When She Returned

One woman's reappearance throws her family into turmoil, exposing dark secrets and the hidden, often devastating truth of family relationships.

Kate Bennett vanished from a parking lot eleven years ago, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. When she shows up at a Montana gas station, clutching an infant and screaming for help, investigators believe she may have been abducted by a cult.

Kate's return flips her family's world upside down--her husband is remarried, and her daughter barely remembers her. Kate herself doesn't look or act like she did before.

While the family tries to help Kate reintegrate into society, they discover truths they've been hiding from each other about their own relationships. But they aren't the only ones with secrets. As the family unravels what happened to Kate, a series of shocking revelations shows that Kate's return is more sinister than any of them could have imagined.

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Published Oct 15, 2019

297 pages

Average rating: 7.06

205 RATINGS

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NikkyReads

Dec 02, 2024

5/10 stars

When She Returned felt like a soft mystery-suspense rather than the hard-hitting psychological thrillers Lucinda Berry is known for. It’s not as traumatic as you might expect, and while it had some interesting moments, it ultimately lacked the shock value or emotional depth I was hoping for. The ending, in particular, felt rushed—like the story was scrambling to tie up all the characters’ loose ends at the last minute. The cult dynamics were also a bit predictable. That said, if you’re looking for a lighter suspense read with a quick pace and a softer tone, this could be a decent pick. But for me, it didn’t deliver the memorable, jaw-dropping experience I usually expect from Berry.

hayhaywillow

Jul 26, 2024

8/10 stars

This was a very quick and easy read. I had no idea where the story was going at first which made it more exciting. I do feel like the ending was a bit rushed but overall it’s an amazing psychological thriller.

AStone1022

May 28, 2025

7/10 stars

This book was a good read - I felt bad for the daughter the entire book, but I am glad she found strength to stand up for herself at the end.

Keesh47

Mar 17, 2025

8/10 stars

Great read! Enjoyed every minute! Nice plot twist.

Teemariereads

Jan 14, 2025

8/10 stars

Wow!!! If you want to get into the minds of people who join cults, this is a good example. I always wonder what makes normally sane people want to join cults in the first place. The author captured that in the best way. Not sure if she has personal experience or just a hell of a researcher but she did an amazing job making understand how suspitible all people are. The cult leader (master manipulator) just has to find that one weak spot and their in. Just like our FMC, Kate was feeling drained stagnant life and ended up joining a cult. This story was a wild ride that kept me entertained and mad at the same time. The ending didn't shock me, but probably because I already have trust issues and Kate's behavior seemed a little sketchy anyway.