Text Me When You’re Dead

by Ria Vargas

He’s dead. Or someone really wants her to think he isn’t.​​​​​​​

Three weeks after Sloane’s boyfriend falls to his death during a solo hike, she’s still drowning in grief—until she gets a message from his number.

“I’m sorry. I love you more than you know.”

It sounds like Theo. It reads like Theo. But it can’t be Theo… can it?

As Sloane spirals down a dark rabbit hole of surveillance photos, missing records, and contradictions no one else seems to notice, a terrifying pattern the man she loved might not have been who he claimed to be. And the person texting her now—whether he’s alive, a stranger, or something else entirely—knows far too much about her life.

There’s only one way to find out the follow the messages. But the truth isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of the nightmare.

Genres: Thriller

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went into this one blind and very glad that I did! I mean with the title that says Text Me When You’re Dead, and the cover - that was enough to draw me in. Needless to say I enjoyed this story and Sloane’s journey as she grieves the death of her significant other! But when she begins receiving messages from his phone, she is thrown into a whirlwind of mental turmoil and anguish, as she tries to figure out what exactly is going on! There were definitely many secrets and deception to uncover, and the author certainly left this open for us to expect a book 2. Sloane will come back with a vengeance if this story continues! Overall a great read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast paced novella packs a speedy punch!
Haunted by grief, Sloane is thrust into a terrifying game of cat and mouse when she receives a text from her deceased partner, Theo. The narrative is a masterclass in tension, expertly weaving together emotion, paranoia, and heart-pounding suspense.
The relentless pace and unexpected twists had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The fantastic ending is a triumph that will leave you reeling and desperate for more.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a quick psychological thriller with a deeply emotional core.
I had privilege of an advanced copy. My views are my own.

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text Me When You're Dead tells the story of Sloane who is grieving the death of her boyfriend, Theo. However, everything changes when she gets a text message from Theo's number. Sloane decides to investigate Theo's death, but all the evidence she finds contradicts with the information she has been told.

Overall the story kept me on the edge of my seat, the turns and twists in the second half of the novella were definitely unexpected.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marissa F · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
****************************************************




54% in, the main character says “Everything is just happening so fast,” and that is an excellent synopsis of the story.

In 78 pages, we get a grief-stricken woman trying to move on after the death of her beloved, a "faking his death" plotline, a Homeland-style conspiracy board, a stalker ex-boyfriend, a cabin-in-the-woods-kidnapping, a non-consensual sexual encounter, a Daring Escape, a Yellowjackets-style chase through the forest (complete with pit), the longest, most tediously drawn-out extended cat-and-mouse game, and a psychological cliffhanger.

I didn't know this was a novella, and I don't think the plot was served by the shortened format. There was no character development, no mood setting, nothing to let us know Theo and Sloan as individuals or as a couple. The story opens in the middle of Sloan's grieving process and proceeds to jump quickly from one vignette to another, covering pretty much every mystery/thriller trope you can think of. It definitely felt as if I had skipped the first half of a book where all the groundwork was laid, and jumped directly into the middle when all the consequences took place. The final chapter introduces a plot twist that's fairly aligned with mystery/thriller tropes, and the last sentence sets up a whole new plot line, and then we're done. End of book.

It's well written, and I did enjoy some of the descriptive language.

I appreciate Booksirens and the publisher for access to a free digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.

[NomadicReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is fast-paced with non-stop pulse pounding action and suspense from start to finish. The author left the ending open (either for the reader's imagination to take hold or, hopefully, for a second book), but it still has a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this is a quick, fun, and entertaining read with unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, Booksirens and Ria Vargas.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Booksirens.

I’m thoroughly impressed with how much story was packed into 77 pages! The pacing was perfect, and the story was quick and nerve-wrackingly intense! I love a badass FMC, and Sloane was BA to the core even in the midst of her own personal struggles. Easy 5/5🌟

[Raine McLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise, that a woman receives mysterious text messages from her dead boyfriend's number, is a good one; lots of room for an excellent story. While this novella (it's fewer than 70 pages) definitely has a beginning, middle, and end, it feels a little unearned, like a treatment for a full novel rather than something that's completely developed.

I really enjoyed the story and I love the premise, I wish this had been longer? Even going up by 100 pages would let the reader get settled in and really allow the author to explore the world she's building, and the payoff would be great.

The writing itself was skilled, but I lost count of the number of five-word sentences there were, one after the other after the other after the other, and it really killed the momentum. See "this sentence has five words" by Gary Provost.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to readers who want a short and thrilling read, and if the author revisits the story in a full-length novel and jazzes up the sentence structure, I'm completely here for it.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from start to finish and enjoyed the overall concept of someone trying to to set up that someone wasn't dead, it had that psychological suspenseful atmosphere that I was wanting and worked overall. The concept was so well written and was hooked from start to finish, it worked well in this genre and had a tense atmosphere that I was looking for. The characters were really well written and glad I read this. Ria Vargas is able to weave a strong storyline and able to create something that I wanted to read and enjoyed the journey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to booksirens and trunk up books for this ARC. Text me when you’re dead is a very fast paced novella. The MFC drowning in grief receives a text from her ‘presumed’ dead boyfriend which quickly turns into a cat and mouse game. The ending I feel is open to interpretation and could carry on with a sequel, because of this I feel the ending was let down a little, I was expecting something shocking to happen after the big build up which never came. There was also times where I got a little bored and the writing was maybe over descriptive in some areas that didn’t need to be dragged out so much, hence why it’s lost a star for me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text me when your dead Sloane is grieving her partner who died three weeks ago, still processing and accepting his death. When she receives a message from her partners number, which causes her to spiral into an investigation around his death, Is he alive? Is someone messing with her? Was he really the person she thought he was? I loved this Novella, it was so face paced, intense, thrilling and captivating. I really enjoyed this book and im very thankful to book sirens for giving me an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Christina Close · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a quick read but really wasn't something I would rant and rave about to people because their wasn't really anything unique about it, I've seen this same plot before in multiple books. The fact that Sloane gets paranoid about almost every little thing was kind of annoying but understandable. Theo was just meh to me, like he really had no character to him, was kind of bland.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven't read this author before but would do so again.
Short, punchy, intriguing. Less than 80 pages can be read on two hours.
4 and a half stars.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I speed read this book it was so good lol, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, the pacing was really good, the tension and suspense was there as well it was just an amazing book that I highly recommend reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christine Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you this story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time—- it did! The whole time! The ending really satisfied my female rage too. Very much recommend this quick read that will keep you intrigued and leave you with a sense of victory.

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves this one from the very beginning! Was not expecting the twists at all!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ (rounded up to 3)

Trigger Warnings
Grief, stalking, obsession, manipulation, violence

The Vibe
Fast paced, eerie, more suspense than horror

What I Loved
This was short and sharp, and I liked how quickly it pulled me in. The pacing kept things tense without dragging, and the twist genuinely caught me off guard. That surprise element gave it the jolt it needed.

What Didn’t Work
I wanted more depth. Some of the supporting characters felt like shadows and I kept wishing for more context and back story that could have made the ending land even harder. It also leaned more into thriller territory than horror, so if you go in expecting scares, you may not get them here.

Read This If You Liked
Stories where obsession drives the tension and grief mixes with danger. Quick, suspenseful reads you can devour in one sitting.

ARC Disclosure
I received an advance reader copy of this book through BookSirens. Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read it early. These thoughts are my honest opinion.

[jenreadseverypage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how this is a short thriller. However, I feel like it needed more detail, in depth on both sides and other people mentioned.

The plot, title, cover, and genre are what drew me to reading this book. Unfortunately, I think this book fell a little flat for me.

Thank you, BookSirens, for an early copy.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy of Text Me When You're Dead from BookSirens and this was my first book (and will not be the last) from the author Ria Vargas.
This is my honest feedback based on my reading this short story.

The opening premise is immediately gripping. Three weeks after Sloane’s boyfriend Theo dies during a solo hike, she is drowning in grief when she suddenly receives a message from his number. The chilling words I am sorry I love you more than you know launch the story into a mystery that mixes raw emotion with unsettling suspense and maybe treading into horror territory.

The strongest part of this book is its focus. Vargas keeps the narrative tight and centered on Sloane which allows the emotional weight of her loss to be felt in every page. The writing is straightforward yet effective and the tension never loosens its grip. At just around eighty pages it is a compact hours read and its short length makes it easy to finish in one sitting. The story does not waste time and the key twists arrive quickly which adds to its page turning quality.

Where the book falls short is in the depth. Secondary characters feel like they are only there to push the plot forward and the mystery, while engaging, is not as layered as it could have been. Some revelations are predictable and certain motives deserved more exploration. I found myself wishing for more moments with Sloane outside of her grief, more insight into her personality and choices. The brevity that makes the book so punchy also limits its ability to build richer character arcs.

The style is contemporary and accessible with dialogue that feels natural and text messages that add to the immediacy of the story. There are a few jolts in the final act that deliver a satisfying kick even if they do not fully surprise especially for a thriller veteran like me. Overall it is an effective evening read that balances emotion and suspense but leaves behind the sense that it could have become something more with a little more space to breathe.

For me this lands at three stars. I appreciated the premise, the intensity, and the emotional heart at the center. At the same time I wanted more complexity and nuance. Readers who enjoy fast paced mysteries with a modern edge will likely find it entertaining while those who seek layered characters and deeper twists may feel it stops short.

Still, all in all an author to look out for.

[Purple Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers Ahead!!

Grief makes you do weird shit. Some cry and hold on to the memories of their loved ones, while some lock in their emotions and go on autopilot to keep functioning normally. All of us wish – fruitlessly – for our deceased loved one to give a sign that they’re right here with us. Well, this wish actually came true for Sloane, the protagonist of Ria Vargas’ Text Me When You Are Dead.

It’s been three weeks since Sloane lost her boyfriend, Theo, in a hiking accident gone wrong, when she receives a text from his number. The text, a simple miss you, opens a can of worms that Sloane was not expecting at all. She goes on a wild-goose chase to find out if the love of her life is really alive or it’s a bummer. But the truth she discovers is far twisted and horrifying than what she had anticipated…

I have come across only a handful of books with a plot as unique and fresh as it is. And the first chapter sets up Sloane’s predicament so well that you’re hooked right in. However, the narrative is decidedly light, as Vargas doesn’t go in-depth, either in character development or plot building. In fact, much of the space is occupied by purple prose, which I usually enjoy, but in a 70-something-page story, it was slightly annoying.

In a similar vein, so many key details – from how the two met and how exactly Theo died to his personality and Sloane’s grief-turned-obsession – were simply missing. Like, I kept wondering what she was making a map of or how she was coming to the ‘conclusions’ about Theo, with no way to get answers. The lack of information got to me after a point.

That being said, I honestly thought Theo would be caught, and she’d be enjoying a safe and happy life. So, I was pretty surprised to see the psychological angle thrown in with a vigilante-esque ending. That brought together the story well and gave me Joker-Harlequin vibes.

TL;DR: I definitely loved the fresh and emotionally-heavy premise, but the lack of complexity in the narrative or the characters knocks some stars off for me.

Would I recommend? Only if you’re looking for a quick, filler read or a ‘head-empty, no thoughts’ read.

Thank you, BookSirens, for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[JN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ria Vargas’s Text Me When You’re Dead is a bit all over the place. There are two potentially interesting stories here -- the first a mystery, the second a thriller -- but neither has the time to truly develop. Instead, the book starts a bit slow and melodramatic (where I would've ordinarily DNF'd) before the mystery element begins, at which point things really pick up. It eventually gives way to something a bit more suspenseful. Here, too, is a concept with a lot of promise, but it feels rushed. Instead, it felt like I was left with two stories where neither quite satisfied.

A lot of the story is enabled by the heroine's questionable decision-making where it seemed odd she hadn't thought to do do certain things earlier and how the backstory could've progressed at all. There's also a certain amount of implausibility associated with everything happening around her, although that I give the benefit of the doubt.

At around 63 pages, the novella is a pretty quick read and, other than the opening chapter or two, moves pretty well (other than a bit of an awkward transition at the midpoint). Although the prose could've used work in places, it generally doesn't distract from the narrative.

In the interests of complete transparency, if I hadn't received a free advanced readers copy through Book Sirens, I probably would've given up early on. I would've instead quietly set aside the book and neither rated nor reviewed. However, I took the time to request the book so I ultimately decided to take the time to finish it (again, it's pretty fast) and discuss my opinions. Although I would've missed out on a little by stopping early, I'm not sure I would've regretted it since I wasn't that moved by the story one way or the other.

NOTE: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone processes grief differently and for Sloane, it’s no exception. After the loss of her beloved Theo, she felt like she couldn’t go through life without him. As mysterious text messages start coming from Theo’s phone number, Sloane can’t figure out if someone is pulling a cruel prank on her to make her lose her mind completely or if these are my messages from Theo himself, questioning whether or not he was alive or dead. How is Sloane going to get through this and keep her sanity?

Ria Vargas explores elements of loss, grief, love, anxiety, suspense, and mystery in her latest novel Text Me When You’re Dead. This reminds me of an episode of the Twilight Zone and an episode of a radio show from the 70s of a wife that loses her husband to only communicate to him via spirit but with an element of suspense and panic. You really got to feel for Sloane; she’s lost her boyfriend, nobody wants to acknowledge Theo’s death or the circumstances in regard to his death. Someone went to a lot of trouble to cover up his death but that’s not going to stop Sloane from finding out the truth, even if it puts her own life in danger.

This book is a perfect example of a page turner and very difficult to put down! Easily to say, I binge read the book in a single day; it was THAT addicting! If an audiobook is ever made of this book, it would be in my library in a heartbeat.

I can’t wait to check out more of Ria Vargas’ work and I hope other readers enjoy it as much as I have!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text Me When You're Dead is a taut, haunting novella that slips between grief and paranoia with unnerving ease. Ria Vargas delivers a debut that’s both emotionally raw and psychologically chilling—perfect for readers who crave suspense with a spectral edge.

Three weeks after Theo’s death, Sloane receives a message that shouldn’t exist. It’s tender. Familiar. Impossible. What follows is a spiraling descent into surveillance, secrets, and the terrifying possibility that the man she loved was never truly who she thought he was. Vargas handles this unraveling with quiet precision, letting the dread build in flickers—through photos, contradictions, and the eerie intimacy of a text thread that feels too real.

Despite its brevity (just 77 pages), the story never feels rushed. The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the emotional stakes high. Sloane’s grief is palpable, her confusion achingly human. There’s a gothic undertone here—ghosts of memory, shadows of identity—that lingers long after the final page.

A compelling debut for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the uncanny. Think Verity meets I Remember You, distilled into a sharp, spectral novella.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Iain Batten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced novella delivers an exhilarating experience, masterfully blending emotion, paranoia, and heart-pounding suspense. The relentless tempo and unexpected twists kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The remarkable conclusion is a triumph that will leave readers reeling and eager for more. (I finished the book in one day). I am drawn to narratives that engage me quickly and tend to avoid those with slow beginnings. As a Christian life coach, pastor, cancer motivational speaker, and forensic psychologist, I have a particular interest in the genre focused on serial killers.

This is an essential read for anyone who appreciates a quick psychological thriller infused with a profound emotional core. It evokes the psychological tension I sought, and overall, it is highly effective in its genre. The well-crafted concept captivated me from start to finish, establishing the tense atmosphere I desired. The characters are thoughtfully developed, enhancing the narrative. Ria Vargas skillfully weaves a compelling storyline, creating a reading experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ria Vargas delivers a darkly addictive, emotionally charged thriller that lingers long after the last page. The story blends suspense, romance, and the supernatural in a way that feels both eerie and heartbreakingly real.
The pacing hooks you right away, mysterious messages from beyond the grave, tangled friendships, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Vargas writes with vivid intensity, making every scene pulse with tension and feeling. The characters are complex and flawed, especially the narrator, whose guilt and grief drive much of the emotional weight.
What really stands out is how Vargas balances grief and mystery. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s about the things we leave unsaid, the people we lose too soon, and the ways technology keeps our connections alive, even past death.
If you like They Both Die at the End or The Taking of Jake Livingston, this will be right up your alley.
A chilling, heartfelt story about love, loss, and the haunting power of what’s left unsent.

[prettysureannereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Theo is alive. Theo is dead. And I don't know which possibility terrifies me more."

Ooohhh damn, this novella had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I started this without reading the blurb just to head into it without expectations, and I'm glad I did that 'cause it made the read more gripping. The writing was very impressive, it takes you into Sloane's POV and thoughts, and her character had that rage simmering just right. I was hoping this wouldn't be like a damsel in distress kind of plot, and it did not disappoint. The plot was enough to keep things interesting, even if it's not unheard of, the storyline was usual but still original. The pacing was what kept me reading faster like I'm the one being chased. Just to put it out there, I read this under one hour, and I think that says something.

Giving this four amazing stars, and hoping there would be more of this series. ★★★★

Thank you author Ria Vargas and Book Sirens for making this ARC available to read.

[Sue - Reco and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow that was an intense read. Started slow and I wondered where it was going then wham it twisted and went full throttle. My only complaint is I wanted it to be longer as I finished this in one sitting.

The story opens with Sloane who is still reeling from the loss of her boyfriend, Theo, when a text from his number stops her cold. At first it feels impossible, maybe even a cruel mistake, but as more messages come through and the details stop lining up, she begins to wonder how well she really knew him.

I loved how the story balances grief with suspense, pulling you into Sloane’s emotions while keeping you guessing.

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really fell into this book, I was so engrossed that I forgot there was someone else in the room with me (until they spoke) because I felt there with Sloane trying to figure it all out. I couldn’t figure Theo out until the last minute and went from really feeling for Sloane to rooting for her. Vargas couldn’t have picked a more fitting setting than that cabin and I don’t think I’m going to one ever again now. I also liked the last chapter as it leaves it open for a future installment which would be great or just allows us as readers to decide.

Favourite Quote:
"But hope is a dangerous thing. It has teeth. And right now, it feels a lot like panic."

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a genuinely interesting read from start to finish. While the story proved to be quite predictable, I was utterly captivated by the escalating tension that Ria Vargas masterfully crafted in every chapter. It’s a testament to her writing that even though I could see where things were headed, I was still on the edge of my seat, eager to find out how it all unfolded.
​The characters were exceptionally well-built, making them feel real and adding to the overall suspense. The ending was satisfying, leaving me with a sense of closure, though I do wish the final resolution had been explored with a bit more depth.
​Overall, this is a solid thriller that I enjoyed very much. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Lynda Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC

4/5

Short and thrilling. The author hits the ground running and wasted no time with setting up the plot. The protagonist Sloane questioned her sanity and honestly I was right there with her. I was emotionally invested and that's all I ask for when I'm reading.

I've given it a 4 only because the "struggle" lasted a lil too long, there was one very large loophole and the pay off left me wanting more.

However, would I recommend this? Hell yes. I think this might be a great cure to get you out of a reading slump.

[Ashlei Pike · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Text me when you’re dead’ is a psychological suspense thriller/novella that includes short chapters & fast-paced action. I did enjoy reading it, although I was left with wanting more to the story overall. I especially cared for the action at the middle of the book, as well as how Sloane’s behavior kept changing leading up to the end. This book was a little on the predictable side at first, yet the twist made up for it. I would recommend this novella if you’re looking for a quick read & something to escape into. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.