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These Toxic Things: A Thriller Kindle Edition
A dead woman’s cherished trinkets become pieces to a terrifying puzzle.
Mickie Lambert creates “digital scrapbooks” for clients, ensuring that precious souvenirs aren’t forgotten or lost. When her latest client, Nadia Denham, a curio shop owner, dies from an apparent suicide, Mickie honors the old woman’s last wish and begins curating her peculiar objets d’art. A music box, a hair clip, a key chain—twelve mementos in all that must have meant so much to Nadia, who collected them on her flea market scavenges across the country.
But these tokens mean a lot to someone else, too. Mickie has been receiving threatening messages to leave Nadia’s past alone.
It’s becoming a mystery Mickie is driven to solve. Who once owned these odd treasures? How did Nadia really come to possess them? Discovering the truth means crossing paths with a long-dormant serial killer and navigating the secrets of a sinister past. One that might, Mickie fears, be inescapably entwined with her own.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThomas & Mercer
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 2021
- File size3.8 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
An Amazon Best Book of the Month: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
“This cleverly plotted, surprise-filled novel offers well-drawn and original characters, lively dialogue, and a refreshing take on the serial killer theme. Hall continues to impress.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A mystery/thriller/coming-of-age story you won’t be able to put down till the final revelation.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Tense and pacey, with an appealing central character, this is a coming-of-age story as well as a gripping mystery.” —The Guardian
“The mystery plots are twisty and grabby, but also worth noting is the realistic rendering of a Black L.A. neighborhood locked in a battle over gentrification.” —Los Angeles Times
“Rachel Howzell Hall…just gets better and better with each book.” —CrimeReads
“Howzell Hall is at the height of her craft as the story unfolds on multiple tracks…[she] skillfully weaves together disparate threads that at first don’t appear to be connected…It’s an intriguing, riveting pleasure to watch the action unfold and see how the pieces fit together.” —NPR
“A gripping original.” —People
“With plenty of clues and red herrings, These Toxic Things is a compelling read, as well as a rich addition to the author’s impressive body of work.” —Bookreporter
“This chilling mystery weaves a sinister tale of what happens when two troubled pasts intersect unexpectedly.” —SheKnows
“This creative and creepy thriller kept me up all night.” —NPR
“Rachel Howzell Hall continues to shatter the boundaries of crime fiction through the sheer force of her indomitable talent. These Toxic Things is a master class in tension and suspense. You think you are ready for it. But. You. Are. Not.” —S. A. Cosby, author of Blacktop Wasteland
“These Toxic Things is taut and terrifying, packed with page-turning suspense and breathtaking reveals. But what I loved most is the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of this gripping thriller. Plan on reading it twice: once because you won’t be able to stop, and the second time to savor the razor’s edge balance of plot and poetry that only Rachel Howzell Hall can pull off.” —Jess Lourey, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Unspeakable Things
“The brilliant Rachel Howzell Hall becomes the queen of mind games with this twisty and thought-provoking cat-and-mouse thriller. Where memories are weaponized, keepsakes are deadly, and the past gets ugly when you disturb it. As original, compelling, and sinister as a story can be, with a message that will haunt you long after you race through the pages.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of Her Perfect Life
From the Publisher
Los Angeles twentysomething Mickie Lambert is in the business of preserving people’s memories—taking these objects and turning them into a kind of digital scrapbook. That is just what she is doing when curiosities shop owner and client Nadia Denham is murdered. Mickie is shaken, to say the least, and she can’t help but wonder what these objects really said about Nadia. And what do the objects in her own life reveal about her?
What makes author Rachel Howzell Hall’s suspense so special is that it considers things that appear so ordinary. A young woman coping with a breakup and trying to find where she fits in the world. A family with secrets they’ve hidden from each other. An older woman whom everyone seemed to like, but no one seemed to know.
In These Toxic Things, Rachel transforms these ordinary things into skillful plot points. It is deftly written and masterfully executed in a way that transforms even the most mundane-seeming things into clues revealing a broken life and a terrifying truth.
What if all that was left of you were the last objects you touched—a laptop, a letter from the editor, a pair of reading glasses? Would your ordinary life be the subject of a page-turning mystery? Would these objects eventually reveal your secrets? And would they be worth killing for?
—Jessica Tribble Wells, Editor
About the Author
Rachel Howzell Hall is the author of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize– and Lefty Award–nominated And Now She’s Gone; and the Anthony Award–, Lefty Award–, and International Thriller Writers Award–nominated They All Fall Down. She also writes the acclaimed Detective Elouise Norton series, including Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes, and City of Saviors. Rachel is also the coauthor of The Good Sister with James Patterson, which was included in the New York Times bestseller The Family Lawyer. She lives in Los Angeles. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
Product details
- ASIN : B08MPVFL46
- Publisher : Thomas & Mercer (September 1, 2021)
- Publication date : September 1, 2021
- Language : English
- File size : 3.8 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 415 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #65,787 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,348 in Serial Killer Thrillers
- #2,175 in Women Sleuths (Kindle Store)
- #2,274 in Women Sleuths (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author

Rachel Howzell Hall is the critically acclaimed author and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist for And Now She’s Gone. A New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister with James Patterson, Rachel is an Anthony, International Thriller Writers and Left Award nominee and the author of They All Fall Down, Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes and City of Saviors in the Detective Elouise Norton series. She is a past member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging with its twists and turns. They describe it as an awesome, enlightening read that keeps them turning the pages. Readers appreciate the detailed plot and visual descriptions. Opinions vary on the character development, with some finding them realistic and in-depth, while others feel the main character is too spoiled and careless.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's twists and turns. They find the story intriguing and say it's a good thriller with some surprises. The characters, setting, and plot keep readers guessing until the end. Readers appreciate the author's storytelling skill and the large cast of characters.
"What a fantastic thriller. Michaela is such a joy to read as a character, she's fun and hilarious and has a strong voice...." Read more
"...is a lot of great development in this for the characters, setting and plot. There is also, at times, too much detail and drama woven in...." Read more
"...It's an interesting murder mystery with great use of atmosphere and some padded drama. Fans of murder mysteries should definitely give it a try." Read more
"...Lots of character growth, which is always wonderful in a story. I saw some of it coming but that didn’t make it any less fun to read." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it enjoyable and enlightening to read a book from a black female perspective. The setup is interesting enough to hook readers, making it easy for them to immerse themselves in the life of the main character. However, some feel the story comes together too slowly.
"...It's easy to get sucked into her life...." Read more
"...Still, for a thriller it was a good read and fairly exciting...." Read more
"...Everything WORKS in this one! This is definitely worth reading, and I hope you will!" Read more
"...The book was good enough to keep me reading to the end and I’d definitely read another book by Rachel Howzell Hall, even if this one wasn’t my..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's thrilling plot with its twists and turns. They find the storyline interesting and engaging, grabbing their attention throughout. The book has an entertaining mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end.
"...Michaela is such a joy to read as a character, she's fun and hilarious and has a strong voice. It's easy to get sucked into her life...." Read more
"...The heroine is flawed but engaging, as are the other characters that surround her in this “who done it”." Read more
"...out what is connected to which problem and are the problems connected was very entertaining...." Read more
"...All in all, I’d say this novel is a good distraction from everyday life (like mall browsing or TV watching) but I know I’ll forget all about it in a..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's page-turning plot with unexpected twists and surprises. They find it engaging from the beginning with its steady plot progression and well-developed characters.
"...Howzell Hall has written a tight, well-crafted plot with turns that you won't foresee...." Read more
"This book has great twists and turns! It kept me turning the pages and trying to figure out the ending...." Read more
"...inconsistencies, but that can be overlooked--its still a page turner. Enjoyed the bit of LA mapping as well." Read more
"...Wonderful plot twists and turns! Looking forward to her next novel" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's detailed plot and visual descriptions. They find the story down-to-earth and normal, with a superb female narrator. The settings are vivid and feel like a movie. The premises and plot start out well, but the storyline is beautifully drawn together as you read each chapter. The execution is good, though some feel there is too much going on in it.
"...I think it could have been left out. Everything was obviously well-plotted and written by the author, though, so I can't fault them for sticking..." Read more
"...Hall integrates all of this in a seamless plot with believable characters and situations...." Read more
"...Overall a great story with fantastic detail... A LOT of detail...." Read more
"...But alas, there wasn't. After a fantastic first chapter that really raised my hopes, These Toxic Things turned into a bloated, slow-moving thriller..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some find the female characters more realistic and in-depth than the male characters. They also mention that the book has a better flow and deeper character relationships. However, others feel the main character is a bit bougie, the protagonist makes careless mistakes, and the heroine is flawed.
"What a fantastic thriller. Michaela is such a joy to read as a character, she's fun and hilarious and has a strong voice...." Read more
"This story was slow at first but quickly picked up pace. Lots of character growth, which is always wonderful in a story...." Read more
"...Overall, however, I found the protagonist to be flighty and an inconsistent narrator, which is ironic considering her profession...." Read more
"...Hall integrates all of this in a seamless plot with believable characters and situations...." Read more
Customers have mixed reviews about the writing style. Some find it immersive and atmospheric, with successful character development and narration. Others feel the story is difficult to follow and the writing style frustrating, confusing, and overly detailed at times. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the book is worth reading or not.
"...Descriptive and lively, this thriller keeps you guessing until its final pages...." Read more
"...There is also, at times, too much detail and drama woven in. While everything weaves together in the end and I truly do like Mickie, it's a lot...." Read more
"...Not here! Author Rachel Howzell Hall has written a tight, well-crafted plot with turns that you won't foresee...." Read more
"...The plot was also a little formulaic - I did enjoy the twist the author put on the story but I also guessed it early on and was frustrated at how..." Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing. Some find the story picks up quickly, unfolding at an even pace with great character development and setting growth. Others feel the story drags and feels rushed toward the end.
"There is a lot of great development in this for the characters, setting and plot. There is also, at times, too much detail and drama woven in...." Read more
"...Not the most believable story toward the end, it felt a little rushed but I would definitely pick up another title by this author in the future." Read more
"...But it also is a genuinely cool idea to allow people to relive their memories with more than just a photograph...." Read more
"This story was slow at first but quickly picked up pace. Lots of character growth, which is always wonderful in a story...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Taut and Terrifying…with Heart
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024What a fantastic thriller. Michaela is such a joy to read as a character, she's fun and hilarious and has a strong voice. It's easy to get sucked into her life.
There were a lot of interesting twists and turns in the book that really kept me guessing the whole way through. The ending was very satisfying and I loved how everything connected in the end.
Definitely recommend for thriller lovers and I'll be reading more from this author!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023There is a lot of great development in this for the characters, setting and plot. There is also, at times, too much detail and drama woven in. While everything weaves together in the end and I truly do like Mickie, it's a lot. I likely would have gotten bogged down in the words if I only read it, but I bought the audio book and that really help me tear into this. This would have been an absolute 5 star read if the focus had remained on Mickie's work with Memory Bank and her dawning realization of the true meaning of the mementos she was archiving for Nadia. That was more than enough for this story and I loved all of it.
The truth about Mickie's family just felt a plotpoint too many for this story. I'm sure there's meant to be some contrasting with how she turned out versus Dexter and Riley despite them all having been unknowingly "adopted" as children, but was that twist needed for her to see that truth about Dexter and Riley? I think it could have been left out. Everything was obviously well-plotted and written by the author, though, so I can't fault them for sticking to their vision when they were definitely able to bring it all together.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021The story itself was pretty good, I definitely don't regret reading this book and enjoyed many parts of it.
Overall, however, I found the protagonist to be flighty and an inconsistent narrator, which is ironic considering her profession. Maybe I'm too old and prudish to identify with a 22-year old any more but she made some pretty rash decisions based on her libido that had me rolling my eyes a bit.
The plot was also a little formulaic - I did enjoy the twist the author put on the story but I also guessed it early on and was frustrated at how dense the main character was in not being able to figure it out.
Still, for a thriller it was a good read and fairly exciting. Not the most believable story toward the end, it felt a little rushed but I would definitely pick up another title by this author in the future.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 20214.5 stars rounded up. I quite enjoyed this book!
I will say that I deviate from some previous reviewers. I really liked the concept of the digital memory banks. It seems like something that a capitalist future will try to sell to old people for an insane price. But it also is a genuinely cool idea to allow people to relive their memories with more than just a photograph.
I also think that frustrations with the MC are a little over-stated. I was concerned that this book would follow overused tropes to drive tension (things like the police refusing to listen to the MC because they don't like them even when they're right) but it really didn't. The protagonist does sometimes make careless mistakes but nothing egregious that is unbelievable. I overall liked the protagonist and I really enjoyed seeing a healthy (somewhat) and supportive family dynamic.
I generally do not like real-world or pop-culture references in fiction. But here I felt like it added to the atmosphere. Here the MC is going to Starbucks or driving past McDonald's and there's still this sense of foreboding and danger even when referencing familiar locations. It adds to the overall sense of dread and nothing being safe.
The author also made good use of atmospheric tension. The window that constantly slammed, the sound of tires up the road, etc. It added to the tension.
I do agree that at a certain point the plot becomes predictable. But I didn't mind it. What I will say is that I wish a little more motive was expanded upon. I also do agree that the way the author chose to reveal the plot twist was worded in a way that seemed confusing and overly complex for what really
I go back and forth on whether I think the author tried to tell too many stories at once. I feel like she wanted to juxtapose the past with the MC's present reality. I do think that significant portions of the MC's personal family drama could be cut with little impact on the plot. The ending felt too abrupt as a consequence of trying to tie up all the loose plot threads.
And finally, I do not enjoy getting the POV inserts of the killer. These mustache twirling villain monologes derail the mystery and suspense and don't add to the story. I feel they detracted from the story here. I did actually enjoy getting the victim perspectives however.
Overall, while not perfect I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's an interesting murder mystery with great use of atmosphere and some padded drama. Fans of murder mysteries should definitely give it a try.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024This story was slow at first but quickly picked up pace. Lots of character growth, which is always wonderful in a story. I saw some of it coming but that didn’t make it any less fun to read.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024I started reading this book yesterday morning and could not put it down. Descriptive and lively, this thriller keeps you guessing until its final pages. The heroine is flawed but engaging, as are the other characters that surround her in this “who done it”.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024I really enjoyed reading this. At first it was kind of hard to start it because the main character is a bit bougie, but once you overlook that, you get a fresh taste on a mystery novel. I like the way the author describes both modern relationships and traditional ones, same goes to life in a city and life in a small town. This book will be appreciated by those who like listening to old timey stories and those who enjoy mystery novels.
Top reviews from other countries
- Susan DayReviewed in Canada on September 5, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Illustrates the integration of technology into everyday life. Good mystery and characters. As a side thread in the story, shows how women cope with everyday harassment by men
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MarikaReviewed in Italy on August 21, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Rachell Howzell Hall colpisce ancora
Un altro bel thriller di questa autrice.
I miei preferiti rimangono i primi 4 libri della detective Lou, ma anche questo ha tenuto alta l'attenzione fino alla fine.
Another exciting thriller by this author. I love her books, even though my favorites are the first 4 books she wrote, where the main character was detective Lou. This one kept my attention high until the end
- LoopReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 22, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Unputdownable
I bought some truly dire books over lockdown and was worried this may be the same. How wrong I was.
I loved every minute of this book, it cleverly leaves you breadcrumb clues as to what 8s happening, and the twists and turns until it reveals the truth.
I was constantly hungry and hankering for a cocktail or glass of wine, as the main character loves her food, not a book to read on a diet.
I will now be putting Rachel Howzell Hall at the top of my favourite authors list. She is a true master of suspense in real life.
- Helen BoydReviewed in Australia on September 2, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars New book
Loved this need more
- AJ MooreReviewed in Canada on August 31, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars A gripping psychological thriller
I was unsure how to rate this book. It's well-written and maintained my interest, despite unfamiliar racial and cultural contexts. The ending is deeply satisfying and realistic. And ultimately, I was surprised by how much I could relate to.