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The Bridal Shower
Hiding toxic secrets comes at a price.
Eva Peretti plans on throwing her best friend, Cat, an unforgettable bridal shower at a remote country estate. But the night before the shower, Cat receives an ominous Secrets will be revealed tomorrow. Will they be yours? Distraught, she calls Eva to find out if this is a game she has arranged, only to discover that all the bridesmaids received the same message and are equally shaken.
Fearful that someone is out to sabotage her wedding, but not knowing who, or why, Cat agrees to proceed with the shower. All goes well until she opens an anonymous gift and discovers a bloody knife buried beneath layers of white tissue paper. During the confusion that follows, things take an even more chilling turn when her future mother-in-law vanishes.
Is someone intent on derailing Cat’s wedding, or are they protecting her from a toxic secret she knows nothing about?
Eva Peretti plans on throwing her best friend, Cat, an unforgettable bridal shower at a remote country estate. But the night before the shower, Cat receives an ominous Secrets will be revealed tomorrow. Will they be yours? Distraught, she calls Eva to find out if this is a game she has arranged, only to discover that all the bridesmaids received the same message and are equally shaken.
Fearful that someone is out to sabotage her wedding, but not knowing who, or why, Cat agrees to proceed with the shower. All goes well until she opens an anonymous gift and discovers a bloody knife buried beneath layers of white tissue paper. During the confusion that follows, things take an even more chilling turn when her future mother-in-law vanishes.
Is someone intent on derailing Cat’s wedding, or are they protecting her from a toxic secret she knows nothing about?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
475 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
N.L. Hinkens
23 books355 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author N. L. Hinkens writes twisty psychological suspense thrillers with unexpected endings. She’s a travel junkie, coffee hound, and idea wrangler, in no particular order. She grew up in Ireland—land of legends and storytelling—and now resides in the US. Her work has won the Grand Prize Next Generation Indie Book Award for fiction, as well as numerous other awards. Join her VIP Reader Club for hot new releases, stellar giveaways, exclusive content, behind the scenes and more. https://normahinkens.com/
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 16, 2025
This was a great domestic thriller. I did guess some of the twists but was still surprised by others. Deep, dark family secrets. Who can you trust? So intriguing and gripping.
May 5, 2025
Eva is about to marry the man of her dreams, except there’s one major flaw. Her future mother-in-law is making it nearly impossible to enjoy her engagement and her wedding. With always snippy and passive-aggressive comment, Eva isn’t so sure she should be marrying into the Tucker family. Little does Eva know, there’s something more sinister happening. Will she figure it out? Can she keep herself safe?
One of the things that N.L. Hinkens does well is writing a captivating story that no matter if you have dispel reality a bit, you can’t help but want to find out how the story ends. For instance, breaking into a house of a potential killer is not a clever plan, however, once you get past this, the ride to the end is very exciting!
Right from the beginning, I kept guessing who was the murderer and it really could’ve been anyone. This is another area that Ms. Hinkens excels - keeping her readers guessing!
I also loved how there was a creepy element to the story. The author took an emotion, an experience that some women have felt and twists that emotion/experience into something that can sends chills up my spine while reading.
Overall, a fun and fantastic read from N.L. Hinkens. I recommend to those who enjoy quick, concise psychological thrillers. I’m happy to give to “The Bridal Shower” a 5 out of 5 stars, and can’t wait for N.L. Hinkens next thrilling story!
Thank you to the author for giving me an the opportunity to read “The Bridal Shower”! All opinions are my own.
One of the things that N.L. Hinkens does well is writing a captivating story that no matter if you have dispel reality a bit, you can’t help but want to find out how the story ends. For instance, breaking into a house of a potential killer is not a clever plan, however, once you get past this, the ride to the end is very exciting!
Right from the beginning, I kept guessing who was the murderer and it really could’ve been anyone. This is another area that Ms. Hinkens excels - keeping her readers guessing!
I also loved how there was a creepy element to the story. The author took an emotion, an experience that some women have felt and twists that emotion/experience into something that can sends chills up my spine while reading.
Overall, a fun and fantastic read from N.L. Hinkens. I recommend to those who enjoy quick, concise psychological thrillers. I’m happy to give to “The Bridal Shower” a 5 out of 5 stars, and can’t wait for N.L. Hinkens next thrilling story!
Thank you to the author for giving me an the opportunity to read “The Bridal Shower”! All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2025
I absolutely loved The Bridal Shower by N.L. Hinkens. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bridal Shower. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Who does not love a psychological suspense thriller with a surprise ending? Once again N. L Hinkens has shown that she is a master storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read and a must-read author for me. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. It was an incredible psychological suspense thriller and has me guessing who was behind everything that was taking place in the story. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. I love that the story is told from the perspective of the main character. I loved getting inside the thoughts and feelings of the character. I love all the plot twists and turns in The Bridal Shower. I could not determine the identity of who is behind the events in the story until it was revealed. It took me by surprise how everything and everyone was tied together in this thriller. The Bridal Shower is the story of Eva Boucher and Chad Turner, and the events around their wedding, starting with the bridal shower, rehearsal, and wedding day. Eva believes that Chad’s mother, Laura is trying to sabotage their wedding. It starts with mysterious notes and gifts at the bridal shower, continues with Laura’s actions at the rehearsal, and ends with Laura being a no-show at their wedding. Chads sister, Brandy informs them that she has heard from their mother, and she is expecting Eva to apologize to her. Eva receives a mysterious letter from Laura revealing details about the death of Chad’s first wife, Shana, which threatens their marriage. Eva wants answers to what really happened to Laura and starts investigating. A unexpected plot twist puts Eva’s life in jeopardy. I kept trying to figure out what was going on with all the characters in the story, it appeared that everyone had something to hide. I loved following the exploration to determine what was really going on in their lives. I love how the story details what really transpired and who was behind the mystery. My favorite part was the surprise ending, I did not see it coming. I love how everything that was going on was all interconnected. It was an incredible thriller. Looking forward to reading more books by N.L. Hinkens. Looking for a great thriller, then I highly recommend The Bridal Shower. I received an advanced copy from the author.
May 4, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I’m a big fan of Hinkens’ thriller/mysteries, but this one wasn’t my favorite. I think this is because I had so much trouble relating to Eva, the protagonist. Half the time, I was shaking my head at her idiocy.
Eva is set to marry Chad, but her future mother-in-law Laura seems intent on driving her away. Chad was married before, but his wife Shanna died under mysterious circumstances. Every opportunity she gets, Laura extols the virtues of the deceased Shanna and highlights the inferiority of Eva. Her sister advises her to abort the wedding, but she goes through with it anyway.
It’s difficult to discuss the plot of a murder-mystery without revealing any surprises. As a shortcut around this, I’ll simply say that I thought Eva was obtuse and ignored some obvious signs. She threw away a letter that could have been used as evidence. She jumped to conclusions, then explained away suspicious behavior. In her mind, she knew who the villain was, so she was shocked when she was wrong. But it was rather clear to the reader that she was mistaken—way before she became aware of it. And the end had kind of a Friday the 13th feel to it, as if the killer were going to pop up again unexpectedly. And, I still had a few questions about the actions of one of the other characters.
Overall, it was a fun read, but I’d recommend one of Hinkens’ other books as a better introduction to her writing. I’m still a fan, but primarily because I’ve read many of her other books.
Eva is set to marry Chad, but her future mother-in-law Laura seems intent on driving her away. Chad was married before, but his wife Shanna died under mysterious circumstances. Every opportunity she gets, Laura extols the virtues of the deceased Shanna and highlights the inferiority of Eva. Her sister advises her to abort the wedding, but she goes through with it anyway.
It’s difficult to discuss the plot of a murder-mystery without revealing any surprises. As a shortcut around this, I’ll simply say that I thought Eva was obtuse and ignored some obvious signs. She threw away a letter that could have been used as evidence. She jumped to conclusions, then explained away suspicious behavior. In her mind, she knew who the villain was, so she was shocked when she was wrong. But it was rather clear to the reader that she was mistaken—way before she became aware of it. And the end had kind of a Friday the 13th feel to it, as if the killer were going to pop up again unexpectedly. And, I still had a few questions about the actions of one of the other characters.
Overall, it was a fun read, but I’d recommend one of Hinkens’ other books as a better introduction to her writing. I’m still a fan, but primarily because I’ve read many of her other books.
August 14, 2025
Finished in one day! Couldn’t put it down (literally). I guess some of the twists but honestly they kept coming until the very last page! Eva is about to get married and her future mother in law is sabotaging her shower, rehearsal and doesn’t show up to the wedding. Eva assumes it’s the typical mother in law toxic behavior, but in reality it’s her husbands sister who is mentally ill and ends up kidnapping her mother, and then Eva all because she wants Eva’s child. Turns out Eva’s husband Chad knew about her mental illness but didn’t want to “scare” Eva off and her mother in law Laura wasn’t trying to sabotage, but was trying to tell Eva not to marry Chad! It was so good. Short chapters and not that many characters so it was easy to read and follow. Really enjoying books by N.L Hinken and will read more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
The Goodreads summary is somewhat wrong. There is nobody named Cat in this novel, this is about Eva, and her soon-to-be mother-in-law Laura. Eva thinks Laura is behind several attempts to get Eva to leave her fiance Chad, Laura's son. But things become ominous when Laura supposedly disappears.
I read this in a day and a half, it was so good I didn't want to put it down. I've read two other books by this author, The Caregiver and The Neighbor and I'll definitely read more!
I read this in a day and a half, it was so good I didn't want to put it down. I've read two other books by this author, The Caregiver and The Neighbor and I'll definitely read more!
May 3, 2025
Susan
Loved this book from the start and once I started reading I could not stop. Anyone looking for a book that holds your interest from the beginning needs to add this to your list.
Loved this book from the start and once I started reading I could not stop. Anyone looking for a book that holds your interest from the beginning needs to add this to your list.
April 27, 2025
This story had so many unexpected twists that had my head spinning. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, I was hit with another twist. I love this style of writing and I am never disappointed with this author. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book via the author and this is my honest review.
April 28, 2025
Highly entertaining Psychological Thriller!
The Bridal Shower is the 17th book I’ve read by N.L. Hinkens. With each new book I get to a point and begin predicting where the story is going to go and who might be the antagonist. The Bridal Shower wasn’t any different. Honestly, I firmly believed I had achieved my goal of finally predicting the antagonist and story arc for one of N.L. Hinkins books. That smug feeling lasted until the author pulled the rug out from under my feet and I found myself back at step one. You would think after reading 16 previous books and 16 failures at prediction/solving the story I’d learn. but no predicting the who what and how of these books always brings me back to read the next for not only its entertainment value but to maybe succeed in predicting the who, how, where of the story.
When it comes to Psychological Thrillers, N. L. Hinkens’ books are always a must read. The characters are always well developed, flawed, multidimensional and some are just plain evil. I’ll never pass up reading one of the thrillers, they are all highly entertaining and filled with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Bridal Shower from the author and chose to provide my review.
The Bridal Shower is the 17th book I’ve read by N.L. Hinkens. With each new book I get to a point and begin predicting where the story is going to go and who might be the antagonist. The Bridal Shower wasn’t any different. Honestly, I firmly believed I had achieved my goal of finally predicting the antagonist and story arc for one of N.L. Hinkins books. That smug feeling lasted until the author pulled the rug out from under my feet and I found myself back at step one. You would think after reading 16 previous books and 16 failures at prediction/solving the story I’d learn. but no predicting the who what and how of these books always brings me back to read the next for not only its entertainment value but to maybe succeed in predicting the who, how, where of the story.
When it comes to Psychological Thrillers, N. L. Hinkens’ books are always a must read. The characters are always well developed, flawed, multidimensional and some are just plain evil. I’ll never pass up reading one of the thrillers, they are all highly entertaining and filled with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Bridal Shower from the author and chose to provide my review.
April 29, 2025
“The Bridal Shower” by N.L. Hinkens is a psychological thriller at its finest! From the first chilling anonymous note to the jaw-dropping final reveal, this book had me hooked. I couldn’t put it down and raced through the short, sharp chapters, each one ending with a twist that left me needing more.
The tension never lets up—just when you think you know who’s behind the sinister messages and shocking events, Hinkens throws in another brilliant curveball. The atmosphere at the remote country estate was perfectly eerie, and the feeling of distrust among the characters was so well done that I didn’t know who to believe.
Hinkens masterfully plays with the theme of whether we ever truly know the people closest to us. “The Bridal Shower” delivers everything a suspense lover craves: a pulse-pounding plot, a steady stream of surprises, and a finale that left me stunned.
If you love a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller with plenty of twists and a perfectly chilling vibe, don’t miss The Bridal Shower. Another knockout from one of the best in the genre!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of “The Bridal Shower” from the author. All opinions are my own.
The tension never lets up—just when you think you know who’s behind the sinister messages and shocking events, Hinkens throws in another brilliant curveball. The atmosphere at the remote country estate was perfectly eerie, and the feeling of distrust among the characters was so well done that I didn’t know who to believe.
Hinkens masterfully plays with the theme of whether we ever truly know the people closest to us. “The Bridal Shower” delivers everything a suspense lover craves: a pulse-pounding plot, a steady stream of surprises, and a finale that left me stunned.
If you love a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller with plenty of twists and a perfectly chilling vibe, don’t miss The Bridal Shower. Another knockout from one of the best in the genre!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of “The Bridal Shower” from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
The Bridal Shower is probably more worthy of a 4.5 star but I was only able to give it a 4.
N.L Hinkens has written another fast paced page turner which gripped me to the end. The chapters are short which adds a crispness to her work , and seems to add to the intensity of the plot .
The numerous twists had me guessing right to the end , a great thriller which will appeal to many people .
When disturbing anonymous notes appear for the bride to be , and a knife at the bridal shower , the reader is left wondering along with the bride who can be trusted and should the marriage proceed. So a very good psychological thriller which I was pleased to read and review after receiving an ARC from the author.
N.L Hinkens has written another fast paced page turner which gripped me to the end. The chapters are short which adds a crispness to her work , and seems to add to the intensity of the plot .
The numerous twists had me guessing right to the end , a great thriller which will appeal to many people .
When disturbing anonymous notes appear for the bride to be , and a knife at the bridal shower , the reader is left wondering along with the bride who can be trusted and should the marriage proceed. So a very good psychological thriller which I was pleased to read and review after receiving an ARC from the author.
December 22, 2025
A Real Whodunit
At a bridal shower for Eva one gift sets the stage for the story.
The story is intense and Eva doesn't know who to trust. Her sister sees red flags about the family Eva is marrying into. Chad is a momma's boy, his mother keeps comparing Eva to Chad's late wife and his sister appears to be Eva's friend. But looks are deceiving and someone is keeping the truth of the ex wife's death by accidental fall a secret. The chapters are short and it's hard to find a stopping point. No-one is who you think they are until all is revealed. I really enjoyed the book and trying to figure out whodunit.
At a bridal shower for Eva one gift sets the stage for the story.
The story is intense and Eva doesn't know who to trust. Her sister sees red flags about the family Eva is marrying into. Chad is a momma's boy, his mother keeps comparing Eva to Chad's late wife and his sister appears to be Eva's friend. But looks are deceiving and someone is keeping the truth of the ex wife's death by accidental fall a secret. The chapters are short and it's hard to find a stopping point. No-one is who you think they are until all is revealed. I really enjoyed the book and trying to figure out whodunit.
April 27, 2025
I don't even know where to start. This was such a good, no, GREAT read by N.L. Hinkens. She has the perfect knack for providing thrills, action, and twists and turns that simply captivate the reader. No spoilers: this book was fabulous, it was hard to find a stopping place when I had to get other things done. The story is about a bride-to-be having second thoughts. The question of the day~is someone trying to sabotage this marriage, sending warnings, and if so, why? Pick up this fascinating read and find out for yourself. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2025
Such a fantastic, gripping read! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! This was a twisted, fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! It had a unique plot and well-developed, multi-faceted characters. It was suspenseful, thrilling and addictive! I was glued to my Kindle screen from the first page to the last. If you like unputdownable psychological suspense as much as I do, you CANNOT miss out on reading this book!!!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
June 2, 2025
Eva's friends have planned a wonderful bridal shower for her. the night before Eva receives a worrying message about secrets being revealed. Is someone playing a prank? The shower goes on without a hitch until she opens one particular present which contains a bloody knife. What does this mean? who would do something like that? then it is discovered that her future mother in law is missing. Where could she be? Does someone want to ruin her wedding or are they trying in some way to warn her? Great characters and a story that will have you turning the pages!
June 8, 2025
Eva is about to marry the perfect man—if only his mother weren’t a nightmare. As her future mother-in-law’s behavior gets worse, Eva begins to wonder if love can really survive the Tucker family.
Hinkens knows how to keep you hooked, and this book is no exception. I enjoy her straightforward, fast-paced writing and always find her thrillers just the right blend of suspense and drama. If you are in a reading slump or want to read something that is quick and engaging, check out this book or others by Hinkens!
Hinkens knows how to keep you hooked, and this book is no exception. I enjoy her straightforward, fast-paced writing and always find her thrillers just the right blend of suspense and drama. If you are in a reading slump or want to read something that is quick and engaging, check out this book or others by Hinkens!
August 4, 2025
a really good read
The is so very good! Even at the end you’re not quite sure of a couple of things. I think one of the villains is still a villain. The one we thought was really a villain probably wasn’t and isn’t. The one truly trusted is for sure a villain and predator. I have a real problem with babies in danger, though this one turned out fine! Why I didn’t give the highest rating! Really complex characterization! Very good!
The is so very good! Even at the end you’re not quite sure of a couple of things. I think one of the villains is still a villain. The one we thought was really a villain probably wasn’t and isn’t. The one truly trusted is for sure a villain and predator. I have a real problem with babies in danger, though this one turned out fine! Why I didn’t give the highest rating! Really complex characterization! Very good!
September 1, 2025
Cat is getting ready to marry Chad but trouble starts at her bridal shower. Little notes and objects of destruction start showing up, her mother-in-law to be is a nightmare and ominous secrets start leaking out a little at a time. Fast forward to the marital celebration and ceremony and more heinous acts occur, secrets are alluded to and things continue to go wrong. Has Cat made the biggest mistake of her life? Who is "out to get her"? A riveting domestic suspense that is worth the read!
May 27, 2025
Another amazing and delightful read from N.L. Hinkens. This book is an adventure..so many twists and turns…many you will not expect.
NL has such a gift writing quirky characters who have pasts that seems to come back to haunt them at the wrong time.
You will love/hate the characters…some may redeem themselves..others will not.
A great, thrilling read!
NL has such a gift writing quirky characters who have pasts that seems to come back to haunt them at the wrong time.
You will love/hate the characters…some may redeem themselves..others will not.
A great, thrilling read!
April 27, 2025
Cat is warned about marrying Chad. At her bridal shower a gift of a bloody knife and a warning. There are so many twists in this novel. A thriller that I had to keep reading. One of the best novels I have ever read.
May 6, 2025
Another amazing book that will keep you reading and intrigued. Whats going on with Eva and her friends. What danger are they in. Eva just wants to plan a bridal shower, will she figure it out in time before anything happens to them. Ready for more by this outstanding author.
May 7, 2025
Addictive, hooked from page one like all books of N.L. Hinkens and I have read most of them. Make sure you clear your schedule because you will NOT be able to put it down! I absolutely loved this book – Bridal shower - and strongly recommend!
May 27, 2025
I honestly thought it was written extremely poor and it didn’t grab my attention until about 75% into the book. The main character is just pretty stupid/delusional. I was planning to give it a one star rating but it finally got decent towards the end so I ended up giving it two stars.
July 27, 2025
Good book, good editing. I admit that I figured out who the culprit was way before it was revealed in the book, so it wasn't a big twist or surprising turn when the author revealed the person. But still it was a pretty good story and I did enjoy it.
August 22, 2025
DNF… it started out as just too cliche. Just couldn’t finish.Mother in law to be was too hateful and nonstop rude comments to bride to be. Just intolerable but she tolerated it. I couldn’t keep reading…
April 24, 2025
Another great one by Hinkens! You never know quite who to trust in this one. It'll have you guessing how literally til death do us part means to some.
ARC from author. All opinions are my own.
ARC from author. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2025
Kept me glued
Not only was I glued to the words on every page I my mind was glued to figuring out who was the most likely the instigator of this mess. Good read.
Not only was I glued to the words on every page I my mind was glued to figuring out who was the most likely the instigator of this mess. Good read.
May 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this one.
May 19, 2025
Wow!
If you want a book that will keep you wondering, you have found it! This book is full of "Wow"!
If you want a book that will keep you wondering, you have found it! This book is full of "Wow"!
June 8, 2025
Good read.
The book description on Goodreads is not accurate though.
The book description on Goodreads is not accurate though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews