Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted ALC, and thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark from the gifted ARC!

Guaranteed, Ashley Winstead will write one of the buzziest books of the year any year she puts out a book. I knew This Book Will Bury Me would captivate me to the point of obsession.

I wanted to savor this book. Reading Winstead is a unique experience for me, because I often start her books, and then restart them at a random point because I don’t want them to be over. I’ll do anything to prolong spending time with her words. The depth and layers of this story made that an even more enjoyable experience. Which is weird to say about a book that pays homage to the Idaho murders. But she did the subject matter justice.

It’s true that solving murders has changed with “armchair sleuths.” I loved how this book highlighted the good and bad side of a community of amateur detectives being involved in solving high profile cases.

It goes without saying that I loved this book. It was layered, intelligent, engaging and completely captivating. Winstead gets better and better with each book, and I cannot wait to read what she writes next.

You better believe that I SQUEALED when my dear friend @ashleywinstead asked to send me an ARC of her latest book! Followed by a finished copy as well from @sourcebooks - your girl feels SPOILED! Thank you so much for the variety of ways you allowed me to access & read this one - I am SO grateful!

In the age of internet sleuths & the true crime community being ever present - This Book Will Bury Me takes the best (& arguably the worst) of this community and brings it to LIFE! Inspired by various true crime cases, Ashley brings to life a group of amateur sleuths who find one another in an online true crime forum & are hell bent on solving the case at hand and ensuring justice is found. Driven by morally gray characters, a Winstead signature, you’ll find yourself torn between being upset with and rooting for each of them, especially the MC!

The MC, Jane Sharp, who is grieving the recent & abrupt loss of her father carries a profound impact on the way in which the storyline plays out. The way in which her grieving & seeking support is woven into the details of this book is not only a powerful touch, but an even more personal one as well for Ashley, who lost her dad recently.

Knowing the personal component of this book, I can only commend and compliment Ashley for the way she could create such a story out of something so challenging that she was enduring herself. It not only takes immense courage, but it also is an honor to her own father - which is incredibly well done!

In being aware of the inspiration behind this book, I feel it’s important for me to state that Ashley truly goes above and beyond in her work to bring us these books. Her attention to detail in changing aspects of the storyline to be respectful of these real life cases is admirable and should be noted. This intentionality is clear through the authors note and additional information shared in the end of the book, which I want to direct future readers attention to - because it’s incredibly important! Do not neglect to read that additional information!

I am continually impressed and captivated by Ashley’s books & the way in which she writes - Bury Me was NO different and dare I say her best work yet?! 🙌🏼

The audiobook was incredibly well done - featuring deep emotion, suspense & intrigue! Loved it!

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Audio for my ALC!

Jane Way Sharp, a 24 y/o college student, finds herself moving back home after the unexpected death of her father. Jane is reeling from her father’s death and finds it difficult to accept her new reality. In the hopes of distracting herself, she becomes involved in solving the grisly murder of a woman from a nearby town in Florida. Jane puts herself in dangerous situations intent on finding answers for this woman and due to her instrumental role in solving the case, she is invited to join an elite group of armchair sleuths.

The sleuths include Goku, a tech guy, Mistress, a retired librarian, Citizen, a military officer, and Lively, a retired police officer, all solving homicides from the comfort of their own homes. Jane loves being apart of this group and feels like they are a family – especially when it seems her own mother doesn’t understand her and her newfound family does.

Soon after, there is a brutal triple homicide that Jane and her fellow sleuths become obsessed with. As they work the case, they realize they cannot solve the murders from googling online and must meet in person. The sleuths are determined to solve this case by visiting the crime scene, talking to the family, and working with the police. Unfortunately, when they think they’re close to finding answers, they become the center of the case.

Winstead brilliantly tells this story through Jane, the narrator. Jane is writing a memoir about her experiences with the armchair sleuths and “setting the record straight” as some other characters have painted her in a different light. Winstead also expertly weaves in the story of a young woman grieving and trying to find her place in the world. Leslie Howard did a wonderful job narrating this story and was able to portray how Jane was feeling with ease.

