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If Two Are Dead: A Novel
Three girls go into the woods, but only one comes out…
Driving alone at night in a wild rainstorm, Luke Conway strikes something—or someone. He and his wife, Carrie, recently moved back to Clear River to help take care of her ailing father, and after a tragedy at his previous job, this move is their last chance at a new life. Now, standing in the downpour on this Texas road, Luke, an off-duty cop, has a decision to make—and he has to make it fast.
No one else is around. No witnesses. And he can’t find a body.
Wanting to believe he's being paranoid, that he's just seeing things, Luke panics and leaves, deciding not to report the incident but rather to secretly investigate it. He can't put more stress on Carrie, who's already haunted by the unsolved attack and murder of two teenage girls that happened years ago in Clear River, a horrific crime in which she was the sole survivor. The killer has not been found, but Carrie and Luke's anguished search for answers will slowly reveal the horrific truth.
Driving alone at night in a wild rainstorm, Luke Conway strikes something—or someone. He and his wife, Carrie, recently moved back to Clear River to help take care of her ailing father, and after a tragedy at his previous job, this move is their last chance at a new life. Now, standing in the downpour on this Texas road, Luke, an off-duty cop, has a decision to make—and he has to make it fast.
No one else is around. No witnesses. And he can’t find a body.
Wanting to believe he's being paranoid, that he's just seeing things, Luke panics and leaves, deciding not to report the incident but rather to secretly investigate it. He can't put more stress on Carrie, who's already haunted by the unsolved attack and murder of two teenage girls that happened years ago in Clear River, a horrific crime in which she was the sole survivor. The killer has not been found, but Carrie and Luke's anguished search for answers will slowly reveal the horrific truth.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
152 people are currently reading
21892 people want to read
About the author
Rick Mofina
68 books1,309 followersRick Mofina is a former journalist who has interviewed murderers on death row in Montana and Texas, flown over L.A. with the LAPD and patrolled with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic. He's also reported from the Caribbean, Africa and Kuwait's border with Iraq. His true-crime freelance work has appeared in The New York Times, The Telegraph (London, U.K.), Reader’s Digest, Penthouse, Marie Claire and The South China Morning Post, (Hong Kong). He has written more than 20 crime fiction thrillers that have been published in nearly 30 countries.
His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Louise Penny, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Lisa Unger, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper.
The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.”
Series:
* Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski
* Jason Wade
* Jack Gannon
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2003): Blood of Others
His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Louise Penny, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Lisa Unger, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper.
The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.”
Series:
* Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski
* Jason Wade
* Jack Gannon
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2003): Blood of Others
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
December 28, 2024
It’s time to go home…
Carrie swore she would never return to her home town. But with her father falling ill she needs to buck up and face all the accusations and rumors she so desperately wanted to leave behind. But in small towns, people tend to have great memories and just can’t wait to pick up where they left off.
Luke is Carrie’s husband. A move across country to a small town’s sheriffs’ office may be exactly what he needs. He was looking for an opportunity to leave the LAPD and this move couldn’t have come at a better time. Brace yourself Luke, you’re only in your first few days of the job and already you’re finding yourself in an open field of whoopsie-daisies.
Rick Mofina is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy both his series and stand-alones equally. This latest is no exception.
A propulsive read you’ll find hard to put down. With a satisfyingly shocking ending! Put your weekend plans on hold because once you start this read you will not be able to step away!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
Carrie swore she would never return to her home town. But with her father falling ill she needs to buck up and face all the accusations and rumors she so desperately wanted to leave behind. But in small towns, people tend to have great memories and just can’t wait to pick up where they left off.
Luke is Carrie’s husband. A move across country to a small town’s sheriffs’ office may be exactly what he needs. He was looking for an opportunity to leave the LAPD and this move couldn’t have come at a better time. Brace yourself Luke, you’re only in your first few days of the job and already you’re finding yourself in an open field of whoopsie-daisies.
Rick Mofina is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy both his series and stand-alones equally. This latest is no exception.
A propulsive read you’ll find hard to put down. With a satisfyingly shocking ending! Put your weekend plans on hold because once you start this read you will not be able to step away!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
February 15, 2025
A girl goes into the woods with 2 other high school girls and she is the only one that makes it out alive. Why did she survive? Was she the one that killed them? No one truly knows because she lost all her memory of the incident due to a head injury. Years later, she returns to her hometown and starts remembering what happened.
This was a good, fast paced read. Her husband also was going through his own little mystery and everything does come together in the end. I wasn’t 100% sold on the ending as it was a little far fetched to me, but I still enjoyed the ride and all the build up.
Overall, this is a good read that creates good suspense.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good, fast paced read. Her husband also was going through his own little mystery and everything does come together in the end. I wasn’t 100% sold on the ending as it was a little far fetched to me, but I still enjoyed the ride and all the build up.
Overall, this is a good read that creates good suspense.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2024
Well, this is a fun and fast read.
I adored our family – the problem with this adoration is that I was never, ever really worried that things wouldn’t work out in the end. It made the book just a touch less suspenseful.
And I finished the book still having some feelings about the husband’s little…moral challenge.
But, all things being said, it was still a terrific beach read. Definitely twisty and I read it at breakneck speed.
• ARC via Publisher
I adored our family – the problem with this adoration is that I was never, ever really worried that things wouldn’t work out in the end. It made the book just a touch less suspenseful.
And I finished the book still having some feelings about the husband’s little…moral challenge.
But, all things being said, it was still a terrific beach read. Definitely twisty and I read it at breakneck speed.
• ARC via Publisher
June 28, 2025
I couldn’t imagine leaving a city years ago, escaping a tragedy that left two of my classmates dead and nearly left me dead only to be forced to return when my only living parent is diagnosed with a terminal illness. In addition to this, your husband Luke is an off-duty cop driving home on a stormy night, and hits something or someone & the mystery of this has emotions at an all time high. This is exactly what happens to Carrie in this wild ride. The author does a great job of building suspense as you navigate through the chapters and the story continues to unfold. You will truly not know who to trust, as every single character has their own secrets that they were harboring. I really enjoyed the narration in the audiobook, Will Damron did a great job with the narration.
Overall a solid read that I think fans of police procedural story lines will enjoy! This was my first book by Rick Mofina, but it certainly won’t be my last. Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall a solid read that I think fans of police procedural story lines will enjoy! This was my first book by Rick Mofina, but it certainly won’t be my last. Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this listening copy. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2025
This was okay. I like the author which is the main reason I picked this up. I do however like his other work I have read from him better than this one.
The last 30 percent was fast paced and fun. The first 70 percent was too slow for me to give it a better rating. If the first portion of the storyline read like the last I would have been able to rate it higher.
I liked how there was so many ways this could have went when Carrie was trying to figure out who the “bad guy” was. I kept on changing my guesses throughout which I enjoyed.
I would recommend it if you are looking for a police style who done it case. But I would skip this one if you are a Rick Mofina fan as it’s not as good as his other work ( in my opinion)
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC In exchange for an honest review.
The last 30 percent was fast paced and fun. The first 70 percent was too slow for me to give it a better rating. If the first portion of the storyline read like the last I would have been able to rate it higher.
I liked how there was so many ways this could have went when Carrie was trying to figure out who the “bad guy” was. I kept on changing my guesses throughout which I enjoyed.
I would recommend it if you are looking for a police style who done it case. But I would skip this one if you are a Rick Mofina fan as it’s not as good as his other work ( in my opinion)
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC In exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
Hang on tight, cause there's a lot going on here, and I loved it!
Luke is an off duty cop, who thinks he may have hit someone with his vehicle, but it's dark and rainy and there's nobody there. Does he report it? Luke's wife Carrie went into the woods with two other girls when she was a teen and only she came out alive. What happened in the woods? Carrie has fragments of memories, being chased, falling, and then waking up in the hospital. She still struggles with memory loss and trauma. They recently moved back to the small town they're from to care for Carrie's father who is dying and who might have secrets of his own...
The plot moves at the perfect pace for increasing tension and suspense. With multiple story lines intertwining and a cast of characters I was giving the side eye to, I wasn't sure who to trust. Each person felt fully fleshed out, dealing with the complexities of their given situation and circumstances. I had a few theories going and was ultimately able to figure out who did what, but boy did I have fun with the drama of getting there!
Not gonna lie, I initially chose this one because I saw Will Damron was narrating and he's a favorite of mine. Damron excels at unique voices for EVERY character and his performance is infused with emotion. He also knows just how to turn up the intensity with increases in his pitch and pace for those truly exciting moments, which this had several!
IF TWO ARE DEAD is perfect for those who enjoy a small town whodunnit, mixed with a police procedural and uncovering past secrets. This was my first book by Rick Mofina and it certainly won't be the last. Do yourself a favor and get the audiobook along with the book, because you'll want the complete immersive experience for this popcorn thriller!
____
Thank you to The Hive and HTP Audio for my free copies. All opinions are my own.
Luke is an off duty cop, who thinks he may have hit someone with his vehicle, but it's dark and rainy and there's nobody there. Does he report it? Luke's wife Carrie went into the woods with two other girls when she was a teen and only she came out alive. What happened in the woods? Carrie has fragments of memories, being chased, falling, and then waking up in the hospital. She still struggles with memory loss and trauma. They recently moved back to the small town they're from to care for Carrie's father who is dying and who might have secrets of his own...
The plot moves at the perfect pace for increasing tension and suspense. With multiple story lines intertwining and a cast of characters I was giving the side eye to, I wasn't sure who to trust. Each person felt fully fleshed out, dealing with the complexities of their given situation and circumstances. I had a few theories going and was ultimately able to figure out who did what, but boy did I have fun with the drama of getting there!
Not gonna lie, I initially chose this one because I saw Will Damron was narrating and he's a favorite of mine. Damron excels at unique voices for EVERY character and his performance is infused with emotion. He also knows just how to turn up the intensity with increases in his pitch and pace for those truly exciting moments, which this had several!
IF TWO ARE DEAD is perfect for those who enjoy a small town whodunnit, mixed with a police procedural and uncovering past secrets. This was my first book by Rick Mofina and it certainly won't be the last. Do yourself a favor and get the audiobook along with the book, because you'll want the complete immersive experience for this popcorn thriller!
