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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
MY REVIEW:
Rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
I absolutely love small-town thrillers, and this one delivered everything I could have hoped for and more. There’s something uniquely compelling about a close-knit community where everyone knows each other—or thinks they do. When a crime disrupts the quiet rhythm of life, it sends shockwaves through the entire town, and suddenly, everyone has a theory, a secret, or a stake in uncovering the truth. This book nails that atmosphere perfectly, blending the cozy familiarity of small-town life with the chilling unease of a lurking threat.
The story kicks off with a bang—literally. In the first chapter, the peaceful veneer of this quaint town is shattered by a horrifying crime. Mack, a devoted wife and loyal friend, is thrust into a nightmare when her husband goes missing on the same night her best friend, Shelby, is brutally attacked and left for dead. The dual tragedy binds Mack and Shelby together in their grief and determination to find answers, but the mystery only deepens as time goes on. Fast forward a year and a half, and just when they think the danger has passed, eerie signs suggest the threat has returned. The tension is palpable, and the stakes feel intensely personal, which kept me hooked from the very beginning.
What really sets this book apart, though, is its cast of characters. Mack and Shelby are compelling protagonists—strong, resourceful, and deeply human. Their friendship feels authentic, and their shared trauma adds layers of emotional depth to their quest for justice. But the real show-stealer for me was Florence, the sharp-witted retiree living her best life at Oleander’s, the local retirement facility. Florence is an absolute gem—smart, sassy, and unapologetically curious. She refuses to sit on the sidelines and instead takes it upon herself to investigate the mystery, rallying her fellow retirees to join her. Her determination and humor bring a refreshing energy to the story, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
What I admired most about all the characters is their resilience. Fear is a constant presence in the story—after all, there’s a killer on the loose, and no one knows who to trust—but none of the characters let that fear paralyze them. Instead, they channel it into action, whether it’s Mack and Shelby following their own leads, Florence and her friends conducting their own sleuthing, or the townspeople banding together to protect their community. Their courage and tenacity make the story not just a thrilling ride, but also an inspiring one.
The pacing is fantastic—it’s a quick read, but it never feels rushed. The author does a brilliant job of balancing suspense with character development, dropping just enough clues to keep you guessing without giving too much away. The mystery is layered and complex, with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another revelation would throw me off course. The final act is a rollercoaster of emotions, with heart-pounding action and a resolution that’s both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Overall, this book hits all the right notes for a small-town thriller. It’s got the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and heart, with a cast of characters who feel like real people you’d want to know. If you’re a fan of stories where the setting feels like a character in itself, where the stakes are high, and where ordinary people rise to the occasion in extraordinary ways, this is the book for you. I can’t recommend it enough—it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller with a strong sense of community and a dash of heartwarming humanity.
GET IT HERE:
“A charming cast of characters, a twisty mystery, and a diabolical killer make Nothing Ever Happens Here impossible to put down. A riveting page-turner with a sly sense of humor.” —Robyn Harding, internationally bestselling author of The Haters
Nothing ever happens in small towns…
When Shelby Dawson survives a harrowing attack that should have left her dead, she tries to move past it—for herself, and for her family. Fifteen months later, with the help of her best friend, Mackenzie, she finally feels safe again in the snowy Minnesota town she calls home. But when an anonymous note appears on her windshield bearing the same threats her attacker made, Shelby realizes that her nightmare has only just begun.
As new evidence surfaces, and a group of well-meaning senior citizens accidentally makes the case go viral online, the situation quickly goes from bad to worse. And with suspicious accidents targeting those closest to her happening all over town, Shelby can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. Fighting to stay one step ahead of disaster, she finds herself asking the question on everyone’s lips: Who attacked her that night?
But Shelby isn’t the only one with questions. Mackenzie’s husband, Leo, vanished without a trace on that terrible night, and over a year later, no one knows why. Until a deep dive into his finances reveals a history of debts, mismanaged funds, and hidden accounts—one of which is still active. Their suspicion that Leo is still alive only complicates things further, though, and when another person connected to Shelby goes missing, she’s caught in a race against time before her attacker becomes a killer.
Other thrillers from Seraphina to keep you up all night:
- The Vacancy in Room 10
- The Vanishing Hour
- On a Quiet Street
- Such a Good Wife
- Someone’s Listening
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Seraphina Nova Glass
Seraphina Nova Glass is an Assistant Professor of Instruction and Playwright-In-Residence at the University of Texas, Arlington where she teaches Film Studies and Playwriting.
Her novel On A Quiet Street was nominated for an Edgar Award, was a New York Times Summer Read, an Amazon Bestseller and Editor’s Pick, and also featured in the Boston Globe and Bustle.
Publisher’s Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in Dramatic Writing from Smith College, and a second MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho.
She is a proud dog mom and loves to travel the world with her husband. She resides in Dallas, TX.
Looking for book recs…
Adventures in Literature 
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