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It's Not Her
A scream shatters the silence…
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.
A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?
A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.
A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?
A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
4133 people are currently reading
187399 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kubica
25 books28.1k followersMary Kubica is a New York Times bestselling author of suspense thrillers including The Good Girl, The Other Mrs., and Local Woman Missing. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages and have sold over five million copies worldwide. She’s been described as “a helluva storyteller” (Kirkus) and “a writer of vice-like control” (Chicago Tribune), and her novels have been praised as “hypnotic” (People) and “thrilling and illuminating” (L.A. Times). She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,220 reviews
November 17, 2025
PHEW what a ride! Full review to come 👀
January 11, 2026
Despite the fact that I’m already seriously and chronically overbooked with advanced reader copies, as soon as I saw the email from The Hive offering up a crazy early chance to read It’s Not Her, I couldn’t pass up the chance. Boy, am I glad that I did despite the fact that I gave up a full night of sleep. Twisty, bingeable, and addictive in the extreme, it was everything that I’ve come to expect from a Mary Kubica novel plus a little bit more. From the anxiety-inducing plot to the expertly crafted characters, there was no end to the dread and foreboding that oozed off of the pages. And let me tell you…those twists? Ms. Kubica really outdid herself this time around. But the best piece of this dynamite puzzle was the creepy, leave-the-lights-on feel that won me over one thousand percent. After all, atmospheric thrillers are my bread and butter and this one managed to put most of my favorites to shame.
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to reread this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: kidnapping, murder, bullying, sex, emotional and physical abuse, gun violence
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to reread this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: kidnapping, murder, bullying, sex, emotional and physical abuse, gun violence
July 30, 2025
Totally gripping, breathless pacing, & a holy shooty balls thrill ride!
Okay let’s just pause for a moment. It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica is everything I want in a thriller. A quiet lake resort. A double murder. A missing teenage niece. And a main character stumbling right into the middle of it all. I didn’t even properly read the blurb if I’m being honest. Mary Kubica is one of my absolute favourite authors so I was all in the second I saw her name. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
From the opening scene I was hooked. The story starts with a scream and just never lets up. Courtney discovers her brother and sister-in-law murdered, her niece Reese missing, and her young nephew asleep upstairs. No answers. Just suspicion, fear, and a tangled mess of secrets that kept me flipping pages faster than I could breathe.
Kubica builds this eerie sense of unease that had me second guessing every single person. I didn’t trust the neighbours. I didn’t trust the police. Honestly, Courtney was the only one I did trust. That slow unravelling of truth is so satisfying and the tension is perfectly done.
Just when I thought I had a grip on what was going on, the rug got pulled right out from under me. I mean it. One of those twists actually made me gasp out loud. Holy shooty balls. That is all I will say.
I know it’s still early but I am one hundred percent on the buzz train for this one. The writing is sharp, the emotion runs deep, and the pace never once stalls. A total winner from a longtime favourite.
Mood Reader Moment: Favourite author. Intriguing cover. Didn’t even pause to read the description. Just had to read.
Expected publication: February 3, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital copy. I would hand-sell this to every fellow thriller lover I know.
Okay let’s just pause for a moment. It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica is everything I want in a thriller. A quiet lake resort. A double murder. A missing teenage niece. And a main character stumbling right into the middle of it all. I didn’t even properly read the blurb if I’m being honest. Mary Kubica is one of my absolute favourite authors so I was all in the second I saw her name. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
From the opening scene I was hooked. The story starts with a scream and just never lets up. Courtney discovers her brother and sister-in-law murdered, her niece Reese missing, and her young nephew asleep upstairs. No answers. Just suspicion, fear, and a tangled mess of secrets that kept me flipping pages faster than I could breathe.
Kubica builds this eerie sense of unease that had me second guessing every single person. I didn’t trust the neighbours. I didn’t trust the police. Honestly, Courtney was the only one I did trust. That slow unravelling of truth is so satisfying and the tension is perfectly done.
Just when I thought I had a grip on what was going on, the rug got pulled right out from under me. I mean it. One of those twists actually made me gasp out loud. Holy shooty balls. That is all I will say.
I know it’s still early but I am one hundred percent on the buzz train for this one. The writing is sharp, the emotion runs deep, and the pace never once stalls. A total winner from a longtime favourite.
Mood Reader Moment: Favourite author. Intriguing cover. Didn’t even pause to read the description. Just had to read.
Expected publication: February 3, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital copy. I would hand-sell this to every fellow thriller lover I know.
January 14, 2026
Summer vacation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin turns into a nightmare when Courtney Grey hears a horrified scream coming from the cabin beside hers, where she discovers her brother and sister-in-law brutally murdered, her teenage niece Reese missing. As the police work to figure out what happened in that cabin, family secrets come to light, leaving Courtney unsure who she can trust.
A banger of a book from start to finish, Mary Kubica never disappoints. While I knew going in that I was sure to enjoy IT’S NOT HER based on both my previous love of Kubica’s novels and the high rating it already had, I had no idea it would take ahold of my life the way it did. I could not put it down, and when I was forced to, I simply could not stop thinking about it or the characters at the center of it.
The atmospheric nature was brilliantly haunting, and at multiple times, I found myself jumping at the sound of a door opening or someone calling my name. With such descriptive and evocative writing, I often felt as though I too was in the story. It was me in any given scene, alongside the character in focus. Me unable to run, me waiting for the door to open as I heard the footsteps…
It is for this very reason that this book meets the definition of a nail biter, from the eerie isolated wooded setting to the ghastly cabin scene that haunts characters and readers alike; the quiet moments that are as jarring as the loud. I could in fact feel my heart racing throughout (I feel this should count as exercise on some level tbh) and it is one of the more intense psychological thrillers I have read. The haunting quality combined with the true crime aspect and proceeding police procedural made for an incredibly fast read, as like I said, it becomes near impossible to put down.
