WOOT! Publishes TODAY, 4-16-19.

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Somehow, despite this book being on my radar (because I love Heather Gudenkauf's writing), I didn't realize its connection to the Slender Man story. (In case you aren't a true crime junkie, it's googlable: two 12-year-olds in Wisconsin stabbed a classmate when under the influence of Slender Man, the creepy fictional character who has made the rounds on the Internet.) A few pages in, I made the connection, and I was hooked.

Although the Slender Man tale may have been the inspiration, this story moves in other directions, while still raising questions about online entrapment and the blurred line between fantasy and reality. Here, Gudenkauf gets into the heads of the young girls, their parents, and other peripheral community members to explore how such a tragedy could happen.

Gudenkauf's writing, following her 2017 thriller Not a Sound, just keeps getting better.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Thank you to Park Row Books for allowing me to review Before She Was Found, available April 16/19.
Before She Was Found is such a unique mix of perspectives and formats. The story of what happened to Cora that left her fighting for her life is told through doctor notes, Cora’s journal, text messages and more.
The mix of formats kept the story fresh and kept me very interested. I personally was not fond of Cora’s journal and those sections were harder for me to read but mostly because I just find that age annoying and it was written very realistically. I also knew a little about the case that inspired the story so I knew some of where the book was going but I was still kept intrigued.
Overall Before She Was Found is very unique, interesting and the dark creepy atmosphere made it hard to read in the dark. All the making of a very good suspenseful thriller and one that I would recommend to many people.

Heather Gudenkauf has written a chilling story about the impact of the need for friendship has on three young girls. The story is told from different perspectives but comes to the same end. But is it?
This is a mystery and a thriller, filled with suspense. There are red herrings that make you think you know where the story is going. And you truly don’t.
Before She Was Found is a well written story with many twists and turns. There is a psychological overtone to the story. The characters are each an integral part of the story. The way the characters are written, with a few exceptions, make each one a suspect because of their actions. I was caught by surprise by the ending and yet I think I could have suspected it.
I highly recommend this book. It holds you from the beginning until the very end.
It is a very good read not just for fans of thrillers, mystery and suspense but for anyone who enjoys a good book. Thank you #Netgalley and #ParkRow for approving my request. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

I will start off with that I am a huge fan of Heather Gudenkauf. I have read all of the author's books and loved them. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I didn't hate it, but found it to just be OK. It definitely reminded me of Slender Man and the crazy tween girls who decided to kill their friend. I didn't mind the story, it was more the characters. I just didn't like them. I don't have to like the characters to like a book, but these girls did nothing for me. Usually I love books that alternate between narrators, but this one jumped between so many and at times was confusing. I didn't expect the ending, but none of the girls ever told the truth so it was hard to guess what really happened until it was finally revealed. No one was really punished. I was sort of disappointed with the ending. Everyone just goes their separate ways like it's normal for a twelve year old to get stabbed in a train yard and blame it on a ghost.

I do recommend the book, especially for fans of the author's previous books. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shy Cora, newcomer Violet and assertive Jordyn are friends—or possibly frenemies—in a rural Iowa middle school in Before She Was Found.

Cora and Violet are forced by their teacher to add “mean girl” Jordyn to their group researching urban legends for a class project. Jordyn suggests using Joseph Wither, a local murderer from the 1940s who has since gained urban legend status. When the girls have a sleepover, they decide to go to the deserted train yard to look for evidence that Joseph is real. The next morning, one girl is found severely wounded. One is in shock and covered with blood. The last denies she was even at the train station. All state they don’t recall what happened.

I enjoyed the different reactions of the parents and guardians of the girls. One hides what may or may not be evidence. Another gets angry at the other girls, the doctors and the police. There are many twists and turns as each girl begins to point their finger at another. The innovation of using case notes, police interview transcripts, personal journals and multiple point-of-views works to allow the reader to see everyone’s side. The final conclusion is was intended to be a big surprise but I saw the foreshadowing and guessed the end. Before She Was Found is highly recommended for thriller fans. 4 stars!

Thanks to Park Row Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Before She Was Found is my first by Heather Gudenkauf and it most certainly won't be my last. Drawing inspiration from the Slenderman crime that happened several years ago, this is a story that will creep into your bones. The story is told with multiple formats, such as text messages, diary transcripts, therapist reports, police interviews, and multiple POVs. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy dark thrillers.

Bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf paints a graphic picture of what happens when three young girls are placed into a toxic environment caused by family influence, small town mentality, childhood cruelty and pranks. Told from multiple points of view, Before She Was Found is both thrilling and a dark reflection on teenage issues and the adults around them.

The stage is set when three 12-year-old girls become friends. Cora, born and raised in the town of Pitch, is timid and lonely. Jordyn, also raised in Pitch, is the most popular girl in school and mean! Then there’s Violet, the quiet new girl in town who’s just trying to fit in. The dynamic between the three isn’t a very healthy one. Jordyn is manipulative, alternating between bullying and being kind to Cora. Cora, is confused, but is so desperate for friends that she’s willing to continually make excuses for her. Violet is caught in the middle being pressured to like one more than the other.

The girls are assigned a group project in class requiring they choose and research an urban legend. The girls choose urban legend Joseph Wither – a decades old murderer from the town of Pitch. What starts off as a simple research project quickly turns into obsession. When someone claiming to be Wither says he’ll be at the town’s abandoned rail yard, the girls can’t resist. During a sleepover at Cora’s, the girls sneak out hoping to prove once and for all whether or not Wither is real. But that’s not their only motive… What follows is the discovery of a shocked Violet covered in blood, Cora beaten on the tracks and Jordyn nowhere to be found.

Gudenkauf’s unique narrative lures the reader into the minds of these girls, their families, a judgmental community and the psychology behind the why of it all. She crafts an engaging mystery thriller, walking the reader through a maze of potential perpetrators and events leading up to the horrific discovery of Cora’s beaten body. Ultimately, leaving behind the devastation of not only the three girls but an entire community who will forever be scarred.

While incredibly well written, I thought it was a bit predictable and the character development somewhat uneven. I also felt that nearing the end, the story had lost some of its momentum. It could have ended a bit sooner. However, overall, I really enjoyed the book and those of you who love thrillers should definitely get your paws on it!

Well, this was a complete surprise! This was my first book by the author but will definitely not be my last. This is an absolutely page turner! It was a fast paced thriller, kind of a Slenderman meets Mean Girls vibe. The author goes back and forth in time, and she also uses various POV in multiple formats. I was surprised by how well it all flowed and how distinctive the different voices were, especially considering how many POV she had. The formats were also super interesting with text messages, journals and interview transcripts interspersed throughout. I have read books with various POV and formats, and really struggled with them, but this one was so well done. I’ll definitely hitting up the author’s back list after this one. Highly recommend!

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I have several Heather Gudenkauf books on my TBR list and was really anticipating getting to this ARC. The book earns a solid three stars for keeping me engaged and interested from the first page until the very last chapter!
Unfortunately, I was a bit confused. While I wouldn't describe the major twist as "unbelievable," I'm not sure I was set up properly enough to accept it, no questions asked. I think it all hinges on that first narrative chapter, which I immediately reread to see if I had completely missed something. No, that chapter's execution misled me so thoroughly that instead of thinking, "How could I have missed that," I walked away feeling lied to.
Most character portrayals were vividly realistic, especially Jordyn, Beth, and Mara. That said Jim's dramatic behavior bothered me as it didn't lead to anything worthy of so much focus.
Before She Was Found was thought-provoking and entertaining, but ultimately left a few puzzle pieces out of place for me. I definitely look forward to reading more from Heather Gudenkauf!

What really happened at the rail yard? What is it about teenage girls and urban legends? Gudenkauf has written a tense thriller about three girls- Cora, Violet, and Jordyn- and the aftermath of a strange attack. While the underlying plot might seem familiar and the girls themselves archetypes, they aren't. What makes this unique is how the story unspools through therapists reports, text messages, diaries, and the various people involved in the case. This melange might seem a little disjointed but it's a great device to weave together a story where you aren't sure what's happened. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This will keep you guessing.

Another Chilling and Unputdownable novel by one of my favorite authors, Heather Gudenkauf!

"Text Message Exchange Between Jordyn Petit and Violet Crow

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Jordyn: Going 2 Coras at 6

Violet: Me, too. Are you going to bring it?

Jordyn: Yeah

Violet: R we really doing this????

Jordyn: Yes! Unless UR 2 scared

Violet: What if we get caught?

Jordyn: Just keep your mouth shut and we won’t"

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Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf is a gripping and unputdownable thriller you don't want to miss!
I was very excited to read this as I've read all of Heather Gudenkauf's books and loved them all. I was not disappointed! The first text message between Violet and Jordyn grabbed my attention and the suspence never lets up! Several twists caught me off guard and sent my mind scrambling to figure out the what happened. Needless to say, I didn't even come close to figuring it out and was astounded when the answer was revealed!
Heather Gudenkauf is one of my favorite authors and she's proven once again why, with another edge of your seat, chilling, and suspenseful novel!
If you haven't read her books you're missing out! My favorite was the audiobook edition of Little Mercies!

With thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Harlequin Publishing, and Heather Gudenkauf for giving me this advanced digital copy to read and review.

Heather Gudenkauf is one of my must read authors. I have read and enjoyed every book she has written. In this book three girls who have had a rocky relationship in the past, go to a train year in the middle of the night. One girl ends up terribly injured. What happened that night, what led up to their meeting in the train yard, who all in this small town might have been involved up to and including a mysterious boy who disappeared years before.

Urban legends, preteen Girls, bullying and struggling to fit in...or struggling with something deeper? Before She Was Found is taut psychological thriller with well-developed characters and an intricate plot line that pulls the reader along.

I have read a few things by Heather Gudenkauf, and while I couldn’t tell you a title or storyline, I do know I have enjoyed them as escapist fiction. So, I was happy to read and review Before She Was Found in return for my honest review (thanks to Harlequin/Park Row and NetGalley).

The story involves middle schoolers Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, They are having a sleepover, and decide to sneak out in the night and go to the abandoned railyard near their town. Later that night, Cora is found on the tracks, barely alive, bloody and confused. The investigation looks at anyone and everyone as it addresses issues of small town life, friendship and betrayal, adolescence, loyalty and trust, and parental responsibilities. I particularly like the way it explores social pressure and the need to fit in.

Gudenkauf is great at writing from the perspective of an adolescent girl: “Melody Jenkins, who was awful to me during fifth grade,” and” If Cora and Gabe think I’m such an awful person (I know, I am), then I don’t want to be friends with them.” Ms. Gudenkauf is also skilled at description, as in this reference to the rail yard: “The rail ties are barely visible through the weeds, half-buried sun-bleached bones.”

It’s a page-turner, and a quick read. I liked it! Four stars.

Excellent small town mystery with some ripped from the headlines elements. Very well done.

Some great connections to the true crime mystery in Wisconsin about Slender Man.

Great setting in a small town/train yard town and close knit community. A fast and enjoyable read.

Goodreads blurb: 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." I had to start off my review with blurb, because this one hooked me from the very beginning. I seem to be drawn to stories with a group of friends with a terrible secret that they try to keep hidden no matter what. This story moves very quickly, and I never found myself bored. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I have read several of Gudenkauf's other books, and what I love about her is that I can always count on her for a good story. Her books are addictive and page-turning, and I always feel like I'm on a rollercoaster when I read them (which I love). I love the twists, I love being surprised, and I love not knowing what is going to happen next. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, there was another twist that left me guessing and wanting more. Gudenkauf has a way of completely sucking you into a story. I also loved that this book included emails and text messages, as well as narration from the girls. This made it an entertaining and engaging read. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for review. I really enjoyed this one. 4/5

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.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

This book delves into the minds of three teen girls, who have a sleep over together. When they are found, one is clinging to death, two are covered in blood and all three are lying, A very quick paced book, that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what the real story was. Was one of these three girls guilty of a crime, was the mysterious man whom they thought was real really real, what really happened on the train tracks that night? I was enthralled with the story and the ending was not what I expected at all. Very enjoyable book and a great weekend read. I will definitely check out this author again.

Before She Was Found is a very good, fast-paced read. It is also a dark and disturbing one. It delves into the fragility of youth, how much they want to fit in and the lengths they are willing to go to do so, how overpowering and uncontrolled their emotions can be, and the tragedy that can result. Friendship, trust, betrayal, obsession, naivete, power, humiliation, and guilt are all found within these pages.

Three young girls (12 years old) are in their first year of middle school in a small midwestern town with all the excitement, drama and angst that entails.

Jordyn, the 'it' girl, is being raised by her grandparents after her parents abandoned her. She has a quick tongue and a quicker temper. Those around her seek her favor (no one wants to be on her bad side) but her moods change quickly, and her classmates never know their current status with her.

Cora is quiet, and often bullied because of her meekness. She longs to fit in but doesn’t know how.

Violet is new to town and is befriended by Cora, though Jordyn likes to draw her in and then push her away.

The three girls become close (or do they?) as they work together on a class project.

One spring night, the girls are having a sleep-over at Cora's house. At midnight, they decide to go to the train tracks on the outside of town. What started as a normal night ends tragically with one of the girls near death, the other two girls missing. The lives of all three girls and their families are changed forever.

The story is well told in a variety of ways; among them are police interviews, texts between the classmates, Cora's diary entries, a psychiatrist’s notes. The change up of how information is fed to the reader makes for a most interesting read. This story will stay in my mind for a long time. Gudenkauf has written a modern-day tragedy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Warning as you pick up this book to start reading it...you will lose track of time and have a hard time putting it down. I found myself starting this book before bed and telling myself I would quit after one more sentence that than lead to one more page. I finally had to stop myself or wake up a zombie for lack of sleep.

To be honest, of the three girls Cora, Violet, and Jordyn; I was not overly fond of any of them. Although, I probably would say that I felt the most sorry for Violet and Cora. Jordyn was the "mean" girl. She bullied both the other girls.

When I first read started reading this book; I instantly flashed to the urban legend of the Slender Man. Where two girls lured the third girl into the woods and stabbed her to impress the Slender Man. Thus; as I was reading this book, I could not help but make some comparisons to what happened to Cora, Violet and Jordyn with the other event.

The ending was alright. I was not happy but I was not totally mad with it. Overall, though I would suggest this book to fans of thrillers.