bibliophileamber 's review for:

Plays Well with Others by Lauren Myracle

4.0

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

---

Review: Plays Well With Others by Lauren Myrade

Oh my landa—this book is a glorious hot mess, and I mean that in the most delicious, binge-worthy way possible! If you love thrillers that spiral into chaos with a side of suburban scandal, buckle up.

Let’s start with Jake. Her life has been scorched earth since discovering that her so-called best friend Shelby was playing nursemaid to Jake’s husband... in every sense of the word. The betrayal? Intimate. The aftermath? Brutal. Shelby didn’t just move in with Jake’s ex a month after the split—she launched a full-blown smear campaign on social media, turning followers into flying monkeys. Jake’s past year? A masterclass in surviving emotional arson.

Now she’s trying to start fresh in a new neighborhood. But this isn’t your average cul-de-sac of casseroles and PTA meetings. These neighbors are intense. There’s a single mom with her son Billy who seems sweet enough, but something’s... off. And then there’s the local social media group where suburban moms go to war over dog poop and passive-aggressive lawn critiques. It’s petty, it’s hilarious, and it’s hiding something much darker.

On the surface, everything screams “new beginnings.” But underneath? It’s a tangled web of secrets, manipulation, and twisted loyalties. This isn’t your typical thriller—it’s a slow-burning dumpster fire of drama, and I couldn’t look away.

The audiobook was a total win. The narrator nailed the tone, bringing Jake’s unraveling world to life with just the right mix of grit and vulnerability. Huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to dive into this wild ride!