I am such a fan of the “who can you trust” trope, and Kubica executes it perfectly in a way that feels as chilling as it does entertaining. I am often left disappointed by my ability to see behind the curtain and spoil the twists too early on. That is not the case here as I had no idea who the culprit(s) was, nor what had actually happened on that horrific night both in the present as well as the past. I found myself, like our MC, questioning everything I knew to be true. Twist after twist, reveal after reveal, until the final mic drop moment when Kubica allows us the peek behind the curtain in the final moments, where once again I was caught off guard. And this above all is why I adore her writing so much.
Read if you like:
▪️isolated settings
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️ensemble casts
▪️dual perspectives/timelines
▪️things that go bump in the night
▪️true crime vibes
▪️who can you trust?
▪️bingy reads
✨ 2025 Favorites and #1 thriller of the year
Thank you Park Row Books and HTP for the advanced copy.
A banger of a book from start to finish, Mary Kubica never disappoints. While I knew going in that I was sure to enjoy IT’S NOT HER based on both my previous love of Kubica’s novels and the high rating it already had, I had no idea it would take ahold of my life the way it did. I could not put it down, and when I was forced to, I simply could not stop thinking about it or the characters at the center of it.
The atmospheric nature was brilliantly haunting, and at multiple times, I found myself jumping at the sound of a door opening or someone calling my name. With such descriptive and evocative writing, I often felt as though I too was in the story. It was me in any given scene, alongside the character in focus. Me unable to run, me waiting for the door to open as I heard the footsteps…
It is for this very reason that this book meets the definition of a nail biter, from the eerie isolated wooded setting to the ghastly cabin scene that haunts characters and readers alike; the quiet moments that are as jarring as the loud. I could in fact feel my heart racing throughout (I feel this should count as exercise on some level tbh) and it is one of the more intense psychological thrillers I have read. The haunting quality combined with the true crime aspect and proceeding police procedural made for an incredibly fast read, as like I said, it becomes near impossible to put down.
I am such a fan of the “who can you trust” trope, and Kubica executes it perfectly in a way that feels as chilling as it does entertaining. I am often left disappointed by my ability to see behind the curtain and spoil the twists too early on. That is not the case here as I had no idea who the culprit(s) was, nor what had actually happened on that horrific night both in the present as well as the past. I found myself, like our MC, questioning everything I knew to be true. Twist after twist, reveal after reveal, until the final mic drop moment when Kubica allows us the peek behind the curtain in the final moments, where once again I was caught off guard. And this above all is why I adore her writing so much.
Read if you like:
▪️isolated settings
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️ensemble casts
▪️dual perspectives/timelines
▪️things that go bump in the night
▪️true crime vibes
▪️who can you trust?
▪️bingy reads
✨ 2025 Favorites and #1 thriller of the year
Thank you Park Row Books and HTP for the advanced copy.
December 1, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 for GR! Mary Kubica is soooo back. get excited for her 2026 release yall!!!!
her last few releases (this + SHES NOT SORRY + LOCAL WOMAN MISSING) are arguably my fave 3 of hers. she does SUCH a good job weaving in family/domestic drama (think Lisa Jewell or Alice Feeney vibes) into a slow burn thriller and her twists always packs a punch.
and the ending!!!! if you’ve been following me for a minute you know i love my thrillers to have a shocking ending / don’t love when they’re all wrapped up in a little bow and Mary delivered that here! it was such a fun surprise at the end 😳
this thriller follows two families that go away to a lake/cabin trip in the summer and two of them end up murdered. but the question is…who did it, and why?
i took .5 off because the pacing was a bit slow for me in the middle. it was very much a slow burn which is totally fine but i was wanting a twist earlier on to pick things back up. that said, it still grabs you immediately and i was constantly wondering who the killer was—i couldn’t figure it out or get a good guess!
along w the thriller parts, i liked the family drama too. everyone is stressed and scared and starts wondering if the other person had something to do with the murders and it built some great suspense.
such a fun read! this one is out in Feb—be sure to pre order it! thanks to HTP books for the gifted early copy.
her last few releases (this + SHES NOT SORRY + LOCAL WOMAN MISSING) are arguably my fave 3 of hers. she does SUCH a good job weaving in family/domestic drama (think Lisa Jewell or Alice Feeney vibes) into a slow burn thriller and her twists always packs a punch.
and the ending!!!! if you’ve been following me for a minute you know i love my thrillers to have a shocking ending / don’t love when they’re all wrapped up in a little bow and Mary delivered that here! it was such a fun surprise at the end 😳
this thriller follows two families that go away to a lake/cabin trip in the summer and two of them end up murdered. but the question is…who did it, and why?
i took .5 off because the pacing was a bit slow for me in the middle. it was very much a slow burn which is totally fine but i was wanting a twist earlier on to pick things back up. that said, it still grabs you immediately and i was constantly wondering who the killer was—i couldn’t figure it out or get a good guess!
along w the thriller parts, i liked the family drama too. everyone is stressed and scared and starts wondering if the other person had something to do with the murders and it built some great suspense.
such a fun read! this one is out in Feb—be sure to pre order it! thanks to HTP books for the gifted early copy.
February 6, 2026
OH MARY A TIME WAS HAD WITH THIS ONE!
It’s not her is a suspenseful ‘whodunnit’ when a family trip goes tits up when Courtney Gray’s family vacation comes to a shattering halt when she hears a scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is also missing, and her nephew Wyatt is found upstairs asleep unharmed. What the hell happened!?
Oooooh scandalous!!!! This was one juicy hell of a read. Told in the two POVs of Reese (past chapters) and Courtney (present chapters). I couldn’t get enough. When I tell you everyone was a suspect to me… EVERYONE WAS A SUSPECT!
The characters were realistic, if not annoying at times and I wanted to twist a few of their ears and tell them to GROW TF UP! my disdain for Reese and her childish behaviour not only irked me but spurred me on reading further because we have all been young with hormones once upon a time, so I guess its relatable right!?
The suspense and mystery of it all was an exciting read and I really enjoyed how the author made sure to always keep our attention while having our pulse pounding in just wanting to get to the answers!
The reveal and ending gave me whiplash and I honestly had to chuckle when I finished because WTF was that!??? I will say it is very barbaric and outlandish so suspension of disbelief is highly required. There’s a particular procedural scene at the end with a character that just had me side-eyeing because the nonchalance of it just sounded so weird and unrealistic but it’s ‘fiction’ eh!?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The drama
➽ The Twist
➽ Suspenseful
➽ Short Chapters
➽ Easy to Read
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Some highly irritable characters
➽ The reveals were outlandish and OTT
➽ A few of the red herrings I could have done without (but I also see why it was placed)
All in all, this was an enjoyable read and I had the same nostalgic vibes I had when I read ‘Local Woman Missing’ by this author. It kept my attention, it was juicy and I am looking forward to reading her future releases.
4.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Local Woman Missing is still my top fave from this author!
I am hoping this one is just as good!
Spoil Me Ms. Kubica!
💛💜💛💜
It’s not her is a suspenseful ‘whodunnit’ when a family trip goes tits up when Courtney Gray’s family vacation comes to a shattering halt when she hears a scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is also missing, and her nephew Wyatt is found upstairs asleep unharmed. What the hell happened!?
Oooooh scandalous!!!! This was one juicy hell of a read. Told in the two POVs of Reese (past chapters) and Courtney (present chapters). I couldn’t get enough. When I tell you everyone was a suspect to me… EVERYONE WAS A SUSPECT!
The characters were realistic, if not annoying at times and I wanted to twist a few of their ears and tell them to GROW TF UP! my disdain for Reese and her childish behaviour not only irked me but spurred me on reading further because we have all been young with hormones once upon a time, so I guess its relatable right!?
The suspense and mystery of it all was an exciting read and I really enjoyed how the author made sure to always keep our attention while having our pulse pounding in just wanting to get to the answers!
The reveal and ending gave me whiplash and I honestly had to chuckle when I finished because WTF was that!??? I will say it is very barbaric and outlandish so suspension of disbelief is highly required. There’s a particular procedural scene at the end with a character that just had me side-eyeing because the nonchalance of it just sounded so weird and unrealistic but it’s ‘fiction’ eh!?
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The drama
➽ The Twist
➽ Suspenseful
➽ Short Chapters
➽ Easy to Read
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Some highly irritable characters
➽ The reveals were outlandish and OTT
➽ A few of the red herrings I could have done without (but I also see why it was placed)
All in all, this was an enjoyable read and I had the same nostalgic vibes I had when I read ‘Local Woman Missing’ by this author. It kept my attention, it was juicy and I am looking forward to reading her future releases.
4.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Local Woman Missing is still my top fave from this author!
I am hoping this one is just as good!
Spoil Me Ms. Kubica!
💛💜💛💜
December 7, 2025
Two families, excitedly anticipating a perfect vacation at a secluded lake resort, find themselves unexpectedly caught in a nightmare that feels straight out of a horror film. What was meant to be a tranquil getaway quickly spirals into chaos when a piercing scream disrupts the calm of a quiet morning, echoing from a neighbouring lakeside cottage. Rushing to investigate, Courtney Gray stumbles upon a horrific scene: her sister-in-law and brother lie lifeless, and her teenage niece, Reese, has vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, her nephew, Wyatt, remains blissfully asleep upstairs, utterly unaware of the terror unfolding around him.
As the local police swarm the once-peaceful resort town, unsettling secrets about Courtney’s family begin to surface, painting a complicated picture of hidden truths. Whispers about the town’s dark past seep into the investigation, leaving Courtney grappling with troubling questions. Is Reese simply another victim of a brutal crime, or is there a chance she could be mixed up in the sinister events that have transpired?
Determined to uncover the truth, Courtney delves deeper into the mystery. Each revelation exposes the hidden secrets of those involved, and as the lines between ally and adversary blur, the stakes rise to a dangerous level. With lives hanging in the balance, Courtney must expertly navigate a tangled web of deception and peril, all while struggling to determine who she can truly trust.
It's Not Her is a masterclass in suspense, Full of dramatic twists, intricate clues, and a suffocating atmosphere filled with chilling revelations. It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the final jaw-dropping twist. Throughout the story, my heart raced with anticipation, and it felt like an intense rollercoaster ride, packed with unexpected surprises at every turn. This was my first time reading a book by Mary Kubica, and it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
The plot is anxiety-inducing, with expertly crafted characters that add to the relentless feeling of dread and foreboding. And those twists! They are truly mindblowing! But what really stands out is the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere that made me leave the lights on as I turned page after page late into the night. As someone who loves atmospheric thrillers, I found this one managed to outshine many of my favourites.
In summary, I absolutely recommend this suspenseful adventure! Just a friendly tip: clear your schedule before you dive in, you might find yourself so engrossed in this thriller that chores and family time take a backseat. To truly enjoy Mary Kubica’s latest book, consider giving everyone a heads-up that you're dedicating the day to reading. Put a do-not-disturb sign on your favourite reading nook, enjoy, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Get ready for a blockbuster smash hit in 2026! With its gripping plot, relatable characters, and an undeniably original storyline, this thriller is set to take the world by storm. Mark your calendars for February 3; you won't want to miss this suspense-filled roller coaster ride!
I want to thank Edelweiss, Park Row and Harper Collins for the DAC, and a special thanks to Laurie Mularchuk at Harlequin Sales
Short review, I will write a full review tomorrow. I have not been able to put this book down. I have been reading since 10:00 am on this Thanksgiving Monday. (13 hours total I’m going to have a book hangover! 😆📚)
Full of dramatic twists, subtle clues, and claustrophobic atmosphere and chilling reveals, It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist. My heart actually raced at times. It was an intense rollercoaster ride!
As the local police swarm the once-peaceful resort town, unsettling secrets about Courtney’s family begin to surface, painting a complicated picture of hidden truths. Whispers about the town’s dark past seep into the investigation, leaving Courtney grappling with troubling questions. Is Reese simply another victim of a brutal crime, or is there a chance she could be mixed up in the sinister events that have transpired?
Determined to uncover the truth, Courtney delves deeper into the mystery. Each revelation exposes the hidden secrets of those involved, and as the lines between ally and adversary blur, the stakes rise to a dangerous level. With lives hanging in the balance, Courtney must expertly navigate a tangled web of deception and peril, all while struggling to determine who she can truly trust.
It's Not Her is a masterclass in suspense, Full of dramatic twists, intricate clues, and a suffocating atmosphere filled with chilling revelations. It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the final jaw-dropping twist. Throughout the story, my heart raced with anticipation, and it felt like an intense rollercoaster ride, packed with unexpected surprises at every turn. This was my first time reading a book by Mary Kubica, and it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to explore her backlist!
The plot is anxiety-inducing, with expertly crafted characters that add to the relentless feeling of dread and foreboding. And those twists! They are truly mindblowing! But what really stands out is the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere that made me leave the lights on as I turned page after page late into the night. As someone who loves atmospheric thrillers, I found this one managed to outshine many of my favourites.
In summary, I absolutely recommend this suspenseful adventure! Just a friendly tip: clear your schedule before you dive in, you might find yourself so engrossed in this thriller that chores and family time take a backseat. To truly enjoy Mary Kubica’s latest book, consider giving everyone a heads-up that you're dedicating the day to reading. Put a do-not-disturb sign on your favourite reading nook, enjoy, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Get ready for a blockbuster smash hit in 2026! With its gripping plot, relatable characters, and an undeniably original storyline, this thriller is set to take the world by storm. Mark your calendars for February 3; you won't want to miss this suspense-filled roller coaster ride!
I want to thank Edelweiss, Park Row and Harper Collins for the DAC, and a special thanks to Laurie Mularchuk at Harlequin Sales
Short review, I will write a full review tomorrow. I have not been able to put this book down. I have been reading since 10:00 am on this Thanksgiving Monday. (13 hours total I’m going to have a book hangover! 😆📚)
Full of dramatic twists, subtle clues, and claustrophobic atmosphere and chilling reveals, It's Not Her will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist. My heart actually raced at times. It was an intense rollercoaster ride!
May 21, 2025
Huge massive thanks to #partner @htp_hive @parkrowbooks @htpbooks and @marykubica for exclusive access to #ItsNotHer to read and review.
As soon as @htp_hive shot out the email, I scooped this sucker up! I read my first Kubica book in 2018/2019 ….. The Good Girl and was OBSESSED!!! I had the pleasure to meet her in Houston two years ago at @murderbooks and she is the nicest human!!!
As soon as I started this, I couldn’t stop. The only thing that kept getting in the way is that damn job or I would’ve had it finished sooner.
This one takes off from the start. Two parents dead. One missing girl. A family on vacation that turns terribly wrong. I was trying to figure out what was going on. I had my theories, but time and time again I was wrong. I freaking loved it!!! I’m sooo going to be late for work. Oh well 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@marykubica is a queen of suspense!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As soon as @htp_hive shot out the email, I scooped this sucker up! I read my first Kubica book in 2018/2019 ….. The Good Girl and was OBSESSED!!! I had the pleasure to meet her in Houston two years ago at @murderbooks and she is the nicest human!!!
As soon as I started this, I couldn’t stop. The only thing that kept getting in the way is that damn job or I would’ve had it finished sooner.
This one takes off from the start. Two parents dead. One missing girl. A family on vacation that turns terribly wrong. I was trying to figure out what was going on. I had my theories, but time and time again I was wrong. I freaking loved it!!! I’m sooo going to be late for work. Oh well 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@marykubica is a queen of suspense!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Currently reading
February 3, 2026A quiet lake resort where bad things happen after dark. A double murder, missing teen, dark secrets.
Kubica is one of my favorite thriller authors. Local Woman Missing was such a hit and I’m hoping this will be too!
Kubica is one of my favorite thriller authors. Local Woman Missing was such a hit and I’m hoping this will be too!
Want to read
February 6, 2026HAPPY RELEASE DAY 🙂↔️🙂↔️
October 27, 2025
WOW! Thank you to Park Row Books and Mary Kubica for my copy of this one! It was about a family vacation gone wrong. One morning Courtney hears a scream from her brother's cabin on the lake where they are staying, and shows up to find her brother and his wife dead, and one of their three children missing. The two youngest are unharmed, but don't seem to know what happened. As the police start to investigate, the oldest daughter's disappearance becomes more suspicious, and things begin to come out that point to her not being as she seems. And other girls have gone missing from the same location- does this have something to do with the murders?
Thoughts: I love this book. It has the super tense and fast paced story telling that Kubica is known for. It has interesting characters that all come together in certain ways, leaving you wondering who you can trust. It started off with a bang and kept me completely caught up until the very end. I couldn't tell where this book was going and the alternating chapter POV was a great way to learn about what was going one.
That being said, this story was deeply sad. It was about fractured family relationships and feeling unlovable. The ending was satisfying, but ultimately devastating. The mistrust and relationship issues broke my heart, and it felt like no one got out unscathed. I definitely loved it and rated it 5 stars, but be warned there are no feel good moments or happily ever afters.
Thoughts: I love this book. It has the super tense and fast paced story telling that Kubica is known for. It has interesting characters that all come together in certain ways, leaving you wondering who you can trust. It started off with a bang and kept me completely caught up until the very end. I couldn't tell where this book was going and the alternating chapter POV was a great way to learn about what was going one.
That being said, this story was deeply sad. It was about fractured family relationships and feeling unlovable. The ending was satisfying, but ultimately devastating. The mistrust and relationship issues broke my heart, and it felt like no one got out unscathed. I definitely loved it and rated it 5 stars, but be warned there are no feel good moments or happily ever afters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller."
Courtney and her brother Nolan's family vacation at some summer lake cabins. Courtney's daughter Cass and her niece Mae have a sleepover. The next morning Mae goes back to the cabin screaming and Courtney discovers the bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. And the angsty seventeen-year-old daughter Reese is missing. Courtney is now involved in solving the mystery of what happened to them and finding Reese.
The story is totally gripping and full throttle from start to finish leaving you breathless. It is so addictive I could not put it down and finished it in a day. Mary Kubica is at her best with this novel which is perfection! She should teach a master class about writing a thriller. She's a master of misdirection. And I am picky about thrillers! I can't recommend this must-read thriller enough for lovers of suspense.
The audiobook performance by Brittany Pressley, Jennifer Jill Araya, and Gary Tiedemann is fantastic. The performances bring these characters to life and add depth to the story. It was the perfect company with the advance reader's copy.🎧📚
Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, Harlequin Audio and Mary Kubica for the advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Courtney and her brother Nolan's family vacation at some summer lake cabins. Courtney's daughter Cass and her niece Mae have a sleepover. The next morning Mae goes back to the cabin screaming and Courtney discovers the bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. And the angsty seventeen-year-old daughter Reese is missing. Courtney is now involved in solving the mystery of what happened to them and finding Reese.
The story is totally gripping and full throttle from start to finish leaving you breathless. It is so addictive I could not put it down and finished it in a day. Mary Kubica is at her best with this novel which is perfection! She should teach a master class about writing a thriller. She's a master of misdirection. And I am picky about thrillers! I can't recommend this must-read thriller enough for lovers of suspense.
The audiobook performance by Brittany Pressley, Jennifer Jill Araya, and Gary Tiedemann is fantastic. The performances bring these characters to life and add depth to the story. It was the perfect company with the advance reader's copy.🎧📚
Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, Harlequin Audio and Mary Kubica for the advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2025
Guys, Mary Kubica knocks it out of the park again! No slow burn here, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and just always unsettled. I can’t stop thinking about it!
February 6, 2026
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
This book pulled me in fast and kept me hooked the whole way through. It follows a crime that slowly unravels through different perspectives, and what really worked for me was how often the story made me question what I thought I knew. Every time I felt confident about who was responsible or what was really going on, the book shifted just enough to make me rethink everything.
The pacing was quick but controlled. It never felt messy or rushed, and the tension built in a way that kept me on edge. I liked how the story revealed information gradually, letting you form theories while never giving too much away. I had multiple people in mind as the guilty party, and I was wrong every single time.
It’s very much a psychological thriller that plays with perception, assumptions, and trust, and it did that really well. Aside from some content that wasn’t for me personally, I still thought this was a solid, well-planned read that kept me guessing until the end.
Content note: Sexual content, grooming involving a 17-year-old and a 24-year-old, frequent strong language (including repeated use of the F word). I personally skipped one chapter due to sexual content.
This book pulled me in fast and kept me hooked the whole way through. It follows a crime that slowly unravels through different perspectives, and what really worked for me was how often the story made me question what I thought I knew. Every time I felt confident about who was responsible or what was really going on, the book shifted just enough to make me rethink everything.
The pacing was quick but controlled. It never felt messy or rushed, and the tension built in a way that kept me on edge. I liked how the story revealed information gradually, letting you form theories while never giving too much away. I had multiple people in mind as the guilty party, and I was wrong every single time.
It’s very much a psychological thriller that plays with perception, assumptions, and trust, and it did that really well. Aside from some content that wasn’t for me personally, I still thought this was a solid, well-planned read that kept me guessing until the end.
Content note: Sexual content, grooming involving a 17-year-old and a 24-year-old, frequent strong language (including repeated use of the F word). I personally skipped one chapter due to sexual content.
May 19, 2025
Five star thriller alert! I just finished this in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down. I spent my entire day reading this page turning thriller. I have come here to say that this is Mary Kubica’s best book yet! I was hooked from the jump and was truly astonished until the very last page.
This thriller was so unique and well done there’s really nothing like it. Reading this actually made my heart pound at certain points because I was feeling the horror and anxiety right there with the characters.
A gripping thriller from the first word to last. I’m so sad it’s not coming out until February because I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read this book! I know this is going to be a 2026 thriller hit and I’m so excited to discuss with all of my fellow thriller lovers.
Two families vacationing at a lake resort are in for the shock and terror of their lives. What Courtney believed would be a calming week at the lake with her family quickly took a dangerous turn when she discovers that her brother and sister in law have been murdered and her teenage niece is missing. A brutal crime where everyone is a suspect. You will be suspicious of EVERYONE.
A very special thank you to The Hive and Mary Kubica for the advanced readers copy. It is a pleasure to be apart of this influencer program and a fan of Mary Kubica and her thrillers.
This thriller was so unique and well done there’s really nothing like it. Reading this actually made my heart pound at certain points because I was feeling the horror and anxiety right there with the characters.
A gripping thriller from the first word to last. I’m so sad it’s not coming out until February because I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read this book! I know this is going to be a 2026 thriller hit and I’m so excited to discuss with all of my fellow thriller lovers.
Two families vacationing at a lake resort are in for the shock and terror of their lives. What Courtney believed would be a calming week at the lake with her family quickly took a dangerous turn when she discovers that her brother and sister in law have been murdered and her teenage niece is missing. A brutal crime where everyone is a suspect. You will be suspicious of EVERYONE.
A very special thank you to The Hive and Mary Kubica for the advanced readers copy. It is a pleasure to be apart of this influencer program and a fan of Mary Kubica and her thrillers.
December 15, 2025
* Thanks to Harlequin Audio & Park Row for the ARC and NetGalley review copy (pub date: February 19, 2026)
(( audiobook ))
This was fine, and pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author — some entertaining surprises and solid red herrings muddled up with a whole lot of convoluted nonsense and repetitious dithering that made things drag along a lot longer than felt necessary — I think maybe I should have listened on 2.5 speed to make the pace better 🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, the audiobook production was good, and I think existing fans of Kubica will enjoy this one.
(( audiobook ))
This was fine, and pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author — some entertaining surprises and solid red herrings muddled up with a whole lot of convoluted nonsense and repetitious dithering that made things drag along a lot longer than felt necessary — I think maybe I should have listened on 2.5 speed to make the pace better 🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, the audiobook production was good, and I think existing fans of Kubica will enjoy this one.
November 11, 2025
This book had everything I could ask for from a thriller. It had great characters (most of which became very sus at points). It was so fast paced and binge-able. It had shocking twists and turns right up to the very end (I had chills at one point). It involved a missing person which is one of my favorite thriller tropes. It had an incredible mountain lodge setting. Like I could not have asked for more from this one 🤩 It comes out February 3, 2026 and I’m telling you, you have to preorder it now! You won’t regret it.
Thank you to HTP Books for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
Thank you to HTP Books for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars - so good!! My favorite Mary Kubica book so far. I kept thinking everyone did it. The suspense was high and plot twists were goooood!
Highly recommend this thriller book!
Highly recommend this thriller book!
December 7, 2025
ARC for review. To be published February 3, 2026.
3.5 stars
Courtney Gray, husband Elliot and daughter Cass are vacationing at a Wisconsin lake (bugs.). In a cabin just up the hill are her brother Nolan (is that right? That doesn’t sound right. But doesn’t matter. That is foreshadowing,) wife Emily and their children teenagers Reese and Wyatt. Their daughter Maevis sleeping over with the Grays that night. When Maggie’s home the next morning she runs back to the Grays, hysterical. Courtney hurries to the cabin to find the bloody dead bodies of Nolan(?) and Emily. Reese is missing. Wyatt is asleep, unharmed. Who has done this, why and where is Reese?
I have liked and not liked Kubica but this is an above average thriller. We follow Courtney as she navigates the police and investigates a surprising number of suspects. Enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Courtney Gray, husband Elliot and daughter Cass are vacationing at a Wisconsin lake (bugs.). In a cabin just up the hill are her brother Nolan (is that right? That doesn’t sound right. But doesn’t matter. That is foreshadowing,) wife Emily and their children teenagers Reese and Wyatt. Their daughter Maevis sleeping over with the Grays that night. When Maggie’s home the next morning she runs back to the Grays, hysterical. Courtney hurries to the cabin to find the bloody dead bodies of Nolan(?) and Emily. Reese is missing. Wyatt is asleep, unharmed. Who has done this, why and where is Reese?
I have liked and not liked Kubica but this is an above average thriller. We follow Courtney as she navigates the police and investigates a surprising number of suspects. Enjoyed it.
May 18, 2025
Let me introduce you to my new favorite Mary Kubica book, and most likely my 2026 book of the year!
This book was INCREDIBLE, SHOCKING, GRIPPING, HEARTBREAKING, CREEPY, BINGEABLE, and TWISTED. Honestly, what more could you ask for??
@marykubica is back in her newest release, and dare I say, better than ever? Local woman missing has been one of my favorite thrillers for years, but I liked this one even more, which I didn’t think was possible.
I loved how the multiple POVs was done in this, you have one POV that is happening during “the now” and the only POV was happening during “the lead up” I honestly, did not have a single clue how this was going to all come together, and that LAST CHAPTER?! EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A huge thank you to @htp_hive @htpbooks for the opportunity to be an early reader of this one. Mark your calendars, PUB DATE: 2/3
This book was INCREDIBLE, SHOCKING, GRIPPING, HEARTBREAKING, CREEPY, BINGEABLE, and TWISTED. Honestly, what more could you ask for??
@marykubica is back in her newest release, and dare I say, better than ever? Local woman missing has been one of my favorite thrillers for years, but I liked this one even more, which I didn’t think was possible.
I loved how the multiple POVs was done in this, you have one POV that is happening during “the now” and the only POV was happening during “the lead up” I honestly, did not have a single clue how this was going to all come together, and that LAST CHAPTER?! EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A huge thank you to @htp_hive @htpbooks for the opportunity to be an early reader of this one. Mark your calendars, PUB DATE: 2/3
Read
February 7, 2026Despite the fact that I’m already seriously and chronically overbooked with advanced reader copies, as soon as I saw the email from The Hive offering up a crazy early chance to read It’s Not Her, I couldn’t pass up the chance. Boy, am I glad that I did despite the fact that I gave up a full night of sleep. Twisty, bingeable, and addictive in the extreme, it was everything that I’ve come to expect from a Mary Kubica novel plus a little bit more. From the anxiety-inducing plot to the expertly crafted characters, there was no end to the dread and foreboding that oozed off of the pages. And let me tell you…those twists? Ms. Kubica really outdid herself this time around. But the best piece of this dynamite puzzle was the creepy, leave-the-lights-on feel that won me over one thousand percent. After all, atmospheric thrillers are my bread and butter and this one managed to put most of my favorites to shame.
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to re-read this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
UPDATE: As promised, I just had to re-read it now that it’s officially out in the world. A heart-stopping ride that exposed a perfectly plotted mystery, I was stunned into silence yet again by the twisty last third. I guess that’s the benefit of reading books in one single sitting. So if my old review didn’t convince you to grab this book now, hopefully my undying love for it the second time around will persuade you to give it a go. After all, Ms. Kubica just wrote a masterclass on how to deliver the perfect amount of suspense, tension, mistrust, and dread.
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: kidnapping, murder, bullying, sex, emotional and physical abuse, gun violence, child death, sexual assault, death of a parent, suicidal thoughts
All said and done, I recommend this white-knuckle ride with every fiber of my being. Just be sure to cancel all plans before diving in. You see, this thriller will have you walking away from your chores and ignoring your children, so unless you want to cause chaos in your home, let everyone know that this is your Mary Kubica time. With addictive plotting, relatable characters, and a deliciously original storyline, it is guaranteed to be a blockbuster smash hit in 2026. Yes, that’s the only negative thing in my review. You’re all going to have to wait until February 3rd to get your hands on this rollercoaster ride of suspense. Until then, all I can suggest is going back and reading her backlist of unputdownable thrillers. As for me, this is one time I’m glad that my memory is nonexistent. After all, I know that I’ll be able to re-read this super-charged spine-tingler closer to publication and not remember a thing. I already can’t wait! Rating of 5 stars.
UPDATE: As promised, I just had to re-read it now that it’s officially out in the world. A heart-stopping ride that exposed a perfectly plotted mystery, I was stunned into silence yet again by the twisty last third. I guess that’s the benefit of reading books in one single sitting. So if my old review didn’t convince you to grab this book now, hopefully my undying love for it the second time around will persuade you to give it a go. After all, Ms. Kubica just wrote a masterclass on how to deliver the perfect amount of suspense, tension, mistrust, and dread.
SYNOPSIS:
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery…
Courtney Gray's tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation…
As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined…
As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
Thank you to Mary Kubica, The Hive, HTP Books, Park Row Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: kidnapping, murder, bullying, sex, emotional and physical abuse, gun violence, child death, sexual assault, death of a parent, suicidal thoughts
February 6, 2026
Early readers have been calling IT’S NOT HER Kubica’s best work yet, and I absolutely agree. I’ve read all of her books, so you can trust me on this. Once I started listening to her latest, I found it impossible to stop. I binged this audiobook like you would not believe, book friends! The opening scene gave me instant chills, and they stayed put until the very end.
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.
I’m not going to say too much about the plot as I always advise readers to go in completely blind with thrillers. This rule applies here as well. I’ll just say that two people are murdered and one is missing. Kubica did a phenomenal job of making me suspect every single person at the resort. I didn’t trust a soul—not even the little girls. Everyone was guilty in my mind.
Kubica not only gives her readers mind-blowing twists, turns, and thrilling suspense as per usual, she also tells a deeply emotional family story. We witness the strained dynamics and relationships within the family unit—especially with raising teenagers. As a mother to two of them, I really appreciated this perspective.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Secluded lake resort setting
- Family drama and dynamics
- Family vacations gone wrong
- Teenage behavior
- Marriage and motherhood
- Mother-daughter relationships
- Domestic suspense
- Murder mysteries
- Missing person cases
- Shocking twists and turns
- Multiple POVs and timelines
- Super fast pace
5/5 thrilling stars for IT’S NOT HER! It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommend!
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.
I’m not going to say too much about the plot as I always advise readers to go in completely blind with thrillers. This rule applies here as well. I’ll just say that two people are murdered and one is missing. Kubica did a phenomenal job of making me suspect every single person at the resort. I didn’t trust a soul—not even the little girls. Everyone was guilty in my mind.
Kubica not only gives her readers mind-blowing twists, turns, and thrilling suspense as per usual, she also tells a deeply emotional family story. We witness the strained dynamics and relationships within the family unit—especially with raising teenagers. As a mother to two of them, I really appreciated this perspective.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Secluded lake resort setting
- Family drama and dynamics
- Family vacations gone wrong
- Teenage behavior
- Marriage and motherhood
- Mother-daughter relationships
- Domestic suspense
- Murder mysteries
- Missing person cases
- Shocking twists and turns
- Multiple POVs and timelines
- Super fast pace
5/5 thrilling stars for IT’S NOT HER! It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommend!
January 2, 2026
Finished in a day - truly her best yet
January 24, 2026
Just when I think there is no way @marykubica can top her last book… this comes along. WOW!! 🤩 Thank you so much to @htp_hive @htpbooks @parkrowbooks for this gorgeous free book!! 🥰 #htphiveinfluencer
Pub date is 2/3/26!🥳🥳
This might just be my new favorite @marykubica book! Hands down 5 stars! ⭐️ I binged this over the weekend because I seriously could NOT put it down.
You go on a little family vacay… to a little cottage on the lake. You wake to a horrific double murder… in the cabin next door. 😳😳 Right?! So creepy. It gave me chills. Guess what? It gets worse… the victims.. you know them.. they are family… 😭 … Their daughter is missing… Are you next?!
WTH was going on in this little town?? Who is that creepy “boy” hanging around?? I had so many questions. SO many suspects. The creepy atmosphere was off the chain.
This literally gave me anxiety the ENTIRE time…. You know the good kind..😂.. the one we thriller lovers thrive on. 😉🤷♀️
Trust me… you don’t want to miss this one!! Look… @marykubica has always been a must read for me…but after She’s Not Sorry and this one.. she has totally blown me away.
Pub date is 2/3/26!🥳🥳
This might just be my new favorite @marykubica book! Hands down 5 stars! ⭐️ I binged this over the weekend because I seriously could NOT put it down.
You go on a little family vacay… to a little cottage on the lake. You wake to a horrific double murder… in the cabin next door. 😳😳 Right?! So creepy. It gave me chills. Guess what? It gets worse… the victims.. you know them.. they are family… 😭 … Their daughter is missing… Are you next?!
WTH was going on in this little town?? Who is that creepy “boy” hanging around?? I had so many questions. SO many suspects. The creepy atmosphere was off the chain.
This literally gave me anxiety the ENTIRE time…. You know the good kind..😂.. the one we thriller lovers thrive on. 😉🤷♀️
Trust me… you don’t want to miss this one!! Look… @marykubica has always been a must read for me…but after She’s Not Sorry and this one.. she has totally blown me away.
November 16, 2025
Loved it. 4.5 stars rounded up. Mary has done it again. 💜💜
November 14, 2025
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 11 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Presley, Gary Tiedemann
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Format: Multi POV/Timeline
General Thoughts:
This book was a fun ride! I mostly listen to this by audiobook following along with the eARC periodically. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrators. I felt like they did a great job and I was able to consistently listen at a normal for me speed.
I really enjoyed the story and the set up of this novel. I felt like it was very suspenseful and lots of tension. Every time I had a theory going, I was given information that doused it and I had to start all over. It kept me guessing and kept me wondering. Towards the end of the novel, I did kind of get a inkling of how it was gonna end, but I still didn't guess the entire conclusion. This made me want to read more of the author's work and I do intend to dive into some of her older novels.
If you like thriller novels with dark elements, a completely messed up family dynamic, and lots of thrills and suspense and a trust no one vibe then I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
⏰: 11 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Presley, Gary Tiedemann
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Format: Multi POV/Timeline
General Thoughts:
This book was a fun ride! I mostly listen to this by audiobook following along with the eARC periodically. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrators. I felt like they did a great job and I was able to consistently listen at a normal for me speed.
I really enjoyed the story and the set up of this novel. I felt like it was very suspenseful and lots of tension. Every time I had a theory going, I was given information that doused it and I had to start all over. It kept me guessing and kept me wondering. Towards the end of the novel, I did kind of get a inkling of how it was gonna end, but I still didn't guess the entire conclusion. This made me want to read more of the author's work and I do intend to dive into some of her older novels.
If you like thriller novels with dark elements, a completely messed up family dynamic, and lots of thrills and suspense and a trust no one vibe then I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Gasp.
July 13, 2025
Mary Kubica delivers us a "cabin in the woods" book with the tension dialed up to 11—the kind of terror that goes beyond your imagination. IT’S NOT HER, her February 2026 release, is one you’ll want to read with all the lights on (and maybe double-check your locks), because the goosebumps start early and never really stop.
Told in a before-and-after format—before Reese vanishes following the shocking gruesome murder of her parents, and from her Aunt Courtney’s perspective in the aftermath —The pacing? Breakneck. The suspense? Relentless. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Kubica hits you with her signature “Wait, WHAT?!” twist. And then she does it again with the very last chapter that will leave you speechless and gasping for air.
No one is writing psychological thrillers at this level right now. IT’S NOT HER somehow outdoes SHE’S NOT SORRY, my favorite book of 2024, and proves that Mary Kubica is not just in her prime— she’s defining the genre.
Five huge stars. Call your best friends, preorder immediately, and go ahead and pencil in your book club appointment—IT’S NOT HER is going to get you talking.
Told in a before-and-after format—before Reese vanishes following the shocking gruesome murder of her parents, and from her Aunt Courtney’s perspective in the aftermath —The pacing? Breakneck. The suspense? Relentless. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Kubica hits you with her signature “Wait, WHAT?!” twist. And then she does it again with the very last chapter that will leave you speechless and gasping for air.
No one is writing psychological thrillers at this level right now. IT’S NOT HER somehow outdoes SHE’S NOT SORRY, my favorite book of 2024, and proves that Mary Kubica is not just in her prime— she’s defining the genre.
Five huge stars. Call your best friends, preorder immediately, and go ahead and pencil in your book club appointment—IT’S NOT HER is going to get you talking.
May 20, 2025
Oh. My. God. This book had me in a chokehold from the very first page. A family getaway to a peaceful lake resort turns into a nightmare when a murder interrupts their retreat — and from the first page on, the tension never lets up.
Told in two POVs — one in the present and one leading up to the murder — this structure just amps up the anxiety in the best way possible. My heart was racing. I was creeped out. I suspected every single person at one point, and yet I never saw that final chapter coming. It was WILD!!!!!
This is exactly what a thriller should be — atmospheric, unpredictable, and full of dread. Easily one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. I’m so thankful to Mary Kubica and The Hive for the chance to read this early.
This comes out in early 2026, and I’m calling it now: it’s going to be a bestseller. Preorder this one. Trust me.
February 2, 2026
4.5 stars
*Thank you @htp_hive @htpbooks @harpercollins for the gifted alc and arc!*
It’s Not Her by Mary Lubica
Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedemann
Release Date: Feb 3, 3026
•THE REVIEW•
Oh my gosh. Mary Kubica has done it again. From the very beginning, I was immediately hooked. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who did it. (I NEVER get it right. Ever. And this time was no different. LOL)
And umm that last chapter… WHAT?!
If you’re looking for a bingeable thriller, I highly recommend this one!
•THE PLAYLIST•
Seven Devils - Florence + The Machine
no body, no crime - Taylor Swift, HAIM
You’re Somebody Else - flora cash
Eyes Closed - Imagine Dragons
Breathe Me - Sia
(For the full playlist, use the link in my bio to take you to the Spotify playlist or scan the code in the post!)
*Thank you @htp_hive @htpbooks @harpercollins for the gifted alc and arc!*
It’s Not Her by Mary Lubica
Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedemann
Release Date: Feb 3, 3026
•THE REVIEW•
Oh my gosh. Mary Kubica has done it again. From the very beginning, I was immediately hooked. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who did it. (I NEVER get it right. Ever. And this time was no different. LOL)
And umm that last chapter… WHAT?!
If you’re looking for a bingeable thriller, I highly recommend this one!
•THE PLAYLIST•
Seven Devils - Florence + The Machine
no body, no crime - Taylor Swift, HAIM
You’re Somebody Else - flora cash
Eyes Closed - Imagine Dragons
Breathe Me - Sia
(For the full playlist, use the link in my bio to take you to the Spotify playlist or scan the code in the post!)
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