Well, this story may seem a bit too close to reality for some due to it being inspired by true events – 2022 University of Idaho Killings, which is set to go to trial later this year. This book is going to be a must-read for true-crime fanatics!

I thought I would be into this but I had to DNF it. I didn’t love the narrator and I didn’t realize this was ripped off a real case. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

National bestselling author Ashley Winstead returns following Midnight is the Darkest Hour with her latest highly anticipated emotional and intense psychological/crime thriller, THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME.

A book within a book inspired by true crimes (a year's experience from a young woman grieving her father) while joining a group of amateur sleuths taking center stage while hunting down dangerous killers driven by their obsession and need.

It's the most famous crime in modern history.
But only SHE knows the true story.

This is Jane's story. Please sit back and enjoy Jane as she tells you, the reader, her story.

About...

Aug 31, 2023
Jane, age 24, a student at the University of Central Florida (UCF), at a party. She meets her new best friend, Gabby. This was the last time Janeway Sharp was innocent.

A frantic phone call from her mother. Her father has had a heart attack. She must leave now. Her friend drives her to the hospital in Ft. Pierce, FL. When she arrives, she is too late.

Jane Sharp is now grieving after the unexpected death of her beloved father. As a way to find purpose and deal with her grief, she turns to a group of sleuths to solve crimes. She feels she owes her father a legacy.

She is invited into this elite group after she helps solve a South Florida dark, brutal murder of a woman who was tossed in a lake. She decides to drop out of college while she explores this journey.

The person she was closest to, who loved her the deepest, had died suddenly and unexpectedly, and nothing would ever be the same for Jane. Due to this, the next chapters of her life would unfold in strange, fateful ways.

Five amateur sleuths
~Lightly. Mistress. Goku. Searcher. Citizen.
Jane is a Searcher.

The group consists of
~Ex-Cop.
~Grandmother/Retired Librarian.
~Computer genius/High-level tech.
~College dropout/ barista.
~Ex-Military Officer.

Mistress has a theory borrowed from her favorite book: those drawn to true crime could be divided into four main types by what drew them in.

~The Detective (motivated by the hunt for answers)
~The Defender (hero type, to protect victims)
~The Victim (identifies with those who have been wronged)
~The Killer (who feels an affinity with the perpetrators)

"Our desire to order the unknowable, touch the unreachable, shine a light on what's hidden—it's universal. We're uncomfortable with ambiguity, with living suspended in the mess of the world."

From Central and South to the Treasure Coast of Florida, fictional Delphine, Idaho, and beyond (Italy), these armchair detectives must hit the road versus behind a screen to solve these complex cases. The latest being the three college girls in Delphine, Idaho.

The world is watching, listening, observing. From forums, true crime addicts, social media, the press, and the TV media. Do they know the real truth?

Told one year after the events that concluded the case and left the world reeling, Jane finally decides to break her silence about what truly happened. The true story of the Delphine Massacres. And what she has to confess will shock even the most seasoned true crime fans. Her secrets will be revealed.

My thoughts...

Told in three parts, THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is a fascinating exploration of true crime and how these communities respond to these unfolding crimes.

It is a well-written thriller and deeply emotional narrative that delves into the complexities of grief, loss, the human need for closure, and the mysteries loved ones leave behind. This book will resonate with readers who appreciate a more profound, unique reading/listening experience.

Please DO read— the Author's Note about the novel's inspiration, her grief of losing a parent, and its complexities.

Narrative style...

In addition to being a superb thriller, the author cleverly uses a self-conscious narrative style, often called metafiction. This unique technique, which includes footnotes that draw attention to the story as a fictional work, blurs the lines between reality and fiction and prompts critical engagement from the reader. Jane is recounting a year after the fact, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The author also brilliantly draws from real-life cases in which there have been significant true crime and media responses and ones which we may know more than others, such as Gabby Petito, The OJ Simpson, JonBenét Ramsey, Golden State Killer, Abraham Shakespeare and the 2022 University of Idaho case which has not yet been solved.

THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is engrossing, standout, thought-provoking, and fresh. The author's BEST yet—delving into many aspects of true crime, social commentary, media, sleuthing, and emotions. A pageturner, you will be hooked from page one to the satisfying conclusion.

Movie-worthy, prime for the big or small screen series! Being a Floridan (South Florida), I always enjoy novels set in my state.

It is an emotional modern thriller with heart—Compelling, part crime fiction with elements and dangers of true-crime culture, psychological, coming of age, and literary fiction.

Audiobook...

For those who enjoy audiobooks, THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME is a must-listen. Narrated by Leslie Howard, one of the most talented in the industry, she delivers a stellar performance that elevates the novel to new heights. Howard's narration captures the story's essence, mood, and setting, bringing the characters to life and providing an engaging listening experience. If you're a fan of audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to this version.

Recs...

For fans of the author, true-crime addicts, and those who enjoy unique, chilling, complex narratives and smartly dynamically written psychological/crime thrillers. Fans of Megan Goldin, Amy Tintera, Kate Marshall, and Lisa Jewell will devour. (all favorites)

Also, for fans of (Danish author turned Floridan, Willow Rose), most of her crime novels are set in Florida and inspired by specific true crimes (she links in her Author's Notes). A fan.

Interview...

Want to know more behind-the-scenes exclusives and this talented author? Join me for a fun, fascinating, featured blog, #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat QA with Ashley (part of the #AuthorElevatorSeries collection), coming pub date March 25th!

Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Media for an advanced review and listening copy for my honest review and the honor of hosting Ashley!

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: March 25, 2025
March 2025 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter
Mar Featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat

I first read this book in October and shared my thoughts in January, but I felt drawn back to it, so I decided to reread it on audio. I already knew the twists and how everything would unfold, but this time, my focus shifted. Instead of being caught up in the mystery itself, I paid more attention to the characters and their journeys.

The story follows a group of strangers who connect online while discussing a murder case. What starts as an internet conversation soon turns into something far more intense, leading them to investigate a serial killer. Their relationships evolve as they work together, moving from distant online acquaintances to something much more real. Experiencing this story again made me reflect on those connections even more.

Listening to the audiobook made certain moments hit differently. Some scenes carried more weight, and I caught details I hadn’t noticed before—small things in the dialogue and how the characters reacted to each other. The pacing still worked so well, building tension gradually before pulling everything together. And the villain’s presence felt even stronger this time, making me think more about their motives and how they fit into the bigger picture.

Even though I already knew the outcome, this reread gave me a different perspective. Instead of focusing on the plot, I found myself thinking more about the emotions behind everything—the way trauma, fear, and trust shaped the characters. Experiencing the book in a new format added more depth to the story, and I’m glad I took the time to revisit it.

I couldn’t put this down. The concept was so addicting. I loved the characters and the sleuth plot. The twists were fantastic and I didn’t see them coming. I did find it strange that when the group met up they were still calling each other by their usernames. All in all a great story!

I was excited for this book. I love other books by the author. This one was too close to a current case though. It felt disrespectful to be listening to it for fun when it is so close. The narrator was fantastic

Audiobook

Reeling from the sudden death of her father, 24-year-old Jane seeks solace in the world of online true crime sleuths. Quitting college and losing her job, Jane becomes obsessed with helping a group of other sleuths solve crimes. As they gain more success and notoriety, so too does their confidence. Different ages, sexes, and stages of life, the group bonds and decides to take on the case of murdered sorority girls. However, as quickly as notoriety is gained, so too is public scorn.

Disclaimer - I was not aware of the recent actual murders in Idaho that the internet tells me are very similar to the events in the book. I hope the author makes more of a link.

The story is overall pretty good. The story does drag at parts but keeps a good pace overall. However, the breadcrumbs of the killer are very obvious early on. But I still enjoyed learning more about the group of sleuths and can see the draw and thrill of getting involved. However, I felt Jane's investigation into her father was distracting. Also, "official FBI consultants" was a stretch.

Thank you, Netgalley and Tantor Audio, for the Advanced Listening Copy. All Opinions are my own.

It really is rare for me to rate a mystery/thriller so highly (especially when there’s an online forum or podcasting element) because I often find that they get tedious quickly. The audio narration was incredibly well done and I flew through this book. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened, and the truth was not what I was expecting at all! Read this book if you aren’t usually a mystery/thriller fan but want to give the genre another chance! (4.5 stars)

3.5 stars

This Book Will Bury Me has a great title, though I’m not sure it fully lived up to the expectations it set. At 480 pages, it’s on the longer side, but for the most part, the pacing worked well. I especially enjoyed the back-and-forth shared through online forums, which added an engaging layer to the story. Around the 70% mark, the momentum stalled a bit, making it feel slower than the rest of the book. That said, I liked the dynamic between the different characters in the group and was genuinely surprised by the ending.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Holy cannoli... this was.... a lot. Whew. I'm not sure where to start. How about some of the positives? It has some shock value and a handful of twists, so it certainly had its "entertaining" moments for a crime novel. Several of the characters were lovable, and the found family vibes are nice. That might wrap things up for the positives!? I learned near the end that this book closely resembles a real-life crime - the Idaho murders in 2022, so that feels a little soon and a little icky, in my opinion. I think my main dislikes are related to length and editing. I feel like this book had everything but the kitchen sink. It recalls multiple murders and cases that don't feel related at the start, it looks at grief and loss, it discusses how media and law enforcement prioritize white victims over black victims, it has some odd fat-shamey vibes (which I really didn't like or understand), there are little side stories about parental abuse and personality disorders, and all of this is somehow addressed in a story about a girl who is trying to "create a lasting legacy" for her dad. I think it could have been a lot shorter and needed a little more focus or direction. I figured out where it was headed (for the most part) and still had a little over 4 hours of listening to go. It was an entertaining read in some aspects, but this one ultimately just wasn't for me.

This Book Will Bury Me should have been prophetic when I heard its title. The book was way too long. The twist was good, but it took forever to get there. The side story with Jane’s father was not necessary. I’ve like Ashley Winstead’s stories before, but this is not one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this audiobook. I enjoyed the narration by Leslie Howard and would recommend listening to other books read by her.

I really struggled with rating this one. It was an entertaining, suspenseful thriller. The perspective from the true crime/amateur sleuth community was interesting. If it weren’t for the real life connections, I would say it was a great thriller and highly recommend it.
However, it just had too many similarities to the Idaho killings. I feel like there would have been ways to draw inspiration without copying the real life case that isn’t even closed yet.

Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook.

Shrouded in grief, Janeway Sharp finds solace in the true crime community with devastating consequences.

Twists at every turn, Ashley Winstead's latest novel is a gripping page turner that will have readers hooked from the very beginning.

I listened to the audio version of this book and couldn't stop listening to see what was going to happen. I had my suspicions on some of the twists before they came to fruition, but this didn't take away from the enjoyment of listening as it all played out.

The narration really brought this story to life, with the narrator displaying great depth with varying voices and emotions to the characters.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, Sourcebook Landmarks for the ARC.

This book comes out this week and it is LONG. I was able to get an ARC for the audiobook and it took me the entire work week to get through. It is thinly veiled portrayal of the Idaho murders not even changing the state, the suspects, or the victims. I loved the concept of the behind the scenes and motivations of true crime keyboard warriors. It was interesting to see how they work (or don’t work ) with the law enforcement to solve unsolved murders. But it was too long and the end was not worth the long journey.

I felt like this book was insensitive to the family, especially since they have not gone to trial yet. Kinda gave me the ick. I am fascinated by the case too… but maybe wait until the verdict to cash in.

I loved this audiobook! The narration was fantastic! This was my book by Ashley Winstead and I absolutely loved it!! It was such a cool premise to tell the story from the perspective of a true crime Reddit group and it hooked me right away until the very end! It’s also a beautiful look at grief and identity, and I loved how she wove together all the final pieces. Such an entertaining read!

