What do you think?
Rate this book
She Fell Away: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26A State Department diplomat must confront the ghosts of her past as she searches for a missing American woman in New Zealand in this pulse-pounding and unputdownable thriller.
Lake Harlowe may not appear to be your typical State Department diplomat. With the number of skeletons in her closet exceeding the tattoos on her skin, she moves to a new country every few years to keep one step ahead of her personal demons. After two grueling years working in Cambodia, Lake’s desperate for a break and a new posting to sleepy Wellington, New Zealand, seems like a dream come true.
That is, until eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter Bowie Bishop mysteriously vanishes shortly after American NFL player Bruce Walter is found dead in his hotel room. An exchange student from Las Vegas, Bowie was a world away from her possessive, washed-up stage mom who won’t stop calling until Lake finds her superstar daughter.
All at once, Lake finds herself ensnared in a network of deception involving Bowie’s high-profile host family, a shadowy music producer, a casino magnate, and the US ambassador—her boss. Obsessed with finding the truth, Lake soon realizes that to find the missing girl, she must confront her own dark past in this unputdownable thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Lake Harlowe may not appear to be your typical State Department diplomat. With the number of skeletons in her closet exceeding the tattoos on her skin, she moves to a new country every few years to keep one step ahead of her personal demons. After two grueling years working in Cambodia, Lake’s desperate for a break and a new posting to sleepy Wellington, New Zealand, seems like a dream come true.
That is, until eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter Bowie Bishop mysteriously vanishes shortly after American NFL player Bruce Walter is found dead in his hotel room. An exchange student from Las Vegas, Bowie was a world away from her possessive, washed-up stage mom who won’t stop calling until Lake finds her superstar daughter.
All at once, Lake finds herself ensnared in a network of deception involving Bowie’s high-profile host family, a shadowy music producer, a casino magnate, and the US ambassador—her boss. Obsessed with finding the truth, Lake soon realizes that to find the missing girl, she must confront her own dark past in this unputdownable thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
5 people are currently reading
8415 people want to read
About the author
Lenore Nash
2 books29 followersLenore Nash was raised in rural Alaska and received an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University before joining the U.S. Foreign Service. After tours on four continents, she left the diplomatic corps to write full time. She’s a USA TODAY bestselling romance author under the name Lenora Bell. She divides her time between the U.S. and abroad with her partner and their two tiger-striped rescue cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2025
This opening to a new series is promising. Lake, the main character, is a diplomat with hidden tattoos just assigned to the embassy in New Zealand. When an American exchange student goes missing , Lake becomes a detective determined to find her. Finding the talented songwriting student will help Lake find herself. This was a quick solid read that kept my interest. Told in alternating chapters between Lake and Bowie the student highlights the parallels between the two characters. Throw in some song lyrics and a hot policeman and you have a great start.loved the setting of New Zealand and hope location has can important part in the next case.
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
November 14, 2025
4 stars
Papa was a rollin' stone, but Papa has nothin' on Lake Harlowe. This State Department diplomat is young, cool, well traveled, and full of baggage. Yes. She is an ideal heroine for a mystery/thriller/crime series. I am HERE FOR IT.
One thing drew me to this book initially: the setting. Lake's current adventure takes place in New Zealand, and that's after two years in Cambodia, a young life in Alaska, and more. Of course, when she gets to New Zealand, she's immediately thrust into a bizarre situation. The novel opens with a murder, and then there's a missing young woman. It's the latter that really kicks Lake into gear, and that's the storyline through which readers get to know Lake.
I liked the pacing and the general plotting, but when I think back on this book, it'll be the intrigue of Lake that I recall over the excitement of the mystery. The mystery is done well, and it does provoke appropriate emotions. But it's Lake's characterization and the hints of many past struggles, relationships, and secrets, that have me the most pumped for the next book.
This was an engaging read with a great protagonist, solidly constructed mystery, and fantastic setting. I'm looking forward to much more from this series and hopefully this author in general.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Papa was a rollin' stone, but Papa has nothin' on Lake Harlowe. This State Department diplomat is young, cool, well traveled, and full of baggage. Yes. She is an ideal heroine for a mystery/thriller/crime series. I am HERE FOR IT.
One thing drew me to this book initially: the setting. Lake's current adventure takes place in New Zealand, and that's after two years in Cambodia, a young life in Alaska, and more. Of course, when she gets to New Zealand, she's immediately thrust into a bizarre situation. The novel opens with a murder, and then there's a missing young woman. It's the latter that really kicks Lake into gear, and that's the storyline through which readers get to know Lake.
I liked the pacing and the general plotting, but when I think back on this book, it'll be the intrigue of Lake that I recall over the excitement of the mystery. The mystery is done well, and it does provoke appropriate emotions. But it's Lake's characterization and the hints of many past struggles, relationships, and secrets, that have me the most pumped for the next book.
This was an engaging read with a great protagonist, solidly constructed mystery, and fantastic setting. I'm looking forward to much more from this series and hopefully this author in general.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 17, 2025
3.5⭐️
Lake, a US Embassy diplomat in New Zealand, finds herself entangled in a perplexing case: the mysterious death of a famous football player, Bruce, in Wellington. This quickly intertwines with another puzzling case—the disappearance of Bowie, an exchange student.
The intrigue deepens as connections emerge between Bruce and Bowie. Why was Bruce in New Zealand when he was expected to be in Florida? Where is Bowie, and how does she connect to Bruce? Bowie's ties to Las Vegas, where her mother works at "The Trophy" casino owned by Bruce's father, Glen, suggest a deliberate link. It's up to Lake to uncover the truth.
The novel's non-linear timeline and multiple points of view create a viewing experience, like watching a good crime thriller tv series. This book is a must-read for mystery lovers!
*I received this arc copy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Lake, a US Embassy diplomat in New Zealand, finds herself entangled in a perplexing case: the mysterious death of a famous football player, Bruce, in Wellington. This quickly intertwines with another puzzling case—the disappearance of Bowie, an exchange student.
The intrigue deepens as connections emerge between Bruce and Bowie. Why was Bruce in New Zealand when he was expected to be in Florida? Where is Bowie, and how does she connect to Bruce? Bowie's ties to Las Vegas, where her mother works at "The Trophy" casino owned by Bruce's father, Glen, suggest a deliberate link. It's up to Lake to uncover the truth.
The novel's non-linear timeline and multiple points of view create a viewing experience, like watching a good crime thriller tv series. This book is a must-read for mystery lovers!
*I received this arc copy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
She Fell Away by Lenore Nash appears poised as the opening installment of a crime series, yet it is unlikely to draw me back for a second sitting. The novel introduces Lake Harlowe, a peripatetic American state diplomat whose constant motion across continents feels less like professional necessity than psychic avoidance. Harlowe is a woman haunted by unresolved inner demons, and her refusal to settle anywhere mirrors her inability—or unwillingness—to confront them.
Fresh from Cambodia, Harlowe takes up temporary residence in Wellington, New Zealand, where she is soon pulled into a web of troubling events: the suspicious death of an American star football player, the disappearance of a young exchange student with musical ambitions, and the growing desperation of parents who want answers that no one seems eager to provide. As Harlowe probes deeper, the narrative expands into a familiar landscape of institutional corruption, moral compromise, and carefully concealed deceit reaching into the upper echelons of power.
While the international setting is atmospheric and the premise promising, the execution ultimately falls short. The plot unfolds along largely predictable lines, and the suspense rarely feels earned. Metaphors, rather than illuminating character or theme, often feel heavy-handed and conspicuously placed, pulling the reader out of the story instead of drawing them further in. What might have been a taut, psychologically complex thriller instead feels overdetermined, as though the novel is too eager to signal its meanings rather than trusting the reader to discover them.
This is not an irredeemable book—there are moments of clarity and competence—but it suffers from a lack of narrative restraint. A more rigorous editorial hand might have sharpened the pacing, refined the prose, and deepened the emotional stakes. As it stands, She Fell Away gestures toward a compelling series debut but does not fully deliver on its promise.
Fresh from Cambodia, Harlowe takes up temporary residence in Wellington, New Zealand, where she is soon pulled into a web of troubling events: the suspicious death of an American star football player, the disappearance of a young exchange student with musical ambitions, and the growing desperation of parents who want answers that no one seems eager to provide. As Harlowe probes deeper, the narrative expands into a familiar landscape of institutional corruption, moral compromise, and carefully concealed deceit reaching into the upper echelons of power.
While the international setting is atmospheric and the premise promising, the execution ultimately falls short. The plot unfolds along largely predictable lines, and the suspense rarely feels earned. Metaphors, rather than illuminating character or theme, often feel heavy-handed and conspicuously placed, pulling the reader out of the story instead of drawing them further in. What might have been a taut, psychologically complex thriller instead feels overdetermined, as though the novel is too eager to signal its meanings rather than trusting the reader to discover them.
This is not an irredeemable book—there are moments of clarity and competence—but it suffers from a lack of narrative restraint. A more rigorous editorial hand might have sharpened the pacing, refined the prose, and deepened the emotional stakes. As it stands, She Fell Away gestures toward a compelling series debut but does not fully deliver on its promise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“She Fell Away” is the debut thriller from author Lenore Nash. Nash is not new to the world of fiction, but she has spent her time writing romance novels under the pen name Lenora Bell. She is switching to her name and genres, and we are the beneficiaries of this decision.
This has hit written all over it.
Lake Harlowe is a State Department diplomat that is now serving in gorgeous country of New Zealand. She’s safely tucked away, not much to do, and running from her past. Then the peace and quiet vaporizes as an NFL rookie is found dead in his room at a resort where he is staying. Before they can even begin to deal with this situation, a mother calls to say that her daughter, an exchange student, has disappeared. Lake is rightfully consumed with searching for this young lady.
There is so much goodness in this book. I’ve read a lot of books over the last year and this jumps to being in the top 5, hands down. The writing is as beautiful as the country of New Zealand. Ms. Nash knows how to write a work of art. There is never a dull moment, even when the novel deals with relationships, especially with one’s mother. There are 3 different characters that are working through the expectations of their parents. Each person is written in a manner that you want to know more about them.
There is a door that is open for Lake to return in another novel. I don’t know how I feel about that. This book is so well written that I don’t know if one should mess with it. At the same time, even with incredibly high expectations, I would welcome another adventure with Lake.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
This has hit written all over it.
Lake Harlowe is a State Department diplomat that is now serving in gorgeous country of New Zealand. She’s safely tucked away, not much to do, and running from her past. Then the peace and quiet vaporizes as an NFL rookie is found dead in his room at a resort where he is staying. Before they can even begin to deal with this situation, a mother calls to say that her daughter, an exchange student, has disappeared. Lake is rightfully consumed with searching for this young lady.
There is so much goodness in this book. I’ve read a lot of books over the last year and this jumps to being in the top 5, hands down. The writing is as beautiful as the country of New Zealand. Ms. Nash knows how to write a work of art. There is never a dull moment, even when the novel deals with relationships, especially with one’s mother. There are 3 different characters that are working through the expectations of their parents. Each person is written in a manner that you want to know more about them.
There is a door that is open for Lake to return in another novel. I don’t know how I feel about that. This book is so well written that I don’t know if one should mess with it. At the same time, even with incredibly high expectations, I would welcome another adventure with Lake.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 5, 2025
I believe this is Book 1 of what will become a series featuring Lake Harlowe, a diplomat for the US State Department. From this story, it appears to be a pretty strong start with an interesting lead character. And I learned a bit more about what a diplomat actually does. Yeah, I really didn't have much of an idea. But anyway, Lake has been stationed in Cambodia for two long. stressful years and is grateful to take a quieter post in New Zealand. Well, until Bruce, an American football star is found dead in his hotel room a few days after Lake arrives. And then we have Bowie, an eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter who has disappeared. Bowie is also an exchange student from America and her mom in Las Vegas is demanding answers. When Lake begins investigating, she finds numerous people with secrets and cover-ups, including Bowie's host family, a casino owner, music producer and Lake's own boss. I liked Lake. She is sharp, multi-tattooed, and has her own skeletons which keep her moving every few years. I think this will be a great series!
Thank you to #NetGalley, Lenore Nash and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Lenore Nash and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
“She Fell Away” was an intense story. I particularly liked Lake and Bowie, two young women who have some darkness in them but who are resilient and determined. The story has plenty of surprises. I liked that the story was primarily set in New Zealand, and how the author contrasts life in New Zealand with America, including the potential for crime, gun possession, and general approach to life. Having the main character be a consular official was an interesting twist.
I read an advance review copy which does not contain the acknowledgements page, so maybe this information will be in the final copy, but I am curious about Bowie's songs -- are those lyrics from an indie artist whom the author will credit or did the author come up with the lyrics herself. I also hope that this novel will be the first of a series, as I would like to read more about Lake Harlowe, and there is certainly enough backstory referenced or hinted at in the story to suggest there is plenty of material for further exploration of the character.
I read an advance review copy which does not contain the acknowledgements page, so maybe this information will be in the final copy, but I am curious about Bowie's songs -- are those lyrics from an indie artist whom the author will credit or did the author come up with the lyrics herself. I also hope that this novel will be the first of a series, as I would like to read more about Lake Harlowe, and there is certainly enough backstory referenced or hinted at in the story to suggest there is plenty of material for further exploration of the character.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“She Fell Away” by Lenore Nash is the beginning of an exciting new series with a fascinating female lead character. She is a seasoned US State Department diplomat who has spent her entire career running from danger.
After spending 2 difficult years in Cambodia dealing with her share of conflicts, Lake Harlow jumps at the chance for a quieter posting in Wellington New Zealand. Soon after she arrives an American football star is found dead in his hotel room and an 18 year old American exchange student vanishes without a trace. As she begins to investigate she discovers a web of secrets that stretch from Wellington to Las Vegas. She is determined to find the missing student but every clue drives her closer to the ghosts of her own dark past.
This is an exciting and gripping mystery that takes place in a cinematic setting. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and much more from this talented author.
After spending 2 difficult years in Cambodia dealing with her share of conflicts, Lake Harlow jumps at the chance for a quieter posting in Wellington New Zealand. Soon after she arrives an American football star is found dead in his hotel room and an 18 year old American exchange student vanishes without a trace. As she begins to investigate she discovers a web of secrets that stretch from Wellington to Las Vegas. She is determined to find the missing student but every clue drives her closer to the ghosts of her own dark past.
This is an exciting and gripping mystery that takes place in a cinematic setting. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and much more from this talented author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I found the first few pages of this novel quite off-putting, but persevered and things did improve. Lake is attached to the US Embassy in New Zealand to assist US citizens in that country. She is asked to liaise with the parents of Blake, a young US man found dead and with the mother of Bowie, a missing US exchange student. Given that this is a crime novel, obviously Lake takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of things.
I have mixed feelings about this story: I found the undated switches in the timeline confusing; the constant hints about dark events in Lake and Bowie's respective pasts were repetitive and overdone; most of the characters were unlikeable; and I skipped the extensive song lyrics. On the other hand, the idea of using a consular official as a heroine was unusual and interesting, and something kept me reading to the end.
I found the first few pages of this novel quite off-putting, but persevered and things did improve. Lake is attached to the US Embassy in New Zealand to assist US citizens in that country. She is asked to liaise with the parents of Blake, a young US man found dead and with the mother of Bowie, a missing US exchange student. Given that this is a crime novel, obviously Lake takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of things.
I have mixed feelings about this story: I found the undated switches in the timeline confusing; the constant hints about dark events in Lake and Bowie's respective pasts were repetitive and overdone; most of the characters were unlikeable; and I skipped the extensive song lyrics. On the other hand, the idea of using a consular official as a heroine was unusual and interesting, and something kept me reading to the end.
November 25, 2025
I liked this one. The story is set in New Zealand, and I really enjoyed following Bowie, an exchange student, and Lake, a state department diplomat. I read it in one sitting, so it definitely held my attention, even though the pacing was very slow in parts.
There were also a lot of twists enough to have me second guessing who was actually bad right up until the end.
Both Bowie and Lake have been through so much at the hands of powerful men, so seeing them fight their way back and come out on top in the end was really satisfying.
Overall a solid three star read! Thank you Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for this ARC!✨
There were also a lot of twists enough to have me second guessing who was actually bad right up until the end.
Both Bowie and Lake have been through so much at the hands of powerful men, so seeing them fight their way back and come out on top in the end was really satisfying.
Overall a solid three star read! Thank you Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for this ARC!✨
December 2, 2025
Lake is a State Department employee who was transferred to Wellington, New Zealand. Her predecessor in the position quickly left his post/was removed from his post under uncertain circumstances. Bowie is an American teenager who is in NZ as an exchange student. Bowie disappears and Lake takes the call from Bowie's mother reporting her missing and Lake is invested in finding Bowie.
There were a lot of bad guys in this story and plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
There were a lot of bad guys in this story and plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
She Fell Away by Lenore Nash is a book that pulls you in right away. The story is emotional and intense. The twists keep you turning the pages, and the writing flows smoothly without feeling heavy. I enjoyed reading about Lake and Bowie, two strong female leads. I believe I saw this is the beginning of a series. I will say, the way the book ended tied things up enough for me that I probably wouldn't be looking for the next installment.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
4.5/5⭐️
She fell away is a thriller/mystery that really kept me on my toes! The different storylines flowed perfectly together and I loved the multiple perspectives as well. Sometimes I struggle with finding thrillers too predictable or unable to stick the landing but not with this book. By the end it was nearly impossible to put down and overall I really loved it from start to finish. I think this is the start to a great series and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the saga next.
Good reads giveaway recipient
She fell away is a thriller/mystery that really kept me on my toes! The different storylines flowed perfectly together and I loved the multiple perspectives as well. Sometimes I struggle with finding thrillers too predictable or unable to stick the landing but not with this book. By the end it was nearly impossible to put down and overall I really loved it from start to finish. I think this is the start to a great series and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the saga next.
Good reads giveaway recipient
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have nothing bad to say about this book, but nothing really special either. The plot was original, multilayered and interesting to follow, the characters were good. I never got along with the writing style, but it wasn't bad or anything, just not smooth on my wavelenth. The book was freeing and satisfying in the end, but generally didn't leave an impression.
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this book! Loved the setting (New Zealand) and the main characters (Lake and Bowie). The mystery was unique and interesting, it kept me guessing until the end. Love a good story about a strong female character (or two).
November 7, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this. Hard to put down. Thought Lake was a great character. I liked the setting of Wellington.
If this is going to be a series then I am definitely looking forward to more.
If this is going to be a series then I am definitely looking forward to more.
Read
January 4, 2026Kudos for type of main character and setting in the Land of the Long White Cloud (New Zealand).
But as with the title - I fell away.
But as with the title - I fell away.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Received this book as an ARC from Goodreads and glad I did! Great story with intriguing characters and twists that kept me guessing until the last pages. Definitely a recommended book in my opinion
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews