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Catch You Later
One impulsive decision changes the lives of two best friends forever in a powerful novel of suspense by the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Caretaker.
If Lark and Mikki didn’t have each other, they’d have nothing in this miserable town. So the best friends stick together, working night shift at the highway travel stop, going nowhere fast. Until a stranger drops in, heading for Florida, and Mikki impulsively leaves with him, never to be seen again.
Eight years later, Lark is finally getting her life back together for the sake of her young daughter and Mikki’s lovably prickly grandma, who can no longer care for herself. People have almost stopped blaming Lark for Mikki’s disappearance, and she’s engaged to the nicest guy on highway patrol. But when the stranger who drove Mikki away reappears and asks for her, nobody knows what to believe.
As the search reignites, Lark fights to find out whether Mikki is really missing or doesn’t want to be found. But piecing together the chain of events set into motion that fateful night could threaten everything—and everyone—Lark has left.
If Lark and Mikki didn’t have each other, they’d have nothing in this miserable town. So the best friends stick together, working night shift at the highway travel stop, going nowhere fast. Until a stranger drops in, heading for Florida, and Mikki impulsively leaves with him, never to be seen again.
Eight years later, Lark is finally getting her life back together for the sake of her young daughter and Mikki’s lovably prickly grandma, who can no longer care for herself. People have almost stopped blaming Lark for Mikki’s disappearance, and she’s engaged to the nicest guy on highway patrol. But when the stranger who drove Mikki away reappears and asks for her, nobody knows what to believe.
As the search reignites, Lark fights to find out whether Mikki is really missing or doesn’t want to be found. But piecing together the chain of events set into motion that fateful night could threaten everything—and everyone—Lark has left.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
1313 people are currently reading
10400 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Strawser
10 books1,669 followersJESSICA STRAWSER is the USA Today bestselling author of seven suspenseful book club novels featuring strong women put to the test, including ALMOST MISSED YOU, NOT THAT I COULD TELL (a Book of the Month selection), A MILLION REASONS WHY, and THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW (a People Magazine Pick). Her two most recent novels, THE LAST CARETAKER (a 2023 Amazon Editors First Reads Selection) and CATCH YOU LATER (new in October 2024) have both become instant bestsellers on the USA Today charts.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
October 22, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Lark Nichols and Mikki Jensen are best friends who grew up together and now work together, on the night shift of a Travel Stop along the highway of their small Ohio town.
They once had big dreams of moving away but as they fast approach their 30th birthdays, they are starting to feel “stuck” despite having always lived by their only TWO rules-Say YES, and Keep your eyes open for a ride out!
So when a stranger in a BMW stops in one night for coffee, and after a brief conversation, invites Nikki to tag along with him to a wedding in Florida, she concludes that it may be her first, and last opportunity to ever see the ocean, and with a breezy “Catch You Later” she impulsively removes her apron and hops in-leaving an incredulous, and pregnant Lark behind.
Mikki never returns.
Fast forward eight years and Lark is finally moving forward. She lives with and helps care for, Mikki’s prickly grandmother Nini, while raising her daughter, Dove as a single mom. And, she has recently gotten engaged to wonderful guy, who has embraced his new “ready made” family.
But, then the STRANGER who drove away with Mikki returns to the Travel Stop asking for her.
Nobody knows what to believe as the search is reopened.
The book alternates between Lark-NOW and Mikki-THEN which shows us what happened to Mikki from the time she climbed into the car.
I LOVED this ORIGINAL premise and was RIVETED to the pages-thinking this could be a 5 star read. But, at around the midway point of the story, the pace slowed and I guess I wanted MORE from the ending.
Although it’s not a new favorite book by the author, Jessica Strawser remains a favorite author of SUSPENSE for me, and I look forward to whatever she pens next!
A buddy read with DeAnn. Will it earn all the stars from her?
AVAILABLE NOW!
THANK YOU to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Lark Nichols and Mikki Jensen are best friends who grew up together and now work together, on the night shift of a Travel Stop along the highway of their small Ohio town.
They once had big dreams of moving away but as they fast approach their 30th birthdays, they are starting to feel “stuck” despite having always lived by their only TWO rules-Say YES, and Keep your eyes open for a ride out!
So when a stranger in a BMW stops in one night for coffee, and after a brief conversation, invites Nikki to tag along with him to a wedding in Florida, she concludes that it may be her first, and last opportunity to ever see the ocean, and with a breezy “Catch You Later” she impulsively removes her apron and hops in-leaving an incredulous, and pregnant Lark behind.
Mikki never returns.
Fast forward eight years and Lark is finally moving forward. She lives with and helps care for, Mikki’s prickly grandmother Nini, while raising her daughter, Dove as a single mom. And, she has recently gotten engaged to wonderful guy, who has embraced his new “ready made” family.
But, then the STRANGER who drove away with Mikki returns to the Travel Stop asking for her.
Nobody knows what to believe as the search is reopened.
The book alternates between Lark-NOW and Mikki-THEN which shows us what happened to Mikki from the time she climbed into the car.
I LOVED this ORIGINAL premise and was RIVETED to the pages-thinking this could be a 5 star read. But, at around the midway point of the story, the pace slowed and I guess I wanted MORE from the ending.
Although it’s not a new favorite book by the author, Jessica Strawser remains a favorite author of SUSPENSE for me, and I look forward to whatever she pens next!
A buddy read with DeAnn. Will it earn all the stars from her?
AVAILABLE NOW!
THANK YOU to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
October 24, 2024
The cover? Totally grabbed my attention! I mean, how could it not? So, we’ve got Mikki and Lark, two best friends, and then—poof! Mikki vanishes. As the search kicks off again, Lark is on a mission, determined to find out if Mikki is truly missing or just doesn’t want to be found. Sounds juicy, right? But here’s the catch—putting together the events of that fateful night could mess with everything and everyone Lark still cares about.
Now, let’s talk feelings. The plot had potential, for sure! But man, it was a bit of a slow burn, and that’s where it lost me. If things had picked up the pace a little, this could’ve easily been a 4-star read. Instead, I found myself yawning at times. The premise? Strong. The execution? It needed a bit more spark to really keep me hooked.
Now, let’s talk feelings. The plot had potential, for sure! But man, it was a bit of a slow burn, and that’s where it lost me. If things had picked up the pace a little, this could’ve easily been a 4-star read. Instead, I found myself yawning at times. The premise? Strong. The execution? It needed a bit more spark to really keep me hooked.
October 20, 2024
“You can’t always get what you want.”
For ‘almost 30 and stuck in life’ Mikki Jensen and Lark Nichols, the above lyrics taunted them.
The women were working at a travel stop in Becksville, Ohio, and had a limited outlook on life and limited resources to do anything about their disappointment. When Chris Redmond, a complete stranger, stops to get a coffee for his road trip, he off-handedly invites Mikki to join him…and she accepts. His motivation in asking was he was looking for a traveling buddy and date for his sister’s wedding in Florida. Mikki’s motivation in accepting was a lifetime of regret. The two head off, Mikki wanting a vacation from herself, and Chris looking to “make a statement by bringing some rando to a family occasion.”
They live it up at the Topaz Resort in Amelia Island and enjoy the wedding…but Mikki never returns home.
I was glued to the pages of this perfectly paced mystery. I needed to see what happened to Mikki, and how Lark, who had a codependent relationship with her friend, continued to live in a world where Mikki wasn’t coming back. I enjoyed the alternate settings of 2016 and 2024 and how Strawser used these to give me a little more information just when I needed it. Strawser’s theme of untaken roads, survivor’s guilt and regret were seamlessly integrated into a well-plotted mystery and I loved how she wove in the importance of harnessing the ‘power of yet’ when discussing her characters’ desires and achievements. I know I’ll never look at any travel stop again without thinking of Mikki and Lark!
Strawser’s novel featuring the powerful motivation of regret is one you’ll want on your reading list ASAP!
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
For ‘almost 30 and stuck in life’ Mikki Jensen and Lark Nichols, the above lyrics taunted them.
The women were working at a travel stop in Becksville, Ohio, and had a limited outlook on life and limited resources to do anything about their disappointment. When Chris Redmond, a complete stranger, stops to get a coffee for his road trip, he off-handedly invites Mikki to join him…and she accepts. His motivation in asking was he was looking for a traveling buddy and date for his sister’s wedding in Florida. Mikki’s motivation in accepting was a lifetime of regret. The two head off, Mikki wanting a vacation from herself, and Chris looking to “make a statement by bringing some rando to a family occasion.”
They live it up at the Topaz Resort in Amelia Island and enjoy the wedding…but Mikki never returns home.
I was glued to the pages of this perfectly paced mystery. I needed to see what happened to Mikki, and how Lark, who had a codependent relationship with her friend, continued to live in a world where Mikki wasn’t coming back. I enjoyed the alternate settings of 2016 and 2024 and how Strawser used these to give me a little more information just when I needed it. Strawser’s theme of untaken roads, survivor’s guilt and regret were seamlessly integrated into a well-plotted mystery and I loved how she wove in the importance of harnessing the ‘power of yet’ when discussing her characters’ desires and achievements. I know I’ll never look at any travel stop again without thinking of Mikki and Lark!
Strawser’s novel featuring the powerful motivation of regret is one you’ll want on your reading list ASAP!
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 11, 2024
Lark and Mikki are best friends who work the night shift at a highway travel stop in a small Ohio town, going nowhere fast, until a traveller heading for Florida stops in and Mikki impulsively leaves with him, never to be seen again. Eight years later the stranger who drove Mikki away reappears and asks for her, escalating the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Lovely cover!
The story is told from the points of view of Lark in the present (2024) and Mikki in the past (2016) when she left the travel stop with Chris headed to his sister's wedding in Florida. I don't recommend anyone doing what Mikki did as it could've turned out so much worse! The story, which goes back and forth between the two timelines, is slow to develop and I enjoyed it right up until about 85%. I was so disappointed from that point on that I pretty much skimmed to the end which was rather preposterous in my opinion (the end I mean). There are lots of more positive reviews so you should check them out if you're interested in reading this.
This was my first book by Jessica Strawser although I have a couple of others on my to read list. Even though I didn't love this one, I'm willing to give her another try.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
I did find a quote in the book that I really liked. I've confirmed that it made it into the published edition: "Time alone is important. Especially for us women. We're programmed to put other people's needs first. If we're never alone, we never stop and consider what we want."
The story is told from the points of view of Lark in the present (2024) and Mikki in the past (2016) when she left the travel stop with Chris headed to his sister's wedding in Florida. I don't recommend anyone doing what Mikki did as it could've turned out so much worse! The story, which goes back and forth between the two timelines, is slow to develop and I enjoyed it right up until about 85%. I was so disappointed from that point on that I pretty much skimmed to the end which was rather preposterous in my opinion (the end I mean). There are lots of more positive reviews so you should check them out if you're interested in reading this.
This was my first book by Jessica Strawser although I have a couple of others on my to read list. Even though I didn't love this one, I'm willing to give her another try.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
I did find a quote in the book that I really liked. I've confirmed that it made it into the published edition: "Time alone is important. Especially for us women. We're programmed to put other people's needs first. If we're never alone, we never stop and consider what we want."
January 1, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I enjoy the bulk of this novel but it definitely slows in the second half. I’d describe the ending as preposterous (word of the day, going to see how many times I can use it. Might get annoying!) but it is fiction and in the spirit of the season I’ll go with the preposterous flow. Happy New Year dear friends and a multitude of five star reads 🍾🥂💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕
I enjoy the bulk of this novel but it definitely slows in the second half. I’d describe the ending as preposterous (word of the day, going to see how many times I can use it. Might get annoying!) but it is fiction and in the spirit of the season I’ll go with the preposterous flow. Happy New Year dear friends and a multitude of five star reads 🍾🥂💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕
May 21, 2024
Where did Mikki go? That’s the central question of this tightly plotted psychological suspense. Jessica Strawser deftly explores female friendships, the ties that bind you to the place you’re from, and the things that can pull you away from everything—and everyone—you know. Along with trying to solve the mystery at the heart of this fantastic read, I found myself wondering whether I’d make the same choices, which is what all the best novels do. Pick this one up. You won’t regret it.
October 27, 2024
Okay, this one was rather captivating! Mikki and Lark are stuck in their small town, working nights at the local truck stop. They've long had plans of getting out, but those have been set aside as the years slide by. Now Lark is pregnant, and Mikki sees a claustrophobic future unfolding before her. Then a charismatic stranger in a BMW rolls up to the truck stop and invites Mikki to be his guest at a wedding in Florida. Mikki has never even seen the beach. Despite Lark's reluctance, she goes with the man, Chris. But she never comes back. Seven years later, Chris shows back up in town, and he too is looking for Mikki.
Told in a back and forth fashion that builds suspense, CATCH YOU LATER flashes back to 2014, the year Mikki disappeared with Chris and then present day, as Lark deals with Chris' return and the ramifications on her relationship with her daughter, Dove; her fiance; and Mikki's grandmother, Nini, with whom she and Dove live.
So, first off, there are a few annoying factors. Nini, while she does have the beginnings of dementia, is rather irritating and seems to exist to plague Lark and those around her. Mikki doesn't take her phone to work the day she disappears, which, c'mon! We're given a "reason," but this just seems so improbable, even in 2014. Then Lark makes a big deal of a bunch of "lies" she told the police that turn out to be incredibly silly; I hate those sort of lead ons.
But otherwise, even if some of this story seems crazy, it's quite a page-turner! I, personally, would not follow a rich man to Florida and try to wow over his wealthy and uppity family, but Mikki seemed the type (and up to the job). The book ramps up the tension, keeping you wondering what happened to Mikki. Was Chris to blame? Why on earth would she leave her beloved (and pregnant) best friend behind. Strawser does an excellent job of showing the strong bond between Mikki and Lark, even though they aren't together in present time in the story. She also explores the themes of motherhood (giving us insight of both bad and good examples).
There are lots of great twists in this story, even if it's a bit wild. The ideas of friendship, motherhood, finding yourself, and seeking happiness with what you truly have--those are universal, no matter how crazy life gets.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
Told in a back and forth fashion that builds suspense, CATCH YOU LATER flashes back to 2014, the year Mikki disappeared with Chris and then present day, as Lark deals with Chris' return and the ramifications on her relationship with her daughter, Dove; her fiance; and Mikki's grandmother, Nini, with whom she and Dove live.
So, first off, there are a few annoying factors. Nini, while she does have the beginnings of dementia, is rather irritating and seems to exist to plague Lark and those around her. Mikki doesn't take her phone to work the day she disappears, which, c'mon! We're given a "reason," but this just seems so improbable, even in 2014. Then Lark makes a big deal of a bunch of "lies" she told the police that turn out to be incredibly silly; I hate those sort of lead ons.
But otherwise, even if some of this story seems crazy, it's quite a page-turner! I, personally, would not follow a rich man to Florida and try to wow over his wealthy and uppity family, but Mikki seemed the type (and up to the job). The book ramps up the tension, keeping you wondering what happened to Mikki. Was Chris to blame? Why on earth would she leave her beloved (and pregnant) best friend behind. Strawser does an excellent job of showing the strong bond between Mikki and Lark, even though they aren't together in present time in the story. She also explores the themes of motherhood (giving us insight of both bad and good examples).
There are lots of great twists in this story, even if it's a bit wild. The ideas of friendship, motherhood, finding yourself, and seeking happiness with what you truly have--those are universal, no matter how crazy life gets.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
August 26, 2024
Two best friends’ lives are forever changed one night when one of them takes off with a stranger, never to be seen again. When that stranger returns looking for the woman he went off with, her friend investigates to find out what happened. There were a few strange implausibilities but otherwise this was an excellent read that had me hooked from the start. The relationships are authentic and the suspense palpable. For fans of Liane Moriarty.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Jessica Strawser for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Jessica Strawser for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2024
I found this to be a different kind of book as the emphasis was on Best Friends, Lark and Mikki. They are working a dead end job at a truck stop in Ohio. They say they want to do something else and leave this small town, but never actually put their plan in motion. Then a Stranger comes by and offers Mikki a chance to travel with him to Florida and she goes. She is supposed to return in a few days, but never does. Lark, with very limited resources has always tried to find out what happened. We do not know if Mikki is alive.
After, many years suddenly, Chris, that stranger shows up at the truck stop and is looking for Mikki. You don’t know his intentions or if he was somehow involved in hurting Mikki. This was a fast read for me, as I wanted to know what actually happened. I liked the characters. The ending was a bit far fetched, as thrillers often are. I did enjoy this one, but thought the ending could have been wrapped up a little smoother.
This is my first book by Jessica Strawser and would like to read another by her. The book definitely kept my interest.
After, many years suddenly, Chris, that stranger shows up at the truck stop and is looking for Mikki. You don’t know his intentions or if he was somehow involved in hurting Mikki. This was a fast read for me, as I wanted to know what actually happened. I liked the characters. The ending was a bit far fetched, as thrillers often are. I did enjoy this one, but thought the ending could have been wrapped up a little smoother.
This is my first book by Jessica Strawser and would like to read another by her. The book definitely kept my interest.
May 8, 2025
Review coming soon.
May 24, 2024
Catch You Later by Jessica Strawser
Rating:3/5
Release Date: 4 July 2024
In this desolate town, Lark and Mikki rely solely on each other for companionship and support, clinging to their bond while toiling away on the night shift at the highway travel stop. However, their stagnant lives take an unexpected turn when a stranger breezes through, en route to Florida, and Mikki impulsively joins him, vanishing without a trace.
Eight long years pass, during which Lark struggles to rebuild her life for the sake of her young daughter and Mikki's elderly grandmother, who now requires care. Gradually, the community's accusatory glares fade, and Lark finds solace in her engagement to a kindhearted highway patrolman. But when the mysterious figure from Mikki's past resurfaces, seeking Lark's assistance, uncertainty grips everyone involved.
This book was definitely a slow burn. By the time the action began, I was a little bored and not as interested as I was when I started it. I would have enjoyed some twists or reveals earlier into the book to keep me hooked
The initial premise piqued my interest, prompting me to give this book a chance, and the quality of writing did not disappoint. However, despite the prolonged build-up, the eventual revelation failed to deliver the jaw-dropping impact I had anticipated.
Furthermore, I found it difficult to suspend disbelief regarding the grandmother's ability to maintain such a significant secret, especially considering her portrayal as experiencing early stages of dementia. This inconsistency detracted from my overall engagement with the plot.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author, Jessica Strawser, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:3/5
Release Date: 4 July 2024
In this desolate town, Lark and Mikki rely solely on each other for companionship and support, clinging to their bond while toiling away on the night shift at the highway travel stop. However, their stagnant lives take an unexpected turn when a stranger breezes through, en route to Florida, and Mikki impulsively joins him, vanishing without a trace.
Eight long years pass, during which Lark struggles to rebuild her life for the sake of her young daughter and Mikki's elderly grandmother, who now requires care. Gradually, the community's accusatory glares fade, and Lark finds solace in her engagement to a kindhearted highway patrolman. But when the mysterious figure from Mikki's past resurfaces, seeking Lark's assistance, uncertainty grips everyone involved.
This book was definitely a slow burn. By the time the action began, I was a little bored and not as interested as I was when I started it. I would have enjoyed some twists or reveals earlier into the book to keep me hooked
The initial premise piqued my interest, prompting me to give this book a chance, and the quality of writing did not disappoint. However, despite the prolonged build-up, the eventual revelation failed to deliver the jaw-dropping impact I had anticipated.
Furthermore, I found it difficult to suspend disbelief regarding the grandmother's ability to maintain such a significant secret, especially considering her portrayal as experiencing early stages of dementia. This inconsistency detracted from my overall engagement with the plot.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author, Jessica Strawser, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 22, 2024
I absolutely love Strawser's writing and her imagination. Catch You Later was surprising and truly a great mystery. I really had zero idea what was going on or where the story was taking me. I buckled up and went along for the ride!
The dual timeline was really well done with this novel. Lark in the present day is grappling with her best friend's disappearance. When Chris - the last person to see Mikki - suddenly reappears in Lark's life, old wounds are reopened and more questions than answers seem to crop up. Mikki's timeline focuses on eight years ago, in the days leading up to her disappearance. When she spontaneously decides to join stranger Chris on a road trip to his sister's wedding, no one can imagine that is the last they will ever see or hear from her.
Chris seemed like such a great guy. During Mikki's timeline, I felt like I was reading a romance novel and waiting for the two strangers to fall madly in love. Flash to forward and we know that doesn't happen and in fact, Mikki has all but completely disappeared and while Chris has re-emerged, no one seems to know where Mikki went or what may have happened to her. I went back and forth constantly on whether or not I could trust Chris and even as the story started unfolding in front of my eyes, I had a hard time understanding or believing what I was reading. Strawser really does weave a good mystery that keeps her readers guessing until the very last moment.
I listened to this novel on audio and thought it was well done. I do prefer when books with multiple narrators use multiple actors, but overall Mallon did a good job differentiating between Lark and Mikki. There were times when her voice was a bit sing-songy for my taste, but generally, the acting was on point and the theatrics were good without being overdone.
This was a great read and a really stellar mystery. Thank you to Lake Union and Brilliance Audio for the copy. Very highly recommend.
The dual timeline was really well done with this novel. Lark in the present day is grappling with her best friend's disappearance. When Chris - the last person to see Mikki - suddenly reappears in Lark's life, old wounds are reopened and more questions than answers seem to crop up. Mikki's timeline focuses on eight years ago, in the days leading up to her disappearance. When she spontaneously decides to join stranger Chris on a road trip to his sister's wedding, no one can imagine that is the last they will ever see or hear from her.
Chris seemed like such a great guy. During Mikki's timeline, I felt like I was reading a romance novel and waiting for the two strangers to fall madly in love. Flash to forward and we know that doesn't happen and in fact, Mikki has all but completely disappeared and while Chris has re-emerged, no one seems to know where Mikki went or what may have happened to her. I went back and forth constantly on whether or not I could trust Chris and even as the story started unfolding in front of my eyes, I had a hard time understanding or believing what I was reading. Strawser really does weave a good mystery that keeps her readers guessing until the very last moment.
I listened to this novel on audio and thought it was well done. I do prefer when books with multiple narrators use multiple actors, but overall Mallon did a good job differentiating between Lark and Mikki. There were times when her voice was a bit sing-songy for my taste, but generally, the acting was on point and the theatrics were good without being overdone.
This was a great read and a really stellar mystery. Thank you to Lake Union and Brilliance Audio for the copy. Very highly recommend.
January 6, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, and I did, at the beginning. The premise really grabbed my attention and I was excited to find out what really happened to Mikki. However, there wasn’t a lot of action or much of anything and I found myself finding any reason at all not to pick up the book and continue reading. Bottom line, I was bored. The chapters were long, wordy and laborious. I didn’t find any of the characters to be particularly interesting. Nini was just nasty. When I felt I’d had enough, I just skipped to the end. I found the ending convoluted, unrealistic and just plain silly. Big letdown. Very disappointing book. I expected a lot more.
May 24, 2024
A gripping tale of two best friends, one who disappears when a stranger comes to town. Will keep you up late as you race through the pages!
September 30, 2024
Finished reading: September 28th 2024
"Funny, how the prospect of nothing changing could be both comfort and cause for panic."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
February 10, 2025
"Catch You Later" was an unforgettable read, and I'm delighted I chose the audiobook version included with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I knew I had to read it when I saw the striking cover.
Mikki and Lark are inseparable, working night shifts at a local truck stop, bound by their dreams of escaping their dull hometown. But life keeps getting in the way. Now that Lark is pregnant, Mikki can’t help but envision the future they always wanted slipping away. Then fate intervenes in the form of a handsome stranger in a sleek BMW. Chris shows up at the truck stop and convinces Mikki to take a spontaneous road trip to Florida, and she knows this could be her last big adventure. Despite Lark's protests, she follows her heart. But her impulsive decision leads to her disappearance.
The author skillfully uses alternating timelines to unravel the gripping stories of these two friends and the lengths they’ll go to for each other. In the present day, Lark is left to navigate the pain of losing her best friend. Now living with Mikki's grandmother, who battles dementia, Lark strives to keep her life together for the sake of her daughter.
Meanwhile, Mikki's narrative follows her exhilarating—and occasionally heart-wrenching—road trip with Chris as they navigate the thrill of their time at a vibrant Florida resort. Despite my usual aversion to romance, I was rooting for a joyful ending for these two!
When Lark starts to find her footing, Chris—the last person to see Mikki—unexpectedly reappears at the truck stop, sending Lark's world spiraling again.
The delightful bond between Mikki and Lark sets this book apart from my usual thrillers. Their close friendship is fun and refreshing, even stuck in their small, one-horse town. Every woman needs a best friend like Lark!
#CatchYouLater #JessicaStrawser #KindleUnlimited
Mikki and Lark are inseparable, working night shifts at a local truck stop, bound by their dreams of escaping their dull hometown. But life keeps getting in the way. Now that Lark is pregnant, Mikki can’t help but envision the future they always wanted slipping away. Then fate intervenes in the form of a handsome stranger in a sleek BMW. Chris shows up at the truck stop and convinces Mikki to take a spontaneous road trip to Florida, and she knows this could be her last big adventure. Despite Lark's protests, she follows her heart. But her impulsive decision leads to her disappearance.
The author skillfully uses alternating timelines to unravel the gripping stories of these two friends and the lengths they’ll go to for each other. In the present day, Lark is left to navigate the pain of losing her best friend. Now living with Mikki's grandmother, who battles dementia, Lark strives to keep her life together for the sake of her daughter.
Meanwhile, Mikki's narrative follows her exhilarating—and occasionally heart-wrenching—road trip with Chris as they navigate the thrill of their time at a vibrant Florida resort. Despite my usual aversion to romance, I was rooting for a joyful ending for these two!
When Lark starts to find her footing, Chris—the last person to see Mikki—unexpectedly reappears at the truck stop, sending Lark's world spiraling again.
The delightful bond between Mikki and Lark sets this book apart from my usual thrillers. Their close friendship is fun and refreshing, even stuck in their small, one-horse town. Every woman needs a best friend like Lark!
#CatchYouLater #JessicaStrawser #KindleUnlimited
October 4, 2024
Review to come
May 19, 2024
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Catch You Later releases October 22, 2024
2.75
Mikki and Lark were best friends, roommates, and coworkers who grew up in the same small town off of an interstate.
Nearly eight years ago during one of their night shifts at the Travel Stop, Mikki was entranced by a random stranger that walked in, and on a whim, said yes to accompanying him on the remainder of his road trip and being a plus one to a wedding.
Stuck in a town she’s always yearned to leave, and approaching the age of 30, Mikki is convinced that this is her last chance to get outside of the city limits before the birth of Lark’s baby and further decline of her grandmother’s health.
But what happens when your best friend leaves for a weekend and never comes back? When you finally come to terms with what happened and get your life back in order, only for the man behind the wheel to come back to the same travel stop looking for her eight years later?
The premise was intriguing enough for me to pick this up, and the writing was good, but for how drawn out the story was, the reveal just wasn’t shocking enough to lift me off my feet like I was hoping it would.
I also have a hard time believing that the grandmother was able to keep such an elaborate secret when such a large part of the plot was reliant on her experiencing early stages of dementia.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Catch You Later releases October 22, 2024
2.75
Mikki and Lark were best friends, roommates, and coworkers who grew up in the same small town off of an interstate.
Nearly eight years ago during one of their night shifts at the Travel Stop, Mikki was entranced by a random stranger that walked in, and on a whim, said yes to accompanying him on the remainder of his road trip and being a plus one to a wedding.
Stuck in a town she’s always yearned to leave, and approaching the age of 30, Mikki is convinced that this is her last chance to get outside of the city limits before the birth of Lark’s baby and further decline of her grandmother’s health.
But what happens when your best friend leaves for a weekend and never comes back? When you finally come to terms with what happened and get your life back in order, only for the man behind the wheel to come back to the same travel stop looking for her eight years later?
The premise was intriguing enough for me to pick this up, and the writing was good, but for how drawn out the story was, the reveal just wasn’t shocking enough to lift me off my feet like I was hoping it would.
I also have a hard time believing that the grandmother was able to keep such an elaborate secret when such a large part of the plot was reliant on her experiencing early stages of dementia.
August 29, 2024
I was drawn into reading this book by the gorgeous colours on the cover. That aside, it was an enjoyable read that drew me in from the start. A slow-burn mystery told from dual POV of Lark and Mikki. It follows Lark's story in the present day and Mikki's 8 years prior to that. The plot was interesting enough to hold my full attention and compell me to keep on reading. I was invested in the two main characters and wanted it to end well for both of them. This story delves into friendships, making snap decisions and the consequences of the choices we make.
I liked the style of writing and how easy it was to follow. I did think I had the mystery all worked out, and whilst I was correct on one part, I was totally wrong with everything else. It's not a big wow twist, but I didn't expect it to be. It was fitting to the rest of the story. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a drawn-out plot. It kept me guessing.
This book made me ask myself many questions about what I would do in the same circumstance as Mikki. Would I grab an opportunity for something new by the balls, or would I shy away from the unknown and play it safe?
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for my opportunity to read this ARC.
My opinions are my own.
I liked the style of writing and how easy it was to follow. I did think I had the mystery all worked out, and whilst I was correct on one part, I was totally wrong with everything else. It's not a big wow twist, but I didn't expect it to be. It was fitting to the rest of the story. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a drawn-out plot. It kept me guessing.
This book made me ask myself many questions about what I would do in the same circumstance as Mikki. Would I grab an opportunity for something new by the balls, or would I shy away from the unknown and play it safe?
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for my opportunity to read this ARC.
My opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. A solid 3.5 stars, and a story that will keep you guessing until quite late on.
Mikki and Lark have been friends forever. They work together and are making plans for their future. Then, one evening, Mikki takes up the offer of a passing customer to head to Florida for a wedding, hops in his car and then goes missing for years.
Lark has always wondered what happened to her friend. As she thinks she’s moving on, the man who gave Mikki a lift returns. He is surprised to hear that nobody has heard from Mikki since he left her at the wedding. Naturally, Lark is determined to try and get answers.
A rather preposterous premise. As the story progresses we start to unpick what happened, and by the end we’ve had things resolved (or at least explained).
Mikki and Lark have been friends forever. They work together and are making plans for their future. Then, one evening, Mikki takes up the offer of a passing customer to head to Florida for a wedding, hops in his car and then goes missing for years.
Lark has always wondered what happened to her friend. As she thinks she’s moving on, the man who gave Mikki a lift returns. He is surprised to hear that nobody has heard from Mikki since he left her at the wedding. Naturally, Lark is determined to try and get answers.
A rather preposterous premise. As the story progresses we start to unpick what happened, and by the end we’ve had things resolved (or at least explained).
April 13, 2025
A very solid 3.5 rounded to 4 for GR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This hooked me from the get go. Best friends mikki and lark live together & work together overnight in a gas station in the slums in Ohio. Mikki is dying for a way out & one night she gets it. A handsome, well to do man come in the gas station and offers her just that - a way out. She impulsively accepts against larks pleading. It’s the last time lark sees her - buckle up baby!
I was hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down bc I HAD to figure out what happened! I liked the authors writing style also, the story was easy to follow. Our POVs are Mikki in 2015 & then Lark 2023.
Parts of the story felt a little far fetched to me & I was expecting more from the ending. But overall really enjoyed this!!!! Also the author is from pittsburgh!!
I recommend this one! A quick read but a very entertaining one. I was never bored & it kept me guessing at every page.
This hooked me from the get go. Best friends mikki and lark live together & work together overnight in a gas station in the slums in Ohio. Mikki is dying for a way out & one night she gets it. A handsome, well to do man come in the gas station and offers her just that - a way out. She impulsively accepts against larks pleading. It’s the last time lark sees her - buckle up baby!
I was hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down bc I HAD to figure out what happened! I liked the authors writing style also, the story was easy to follow. Our POVs are Mikki in 2015 & then Lark 2023.
Parts of the story felt a little far fetched to me & I was expecting more from the ending. But overall really enjoyed this!!!! Also the author is from pittsburgh!!
I recommend this one! A quick read but a very entertaining one. I was never bored & it kept me guessing at every page.
January 31, 2025
3.5 stars
June 22, 2024
Thank you very much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and author Jessica Strawser for providing me with a copy of Catch You Later in exchange for my fair review. The lovely cover and plot premise caught my attention right away, and I was intrigued from the first pages. Set in dual, alternating voices and timelines, the book flashes back and forth from the weekend Mikki disappears to eight years later, when Lark resumes the search.
Since kindergarten, Lark and Mikki have been inseparable best friends. Now in their thirties, they live as roommates in a desolate, nondescript town by the interstate, notable only for its Travel Stop. Since high school, they've worked countless night shifts together there, living by two simple rules: "Say yes to everything" and "keep their eyes open for a way out of Becksville." Lark, on the brink of single motherhood, finds strength in Mikki's steadfast support, believing together they can confront this life change. During one night shift at the Travel Stop, a mysterious man driving an expensive convertible BMW stops in for a coffee and begins talking to Mikki while she mixes his drink. Spontaneously, he then asks her to take a leap of faith and travel with him to a wedding in Florida so she can see the ocean. Before they exchange names, Mikki accepts, and is never seen or heard from again. Devastated, Lark embarks on a “Find Mikki” campaign and hires a PI, but the police never take her seriously. Grief stricken Lark gives birth alone, prompting her to fall deeper into depression as she realizes if Mikki missed the birth, she is really gone. Nini, Mikki’s aging grandmother, knocks on Lark’s door a month into motherhood and sees her condition, telling her she “guesses you’d better move in, then” so she and her baby do. The three of them learn to navigate the years together, never ceasing to wonder what happened the night Mikki rode off in 2016. Almost eight years go by with no answers. Lark is still living with Nini, engaged to a highway patrolman, and still working at the Travel Stop when the BMW mystery man walks in one night and asks if Mikki is around. Stunned, Lark wonders if she will ever learn the truth about her childhood best friend, and enlists Chris Redmond to assist her in finally obtaining the answers she has been seeking all these years. The characters are relatable and enjoyable. I found myself reading each chapter anticipating what ultimately happened to Mikki, but the pacing of the plot was a bit slow at times. The main relationship between the two female friends felt contrived and immature at the anti-climactic ending. This mystery left me wanting more for these enduring friends, and there needed to be more emotion in the finale. The plot was good but would have benefited from heightened suspense, emotional depth, and more intricate twists & turns throughout. 3/5
Since kindergarten, Lark and Mikki have been inseparable best friends. Now in their thirties, they live as roommates in a desolate, nondescript town by the interstate, notable only for its Travel Stop. Since high school, they've worked countless night shifts together there, living by two simple rules: "Say yes to everything" and "keep their eyes open for a way out of Becksville." Lark, on the brink of single motherhood, finds strength in Mikki's steadfast support, believing together they can confront this life change. During one night shift at the Travel Stop, a mysterious man driving an expensive convertible BMW stops in for a coffee and begins talking to Mikki while she mixes his drink. Spontaneously, he then asks her to take a leap of faith and travel with him to a wedding in Florida so she can see the ocean. Before they exchange names, Mikki accepts, and is never seen or heard from again. Devastated, Lark embarks on a “Find Mikki” campaign and hires a PI, but the police never take her seriously. Grief stricken Lark gives birth alone, prompting her to fall deeper into depression as she realizes if Mikki missed the birth, she is really gone. Nini, Mikki’s aging grandmother, knocks on Lark’s door a month into motherhood and sees her condition, telling her she “guesses you’d better move in, then” so she and her baby do. The three of them learn to navigate the years together, never ceasing to wonder what happened the night Mikki rode off in 2016. Almost eight years go by with no answers. Lark is still living with Nini, engaged to a highway patrolman, and still working at the Travel Stop when the BMW mystery man walks in one night and asks if Mikki is around. Stunned, Lark wonders if she will ever learn the truth about her childhood best friend, and enlists Chris Redmond to assist her in finally obtaining the answers she has been seeking all these years. The characters are relatable and enjoyable. I found myself reading each chapter anticipating what ultimately happened to Mikki, but the pacing of the plot was a bit slow at times. The main relationship between the two female friends felt contrived and immature at the anti-climactic ending. This mystery left me wanting more for these enduring friends, and there needed to be more emotion in the finale. The plot was good but would have benefited from heightened suspense, emotional depth, and more intricate twists & turns throughout. 3/5
September 30, 2024
Catch You Later was such a captivating read and kept me hooked from the beginning! I DEVOURED this book in two sittings and I was really invested in the lives of Lark and Mikki.
Best friends, Lark and Mikki, are from a small town that doesn't really have much going for it. They always dreamed about leaving together and experiencing the taste of freedom in big, open world. One night, at their job at a truck stop on the edge of town, a charismatic stranger walks in and within a few minutes Mikki is spontaneously jumping into his car - an action that would later affect the lives of everyone who knew her. Years on with no Mikki, Lark stops at nothing to find out what has happened to her best friend.
I had so many theories while reading this book but I didn't see the twist coming... I repeat - I DIDN'T SEE THE TWIST COMING!
This was a dual POV book that looks through the eyes of Lark and Mikki and flashing back and forth between present day and the past. I enjoyed hearing their revelations about life and friendship.
After reading this book, I am excited to discover other books by this author, I loved the storyline and the way that she writes!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and author Jessica Strawser, for an advance copy of this audiobook. Catch You Later is available from October 22nd, 2024!
Best friends, Lark and Mikki, are from a small town that doesn't really have much going for it. They always dreamed about leaving together and experiencing the taste of freedom in big, open world. One night, at their job at a truck stop on the edge of town, a charismatic stranger walks in and within a few minutes Mikki is spontaneously jumping into his car - an action that would later affect the lives of everyone who knew her. Years on with no Mikki, Lark stops at nothing to find out what has happened to her best friend.
I had so many theories while reading this book but I didn't see the twist coming... I repeat - I DIDN'T SEE THE TWIST COMING!
This was a dual POV book that looks through the eyes of Lark and Mikki and flashing back and forth between present day and the past. I enjoyed hearing their revelations about life and friendship.
After reading this book, I am excited to discover other books by this author, I loved the storyline and the way that she writes!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and author Jessica Strawser, for an advance copy of this audiobook. Catch You Later is available from October 22nd, 2024!
November 27, 2024
I have read all of Jessica Strawser's novels and am always impressed by her writing style. Her latest, Catch You Later, is my favorite of hers so far. I found myself totally invested in this story and wrapped up in the mystery of what happened to Mikki.
I loved seeing the perspectives of both Lark and Mikki, one in the present and one in the not-so-distant past. They both had really interesting storylines. I was able to visualize everything so clearly thanks to the details and descriptions. The story felt so genuine, about two best friends who love each other but also tend to clash on some matters. When Mikki first disappears, Lark is pregnant and we learn about how Mikki feels about Lark's connection with the baby's father and also taking on a huge role in the baby's life in nine short months. We also see how Lark feels about Mikki just taking off with a stranger on a whim. Both women have had difficult life experiences, and while that has bonded them, it has also put them at odds with each other and with the people in their lives.
The ending felt a bit anticlimactic after all the mystery and suspense surrounding Mikki's disappearance, but I enjoyed all the build-up leading to getting some much-needed answers. The way the story went between the past and present allowed readers to try to put the pieces together without giving too much away. I was definitely surprised by some parts!
Definitely check this novel out and prepare to be glued to your seat for a while!
(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Lark (2024): Katharine McPhee
Mikki (2016): Eve Hewson
Chris: Milo Gibson
Heath: Austin Stowell
Nini: Lily Tomlin
Kim: Kim Matula
Cooper: Ray Nicholson
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of parents, substance abuse, suicide
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of parents, substance abuse, suicide
October 29, 2024
Lark and Mikki have always had each other. Other than that, they have this crappy town and job. As long as they have each other though, they can survive. When a stranger stops at the travel stop and Mikki leaves with him, she is never seen again.
I immediately fell in love with both Lark and Mikki and their friendship! I was so shocked when Mikki left with the stranger, even though I knew it was going to happen from reading the synopsis, I was still hoping she wouldn’t go! I could not stop listening to find out what had happened to Mikki, and if Lark would ever get the answers she was looking for! This was a wild ride and I enjoyed every second!
Thank you to @brilliancepublishing for my gifted copy of this book!
I immediately fell in love with both Lark and Mikki and their friendship! I was so shocked when Mikki left with the stranger, even though I knew it was going to happen from reading the synopsis, I was still hoping she wouldn’t go! I could not stop listening to find out what had happened to Mikki, and if Lark would ever get the answers she was looking for! This was a wild ride and I enjoyed every second!
Thank you to @brilliancepublishing for my gifted copy of this book!
April 3, 2025
Not going to lie, I picked this book because I thought the cover was really pretty. The story was good but it didn’t make sense to me that these women were 30+ the whole book. Just seemed slightly immature and whiny at times, I think it would have made more sense if they were young twenties. Ending was pretty far fetched but overall, enjoyed the book for the most part!
November 13, 2024
Solid 4! It was a dual timeline and I liked both of them equally!
August 17, 2025
4.5, really sucks you in!
September 27, 2025
This is a mystery with sides of friendship, searches for freedom, and holding on to hope. I liked the storyline and how it helped develop the characters. I flipped between Audible and Kindle Unlimited versions because I was that into the story!
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