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 3/25
•
This book was everything from the characters to the story to the connection of everything to the twists to the ending. I absolutely devoured it and loved every single second of it.
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Right from the start I felt connected to Delphine and the rest of the group on the forum. I loved their banter and just how a group of people could come together to solve crimes. I am also a huge true crime junkie so this one just hit the mark for me.
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This is a fast paced read as the group navigates through the murder. I love how this was written as a “tell all” for people who know what happened. There are perfectly timed twists that will have you unable to put this one down. That ending was absolutely explosive, and the best possible ending for this story.
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I listened to this one while reading my eARC. Leslie Howard was phenomenal. I highly recommend the audio if you are going to pick up this book.
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Overall, this book is superb, amazing, phenomenal, all of the incredible words or simply put - A MUST READ! Ashley Winstead continues to grace the book community with addicting and bingable reads! I will forever read anything that she puts out. Huge thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, Tantor Audio and Sourcebooks for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

First, what this book absolutely nailed — Ashley Winstead’s portrayal of losing a parent is painfully spot on. She captures that strange, conflicting feeling of grief where you feel so special in your grief (because how could anyone else possibly understand this level of devastation?) while also recognizing that death is one of the most universal and non-unique human experiences

I’ve always loved Winstead’s writing, and this book is no exception, but I did have some issues with the plot. One of the biggest disconnects for me was the main character’s driving motivation around trying to ensure that her dad is remembered and known after his death — she’s so focused on creating a legacy for her dad, and it felt like she was overlooking that he already left a legacy of his own. It’s clear she wants to honor him, but it felt like she was stuck trying to prove his worth to the world after he was gone. It felt like the more she leaned into this misson, the more I wanted her to let his legacy be his legacy and to stop trying to force things. It felt like a missed emotional arc for her to never realize that her memories of him and the person he was could just be enough, and it's not what she was hoping to build in his name after he was gone that made him important.


I also wanted more about the mysterious "book" written by "she who shall not be named" — it’s positioned as this major catalyst for the main character and is ultimately the inspiration for her to write her own book (which we, as readers, are supposedly reading). But that thread felt like it lacked in followthrough.

Anywaaaaays, all that being said, the last thing I want to point out was that I TOTALLY CLOCKED THE TWILIGHT REFERENCE. Girl, Ashley, you just can't resist can youuuu?

I’ll admit, slow-burn thrillers aren’t typically my cup of tea—I often find myself impatient for the action to kick in. But this book proved me wrong in the best way possible. The author, paired with a stellar narrator in the audiobook version, masterfully doles out just enough intrigue to keep you hooked, building a tension that simmers beautifully until it explodes into a jaw-dropping twist at the end. What could have felt like a slog instead became a gripping journey I couldn’t put down.

At the heart of the story is Jane, a deeply relatable protagonist grappling with the sudden death of her father. Seeking solace, she stumbles into a true crime group dedicated to solving active cases—a premise that immediately piqued my interest. Through this group, Jane finds not only a distraction from her grief but also a makeshift family of complex, lovable characters, each drawn to the cause by their own haunting pasts. The bonds they forge feel authentic and layered, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

The plot thickens when the group’s latest case takes a dark turn. What starts as a collective mission spirals into chaos for them—and pure, addictive entertainment for the reader. The slow unraveling of clues and the mounting stakes kept me on edge, and the payoff was well worth the wait. The originality of the story stood out; it’s not every day you encounter a thriller that blends true crime obsession with such raw human connection.

The audiobook experience elevated it further. The narrator breathed life into Jane, capturing her vulnerability and strength with a performance that made her feel like a real person. Every character shone through the narration, making the group’s dynamic even more compelling.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored this book. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they turned a slow-burn skeptic like me into a fan. If you’re looking for a thriller with heart, depth, and a twist that hits like a freight train, this one’s a must-read—or better yet, a must-listen.