If you enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies, you’re going to love Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert. More of a “clean” novel than Christian, it was still an enjoyable read. I read it in one afternoon, figuratively on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book has a neuro-divergent main character which adds to the story’s uniqueness and appeal. Alex’s autism gives her a variety of quirks and personality “flaws” that enhance both the realness of this character as well as the suspense, opening the story to some elements that may not be a problem for neurotypicals. For those who avoid “romance” novels, this is not. It has a sweet wind-up at the end that I enjoyed and that brought hope and peace to an otherwise intense story. My only negative is that I never did figure out the connection to the title, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel. I loved that the character is an author of romantic suspense novels. And there were lots of suspects to keep me guessing. Anyone of them could be the stalker. Did I guess the villain? Possibly. I’ll never tell.

As someone who grew up reading and seeing Misery by SK, I’ve always had high expectations when it comes to the author and “biggest fan”/stalker type of book. I can say that this is everything you’d want and need for it. **Just to add, it is nowhere dark like Misery… I only brought up that book to show a scale I use for author/stalker characters**

The twists and pace of this book were so amazing that I didn’t even see the ending twist coming!

Psychological thriller is not my go-to genre. Frankly, I don’t like being scared, and a lot of this genre are too explicit or descriptive for my taste. However, if Heather Day Gilbert writes it, I’m going to read it!

I was hooked from page one and devoured Queen of Hearts. This story is so captivating. Alex is such a relatable main character, and I adore the autism representation. The West Virginia setting comes to life, replete with small town characters both quirky and endearing and, of course, some that even raise suspicions.

I am typically one to solve the mystery before the end, and that happened some here, but there is also an awesome twist that I was not expecting! I never thought I’d say that a thriller is one of my favorite books this year, but here we are! I can’t wait to read more of this genre from Gilbert!

I received an ARC of this novel via Net Galley. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Queen of Hearts is an incredible book.

I love books about authors and this book nails everything I wanted. Gilbert writes an incredible atmosphere, creating an isolating and tense environment. The pacing is excellent. Once I picked this book up, I didn't want to put it down.

Recommending!

Heather Day Gilbert delivers a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller in Queen of Hearts, blending psychological tension with a dash of literary drama. The story follows an author desperate to meet her looming deadline while grappling with the terrifying reality of being stalked. When her editor arranges for a secluded getaway to focus on her work, what should be a peaceful retreat quickly turns into a harrowing experience as unsettling events unfold.

Gilbert masterfully builds tension, creating an environment where every creak and shadow feels ominous. The protagonist’s sense of isolation and creeping paranoia is palpable, drawing the reader into her heightened awareness that something isn’t right. This psychological layering keeps the suspense taut, making it difficult to predict where the story will lead.

The pacing is excellent, maintaining a steady flow that hooks the reader from the opening chapters and sustains the intrigue through to the climax. Gilbert’s writing is engaging, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue that add depth to the characters and setting. The protagonist’s dual struggle—trying to complete her book while navigating a growing sense of danger—makes for a compelling and relatable journey.

What stands out most is the way Gilbert balances the protagonist’s professional and personal crises. The demands of her creative process juxtaposed with the looming threat create a unique tension, offering insights into the mind of a writer under pressure while keeping the reader on edge.

Overall, Queen of Hearts is a captivating read that keeps you guessing until the end. Heather Day Gilbert has crafted a well-rounded thriller, perfect for fans of stories that combine psychological suspense with a hint of the mysterious. This is a hard book to put down, and one that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what Gilbert has in store next.

Excellent! Queen of Hearts by Author Heather Day Gilbert was the type of book that can get your attention immediately and hold it all the way through. The MFC, Alexandra, is an Author and has a stalker.
There are incidents, such as creepy notes and so she decides to pick up and move to West Virginia hoping that things will finally settle down, but does it? I won't say but hang on because you're in for a ride!
I really did enjoy this and would absolutely recommend it!

What a fun, twisty thriller. I really enjoyed Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert. This book follows Alex DuBois a famous writer who lives in Greenwich, CT (woo, Greenwich, a place I used to live) who finds herself suddenly being stalked by someone super invested in the ending of her book series. Her agent tells her to get out of town and spend time at their writer's retreat- a huge mansion in West Virginia. While trying to hide out it seems the entire small town knows who she is and where she is staying. Soon she starts getting signs that her stalker has followed her and is in this mansion with her. I really enjoyed Alex as a main character. She has autism and there is a lot of awareness and topics discussed about why she thinks or does certain things throughout the book. I also liked that it was a book about books. There were tons of twists and turns and the ending really surprised me! I'd definitely check out this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC.

While I have read other books by Heather Day Gilbert that involve murder, her cozy mystery genre has more of a lighthearted feel than this self-described “clean psychological thriller.” Even though it was intense, and suspenseful enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, it didn’t give me nightmares. Gilbert’s inclusion of a main character with autism was very effective and integral to the plot—especially considering since she was an author herself, bringing the element of a book within a book into play.

When Alex began to receive threats from a “Highly Invested Reader” if she didn’t conclude her novel a certain way, she heads to a secluded spot to finish writing her book where no one should find her. But she continues to feel vulnerable, even though some of her suspicions could be her mind playing tricks on her. As she uncovers other murders, the threat to her own life becomes more real, and there is a string of potential suspects; but just like Alex, the reader doesn’t know who can be trusted. Though it was a satisfying enough ending, the epilogue raised questions that could never be answered. But then I suppose that is what makes a good mystery!

Over all I enjoyed reading this psychological thriller. Alexandra is a best selling author with a stalker. At the suggestion of her publisher she goes to his house in rural West Virginia until the stalker is found. The stalker however seems to have found her. I liked the West Virginia Setting and the characters. I enjoyed the mystery and I was able to figure out the identity of the stalker/killer. The romance seemed a little forced. It was a quick thrilling read. Enjoy

This was my first book of Heather's and what a first choice! I did not put this book down for a second and finished it in the space of 2-3 hours. Queen of Hearts is an extremely fast-paced thriller that get's to the point in the first chapter and does not stop from there. I really enjoyed our female lead, Alex, and was rooting for her the whole way through - she was a strong female lead who was betrayed and manipulated by those close to her. The plot twist definitely had me pausing and processing, it was a complete rollercoaster and had me on the edge of my seat. Whilst it doesn't reach the intense horror that does come with many thrillers, this is a fantastic amount of intense and spooky for people that aren't too big of a fan of the more nitty gritty types. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in which the story was focused on, it really created that chilling feeling that will run through your bones as Alex fights for her life. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely be exploring Heather's back log.

This was my first book by Heather Day Gilbert, but it definitely won’t be my last! The character development, plot, twists and turns, are sure to draw you in. As an Appalachian, I appreciated how the location played into the storyline. If you’re a fan of suspense, you’ll love Queen of Hearts.

Bestselling author Alexandra Dubois pens twisty, serial killer stories. But when someone sends threatening messages, danger and terror are no longer confined to the pages of her novels.

Unsafe in her own house, Alex escapes to her editor’s vacation home in West Virginia, where she can hide while tackling her latest deadline. When strange occurrences follow her there, Alex questions her own mind as she struggles to find the line between paranoia and reality. A thunderstorm strands her in the mountain cabin, trapping her with either a mind that fails her or a sinister stalker determined to make her believe that.

A story about obsession, Heather Day Gilbert’s Queen of Hearts delivered a steady-paced, addictive read. I suspected the culprit early on but had to keep flipping pages to find out if I was right. I was, but his/her motives remained a mystery to me until the end. One twist I did not see coming.

While an enjoyable read, it never quite reached the level of psychological thriller for me. I would label it more in the mystery category. The setting — an isolated cabin in the mountains — was my favorite part. I’m drawn to mysteries set in the middle of nowhere and grew impatient in the beginning, eager for Alex to get out there. Of course, knowing what awaited her, maybe that wasn’t very nice of me.

I can see Queen of Hearts appealing to fans D.L. Wood’s Deadly Decisions Collection, as well as to readers who enjoy atmospheric, suspense stories. I am now eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Book Review:
Title: Queen of Hearts
Author: Heather Day Gilbert
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

Quick read, suspenseful with a twist. I'm surprised I was actually shocked by who the bad guy ended up being revealed as! Came out of nowhere!

Alexander Dubois, "Alex," is a bestselling author whose readers are anxiously awaiting her newest release. Fans are captivated by the ongoing storyline from her past books in the series and are very invested to find out what happens at the conclusion. One fan is maybe a little too obsessed, calling themselves the "invested reader" in incidents of stalking. For her protection, Alex heads to a cabin in West Virginia, owned by her editor. This cabin is more like a luxurious vacation home that has hosted past writers' retreats. But the location has a history of death. Alex struggles with some neurological traits that, at times, can cause issues with disassociate. Who can she trust, and who is her stalker? I enjoyed the twist!

Published: July 23rd, 2024

Thank you, @netgalley and #woodhavenpress, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

“The story I've been pulled into won't have a happy ending, but I'm determined to write it my way...or to die trying.”

“"I have a stalker.”

“Someone is in the house, and I need to hide.”

I thought this book was very well written, and I loved the representation of neurodiversity with the main character. I always get stressed when MC authors go to a secluded place to work on their next book because of how it usually ends for them, and Queen of Hearts is no different. Does that stop me from continuing to read them? No! It’s a welcome stress! If you’re looking for a quick read with Fall / Spooky season coming up, I would recommend picking up this book.

This book will hook you from the beginning, and it is easy to read. I loved the main character Alex and so many of the side characters. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

What a great page turner that kept me guessing to the end! I had no idea the mystery and honestly it kept me guessing as to what was going on. I was completely shocked to the plot twist the author revealed. If you enjoy mysteries and physiological thrillers I definitely recommend this book!

Wow…what a roller coaster! When Alex has some weird things happen like a letter sent to her home, a brick through her kitchen window. It was determined she would leave her home until the cops found her stalker, her editor offered her his cabin. When it seems the stalker has found her she can’t believe it. She has to fight for her life and what she feels is a dream.

I received an advance reader copy of Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley!

The story follows Alexandra Dubois, an autistic NYT best selling author. She is struggling to finish her latest book when some crazed super fan starts stalking and harassing her. Similar to Misery, she is at the whim of this psychotic fan to finish the story their way…or else.

To feel safe, she relocated to a cabin in the woods (come on, would you feel safe?) and tries to utilize the remoteness of the house to focus on her work. Her super fan has been watching though…and follows her.

There were so many ways this book could have gone and I am pleased to say I was not able to predict it AT ALL. The twist was well thought out and I felt like the characters had so much dimension and personality.

Omg how I flew through this! It really does give you everything and there's just so much going on that I couldnt read fast enough to try and figure out what was actually going on. It's a quick and easy read, not too much waffle and as I said, lots going on so it absolutely flies by! The characters are well written, they're well fleshed out, a really enjoyable read

I am a longtime fan of Heather Gilbert’s writings. I must say that this book is very very different from her others. I have read her Viking books and also her cozy mysteries, but this one is eerie, suspenseful and will have you wondering just what is really going on. This book has it all as far as suspense and interest and keeping you reading on into the night. We have a stalker, a serial killer, an authoress running from her unknown stalker and there are so many twists and turns in this book, sometimes leaving you somewhat puzzled. Wow and the ending is somewhat confusing and mysteriously eerie. Can’t wait for Gilbert’s next novel.