What do you think?
Rate this book
This Story Might Save Your Life
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 2610 hours, 39 minutes
"Both a riveting mystery and a love story, This Story Might Save Your Life is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year." —Amy Tintera, bestselling author of Listen for the Lie
Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is accused of her murder . . .
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
“I truly loved reading This Story Might Save Your Life. The pace was terrific, and it was so smart and engrossing. The pages practically turn themselves in this nuanced thriller. I couldn't put it down!”
—Nina Simon, New York Times bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night
"Both a riveting mystery and a love story, This Story Might Save Your Life is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year." —Amy Tintera, bestselling author of Listen for the Lie
Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is accused of her murder . . .
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
“I truly loved reading This Story Might Save Your Life. The pace was terrific, and it was so smart and engrossing. The pages practically turn themselves in this nuanced thriller. I couldn't put it down!”
—Nina Simon, New York Times bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night
Audiobook
Expected publication March 10, 2026
71586 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Crum
1 book132 followersTiffany Crum is the author of This Story Might Save Your Life, forthcoming in March 2026 from Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar. A longtime Californian, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, sons, and dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
January 15, 2026
4.5* Wow I absolutely loved this. I mostly listened to the audiobook (which I HIGHLY recommend btw) but the writing itself is just excellent. I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up.
It’s actually really hard to pin down the genre of this one, it felt like a mix of thriller, mystery, contemporary romance, and maybe even romcom? Whatever it is, I was completely hooked the whole way through. What a beautifully devastating, emotional, twisty, crazy ride!
Thank you Lavender Public Relations & Flatiron Books for the ARC!
It’s actually really hard to pin down the genre of this one, it felt like a mix of thriller, mystery, contemporary romance, and maybe even romcom? Whatever it is, I was completely hooked the whole way through. What a beautifully devastating, emotional, twisty, crazy ride!
Thank you Lavender Public Relations & Flatiron Books for the ARC!
January 24, 2026
Hang on while I swoon! A truly magical novel full of poignant friendships, manipulative liars, and well-hidden secrets, This Story Might Save Your Life was beyond a slam dunk for this thriller lover. From the puzzle-like mystery to the onion-like plotting, while the storyline was complete and utter perfection, the characters were what made this book dig itself deep into my soul. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with Benny and Joy? With their playful banter, which was packed with sarcastic humor, and their easy way with one another, I quickly fell in love with both of them in turn thanks to their dual POVs. That being said, once the s*** hit the fan, not even they were above my side-eye glances of outright suspicion. After all, I knew that there were some serious things going down in this fracturing—or blossoming—love story of three. Heart-rending and dark, it had that *chef’s kiss* feel that you only ever find in a truly special novel.
What exactly, though, made me fly through the pages at an always increasing speed? Well, between the shocking, plot-shifting twists and the huge number of cliffhanger chapters, this book was the epitome of nuanced charm and spine-tingling chills. Somehow walking the line just so between a B.A. Paris-esque domestic thriller and a heart-melting romance in the vein of Jeneva Rose, it had everything I look for when adding a book to my list of the top books of the year. With a constant sense of impending doom and backstories that not only fleshed out the characters but added some much-loved complexity to the underlying mystery of what happened to Joy, my fingers flew through the chapters as I yearned to learn all of the whos, whats, and whys. All said and done, I am utterly blown away by this stunning debut and can’t wait to see what this insanely talented author comes up with next! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
Thank you to Tiffany Crum, Flatiron Books, and Lavender Public Relations for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: narcolepsy, missing person, miscarriage, stalking, gaslighting, domestic abuse, miscarriage, violence, mention of: divorce, cancer
What exactly, though, made me fly through the pages at an always increasing speed? Well, between the shocking, plot-shifting twists and the huge number of cliffhanger chapters, this book was the epitome of nuanced charm and spine-tingling chills. Somehow walking the line just so between a B.A. Paris-esque domestic thriller and a heart-melting romance in the vein of Jeneva Rose, it had everything I look for when adding a book to my list of the top books of the year. With a constant sense of impending doom and backstories that not only fleshed out the characters but added some much-loved complexity to the underlying mystery of what happened to Joy, my fingers flew through the chapters as I yearned to learn all of the whos, whats, and whys. All said and done, I am utterly blown away by this stunning debut and can’t wait to see what this insanely talented author comes up with next! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.
Thank you to Tiffany Crum, Flatiron Books, and Lavender Public Relations for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: narcolepsy, missing person, miscarriage, stalking, gaslighting, domestic abuse, miscarriage, violence, mention of: divorce, cancer
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness, this book is getting all the rave reviews and for very good reason— it is quite the debut! “If Lisa Jewel and Emily Henry co-wrote a book” is the most apt description of this book. This Story Might Save Your Life is an incredible genre mashup that uses the podcast element, but in a way that keeps it fresh and fun.
The atmospheric nature was C-R-E-E-P-Y (very things that go bump in the night at times) and I could not get enough. The characters were sooooo intriguing, and the back-and-forth timeline showing the before and after really helped me to connect with them even more. And because of the multiple genres, the story had a terrific steady drum beat of a storyline, never letting up whether on the mystery, the romance, or drama for the entire read. In other words, Crum had notable pitch-perfect pacing, pretty freakin impressive for a debut novel.
I read this mostly as an immersive read, listening to the audio while following along with the physical book. I have to say, the audiobook is perfection. Am I biased because my favorite narrator in the world, Julia Whelan, narrates it? Perhaps. But also, this A+ audiobook included snippets of multimedia not in the print version!! Like how cool is that?!
It is hard to say much more without spoiling anything, but I will leave you with this— TSMSYL is a must-read and will most definitely be making my favorites list of 2026 in both formats. And Tiffany Crum has a fan in me for life if her next book is anything like this one.
Read if you like:
-genre mashups
-character-driven stories
-podcast element
-mixed media (included only on audio)
-romance subplot
-atmospheric stories
-bingeable books
Comps: The Love of My Life, Listen for the Lie
Publishes March 10, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! This is an absolutely fabulous debut. Full review to come.
50% update - This book is so dang good. It’s so eerie especially on audio with snippets of podcasts and phone call dispatches only present in the audiobook. I cannot get enough but am also so creeped out in the best way.
The atmospheric nature was C-R-E-E-P-Y (very things that go bump in the night at times) and I could not get enough. The characters were sooooo intriguing, and the back-and-forth timeline showing the before and after really helped me to connect with them even more. And because of the multiple genres, the story had a terrific steady drum beat of a storyline, never letting up whether on the mystery, the romance, or drama for the entire read. In other words, Crum had notable pitch-perfect pacing, pretty freakin impressive for a debut novel.
I read this mostly as an immersive read, listening to the audio while following along with the physical book. I have to say, the audiobook is perfection. Am I biased because my favorite narrator in the world, Julia Whelan, narrates it? Perhaps. But also, this A+ audiobook included snippets of multimedia not in the print version!! Like how cool is that?!
It is hard to say much more without spoiling anything, but I will leave you with this— TSMSYL is a must-read and will most definitely be making my favorites list of 2026 in both formats. And Tiffany Crum has a fan in me for life if her next book is anything like this one.
Read if you like:
-genre mashups
-character-driven stories
-podcast element
-mixed media (included only on audio)
-romance subplot
-atmospheric stories
-bingeable books
Comps: The Love of My Life, Listen for the Lie
Publishes March 10, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! This is an absolutely fabulous debut. Full review to come.
50% update - This book is so dang good. It’s so eerie especially on audio with snippets of podcasts and phone call dispatches only present in the audiobook. I cannot get enough but am also so creeped out in the best way.
December 20, 2025
I did the audiobook in 24-hrs. I couldn’t put it down! It’s a bit of a genre bender and I recommend going in blindly and doing the audiobook!
December 16, 2025
A joy to listen to on audiobook. Once I started listening to the audiobook of This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum, I couldn’t stop. I had to hit the pause button so that I could get a good night’s sleep. I usually listen to audiobooks while I fall asleep and I couldn’t resist listening to it so I had to listen to white noise instead. The narrators, Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins, are spectacular and enhanced the story. I’m not a romance lover and the amount of romance is minimal or maybe I just blocked it out. The audio production of the podcast recordings, the narration and the memoir made it immersive. I picked up the audiobook on the second day and finished it. I hope that all readers will get caught up in this mystery and join the hunt in the disappearance of Joy Moore. ALC was provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. I received an audiobook listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2025
I'm glad I took a chance on a debut author. This was so, so good. I highly recommend it!
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2025
I work at Macmillan and received this arc from a colleague. Devoured this in basically 24 hours. Such a multilayered that will keep you guessing and will leave you hungry for more.
January 1, 2026
In all my years of reading I think this is the first time I’ve ever started a year off with a 5 star read. Considering I requested this on NetGalley on a whim without reading any reviews or the synopsis (honestly I was mostly intrigued by the title) and it’s a DEBUT novel, there was really no way of knowing how this reading experience would go.
Spoiler alert: I LOVED IT. I skipped lunch today to keep reading, I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a storyline to skip a meal??? It’s the perfect mix of all my favourite genres, it’s part thriller, part romance and man it all works so well. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s so beautiful written that you will struggle to tear your eyes away from the pages. If you’re a fan of books with that podcast element, this is definitely one of the very best I’ve come across yet. I can only imagine how brilliant the audio version will be!!!!
I can’t tell you which POV or timeline I enjoyed more because ALL of them had me flying through the pages for answers. Everything is so perfectly wrapped up by the end and is more than satisfactory, I literally have zero complaints. This may not be for everyone expecting a traditional thriller, but for anyone who loves a good romance subplot - you’re in for such a treat. I can’t wait for this to hit shelves, I already know it’s going to be the book everyone is talking about!!!! Tiffany, I need you to start your next book ASAP!!!!
Spoiler alert: I LOVED IT. I skipped lunch today to keep reading, I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a storyline to skip a meal??? It’s the perfect mix of all my favourite genres, it’s part thriller, part romance and man it all works so well. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s so beautiful written that you will struggle to tear your eyes away from the pages. If you’re a fan of books with that podcast element, this is definitely one of the very best I’ve come across yet. I can only imagine how brilliant the audio version will be!!!!
I can’t tell you which POV or timeline I enjoyed more because ALL of them had me flying through the pages for answers. Everything is so perfectly wrapped up by the end and is more than satisfactory, I literally have zero complaints. This may not be for everyone expecting a traditional thriller, but for anyone who loves a good romance subplot - you’re in for such a treat. I can’t wait for this to hit shelves, I already know it’s going to be the book everyone is talking about!!!! Tiffany, I need you to start your next book ASAP!!!!
December 22, 2025
Are you serious…this is a debut?! This is the kind of book people will be calling their top read of 2026, and I already know it’s going to live rent free in my head for a long time. I cannot recommend the audio enough. The narration by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins is incredibly immersive and adds so much depth to the story, especially the playful banter and sharp humor between Benny and Joy as a famous podcast duo. Their chemistry feels real, lived in, and emotionally rich, which makes everything that unfolds hit even harder. When Joy goes missing, the story turns into a suspenseful puzzle as Benny tries to piece together the truth, only for the tension to skyrocket when he becomes a suspect himself. What starts as a mystery slowly transforms into something deeper, blending friendship, love, secrets, and lies into a thriller that completely bends genres. Part beautiful love story and part twisty domestic suspense, this is the kind of book you stay up way too late listening to because you have to know what happens next. Go in blind if you can, hit play on the audio, and trust me when I say everyone is going to be talking about this one come March.
January 15, 2026
THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE by Tiffany Crum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thank you netgalley for the advanced copy and Macmillan audio for the advanced copy. Wow, wow, wow. Give me a book that hooks me from the first chapter? Done and done. This book deserves all the hype it’s going to get! This is a little bit of a genre bender with mystery, a little bit of romance, a little thriller! The entire time I was listening I kept telling my husband, YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS ONE!
The audio for this book is INCREDIBLE. It’s a full production! Podcast clips and phone calls made it so fun and so real! Their bff banter had me wishing I could listen to their podcast in real life. The audio version of this book is 100% the way to read this one.
Best friends Joy and Benny host a hit podcast together detailing survival stories. When Joy and her Husband, Zander, go missing, Benny becomes a prime suspect. Benny is willing to do whatever he has to in order to find his best friend.
Pub. Date: 3/10/26.
Perfect if you like:
•Incredible audio!!
•Mystery that keeps you guessing.
•Best friend banter.
•Fast paced.
•Unexpected twists!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Mood: 🍿🫗
⚠️: explicit language.
The audio for this book is INCREDIBLE. It’s a full production! Podcast clips and phone calls made it so fun and so real! Their bff banter had me wishing I could listen to their podcast in real life. The audio version of this book is 100% the way to read this one.
Best friends Joy and Benny host a hit podcast together detailing survival stories. When Joy and her Husband, Zander, go missing, Benny becomes a prime suspect. Benny is willing to do whatever he has to in order to find his best friend.
Pub. Date: 3/10/26.
Perfect if you like:
•Incredible audio!!
•Mystery that keeps you guessing.
•Best friend banter.
•Fast paced.
•Unexpected twists!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Mood: 🍿🫗
⚠️: explicit language.
March 20, 2025
I was invited to read an early copy and loved the book! The relationship of the main characters, Joy and Benny, is magical. I usually don’t choose books with this much of a thriller aspect, but this one had me immensely intrigued. What a nice combination of interesting characters, beautiful writing and suspense!
December 26, 2025
Not full review
#ad much love for my advance copy and the portable speaker @flatironbook #partner #flatironpartner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
This Story Might Save Your Life
< @
Releases: March 10, 2026
Bonus! I don’t know if you’ve ever tried listening to an audiobook on a Bluetooth speaker but fun fact a lot of speakers can’t play audiobooks. They skip and it makes it annoying to listen to. But this speaker works like a charm and I love the light. THE BEST book swag I’ve ever received.
Also! On of our own is featured in this audiobook! @redreadreview HOW COOL IS THAT?! So excited for her! Check out her post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR1ztr...
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙳𝙾𝙴𝚂𝙽'𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄...𝙰 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁.
“Be kind, friends. You never know what someone is going through,” (p. 210).
Benny and Joy do a podcast together, but then Joy slips him a note saying she wants to stop. Now Joy and her husband are missing and it’s on Benny to find out what happened to her. There’s also the fact that Joy was about to divorce her husband.
Love this book!
🎧: Also listened while following along and highly recommend this audio. It’s full cast and such a fun and fab listen. I loved the podcast blips. It also had the tip line parts that the arc didn’t have.
Loved all the random weird facts.
A solid mystery wrapped in a compelling plot with fantastic characters. Loved it all.
Mem
Punch Me! 😂😂😂😂😂
Password protected file Benny needs to get into.
Was it a stalker, her husband, or someone else?
#ad much love for my advance copy and the portable speaker @flatironbook #partner #flatironpartner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
This Story Might Save Your Life
< @
Releases: March 10, 2026
Bonus! I don’t know if you’ve ever tried listening to an audiobook on a Bluetooth speaker but fun fact a lot of speakers can’t play audiobooks. They skip and it makes it annoying to listen to. But this speaker works like a charm and I love the light. THE BEST book swag I’ve ever received.
Also! On of our own is featured in this audiobook! @redreadreview HOW COOL IS THAT?! So excited for her! Check out her post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR1ztr...
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙳𝙾𝙴𝚂𝙽'𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄...𝙰 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁.
“Be kind, friends. You never know what someone is going through,” (p. 210).
Benny and Joy do a podcast together, but then Joy slips him a note saying she wants to stop. Now Joy and her husband are missing and it’s on Benny to find out what happened to her. There’s also the fact that Joy was about to divorce her husband.
Love this book!
🎧: Also listened while following along and highly recommend this audio. It’s full cast and such a fun and fab listen. I loved the podcast blips. It also had the tip line parts that the arc didn’t have.
Loved all the random weird facts.
A solid mystery wrapped in a compelling plot with fantastic characters. Loved it all.
Mem
Punch Me! 😂😂😂😂😂
Password protected file Benny needs to get into.
Was it a stalker, her husband, or someone else?
January 24, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the gifted ALC of This Story Might Save Your Life. All opinions are my own.
I went into this thinking it was a thriller but it ended up being more of a mystery / literary fiction read which I overall enjoyed. Once I lost the mindset that this was a thriller I stepped into the story that was a mystery wrapped in a love story. The characters were lovable and relatable. I really connected with them and absolutely loved the podcast tie in to the book.
Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a beloved podcast together every week. They talk stories of survival and near death experiences. Their latest survival story may turn into one of their own when Benny shows up at Joy and her husband’s home and finds signs of a break in and a missing Joy and husband.
A story of love, friendship, and mystery wrapped in a nice bow. I recommend this one on audio and I am so excited for another great debut for us readers!
I went into this thinking it was a thriller but it ended up being more of a mystery / literary fiction read which I overall enjoyed. Once I lost the mindset that this was a thriller I stepped into the story that was a mystery wrapped in a love story. The characters were lovable and relatable. I really connected with them and absolutely loved the podcast tie in to the book.
Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a beloved podcast together every week. They talk stories of survival and near death experiences. Their latest survival story may turn into one of their own when Benny shows up at Joy and her husband’s home and finds signs of a break in and a missing Joy and husband.
A story of love, friendship, and mystery wrapped in a nice bow. I recommend this one on audio and I am so excited for another great debut for us readers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
perfect perfect perfect
rtc
rtc
December 2, 2025
i love picking a random arc from the work shelf and finding out it’s a page turning mystery with a love subplot !! i would definitely be subscribed to their podcast
January 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!
When I saw the female narrator was Julia Whelan, I already knew the book was going to be good. I was correct!
This story about Joy, a podcaster, and Xander, her husband, gone missing is the perfect whodunnit... or more accurately, howdunnit. With only clues and breadcrumbs left in the podcasts themselves, Joy's podcast partner, Benny, is forced to figure out what's happened to Joy and clear his own name. Suspicion is pointed at lots of different people and ultimately, I was surprised at how everything went down and hadn't guessed the person to blame.
Side note: can we please get a real life version of this podcast? It sounds great!
When I saw the female narrator was Julia Whelan, I already knew the book was going to be good. I was correct!
This story about Joy, a podcaster, and Xander, her husband, gone missing is the perfect whodunnit... or more accurately, howdunnit. With only clues and breadcrumbs left in the podcasts themselves, Joy's podcast partner, Benny, is forced to figure out what's happened to Joy and clear his own name. Suspicion is pointed at lots of different people and ultimately, I was surprised at how everything went down and hadn't guessed the person to blame.
Side note: can we please get a real life version of this podcast? It sounds great!
July 9, 2025
A whip-smart mystery. A love story that lingers. This Story Might Save Your Life is as clever as it is heartfelt, with sparkling prose, characters you can’t help but love, and a suspenseful puzzle at its core. Tiffany Crum's debut—and what a debut!—had me feverishly turning pages, and when it ended, I found myself wishing I could stay in her world just a little longer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
YES
December 4, 2025
Thank you, #Partner @flatiron_books @pineandcedar_books for my #gifted copy. Pub date 3/10/26.
This was an amazing debut by #TiffanyCrum. I would have thought this was written by a seasoned author because it was written so well. I loved how the story and timeline were set up and it kept me guessing until the very end. This book was nothing as I suspected, but in the best possible way. It was a mystery love story, and it definitely worked. Definitely add this one to your TBR!
Benny and Joy are the bestest friends in the world and they also host a very popular podcast. When Joy goes missing, Benny has to piece together clues to help find her before it's too late, only problem is the cops have their eyes on him. 4.5 stars!
This was an amazing debut by #TiffanyCrum. I would have thought this was written by a seasoned author because it was written so well. I loved how the story and timeline were set up and it kept me guessing until the very end. This book was nothing as I suspected, but in the best possible way. It was a mystery love story, and it definitely worked. Definitely add this one to your TBR!
Benny and Joy are the bestest friends in the world and they also host a very popular podcast. When Joy goes missing, Benny has to piece together clues to help find her before it's too late, only problem is the cops have their eyes on him. 4.5 stars!
August 10, 2025
Major major love to Tiffany Crum, the author, who is a fellow Murderino, and was kind enough to give me a copy of this ARC.
However, I just don’t think this was the book for me. As far as the romance aspect, I just couldn’t connect with the characters, and the twists and new pieces of information on the mystery side of things seemed to come out of nowhere. There was just nothing to keep me invested on anything deeper than the surface level.
The writing was fine. I enjoyed her humor. I think the right person could have a really good time with this book!
However, I just don’t think this was the book for me. As far as the romance aspect, I just couldn’t connect with the characters, and the twists and new pieces of information on the mystery side of things seemed to come out of nowhere. There was just nothing to keep me invested on anything deeper than the surface level.
The writing was fine. I enjoyed her humor. I think the right person could have a really good time with this book!
May 30, 2025
I am head over heels in love with Benny and Joy! This book was a show stopper from start to finish. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t wait to get back to reading it when I had to pause for such mundane things as work and food. I am NOT giving any spoilers but just trust me, you do not want to miss this book when it comes out!
June 9, 2025
A thrilling and heartfelt read from start to finish. I just fell in LOVE with Benny and Joy. Everybody wishes they had this friendship. But once everything starts falling apart, I really had no idea what was going to happen. Great pacing. I couldn’t stop reading. And the podcast is so fun! I would listen to this podcast for real!
October 4, 2025
This book is so so good!!! This book was so heartwarming, and yet also heartwrenching. The best friends were adorable! 🥰 The mystery kept me guessing all the way up until the end (and what a great ending 😱). I definitely recommend it! 😚🤌💕
May 30, 2025
I’ve now read this book twice and cannot get enough of Benny and Joy. I had all the feels and immediately told my friends they have to read it when it comes out. This book has it all! Love!
January 15, 2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗦
Do you know how to survive if you’re swallowed by a whale?
Luckily Joy and Benny, the hosts of a beloved, This Story Might Save Your Life, a podcast about survival of the strangest of scenarios, have your back. Though the stakes of the tales they tell are high, the banter between these best friends is undeniably charming, and they bring irreverent humor to the oddest of situations.
And now they are facing the oddest situation yet.
Joy is missing, along with Xander, her husband and the show’s producer. And Benny has to suss out the clues Joy seems to have left hidden like a treasure hunt to find her.
Alternating between Benny’s real time searches and chapters of Joy’s memoir, the stakes have never been higher. What Benny uncovers is the startling reality of Joy’s hidden life as the chance to find her and bring her back slips away.
Will he be able to save the life of the person he loves most in the world?
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
Holy cow!
First let me say that if this podcast actually existed, I’d be a loyal subscriber.
I loved the slow reveal of the beginnings of Benny and Joy’s relationship and all the ways it grew and changed over time. The bond they formed is indelible and you can feel the urgency in Benny’s search.
This isn’t just a page turning thriller, though. It’s a mystery, a slow burn, a love story. It’s about the kind of friendship you’re lucky to find once in a lifetime, and it’s about survival.
This book is so good that I devoured it in two days, setting aside all other responsibilities and purchasing a trophy copy as soon as I finished.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
The podcast You’re Wrong About (you simply must listen) has a similar set up and vibe.
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢
Holy cow, the production on this is tremendous. Dual narration by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins was stellar, plus the addition of podcast excerpts and tip line calls make this one you can’t put down.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
This stunning debut simply cannot be missed. I feel confident that it will be among my top ten of the year!
𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦
@macmillan.audio was kind enough to give me an ALC of this gem, which is out 3/10/26.
Do you know how to survive if you’re swallowed by a whale?
Luckily Joy and Benny, the hosts of a beloved, This Story Might Save Your Life, a podcast about survival of the strangest of scenarios, have your back. Though the stakes of the tales they tell are high, the banter between these best friends is undeniably charming, and they bring irreverent humor to the oddest of situations.
And now they are facing the oddest situation yet.
Joy is missing, along with Xander, her husband and the show’s producer. And Benny has to suss out the clues Joy seems to have left hidden like a treasure hunt to find her.
