Member Reviews
Nicely paced thriller following Cassie as she runs away from NYC to her hometown in California. She rejoins the Yosemite Search and Rescue team and falls back into her old habits. Told through Cassie's POV, journal entries and social media posts, this book will keep you on your toes.
This was a fantastic book! It started off kinda slow as they were getting into the story but once the story started to come into full force it kept me interested and wanting to read more. I thought it had a great suspense aspect in it and it kept me wanting more. I would recommend!
3.5 stars
I found myself struggling through this book at some points but overall it was a good read with some thrills.
Have you seen her is a thriller set in Yosemite National Park. Cassie Peters returns to SAR (search and rescue) after leaving and living in New York for 10 years. The book has multiple viewpoints and a dual timeline and jumps between past and present as we learn why Cassie came back to SAR and what she’s running from in her past.
You can’t help but feel the comparisons to the Gabby Petito murder with this book via the character Jada, a popular Instagrammer who’s traveling the country with her boyfriend.
I did have a hard time getting into this book. I think the multiple viewpoints threw me off at first. I think I was expecting a lot more excitement from a thriller. The ending was great and really had an unexpected twist at the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Atria Books and @NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to Catherine McKenzie and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
"Have You Seen Her" by Catherine McKenzie intricately weaves the narrative of a woman seeking refuge from her past within the breathtaking confines of Yosemite National Park.
Cassie, fleeing her former life in New York City, enters a realm of anonymity armed with a disposable phone and a newfound position at Yosemite National Park's Search and Rescue team, a role she held a decade prior. Amidst forging connections with seasonal workers and holidaymakers, Cassie discovers that she's not the sole individual evading haunting histories. As the narrative unfolds, their pasts inevitably intertwine, promising an inevitable reckoning.
This gripping thriller unfolds across dual timelines, utilizing a multifaceted approach that blends Cassie's perspective with journal entries, Instagram posts, and YouTube transcripts. It maintains a well-crafted pace, featuring dynamic characters against the vibrant backdrop of Yosemite.
I am hoping there will be a sequel to this book.
This thriller set in Yosemite National Park kept me guessing until the end. As part of the Yosemite search and rescue crew, Cassie Peters returns to her hometown where secrets from her past surface. This story jumps between past and present as we learn the real reason for Cassie's return. The relationships in the story evolved into something I never saw coming. Can the past every really be forgotten?
I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!
This book was in my "to-be-read" pile for some time, and had I known how much I would enjoy it, I would have gotten to it a lot sooner! I am a fan of books set in our National Parks, such as Paul Doiron's Mike Bowditch series set in Maine, or Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon, which gives a look at various parks throughout the US. This one has a different feel, as it is a stand alone, not a continuing series. But it does give insight to working in the park system and what that life entails, which I find very interesting.
Cassie Peters returns to the seasonal work of being a summer park worker, after a ten year absence in New York. She is hiding secrets from her past, and we get hints of a violent ex in her life. She meets Petal and Jade, two young women who have settled in her park location for a bit. There are shades of mystery in these two women's lives as well, and ultimately will lead to a final climax.
I felt shades of reference to the Gabby Petito murder, a tragic case which was set in the backdrop of the National Parks. The character of Jade is a popular Instagrammer, and uses travel to bring new content to her followers. There is a hint that her life might not be all it appears on the surface. Her story is not a copy of the Petito case, but there are clear comparisons.
I loved the setting, the characters, and I found the story very compelling. This was a solid 4.5 read for me.
Thank you to Catherine McKenzie, Atria Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Title: A Gripping Tale of Suspense and Secrets: "Have You Seen Her" by Catherine McKenzie
Rating: ★★★★☆
Catherine McKenzie's latest psychological thriller, "Have You Seen Her," takes readers on a rollercoaster of suspense, unraveling a complex web of secrets and lies. Known for her skillful storytelling, McKenzie once again proves her mastery in crafting gripping narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel introduces us to the seemingly idyllic suburban life of Grace, a woman who appears to have it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a fulfilling career. However, the facade begins to crack when Grace's neighbor, Ava, goes missing under mysterious circumstances. As the search for Ava unfolds, the author skillfully peels back the layers of the characters, revealing hidden truths and unsettling connections.
McKenzie's character development is outstanding, with each figure playing a crucial role in the unfolding mystery. Grace, with her carefully guarded past, becomes an enigmatic focal point, keeping readers guessing about her true nature and motivations. The supporting cast, including friends, neighbors, and law enforcement, adds depth to the narrative, making the story feel immersive and multi-dimensional.
The pacing is expertly handled, with the tension escalating steadily throughout the novel. The author weaves a tangled web of suspense, creating a sense of unease that lingers from chapter to chapter. As the plot twists and turns, the reader is left questioning every motive and suspect, making "Have You Seen Her" an engaging and unpredictable read.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as trust, deception, and the consequences of past choices. McKenzie delves into the intricacies of human relationships, forcing the characters—and by extension, the readers—to confront uncomfortable truths.
While the resolution is satisfying, some readers may find certain plot twists a bit predictable. However, the journey to the conclusion is so compelling that it doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In summary, "Have You Seen Her" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Catherine McKenzie's storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next literary venture.
WOW- what the heck did I just read? I love Catherine's books. This was the perfect blend of Twist and kept me guessing. I l may have found my new fave by this Author. Well done Catherine.
Crushed this read in a day! I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel and the way it kept me guessing throughout the whole thing. It’s a short read, which is just perfect too! It is set in the Yosemite area and is based around people doing search and rescue. I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end! I would highly recommend this novel!
I will read absolutely anything Catherine McKenzie decides to write. After having read many of her books, I should have expected a twist ending, and yet I did not see this one coming. I loved the concept of the book - the world of SAR was very intriguing and I was hooked from the beginning. Cassie is a character to root for and that’s why I felt a bit disappointed at the end. Not sure how I hoped the story would conclude but I just couldn’t get behind this ending. Overall though, a great book!
This book had twists I didn't see coming! Cassie arrives back in Yosemite to join the Search and Rescue team after 10 long years away. But she’s obviously running from something in her past - there’s so much there though, it’s hard to know which part she’s running from. She is also drawn to two other women staying there - Petal who is in a relationship with a much older woman and Jada, a social media influencer traveling the country with her boyfriend. The lives of these three women intertwine and unfold over the summer months
The ending will blow you away! Dark secrets, hidden agendas & revenge are the backdrop for this cleverly crafted novel. This was a quick read, with lots of twists!
Really enjoyed this book the twist at the end I did not see coming. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
Have You Seen Her is a suspenseful thriller full of secrets set against an atmospheric, wilderness backdrop. Cassie Peters has left her NYC life to go back to her hometown and a job in Yosemite with the Search and Rescue team. Over the summer, as she tries to outrun her past, she crosses paths with two other woman who are also dealing with their own secrets. I found the unravelling of what was going on well done and enjoyed this story from start to finish. The dual timeline and buildup to the reveal was excellent and I was surprised at how things came together. I will definitely pick up the next Catherine McKenzie book!
Thank you Atria Books for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was cleary a riff off the Gabby Petito case. I liked it well enough but wanted more things to happen to shock me. I also felt like I was being told what was happening, instead of letting my imagination take some of the story.
I had the immense pleasure of reading Please Join Us by Catherine McKenzie last year and loved it! I was so taken aback by the twist at the end. So when I was offered the opportunity to read her new book Have You Seen Her, I jumped at the chance.
Spoiler Alert: I loved this one as well! Catherine is a master story teller and weaver of half truths and whole lies that you think mean one thing, but really mean something entirely different.
The Good:
Right from page one she had my attention and didn’t let go! I was mesmerized by the characters, fell in love with the setting and was constantly trying to figure out where the twist in all of it was hidden. I didn’t find out till Catherine wanted me to know and I love that. This book was captivating and fast paced, everything you hope for when you crack the spine (figuratively) on a thriller.
The Bad:
I really don’t have anything bad to say. Catherine is a phenomenal writer. My one comment is more suited to the Mentionable section then this one.
The Mentionable:
Catherine’s books, or at least the 2 I’ve read, both had moments of brutality to them. Something to note going in, if that’s a trigger for you. Other trigger warnings include: use of alcohol, sexual scenes, domestic abuse both physical and verbal, death, missing persons, climbing accidents, and gaslighting.
Highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you love the outdoors and twists you’ll never see coming! Catherine McKenzie has quickly become a must read author for me.
Huge thank you to Simon and Schuster for the gifted arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story about abuse and manipulation following Cassie, an art gallery curator from New York, who escapes to Yosemite to join their search and rescue team for the summer. It's a job she's worked previously so it gives her familiar comfort, but it's not without painful memories. Without giving too much away, the twist at the end is worthy, although I feel certain reveals should have been obviously implausible to the main character. Perhaps that was meant to show how abuse clouds your thinking
Cassie Peters is at a turning point, ready to bid farewell to the frantic hustle of her New York City life. She yearns to revisit her roots in a manner of speaking. With a fresh job prospect and a no-frills phone tucked in her pocket, Cassie retraces her steps to Mammoth Lakes, California, embracing the life she's longed for. Here, she embarks on a career in Search and Rescue within Yosemite National Park, rekindling her connection with fellow seasonal workers while confronting a haunting incident from her past.
In this robust standalone novel, McKenzie lays the groundwork for an engaging narrative that skillfully guides the reader's journey. The storyline branches into various directions but remains faithful to its core, ensuring that the narrative keeps readers on the intended path. The cast of well-drawn characters adds intriguing nuances to a narrative teeming with suspenseful moments. As the plot takes unexpected turns, it consistently piques curiosity, leaving readers eager to unravel more, even when developments are unfolding right before their eyes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Catherine McKenzie never disappoints with her thrillers! This one, set in Yosemite National Park, was fun and twisty and I 100% did not have an idea that it would end how it did. The storyline with the Search and Rescue workers was fascinating and fast-paced. There was a little romance, and though it seemed a bit awkward at times, it didn't distract from the true storyline. I will always pick up this author's books- they are always a win. I want to mention a trigger warning for abuse. Thank you, NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.