For those of you who have read this book, click here for my Spoiler Discussion. Because, let’s face it, there’s only so much I can say about this one without giving away WAY too much!
For those who haven’t read this one yet, there are no spoilers in this post.
Fiction – Thriller
Released April 14, 2015
336 Pages
Bottom Line: Read it.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: eGalley provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
Plot Summary
When the body of a newborn baby is found on the edge of the prestigious Ridgedale University campus, rookie journalist Molly Sanderson chases the story that will uncover the dark side of life in an upscale New Jersey college town.
My Thoughts
I loved McCreight’s last thriller, Reconstructing Amelia, so I was excited to get my hands on Where They Found Her. Though this one didn’t grab me from the first page, things picked up quickly enough and, by the last quarter, I couldn’t put it down.
I’m going to keep this review light on details, as this is a plot-centric book and I don’t want to spoil things for anyone!
The story opens with the discovery of a baby’s body in a wooded area on the outskirts of prestigious Ridgedale University (I’m such a sucker for books set on college campuses!). Ridgedale is a mostly idyllic, predominantly upscale community centered around the University, so the discovery of any dead body, much less a baby’s, is likely to send the residents into a tailspin. And, much of the action revolves around the long buried secrets of this seemingly idyllic community.
The story is told from multiple perspectives: Molly (the rookie journalist covering the story of the baby), Sandy (one of the few underprivileged teens in Ridgedale), Jenna (Sandy’s completely messed up mother), Barbara (the police chief’s wife and the mother of Molly’s daughter’s classmate), and various journals and transcripts. It’s a lot to keep track of at first, but becomes much easier as the meaning behind the inclusion of each character becomes clearer.
My favorite thing about this book is that I made multiple guesses about the outcome of the story and was wrong about every single one of them, which is exactly what I want out of a good thriller. In my spoiler discussion, I threw all my wrong guesses out there for discussion.
Where They Found Her is an edge of your seat page turner and a great selection for people who like books set on college campuses. It will also go on my 2015 Summer Reading List (click here for last year’s list).
You May Also Like:
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
The Fever by Megan Abbott
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Unraveling of Mercy Louis by Keija Parssinen
CLICK HERE FOR SPOILER DISCUSSION
I didn’t realize that this was by the same person as Reconstructing Amelia. No wonder I’m attracted to both of them. And as for novels set on university campuses – count me in. I’m a sucker for them all.
I’m definitely going to read this book next, mostly so I can read your spoiler discussion. LOL
I love books set on campuses, private school, universities, whatever. And I like Reconstructing Amelia. I need to read your review of The Fever. I read one book by Megan Abbott and have not read others yet.
I may be adding this one to my book pile. It sounds great. I’m glad you enjoyed.
Okay, I was already interesting in this one BEFORE your review and now I’m DEFINITELY interested! So…I’m only reading the spoiler-free version; this sounds like a great read and I really enjoy hearing that you thought you’d figured it out and you were wrong every time. Bonus!! Thanks, Sarah!
I really liked Reconstructing Amelia, so I’m definitely planning on looking for this one.
Hey Sarah! 🙂
I’m usually not a fan of multiple perspectives because I prefer to have either one or two in my head. I feel that too many like this, takes away from the book. (Unless it’s one of those books where different stories are told and somehow they all end up being linked. Then and only then, it’s okay for me. 🙂
Well, you may like this one then 🙂 Different perspectives of the same story.
Yay for spoiler-free. Psychological suspense should have a little as possible told about the plot when reviewing, but that is not always the case with some well-meaning folks 🙁
I do want to read this book very much. Sounds like something that would pull me in and have me flipping pages. Thank you for a good review.
Thanks for the spoiler free review! I loved her first book (and am waiting for this one to come through at the library) and am looking forward to hearing her speak next week at my local library!
That’s great that you get to hear her speak – I’m somewhat jealous! Enjoy!
Haven’t read this yet, but wow you have me curious now.
Well, this one was on my radar before because of the blurb. Now, it’s officially on my Kindle. I was eager to see your thoughts and am glad you mentioned that I might need to stick with it. Lately, my books have been so good and so captivating that I fear I’ll begin to DNF books for not meeting my expectations. I’ll definitely give this one a go.
I really want to read this one. I really enjoyed the first book. I really like surprise endings.
It sounds like it lived up her first novel. Good!
I love books set on college campuses too (and boarding schools!) so can’t wait to read this one.
This one’s a double whammy…not technically set “on” a college campus, but there’s tons of action on the local college campus AND at the local high school!
And – I’m with you on boarding schools too!