Told from various POV, young women are mysteriously dying of apparant accidental drug overdoses in the elite set of Cambridge University. Cue Anna, a dogged young undercover journalist with a vested interest in finding out what happened, it doesn't take long for her to get emotionally and sometimes physically embroiled in the friendships circle she is interested in infiltrating. She is getting in too deep and the one person from her past she hates is the one person she can trust with her life.

The ending was too rushed and underwhelming for me after the tense build up. I was waiting for an epic finale with some consequence, reflection and closure which never came. A disappointing end to what could have been an amazing book.

With thanks to NetGalley Uk, author Gytha Lodge and Penguin for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Gytha always writes good books, I haven't yet come across one I didn't like and this new standalone is no exception.

I'm not generally a fan of dark academia type books, and this one could be put in that category, but I kind of ignored that as much as I could and really got on well with it.

It is an extremely twisty narrative and at times I had to go back and check what I'd just read. So clever and so enjoyable.

I'd recommend this in a heartbeat. Already fans of this author will enjoy this and newbies can start here and work back to her series.

#DeadToMe #NetGalley
Gytha Lodge delivers a smart, suspenseful thriller with a layered blend of murder, emotion, and unresolved feelings. Dead to Me isn’t just about catching a killer—it’s about trust, betrayal, and the thin line between love and danger. Anna, a determined American journalist, has buried her heartbreak over Reid, a reserved British detective. When she stumbles on a high-profile death within the elite halls of Cambridge University—one that reeks of cover-ups and police corruption—she dives headfirst into the investigation. As the case turns darker and more dangerous, Anna starts writing Reid an unsent email to process her thoughts. But when her life is on the line, he’s the only one she can turn to—professionally and emotionally.
What I like :-
1 Strong Female Lead: Anna is sharp, bold, and relentlessly curious. Her voice is compelling, and her emotional vulnerability feels authentic.
2 Slow-Burn Tension: The romantic history between Anna and Reid adds a layer of tension that simmers throughout without overpowering the plot.
3 Atmospheric Setting: Cambridge University is a perfect backdrop—exclusive, secretive, and brimming with dark academia vibes.
Overall, Dead to Me is a gripping blend of crime and personal drama, driven by a fierce protagonist and a layered, dangerous mystery. With just the right amount of romance and suspense, it’s ideal for fans of thrillers that don’t shy away from the emotional side of danger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me an advance copy.

I was looking forward to reading this book. However I found it hard to follow and too slow. I also didn't like the characters so didn't really care what happened to them. Hope other readers enjoy it more.

‘Dead to Me’ is Gytha Lodge’s latest psychological thriller and it is very likely to appeal to fans of ‘The Secret History’ or ‘Engleby’, or anyone who has a taste for looking in detail at the messed up lives of privileged youth.

Set in Cambridge university, Anna, an American journalist, infiltrates a close-knit sporty group of undergraduates, as Aria, a world-class rower. Why? Her paper has agreed to support her to investigate the as yet unsolved suspicious death of Holly, one of the student group. Unbeknown to her bosses, Anna is also keen to see if there are any connections with her ex-partner’s sister, Tanya, another promising undergraduate who dies of a drug overdose in similar circumstances.

Lodge presents the narrative through a number of third person points of view, including that of Reid, police officer and Anna’s ex. Their split, following Tanya’s death, was acrimonious but Anna decides that, if her life is under threat, there’s still no better person to have on her team. Hence, a draft email addressed to him that Reid finds when Anna goes missing. Unfortunately, this narrative device feels rather forced and spoils the overall effect of the novel for me.

However, Lodge does recreate Cambridge authentically. The various place names and descriptions of buildings and streets add an effective element of realism to her sometimes hard-to-believe motives for her characters behaving as they do. My thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I loved this book so much! This is the first book I've read by this author. And it was so twisty and turny and full of suspense, I could not turn the pages fast enough. This book follows Anna who is an American journalist and she starts writing emails to her ex boyfriend and poilce officer Ried who has worked with her on a number of previous cases.
She writes these emails to him with info about a new story she is working on where girls from the same university are dying from overdosing on ketermine but she hasn't spoken to Reid in a while so feels like email is then only way to communicate.
So we follow the story with her emails as her pov and also her dad's pov too as he is looking for Anna who has now gone missing.
Obviously this is not a finished book so there were some formatting issues but I was so engrossed in the story, I barley noticed.
This exciting thriller is perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell and I actually can't wait to read more books by Gytha Lodge.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this opportunity
This is a expected to be published in July

Anna is chasing a story about a suspicious death amongst the elite world of Cambridge. The more she investigates, the more there's to find out and who to believe. Lots of red herrings and questions about who to believe and what are the facts. One person she needs to talk to is her ex-boyfriend but she can’t reach him. Will he save her when she needs him most? The climax is worth waiting for. A cracking page turner with multiple questions the reader needs to work through as Anna investigates.

I found this to be a rather gripping story with many twists and turns and it wasn't so much the plot (which was intriguing) but the various characters. They weren't exactly relatable but were so well drawn that I was totally captivated by them and their lifestyles. I feel somewhat bereft now I've finished reading the book.

This is a dark academia thriller set in Cambridge and more specifically Cambridge University where American journalist Anna has gone undercover, as American heiress Aria Lauder, to investigate the seemingly accidental death of two female students both of whom were connected to the same group of wealthy students. Told from multiple perspectives, those of Anna’s father Seaton Laws, her former partner DI Reid Murray, and Anna herself, by way of a very long email she wrote to Reid, never intending to send it.

Briefly, with help from her father Anna has inveigled herself into the group of friends who knew the dead women, one of whom was Reid’s sister. They are a group of privileged individuals who live a champagne lifestyle but all are flawed characters and Anna is struggling to get to the bottom of the deaths. But then Anna herself goes missing and her father turns to the one person he trusts to help, Reid.

This unusual style of writing for Anna’s voice had me a little confused at first and I think had it maybe been written in italics it would help, it may be that it will be different in the final version as I was reading a proof copy. That said I did soon get behind it and actually quite liked this different perspective. The story is fairly complex and there are so many twists and turns, I didn’t know how many times I changed my mind about what had happened and who was involved. This is a gripping read full of interesting characters, not least feisty Anna, sometime a bit too headstrong for her own good, but with all the right intentions. A cracking read.

4.5⭐️

I wasn't too sure about this. The description caught my attention but I did not find it as exciting reading. Cannot explain why. characters good and the base line of an email was good. I think 2 men came to her rescue in the end.

If you like Dark Academia and enjoyed The Secret History, this will be your cup of tea. Anna is an American journalist who with the help of her editor and her rich and connected father, goes undercover at Cambridge University to try and solve the deaths of two students - one of whom is the sister of her ex boyfriend Reid, a buttoned up London detective. It’s mostly told from the POV of Anna and Reid, with some from her Dad at the start and end, and occasionally someone else. Anna’s chapters are in the form of a draft email she started to Reid.

It’s hard to tell who might have been responsible, as you read on, and I think it will keep readers guessing right the way through. I found it a little hard to emotionally connect with the characters, although I’m not quite sure why… but there’s mystery, twists and turns and we do ultimately find out who is responsible for the deaths…

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Anna is an American journalist who was in a relationship with Reid, a British detective. They had split up over a year ago, but Anna still has feelings for Reid, though he rarely thinks about her.
Two young women at Cambridge University one of them Reids sister, have been found dead, they were thought to have taken drug overdoses. Anna decides to investigate the deaths, she poses as an American rower called Aria Lauder to make friends with some of the students at university who may have known one or both of the dead girls in an attempt to find out the truth. The evening of the May ball, Anna goes missing.
The story is told by Anna, who writes her points of view in a long email to Reid, one that he is never meant to see, by Annas father, Seaton, and by Reid himself.
This is a complicated story, with lots of twists, and I did get lost at times, maybe the style of writing confused me. I'm sure this book will appeal to lots of people, but unfortunately it wasn't to my taste.

Anna Sousa is a determined young American journalist working undercover, relentlessly pursuing a major exposé. Her investigation leads her deep into the elite world of Cambridge University, where a series of suspicious deaths has caught her attention. Adopting the alias Aria Lauder, Anna infiltrates the inner circles of privilege and tradition, hoping to uncover the truth behind the façade. Along the way, she sends heartfelt, revealing emails to her ex-boyfriend, Detective Reid Murray—who, unbeknownst to him, has a personal stake in the unfolding mystery.

Back in London, Anna’s flamboyant father, Seaton Laws, is eagerly awaiting her for lunch the day after the prestigious May Ball. At first, he’s unfazed by her absence—Anna has never been known for punctuality, and he’s aware of the risks her work involves. But as time passes and she still doesn’t appear, his concern grows into alarm, prompting him to contact Reid.

What follows is a gripping, atmospheric mystery steeped in the rich traditions and shadows of dark academia. The story unfolds through three key perspectives: Seaton’s anxious observations, Reid’s quiet determination, and Anna’s own voice, delivered through the poignant emails she never sends. Each narrative thread deepens our understanding of Anna—her boldness, her moral compass, and her relentless drive—as well as the complex cast of characters that surrounds her.

The Cambridge setting is beautifully captured, from the cloistered colleges to the champagne-soaked rituals of the upper crust. The students Anna investigates—Esther, Ryan, Kit, James—are as intriguing as they are enigmatic. With each interaction, the sense of unease builds. Who’s hiding something? Who can be trusted? The tension simmers, then boils over as the May Ball approaches, culminating in a finale that is shocking yet entirely earned. The twists kept me constantly second-guessing, my loyalties shifting with every chapter.

What makes this novel truly stand out is its intricate character work and emotional resonance. Whether it’s Seaton’s larger-than-life charm (you can almost hear him ordering another bottle of Roederer), Reid’s internal conflict, or Anna’s fierce resolve, the people in this story feel real—and their struggles, raw.

The ending caught me off guard, not because it was implausible, but because it was so smartly executed. It landed with impact and emotional weight, leaving me both satisfied and unsettled.

Gytha Lodge delivers yet again. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, her pacing expertly controlled, and her sense of place immersive. I’ve consistently rated her work highly, and this book only reaffirms why. If you’re new to her writing, this standalone is a fantastic entry point—and if you love twisty, intelligent thrillers with a dark academia edge, this one’s a must-read.

I was asked by NetGalley to review this book and I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.

Modern take on this by using emails to tell the story. Aria who is working undercover and intercepts a murdered group of friends and each one is a suspect in her murder. With the emails keeps moving the suspense on with secrets within the university and an academic dark side. The author weaves a good story with twists and turns throughout keeping the reader guessing right till the very end.

Recommended read due for publication July 3 2025.

Absolutely bl**dy brilliant!
Dead To Me is the best book I've read so far this year.

Annna is an American journalist who does a lot of high profile undercover work. Anna goes undercover at Cambridge University to investigate the suspected murder of another student.

Whilst undercover Anna writes an email to her ex who is a detective for the MET Police. Anna and Reid had a nasty break up 18 months ago, after Reid's sister committed suicide.
However, Anna did not believe that to be the truth, which lead to Anna and Reid breaking up.

It is up to Anna to try and solve the suspected murder or murders as Anna believes.

Will Reid save Anna from the mess she has dug up.

If you’re a fan of dark academia with a thriller twist, Dead to Me ticks all the boxes – atmospheric, sharp and emotionally gripping. Gytha Lodge blends investigative journalism, murder, and romantic tension in a layered and addictive mystery set against the cloistered backdrop of Cambridge University.

Anna, an American journalist with a sharp instinct and a stubborn streak, finds herself pulled into a suspicious death among Cambridge’s elite. It’s the sort of story that could change her career – but the deeper she digs, the murkier the truth becomes, especially when whispers of police corruption enter the frame. And just when she needs a reliable ally, the only one she can trust is Reid, the detective who once broke her heart.

The format of the book is clever and engaging, with Anna’s unsent emails to Reid forming a narrative thread that slowly unravels her inner turmoil, emotional baggage, and unshaken resolve. Reid and his sister offer compelling perspectives that fill out the picture – and the dynamic between Anna and Reid is as full of spark as it is hurt.

Lodge writes Cambridge with chilling intimacy. The traditions, the elitism, and the cold veneer of privilege are all laid bare – a world where secrets fester behind ivy-covered walls and danger lurks behind polite smiles. The pacing is excellent, with twists and red herrings that had my head spinning. Just when you think you’ve cracked it, the rug is pulled again.

There’s real depth to the characters too. Anna’s vulnerability is matched only by her drive, and Reid’s quiet intensity brings a measured contrast. Their chemistry simmers throughout, never overshadowing the plot but adding emotional weight when it counts.

Dark, intelligent, and unpredictable, Dead to Me is a brilliant addition to the genre. It’ll grip you with its mystery and leave you thinking about its characters long after the final page.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

4.5 rounded up

Anna Sousa is a young, driven American undercover journalist who deals in injustices and is currently on the trail of a huge story. This investigation centres around the rarified world of Cambridge University and suspicious deaths. She takes the name of Aria Lauder and dives into their world, ready to crash in and see what she can learn. During the process, she writes long emails to her ex, Detective Reid Murray who has a personal interest in this story although he is oblivious of what Anna/Aria is up to. Meanwhile, Anna’s father Seaton Laws awaits her arrival for a slap up lunch the day after the May Ball and she’s a no-show. Initially, he’s not worried as she’s notorious for being late and he knows what she’s been doing but he grows an increasingly anxious, anxious enough to call Reid for help.

What a cracking read. I’m a big fan of dark academia mystery/thrillers and this is a good one, capturing the atmosphere of the university and its surroundings, its traditions and those lucky enough to attend. I’m hooked from the start, enjoying the way the author tells the tale principally from the perspective of Seaton, Reid and Anna herself via the emails to Reid. They all shine a light on Anna herself, her personality, her bravery and dogged pursuit of a big story as well as illuminating the personalities in her life, especially Reid, his sister and the students whose orbit she’s trying to break into. I can picture them all from her champagne quaffing father ( I’ll have the Roederer please, thanks) to Esther, Ryan, Kit and James from whom she’s trying to elicit the truth. I have my fingers crossed that the guilty ones are not those I’ve grown to like, but they’re principally crossed for the welfare of Anna/Aria who is fantastic.

The plot is immersive, there are moments of absolute chill, who is trustworthy and who is the snake in the grass? There are so many twists and turns that my suspicion antenna nearly flies off because it’s gone back-and-forth so many times. These characters lives are complex as are their personalities, their relationships and dynamics and so it’s fascinating trying to figure the puzzle out. I love the way it slowly builds and escalates as it reaches the May Ball. The ending is unexpected, it’s not left field at all, it’s one that I hadn’t foreseen but makes perfect sense. Well played.

Overall, this is an atmospheric and engrossing read from Gytha Lodge. She’s a terrific writer and I’ve never rated her books less than four stars so can therefore highly recommend her novels and if you’ve not read her books before, this one off is a good place to start.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

Wow! Gytha Lodge is back! A stunning read - gripping, tense and just what I was hoping it would be. I'll definitely be buying a physical copy once it's published.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Dead to Me, a standalone thriller by Gytha Lodge, The story follows Anna, an American journalist investigating a suspicious death and police corruption at Cambridge University. As she delves deeper, she finds herself in danger and realizes that the only person she can trust is Reid, the British detective who once broke her heart. Anna investigates a high-stakes case but becomes the target herself, forcing her to rely on Reid.
It’s a story of tension, intrigue, and complex relationships.

Anna and Reid are two people with a complicated past. Their fractured relationship forces them to navigate trust in high-stakes situations. The story delves into police corruption and the elite world of Cambridge University, highlighting the dangers of unchecked authority. As Anna investigates a suspicious death, she finds herself increasingly isolated, making her reliance on Reid all the more significant, the tension between uncovering the truth and staying alive plays a crucial role in the story.

It is an intriguing read which i really enjoyed and would recommend for anyone who likes psychological thrillers.

Great story and unique idea. Our lead character Anna/ Aria is an undercover journalist who has infiltrated the
"Hoorays" (Rich college kids) as she believes a student Holly was murdered not just overdosed. But she emails her ex boyfriend Reid keeping him up to date on the story. Reid is a police officer. I loved Anna. Her pursuit of the truth and determination not to give up. There are fingers pointed at several suspects including the enigmatic Kit - the leader of the pack so to speak. In the end it's a satisfying conclusion. If you're looking for a beach read this is it! Go Anna! Denise x