What do you think?
Rate this book
Whispers of Dead Girls
She's right. It can never happen again. She won't let it.
Ten years have passed, and Ren Taylor is back at square one, having accepted a job at her old high school. She'd hoped to make peace with the past but now she's thrust back into her murdered teenage sister is still immortalized in town, and Ren can't stop seeing her wherever she goes. She's dogged by the scandal that ruined her childhood and killed her sister.
Then Ren meets physics teacher Bryson Lewis. Handsome and charismatic, all the other teachers and students seem to fall at his feet. But Ren knows men like him – she knows they can't be trusted.
The more Ren watches him, the more suspicious she becomes. And when she notices his close relationship with a girl in one of his classes – a girl just like her sister – she worries history is about to repeat itself. This time, she won't sit back and watch another girl be taken before her time.
This time, Ren will do what she must to save her, even if it means revealing her own darkest secrets.
Ten years have passed, and Ren Taylor is back at square one, having accepted a job at her old high school. She'd hoped to make peace with the past but now she's thrust back into her murdered teenage sister is still immortalized in town, and Ren can't stop seeing her wherever she goes. She's dogged by the scandal that ruined her childhood and killed her sister.
Then Ren meets physics teacher Bryson Lewis. Handsome and charismatic, all the other teachers and students seem to fall at his feet. But Ren knows men like him – she knows they can't be trusted.
The more Ren watches him, the more suspicious she becomes. And when she notices his close relationship with a girl in one of his classes – a girl just like her sister – she worries history is about to repeat itself. This time, she won't sit back and watch another girl be taken before her time.
This time, Ren will do what she must to save her, even if it means revealing her own darkest secrets.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
128 people are currently reading
39406 people want to read
About the author
Marlee Bush
2 books411 followersMARLEE BUSH lives in Alabama with her husband and children.
With degrees in Criminology and English, she’s obsessed with true crime and documentaries. Her favorite stories to tell are the kind that make you double check the locks on your door at night.
When She Was Me is her debut novel.
With degrees in Criminology and English, she’s obsessed with true crime and documentaries. Her favorite stories to tell are the kind that make you double check the locks on your door at night.
When She Was Me is her debut novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews
July 20, 2025
A slow burn exposé of long-buried secrets and uncomfortable truths, Whispers of Dead Girls made me wriggle in discomfort as I raced through the pages. Don’t get me wrong, this one was twisty to be sure, but the underlying serious themes were the special sauce in this riveting debut novel. Well, that and the deftly crafted protagonist who easily had me in the palm of her hand. Seemingly guided by her high-handed principles, this complex yet messy main character with a side of moral grayness was the driving force throughout this twisted, twisted tale. After all, she made this one feel heartbreakingly real in all of its intense, gut-wrenching glory.
As for the plot, it was much more slow going than I was expecting. With an enigmatic past that was kept firmly obscured for the bulk of the novel, it was sometimes hard to remain immersed in the novel despite my incessant curiosity. My biggest pet peeve, however, was the slow pace of this mystery. It wasn’t until the last third or so where I found myself utterly hooked. Just the same, I loved the eerie feel and the untrustworthiness of nearly all those involved. Throw a supernatural ghost that “haunts” the female main character, and there was plenty to keep me turning the pages.
All said and done, I found this one a definite mixed bag. A strong showing in terms of atmosphere and characterization, there were still some flaws that made it just miss becoming an utter home run. I do wish that it hadn’t felt quite so disjointed in the middle, but the gripping, unguessable conclusion kind of made up for it by the end. With a shocking twist that had my jaw on the floor and a flipped-script character that I didn’t see coming, I enjoyed this one overall. So if you love a good slow-roll mystery that explores thought-provoking themes, give this one a try. While not necessarily perfection, it was still a solid read for me. Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ten years have passed, and Ren Taylor is back at square one, having accepted a job at her old high school. She’d hoped to make peace with the past but now she’s thrust back into it: her murdered teenage sister is still immortalized in town, and Ren can’t stop seeing her wherever she goes. She’s dogged by the scandal that ruined her childhood and killed her sister.
Then Ren meets physics teacher Bryson Lewis. Handsome and charismatic, all the other teachers and students seem to fall at his feet. But Ren knows men like him – she knows they can’t be trusted.
The more Ren watches him, the more suspicious she becomes. And when she notices his close relationship with a girl in one of his classes – a girl just like her sister – she worries history is about to repeat itself. This time, she won’t sit back and watch another girl be taken before her time.
This time, Ren will do what she must to save her, even if it means revealing her own darkest secrets
Thank you to Marlee Bush, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 27, 2025
Content warning: inappropriate relationship, grooming, gaslighting, sexual assault, knife violence, mention of: hit-and-run accident
As for the plot, it was much more slow going than I was expecting. With an enigmatic past that was kept firmly obscured for the bulk of the novel, it was sometimes hard to remain immersed in the novel despite my incessant curiosity. My biggest pet peeve, however, was the slow pace of this mystery. It wasn’t until the last third or so where I found myself utterly hooked. Just the same, I loved the eerie feel and the untrustworthiness of nearly all those involved. Throw a supernatural ghost that “haunts” the female main character, and there was plenty to keep me turning the pages.
All said and done, I found this one a definite mixed bag. A strong showing in terms of atmosphere and characterization, there were still some flaws that made it just miss becoming an utter home run. I do wish that it hadn’t felt quite so disjointed in the middle, but the gripping, unguessable conclusion kind of made up for it by the end. With a shocking twist that had my jaw on the floor and a flipped-script character that I didn’t see coming, I enjoyed this one overall. So if you love a good slow-roll mystery that explores thought-provoking themes, give this one a try. While not necessarily perfection, it was still a solid read for me. Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ten years have passed, and Ren Taylor is back at square one, having accepted a job at her old high school. She’d hoped to make peace with the past but now she’s thrust back into it: her murdered teenage sister is still immortalized in town, and Ren can’t stop seeing her wherever she goes. She’s dogged by the scandal that ruined her childhood and killed her sister.
Then Ren meets physics teacher Bryson Lewis. Handsome and charismatic, all the other teachers and students seem to fall at his feet. But Ren knows men like him – she knows they can’t be trusted.
The more Ren watches him, the more suspicious she becomes. And when she notices his close relationship with a girl in one of his classes – a girl just like her sister – she worries history is about to repeat itself. This time, she won’t sit back and watch another girl be taken before her time.
This time, Ren will do what she must to save her, even if it means revealing her own darkest secrets
Thank you to Marlee Bush, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 27, 2025
Content warning: inappropriate relationship, grooming, gaslighting, sexual assault, knife violence, mention of: hit-and-run accident
September 9, 2025
A decade has passed since Ren left her hometown, but now she's back, accepting a job at her old high school.
She's hoping the position will help her find some sort of closure regarding her traumatic past, and the death of her older sister when the two were teens.
Back in the school, Ren is unprepared for the wave of memories and emotions that come rushing back to her. Additionally, there was a bit of a scandal wrapped-up in her sister's death, and people sometimes still whisper about it.
For her part, Ren will never forget the days and events leading up to tragedy, but being back is causing her to see things a little differently.
We get a bit of past and present, as well as a current situation involving one of her coworkers, a physics teacher, Mr. Lewis. Ren becomes suspicious of him, fearing history will soon repeat itself. She vows, not on her watch.
While Whispers of Dead Girls was compelling and enticing, it did sort of tick me off, NGL. I've been thinking on it for a while, anticipating that resounding sense of annoyance with it would dissipate in time, yet it hasn't.
With this being said, most of the journey to get to the conclusion kept me entertained and invested. I was sucked into both the past and present timelines.
Additionally, I loved the set-up of the MC returning to their hometown after a long period of time away, and investigating a circumstance that seems reminiscent of something she herself had gone through. This returning MC aspect is actually one of my favorite tropes.
I also liked how Ren was an unreliable narrator. I never knew what she was going to do next. Nevertheless, the resolutions she came to, I was sort of miffed by all that.
So much so, that in a way, it started to feel like a waste of my time. Though I can acknowledge this is a good story, and I think Bush pulled off a lot of great twists and turns, I still feel a slight sense of distaste about how it all played out.
I wish I could say more about this, but I can't without spoiling major reveals, and I'm not about to do that. I still want others to enjoy this book and I know many will.
It does have many strong aspects, it's a good story, but at the end of the day, I rate based on my personal reading experience, and this one left me a wee bit perturbed.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I'll definitely be picking up more from this author.
She's hoping the position will help her find some sort of closure regarding her traumatic past, and the death of her older sister when the two were teens.
Back in the school, Ren is unprepared for the wave of memories and emotions that come rushing back to her. Additionally, there was a bit of a scandal wrapped-up in her sister's death, and people sometimes still whisper about it.
For her part, Ren will never forget the days and events leading up to tragedy, but being back is causing her to see things a little differently.
We get a bit of past and present, as well as a current situation involving one of her coworkers, a physics teacher, Mr. Lewis. Ren becomes suspicious of him, fearing history will soon repeat itself. She vows, not on her watch.
While Whispers of Dead Girls was compelling and enticing, it did sort of tick me off, NGL. I've been thinking on it for a while, anticipating that resounding sense of annoyance with it would dissipate in time, yet it hasn't.
With this being said, most of the journey to get to the conclusion kept me entertained and invested. I was sucked into both the past and present timelines.
Additionally, I loved the set-up of the MC returning to their hometown after a long period of time away, and investigating a circumstance that seems reminiscent of something she herself had gone through. This returning MC aspect is actually one of my favorite tropes.
I also liked how Ren was an unreliable narrator. I never knew what she was going to do next. Nevertheless, the resolutions she came to, I was sort of miffed by all that.
So much so, that in a way, it started to feel like a waste of my time. Though I can acknowledge this is a good story, and I think Bush pulled off a lot of great twists and turns, I still feel a slight sense of distaste about how it all played out.
I wish I could say more about this, but I can't without spoiling major reveals, and I'm not about to do that. I still want others to enjoy this book and I know many will.
It does have many strong aspects, it's a good story, but at the end of the day, I rate based on my personal reading experience, and this one left me a wee bit perturbed.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I'll definitely be picking up more from this author.
May 28, 2025
From the opening chapters, there’s a thick fog of unease coating everything. That small-town vibe, where everyone knows your name—and your past—makes for the perfect breeding ground for suspicion, rumor, and paranoia. It’s the kind of atmosphere that sinks into your skin and refuses to let go. The writing creates this eerie tension that never quite lets up and, while I’m not always one for slow burns, this one worked for me. The pacing took its time, but the writing style made it easy to settle into—especially with the looming question of whether Bryson is truly who he seems or something far more dangerous.
Ren isn’t always likable, but that’s exactly what made her feel real. She’s messy, flawed, and deeply scarred, driven by a relentless need to protect others in a way she couldn't protect her sister. Her grief and guilt bleed into everything she does. Even when I didn’t agree with her choices, I understood her—because how do you move forward when your past keeps dragging you backward?
That said, the middle portion did slow a bit for me. Ren’s internal spirals, while powerful, sometimes felt repetitive, and trimming them slightly could’ve helped tighten the pace without losing the emotional weight. There were also moments when past and present blurred so quickly that it became a little disorienting. If you looked away for even a second, it was easy to lose track of which timeline you were in. Still, I appreciated what those flashbacks added—they were heavy with meaning and gave us a deeper understanding of who Ren was then versus who she is now.
The supporting cast was hit or miss. There were a lot of characters to keep up with—some added richness, while others didn’t really leave a lasting impression. One that absolutely did, though, was Margo. Her ghostly presence brought this almost supernatural undertone that I really liked. It gave the story an extra layer, a feeling that the past wasn’t just haunting Ren emotionally, but maybe even literally.
As for the ending… I’m still sitting with it. It was definitely unexpected and left me with a lot of afterthoughts. I’m not sure I loved it, but maybe it was the right kind of ending for this story—messy, unresolved, and emotionally charged. The reveal of who was behind the students’ deaths didn’t hit as hard for me mostly because I wasn’t all that connected to that character to begin with. It left me with mixed feelings—some intrigue, some disappointment, and a lingering sense that maybe that’s exactly how this story was meant to end: not with full closure, but with a weight that stays with you.
As for the other part of the ending, while it was somewhat predictable, I found myself ultimately satisfied with how it played out and how well it was executed.
(Includes subjects of abuse and inappropriate teacher/student relationships.)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.💐
Ren isn’t always likable, but that’s exactly what made her feel real. She’s messy, flawed, and deeply scarred, driven by a relentless need to protect others in a way she couldn't protect her sister. Her grief and guilt bleed into everything she does. Even when I didn’t agree with her choices, I understood her—because how do you move forward when your past keeps dragging you backward?
That said, the middle portion did slow a bit for me. Ren’s internal spirals, while powerful, sometimes felt repetitive, and trimming them slightly could’ve helped tighten the pace without losing the emotional weight. There were also moments when past and present blurred so quickly that it became a little disorienting. If you looked away for even a second, it was easy to lose track of which timeline you were in. Still, I appreciated what those flashbacks added—they were heavy with meaning and gave us a deeper understanding of who Ren was then versus who she is now.
The supporting cast was hit or miss. There were a lot of characters to keep up with—some added richness, while others didn’t really leave a lasting impression. One that absolutely did, though, was Margo. Her ghostly presence brought this almost supernatural undertone that I really liked. It gave the story an extra layer, a feeling that the past wasn’t just haunting Ren emotionally, but maybe even literally.
As for the ending… I’m still sitting with it. It was definitely unexpected and left me with a lot of afterthoughts. I’m not sure I loved it, but maybe it was the right kind of ending for this story—messy, unresolved, and emotionally charged. The reveal of who was behind the students’ deaths didn’t hit as hard for me mostly because I wasn’t all that connected to that character to begin with. It left me with mixed feelings—some intrigue, some disappointment, and a lingering sense that maybe that’s exactly how this story was meant to end: not with full closure, but with a weight that stays with you.
As for the other part of the ending, while it was somewhat predictable, I found myself ultimately satisfied with how it played out and how well it was executed.
(Includes subjects of abuse and inappropriate teacher/student relationships.)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.💐
May 31, 2025
The minute you begin reading you wonder who Ren is talking to because no one is there.
You then realize she is talking to her dead sister Margo - well Margo is talking to her telling her what to do.
Margo was murdered ten years ago in the very high school she and Ren graduated from and the same high school that Ren is now teaching in.
We follow Ren as she suspects one of the teachers who she thinks is behind her sister's killing and a few other girls. She tries to do her own investigating - a good idea??
Things happen to her that would scare me away, and I definitely wouldn't want a dead sister talking to me.
Is she the goody two shoes she claims to be?
What secrets does Ren carry?
WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS is suspenseful and a bit creepy.
Thriller fans will enjoy this one. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
You then realize she is talking to her dead sister Margo - well Margo is talking to her telling her what to do.
Margo was murdered ten years ago in the very high school she and Ren graduated from and the same high school that Ren is now teaching in.
We follow Ren as she suspects one of the teachers who she thinks is behind her sister's killing and a few other girls. She tries to do her own investigating - a good idea??
Things happen to her that would scare me away, and I definitely wouldn't want a dead sister talking to me.
Is she the goody two shoes she claims to be?
What secrets does Ren carry?
WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS is suspenseful and a bit creepy.
Thriller fans will enjoy this one. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Read
September 24, 2025Good read
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪
🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪🤪
🤪🤪
🤪
May 27, 2025
Whispers of Dead Girls 4⭐️
“I’ll always be doomed to reside in both places at once. My past. My present. Forever intertwined.”
Ren finds herself back in her small hometown teaching in her old high school. To the outside world Ren is quiet and distant, but internally she is battling so much. Her mind is in overdrive at all times, including daily hauntings of her sister’s ghost following her. I loved how I could feel the slow motion of Ren’s perspective at times. Wonderful imagery of the world around her slowing down to almost nothing as she drifted into past memories and the snap back to reality. This is what I’m looking for in an atmospheric psychological thriller!
Most of the book only gives brief clues and references to what originally happened 14 years earlier. As soon as Ren shows up the present closely resembles the past. It felt over-the-top coincidental, but I was happy with how it all came together at the end.I can’t wait to read more Marlee Bush books in the future!
(Includes subjects of abuse and inappropriate teacher/student relationships.)
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date May 27 2025
“I’ll always be doomed to reside in both places at once. My past. My present. Forever intertwined.”
Ren finds herself back in her small hometown teaching in her old high school. To the outside world Ren is quiet and distant, but internally she is battling so much. Her mind is in overdrive at all times, including daily hauntings of her sister’s ghost following her. I loved how I could feel the slow motion of Ren’s perspective at times. Wonderful imagery of the world around her slowing down to almost nothing as she drifted into past memories and the snap back to reality. This is what I’m looking for in an atmospheric psychological thriller!
Most of the book only gives brief clues and references to what originally happened 14 years earlier. As soon as Ren shows up the present closely resembles the past. It felt over-the-top coincidental, but I was happy with how it all came together at the end.I can’t wait to read more Marlee Bush books in the future!
(Includes subjects of abuse and inappropriate teacher/student relationships.)
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date May 27 2025
Read
May 15, 20253.75 stars rounded up - thank you poisoned pen press for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback!
Publishes May 27th
I will say I felt this book read kind of young adult. I do think it being set in a High School is the reason along with the FMC being a bit erratic about her approach to investigating.. just felt a bit more of a juvenile approach.
Looking past that, I found this story to be quite intriguing. The layers of connections between characters with an old murder case lingering while there’s a coupe current murder cases, a current missing person case, and endless web of deception, some good twists, and drama kept the story really engaging.
I do have to say I felt one aspect of the story was too conveniently placed in the story and when it was introduced, I immediately knew why and felt it was a bit of a easy way out of a couple plot holes. Still not sure how I feel about how it came into play with the resolution of the story.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj5kngfh/
Publishes May 27th
I will say I felt this book read kind of young adult. I do think it being set in a High School is the reason along with the FMC being a bit erratic about her approach to investigating.. just felt a bit more of a juvenile approach.
Looking past that, I found this story to be quite intriguing. The layers of connections between characters with an old murder case lingering while there’s a coupe current murder cases, a current missing person case, and endless web of deception, some good twists, and drama kept the story really engaging.
I do have to say I felt one aspect of the story was too conveniently placed in the story and when it was introduced, I immediately knew why and felt it was a bit of a easy way out of a couple plot holes. Still not sure how I feel about how it came into play with the resolution of the story.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj5kngfh/
January 2, 2025
4.5⭐️
omg what a thriller!!! this is a good girls guide to murder but from the teachers POV and i could not put it down. Ren's sister was murdered as a teenager by possibly a teacher. 10 years later she returns as a biology teacher and notices something off about the male teacher across the hall. when the bodies of two teenager girls are found is he suspicious and can she help the students???
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
omg what a thriller!!! this is a good girls guide to murder but from the teachers POV and i could not put it down. Ren's sister was murdered as a teenager by possibly a teacher. 10 years later she returns as a biology teacher and notices something off about the male teacher across the hall. when the bodies of two teenager girls are found is he suspicious and can she help the students???
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
April 14, 2025
With thrillers, you can’t always take the title literally. The synopsis for this one gave no indication to take it literally, so figured it was just a catchy title. False. Take it literally, and if that’s not your cup of tea (it’s not mine) skip it.
I don’t know that I would really consider this much of a thriller, it felt very YA mystery to me. I was a fan of this authors previous work, but this book isn’t one I’d add to my recommendations. It was very predictable and nothing I hadn’t seen before.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
I don’t know that I would really consider this much of a thriller, it felt very YA mystery to me. I was a fan of this authors previous work, but this book isn’t one I’d add to my recommendations. It was very predictable and nothing I hadn’t seen before.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
May 14, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted copy of Whispers of Dead Girls by Marlee Bush. I liked this one. It was a slow burn mystery that had me guessing throughout. At times I feel like it was really dragged out but overall still enjoyable.
Ten years after the loss of her sister Ren comes back to her hometown as a teacher at her high school. Even though ten years have passed a lot of the same things are going on. Missing teens and student / teacher relationships seem to be a trend in this small town. Can Ren through the ghost and guidance of her sister help solve today’s crimes by looking into a past one?
All opinions are my own.
This book releases May 27th.
Ten years after the loss of her sister Ren comes back to her hometown as a teacher at her high school. Even though ten years have passed a lot of the same things are going on. Missing teens and student / teacher relationships seem to be a trend in this small town. Can Ren through the ghost and guidance of her sister help solve today’s crimes by looking into a past one?
All opinions are my own.
This book releases May 27th.
May 23, 2025
3.5 stars
I went into this book blind and was pleasantly surprised. I feel like this book was easy to guess what was going to happen and the plot but I still flew through this book.
I have mixed feelings about the FMC. One part of me enjoyed her morally grayness and what she was willing to do to find the truth. Another part of me found her frustrating. She just wanted her parents to love her after the tragedy but it just seemed like she would just run away instead of confronting them. I wish she had the same fierceness with them that she had with exposing the truth within her school. I also, found it interesting that he sees her dead sister and talks to her.
The ending was a nice small twist. I found myself bumping the book up from 3 stars to a 3.5 based off of it. There is some triggering topics within this book so please check them out. Thank you poisoned pen press for the gifted ebook.
I went into this book blind and was pleasantly surprised. I feel like this book was easy to guess what was going to happen and the plot but I still flew through this book.
I have mixed feelings about the FMC. One part of me enjoyed her morally grayness and what she was willing to do to find the truth. Another part of me found her frustrating. She just wanted her parents to love her after the tragedy but it just seemed like she would just run away instead of confronting them. I wish she had the same fierceness with them that she had with exposing the truth within her school. I also, found it interesting that he sees her dead sister and talks to her.
The ending was a nice small twist. I found myself bumping the book up from 3 stars to a 3.5 based off of it. There is some triggering topics within this book so please check them out. Thank you poisoned pen press for the gifted ebook.
March 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
This book was a phenomenal read that I finished in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is a masterful exploration of grief, guilt, and the feeling of being hated, evoking a haunting atmosphere. The tension builds eerily, revealing secrets from the past and a mind-blowing plot twist. I was hooked from page one. The author's writing is outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This book was a phenomenal read that I finished in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is a masterful exploration of grief, guilt, and the feeling of being hated, evoking a haunting atmosphere. The tension builds eerily, revealing secrets from the past and a mind-blowing plot twist. I was hooked from page one. The author's writing is outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 2, 2025
Whispers of Dead Girls merges a Southern gothic with a paranormal horror and a gripping mystery. Marlee Bush weaves a chilling tale centered on our main character, Ren, who returns to her small hometown steeped in secrets and tragic history, only to find herself entangled in the echoes of the dead, figuratively and literally. Ren's sister, Margo, died here ten years prior, and ever since, Margot has followed Ren. She returns to town, accepting a teacher position at their old school, and finds her sister has been immortalized here. Her pictures are still in the halls; people are still discussing the case. Ren cannot escape the scandal that ruined her childhood and killed Margo. Bryson, a fellow teacher who is new in town, is likeable and handsome, everyone seems to love him--students and co-workers alike. Ren knows men like him though. And when a student appears to have a close relationship with him, she refuses to let history repeat itself while contending with Margo, who talks to her and advises her. What unfolds is a twisty mystery, full of scandal and surprise! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and found it hard to put down! It's probably more mystery than anything else, and Marlee Bush sure hooks you, leaving you dying to know how it will play out.
December 21, 2024
Marlee Bush delivers a haunting and emotionally charged psychological thriller in Whispers of Dead Girls, a story that combines grief, guilt, and unyielding determination with a chilling mystery.
Likes :-
1 Atmospheric Tension: From the opening pages, Bush creates an eerie and oppressive atmosphere, steeped in Ren Taylor's unresolved trauma. The small-town setting, with its dark history and gossipy undercurrents, enhances the sense of unease.
2 Complex Protagonist: Ren is a deeply flawed yet relatable character. Her struggles with guilt over her sister’s death and her need for justice drive the story, making her actions compelling and believable.
3 Intriguing Plot: The central mystery—whether Bryson Lewis is as dangerous as Ren suspects—unfolds with a steady buildup of tension. Ren's growing obsession mirrors her unresolved grief, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.
Dislikes :-
1 Predictability in Parts: While the suspense is palpable, some readers may guess key twists before they are revealed, slightly dampening the shock factor.
2 Pacing: The middle section drags at times with repetitive introspection. Trimming some of these moments could have maintained a tighter narrative flow.
Overall :- Whispers of Dead Girls is a gripping and heart-wrenching thriller that combines a compelling mystery with an emotional exploration of grief and redemption. Ren Taylor’s determination to confront her past and protect others makes her a memorable protagonist, and Marlee Bush’s atmospheric storytelling keeps readers hooked until the chilling conclusion.
Likes :-
1 Atmospheric Tension: From the opening pages, Bush creates an eerie and oppressive atmosphere, steeped in Ren Taylor's unresolved trauma. The small-town setting, with its dark history and gossipy undercurrents, enhances the sense of unease.
2 Complex Protagonist: Ren is a deeply flawed yet relatable character. Her struggles with guilt over her sister’s death and her need for justice drive the story, making her actions compelling and believable.
3 Intriguing Plot: The central mystery—whether Bryson Lewis is as dangerous as Ren suspects—unfolds with a steady buildup of tension. Ren's growing obsession mirrors her unresolved grief, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.
Dislikes :-
1 Predictability in Parts: While the suspense is palpable, some readers may guess key twists before they are revealed, slightly dampening the shock factor.
2 Pacing: The middle section drags at times with repetitive introspection. Trimming some of these moments could have maintained a tighter narrative flow.
Overall :- Whispers of Dead Girls is a gripping and heart-wrenching thriller that combines a compelling mystery with an emotional exploration of grief and redemption. Ren Taylor’s determination to confront her past and protect others makes her a memorable protagonist, and Marlee Bush’s atmospheric storytelling keeps readers hooked until the chilling conclusion.
May 27, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for providing an e-ARC. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book excited to check out this one!!
I'm conflicted with this one between 3 and 4 stars. It's been a while since I've read a book where I was in shock by how the main character was acting.. I kept gasping out loud asking "why is she acting younger than she actually is", then finding myself justifying because of the family situation. THEN something would happen & you're left thinking "okay that's weird"
a bit of paranormal aspect, which was nice because I can't say it overwhelmed the book and wasn't mentioned in a way that brought horror. The biggest reason why I'm conflicted is because the author was portraying a specific message throughout the entire book, only to have the ending contradict with the entire story... it felt wrongly executed unless it was supposed to be perceived that way?
I'm conflicted with this one between 3 and 4 stars. It's been a while since I've read a book where I was in shock by how the main character was acting.. I kept gasping out loud asking "why is she acting younger than she actually is", then finding myself justifying because of the family situation. THEN something would happen & you're left thinking "okay that's weird"
a bit of paranormal aspect, which was nice because I can't say it overwhelmed the book and wasn't mentioned in a way that brought horror. The biggest reason why I'm conflicted is because the author was portraying a specific message throughout the entire book, only to have the ending contradict with the entire story... it felt wrongly executed unless it was supposed to be perceived that way?
May 24, 2025
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Okay, I always try to give authors two chances: sometimes, just because I don’t vibe with one book doesn’t mean I wouldn’t vibe with anything else. In this case, I just can’t get into her writing.
The pacing, my god. I didn’t get very far into the story but it felt like nothing happened - I didn’t even have a clear idea of where the book was going. Ren is an unreliable narrator, suspicious of everything, meaning the plot moved slow as molasses. If I can’t really figure out where your book is going 17% of the way in, I can’t keep going.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marlee Bush, and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I always try to give authors two chances: sometimes, just because I don’t vibe with one book doesn’t mean I wouldn’t vibe with anything else. In this case, I just can’t get into her writing.
The pacing, my god. I didn’t get very far into the story but it felt like nothing happened - I didn’t even have a clear idea of where the book was going. Ren is an unreliable narrator, suspicious of everything, meaning the plot moved slow as molasses. If I can’t really figure out where your book is going 17% of the way in, I can’t keep going.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marlee Bush, and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2025
As a fellow teacher and thriller junkie, I had to add this to my TBR. Marlee Bush delivers a haunting and intricately layered thriller in Whispers of Dead Girls, a novel that can be best described as A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder-- Teachers edition-- but much more sinister. Set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic small town rife with secrets and simmering tensions, the story follows Ren, a teacher grappling with her own haunted past as she becomes entangled in a disturbing new mystery. Her suspicions center on Bryson Lewis, a charismatic and well-liked physics teacher whose growing closeness to a vulnerable student raises red flags—especially for Ren, who is determined to prevent history from repeating itself.
Bush masterfully explores complex and sensitive themes: the long-lasting scars of parental neglect, the trauma of losing a child or sibling, the ethical minefield of student-teacher relationships, and the pervasive fear of speaking out in a world quick to judge. The book offers a keen examination of the vicious power of rumors within the modern school system, amplified by the omnipresence of social media. Every character is carefully crafted, revealing unexpected depths and motivations that keep readers guessing.
Ren herself is a compelling protagonist—deeply flawed yet magnetic, her twisted complexity making her both relatable and unforgettable. Her relentless quest for truth, fueled by a fierce loyalty to her late sister Margo, forms the emotional core of the novel. The bond between sisters, depicted with raw intensity, is one of the story’s greatest strengths, showcasing a love as powerful and enduring as any parental bond.
The narrative’s pacing is brisk, propelled by Ren’s impulsive decisions and the mounting urgency of her investigation. While some of her choices might leave readers wishing she had exercised greater caution, they remain true to her character’s inner turmoil and sense of responsibility. Bush’s eerie, atmospheric writing style perfectly complements the story’s dark themes, enveloping readers in a world where trust is fragile and danger lurks in every shadow.
The dual timelines—shifting between past and present—can be slightly disorienting at first, but once settled into the rhythm, the storytelling flows seamlessly. The climactic twist, even if guessed early by some, is executed with precision and emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impact that lingers well beyond the final page.
Bush’s deft handling of difficult topics, including grooming, is thoughtful and sensitive, ensuring the story remains impactful. Whispers of Dead Girls is not just a gripping mystery but a meditation on guilt, grief, and the relentless pursuit of justice and the thin line between taking it into your hands.
4.25-4.50.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Marlee Bush for the EArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bush masterfully explores complex and sensitive themes: the long-lasting scars of parental neglect, the trauma of losing a child or sibling, the ethical minefield of student-teacher relationships, and the pervasive fear of speaking out in a world quick to judge. The book offers a keen examination of the vicious power of rumors within the modern school system, amplified by the omnipresence of social media. Every character is carefully crafted, revealing unexpected depths and motivations that keep readers guessing.
Ren herself is a compelling protagonist—deeply flawed yet magnetic, her twisted complexity making her both relatable and unforgettable. Her relentless quest for truth, fueled by a fierce loyalty to her late sister Margo, forms the emotional core of the novel. The bond between sisters, depicted with raw intensity, is one of the story’s greatest strengths, showcasing a love as powerful and enduring as any parental bond.
The narrative’s pacing is brisk, propelled by Ren’s impulsive decisions and the mounting urgency of her investigation. While some of her choices might leave readers wishing she had exercised greater caution, they remain true to her character’s inner turmoil and sense of responsibility. Bush’s eerie, atmospheric writing style perfectly complements the story’s dark themes, enveloping readers in a world where trust is fragile and danger lurks in every shadow.
The dual timelines—shifting between past and present—can be slightly disorienting at first, but once settled into the rhythm, the storytelling flows seamlessly. The climactic twist, even if guessed early by some, is executed with precision and emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impact that lingers well beyond the final page.
Bush’s deft handling of difficult topics, including grooming, is thoughtful and sensitive, ensuring the story remains impactful. Whispers of Dead Girls is not just a gripping mystery but a meditation on guilt, grief, and the relentless pursuit of justice and the thin line between taking it into your hands.
4.25-4.50.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Marlee Bush for the EArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 12, 2025
wow okay so…. this was wild. says a lot about trauma and tunnel vision. the multiple story lines were so twisty and suspenseful, I was constantly being sucked in.
although Ren may not be the most likable, you have to understand where she’s coming from. but the ending really emphasizes how things can go so so wrong, even with (semi-) right intentions.
only thing I didn’t like was the lack of chapter headings—I just think it would have flowed better if we had timeframes or narrators established under the chapter number.
although Ren may not be the most likable, you have to understand where she’s coming from. but the ending really emphasizes how things can go so so wrong, even with (semi-) right intentions.
only thing I didn’t like was the lack of chapter headings—I just think it would have flowed better if we had timeframes or narrators established under the chapter number.
May 22, 2025
"In the end, the monsters are never who you expect."
Wow, this was a twisty, dark mystery. It's a fast read, one that keeps you flipping the pages. Our main character, Ren, has come back to town after being gone a long time. Her sister died in this town - and is haunting her still. Because Ren feels guilt for her sister's death and she wants to protect young girls now - high school girls - from predatory teachers.
So, when she comes back as biology teacher at the local high school, she's on high alert for the young, attractive teacher just across the hall from her. She sees him laughing with students, arms around shoulders, the way he allows them to come and go from his room. When she sees a crying girl fleeing his classroom, it's just the proof she needs to see if her suspicion is true.
This is a race of a story - each twist was shocking. I loved that I didn't trust anyone, not even our main character, and the eerie sister ghost that's haunting her just added to the eerie feel of the story. I was surprised by the ending.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Wow, this was a twisty, dark mystery. It's a fast read, one that keeps you flipping the pages. Our main character, Ren, has come back to town after being gone a long time. Her sister died in this town - and is haunting her still. Because Ren feels guilt for her sister's death and she wants to protect young girls now - high school girls - from predatory teachers.
So, when she comes back as biology teacher at the local high school, she's on high alert for the young, attractive teacher just across the hall from her. She sees him laughing with students, arms around shoulders, the way he allows them to come and go from his room. When she sees a crying girl fleeing his classroom, it's just the proof she needs to see if her suspicion is true.
This is a race of a story - each twist was shocking. I loved that I didn't trust anyone, not even our main character, and the eerie sister ghost that's haunting her just added to the eerie feel of the story. I was surprised by the ending.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 26, 2025
This was one of those books that I couldn’t put down and I will be thinking about for a long time. You think you know where this is going but trust me you don’t. Ren returns to a small town in Georgia where she was notoriously associated with and blamed for her popular sister’s death. Now there’s a string of disappearances and Ren just can’t help but see similarities to her sister’s case. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
May 25, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Last year I read Marlee Bush’s, When She Was Me, and was utterly engrossed in the narrative. The story itself combined with Bush’s writing style was expertly plotted. Now, having read her newest book, Whispers of Dead Girls, I was partially underwhelmed.
Ten years after the death of her older sister, Ren Taylor returns to her hometown for a teaching position with the hope of mending her relationship with her parents. However, the moment she meets the handsome and charismatic physics teacher, she knows she's getting a second chance to right her past.
This story started out very slow that I contemplated stopping a couple times. It wasn’t until half way through, that the dialogue picked up and I was completely engaged. In fact, at that point, I didn’t want to put the book down.
What collectively drew me in was a few elements. First was the academia setting. Being a teacher, I’m naturally attracted to book’s with a school and/or teacher premise. Similar to other dark academia books I’ve read, this had a disturbing and gripping plot. Another element that drew me in were the themes addressed. Bush explored the themes of grief and loss, trauma, and the endearing bonds of sisterhood. After the tragic loss of the main character’s sister, the story focused on the aftermath and the lingering emotional scars it left behind. Additionally, the characters had to navigate many emotional and psychological challenges of trauma while a series of secrets and unexpected revelations forced the characters to confront some uncomfortable truths. All said, the depth of the themes Bush focused on, made this an entertaining read. Despite the slow pace at the beginning of the story and the predictable plot twist, I’d still recommend this book. This is most suitable for those who enjoyed Marlee Bush’s debut novel, When She Was Me, and/or dark academia psychological mysteries.
Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Last year I read Marlee Bush’s, When She Was Me, and was utterly engrossed in the narrative. The story itself combined with Bush’s writing style was expertly plotted. Now, having read her newest book, Whispers of Dead Girls, I was partially underwhelmed.
Ten years after the death of her older sister, Ren Taylor returns to her hometown for a teaching position with the hope of mending her relationship with her parents. However, the moment she meets the handsome and charismatic physics teacher, she knows she's getting a second chance to right her past.
This story started out very slow that I contemplated stopping a couple times. It wasn’t until half way through, that the dialogue picked up and I was completely engaged. In fact, at that point, I didn’t want to put the book down.
What collectively drew me in was a few elements. First was the academia setting. Being a teacher, I’m naturally attracted to book’s with a school and/or teacher premise. Similar to other dark academia books I’ve read, this had a disturbing and gripping plot. Another element that drew me in were the themes addressed. Bush explored the themes of grief and loss, trauma, and the endearing bonds of sisterhood. After the tragic loss of the main character’s sister, the story focused on the aftermath and the lingering emotional scars it left behind. Additionally, the characters had to navigate many emotional and psychological challenges of trauma while a series of secrets and unexpected revelations forced the characters to confront some uncomfortable truths. All said, the depth of the themes Bush focused on, made this an entertaining read. Despite the slow pace at the beginning of the story and the predictable plot twist, I’d still recommend this book. This is most suitable for those who enjoyed Marlee Bush’s debut novel, When She Was Me, and/or dark academia psychological mysteries.
Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance e-book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2025
I picked up Whispers of Dead Girls thinking I was in for a twisty thriller, but it turned out to be more of a slow burn mystery than I expected. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was anticipating. The pacing felt a bit uneven; I remember hitting the 50% mark and realizing it felt like I was still stuck in the same place as I was at 25%.
One of the biggest issues for me was the way the book handled the reflections into the past. There were a lot of them, and they often felt disjointed or hard to follow. I found myself zoning out or having to re-read sections just to keep track of where and when things were happening.
And then there were the ghostly interjections from the dead sister. While it was a cool concept, it wasn’t always clear who was speaking or what was actually going on. That kind of ambiguity works in some stories, but here it just left me confused more often than not.
“Whispers of Dead Girls” had a solid foundational premise, and I did want to know how it would all turn out, but the confusing structure, slow pacing, and lack of emotional connection made it a bit of a struggle to get through.
Thank You #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
One of the biggest issues for me was the way the book handled the reflections into the past. There were a lot of them, and they often felt disjointed or hard to follow. I found myself zoning out or having to re-read sections just to keep track of where and when things were happening.
And then there were the ghostly interjections from the dead sister. While it was a cool concept, it wasn’t always clear who was speaking or what was actually going on. That kind of ambiguity works in some stories, but here it just left me confused more often than not.
“Whispers of Dead Girls” had a solid foundational premise, and I did want to know how it would all turn out, but the confusing structure, slow pacing, and lack of emotional connection made it a bit of a struggle to get through.
Thank You #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
After ten years gone, Ren heads back to her home town to take a job as a teacher at her old high school. Although time has passed the memory of her murdered sister is memorialized in the school walls.
As she tries to settle into her life as a teacher, Ren begins to notice one of the other teachers and his seemingly close relationship to one of the students.
Ren isn’t going to let this happen again. History will not repeat itself, even if the cost comes to herself.
Very small town, suspicion lies at every turn vibe. I felt like the slow burn for this one worked as it drug out the mystery of what was going to happen and could Ren succeed.
Ren as a flawed character was great and I was rooting for her redemption. The scandaled story was full of tension and intrigue where I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Thank you to author, Marlee Bush, Publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
As she tries to settle into her life as a teacher, Ren begins to notice one of the other teachers and his seemingly close relationship to one of the students.
Ren isn’t going to let this happen again. History will not repeat itself, even if the cost comes to herself.
Very small town, suspicion lies at every turn vibe. I felt like the slow burn for this one worked as it drug out the mystery of what was going to happen and could Ren succeed.
Ren as a flawed character was great and I was rooting for her redemption. The scandaled story was full of tension and intrigue where I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Thank you to author, Marlee Bush, Publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 7, 2025
"Life is the only thing more painful than death." Ren has a taste for blood. She lost her sister years ago to a man, who like many, slip through the cracks and prey on young girls. She's returned home to teach at the school where it all happened and finds that a very similar scenario seems to be playing out with an overly friendly teacher. Ren is haunted by her past but channels this pain into a crusade of justice to protect the girls that are left.
Marlee Bush captures exactly what it feels like to be young, vulnerable and wanting to be seen. As well as the ugly side of life, another charming and dangerous man.
Overall, a highly bingeable and addicting read! Whispers of Dead Girls comes out 5/27/25.
Marlee Bush captures exactly what it feels like to be young, vulnerable and wanting to be seen. As well as the ugly side of life, another charming and dangerous man.
Overall, a highly bingeable and addicting read! Whispers of Dead Girls comes out 5/27/25.
June 3, 2025
3.5 A super sloooow burn mystery, but the ending surprised me. I did enjoy that the FMC was morally grey and not exactly likable. The twist earned it that extra half star
December 20, 2024
Another solid read from Marlee bush!
I jumped at the opportunity to request this one after loving her debut book. There’s something about Marlee’s writing style and flow that fits my preferences really well.
Although the main character was definitely twisted there was such a complexity to her that I couldn’t help but love her despite her flaws.
There is so much to unpack here, the impact parental neglect can have on children, the trauma and loss of losing a child / sibling, the ethics and power imbalance of student teacher relationships, the fear of not being believed, heard or judged when speaking out, and the vicious impact rumours can have on lives especially circulating within the school system where everybody has access to phones nowadays. There is just so many layers to this book and each and every character will surprise you in some way.
The ending (despite me guessing the twist at 40%) was executed really well. Our FMC surprised me yet again with her choices, I loved how the author chose to go in a different to typical direction here and on further reflection I think it suited her character after everything I learned about her over the span of the book.
I love how the authors books both focus on the strong bonds that tie sisters together, they say the greatest love can be found in parents towards their children but I believe the fierce love of a sister can rival that to some extent.
If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, absolutely don’t miss out and give one of her books a try!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Marlee Bush for the EARC!
Publish date: May 27th 2025
I jumped at the opportunity to request this one after loving her debut book. There’s something about Marlee’s writing style and flow that fits my preferences really well.
Although the main character was definitely twisted there was such a complexity to her that I couldn’t help but love her despite her flaws.
There is so much to unpack here, the impact parental neglect can have on children, the trauma and loss of losing a child / sibling, the ethics and power imbalance of student teacher relationships, the fear of not being believed, heard or judged when speaking out, and the vicious impact rumours can have on lives especially circulating within the school system where everybody has access to phones nowadays. There is just so many layers to this book and each and every character will surprise you in some way.
The ending (despite me guessing the twist at 40%) was executed really well. Our FMC surprised me yet again with her choices, I loved how the author chose to go in a different to typical direction here and on further reflection I think it suited her character after everything I learned about her over the span of the book.
I love how the authors books both focus on the strong bonds that tie sisters together, they say the greatest love can be found in parents towards their children but I believe the fierce love of a sister can rival that to some extent.
If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, absolutely don’t miss out and give one of her books a try!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Marlee Bush for the EARC!
Publish date: May 27th 2025
March 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | Whispers of Dead Girls was a very intriguing read! It created an eerie vibe that worked very well with the supernatural element in this story. The story follows Ren, a teacher that returns to her old high school after accepting a teaching position. It has been 10 years since she left, and her hometown holds an awful past that is still very much living rent free in her head. When she suspects a fellow teacher, Bryson, of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, she has to intervene as this hits a little too close to home for her to do nothing. As she secretly investigates Bryson, past and present secrets are revealed.
Overall, a solid read & perfect for fans of slow-burn suspenseful stories, with a touch of the supernatural. Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, a solid read & perfect for fans of slow-burn suspenseful stories, with a touch of the supernatural. Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
This is an example of how certain types of thrillers work for certain types of people. I've always felt let down by most thrillers that everyone seems to fall over backwards for (I'm looking at you Freida). And then this book, which has not the greatest reviews worked for me 100%.
I loved Marlee Bush's debut When She Was Me when I read it two years ago, so when the publisher reached out to see if I'd be interested in the arc of this, her sophomore effort, I immediately jumped, scoring it from Netgalley the same day. And then it kind of just got lost in the shuffle until I picked it up two days ago and began to read.
And I read this one in two sittings. One yesterday, and one today, and I loved it. I never found it slow. I read and read and read to unravel the mystery involving a dead sister, some missing girls, and some sleazy teachers. The main character, Ren, is literally haunted by the sister she lost 14 years prior. When she moves back to her hometown where it all happened, and landed a teaching job at her old alma mater, the ghost of her sister Margo literally follows her everywhere. She cannot get over the trauma of her past, which we know somehow involves her teacher, Mr. Henry with whom Ren is enamored. We do know that somehow he and Ren are both involved with Margo's death, but this mystery unravels slowly, revealing red herrings and trapdoors along the way. Ren is also disturbed by another teacher, Bryson, who reminds her so much of Mr. Henry that she begins to suspect things about him. Things involving him and a particular blonde student of his she sees leaving his classroom crying after everyone else leaves. This coupled with Ren's past traumas begin to lead her down a path of suspicion and doubt, this path ultimately leading to this book's meat and potatoes and fantastic climax. I ate it up.
Just liked When She Was Me this novel is about sisters and the bonds that only sisters share. It is also about trauma, and mental illness, and alienation. But ultimately this book is about consequences. The consequences of our actions, the consequences of doing nothing, the consequences of not speaking or telling the truth, of our words in general. The underlying truths uncovered here are important and I loved the feminist tones and themes that become unearthed as Ren digs into Bryson's life and past.
The thing about justice? Sometimes when you take it into your own hands, it becomes something else entirely. Sometimes justice crumbles to dust and you're left sweeping up the ashes.
Ren is not always the most likeable protagonist. Right off the bat I knew she was an unreliable narrator, which is always my favorite kind. She is cold and bristly and tormented by her own demons, her own truths and lies. These demons cause her to be overly sensitive to anything she feels isn't right, and she picks up on people's energies easily. But on the other side, sometimes those past hurts give her tunnel vision in situations where she should be looking elsewhere. I loved her tenacity and her fierce need to protect female students from predators. But she also has an unconscious bias which follows her throughout this book like a troubling shadow. I became uncomfortable sometimes while reading her story. And it was a discomfort I enjoyed, only making me more invested in the outcome. A lot of characters are morally grey here and I enjoyed that. There are less heroes and victims here than there are antiheroes and vigilantes, flawed individuals and people carrying around hurts like tattoos marking their bodies. And I think some people took issue with this, but it was one of my favorite things about it. No matter what Ren did, I mostly lved her desire and need to protect students from predators, and believing them when those in positions of power would silence them or belittle them, or label them "liars" or "whores" or '"girls like them." There was so much truth here, so much that I personally connected with. It speaks volumes about situations that still occur today, and Marlee Bush's fierce prose bringing these situations to light elevated this from just a simple mystery/thriller.
I was not as blown away by the ending as I was in When She Was Me and did figure out a few things somewhat early, but I did enjoy the "getting there" very much. I was also a little torn on the ending and am still not sure how I feel about it. But with that being said, this was still a very solid thriller that I raced to finish, and honestly that addiction to reading is the factor I judge most thrillers by and this did not disappoint. My ambivalent feelings about the ending made me deduct half a star, but otherwise, this was one of my favorite reads of the year.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Marlee Bush's debut When She Was Me when I read it two years ago, so when the publisher reached out to see if I'd be interested in the arc of this, her sophomore effort, I immediately jumped, scoring it from Netgalley the same day. And then it kind of just got lost in the shuffle until I picked it up two days ago and began to read.
And I read this one in two sittings. One yesterday, and one today, and I loved it. I never found it slow. I read and read and read to unravel the mystery involving a dead sister, some missing girls, and some sleazy teachers. The main character, Ren, is literally haunted by the sister she lost 14 years prior. When she moves back to her hometown where it all happened, and landed a teaching job at her old alma mater, the ghost of her sister Margo literally follows her everywhere. She cannot get over the trauma of her past, which we know somehow involves her teacher, Mr. Henry with whom Ren is enamored. We do know that somehow he and Ren are both involved with Margo's death, but this mystery unravels slowly, revealing red herrings and trapdoors along the way. Ren is also disturbed by another teacher, Bryson, who reminds her so much of Mr. Henry that she begins to suspect things about him. Things involving him and a particular blonde student of his she sees leaving his classroom crying after everyone else leaves. This coupled with Ren's past traumas begin to lead her down a path of suspicion and doubt, this path ultimately leading to this book's meat and potatoes and fantastic climax. I ate it up.
Just liked When She Was Me this novel is about sisters and the bonds that only sisters share. It is also about trauma, and mental illness, and alienation. But ultimately this book is about consequences. The consequences of our actions, the consequences of doing nothing, the consequences of not speaking or telling the truth, of our words in general. The underlying truths uncovered here are important and I loved the feminist tones and themes that become unearthed as Ren digs into Bryson's life and past.
The thing about justice? Sometimes when you take it into your own hands, it becomes something else entirely. Sometimes justice crumbles to dust and you're left sweeping up the ashes.
Ren is not always the most likeable protagonist. Right off the bat I knew she was an unreliable narrator, which is always my favorite kind. She is cold and bristly and tormented by her own demons, her own truths and lies. These demons cause her to be overly sensitive to anything she feels isn't right, and she picks up on people's energies easily. But on the other side, sometimes those past hurts give her tunnel vision in situations where she should be looking elsewhere. I loved her tenacity and her fierce need to protect female students from predators. But she also has an unconscious bias which follows her throughout this book like a troubling shadow. I became uncomfortable sometimes while reading her story. And it was a discomfort I enjoyed, only making me more invested in the outcome. A lot of characters are morally grey here and I enjoyed that. There are less heroes and victims here than there are antiheroes and vigilantes, flawed individuals and people carrying around hurts like tattoos marking their bodies. And I think some people took issue with this, but it was one of my favorite things about it. No matter what Ren did, I mostly lved her desire and need to protect students from predators, and believing them when those in positions of power would silence them or belittle them, or label them "liars" or "whores" or '"girls like them." There was so much truth here, so much that I personally connected with. It speaks volumes about situations that still occur today, and Marlee Bush's fierce prose bringing these situations to light elevated this from just a simple mystery/thriller.
I was not as blown away by the ending as I was in When She Was Me and did figure out a few things somewhat early, but I did enjoy the "getting there" very much. I was also a little torn on the ending and am still not sure how I feel about it. But with that being said, this was still a very solid thriller that I raced to finish, and honestly that addiction to reading is the factor I judge most thrillers by and this did not disappoint. My ambivalent feelings about the ending made me deduct half a star, but otherwise, this was one of my favorite reads of the year.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
This book was a quick read that had me trying to figure out the ending. Ren returned to her hometown where she was trying to find closure to guilt she had from her past. The book ended up having many layers to it that I didn't realize until my book club met to discuss. Because of our discussion, I ended up getting far more from the book had I read it on my own. Although this isn't listed as YA, I think it could be considered one.
June 2, 2025
This book was pretty good. I loved the short chapters, it definitely kept me turning the pages. However, I do feel like it wasn’t anything shocking, and it felt more like a mystery/suspense instead of a thriller.
I did enjoy how everything connected in the end, if you like slow burn mysteries I would definitely add this to your tbr, I think it would be a good one to read in the fall.
I did enjoy how everything connected in the end, if you like slow burn mysteries I would definitely add this to your tbr, I think it would be a good one to read in the fall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews