Mary Kubica’s newest suspense novel, “It’s Not Her”, is drawing attention from thriller fans for its chilling atmosphere and unpredictable twists.
Released Feb. 3, 2026, the novel marks Kubica’s latest entry into the psychological thriller genre, where she has built a reputation for crafting character-driven mysteries. Kubica, a New York Times bestselling author known for titles such as “The Good Girl” and “Local Woman Missing”, often centers her stories on women facing astonishing circumstances. In “It’s Not Her” she continues that tradition, blending tension with steadily escalating suspense.
In “It’s Not Her” Kubica writes about a woman whose structured life begins to unravel after a chance encounter forces her to question what she believes about her past. As unsettling discoveries surface and trust fades away within her closest relationships, she is pulled into a web of secrets that grows more complicated with each chapter. Kubica builds the tension gradually, focusing on emotional stakes and shifting perspectives while withholding key details that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
Published by HarperCollins, the novel is written from alternating perspectives, primarily Courtney, the main protagonist in the present and another character in the past, a structure that aims to deepen the suspense.
Reaction from readers online has been mostly positive, though opinions are somewhat mixed. On Goodreads, “It’s Not Her” holds an average rating in the four-star range, with many readers praising its “unputdownable” pacing, strong tension, and surprising twists that kept them guessing about each character’s motives.
However, some readers felt parts of the story moved slowly or that certain plot points took too long to develop. A few also mentioned frustration with character choices or pacing, showing that while many enjoyed the novel, it did not fully work for everyone.
Shari Lapena, a New York Times bestselling author, said, “A family vacation turns unspeakably grim. I relished every page. Tantalizing, terrifying and all too real. I couldn’t put it down.”
Ashley Elston, the number one New York Times bestselling author of “First Lie Wins”, called the novel “Wickedly smart and incredibly twisted,” adding, “’It’s Not Her’ hooked me from the start and never let go! You will not be able to put this one down!”
The praise from both of these bestselling authors highlights the novel’s strong suspense and wide appeal among thriller writers and readers alike.
Although I am not usually a big fan of thriller or suspense novels, this one was hard to put down. The alternating perspectives help keep the story tense, saving important details for later chapters. While some parts focus more on the characters’ thoughts and emotions, the mystery stays at the center of the story.
While “It’s Not Her” may not be for every reader, its mix of family drama and suspense makes it stand out among early 2026 releases. The story will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy psychological mysteries and unexpected twists. For those interested in a tense, character-driven story, it is a book worth giving a chance.