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Pieces of You
Equal parts creepy and sentimental, this chilling psychological thriller is a grieving adult orphan's investigation into abduction and murder, and a haunting exploration of the relationships we have with our mothers, even after they're gone.
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed - and bloody - young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident-whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed passion and purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing young women and her connection to them, and to her blind date, whose online presence has been scrubbed without a trace.
Written from varying perspectives, including the missing women and the killer himself, the strange motive unfurls. Will Nora uncover the truth before the killer claims another victim?
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed - and bloody - young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident-whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed passion and purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing young women and her connection to them, and to her blind date, whose online presence has been scrubbed without a trace.
Written from varying perspectives, including the missing women and the killer himself, the strange motive unfurls. Will Nora uncover the truth before the killer claims another victim?
250 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Jessica Gomez
1 book67 followersDark thriller PIECES OF YOU now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target or BookShop.org, or request it from your local bookstore!
Jessica Gomez is an author with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Michigan. Her debut novel, a thriller titled PIECES OF YOU, released October 1st, 2024.
Jessica is a film critic and journalist in the horror genre. She has been published on weddings, business, real estate, and motherhood. She's been featured on BRIDES, Bustle, TODAY, and several film sites. She currently resides in Michigan. For inquiries, visit WriterJessicaGomez. com or follow @writerjessicagomez on Instagram.
Jessica Gomez is an author with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Michigan. Her debut novel, a thriller titled PIECES OF YOU, released October 1st, 2024.
Jessica is a film critic and journalist in the horror genre. She has been published on weddings, business, real estate, and motherhood. She's been featured on BRIDES, Bustle, TODAY, and several film sites. She currently resides in Michigan. For inquiries, visit WriterJessicaGomez. com or follow @writerjessicagomez on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 26, 2024
If you could see me right now, you’d notice a big, old grin on my face. After racing through Pieces of You in only a matter of hours, I am awe-struck by the sheer awesomeness held within this debut novel’s pages. From the natural, free-flowing prose to the vivid, evocative descriptions, it was well-written, compelling, and downright addictive. But it was the perfectly plotted storyline which told a dark, twisted tale that won me over hook, line, and sinker. Gripping and all too real despite some much appreciated fictional flare, it was everything I wanted and more, no doubt about it.
The serial killer premise was just the start of the gold star attributes, though. Intermingled with this nightmarish plot was a heart-rending exploration of the mother and child relationship, mental health, and unrelenting grief. I mean, it was so touching and poignant that I quite literally cried. That, of course, didn’t detract in the slightest from the ratcheting pace and edge-of-your-seat chills, which provided for plenty of spine-tingling fear in this unforgettable thriller.
My only teeny, tiny issue was with the conclusion. I just wanted a bit, well, more. Not so much with how it all ended, but I would have loved to follow the characters along in their journey for a bit longer. So perhaps it wasn’t a hang up per se, but a wishlist instead.
All said and done, with an eerie small town setting, realistic characters, and a heart-pounding climax, I was absolutely over the moon. While I haven’t read The Quiet Tenant just yet, I can only imagine that this would be a perfect follow up to that. Deeply unsettling while also bingeable in the extreme, even the omniscient perspective was an utter home run. After all, it allowed me to see the plot from all sides—up to and including the murderer himself. All told, this book had it all, so be sure to grab your own copy ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed—and bloody—young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident—whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing women. As she discovers her connection to them, a strange motive unfurls.
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, drug use, knife violence, mention of: death of a parent, suicide, drug addiction
The serial killer premise was just the start of the gold star attributes, though. Intermingled with this nightmarish plot was a heart-rending exploration of the mother and child relationship, mental health, and unrelenting grief. I mean, it was so touching and poignant that I quite literally cried. That, of course, didn’t detract in the slightest from the ratcheting pace and edge-of-your-seat chills, which provided for plenty of spine-tingling fear in this unforgettable thriller.
My only teeny, tiny issue was with the conclusion. I just wanted a bit, well, more. Not so much with how it all ended, but I would have loved to follow the characters along in their journey for a bit longer. So perhaps it wasn’t a hang up per se, but a wishlist instead.
All said and done, with an eerie small town setting, realistic characters, and a heart-pounding climax, I was absolutely over the moon. While I haven’t read The Quiet Tenant just yet, I can only imagine that this would be a perfect follow up to that. Deeply unsettling while also bingeable in the extreme, even the omniscient perspective was an utter home run. After all, it allowed me to see the plot from all sides—up to and including the murderer himself. All told, this book had it all, so be sure to grab your own copy ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed—and bloody—young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident—whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing women. As she discovers her connection to them, a strange motive unfurls.
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, drug use, knife violence, mention of: death of a parent, suicide, drug addiction
May 24, 2024
I really loved and had a great time reading this book. It's a thriller but there was much more than suspense or tense moments (there were plenty of those) this book touched on personal relationships and family, motherhood in particular, and things like mental health and internal growth.
One of the things I liked most about this book was the pacing. I never got bored or was like, "Get on with it!!" The chapters moved along, and i cared about the story and characters enough to keep the pages turning.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more! Would be great for a summer pool/beach read or a fantastic way to bring in spooky szn this fall
One of the things I liked most about this book was the pacing. I never got bored or was like, "Get on with it!!" The chapters moved along, and i cared about the story and characters enough to keep the pages turning.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more! Would be great for a summer pool/beach read or a fantastic way to bring in spooky szn this fall
August 30, 2024
Pieces of You" by Jessica Gomez is a gripping dark thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of grief, mental illness, and the stigma surrounding drug use, all while delivering shocking surprises that keep you on edge. Gomez masterfully balances the touching and the disturbing, crafting a story that resonates emotionally. I loved every moment of this captivating read!
January 26, 2025
Pieces of You
~Jessica Gomez Read January 21, 2025 – January 26, 2025
Debut Novel. All I can say is BRAVO girl, BRAVO!!!
Prepare for a heart-pounding journey into the unsettling world of "Pieces of You," Jessica Gomez's phenomenal debut psychological thriller.
In Pieces of You, we find Nora (FMC), a woman adrift in loneliness, desperately seeking connection. But her world shatters after a no-show, online date when she encounters a blood-soaked woman run across the road, only to crash her car and find no trace of her. In a small town riddled with suspicious deaths, conveniently blamed on a drug epidemic, Nora refuses to be gas-lit. Convinced of her sanity, she plunges headfirst into a chilling investigation that will drag you into a vortex of psychological suspense. Of course, if you want to know the rest of the story you will have to read it to find out!!!!
Gomez's characterization of Nora is nothing short of brilliant. You won't just read about Nora; you'll become her, feeling the sting of her loneliness, the adventurous spark of new beginnings, the ache of love and loss, and the scars of profound trauma. The intricate web of relationships with her former love interest, Eli, and best friend, Erica, adds a captivating blend of betrayal, hidden instincts, and unexpected reconnections that keep the narrative taut.
"Pieces of You" is a meticulously constructed masterpiece, layering plot twist upon shocking plot twist, never once deviating from its gripping core. Every chapter serves a purpose, introducing new revelations or deepening existing mysteries, ensuring you're constantly compelled to turn the page.
I had never heard of Jessica before the January Adopt an Author event in one of my Facebook groups and am so glad she was picked for me – I added her to my fav author list after finishing Pieces of You, listing it as one of my favorite books to kick off 2025. I definitely giver her a 5-star review for this outstanding debut novel. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish, add Pieces of You to your TBR right now!
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
You can find me on all Social Media outlets as The Tx Lit Chic or at thetxlitchic dot com - my personal website where I post reviews and much more!
~Jessica Gomez Read January 21, 2025 – January 26, 2025
Debut Novel. All I can say is BRAVO girl, BRAVO!!!
Prepare for a heart-pounding journey into the unsettling world of "Pieces of You," Jessica Gomez's phenomenal debut psychological thriller.
In Pieces of You, we find Nora (FMC), a woman adrift in loneliness, desperately seeking connection. But her world shatters after a no-show, online date when she encounters a blood-soaked woman run across the road, only to crash her car and find no trace of her. In a small town riddled with suspicious deaths, conveniently blamed on a drug epidemic, Nora refuses to be gas-lit. Convinced of her sanity, she plunges headfirst into a chilling investigation that will drag you into a vortex of psychological suspense. Of course, if you want to know the rest of the story you will have to read it to find out!!!!
Gomez's characterization of Nora is nothing short of brilliant. You won't just read about Nora; you'll become her, feeling the sting of her loneliness, the adventurous spark of new beginnings, the ache of love and loss, and the scars of profound trauma. The intricate web of relationships with her former love interest, Eli, and best friend, Erica, adds a captivating blend of betrayal, hidden instincts, and unexpected reconnections that keep the narrative taut.
"Pieces of You" is a meticulously constructed masterpiece, layering plot twist upon shocking plot twist, never once deviating from its gripping core. Every chapter serves a purpose, introducing new revelations or deepening existing mysteries, ensuring you're constantly compelled to turn the page.
I had never heard of Jessica before the January Adopt an Author event in one of my Facebook groups and am so glad she was picked for me – I added her to my fav author list after finishing Pieces of You, listing it as one of my favorite books to kick off 2025. I definitely giver her a 5-star review for this outstanding debut novel. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish, add Pieces of You to your TBR right now!
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
You can find me on all Social Media outlets as The Tx Lit Chic or at thetxlitchic dot com - my personal website where I post reviews and much more!
February 22, 2025
Nora has been a mess since her mother died. On a whim, she ventures out to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, PA, to meet a blind date, where she is stood up. On the way back home, a visibly distressed - and bloody - young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road. Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman Nora saw alive. Nora finds renewed purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing women. As she discovers her connection to them, a strange motive unfurls.
In the page-turning thriller Pieces of You, Nora investigates the mysterious disappearances of several women in Woodbridge, uncovering their connections. Initially appearing somewhat lost and overwhelmed by grief, Nora evolves into a courageous protagonist who relentlessly pursues the truth behind these unusual deaths. It was admirable to see Nora find renewed purpose and develop a bond with her estranged uncle, the sheriff. Her uncle and her best friend were among my favorite people; they both cared deeply for Nora, and I enjoyed their sweet interactions.
The story's focus on the disappearances intensified as the narrative shifted to the perspective of a missing girl and her unsettling captor. Although I figured out the plot twist early in the story, it did not lessen the overall anticipation. I found myself deeply invested in these characters and hoped for their success, particularly when faced with insurmountable challenges. If you appreciate well-crafted writing that blends suspense and emotional depth, I highly recommend Jessica's impressive debut novel!
In the page-turning thriller Pieces of You, Nora investigates the mysterious disappearances of several women in Woodbridge, uncovering their connections. Initially appearing somewhat lost and overwhelmed by grief, Nora evolves into a courageous protagonist who relentlessly pursues the truth behind these unusual deaths. It was admirable to see Nora find renewed purpose and develop a bond with her estranged uncle, the sheriff. Her uncle and her best friend were among my favorite people; they both cared deeply for Nora, and I enjoyed their sweet interactions.
The story's focus on the disappearances intensified as the narrative shifted to the perspective of a missing girl and her unsettling captor. Although I figured out the plot twist early in the story, it did not lessen the overall anticipation. I found myself deeply invested in these characters and hoped for their success, particularly when faced with insurmountable challenges. If you appreciate well-crafted writing that blends suspense and emotional depth, I highly recommend Jessica's impressive debut novel!
October 15, 2024
If I didn’t already know, I would have never guessed this was Jessica’s first published book. Great character development and the story moved so well. Completely exceed my expectations. Well done!
August 4, 2025
Went into this book blind and it was a canny read not as gripping as I am used to but good story and didn’t see the twist at the end. Well written!
November 17, 2024
I loved this book! Great read! It really kept me guessing right up until the end. It was really hard putting down the book. I just wanted to read without interruption - but ... life. I would highly recommend! This was so well written and so suspenseful and yet a lovely female friendship. I would love to read anything that Jessica Gomez writes!!!! Excellent!!! (I follow Jessica Gomez on Facebook - so fun to keep up with authors!)
October 24, 2024
I feel like I took my time with this book because it was so good. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I love that this author is from Michigan. Support your local authors and keep writing Jessica, I can’t wait for more!
April 21, 2025
It was a nice read, but the characters didn’t keep me intrigued and I was a bit confusing with the change of timeframes without knowing. I had high hopes for this book, but it seemed to miss the mark for me. I had an assumption who it was going to be, but it is told to you about 3/4 the way through the book. The end unfolds how you would expect.
September 22, 2024
I was hooked from the very beginning. I read this a couple of weeks ago and I’m still thinking about it!
This book touches on grief, complicated family relationships, addiction and female friendship. It’s full of strong and intelligent female characters. I also thought the characters were all well developed.
The plot was also very well thought out. It had more meat to it than the typical thriller. It wasn’t all suspense. There’s a lot of heart too while Nora is getting to know her Uncle again as they work the case together. I also appreciated getting multiple POV’s in this case and actual insight into the motive.
There were plenty of heart-racing, edge of the seat moments. It actually gave me chills at one point. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
This book touches on grief, complicated family relationships, addiction and female friendship. It’s full of strong and intelligent female characters. I also thought the characters were all well developed.
The plot was also very well thought out. It had more meat to it than the typical thriller. It wasn’t all suspense. There’s a lot of heart too while Nora is getting to know her Uncle again as they work the case together. I also appreciated getting multiple POV’s in this case and actual insight into the motive.
There were plenty of heart-racing, edge of the seat moments. It actually gave me chills at one point. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
December 3, 2024
I devoured this impressive debut thriller in one day! It's a wild ride that never drags. It sucked me right in and kept me guessing until the end. Gomez manages to deliver a serial killer thriller without relying on any tired tropes. You'll get to know Nora, feeling her grief but also her strength. You'll want to stay by her side to the bitter end.
You won't believe this is a debut novel and personally, I can't believe this wasn't picked up by one of the big 5 publishers.
Do yourself a favor and follow this author here and on Facebook. Be the one to tell your friends about her because she's gonna be hella famous.
You won't believe this is a debut novel and personally, I can't believe this wasn't picked up by one of the big 5 publishers.
Do yourself a favor and follow this author here and on Facebook. Be the one to tell your friends about her because she's gonna be hella famous.
December 31, 2024
Saw a post about this book by the author in my book group and was intrigued. What a debut! I read the whole book after work this evening & it kept me engaged to the end. It was interesting how the author switched to different character perspectives within a chapter at times- I had to re-read the first time bc I was confused, but got used to this style. I definitely look forward to her next book!
September 19, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book! I’m kind of sad I can’t ever read it again for the first time lol! Characters were well developed and the plot was great. This book kept me entertained the whole time I read it and I cannot wait for more from this author!
February 14, 2025
I was lucky to find a signed copy in a little free library! Very thoughtful of the author!!!!
Hands down a 5 🌟!
I'm totally amazed for the first novel! I hope to find another book by this author very soon!
Hands down a 5 🌟!
I'm totally amazed for the first novel! I hope to find another book by this author very soon!
November 3, 2024
One of my favorite books! Great storyline!
February 26, 2025
This book was one I wanted to keep reading- it kept me on the edge of my seat! Great read!
March 23, 2025
Really impressive! I would not have known this is the author’s first book 📖
Thriller, so out of my element, but it was great!
Thriller, so out of my element, but it was great!
February 26, 2025
Loved the story!
This was such a great read. I really can't wait to see what other stories Jessica shares with us in the future.
This was such a great read. I really can't wait to see what other stories Jessica shares with us in the future.
October 28, 2024
Absolutely, amazing read for a debut novel. Very well written, in depth characters and good plot. Dark and twisty thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Makes you think about how well you really know people and also how childhood trauma affects people into adulthood. Looking forward to more from this author in the future. Definite must read!
September 7, 2024
What a great book! I was so invested in the characters. You can't help but care about everything they are going through. This is one of those books where I kept telling myself, "One more chapter."
October 8, 2024
This was one heck of a page turner!! And it’s a debut!! 🙌
It’s a mix of mystery and thriller and I loved the FMC. I did guess who the killer was but only just shortly before it was revealed!! Definitely recommend this one to my mystery/thriller lovers! 👏
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! Can’t wait to read more from you!! ❤️
It’s a mix of mystery and thriller and I loved the FMC. I did guess who the killer was but only just shortly before it was revealed!! Definitely recommend this one to my mystery/thriller lovers! 👏
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! Can’t wait to read more from you!! ❤️
September 27, 2024
4.5 rounded⭐️
Man oh man, what a fantastic, suspenseful book!
Huge round of applause to the author, Jessica Gomez, on an outstanding debut novel👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I mean, honestly, this writing was top tier and so impressive. There wasn’t a single boring moment or a time where I felt like the book wasn’t pulling me in. It had a good bit of twists and turns while also ✨sprinkling✨ in some tough subjects like grief, friendship, drug use, complicated family dynamics and more. I loved the POV’s given and the way that the story unfolded at the end. Overall, this was such a thought provoking read- I read this weeks ago and still think about it often!!
I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.. whatever it is, it’s going to be good🖤
Thank you to the author, Jessica Gomez, for my ARC copy of this book. This is, as always, my honest opinion🩷
Man oh man, what a fantastic, suspenseful book!
Huge round of applause to the author, Jessica Gomez, on an outstanding debut novel👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I mean, honestly, this writing was top tier and so impressive. There wasn’t a single boring moment or a time where I felt like the book wasn’t pulling me in. It had a good bit of twists and turns while also ✨sprinkling✨ in some tough subjects like grief, friendship, drug use, complicated family dynamics and more. I loved the POV’s given and the way that the story unfolded at the end. Overall, this was such a thought provoking read- I read this weeks ago and still think about it often!!
I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.. whatever it is, it’s going to be good🖤
Thank you to the author, Jessica Gomez, for my ARC copy of this book. This is, as always, my honest opinion🩷
January 21, 2025
Pieces of You is Jessica Gomez’s eerie debut psychological thriller that delves into familial relationships. Nora Aberdeen has recently lost both of her parents and is still grieving – but trying to move on. After she is stood up for her date from an online dating site, she almost hits a bloody girl running in the street – causing her to veer off the road into a tree, leaving her unconscious. When her estranged uncle, David, whom is a Sheriff for that Police Department, advises her that the girl was found deceased and it was ruled a suicide, along with several other girls found dead in the same area – Nora knows facts are being hidden and the truth is being buried. Nora begins working with David, with her journalism background, to find the out truth before another young girl faces the same fate.
This was a book club pick or else I never would have heard of the novel. At only 265 pages, this is an easy read that will have you rushing to the end. The overall plot was good – but it needed to be flushed out more. At times I felt that there was too much inner dialogue that was unnecessary to the novel and dragging. I also thought the storyline with the ending was a little too convenient and needed more substance.
While I think this was a good debut novel and I’m happy to support a new writer, all the mama-drama was over the top… and Nora’s moods were not consistent throughout the book. I think this novel needed a little more love behind the scenes to make it a knock-out read, but the suspense and thrilling nature was definitely there. I was engaged and am interested in what Gomez writes next!
3.4 stars.
This was a book club pick or else I never would have heard of the novel. At only 265 pages, this is an easy read that will have you rushing to the end. The overall plot was good – but it needed to be flushed out more. At times I felt that there was too much inner dialogue that was unnecessary to the novel and dragging. I also thought the storyline with the ending was a little too convenient and needed more substance.
While I think this was a good debut novel and I’m happy to support a new writer, all the mama-drama was over the top… and Nora’s moods were not consistent throughout the book. I think this novel needed a little more love behind the scenes to make it a knock-out read, but the suspense and thrilling nature was definitely there. I was engaged and am interested in what Gomez writes next!
3.4 stars.
October 3, 2024
Pieces Of You is an addictive and compelling psychological thriller that kept me hooked. It held me in its grasp straight from the start and had me racing to the finish line. I couldn't stop reading once I started. The writing was good and it's hard to think this was a debut.
The story was really interesting, intriguing and had a chilling, eerie feeling to it that I truly appreciated. The scenery was so vivid, the scenes easily imaginable and the fear highly palpable. The culprit definitely took me by surprise. My only issue was with the conclusion, I would've liked a little more, I thought it happened a little too quickly and wrapped up too fast.
Overall, a great debut psychological thriller that's on the shorter side which is perfect for new and seasoned thriller readers. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next !
✨️Thank you to @jessicagomez for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story was really interesting, intriguing and had a chilling, eerie feeling to it that I truly appreciated. The scenery was so vivid, the scenes easily imaginable and the fear highly palpable. The culprit definitely took me by surprise. My only issue was with the conclusion, I would've liked a little more, I thought it happened a little too quickly and wrapped up too fast.
Overall, a great debut psychological thriller that's on the shorter side which is perfect for new and seasoned thriller readers. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next !
✨️Thank you to @jessicagomez for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
I could not put this book down! This book had so much suspense and left me not wanting to put it down. A few twist and turns had me unsure of who this serial killer might me in the beginning, but I loved the mental images I was able to visualize due to Jessica's writing, but there were some minor complaints I had leaving to rate this 4 stars.
A few thoughts throughout the book that had me iffy when reading:
1. The perspective changes throughout the book felt quite random and left me stopping in place and figuring out what exactly was happening with the shift change.
2. I did not like that Eli was given a "happy ending" and he got to "meet" his mom. For the sake of the book, I think him dying without any happy ending would suffice, in my humble opinion.
I can't wait to see what else Jessica releases in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
From start to finish, this book grips you and keeps you engaged to turn each page. A thriller, written with bold, smart female characters, I loved it as a true crime fanatic (and a hater of poorly written female characters—none here!).
But more than your usual thriller, it has heart and emotion, touching on grief and vulnerability in a relatable and sometimes heartbreaking way. The writing is so good that you feel every emotion right along with Nora. The writing really paints a picture with each scene—you feel like you’re on the dark, lonely roads, and sitting alongside Nora as she investigates to find the truth. Loved it and highly recommend for anyone who loves smart, modern mystery and thrillers!
But more than your usual thriller, it has heart and emotion, touching on grief and vulnerability in a relatable and sometimes heartbreaking way. The writing is so good that you feel every emotion right along with Nora. The writing really paints a picture with each scene—you feel like you’re on the dark, lonely roads, and sitting alongside Nora as she investigates to find the truth. Loved it and highly recommend for anyone who loves smart, modern mystery and thrillers!
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October 6, 2025It's a good book to pick up in October. Nora is dealing with the loss of her parents. After her mother's death, she looses herself. She drops out of college. After a while, she decides to step out of her comfort zone and agrees to meet a guy she started talking to online. She finds herself in a rundown town and a run-down bar. Her date is a no-show . On her way home, a woman who is bloody runs out in front of her care, which cause Nora to swing her car out of the way and ends up hitting a tree. Her uncle, who she hasn't seen in years now, is a deputy sheriff in this town calls her to make sure she is OK. They end up teaming up to find out what is really going on in this town that has way to many women ending up dead.
January 27, 2026
I hated this book.
The story was predictable, and all over the place at the same time. The characters were unlikable and the story didnt feel cohesive.
I did appreciate that the author attempted to set up a twist, a good twist is hard to pull off though and for me I figured out the ending with over 100 pages left.
There were a lot of typos and it really felt like the author was using a thesaurus when choosing some of her wordage to make the writing sound better but really it made the writing laughable. there was more than one time while reading I had to stop and read a part out loud to my husband because it sounded so ridiculous.
The story was predictable, and all over the place at the same time. The characters were unlikable and the story didnt feel cohesive.
I did appreciate that the author attempted to set up a twist, a good twist is hard to pull off though and for me I figured out the ending with over 100 pages left.
There were a lot of typos and it really felt like the author was using a thesaurus when choosing some of her wordage to make the writing sound better but really it made the writing laughable. there was more than one time while reading I had to stop and read a part out loud to my husband because it sounded so ridiculous.
August 21, 2025
Pieces of You by Jessica Gomez is an impressive debut novel that I truly enjoyed. Gomez’s writing style is engaging and kept me turning the pages, eager to see how the mystery would unfold. I did find myself a little lost at times when transitioning between chapters, as the perspective shifted from one character to another, but once I got into the rhythm, it all came together. Overall, this was a great mystery novel with strong storytelling, and I look forward to reading more from this promising new author.
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