Really loved this book. Highly recommend. Follows Jane who gets involved in true crime forums and following a mass murder teams up with other amateur sleuths to try and find the murderer. Loved the characters , writing and storyline. I will be recommending to others.

Ashley Winstead’s This Book Will Bury Me is a thrilling and captivating read, perfect for fans of true crime. Centred around the infamous Delphine Massacres, the book offers a riveting blend of mystery, suspense, and dark psychological intrigue.

The story follows Jane Sharp, a college student grappling with the loss of her father. Seeking solace in the online true crime community, she becomes deeply involved in amateur sleuthing. When the shocking deaths of three college students in Delphine, Idaho make headlines, Jane and her group of armchair detectives race to solve the mystery. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of strange details, evasive police behaviour, and a media frenzy that raises more questions than answers.

Winstead’s choice to narrate the book one year after the case’s dramatic conclusion adds a layer of tension and intrigue. Jane’s decision to finally reveal the truth about what really happened keeps readers on edge, as her confessions turn out to be more shocking than anyone could have anticipated.

The characters are well-crafted, particularly Jane and her group of five FBI consultants. Their camaraderie and the dynamics within the group add warmth and humour, offsetting the darker elements of the plot. Jane’s growth from a novice to an integral member of the sleuthing team is especially satisfying to follow.

While the book features a slow burn in the middle, it remains highly engaging, with cliffhanger chapter endings and a story layered with twists and surprises. The sleuthing is immersive, and the mystery unravels in ways that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

This Book Will Bury Me is an entertaining and gripping read that expertly blends true crime elements with fictional suspense. If you’re a fan of true crime or enjoy intricate mysteries with strong character relationships, this book is a must-read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

After her father dies, Jane drops out of college, and spends all of her time on internet forums in an attempt to ignore her sorrow. She rapidly becomes friends with a murder-solving online community, which has so far had a good deal of success. Jane grows increasingly fixated on the gang after three college women are killed in a sorority home. In an attempt to make sense of the deaths, the gang goes to the college town. As we get closer to solving the murder, Winstead instills a sense of claustrophobic tension. This book is for you if you enjoy a mystery thriller or true crime!

Another fantastic book from this author! I have brought them all and this one will be no different I absolutely devoured it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

This is based on a true crime and written in a style of a memoir. Author has shared such a poignant things. And everything terrible that happens. The book is so insightful and poignant. If you like true crime, you will definitely like this one.

Thanks to the Publisher

So, let's address the elephant in the room.
Yes, this book's story is influenced by the real life cases and most notably the murder of four students in University of Idaho, that's still ongoing. I've received the notification about the updated version of the arc from the publisher with the note from the author where she addresses the criticism. She acknowledges her own interest in the case as well as the other cases that were so heavily covered by the media and she wishes for the justice for the loved ones of the victims.
Having read the book I will say this: I find that her book conveys her feelings about the topic quite well. The issue in question - a commercialization of crime- is a direct consequence of people's interest in it and THIS is what Winstead explored here. This book is primarily focused on how and why are people so interested in crime when it happens, more than it's about the crime itself. Our main character, Jane, joins a crime community because she was fixated on a case she saw on TV during her visit to her home for the funeral. And Winstead didn't make her a likable character at all nor is she justifiable in many of her actions. In fact, from the start you are aware that Jane is really not doing ok. She is obsessing over crimes because she can't cope with the sudden loss of her father. In her own, twisted way of thinking, she wants to make him proud since she thinks he wasn't proud of her while he was alive and she can't cope with it all. She deals with it in an unhealthy way. So, that's one look at the "why" of the interest in real crimes and it's directly inspired by something author recognized in herself (per her note at the beginning). But the real digging into this topic starts when Jane is integrated into a group of people who earned themselves a reputation in true crime community because they helped the police with some cases. They become her family and we get to know their motives to join from themselves. For some of them, motives are truly noble, some of them think of it as their duty, for some of them it's to get away from real life or from boredom. And in some particular cases, people discuss about it because it's a way to get close to satisfying some of their socially unacceptable urges without doing the socially unacceptable deed. She mentions Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession and the theory that people's who have interest in true crime fall in one of the four categories: because they are really the Detective, the Defender, The Victim or the Killer. This theory is something we got back to a lot through this novel and it's the real mystery Winstead wanted to untangle with her characters. I think she explored this topic from all sides and took a nuanced stance trying to understand the behavior, but not ignoring the fact that juxtaposing it against the police for whom is their job or someone who has a personal stake, their interest seems ghoulish and opportunistic. And I liked how she doesn't isolate them in their obsession because she turns the mirror on ourselves making sure to mention the number of views, posts and articles shared about each new development on the case.
The novel does have a traditional thriller/mystery storytelling with murder as the axis and Jane and her infamous group of friends investigating on their own. Three college girls are murdered in a small town of Delphine and amateur sleuths are all over the case. It escalates further and Jane and others get in the middle of it with their lives in danger. This part of the story was a bit over the top in a sense that for amateur sleuths they had far too many opportune connections, skills and stumbling upon crucial information. It also led to a predictable conclusion, but I was interested to see how it will play out.
The novel is written entirely in first person point of view like Jane is writing a tell-all and it's a great narrative choice. First, because there are footnotes and I like when authors use them in fiction because it's a great way to clue the reader in something about the character or the ambient. And second because Winstead is masterful enough to make Jane's reliability ambiguous enough to make us wonder which, again, is a subtle and balanced outlook on the social phenomena of true crime popularity.
I really enjoyed this one, recommended.

Having previously devoured several of Ashley Winstead's earlier novels, I was eager to dive into This Book Will Bury Me, and it certainly did not disappoint. This latest offering by Winstead takes us deep into the world of internet sleuths, exploring their obsession with solving real-life mysteries—an intriguing premise that resonates strongly with fans of true crime documentaries, like myself.

The story follows a group of online investigators as they try to crack the case of a killer, relying heavily on digital evidence, their instincts, and, of course, their unwavering commitment to exposing the truth. The plot is intense, drawing you in with its twists and turns as the characters navigate the dangerous blend of obsession and justice. The pace of the book mirrors the anxiety and adrenaline felt by the sleuths as they dig deeper into the case, uncovering secrets that are better left buried.

Winstead's writing is sharp and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The way she delves into the psychology of her characters—their motivations, their fears, and their dark sides—is fascinating. The characters are well-developed and realistic, making it easy to sympathize with their passion while also recognizing the darker implications of their actions.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were moments where the plot felt a bit predictable, especially if you're someone who’s seen their fair share of true crime shows. That said, Winstead does an excellent job of keeping the suspense alive, and the ending was a solid, satisfying payoff, even if it felt a bit too neat in some respects.

Overall, This Book Will Bury Me is a gripping read that will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys diving into the minds of sleuths and killers alike. It’s a perfect choice for those who love a good mystery, with plenty of psychological depth and twists to keep you hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy a blend of suspense, true crime, and psychological exploration, this book is well worth your time.

I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5—a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that I would definitely recommend!

When true crime bleeds into fiction - 4.5*

I've been consumed by this book. Truly, I have. I don't feel I can fully explain this book and before I get into the true waffle, I just want to say - if you're a fan of true crime: you watch the Netflix adaptations, read the books or listen to the podcasts, then this is for you.

I first want to thank Winstead for the introductory letter before the novel begins because there's trigger warnings and for me, they're very much needed. I found the description of the death of a parent difficult - I understand why it was needed but I found that very hard. I had to take time away from the book to process that. I completely get the reason for it; it springboards Jane(way)'s obsession into true crime.

I absolutely loved the structure of this novel. It was suffocating, tense and dramatic. I truly was desperate to know what happens next. It was truly thrilling. I hope this book receives all the hype it deserves in March 2025.

This Book Will Bury Me is an interesting read. I didn't know going into it that a lot of it would be based on a real life ongoing murder case and that did make me uncomfortable. I don't see why the author couldn't have written a fictional scenario. Having said that the way that Jenna gets so sucked into the world of true crime to part-escape and part come to terms with her grief over the loss of her beloved father was fascinating to me. I can see how making friends within the community and then trying to help solve these cases could appeal and become somewhat addictive. I enjoyed reading about Jenna and the people in her private true crime group but it was obvious very early on what the reveal was going to be. There is something of a twist but on the whole it is quite clear where the story is going. I did find this to be quite a page turner for the most part but I'm still not sure how I feel about it now I've finished reading it.

I love this author and I was so excited to be approved for this arc, I really enjoyed this book and it did not disappoint! I’m going to get this to be the book of the month once released as I know so many people who will love this just as much as I did.

It’s no secret that I absolutely adore this authors writing style and she has me hooked in all of her books. Based on the synopsis this should’ve been my absolutely perfect book- I’m a sucker for true crime and this was told through forum chats, footnotes and in the style of a memoir. I absolutely loved the first half and was really engaged but would say I wasn’t a huge fan of where the story went in the last 25% or so. This is still a fantastic book, just not my favourite from her. 4 stars.

I read this book weeks ago and am still not sure if I’ll be able to do it justice in my review. First of all Ashley Winstead can do no wrong in my books. I love her writing style, her imagination, her characters. And most of all, I love that her stories never blend into the sea of other thrillers. I find her plotlines and characters memorable and This Book Will Bury Me is no exception.

So why did I love this book so much?! Yes it’s interesting and entertaining. The world of amateur sleuths and people’s obsession with true crime is fascinating. But most of all this book felt very personal and emotional and dealt with grief and loss in a way that brought on so many emotions for me. I urge you to read author’s afterward because so much of it will make sense.

I really enjoyed the format and all the forum chats. I did guess who but not why or how and that was the fun part. This was such a page turner but also had so much material for discussion (hint: this will make a great book club pick). If you’re already a Winstead fan, you’re in for another treat. If she’s a new to you author, I don’t know what you’re waiting for!

A huge thank you to Head of Zeus/Aria & Aries for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This mystery drew me in with its intricate plot and emotional layers. I read it alongside my best friend, taking our time to discuss every detail and analyze each twist as we progressed through the story.

The narrative follows a group of characters who connect on the internet, uniting to solve a murder and ultimately pursue a serial killer. Their interactions and shared experiences kept me engaged, allowing me to invest in their journeys.

The story explores themes of connection and the human experience, showcasing how relationships evolve through adversity. The author skillfully navigates the group dynamics, highlighting how their bonds strengthen through shared challenges.

The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing. The pacing was expertly crafted, transitioning from a simple online connection to a gripping investigation. I often found myself reflecting on the complexities of human relationships and the impact of trauma as I read.

While I enjoyed the overall experience, I wished for a more detailed exploration of certain character arcs and motivations, especially toward the conclusion.

The best aspect of the book for me was the villain, whose portrayal left a lasting impression. I was surprised by my feelings toward this character as I delved deeper into the story. This mystery provides a fresh take on the genre, skillfully blending suspense with deeper emotional themes. I will never forget this book and wholeheartedly recommend it for its captivating journey that lingers in your mind.

I couldn't put this book down for the first 50%, I love a book with something to say and I felt like this was really going to. When the 'investigation' in the second half began being unpicked I realised the author had used a very real true crime case and made it fictional. The morals behind this to me are icky. Whilst authors definitely draw inspiration from real life events I would like to think there is a certain respect for families when profiting off a fictional version of a real life case that actually didn't happen that long ago.

Firstly thank you to Netgalley & the publishers for this arc. One of my favourite reads of 2024!

Heartbreak, loss, thrilling crime, new found family & true crime all wrapped up in an exciting but heartbreaking story that I can’t put into words how much I loved! My first book by this author and I was blown away. It kept me HOOKED more than I can remember any other book doing. It kept me on the edge of my seat with so many twists and turns I was utterly speechless when the last twist landed. There were many options (but not enough to make it hard to read, it was easy to follow once you get over being put in the middle of a already happening story) that distracted the reader & kept them guessing in clever ways.

The characters, the plot, the setting & the twists were just all so well thought out and crafted. It is one I will be thinking about & recommending for a very very long time. I absolutely love true crime so when I found this arc I just had to request it.

It was so well written I felt like I was an amateur sleuth, reading what was going on and being part of the action. It was a bit slow to get into and wrap my mind around reading something where you had to pretend you already knew what was going on, so could be confusing esp around she who should not be named but if you stick with it, you won’t regret it!! & I can definitely see why it was written that way at the start. Best thriller I have read in a very long time and I just want to tell everyone I know to read it! I need more books like this.

Even though it was a thriller/true crime book I also teared up at the end?! The thoughtfulness regarding Jane’s dad was so touching and I felt like it really resonated with me. It was so beautifully written & heartfelt. Additionally, while the beginning was very realistic and it kept this stance for a lot of the book, the ending was a little unrealistic but to be honest, with the way things are going, I wouldn’t find myself surprised to hear the same story on the news in the end. And what is a good book if theres not some unrealistic element that entertains & makes it 10x better than a boring well wrapped up realistic story?

If you’re a fan of thriller books & true crime and there is 1 book you put on 2025 list, it HAS to be this one. I’m blown away

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓 ⭐️

Wow 👏!

This book sucked me in immediately. It’s about grief, how you deal with it, how it uninvitingly shows up on your doorstep and you have to carry it around like the baggage it is.

This book resonated with me, our main character, Janeway, loses her father. I lost my dad when I was 20 and reading the words about her father’s death and how she deals with it… it broke me.

You get caught up in being busy to stop thinking and with Janeway she does this by becoming a sleuth. She joins an online community to help solve murders.

I really liked the mixed media throughout and how her online sleuths became closer than online friends. Sometimes this book felt more of a true crime piece than fiction!

100% recommend it you like:
-True Crime
-Gore (some crime scene descriptions)
-Likeable characters
-Found Family

Thanks so much to @netgalley, @headofzeus & @ashleywinsteadbooks 🖤

It is released 25th March 2025!! So preorder it now 🥰
#bookstagram #books #bookworm #netgalley #thisbookwillburyme #ashleywinstead #thriller #horror #thrillerbooks #bookish #booksta #bookblog #netgalley #netgalleyuk #2025books #book #bookstauk

Ash’s rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: A Chilling Thriller

- - -
Holy serial killer. This book was epic!

Let’s start with the unique writing style. Presented like a non-fiction memoir, it felt as though the audience already knew the ending. The inclusion of footnotes and extra details gave it an eerie authenticity and by the end, even I found myself questioning if the events were real.

I thought the main character was compelling and the friendship group bonded by a fascination with researching crimes was unexpectedly sweet, despite the dark subject matter.

The narrative’s ‘retelling’ style, assuming readers knew the conclusion also really upped the suspense and kept me glued to every chapter.

I thought I’d cracked the case partway through and I was half right but the constant twists kept me on my toes. I wasn’t even a little disappointed by guessing part of the killer’s identity because the plot kept evolving in ways I never expected.

After finishing this novel, I now appreciate that some parts of the book were inspired by real-life crimes. Being based in Australia, I’m not familiar with many of the referenced cases, so the story felt unique to me but I would add a trigger warning for this.

If you’re a true crime/serial killer fan, you are going to want to add this one to the top of your reading list when it lands on shelves in March 2025.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the sneak peek.

This book had me gripped the whole time.
As someone who watches/reads true crime related content I was intrigued how this book would go. Especially being inspired by cases I knew about.
I have to say I was wowed. I think Ashley had shown a side of Internet sluths, where they become so obsessed it becomes their life. But also that sometimes we look past or don't want to believe the red flags a person is showing us until it's too late.

I really enjoyed the authors previous work Midnight is the darkest hour that I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
After the death of her father College student Jane Sharp turns to join a group of truth crime enthusiasts that she meets online to get over the grief of losing her father. The group solves murders that law enforcement unsuccessful solve. So, when four college students are murdered Jane gets totally invested in the case. Even dropping out of her college course and is soon recruited with the rest of the team to assist the FBI to solve the murders.
Firstly, I am not a fan of true crime and the new novel from Ashly Winstead I found completely different to her other book. I think that has an interesting storyline but for me found it a back story of information too much and overwhelming at times I felt like giving up. It just didn’t grab me for me personally. My also concern that has been pointed out in other reviews is that this story is very similar to a real case in Idaho that 4 college students where murdered. It was like the author just copied what happened. 3 stars

Ashley winstead knows how to carve out a story and draw you in!
This book will bury me was a wild ride! I had no idea where things were heading and was pleasantly surprised by the ending!
Five amateur internet sleuths hunt for an elusive killer turns
Jane Sharp is grieving the loss of her father, and finds an Internet forum dedicated to solving murders, to distract her from the grief she makes friends with an interesting group of sleuths. As they work the case clues lead them to the scene of the crime, can Jane uncover the true story and set the record straight?


This was such an interesting story! Especially as it’s written as a tell all to set the story straight about what happened. I really enjoyed Janes character and you could feel her grief through the pages. This was a very captivating read and I cannot wait to read more by Ashley Winstead!! Thanks to netgalley and Aria&Aries for the arc