A gripping thriller about three young girlfriends, a dark obsession and a chilling crime that shakes up a quiet Iowa town, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence. 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 … 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.
Before She Was Found is a timely and gripping thriller about friendship and betrayal, about the power of social pressure and the price of needing to fit in. It is about the great lengths a parent will go to protect their child and keep them safe–even if that means burying the truth, no matter the cost.
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Wow! I haven’t read a book this quickly in a long time. I started yesterday and spent every free moment reading, finishing this even. This story is complex and told from Multiple points of view which gives the reader an immersive experience. The plot was twisted and haunting. It kept me guessing until the very last page. On a deeper level, Gudenkauf does an excellent job at delving into heavier topics like social media use among teens, bullying, mental health issues and family dynamics. This is one I will definitely re-read in the future to pick up on all the little details that I missed the first time around.
Heather Gudenkauf writes intricate, emotional suspense, and her latest is hands down her best yet. Told through journals, police interviews, and a stellar narrative, this perfectly terrifying story is ripped from the headlines (there are parallels with the Slenderman case) and layered with Gudenkauf’s flair for small towns and intimate family portrayals. Heartbreaking. Devious. Intelligent. Misleading. Too familiar for comfort. I couldn’t put it down. Have you read Heather before? If not, add her to your list immediately!
This is a terrific thriller, mixing small town horror elements with the tensions of complicated families, peer pressure, love and obsession. Heather Gudenkauf is an absolute master of creating stories that are both chilling and compassionate, and she threw in a twist I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended!
Enjoyed the listen on audible. I think I’ve read so many psychological thrillers that I had pretty much pegged the ending. Not 100% but definitely the “who dunit” part. It definitely kept me guessing as several possibilities were laid out. The characters I enjoyed the most were Cora and her journals and Dr. Gideon. Definitely a good whodunit.
Parents, do you really know where your kids are, who their friends are or are not, who they are talking to online?
Two middle school girls are found at the train depot at midnight. One is beaten nearly to death, one is covered in blood and catatonic, and a third girl is missing. It sets in a motion a fast-paced investigation into who could have done this horrific attack.
At the heart of the probe are the toxic and sometimes tenuous relationships that seem to exist between the girls, their parents, their siblings and just about everyone else. Every character seems to hold a piece of the final puzzle. This book is told through a series of journal entries, texts, transcripts, and first-person accounts that slowly build to a final picture that is totally unexpected. The suspects are many, each as plausible as the next. The true story is more horrific and heartbreaking than it would seem possible at first glance. No character in the story is left unchanged by the incident.
This story is well written and I was thrown by the ending, yet throughout the bullying becomes a bit cliche with its endless layers of who did what to who. Also, several subplots were introduced and not really fleshed out leaving me wanting to know more about that story.
This book with its urban legend theme will for sure appeal to young adult readers.
Suspenseful, thrilling and packed full of action. This was a terrific read and can see this becoming a best seller.
WOW!! Just WOW!! This book knocked my socks off. From the very first page to the dramatic ending I was hooked and did not want to put this psychological dramatic thriller down. I wanted to keep turning the pages even when we needed to eat.
I made several guesses as to who did what but was wrong every single time. This was one of the hardest books I have read. The subject matter is so delicate. Young girls who are friends/not friends. From bullying to attempted murder. This book has a bit of everything. Even somewhat of a love story. It definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put it down and you will never guess what happened.
The author did a fantastic job with this book. The story is intense for sure and it’s a bit of a tearjerker in places. Lots of places. Well developed characters. Great research obviously. I liked all the characters except for Cora’s dad. I didn’t relate to him at all. He seemed a bit cold and uncaring in almost all ways. My heart broke for Jordyn’s grandpa and for Violet’s mother. I felt awful for Cora’s mother too. Her sister Kendall I had mixed emotions about. I felt for her but also thought she was mean for her part in some things. But I still felt bad for her.
I loved how it was written in many different voices. Points of view are important with this kind of story. It was so well written that I felt like I was right there. I held my breathe in so many places. Cringed in so many and wanted to hold the children and keep them safe. This book will give you lots of feelings but the main feeling is empathy for the children and parents/grandparents. The fears that they felt. The horror they went through. It was heartbreaking.
This is my second book to read my Heather Gudenkauf and it will not be my last. I will be looking forward to many more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC of this book.
Another big 5 stars from me. I must read for everyone who loves a good thriller.
Heather Gudenkauf is one of the most reliably excellent authors I’ve ever read, so I was delighted to read an early copy of Before She Was Found. The story is about three pre-teen girls who sneak out to the train tracks during a sleepover. One of them ends up almost dead.
Told through numerous journal entries, text messages and therapists notes, as well as the parents and girls themselves, we unravel the story of what happened to Cora, the girl who ended up near death, as well as who tried to kill her. There was literally no point where I guessed the truth. I just didn’t know who was telling the truth and who was lying.
A cleverly crafted, beautifully told tale full of twists and turns, Before She Was Found explores friendship, betrayal, family, and how far parents will go to protect their children. It takes a very close look at the dangers of social media and how vulnerable adolescents are to their peers and social pressures. I found it highly relevant in the age of Slenderman.
I loved this book and highly recommend it to any fans of domestic suspense or thriller novels.
Was ok. Didn’t know the ending until you get there.
This story started off really well but seemed to lose some of the momentum towards the end. It’s a story about being a teenager trying to fit in and a dead serial killer all wrapped in one. An event that started as a prank nearly cost someone their life. Some of the characters were typical teenaged girls. It is a lesson that one event can cause a trickle down to many people and families. Creepy, sad and predictable but worth listening to.
Before She Was Found was a very suspenseful, intense thriller that was unputdownable! I was completely drawn in from the beginning, wanting to know what was going to happen with the turn of each page. The plot of three teenage girls that have an ordinary sleepover which turns into a disastrous night was so compelling. This story of friendship and betrayal was so gripping it made for a five star review for me.
In a world where fitting in and social pressure is common amongst teenagers, it was easy to see how this story could make headlines today. Bullying is unfortunately a reality in our children’s lives. Social media plays a huge role too, and can often be very detrimental. I found this book to be a very realistic view of how harsh life can be for some, and just how far a parent will go to protect them.
The ending had a very unexpected twist which I didn’t see coming! I have been having a hard time concentrating during this COVID-19 pandemic, but I was able to finish this book in three days. It was an excellent read. I love a heart-racing, on the edge of my seat book! I look forward to reading more of Heather Gudenkauf’s book!
Creepy, claustrophobic and utterly surprising, Heather Gudenkauf has a unique way of creating small towns and characters that get into your head and won’t let go even well after you’ve turned the last page. BEFORE SHE WAS FOUND is a compulsive, disturbing read that had me (incorrectly) guessing all the way through. Gudenkauf is a NYT bestselling author for good reason!
Holy smokes! This one grabbed me by the throat on the first page and didn’t let up until the last. This was the kind of book I walked around my house reading while hoping no one needed anything.
Three 12 year old girls, “frenemies” by any definition, are having a sleepover. Why did they end up at the train tracks? Who attacked Cora so viciously and why? What do Violet and Jordyn know? Who’s telling the truth? Which end is up? Help, I smell blue! The pressure built and built until the whole thing came roaring together and it was so surprisingly satisfying!!
Telling this story from the POV of the girls, the psychiatrist, the parents, and the police reports in a way that is not remotely confusing is no small feat, yet Gudenkauf pulls it off seamlessly. This is five stars all day.
ALL OF THE STARS!! All OF THEM!
I loved it.
Loved this book! My favorite of 2019! The story kept me entertained and gave me the shivers! Gudenkauf knows how to build the suspense to an exciting crescendo!
“Before She Was Found” by Heather Gudenkauf
“Heather Gudenkauf keeps you guessing in “Before She Was Found.” As the secrets start to emerge, you won’t believe what you’re reading! Amazing! Captivating! 5 stars!!-Green Gables Book Reviews
Three girls. Violet, Cora, and Jordan.
Violet is new in town, just a few months ago she, her Mom and brother moved to Pitch. It’s going ok. She’s figuring out how to fit it.
Cora has lived in Pitch her whole life with her Mom, Dad, and Sister. Her Dad works a lot and she annoys her sister, but she knows her family loves her.
Jordan has lived with her Grandparents for many years now since her Dad brought her to them when she was 4. Yes, she gets in trouble sometimes, but it’s no big deal.
The girls become friends, but like many 12-year old girls friendships, they can be great one day and not so great the next. Things are not so great when the girls are put together for a school project.
No one would have imagined the combination of this school project and a sleepover would turn into a tragedy at the trainyard. When Cora is found severely hurt on the train tracks, suspicion is cast in many directions. Who hurt Cora? Who is telling the truth and was someone else there that night? No one knows who to believe and everyone is wondering who hurt Cora?
As the secrets start to emerge, you won’t believe what you’re reading!
“Before She Was Found” by Heather Gudenkauf
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Park Row; Original edition (April 16, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778307735
ISBN-13: 978-0778307730
This was my first foray with Heather Gudenkauf and I have to say it will not be my last!
OMG!!!! This book was so good and had me guessing (not correctly) the entire time. I thought I figured it out and BAM, NOT!!!!
This book has everything – bullying, internet trolling, guilt, peer pressure, utter surprises, and mind games.
This book envoked all of my emotions, which, in my mind, makes it a 5+ stars.
Its amazing how something so simple can end so horribly.
#KeptMeGuessing #FriendsOrNotFriends #UtterlySurprising #MustRead
Enjoyed it! 3 middle school girls have a sleepover and their lives are never the same. What starts off has a class project, becomes something tragic. Cora is shy with no friends. Violet is new in town. Jordyn is a bully. How can a ghost possible be real? What really happened that night? You will be surprised at the ending. I was!
I listened to the audio which was amazing! Very taunt and fast paced thriller that is filled with twists and suspense. The writing is so captivating and drew me into emotional connection with the characters that I was so surprised with that ‘did not see that coming’ ending!
Gudenkauf is an auto-buy for me because her books never disappoint! Before She Was Found is one of her best – it will haunt me for a long time. The story is dark and twisty, and I couldn’t unravel it until the very end.
This book is a must read for anyone who has pre teens or teens.. It was a real eye opening book for me. Heather knows how to tell a story and keep you hooked from page one to the end. Absolutely loved this book and would tell everyone to read it. A first time author for me but not the last time. so many times I wanted to jump in the Book and hug cora. The world can ve so hurtful for our children this book helps open your eyes on what to watch out for.