____
Thank you to The Hive and HTP Audio for my free copies. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
2.5 stars rounded up.
You can't go home again - or can you? Thirteen years ago, three girls - seventeen-year-old high school junior Carrie and two high school seniors, Abby and Erin - went into the woods in Clear River, East Texas, but only Carrie came out alive. Seriously hurt with a head injury that caused memory loss, she soon moved to California to escape the whispers that she had anything to do with the deaths of the other two girls. Meanwhile, Carrie's husband, Luke, has his own trauma to overcome from an incident while working for the LAPD. When the couple and their young daughter move back to Texas to be closer to Carrie's ailing father, Clear River's former sheriff, they know to expect some resentment and animosity from a community still reeling from the unsolved murders thirteen years ago and suspicious of Carrie's involvement in what happened that day. To make matters worse, Luke, now working as a deputy sheriff for the county, is out one evening in a storm when his car hits something... or someone. When he doesn't find a trace of any person, Luke decides to keep quiet about the incident, but his guilty conscience leads him to investigate nonetheless, eventually leading to a horrifying revelation.
I was really excited to pick up this promising book by a well-versed author. The premises of both stories - Carrie's backstory as well as Luke's current predicament - were intriguing and kept me guessing throughout. An unexpectedly touching death row side story in particular was gripping and gave the author - who, according to his author's note, once covered a death penalty case while working as a reporter and was given first-hand information about the execution protocol by prison officials, even being walked into the execution chamber himself - a chance to shine.
However, despite Rick Mofina's extensive personal knowledge of certain aspects of the story, and two different mysteries, the book felt very lackluster overall, and I honestly expected more. Parts of it were the pacing, which felt off, as the story would repeatedly jump multiple days into the future with no warning. More frustratingly, it was very repetitive: storylines, accusations, and suspicions were reiterated again and again in the space of sometimes only a few pages, and characters would often chide themselves for not doing something (i.e., being there for each other in times of need, following up on certain evidence, etc.), and then still not do it, but keep mentioning that they should. Finally, I found the different writing style of the flashbacks very hard to read.
Overall, this one just wasn't what I had hoped for, and fell flat compared to the author's previous work. However, I seem to be an outlier in this assessment, and this definitely will not deter me from reading more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"If Two Are Dead" is slated to be released on April 29, 2025.
2.5 stars rounded up.
You can't go home again - or can you? Thirteen years ago, three girls - seventeen-year-old high school junior Carrie and two high school seniors, Abby and Erin - went into the woods in Clear River, East Texas, but only Carrie came out alive. Seriously hurt with a head injury that caused memory loss, she soon moved to California to escape the whispers that she had anything to do with the deaths of the other two girls. Meanwhile, Carrie's husband, Luke, has his own trauma to overcome from an incident while working for the LAPD. When the couple and their young daughter move back to Texas to be closer to Carrie's ailing father, Clear River's former sheriff, they know to expect some resentment and animosity from a community still reeling from the unsolved murders thirteen years ago and suspicious of Carrie's involvement in what happened that day. To make matters worse, Luke, now working as a deputy sheriff for the county, is out one evening in a storm when his car hits something... or someone. When he doesn't find a trace of any person, Luke decides to keep quiet about the incident, but his guilty conscience leads him to investigate nonetheless, eventually leading to a horrifying revelation.
I was really excited to pick up this promising book by a well-versed author. The premises of both stories - Carrie's backstory as well as Luke's current predicament - were intriguing and kept me guessing throughout. An unexpectedly touching death row side story in particular was gripping and gave the author - who, according to his author's note, once covered a death penalty case while working as a reporter and was given first-hand information about the execution protocol by prison officials, even being walked into the execution chamber himself - a chance to shine.
However, despite Rick Mofina's extensive personal knowledge of certain aspects of the story, and two different mysteries, the book felt very lackluster overall, and I honestly expected more. Parts of it were the pacing, which felt off, as the story would repeatedly jump multiple days into the future with no warning. More frustratingly, it was very repetitive: storylines, accusations, and suspicions were reiterated again and again in the space of sometimes only a few pages, and characters would often chide themselves for not doing something (i.e., being there for each other in times of need, following up on certain evidence, etc.), and then still not do it, but keep mentioning that they should. Finally, I found the different writing style of the flashbacks very hard to read.
Overall, this one just wasn't what I had hoped for, and fell flat compared to the author's previous work. However, I seem to be an outlier in this assessment, and this definitely will not deter me from reading more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"If Two Are Dead" is slated to be released on April 29, 2025.
May 8, 2025
Rick Mofina’s latest is a nail biter that takes readers on a wild ride of suspense. A woman moves back to the town where a terribly tragic event occurred in the woods involving her and two friends. She is the only one of the three that makes it out alive. Unfortunately she suffers from amnesia and struggles to make sense of what happened, even, at times, blaming herself. Meanwhile her husband, a police officer, is working through his own past demons and must come to grips with what might have occurred when he was driving solo on a dark and stormy night. Mofina’s words are gripping, the plot is intense and the cast of characters will keep readers guessing. For fans of Heather Gudenkauf and Brad Parks.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, MIRA and Rick Mofina for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, MIRA and Rick Mofina for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2025
I was excited when I saw “If Two Are Dead” by Rick Mofina available as a NetGalley audiobook! His previous book, “Someone Saw Something” introduced me to the author and I absolutely loved the complexity of characters and storyline! This book highlighted the fact the Mofina is an expert at building a complex character that is mysterious yet relatable at the same time.
The storyline plays out in a way that has the reader begging for more information. Both the main character and his wife have secrets in their past that play a role in the current timeline- but is unknown to the reader. This built the anticipation and suspense through the chapters.
The only negative was that the ending fell a little flat for me. The author kept making references to coincidences but that also fell flat (vague to avoid spoilers). Mofina paved the way to allow really anyone to be the villain, but dropped the ball in my opinion.
As new characters enter the scene, it was very easy to distinguish them and keep them separate- another nod to Mofina for this skill! With an easy-to-follow storyline that alternates between current time and the past through memories, this will definitely be a good one to add to the summer reading list!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
The storyline plays out in a way that has the reader begging for more information. Both the main character and his wife have secrets in their past that play a role in the current timeline- but is unknown to the reader. This built the anticipation and suspense through the chapters.
The only negative was that the ending fell a little flat for me. The author kept making references to coincidences but that also fell flat (vague to avoid spoilers). Mofina paved the way to allow really anyone to be the villain, but dropped the ball in my opinion.
As new characters enter the scene, it was very easy to distinguish them and keep them separate- another nod to Mofina for this skill! With an easy-to-follow storyline that alternates between current time and the past through memories, this will definitely be a good one to add to the summer reading list!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
April 25, 2025
If Two are Dead by Rick Mofina. Thanks to @mirabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carrie doesn’t remember what happened as a teen when she was the sole survivor from a slaughter that left two fellow high school students dead. Now she’s home and while the town doesn’t trust her, she wants to remember what happened.
I stuck with this one waiting for it to pick up but it just never really did for me. Give it a try. Maybe you’ll like it from the beginning but I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
“And that day in the woods, the not knowing, is always with me.”
If Two Are Dead comes out 4/29.
Carrie doesn’t remember what happened as a teen when she was the sole survivor from a slaughter that left two fellow high school students dead. Now she’s home and while the town doesn’t trust her, she wants to remember what happened.
I stuck with this one waiting for it to pick up but it just never really did for me. Give it a try. Maybe you’ll like it from the beginning but I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
“And that day in the woods, the not knowing, is always with me.”
If Two Are Dead comes out 4/29.
Read
May 27, 2025Almost didn’t finish this book, it was honestly really difficult to even listen to it was quite repetitive and boring.
April 7, 2025
3⭐️
I'm conflicted on this one. It appears most people have loved this so far so I might be the odd one out but this was just okay for me. It was a bit too much of a slow burn for me until about the last quarter of the book and then the pace flew. I did like the mystery of who attacked Carrie and the two other girls in high school and all the different possibilities that entailed. I definitely wasn't able to guess who did it and was constantly changing my opinion on everyone throughout the book. I also really liked Luke joining this small town sheriff station after having been a part of LAPD and how he tried to sneak around and investigated on his own. Even though he grew up in a small town near by, he didn't seem to remember that you get away with nothing when everyone knows everyone.
One of the advantages of Rick Mofina's writing is that he's a former crime reporter who's interviewed death row inmates. I had high expectations of a police procedural just based on that and this fell kind of flat for me. I also found Carrie's mother's cause of death to be odd. It was repeatedly said that she had a 'brain seizure' and died. That just feels redundant for for me since even if it wasn't an epileptic seizure, it would still be caused by trauma to the brain.
Thanks Netgalley, MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for providing this ARC to me!
I'm conflicted on this one. It appears most people have loved this so far so I might be the odd one out but this was just okay for me. It was a bit too much of a slow burn for me until about the last quarter of the book and then the pace flew. I did like the mystery of who attacked Carrie and the two other girls in high school and all the different possibilities that entailed. I definitely wasn't able to guess who did it and was constantly changing my opinion on everyone throughout the book. I also really liked Luke joining this small town sheriff station after having been a part of LAPD and how he tried to sneak around and investigated on his own. Even though he grew up in a small town near by, he didn't seem to remember that you get away with nothing when everyone knows everyone.
One of the advantages of Rick Mofina's writing is that he's a former crime reporter who's interviewed death row inmates. I had high expectations of a police procedural just based on that and this fell kind of flat for me. I also found Carrie's mother's cause of death to be odd. It was repeatedly said that she had a 'brain seizure' and died. That just feels redundant for for me since even if it wasn't an epileptic seizure, it would still be caused by trauma to the brain.
Thanks Netgalley, MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for providing this ARC to me!
May 12, 2025
4.5 stars!
Luke Conway hits something or someone while driving in a rainstorm. He doesn't find a body and decides not to report it, choosing to investigate secretly instead. His wife, Carrie, is already haunted by the unsolved attack and murder of two teenage girls in the area. Luke and Carrie's search for answers will uncover a horrific truth.
I am a newcomer to this author, but holy moly! This book was a whirlwind of excitement, wit, and surprises! I absolutely loved every page, especially when you think you've figured it all out around the 50% mark – only to be proven delightfully wrong!
With multiple points of view and two timelines, the story unfolds in a way that keeps you on your toes. Meet Luke and Carrie, two characters with secrets as deep as the ocean and a strong sense of justice. You can't help but root for them as they search for answers. The author does a fantastic job of making each character distinct and well-developed.
The vivid descriptions of the Houston setting make you feel like you're right there alongside the characters, experiencing the action firsthand. This book is a real page-turner, full of suspense that will have you biting your nails until the very end. I was constantly shouting, "Who did it?!" as the twists and turns kept me guessing.
If you're a fan of fast-paced, suspenseful reads that keep you guessing, this book is must-read. The clever plot and flawless execution will grab hold of you and not let go. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
Thank you, MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luke Conway hits something or someone while driving in a rainstorm. He doesn't find a body and decides not to report it, choosing to investigate secretly instead. His wife, Carrie, is already haunted by the unsolved attack and murder of two teenage girls in the area. Luke and Carrie's search for answers will uncover a horrific truth.
I am a newcomer to this author, but holy moly! This book was a whirlwind of excitement, wit, and surprises! I absolutely loved every page, especially when you think you've figured it all out around the 50% mark – only to be proven delightfully wrong!
With multiple points of view and two timelines, the story unfolds in a way that keeps you on your toes. Meet Luke and Carrie, two characters with secrets as deep as the ocean and a strong sense of justice. You can't help but root for them as they search for answers. The author does a fantastic job of making each character distinct and well-developed.
The vivid descriptions of the Houston setting make you feel like you're right there alongside the characters, experiencing the action firsthand. This book is a real page-turner, full of suspense that will have you biting your nails until the very end. I was constantly shouting, "Who did it?!" as the twists and turns kept me guessing.
If you're a fan of fast-paced, suspenseful reads that keep you guessing, this book is must-read. The clever plot and flawless execution will grab hold of you and not let go. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
Thank you, MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
3 3/4 stars
Rick Mofina is an excellent thriller writer, and I have enjoyed several of his books. I liked this one, too, but it isn't one of my favorites by him. The book features Luke and Carrie, a married couple who move back to Texas for a fresh start. Carrie's dad is ill and needs her and Luke wants to leave problems from his job as a cop in LA behind him. However, back in Clear River, Carrie must deal with a tragedy from many years before. She and two schoolmates went into the woods - the other two girls were killed, but Carrie survived with no memory of what had happened. Even though the couple is hoping for a new start, both of their pasts are catching up with them.
The main plot about Carrie is intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened and who killed the girls. However, Luke's drama with his past job and his current issues, thinking he may have accidentally hit a woman with his car get in the way of Carrie's story. It becomes repetitive and slows the pace of the overall story. Eventually all the threads come together, and the ending is satisfying, but it takes a bit too long to get there.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from HTP Books, HTP Hive, and Mira Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Rick Mofina is an excellent thriller writer, and I have enjoyed several of his books. I liked this one, too, but it isn't one of my favorites by him. The book features Luke and Carrie, a married couple who move back to Texas for a fresh start. Carrie's dad is ill and needs her and Luke wants to leave problems from his job as a cop in LA behind him. However, back in Clear River, Carrie must deal with a tragedy from many years before. She and two schoolmates went into the woods - the other two girls were killed, but Carrie survived with no memory of what had happened. Even though the couple is hoping for a new start, both of their pasts are catching up with them.
The main plot about Carrie is intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened and who killed the girls. However, Luke's drama with his past job and his current issues, thinking he may have accidentally hit a woman with his car get in the way of Carrie's story. It becomes repetitive and slows the pace of the overall story. Eventually all the threads come together, and the ending is satisfying, but it takes a bit too long to get there.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from HTP Books, HTP Hive, and Mira Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
There were so many layers to this thriller.
The story starts off very strong. A crime is committed by the MMC…a hit and run. The reason he runs is because he does not want to add more stress to his wife. His wife happens to the line survivor of a cold case murder whom she also happens to be a suspect in.
She also happens to be the daughter of a retired law enforcement officer. Her father was also a suspect in his wife’s deaths.
Like I said, layers.
We technically solve three different investigations that are going on throughout the story. The main investigation happens to be what actually happened with the wife’s case. I was not expecting the end.
The narrator did a great job. He was able to convey everyone’s point of view with clarity.
There were so many layers to this thriller.
The story starts off very strong. A crime is committed by the MMC…a hit and run. The reason he runs is because he does not want to add more stress to his wife. His wife happens to the line survivor of a cold case murder whom she also happens to be a suspect in.
She also happens to be the daughter of a retired law enforcement officer. Her father was also a suspect in his wife’s deaths.
Like I said, layers.
We technically solve three different investigations that are going on throughout the story. The main investigation happens to be what actually happened with the wife’s case. I was not expecting the end.
The narrator did a great job. He was able to convey everyone’s point of view with clarity.
February 16, 2025
Rick Mofina’s book “If Two are Dead”
Mentions a quote by Benjamin Franklin.
"Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead,"
And so we enter the woods with three girls, and only Carrie was able to come back. She woke up in the hospital finding her dad, Vern, looking at her worriedly.
How was Carrie able to escape the murderous events in the woods. She cannot remember. Even with the help of her doctor and therapy sessions won’t bring the events into Carrie’s mind.
Carrie and her husband Luke, and baby girl Emilia were living in California. However, Vern, the dad, had terminal illness therefore California family moved back to their hometown in Texas.
Luke had his own troubling issues, and he had some difficulties helping Carrie, who tried to cope with her trauma.
Investigation to the two girls’ murder started getting new leads. One journalist, Deese, was interviewing Carrie and started digging around to a point that she had published exclusive articles that caused Carrie even more anxiety, and deep self blaming thoughts.
Her world was in turmoil, as was Luke’s, too.
In my opinion, the role of Deese’s made me very angry and I was discussing with her how her poking around and should not be published too quickly, as most of it was speculation and made readers accuse Carrie.
This book kept me in it, I was living with them, I was telling how I could help Carrie and Luke, the way Mr. Mofina had told the fictional story caused me to feel emotions with characters. And I didn’t like Deese, sorry. Her character was so well written that she made my dislike open.
I will not touch the ending areas. I had my suspects and as always, well off the grid.
I will recommend this book with all my heart. Thank you, @Harper Collins, for giving me this opportunity to read a great book. @Rick Mofina, your next book will be in my hands, I can wait. Thank you for keeping me glued to your amazing writing of this story.
Mentions a quote by Benjamin Franklin.
"Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead,"
And so we enter the woods with three girls, and only Carrie was able to come back. She woke up in the hospital finding her dad, Vern, looking at her worriedly.
How was Carrie able to escape the murderous events in the woods. She cannot remember. Even with the help of her doctor and therapy sessions won’t bring the events into Carrie’s mind.
Carrie and her husband Luke, and baby girl Emilia were living in California. However, Vern, the dad, had terminal illness therefore California family moved back to their hometown in Texas.
Luke had his own troubling issues, and he had some difficulties helping Carrie, who tried to cope with her trauma.
Investigation to the two girls’ murder started getting new leads. One journalist, Deese, was interviewing Carrie and started digging around to a point that she had published exclusive articles that caused Carrie even more anxiety, and deep self blaming thoughts.
Her world was in turmoil, as was Luke’s, too.
In my opinion, the role of Deese’s made me very angry and I was discussing with her how her poking around and should not be published too quickly, as most of it was speculation and made readers accuse Carrie.
This book kept me in it, I was living with them, I was telling how I could help Carrie and Luke, the way Mr. Mofina had told the fictional story caused me to feel emotions with characters. And I didn’t like Deese, sorry. Her character was so well written that she made my dislike open.
I will not touch the ending areas. I had my suspects and as always, well off the grid.
I will recommend this book with all my heart. Thank you, @Harper Collins, for giving me this opportunity to read a great book. @Rick Mofina, your next book will be in my hands, I can wait. Thank you for keeping me glued to your amazing writing of this story.
July 5, 2025
4 1/2 ! Good story and Will Damron does an excellent narration.
July 12, 2025
A bit slow at times but dang I did not anticipate the ending.
June 15, 2025
4.5 rounded up. The writing is good and the story moves at a fast pace. There are twists and turns and it kept me guessing until the end.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, Rick Mofina, and it won’t be the last.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, Rick Mofina, and it won’t be the last.
May 27, 2025
2.5 stars rounded down ⭐️⭐️💫
This was certainly a book… the story itself was engaging at times, but overall it just never gripped me. The two main points of contention felt way too disconnected for most of the book - I felt like I was reading two entirely separate stories. The characters all felt very two dimensional and the dialogue felt really choppy. I kept to thinking to myself that people just don’t talk the way the story was written. It also felt like A LOT of telling and very little (if any) showing.
I will admit that I didn’t see the twist coming, but the second it was introduced I pegged how the story would end. Overall, just a bit predictable with characters that didn’t feel realistic.
This was certainly a book… the story itself was engaging at times, but overall it just never gripped me. The two main points of contention felt way too disconnected for most of the book - I felt like I was reading two entirely separate stories. The characters all felt very two dimensional and the dialogue felt really choppy. I kept to thinking to myself that people just don’t talk the way the story was written. It also felt like A LOT of telling and very little (if any) showing.
I will admit that I didn’t see the twist coming, but the second it was introduced I pegged how the story would end. Overall, just a bit predictable with characters that didn’t feel realistic.
July 3, 2025
Perfect book for being stuck in the ER for 10 hours. Lots of twists and turns and interesting characters. Great beach read I would say . Solid writer as this is my second book of his in less than a week
February 2, 2025
This guy is a longtime must-read for me! Rick Mofina never disappoints. Are some better than others? Sure, seeing as he has written a LOT of books. I do know though, that I will always get an entertaining read, and this book is no different. Luke and Carrie move from LA back to Clear River, Texas to help Carrie's sick father. Carrie swore she would never return due to past trauma. years ago. Three girls went into the woods and only Carrie came out. She has no memory of what happened. Luke is already wanting to leave LAPD, so he is ready to go. He becomes a Deputy in Clear River. Luke is off-duty and driving one night, thinks he hits something, can't find a body so he drives on, planning to investigate on his own. As it turns out, Luke has his own demons, and everything all comes back to haunt both Carrie and Luke. This is a slower burn at first than most of Rick Mofina's books and then it's all on and hold onto your hat! Very suspenseful and a great twist from the whodunnit aspect! This is a really good standalone and I highly recommend it. I also still look forward to this author's new books!
