When She Was Me: A Novel

Name: When She Was Me: A Novel
Rating: 6.3 (33 reviews)
ISBN: 9781728289533

By Marlee Bush

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2024 NetGalley Must Read Debut Author

"A nail-biting story of sisterhood, suspicion, and suspense. When She Was Me weaves together past and present seamlessly to create a twist you won't see coming." -- Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching

There's only one way out of these woods...

Ever since that night, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable. As the sole permanent residents of Cabin Two, their refuge on an isolated Tennessee campground, they manage to stay away from prying eyes, probing questions, and true crime junkies. Just the two of them, Cassie and Lenora against the world. The peace and quiet is almost enough to make them forget what happened all those years ago. Almost.

Until a teenage girl camping at the neighboring cabin goes missing, and the memories come rushing back. As the crime becomes ever more recognizable--they know better than anyone that so-called 'happy families' can be anything but--each sister suspects the other knows more than she's letting on....

Trapped in the isolating, claustrophobic wilderness, Cassie and Lenora must piece together the truth of what happened--and the sinister truth lurking in their own pasts--before it's too late.

A taut, captivating read perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth and Kate Alice Marshall, When She Was Me is a story of sisterhood, obsession, and the ways secrets stalk us like shadows.

"When She Was Me is eerie, captivating, and full of twists." -- Darcy Coates, USA Today bestselling author of Dead of Winter

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Published May 7, 2024

400 pages

Average rating: 6.3

33 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

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ladyduckbun

Sep 15, 2025

8/10 stars

Do you like to be confused? Because you definitely will be. I was very confused for a good chunk of this book; however, the “Aha” moment in the end was totally worth it. I equate this book to being similar to Shutter Island. Good in the end, but frustrating at times during the reading.

Andrea-The Shelf Life Books

Jul 03, 2025

8/10 stars

I was shocked to find out this was a debut. The writing was that of a well-seasoned author, and I was beyond impressed by it. The story is told in dual P.O.V's between twin sisters, Cassie and Lenora, both with an unbreakable bond and a strong love for one another. Now both are now questioning what the other is really capable of. This setting is atmospheric, you feel like you are in the Pacific North West woods, where cabins are nestled in between thick tree trunks. Staying in those other cabins are suspicious neighbors. read about how did they get where they are and what transpired beforehand to make them want to live in the woods. It’s a mysterious past timeline containing dangerous behavior.

This one is a slow burn, but I did like the way that the author was building the suspense, but for those who are not fans of a slow burn, the twisty ending will make it worth it. I loved this one and cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Marlee Bush for the privilege of being able to read an ARC.

HelloTanyaLyn

Jul 10, 2025

10/10 stars

Should You Read When She Was Me? Here’s Your Checklist:

Cheesy Brie

May 22, 2025

7/10 stars

An enjoyable thriller that kept me guessing enough to keep coming back. I didn’t guess the twist at the end until very close to the reveal, which was really nice.

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