My Review of Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel discusses this very slow burn suspense story featuring a favorite trope of mine. If you love a suspenseful story with strong character development, you should check this one out!
Review of Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel
A girl from the wrong side of the tracks marries the son of the richest family in town. Could there be a happily ever after? No, because this is suspense, not a romance!
Jen’s Quick Take on Long Way Down
- This slow burn suspense story spools out in a leisurely pace, but that allows for some really great character development
- The story kept me guessing and there were some excellent twists and turns that I did NOT see coming
- Set in Northern California
- Perfect for fans of authors like Seraphina Nova Glass or Rachel Hawkins
- Other books by Lisa Kusel: The Widow on Dwyer Court. There’s a fun shout-out to this book in Long Way Down that made me smile!
- Publication Date: October 21, 2025 by Crooked Lane Books. Thanks so much to the publisher for the advance review copy.
Review of Long Way Down
I love a book that can surprise me and keep me guessing, and Long Way Down did!
I thought this would be a typical modern Gothic with a young fiancé of a rich guy learning how evil the family is, etc. But the story that Long Way Down told was quite different, with a lot of detail into the family dynamics of the rich Rydell family.
Right off there’s a shocking development that took me by surprise and had me wondering which way the story would go.
Then another reveal that added a new dimension to the story.
And finally at the very end, a last revelation. Well, then!
Long Way Down is a slow burn, so go in prepared. We’re not talking about a thriller pace here. But if, like me, you really enjoy a suspense story that keeps you on your toes, Long Way Down is a great choice.
I’m drowning in review books this month so not doing as many spoiler posts right now, but if you want some, or want to discuss this, please leave me a comment!