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You Always Come Back
In the vein of Kathleen Barber and Julia Heaberlin comes an electrifying debut suspense that pits the inhabitants of a small town against each other.
Nine years ago, July Weaver’s little sister was one of the first victims of the Pacific Lake Killer, a serial killer in Georgia. When other girls began to disappear and were found dead, it was July’s testimony that put her own father into prison for the crimes. After the sentencing, she fled to Nashville to focus on her music career and to try to forget the horrible past. But when her brother tries to kill himself, July is forced to come back home and reunite with her four remaining siblings.
What she isn’t expecting is to uncover new evidence that makes her question everything that happened to her sister nine years ago. Is it possible that July blamed the wrong person? Is it possible that the Pacific Lake Killer is still out there? As the linchpin to the case against her father—and the reason the Pacific Lake Killer case is closed—July knows it isn’t long before the killer will set their eyes back on her.
If they’re really still out there.
Nine years ago, July Weaver’s little sister was one of the first victims of the Pacific Lake Killer, a serial killer in Georgia. When other girls began to disappear and were found dead, it was July’s testimony that put her own father into prison for the crimes. After the sentencing, she fled to Nashville to focus on her music career and to try to forget the horrible past. But when her brother tries to kill himself, July is forced to come back home and reunite with her four remaining siblings.
What she isn’t expecting is to uncover new evidence that makes her question everything that happened to her sister nine years ago. Is it possible that July blamed the wrong person? Is it possible that the Pacific Lake Killer is still out there? As the linchpin to the case against her father—and the reason the Pacific Lake Killer case is closed—July knows it isn’t long before the killer will set their eyes back on her.
If they’re really still out there.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
35 people are currently reading
2508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
December 30, 2024
**4.5-stars**
Nine years ago, July Weaver's younger sister, May, was the first victim of a serial killer in rural Georgia, dubbed the Pacific Lake Killer.
After July's own testimony puts her father away for the crimes, she decides she's had enough. She flees her family home to try to make it on her own in Nashville.
Struggling with addiction and not necessarily achieving all her dreams career-wise, July finds herself in a bit of a rut. Then she gets a call from her family.
Ughhh, just when you think things can't get any worse...
It appears her younger brother, Dec, who also struggles with substance abuse, has had a major setback and may even have tried to take his own life.
It's one of her older brothers who reaches out to her and he insists that July comes home. They need to fix this as a family. Begrudgingly, she agrees and heads home for the first time in nine long years.
July heads home expecting an uncomfortable family reunion, what she's not expecting is to discover new evidence that will make her question everything; her Dad, her choices and her sister's death.
Is it possible the wrong man went away for the crimes? Is the Pacific Lake Killer still out there? And if they are, is there any way for July to make it right?
You Always Come Back was such a delightful surprise. I had no idea what to expect going into this debut, as far as quality goes, and I'll tell you, I'm tickled pink.
I listened to the audiobook and recommend that as a format for people who have access to it. The narration brought this story to life and drew me in immediately.
I loved the overall tone of the story. It brought to mind a sort of hillbilly noir quality that I always enjoy. Fans of The Familiar Dark and Out of the Ashes should sit up and pay attention. This one is good!
I really enjoyed the way Smith told this story. The back-and-forth between past and present, as a way to develop the family dynamics and history, was so intriguing.
I found both perspectives equally fascinating and for me, the pace never slowed down once July got back home.
I do adore the trope of an MC returning to their hometown after many years away, looking into a mystery, or digging into something they have questions about. In that regard, this story fit my tastes to a tee.
In addition to that though, I just feel like this is great storytelling, start-to-finish. Interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and some unsettling atmosphere. What more can you want?
I am so happy to have read this and to have a new Mystery/Suspense author to fangirl over. I'm looking forward to reading Smith's next novel!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. This one exceeded all my expectations!
Nine years ago, July Weaver's younger sister, May, was the first victim of a serial killer in rural Georgia, dubbed the Pacific Lake Killer.
After July's own testimony puts her father away for the crimes, she decides she's had enough. She flees her family home to try to make it on her own in Nashville.
Struggling with addiction and not necessarily achieving all her dreams career-wise, July finds herself in a bit of a rut. Then she gets a call from her family.
Ughhh, just when you think things can't get any worse...
It appears her younger brother, Dec, who also struggles with substance abuse, has had a major setback and may even have tried to take his own life.
It's one of her older brothers who reaches out to her and he insists that July comes home. They need to fix this as a family. Begrudgingly, she agrees and heads home for the first time in nine long years.
July heads home expecting an uncomfortable family reunion, what she's not expecting is to discover new evidence that will make her question everything; her Dad, her choices and her sister's death.
Is it possible the wrong man went away for the crimes? Is the Pacific Lake Killer still out there? And if they are, is there any way for July to make it right?
You Always Come Back was such a delightful surprise. I had no idea what to expect going into this debut, as far as quality goes, and I'll tell you, I'm tickled pink.
I listened to the audiobook and recommend that as a format for people who have access to it. The narration brought this story to life and drew me in immediately.
I loved the overall tone of the story. It brought to mind a sort of hillbilly noir quality that I always enjoy. Fans of The Familiar Dark and Out of the Ashes should sit up and pay attention. This one is good!
I really enjoyed the way Smith told this story. The back-and-forth between past and present, as a way to develop the family dynamics and history, was so intriguing.
I found both perspectives equally fascinating and for me, the pace never slowed down once July got back home.
I do adore the trope of an MC returning to their hometown after many years away, looking into a mystery, or digging into something they have questions about. In that regard, this story fit my tastes to a tee.
In addition to that though, I just feel like this is great storytelling, start-to-finish. Interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and some unsettling atmosphere. What more can you want?
I am so happy to have read this and to have a new Mystery/Suspense author to fangirl over. I'm looking forward to reading Smith's next novel!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. This one exceeded all my expectations!
October 24, 2023
Wow, didn't expect that ending.
Nine years ago, July Weaver's younger sister fell victim to the Pacific Lake Serial Killer. Shockingly, their own father emerged as the primary suspect, and it was July's testimony that ultimately sealed his fate, sending him to prison. Unable to bear the weight of residing in the same town any longer, July fled to Nashville, seeking solace and a chance to start fresh. For nearly a decade, she successfully avoided looking back. Until a distressing call informed her that one of her brothers had attempted suicide. This news compelled July to confront her past and return home. Little did she know that in doing so, she would stumble upon new evidence related to the Pacific Lake Serial Killer case. Could it be possible that she wrongfully accused her own father? If that's the case, then who is the true perpetrator?
I was certain that I had the story completely figured out, but the author's unexpected twist left me pleasantly surprised and wanting more. This novel is a must-read for anyone in search of an engaging mystery with an unpredictable plot twist. Highly recommend!
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Smith, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Nine years ago, July Weaver's younger sister fell victim to the Pacific Lake Serial Killer. Shockingly, their own father emerged as the primary suspect, and it was July's testimony that ultimately sealed his fate, sending him to prison. Unable to bear the weight of residing in the same town any longer, July fled to Nashville, seeking solace and a chance to start fresh. For nearly a decade, she successfully avoided looking back. Until a distressing call informed her that one of her brothers had attempted suicide. This news compelled July to confront her past and return home. Little did she know that in doing so, she would stumble upon new evidence related to the Pacific Lake Serial Killer case. Could it be possible that she wrongfully accused her own father? If that's the case, then who is the true perpetrator?
I was certain that I had the story completely figured out, but the author's unexpected twist left me pleasantly surprised and wanting more. This novel is a must-read for anyone in search of an engaging mystery with an unpredictable plot twist. Highly recommend!
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Smith, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
October 19, 2023
What a debut!!! First the narrator matched the main character perfectly!! With tone, annotations, inflection of voice and mannerisms!! Excellent narration!
Second I rate my stars on how much the book had me thinking about it, wishing I was reading/listening and by how much I really don’t want it to end or how much I feel I will think about the book once it’s over. I absolutely loved the realness of the Weaver family, their brokenness, dysfunction, sibling relationships, uniqueness and could relate to each of them in some way. Each character was so well written!! Story is told from oldest sister July and alternates between now and then timeline, now bring current and she goes back to Pacific Georgia her hometown to aid with some family crisis after getting out of there following her dads conviction of being a serial murderer and killing her younger sister. Before being when her sister was missing and leading up to the conviction. Don’t want to give any more away but I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Listen to it!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for my audio version in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!!
Second I rate my stars on how much the book had me thinking about it, wishing I was reading/listening and by how much I really don’t want it to end or how much I feel I will think about the book once it’s over. I absolutely loved the realness of the Weaver family, their brokenness, dysfunction, sibling relationships, uniqueness and could relate to each of them in some way. Each character was so well written!! Story is told from oldest sister July and alternates between now and then timeline, now bring current and she goes back to Pacific Georgia her hometown to aid with some family crisis after getting out of there following her dads conviction of being a serial murderer and killing her younger sister. Before being when her sister was missing and leading up to the conviction. Don’t want to give any more away but I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Listen to it!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for my audio version in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!!
June 13, 2023
My Rating: 3.5 rounded down to 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ - this is a worthy three stars definitely worth the read, gets the job done and entertaining!!!
The Weaver’s are a strange family all the children named after month’s of the year, a schizophrenic mother who rarely takes her medication, a father with pie in the sky ideas and a weird habit of disappearing, and a brood of children who are just trying to survive, take care of each other and themselves.
Nine years earlier, July Weaver’s 8 year old sister May, was taken from her bed and became known as the first victim of the Pacific Lake Killer. When other girls begin to disappear and are found dead in the small town in Georgia, everyone begins to look at each other with more suspicion none come under more scrutiny than the Weaver’s.
July’s testimony was the key factor in locking her father up as a serial killer and after sentencing she flees to build a new life with a new name as a country music songwriter in Nashville, taking just one of her siblings with her after striking a deal with her oldest brother August.
When her family are in trouble July reluctantly comes ‘home’ to a place she never wanted to return to, with traumatic memories - but things are never as they seem and July is left questioning everything she thought she knew about that time almost a decade before… does she really know what happened back then??
This kind of story is right up my alley, it has small town vibes, it has a really messed up family (so messed up) and it has a serial killer so really I am sold immediately. I would like to start off by saying that while this is not a 5 star review this book was solid. I really enjoyed it, however it was just not 5 star calibre. I do think the author has it in her though…and I would absolutely read another book by her so I look forward to more of her work… I think she nails the creepy family vibe.
For me where this worked was the writing, it is a little flowery but it isn’t so much so you know the exact colour palette of a butterfly… but she uses words to paint a really nice picture which is just what you need. The lake is basically a character all on its own… it is ominous and a sense of both joy and dread which I really liked.
The story is told from July’s POV but in the Then and Now… which I always really like especially when we are only getting one POV the timeline switch is a sure fire way to get me to read just one more chapter so I can go back or forward depending on the cliff you left me hanging off. The author did a great job of building suspense and I was teetering on the edge quite a few times.
I think the characters were well written and thought out and the dynamics of the family depicted the pariah status of them in town, the ups and downs in the household and also how they so viciously banded together when they needed to… and didn’t.
I can see you thinking… hmmm Karly why the 3.5 that all sounds great… well it was great and while I did guess the ending - I wasn’t sure how it was going to be executed but that wasn’t why I rated it down.
I wanted MORE. More creepy vibes, more ominous small town grimy feels and I think while most of the characters were well developed there was some missing information about the father (I mean he was the serial killer right??) and also some of the actions of the characters are a bit WTF when you get to the twist it felt a bit rushed.
Another down side for me was that this was quite repetitive I understand why the author kept rehashing things but it did go into a bit of - ok I’ve read that enough now - territory but it didn’t ruin it.
I read another review that said this is quite dark… I disagree - well to a point it is dark… but (if you see the books I read) for me it wasn’t Dark Thriller. I do believe it belongs in the thriller / domestic suspense genre though.
Overall: would I recommend - definitely this one will suit people of all tastes. If you are a hardcore thriller fan who loves gore… it might be a mid range rating for you but still enjoyable and if you are a light touch thriller fan this one might be a 5 star. So yeah I reckon get into it… give it a go and I hope you like it.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley and Emily Smith for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
The Weaver’s are a strange family all the children named after month’s of the year, a schizophrenic mother who rarely takes her medication, a father with pie in the sky ideas and a weird habit of disappearing, and a brood of children who are just trying to survive, take care of each other and themselves.
Nine years earlier, July Weaver’s 8 year old sister May, was taken from her bed and became known as the first victim of the Pacific Lake Killer. When other girls begin to disappear and are found dead in the small town in Georgia, everyone begins to look at each other with more suspicion none come under more scrutiny than the Weaver’s.
July’s testimony was the key factor in locking her father up as a serial killer and after sentencing she flees to build a new life with a new name as a country music songwriter in Nashville, taking just one of her siblings with her after striking a deal with her oldest brother August.
When her family are in trouble July reluctantly comes ‘home’ to a place she never wanted to return to, with traumatic memories - but things are never as they seem and July is left questioning everything she thought she knew about that time almost a decade before… does she really know what happened back then??
This kind of story is right up my alley, it has small town vibes, it has a really messed up family (so messed up) and it has a serial killer so really I am sold immediately. I would like to start off by saying that while this is not a 5 star review this book was solid. I really enjoyed it, however it was just not 5 star calibre. I do think the author has it in her though…and I would absolutely read another book by her so I look forward to more of her work… I think she nails the creepy family vibe.
For me where this worked was the writing, it is a little flowery but it isn’t so much so you know the exact colour palette of a butterfly… but she uses words to paint a really nice picture which is just what you need. The lake is basically a character all on its own… it is ominous and a sense of both joy and dread which I really liked.
The story is told from July’s POV but in the Then and Now… which I always really like especially when we are only getting one POV the timeline switch is a sure fire way to get me to read just one more chapter so I can go back or forward depending on the cliff you left me hanging off. The author did a great job of building suspense and I was teetering on the edge quite a few times.
I think the characters were well written and thought out and the dynamics of the family depicted the pariah status of them in town, the ups and downs in the household and also how they so viciously banded together when they needed to… and didn’t.
I can see you thinking… hmmm Karly why the 3.5 that all sounds great… well it was great and while I did guess the ending - I wasn’t sure how it was going to be executed but that wasn’t why I rated it down.
I wanted MORE. More creepy vibes, more ominous small town grimy feels and I think while most of the characters were well developed there was some missing information about the father (I mean he was the serial killer right??) and also some of the actions of the characters are a bit WTF when you get to the twist it felt a bit rushed.
Another down side for me was that this was quite repetitive I understand why the author kept rehashing things but it did go into a bit of - ok I’ve read that enough now - territory but it didn’t ruin it.
I read another review that said this is quite dark… I disagree - well to a point it is dark… but (if you see the books I read) for me it wasn’t Dark Thriller. I do believe it belongs in the thriller / domestic suspense genre though.
Overall: would I recommend - definitely this one will suit people of all tastes. If you are a hardcore thriller fan who loves gore… it might be a mid range rating for you but still enjoyable and if you are a light touch thriller fan this one might be a 5 star. So yeah I reckon get into it… give it a go and I hope you like it.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley and Emily Smith for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
October 6, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narration done by Andi Arndt fit perfectly with the main character of the story! She is very versatile and it makes for an easy listening experience. The story is about a woman named July who comes home after being gone for a long time and has to deal with her severely destructive family. It was an interesting plot and I really liked all the flashbacks to when she was younger and all the emotion that goes into keeping a family of that size together without a lot of parental support. I really liked that i couldn’t predict the ending and there were multiple twists I never saw coming! I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers.
The narration done by Andi Arndt fit perfectly with the main character of the story! She is very versatile and it makes for an easy listening experience. The story is about a woman named July who comes home after being gone for a long time and has to deal with her severely destructive family. It was an interesting plot and I really liked all the flashbacks to when she was younger and all the emotion that goes into keeping a family of that size together without a lot of parental support. I really liked that i couldn’t predict the ending and there were multiple twists I never saw coming! I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers.
April 21, 2024
I finished this in less than 24 hours. Although I guessed the twist early on, I still enjoyed the book! If this is the author's debut, I'm excited to see their future works.
May 18, 2023
Such a great read! I couldn’t put it down once I started. This would be a fantastic TV or Streaming series (y’all screenwriters out there take note).
I don’t want to spoil it, but if you are looking for a book that has murder, mystery, a damaged family and slight gothic undertones-this is for you!
I don’t want to spoil it, but if you are looking for a book that has murder, mystery, a damaged family and slight gothic undertones-this is for you!
October 10, 2023
This was probably one of my favorite mystery/thrillers I have read in a while. I wish there had been a bit more police involvement, I do love a good police procedural. Would have been nice to learn more about the hunt for the killer and maybe a bit more about the victims. However, I knew who the killer was very early on by his reactions towards July. Family thrillers always make me sad, though, because it's usually more than one family member that ends up dead/gone, which leaves everyone else in shambles.
June 26, 2023
I loved this small town mystery starring a very unique family and cannot wait for Emily Smith's next novel!
July Weaver has returned home to assist her family as her younger brother is in the hospital, he mother is battling mental illness and the remaining siblings need help. 9 years ago, her youngest sister was murdered along with several other related killings and her father was incarcerated for the crimes. July did not ever want to come back to the small town but now she has. no choice. She is faced right away with the townspeople she wants to avoid, but more than one person says something that makes her question the narrative of her family.... What happened back then? Why would her father become a serial killer.
This is a super interesting book and I loved meeting the family.
#CrookedLaneBooks #YouAlwaysComeBack #EmilySmith
July Weaver has returned home to assist her family as her younger brother is in the hospital, he mother is battling mental illness and the remaining siblings need help. 9 years ago, her youngest sister was murdered along with several other related killings and her father was incarcerated for the crimes. July did not ever want to come back to the small town but now she has. no choice. She is faced right away with the townspeople she wants to avoid, but more than one person says something that makes her question the narrative of her family.... What happened back then? Why would her father become a serial killer.
This is a super interesting book and I loved meeting the family.
#CrookedLaneBooks #YouAlwaysComeBack #EmilySmith
June 1, 2023
Tremendous effort from Smith about a dysfunctional family whose father went to prison ten years ago as the Pacific Lake Killer. When long lost siblings return to town to help another in trouble, daughter July begins to suspect that dad may not have been guilty after all. What could have been a run of the mill, been there done that story turns out to be a superbly written, highly engrossing study of a family with lots of issues that can't escape the ties that bind. The mystery of the killer's identity is wrapped up nicely, and while not a big surprise, it's nevertheless a satisfying ending to the saga that unfolds slowly but surely. Solid characterizations make this one a cut above the rest of the. I honestly wasn't expecting a whole lot here but was pleasantly surprised. First time reading Smith but it won't be my last. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2023
This was gooood! I don’t want to give too much away but I recommend this one if you like some messy family dynamics and a good mystery.
SPOILERS BELOW:
SPOILERS BELOW:
April 15, 2024
You Always Come Back was a pulse pounding suspense mystery book for me. I'm actually surprised that this is the author's debut. I found the plot very compelling, each chapter did a great job of reeling me in with just enough suspense & intrigue to keep me turning those pages. Reading about the quirky & dysfunctional Weaver family was a unique experience for me. Everyone in the family has rough edges & are bound by a common tragedy that saw death take their youngest very early. The plot was riveting & I found myself quite enthralled with whole greenhouse conservatory theme it had going. Needless to say I loved July Weaver despite her eccentricity. The characters too were quirky and strong. Everything about this book appealed to me, but that ending was just something else! If you're looking for slow intrigue, thrills, chills & lots of dysfunctional family drama then this a book for you.
Thank you Netgalley, Emily Smith & Crooked Lane Books for the arc!
Thank you Netgalley, Emily Smith & Crooked Lane Books for the arc!
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October 8, 2023I got this audio from NetGalley and had very high hopes I’d enjoy it. If I’m at 30% in a book and I have NO IDEA what is going on, I just have to move on. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I’m definitely in the minority here since others loved it and gave it high ratings. Maybe it’s just not my “cup of tea”? Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release.
October 7, 2023
This was such a great psychological thriller! I loved the dual timelines which told the story of solving the murder of one of the youngest siblings as well as other women in the small town 9 years ago and how the main character, July, was not so sure it was solved correctly today. It was interesting to see how all the siblings were effected from the fallout of the murder, and I honestly would have loved if the author went into more detail with this! I feel like we got a good description of July, but I would have loved to know more about the other siblings too. This thriller kept me guessing and on my toes though, and I truly enjoyed it! Perfect read for this spooky season!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 10, 2023
This book was recommended to me by a friend. July’s sister, May, was killed many years ago. She had a twin April. Their father was put in prison for the murder of May and two other girls in the town. July fled their town and went to Nashville. Now she’s back because her younger brother Deck got high and tried to jump off a bridge. While she spends time with her family in her hometown, she starts to question whether she was correct that her father was responsible for those murders many years back. As she learns new information, she has a new suspect in mind. Who really is the killer?
My friend raved about this book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much. I’m struggling with thrillers lately because I feel like they’ve become boring and too predictable. The prologue made me yawn. The first part of the book felt like there was no plot (mind you, I didn’t read the description of the book).
This book dragged on and on. There was so much unnecessary description. I was bored reading this book. There wasn’t any action until close to the end. The author also tried to pull the bait and switch. Make the reader look one way so that we are tricked. A lot of authors do this. But this author tried SO hard to make us look that way that it was so obvious that it wasn’t going to turn out that way.
My friend raved about this book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much. I’m struggling with thrillers lately because I feel like they’ve become boring and too predictable. The prologue made me yawn. The first part of the book felt like there was no plot (mind you, I didn’t read the description of the book).
This book dragged on and on. There was so much unnecessary description. I was bored reading this book. There wasn’t any action until close to the end. The author also tried to pull the bait and switch. Make the reader look one way so that we are tricked. A lot of authors do this. But this author tried SO hard to make us look that way that it was so obvious that it wasn’t going to turn out that way.
September 21, 2023
DNF at 25%
This book is probably “fine” and a 3-star read. I, personally, can’t read this story again. It’s too reminiscent of other books I’ve read. I’m exhausted listening to “southern talk” and cardboard southern characters and plots. I also can’t do another Glass Castle. PLUS and most importantly I’m not getting the book that was promised to me in the description. It’s all family drama and little else (so far).
Note: The glass castle memoir was outstanding ! However, but I don’t need to read another fictitious story about a gaggle off troubled siblings raised in dysfunction because one parent has mental health issues and the other parent is an enabler. The parents, or well the father, his whole character is in conflict with himself if you know even a tiny bit about mental health.
The story flashes between now and the past which seems to drag the story out unnecessarily as well. It’s much more of a domestic drama than a thriller or crime book. At 25% I’m still waiting to start the investigation or the crime(s). So far all that has happened is a lot of boring childhood memories and July returning home because her brother tried to die by suicide while off his meds and all the siblings can’t stop arguing or being cliche.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC ARC
This book is probably “fine” and a 3-star read. I, personally, can’t read this story again. It’s too reminiscent of other books I’ve read. I’m exhausted listening to “southern talk” and cardboard southern characters and plots. I also can’t do another Glass Castle. PLUS and most importantly I’m not getting the book that was promised to me in the description. It’s all family drama and little else (so far).
Note: The glass castle memoir was outstanding ! However, but I don’t need to read another fictitious story about a gaggle off troubled siblings raised in dysfunction because one parent has mental health issues and the other parent is an enabler. The parents, or well the father, his whole character is in conflict with himself if you know even a tiny bit about mental health.
The story flashes between now and the past which seems to drag the story out unnecessarily as well. It’s much more of a domestic drama than a thriller or crime book. At 25% I’m still waiting to start the investigation or the crime(s). So far all that has happened is a lot of boring childhood memories and July returning home because her brother tried to die by suicide while off his meds and all the siblings can’t stop arguing or being cliche.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC ARC
March 6, 2024
✨Spoiler free review✨
Title- You always come back by @emilysmithwrites
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nine years ago, July Weaver’s little sister was of the first victim of the Pacific Lake Killer, a serial killer in Georgia. When other girls began to disappear and were found dead, it was July’s testimony that put her own father into prison for the crimes. After the sentencing, she fled to Nashville to focus on her music career and to try to forget the horrible past. But when her brother tries to kill himself, July is forced to come back home and reunite with her four remaining siblings.
What she isn’t expecting is to uncover new evidence that makes her question everything that happened to her sister nine years ago. Is it possible that July blamed the wrong person? Is it possible that the Pacific Lake Killer is still out there?
This was a fast read and had me hooked from the beginning. I really liked the writing style and really liked the main character July. I loved the sibling dynamic in this book too. I did not guess the killer at all and was shocked honesty. I felt everything in this book tied together very well.
Very well done @emilysmithwrites 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I hope to read more by you in the future.
Besties if this isn’t on your tbr, you better add it👏🏽✨
Title- You always come back by @emilysmithwrites
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nine years ago, July Weaver’s little sister was of the first victim of the Pacific Lake Killer, a serial killer in Georgia. When other girls began to disappear and were found dead, it was July’s testimony that put her own father into prison for the crimes. After the sentencing, she fled to Nashville to focus on her music career and to try to forget the horrible past. But when her brother tries to kill himself, July is forced to come back home and reunite with her four remaining siblings.
What she isn’t expecting is to uncover new evidence that makes her question everything that happened to her sister nine years ago. Is it possible that July blamed the wrong person? Is it possible that the Pacific Lake Killer is still out there?
This was a fast read and had me hooked from the beginning. I really liked the writing style and really liked the main character July. I loved the sibling dynamic in this book too. I did not guess the killer at all and was shocked honesty. I felt everything in this book tied together very well.
Very well done @emilysmithwrites 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I hope to read more by you in the future.
Besties if this isn’t on your tbr, you better add it👏🏽✨
June 15, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
2.5 stars
Meh.
The lead up to the action was long and boring. The surprise twist was predictable from fairly early on. The writing could have used a lighter touch - everything felt long and heavy and so deliberate.
I feel like I've read this book before and You Always Come Back didn't do anything unique or exciting to differentiate itself from the pack.
2.5 stars
Meh.
The lead up to the action was long and boring. The surprise twist was predictable from fairly early on. The writing could have used a lighter touch - everything felt long and heavy and so deliberate.
I feel like I've read this book before and You Always Come Back didn't do anything unique or exciting to differentiate itself from the pack.
June 30, 2025
3.75 stars
If you're in the mood for a captivating serial killer mystery, look no further. This was a dual timeline thriller that drew me in from the start.
July is a successful country song writer living in Nashville. She left her small-town home a decade ago after her sister May was murdered, along with other local teens, by her father, whom she helped put in prison. She has refused to set foot back in the home where she grew up, and her older brother Auggie remains, taking care of her schizophrenic mother and 17 year old sister April. When her troubled younger brother Dec attempts to kill himself, she and her other brother Mark are forced to return home to help Auggie. However, once home, July starts to realize that the pieces she buried long ago don't add up when another woman goes missing and she wonders if her dad really was the killer?
There are a dime a dozen of these types of books now, but this one stood out for me. The writing was strong from the start. It gripped me from page one and didn't let go. The characters came to life, so I felt like I knew all of the cast intimately. The audio narrator was also a perfect fit for July.
My only sore spot was that July's dialogue sometimes felt over the top rude and dramatic. She was written and performed like she was a diva with no insight into how spoiled and rude she sounded with other people. Since the story was told through her perspective in both timelines (at 17 years old and current day), this impacted my enjoyment and ability to connect with her.
However, the mystery as a whole was well developed with much suspense and a clever twist at the end.
Thank you, #NetGalley, for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
If you're in the mood for a captivating serial killer mystery, look no further. This was a dual timeline thriller that drew me in from the start.
July is a successful country song writer living in Nashville. She left her small-town home a decade ago after her sister May was murdered, along with other local teens, by her father, whom she helped put in prison. She has refused to set foot back in the home where she grew up, and her older brother Auggie remains, taking care of her schizophrenic mother and 17 year old sister April. When her troubled younger brother Dec attempts to kill himself, she and her other brother Mark are forced to return home to help Auggie. However, once home, July starts to realize that the pieces she buried long ago don't add up when another woman goes missing and she wonders if her dad really was the killer?
There are a dime a dozen of these types of books now, but this one stood out for me. The writing was strong from the start. It gripped me from page one and didn't let go. The characters came to life, so I felt like I knew all of the cast intimately. The audio narrator was also a perfect fit for July.
My only sore spot was that July's dialogue sometimes felt over the top rude and dramatic. She was written and performed like she was a diva with no insight into how spoiled and rude she sounded with other people. Since the story was told through her perspective in both timelines (at 17 years old and current day), this impacted my enjoyment and ability to connect with her.
However, the mystery as a whole was well developed with much suspense and a clever twist at the end.
Thank you, #NetGalley, for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
4/5 stars! This was my first read by Emily Smith. I really enjoyed this thriller. It was heavy on the twists and at times was a little unbelievable, but I didn't guess the twist until a couple of pages before the reveal, so it was a successful story. The entire Weaver clan was unlikeable as heck haha. But Deck was my favorite. I found myself able to get through this in one day and would definitely pick up more books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2023
I loved this audiobook. The narrator’s voice made the story come alive. The story kept me guessing until the very end. It’s a heartbreaking story of a family whose daughter went missing and the father was the prime suspect. The family is not the picture perfect family but their dysfunctional traits make them a family.
August 31, 2024
What an amazing debut!!!! This book had me hooked from page one and I needed to know the killer. Emily Smith is such a phenomenal storyteller and you will want to keep turning the pages until the very end. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
January 5, 2024
A very messed up dysfunctional murder mystery! I had to dig deep to find sympathy for the characters. Although the characters were unlikable, I gradually warmed up to them and was invested in the story.
August 30, 2023
First I want to say thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC and allowing me to read this book. From the summary I knew that I was going to enjoy this book! The opening chapter describing July's earliest memory with her father paints a beautiful picture. From then on I was sucked in! I loved the characters and how all the siblings were named for the month that they were born in. I enjoyed the then and now perspective as it really helped to paint the picture. If you want a suspenseful mystery then this is the book for you. Once I started it I just couldn't put it down! I look forward to reading more from Emily Smith.
October 6, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and crooked lane books for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Such family drama, so many horrible things happening to this family. And the ending, I didn't expect that twist. This book was a real slow burner but even if I don't usually enjoy slow paced. Books, the ending made me like the book.
Such family drama, so many horrible things happening to this family. And the ending, I didn't expect that twist. This book was a real slow burner but even if I don't usually enjoy slow paced. Books, the ending made me like the book.
August 16, 2023
This book definitely had me intrigued from the summary; serial killers and small towns, sign me up. I was so pleasantly surprised with how much I ended up loving it! I was hooked from the start and found myself reading chunks in one sitting. I so did not want to put it down and found myself needing to know how it was all going to end. I really enjoyed the Then and Now timelines and seeing everything all connect together. If you like a dysfunctional family element then look no further because this is definitely one family with a crap ton of skeletons in all their closets. Also a fun little quirk that I loved was all the siblings being named after the months they were born in and then the nicknames they used. I did end up guessing who the killer was but it was such a rollercoaster to find out!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves serial killers, small towns, and dysfunctional families.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves serial killers, small towns, and dysfunctional families.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC!
June 2, 2023
The Pacific Lake Killer was convicted almost a decade ago based on the testimony of July Weaver, who happened to be his daughter. Not only that, but her younger sister was one of his victims. Now she’s coming back to town for the first time since she left because one of her brothers tried to kill himself. She had pledged to watch over him when she left so she feels responsible. Otherwise, she would never choose to return. Once she’s back, it’s just as she imagined – a small town that hasn’t gotten over her father’s incarceration, the same stares and glares she always received. And the same dysfunctional family dynamic between her and her siblings. They had to raise each other, as their father was always working, and their mother was in the throes of schizophrenia.
The situation isn’t any better now as adults and she desperately wants to leave almost as soon as she returns. She agrees to stay through the summer until her brother’s wedding and the longer she is home the more she questions what happened all those years ago. Would her father truly have hurt his own daughter and the other young women that were murdered? If it wasn’t him, would she be able to handle knowing she had him wrongfully convicted? And who else could have committed these horrific crimes? Worst of all, is he coming for her now?
Some parts of the story are a little too cutesy for me, like the children being named after the month they were born. The set of twins put a wrench in that, but April and May are still at least common names. March becoming Mark and December becoming Deck (why include the letter k though? Marc and Dec would be fine) works I guess, but what if subsequent children were all born in the same month? What would you call November or February? I don’t know, it just bothered me. And Mark was way too antagonistic for absolutely no reason. I kept waiting for some tidbit to be revealed about his loathing for July but it never came.
Same with the tree that the house was built around and which then broke through the roof, visible above as it keeps growing. Another touch that tried too hard at showing how weird and quirky their family was. July wasn’t likable to me, either, in an “I’m a badass but I also care deeply below it all’ kind of way. I guess I just didn’t click with the writing style. The ending wasn’t a surprise either, but it was still satisfying. To me, it was less of a mystery/thriller and more of a drama with a focus on family relationships. If that’s what you’re looking for, this story is perfect. I was just hoping for more.
The situation isn’t any better now as adults and she desperately wants to leave almost as soon as she returns. She agrees to stay through the summer until her brother’s wedding and the longer she is home the more she questions what happened all those years ago. Would her father truly have hurt his own daughter and the other young women that were murdered? If it wasn’t him, would she be able to handle knowing she had him wrongfully convicted? And who else could have committed these horrific crimes? Worst of all, is he coming for her now?
Some parts of the story are a little too cutesy for me, like the children being named after the month they were born. The set of twins put a wrench in that, but April and May are still at least common names. March becoming Mark and December becoming Deck (why include the letter k though? Marc and Dec would be fine) works I guess, but what if subsequent children were all born in the same month? What would you call November or February? I don’t know, it just bothered me. And Mark was way too antagonistic for absolutely no reason. I kept waiting for some tidbit to be revealed about his loathing for July but it never came.
Same with the tree that the house was built around and which then broke through the roof, visible above as it keeps growing. Another touch that tried too hard at showing how weird and quirky their family was. July wasn’t likable to me, either, in an “I’m a badass but I also care deeply below it all’ kind of way. I guess I just didn’t click with the writing style. The ending wasn’t a surprise either, but it was still satisfying. To me, it was less of a mystery/thriller and more of a drama with a focus on family relationships. If that’s what you’re looking for, this story is perfect. I was just hoping for more.
July 5, 2023
I like characters with secrets. I’m impressed if a character I’ve come to know closely surprises me late in a novel. I’m really impressed when each member of an entire family does that. It’s a mastery that Emily Smith shows in You Always Come Back.
July Weaver is one of the crazy Weavers. Growing up as one of six children to a delusional father and schizophrenic mother, she’s always been an outsider. But when she discovers that her father is the murderer of local girls, starting with her own sister, July has to get away from her nightmare of a family.
Years later, she’s drawn home to them. Now there’s a new problem. Her father remains in prison, but girls are still disappearing.
Always explosive, July struggles to get past the damage she’s made. Moments from her past that she’s tried to forget become vital clues. Chapters alternate between the summer of the original murders and the present. By the end, when everything came together, I didn’t want to put it down.
Don’t let the cover put you off. On the inside, this book has everything going for it. Five stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance read.
July Weaver is one of the crazy Weavers. Growing up as one of six children to a delusional father and schizophrenic mother, she’s always been an outsider. But when she discovers that her father is the murderer of local girls, starting with her own sister, July has to get away from her nightmare of a family.
Years later, she’s drawn home to them. Now there’s a new problem. Her father remains in prison, but girls are still disappearing.
Always explosive, July struggles to get past the damage she’s made. Moments from her past that she’s tried to forget become vital clues. Chapters alternate between the summer of the original murders and the present. By the end, when everything came together, I didn’t want to put it down.
Don’t let the cover put you off. On the inside, this book has everything going for it. Five stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance read.
November 15, 2023
Nine years ago, July's sister was the first victim of the Pacific Lake Killer. With other victims disappearing and found dead, it was her testimony that put her father in prison for the crimes. She fled to Nashville and pursued her music career to try and forget the past. Then her brother attempts to kill himself and she is forced to go back to her hometown and reunite with her siblings. She doesn't expect to uncover new evidence that makes her question everything that happened nine years ago.
You Always Come Back had me addicted and kept me wanting more. The ending was so good! I can't believe this was a debut, Emily Smith knocked it out of the park for me. A small town, a dysfunctional family, and a twist I didn't see coming... sign me up! I don't want to give anything away but just go with your gut... not everything is quite as it seems. If this is on your TBR, don't wait any longer, pick it up and read it now. If this is the first time you're hearing of it, do yourself the favor and add it to your never ending TBR.
Thank you so much Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy and the chance to read and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
You Always Come Back had me addicted and kept me wanting more. The ending was so good! I can't believe this was a debut, Emily Smith knocked it out of the park for me. A small town, a dysfunctional family, and a twist I didn't see coming... sign me up! I don't want to give anything away but just go with your gut... not everything is quite as it seems. If this is on your TBR, don't wait any longer, pick it up and read it now. If this is the first time you're hearing of it, do yourself the favor and add it to your never ending TBR.
Thank you so much Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy and the chance to read and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
September 29, 2023
You Always Come Back is another Southern based story where the family is dysfunctional. The mother is "not all there" and the kids raise each other. The story is very slow to get going. The author goes back and forth between the present and the past while telling the tragic story of the family. Of course, the siblings do not get along either. There are lots of family secrets in the story and that keeps it going.
This was a decent story however it felt the same as many stories read before.
The narrator was a dream. I enjoyed her ability to draw you in. She was able to make each character sound different.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of You Always Come Back.
This was a decent story however it felt the same as many stories read before.
The narrator was a dream. I enjoyed her ability to draw you in. She was able to make each character sound different.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of You Always Come Back.
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