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If You See Me
When Leighton Marx is taken at a festival in front of her loved ones, police are quick to label it a random trafficking incident, but Leighton’s husband, Owen, and her ex-best-friend, Marnie, suspect there's more to the story.
After Marnie meets Sarah, who saw something at the festival that doesn't add up, she starts looking for Leighton herself—only to uncover secrets and inconsistencies surrounding her disappearance that grow deeper and more complicated by the minute.
As Marnie continues to search, she receives threats by two parties with conflicting agendas, and she must decide whether she should risk it all to find her friend, or if she thinks it'd be better for everyone if Leighton stays gone after she learns the whole, twisted truth.
IF YOU SEE ME is an edge-of-your-seat story full of unexpected turns where you can truly trust no one.
“An insidious thriller filled with scandal, drama, and oh so many twists! As we flip back and forth between past and present, McElyea gives us little glimpses of the truly terrifying world she’s created. A world where no one is safe and no one can be trusted. What starts out as a simmering plot filled with unease and questions soon boils over with a twist that will make your jaw drop! Perfectly cunning and intense, IF YOU SEE ME is one you’ll want to read!”
-Kiersten Modglin, million-copy bestselling author of The Arrangement
“IF YOU SEE ME hooked me from the first chapter, and the twists never stop. Told in the past and the present, with each chapter adding a new layer, it will keep you reading deep into the night.”
-Samantha Downing, internationally bestselling author of My Lovely Wife
“IF YOU SEE ME is an unsettling thriller with an ominous warning: don’t trust anyone, even those closest to you. Through her characters’ complicated, tangled relationships in which everyone’s keeping secrets, Audra McElyea drops bombshell after bombshell, creating a bingeable story filled with twisted behavior.”
-Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot and Thicker Than Water
After Marnie meets Sarah, who saw something at the festival that doesn't add up, she starts looking for Leighton herself—only to uncover secrets and inconsistencies surrounding her disappearance that grow deeper and more complicated by the minute.
As Marnie continues to search, she receives threats by two parties with conflicting agendas, and she must decide whether she should risk it all to find her friend, or if she thinks it'd be better for everyone if Leighton stays gone after she learns the whole, twisted truth.
IF YOU SEE ME is an edge-of-your-seat story full of unexpected turns where you can truly trust no one.
“An insidious thriller filled with scandal, drama, and oh so many twists! As we flip back and forth between past and present, McElyea gives us little glimpses of the truly terrifying world she’s created. A world where no one is safe and no one can be trusted. What starts out as a simmering plot filled with unease and questions soon boils over with a twist that will make your jaw drop! Perfectly cunning and intense, IF YOU SEE ME is one you’ll want to read!”
-Kiersten Modglin, million-copy bestselling author of The Arrangement
“IF YOU SEE ME hooked me from the first chapter, and the twists never stop. Told in the past and the present, with each chapter adding a new layer, it will keep you reading deep into the night.”
-Samantha Downing, internationally bestselling author of My Lovely Wife
“IF YOU SEE ME is an unsettling thriller with an ominous warning: don’t trust anyone, even those closest to you. Through her characters’ complicated, tangled relationships in which everyone’s keeping secrets, Audra McElyea drops bombshell after bombshell, creating a bingeable story filled with twisted behavior.”
-Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot and Thicker Than Water
285 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
29 people are currently reading
1417 people want to read
About the author
Audra McElyea
5 books212 followersAs a three-time recipient of the BEST THRILLER
AWARD via Indies Today, Audra McElyea crafts
psychological thrillers that do more
than deliver spine‑chilling plot twists—
they challenge what it means to be "good”.
A former corporate buyer, magazine writer,
majorette captain, and personal trainer,
Audra draws on a tapestry of life
experiences to fuel stories that resemble
modern-day Hitchcock at its most cerebral
and unsettling.
Her novels feature layered characters,
fractured relationships, and moral
ambiguities that linger long after the final
page.
Audra lives in Tennessee with her husband,
two boys, and their dog, and when
she’s not turning twisted ideas into
page‑turners, you’ll find her reading,
exercising, or belting out Taylor Swift lyrics.
AWARD via Indies Today, Audra McElyea crafts
psychological thrillers that do more
than deliver spine‑chilling plot twists—
they challenge what it means to be "good”.
A former corporate buyer, magazine writer,
majorette captain, and personal trainer,
Audra draws on a tapestry of life
experiences to fuel stories that resemble
modern-day Hitchcock at its most cerebral
and unsettling.
Her novels feature layered characters,
fractured relationships, and moral
ambiguities that linger long after the final
page.
Audra lives in Tennessee with her husband,
two boys, and their dog, and when
she’s not turning twisted ideas into
page‑turners, you’ll find her reading,
exercising, or belting out Taylor Swift lyrics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 29, 2023
Marnie Harrison has been friends with Leighton Marx ever since high school. And while their friendship hasn’t always been exactly easy, they’ve been in each other’s lives through thick and thin. Which is why, when Leighton is abducted from the Tennessee River Festival right before Marnie’s eyes, she’s absolutely beside herself. Accompanied by Leighton’s husband, Owen, she just wants to learn what has become of her best friend.
Not long after Leighton has vanished, the police come to the conclusion that she must have been caught up in a trafficking ring. For Marnie and Owen, however, the not knowing just doesn’t fly. This feeling is compounded when Marnie randomly meets Sarah at a baby shower. A friend of a friend, she swears she saw something that day at the festival that simply didn’t make sense. But just as she starts talking, Sarah shuts down, leaving Marnie questioning everything she thought she knew about that horrible day.
Determined to find the friend that she’s lost, Marnie starts digging into that last day she saw Leighton. The more she unearths, however, the more stories shift, revealing secrets and lies. Worse still, someone out there doesn’t want Marnie searching—and they’ll do almost anything to get her to stop. So when threatening messages escalate to sinister acts, she must look deep within herself and decide whether Leighton being gone is really the worst thing that could happen. Is Marnie willing to put everyone and everything she holds dear on the line? Or does she quietly accept the standing explanation and get on with her life? After all, the truth might be more than she can handle.
Oh. My. God. From the thoroughly epic twists to the groundbreaking drama, If You See Me had me under a spell. Think I’m exaggerating? Trust me, I’m not. After all, I found myself reading until three in the morning because I just had to know. Who was truly behind the dastardly crime? And what was to become of all involved? There was simply no way I was going to put it all together before the last stunning reveal.
For that reason, the twists were easily the biggest home run from this near perfect novel. Shifting the plot first one way and then back again, I not only didn’t have a clue who to trust, but the constantly morphing storyline kept my armchair sleuthing to a minimum. And while I often enjoy working out the who’s, the what’s, and the why’s ahead of time, it was bliss just being taken on this twisty, twisty rollercoaster ride.
Next up were the characters in my list of top-notch puzzle pieces to this thrilling tale of suspense. While somewhat over-the-top, they did fit in nicely to a plot that required a definite suspension of disbelief, but only in the best possible way. At the same time, the constantly flip-flopping timeline allowed for well-written backstories and deep character growth—both of which sold the ultimate direction of this dynamite plot.
As for the details of the storyline, the multiple POVs, alternating timelines, and on-point ever escalating pacing meant for a tale that I quite literally lost myself in. Starting off with a simmering level of tension, as secrets imploded and threats were laid bare the suspense and unease really took hold. Even more astounding, just when I thought it was all over, the floor fell out beneath me with precisely one more staggering twist.
All said and done, I couldn’t have been more impressed with this downright brilliant novel by Audra McElyea. With villains, innocents, and quite a few who were in between, this popcorn thriller was both a quick, easy read and one ball buster of an adrenaline boost. Take it from me, If You See Me needs to be on your TBR pile. The only remaining question is: are you on team Marnie or Leighton? Because you can’t be on both. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Audra McElyea, Counterplay Press, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 5, 2023
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: stalking, kidnapping, miscarriage, eating disorder, blackmail, infidelity, arson, depression, mention of: death of parents, attempted suicide
*Note about TW: None of the above were particularly graphic, so unless you’re particularly affected by one of them, I wouldn’t hesitate to read this book.
Not long after Leighton has vanished, the police come to the conclusion that she must have been caught up in a trafficking ring. For Marnie and Owen, however, the not knowing just doesn’t fly. This feeling is compounded when Marnie randomly meets Sarah at a baby shower. A friend of a friend, she swears she saw something that day at the festival that simply didn’t make sense. But just as she starts talking, Sarah shuts down, leaving Marnie questioning everything she thought she knew about that horrible day.
Determined to find the friend that she’s lost, Marnie starts digging into that last day she saw Leighton. The more she unearths, however, the more stories shift, revealing secrets and lies. Worse still, someone out there doesn’t want Marnie searching—and they’ll do almost anything to get her to stop. So when threatening messages escalate to sinister acts, she must look deep within herself and decide whether Leighton being gone is really the worst thing that could happen. Is Marnie willing to put everyone and everything she holds dear on the line? Or does she quietly accept the standing explanation and get on with her life? After all, the truth might be more than she can handle.
Oh. My. God. From the thoroughly epic twists to the groundbreaking drama, If You See Me had me under a spell. Think I’m exaggerating? Trust me, I’m not. After all, I found myself reading until three in the morning because I just had to know. Who was truly behind the dastardly crime? And what was to become of all involved? There was simply no way I was going to put it all together before the last stunning reveal.
For that reason, the twists were easily the biggest home run from this near perfect novel. Shifting the plot first one way and then back again, I not only didn’t have a clue who to trust, but the constantly morphing storyline kept my armchair sleuthing to a minimum. And while I often enjoy working out the who’s, the what’s, and the why’s ahead of time, it was bliss just being taken on this twisty, twisty rollercoaster ride.
Next up were the characters in my list of top-notch puzzle pieces to this thrilling tale of suspense. While somewhat over-the-top, they did fit in nicely to a plot that required a definite suspension of disbelief, but only in the best possible way. At the same time, the constantly flip-flopping timeline allowed for well-written backstories and deep character growth—both of which sold the ultimate direction of this dynamite plot.
As for the details of the storyline, the multiple POVs, alternating timelines, and on-point ever escalating pacing meant for a tale that I quite literally lost myself in. Starting off with a simmering level of tension, as secrets imploded and threats were laid bare the suspense and unease really took hold. Even more astounding, just when I thought it was all over, the floor fell out beneath me with precisely one more staggering twist.
All said and done, I couldn’t have been more impressed with this downright brilliant novel by Audra McElyea. With villains, innocents, and quite a few who were in between, this popcorn thriller was both a quick, easy read and one ball buster of an adrenaline boost. Take it from me, If You See Me needs to be on your TBR pile. The only remaining question is: are you on team Marnie or Leighton? Because you can’t be on both. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Audra McElyea, Counterplay Press, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 5, 2023
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: stalking, kidnapping, miscarriage, eating disorder, blackmail, infidelity, arson, depression, mention of: death of parents, attempted suicide
*Note about TW: None of the above were particularly graphic, so unless you’re particularly affected by one of them, I wouldn’t hesitate to read this book.
December 17, 2023
WOW… this book was absolutely fantastic!!
Guys… I am not kidding… this needs to be on your list!! This is a new to me author and she blew me away!! Why??? Listen to this… 😉
Well hello creepy stalker.. watching her every move…😬😳 She’s planning to go to the festival… and so are you… 🤫it’s great how she leaves the blinds open… so you know exactly what she will be wearing… when you .. take her.. 😳… Holy hell this was just in the first chapter!!
Okay It has been awhile since I have been so blindsided!! This twisted little thriller packs a punch! It’s one of those sneaky ones that you think 🤔 you know where it’s going.. but you don’t. 😂 Trust me.. you really don’t! 🤷♀️ Some things I learned…
CLOSE THE BLINDS 😬😳😳
Avoid all festivals 🤷♀️
Don’t wear a red swimsuit 🩱 Well there was no red emoji 😂🤫
Girl code … seriously👱♀️Just saying…
I am not kidding when I say this is probably one of biggest and best surprises this year!! 👏👏I LOVED this book!!!
Guys… I am not kidding… this needs to be on your list!! This is a new to me author and she blew me away!! Why??? Listen to this… 😉
Well hello creepy stalker.. watching her every move…😬😳 She’s planning to go to the festival… and so are you… 🤫it’s great how she leaves the blinds open… so you know exactly what she will be wearing… when you .. take her.. 😳… Holy hell this was just in the first chapter!!
Okay It has been awhile since I have been so blindsided!! This twisted little thriller packs a punch! It’s one of those sneaky ones that you think 🤔 you know where it’s going.. but you don’t. 😂 Trust me.. you really don’t! 🤷♀️ Some things I learned…
CLOSE THE BLINDS 😬😳😳
Avoid all festivals 🤷♀️
Don’t wear a red swimsuit 🩱 Well there was no red emoji 😂🤫
Girl code … seriously👱♀️Just saying…
I am not kidding when I say this is probably one of biggest and best surprises this year!! 👏👏I LOVED this book!!!
Read
June 18, 2023An insidious thriller filled with scandal, drama, and oh so many twists! As we flip back and forth between past and present, McElyea gives us little glimpses of the truly terrifying world she’s created. A world where no one is safe and no one can be trusted. What starts out as a simmering plot filled with unease and questions soon boils over with a twist that will make your jaw drop! Perfectly cunning and intense, IF YOU SEE ME is one you’ll want to read!
November 20, 2023
Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions for sending me a copy of this one!
Leighton Marx was taken from a festival and police suspect she has been put into a human trafficking ring. Her bestie (Marnie) and husband feel like there is more to the story and are determined to find out what happened. Marnie meets Sarah who thinks she may have saw something at the festival and she goes into a deep dive trying to figure out exactly what happened. They ALL have secrets. Marnie, Leighton, Sarah, and the husband. What is really going on here?
The author did a fantastic job describing the setting and characters that I was able to visualize the events happening in the story. I loved the multiple points of view! There were a few twists I saw coming, and a few I didn’t! The twist at the end was one I hadn’t thought of at all! This was an easy read that I finished in a couple of days. It would be perfect for fans of thrillers like Gone Girl!
Leighton Marx was taken from a festival and police suspect she has been put into a human trafficking ring. Her bestie (Marnie) and husband feel like there is more to the story and are determined to find out what happened. Marnie meets Sarah who thinks she may have saw something at the festival and she goes into a deep dive trying to figure out exactly what happened. They ALL have secrets. Marnie, Leighton, Sarah, and the husband. What is really going on here?
The author did a fantastic job describing the setting and characters that I was able to visualize the events happening in the story. I loved the multiple points of view! There were a few twists I saw coming, and a few I didn’t! The twist at the end was one I hadn’t thought of at all! This was an easy read that I finished in a couple of days. It would be perfect for fans of thrillers like Gone Girl!
February 7, 2024
Loved this book - what a fun and deviously plotted book. Although I guessed some of the twists the book was still a pleasant read.
I loved the new life Lay created for herself - the small town, the hotel, and her job there. Loved how everything tied back to that first chapter. You must read the first chapter over again once you’re finished this book.
Def will be reading more from this author. Her writing reminded me of Britney King’s - who is my all time fav author for psychological domestic thrillers. Can’t wait to see future books from this author!
Oh almost forgot: this book has many LOL moments. Love reading suspense books that have some humor in them.
I loved the new life Lay created for herself - the small town, the hotel, and her job there. Loved how everything tied back to that first chapter. You must read the first chapter over again once you’re finished this book.
Def will be reading more from this author. Her writing reminded me of Britney King’s - who is my all time fav author for psychological domestic thrillers. Can’t wait to see future books from this author!
Oh almost forgot: this book has many LOL moments. Love reading suspense books that have some humor in them.
December 1, 2023
Drama, drama, drama. With a side of crime, lies & deception. I was hooked from the very first page. This was such a fun, bingeable read and I was there for the complicated female friendship and all the expected and unexpected twists and turns.
Leighton, her husband Owen and her ex-best friend Marnie share a colorful history. When Leighton disappears under strange circumstances at a local festival all of them are attending, it is Marnie who is determined to find out what really happened to her. There are parties intent on ensuring that Marnie does not continue digging.
If you enjoy unlikable characters, multiple POVs, dramatic but extremely entertaining twists and turns, this one is definitely for you. The pacing was absolutely great, it gave me that warm & fuzzy "just one more chapter" feeling and it definitely cost me at least a few hours of sleep. But it was absolutely worth it! I also highly recommend this one as a buddy read or a book club read, as it'll give you lots of material for a discussion. Audra McElya's writing style was my cup of tea and I am certainly going to be grabbing whatever she decides to write next.
A huge thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and the author for gifting me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Leighton, her husband Owen and her ex-best friend Marnie share a colorful history. When Leighton disappears under strange circumstances at a local festival all of them are attending, it is Marnie who is determined to find out what really happened to her. There are parties intent on ensuring that Marnie does not continue digging.
If you enjoy unlikable characters, multiple POVs, dramatic but extremely entertaining twists and turns, this one is definitely for you. The pacing was absolutely great, it gave me that warm & fuzzy "just one more chapter" feeling and it definitely cost me at least a few hours of sleep. But it was absolutely worth it! I also highly recommend this one as a buddy read or a book club read, as it'll give you lots of material for a discussion. Audra McElya's writing style was my cup of tea and I am certainly going to be grabbing whatever she decides to write next.
A huge thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and the author for gifting me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 5, 2024
A MUST-READ if you LOVE THRILLERS!!
Oh. My. Stars. This tale is absolutely brilliant! The moment I delved into it, I was captivated and dashed through the pages as if in a wild race.
Right from the start, it's a whirlwind of excitement. A plethora of secrets, deceptions, and treacheries - goodness gracious! The narrative builds up to a spectacular crescendo, and just as it reaches its peak, it unleashes a torrent of astonishing twists! Every time I believed I had unraveled all the surprises, 💥 BOOM 💥 another unexpected turn blindsides me, leaving me in awe of how it all ties together. Astounding!
I'm eagerly anticipating her next literary masterpiece!
Oh. My. Stars. This tale is absolutely brilliant! The moment I delved into it, I was captivated and dashed through the pages as if in a wild race.
Right from the start, it's a whirlwind of excitement. A plethora of secrets, deceptions, and treacheries - goodness gracious! The narrative builds up to a spectacular crescendo, and just as it reaches its peak, it unleashes a torrent of astonishing twists! Every time I believed I had unraveled all the surprises, 💥 BOOM 💥 another unexpected turn blindsides me, leaving me in awe of how it all ties together. Astounding!
I'm eagerly anticipating her next literary masterpiece!
December 14, 2023
Y’all really out here giving yet another nonsense “thriller” the time of day. I cannot stress enough how much first person POVs CANNOT Gone Girl themselves. And that last twist was fucking ridiculous.
January 10, 2024
Wow - what a page turner! I spent a couple late nights with this one, wanting to read just one more chapter. I was quickly drawn into the story of best friends, Leighton and Marnie after Leighton is abducted at a festival. I loved that like the author’s other book I’ve read (“One Little Word”), it was set in Knoxville with my hometown of Johnson City making a couple cameo appearances too! There were lots of twists and turns here with plenty of characters I loved to hate. A fast-paced page turner that doesn’t stop until the last page - 4.5 stars!
November 22, 2023
Two best friends and the one man they both fell in love with made this one so good and twisty.
Marnie and Leighton grew up as best friends. Marnie used to date Owen and knew she wanted a life with him, but wanted to grow more as individuals, and after a bad break-up, Leighton seized her opportunity. So much for the unspoken girl code….
Later in life Owen and Leighton are married but she maintains a relationship with Marnie, but there are things and conversations that are off limits. Somehow this works for them.
After a festival, Leighton is taken at a festival, and the police rule it as a random trafficking crime. Marnie starts to investigate and she must find out what happened to her friend. If she can find her, she can move on….If not, she might have the life she dreamed of with Owen. Is Marnie innocent or involved in Leighton's disappearance?
This novel was filled with drama, and so many unique twists, you were not sure who to root for. If you read this book are you team Marnie or team Leighton? Is Owen involved? Buckle up for a bumpy and fun ride until the end. I had a hint of what was happening but one major twist stumped me, and it did not take away from the absolute enjoyment of this ride.
Marnie and Leighton grew up as best friends. Marnie used to date Owen and knew she wanted a life with him, but wanted to grow more as individuals, and after a bad break-up, Leighton seized her opportunity. So much for the unspoken girl code….
Later in life Owen and Leighton are married but she maintains a relationship with Marnie, but there are things and conversations that are off limits. Somehow this works for them.
After a festival, Leighton is taken at a festival, and the police rule it as a random trafficking crime. Marnie starts to investigate and she must find out what happened to her friend. If she can find her, she can move on….If not, she might have the life she dreamed of with Owen. Is Marnie innocent or involved in Leighton's disappearance?
This novel was filled with drama, and so many unique twists, you were not sure who to root for. If you read this book are you team Marnie or team Leighton? Is Owen involved? Buckle up for a bumpy and fun ride until the end. I had a hint of what was happening but one major twist stumped me, and it did not take away from the absolute enjoyment of this ride.
November 20, 2023
🔥 best friends
🔥 scandals
🔥 drama
🔥 secrets
🔥 missing/kidnapped
This book has everything you’d want in a thriller! So many twists. I didn’t want to put it down. That ending was everything!!! Loved this book!
Thank you to the author and to Thriller Book Lovers for this early copy. All opinions are my own.
🔥 scandals
🔥 drama
🔥 secrets
🔥 missing/kidnapped
This book has everything you’d want in a thriller! So many twists. I didn’t want to put it down. That ending was everything!!! Loved this book!
Thank you to the author and to Thriller Book Lovers for this early copy. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2023
At the heart of this story, you'll find two best friends (Leighton and Marnie) trying to navigate a lifelong, tumultuous, and sometimes toxic friendship. Throw in a man they both love, and you're in for quite the thriller, especially when Leighton is abducted in the middle of the day at a summer festival. There are lots of twists and turns to keep you entertained with this story.
Read
November 16, 2023Whew, talk about a drama filled book. This one definitely took me on a ride from beginning to end. It was such a fast popcorn thriller read, which I love.
I had no idea who to trust, I couldn't trust anyone especially as the little crumbs were left all over and the secrets revealed. It kept me hooked on discovering the truth.
I had a few things figured out, but it didn't take away from the book. In my opinion there were some little loose ends that would have benefited being tied up tighter. The twists are also a little out there, just keep an open mind. The pacing will definitely keep you hooked and flipping those pages.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions & @audramcelya for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had no idea who to trust, I couldn't trust anyone especially as the little crumbs were left all over and the secrets revealed. It kept me hooked on discovering the truth.
I had a few things figured out, but it didn't take away from the book. In my opinion there were some little loose ends that would have benefited being tied up tighter. The twists are also a little out there, just keep an open mind. The pacing will definitely keep you hooked and flipping those pages.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions & @audramcelya for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2023
If this little thing called life didn't get in the way, I am fairly certain I would have inhaled this book in a single sitting. The short chapters, multiple narrators, and alternating timelines kept me flipping the pages so fast. And just when I thought I had things figured out, nope!
I love when books keep me guessing and If You See Me totally nailed it. I had no idea who I could trust, what was really going on, or how everything fit together. From an abduction, infidelity, frenemies, potential stalkers, human trafficking, and everything in between, I couldn't get enough of this one.
I did feel like there were a couple loose ends and the novel does require some suspension of belief, but I was totally here for it. This book has a healthy dose of crazy and I say that in the best possible way! It was perfectly paced, the characters were so deliciously flawed, and the writing was fantastic.
This was my first novel by McElyea and it absolutely will not be my last! I wholeheartedly recommend!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Counterplay Press for the copy.
I love when books keep me guessing and If You See Me totally nailed it. I had no idea who I could trust, what was really going on, or how everything fit together. From an abduction, infidelity, frenemies, potential stalkers, human trafficking, and everything in between, I couldn't get enough of this one.
I did feel like there were a couple loose ends and the novel does require some suspension of belief, but I was totally here for it. This book has a healthy dose of crazy and I say that in the best possible way! It was perfectly paced, the characters were so deliciously flawed, and the writing was fantastic.
This was my first novel by McElyea and it absolutely will not be my last! I wholeheartedly recommend!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Counterplay Press for the copy.
February 28, 2024
This is such a good book! I read it in less than a day. If you like mystery, you’d love it! I love how it gives everyone’s perspective and it goes back in time to tell more of the story! 10/10 recommend!
November 8, 2025
Lots of twists and turns which was fun. The characters are all horrible people though. Every time you kind of get to know them, McElyea shows the other side and you find out how conniving they are, but it did make it engaging. I had a hard time putting it down and ended up reading a lot of it on my phone which is my least favorite platform.
January 14, 2024
Oh my, this one was crazy good! It was twisty, unexpected, fast paced, and so well done! It starts off with Leighton Marx being taken at a festival in front of her loved ones, and never stops as the police label it a random trafficking incident, but her husband and ex-best friend think otherwise. Told in several POV’s, this was excellent and I loved the different perspectives. The twists were WILD, I did not see them coming and the secrets that came out from the past were absolutely insane. I had been hearing wonderful things about this one, and can confirm you definitely need it on your list!!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the digital copy to review.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the digital copy to review.
January 9, 2024
Wow! Okay I got this book the other day and almost finished in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! Or was full of drama, secrets, lies, betrayals, and right up my alley. If you want a thriller read that will make you hold on tight for dear life for the next twist, you NEED to read this one. I love Audra’s writing style so much!
March 15, 2024
My oh my! What a chain of events! This book had me hooked from the beginning! There are lots of plot twists and surprises in this one. Honestly thrillers aren’t my thing but they might just become my thing after this one!
September 18, 2024
extra points for all the Lewisburg, WV references 💛
November 2, 2023
4.5⭐️s rounded up to 5
This book was so good and I really enjoyed it. It was filled with drama and suspense that had me turning pages to see what was going to happen next. This was my 1st book by Audra McElyea, and it definitely won't be my last.
During a town festival, Leighton Marx is taken right in front of her loved ones. Police suspect it's a random act that may involve human trafficking. But Owen, Leighton’s husband, and her best friend, Marnie, think that something else may be going on. Marnie decides to look into this on her own, questioning people who may have seen something, including Sarah, who she quickly befriends. As Marnie digs deeper and deeper, she starts to receive threats. Threats that could destroy her and her family. She needs to make a decision to leave things alone or risk everything to learn the truth about her best friend's disappearance. Which will she decide?
Told in alternating timelines and multiple POVs, this book was definitely entertaining. There are so many secrets, betrayals, and toxic relationships! The question is, who can you really trust? This fast-paced psychological thriller is truly unputdownable, and I would highly recommend it.
This book was so good and I really enjoyed it. It was filled with drama and suspense that had me turning pages to see what was going to happen next. This was my 1st book by Audra McElyea, and it definitely won't be my last.
During a town festival, Leighton Marx is taken right in front of her loved ones. Police suspect it's a random act that may involve human trafficking. But Owen, Leighton’s husband, and her best friend, Marnie, think that something else may be going on. Marnie decides to look into this on her own, questioning people who may have seen something, including Sarah, who she quickly befriends. As Marnie digs deeper and deeper, she starts to receive threats. Threats that could destroy her and her family. She needs to make a decision to leave things alone or risk everything to learn the truth about her best friend's disappearance. Which will she decide?
Told in alternating timelines and multiple POVs, this book was definitely entertaining. There are so many secrets, betrayals, and toxic relationships! The question is, who can you really trust? This fast-paced psychological thriller is truly unputdownable, and I would highly recommend it.
November 9, 2023
Two women, one man they both fell in love with and an abduction will have you questioning everything and everyone from start to finish. Told in alternate time lines and multiple POVs, If You See Me was filled with secrets, drama and so many twists it will leave your head spinning. Thoroughly entertaining and bingeable and worth checking out!
March 5, 2024
I liked this a lot. This was a fast paced quick read. The story developed well and although I had an idea about one mystery there were still twists I didn’t see coming at all. The chapters vary in who is narrating so the reader sees different perspectives. I’ve read books that do this and it gets confusing but this wasn’t like that. It was easy to follow even though you can’t know where it’s headed. I recommend this.
Spoilers:
Marnie and Leighton are best friends but have definitely had their issues. For instance, when Marnie and her long time boyfriend Owen, split up then Leighton and Owen got together and shortly later, married. They are trying to work through the awkwardness and still stay friends. Then, Marnie, Owen, and Owen’s parents witness Leighton be abducted at a festival. The police don’t seem to be getting anywhere and are hyper focused on Marnie and Owen because they have history (and currently have been having an affair but they manage to keep that quiet). When they find blood and Leighton’s clothes in an abandoned house, it is decided it was a trafficking kidnapping and she is declared dead. Marnie has been doing some investigating herself and what she finds is mind blowing!
Spoilers:
Marnie and Leighton are best friends but have definitely had their issues. For instance, when Marnie and her long time boyfriend Owen, split up then Leighton and Owen got together and shortly later, married. They are trying to work through the awkwardness and still stay friends. Then, Marnie, Owen, and Owen’s parents witness Leighton be abducted at a festival. The police don’t seem to be getting anywhere and are hyper focused on Marnie and Owen because they have history (and currently have been having an affair but they manage to keep that quiet). When they find blood and Leighton’s clothes in an abandoned house, it is decided it was a trafficking kidnapping and she is declared dead. Marnie has been doing some investigating herself and what she finds is mind blowing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 7, 2023Whew, this book is a wild ride – to call it twisty is an understatement! This one is non-stop action from the moment Leighton disappears at a festival right in front of her loved ones’ eyes. Leighton’s best friend Marnie is determined to find out what happened to Leighton, but the more she digs, the more she finds nothing is what it seems. You won’t know who to trust as you tear through the pages! The short chapters and propulsive, twist-upon-twist pacing make for one bingeable read!
Perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Drowning Woman, this one is for readers who love:
• Toxic Relationships
• Frenemies
• Short chapters
• Multiple POV
• Dual timeline
• Unreliable Narrators
Many thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and the author for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Drowning Woman, this one is for readers who love:
• Toxic Relationships
• Frenemies
• Short chapters
• Multiple POV
• Dual timeline
• Unreliable Narrators
Many thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and the author for providing me an advance copy of this book.
January 9, 2024
I'm a little on the fence about this one as to the rating. I was sucked in to this mystery with Lay and Marnie and I admit I really enjoyed it. Some things I worked out fairly earlier on, others like that last chapter I was left wondering, 'Where did that come from?' But it didn't make it a bad read that last revelation. It just proved Audra (Author) had one last things up her sleeve. It also made sense with all the tying of loose ends.
Fast moving, characters who are ALL FLAWED and hiding something. We have some stalking, abduction and a few other bits I won't say as that would give spoilers. Really it had all the ingredients of a good mystery that I'd enjoy. I guess my hesitation is that I didn't really care for Lay or Marnie. Both were so flawed really it was hard to like them.
I read 88% of this yesterday in one sitting, which should contest to how much I enjoyed it. Finished today and I'm left feeling content. I think I'll give this 4 stars, I did enjoy this and would recommend.
Fast moving, characters who are ALL FLAWED and hiding something. We have some stalking, abduction and a few other bits I won't say as that would give spoilers. Really it had all the ingredients of a good mystery that I'd enjoy. I guess my hesitation is that I didn't really care for Lay or Marnie. Both were so flawed really it was hard to like them.
I read 88% of this yesterday in one sitting, which should contest to how much I enjoyed it. Finished today and I'm left feeling content. I think I'll give this 4 stars, I did enjoy this and would recommend.
November 28, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
If you’re looking for a domestic thriller jam packed with twists and turns, this is it. This had it all - multiple POVs, dual timelines, unreliable narrators, and characters you love to hate. And nice short punchy chapters!!
There were times I had a good idea where this was going, and then there were other times I was just flummoxed! The pace was just right, the characters so devilishly flawed!! Just the right dose of cray cray 😜 That ending… 🫨 Rug pulled and thrown into the next room!!!
This was my first book by McElyea but I’ll definitely be looking up her debut novel One Little Word.
Thank you so much to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Audra McElyea, and Counterplay Press for the gifted e-arc.
If you’re looking for a domestic thriller jam packed with twists and turns, this is it. This had it all - multiple POVs, dual timelines, unreliable narrators, and characters you love to hate. And nice short punchy chapters!!
There were times I had a good idea where this was going, and then there were other times I was just flummoxed! The pace was just right, the characters so devilishly flawed!! Just the right dose of cray cray 😜 That ending… 🫨 Rug pulled and thrown into the next room!!!
This was my first book by McElyea but I’ll definitely be looking up her debut novel One Little Word.
Thank you so much to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Audra McElyea, and Counterplay Press for the gifted e-arc.
December 7, 2023
4.5 rounded up
December 22, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal! Twists and turns you never see coming. Cannot wait for another book by Audra McElyea!
December 24, 2023
Solid 3.5 Stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
When this local author reached out to me, I was so excited to read this book. I love any book that’s based in knoxville, so I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I read it in a day because it was a short, easy read!
The reason I knocked it a 1.5 stars is because I was getting a little confused with the characters and timeline. The story and plot was really good and I see why she did the storyline the way she did, but all of the back and forth between the timeline made me reread a bunch of parts to fully grasp the storyline. It is a really good thriller read though and will keep you on your toes!
When this local author reached out to me, I was so excited to read this book. I love any book that’s based in knoxville, so I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I read it in a day because it was a short, easy read!
The reason I knocked it a 1.5 stars is because I was getting a little confused with the characters and timeline. The story and plot was really good and I see why she did the storyline the way she did, but all of the back and forth between the timeline made me reread a bunch of parts to fully grasp the storyline. It is a really good thriller read though and will keep you on your toes!
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