Lisa Gardner, "the master of the psychological thriller," delivers the eleventh installment in her D.D. Warren series, When You See Me, a compelling and haunting mystery that succeeds on every level.

When You See Me opens with a disturbing first-person narrative from girl who, at just five years of age, witnesses the abuse and murder of her mother, and is wounded herself. Her identity is unknown. She relates her story in chapters alternating Flora's narrative, as well as chapters focusing on Kimberly and D.D. When a couple of hikers happen upon skeletal remains in the tranquil Georgia mountains, just outside the picturesque little town of Niche, D.D. and Kimberly lead a team of investigators tasked with examining the makeshift gravesite, along with the hiking trails surrounding it and the quaint little community.

The mysterious narrator reveals that she can draw, but is unable to speak, read or write. Her art is the only way she can convey the atrocities she has witnessed. But where have those hellacious events taken place? And who were the victims she mentions?

As the investigation proceeds, more bodies are found, and it seems increasingly apparently that the remains may be linked with none other than Jacob Ness, who kidnapped Flora and held her in a coffin-shaped box. Flora was a vivacious young woman when he snatched her, and subjected her to unspeakable terror and abuse from which she has never recovered. Flora is forever changed and has become a vigilante determined to ensure that no one other young women suffer as she has.

Once again D.D. leaves her crime analyst husband and precocious six-year-old son, Jack, behind in Boston in order to devote herself to solving a decades-old crime. She is singularly devoted to the task and her career, secure that her husband understands her drive and can competently care for their child while she is away. That does not extinguish the pain and guilt she experiences when she is away from them, a fact that continues to confound and amaze her.

It was Kimberly who discovered that Jacob was a serial predator and led the raid on the Florida hotel room where he was holding Flora captive. She is equally devoted to her career, and determined to identify the skeletal remains found in Georgia and bring the victims' killer(s) to justice.

The first victim identified is Lilah Abenito who was declared missing fifteen years ago . . . and one of Jacob's first victims. Because of that connection, Flora's assistance is vital to the investigation. Having survived a harrowing ordeal, she has intimate knowledge about Jacob, his proclivities and thought processes, and where his quest for victim may have led him. But reliving those details may prove too much for Flora as they narrow in on the actual site where Jacob held her captive.

Tautly constructed in Gardner's familiar style, When You See Me is a fast-paced, searing adventure toward the truth about Jacob Hess, as well as local residents who may have been involved in a horrifying scheme that has left many young women dead. Joined by the local sheriff, who is mortified when he realizes what may have been going on undetected in the sleepy little town where he is supposed to be keeping folks safe, the team of investigators divide up responsibility and confront the powerful local citizens who will stop at nothing to keep their crimes from being revealed.

Flora's willingness to journey back to the worst days of her life and confront the lingering emotional toll that Jacob visited upon her is absorbing and deeply emotional. Through her narration, she shares her innermost feelings, as well as the ways in which her life changed forever on that fateful day when Jacob kidnapped her. Equally disturbing yet fascinating is the story related by the young woman who saw her mother brutally killed and was rendered mute, and has lived in terror every day since. When her identity is revealed, the pace of the story accelerates as shocking truths are revealed and the urgent need to solve the case becomes apparent. Gardner again delivers an entertaining mystery that is unsparingly heartbreaking and visceral, and leaves readers clamoring for the next installment in the series.

In Lisa Gardner's When You See Me, the 11th installment in the Detective D. D. Warren/20th book in the Gardner Universe thriller series, this latest best-selling tale will chill you from head to toe. It all started when D.D. Warren joins FBI Agent Kimberly Quincy in a joint task force team in Atlanta, Georgia, when they've discovered new trace of buried bodies with their skeletal bones. As they arrived in Niche, Georgia, this small town isn't what it seems and hiding a couple of dark secrets. When Flora Dane joins their team as a Jacob Ness kidnapping survivor, she knows a lot about her past kidnapper and rapist and is a survivalist. As more dead bodies turn up in the woods, the towns grows more sinister and darker by the hour, especially when the mayor's wife hangs herself. Talk about disorder out of chaos, more secrets are revealed about how profitable people make businesses there and houses only tourists than residents. And when they discover the shocking truth about the staff at the inn, they learn about another serial killer who's preying on the ground and killing people for profit. In the end, it's a showdown of the survival to the fittest that you would never see before with a compelling ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e advance of this title in exchange for my honest review. I've read some of the author's books, but not all. It's irritating when you read a book that is a series, and you can't understand the current situation. Lisa doesn't do this, and, as a reader, it's much appreciated. This is a detective story that's not too dark, but it definitely keeps you reading.

When You See Me is an outstanding crime detective story that affirms Lisa Gardner as one of the best thriller writers of today. Lisa Gardner is seriously he queen of crime thrillers. When human bones are found in the deep woods of Georgia, FBI Agent Kimberly Quincy is called in. I read this book before reading the previous books in this series, which apparently I should have read first because 1) It would have answered some questions I had and 2) this author is amazing. Not reading the previous books didn't stop me from enjoying this one though.

I love being able to read the 11th book in a series without having previously read any of the others and get the full enjoyment of the story. D.D. Warren is a Boston cop and friend of Flora who haw been held captive for over a year. Flora and her friend, Kevin, a true crime aficionado and hacker geek, are asked to accompany D.D. to a remote Georgia town in the Appalachians because a body has been found that could be a victim of Flora’s kidnapper. Like in many mysteries, there’s much more to the story including current human trafficking. Lots of gore and misery, but our heroes figure it all out.

When You See Me is another stellar novel by Lisa Gardner. I know that I can always count on her to write a novel that keeps me guessing until the very last page and moves at a blistering pace. When You See Me was no exception.

I really love how Lisa Gardner has brought together three of my favorite characters: Former abductee turned vigilante Flora Dane, Sergeant D.D. Warren and FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy. With these three strong and unique female characters, no villains or criminals stand a chance.

In the Georgia woods, hikers discover bones that may be from a victim of Jacob Ness, who was Flora Dane's abductor. Given that information, Flora, D.D. and Kimberly descend upon Georgia in hopes of not only determining who the bones belong to, but also further tracing the trail Jacob Ness left behind. It quickly becomes clear that while these bones might be decades old, there is much more going on in the small town.

Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors and I truly would recommend her books to anyone looking for an engaging thriller. You don't have to read the series in order and can really pickup any selection to dive right in.

I received this book courtesy of Penguin Group Dutton through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lisa Gardner unites three of her characters in a new thriller, as they investigate a mysterious murder from the past that points to a dangerous and chilling present-day crime. Not to be missed

Lisa Gardner is my tried and true...every book she writes is tight..this might have been one of her more convoluted stories but it was certainly original...not many people will be able to pull of a thriller where an entire town is trouble...Gardner’s books are fast paced and a great recommendation for thriller readers.

I did a happy dance when I got approved for this advanced copy! I love Lisa Gardner and her Flora Dane character so I was excited to dig in. You have 3 strong females, Detective D.D. Warren, Flora Dane (a kidnap survivor), and FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy. This is a part of a series but you can definitely read this as a stand-alone, though you might want to read her previous ones just to get the backstory on these 3 women. Bodies are discovered in a small Georgia town and SSA Quincy leads this task force along with the help of Boston detective Warren. There seem to be a connection to Jacob Ness, Flora's kidnapper, so Flora plays a big part in this novel as well. I flew through this book and loved the mystery aspect. In addition to the bodies, there are current murders so it obviously isn't the work of Ness since he's dead. So who else is involved?? Loved trying to figure it out and just love the overall writing style of the author!

WHEN YOU SEE ME was a difficult read from the very beginning, in the sense that it broke my heart again and again. The book opens with a young girl and her loving mother cooking dinner together, what should be a happy memorable moment turns into a devastating nightmare you won’t soon forget…

‘The house is agitated…The others don’t feel it...I place my hand on the wall closest to me. I try to tell the building it’s okay. I know bad things have happened here. It’s not the mansion’s fault, any more than it is mine. We’re both victims...

‘My name is Bonita. I am pretty. I am strong. I am my mother’s daughter. Always.’

I have to admit, when I got to Chapter Two of WHEN YOU SEE ME, I was bit confused, as it was evident that something had happened to these mix of characters previously, bringing them together at this moment, and I wasn’t privy to what it was, assured that all will be revealed, and when it wasn’t, I decided to do a quick search on Amazon. I learned that WHEN YOU SEE ME is book number eleven in the Detective D.D. Warren series.

‘Really...REALLY! Another book series?!’ my pocketbook screams at me as my debit card, still smoking from my previous book purchase (purchases, lets be honest), leaps out of my wallet and runs for the hills, leaving my lonely library card-quaking in its loose sleeve-to pick up the slack in the hopes of keeping my fantastical-book-fetish alive! HeHe!

Yeah, I can live with that.

If you’re not able to purchase this book and/or the previous ten, I highly recommend checking them out at the library.

Luckily, my Mom is a huge Lisa Gardner fan, so I’m hoping she will let me borrow a couple from her extensive wall to wall library that used to be my old bedroom. Kind of fitting, don’t you think. ;)

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing, for loaning me an advance eBook of WHEN YOU SEE ME in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars!! Wow what a ride. I'm a huge fan of Lisa Gardner and her DD Warren books, especially the Flora Dane crossovers. This was a good addition to that series, although it's not one of the best in it.

Thanks netgalley for the chance to view the advanced PDF so that I can share my opinions with y'all!

I don't know how I have never read a book by Lisa Gardner before! I must have been hiding somewhere. Even though this book has three characters from previous novels come together, I did not have a problem getting to know each of them. The story is a fast-moving and twisted thrill ride that follows Flora Dane, Detective D.D. Warren, and FBI agent Kimberly Quincy. While trying to find more information on the serial killer and rapist Jacob Ness, the three women find themselves in the hills of Georgia where graves are being discovered and bodies are piling up. Who can they trust in this small town? I couldn't put this book down because I needed to see what happened next. There is no good place to stop because the story is non-stop action. Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of this book. What a great read. 4.5 stars.

Lisa Gardner is one of those who knows how to write a brutal, chilling, and unputdownable crime thriller, which she shows very well in this book! It’s fast paced, tense, and absolutely unputdownable. I feel like she is quite like Karin Slaughter, in being able to put together some twisted webs of crime, which the reader gets to untangle in the pages! If you enjoy the previous books by Gardner, I’ve only read one before this, I know you’ll enjoy this one. I know from my previous book it brings some of the favorites back to help solve this brutal and intriguing crime, in a riveting way! Highly, highly recommend to those who love Gardner, or even twisted crime mystery/thriller books!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!

Gardner wrote a compelling story that didn't let up. It had a fast pace, tight plotting, a topical plot, and fascinating characters, even the secondary ones. I read compulsively, swiping my e-reader's screen eagerly to get to the next page.

When a body is found in Georgia, it links back to a case from years ago and brings together three strong, talented women - FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy, Sergeant Detective DD Warren, and serial killer survivor Flora Danes. They establish a task force in conjunction with the town police. Right from the start, bodies new and old begin to pile up. Gardner sprinkles hints and clues and ever so slowly peels back the layers. There are surprises and twists galore. Gardner kept me guessing, and revising my guesses, and then revising them again.

Quincy, Warren and Danes made a fantastic team and their interactions were delightful, in the sense that they respected each other and worked together and not in competition with each other. They are all competent, intelligent, resourceful women. They can take care of themselves but can also accept, to varying degrees, assistance. We met Danes in an earlier book and she has grown so much; no worries, Gardner provides sufficient background so that you can read this as a stand alone. A new character, Bonita, is introduced in this book, and she broke my heart. Her courage was amazing and she has so much potential. I hope we'll see more of her in future books. She was, for me, the star of the book.

The setting, a small, rural, tourist town in Georgia, is as much a character in the story as any of the people. Gardner posits an unusual use of the town that I did have trouble believing. It struck me as highly unlikely and too coincidental. It certainly took small town togetherness and helpfulness to new extremes! Both the geography and the human population as well as a creepy, slightly Gothic atmosphere, add to the story's tension. And if you get past the credibility issue, it's a frightening new take on criminal enterprise.

"When You See Me" was compelling, engrossing, heartbreaking, heart pounding suspense and a fantastic story.

When You See Me was an absolutely captivating piece crime fiction and emotionally moving story as well.

This story combines three main characters, Detective DD Warren, Flora Dane, and Kimberly Quincy, among with a host of other supportive side characters in a complex, layered murder mystery that starts off as a cold case and soon becomes so much more. What’s particularly fascinating is the tie between the dreaded Jacob Ness, of past nightmares, and the current murderous mystery.

The crime investigation takes place in a small Georgia town, and the surrounding rugged and remote mountain region. As the puzzling crime unfolds piece by piece, the stress mounts and the body count increases. The suspense builds throughout the story until its brimming with tension. When I See You is taut with tension and decidedly intriguing. It’s creepy, but also gripping, captivating the reader and keeping you guessing throughout. The story is tragic, but also stirring. It is gritty, but it only makes you want to root for the “good guys” all the more.

The story also carries a component that is unearthly, utterly unique, almost hauntingly beautiful in its description, and also particularly poignant. This adds another dimension to the mystery. In addition to the crime solving, I particularly enjoyed the various relationship dynamics and growth arc of the characters. And the ending...I absolutely loved it! It was so powerful, so well told and truly brought the story full circle. I’d say this is Lisa Gardner’s best yet, but I’ve only read two, though I will doubtless be reading whatever else she puts out.

Warning. Don’t expect to get anything done once you crack open the latest Lisa Gardner spectacular crime novel. WHEN YOU SEE ME is vintage Lisa Gardner. Gardner once again brings back our favorites crime team and introduces several new ones. Welcome to Georgia and WHEN YOU SEE ME.

DD, Flora and Keith are the team called in to see if once again all roads lead to Jacob Ness. WHEN YOU SEE ME is an excellent addition to one of my all-time favorite series and authors. You can jump in at any time in the series, but I would whole heartedly suggest starting at the beginning and become part of this amazing crime investigation family. And yes, after working together these brilliant characters become a family where they look out for each other. They know how their minds and hearts work. And their thoughts seem to mesh.

Lisa Gardner brings the crime into stark relief almost immediately. As always listen carefully as Gardner does not waste words. If it’s written it’s important. Watch out. I know that moment when I said oh crap, you’re kidding.

DD is a master of sarcasm and quick wit. As a member of the Boston Police Department she has met her share of nasty bad guys and has been roughed up plenty often. This is no job for a gentile lady a title that certainly doesn’t fit DD. However, DD has a big heart and in WHEN YOU SEE ME that is very apparent.

DD has that certain quality – the je nais cest quoi. It sets her apart from many investigators and she is teamed up with Kimberly who is FBI. In many ways they are used to being in charge and in WHEN YOU SEE ME their individual talents are demanded. There is something rotten in Niche Georgia. Dead bodies – or to be more accurate – skeleton remains are being discovered – rather uncovered.

The question is, is Lisa Gardner anything like DD? If so then it’s no wonder the response is so real and honest. And the reader establishes a rapport and friendship with them.

So in Niche Georgia there is almost a phenomenon occurring. This small town is like so many. Everyone knows everyone and therefore knows their business both personal and professional. Many are related. So sorting out who knows what is a master challenge. Add to that there is no way to know whom to trust. All DD, Kimberly and their imported teams know is that it appears as if there is a killing field right there in Niche. The citizens are appalled at the recent discovery of young women’s bones. They are equally uncomfortable with this invasion of their privacy. Quite a dilemma.

Suffice it to say – nothing is like it seems in Niche. And there is a great deal of evil in their midst. DD and her team came to investigate the likelihood that this is the handy work of Jacob Ness. But there are certain facts that just don’t jive with Flora’s monster and his workmanship. It seems as monsters have a signature of their own and these bodies don’t fit with Jacob’s.

Scary place to visit and seems to be a scarier place to live. Suffice it to say you will never look at small towns again the same way.

WHEN YOU SEE ME is a masterpiece of craziness gone awry. Lisa Gardner has even constructed an unlikely heroine. Conversation between characters is real and honest – both verbally and not. Crime novels should make sure all bases are covered and in WHEN YOU SEE ME has definitely done that. WHEN YOU SEE ME is a book you won’t want to put down and certainly one you shouldn’t miss.

Lisa Gardner consistently delivers in her series, which are always filled with characters you want to cheer for and others that make your skin crawl. This is a book in a series that does not require you to know the whole library’s before it (though it would be helpful to be familiar with those books).

DD Warren, Flora Dane, and Kimberly Quincy are all together and kicking some ass in When You See Me--another journey (hopefully the last) into the mystery of Jacob Ness and the network of people as bad or even worse than he was that he had dealings with. I liked that all three characters worked together in When You See Me, and who doesn't enjoy a creepy small town? (In their mystery/thrillers, not in real life!) My only problem with the book was the clumsy use of the paranormal. It was supposed to stick the landing but just felt awkward, as if someone said, 'hey, great book, but toss in the supernatural!' In some cases it works, here it does not. There's more than enough evil to go around with mankind's deeds in this one.

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!

Every year before my birthday Lisa Gardner releases her latest novel. It has become a tradition to buy the book and save it to read on my birthday weekend. For the last three years, I have been fortunate enough to receive early copies of Gardner's thrillers thanks to Dutton Books and Netgalley. Now it's time to tell you what I thought of this new suspense novel. Was it the icing on my birthday cake? Let's begin...

When You See Me is the latest thriller by Lisa Gardner. It is published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. It serves as a sequel book to her popular D.D. Warren and FBI Profiler series of crime novels.

Around every corner lies a dark memory for Flora Dane. Kidnapped as a drunk and foolish teenager, she endured 472 days of terror at the hands of the notorious serial killer, Jacob Ness. Decades later she encountered his descendant in Find Her. In Look For Me, she ventured forward helping other victims of violent crimes. And in Never Tell she was forced to return to her time as a captive in order to solve a murder of a past associate of Ness's. Now Flora is asked by the woman who saved her so many years before to find the remaining victims of her sadistic kidnapper. When the skeletal remains of a missing woman are discovered in a Georgia forest, FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy calls in backup. Flora Dane and Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren join Quincy on the task force in Niche, Georgia to comb the forest to find what may be a graveyard of victims of Jacob Ness.

Flora's maybe-boyfriend, Keith Edgar, is also along for the investigation, serving as computer IT and Jacob Ness historian. The task force splits into groups. D.D. and the local sheriff visit the mayor at the B&B he owns with his wife. Flora and Keith interview a reclusive man with a happy trigger finger. And Kimberly heads back into the forests of Georgia to search for more remains. But the individual assignments prove to have shocking outcomes. This town has a dark secret that is may add every member of Kimberly's team to growing list of missing or dead.

When You See Me is Gardner at her best. The insane twists and turns that she offers up to her fans are fast and furious. Pulling together players from several series offers long-time fans, like me, the crossover we have waited for. Ever since D.D. Warren interacted with Kimberly Quincy in Catch Me, I have patiently waited for the duo to come in contact again, which they did last year. This novel elaborates on many of Never Tell's story, continuing the investigation into Jacob Ness. The story was very well-paced and added extra layers to Flora which have progressed over the years in Gardner's novels. There are so many shocking moments in this book that I have to refrain from saying more. Suffice it to say the finale was so good that I had no time to catch my breath.

I read When You See Me in part with the expert narration of actress, Kirsten Potter. Her skillful delivery of four separate character narratives was read with a sense of urgency that heightened the suspenseful moments. She also handled the humor quite well, especially when D.D. tells her teammates what happens if she does not eat. Another great presentation.

When You See me is Lisa Gardner's best novel to date. It is thrilling, funny, and delivers a finale unlike any she has written. Five stars later I am ready to recommend this novel to not only my readers but friends and family.... and random strangers at book stores. This was a great birthday gift that Dutton has given me this year that I am grateful for. Have fun reading this week.

Because there is always time to read,

Xepherus3

A heart stopping thriller that is diabolical and haunting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Boston Detective D.D. Warren, FBI Agent Kimberly Quincy and vigilante Flora Dane join forces to investigate new evidence in a cold case in a small Georgia town. Quincy and D.D. Rely on their considerable skills and experience to crack the most disturbing case of their careers—and Flora must face her own troubled past, in the hope of saving others.

REVIEW
WHEN YOU SEE ME is a heart-stopping thriller that is immediately captivating. Lisa Gardner certainly knows how to grab your attention and not let go. Her female characters are vulnerable yet strong, courageous and admirable. They each come alive on the pages of the novel. The story alternates between Kimberly, D.D., Flora, and a young girl who will steal your heart with her fortitude and strength.

The story behind the cold case is diabolical and haunting, but you won’t be able to stop turning the pages. It is full of action and suspense and the tension is unrelenting. My favorite character is the young girl who looses her mother at the tender age of five, but knows she can still make a difference.

Author Lisa Gardner is a best-selling author of 21 previous thriller novels including her most recent, Never Tell. Her Detective D. D. Warren novels include Find Her, Fear Nothing, Catch Me, Love You More, and The Neighbor, which won the Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers. She lives with her family in New England.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.