Jacqueline Buitz’s latest thriller, Leave the Girls Behind, follows true crime addict Ruth-Ann Baker as she tries to uncover the truth behind her childhood friend’s murder.

Although I am not particularly fond of paranormal elements or ghost stories, I found this one to be quite captivating and enjoyed it from start to finish. The storyline was particularly engaging and held my attention throughout.

Synopsis-

Ruth-Ann Baker is a college dropout, a bartender—and an amateur detective who just can’t stay away from true crime. Nineteen years ago, her childhood friend was murdered by suspected serial killer Ethan Oswald. Still tormented by the case, Ruth can’t help but think of the long-dead Oswald when another young girl goes missing from the same town. And when she uncovers startling new evidence that suggests Oswald did not act alone, she is determined to find his deadly partner in crime.

Embarking on a global investigation, Ruth becomes close to three very different women—one of whom might just hold the key to what happened to the missing girl. And her childhood friend, all those years ago.

Add this one to your tbr as it comes out October 29, 2024✨

I agree with other reviewers who loved this premise, but were a little surprised by story itself. The main character being, quite literally, haunted was so unexpected that I went back and reread the blurb to see if I missed an obvious piece of context. And while the idea is cool, it was very heavy and that added sadness made it challenging for me to enjoy the story. Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this book. I think the marketing could more clearly let readers know what to expect, but also the heaviness just wasn't a fit for me personally.

Unfortunately this book was a little bit like....very cool premise with not very cool execution. The idea of having a woman work to solve past crimes with the help of the dead victims is so cool! The writing was just all over the place though, I was lost half the time, and the characters just didn't have the depth I want from a book.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc.

Jacqueline Buitz’s latest thriller, Leave the Girls Behind, follows true crime addict Ruth-Ann Baker as she tries to uncover the truth behind her childhood friend’s murder.

Somehow, I didn’t realize that “a fresh suspense novel about a woman haunted by a serial killer and the ghosts he left behind” meant the MC was literally haunted by her best friend and other victims. I’m not a fan of supernatural elements, so that oversight is totally on me; unfortunately, it kind of diminished my overall enjoyment of the book.

Beyond that, I found the story to be a bit predictable and a little… strange? I’m not sure how to describe it. Something just felt off to me.

I can see why others would find Leave the Girls Behind entertaining and captivating, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Engaging and immersive. A recommended purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.

I just didn’t get this one. I would say maybe I don’t get trauma, but I don’t think that’s it. To me, the main character here was just making unexplained conclusions, and I guess we, as readers were just supposed to drift along with that? The whole thing was odd.

So, in it Ruth-Ann Baker, college dropout, bartender and true crime addict is still mourning the loss of her one time best friend Beth Lovely who was murdered by suspected serial killer Ethan Oswald nineteen years ago. Oswald has since died, but now it’s suspected that he did not act alone and now another girl is missing.

So, pretty typical story with not a great resolution. Can’t recommend it.

A true crime enthusiast, Ruth, is drawn into a chilling mystery when a child vanishes from her hometown of Hoden, Connecticut. Plagued by visions of her murdered best friend Beth, Ruth suspects that the infamous Ethan Oswald had an accomplice. As her investigation intensifies, she encounters the apparitions of other victims, pointing to a broader, more malevolent conspiracy. Her quest for answers takes her from New Zealand, where she meets Rose and her daughter Juno, to Norway, where she confronts Helen, the wife of a killer. The revelations she uncovers are shocking.

A good twists and turns kind of novel. I did feel as though all of the loose ends that got tied up in the conclusion felt a little rushed and unbelievable.