You Were Never Here

By: Kathleen Peacock

Narrated by: Tara Sands

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

“A page-turner of a thriller with a smart, compelling heroine.” (Kirkus) 

“This novel is more than a murder mystery. It's about self-empowerment, acceptance, and the strength to be found in female friendships.” (School Library Journal) 

“A crafty, well-paced thriller. The novel’s finale is appropriately fiendish - and also unexpectedly uplifting.” (Publishers Weekly) 

Cat hasn’t been to Montgomery Falls, the town her family founded, since she was 12 years old. Since the summer she discovered she could do things that no normal 12-year-old could do. Since she had her first kiss with Riley Fraser. Since she destroyed their friendship. Now, five years later, she’s back and Riley has disappeared. When Noah, Riley's brother, asks for help in discovering what happened, Cat is torn between wanting to learn the truth and protecting the secret that she’s been guarding ever since that summer she and Riley stopped speaking. Only one choice will put her in a killer’s sights....

This engrossing mystery with a hint of the supernatural is perfect for fans of The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas and Bone Gap by Laura Ruby.   

©2020 Kathleen Peacock (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Gah! Loved this mysterious tale!

First off, narrator is awesome! When you're listening to an audio book, that is literally one of the main components that drive a good book, and Tara Sands is hands down, a great narrator.

So, mini synopsis first! You Were Never Here starts off with our main heroine Cat, on a bus to Canada for an extended stay with her Aunt due to issues at home with her dad and best friend. Once there, Cat realizes her childhood friend is missing. And while she doesn't believe she can do anything to help find him, Riley's brother does. Because he knows a secret about Cat, and he thinks she can help him in his endeavor. Between sleuthing around, Cat discovers a group of friends that make her wish for things that she hasn't had for a very long time, and she'll do anything to keep them safe.

Honestly, that's about as good as synopsis as I can get without giving away the story. You Were Never Here, is a truly good tale with a creepy edge to it, and while it's more of a mystery type thriller, there is still that climatic edge as you don't know what the villain is capable of. Cat is a wonderful heroine, and her group of friends truly bring something to the story as a whole. You empathize with them, and can see them clearly. While I did figure out the villain, it wasn't until towards the end, and it was such a good mystery that it was a thrill just getting to the end. I do like how everything is laid out also at the end with no questions left unanswered. This was my first book by Ms. Peacock, but definitely not the last! Great book, good writing and narration.