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More Than Us
Bailey would be lost without him. He’s made sure of it.
He is the man everyone wants to be or be with. He is respected, charismatic, successful. But beneath the polished exterior lies a monster. For him, control is an addiction, more intoxicating than murder. And he should know.
When Sophie and Bailey cross paths with him on a night out London, their lives take a dark and irreversible turn. Sophie becomes his victim, silenced forever, and now forced to helplessly watch as her vibrant, confident best friend falls prey to his insidious web of coercion and control. Bailey, once full of hope for the future, now struggles to get through each day. But Sophie knows his horrifying secret. Worse still, she knows what will happen when he grows tired of his game...
He is the man everyone wants to be or be with. He is respected, charismatic, successful. But beneath the polished exterior lies a monster. For him, control is an addiction, more intoxicating than murder. And he should know.
When Sophie and Bailey cross paths with him on a night out London, their lives take a dark and irreversible turn. Sophie becomes his victim, silenced forever, and now forced to helplessly watch as her vibrant, confident best friend falls prey to his insidious web of coercion and control. Bailey, once full of hope for the future, now struggles to get through each day. But Sophie knows his horrifying secret. Worse still, she knows what will happen when he grows tired of his game...
472 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 28, 2025
I enjoyed it. It was very cleverly plotted and intense. It turned out completely different from what I imagined from the blurb. The twisted mindset of a serial killer and master manipulator is defined thoroughly in detailed descriptions with his point of view.. Multiple points of view added the tension. The main twist is something I am not disclosing. You have to read it yourself. Bailey, Sophie, and other victims are very strong, and I felt a connection with all of them. The ending is quite satisfying. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
September 1, 2025
Firstly there are triggers in this book of sexual abuse , abuse of power and misogyny so please be warned.
I have to say I was not sure about this book when I requested it, but I love trying new authors work.
What I thought was interesting and different was the way the book is broken up where the author allows the reader to become familiar with all parties in the story, the serial killer, a witness and the victims. I thought this aspect of the book was extremely clever and added another level of suspense to the story. The book is a slow burn but this is effective as we are dropped information as the plot develops.
Lots of tension which increased the atmosphere and had me turning the pages at an increasingly fast speed as I thought I had things worked out when bang, everting as I thought I knew it turned upside down and I found myself thinking completely differently . I really think the less said the better as I feel you really need to go in blind and let the book surprise you as ir progresses.
I will say the ending really hit me and I sat there for several minutes after the last page processing what I had just read, A very good book that I highly recommend and I look forward to more books from this author. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
I have to say I was not sure about this book when I requested it, but I love trying new authors work.
What I thought was interesting and different was the way the book is broken up where the author allows the reader to become familiar with all parties in the story, the serial killer, a witness and the victims. I thought this aspect of the book was extremely clever and added another level of suspense to the story. The book is a slow burn but this is effective as we are dropped information as the plot develops.
Lots of tension which increased the atmosphere and had me turning the pages at an increasingly fast speed as I thought I had things worked out when bang, everting as I thought I knew it turned upside down and I found myself thinking completely differently . I really think the less said the better as I feel you really need to go in blind and let the book surprise you as ir progresses.
I will say the ending really hit me and I sat there for several minutes after the last page processing what I had just read, A very good book that I highly recommend and I look forward to more books from this author. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
September 11, 2025
Wow! This book was amazing! It had every single thing that's important to me. Characters were very well described.
I just know I made a bunch of different faces while reading this book.
Angry, shocked, ended up caring for a few people in this book.
It takes you on a ride of shocking, disgusting, deception, vengeance, and sisterhood and family.
I loved this book! Would be nice to see more Authors creating books like this. I rarely ever give 5 stars but this book deserves it.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @jooneill
I just know I made a bunch of different faces while reading this book.
Angry, shocked, ended up caring for a few people in this book.
It takes you on a ride of shocking, disgusting, deception, vengeance, and sisterhood and family.
I loved this book! Would be nice to see more Authors creating books like this. I rarely ever give 5 stars but this book deserves it.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @jooneill
September 2, 2025
Jo O’Neill has written a haunting, powerful novel in More Than Us—one that blurs the line between ghost story and social commentary, delivering something far deeper than a conventional supernatural thriller.
At its core, this is a story about women whose voices were silenced in life but who find power and unity in death. The ghosts are not simply background figures or frightening apparitions; O’Neill gives each of them a history, a voice, and above all, agency. Their choice to come together—to reclaim their stories and resist erasure—creates a narrative that is as moving as it is unsettling.
What I found especially striking is the way the book is structured. O’Neill allows us into the perspectives not only of the victims, but also of those complicit in their suffering and those left behind to grapple with the truth. This layering builds tension and keeps the reader questioning assumptions right up until the end. Just when I thought I had the threads untangled, the story shifted, forcing me to reconsider everything I believed about the characters and their fates.
The atmosphere is chilling, heavy with dread, yet O’Neill never loses sight of the deeply human element. The horror doesn’t just come from the supernatural—it comes from the echo of real-world violence, misogyny, and the silencing of women’s experiences. That resonance is what makes the novel so impactful. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s a reflection of injustice and a call for voices that refuse to be forgotten.
The pacing is deliberate, building slowly but with an intensity that tightens as the story unfolds. O’Neill’s prose is vivid and evocative, creating scenes that feel both terrifying and heartbreakingly intimate. By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt completely absorbed, sitting in the quiet aftermath of a book that refuses to let go.
More Than Us is dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It is a story about ghosts, yes—but more than that, it’s about resilience, unity, and the unyielding strength of women reclaiming their narratives. Jo O’Neill has crafted a debut that is bold, devastating, and deeply necessary.
At its core, this is a story about women whose voices were silenced in life but who find power and unity in death. The ghosts are not simply background figures or frightening apparitions; O’Neill gives each of them a history, a voice, and above all, agency. Their choice to come together—to reclaim their stories and resist erasure—creates a narrative that is as moving as it is unsettling.
What I found especially striking is the way the book is structured. O’Neill allows us into the perspectives not only of the victims, but also of those complicit in their suffering and those left behind to grapple with the truth. This layering builds tension and keeps the reader questioning assumptions right up until the end. Just when I thought I had the threads untangled, the story shifted, forcing me to reconsider everything I believed about the characters and their fates.
The atmosphere is chilling, heavy with dread, yet O’Neill never loses sight of the deeply human element. The horror doesn’t just come from the supernatural—it comes from the echo of real-world violence, misogyny, and the silencing of women’s experiences. That resonance is what makes the novel so impactful. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s a reflection of injustice and a call for voices that refuse to be forgotten.
The pacing is deliberate, building slowly but with an intensity that tightens as the story unfolds. O’Neill’s prose is vivid and evocative, creating scenes that feel both terrifying and heartbreakingly intimate. By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt completely absorbed, sitting in the quiet aftermath of a book that refuses to let go.
More Than Us is dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It is a story about ghosts, yes—but more than that, it’s about resilience, unity, and the unyielding strength of women reclaiming their narratives. Jo O’Neill has crafted a debut that is bold, devastating, and deeply necessary.
September 3, 2025
This one wasn’t really my preferred read. The premise drew me in – a psychological thriller with a supernatural thread, exploring coercive control and the darker side of charm – but the execution didn’t fully land for me.
The blend of ghostly perspective with very real human manipulation was interesting, and I can see how this will appeal to readers who enjoy a slower, more atmospheric build. Personally, I found myself struggling to stay connected, and it wasn’t quite the page-turning suspense I was hoping for.
That said, Jo O’Neill tackles some important and heavy themes here with care, and I can definitely see the appeal for the right audience. Just not quite the right fit for me.
The blend of ghostly perspective with very real human manipulation was interesting, and I can see how this will appeal to readers who enjoy a slower, more atmospheric build. Personally, I found myself struggling to stay connected, and it wasn’t quite the page-turning suspense I was hoping for.
That said, Jo O’Neill tackles some important and heavy themes here with care, and I can definitely see the appeal for the right audience. Just not quite the right fit for me.
September 3, 2025
A cracking read! Unusually for me, I finished it in two days, as opposed to dipping in and out for weeks. It reminded me of books by Lisa Jewell with its psychological twists and mystery. Anyone who has ever known a coercive controller will recognize the patterns, and be rooting for the victims. Great characters and a tense storyline make it un-put-down-able. Am now feeling there has to be a sequel!
(I don't think the blurb does the story justice, by the way, so if the blurb doesn't grab you, try the opening pages of the sample on Amazon - you'll be hooked!)
(I don't think the blurb does the story justice, by the way, so if the blurb doesn't grab you, try the opening pages of the sample on Amazon - you'll be hooked!)
September 8, 2025
I felt compelled to read this quickly (by my normal standards) as the suspense rapidly builds. It’s an intense (I winced a good few times) and enjoyable story that plumbs the depths of man’s depravity, whilst also venturing into the world of the ghostly “afterlife” inhabited by female victims. Back in the present life, there are also some serious real world issues that the book explores (think coercive control). If you enjoy the horror genre that also explores “lived experience” with a twist at the end, I think you’ll love this book.
September 3, 2025
A gripping read - not what I expected (in a good way!) and thoroughly enjoyable. It roused feelings of injustice in me, and I was compelled to read it quickly just so I could find out what happened. I'd definitely recommend this.
September 4, 2025
Great read, couldn’t put it down.
August 29, 2025
Jo O’Neill crafts a deeply unsettling yet profoundly moving tale in More Than Us, a story that proves ghost fiction can be far more than fleeting chills or supernatural scares. At first glance, the premise seems straightforward—young women vanish, and their restless spirits return—but O’Neill takes this familiar setup and transforms it into a layered, haunting exploration of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable strength of unity.
The missing women form the emotional core of the novel. Though they exist as ghosts, O’Neill refuses to let them be reduced to mere shadows or plot devices. Instead, each one is given a voice, a history, and a powerful sense of agency. Their decision to come together in the afterlife adds a unique dimension to the story, as what begins as horror evolves into something far richer—an almost defiant reclaiming of their identities in the face of violence and erasure. The question of whether it’s too late for their voices to be heard keeps the tension simmering throughout, pulling the reader forward with equal parts dread and hope.
What sets this novel apart from many ghost stories is the balance between the supernatural and the deeply human. O’Neill layers the eerie atmosphere with emotional resonance, crafting scenes that feel both chilling and heartbreakingly real. The ghosts’ plight is terrifying not just because of the otherworldly elements, but because it mirrors the all-too-real struggles of women whose stories are silenced. That connection to reality gives the book a raw edge, elevating it above typical genre boundaries.
The pacing is masterful—slow enough to allow the weight of the story to sink in, but taut with suspense so that every chapter demands to be read. O’Neill’s prose is evocative without being overwrought, painting just enough detail to create a sense of dread while letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. The atmosphere feels heavy, almost oppressive at times, mirroring the characters’ experiences while building toward a climax that is both devastating and cathartic.
Even for readers who don’t typically enjoy ghost stories, More Than Us offers something unique. It’s a ghost story, yes, but it’s also a tale of solidarity, justice, and the refusal to be forgotten. The supernatural serves as a powerful lens through which O’Neill explores themes of memory, identity, and collective strength. The result is a narrative that lingers long after the final page, both chilling in its execution and deeply moving in its message.
Dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable, More Than Us is more than a ghost story—it’s a testament to survival, unity, and the unyielding power of women’s voices. Fans of psychological suspense, gothic fiction, or emotionally charged thrillers will find themselves captivated by O’Neill’s vision and storytelling skill.
The missing women form the emotional core of the novel. Though they exist as ghosts, O’Neill refuses to let them be reduced to mere shadows or plot devices. Instead, each one is given a voice, a history, and a powerful sense of agency. Their decision to come together in the afterlife adds a unique dimension to the story, as what begins as horror evolves into something far richer—an almost defiant reclaiming of their identities in the face of violence and erasure. The question of whether it’s too late for their voices to be heard keeps the tension simmering throughout, pulling the reader forward with equal parts dread and hope.
What sets this novel apart from many ghost stories is the balance between the supernatural and the deeply human. O’Neill layers the eerie atmosphere with emotional resonance, crafting scenes that feel both chilling and heartbreakingly real. The ghosts’ plight is terrifying not just because of the otherworldly elements, but because it mirrors the all-too-real struggles of women whose stories are silenced. That connection to reality gives the book a raw edge, elevating it above typical genre boundaries.
The pacing is masterful—slow enough to allow the weight of the story to sink in, but taut with suspense so that every chapter demands to be read. O’Neill’s prose is evocative without being overwrought, painting just enough detail to create a sense of dread while letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. The atmosphere feels heavy, almost oppressive at times, mirroring the characters’ experiences while building toward a climax that is both devastating and cathartic.
Even for readers who don’t typically enjoy ghost stories, More Than Us offers something unique. It’s a ghost story, yes, but it’s also a tale of solidarity, justice, and the refusal to be forgotten. The supernatural serves as a powerful lens through which O’Neill explores themes of memory, identity, and collective strength. The result is a narrative that lingers long after the final page, both chilling in its execution and deeply moving in its message.
Dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable, More Than Us is more than a ghost story—it’s a testament to survival, unity, and the unyielding power of women’s voices. Fans of psychological suspense, gothic fiction, or emotionally charged thrillers will find themselves captivated by O’Neill’s vision and storytelling skill.
October 22, 2025
Sophie and Bailey are having a night out at a club when they meet two men. Could this chance meeting develop into adult relationships? Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.
This novel starts off with a warning that it contains scenes that some readers may find distressing. These include: coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse, grooming, misogyny, physical violence, victim blaming and sexual content. Great, I thought, a gritty thriller, sign me up!
However, I found More Than Us to be a slow burn, it was such a slow burn for me that the flame went out altogether. This novel was a drag to read. Being an Atheist I could not get my head around the afterlife content and at the end of chapter 44 - 51% through this novel, I gave up and DID NOT FINISH. I think it is a DREADFUL read and give it 1 star. This book is not for everyone like most crime/mystery/thrillers are.
There was one paragraph that made me smile though…
‘You know all about me…’ ‘That’s because you never shut up.’ He flicked a glance at me, eyebrow raised ready for my reaction.
…Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
This novel starts off with a warning that it contains scenes that some readers may find distressing. These include: coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse, grooming, misogyny, physical violence, victim blaming and sexual content. Great, I thought, a gritty thriller, sign me up!
However, I found More Than Us to be a slow burn, it was such a slow burn for me that the flame went out altogether. This novel was a drag to read. Being an Atheist I could not get my head around the afterlife content and at the end of chapter 44 - 51% through this novel, I gave up and DID NOT FINISH. I think it is a DREADFUL read and give it 1 star. This book is not for everyone like most crime/mystery/thrillers are.
There was one paragraph that made me smile though…
‘You know all about me…’ ‘That’s because you never shut up.’ He flicked a glance at me, eyebrow raised ready for my reaction.
…Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
September 15, 2025
Haunting and harrowing — A supernatural thriller rooted in reality
More Than Us isn't your typical supernatural thriller. The novel expertly weaves together a story of coercive control, misogyny, and the quiet evil of a predator hiding in plain sight. What sets it apart is the haunting, spectral presence of his victims – women who, silenced in life, find their voices and reclaim their power after death.
O'Neill crafts the narrative with precision, shifting perspectives between the abuser, his victims, and those unknowingly caught in his web of manipulation. This layered approach adds an intense emotional weight, making the horror feel not just supernatural but profoundly human. It’s a stark portrait of how abuse festers in the shadows and how easily society can look the other way.
Yet, amid the darkness, a powerful message of resilience shines through. The interconnected stories of the victims become a testament to the strength of female friendship and the quiet courage of survival. This chilling journey into the darkest corners of human behaviour is a suspenseful, page-turner that keeps you gripped right to the end.
I genuinely hope there’s more to come.
More Than Us isn't your typical supernatural thriller. The novel expertly weaves together a story of coercive control, misogyny, and the quiet evil of a predator hiding in plain sight. What sets it apart is the haunting, spectral presence of his victims – women who, silenced in life, find their voices and reclaim their power after death.
O'Neill crafts the narrative with precision, shifting perspectives between the abuser, his victims, and those unknowingly caught in his web of manipulation. This layered approach adds an intense emotional weight, making the horror feel not just supernatural but profoundly human. It’s a stark portrait of how abuse festers in the shadows and how easily society can look the other way.
Yet, amid the darkness, a powerful message of resilience shines through. The interconnected stories of the victims become a testament to the strength of female friendship and the quiet courage of survival. This chilling journey into the darkest corners of human behaviour is a suspenseful, page-turner that keeps you gripped right to the end.
I genuinely hope there’s more to come.
September 18, 2025
I’d like to emphasise the content warning at the start of the book. The story is about manipulation and coercive control, as well as being the story of a serial killer. As such it might be a difficult read for some. There is violence, not gratuitous and always in service of the story.
Some writers find their titles easily—sometimes, I do too. But with More Than Us, the title was the hardest part. It came last, after I had tested countless candidates, none of which felt quite right. The story had flowed, but the title was stuck.
The inspiration (if that is the right word) for the story itself came from true crimes and criminal patterns. The more I researched, the more I came to an awful realization: none of the actions I wrote about were without precedent. Nothing in my book was too far-fetched to be true. In fact, I toned down some elements compared to real life. And not just the violence— the toxic cultures that allow such criminals to thrive. Control, belittling, grooming, undermining—predominantly, but not exclusively, with women as victims.
By the time I finished the book, I still didn’t have a title. But what I did have was a sense of sadness. Because while More Than Us is fiction, its themes are not.
And then, while re-reading my manuscript, I stopped at this passage— one I didn’t even remember writing:
This was about more than us. He was one man, and we were his victims, but neither he nor we were the first, the only, or the last.
That’s exactly it. The story is about More Than Us. More than the victims in the book, more than the book itself. It’s wish fulfillment—the idea that silenced victims can have voices.
That’s why it’s a ghost story.
I didn’t set out to write about the supernatural, but I wanted to give agency to the victims—to bring their loss to life. So many books and films about serial killers focus on the killer, reducing the victims to ‘bodies’ — nameless and voiceless, a riddle to be solved. This is not that kind of story.
And so, I chose a title that carries weight, but doesn’t overburden a story that is already dark enough. A title that reflects its themes, while leaving space for something more. Reflection, and honouring victims.
More Than Us is a thriller, a ghost story, a reckoning, and – I hope – a book that lingers beyond the last page (it certainly has for me)
Some writers find their titles easily—sometimes, I do too. But with More Than Us, the title was the hardest part. It came last, after I had tested countless candidates, none of which felt quite right. The story had flowed, but the title was stuck.
The inspiration (if that is the right word) for the story itself came from true crimes and criminal patterns. The more I researched, the more I came to an awful realization: none of the actions I wrote about were without precedent. Nothing in my book was too far-fetched to be true. In fact, I toned down some elements compared to real life. And not just the violence— the toxic cultures that allow such criminals to thrive. Control, belittling, grooming, undermining—predominantly, but not exclusively, with women as victims.
By the time I finished the book, I still didn’t have a title. But what I did have was a sense of sadness. Because while More Than Us is fiction, its themes are not.
And then, while re-reading my manuscript, I stopped at this passage— one I didn’t even remember writing:
This was about more than us. He was one man, and we were his victims, but neither he nor we were the first, the only, or the last.
That’s exactly it. The story is about More Than Us. More than the victims in the book, more than the book itself. It’s wish fulfillment—the idea that silenced victims can have voices.
That’s why it’s a ghost story.
I didn’t set out to write about the supernatural, but I wanted to give agency to the victims—to bring their loss to life. So many books and films about serial killers focus on the killer, reducing the victims to ‘bodies’ — nameless and voiceless, a riddle to be solved. This is not that kind of story.
And so, I chose a title that carries weight, but doesn’t overburden a story that is already dark enough. A title that reflects its themes, while leaving space for something more. Reflection, and honouring victims.
More Than Us is a thriller, a ghost story, a reckoning, and – I hope – a book that lingers beyond the last page (it certainly has for me)
August 28, 2025
I absolutely loved More Than Us by Jo O’Neill. From the very beginning, I felt pulled into the characters’ lives, they’re so real, so flawed, and yet so easy to connect with. What I enjoyed most was how the story slowly revealed little secrets and surprises along the way. Just when I thought I knew where things were going, O’Neill added a twist or a new layer that made me see everything differently.
This book made me feel so many emotions, heartbreak, hope. It's about resilience, healing, and the unexpected ways people come into our lives when we need them most. I know these characters will stick with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a roller coaster of emotions, this one is a must. But holy crap, that end paragraph 😳
This book made me feel so many emotions, heartbreak, hope. It's about resilience, healing, and the unexpected ways people come into our lives when we need them most. I know these characters will stick with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a roller coaster of emotions, this one is a must. But holy crap, that end paragraph 😳
September 21, 2025
From the very first page, this book had me completely hooked. The writing drew me in so deeply that I found myself experiencing a full range of emotions as the story unfolded. My heart raced and at one point I even found myself so frustrated with a particular character that I had to put the book down—only to pick it back up 30 seconds later because I simply had to know what happened next.
The characters felt real, and the plot kept me guessing right up until the end. If you’re looking for a book that will grip you emotionally and keep you turning pages late into the night, I can’t recommend this one highly enough.
The characters felt real, and the plot kept me guessing right up until the end. If you’re looking for a book that will grip you emotionally and keep you turning pages late into the night, I can’t recommend this one highly enough.
October 17, 2025
This was a recent read in our book club group. It was an overall win in the group and definitely a book I couldn’t put down. I’m not the quickest of readers but read this particular book in three days, I couldn’t put it down!!
Will definitely look for more titles by this author and hoping for a sequel to this one.
Will definitely look for more titles by this author and hoping for a sequel to this one.
September 3, 2025
I was given this book and a bit sceptical as wouldn’t usually read a ‘ghost’ story but this really captivated me and I binge read lots of it.
Highly recommend if you like suspense, thriller, crime type books.
Highly recommend if you like suspense, thriller, crime type books.
September 8, 2025
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
It wasn't really what i expected from the description and I don't think cover matches the vibes at all. Can't say that's it's my new favorite book or that it was something extraordinary. But, it turned out to be a very good, solid, interesting story that felt warm and cozy despite the gruesome moments.
I loved seeing the narration from different angles: a serial killer, his victims, their close ones, a witness. Some I loved, some were a bit boring. In general, each had a great contribution to painting a picture of the events from all sides and depths.
And oh wow, I loved the very ending. The general ending was great, but the last page? Exactly my taste of how a perfect book should end.
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
It wasn't really what i expected from the description and I don't think cover matches the vibes at all. Can't say that's it's my new favorite book or that it was something extraordinary. But, it turned out to be a very good, solid, interesting story that felt warm and cozy despite the gruesome moments.
I loved seeing the narration from different angles: a serial killer, his victims, their close ones, a witness. Some I loved, some were a bit boring. In general, each had a great contribution to painting a picture of the events from all sides and depths.
And oh wow, I loved the very ending. The general ending was great, but the last page? Exactly my taste of how a perfect book should end.
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews