Everyone Is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf

The Best Friend. 

The Confidant. 

The Senator. 

The Boyfriend. 

The Executive.

Five contestants have been chosen to compete for ten million dollars on the game show One Lucky Winner. The catch? None of them knows what (or who) to expect, and it will be live streamed all over the world. Completely secluded in an estate in Northern California, with strict instructions not to leave the property and zero contact with the outside world, the competitors start to feel a little too isolated.

When long-kept secrets begin to rise to the surface, the contestants realize this is no longer just a reality show—someone is out for blood. And the game can’t end until the world knows who the contestants really are…

Kindle Edition, 316 pages

Expected publication March 26, 2024

by Park Row

4/5 stars

This is unlike any Heather Gudenkauf book I have ever read and I've read all but one of hers.  Yes she is an auto read for me.

Imagine given the chance to win $10 million in the space of two weeks! The cost is higher than the five contestants ever imagined on this Survivor like reality show. The challenges are unimaginable, dangerous and quite revealing. Five strangers, a host with her own agenda, the creator who is secretive all made this an addictive read.

Told from a number of povs this was intense and easy to keep track of the different characters.  I had to suspend my belief many times but alas I still could not look away or put this book down. I just had to know the what, where, why and how everything was going to fit together. As the secrets are slowly revealed, the connections made it ended in an explosive conclusion that happened rather quickly.

Heather Gudenkauf has yet to disappoint, be sure to check this one out come March 26th or better yet preorder it.

My thanks to Park Row for a e-arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

A woman receives an unexpected visitor during a deadly snowstorm in this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf

She thought she was alone…

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages 

Expected publication January 25, 2022 

by Park Row

4/5 stars

For me Heather Gudenkauf is synonymous with intense physiological mysteries that keep me guessing.  Such was the case with The Overnight Guest, which releases 1-25-22.  This book gave off vibes that made me glad when insomnia hit I wasn't home alone - a snow storm would have really freaked me right out.

The Overnight Guest is a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing until things finally clicked into place. I expected a layered story from a number of POVs and through different time periods.  That's exactly what I got.

Atmospheric with flawed and mysterious characters that drew at my heartstrings.  Fast paced/slow paced I was anxious to unravel the mystery myself, some parts I was able to but not all of them.  That's what I love about reading a Gudenkauf book, keeps me on my toes.

Thank you to Park Row books for a digital advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

Review: This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf

Everyone has a secret they’ll do anything to hide…

Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.

For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces, and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Expected publication: May 12th, 2020 

 by Park Row 

4.5/5 

Heather Gudenkauf is an auto-read for me, I have yet to be disappointed in anything she has written.  She knows how to grab this reader and doesn't let go until the last page.

The fun part of reading this book was going in blind, I didn't read the blurb and was sucked in with the first chapter.  Weaving not just between time periods (present-day and 25 years ago) but also there are different POVs. There was 16-year-old Eve, her deliciously creepy sister Nola (like seriously what a character), and Maggie.  

The story itself was well rounded, the puzzle pieces fit together nicely with a fitting conclusion but what a ride getting there. I had to take my theories apart and reassembly numerous times.  The author has a knack for twists and turns.  She also connected me to each of these 3 teens, I got to know them which just made me connect all the more with this story.

This Is How I Lied is a well-written murder mystery that is dark, mysterious, suspenseful, and full of secrets. Definitely a book and author I highly recommend.

My thanks to the publisher, Park Row for a digital ARC (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Before She Was Found: A Novel by Heather Gudenkauf

A gripping thriller about three young girlfriends, a dark obsession and a chilling crime that shakes up a quiet Iowa town, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence.


 For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover—movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

Later that night, Cora Landry is discovered on the tracks, bloody and clinging to life, her friends nowhere to be found. Soon their small rural town is thrust into a maelstrom. Who would want to hurt a young girl like Cora—and why? In an investigation that leaves no stone unturned, everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted—not even those closest to Cora.

 Before She Was Found is a timely and gripping thriller about friendship and betrayal, about the power of social pressure and the price of needing to fit in. It is about the great lengths a parent will go to protect their child and keep them safe—even if that means burying the truth, no matter the cost.

Kindle, 336 pages

Published April 16th, 2019

by Park Row

****

Right from the beginning, I was captivated with this story. The opening pulled at my heartstrings and then I spent my time dawning my sleuth hat trying to unravel this mystery.

There are many layers and different methods as to how this story plays out. Whether it’s a mother or grandfather's voice, pages from Cora's journal along with texting and chat rooms, I was not overwhelmed or distracted reading this book. The story flowed smoothly. It also helped that I really wanted to find out what was going on and found myself lost in the pages.

Before She Was Found is a story of friendship, trust, the need to fit in and how far will a parent go to protect their children. At times it had a YA feel to it, given the ages of the main players that makes perfect sense.

I have been a fan of Heather Gudenkauf's forever, her book Little Mercies (the audio is amazing!) is one of my favorites.

 My thanks to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Review: Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf

A shocking discovery and chilling secrets converge in this latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf.

 When a tragic accident leaves nurse Amelia Winn deaf, she spirals into a depression that ultimately causes her to lose everything that matters--her job, her husband, David, and her stepdaughter, Nora. Now, two years later and with the help of her hearing dog, Stitch, she is finally getting back on her feet. But when she discovers the body of a fellow nurse in the dense bush by the river, deep in the woods near her cabin, she is plunged into a disturbing mystery that could shatter the carefully reconstructed pieces of her life all over again.

As clues begin to surface, Amelia finds herself swept into an investigation that hits all too close to home. But how much is she willing to risk in order to uncover the truth and bring a killer to justice? 

New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf has been described as "masterful" and "intelligent" and compared to Lisa Scottoline and Jodi Picoult. Introducing her most compelling heroine yet, she delivers a taut and emotional thriller that proves she's at the top of her class.

 Paperback, 352 pages

 Expected publication: May 30th 2017 

by Park Row Books

****

Heather Gudenkauf is a favorite of mine I think I have read all of her books, but one. See end of post for list and review links.

One of the things I love about her books is that she has unique plots, settings and characters. Not a Sound starts with the bang and quickly drew me. Amelia is putting her life back together after a hit and run accident that claimed her hearing, this book is told from her point of view.

I found this to be a fast paced story and while I enjoyed the mystery part and how that was resolved I really enjoyed getting to know Amelia and seeing what life is like for her on a day to day basis. Not being born deaf but as a result of an accident, the author did a great job with her struggles and coming to terms with her new way of life. I don't think I've ever read a book featuring a deaf protagonist, and I was interested in how she had to modify her surroundings - special phones, service dog and learning to lip read (just to name a few). Stitch was great and added the extra spark to the story.

 Not a Sound is a suspenseful story with an interesting cast of characters in a unique setting. The ending wasn't what I expected, they were twists and turns along the way that have me guessing at the outcome. Definitely a book I highly recommend. 

Thanks to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced e-book copy.

Review: Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf

A woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband's family in this chilling page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf

Sarah Quinlan's husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded.

Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia's accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack's past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth you are in frshe may not be prepared for.

Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by MIRA 

arc via netgalley 

  *** 

There are some authors that are automatic 'must reads', those that you have read enough times to know you are in for a real treat.  Heather Gudenkauf is one of those authors.  Her books have always kept me engaged and I love her writing style.  With Missing Pieces I didn't even read the synopsis but just dove right in.

Missing Pieces is a murder mystery that reopens events from years ago.  It's about a husband who kept his true past a secret from his wife, telling lie after lie to conceal a past that he didn't want exposed. But now that all explodes with dire consequences.

Told from the point of view of Jack's wife Sarah the story begins with them returning to Jack's hometown when tragedy strikes.  I had a hard time getting into this book initially, but when it took off I was hooked.  The story line kept me engaged, dawning my sleuth cap trying to figure out what took place years ago and what might happen next.  Heather Gudenkauf has a nice ability to ingrain twists and turns to keep one guessing.

But I did have a hard time connecting with some of the characters here - I was suspicious of the whole lot, which I suppose is a good thing.  I didn't really feel any sympathy for any of them. But the thing that I really struggled with here was Jack and Sarah's relationship.  Being together for over 20 years and with the strong bond (I was lead to believe they had), it was hard to see her doubt him.  To think him capable of such violent acts and to actually fear him, that didn't resonate well with me.

That being said I can't say that this is her best, but it was still an entertaining book.

Here are some of her other books that I have enjoyed (Little Mercies being one of my favorites of 2014)

2014 Year in Review Part 2 - Audio Books

It is no secret that I love audio books, usually averaging one a week.  So in random order here are my favorites of 2014. Out of these 10 books 8 are new to me authors (love that).

Clicking on the cover will take you to Goodreads, the title will take you to my review.

Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads by S. R. Malley

My first venture into the world of short stories, really enjoyed this one.

a Jane Austen daydream by Scott D. Southard

Another genre that I don't normally read but think I might be a convert now.

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney

Oh, My. Goodness!  I loved this one!!!

That Night by Chevy Stevens

If you are looking for a fast paced, compelling murder mystery look no further this one fits the bill quite nicely.

Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore

The authors writing reminds me of Kate Morton, who is a favorite of mine.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandell

 "My daddy says that when you do somethin' to distract you from your worstest fears, it's like whistlin' past the graveyard.  You know, making a racket to keep the scardeness and the ghosts away.  He says that's how we by sometimes.  But it's not weak, like hidin'...it's strong.  It means you're able to go on."

 Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

What an emotionally ride!

"You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible."

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

“Dear God," she prayed, "let me be something every minute of every hour of my life.

A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith

Sometimes you just need a nice big juicy book and this one fit the bill perfectly.  Loved it!

 The Queen's Lady by Barbara Kyle

So begins The Thornleigh Series, read by the author herself and did a stellar job. 

Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

In her latest ripped-from-the-headlines tour de force, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf shows how one small mistake can have life-altering consequences...

Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity; the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.

A powerful and emotionally charged tale about motherhood and justice, Little Mercies is a searing portrait of the tenuous grasp we have on the things we love the most, and of the ties that unexpectedly bring us together.
 

Paperback, 320 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by Harlequin MIRA (first published January 1st 2014) 

 my copy provided by netgalley for a honest review
*****

I read the novella called Little Lies in which I was introduced to social worker Ellen Moore.  When Little Mercies became available on Netgalley I jumped at the chance, not even reading the synopsis because anything by Heather Gudenkauf is automatically part of my TBR pile.  So beginning this book, without any preconceived ideas was enjoyable, my mind was totally open as to where this journey would take me.  It wasn't long before I had that moment, you know the one, your mouth kinda hangs open, you're rather stunned because ya didn't see that coming, so you sit still and think did that really happen?  And maybe go back and read those couple of paragraphs over again.  Well guess what?  It did happen and boy I was sucked in to this book big time.  

It was an emotional storyline for me, one of the things that I really like about this author is her writing style, she created a world that is so real and raw.  I read a large part of this book in one day and had to give myself a couple hours rest before completing the journey.  This was also one of those books that had me waiting a day or so after I finished before I could start a new book.  

It wasn't just Ellen's life but Jenny's also, waiting to see how they were set to collide, wondering what the outcome (and purpose) would be.  There was a lot going one, but not in an overwhelming way.  The author created characters that were human and authentic along with a very believable story.  Parent and child relationships, wife and husband, siblings and complete strangers made this such a great story.

If it was the authors intent to tug at her readers heart strings, she definitely did that to this reader.

"You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible."

Waiting on Wednesday: Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill  at  Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   

   This week I am waiting for:

Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

sometimes ya just need a good 'who dunit' and Heather has become one of my favorites

 

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: June 24th 2014 by Harlequin MIRA

In her latest ripped-from-the-headlines tour de force, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf shows how one small mistake can have life-altering consequences...

Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity;the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.

A powerful and emotionally charged tale about motherhood and justice, Little Mercies is a searing portrait of the tenuous grasp we have on the things we love the most, and of the ties that unexpectedly bring us together.

What are you waiting for?

Little Lies by Heather Gudenkauf

 
In this riveting prequel to her novel Little Mercies, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores how even the smallest lies can have far-reaching consequences.

When the body of a woman is discovered in a local park—with her bewildered four-year-old son sitting beside her—veteran social worker Ellen Moore is called in to assist in the police investigation. Positioned beneath a statue of Leto, the goddess of motherhood, the crime is weighted with meaning and, Ellen discovers, remarkably similar to one from a decade past.

Ellen's professional duty is to protect the child, but she's not equipped to contend with a killer. As she races to connect the dots, she knows her time is running out. And the stakes are high: if she fails, another mother is sure to make the ultimate sacrifice.

ebook, 45 pages

Published March 14th 2014 by Harlequin 
my copy provided by netgalley for review

 Before I was bitten with the historical fiction bug, murder mysteries were my thing, Patterson, Grisham, Brown, Davidson etc graced my shelves.  These days it is sometimes nice after spending time in the 1400-1500's  to squeeze in a modern day mystery.  I discovered Heather Gudenkauf a couple years ago with These Things Hidden and One Breath Away (I thoroughly enjoyed it too).  I fell in love with her writing style, her original and unique plots that had me guessing right to the end.

Little Lies is Heather's prequel to Little Mercies, which will be released June 24th.

Not long, only 45 pages in length but an enticing self-contained mystery.  Well written, mysterious, emotional and a great introduction to Ellen Moore.  There is closure in this book but also loose ends. Looking for to reading Little Mercies