Thank you to #NetGalley, Rick Mofina and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Rick Mofina and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2025
Luke Conway and his wife Carrie have just moved back to Clear River, TX after years away in LA. Carrie is only back to take care of her father. Luke, after a tragedy at his previous job with the LAPD, is looking for a new start with a new department. Driving alone during a rainstorm, tragedy once again finds Luke as he strikes something- or someone. No one else is around and Luke doesn't see a body anywhere, so he decides not to report it and leaves in a panic. Carrie had her reasons for leaving Clear River after she was the sole survivor of a freak attack in the forest that left two of her classmates dead. Due to a head injury, Carrie couldn't remember what happened and suspicion quickly turned to her since the girls were known to have teased Carrie in school. Will Luke and Carrie be able to find the answers they want, or will the answers be their undoing?
Carrie and Luke are quite the hot mess couple. The first part of the book had me intrigued, then about 60% in I was considering DNF, but listening while I'm at work, I just kept it rolling. The ending and reveals brought it back together for me and overall, it was good. I didn't love the audiobook for this one though and think that others would like it more as a physical read over audio. It is written in 3rd person with storylines from Carrie, Luke and a killer, which 3rd person on audiobook is not my fav. I feel like the storytelling can get lost sometimes that way.
Carrie and Luke are quite the hot mess couple. The first part of the book had me intrigued, then about 60% in I was considering DNF, but listening while I'm at work, I just kept it rolling. The ending and reveals brought it back together for me and overall, it was good. I didn't love the audiobook for this one though and think that others would like it more as a physical read over audio. It is written in 3rd person with storylines from Carrie, Luke and a killer, which 3rd person on audiobook is not my fav. I feel like the storytelling can get lost sometimes that way.
June 12, 2025
This book went on for so long. Super repetitive. The dialogue was stiff and none of the characters had much personality.
December 30, 2024
If two are dead follows a young couple originally from Texas, as they move back to their hometown from California. Both have experienced trauma and are dealing with the fall out of death and despair following them.
Luke gets a job with the local sheriffs department thanks to an in from his father in law, but he is hiding a hit and run that he was involved in while off duty…his wife is trying to unlock the trauma she endured while in high school. How did she survive while someone got away with killing two of her classmates the same night?
Who could be the killer? Will they strike again now that the only survivor is back and trying to find out the truth?
This was a nice slow burn of a thriller. I really enjoyed it!
Luke gets a job with the local sheriffs department thanks to an in from his father in law, but he is hiding a hit and run that he was involved in while off duty…his wife is trying to unlock the trauma she endured while in high school. How did she survive while someone got away with killing two of her classmates the same night?
Who could be the killer? Will they strike again now that the only survivor is back and trying to find out the truth?
This was a nice slow burn of a thriller. I really enjoyed it!
March 12, 2025
Get your popcorn and snacks ready because you’re about to be glued to your seat, unable to put down this fast-paced and suspenseful read! 🍿📖
Carrie vowed to never return to her hometown. But when she finds out her father is ill, she knows she has to face her past. She left for LA after a tragic accident happened in her junior year and hasn’t looked back since.
Maybe this move back to Clear River could be a fresh start for Carrie and her husband, Luke. He’s just faced a tragedy of his own as an officer for the LAPD.
But this move isn’t starting out as positive as they imagined. While off duty, during a storm on his way home, Luke hits something or someone with his car. He gets out to inspect the area and calls out for someone, but can’t find a trace of anyone. Now paranoid, Luke constructs his own private investigation into who he could have possibly hit.
Meanwhile, Carrie is struggling with her past. Thirteen years ago, she went into the woods with two other classmates, and she was the only one to come out alive, just barely. She’s unable to remember anything that happened or why she was even in the woods. Slowly memories start to surface.
Was this move for the best? Will it open new and fresh wounds? Or give closure to everyone, so that they can move on and know the truth?
For Fans of:
✩ Multiple Suspects
✩ Whodunit Mysteries
✩ Small Towns
✩ Uncovering Memories
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to tell that the author was a reporter in the past; the way the story flows and was constructed really makes it feel like a true crime.
✨Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Carrie vowed to never return to her hometown. But when she finds out her father is ill, she knows she has to face her past. She left for LA after a tragic accident happened in her junior year and hasn’t looked back since.
Maybe this move back to Clear River could be a fresh start for Carrie and her husband, Luke. He’s just faced a tragedy of his own as an officer for the LAPD.
But this move isn’t starting out as positive as they imagined. While off duty, during a storm on his way home, Luke hits something or someone with his car. He gets out to inspect the area and calls out for someone, but can’t find a trace of anyone. Now paranoid, Luke constructs his own private investigation into who he could have possibly hit.
Meanwhile, Carrie is struggling with her past. Thirteen years ago, she went into the woods with two other classmates, and she was the only one to come out alive, just barely. She’s unable to remember anything that happened or why she was even in the woods. Slowly memories start to surface.
Was this move for the best? Will it open new and fresh wounds? Or give closure to everyone, so that they can move on and know the truth?
For Fans of:
✩ Multiple Suspects
✩ Whodunit Mysteries
✩ Small Towns
✩ Uncovering Memories
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to tell that the author was a reporter in the past; the way the story flows and was constructed really makes it feel like a true crime.
✨Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
May 6, 2025
This is a compelling mystery thriller with secrets being revealed methodically. This novel captured my attention from the beginning when Luke is headed home and may or may not have hit a pedestrian on his way. Being a new deputy at the sheriff’s department, Luke has a hard time hiding his feelings of guilt but he thinks he is doing it for the good of his wife Carrie. Carrie was already traumatized in her teens when two of her friends died when they went into the woods together and Carrie was the only survivor. But she cannot remember what happened. She and Luke return to her small hometown, a place she never wanted to go back to, but with her father terminally ill, she feels obligated to return. The secrets are buried deep in this atmospheric and complicated novel in which the characters all have secrets and no one wants others to find out. The pace is fast, the action rolls along well as secrets are unraveled like a ball of yarn with a gem in the center. The gem for this novel was the shocking ending that had me gasping and wondering how I missed the clues along the way. What a great read for mystery lovers and the added thrill of disturbing secrets just made this story even better!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2025
"Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
I literally couldn’t guess what was going to happen next.... this was such a fantastic thriller!
After two girls are brutally and mysteriously murdered in the woods, Carrie is the only known witness to what really happened.
Surely she’d come forward and bring their killer to justice???
The problem? Carrie doesn't remember ANYTHING!!!
During her escape, she suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her with no memory of that day. 👀
As time passes, the town starts whispering:
Did Carrie kill them?
Is she faking her injuries?
Is she hiding something?
What really happened that day?!!
Carrie eventually moves away, trying to rebuild her life. she gets married, has a baby, and is still desperately trying to piece together the truth. But life events pulls her back to Clear River… and what she finds is more chilling than she ever imagined. HER MEMORIES BEGIN TO COME BACK OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY!!!!
✨ "who did it??!"
✨ tense, twisty suspense
✨ multiple layered storylines
✨ shocking revelations
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. I will definitely be recommending this one!
I literally couldn’t guess what was going to happen next.... this was such a fantastic thriller!
After two girls are brutally and mysteriously murdered in the woods, Carrie is the only known witness to what really happened.
Surely she’d come forward and bring their killer to justice???
The problem? Carrie doesn't remember ANYTHING!!!
During her escape, she suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her with no memory of that day. 👀
As time passes, the town starts whispering:
Did Carrie kill them?
Is she faking her injuries?
Is she hiding something?
What really happened that day?!!
Carrie eventually moves away, trying to rebuild her life. she gets married, has a baby, and is still desperately trying to piece together the truth. But life events pulls her back to Clear River… and what she finds is more chilling than she ever imagined. HER MEMORIES BEGIN TO COME BACK OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY!!!!
✨ "who did it??!"
✨ tense, twisty suspense
✨ multiple layered storylines
✨ shocking revelations
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. I will definitely be recommending this one!
May 26, 2025
Rick Mofina is back with another excellent book. This book is filled with so many twists it will make your head spin.
Thirteen years ago in Texas three girls go into the woods, two are killed and one escapes, Carrie. Carrie was severely injured and suffered a severe head injury and is unable to remember anything that happened. She moved to California, fell in love, and now has a young baby. Carries father is slowly dying of cancer, so Carrie and her family move back to Texas to be near her father. Is going back to where the murders happened going to help recover her memory? Like I said there are so many twists in here and I’m not going to give anything away, you’re going to have to read it yourself and follow the twisty road map.
Thirteen years ago in Texas three girls go into the woods, two are killed and one escapes, Carrie. Carrie was severely injured and suffered a severe head injury and is unable to remember anything that happened. She moved to California, fell in love, and now has a young baby. Carries father is slowly dying of cancer, so Carrie and her family move back to Texas to be near her father. Is going back to where the murders happened going to help recover her memory? Like I said there are so many twists in here and I’m not going to give anything away, you’re going to have to read it yourself and follow the twisty road map.
April 6, 2025
Thank you to Harper Audio for my gifted ALC!
What I thought was going to be a popcorn thriller turned out to be something so much more emotional than I expected. There was a scene in this book centered around the death penalty, and it was so visceral that the entire world surrounding me fell away. It makes sense after the authors note why this scene was so impactful. That alone wasn’t what made this story so good - the writing and the characters were so well developed that it was hard to not find pieces of your own family members within them. Brilliant story, brilliant writing, wonderfully surprising twist at the end. Slam dunk.
What I thought was going to be a popcorn thriller turned out to be something so much more emotional than I expected. There was a scene in this book centered around the death penalty, and it was so visceral that the entire world surrounding me fell away. It makes sense after the authors note why this scene was so impactful. That alone wasn’t what made this story so good - the writing and the characters were so well developed that it was hard to not find pieces of your own family members within them. Brilliant story, brilliant writing, wonderfully surprising twist at the end. Slam dunk.
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