Those Who Shall Die – Michael Bradley – Bookshine And Readbows

October 6, 2026

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*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Blurb: The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.

A collective of mystery writers, known as the Society of Fibbers, has captivated thousands with their addictive podcast-catapulting each member into the limelight. But when one of their own is found dead under chilling circumstances, the remaining Fibbers realize their newfound fame may have painted a target on their backs.

Rebecca Stanchion, one of the group’s co-founders, is convinced her friend’s murder is a tragic case of domestic violence-until a sinister attempt on her own life shatters that theory and threatens her family. Meanwhile, Zach Hargrove, a fellow writer, becomes obsessed with the cryptic black cards left at both crime scenes. Each card seems to whisper a warning: the killer is watching.

Is this the work of a fan driven to madness, or has betrayal seeped into the heart of the Society itself? As an annual writers’ conference approaches, Zach and Rebecca race against time to unmask the killer before the Society of Fibbers’ headline appearance turns into a deadly final act.

Review: This book combines two of my favourite genres, being both a mystery story and a story about books/writers… specifically, mystery writers. I do love it when things get a little meta!

The story follows the perspectives of crime writers/podcasters Rebecca and Zach – both members of the Society of Fibbers – as they investigate the death of one of their own and whether it is somehow linked to the ominous calling cards that are suddenly turning up everywhere.

I did have an inkling of who might be behind the murders (well, I had narrowed it down to two, anyway), slightly helped by the fact that it was unlikely – not impossible, though! – to be one of our POV characters (Agatha Christie got away with it but made it a lot harder for anyone following in her footsteps).

The insight into the ‘backstage’ aspects of writing was absolutely fascinating, as we see everything from hands-on research of murder methods to less exciting but arguably more nerve-wracking aspects like marketing and meet ‘n’ greets.

I really liked the core four investigators (Rebecca and Zach joined by their more official detective and journalist friends) and the mystery plot is twisty and fun with plenty of suspense.

I’m not sure why Zach made the rather dubious choices he did in the climactic scene, but am glad he did for the purposes of my own entertainment, and I certainly wouldn’t have opened my doors to a certain drama-stirrer in the aftermath of events but could grudgingly see why the Fibbers chose a more supportive and forgiving path than they had previously been on.

With interesting characters and a fast-paced, easy-to-read style, this is the ideal book for mystery readers who, like me, enjoy getting a glimpse into what goes on behind the pages of the bookish world!

Zach Hargrove held the serrated hunting knife in a white-knuckled grip as he silently crept forward. No room for mistakes this time. This had to be silent, swift and deadly. Just one fierce thrust into the carotid artery. It would be messy, but she had to die.

Nellie sat—unmoving—in a black leather office chair, facing the third-floor windows that looked out over Old Mill Creek. If she was aware that he was behind her, she gave no sign. Her dark straggly hair hung over the back of the chair in tangled clumps. Zach couldn’t remember the last time he’d run a brush through it. She needed a wash too, but he’d given up on that long ago. Nellie had been exactly what he needed at first, but after so many years, she’d become more of a burden than a help. He hated having to move her heavy, awkward body from chair to chair, room to room. Caring for her had become arduous. No one would miss Nellie if he got rid of her . . .

– Michael Bradley, Those Who Shall Die

Purchase Link: Those Who Shall Die on Amazon

About the author

Website: mbradleyonline.com
Goodreads: @mjbradley88
BookBub: @mjbradley88
Instagram: @mjbradley88
Facebook: @mjbradley88
Threads: @mjbradley88

Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Michael Bradley. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

This tour will have FIVE (5) winners (US ONLY). ONE (1) winner will receive $50 Amazon.com Gift Card AND a print edition of THOSE WHO SHALL DIE by Michael Bradley; FOUR (4) winners will each receive print edition of THOSE WHO SHALL DIE by Michael Bradley.

Don’t forget to check out the other blog stops on the tour for more great reviews and content (see below for details)!

06/22 Jodys Bookish Haven THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Showcase

06/23 Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books! THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Guest post

06/23 Fuonlyknew THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Showcase

06/24 Books, Ramblings, and Tea THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Showcase

06/25 darciahelle THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Interview

06/26 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review

06/30 Melzie Reads THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review

07/01 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review

07/02 The AR Critique THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review

07/04 Pageswithsudeshna THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review

07/06 Deal Sharing Aunt THOSE WHO SHALL DIE Review