The Girls of Maple Close

by Amanda Brittany

Eleven years ago, Maple Close was scarred by a horrific crime.

Three teenage girls who lived on the secluded cul-de-sac were mutilated and killed in what became known as The Wise Monkey Murders. Their neighbour, seventeen-year-old Zara, was found guilty. Incarcerated in a psychiatric facility, she hasn’t spoken since.

Now, true-crime podcaster Daisy retreats to her grandfather’s home on the close, following a brutal attack. But she can’t lie low for long. Zara’s mother has never believed her daughter capable of such violent crimes, and wants Daisy’s help.

Reluctantly, Daisy begins to dig into the dark history of Maple Close and its residents for a new podcast series... and soon uncovers secrets that were buried for a reason.

Someone is watching her. Someone knows she’s getting too close.

And someone will do anything for revenge.

Because in Maple Close, the past isn’t finished with Daisy.

And neither is the killer...

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2026

About the author

Amanda Brittany is the best selling author of psychological thrillers.

THE GIRLS OF MAPLE CLOSE is out now with Boldwood Books.

LET ME OUT, NOW YOU ARE MINE, THE ISLAND HOUSE, I LIE IN WAIT, TELL THE TRUTH, HER LAST LIE, TRACES OF HER and I'M WATCHING YOU are out now!

Her debut, HER LAST LIE has so far raised £9000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her sister from eBook royalties.

Amanda lives in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and her crazy, cute dog. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, walking her dog, reading & sunny days. She also has a soft spot for snow, which features in HER LAST LIE & I LIE IN WAIT.

Amanda has studied psychology and criminology, has a diploma in creative writing, and a BA(Hons) in English Literature.

She also writes psychological suspense novels with Karen Clarke. THE SECRET SISTER, THE PERFECT NANNY and THE NEW WIFE.


You can follow her on:
Twitter: @amandajbrittany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabrittany2
Instagram: @amanda_brittany_author

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Brittany has done it again with her most recent novel, THE GIRLS OF MAPLE CLOSE. I absolutely loved it! The synopsis is spot on (recently, I've noticed that a book's synopsis can be a bit misleading, with that book ending up being nothing like you expected or hoped for). This is exactly the kind of thriller I can't get enough of—multi-faceted and flawed characters, dark and long-held secrets, and that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right–rather, horribly wrong. The book grabbed me from the first page and did not let go for even a minute.

Eleven years ago, the quiet cul-de-sac of Maple Close was rocked to its core, shattered in a single, devastating night. Two teen-aged girls were brutally murdered, a third was left for dead, a teen-aged boy disappeared without a trace, and a house fire destroyed a family. Seventeen-year-old Zara was found guilty of the brutal attacks of the three girls (dubbed The Wise Monkey Murders), and is subsequently committed to a psychiatric facility, where she has remained silent ever since.

In the present day, we meet Daisy, a surviving victim of the house fire eleven years prior, who is now a true-crime podcaster. After losing her father in the fire, she spent time recovering in her grandparents’s home in Maple Close, getting to know the residents there. Years later, Daisy returns after a traumatic experience to stay with her grandfather who still lives there. At the request of Zara’s mother, who believes her daughter to be innocent of the crimes, Daisy launches a new podcast surrounding the murders, hoping to find out what made Zara commit such vicious attacks.

I was utterly hooked right from the beginning of this book and flew through it in a day and a half! I just needed to know what everyone was hiding–and believe me, everyone seemed to be hiding something. I absolutely loved how Amanda Brittany slowly and deftly revealed secrets through multiple POVs, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. And the creepy, tense atmosphere the author created made for some edge-of-your-seat moments that had me holding my breath.

The twists really worked for me, too. I had a few guesses throughout, but at least one had me so surprised that I questioned everything I thought I knew about these characters. Truly, this was one of those “just one more chapter” novels that turns into ten more chapters, making you stay up way past your bedtime. But aren’t those the very best books of all?!

I want to thank NetGalley, Amanda Brittany, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of THE GIRLS OF MAPLE CLOSE. I was so excited to receive it and I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girls of Maple Close by Amanda Brittany was a gripping and well executed mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story follows Daisy, a podcaster determined to uncover the truth behind why Zara committed such shocking crimes (murdering two girls and assaulting another). The investigative podcast angle added a fresh, modern twist that made the narrative feel immersive and timely.

The pacing was strong, with well-placed reveals that kept the tension building throughout. I especially enjoyed how the story unraveled layer by layer, offering new perspectives and raising questions that kept me guessing. It gave me similar vibes to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, particularly in the way the protagonist pieces together the truth while navigating her Podcast.

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Amanda Brittany’s 2025 release Let Me Out, so I was keen to see how The Girls of Maple Close would compare, and while I did enjoy the concept and mystery, it didn’t quite reach the same heights.

The cover, podcast angle, and cold case were what first pulled me in, and I’m always a sucker for claustrophobic tension and the dark side of seemingly perfect settings.

We follow true-crime podcaster Daisy as she’s pulled into the infamous Wise Monkey Murders that occurred on Maple Close eleven years prior, and it was interesting to see the mystery unfold through podcast interviews, especially as locals opposed her digging into the case. There were times where I didn’t fully connect with Daisy or her choices, but I liked her determination and how it drove the investigation forward, especially as paranoia set in and she began to feel like she was being watched.

The pacing is addictive, especially at the start, though it does lag slightly in the middle before accelerating towards a wild ending filled with twists from every direction. While some twists were predictable, I still enjoyed the second-guessing, shifting suspicions, and watching the story unravel in such a chaotic way.

Overall, I enjoyed this one for its atmosphere and twists, even if it wasn’t a standout. I think it would be a good fit for fans of domestic psychological thrillers by authors like Shari Lapena and Keri Beevis, with its mix of domestic tension, dark themes, and layered mystery.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this e-ARC...this is my honest review.

📱The Girls of Maple Close📱
Author: Amanda Brittany
Pub Date: April 13, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books

MY RATING: 4/5⭐

Amanda Brittany has authored so many psychological thrillers that I've absolutely loved -- so I was really excited to get my hands on an early copy of her latest, The Girls of Maple Close. Happy Pub Day to this read, which featured mean girls, a podcast, amateur sleuthing, dark family secrets, and oodles of suspense. This fast read had me flipping pages SO FAST!

In this book, Brittany presented a whole host of characters who were potential murderers and a whole lot of potential scenarios in which these villains could have flourished. I had no idea whodunit and I suspected everyone at one point or another. There was some serious side-eye happening for me as I read!

Eleven years ago, 3 teenage girls who lived on Maple Close, a secluded cul-de-sac, were mutilated and killed. Their neighbor, 17-year-old Zara, was found guilty, and she's been incarcerated in a psychiatric facility ever since, and hasn’t spoken since. Now, true-crime podcaster Daisy retreats to her grandfather’s home in Maple Close, following a brutal attack. But Zara’s mother has never believed Zara was guilty, and she wants Daisy’s help. Reluctantly, Daisy begins to dig into the dark history of Maple Close and its residents for a new podcast series... and soon uncovers secrets that were buried for a reason.

While I enjoyed this book overall, there were times I struggled a little bit. Maybe it was because there were so many potentially nefarious characters to keep track of, maybe it was because I was questioning if Daisy was an unreliable narrator, or maybe I just wished for a bit more depth to some of the storylines. This book was incredibly twisty, but there were so many twists revealed at the end that I had to slow down to connect all the dots I didn't see coming. I also struggled with some inconsistencies in Daisy's character, as there were times she was terrified of everyone and everything, but other times she made really dumb decisions that felt silly and out-of-character.

Amanda Brittany is one of those authors who can really pen a good psychological thriller, and she'll keep you guessing til the very end! If you like your psychological thrillers served with a side of true crime podcasts, mean girl vibes, and dark neighborhood secrets -- you're going to love The Girls of Maple Close! Available today!

#TheGirlsOfMapleClose #AmandaBrittany #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodInsiders #Netgalley #eARC #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #psychologicalthriller #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this story! I had to cancel my weekend plans to binge-read it because I simply couldn't wait to uncover the mystery!

The Wise Monkey Murders that occurred eleven years ago in Maple Close, where three teenage girls were killed. Seventeen-year-old Zara, convicted of the crimes, remains silent in a psychiatric facility. True-crime podcaster Daisy, seeking refuge at her grandfather's house post-attack, is drawn into the case by Zara's mother, who believes in her daughter's innocence. As Daisy investigates the dark past of Maple Close for her podcast, she uncovers dangerous secrets and realizes that someone is watching her, willing to protect their secrets at any cost.

The narrative unfolds by taking us back 11 years to provide a fuller understanding of the events that transpired. We experience various points of view from Daisy, Zara, an anonymous narrator, Jess, and Jeremy. As the story shifts between past and present, we revisit Zara, Neville, and Jeremy, along with interactions with neighbors, making it hard to pin the blame solely on one person as we unravel the plot. At times, I found myself questioning everyone’s motives! While the cast of characters may seem large, the author did an excellent job creating distinct and relatable personalities that resonate well. The inclusion of articles throughout the story ties everything together seamlessly. I won't dive into character details so as not to spoil anything for potential readers; this book is an absolute must-read!

Now with the full cast of the characters, the pressing question is, who's the real culprit? There are surprising twists that totally caught me off guard, and the ending was so unpredictable that I was left speechless. As the revelations unfolded, I found myself thinking, "I have no idea how this will all wrap up," and I was completely floored by the outcome!

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys getting swept away in a gripping story only to realize they were completely in the dark. If you love podcasts, detectives, and piecing together clues—even when you come up empty—and if you're intrigued by long-buried secrets and sudden revelations for the main character, then this is the read for you! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make some tea because my mind is spinning from all the thrilling action! Well done!

Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the DRC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayl_may · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read and enjoyed Let Me Out, I was excited to pick up Amanda Brittany’s next psychological thriller, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

This book follows true crime podcaster Daisy Cole, who returns to her grandad’s house on Maple Close following a personal issue. While there, she is drawn into investigating the eleven-year-old murders and mutilation of three girls who once lived on the close, as well as the person who was accused of committing these terrible crimes.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints, which I absolutely loved. It allows the reader to see the story unfold through several characters’ perspectives, helping you understand their motivations and get to know them better. It also helps to build suspense and feeds your curiosity as you try to get to the bottom of the mystery.

I found this to be engaging and gripping throughout. I loved the plot and the way it developed, it was cleverly written and created a real need to uncover who was guilty and who was innocent. The twists were great, with several I genuinely didn’t see coming.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that I’ll definitely be recommending to my friends. I actually enjoyed this even more than her previous book!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Nurse Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Daisy, part-time podcaster, full time trauma magnet. She returns back to her grandfather’s home to lay low after narrowly escaping being murdered as the result of her first podcast series. Daisy lived with her grandparents after her father was killed in a house fire set by her mom. On that same night, three of her classmates were brutally attacked and Daisy’s friend remains in jail, convicted of killing two of them and nearly killing the other. Will her second podcast series unravel the secrets that remain?

As any well developed story, there’s a lot of information to consume in the first half. I struggled a little with keeping names straight, especially when Daisy’s grandfather changed from granddad to his actual name- I felt a little lost. With that said, with every character came more depth, more story, more angles, and definitely more suspects.

This book was an easy read that kept me thinking about the characters long after it was over. The story development flowed smoothly while sometimes jumping back to the past to fill in the storyline. Overall a solid read from an author I’ll definitely add to my list to keep an eye out for. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!!

[Kate Cedras · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girls of Maple Close was such a fun read’ Through the twists and turns of the story- we follow Daisy as she tries to find out why killers kill. She is returning to Maple Close and decides to do a podcast on the murders of two girls that grew up in the neighborhood.

Definitely a great read - one I would absolutely recommend if you like psychological thriller & to be on the edge of your seat. This one will keep you guessing until the end!

[Melissa Suslowicz Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!!!! This author is new to me and boy am I glad I read that blurb and picked this one up. The blurb is what drew me to this book. Once I read it I just knew I had to read it. I’m obsessed with podcasts. This book had everything I enjoy in a great read. All the characters had juicy secrets waiting to be exposed. That was so awesome. The plot was so interesting and twisted. I couldn’t put this one down for the life of me. Last but not least that ending. Wow, just wow. I’m like OMG what did I just read. I couldn’t believe it. There were so many twists and turns. My mind was blown by the end of this one. I highly recommend this author and this book. This one is definitely going on my Top Ten List.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves dark, twisty psychological thrillers that keep you second-guessing everything. I read this in one sitting.

From the very first page, I was completely hooked by the chilling premise of the Wise Monkey Murders. The idea of three teenage girls brutally killed in such a quiet, secluded cul-de-sac instantly created an eerie atmosphere—and it never let up. The mystery surrounding Zara, the silent, institutionalised girl at the centre of it all, is both haunting and deeply compelling.

Daisy is a fantastic protagonist—flawed, vulnerable, and incredibly determined. As a true-crime podcaster, her investigation into Maple Close feels immersive and authentic, and I loved how the story unfolds through her digging into the past. The tension builds steadily as she uncovers layer after layer of secrets, and just when I thought I had it figured out… I absolutely didn’t.

What really stood out to me was the setting. Maple Close feels like a character in its own right—claustrophobic, secretive, and filled with an undercurrent of menace. The sense that someone is always watching adds a constant edge of unease that kept me racing through the pages.

The twists? Genuinely shocking. Not just for the sake of it, but cleverly woven into the narrative in a way that makes you rethink everything you’ve read. And that ending—chilling, satisfying, and impossible to forget. It’s living rent free in my brain!

This is a gripping, fast-paced thriller packed with tension, emotion, and dark secrets. Perfect for fans of true crime vibes and small-community mysteries where nothing—and no one—is as it seems.

Highly recommended if you enjoy suspense that keeps you up way past bedtime.

[Susan Belman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a solid suspense thriller—I was hooked the whole time.
Right from the first chapter, the author gives a clear layout of Maple Close and who lives where, which I really appreciated. With a story that involves multiple houses and neighbors, it made everything much easier to follow and helped build that “everyone could be a suspect” feeling right away.
And yes… there’s a podcast involved, which immediately pulled me in. I’m always a sucker for a thriller with a true-crime podcast angle, and it worked really well here.
The story follows Daisy, a podcaster who retreats to her grandfather’s home on Maple Close after a traumatic attack. But when the mother of a girl convicted of the infamous Wise Monkey Murders asks Daisy to investigate, she finds herself digging into a case the neighborhood thought was long buried.
What really worked for me was the structure of the book. Each chapter clearly tells you who the perspective belongs to and when it’s happening, which made it easy to keep track of the different timelines and characters.
The character development was also really well done. Everyone felt distinct, and as Daisy starts uncovering secrets hidden within the quiet cul-de-sac, the tension steadily builds.
This was one of those books where when I wasn’t reading it… I was still thinking about it.

[readingismy_happy_place · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Literally have no words!!!
This was brilliant I read it in just one sitting as I his couldn’t stop!
I picked it up and fell completely into the story gosh was on an edge! I saw none of it coming my mind was blown a few times!! My head is spinning is the best way. I loved Daisy she’s such a likeable character relatable and interesting.
The twists literally just kept coming bigger and better each time my mouth was on the floor at one point couldn’t believe what I was reading
I truly enjoyed this!

[Michelle Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the twist did I just read!

I can’t count how many times I did a double take at this book and thought,”WHAT?!” So many layers to the story. Things you will not see coming. Great book, definitely one of my favs this year.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something compelling about British thrillers with their fast pace and multiple twists and turns. This one was no exception! With short chapters and dual timelines my interest was held from beginning to end. I love the crime podcast trope in a thriller and enjoyed seeing the podcast in this book come together with each interview/revelation.

So many of the characters in this book were suspicious to me so I didn’t know who to trust or who was responsible for the murders. The biggest twists were reserved for the very end of the story and it ended with a bang!

[Maureen Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Definitely going to read more of this author’s work!

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 2 out of 5]

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

STORYLINE :
The storyline was engaging, and I was eager to get into it. It was interesting, a psychiatrist podcaster solving a cold case. Unfortunately, I felt it fell short. There was not much amateur sleuthing or psychoanalysis. In fact, important details related to the book were revealed when the book was past 50%. Then, the actual reveal of why the murders happened was boring and not well done.
The ending was even more annoying. I didn't like its execution

CHARACTERS:
It was difficult to like any character because they all had secrets, and I was suspicious of them all, even the FMC, Daisy.

WRITING STYLE:
It was okay, a bit slow, but okay.

SETTINGS:
It was okay since it was just one street. The locations were well described.

OVERALL:
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this book. I didn't like the characters, the storyline's execution, and the abysmal ending

[Jardana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re back with another podcast-themed story, and I loved every second of it. This was such a fun, fast read.

Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. Every twist caught me off guard, and things kept getting more dramatic as it went on. By the end, the twists were so over-the-top and full of crazy coincidences that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

I’m excited to check out other works by this author!

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Insiders, and Amanda Brittany for this ARC 🫶🏽

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a thriller set on a quiet little cul-de-sac and immediately think, “Ah yes, a neighborhood where absolutely everyone is committing psychological crimes behind tasteful hedges”? Because that is the energy radiating off The Girls of Maple Close from page one. Maple Close looks innocent. It sounds quaint. It is giving cozy suburban vibes. Meanwhile underneath the surface this place is basically a boiling pot of trauma, secrets, and people who desperately need group therapy.

The story revolves around the Wise Monkey Murders, which happened eleven years earlier when three teenage girls from Maple Close were attacked in a brutal night of violence. Two died. One survived but was horribly mutilated. And the person blamed for it all? Another teenage girl from the same street, Zara. She’s locked away in a psychiatric facility and has not spoken a single word since the night of the murders.

And listen. A silent convicted killer who refuses to explain herself for over a decade? That is the kind of mystery that would absolutely hijack my entire brain chemistry.

Enter Daisy, our true crime podcaster who has already been through enough trauma to last a lifetime. She’s recovering from a brutal attack connected to her last investigation and retreats to her grandfather’s house on Maple Close hoping for peace, quiet, and maybe five minutes where nobody tries to murder her.

Unfortunately Daisy has the fatal character flaw known as curiosity. Because the second Zara’s mother approaches her and says, “My daughter didn’t do this,” Daisy’s investigative brain lights up like a Christmas tree. Suddenly the podcast mic is back out, the questions start flying, and the residents of Maple Close collectively begin sweating like they just got caught deleting text messages.

And oh my god these neighbors. Every single person on this street has something weird going on. You meet them and immediately get the vibe that they’re smiling politely while mentally calculating how much of the truth they’re willing to admit today. The deeper Daisy digs, the more it becomes clear that Maple Close isn’t just hiding one terrible night. This whole community has been sitting on a mountain of secrets for years.

The thing Amanda Brittany does really well here is weaponize suspicion. You truly cannot trust anyone. The narrative jumps between past and present perspectives, slowly exposing how bullying, resentment, guilt, and long buried grudges built this incredibly messy foundation before the murders ever happened. At one point I was suspicious of literally everyone including people who had spoken three sentences.

Even the nice ones felt suspicious. Especially the nice ones. Daisy herself is such a compelling protagonist because she’s not some fearless detective archetype who strolls into danger like she’s ordering coffee. She’s shaken. She’s dealing with PTSD. Her past, including the fire that killed her father and the attack tied to her podcast, hangs over everything she does. Watching her push forward anyway gives the story this emotional core that sneaks up on you between all the tension and paranoia.

And the paranoia is strong with this one. There’s this constant creeping sense that Daisy is being watched. The closer she gets to the truth about Maple Close, the more dangerous things start to feel. It’s the kind of slow simmering tension where you keep thinking, “Someone here is absolutely going to snap and I do not know who.”

Then the twists start rolling in. And listen. I read a lot of thrillers. I have trust issues with fictional characters as a lifestyle choice. But this book still managed to yank the rug out from under me multiple times. Every time I thought I had the mystery neatly pinned to one suspicious neighbor, the story went, “That’s cute,” and flipped the entire table.

By the final stretch I was fully locked in, turning pages like a conspiracy theorist connecting red strings on a corkboard. The Girls of Maple Close is a solid 4.5 star thriller. It’s twisty, tense, packed with neighborhood drama, and filled with that addictive “just one more chapter” energy that inevitably turns into finishing the book at 1:30 in the morning while side eyeing your own street.

Because honestly? After this book I’m convinced every quiet cul-de-sac is hiding at least three secrets and one deeply suspicious barbecue.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Every Single Neighbor With A Decorative Garden Fence

Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC, which absolutely derailed my evening plans in the best possible way. My sleep schedule may never recover, but honestly? Worth it.

[Rae, shutupandbookup · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars!


"They're a funny lot, the Maple Close residents. They always were, even before the awful murders."


Daisy has had to flee back to the safety of her Grandad's home in a gated cul-de-sac community. Her last true crime podcast unearthed some truths and sent the correct man to jail. But not everyone was thrilled with the outcome of justice. Daisy tries to take it easy and unwind in this familiar home and area not willing to dive into a new podcast.


Until a neighbor approaches Daisy with a plea for help. Wanting Daisy to figure out the truth behind The Wise Monkey Murders and possibly find her guilty teenage girl, now woman, innocent! Daisy tries to stand her ground; she really does, but curiosity is such an alluring mistress. She soon finds herself tumbling down the rabbit hole and wondering if any of the Maple Close residents can be trusted. Someone really doesn't want this case to be reopened. . .


I love a good thriller centered around a cul-de-sac with a tight knit community that talks to one another. I'm also a sucker for reads with podcasters in them, I don't rightly know why. So, I had to take a chance with this story!


I did enjoy Daisy's character throughout the read but toward the end I wasn't fully vibing with my girl. I respected the fact that she was upfront about her podcast and that she wasn't a hero of justice. She wasn't going into it to try and prove Zara innocent. Daisy's more focused on the why and getting a glimpse into the mind of a killer. And this case is very close to home because she knew all the girls involved with the case! Liked how she also asked permission and ensured consents before recording.


The case felt very much like an onion with how many layers Daisy had to keep peeling back. Seeing how almost all of the residents still remain in Maple Close even after all the tragedies, helped to make her investigating job a bit easier. The suspense was there and the thrill, but I was able to figure out many of the twists. Now for me, some of the ending sequences felt over the top and a bit unrealistic. I could understand the why and how it makes sense for the character(s), but it didn't fully zing for me.


This read does contain language, violence, bloodshed, and deaths. Some depictions of gore but nothing too detailed out. The plot of the story does bring up bullying, and we get to understand some of the intense things that occurred. We also have adult bullying and threats. I did respect a mom who recognized the truth about her daughter being a bully and addressed it. Instead of pretending her daughter was a perfect angel. There are some dark backstories in this read along with an abusive parent. PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and nightmares.


There's some romance in this read but it isn't the main focus. We get an MF kiss on page and then a closed-door scene. For me, I wasn't too fond of the guy for multiple reasons and felt like the romance wasn't entirely necessary for the read.


I did enjoy elements of this book but toward the end I was feeling meh. Now, this is all just my honest and personal opinion! You may read this book and be on the edge of your seat and loving it! This book is a standalone with a conclusion and HEA.


Do enjoy the read and don't forget to give the author some stars!


Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books!


shutupandbookup.com

[Shannon Mabrito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Cole, dealing with the aftermath of her semi-successful podcast on the minds of a killer, finds herself back in Maple Close, where she spent some time in her childhood, both visiting and eventually living with her grandparents after the death of her father in a fire, a tragic incident that was also the same night as the infamous Wise Monkey Murders, where two teenage girls were murdered and another severely mutilated.

Daisy, is at first, standoff-ish and dealing with a case of post traumatic stress after an incident left her nearly dead prior to her arrival at the close. Skittish and though the residents of the close attempt to speak with her regarding various things, including doing a podcast on the murders itself in order to clear the name of the girl convicted of the crimes, Daisy struggles with being alone while her grandfather is off in Florida visiting with his new girlfriend.

However, as the story goes on, Daisy gets stronger and stronger: with the threat from the previous podcast gone, and though there is a threatening presence surrounding this new podcast, she pushes on, hoping to get the answers that the convicted killer's mother is seeking. However, the truth surrounding the murders and the amount of involvement that she finds herself having, though indirectly, is staggering. But in the end, this young, skittish woman finds herself confident and strong, seeking relationships with others when previously she wouldn't have done that.

Amanda Brittany has certainly come up with an original, exciting and devastating story. It held my attention from the very first page, speaking to my millenial heart with the use of podcasts, true crime and a special bond with a grandparent, all of which I myself love. I love a main character that starts off questioning not only herself, but the world and the people around her, only to come out on top in the end. She writes Daisy beautifully, both dealing with the traumas in her own personal life while also dealing with the traumas of those around her, from residents that live in the Close to speaking directly to the girl convicted of murders. She comes off as trustworthy, and while she picks and chooses whom she is friendly with, I could consider speaking openly with her if I had been a character in the story.

Though it seems Daisy's story may end with this novel, I would be completely interested in the idea of a secondary novel, maybe seeing Daisy working in the field she worked so hard to be a part of.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Brittany and Boldwood Books.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of The Girls of Maple Close in return for my honest review and opinion.

Another Five-Star Read for 2026: An Absolutely Unputdownable Psychological Thriller!

What an absolutely breathtaking and amazing thriller! I was utterly captivated from the moment I started, and honestly, I just couldn't put this book down. The narrative is a masterclass in suspense, turning page after page with a relentless pace that kept me guessing, heart pounding, about what dark twist would unfold next. This is precisely the kind of book that stands apart from so many others on the shelf today—a true gem of the genre that lingers in your mind long after the final page.

The story plunges you into a chilling case that rocked a small community years ago. The brutal murders of three young girls at the local, long-abandoned theatre. The town quickly blames Zara, a local teenager that since that day has since remained utterly silent, not uttering a single word since the day of the horrific discovery. The case was closed, the town tried to move on, but the shadow of the theater and its silent suspect persisted.

Daisy, a local true-crime podcaster, returns to her hometown. Her objective is strictly to provide a factual, unbiased examination of the case files, interviews, and evidence, resisting the sensationalist urge to declare guilt or innocence. She aims to be the neutral voice that merely presents the facts as they are known.

However, as Daisy begins to meticulously review the case, conducting new interviews with former classmates, police, and the victims' families, the veneer of settled history begins to crack. She finds inconsistencies in the original witness statements. Long-buried secrets start to surface—a tangled web of teenage bullying, small-town corruption, and a powerful sense of fear that has persisted through the years. The simple "facts" she intended to present quickly become complicated by long-held lies and intentional cover-ups.

What began as a dispassionate look at a historical crime soon morphs into an active investigation. The justice that was denied to the murdered teenagers for all these years, obscured by time and deceit, now seems within reach as Daisy's persistent questioning and broadcasting of the overlooked details forces the community to finally confront the painful truth of what really happened.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creepy neighbour hood setting, a small community of suspicious characters and secrets that have been buried for a long time, all ingredients that I love in a book. Mix all of those things together and you get a fantastic twisty, suspenseful book.

Maple Close looks beautiful and picturesque from the outside. A place that people would love to live in. But there is an 11 year old dark shadow hanging over the residents. In 2015, two girls were murdered, a third was severely injured, and a boy disappeared. The convicted killer is behind bars in a mental institution and has not spoken a word since that fateful night. Despite the evidence, her mother doesn't believe the truth came out all those years ago. Over a decade later, she enlists the help of true crime podcaster, Daisy Cole. Her Grandfather lives on Maple Close and spent a lot of time there but she was young when those murders took place. Daisy's and our curiosity is definitely piqued at the premise before us and getting t0 the bottom of what really happened 11 years ago. It is powerful pull isn't it? Victims, murders, a missing boy. Too irresistable not to dig a bit deeper.

The setting was atmospheric and tense. Most of the residents of Maple Close have never left the street. They all still live in that place where murder and mystery lingers. There's plenty of dark back stories to get to grips with and the author really does manipulate the reader throughout the book...which I always enjoy. I love falling for the red herrings as I try to work things out.

The cast of characters is brilliant. Our main protagonist, Daisy, is flawed and complex. We are lured into her past, and her demons. The residents of Maple Close may come across as mostly friendly at first but as we delve deeper into the novel things unravel alarmingly and we really end up not knowing who to trust.

Amanda Brittany completely misleads the reader, as we make our way through the book, presented with Daisy's and other characters points of view, which I really liked and never felt confusing.

The pacing was strong, the writing engaging and invited the reader into the layer upon layer of mystery and intrigue. And an ending that I didn't really see coming.

This was the first book I'd read by this author but I will certainly read more.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Amanda Brittany for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★

The title and beautiful cover might hint at a quiet, picturesque neighborhood, but it becomes clear almost immediately that Maple Close and its residents have a dark shadow hanging over them. On a night in 2015, two girls were murdered, a third was severely injured, and a boy disappeared. The supposed killer is behind bars in a mental institution and has not spoken a word since that fateful night. Her mother has never understood what could have driven her daughter to commit such a heinous crime, and she turns to Daisy Cole, the creator of the true-crime podcast Killer Mind Field , to shed some light on the events of that night over a decade ago.

Though Daisy solved the case featured in her last season, the aftermath was more than she could handle. Her life was threatened, and she stepped away from her podcast. Still, if she is honest with herself, the The Wise Monkey Murders have always held a powerful pull, especially because she once knew the victims, the murderer, and the missing teenager…

If there is one thing I have come to expect from Amanda Brittany, it is an atmospheric setting, a flawed protagonist with a dark backstory, and plenty of reader manipulation, which I fall for every time but have also come to appreciate. The Girls of Maple Close delivers once again. Daisy Cole is flawed and complex, yet open with the reader about her past, her demons, and her coping mechanisms. The residents of Maple Close may come across as mostly friendly at first, but it soon becomes clear that something must be wrong with them if all but one chose to remain in Maple Close after the horrific events nearly eleven years ago.

Amanda Brittany masterfully misleads readers, using both Daisy’s vulnerabilities and multiple points of view to create a twisty tale of love and hate, where anyone and everyone could have been responsible not just for the events leading up to the The Wise Monkey Murders, but also for everything that has happened since.

I was thoroughly entertained, revolted, and shocked. Another twisty and fast-paced tale with incredibly dark moments that still manages to end on a note of hope.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Amanda Brittany for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My!!!! This exceeded expectations! 🤩🤸👏

I was so excited to receive this ARC!!! I read "Let Me Out" and absolutely loved it! And this book did not disappoint! This author has a gift of writing twisty, atmospheric, tension filled reads that are a it dark and deep- my perfect story!

Eleven years ago The Wise Monkey murders happened, Three teenage girls were brutally attacked in an abandoned warehouse/theatre. Two of the girls died, but one survived. 17 year old Zara was convicted of the crimes, and has never spoke again. True Crime podcaster, Daisy, is staying at her grandfather's house in Maple Close. She had moved in to live with he and her grandmother when she was 15- the year her parents died in a fire. She was friends with Zara. All the girls lived in the cul-de-sac gated community of Maple Close. Zara's mother, Heather, approaches Daisy to investigate and look into what really happened. Even Daisy cannot see quiet, shy Zara committing these crimes. So she decides to make this story her next podcast. AS she investigates, she feels that she is being watched.

The story is told in dual time lines; the present and 11 years ago. This was done very well. The narrative shifts seamlessly so that the reader gets a real feel for intricate relationships between the girls, and Neville (a friend of Zara's), as well as Daisy's grandfather, Jeremy. It is told through multiple POV's- which I love when it is done well! And this is done very well. Each POV adds another layer/twist or motive that builds the suspense, and I was constantly shocked by the twists and questioning what REALLY happened, and WHO was the murderer. What was the real truth??? The story was revealed in layers, like a big onion!!

The characters are so well written, but I cannot say more because I do not want to slip and give any spoilers!!

I believe this author has jumped up to auto read for me! If you like a taught thriller, with a bit of a dark atmosphere, podcasters and a case based on the past; PLUS you don't really like to sleep (because you won't want to put this book down!)- then this book is definitely for you!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited to read an early copy of Amanda Brittany’s “The Girls of Maple Close.” I had previously read and enjoyed her book entitled “Let Me Out.” Eleven years ago, three teenage girls from the same cul-de-sac were attacked and mutilated at a local, abandoned movie theater. Two of the girls were killed, but one survived. A male teenager who lived in the neighborhood has also been missing since that night.

The attack and killings were dubbed The Wise Monkey Murders based on what happened to the three girls. Another teenage girl from the same cul-de-sac, Zara, was arrested and charged with the attack and murders. She was found guilty in a subsequent trial and sent to a psychiatric facility.

Daisy, a true-crime podcaster, returns to her grandfather’s house in Maple Close after a brutal attack related to her first podcast series. Daisy had visited the house often in her childhood and knew the three girls attacked, as well Shortly after her arrival, Zara’s mother, Heather, asks Daisy to do a podcast on The Wise Monkey Murders. Heather has never fully understood why Zara did what she did. She has also never completely believed Zara acted alone.

Daisy explains to Heather her podcast, if she decides to do it, would be about understanding the motive and not trying to prove Zara’s innocence. Heather doesn’t care, she is desperate for someone to take another look at what happened and why.

As Daisy begins the new series, some weird things start happening. She’s not sure who she can trust, but comes to believe there’s more to what happened that night than previously known. There were a couple twists that I found a little outlandish. I also felt like Daisy made some questionable (e.g. stupid) choices in her quest for the truth. There was an exchange Daisy and her grandfather had via a video call that I found humorous, though.

Overall, I recommend this book. This was a solid, fast-paced read for me. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Aaron Todd Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

tt: @theaarontodd | ig: @aarontoddreads

📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review

The Girls of Maple Close x Amanda Brittany

⭐ Star Rating: 4.25
🔪 AT Intensity: 2.5

Do I Recommend? Yes! especially if you like suburban thrillers.

Quick Points:
suburban cul-de-sac secrets
past murder case + institutionalized suspect
gruesome crime
true crime podcast investigation
a ton of characters

One-Sentence Take:
A well-paced, sometimes slow-burn, suburban thriller that quietly builds tension before taking a sharp, chaotic turn that mostly lands.

Review:
This is one of those thrillers where nothing is technically happening but you’re just waiting for something to snap.

The opening scene and overall premise pulled me in immediately! Brutal past murders, a girl blamed and locked away, and a return to the neighborhood years later to dig everything back up. I loved the true crime podcast angle because it gave the story structure without feeling forced, and it naturally opened the door to all the buried secrets on Maple Close. This sometimes worked against itself in terms of pacing… because the device moving the plot forward, at times, was a podcast rather than new action happening.

This book really leans into tension over shock (until the end). It’s controlled, eerie, and very much rooted in that “what are these people hiding?” energy. The multiple POVs worked for me because it kept shifting suspicion, and no one ever felt fully trustworthy.

That said, the pacing definitely slows in the middle while everything is being pieced together. There were moments where I wanted the suspense to hit a little harder or move a little faster, and a few twists felt slightly overworked.

BUT, the ending?? Completely shifts the energy. It takes a pretty wild turn that I’d say is about 90% effective. It’s creative, a little unbelievable if you think too hard about it, but it goes out with a bang. And sometimes, that’s the vibe!

Overall, this is a really solid domestic suburbia thriller that prioritizes tension, secrets, and character dynamics over constant action. Super readable and definitely one of those “just one more chapter” books.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girls of Maple Close was my first book by Amanda Brittany, and it definitely lived up to the hype I’d heard about this author! This is a page-turning thriller novel that follows a podcaster called Daisy, who is laying low in the safety of her grandfather’s house in Maple Close after a brutal attack. Maple close is a close knit neighbourhood where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has their own secrets. While Daisy is back in the neighbourhood, she gets approached by the mother of a girl, Zara, who killed two girls and left one horrifically injured eleven years ago. Zara’s mother wants Daisy to cover the case on her podcast with the hopes of her discovering that Zara is actually innocent. Daisy reluctantly agrees to look into the case, because she’s intrigued to figure out what makes killers kill. Almost immediately, strange things start to happen in response to Daisy’s podcast, and it’s clear someone isn’t happy that she’s digging into the past, and Daisy realises she’s in danger.

This story is told in multiple perspectives, which is always something I enjoy in books, so I really enjoyed that part. It was fun to see the events of the story unfold through multiple characters’ perspectives. I would say that there is quite a lot of information to learn in the first half of the book, and it did take a while to become familiar with all the different characters and their stories, but once I did I was hooked.

I really enjoyed the podcast aspect of the book, and I really liked following Daisy as she did her own amateur sleuthing into the case, despite knowing she was in danger. This was a really easy read, and I sped through this one despite it being a slow burn. The mystery is really intriguing, and I didn’t predict the ending at all! I’d recommend this to any mystery thriller fans who are looking for an easy read that will keep you guessing until the very end!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GIRLS OF MAPLE CLOSE By Amanda Brittany

Three teenage girls who lived on the secluded cul-de-sac were mutilated and killed in what became known as The Wise Monkey Murders. Their neighbour, seventeen-year-old Zara, was found guilty. Incarcerated in a psychiatric facility, she hasn’t spoken since.
Now, true-crime podcaster Daisy retreats to her grandfather’s home on the close, following a brutal attack. But she can’t lie low for long. Zara’s mother has never believed her daughter capable of such violent crimes, and wants Daisy’s help.
Reluctantly, Daisy begins to dig into the dark history of Maple Close and its residents for a new podcast series... and soon uncovers secrets that were buried for a reason.
Someone is watching her. Someone knows she’s getting too close.
And someone will do anything for revenge.
Because in Maple Close, the past isn’t finished with Daisy.
And neither is the killer...

😊What i liked -

✔ Mystery/Suspense/Thriller.
✔This was one twisty read. This one had a gripping plot and the way the author wrote this book keeps you on the edge and totally engrossed in the story. I loved the POV's in this made this book even more engrossing. The most enjoyable part of the book was how the author slowly and steadily peels off each layer of the suspense that makes your perspective change and makes you ask new questions. The author leaves it upto us to determine how flawed a character is (or at least I got that vibe). Though I guessed a certain crucial part, that did not spoil my experience as the last few twists were really like a sucker 👊 on the face. My only advice to whoever reads this book is that they carve-out a good amount of their time for this one and enjoy it and not rush.

🤔What could have been better -

✔Something too small to mention.

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
🕵️Thriller Lovers

📈My Rating : 4./5

Thank you, Amanda Brittany and Boldwood Books, for a copy.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven years ago seventeen year old Zara Landen was found guilty of the murders of two teenage girls and the mutilation of a third who all lived in the gated community of Maple Close, these were dubbed The Wise Monkey Murders, she was locked away in a psychiatric facility and hasn't spoken since that day. Now Daisy Cole, a true crime podcaster, has returned to her grandfathers house in the Close following a horrific assault. Having grown up in this community she knows all the families that, surprisingly after such an incident, still live there and Zara's mother, Heather wants Daisy to do a podcast about that night, as she believes her daughter is innocent. Hesitant after the last podcast she did, she reluctantly agrees and uncovers some deeply buried secrets, but there is somebody watching Daisy who wants these secrets to remain buried and they won't stop until Daisy does...

The Girls of Maple Close is the latest thriller by Brittany, a fast paced, multi layered and multi faceted story that drew me in and kept me hooked throughout. The story is well crafted, with a dark and compelling premise that keeps you wanting to turn just one more page, read one more chapter. The characters are well thought out, some very likeable and others quite despicable, one such character I definitely had the wrong measure of and I'm glad I was proven wrong when everything was pulled together at the end. The tale is told from various perspectives and bounces back and forth between past and present while the author peels back the layers one by one and reveals the truth of what happened all those years ago. Another great read from an author that always knows when to strike with the element of surprise.

I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.