Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf Review

Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf was excellent! Going into this novel, I didn't really know what to expect, but I devoured it! Fans of psychological thrillers have to add this one to their TBR!

The book is told from multiple POVs - various family members - as well as text messages, journal entries and therapists notes. Although it may seem like a lot of jumping back and forth between them all, the reader gets sucked in the story very easily.  As the book progresses, the reader learns more about the girls and their relationship with each other during a school project about a local urban legend.

As the police and family members try to solve the mystery of Cora's attack in the train yard, it's clear that there's more to what happened than what we think. The author reveals little clues along the way and I had several theories that changed a few times during the book. Since the girls all had their versions of what happened, I couldn't figure out who was telling the truth and who was lying. 

Gudenkauf put together a very clever and well thought out book. I was fully invested in the story and did not see the end coming. This one is set to be published on April 16th, so hurry up and add it to your TBR! Highly recommend!!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Park Row Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Here's a quick synopsis:

For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover--movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

Later that night, Cora Landry is discovered on the tracks, bloody and clinging to life, her friends nowhere to be found. Soon their small rural town is thrust into a maelstrom. Who would want to hurt a young girl like Cora--and why? In an investigation that leaves no stone unturned, everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted--not even those closest to Cora. (Reference : Goodreads)

Happy reading,

Mommy Reads

I’m a fan of different POVs and this one was no exception. The difference POVs made the whole story. From texts messages to diary entries, to psychologist notes, to family POVs, you had all the suspense you needed.

The author was also very good at steering the readers into one direction, all the while inserting little clues here and there that foreshadow the upcoming twists. Unfortunately, for me, I picked up on those clues early on, so I wasn’t very surprised by the ending.

I did enjoy that the setting was in a small town, and mostly in an old train yard. I found it very creepy and could easily see the story unfold in this little rundown town.

Additionally, there was an urban legend aspect of this story, and I found it very fitting for the story. It reminded me of hearing crazy, creepy stories when I was a kid, and having a group of friends scaring each other.

Just be aware that this is a slow-burning mystery, which I personally don’t prefer. If you don’t mind a slow-burning psychological mystery, this one is for you.

Thank you to Park Row Books for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley. As usual, my reviews are my honest and unbiased opinions.

@anintrovertreads