How Bad Things Can Get

When I want an escapist thriller with a fresh twist, Darcy Coates never disappoints, and that’s true again with How Bad Things Can Get. 

It’s the 20th anniversary of a mass cult suicide of which only one child survived - Ruth, now an adult and part of an adventure weekend on a remote island with three friends where her past trauma is sure to be revisited. 

Between her own nightmares - and daymares - and the games/pranks that Eton - the influencer who’s hosting the event - has planned, Ruth can’t tell if the injuries and deaths she starts seeing are real, but she gets the answer soon enough. 

How Bad Things Can Get was hard to put down, especially as secrets started being revealed and the action stepped up and is a perfect thriller for anyone who finds themselves scrolling social media or listening to true crime podcasts - or is just looking  for an exciting, engrossing read. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Pub. date: 8/26/25

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