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Lake Harlowe #1
She Fell Away
A 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
First published March 10, 2026
About the author
Lenore Nash
1 book47 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 29, 2026
An international crime thriller that was also a modern take on noir, She Fell Away was both fast-paced and complex, all while providing quite the cinematic experience. Blending the ultra-high-stakes of political thrills with the emotion and depth of domestic suspense, this stunning read had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. You see, with über dark secrets, hair-raising diplomatic intrigue, and a far-reaching web of corruption, the intricate plot had everything that it takes to make a binge-able thriller. And boy oh boy did I binge it. Not only did I read it from cover to cover in one single morning, but I actually had to stop myself from skimming as I raced to learn all of the whos, whats, and whys. After all, this solid mystery presented plenty of long-buried secrets, difficult truths, and oodles and oodles of side-eye-worthy suspects. Bravo, Ms. Nash!
What made this first book in a brand-new series into something truly special, however, were the characters. Flawed, well-developed, and nuanced, Lake was the backbone of this one-sitting read. You see, not only did she have a dark, mysterious past that kept me intrigued, but her complicated relationship with Mason brought the noir feel. Combined with the rest of the cast, this book felt like it had it all, including some deliciously evil individuals. Ultimately, though, it was the plot that won me over completely. Told through a non-linear timeline and dual POVs, the lyrical prose kept me guessing throughout. After all, in addition to exploring family, loss, trauma, and justice, this unputdownable read was the perfect combo of Gillian Flynn and The Night Agent. Atmospheric, propulsive, and full of emotion, it was quite the unforgettable tale. Bring on book two! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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 first confront her own dark past.
Thank you Lenore Nash and Emily Bestler/Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: blood, murder, kidnapping, forced captivity, missing person, violence, grief, drugging, knife violence, mention of: suicide, trafficking
What made this first book in a brand-new series into something truly special, however, were the characters. Flawed, well-developed, and nuanced, Lake was the backbone of this one-sitting read. You see, not only did she have a dark, mysterious past that kept me intrigued, but her complicated relationship with Mason brought the noir feel. Combined with the rest of the cast, this book felt like it had it all, including some deliciously evil individuals. Ultimately, though, it was the plot that won me over completely. Told through a non-linear timeline and dual POVs, the lyrical prose kept me guessing throughout. After all, in addition to exploring family, loss, trauma, and justice, this unputdownable read was the perfect combo of Gillian Flynn and The Night Agent. Atmospheric, propulsive, and full of emotion, it was quite the unforgettable tale. Bring on book two! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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 first confront her own dark past.
Thank you Lenore Nash and Emily Bestler/Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 10, 2026
Content warning: blood, murder, kidnapping, forced captivity, missing person, violence, grief, drugging, knife violence, mention of: suicide, trafficking
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first pages on. Lake is an intriguing character who comes to life fully in this complicated story. Bowie, the missing girl, and her mother Suzie, came alive too but not as much as Lake. Her hunt for the killer of Bruce and the abductor of Bowie (and who knows, they may be one and the same person) goes above and beyond her work at the American Embassy in New Zealand.
Lake is scarred herself; her youth in Canada wasn’t exactly idyllic and slowly we learn why. And why she’s been unable to shake off the bad memories of her childhood. She is scarred but not broken, so when she gets involved in a murder and a kidnapping, she immediately feels she has what it takes to solve the cases.
A fast-paced story with a complicated plot that ends very well and hints to more books in this series. I’ll be looking out for them!
Thanks to Atria and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Lake is scarred herself; her youth in Canada wasn’t exactly idyllic and slowly we learn why. And why she’s been unable to shake off the bad memories of her childhood. She is scarred but not broken, so when she gets involved in a murder and a kidnapping, she immediately feels she has what it takes to solve the cases.
A fast-paced story with a complicated plot that ends very well and hints to more books in this series. I’ll be looking out for them!
Thanks to Atria and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Read
March 20, 2026Skimmed after 39%
May 8, 2026
Rating - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
She Fell Away follows Lake, a woman working at the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, who becomes involved in the case of a missing American teenager, Bowie.
I picked this one up on a whim after seeing it on a recently released list and overall really enjoyed it. My favorite part was Bowie because she felt messy and magnetic as an aspiring musician figuring herself. She reminded me so much of Daisy from Daisy Jones & The Six.
I also really liked the author’s writing style and how atmospheric the story felt. Lake seems like a character with a lot of potential, though at times her backstory felt disconnected from the main mystery. I suspect that was intentional setup for the next book though, and honestly I think the sequel could be so good if it dives deeper into her past in Alaska.
Overall, a solid mystery that definitely left me interested in continuing the series.
She Fell Away follows Lake, a woman working at the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, who becomes involved in the case of a missing American teenager, Bowie.
I picked this one up on a whim after seeing it on a recently released list and overall really enjoyed it. My favorite part was Bowie because she felt messy and magnetic as an aspiring musician figuring herself. She reminded me so much of Daisy from Daisy Jones & The Six.
I also really liked the author’s writing style and how atmospheric the story felt. Lake seems like a character with a lot of potential, though at times her backstory felt disconnected from the main mystery. I suspect that was intentional setup for the next book though, and honestly I think the sequel could be so good if it dives deeper into her past in Alaska.
Overall, a solid mystery that definitely left me interested in continuing the series.
March 20, 2026
She Fell Away is a gripping international thriller set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand. State Department diplomat Lake Harlowe is used to moving from country to country, both for her job and to stay ahead of the ghosts of her past. Hoping for a quieter assignment after a difficult posting in Cambodia, she takes a position in Wellington but her fresh start quickly unravels when an American exchange student, Bowie Bishop, mysteriously disappears soon after an NFL player is found dead in his hotel room. As Lake begins digging into Bowie’s disappearance, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web involving powerful figures, hidden motives, and secrets that force her to confront parts of her own past.
I absolutely loved this book. From the very beginning I was completely hooked and flew through it because I needed to know what happened. The mystery surrounding Bowie’s disappearance was incredibly engaging, and the story had this strong police procedural feel but from the perspective of the U.S. consulate rather than traditional law enforcement, which made it feel really fresh.
I also found the diplomatic aspect especially interesting because I always wanted to join the Foreign Service myself. It was something I seriously considered after finishing school, and while I ultimately didn’t pursue it, it’s one of those paths I sometimes still wonder about. Seeing that world through Lake’s perspective, balancing diplomacy, politics, and investigative work, was fascinating and added an extra layer of intrigue to the story for me.
Lake was a fantastic protagonist. She’s complicated, guarded, and carrying plenty of personal baggage, which made her feel very real. Watching her dig deeper into the case while also confronting pieces of her own past added emotional depth that kept the story grounded even as the mystery intensified.
The mystery itself kept me guessing the entire time. I was suspicious of everyone at some point: the host family, the music industry connections, the political figures, the people around Lake. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted again, and I genuinely didn’t know the “who dunnit” until the very end.
And I absolutely loved the New Zealand setting. It added such a vivid sense of place to the story and made the investigation feel unique compared to many thrillers set in more familiar locations. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend visiting. It’s an incredible country and made for a fantastic backdrop here.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, twisty thriller with a compelling lead character and a mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. If you enjoy international thrillers, character-driven mysteries, or stories that keep you guessing until the last page, this one is definitely worth picking up.
She Fell Away is out now. Huge thank you to Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
I absolutely loved this book. From the very beginning I was completely hooked and flew through it because I needed to know what happened. The mystery surrounding Bowie’s disappearance was incredibly engaging, and the story had this strong police procedural feel but from the perspective of the U.S. consulate rather than traditional law enforcement, which made it feel really fresh.
I also found the diplomatic aspect especially interesting because I always wanted to join the Foreign Service myself. It was something I seriously considered after finishing school, and while I ultimately didn’t pursue it, it’s one of those paths I sometimes still wonder about. Seeing that world through Lake’s perspective, balancing diplomacy, politics, and investigative work, was fascinating and added an extra layer of intrigue to the story for me.
Lake was a fantastic protagonist. She’s complicated, guarded, and carrying plenty of personal baggage, which made her feel very real. Watching her dig deeper into the case while also confronting pieces of her own past added emotional depth that kept the story grounded even as the mystery intensified.
The mystery itself kept me guessing the entire time. I was suspicious of everyone at some point: the host family, the music industry connections, the political figures, the people around Lake. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted again, and I genuinely didn’t know the “who dunnit” until the very end.
And I absolutely loved the New Zealand setting. It added such a vivid sense of place to the story and made the investigation feel unique compared to many thrillers set in more familiar locations. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend visiting. It’s an incredible country and made for a fantastic backdrop here.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, twisty thriller with a compelling lead character and a mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. If you enjoy international thrillers, character-driven mysteries, or stories that keep you guessing until the last page, this one is definitely worth picking up.
She Fell Away is out now. Huge thank you to Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
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
March 14, 2026
Have you ever finished a book and then immediately messaged the author because you just had to know if this was going to become a new series? For the first time ever, I did this after reading She Fell Away.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
The story immediately dove into the case of a missing teenager who has a bright musical future. From there the tension keeps building as politics, jealousy, and mother/daughter issues are layered on to create one heck of a gripping mystery. There is so much more I want to say about this book, but I will create a butt tennis spoilers if I do.
Trust me when I say the buildup in the story is intense and is going to have you binging it! Therefore, it’s probably best that you clear your schedule the minute you pick it up!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Dual POV
Strong FMCs
Suspense
Mystery
Music Industry
New Zeland
Atmosphere
Amateur Sleuth
Hidden Past
New Series
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast! I binged this book I a day!
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This was a twisty thriller full of layers, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you Atria for this gifted copy.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
The story immediately dove into the case of a missing teenager who has a bright musical future. From there the tension keeps building as politics, jealousy, and mother/daughter issues are layered on to create one heck of a gripping mystery. There is so much more I want to say about this book, but I will create a butt tennis spoilers if I do.
Trust me when I say the buildup in the story is intense and is going to have you binging it! Therefore, it’s probably best that you clear your schedule the minute you pick it up!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Dual POV
Strong FMCs
Suspense
Mystery
Music Industry
New Zeland
Atmosphere
Amateur Sleuth
Hidden Past
New Series
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast! I binged this book I a day!
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This was a twisty thriller full of layers, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you Atria for this gifted copy.
February 20, 2026
She Fell Away by Lenore Nash. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lake is a state diplomat and just scored a cush spot in a sleepy New Zealand town. It’s sleepy until an American NFL player is found dead, and an exchange student star singer is missing.
There are several components to this story that made it unique and interesting , and not just another missing woman story. The poetry and lyrics behind it were great. While not necessarily music fiction, it has a lot of music background to it and lyrics play a key role. The main characters Lake and Bowie are both very fun to follow, in their own ways. As the mystery begins to unravel, we also begin to see some unsavory characters and the plot takes on a different track.
“She attracts the darkness. Because of what she’s seen. Because of what she did.”
Read if you like:
-Missing women stories
-Investigators who don’t give up
-Music fiction; plots with lyrics and poetry
-New Zealand setting
She Fell Away comes out 3/10.
Lake is a state diplomat and just scored a cush spot in a sleepy New Zealand town. It’s sleepy until an American NFL player is found dead, and an exchange student star singer is missing.
There are several components to this story that made it unique and interesting , and not just another missing woman story. The poetry and lyrics behind it were great. While not necessarily music fiction, it has a lot of music background to it and lyrics play a key role. The main characters Lake and Bowie are both very fun to follow, in their own ways. As the mystery begins to unravel, we also begin to see some unsavory characters and the plot takes on a different track.
“She attracts the darkness. Because of what she’s seen. Because of what she did.”
Read if you like:
-Missing women stories
-Investigators who don’t give up
-Music fiction; plots with lyrics and poetry
-New Zealand setting
She Fell Away comes out 3/10.
February 17, 2026
An atmospheric thriller that’s sure to keep you hooked. Multiple POV, an interesting location, and side characters that have you questioning everything. The chapter lengths here were just right and had me reading at a steady pace. Our main characters were very individual so it was easy to differentiate their voices. If you love an atmospheric setting with a missing person and a mystery, this one is for you!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
March 16, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy
Synopsis: Lake Harlowe, a state department diplomat, searches for Bowie, a missing American exchange student in New Zealand. Her disappearance coincides with the mysterious death of an American NFL player, and the more Lake digs in to their connection, the darker the mystery becomes.
Thoughts: I thought this was a pretty unique take on an international crime thriller. Lake was an intriguing and layered character, and I liked that uncovering her backstory was a mystery alongside the main plot. She could definitely be a fun character to headline a series if the author goes in that direction! The main storyline was fast-paced and intricately plotted - it for sure kept me on my toes! A note on the audio: these are two of my favorite narrators, so in my opinion you really can’t go wrong with the audio for this one!
Read this if you like:
🔎 missing person
🔎 New Zealand
🔎 crime thrillers
Synopsis: Lake Harlowe, a state department diplomat, searches for Bowie, a missing American exchange student in New Zealand. Her disappearance coincides with the mysterious death of an American NFL player, and the more Lake digs in to their connection, the darker the mystery becomes.
Thoughts: I thought this was a pretty unique take on an international crime thriller. Lake was an intriguing and layered character, and I liked that uncovering her backstory was a mystery alongside the main plot. She could definitely be a fun character to headline a series if the author goes in that direction! The main storyline was fast-paced and intricately plotted - it for sure kept me on my toes! A note on the audio: these are two of my favorite narrators, so in my opinion you really can’t go wrong with the audio for this one!
Read this if you like:
🔎 missing person
🔎 New Zealand
🔎 crime thrillers
March 23, 2026
Mysterious, dark, and I couldn't stop listening.
Bowie is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter with secrets. Lake is an American diplomat in New Zealand running from her past. Both are connected by trauma, and watching their stories weave together had me hooked.
What happened to Bowie's best friend the night she died? What haunts Lake's nightmares? The tension built beautifully as I pieced together the clues. The twists landed perfectly, and the ending satisfied. Fair warning: this gets dark. Exploitation, both from strangers and family, is woven throughout.
Audio experience: Helen Laser captured Lake brilliantly - quiet, scarred, keeping everything locked inside. Jesse Vilinsky brought Bowie's grief and passion for music to life. The authentic New Zealand accents elevated the suspense.
You'll love this if: You want dark dual POV thrillers with missing persons, buried secrets, and characters who refuse to give up.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.
Bowie is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter with secrets. Lake is an American diplomat in New Zealand running from her past. Both are connected by trauma, and watching their stories weave together had me hooked.
What happened to Bowie's best friend the night she died? What haunts Lake's nightmares? The tension built beautifully as I pieced together the clues. The twists landed perfectly, and the ending satisfied. Fair warning: this gets dark. Exploitation, both from strangers and family, is woven throughout.
Audio experience: Helen Laser captured Lake brilliantly - quiet, scarred, keeping everything locked inside. Jesse Vilinsky brought Bowie's grief and passion for music to life. The authentic New Zealand accents elevated the suspense.
You'll love this if: You want dark dual POV thrillers with missing persons, buried secrets, and characters who refuse to give up.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such an intriguing thriller, full of interesting characters and surprising moments.
Lake is an American working at the New Zealand Embassy when an American exchange student named Bowie goes missing and another American tourist is found dead. She finds herself wrapped up in a mystery that hides plenty of scandalous and dangerous secrets.
The dual POV works incredibly well here, giving us both Bowie and Lake's perspective on just what happened in New Zealand. Bowie is Instagram famous for her sad girl music, and the addition of her song lyrics showing her state of mind throughout the story was fantastic. Lake is such an interesting character, and I am dying to know more about her background - this felt like the first book in a series, and I can only hope I'm right about that and we will find out more next time!
The mystery was complex, dark, and gritty, and it kept me guessing until the very end.
I did an immersive read with the audio, which was incredibly well done by Helen Laser and Jesse Vilinsky. Their accent work was flawless and added so much to my listening experience, making this a must on audio!
Lake is an American working at the New Zealand Embassy when an American exchange student named Bowie goes missing and another American tourist is found dead. She finds herself wrapped up in a mystery that hides plenty of scandalous and dangerous secrets.
The dual POV works incredibly well here, giving us both Bowie and Lake's perspective on just what happened in New Zealand. Bowie is Instagram famous for her sad girl music, and the addition of her song lyrics showing her state of mind throughout the story was fantastic. Lake is such an interesting character, and I am dying to know more about her background - this felt like the first book in a series, and I can only hope I'm right about that and we will find out more next time!
The mystery was complex, dark, and gritty, and it kept me guessing until the very end.
I did an immersive read with the audio, which was incredibly well done by Helen Laser and Jesse Vilinsky. Their accent work was flawless and added so much to my listening experience, making this a must on audio!
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.
March 26, 2026
“𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
I was so wrapped up in this international crime thriller!
Lake’s recently arrived to the US Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. She’s barely acclimated when she’s called to the case of Bruce, an American football player, who’s found dead under mysterious circumstances. Potentially connected to that is the case of a missing 18 year-old American exchange student, Bowie. When Lake digs further she discovers a link between Bruce and Bowie, which then extends to a wider web of intrigue. While it’s not her role to play detective, she feels a personal connection to Bowie.
Lenore has constructed a riveting, fast-paced, layered story with subplots keep you glued to the pages. It’s hard not to have a visceral reaction to some of the characters like Bowie’s mom, a one-hit wonder and now a controlling stage mom who lives vicariously through Bowie’s talented singing. Bruce’s dad, and the US ambassador are repulsive from the start. The connection between them is alarming. Lake remains the steady, moral compass as the story gains urgency.
It’s told in dual timeline and dual POV with Lake in 1st person and
Bowie in 3rd. New Zealand’s a beautiful backdrop feeling both far removed and also smack in the middle of danger. Lenore’s debut is fantastic, and I now have her on my radar. Come for the view, stay for the high-stakes tale of diplomatic intrigue and corruption!
Thanks again @atrithrillers for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 is out now!
I was so wrapped up in this international crime thriller!
Lake’s recently arrived to the US Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. She’s barely acclimated when she’s called to the case of Bruce, an American football player, who’s found dead under mysterious circumstances. Potentially connected to that is the case of a missing 18 year-old American exchange student, Bowie. When Lake digs further she discovers a link between Bruce and Bowie, which then extends to a wider web of intrigue. While it’s not her role to play detective, she feels a personal connection to Bowie.
Lenore has constructed a riveting, fast-paced, layered story with subplots keep you glued to the pages. It’s hard not to have a visceral reaction to some of the characters like Bowie’s mom, a one-hit wonder and now a controlling stage mom who lives vicariously through Bowie’s talented singing. Bruce’s dad, and the US ambassador are repulsive from the start. The connection between them is alarming. Lake remains the steady, moral compass as the story gains urgency.
It’s told in dual timeline and dual POV with Lake in 1st person and
Bowie in 3rd. New Zealand’s a beautiful backdrop feeling both far removed and also smack in the middle of danger. Lenore’s debut is fantastic, and I now have her on my radar. Come for the view, stay for the high-stakes tale of diplomatic intrigue and corruption!
Thanks again @atrithrillers for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 is out now!
February 20, 2026
Thank you @atriabooks @simon.audio #partner for the gifted copies of this book!
This was my first book by Lenore Nash and I have to say…I can absolutely see this turning into a very successful series.
This is one of those solid mysteries with a really intriguing lead character! The twist is she isn’t even technically a detective. Our main character, Lake, is a U.S. Embassy Agent. I don’t know why but I always love when the person solving the mystery isn’t a traditional detective. It just makes it the story feel more unique. I like when they are part of the community but bring a completely different perspective...and Lake did exactly that!
Speaking of, Lake was such a great character. She’s well traveled (Cambodia, Alaska and now New Zealand) and I loved that she carries her past with her. She has her own internal struggles from her life experiences that shape how she approaches this case which made me more intrigued. I think what I loved most about her is that she’s persistent. She took everything in stride and did not give up. She’s smart and observant which of course helped her suss out the situation :)
The pacing was strong the entire way through and it really delivered a satisfying and classic crime thriller feel which I adore.
This is perfect if you love:
• solid crime mysteries
• character driven thrillers
• strong, determined female leads
• a unique setting
I truly hope this becomes a series because I would absolutely follow Lake on her next case.
This was my first book by Lenore Nash and I have to say…I can absolutely see this turning into a very successful series.
This is one of those solid mysteries with a really intriguing lead character! The twist is she isn’t even technically a detective. Our main character, Lake, is a U.S. Embassy Agent. I don’t know why but I always love when the person solving the mystery isn’t a traditional detective. It just makes it the story feel more unique. I like when they are part of the community but bring a completely different perspective...and Lake did exactly that!
Speaking of, Lake was such a great character. She’s well traveled (Cambodia, Alaska and now New Zealand) and I loved that she carries her past with her. She has her own internal struggles from her life experiences that shape how she approaches this case which made me more intrigued. I think what I loved most about her is that she’s persistent. She took everything in stride and did not give up. She’s smart and observant which of course helped her suss out the situation :)
The pacing was strong the entire way through and it really delivered a satisfying and classic crime thriller feel which I adore.
This is perfect if you love:
• solid crime mysteries
• character driven thrillers
• strong, determined female leads
• a unique setting
I truly hope this becomes a series because I would absolutely follow Lake on her next case.
April 17, 2026
This amazing literary thriller, told in such a compelling, clear, intelligent voice, centers on Lake Harlow, a U.S. diplomatic staffer who’s relocated from Phnom Penh to what she hopes will be an easier assignment out to the New Zealand embassy. But just as she arrives, a rising young singer with a huge social media following, Bowie Bishop, goes missing during her study abroad year. At the same time, a young rising American NFL quarterback, Bruce Walter, is found dead at his Airbnb rental in Wellington of what seems an accidental overdose.
Lake contends with both sets of over-the-top upset parents. Bruce’s parents had no idea he had traveled to New Zealand, and his bellicose Dad comes in screaming, pounding his fist, and exercising his wealth and power to intimidate the New Zealand law enforcement to find answers. Bowie’s single mom, Suzie, an over-the-top controlling stage Mom and aging former rocker who’s micromanaged her daughter’s social media rise, arrives in New Zealand both distraught and overbearing. Lake gets assigned to handle both sets of parents, a no-win assignment, and to liaison with New Zealand law enforcement in their investigations, including a dashing police sergeant, Mason Yates, around her own age.
Things get even more complicated when Lake realizes that Bowie’s Mom is a long time employee of Bruce’s Dad’s Las Vegas casino, and there may be a link between the two incidents. On top of this, the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Lake’s boss who has been known to hit on young women and who’s friends with Bruce’s Dad, warms Lake to back off looking further into either case. And there may be a much larger conspiracy underfoot of the death and disappearance.
In a race for time, Lake, who’s haunted by her own traumatic childhood being raised in Alaska, feels a deep personal stake in the search for Bowie. Much of the novel delves in to Lake’s interior thoughts and crises, as powerful as the external events in her continuing desperate search for Bowie, with time ticking at every turn.
Here’s hoping that Nash, a clearly talented former Foreign Service officer, carves out more time from her romance writing to turn out more outstanding thrillers like this one!
Waiting eagerly for the next sequel featuring Lake!
Thanks for Simon & Schuster for a review copy.
Lake contends with both sets of over-the-top upset parents. Bruce’s parents had no idea he had traveled to New Zealand, and his bellicose Dad comes in screaming, pounding his fist, and exercising his wealth and power to intimidate the New Zealand law enforcement to find answers. Bowie’s single mom, Suzie, an over-the-top controlling stage Mom and aging former rocker who’s micromanaged her daughter’s social media rise, arrives in New Zealand both distraught and overbearing. Lake gets assigned to handle both sets of parents, a no-win assignment, and to liaison with New Zealand law enforcement in their investigations, including a dashing police sergeant, Mason Yates, around her own age.
Things get even more complicated when Lake realizes that Bowie’s Mom is a long time employee of Bruce’s Dad’s Las Vegas casino, and there may be a link between the two incidents. On top of this, the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Lake’s boss who has been known to hit on young women and who’s friends with Bruce’s Dad, warms Lake to back off looking further into either case. And there may be a much larger conspiracy underfoot of the death and disappearance.
In a race for time, Lake, who’s haunted by her own traumatic childhood being raised in Alaska, feels a deep personal stake in the search for Bowie. Much of the novel delves in to Lake’s interior thoughts and crises, as powerful as the external events in her continuing desperate search for Bowie, with time ticking at every turn.
Here’s hoping that Nash, a clearly talented former Foreign Service officer, carves out more time from her romance writing to turn out more outstanding thrillers like this one!
Waiting eagerly for the next sequel featuring Lake!
Thanks for Simon & Schuster for a review copy.
March 10, 2026
Thank you to Atria for a free copy of this book! #AtriaPartner
A diplomat. A missing girl. A country that looks like paradise but hides some very dark secrets.
Lake, a State Department diplomat posted in New Zealand, gets pulled into the disappearance of Bowie, an internet-famous teen singer studying abroad, right after an American football player turns up dead. Busy week for the US Embassy!
One thing I really loved: Bowie’s own song lyrics are woven throughout the book, which deepens that dark, haunting atmosphere while letting us inside Bowie’s head. It’s such a cool touch and it genuinely works.
Lake is the kind of character I could see an entire series built around. She’s determined, layered, flawed. Her backstory is revealed in perfectly timed drips that left me wanting more.
The suspect pool is stacked: a high-profile host family, a shadowy music producer, a casino magnate, and the US ambassador. I was genuinely guessing until the final pages.
If you love crime thrillers with flawed, fascinating women at the center, diplomatic intrigue, and plenty of twists, get this one on your list.
A diplomat. A missing girl. A country that looks like paradise but hides some very dark secrets.
Lake, a State Department diplomat posted in New Zealand, gets pulled into the disappearance of Bowie, an internet-famous teen singer studying abroad, right after an American football player turns up dead. Busy week for the US Embassy!
One thing I really loved: Bowie’s own song lyrics are woven throughout the book, which deepens that dark, haunting atmosphere while letting us inside Bowie’s head. It’s such a cool touch and it genuinely works.
Lake is the kind of character I could see an entire series built around. She’s determined, layered, flawed. Her backstory is revealed in perfectly timed drips that left me wanting more.
The suspect pool is stacked: a high-profile host family, a shadowy music producer, a casino magnate, and the US ambassador. I was genuinely guessing until the final pages.
If you love crime thrillers with flawed, fascinating women at the center, diplomatic intrigue, and plenty of twists, get this one on your list.
March 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted early copy.
The story follows a US embassy employee stationed in New Zealand and a teenage girl disappearance. This book was more of a crime novel but it went so much deeper as well.
This is perfectly set as a beginning of the series, we did not learn every secret and we still don’t know what happened to Lake so I’m excited for more books.
The writing was so good, the plot fast paced and kept moving. Chapters were short and the ending was perfect. Bonus point for making our Lake smart (she actually let others know where she was going and what she was doing in case something bad happens and I don’t often see it in books).
Now I need to go visit NZ!
The story follows a US embassy employee stationed in New Zealand and a teenage girl disappearance. This book was more of a crime novel but it went so much deeper as well.
This is perfectly set as a beginning of the series, we did not learn every secret and we still don’t know what happened to Lake so I’m excited for more books.
The writing was so good, the plot fast paced and kept moving. Chapters were short and the ending was perfect. Bonus point for making our Lake smart (she actually let others know where she was going and what she was doing in case something bad happens and I don’t often see it in books).
Now I need to go visit NZ!
April 19, 2026
3.5
Lake Harlowe is a State Diplomat who has left Cambodia for New Zealand with hopes of a calmer assignment. However, things are already complicated as an 18-year old singer songwriter with a rapidly rising career disappears on the heels of finding a famous American quarterback dead in his hotel room. Life becomes quite complicated for Lake as she gets more involved than she really should as she isn't a detective, just a State Diplomat, but her own ghosts are brought to life in these stories.
A quick read that I found quite interesting.
My thanks for Net Galley and Atria for an advanced copy of this e-book.
Lake Harlowe is a State Diplomat who has left Cambodia for New Zealand with hopes of a calmer assignment. However, things are already complicated as an 18-year old singer songwriter with a rapidly rising career disappears on the heels of finding a famous American quarterback dead in his hotel room. Life becomes quite complicated for Lake as she gets more involved than she really should as she isn't a detective, just a State Diplomat, but her own ghosts are brought to life in these stories.
A quick read that I found quite interesting.
My thanks for Net Galley and Atria for an advanced copy of this e-book.
April 2, 2026
I started reading this story about a missing woman on the verge of making it big as a singer songwriter. Bowie Bishop is very talented 18-year-old exchange student living in New Zealand.
The story begins with a tantalizing opening that promises a very good book. However for me, after the first few chapters, it fell a little flat. Of course I had to finish it to find out what happens, ever though I was not sure that I cared. None of the characters really interested me, although I did enjoy the setting.
The story begins with a tantalizing opening that promises a very good book. However for me, after the first few chapters, it fell a little flat. Of course I had to finish it to find out what happens, ever though I was not sure that I cared. None of the characters really interested me, although I did enjoy the setting.
April 3, 2026
I was hoping to love this novel. It’s a genre I enjoy, and it’s written from the perspective of a U.S. consular officer - a role I know well. And to give credit where credit is due, the author captures the workings of an embassy pretty well, adding in real details (like referring to FSO training as A-100) without overwhelming the reader with acronyms. My main issue with the story is the believability of the plot lines and the clumsiness of the clues. This looks to be the first of a planned series, and I’ll happily read another if only for the opportunity to immerse myself in State Department bureaucracy once more.
May 10, 2026
This was such a good thriller! I loved how the two point of views fit together to tell the whole story. I’m excited to see what Lenore Nash writes next!
April 20, 2026
If I could give it 6 stars I would. Loved the story and how when I read it I felt like I was watching a thriller suspense movie. Great writing
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.
March 3, 2026
I was not a fan of the writing and this also read more YA.
March 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads giveaway
This story started as a slow burn, trying to determine which storyline I was following. I was quickly immersed in New Zealand and everything Bowie Bishop. I was enthralled with helping Lake figure out what really happened. My least favorite thing in any thriller is being able to figure it out quickly and that was not the case with She Fell Away.
Once I was hooked, I needed to keep going and flying through the pages to reach another twist or piece of information. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I would love to know what else may happen with Lake and her future. I will definitely read any more if Lenore decides to carry on this series.
This story started as a slow burn, trying to determine which storyline I was following. I was quickly immersed in New Zealand and everything Bowie Bishop. I was enthralled with helping Lake figure out what really happened. My least favorite thing in any thriller is being able to figure it out quickly and that was not the case with She Fell Away.
Once I was hooked, I needed to keep going and flying through the pages to reach another twist or piece of information. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I would love to know what else may happen with Lake and her future. I will definitely read any more if Lenore decides to carry on this series.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thanks to Goodreads for the ARC!
I just finished She Fell Away and I was blown away by the intriguing and realistic storyline, given this is the author's first thriller! It's a thriller about a teenager (also aspiring artist) from Vegas who goes to New Zealand for a study exchange, and it’s full of interesting and nuanced characters and plot twists to keep you engaged.
The best part for me was how realistic it felt, how in depth she went with each characters inner thoughts and feelings and the ins and outs of navigating life overseas. I read that the author had spent some time overseas as a US diplomat, so it totally tracks with the details she gets into when things go wrong overseas. I love that the author takes you into various places around the world, from New Zealand and Vegas and to Alaska for flashbacks. It was a great book that I couldn't put down, and I finished it in less than a week! I would love to see this book made into a movie, and will be on the lookout for any sequential books from this author!
I just finished She Fell Away and I was blown away by the intriguing and realistic storyline, given this is the author's first thriller! It's a thriller about a teenager (also aspiring artist) from Vegas who goes to New Zealand for a study exchange, and it’s full of interesting and nuanced characters and plot twists to keep you engaged.
The best part for me was how realistic it felt, how in depth she went with each characters inner thoughts and feelings and the ins and outs of navigating life overseas. I read that the author had spent some time overseas as a US diplomat, so it totally tracks with the details she gets into when things go wrong overseas. I love that the author takes you into various places around the world, from New Zealand and Vegas and to Alaska for flashbacks. It was a great book that I couldn't put down, and I finished it in less than a week! I would love to see this book made into a movie, and will be on the lookout for any sequential books from this author!
February 13, 2026
4.5 stars. This thriller really got me from the very start. It was an interesting premise, with a New Zealand setting, which I don't see very often. I was invested in the female main characters right away and I really cared what happened to them. The dual POVs and the shifts between the past and present moved the story along with a steady pace. I had lots of theories about what could have happened or who was to blame, but I didn't fully see the whole picture until I came right up to it. I appreciated that we mainly stuck with the story line at hand, veering into past events occasionally, but not in a way that was distracting to our main plot points. The ending was satisfying and left open the possibility of future stories with our heroine Lake. I'd be interested to see what trouble she finds in Switzerland.
March 10, 2026
In Lenore Nash's gripping debut international thriller, SHE FELL AWAY, we are introduced to Lake Harlowe, a dedicated U.S. State Department diplomat seeking refuge from her haunting past in the rugged wilderness of Alaska.
Recently transferred to the picturesque city of Wellington, New Zealand, Lake hopes her "quiet" new posting will offer her the peace she desperately craves. However, her aspirations for tranquility are swiftly shattered by two extraordinary events that will forever alter the course of her life.
SHE FELL AWAY blends high-tension political thriller elements, a gripping narrative with a lyrical, atmospheric noir style. Intense, emotional, with lovely metaphorical prose focusing on the internal struggles and unresolved trauma of its well-crafted protagonist, Lake Harlowe.
Highlights...
My thoughts...
A fascinating debut, high-stakes, a well-crafted, absorbing mystery, both intense and emotional. Lake Harlowe’s backstory is defined by a deep-seated need to outrun a traumatic childhood and the "personal demons" she has collected along the way.
I enjoyed the writing, atmosphere, and tone as a modern take on the noir genre, with a detective-style protagonist. Nash brilliantly uses striking metaphors, and the writing is lyrical and poetic. The atmosphere becomes heavy as the layers of corruption are revealed.
Lake grew up in a religious cult in a small, isolated town in Alaska. This upbringing is described as "darkness" that she is intimately familiar with, and it is the primary source of the unresolved trauma she tries to escape through her nomadic career. This history makes her particularly attuned to "predatory networks" and power dynamics, which fuel her obsession with finding the missing Bowie Bishop.
The characters are well developed, with Lake being damaged but resilient. She is characterized by her "unresolved trauma" and "personal demons," yet she remains a strong, hard-working professional and uses her nomadic career as a shield. However, once she connects with the missing girl's case, her pursuit of the truth becomes a singular, driving force.
Lake Harlowe’s relationship with Sergeant Mason Yates serves as the emotional core that slowly dismantles her carefully constructed "armor." The relationship is written with a "modern noir" feel, where mutual attraction is complicated by "hidden agendas" and "competing loyalties" within the Wellington diplomatic and police circles.
The story is both immersive and heartfelt, exploring the themes of family, loss, and healing. The atmospheric setting of Wellington, New Zealand, and the high-stakes world of diplomatic power provide a "cinematic experience" for the reader.
The central takeaway message of Nash's SHE FELL AWAY centers on the transformative power of confronting trauma and finding the courage to speak your truth, even when it is buried under layers of personal and professional protection.
The novel uniquely emphasizes how music and lyrics serve as tools for processing grief and healing from traumatic events—finding one’s voice is essential for moving past fear.
An unputdownable tale that serves as a reminder to live without fear and act with integrity, especially when facing "powerful predators" and systemic corruption, even when that corruption comes from within one's own institution.
A riveting debut, and here's hoping for a sequel! An author to watch.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the professional world of Lake Harlowe, focusing on investigators or officials navigating international crises and institutional corruption, check out the following:
~Run Series by Matthew Becker
~The Doorman by Chris Pavone
~The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk
~The Diplomat (TV Series)
Others:
~Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
~When She Returned by Lucinda Berry
~Behind the Red Door by Megan Collins:
~Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns
~The Watcher by Jennifer Pashley
~Exiles by Jane Harper
Special thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy and the introduction of this talented new voice in fiction in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDColllins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: March 10, 2026
March Newsletter
Recently transferred to the picturesque city of Wellington, New Zealand, Lake hopes her "quiet" new posting will offer her the peace she desperately craves. However, her aspirations for tranquility are swiftly shattered by two extraordinary events that will forever alter the course of her life.
SHE FELL AWAY blends high-tension political thriller elements, a gripping narrative with a lyrical, atmospheric noir style. Intense, emotional, with lovely metaphorical prose focusing on the internal struggles and unresolved trauma of its well-crafted protagonist, Lake Harlowe.
Highlights...
The Dead Athlete:
Lake is called to investigate the death of Bruce Walter II, a high-profile American NFL quarterback found dead in his Wellington Airbnb from an apparent overdose.
The Missing Musician:
Simultaneously, Bowie Bishop, an 18-year-old American singer-songwriter and exchange student from Las Vegas, goes missing.
The Las Vegas Connection:
Lake discovers a link between the two: Bowie’s mother, Suzie—a former rock star turned cocktail waitress—works at a Las Vegas casino owned by Bruce Walter’s father, a powerful magnate.
Internal Obstacles:
Lake’s boss, the U.S. Ambassador, pressures her to back off the investigation, as he and other high-profile figures (including a shadowy music producer and Bowie’s host family) appear to be part of a web of corruption.
A Personal Reckoning
To solve the case, Lake must partner with a local police sergeant, Mason Yates, and eventually confront her own "dark past"—specifically her childhood in an Alaskan cult—which mirrors the predatory networks she uncovers in New Zealand.
The Resolution:
The novel uses a non-linear timeline and dual perspectives (Lake and Bowie) to reveal a "violent conclusion" where Lake must decide how far she will go to secure justice for the missing girl.
My thoughts...
A fascinating debut, high-stakes, a well-crafted, absorbing mystery, both intense and emotional. Lake Harlowe’s backstory is defined by a deep-seated need to outrun a traumatic childhood and the "personal demons" she has collected along the way.
I enjoyed the writing, atmosphere, and tone as a modern take on the noir genre, with a detective-style protagonist. Nash brilliantly uses striking metaphors, and the writing is lyrical and poetic. The atmosphere becomes heavy as the layers of corruption are revealed.
Lake grew up in a religious cult in a small, isolated town in Alaska. This upbringing is described as "darkness" that she is intimately familiar with, and it is the primary source of the unresolved trauma she tries to escape through her nomadic career. This history makes her particularly attuned to "predatory networks" and power dynamics, which fuel her obsession with finding the missing Bowie Bishop.
The characters are well developed, with Lake being damaged but resilient. She is characterized by her "unresolved trauma" and "personal demons," yet she remains a strong, hard-working professional and uses her nomadic career as a shield. However, once she connects with the missing girl's case, her pursuit of the truth becomes a singular, driving force.
Lake Harlowe’s relationship with Sergeant Mason Yates serves as the emotional core that slowly dismantles her carefully constructed "armor." The relationship is written with a "modern noir" feel, where mutual attraction is complicated by "hidden agendas" and "competing loyalties" within the Wellington diplomatic and police circles.
The story is both immersive and heartfelt, exploring the themes of family, loss, and healing. The atmospheric setting of Wellington, New Zealand, and the high-stakes world of diplomatic power provide a "cinematic experience" for the reader.
The central takeaway message of Nash's SHE FELL AWAY centers on the transformative power of confronting trauma and finding the courage to speak your truth, even when it is buried under layers of personal and professional protection.
The novel uniquely emphasizes how music and lyrics serve as tools for processing grief and healing from traumatic events—finding one’s voice is essential for moving past fear.
An unputdownable tale that serves as a reminder to live without fear and act with integrity, especially when facing "powerful predators" and systemic corruption, even when that corruption comes from within one's own institution.
A riveting debut, and here's hoping for a sequel! An author to watch.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the professional world of Lake Harlowe, focusing on investigators or officials navigating international crises and institutional corruption, check out the following:
~Run Series by Matthew Becker
~The Doorman by Chris Pavone
~The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk
~The Diplomat (TV Series)
Others:
~Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
~When She Returned by Lucinda Berry
~Behind the Red Door by Megan Collins:
~Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns
~The Watcher by Jennifer Pashley
~Exiles by Jane Harper
Special thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy and the introduction of this talented new voice in fiction in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDColllins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: March 10, 2026
March Newsletter
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