More Than Us
by Jo O'Neill
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Pub Date 28 Aug 2025 | Archive Date 7 Oct 2025
The Book Guild | Book Guild Publishing
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Description
Bailey would be lost without him. He’s made sure of it.
He is the man everyone wants to be or be with. He is respected, charismatic, successful. But beneath the polished exterior lies a monster. For him, control is an addiction, more intoxicating than murder. And he should know.
When Sophie and Bailey cross paths with him on a night out London, their lives take a dark and irreversible turn. Sophie becomes his victim, silenced forever, and now forced to helplessly watch as her vibrant, confident best friend falls prey to his insidious web of coercion and control. Bailey, once full of hope for the future, now struggles to get through each day. But Sophie knows his horrifying secret. Worse still, she knows what will happen when he grows tired of his game...
A Note From the Publisher
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781835743898 |
| PRICE | £3.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 300 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 28 members
Featured Reviews
Kylee T, Reviewer
My jaw dropped so many times whilst reading this book, I lost count!!! So good, highly recommend reading!!!
This book gave me the creeps the details the way everything played out omgggg can’t give anything away but it was very gripping but I loved the storyline and I can not wait till other can read this author did their thing being this story to life felt like a movie
Reviewer 1628340
Thank you, NetGalley and The Book Guild Publishing, for the advanced reader copy! He is the man everyone wants to be or be with. He is respected, charismatic, and successful. But beneath the polished exterior lies a monster. For him, control is an addiction, more intoxicating than murder. And he should know. I enjoyed it. It was very cleverly plotted and intense. It turned out completely different from what I imagined from the blurb. The twisted mindset of a serial killer and master manipulator is defined thoroughly in detailed descriptions from his point of view.. Multiple points of view added to the tension.
This book really exceeded my expectations. It really worked for me and it checked off every box I hope for in a thriller. The more I read this book, the more I couldn’t put it down. The characters were great, and the authors writing style was great.
Reviewer 1722737
Wow! This book was amazing! It had every single thing that's important to me. Characters were very well described.
I just know I made a bunch of different faces while reading this book.
Angry, shocked, ended up caring for a few people in this book.
It takes you on a ride of shocking, disgusting, deception, vengeance, and sisterhood and family.
I loved this book! Would be nice to see more Authors creating books like this. I rarely ever give 5 stars but this book deserves it.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @jo_o_neill
Oooh this one was FUN and perfect as we move into a cooler, spookier time of year! "More Than Us" follows Sophie and Bailey after their lives are forever changed by a stranger they never saw coming.
This was a slow burn and not necessarily a storyline that hasn't been written before, but the writing style and clever planning is what sets this book apart from the rest! It took me a few chapters to get into, but after that it was easy to connect with the characters and hop on for the ride, enjoying the variety of twists and turns that it takes along the way! It was creepy and suspenseful in that Lifetime movie way that makes it hard to put down!
And that epilogue?!?! I hope O'Neill wrote that intentionally as an open door to a possible sequel. Thanks so much for the ARC!
I quite enjoyed it. It was very cleverly plotted and pretty intense.
I was surprised as It turned out completely different from what I imagined from the blurb. The twisted mind at work and The main twist is something I am was surprised at. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Reviewer 1847172
Synopsis
Sophie and Bailey are on a night out to celebrate finishing their law degrees, when they cross path with a man who will change the course of their lives forever.
Sophie becomes his victim and is forced to watch as her best friend falls prey to his web of control. Bailey becomes a shadow of her former confident self, struggling to get through every day. However he has a secret, and the danger that will come when his secret is revealed.
Review
This book was not what I expected going in, so I don't want to say too much and give anything away. But I loved it, so so good! A very different take on a story that has been done many times before.
That epilogue... wow. I need more. I actually just sat here in stunned silence for a minute after finishing this book. I was picking it up every chance I got. The story, the writing and the characters were all great.
This is a new release book that I haven't seen a lot about but I cannot recommend it enough. I really don't want to spoil anything so please go read.
Thanks so much to Netgalley, Jo o'Neill and The Book Guild for this advanced review copy.
Reviewer 1491639
this book was excellent.
this book was tense in parts because the author really takes you in and gets to know the characters within it. so you are even more invested in whats going to happen to them. and where this story will lead is everything you need in a book like this and the themes it covers. it doesn't shy away from them but does the themes justice too. its not there to be ghastly its a very real and nasty portrayal which is exactly as it should be.
the plot unravels as you read it. you know a lot but then not a lot at all as it turns out because it just keeps coming and coming until you are tense with what will come next and tense because of what you already know.
the way Jo writes this serial killer and his awful and manipulative ways was shiver making and gave that unsettled feeling you should get from a character like him. this is a whole different but just as strong that a book like this can bring to its reader. this sinister unsettled fear is so strong and so well done in this one.
how hes described and getting his point of view makes you even more worried for the victims and those that cross paths with him. it makes you even more invested in how this guy must be stopped or just who will be next.
the unique way in which Jo gives voices to the victims was incredible. id like to think somewhere somehow this might be happening. they aren't lost, certainly not forgotten and in this book they come together in the most spectacular way. i find this element ad how Jo tells it just stunning and a wonderful idea. it made me tear up for so many victims out there. many who don't get a voice anymore be it for permanent or other reasons why they cant.
this book was so much more than a thriller. it feels actually like a really powerful and important read. it could have impact on many. and it certainly did on me. im so grateful i got the chance to read it. it gave m something i didn't even know i was needing.
the themes are definitely something people need to be aware of it it doesn't shy away from them and are woven through the entire plot and characters. its ok to be triggered and its ok to step away from a book that might do that. thats bravery to know when something will harm you and avoiding it.
Meg P, Reviewer
Jo O’Neill has written a haunting, powerful novel in More Than Us—one that blurs the line between ghost story and social commentary, delivering something far deeper than a conventional supernatural thriller.
At its core, this is a story about women whose voices were silenced in life but who find power and unity in death. The ghosts are not simply background figures or frightening apparitions; O’Neill gives each of them a history, a voice, and above all, agency. Their choice to come together—to reclaim their stories and resist erasure—creates a narrative that is as moving as it is unsettling.
What I found especially striking is the way the book is structured. O’Neill allows us into the perspectives not only of the victims, but also of those complicit in their suffering and those left behind to grapple with the truth. This layering builds tension and keeps the reader questioning assumptions right up until the end. Just when I thought I had the threads untangled, the story shifted, forcing me to reconsider everything I believed about the characters and their fates.
The atmosphere is chilling, heavy with dread, yet O’Neill never loses sight of the deeply human element. The horror doesn’t just come from the supernatural—it comes from the echo of real-world violence, misogyny, and the silencing of women’s experiences. That resonance is what makes the novel so impactful. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s a reflection of injustice and a call for voices that refuse to be forgotten.
The pacing is deliberate, building slowly but with an intensity that tightens as the story unfolds. O’Neill’s prose is vivid and evocative, creating scenes that feel both terrifying and heartbreakingly intimate. By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt completely absorbed, sitting in the quiet aftermath of a book that refuses to let go.
More Than Us is dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It is a story about ghosts, yes—but more than that, it’s about resilience, unity, and the unyielding strength of women reclaiming their narratives. Jo O’Neill has crafted a debut that is bold, devastating, and deeply necessary.
Jo O’Neill crafts a deeply unsettling yet profoundly moving tale in More Than Us, a story that proves ghost fiction can be far more than fleeting chills or supernatural scares. At first glance, the premise seems straightforward—young women vanish, and their restless spirits return—but O’Neill takes this familiar setup and transforms it into a layered, haunting exploration of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable strength of unity.
The missing women form the emotional core of the novel. Though they exist as ghosts, O’Neill refuses to let them be reduced to mere shadows or plot devices. Instead, each one is given a voice, a history, and a powerful sense of agency. Their decision to come together in the afterlife adds a unique dimension to the story, as what begins as horror evolves into something far richer—an almost defiant reclaiming of their identities in the face of violence and erasure. The question of whether it’s too late for their voices to be heard keeps the tension simmering throughout, pulling the reader forward with equal parts dread and hope.
What sets this novel apart from many ghost stories is the balance between the supernatural and the deeply human. O’Neill layers the eerie atmosphere with emotional resonance, crafting scenes that feel both chilling and heartbreakingly real. The ghosts’ plight is terrifying not just because of the otherworldly elements, but because it mirrors the all-too-real struggles of women whose stories are silenced. That connection to reality gives the book a raw edge, elevating it above typical genre boundaries.
The pacing is masterful—slow enough to allow the weight of the story to sink in, but taut with suspense so that every chapter demands to be read. O’Neill’s prose is evocative without being overwrought, painting just enough detail to create a sense of dread while letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. The atmosphere feels heavy, almost oppressive at times, mirroring the characters’ experiences while building toward a climax that is both devastating and cathartic.
Even for readers who don’t typically enjoy ghost stories, More Than Us offers something unique. It’s a ghost story, yes, but it’s also a tale of solidarity, justice, and the refusal to be forgotten. The supernatural serves as a powerful lens through which O’Neill explores themes of memory, identity, and collective strength. The result is a narrative that lingers long after the final page, both chilling in its execution and deeply moving in its message.
Dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable, More Than Us is more than a ghost story—it’s a testament to survival, unity, and the unyielding power of women’s voices. Fans of psychological suspense, gothic fiction, or emotionally charged thrillers will find themselves captivated by O’Neill’s vision and storytelling skill.
Educator 664484
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down! It was not at all what I was expecting and more than surpassed my expectations. The points of view from the different characters added extra layers of interest to the whole story. The ending was unexpected and all that a psychological thriller should be!
Lee C, Reviewer
Firstly there are triggers in this book of sexual abuse , abuse of power and misogyny so please be warned.
I have to say I was not sure about this book when I requested it, but I love trying new authors work.
What I thought was interesting and different was the way the book is broken up where the author allows the reader to become familiar with all parties in the story, the serial killer, a witness and the victims. I thought this aspect of the book was extremely clever and added another level of suspense to the story. The book is a slow burn but this is effective as we are dropped information as the plot develops.
Lots of tension which increased the atmosphere and had me turning the pages at an increasingly fast speed as I thought I had things worked out when bang, everting as I thought I knew it turned upside down and I found myself thinking completely differently . I really think the less said the better as I feel you really need to go in blind and let the book surprise you as ir progresses.
I will say the ending really hit me and I sat there for several minutes after the last page processing what I had just read, A very good book that I highly recommend and I look forward to more books from this author. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
More Than Us by Jo O'Neill was such an entertaining read that I finished in a few hours.
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
They are realistic and very well developed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.
Thank You NetGalley and Book Guild Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I enjoyed it. It was very cleverly plotted and intense. It turned out completely different from what I imagined from the blurb. The twisted mindset of a serial killer and master manipulator is defined thoroughly in detailed descriptions with his point of view.. Multiple points of view added the tension. The main twist is something I am not disclosing. You have to read it yourself. Bailey, Sophie, and other victims are very strong, and I felt a connection with all of them. The ending is quite satisfying. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Reviewer 222518
I absolutely loved More Than Us by Jo O’Neill. From the very beginning, I felt pulled into the characters’ lives, they’re so real, so flawed, and yet so easy to connect with. What I enjoyed most was how the story slowly revealed little secrets and surprises along the way. Just when I thought I knew where things were going, O’Neill added a twist or a new layer that made me see everything differently.
This book made me feel so many emotions, heartbreak, hope. It's about resilience, healing, and the unexpected ways people come into our lives when we need them most. I know these characters will stick with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a roller coaster of emotions, this one is a must. But holy crap, that end paragraph 😳
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
It wasn't really what i expected from the description and I don't think cover matches the vibes at all. Can't say that's it's my new favorite book or that it was something extraordinary. But, it turned out to be a very good, solid, interesting story that felt warm and cozy despite the gruesome moments.
I loved seeing the narration from different angles: a serial killer, his victims, their close ones, a witness. Some I loved, some were a bit boring. In general, each had a great contribution to painting a picture of the events from all sides and depths.
And oh wow, I loved the very ending. The general ending was great, but the last page? Exactly my taste of how a perfect book should end.
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Jo O'Neill does a fantastic job in writing this thriller novel, it had that element that I enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was wanting and worked in this type of book. I really enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere and how it was used to tell this story, the characters worked overall and glad I read this. It worked so well as this type of book and left me wanting to read more from Jo O'Neill.
Wow! Very intense read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had such chilling suspense that had me glued to my kindle! Gruesome murders, mystery, fantastic characters, loved the creepy characters lol and some jaw dropping twists that gave me chills!! I highly recommend reading this chilling thriller you definitely won’t be disappointed it was a fantastic book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
More Than Us was a really good book. Definitely a unputdownable page-turner. The ending was unpredictable and overall, it was a tense, chilling read.
This book was terrific read, and a whip smart narrative that holds you from page to page! The characters were great, the story itself was very enjoyable and suspenseful!
You won’t forget this book in a hurry this is a class above your usual psychological thriller! I was so transfixed to the story I read it within a few hours! The ending had me gasping in awe!
I’d highly recommend everyone to add this book to your reading list, you won’t be disappointed! A truly gripping psychological thriller!
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