Alternating between Benny’s real time searches and chapters of Joy’s memoir, the stakes have never been higher. What Benny uncovers is the startling reality of Joy’s hidden life as the chance to find her and bring her back slips away.
Will he be able to save the life of the person he loves most in the world?
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
Holy cow!
First let me say that if this podcast actually existed, I’d be a loyal subscriber.
I loved the slow reveal of the beginnings of Benny and Joy’s relationship and all the ways it grew and changed over time. The bond they formed is indelible and you can feel the urgency in Benny’s search.
This isn’t just a page turning thriller, though. It’s a mystery, a slow burn, a love story. It’s about the kind of friendship you’re lucky to find once in a lifetime, and it’s about survival.
This book is so good that I devoured it in two days, setting aside all other responsibilities and purchasing a trophy copy as soon as I finished.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
The podcast You’re Wrong About (you simply must listen) has a similar set up and vibe.
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢
Holy cow, the production on this is tremendous. Dual narration by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins was stellar, plus the addition of podcast excerpts and tip line calls make this one you can’t put down.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
This stunning debut simply cannot be missed. I feel confident that it will be among my top ten of the year!
𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦
@macmillan.audio was kind enough to give me an ALC of this gem, which is out 3/10/26.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is a sharp, suspense‑driven thriller with just the right hint of romance woven through it. It’s believable, twisty, unexpectedly funny, and genuinely well crafted. The setup is irresistible: longtime best friends Benny and Joy co‑host a hit podcast about people surviving bizarre, extraordinary situations. Joy’s husband, Xander, manages the business side—until the day Benny discovers that Joy and Xander have vanished without a trace. No one knows where they’ve gone or why.
From there, the narrative unfurls beautifully—moving through Benny and Joy’s shared history, the days leading up to the disappearance, and the chaotic aftermath. The story alternates between their perspectives, layering tension and emotional depth with every chapter.
Truly, we need to talk about the audiobook. The dual POVs are performed by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins, two of the most exceptional voices working in audio today.
The audiobook features exclusive tip‑line calls from guest narrators that make the whole thing feel wildly real. Their delivery is so skilled, so textured, that I’ll happily listen to anything they narrate. Their performances elevate the entire experience.
If you want the most immersive version of this story, the audio is the way to go.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for an early copy of the audiobook.
From there, the narrative unfurls beautifully—moving through Benny and Joy’s shared history, the days leading up to the disappearance, and the chaotic aftermath. The story alternates between their perspectives, layering tension and emotional depth with every chapter.
Truly, we need to talk about the audiobook. The dual POVs are performed by Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins, two of the most exceptional voices working in audio today.
The audiobook features exclusive tip‑line calls from guest narrators that make the whole thing feel wildly real. Their delivery is so skilled, so textured, that I’ll happily listen to anything they narrate. Their performances elevate the entire experience.
If you want the most immersive version of this story, the audio is the way to go.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for an early copy of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2025 was a year of remarkable debuts, and by the looks of it, 2026 is continuing the trend because somehow this spectacular book is just that: a debut. The moment I saw 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 announced, I knew it was a book for me. Now I'm here to tell you that it's also a book for YOU.
The tone of Joy and Benny's friendship is immediately set with an opening podcast scene about hypothetically being swallowed by a whale, and I was instantly endeared to them. A comedy survival podcast with bff banter? Um, I would readily listen IRL!
Between podcast clips and excerpts from the memoir that Joy was writing, a more startling picture begins to form on her life, and Benny diligently works to parse together the breadcrumbs she's left behind, determined to find her. These plot devices also lend a deeper portrayal of Joy and Benny's bond from early days to present. Crum exquisitely blends platonic and romantic love in a way that's entirely authentic, and these characters are going to stay with me for a long time.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 reads like a love letter to podcasts and so much more. It is mystery, suspense, friendship, love, and survival. It is impeccably developed characters and a meticulously constructed story. It is GOOD. Unputdownable, finished in 24hrs, inject it into my veins good. ♾️🌟
♡ 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 Crum 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝙎𝙎𝘿𝙂𝙈 🫶🏻
🎙 With a flawless narration read by the likes of Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins and a podcast plot thread, the audio for this book serves to further enhance the reading experience. Julia and Sean nail their performances as Joy and Benny, and call in tips and podcast excerpts fully immerse you into the story.
🏆 This is a book that's brilliant no matter what format's chosen. I LOVED the audio, but Crum's writing is enough to make me need a trophy copy for my shelf.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 3•10•2026]
The tone of Joy and Benny's friendship is immediately set with an opening podcast scene about hypothetically being swallowed by a whale, and I was instantly endeared to them. A comedy survival podcast with bff banter? Um, I would readily listen IRL!
Between podcast clips and excerpts from the memoir that Joy was writing, a more startling picture begins to form on her life, and Benny diligently works to parse together the breadcrumbs she's left behind, determined to find her. These plot devices also lend a deeper portrayal of Joy and Benny's bond from early days to present. Crum exquisitely blends platonic and romantic love in a way that's entirely authentic, and these characters are going to stay with me for a long time.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 reads like a love letter to podcasts and so much more. It is mystery, suspense, friendship, love, and survival. It is impeccably developed characters and a meticulously constructed story. It is GOOD. Unputdownable, finished in 24hrs, inject it into my veins good. ♾️🌟
♡ 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 Crum 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝙎𝙎𝘿𝙂𝙈 🫶🏻
🎙 With a flawless narration read by the likes of Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins and a podcast plot thread, the audio for this book serves to further enhance the reading experience. Julia and Sean nail their performances as Joy and Benny, and call in tips and podcast excerpts fully immerse you into the story.
🏆 This is a book that's brilliant no matter what format's chosen. I LOVED the audio, but Crum's writing is enough to make me need a trophy copy for my shelf.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 3•10•2026]
January 1, 2026
One of the best audiobooks of the year! This mystery-thriller has it all, including a love triangle, humor, and very likable leads. The audiobook experience can't be beat, since a significant part of the story revolves around Benny and Joy's podcast (entitled "This Podcast Might Save Your Life"), and we listen to them recording it. It's also about Joy and her husband, Xander; Xander and his sister, their podcast producer; and the backgrounds of all four main characters. The author does an excellent job of slowly revealing information that changed my perception and understanding of the narrative, keeping me guessing until the end. While there were many difficult subjects touched upon, they were handled in a sensitive way that seemed, if not expected, at least integral to the story. Compulsive listening at its best. I am looking forward to more by this author.
My gratitude to the author @TiffanyCrum, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThisStoryMightSaveYourLife for review purposes. Pre-order the audiobook now - you won't want to miss this one! Publication date is 10 March 2026.
My gratitude to the author @TiffanyCrum, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThisStoryMightSaveYourLife for review purposes. Pre-order the audiobook now - you won't want to miss this one! Publication date is 10 March 2026.
January 14, 2026
I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book. This Story Might Save Your Life is a beautiful, heartfelt story about friendship, heartache, and the ways we show up for each other when it matters most. I fell in love with the characters almost immediately—they felt real, layered, and deeply human—and I found myself forming a strong emotional connection to each of them.
The structure of the story, told through both past and present timelines, was exceptionally well done. It added depth, tension, and emotion in all the right moments, creating a narrative that felt meaningful and impactful from beginning to end.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
The structure of the story, told through both past and present timelines, was exceptionally well done. It added depth, tension, and emotion in all the right moments, creating a narrative that felt meaningful and impactful from beginning to end.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
January 18, 2026
(ARC) 5⭐️ Are you kidding me? What an absolute banger of a debut novel. This is easily one of my favorite audiobooks I’ve listened to in a long time…OBSESSED level.
I devoured this book so fast I could barely put it down, and when I had to, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. This is how a mystery should be done. It gripped me within the first 20 pages and never let go. The writing was so well done, the characters had real depth, and the plot was incredible. Every single part of it was so good.
Have I convinced you to add this to your TBR yet?!
I devoured this book so fast I could barely put it down, and when I had to, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. This is how a mystery should be done. It gripped me within the first 20 pages and never let go. The writing was so well done, the characters had real depth, and the plot was incredible. Every single part of it was so good.
Have I convinced you to add this to your TBR yet?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews