Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die is a revenge-themed novel that follows three girls who discover they have all been dating the same man. The book promises a blend of campy plot and dark twists, with a final showdown that leaves the trio stranded on a snowy mountain.
At a Glance
- Plot: Three girls-Nora, Ruby, and Cham-team up to confront their shared boyfriend, leading to a deadly cabin encounter.
- Tone: A mix of camp, revenge, and psychological tension.
- Release: The novel is available for preorder and will hit shelves on July 14.
- Why it matters: The story explores the complexities of revenge and the consequences of obsession.
Mallory Arnold’s new book, released by Poisoned Pen Press, promises a fresh take on the revenge thriller genre. In an exclusive statement to News Of Los Angeles, Arnold described the novel as “deliciously wicked” and a “day-of-reckoning” tale.
Overview of the Book
The narrative centers on three friends who uncover a shared betrayal. According to the official synopsis, the trio lures their two-timing boyfriend to a secluded cabin atop a snow-covered mountain for a romantic getaway. What begins as a playful payback quickly escalates into a deadly confrontation.
Characters
| Character | Role | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Nora | Lead | Determined, protective |
| Ruby | Lead | Scheming, emotionally raw |
| Cham | Lead | Calculated, skeptical |
| The Boyfriend | Antagonist | Two-timing, manipulative |
The characters believe they are chasing justice or closure, but the journey is shaped by obsession, hurt, and a need to be vindicated.
Author’s Perspective
Mallory Arnold told News Of Los Angeles that writing the novel forced her to explore revenge as a complicated journey:
> “Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die is the ultimate day-of-reckoning tale featuring the final boss of cheating, asshole boyfriends, and while it’s fun, campy and hopefully creepy, writing it forced me to explore revenge as a complicated journey,” she said. “One where you can both lose yourself and uncover things you didn’t know about who you are.”
She added:
> “The characters believe they’re chasing justice or closure, but along the way are shaped by obsession, hurt and the need to be vindicated. Revenge is tempting, but it’s almost never as rewarding as we imagine it will be. By the end, they’re forced to confront the idea that the outcome they wanted could never truly give them what they needed.”

Arnold also emphasized the seductive nature of revenge and the inevitability of danger:
> “Revenge is seductive. Danger is inevitable,” she teased. “The three women in this book are both.”
Publication Details
- Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
- Release Date: July 14
- Availability: Pre-orders are open at major book retailers and online platforms.
- Cover Reveal: News Of Los Angeles had the exclusive first look at the book’s cover.
The novel’s cover showcases a stark, snow-filled cabin, hinting at the isolation and tension that define the story.
Key Takeaways
- The novel blends elements of classic revenge tropes with a modern, psychological edge.
- Three protagonists unite to confront a shared betrayal, only to find themselves trapped in a deadly scenario.
- The story examines the cost of revenge and the realization that vengeance rarely delivers the closure sought.
- The book is available for preorder and will reach shelves on July 14.
Readers interested in a dark, campy revenge thriller will find Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die a compelling addition to the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre does the book fall under?
- The novel is a revenge thriller with campy elements.
When can I buy the book?
- Pre-orders are available now; the book releases on July 14.
Who is the target audience?
- Fans of revenge stories, psychological thrillers, and readers who enjoy a mix of humor and dark themes.
Where can I read more about the author?
- News Of Los Angeles features an exclusive interview with Mallory Arnold.
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Table: Release Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Book announced | January 26, 2026 |
| Pre-orders open | January 26, 2026 |
| Release | July 14, 2026 |
The novel’s release is poised to capture readers looking for a fresh take on revenge narratives.

