This was definitely a twisty and unsettling read that I think will stay with me for a while. I liked the amateur sleuthing and serial killer plot told through Ruth-Ann's neurodivergent narrating. I usually don't like a supernatural element, but in this case it was interesting. Things slowed down a bit 3/4 of the way through, but picked back up and came to a very unexpected ending. This was a pretty good serial killer thriller that I'd recommend.

A Thoughtful Fictional Take on True Crime, But Didn't Fully Hook Me

Leave the Girls Behind offers a quiet, reflective take on the true crime genre—through fiction. The story follows a woman drawn into the mystery of a past serial killer case, focusing more on the victims and those left behind than on the killer himself. Jacqueline Bublitz approaches this with care and respect, which I appreciated, and the book makes an effort to center female voices in a genre that often doesn’t.

That said, the story never fully pulled me in. It felt like the author was trying to juggle a lot—grief, memory, social commentary, and feminist themes—while still telling a suspenseful, emotionally grounded story. In trying to cover so much, the book lost a bit of its narrative focus, and I found it hard to stay engaged. The pacing was slow, and at times it seemed more concerned with being thoughtful and correct than with building tension or connection.

Still, the concept is strong, and readers who enjoy literary fiction with a reflective, character-driven approach to crime stories may find it more compelling than I did.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for my DRC.

Jacqueline Bublitz has done it again with "Leave The Girls Behind," and let me tell you, it's a ride. This isn't your typical thriller where you're chasing down the killer; it's more about the lives entwined with the crime. Bublitz dives deep into the stories of these women—complex, raw, and utterly compelling.

What I love about Bublitz's writing is her ability to weave intricate characters into a narrative that's as much about the human condition as it is about solving a mystery. In "Leave The Girls Behind," she explores themes of resilience, identity, and the intricacies of female relationships, all against the backdrop of a gripping crime.

The pacing is steady, drawing you in with each chapter as you uncover not just the facts of the case but the emotional landscapes of those affected. It's refreshing to see a thriller that focuses on the women involved, giving them agency and depth beyond their roles in the plot.

Overall, if you're into mysteries that delve into human psychology and relationships, "Leave The Girls Behind" won't disappoint. Bublitz's writing style is captivating, her characters are multi-dimensional, and the story stays with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommend diving into this one!

The premise of this novel sounded interesting, but unfortunately I struggled with the execution. I felt there was maybe too much going on and I couldn’t connect with nor did I like Ruth. However, I do think there are people who will enjoy this multi-genre novel with suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

An intriguing blend of psychological thriller and supernatural mystery. The premise is compelling but the narrative did not live up to its full potential. Overall a good read.
Many thanks to Atria and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this supernatural thriller. I enjoy books with a little paranormal touch to it. It kept me engaged throughout the book. I would be sure to check out this author again. Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review
3.5 stars

I wanted to like this because this kind of book always appeals. But I don't feel like the marketing summary fit the book itself.

Leave the Girls Behind is a haunting and emotional thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. Ruth-Ann is such a raw and relatable character—flawed, curious, and driven by a past she can’t let go of. Her obsession with true crime and her determination to uncover the truth made it impossible to look away. The way the story weaves between the past and present, tying in the mystery of a missing girl with an old case that still haunts her, kept me hooked the entire time.

The suspense builds slowly but effectively, and the emotional depth really hit me. The friendships she forms along the way add another layer to the story, and I loved how each of the women brought something unique. This wasn’t just a thriller—it was personal, heartbreaking, and powerful. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

While the concept of the novel was intriguing and had some interesting twists and turns along the way, the overall pacing of the story slowed down whatever tension was built throughout, losing its momentum.

Ruth is a NY Bartender who, when she was 7, was kidnapped by a man (now dead) whom she is convinced is a serial killer and held for 28 hours. She has started an involvement with a nonexistent podcast and is looking into others who may or may not be his partner’s in the killings. This leads her to three sets of women all of whom were either married to or closely involved with other serial killers along with hers. It is closely written and the last half somewhat captivating. Thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC for an honest review.

Thank you Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for an honest review. I am not sure what to say about this one. The story line was a bit jumbled, and I spent more time being confused than not. I personally feel like the story had great potential, but it fell flat. However by the time I did make it to the last quarter of the book I was invested. It is not my favorite, but I did like it.

I was too confused by all the characters and how they were related/connected to truly enjoy the story.

This book was very enjoyable. Good plot with good characters and themes. A very fun time with good twists and turns.

I LOVED "Before You Knew My Name" by this author, but his novel was a really hard one for me to read. It felt all over the place, there was so much information being shoved at me (most of which didn't wind of being worth anything), and it dragggggged on. I really liked the idea of the dead girls helping solve the crime, but it seemed like that concept got dropped half way through and you only really saw anything about Beth. I genuinely think I spent more time confused whilst reading this than anything.

2.5 stars rounded up. This book had a promising premise, but the execution was only so-so for me. I found myself skimming a lot and didn't really feel connected to the plot or characters. There was a lot of promise there though and I can see how other readers might like it better. It was definitely a YMMV kind of book.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Leave the Girls Behind by Jacqueline Bublitz is a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the lingering effects of trauma and the complexities of unresolved crimes. The narrative centers on Ruth-Ann Baker, who, haunted by the childhood abduction and murder of her best friend, Beth, becomes fixated on uncovering connections to other missing girls. When another young girl disappears from her hometown, Ruth's obsession intensifies, leading her on a journey that intertwines with the lives of three women, each bearing their own scars from past entanglements with violence.

For those interested in narratives that probe the depths of human resilience and the intricate web of connections forged by shared trauma, Leave the Girls Behind is a thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

I feel like my focus kept wandering with this one? But I gave this one a solid try. Just deeply struggled with it.

After being abducted as a young girl, Ruth-Ann Baker is able to converse with dead people, primarily her childhood best friend, Beth Lovely, who had been abducted and murdered. The abduction of another young girl, from Ruth-Ann’s home town, triggered her memories and sent on a search from Norway to New Zealand in an effort to solve the mystery once and for all. A serious true crime addict, Ruth-Ann relies on the help of her crew of dead girls to offer advice and help her develop a scheme to interview the women she believes hold the key to Beth’s murder.

The book was all right, but I felt there were way too many coincidences. This one just didn’t grab my interest.

This was a well written story of the search for evidence in a cold case and the connections that were uncovered in the process. The ending wrapped things up in an unexpected way and didn’t resolve the question completely for the woman looking for answers.

Leave the Girls Behind by Jacqueline Bublitz is a poignant and haunting novel that expertly blends mystery, family dynamics, and the complexities of trauma. This story follows a young woman, Delphine, as she tries to piece together the truth surrounding her sister’s tragic death. At its core, the novel explores grief, loss, and the emotional weight of uncovering long-buried secrets.

What I really appreciated about this book was Bublitz’s ability to craft an emotionally charged narrative. The characters, especially Delphine, feel deeply human and relatable, their pain and unresolved feelings about the past creating a rich backdrop for the mystery that unfolds. As Delphine digs deeper into her sister’s life, you can feel the emotional conflict weighing on her, making each step of the investigation incredibly powerful.

The pacing was strong throughout. The way Bublitz slowly unraveled the mysteries surrounding the death kept me engaged, building tension without ever feeling rushed. There were moments of real emotional intensity, especially when Delphine confronts the complexities of her family relationships and the painful truths that come to light. The mix of mystery and emotional depth was what really set this book apart.

The writing is sharp and evocative, and Bublitz excels at capturing the emotional landscapes of her characters. The tension between Delphine’s drive for justice and her emotional vulnerabilities creates a compelling and multifaceted narrative. I also really enjoyed the sense of place and atmosphere in the book—Bublitz does a fantastic job of creating a vivid world that feels both intimate and haunting.

Ultimately, Leave the Girls Behind is more than just a mystery; it’s a beautifully written, emotionally resonant exploration of love, loss, and the search for truth. If you’re drawn to books with rich character development, deep emotional undertones, and a gripping mystery, this one is absolutely worth picking up.