Name: Sarah Sammis's review of Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf
Item: Before She Was Found
Rating: 3
Author: Sarah Sammis

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.

Before She Was Found

Jessica Koch

Sarah Sammis

The mystery told through multiple points of view focuses on three main suspects, Violet, Jordyn, and the teacher who assigned the urban legend project. The set up and the chatroom evidence of a manifestation of Joseph, the immortal killer and taker of girls, give this novel a Twin Peaks vibe.

Except, none of the girls died and while Cora's injuries are horrible, none of them are life threatening. And that fact lessens the stakes. Before She Was Found is more like Twin Peaks Lite.

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Jeff Brown 

I probably would have given this closer to 5 stars. The book is presented as a police file of interviews, text messages, journals and personal statements. Of the first two items, it involved “Person A”, “Person B” — back and forth. As an audiobook, when it’s a male police officer and a young girl, once it was established, it was very annoying to go back and forth, “A”, “B”. It was obvious who was talking.

As a book, it was quite the thriller, especially the ending. Highly recommended!

Lori Keenom

Gripping thriller of three friends set out to investigate an urban legend. There is high school bullying, peer pressure and plenty of twists. Keeps you guessing right up to the end. I really enjoyed this and didn’t see that ending coming.

Jessica Koch &
Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf

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Jessica Koch &Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf

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Join the club

Jessica Koch &
Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf