Where They Found Her 
by Kimberly McCreight is one of those novels that completely holds you in it’s grip from the first page to the last. It is both a psychological thriller and a book that will hit you emotionally. I could not pull myself away from it. I listened to the audiobook and I like nothing better than when a book has multiple narrators so I was excited to see that Where They Found Her did. The narrators are Tavia Gilbert (who I love), Lauren Fortgang, Rachel F. Hirsch, and Therese Plummer (who I love) and they do an incredible job of pulling together the separate story lines in this novel.
The storyline centers around a newborn baby that is found dead in the woods surrounding the town’s university. The town is in chaos. Who does the baby belong to? Why was she left there in the woods? Molly, a freelance journalist, who has recently moved to the town is given the task of heading down to the scene to cover the story. She has no idea that it’s a newborn that has been found and while this would be a hard case for anyone to cover it is especially hard for Molly. Molly recently lost a baby and is just finally pulling herself out of the depression that hit her afterwards. Still Molly feels that trying to find out what happened to this poor baby may help her heal so she begins to investigate and what she finds has the power to shake the whole community.
The novel is told from three points of view – Molly’s, Barbara’s, and Sandy’s. The book is so well executed that all the story lines flow together perfectly and there is never a moment of confusion. Each of these women has a story and it truly amazed me how, by the end of the story, it was quite plain to see that they were all connected. Molly of course works for the newspaper and is reporting on the story of the newborn baby and I liked her character. Barbara is another story. She’s a mom and completely obsessed with controlling her husband who is a cop and her kids. I never really warmed to her even though later in the story I could see where some of her anxieties came from. And then we have Sandy, a teenager, who comes from a very unstable home with a mom who parties more than she takes care of her daughter. Seemingly unrelated, the stories of these three women will all culminate in an ending that will shock and surprise the reader.
What I really love about novels like this is being able to try and figure out what is going on as I read. I was very busy trying to solve this mystery and I had even tossed around the idea of who the baby’s mother was and was right although I didn’t know it at the time. I didn’t however predict the ending and it shocked me. For those who love psychological thrillers I can’t recommend Where They Found Her enough. I really enjoyed it and it’s worth it to mention once again that the audio production is fantastic!
Other stops with TLC Book Tours
Add to your Goodreads List
Author Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter
Buy: Amazon, B&N, IndieBound
I’m hearing such good things about this book. I really liked Reconstructing Amelia, this author’s previous book. Read it last summer. I like the multiple narrator idea. Will think about it on audio.
Kay, so many people loved her first book. I downloaded the audio so I’ll be listening to it soon. I love multiple narrators. I think it adds so much to the listening experience and it definitely lent really well to this novel.
I loved her first book so think I’d like this one too.
Kathy, I’ve been hearing good things about her first book and I was going to read it when it first came out and I can’t remember why I didn’t. Either way I got the audio from the library and I’ll be listening soon. If you like her writing then you’ll like this one too.
Sounds like a wonderful book. Her other book was good.
Diane, I haven’t read her other book yet but I did download the audio from the library yesterday so I’ll be listening to it soon.
When I first saw this one I wanted to read it but then everyone said it was so predictable. You didn’t feel that way?
Ti, yes it might be a little predictable but I don’t always mind that if the story itself grabs my interest and is good. I also listened to this one which could have made a difference for me. Either way I enjoyed it and I already downloaded her first book from the library to listen to. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
Wow, I love a good psychological thriller and this one sounds riveting. Great post.
Naida, it is really good. I bet you’d like it. I hope you’re doing well. We need to catch up via email soon!
Although an initially upsetting premise, this sounds like a thriller I would enjoy.
Elizabeth I agree. The premise is upsetting although things like that do happen in real life too unfortunately.
I’ve been curious about this one since I first heard about it. I have heard the predictability complaint Ti mentions, but, like you, that doesn’t always bother me if I can get into the story and it is told well.
Wendy, I’m the same with books unless the whole predictability issue is really obvious to the point it drive me crazy. Otherwise I just go with it and enjoy the story.
I’m thrilled that his book kept you guessing and surprised you at the end. Thanks for being a part of the tour!
I don’t read too many mystery/thrillers, but this one sounds really good!
Adding this one to my TBR list RIGHT NOW! I cannot wait to read it after reading your review. I’ve been meaning to try this author for awhile now. Great review!