one of them might not make it out alive.
Ten years ago, six college students meet in an Australian summer study abroad, ready to enjoy the break from their studies and travel the country. Their program is meant to introduce them to the beauty of Australia and immerse them in an unforgettable cultural experience. In reality, it's a thrill-fueled summer of outdoor excursions, adrenaline rushes, alcohol, lust, and friendship turned wrong. When Phoebe, a troubled girl with jealousies and fractures spreading like wildfire between them all, suddenly disappears, presumed to have run away in a small outback town, the group decides to pack up and leave the past behind. All their secrets hidden for good. Or at least, that's what they tell themselves…
Ten years later, they each receive a call. They've found Phoebe's body. And now it's time to return.
Each of the friends is summoned back to Australia, confronted with their past selves and the brutal heat and sting of that summer. The police have questions, and the secrets they've been keeping buried deep in the outback start to slowly unearth. It soon becomes clear that everyone knows something about Phoebe's murder, and once again one of them might not make it out alive.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2025
135 people are currently reading
17500 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ochs
3 books425 followersSara Ochs is a law professor and the author of The Resort and This Stays Between Us. When she's not writing or teaching, she can usually be found planning her next trip. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Sara now lives in North Carolina with her husband and son.
You can follow along with her writing journey on Instagram @saraochsauthor.
You can follow along with her writing journey on Instagram @saraochsauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
July 15, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Ochs, and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Update: Happy publishing day to This Stays Between Us!
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔
Disclaimer: Okay, ignore everything I said in my pre-read, because the synopsis of the book changed literally in the last 4-5 days since I started the ARC. The previous synopsis that was on my ARC copy and Goodreads, not even a week ago, is nothing like the current one, and I'm wondering if the ARC I read went through some crazy major revisions and updates since I first got it or if it's just the synopsis that changed. I strongly suggest taking my review with a grain of salt moving forward, depending on how many changes have been made to the final, published copy of the book. **I've personally** never seen the synopsis of the book change as much as this one has, especially so close to the publishing date of the book, so like I said, take this as you will.
Ten years ago, a group of college students, Claire, Phoebe, Josh, Declan, Adrien, Ellery, Kyan, and Tomas, arrived in Australia from all over the world to study abroad for a few weeks. They become a friend group dubbed as "The Mob," and they spend their days traveling around Australia, learning about the culture and going on new adventures during the day and drinking and partying at night. When Phoebe, the most polarizing character in their friend group, disappears, the study abroad program is shut down, and they all go their separate ways. Ten years later, they're contacted by the Australian police, informing them that they've found Phoebe's body. She's dead, and they're ruling it a homicide. They're forced to reunite in Sydney to help with the investigation, and ten years haven't been long enough to move on from the drama and unrequited feelings that have stayed with the group since they left.
(The fact that the new synopsis says 6 college students but the ARC had 8 makes me wonder which 2 they got rid of in the final draft. In my opinion, all 8 of them were pretty relevant (to me) in the ARC. I could make the argument that ONE of the eight could be removed since they were sort of the weakest link, but the other seven were pretty relevant to the story, and the eighth person still had a somewhat significant role in how everything unfolded.)
This is the definition of a perfect summer psychological thriller. This is the kind of book I'd bring with me on vacation or to the beach to read. This is the kind with tons of twists and turns, you can't trust anyone, and everyone there has something to hide, leaving you with nothing left to do but keep turning the pages to get more evidence to back up or change your theories on who did it. This was the kind of thriller that had me changing my theories almost every chapter once we found out more evidence, and that's what I want in a thriller.
The book is told in two POVs: Claire, Phoebe's roommate and best friend during the program, living in the present as she helps with the investigation in Australia, and Phoebe's in a flashback to their time in the study abroad program. I will say one of the only things I didn't like about the book was how abrupt the time jumps were from chapter to chapter. It was hard to follow along at first, but once the story progressed, it got easier.
Every character was unlikeable, but I think this is one of those scenarios where it actually works in the book's favor. I constantly had the feeling that everyone was hiding something about the events leading up to Phoebe's disappearance, and it was sort of fun trying to piece together everyone's alibis and their version of events to get the full story of what was going on. The book definitely would've been over in like, 100-150 pages if they all sat down as soon as they arrived in Australia and came clean about everything that was going on. The fact that the story built up at a good pace, and everything was slowly but surely revealed, made it a fun read. It was frustrating at first to try to piece together all of these loose ends and random puzzle pieces and snippets, but once I found out what was going on, it was pretty satisfying knowing that my original theory was nothing like the theory I had at the end.
I think, now looking back, that there are a lot of subtle clues in the story that can lead you down the right path of the entire crime that takes place. None of the clues/evidence will make sense at first, but a lightbulb will switch on in your head towards the end of the story.
I will say that one of the only other things I didn't like about the story was how many side characters and almost-loose ends there were. There were a bunch of side characters that showed up throughout the story, and aside from maybe like, TWO of them (out of 5 or 6 that I can remember), the rest didn't have relevant plotlines to the story. I'll leave it at that only because this is an ARC, and who knows if they got rid of some side characters too in the final draft. There were also so many moving parts and puzzle pieces that somehow had to all fit together; it almost made me think that there were going to be loopholes and loose ends that wouldn't get resolved by the end of the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, summer destination psychological thriller to read, this might be the book for you! I loved how the book kept me guessing until the very last pages. I honestly might have to pick up the finished copy to compare it to the ARC to see how much of it has changed. I have a weird feeling that enough has changed to the point where I feel like it could be two totally different books.
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔
Content/trigger warnings: domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, blood and gore, car accident, hospitalization
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I'm still trying to fight the last bit of a reading slump, and I'm hoping a fast-paced thriller will help! I think this has such an interesting premise because we already know going into the story who committed the crime (this is straight from the synopsis itself!), we just have to figure out how and why they did it. I know this isn't the first thriller where we already know the "whodunit" part of the story, but it'll be interesting to see how this plays out!
This is ARC 4/16 for my ARC reading lineup for July 2025, and ARC 2/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Ochs, and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Update: Happy publishing day to This Stays Between Us!
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔
Disclaimer: Okay, ignore everything I said in my pre-read, because the synopsis of the book changed literally in the last 4-5 days since I started the ARC. The previous synopsis that was on my ARC copy and Goodreads, not even a week ago, is nothing like the current one, and I'm wondering if the ARC I read went through some crazy major revisions and updates since I first got it or if it's just the synopsis that changed. I strongly suggest taking my review with a grain of salt moving forward, depending on how many changes have been made to the final, published copy of the book. **I've personally** never seen the synopsis of the book change as much as this one has, especially so close to the publishing date of the book, so like I said, take this as you will.
Ten years ago, a group of college students, Claire, Phoebe, Josh, Declan, Adrien, Ellery, Kyan, and Tomas, arrived in Australia from all over the world to study abroad for a few weeks. They become a friend group dubbed as "The Mob," and they spend their days traveling around Australia, learning about the culture and going on new adventures during the day and drinking and partying at night. When Phoebe, the most polarizing character in their friend group, disappears, the study abroad program is shut down, and they all go their separate ways. Ten years later, they're contacted by the Australian police, informing them that they've found Phoebe's body. She's dead, and they're ruling it a homicide. They're forced to reunite in Sydney to help with the investigation, and ten years haven't been long enough to move on from the drama and unrequited feelings that have stayed with the group since they left.
(The fact that the new synopsis says 6 college students but the ARC had 8 makes me wonder which 2 they got rid of in the final draft. In my opinion, all 8 of them were pretty relevant (to me) in the ARC. I could make the argument that ONE of the eight could be removed since they were sort of the weakest link, but the other seven were pretty relevant to the story, and the eighth person still had a somewhat significant role in how everything unfolded.)
This is the definition of a perfect summer psychological thriller. This is the kind of book I'd bring with me on vacation or to the beach to read. This is the kind with tons of twists and turns, you can't trust anyone, and everyone there has something to hide, leaving you with nothing left to do but keep turning the pages to get more evidence to back up or change your theories on who did it. This was the kind of thriller that had me changing my theories almost every chapter once we found out more evidence, and that's what I want in a thriller.
The book is told in two POVs: Claire, Phoebe's roommate and best friend during the program, living in the present as she helps with the investigation in Australia, and Phoebe's in a flashback to their time in the study abroad program. I will say one of the only things I didn't like about the book was how abrupt the time jumps were from chapter to chapter. It was hard to follow along at first, but once the story progressed, it got easier.
Every character was unlikeable, but I think this is one of those scenarios where it actually works in the book's favor. I constantly had the feeling that everyone was hiding something about the events leading up to Phoebe's disappearance, and it was sort of fun trying to piece together everyone's alibis and their version of events to get the full story of what was going on. The book definitely would've been over in like, 100-150 pages if they all sat down as soon as they arrived in Australia and came clean about everything that was going on. The fact that the story built up at a good pace, and everything was slowly but surely revealed, made it a fun read. It was frustrating at first to try to piece together all of these loose ends and random puzzle pieces and snippets, but once I found out what was going on, it was pretty satisfying knowing that my original theory was nothing like the theory I had at the end.
I think, now looking back, that there are a lot of subtle clues in the story that can lead you down the right path of the entire crime that takes place. None of the clues/evidence will make sense at first, but a lightbulb will switch on in your head towards the end of the story.
I will say that one of the only other things I didn't like about the story was how many side characters and almost-loose ends there were. There were a bunch of side characters that showed up throughout the story, and aside from maybe like, TWO of them (out of 5 or 6 that I can remember), the rest didn't have relevant plotlines to the story. I'll leave it at that only because this is an ARC, and who knows if they got rid of some side characters too in the final draft. There were also so many moving parts and puzzle pieces that somehow had to all fit together; it almost made me think that there were going to be loopholes and loose ends that wouldn't get resolved by the end of the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, summer destination psychological thriller to read, this might be the book for you! I loved how the book kept me guessing until the very last pages. I honestly might have to pick up the finished copy to compare it to the ARC to see how much of it has changed. I have a weird feeling that enough has changed to the point where I feel like it could be two totally different books.
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔
Content/trigger warnings: domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, blood and gore, car accident, hospitalization
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I'm still trying to fight the last bit of a reading slump, and I'm hoping a fast-paced thriller will help! I think this has such an interesting premise because we already know going into the story who committed the crime (this is straight from the synopsis itself!), we just have to figure out how and why they did it. I know this isn't the first thriller where we already know the "whodunit" part of the story, but it'll be interesting to see how this plays out!
This is ARC 4/16 for my ARC reading lineup for July 2025, and ARC 2/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
July 31, 2025
A quick, easy read that simmered with rising tension and dread, This Stays Between Us had me riveted from the very first attention-grabbing page. With a messy cast of characters seen from dual timelines and dual POVs, it was both a breeze to follow and even easier to get sucked in. After all, thanks to both this crew’s complex group dynamics and their enigmatic past, it was hard to slot everyone’s intentions into place before bodies started dropping like flies. And trust me, once their secrets and lies began to unravel, there wasn’t a thing you could do to pull me away from this novel. Dark, twisty, and mind-blowing, I never knew who to trust, which definitely pleased me to no end.
Evenly paced and with plenty of finely tuned suspense, I was wowed by the exploration of betrayal and guilt as each of characters’ stories were revealed one by one. Feeling both true-to-life and easy-to-believe, Ochs tapped into the psychology of blame, regret, and remorse with the skill of a master. But the series of twists were what hooked me again and again. Repeatedly shifting the storyline just enough to make me question what really happened, it was a plot that came together with complete and utter precision. After all, with an earth-shattering twist on the very last page, I was left gleefully open-mouthed once the truth was revealed. Bravo, Ms. Ochs, you shocked me but good.
All said and done, thanks to a storyline that was nigh on perfection, I’m sure that I just found a new favorite author. From the well-developed personas to the dead-on perfect conclusion, this immersive tale of a study abroad trip gone wrong won me over in spades. You see, this destination thriller had everything you could want in a unputdownable novel: untrustworthy characters, a strong sense of place, long-buried secrets, and even a bit of romance. Altogether, they formed a book that read like a blockbuster for this thriller lover. So if you’re looking for your next favorite summer read, be sure to grab a copy today. After all, I guarantee that you’ll be riveted by this one just like I was. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago: A study abroad program like no other: a month-long trip of education and adventure, exploring everything Australia has to offer. And at first, it's everything best friends Phoebe and Claire, and the rest of the student group expects: sunshine, whirlwind romance, and all-night parties. But it isn't long before cracks begin to form within the group. Ones that lead to Phoebe's disappearance…
Now: It's the call Claire has been waiting for years for. Phoebe's remains have been found. It's time to return, for her and the others to go back to Australia. But as Claire retraces their steps and tries to piece together exactly what happened to her best friend all those years ago, it quickly becomes clear everyone in the group has secrets. Including Claire.
Because only she knows what really happened that fateful day ten years ago. The day she killed her best friend. And she'll do anything she can to keep the others from learning the truth.
Thank you to Sara Ochs and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 15, 2025
Content warning: intrusive thoughts, drug overdose, heavy alcohol use, covert video recording, pregnancy, infidelity, murder, mention of: terminal cancer, sexual and emotional abuse
Evenly paced and with plenty of finely tuned suspense, I was wowed by the exploration of betrayal and guilt as each of characters’ stories were revealed one by one. Feeling both true-to-life and easy-to-believe, Ochs tapped into the psychology of blame, regret, and remorse with the skill of a master. But the series of twists were what hooked me again and again. Repeatedly shifting the storyline just enough to make me question what really happened, it was a plot that came together with complete and utter precision. After all, with an earth-shattering twist on the very last page, I was left gleefully open-mouthed once the truth was revealed. Bravo, Ms. Ochs, you shocked me but good.
All said and done, thanks to a storyline that was nigh on perfection, I’m sure that I just found a new favorite author. From the well-developed personas to the dead-on perfect conclusion, this immersive tale of a study abroad trip gone wrong won me over in spades. You see, this destination thriller had everything you could want in a unputdownable novel: untrustworthy characters, a strong sense of place, long-buried secrets, and even a bit of romance. Altogether, they formed a book that read like a blockbuster for this thriller lover. So if you’re looking for your next favorite summer read, be sure to grab a copy today. After all, I guarantee that you’ll be riveted by this one just like I was. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago: A study abroad program like no other: a month-long trip of education and adventure, exploring everything Australia has to offer. And at first, it's everything best friends Phoebe and Claire, and the rest of the student group expects: sunshine, whirlwind romance, and all-night parties. But it isn't long before cracks begin to form within the group. Ones that lead to Phoebe's disappearance…
Now: It's the call Claire has been waiting for years for. Phoebe's remains have been found. It's time to return, for her and the others to go back to Australia. But as Claire retraces their steps and tries to piece together exactly what happened to her best friend all those years ago, it quickly becomes clear everyone in the group has secrets. Including Claire.
Because only she knows what really happened that fateful day ten years ago. The day she killed her best friend. And she'll do anything she can to keep the others from learning the truth.
Thank you to Sara Ochs and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 15, 2025
Content warning: intrusive thoughts, drug overdose, heavy alcohol use, covert video recording, pregnancy, infidelity, murder, mention of: terminal cancer, sexual and emotional abuse
May 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Ochs, and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Some summers never end.. Some secrets refuse to stay buried...
What begins as a dream trip for six college students quickly spirals into something far darker in this compulsive thriller that sizzles with heat, secrets, and slow-burning suspense. One of them vanishes. Phoebe, the one with fractured friendships and festering jealousy, disappears into the outback.
They told themselves she ran. They left. But the outback never forgets.
Now, ten years later, her body is found. The past calls them back, not for answers, but reckoning!
Who really saw Phoebe last?
Who whispered the first lie?
Can six people carry the weight of a secret this heavy, without one of them breaking?
From the first page, the story hums with unease. The narrative unfolds between "then" and "now" blurring until the truth begins to unravel allowing just enough space for doubt to fester.
The characters are messy, flawed, and bound together by something darker than friendship. Every twist made me question what I thought I knew. As the the tension builds, you start to wonder just how far would someone go to keep the truth buried? And if someone was willing to kill ten years ago, would they do it again?
This Stay Between Us is a nightmare of betrayal, obsession, and guilt. A haunting exploration of what happens when the lies we tell ourselves become the stories we live by. And in the end, when the final truth is revealed I found myself asking: What really happened that summer? Can anyone walk away innocent? I guess you will have to read it to find out!! 🤣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some summers never end.. Some secrets refuse to stay buried...
What begins as a dream trip for six college students quickly spirals into something far darker in this compulsive thriller that sizzles with heat, secrets, and slow-burning suspense. One of them vanishes. Phoebe, the one with fractured friendships and festering jealousy, disappears into the outback.
They told themselves she ran. They left. But the outback never forgets.
Now, ten years later, her body is found. The past calls them back, not for answers, but reckoning!
Who really saw Phoebe last?
Who whispered the first lie?
Can six people carry the weight of a secret this heavy, without one of them breaking?
From the first page, the story hums with unease. The narrative unfolds between "then" and "now" blurring until the truth begins to unravel allowing just enough space for doubt to fester.
The characters are messy, flawed, and bound together by something darker than friendship. Every twist made me question what I thought I knew. As the the tension builds, you start to wonder just how far would someone go to keep the truth buried? And if someone was willing to kill ten years ago, would they do it again?
This Stay Between Us is a nightmare of betrayal, obsession, and guilt. A haunting exploration of what happens when the lies we tell ourselves become the stories we live by. And in the end, when the final truth is revealed I found myself asking: What really happened that summer? Can anyone walk away innocent? I guess you will have to read it to find out!! 🤣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 22, 2025
ARC for review. To be published July 15, 2025.
2 stars
Ten years ago friends Phoebe and Claire went to Australia to study abroad for a month, but Phoebe disappeared. Now, Phoebe’s remains have been discovered and the rest of the study group returns to Australia (um, why?) All of them have secrets. Especially Claire. Because she killed Phoebe.
But, of course, it’s most complicated than that. The shifts in POV between Phoebe and Claire were a little confusing for me. Oh, and Phoebe only becomes an acceptable human being when she loses weight, which is awesome. Ugh.
2 stars
Ten years ago friends Phoebe and Claire went to Australia to study abroad for a month, but Phoebe disappeared. Now, Phoebe’s remains have been discovered and the rest of the study group returns to Australia (um, why?) All of them have secrets. Especially Claire. Because she killed Phoebe.
But, of course, it’s most complicated than that. The shifts in POV between Phoebe and Claire were a little confusing for me. Oh, and Phoebe only becomes an acceptable human being when she loses weight, which is awesome. Ugh.
May 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this suspense. It really just starts off fast and continues that way. The characters are well developed, and each draws out particular emotions. It has constant reminders of things are not always how they seem. Very well written. And the twist at the end is *chef's kiss*.
Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ten years ago, six college students went to study abroad in Australia for the summer. A chance to explore the beauty and culture the country has to offer. But after drama and jealously lead to an accident of one of the students, everything changes. And then Phoebe goes missing. Now, their secrets are coming to light and someone knows what happened to Phoebe and will do what it takes to make sure that secret doesn’t get out.
I really enjoyed this thriller and how it kept making me change my opinion of who was behind it all. The ending though!
Ten years ago, six college students went to study abroad in Australia for the summer. A chance to explore the beauty and culture the country has to offer. But after drama and jealously lead to an accident of one of the students, everything changes. And then Phoebe goes missing. Now, their secrets are coming to light and someone knows what happened to Phoebe and will do what it takes to make sure that secret doesn’t get out.
I really enjoyed this thriller and how it kept making me change my opinion of who was behind it all. The ending though!
February 3, 2025
This is the best book I have read in quite some time! In the first few chapters, I got that tingle I get when I know that I'm going to absolutely love a book, and I wasn't wrong. The writing style was really enjoyable to read, and the cast of characters felt well-developed, distinct and believable.
The plot really kept me interested - both timelines had me hooked and I equally enjoyed Claire's and Phoebe's POV. The book was well paced and I loved the mini reveals throughout the book and there were lots of clever clues, without being too obvious.
I think it may divide people, but I loved the epilogue, and thought it was a perfect way to end the book. A massive 5 stars from me, and I would recommend it to everyone.
The plot really kept me interested - both timelines had me hooked and I equally enjoyed Claire's and Phoebe's POV. The book was well paced and I loved the mini reveals throughout the book and there were lots of clever clues, without being too obvious.
I think it may divide people, but I loved the epilogue, and thought it was a perfect way to end the book. A massive 5 stars from me, and I would recommend it to everyone.
May 20, 2025
When I read the premise of This Stays Between Us, I was definitely intrigued by the fact that we have a group of friends returning to Australia, after their summer of studying aboard there, when their friend Phoebe's remains were finally found after she went missing while studying with the group. Now they must piece together what really happened and how far will one go to keep the truth buried? As it turns out, everyone in the group has their own secret.
This book is dual pov with Claire being a narrator as the killer in the present and Phoebe in the past as victim. This book was a bit to get a handle on of what was going on at first, and at times the pretty much unlikable characters fell flat, but it was entertaining and intriguing. This is one of your standard summer- like psychological thrillers that'll keep you entertained but overall nothing remarkable about the book. This was a book where you'll think you've got it figured out but then you find out you've definitely got it wrong. Overall, I'd recommend it.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date July 15, 2025
This book is dual pov with Claire being a narrator as the killer in the present and Phoebe in the past as victim. This book was a bit to get a handle on of what was going on at first, and at times the pretty much unlikable characters fell flat, but it was entertaining and intriguing. This is one of your standard summer- like psychological thrillers that'll keep you entertained but overall nothing remarkable about the book. This was a book where you'll think you've got it figured out but then you find out you've definitely got it wrong. Overall, I'd recommend it.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date July 15, 2025
July 11, 2025
I do love a destination thriller, seeing the characters out of their comfort zone in a place that they don’t know people or the place. A group of students from around the world head off on the adventure of a lifetime from Sydney, through North Queensland and into the outback. A month of learning and experience that they could never dream off.
At first things are going well, lots of drinking and partying. It isn’t long before they start to rub each other the wrong way and tensions rise. Danger is everywhere in the Australia outback, from snakes and spiders to each other. One of them goes missing and the trip comes to an end.
It is now 10 years later and the surviving students are planning a reunion in Sydney, just as police contact them with the news that human remains have been located in the last place they visited.
I can’t say that ai especially liked any of these characters. They were all kind of selfish and egotistical but that made it so much more fun to read. None of them could be trusted. It was a fast read, I powered through it in a day. Secrets, love affairs, this story has it all.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Transworld for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 3rd .
At first things are going well, lots of drinking and partying. It isn’t long before they start to rub each other the wrong way and tensions rise. Danger is everywhere in the Australia outback, from snakes and spiders to each other. One of them goes missing and the trip comes to an end.
It is now 10 years later and the surviving students are planning a reunion in Sydney, just as police contact them with the news that human remains have been located in the last place they visited.
I can’t say that ai especially liked any of these characters. They were all kind of selfish and egotistical but that made it so much more fun to read. None of them could be trusted. It was a fast read, I powered through it in a day. Secrets, love affairs, this story has it all.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Transworld for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 3rd .
February 13, 2025
Wow! This was absolutely amazing! So many unhinged twists and turns! I was surprisingly shocked at each turn of events! I loved the cattiness and all the sexual tension between the group traveling abroad in Australia and I loved reading about the things they did in Sydney and in the Outback. The way Sara wrote the descriptions, I felt as if I was living alongside Ellery, Phoebe, Adrien, Kyan, Claire, Josh, Declan, Tomas and Hari. I felt everything they were feeling. Go into this blind because it is so good!
February 7, 2025
If you’re at all similar to me then you know there’s just something addictive about a thriller set in the Australian Outback, something about the vivid landmarks, the heat, the possibility of poisonous animals and the back packing travellers, I’d personally love to travel to Australia but the thought of the giant spiders deters me 😂
“This stays between us” divides its attention between two main characters, one from a past timeline who we know is currently deceased, and one in present day who is slowly unwinding the events of the past as its colliding with her present day.
Present day Claire finds herself having to return to Australia many years after studying abroad. The original purpose for the trip is a school reunion which quickly dissolves into a police investigation after Phoebes remains are found.
Although it seems to inform you of what happened at the beginning of the book we soon learn that the narrator is in fact unreliable leaving a few twists in store for the reader.
If you want to get a jump start on your summer reads and feel some sunshine whilst it’s cold out then this is a great book to ease you into a warmer climate.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Sara Ochs for the earc!
Publish date: July 15th 2025
“This stays between us” divides its attention between two main characters, one from a past timeline who we know is currently deceased, and one in present day who is slowly unwinding the events of the past as its colliding with her present day.
Present day Claire finds herself having to return to Australia many years after studying abroad. The original purpose for the trip is a school reunion which quickly dissolves into a police investigation after Phoebes remains are found.
Although it seems to inform you of what happened at the beginning of the book we soon learn that the narrator is in fact unreliable leaving a few twists in store for the reader.
If you want to get a jump start on your summer reads and feel some sunshine whilst it’s cold out then this is a great book to ease you into a warmer climate.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Sara Ochs for the earc!
Publish date: July 15th 2025
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🌴 island setting
🌴 group of friends who-dun-it
🌴 summer camp
🌴 murder
🌴 dual timelines
🌴 multi-POV
🌴 1st person POV
I really liked the format of this thriller!! The killer was revealed right at the very beginning of the book, and then the story was worked backwards from there 🩷🩷 It made it very suspenseful and exciting, and I couldn’t put it down right from the very beginning!
I tore through this book in 1 single day, that’s how much I enjoyed it 🩷🩷
I love the jumping back-and-forth between the 2 timelines; it keeps the story very exciting, and also allows me to piece the story together slowly as the clues are revealed 🩷
There was a bunch of characters in this one but it was very easy to keep track of them all; that’s super important to me when reading a multi-POV book.
I found myself rooting for Claire and Declan, even though Claire is kinda the bad guy? I did not hate any of the characters like I usually do with these who-fun-it murder mysteries 🤪🤪 which is strange to me because I can usually sense out the killer pretty quickly.
I really thought I had the killer figured out after reading so many of these murder mysteries, but boy was I wrong!!
This was my favourite read in a while; I really really enjoyed this one!! Thank you so much to Sarah Ochs and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
Read if you like:
🌴 island setting
🌴 group of friends who-dun-it
🌴 summer camp
🌴 murder
🌴 dual timelines
🌴 multi-POV
🌴 1st person POV
I really liked the format of this thriller!! The killer was revealed right at the very beginning of the book, and then the story was worked backwards from there 🩷🩷 It made it very suspenseful and exciting, and I couldn’t put it down right from the very beginning!
I tore through this book in 1 single day, that’s how much I enjoyed it 🩷🩷
I love the jumping back-and-forth between the 2 timelines; it keeps the story very exciting, and also allows me to piece the story together slowly as the clues are revealed 🩷
There was a bunch of characters in this one but it was very easy to keep track of them all; that’s super important to me when reading a multi-POV book.
I found myself rooting for Claire and Declan, even though Claire is kinda the bad guy? I did not hate any of the characters like I usually do with these who-fun-it murder mysteries 🤪🤪 which is strange to me because I can usually sense out the killer pretty quickly.
I really thought I had the killer figured out after reading so many of these murder mysteries, but boy was I wrong!!
This was my favourite read in a while; I really really enjoyed this one!! Thank you so much to Sarah Ochs and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
June 13, 2025
A very immersive destination thriller felt like I was traveling around Australia again, I loved how this story brought back all those memories. The story is fast paced and suspenseful as you’re trying to figure out what happened to Phoebe the night she hadn’t returned back to her hostel with her new found friends.
Each chapter leaves you on edge while also going from past to present day I couldn’t put this book down. The twist in the epilogue I did not see coming, this is a perfect summer read and I will be picking up Sara Ochs other books.
The story follows six college students on a study abroad trip to Australia.Ten years after a student mysteriously disappears, their lives are rocked when the body is found. They are forced to confront the secrets and truths that have been buried for a decade, with one of them potentially facing consequences for what happened years ago
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publication date :July 15, 2025
Each chapter leaves you on edge while also going from past to present day I couldn’t put this book down. The twist in the epilogue I did not see coming, this is a perfect summer read and I will be picking up Sara Ochs other books.
The story follows six college students on a study abroad trip to Australia.Ten years after a student mysteriously disappears, their lives are rocked when the body is found. They are forced to confront the secrets and truths that have been buried for a decade, with one of them potentially facing consequences for what happened years ago
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publication date :July 15, 2025
April 22, 2025
I was attracted to the idea of a sun-soaked vacation thriller, which seems to be this author's specialty, set at a short study abroad program in Australia with a wild group of friends with murder in the potent mix of sex and substance abuse. Unfortunately the writing just really missed the mark for me.
I was prepared for toxic, unlikable characters and alcohol-fuelled debauchery, but I found the friends to be shallow and not very well developed. I never saw the chemistry between their friendships or romantic entanglements and they all seemed to actively dislike each other, which made it hard for me to stay interested in them as characters.
The writing style was also kind of bland to me.
As a thriller I found it boring and predictable. It was easy to read in an afternoon but it was kind of a slog to get through. Alas this one was just not for me. This has received many other great reviews however. So it could just be a me thing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was prepared for toxic, unlikable characters and alcohol-fuelled debauchery, but I found the friends to be shallow and not very well developed. I never saw the chemistry between their friendships or romantic entanglements and they all seemed to actively dislike each other, which made it hard for me to stay interested in them as characters.
The writing style was also kind of bland to me.
As a thriller I found it boring and predictable. It was easy to read in an afternoon but it was kind of a slog to get through. Alas this one was just not for me. This has received many other great reviews however. So it could just be a me thing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2025
This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 stars
As is the way with me, the synopsis drew me in. A small group of college students winds up in Australia for a short study abroad program. The program ends with one student dead and one missing. Ten years later the body of the missing student is found and those left of the group travel back to Australia to aide the authorities with their investigation by completing interviews. As the investigation unfolds we find that everyone is harboring secrets.
There are a slew of characters in this story but it fluctuates between the POV’s of Phoebe (10 years ago,) and Claire ( present day.) Through the story telling it becomes clear that each student on the trip found themselves participating in the program for deeply personal reasons. These are young twenty something kids so the pettiness and drama run strong. I hate to say this but I found every one of the main characters insufferable (with the exception of maybe Tomas but he didn’t really play a big part.)
The majority of the book is a slow reveal of secrets that are intended to keep you circling around the characters trying to figure out who the culprit is. Like the author wants you to be convinced that you know who it is, only to have you change your mind with the next chapter reveal. Except it didn’t work like that for me. The secrets and the character responses to events and situations were predictable. I often found myself rolling my eyes. Learning who the murderer was felt rushed through and was anticlimactic. At the end, each characters story time of what they spent the last ten years doing and how they were going to move forward was kind of boring, an info dump if you will.
That big reveal at the very end was sinister but not surprising at all.
Overall, it’s not a terrible book. It just didn’t feel well executed. It wasn’t riveting to me, less psychological thriller and more corny…mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 stars
As is the way with me, the synopsis drew me in. A small group of college students winds up in Australia for a short study abroad program. The program ends with one student dead and one missing. Ten years later the body of the missing student is found and those left of the group travel back to Australia to aide the authorities with their investigation by completing interviews. As the investigation unfolds we find that everyone is harboring secrets.
There are a slew of characters in this story but it fluctuates between the POV’s of Phoebe (10 years ago,) and Claire ( present day.) Through the story telling it becomes clear that each student on the trip found themselves participating in the program for deeply personal reasons. These are young twenty something kids so the pettiness and drama run strong. I hate to say this but I found every one of the main characters insufferable (with the exception of maybe Tomas but he didn’t really play a big part.)
The majority of the book is a slow reveal of secrets that are intended to keep you circling around the characters trying to figure out who the culprit is. Like the author wants you to be convinced that you know who it is, only to have you change your mind with the next chapter reveal. Except it didn’t work like that for me. The secrets and the character responses to events and situations were predictable. I often found myself rolling my eyes. Learning who the murderer was felt rushed through and was anticlimactic. At the end, each characters story time of what they spent the last ten years doing and how they were going to move forward was kind of boring, an info dump if you will.
That big reveal at the very end was sinister but not surprising at all.
Overall, it’s not a terrible book. It just didn’t feel well executed. It wasn’t riveting to me, less psychological thriller and more corny…mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 26, 2025
Sara Ochs once again does a great job transporting you to your destination, this time the Australian outback. The tension and suspense is high throughout. There wasn't anything super memorable in here for me but I had fun reading it.
I'm just getting really tired of the "you caught me, now let me monologue and conveniently spell out all of the villainy things I did" trope. Maybe I just read too many mysteries.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC.
I'm just getting really tired of the "you caught me, now let me monologue and conveniently spell out all of the villainy things I did" trope. Maybe I just read too many mysteries.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 9, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you sourcebooks for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback
Told in then and now timelines we unravel the mystery of what happened that fateful summer.
I thought this was a solid whodunnit mystery with the added threat that the danger isn’t quite gone.
The flip flopping POVs and timelines kept me engaged in the story and the various dramas amongst the characters made me suspicious of everyone involved.
While I didn’t feel particularly connected to any of the characters and didn’t think they really had defining characteristics , I did find that the storyline itself was engaging and well thought out which kept me interested.
I loved the ending and how everything came together in the end until the epilogue which could’ve and maybe should’ve been left out entirely as it just flat out didn’t make sense and I really can’t say anymore without spoilers.. but the epilogue pissed me off.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6dxnumY/
Thank you sourcebooks for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback
Told in then and now timelines we unravel the mystery of what happened that fateful summer.
I thought this was a solid whodunnit mystery with the added threat that the danger isn’t quite gone.
The flip flopping POVs and timelines kept me engaged in the story and the various dramas amongst the characters made me suspicious of everyone involved.
While I didn’t feel particularly connected to any of the characters and didn’t think they really had defining characteristics , I did find that the storyline itself was engaging and well thought out which kept me interested.
I loved the ending and how everything came together in the end until the epilogue which could’ve and maybe should’ve been left out entirely as it just flat out didn’t make sense and I really can’t say anymore without spoilers.. but the epilogue pissed me off.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6dxnumY/
July 16, 2025
Another fantastic summer thriller by @saraochsauthor this book was completely bingeable and I love how the author is able to transport us to Australia and make us feel like we are actually there.
This Stays Between Us is dual POV with Claire being the present time line and Phoebe the past. The group of characters (the mob) all have secrets that unfold throughout this book which had me turning the pages, it also, took a very dark turn, so brace yourself. But, that shocker of an ending - I put the book down with my jaw on the floor!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
This Stays Between Us is dual POV with Claire being the present time line and Phoebe the past. The group of characters (the mob) all have secrets that unfold throughout this book which had me turning the pages, it also, took a very dark turn, so brace yourself. But, that shocker of an ending - I put the book down with my jaw on the floor!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
March 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As with The Resort, Ochs has created a wonderfully immersive experience. Australia was vividly described and made such a great backdrop to the story. There's a desolation and desperation to both place and people. A group of students longing to escape and reinvent, but unintentionally (or maybe international) inviting danger.
Claire has been certain for the last ten years that she was the one who killed Phoebe. But when Phoebe's body is found and more information comes out during the investigation, Claire isn't so sure of her guilt anymore. But she is sure she can no longer trust any of her old friends. Because one of them has to be the guilty party.
As with The Resort, Ochs has created a wonderfully immersive experience. Australia was vividly described and made such a great backdrop to the story. There's a desolation and desperation to both place and people. A group of students longing to escape and reinvent, but unintentionally (or maybe international) inviting danger.
Claire has been certain for the last ten years that she was the one who killed Phoebe. But when Phoebe's body is found and more information comes out during the investigation, Claire isn't so sure of her guilt anymore. But she is sure she can no longer trust any of her old friends. Because one of them has to be the guilty party.
March 18, 2025
Yeeees! It’s like you’re writing thrillers based on my personal preferences, Sara! More than one pov, a strong sense of place (bonus for it being places I haven’t been but would love to go), intertwining timelines, messy friend groups… i can go on!! Will recommend this to anyone looking for a great (and nailbite inducing) read this summer!
(Sorry not sorry for too many exclamation points)
(Sorry not sorry for too many exclamation points)
July 27, 2025
#ad much love for my advance copy @bookmarked #partner
🆃🅷🅸🆂 🆂🆃🅰🆈🆂 🅱🅴🆃🆆🅴🅴🅽 🆄🆂
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟣𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
< @saraochsauthor >
^ Seriously, one of the sweetest authors ever - I 🫶🏻 her so much! Give her a follow 💕
Okay not today but tomorrow is pub day - preorder now - trust me 🥳
If you haven’t read this author yet and love thrillers, she’s a must read! I loved her debut book The Resort so so so so so so MUCH! As soon as I finished the book I knew she’d be an auto-buy author of mine. In fact, I was so excited I ordered her UK books - which are just the same as the US (just different titles) 😂😂 Best mistake ever.
This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs is an unputdownable mystery thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The storyline alternates between the past and current times and both will keep you fully entertained.
Ten years ago a special group of students were selected for a month-long trip to Australia to study abroad. But not all the students came back. Now it’s ten years later and the group has come back - they have secrets, and someone close to them has now disappeared. Now the police want to interview them.
Phoebe, the girl who never made it back home - her remains have been found. Now everyone wants to know what happened to Phoebe. Claire, Phoebe’s best-friend, thinks she’s the one hiding the truth, but is she really?
Oof! Ochs’ writing is out of this world fantastic. I get so lost in her words that I forget there’s a world even happening around me. If you read and loved The Resort it’s safe to say you’ll also love this book.
Loved it. Won’t forget it. You need to read it.
Cannot wait to see what’s up next for this author.. it’s safe to say I’LL BE READING 👀
🆃🅷🅸🆂 🆂🆃🅰🆈🆂 🅱🅴🆃🆆🅴🅴🅽 🆄🆂
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟣𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
< @saraochsauthor >
^ Seriously, one of the sweetest authors ever - I 🫶🏻 her so much! Give her a follow 💕
Okay not today but tomorrow is pub day - preorder now - trust me 🥳
If you haven’t read this author yet and love thrillers, she’s a must read! I loved her debut book The Resort so so so so so so MUCH! As soon as I finished the book I knew she’d be an auto-buy author of mine. In fact, I was so excited I ordered her UK books - which are just the same as the US (just different titles) 😂😂 Best mistake ever.
This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs is an unputdownable mystery thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The storyline alternates between the past and current times and both will keep you fully entertained.
Ten years ago a special group of students were selected for a month-long trip to Australia to study abroad. But not all the students came back. Now it’s ten years later and the group has come back - they have secrets, and someone close to them has now disappeared. Now the police want to interview them.
Phoebe, the girl who never made it back home - her remains have been found. Now everyone wants to know what happened to Phoebe. Claire, Phoebe’s best-friend, thinks she’s the one hiding the truth, but is she really?
Oof! Ochs’ writing is out of this world fantastic. I get so lost in her words that I forget there’s a world even happening around me. If you read and loved The Resort it’s safe to say you’ll also love this book.
Loved it. Won’t forget it. You need to read it.
Cannot wait to see what’s up next for this author.. it’s safe to say I’LL BE READING 👀
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was pretty underwhelming. Sometimes it works when you know who the murderer is right off the bat, and sometimes it doesn't. While there is drama and background that you learn about the "friend" group and what occurred to lead up to the body being found, I found it quite dull and really just nonsense drama with no kind of twist whatsoever. The author's first book was a decent read for me, but this one just falls short. Not sure if I will read anything else by her.
This was pretty underwhelming. Sometimes it works when you know who the murderer is right off the bat, and sometimes it doesn't. While there is drama and background that you learn about the "friend" group and what occurred to lead up to the body being found, I found it quite dull and really just nonsense drama with no kind of twist whatsoever. The author's first book was a decent read for me, but this one just falls short. Not sure if I will read anything else by her.
July 15, 2025
This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs
Thank You NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Who knew that a summer study abroad in Australia could turn deadly? Phoebe sure didn’t! Six college students from different countries come together to learn about Australia – it’s history and culture! However, these college students are more interested in having a grand ‘ol time the college way.... with alcohol, drugs and other activities! Before the trip ends though, one of them goes missing – Phoebe! She had a troubled past, so the group just assumed she left on her own. However, ten years later, her body is discovered, and cause of death is homicide! Now, the detective in charge is calling the rest of the group to return to Australia for questioning and the prime suspect if Claire, who was the closest out of the group with Phoebe! But there are four other students, plus a few other extra suspects. What ensues is a race against time for Claire to try and prove her innocence...if she even is innocent!
This was a fast-paced mystery thriller you won’t want to miss! Perfect for a summer read, it’s AVAILABLE July 15, 2025!
Thank You NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Who knew that a summer study abroad in Australia could turn deadly? Phoebe sure didn’t! Six college students from different countries come together to learn about Australia – it’s history and culture! However, these college students are more interested in having a grand ‘ol time the college way.... with alcohol, drugs and other activities! Before the trip ends though, one of them goes missing – Phoebe! She had a troubled past, so the group just assumed she left on her own. However, ten years later, her body is discovered, and cause of death is homicide! Now, the detective in charge is calling the rest of the group to return to Australia for questioning and the prime suspect if Claire, who was the closest out of the group with Phoebe! But there are four other students, plus a few other extra suspects. What ensues is a race against time for Claire to try and prove her innocence...if she even is innocent!
This was a fast-paced mystery thriller you won’t want to miss! Perfect for a summer read, it’s AVAILABLE July 15, 2025!
July 29, 2025
The story follows six college students who met in Australia for a summer study abroad experience ten years ago. Initially, their time is filled with excitement, adventure, and friendship, but it takes a dark turn when one of them, Phoebe, a troubled girl, suddenly disappears. The group leaves Australia behind, trying to put what happened behind them. A decade later, they learn that Phoebe's body has been found and are summoned back to confront their past. As they return, old secrets about her murder begin to surface, revealing that each friend has something to hide, and tension rises as it becomes clear that one of them may not survive again.
This is one of those books that truly shines as an audiobook, thanks to its diverse cast of characters. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Claire, who offers a contemporary viewpoint, and Phoebe, who shares her story from the past. As we navigate between these two timelines, we gradually uncover the intricacies of each character, piecing together the larger puzzle.
The plot is engaging, albeit a bit chaotic at times. I found myself eagerly awaiting the audiobook release, which allowed me to follow along with the eBook to fully grasp the unfolding drama. Each chapter peeled back another layer, keeping me hooked until the very last page.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the writing has a distinctly young adult vibe, filled with a fair share of melodrama. At times, I felt like the characters were still navigating the choppy waters of adolescence. But who am I to judge? I wasn’t there, and I can only imagine how I might react in their shoes. While their antics felt a tad immature for my taste, I persevered, driven by the burning question: who actually killed Phoebe, and why?
The setting was vividly painted, transporting me to Australia, a place I’ve never visited but could easily envision as I read on. The writing flowed beautifully, and with its short chapters, I devoured the book in a single day.
If you enjoy a slow-paced murder mystery and have a curiosity about Australia, this is the perfect summer read. It will keep you on your toes as you channel your inner detective, piecing together clues and unraveling the mystery. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a thrilling ride!
Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is one of those books that truly shines as an audiobook, thanks to its diverse cast of characters. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Claire, who offers a contemporary viewpoint, and Phoebe, who shares her story from the past. As we navigate between these two timelines, we gradually uncover the intricacies of each character, piecing together the larger puzzle.
The plot is engaging, albeit a bit chaotic at times. I found myself eagerly awaiting the audiobook release, which allowed me to follow along with the eBook to fully grasp the unfolding drama. Each chapter peeled back another layer, keeping me hooked until the very last page.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the writing has a distinctly young adult vibe, filled with a fair share of melodrama. At times, I felt like the characters were still navigating the choppy waters of adolescence. But who am I to judge? I wasn’t there, and I can only imagine how I might react in their shoes. While their antics felt a tad immature for my taste, I persevered, driven by the burning question: who actually killed Phoebe, and why?
The setting was vividly painted, transporting me to Australia, a place I’ve never visited but could easily envision as I read on. The writing flowed beautifully, and with its short chapters, I devoured the book in a single day.
If you enjoy a slow-paced murder mystery and have a curiosity about Australia, this is the perfect summer read. It will keep you on your toes as you channel your inner detective, piecing together clues and unraveling the mystery. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a thrilling ride!
Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
A group of six students traveled to Sidney, Australia for a month-long study abroad program to experience Australian culture, but not everyone returned home safely. Ten years later, the remains of one of the participants is found. Now ten years later, the other former students return to Sidney for a reunion and also face being questioned by law enforcement.
This engaging destination thriller has two timelines - events in the present are narrated by Claire who is from the U.S. The timeline from ten years ago is narrated by Phoebe, the young woman who goes missing. There are lots of hikes, hook-ups, and drunken nights in this part of the story. In the present, the characters worry about what the police know and wonder who harmed Phoebe. No matter what timeline we're in, the characters all have secrets and nobody is particularly likable. That doesn't mean the story didn't keep my interest, though!
There are a few different plot twists to keep you guessing. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, but for me, there is one twist too many at the end that doesn't seem to line up with previous things in the story. Even though I didn't love the ending, I did love the setting.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This engaging destination thriller has two timelines - events in the present are narrated by Claire who is from the U.S. The timeline from ten years ago is narrated by Phoebe, the young woman who goes missing. There are lots of hikes, hook-ups, and drunken nights in this part of the story. In the present, the characters worry about what the police know and wonder who harmed Phoebe. No matter what timeline we're in, the characters all have secrets and nobody is particularly likable. That doesn't mean the story didn't keep my interest, though!
There are a few different plot twists to keep you guessing. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, but for me, there is one twist too many at the end that doesn't seem to line up with previous things in the story. Even though I didn't love the ending, I did love the setting.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 14, 2025
I was riveted to this story from the first page to the last!
A group of students are awarded a place in a study abroad program in Australia. As with any group of young people who are far away from home for the first time, there is lots of drinking and sexual encounters among the group. They are all there to have the time of their life. One of these students, Phoebe, has a troubled past, crippling insecurities, and a very dark secret that she is terrified of being discovered. But the program is cut short after Phoebe goes missing. Ten years later, the remaining students are summoned back to Australia when Phoebe is found dead and the police are investigating what they suspect could be a murder. These students will be forced to face the secrets, lies and deceptions that have been haunting them all for the past decade. And it is possible that one of them may be Phoebe’s murderer.
Sara Ochs is now one of my favorite destination thriller writers. I loved her book, The Resort, last year which took place in a tropical location. This book captivated me and transported me to all the dangerous wonders of Australia. Her mysteries are complex but simple to follow and her characters are fully fleshed out. I can’t wait for her to write another novel!
Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on July 15, 2025
A group of students are awarded a place in a study abroad program in Australia. As with any group of young people who are far away from home for the first time, there is lots of drinking and sexual encounters among the group. They are all there to have the time of their life. One of these students, Phoebe, has a troubled past, crippling insecurities, and a very dark secret that she is terrified of being discovered. But the program is cut short after Phoebe goes missing. Ten years later, the remaining students are summoned back to Australia when Phoebe is found dead and the police are investigating what they suspect could be a murder. These students will be forced to face the secrets, lies and deceptions that have been haunting them all for the past decade. And it is possible that one of them may be Phoebe’s murderer.
Sara Ochs is now one of my favorite destination thriller writers. I loved her book, The Resort, last year which took place in a tropical location. This book captivated me and transported me to all the dangerous wonders of Australia. Her mysteries are complex but simple to follow and her characters are fully fleshed out. I can’t wait for her to write another novel!
Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on July 15, 2025
July 4, 2025
This twisty thriller had me hooked from the start! Ten years after a wild study abroad trip in Australia, a group of former students reunites when Phoebe’s remains are found and the mystery of what really happened to her finally resurfaces. Secrets, lies, and old friendships unravel as Claire, the narrator, tries to keep the truth buried… even though she knows she’s the one who killed her best friend. Fast-paced and full of suspense, this one kept me turning pages late into the night. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this exciting story!
June 19, 2025
We love to see a decades old mystery being solved!
I enjoyed the characters in this story, as well as the time jumps and multiple POV. I thought the story was well paced with each of the timelines flowing nicely back and forth. It was intense from the start, with never a dull moment.
Was it the most original? No. But the concept of a past mystery makes for a great setting and a fun read regardless!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
I enjoyed the characters in this story, as well as the time jumps and multiple POV. I thought the story was well paced with each of the timelines flowing nicely back and forth. It was intense from the start, with never a dull moment.
Was it the most original? No. But the concept of a past mystery makes for a great setting and a fun read regardless!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
August 15, 2025
This was so deliciously dark and twisty! This thriller is set in Australia and focuses on best friends Phoebe and Claire. They meet on a study abroad adventure, and what’s supposed to be fun and exciting ends up being full of drama—and ultimately, murder. Now, 10 years later, they’re all getting back together in Australia because Phoebe’s remains have been found, and everyone needs to be questioned by the police.
This is told in two POVs: the past from Phoebe’s perspective and the present day from Claire’s, who reveals in the first few pages that she knows exactly what happened to Phoebe—because she’s responsible for her death. 😱
This was admittedly extremely slow. It never absolutely gripped me, but that’s okay! It was a slow unravel with so much suspense that I happily took my time with it. At one point, I literally suspected everyone of foul play, and it was nowhere near as predictable as I expected it to be. Down to the very last page, my jaw was on the floor. This was such a well-done, atmospheric, and shocking thriller, and now I definitely need to read this author’s other book, The Resort!
This is told in two POVs: the past from Phoebe’s perspective and the present day from Claire’s, who reveals in the first few pages that she knows exactly what happened to Phoebe—because she’s responsible for her death. 😱
This was admittedly extremely slow. It never absolutely gripped me, but that’s okay! It was a slow unravel with so much suspense that I happily took my time with it. At one point, I literally suspected everyone of foul play, and it was nowhere near as predictable as I expected it to be. Down to the very last page, my jaw was on the floor. This was such a well-done, atmospheric, and shocking thriller, and now I definitely need to read this author’s other book, The Resort!
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