This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead is one of those books you pick up thinking you’ll read a few chapters and next thing you know, it’s midnight, you’ve forgotten to eat dinner, and you’re giving the delivery driver a look that says, “Please don’t judge me.”
Ashley Winstead absolutely nails the “I can’t put this down” vibe. The book is fast, twisty, a little bit dark, and way too relatable for anyone who has ever fallen into an internet rabbit hole. It follows Jane Sharp, a college student dealing with the death of her father, who copes by diving deep into online true crime communities. And by “diving deep,” I mean she basically builds a second life on message boards.
When a series of murders rocks the tiny town of Delphine, Idaho, Jane and her new online besties decide they can solve the case themselves. Because when has that ever gone wrong? (Spoiler: immediately.) As Jane gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear that she’s in way over her head … and that maybe not everyone she’s talking to is as friendly or well-intentioned as they seem.
One of the best things about This Book Will Bury Me is how well it captures the obsessive, messy side of true crime fandom without being preachy. Winstead doesn’t wag a finger at readers who love a good murder mystery, but she also isn’t afraid to ask some uncomfortable questions. Like, why are we so fascinated by real tragedy? Where’s the line between curiosity and exploitation? And maybe most importantly, at what point should you just log off and touch some grass?
Even though the book tackles some heavy stuff like grief, trauma, and the ethics of internet sleuthing, it still moves at a brisk, almost breathless pace. Every chapter ends with the kind of “wait, what?!” cliffhanger that makes you promise yourself, “just one more chapter” about 27 times in a row. It’s a thriller in the truest sense, with plenty of twists and reveals that feel earned instead of thrown in just for shock value.
I’ve seen some chatter online about the book’s similarities to a real-life crime case, and I get why that’s a sensitive topic. But personally, I thought Winstead handled the material with care, focusing more on the dangers of obsession and the gray areas of morality than on any kind of cheap true crime reenactment. The story feels inspired by the culture surrounding real cases rather than exploiting a specific tragedy.
Also, on a purely selfish note: this book was such a refreshing break from all the bloated thrillers that think 500 pages of inner monologue about how a character feels about a sandwich is riveting storytelling. This Book Will Bury Me gets in, gets dark, gets twisty, and gets out. No filler. Just vibes.
If you’re looking for a smart, fast-paced thriller that actually has something to say about our obsession with true crime, This Book Will Bury Me should be at the top of your reading list. It’s sharp, addictive, and just self-aware enough to make you think twice the next time you find yourself 14 Reddit threads deep at three in the morning.
Five out of five stars from me. Would recommend clearing your afternoon (and your evening… and possibly part of the next day) before you pick it up, because once you start, you’re not going to want to stop.
Final verdict: This Book Will Bury Me isn’t just a thriller. It’s a mirror held up to our true crime-loving faces, with a sly little wink that says, “You’re not getting out of this obsession anytime soon.” And honestly? I’m not mad about it.
OUR RATING
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