Killer Crush: A Thriller
Brooke Montoya
Reader Reviews
5.0
2 ratings
Karen B.
Feb 25, 2026
Killer Crush
-Brooke Montoya
Killer Crush is a masterfully curated psychological thriller by Montoya that showcases her exceptional talent. As a longtime admirer of Montoya’s work, I can confidently say that she has outdone herself with this latest narrative. From start to finish, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—intrigue, shock, anger, relief, sadness—the whole continuum! It was a perfect blend of suspense, drama, love, murder, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly checking off every feeling.
The story begins with Miranda (FMC), who returns to the unsolved murder of her best friend, Macy, each year, going over all the case work to see if she can find anything missing. While her husband, Jared, supports her investigative research, she feels increasingly ignored in their marriage, suspecting he may be unfaithful with his late nights and weekends filled with work. During a rare, shared evening watching Dateline, Miranda learns about a serial killer named Luke (MMC) in California and impulsively writes him a letter, finding him intriguing and the evidence a little sloppy against him. To her surprise, he responds, leading her down a path she never anticipated. As she navigates her feelings for Luke and the impending dangers, Miranda faces critical choices that could alter not just her life, but the lives of others as well. Will her intoxicating fascination lead her down the right path and unscathed or will her killer crush be just that?
Miranda is both complex and frustrating; I often wanted to shake her out of her complacency! Her naivety about the life she takes for granted puts her - and others - in jeopardy, but this complexity is what makes Montoya’s character development so compelling. I felt a genuine connection with Miranda and the other characters, making the story even more immersive. It was like I was right there with them, not just a reader observing from afar.
Montoya vividly paints each scene, blending ambiance and narrative seamlessly. The tension and emotion are palpable, drawing readers into the unfolding drama. Just when you think you’ve grasped the story's direction, she throws in unexpected twists that culminate in a breathtaking finale - so buckle up, readers, because it’s an exhilarating ride!
The only downside? The ending left me wanting more! Without giving too much away, I found it surprisingly sad for the story to end the way it did. I would have loved for the adventure to continue on, and on, and on. But that is the beauty of authors, they always enthrall us with their next adventure leaving us wanting more!
Overall, if you're a fan of psychological thrillers (in particular, a good psychological mind f*ck), Killer Crush deserves a spot on your reading list. Miranda’s journey is a gripping tale that you won’t want to miss!
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
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-Brooke Montoya
Killer Crush is a masterfully curated psychological thriller by Montoya that showcases her exceptional talent. As a longtime admirer of Montoya’s work, I can confidently say that she has outdone herself with this latest narrative. From start to finish, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—intrigue, shock, anger, relief, sadness—the whole continuum! It was a perfect blend of suspense, drama, love, murder, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly checking off every feeling.
The story begins with Miranda (FMC), who returns to the unsolved murder of her best friend, Macy, each year, going over all the case work to see if she can find anything missing. While her husband, Jared, supports her investigative research, she feels increasingly ignored in their marriage, suspecting he may be unfaithful with his late nights and weekends filled with work. During a rare, shared evening watching Dateline, Miranda learns about a serial killer named Luke (MMC) in California and impulsively writes him a letter, finding him intriguing and the evidence a little sloppy against him. To her surprise, he responds, leading her down a path she never anticipated. As she navigates her feelings for Luke and the impending dangers, Miranda faces critical choices that could alter not just her life, but the lives of others as well. Will her intoxicating fascination lead her down the right path and unscathed or will her killer crush be just that?
Miranda is both complex and frustrating; I often wanted to shake her out of her complacency! Her naivety about the life she takes for granted puts her - and others - in jeopardy, but this complexity is what makes Montoya’s character development so compelling. I felt a genuine connection with Miranda and the other characters, making the story even more immersive. It was like I was right there with them, not just a reader observing from afar.
Montoya vividly paints each scene, blending ambiance and narrative seamlessly. The tension and emotion are palpable, drawing readers into the unfolding drama. Just when you think you’ve grasped the story's direction, she throws in unexpected twists that culminate in a breathtaking finale - so buckle up, readers, because it’s an exhilarating ride!
The only downside? The ending left me wanting more! Without giving too much away, I found it surprisingly sad for the story to end the way it did. I would have loved for the adventure to continue on, and on, and on. But that is the beauty of authors, they always enthrall us with their next adventure leaving us wanting more!
Overall, if you're a fan of psychological thrillers (in particular, a good psychological mind f*ck), Killer Crush deserves a spot on your reading list. Miranda’s journey is a gripping tale that you won’t want to miss!
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
IG: thetxlitchic Pinterest: thetxlitchic FB: TheTxLitChic
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thetxlitchic
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/TheTxLitChic
#thetxlitchic #bookreviewsandmore #bookstagram #booktok #bookcommunity #readersofinstagram #booklover #arcreader #bookreview #bingeworthy #tbr #supportindieauthors #bookobsessed #instareads #books #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookreviews #keepreading #indiebooks #indieauthors #Supportyourlocalbook #genrewhore #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie
Carla B.
Feb 8, 2026
Killer Crush: True Crime Turns Deadly
Miranda’s life is stuck on repeat. Trapped in a lifeless marriage and desperate for something more, she finds herself obsessed with solving the mystery of her best friend's murder. Fueled by true crime documentaries and a need for justice, she believes Macy’s killer is still walking free. Then, on a whim, she writes to a convicted murderer she saw on Dateline, thinking it’ll just add a little thrill to her otherwise boring existence. But when her dark curiosity spins out of control, Miranda finds herself caught in something far more dangerous than she ever imagined. What started as a search for justice might end with a body count.
Okay I’m gonna be real with you. This one pulled me in right away and did not let go. I love anything that gives off true crime energy, and Killer Crush delivered that vibe in a fictional setting that felt fresh and sharp. Miranda is exactly the kind of character I love to follow. She’s not perfect, she’s not polished, but she’s got grit and obsession that made me root for her even when I was yelling at her in my head.
She’s convinced her best friend Macy was murdered by her stepdad and will not rest until she proves it. She studies true crime cases like it’s her job and gets in way too deep when she contacts a killer behind bars. Oh and shout out to author Elisa D. Daniels getting a mention. That was such a fun touch.
Miranda’s stuck in a lifeless marriage with Jared and it really adds to that trapped feeling, like you totally get why she’s chasing danger. And let me tell you, the twists? Just when I thought we hit the final one, BOOM another hit. My jaw was literally on the floor. Twice.
I love that it takes place in Oklahoma during spring, which gave it this oddly serene backdrop to all the chaos. Short chapters kept things moving at full speed and made it easy to say “just one more” until the entire book was gone. Brooke Montoya writes in a way that feels real and punchy, like you’re hearing this story from a friend who’s been dying to spill the tea.
If you're into true crime podcasts, murder mysteries, and characters who walk the line between curious and reckless, this one should absolutely be on your list.
The Vibes it Brings:
Miranda’s life is stuck on repeat. Trapped in a lifeless marriage and desperate for something more, she finds herself obsessed with solving the mystery of her best friend's murder. Fueled by true crime documentaries and a need for justice, she believes Macy’s killer is still walking free. Then, on a whim, she writes to a convicted murderer she saw on Dateline, thinking it’ll just add a little thrill to her otherwise boring existence. But when her dark curiosity spins out of control, Miranda finds herself caught in something far more dangerous than she ever imagined. What started as a search for justice might end with a body count.
Okay I’m gonna be real with you. This one pulled me in right away and did not let go. I love anything that gives off true crime energy, and Killer Crush delivered that vibe in a fictional setting that felt fresh and sharp. Miranda is exactly the kind of character I love to follow. She’s not perfect, she’s not polished, but she’s got grit and obsession that made me root for her even when I was yelling at her in my head.
She’s convinced her best friend Macy was murdered by her stepdad and will not rest until she proves it. She studies true crime cases like it’s her job and gets in way too deep when she contacts a killer behind bars. Oh and shout out to author Elisa D. Daniels getting a mention. That was such a fun touch.
Miranda’s stuck in a lifeless marriage with Jared and it really adds to that trapped feeling, like you totally get why she’s chasing danger. And let me tell you, the twists? Just when I thought we hit the final one, BOOM another hit. My jaw was literally on the floor. Twice.
I love that it takes place in Oklahoma during spring, which gave it this oddly serene backdrop to all the chaos. Short chapters kept things moving at full speed and made it easy to say “just one more” until the entire book was gone. Brooke Montoya writes in a way that feels real and punchy, like you’re hearing this story from a friend who’s been dying to spill the tea.
If you're into true crime podcasts, murder mysteries, and characters who walk the line between curious and reckless, this one should absolutely be on your list.
The Vibes it Brings: