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I Know She Was There
Be careful what you see when you shouldn’t be looking.
Residents of the posh Upstate New York neighborhood of Deer Crossing enjoy all the amenities wealth provides. From drive-up dog-grooming to monthly botox parties, these lucky suburbanites have everything they could ever want. And one thing they don’t. Stalker Caroline Case, who wheels her infant along their streets each night with just one goal...to spy on anyone too careless or too foolish to close their window blinds.
Convinced the owners of the impressive homes are living a dream existence, the troubled new mom hopes to escape her working-class life by prying secrets from the unsuspecting. But the fairy tale twists into a nightmare when she sees something she shouldn’t. Something that shatters her illusions about the people in the privileged community she’s obsessed with, even as she begins to doubt what she saw.
As Caroline investigates the event, shocking secrets are laid bare, and nothing is as it seems. She knows she must prove something sinister occurred in Deer Crossing or risk letting someone get away with murder.
For fans of The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn, The Breakdown by B. A. Paris, and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Residents of the posh Upstate New York neighborhood of Deer Crossing enjoy all the amenities wealth provides. From drive-up dog-grooming to monthly botox parties, these lucky suburbanites have everything they could ever want. And one thing they don’t. Stalker Caroline Case, who wheels her infant along their streets each night with just one goal...to spy on anyone too careless or too foolish to close their window blinds.
Convinced the owners of the impressive homes are living a dream existence, the troubled new mom hopes to escape her working-class life by prying secrets from the unsuspecting. But the fairy tale twists into a nightmare when she sees something she shouldn’t. Something that shatters her illusions about the people in the privileged community she’s obsessed with, even as she begins to doubt what she saw.
As Caroline investigates the event, shocking secrets are laid bare, and nothing is as it seems. She knows she must prove something sinister occurred in Deer Crossing or risk letting someone get away with murder.
For fans of The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn, The Breakdown by B. A. Paris, and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published November 12, 2024
20 people are currently reading
5825 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Sadera
4 books107 followersThis author also writes as Jennifer McGill-Sadera
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 3, 2024
✰ 4 stars ✰
“If I was remotely wise about human nature then, I’d have realized it was the constant pressure of love and longing that ensnared us.
The weight of expectation—outwardly expressed or even hidden in our minds...
How we wandered through life bruised and broken. Waiting for the wounds to heal, even as we cherished them.”
The true talent of a writer is one that convinces me to believe that whatever the protagonist is going through - no matter how messed up or unclear it may be to follow through on - that they are speaking the truth. That we should not have any reason to doubt the validity of their actions. I know what I saw. How often have we said those words, firmly insistent that what we saw was true - what do we do to make others believe that we are telling the truth and that our eyes aren't deceiving us? 😔 That our minds aren't playing tricks on us? If I am able to feel that believably and convincingly so - it will leave me with a lot of thoughts, feelings and well, thoughts. Thoughts that leave me stunned or speechless or surprised and just marvel at thinking what did I miss or now what's going to happen or how is it going to make sense or will it be able to be explained. If it can tie together in a way that leaves me satisfied - I'll look back on a book fondly - not for the story, but the memory of how it felt reading it. 🌟
“Two things about Pine Hill Road were becoming clear: something happened in that house, and every day I discovered new ways in which I was connected to it.
There was no way I could stay away.”
And I had a really good time, so much so that it surprised me at how caught up I became in it. 🤜🏻🤛🏻 I hesitated at first to read it, but once I began strolling down Deer Crossing with Caroline - watching her as she witnessed and silently judged her neighbors for their deceitful marital cheating acts and woefully mourn the loss of her own husband and planning opportune ways to win him back. 'Why didn’t anybody stay together anymore? And why were the partings so callous?' Caroline's narrative was compelling; she did not waver or make me feel lost in her train of thought. Good or bad vibes, I was there with her; I believed her and sympathized for her - even when she scorned her neighbor' antics, she still resolutely stood her ground when they accused her of spying on them - fiercely firing back at them that she has every right to be here. (I did laugh at that). But, when she witnesses a horrific crime at 21 Pine Hill Road, it takes her on a whirlwind spiral of even more shattering revelations that will have her doubt her own sanity of whether her life is real or a lie. 😥
She is not without her own issues, though; there is a lot of heavy baggage that she carries around - from her marriage to her childhood to her memories of her mother who's just passed away to the loss of her father at a young age to the challenges of postpartum and . 'Was I losing my mind? Things in my world were clearly spinning out of control.' The author paints a picture of a woman not quite in her thirties, one who can't bear the thought that her marriage is over - that, at least for the sake of their daughter, her husband, Tim, will come back to her - so that they can be a family. 🥺 Spending time with Emmy is her treasure - their nightly strolls through a neighborhood of households and families that supposedly live in the idyllic perfect life that she only ever wanted for herself, is her escape from a sinking reality of loneliness.The writing compelled me to continued- as if I was the one accompanying her on her nightly ritual strolls with Emmy, watching alongside her as she scorns and laments her neighbors' questionable actions of falling into a deceitful web of lies and cheating and wondering what on earth is in the water to have these women act in such unlawful marital behavior? 🙃 She had pluck and grit and determination and it made me curious to see how she would fare when things did take a turn for the worse. Each reveal hinted that something else was lying underneath the surface - that by even discussing it, will spoil what really happens. 🫢
“Being alone is the hardest part of life, isn’t it?”
It was about midway when things started to fall apart and come to light that the author broke me; I was just --- no, stop, take a step back, that can't be right. I Know She Was There - Caroline saw what she saw!!! But, the author did - and she did it well. I have not read the three books mentioned in the blurb; maybe that was to my advantage. 😅 I love the feeling of being caught off guard - that oh moment that leaves me staring at my screen, thinking how could I have missed that? 😦 That was the writing skill that I really applaud. 👏🏻👏🏻 I may not have read enough thrillers and maybe others won't like it as much, but I was riveted! The writing had such a unique balance of morbid twisted humor and still this deeply personal protective streak to it that shrouded the mystery with a humane touch to it. Everything was a surprise - everything was then explained - everything then led me to not give up on Caroline. Abandoned and friendless - 'how had everything managed to spiral out of control?' - I wanted to know what she would find out - what clues would she discover that would prove her innocence further. 🙂↔️ I was in its clutches completely; the ability to see if the author would explain everything in a way that would make sense is now what I had to prepare myself for. The supporting cast, too, was an amusing mix of likeable and detestable, if not questionable characters; but they all played their part perfectly. You did not know who to trust and you did not know who was the friend or the enemy - and neither did Caroline.
For in the end, this is a psychological suspense novel; one that examines the human psyche and what it does to cover up the guilt or the shame - the lies and the pain - the trauma and the sorrow - in order to cope with our existence. It takes a sharp look at what it means to live a life that hides away from the crimes committed, and how we choose to do in the face of vindicating oneself of them - be it the right way or the wrong path. 'She was chained by guilt—a prison she locked herself into each and every day.' I liked how Jennifer Sadera made Caroline see the light - see the truth for what it was - and stand up for herself and for what was right; even if she was in the wrong - in more ways than one. 🙂↕️🙂↕️ One may argue that it was perhaps too predictable, heck maybe those three books are a give-away of what to expect. But, it wasn't for me; maybe my old age is catching up to me, but this debut really left a strong impression on me. 👍🏻👍🏻 I love when writing falls into place; I love when the hints scattered throughout actually serve a purpose. I may have raised a few eyebrows at times at some of Caroline's tactics and temperaments - honestly, this part still haunts me - 'my fingers itched to reach through the phone and gouge her eyes', but I was able to sympathize with her even further for it. And somehow, I was always on her side; despite her antics and breakdowns and meltdown, I was with her. She has endured a lot throughout her life; the truth, itself, is a shocking revelation that at the bittersweet ending, you can't help but admire the growth she exhibits in the face of owning up to it. 🙏🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“If I was remotely wise about human nature then, I’d have realized it was the constant pressure of love and longing that ensnared us.
The weight of expectation—outwardly expressed or even hidden in our minds...
How we wandered through life bruised and broken. Waiting for the wounds to heal, even as we cherished them.”
The true talent of a writer is one that convinces me to believe that whatever the protagonist is going through - no matter how messed up or unclear it may be to follow through on - that they are speaking the truth. That we should not have any reason to doubt the validity of their actions. I know what I saw. How often have we said those words, firmly insistent that what we saw was true - what do we do to make others believe that we are telling the truth and that our eyes aren't deceiving us? 😔 That our minds aren't playing tricks on us? If I am able to feel that believably and convincingly so - it will leave me with a lot of thoughts, feelings and well, thoughts. Thoughts that leave me stunned or speechless or surprised and just marvel at thinking what did I miss or now what's going to happen or how is it going to make sense or will it be able to be explained. If it can tie together in a way that leaves me satisfied - I'll look back on a book fondly - not for the story, but the memory of how it felt reading it. 🌟
“Two things about Pine Hill Road were becoming clear: something happened in that house, and every day I discovered new ways in which I was connected to it.
There was no way I could stay away.”
And I had a really good time, so much so that it surprised me at how caught up I became in it. 🤜🏻🤛🏻 I hesitated at first to read it, but once I began strolling down Deer Crossing with Caroline - watching her as she witnessed and silently judged her neighbors for their deceitful marital cheating acts and woefully mourn the loss of her own husband and planning opportune ways to win him back. 'Why didn’t anybody stay together anymore? And why were the partings so callous?' Caroline's narrative was compelling; she did not waver or make me feel lost in her train of thought. Good or bad vibes, I was there with her; I believed her and sympathized for her - even when she scorned her neighbor' antics, she still resolutely stood her ground when they accused her of spying on them - fiercely firing back at them that she has every right to be here. (I did laugh at that). But, when she witnesses a horrific crime at 21 Pine Hill Road, it takes her on a whirlwind spiral of even more shattering revelations that will have her doubt her own sanity of whether her life is real or a lie. 😥
She is not without her own issues, though; there is a lot of heavy baggage that she carries around - from her marriage to her childhood to her memories of her mother who's just passed away to the loss of her father at a young age to the challenges of postpartum and . 'Was I losing my mind? Things in my world were clearly spinning out of control.' The author paints a picture of a woman not quite in her thirties, one who can't bear the thought that her marriage is over - that, at least for the sake of their daughter, her husband, Tim, will come back to her - so that they can be a family. 🥺 Spending time with Emmy is her treasure - their nightly strolls through a neighborhood of households and families that supposedly live in the idyllic perfect life that she only ever wanted for herself, is her escape from a sinking reality of loneliness.The writing compelled me to continued- as if I was the one accompanying her on her nightly ritual strolls with Emmy, watching alongside her as she scorns and laments her neighbors' questionable actions of falling into a deceitful web of lies and cheating and wondering what on earth is in the water to have these women act in such unlawful marital behavior? 🙃 She had pluck and grit and determination and it made me curious to see how she would fare when things did take a turn for the worse. Each reveal hinted that something else was lying underneath the surface - that by even discussing it, will spoil what really happens. 🫢
“Being alone is the hardest part of life, isn’t it?”
It was about midway when things started to fall apart and come to light that the author broke me; I was just --- no, stop, take a step back, that can't be right. I Know She Was There - Caroline saw what she saw!!! But, the author did - and she did it well. I have not read the three books mentioned in the blurb; maybe that was to my advantage. 😅 I love the feeling of being caught off guard - that oh moment that leaves me staring at my screen, thinking how could I have missed that? 😦 That was the writing skill that I really applaud. 👏🏻👏🏻 I may not have read enough thrillers and maybe others won't like it as much, but I was riveted! The writing had such a unique balance of morbid twisted humor and still this deeply personal protective streak to it that shrouded the mystery with a humane touch to it. Everything was a surprise - everything was then explained - everything then led me to not give up on Caroline. Abandoned and friendless - 'how had everything managed to spiral out of control?' - I wanted to know what she would find out - what clues would she discover that would prove her innocence further. 🙂↔️ I was in its clutches completely; the ability to see if the author would explain everything in a way that would make sense is now what I had to prepare myself for. The supporting cast, too, was an amusing mix of likeable and detestable, if not questionable characters; but they all played their part perfectly. You did not know who to trust and you did not know who was the friend or the enemy - and neither did Caroline.
For in the end, this is a psychological suspense novel; one that examines the human psyche and what it does to cover up the guilt or the shame - the lies and the pain - the trauma and the sorrow - in order to cope with our existence. It takes a sharp look at what it means to live a life that hides away from the crimes committed, and how we choose to do in the face of vindicating oneself of them - be it the right way or the wrong path. 'She was chained by guilt—a prison she locked herself into each and every day.' I liked how Jennifer Sadera made Caroline see the light - see the truth for what it was - and stand up for herself and for what was right; even if she was in the wrong - in more ways than one. 🙂↕️🙂↕️ One may argue that it was perhaps too predictable, heck maybe those three books are a give-away of what to expect. But, it wasn't for me; maybe my old age is catching up to me, but this debut really left a strong impression on me. 👍🏻👍🏻 I love when writing falls into place; I love when the hints scattered throughout actually serve a purpose. I may have raised a few eyebrows at times at some of Caroline's tactics and temperaments - honestly, this part still haunts me - 'my fingers itched to reach through the phone and gouge her eyes', but I was able to sympathize with her even further for it. And somehow, I was always on her side; despite her antics and breakdowns and meltdown, I was with her. She has endured a lot throughout her life; the truth, itself, is a shocking revelation that at the bittersweet ending, you can't help but admire the growth she exhibits in the face of owning up to it. 🙏🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2024
This is a domestic thriller with unexpected twists and turns. It is told in two parts. The first part is a little slow, but it's worth reading it to get to part two. Part two is fast-paced and unpredictable. The action ramped up toward the shocking conclusion. Thank you BookSirens for my copy.
September 4, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had a real hard time reading this book. For the most part it was pretty boring. There were 2 Parts to this book, and in my opinion Part 1 really could have been eliminated.
Were there surprises in this book? There certainly was, but as usual, all happening in the end.
Mary was my favorite character, even if she drank a little too much.
This book proves that just because you live in a McMansion neighborhood, all is good.
My review challenge question for this book is:
Is this the best book you’ve read on this topic?
Well, absolutely no, I’ve certainly read a lot better thrillers. But … for a character to be mentally insane, this is one of the better ones.
I had a real hard time reading this book. For the most part it was pretty boring. There were 2 Parts to this book, and in my opinion Part 1 really could have been eliminated.
Were there surprises in this book? There certainly was, but as usual, all happening in the end.
Mary was my favorite character, even if she drank a little too much.
This book proves that just because you live in a McMansion neighborhood, all is good.
My review challenge question for this book is:
Is this the best book you’ve read on this topic?
Well, absolutely no, I’ve certainly read a lot better thrillers. But … for a character to be mentally insane, this is one of the better ones.
September 8, 2024
My 1st arc read and loved it! Such a good book with lots of twists and turns. It definitely is a page turner waiting to see what happens next. Just when think you have figured out who did what you find out you're wrong lol. Bravo to the author. I look forward to reading others by this author.
October 31, 2024
This was my 1st book by this author, but I look forward to reading more.
Caroline Case pushes her baby in a stroller while walking through the affluent neighborhood of Deer Crossing. She wishes this was the neighborhood she lived in. But her soon to be ex-husband was too cheap to buy one there. She likes to walk at night tending to her colicky baby and spying on the residents. One night, she sees something that she wasn't supposed to. Was it just a hallucination, or was there a woman really being stabbed? As she starts to investigate, dark secrets start to unravel. Her past with mental health issues also seems to be getting in the way. Can she figure out what really happened that night without putting herself in danger?
This book was good. It was entertaining and kept me engaged even though the beginning was slow. However, it really picked up in the 2nd half. There were so many lies and so much betrayal. The twists in this book are definitely jaw-dropping, and I didn't see them coming. I actually felt bad for Caroline. She had no family and no real friends. And her past was absolutely devastating. If you're looking for a thrilling, suspenseful read, I would recommend checking this one out.
Caroline Case pushes her baby in a stroller while walking through the affluent neighborhood of Deer Crossing. She wishes this was the neighborhood she lived in. But her soon to be ex-husband was too cheap to buy one there. She likes to walk at night tending to her colicky baby and spying on the residents. One night, she sees something that she wasn't supposed to. Was it just a hallucination, or was there a woman really being stabbed? As she starts to investigate, dark secrets start to unravel. Her past with mental health issues also seems to be getting in the way. Can she figure out what really happened that night without putting herself in danger?
This book was good. It was entertaining and kept me engaged even though the beginning was slow. However, it really picked up in the 2nd half. There were so many lies and so much betrayal. The twists in this book are definitely jaw-dropping, and I didn't see them coming. I actually felt bad for Caroline. She had no family and no real friends. And her past was absolutely devastating. If you're looking for a thrilling, suspenseful read, I would recommend checking this one out.
November 4, 2024
Caroline Chase walks the streets with her colicky baby, poking her nose where it doesn’t belong. If you don’t want her looking in your windows, then close your blinds. I had a hunch about something and I was correct, but there was so much more going on than I ever guessed.
Jennifer Sadera has a hit with her debut novel, I Know She Was There. She weaves a complex mystery around an even more complex main character, Caroline Chase.
Her husband, Tim…well, he turned out to be worse than I anticipated.
I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera has everything I love in a psychological thriller. We have some bad guys, some good guys, and a damsel in distress. Jennifer kept the suspense rising as the pace picked up. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know. By the time I got to the end I never saw coming, I breathed a sigh of relief.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Jennifer Sadera has a hit with her debut novel, I Know She Was There. She weaves a complex mystery around an even more complex main character, Caroline Chase.
Her husband, Tim…well, he turned out to be worse than I anticipated.
I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera has everything I love in a psychological thriller. We have some bad guys, some good guys, and a damsel in distress. Jennifer kept the suspense rising as the pace picked up. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know. By the time I got to the end I never saw coming, I breathed a sigh of relief.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
October 31, 2024
Exhilaratingly mind-blowing.
I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera is a mesmerizing tale of mystery, murder, and mental illness. Every evening, a young mother walks the upscale Deer Crossing neighborhood pushing her daughter's baby carriage, but what started as post-partum exercise has morphed into an addiction to watching the lives of the residents unfold, baring their secrets and sins to her observant eyes.
Wow! What seems to start out as a tragic domestic drama soon became an exciting thriller where nothing is what it initially appears. The storytelling is clever and cunning, drawing me in from the start, and the pages almost turned themselves; I was so engrossed in following the twists and turns.The story unfolds via the troubled narrative of Caroline Case, the estranged wife of Tim and mother to Emmy. I immediately began to wonder what was really going on with this woman, as supposedly normal people clearly voiced their doubts about what she was reporting. Even the character herself starts to think maybe she is seeing things that aren't there. Twists and turns in the plot made me doubt every first impression for a good reason. It's one of the best books I've read this year.
I recommend I KNOW SHE WAS THERE to readers of thrillers, mysteries, and psychological suspense.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
October 29, 2024
MY THOUGHTS -
So, so, so good!
This one had me totally mystified at first. I had no idea what was going on and what was going to happen next, but I was totally into it. All I knew was that the main character, Caroline, had some serious problems! I wasn't even sure I liked her in the beginning.
My mind was all over the place guessing all kinds of things. Then, a mind blowing "a-ha" moment! About half way through the book it all started to come together and make sense. I also started to like Caroline. In fact, I ended up loving her! What a brave person she was! To endure all she had and still even be able to function let alone investigate what was going on, was amazing.
This book was a whirlwind of activity! The back half of this book definitely had a lot more going on than the front half. There were two parts to this story. The before the A-ha moment and the after the A-ha moment. The second half of the book, I was frantically reading faster and faster trying to put all the pieces together. Also, Caroline really shines in the second half. She turns into a fighter. I loved it! Go Caroline!
So... if you are confused and not sure at first - just wait! It is all totally worth it in the end!
Totally sold on this author. I just purchased her other book on Amazon - Flawless. Can't wait to read that one now!
I think this book will be in my top favorites of the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
So, so, so good!
This one had me totally mystified at first. I had no idea what was going on and what was going to happen next, but I was totally into it. All I knew was that the main character, Caroline, had some serious problems! I wasn't even sure I liked her in the beginning.
My mind was all over the place guessing all kinds of things. Then, a mind blowing "a-ha" moment! About half way through the book it all started to come together and make sense. I also started to like Caroline. In fact, I ended up loving her! What a brave person she was! To endure all she had and still even be able to function let alone investigate what was going on, was amazing.
This book was a whirlwind of activity! The back half of this book definitely had a lot more going on than the front half. There were two parts to this story. The before the A-ha moment and the after the A-ha moment. The second half of the book, I was frantically reading faster and faster trying to put all the pieces together. Also, Caroline really shines in the second half. She turns into a fighter. I loved it! Go Caroline!
So... if you are confused and not sure at first - just wait! It is all totally worth it in the end!
Totally sold on this author. I just purchased her other book on Amazon - Flawless. Can't wait to read that one now!
I think this book will be in my top favorites of the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
November 15, 2024
4.5 rounded up.
I love unhinged, unreliable narrators and obsession-driven thrillers, so I really enjoyed this. It starts off almost relatable—who hasn’t glanced into an open window at night? (😇)—and spirals from there. I admit it might not be for everyone, but if you like a complex portrayal of a mind in turmoil it could be a hit for you too.
Energy: Effusive. Evasive. Impassioned.
🐕 Howls The ending veers into a high-stakes, popcorn thriller style I didn’t love. The dark comedy moments and action went on a bit too long for my taste at the end, but if you like that style, it’s well done and keeps the tension high. The neighbourhood characters are referred to by both their nicknames (assigned by the MC earlier) and their real names (which we learn later) - by the end I had trouble keeping track.
🐩 Tail Wags A main character that is fascinatingly off-kilter, yet totally unaware of that fact. Mysterious vibes. Being deep in the character’s head while also picking up on other people’s reactions and that something is ‘off’ about her interpretation of events. Despite predicting one big plot twist early on, I still wanted to see how everything would play out. Heavy on the inner monologue but didn’t feel repetitive or corny.
Scene: 🇺🇸 Set in a New York suburb with a mix of high- and lower-end homes.
Perspective: Our main character is dealing with the loss of friendships after the breakdown of their marriage. They spy on their old friends using walks with their baby as an excuse if they get caught.
Timeline: Current (2010s or 2020s).☀️ August and September.
🔥 Fuel: Unreliable narrator. Is our MC seeing reality clearly, or has she lost all sense of it? Mysteries, hints, and puzzling reactions. Is someone in danger or is she misinterpreting events? Who to trust. Did our main character do something terrible? Are the people in her life there to help or harm?
📖 Cred: Suspended disbelief plausible-ish
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Baby carriage. Suburban night walks. Humidity. Sour sweat. Pond fountain. Streetlights. Un-curtained windows. Orange nail.
• Unreliable/unhinged character
• Suburban tea and secrets behind closed doors
• Was there a crime? Mystery
• Domestic suspense
• Losing track of time
• Dark comedy-ish popcorn mystery moments
• Psychological suburban suspense
• First person deep in their minds, watching and hearing the main character’s version of things
Content Heads-Up:
Stalking, voyeurism, obsession. Mental illness, psychosis, memory loss. Mentally ill parent (bipolar). Loss of parent (as child). Divorce, break up (one sided). Loss of a child. Postpartum depression. Toxic relationship (marriage). Drug use (prescription but misused; anti-anxiety, miscellaneous psychiatric medications). Infidelity. Nicotine (cigarettes). Alcohol (addiction; self-medicating). Car crash (brief mention off page). Dismissive authorities (police). Loss of spouse (very brief recall). Murder. Drowning. Forced institutionalization (attempt). Drugging (of child). Ableism (prejudice and persecution of mentally ill). Narcissism, gaslighting. False accusation. Body fluids. Kidnapping, confinement. Physical attack. Financial crime (embezzlement). Suicide (very brief recall; off page).
Rep: American. Cis. Hetero. Tawny, dark, dusky, pale, and ambiguous skin tones.
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from CamCat Books and BookSirens.
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
I love unhinged, unreliable narrators and obsession-driven thrillers, so I really enjoyed this. It starts off almost relatable—who hasn’t glanced into an open window at night? (😇)—and spirals from there. I admit it might not be for everyone, but if you like a complex portrayal of a mind in turmoil it could be a hit for you too.
Energy: Effusive. Evasive. Impassioned.
🐕 Howls The ending veers into a high-stakes, popcorn thriller style I didn’t love. The dark comedy moments and action went on a bit too long for my taste at the end, but if you like that style, it’s well done and keeps the tension high. The neighbourhood characters are referred to by both their nicknames (assigned by the MC earlier) and their real names (which we learn later) - by the end I had trouble keeping track.
🐩 Tail Wags A main character that is fascinatingly off-kilter, yet totally unaware of that fact. Mysterious vibes. Being deep in the character’s head while also picking up on other people’s reactions and that something is ‘off’ about her interpretation of events. Despite predicting one big plot twist early on, I still wanted to see how everything would play out. Heavy on the inner monologue but didn’t feel repetitive or corny.
Scene: 🇺🇸 Set in a New York suburb with a mix of high- and lower-end homes.
Perspective: Our main character is dealing with the loss of friendships after the breakdown of their marriage. They spy on their old friends using walks with their baby as an excuse if they get caught.
Timeline: Current (2010s or 2020s).☀️ August and September.
🔥 Fuel: Unreliable narrator. Is our MC seeing reality clearly, or has she lost all sense of it? Mysteries, hints, and puzzling reactions. Is someone in danger or is she misinterpreting events? Who to trust. Did our main character do something terrible? Are the people in her life there to help or harm?
📖 Cred: Suspended disbelief plausible-ish
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Baby carriage. Suburban night walks. Humidity. Sour sweat. Pond fountain. Streetlights. Un-curtained windows. Orange nail.
• Unreliable/unhinged character
• Suburban tea and secrets behind closed doors
• Was there a crime? Mystery
• Domestic suspense
• Losing track of time
• Dark comedy-ish popcorn mystery moments
• Psychological suburban suspense
• First person deep in their minds, watching and hearing the main character’s version of things
Content Heads-Up:
Stalking, voyeurism, obsession. Mental illness, psychosis, memory loss. Mentally ill parent (bipolar). Loss of parent (as child). Divorce, break up (one sided). Loss of a child. Postpartum depression. Toxic relationship (marriage). Drug use (prescription but misused; anti-anxiety, miscellaneous psychiatric medications). Infidelity. Nicotine (cigarettes). Alcohol (addiction; self-medicating). Car crash (brief mention off page). Dismissive authorities (police). Loss of spouse (very brief recall). Murder. Drowning. Forced institutionalization (attempt). Drugging (of child). Ableism (prejudice and persecution of mentally ill). Narcissism, gaslighting. False accusation. Body fluids. Kidnapping, confinement. Physical attack. Financial crime (embezzlement). Suicide (very brief recall; off page).
Rep: American. Cis. Hetero. Tawny, dark, dusky, pale, and ambiguous skin tones.
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from CamCat Books and BookSirens.
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December 6, 2024
I Know She Was There is a suburban psychological thriller with plenty of tension and surprises. The book has a slow-burn start and heats up with action-packed suspense in the second half. The story follows Caroline Chase, a recently separated woman who ventures on nighttime walks in a nearby upscale neighborhood to soothe her colicky baby and innocently spy on the residents. One night, she witnesses what appears to be a woman being murdered in a second-floor window. When she reports the incident to police and the investigation turns up nothing, her history of mental health issues is raised, and everyone assumes she’s hallucinated the whole event. But Caroline knows what she saw and starts to investigate on her own, which leads her down a very dangerous path.
The story is full of interesting, complex, and flawed characters. Caroline is a very multidimensional character. Her relationship with her separated husband Tim often makes her appear unhinged, as she desperately tries to hold on to a man who no longer wants her. Caroline is constantly suspicious of people’s actions and words, even those closest to her. Mary, Caroline’s eccentric and often intoxicated neighbor, brings a lot of dark humor to the story, and her actions are very questionable. As the story is told from Caroline’s unreliable and often unhinged perspective, there are a lot of twisted inner monologues in the narrative—fortunately, they’re not repetitive and instead bring more entertainment value. As Caroline's stress mounts with an impending divorce and the fear of losing her baby, her grip on reality begins to unravel, and she finds it difficult to trust anyone, including herself. Many of the neighborhood characters that Caroline’s been spying on have names and relations to her that she’s concocted or confused. It’s sometimes hard to keep track of it all, so it's a great idea to jot down all the names and all the character associations to keep everyone in check!
The story is broken up into two parts. Part one establishes the key characters and the investigation that Caroline is bent on solving. With some shocking revelations presented at the start of Part Two, it becomes obvious that nothing is as it seems in this unpredictable story. The second half features a lot of suspenseful plot points culminating in a high-stakes, shocking ending that will delight popcorn thriller lovers. Whether you like Caroline or not, her fearless attitude and her willingness to lose everything to unravel the truth are extremely admirable!
It should be noted that the story has quite a bit of content that may be triggering, including mental illness, psychosis, memory loss, divorce, postpartum depression, and prescription drug and alcohol abuse. None of this content overwhelms the story but instead is deliciously woven into the complex characterization and suspenseful storytelling. The dark comedy moments in the story are well written and add another layer to the story that many readers will appreciate—especially some of the conversations between Caroline and Mary!
Overall, this is a riveting and very unpredictable psychological thriller with an unconventional premise. Readers who enjoy stories with unreliable narrators, unhinged FMCs, puzzling plot points, and jaw-dropping twists will enjoy this book! Narrator Emily Ellet does a phenomenal job creating an atmospheric listening experience from beginning to end and brings the characters so vividly to life that you’ll find it difficult to stop listening. This book is a remarkable achievement by Sadera for a debut psychological thriller, and it will be exciting to see what she comes up with next!
The story is full of interesting, complex, and flawed characters. Caroline is a very multidimensional character. Her relationship with her separated husband Tim often makes her appear unhinged, as she desperately tries to hold on to a man who no longer wants her. Caroline is constantly suspicious of people’s actions and words, even those closest to her. Mary, Caroline’s eccentric and often intoxicated neighbor, brings a lot of dark humor to the story, and her actions are very questionable. As the story is told from Caroline’s unreliable and often unhinged perspective, there are a lot of twisted inner monologues in the narrative—fortunately, they’re not repetitive and instead bring more entertainment value. As Caroline's stress mounts with an impending divorce and the fear of losing her baby, her grip on reality begins to unravel, and she finds it difficult to trust anyone, including herself. Many of the neighborhood characters that Caroline’s been spying on have names and relations to her that she’s concocted or confused. It’s sometimes hard to keep track of it all, so it's a great idea to jot down all the names and all the character associations to keep everyone in check!
The story is broken up into two parts. Part one establishes the key characters and the investigation that Caroline is bent on solving. With some shocking revelations presented at the start of Part Two, it becomes obvious that nothing is as it seems in this unpredictable story. The second half features a lot of suspenseful plot points culminating in a high-stakes, shocking ending that will delight popcorn thriller lovers. Whether you like Caroline or not, her fearless attitude and her willingness to lose everything to unravel the truth are extremely admirable!
It should be noted that the story has quite a bit of content that may be triggering, including mental illness, psychosis, memory loss, divorce, postpartum depression, and prescription drug and alcohol abuse. None of this content overwhelms the story but instead is deliciously woven into the complex characterization and suspenseful storytelling. The dark comedy moments in the story are well written and add another layer to the story that many readers will appreciate—especially some of the conversations between Caroline and Mary!
Overall, this is a riveting and very unpredictable psychological thriller with an unconventional premise. Readers who enjoy stories with unreliable narrators, unhinged FMCs, puzzling plot points, and jaw-dropping twists will enjoy this book! Narrator Emily Ellet does a phenomenal job creating an atmospheric listening experience from beginning to end and brings the characters so vividly to life that you’ll find it difficult to stop listening. This book is a remarkable achievement by Sadera for a debut psychological thriller, and it will be exciting to see what she comes up with next!
November 11, 2024
I know she was there by Jennifer, sadera, when the book begins, we meet Caroline. She is pushing her sleeping colicky baby through the rich neighborhood near her home something she almost seems obsessed with. since Tim has left her, she can walk all hours of the night and she does. Her neighbor and best friend is an octogenarian named Mary who I absolutely love as a character in the first part we mainly get questions like why does she like spying on her neighbors, why did Maisie stop speaking to her and why did her husband leave her etc. in the second part, we learned that, and then some because Caroline sees a woman in a window with her face pressed up against the glass, but soon she sees the blood blood dripping down her chest and knows this woman is in deep trouble. When Caroline goes into the woman’s home, who she calls Melanie she finds her dead. Before she can call anyone She is knocked on the head and thrown in the pond outside with the stroller nearby. when she calls the police and they show up and don’t find a body, Caroline is desperate to prove what she saw, and takes it up on herself to solve the case. when she does this, her life and the life of those she cares for will be on the line and by someone you will never expect. I really enjoyed this book and thought the finale and the big reveal was well done but the ultimate absolute ending left me unsatisfied.!A lot of my rating is really based on how I feel after the book ends and that absolute ending almost really lowered the rating but because the big big final reveal was done so well I still am rateing it four stars. I do want to say the beginning is kind of slow, but I also found it very entertaining. It seem like the further you got into the book the more the momentum sped up leading to a great. This is an awesome book and what I definitely recommend. #BookSirens, #CamCatBooks, #JenniferSadera, #IKnowSheWasThere,
November 16, 2024
One of the most twisty psychological suspense books I’ve ever read!! From the start the author plays with us readers in such a clever way, so that when we’re peacefully strolling through the pages, the sudden twist hits us right in the face! Even the ending surprised me!
I loved Caroline and I stayed by her side for the whole story, admiring her strength even after what she’s been going through all her life. I found the plot very layered, and that allowed all the curveballs to land just perfectly! I don’t want to say too much in case I spoil anything, but just know that you’ll be surprised by both the characters and the plot. The writing style is also very smooth and natural, that I felt Caroline’s voice as I was reading.
I have to warn you that some of the content might be triggering for some and urge you to read the TWs before diving in.
I am looking forward to being baffled and turned around again by this author, and I highly recommend this read if you like your psychological suspense books full of drama, gossip and deeply struggling characters!
Thanks to the author, Cam Cat Books and Partners in Crime Tours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved Caroline and I stayed by her side for the whole story, admiring her strength even after what she’s been going through all her life. I found the plot very layered, and that allowed all the curveballs to land just perfectly! I don’t want to say too much in case I spoil anything, but just know that you’ll be surprised by both the characters and the plot. The writing style is also very smooth and natural, that I felt Caroline’s voice as I was reading.
I have to warn you that some of the content might be triggering for some and urge you to read the TWs before diving in.
I am looking forward to being baffled and turned around again by this author, and I highly recommend this read if you like your psychological suspense books full of drama, gossip and deeply struggling characters!
Thanks to the author, Cam Cat Books and Partners in Crime Tours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
November 18, 2024
What a thrill ride. About the time you think you know where Ms. Sadera is going with the plot, she throws a curve ball at you and you find yourself headed in a completely different direction. At times I just knew I was going to wind up with whiplash. This story will grab you by the throat and will not let you go until the end. And even then, I'm not sure this story will let go. I find myself thinking about it and how everything worked out. Just crazy.
I was very impressed when I read the author's notes and realized this is Ms. Sadera's debut psychological thriller. She has handled it like a pro. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next because this is a winner.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest opinion.
I was very impressed when I read the author's notes and realized this is Ms. Sadera's debut psychological thriller. She has handled it like a pro. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next because this is a winner.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest opinion.
November 9, 2024
4.5
“Incident,” LURK, expectations…
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!
Caroline strolls nightly through the Deer Crossing neighborhood with baby Emmy. She convinces herself the walk is to soothe her colicky baby. In reality, she’s spying on the various residents, imagining their lives. It’s like watching a “show with the homes’ inhabitants cast as a theatrical version of themselves.”
Until one night she sees something truly horrifying.
A tale of jealousy, greed, obsession, expectations, neediness, and loneliness. The reader is dropped into a tense scenario of scary, emotional proportions. It’s a plot hook that takes you for a ride and then plunges you downward.
A twisty, intricate plot that I could follow. It kept me hooked and it was hard to put down! The last page of Part 1 was a shocker! Don’t peek! Part 2 had many reveals and the sweep of emotions ranged from grief to joy to despair.
The characters all played an important part in the storyline. My opinions of many ran the gamut as the story progressed. I imagine other readers’ opinions will also change throughout.
Available Nov 12, 2024
“Incident,” LURK, expectations…
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!
Caroline strolls nightly through the Deer Crossing neighborhood with baby Emmy. She convinces herself the walk is to soothe her colicky baby. In reality, she’s spying on the various residents, imagining their lives. It’s like watching a “show with the homes’ inhabitants cast as a theatrical version of themselves.”
Until one night she sees something truly horrifying.
A tale of jealousy, greed, obsession, expectations, neediness, and loneliness. The reader is dropped into a tense scenario of scary, emotional proportions. It’s a plot hook that takes you for a ride and then plunges you downward.
A twisty, intricate plot that I could follow. It kept me hooked and it was hard to put down! The last page of Part 1 was a shocker! Don’t peek! Part 2 had many reveals and the sweep of emotions ranged from grief to joy to despair.
The characters all played an important part in the storyline. My opinions of many ran the gamut as the story progressed. I imagine other readers’ opinions will also change throughout.
Available Nov 12, 2024
May 9, 2025
This psychological thriller hit all the marks for me. The psychological problems the FMC struggles with make her the ideal unreliable narrator. Her inability to discern fact from falsehood challenged me in determining which morally questionable side characters were good and which were evil. I was able to guess a few of the twists, but they were very well-plotted. I really enjoyed this book, and I'll be looking out for more by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC - 4.5 stars rounded up. I really liked the way this was written. It was unnerving and incredibly compelling. I found the characters with whom Caroline interacted so annoying - Mary, Tasha, Tim - and it was a really effective way of conveying Caroline's feelings and frustrations. I'd absolutely recommend this, and look for more by this author.
November 4, 2024
I loved every page of this book! Caroline and her daughter take walks and spy on people. They see a lot of secrets. I had a feeling early on that the story was holding secrets and not everything was as it seemed but I didn’t know what it was. It kept me hooked as the story reveled its secrets. A great read!
November 21, 2024
Wow!! This book was so so good! Still reeling from it all. I was instantly drawn in from the start. Caroline witnessed a murder but no one believed her. She was determined to find out what really happened and uncovered way more than she expected. So many twists, turns and head spinning revelations. If you love a good twisty thriller, this is it!
January 22, 2025
Twisty, suspense filled thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. (And, I'll never look at everyday kitchen items the same way!)
January 5, 2025
Didn’t like this book
April 27, 2025
I Know She Was There is a psychological thriller. Caroline Case spends her nights pushing her daughter’s stroller through an upscale neighborhood. She is the friend they don’t know they have. She is the eyes that see what they think they hide. One night, a woman is in an upstairs window, blood encircling her neck like a scarf. The next morning there’s no body, no blood, no proof. But Caroline knows what she saw.
Bottom line: I Know She Was There is for you if you like high concept thrillers with blurred lines of reality.
I KNOW SHE WAS THERE is a high concept thriller combining the voyeuristic witnessing of a crime with the confused reality of a chronic mental health condition. This is a very cool concept that results in a complex story. Readers who enjoy the deceptiveness created by the melding of past and present events, boldly stated lies, and characters with multiple names will revel in Caroline’s story.
In I KNOW SHE WAS THERE, we have a first-person story told by Caroline Case, a woman with issues. The story begins with the foundations of Caroline’s life: the mother of young, colicky Emmy, the night time strolls that soothes mother and daughter, the estranged wife who is losing the man she loves, the recovering post-partum depression patient. After witnessing the woman in the window, Caroline ends up with a gap in memory, waking on the shore of a pond, water soaked and confused. She is a reluctant detective with her priority protecting her sanity. Break-ins, missing persons, mysterious lovers all seem to play a roll. Then there’s her nearly ex-husband Tim who is aggressive and dismissive of Caroline’s attention.
I KNOW SHE WAS THERE has two distinct parts. The first half builds the reader’s understanding of life as Caroline knows it using a deliberate pace. The second half moves from discovery to action, the pace quickening as the thrill builds. Readers who find the first part slow for their tastes are encouraged to stick around for the pay off.
When I stood at the end and looked back to the start, I had quite a few questions. Details are important to me and, even days later, I found my mind working to put the pieces together but still coming away with holes. Readers who like to dissect stories will have some things to think about while those who accept stories as presented with enjoy the multi-dimensional nature of the book.
Bottom line: I Know She Was There is for you if you like high concept thrillers with blurred lines of reality.
I KNOW SHE WAS THERE is a high concept thriller combining the voyeuristic witnessing of a crime with the confused reality of a chronic mental health condition. This is a very cool concept that results in a complex story. Readers who enjoy the deceptiveness created by the melding of past and present events, boldly stated lies, and characters with multiple names will revel in Caroline’s story.
In I KNOW SHE WAS THERE, we have a first-person story told by Caroline Case, a woman with issues. The story begins with the foundations of Caroline’s life: the mother of young, colicky Emmy, the night time strolls that soothes mother and daughter, the estranged wife who is losing the man she loves, the recovering post-partum depression patient. After witnessing the woman in the window, Caroline ends up with a gap in memory, waking on the shore of a pond, water soaked and confused. She is a reluctant detective with her priority protecting her sanity. Break-ins, missing persons, mysterious lovers all seem to play a roll. Then there’s her nearly ex-husband Tim who is aggressive and dismissive of Caroline’s attention.
I KNOW SHE WAS THERE has two distinct parts. The first half builds the reader’s understanding of life as Caroline knows it using a deliberate pace. The second half moves from discovery to action, the pace quickening as the thrill builds. Readers who find the first part slow for their tastes are encouraged to stick around for the pay off.
When I stood at the end and looked back to the start, I had quite a few questions. Details are important to me and, even days later, I found my mind working to put the pieces together but still coming away with holes. Readers who like to dissect stories will have some things to think about while those who accept stories as presented with enjoy the multi-dimensional nature of the book.
November 21, 2024
Oh my goodness! Caroline, the main character, sure has some problems to work through. Part one, takes us through some of Caroline’s turmoil. I have to say I was a bit confused for a minute while I was reading Caroline’s story, as it is told mostly in narrative form … sort of like Caroline telling her side of events. Caroline, I found, to be an interesting lady. She has her problems, but by part two of her tale she was beginning to see things a bit more clearly and the answers she found … she sure wasn’t expecting them.
Mary, Caroline’s next-door neighbor. Bless her. She was seemingly looking out for Caroline, but her way of going about that, to Caroline, seemed a bit off. You’ll have to read the book to find out why. In the end, though, things came together and Caroline finally understood what Mary tried to do for her.
Tim, Caroline’s soon-to-be ex-husband. He’s one of those characters you want to like and empathize with, but you can’t because of who he turns out to be.
The big question for Caroline was – did she see what she thought she saw? And, if she did, who did it?
This is the author’s debut novel. While it was told mostly in the narrative form, I enjoyed it. I liked all the ups and downs Caroline had to go through while she was investigating an event that to her was very real, but to others seemed farfetched. Caroline suffers from some pretty serious mental health issues, which may be triggering for some, but she also had to accept some very hard truths that she was struggling with.
While she was playing amateur detective, she also found an inner strength that she didn’t know she had. This is something I appreciate in a female character. She may not have started out quite so strong in the beginning through her struggles, but she proved to herself, and to Tim, how strong she really was. Oh … and wait until you read about the plan Mary cooked up in the end.
Mary, Caroline’s next-door neighbor. Bless her. She was seemingly looking out for Caroline, but her way of going about that, to Caroline, seemed a bit off. You’ll have to read the book to find out why. In the end, though, things came together and Caroline finally understood what Mary tried to do for her.
Tim, Caroline’s soon-to-be ex-husband. He’s one of those characters you want to like and empathize with, but you can’t because of who he turns out to be.
The big question for Caroline was – did she see what she thought she saw? And, if she did, who did it?
This is the author’s debut novel. While it was told mostly in the narrative form, I enjoyed it. I liked all the ups and downs Caroline had to go through while she was investigating an event that to her was very real, but to others seemed farfetched. Caroline suffers from some pretty serious mental health issues, which may be triggering for some, but she also had to accept some very hard truths that she was struggling with.
While she was playing amateur detective, she also found an inner strength that she didn’t know she had. This is something I appreciate in a female character. She may not have started out quite so strong in the beginning through her struggles, but she proved to herself, and to Tim, how strong she really was. Oh … and wait until you read about the plan Mary cooked up in the end.
November 12, 2024
I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera oozes tension and atmosphere. From the first paragraph to the last my head and heart were utterly entranced and real life melted away for awhile. Riddled with family drama, friendships past and present, anger, depression, sorrow, and exiting psychological fog, this novel is gorgeously and skillfully written. I found myself apprehensively glancing out into the inky darkness outside a few times.
The affluent Deer Crossing neighbourhood is layered with secrets. Caroline's late night walks with her baby take her into an area which isn't her own but she wishes to know about who lives in it. Snippets are added to her memory bank as she walks and ruminates on her own life. She and her husband are no longer living together but she has her precious little Emmy. Her walks keep her fit and engaged which is important as she heals from post partum depression. Her memories nag at her relentlessly. She had a falling out with her only friend so reluctantly places trust in others. One evening she sees something which can't be real and leaves her questioning her powers of observation. She cannot shake the uneasiness. With good reason. What she learns forces her to unravel her own troubled life tapestry.
Caroline's walks kept me on tenterhooks, knowing she and her baby were alone, and that she had reason to be unsettled. I felt the tension… and loved it. The plot grabbed me in a chokehold and the unknowns were deftly revealed bit by riveting bit. The ending was highly enjoyable, too. I thoroughly enjoyed I Know She Was There, pure escape. What fun it would be to have an entire bookshelf brimming with Sadera thrillers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The affluent Deer Crossing neighbourhood is layered with secrets. Caroline's late night walks with her baby take her into an area which isn't her own but she wishes to know about who lives in it. Snippets are added to her memory bank as she walks and ruminates on her own life. She and her husband are no longer living together but she has her precious little Emmy. Her walks keep her fit and engaged which is important as she heals from post partum depression. Her memories nag at her relentlessly. She had a falling out with her only friend so reluctantly places trust in others. One evening she sees something which can't be real and leaves her questioning her powers of observation. She cannot shake the uneasiness. With good reason. What she learns forces her to unravel her own troubled life tapestry.
Caroline's walks kept me on tenterhooks, knowing she and her baby were alone, and that she had reason to be unsettled. I felt the tension… and loved it. The plot grabbed me in a chokehold and the unknowns were deftly revealed bit by riveting bit. The ending was highly enjoyable, too. I thoroughly enjoyed I Know She Was There, pure escape. What fun it would be to have an entire bookshelf brimming with Sadera thrillers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2024
Hang on to your hats when you read this novel! It's one wild ride.
I Know She Was There has more surprises than any other book I’ve read. It keeps readers guessing about what’s really going on, leaving them a bit confused. The story follows Caroline Case, who takes late-night walks in her neighborhood with her fussy baby. During these walks, she observes her wealthy neighbors, almost to the point of obsession, trying to understand their lives and who they spend time with. She discovers that life may not be as perfect as it seems. One night, she witnesses a woman being attacked through an upstairs window, but no one believes her. Caroline keeps insisting she saw it and struggles to convince herself that she’s not going crazy.
As the chapters unfold, it becomes clear that something isn’t quite right with Caroline, and we start to question her mental state. Readers often wonder if what’s happening is real or just in her head. The plot has many characters, each with their own stories that connect in surprising ways. You won’t easily figure out who is causing the mysterious events. The twists and turns are like a thrilling roller coaster ride. Honestly, when I finished the book, I was shocked and exclaimed, "What?"
If you want a book that’s full of unexpected twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat, grab a copy of I Know She Was There.
#iknowshewasthere #jennifersadera #PsychologicalSuspense #partnersincrimetours #sheilasbookreviewer #whynotbecauseisaidsobookreviews
#camcatbooks #debutauthor
I Know She Was There has more surprises than any other book I’ve read. It keeps readers guessing about what’s really going on, leaving them a bit confused. The story follows Caroline Case, who takes late-night walks in her neighborhood with her fussy baby. During these walks, she observes her wealthy neighbors, almost to the point of obsession, trying to understand their lives and who they spend time with. She discovers that life may not be as perfect as it seems. One night, she witnesses a woman being attacked through an upstairs window, but no one believes her. Caroline keeps insisting she saw it and struggles to convince herself that she’s not going crazy.
As the chapters unfold, it becomes clear that something isn’t quite right with Caroline, and we start to question her mental state. Readers often wonder if what’s happening is real or just in her head. The plot has many characters, each with their own stories that connect in surprising ways. You won’t easily figure out who is causing the mysterious events. The twists and turns are like a thrilling roller coaster ride. Honestly, when I finished the book, I was shocked and exclaimed, "What?"
If you want a book that’s full of unexpected twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat, grab a copy of I Know She Was There.
#iknowshewasthere #jennifersadera #PsychologicalSuspense #partnersincrimetours #sheilasbookreviewer #whynotbecauseisaidsobookreviews
#camcatbooks #debutauthor
November 21, 2024
"Be careful what you see when you shouldn't be looking."
From the moment you lay eyes on the stunning cover of "I Know She Was There," you can't help but feel compelled to dive in. The blurb pulls you in with an air of mystery that promises a thrilling ride.
The story begins as a slow burn—a pacing style that isn't my favorite—but hold on tight because the second half explodes with heart-pounding suspense. We meet Caroline, a woman grappling with the pressures of motherhood and the relentless cries of her colicky baby. To soothe her frayed nerves, she takes long walks through a luxurious neighborhood, peering into the picture-perfect lives of the wealthy residents—a glimpse into a world she can only dream of. That is, until one fateful night, she witnesses something horrifying during one of those tranquil strolls.
But when she turns to the police for help, they dismiss her claims. Frustrated and desperate, Caroline confides in her few friends: Mary, her eccentric and often intoxicated neighbor, and Tasha, who pops by once a week for a catch-up. Yet, as Caroline's stress mounts and her mental state crumbles, the lines between reality and paranoia start to blur. Who can she really trust—including herself?
If you can push through the initial slow pace, this domestic thriller transforms into a captivating exploration of secrets and deception. It unfolds at a breakneck speed. Some of the twists are so unexpected they'll leave you gasping! I would have easily given a condensed version of this thrilling tale a solid five stars!
From the moment you lay eyes on the stunning cover of "I Know She Was There," you can't help but feel compelled to dive in. The blurb pulls you in with an air of mystery that promises a thrilling ride.
The story begins as a slow burn—a pacing style that isn't my favorite—but hold on tight because the second half explodes with heart-pounding suspense. We meet Caroline, a woman grappling with the pressures of motherhood and the relentless cries of her colicky baby. To soothe her frayed nerves, she takes long walks through a luxurious neighborhood, peering into the picture-perfect lives of the wealthy residents—a glimpse into a world she can only dream of. That is, until one fateful night, she witnesses something horrifying during one of those tranquil strolls.
But when she turns to the police for help, they dismiss her claims. Frustrated and desperate, Caroline confides in her few friends: Mary, her eccentric and often intoxicated neighbor, and Tasha, who pops by once a week for a catch-up. Yet, as Caroline's stress mounts and her mental state crumbles, the lines between reality and paranoia start to blur. Who can she really trust—including herself?
If you can push through the initial slow pace, this domestic thriller transforms into a captivating exploration of secrets and deception. It unfolds at a breakneck speed. Some of the twists are so unexpected they'll leave you gasping! I would have easily given a condensed version of this thrilling tale a solid five stars!
May 22, 2025
I just finished I Know She Was There, and wow—what a ride! Following Caroline’s journey as she tried to piece together what she saw was so gripping. The twists and turns kept me hooked, and just when I thought I had things figured out, something would completely change my perspective.
The story follows Caroline, a new mom dealing with a lot—postpartum struggles, a recent separation, and sleepless nights walking her baby through a quiet, upscale neighborhood. One night, she sees something disturbing in a house window—something that looks like an attack. But when she reports it, no one believes her. From there, things spiral, and she’s left questioning what’s real and what isn’t as she tries to uncover the truth.
I will say that the first part of the book felt a bit overwhelming—not slow, but there was just so much information thrown at you. It took me a minute to process everything and get into the flow of the story. But once things started clicking into place, it was impossible to put down.
At times, I was so frustrated because I couldn’t believe what Caroline was going through—how people dismissed her, how she started doubting herself. But that’s what made it so intense. The book does an amazing job of pulling you into her head, making you feel her paranoia, fear, and determination.
If you love thrillers with unexpected twists and a main character you can really root for (even when you’re questioning everything alongside her), this book is definitely worth the read!
The story follows Caroline, a new mom dealing with a lot—postpartum struggles, a recent separation, and sleepless nights walking her baby through a quiet, upscale neighborhood. One night, she sees something disturbing in a house window—something that looks like an attack. But when she reports it, no one believes her. From there, things spiral, and she’s left questioning what’s real and what isn’t as she tries to uncover the truth.
I will say that the first part of the book felt a bit overwhelming—not slow, but there was just so much information thrown at you. It took me a minute to process everything and get into the flow of the story. But once things started clicking into place, it was impossible to put down.
At times, I was so frustrated because I couldn’t believe what Caroline was going through—how people dismissed her, how she started doubting herself. But that’s what made it so intense. The book does an amazing job of pulling you into her head, making you feel her paranoia, fear, and determination.
If you love thrillers with unexpected twists and a main character you can really root for (even when you’re questioning everything alongside her), this book is definitely worth the read!
November 13, 2024
The number of twists that all somehow come together perfectly in this book is next level. We are dropped into a wealthy neighborhood where the main character, Caroline, likes to… observe… the residents. (Stalks, she stalks them.) We can tell right away that something isn’t right with the scene laid out before us, but what on earth could it be? It’s that “something isn’t right here” feeling that sticks with you through the entire story, and even when major twists are revealed, you’ll still have that itchy feeling that something else is off.
This book is way more than just a psychological thriller. Get your tissues because you are about to embark on an emotional roller-coaster like no other. I sobbed, I gasped, I turned back and reread pages just to make sure I was really seeing what I thought I was seeing.
I love it when you never know who to trust throughout a book and nothing is quite as it seems and you start to second guess your own theories as the reader… but when even the main character begins to doubt herself things really get interesting. The web of mysteries and secrets will eventually come to one seamlessly jaw-dropping conclusion in the end, and I can’t wait to hear what you think when you get there!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
This book is way more than just a psychological thriller. Get your tissues because you are about to embark on an emotional roller-coaster like no other. I sobbed, I gasped, I turned back and reread pages just to make sure I was really seeing what I thought I was seeing.
I love it when you never know who to trust throughout a book and nothing is quite as it seems and you start to second guess your own theories as the reader… but when even the main character begins to doubt herself things really get interesting. The web of mysteries and secrets will eventually come to one seamlessly jaw-dropping conclusion in the end, and I can’t wait to hear what you think when you get there!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
November 2, 2024
This was a psychological thriller that, for me, was more intense because it was written as a first person narrative. The narrator admits at the beginning to suffering from postpartum depression, and that it may contribute to the stories she creates about the people she sees in their homes during her late night walks trying to soothe a colicky baby. But, when she witnesses a horrific event, she struggles to determine if it was real or her imagination.
As the story unfolds, it is difficult to feel the descent into madness of the main character as she tries to determine what is or is not real, and also her struggles to convince herself and others. Because of her admitted mental struggles, she is an unreliable narrator. But the author does a marvelous job of revealing elements of truth cleverly throughout. The moments of terror are possibly more terrifying because of the uncertainty of whether or not they are occurring during moments of lucidity or not.
The climax was somehow both an “Oh, of course!” moment and completely unexpected at the same time. The author did not try to sugar coat anything, but still developed empathy for the narrator. I would say 4 ½ stars.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the story unfolds, it is difficult to feel the descent into madness of the main character as she tries to determine what is or is not real, and also her struggles to convince herself and others. Because of her admitted mental struggles, she is an unreliable narrator. But the author does a marvelous job of revealing elements of truth cleverly throughout. The moments of terror are possibly more terrifying because of the uncertainty of whether or not they are occurring during moments of lucidity or not.
The climax was somehow both an “Oh, of course!” moment and completely unexpected at the same time. The author did not try to sugar coat anything, but still developed empathy for the narrator. I would say 4 ½ stars.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
★★★
Caroline is going through a rough time. She’s dealing with postpartum depression, trying to manage as a first-time mom with a colicky baby, grieving the recent loss of her mother, and now her husband has suggested a trial separation and moved out of their home.
The days blur together—until one night, during her usual stroll, something unsettling happens, setting off a series of unexpected events.
The story unfolds in two parts. Part one is slow-paced and, honestly, pretty frustrating—but in a good way. We’re stuck in Caroline’s mind, and it’s so maddening! It’s obvious she’s an unreliable narrator, but as the reader, you can’t tell what’s real and what’s not. You don’t even know what you don’t know!
Jennifer Sadera’s writing here is incredible. I was completely immersed, not questioning what was happening, just absorbing it all and trying to piece together what might actually be going on.
Part two is a whirlwind of twists and turns, with deception that cuts deep! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how all these loose ends would come together, but somehow they did.
Thank you to BookSirens, Jennifer Sadera, and Camp at Books for an early copy of this twisty domestic thriller!
Caroline is going through a rough time. She’s dealing with postpartum depression, trying to manage as a first-time mom with a colicky baby, grieving the recent loss of her mother, and now her husband has suggested a trial separation and moved out of their home.
The days blur together—until one night, during her usual stroll, something unsettling happens, setting off a series of unexpected events.
The story unfolds in two parts. Part one is slow-paced and, honestly, pretty frustrating—but in a good way. We’re stuck in Caroline’s mind, and it’s so maddening! It’s obvious she’s an unreliable narrator, but as the reader, you can’t tell what’s real and what’s not. You don’t even know what you don’t know!
Jennifer Sadera’s writing here is incredible. I was completely immersed, not questioning what was happening, just absorbing it all and trying to piece together what might actually be going on.
Part two is a whirlwind of twists and turns, with deception that cuts deep! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how all these loose ends would come together, but somehow they did.
Thank you to BookSirens, Jennifer Sadera, and Camp at Books for an early copy of this twisty domestic thriller!
August 6, 2025
Jennifer Sadera’s I Know She Was There is a thrilling psychological suspense novel that immerses readers in a world of secrets, doubt, and unexpected revelations. The story revolves around Caroline Case, a struggling young mother whose nightly walks through an affluent neighborhood lead her to witness something shocking—something that may or may not have truly happened. The novel’s first-person narration plunges readers into Caroline’s conflicted mind, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
The author expertly weaves a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and intensely suspenseful. Caroline’s vulnerability as a new mother coping with abandonment is juxtaposed with her determination to uncover the truth about what she saw. The plot builds masterfully, with every turn exposing new layers of mystery and intrigue, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and satisfying.
This book is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and character-driven mysteries. Jennifer Sadera’s debut showcases her remarkable ability to craft a gripping story with rich character development and a suspenseful, twist-filled plot. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves complex psychological dramas with an edge.
The author expertly weaves a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and intensely suspenseful. Caroline’s vulnerability as a new mother coping with abandonment is juxtaposed with her determination to uncover the truth about what she saw. The plot builds masterfully, with every turn exposing new layers of mystery and intrigue, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and satisfying.
This book is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and character-driven mysteries. Jennifer Sadera’s debut showcases her remarkable ability to craft a gripping story with rich character development and a suspenseful, twist-filled plot. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves complex psychological dramas with an edge.
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