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You Belong Here
A decades-old secret that drove a mother from her hometown now threatens her college-bound daughter in this twisty new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Megan Miranda.
Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were strong: Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…
For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…
Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were strong: Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…
For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
2019 people are currently reading
70453 people want to read
About the author
Megan Miranda
26 books19.5k followersMegan Miranda is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls; The Perfect Stranger; The Last House Guest, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick; The Girl from Widow Hills; Such a Quiet Place; The Last to Vanish; The Only Survivors; and Daughter of Mine. She has also written several books for young adults. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated from MIT, and lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.
Her next thriller, You Belong Here, will be published on July 29, 2025.
Follow @MeganLMiranda on Instagram, @AuthorMeganMiranda on Facebook, or visit www.meganmiranda.com
Her next thriller, You Belong Here, will be published on July 29, 2025.
Follow @MeganLMiranda on Instagram, @AuthorMeganMiranda on Facebook, or visit www.meganmiranda.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,133 reviews
August 14, 2025
5.0 stars—Well here I am again: The Mayor of Outlier Review Island. I was close to not even giving Megan Miranda’s latest book, ‘You Belong Here,” a chance because the reviews have been middling at best. But, I have always enjoyed Ms. Miranda’s writing style ( in fact this is the 3rd out of the 7 books I’ve read by her that I’ve given 5 stars) so I decided to read this book anyway. If I was able to limit myself to one word to define this book it would be ‘Masterpiece’. It was definitely my favorite Megan Miranda book ever. It definitely hit all the right notes with me: a slow building plot that held my interest from beginning to end, very plausible twists and turns, as well as being very suspenseful throughout. I’m truly at a loss why this book is getting panned by other readers. Maybe I was more open to a book in which the main character’s daughter leaves home to attend college and the helplessness you feel as a parent when they no longer need your input. (My daughter just moved 11 hours away from me). But, truthfully I just think it was a great book that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. The book begins with Beckett taking her daughter Delilah to enroll in the college she had attended twenty years prior. The college Beckett wasn’t able to graduate from because of her possible involvement in the fiery deaths of two men her roommate allegedly murdered and then disappeared from Beckett’s life forever. After getting her daughter settled she returns home where a late night phone call sends Beckett back to campus where she becomes embroiled in a new mystery that ends up also being connected to her past at the college. I won’t say anymore other than to say this is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend it, especially to those who enjoyed Donna Tartt’s ‘Secret History’ (another favorite of mine).
July 29, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Wyatt College is nestled in a picturesque small town in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains. But, it has an ugly history-a HAZING tradition called “The Howling”, which went horribly wrong one year.
When the wind whistles, the undergraduates must run from home base through the dense woods and back to campus without getting “caught” by any Seniors wearing masks.
Beckett Bowery was a senior at the college the year that tragedy struck. Two local men dead, and her roommate, Adalyn Vale, on the run, never to be seen again, after being suspected of starting the fire which claimed their lives. Beckett was accused of being her accomplice and though never proven, she was asked to finish her senior year at a “sister college” in London.
For the last two decades, Beckett has stayed away, despite both of her parents being Professors at the college. Then her daughter, Delilah, applies to Wyatt College secretly and accepts the full scholarship she is offered. Beckett is worried that the town will still remember the accusations.
TURNS OUT, SHE WAS RIGHT
Not less than a week later, Beckett is awoken by her cell phone in the middle of the night. Her daughter’s name is illuminated, but all she hears is a gasp before the call is dropped…
Megan Miranda always sets a scene vividly, transporting me to wherever her book takes place, with this being no exception. And, her characters feel like real people-with the mother/daughter dynamic here ringing true.
This book unfolds from Beckett’s POV in three parts, with the first two setting up the story mostly in the PRESENT with glimpses into the PAST when Beckett was the student on campus-but it doesn’t read as YA since she is now a Mom. The third part, which begins at 56% is when the pace picks up and most of the action takes place, with Delilah seemingly being targeted by someone with a grudge.
Readers of Dark Academia will be pleased with the CREEPY hazing ritual-“The Howling”, the hidden underground tunnels and the deep woods which surround the school and make Cell phone service and Wi-Fi unreliable at best.
And, it seems that SOMEONE is always watching.
College kids with secrets from the PAST getting exposed isn’t MY favorite trope-so this wasn’t a favorite of Megan Miranda’s for me, but although I have enjoyed her last few books more, this was still a mostly satisfying read that might work as a “spooky season” pick!
A buddy read with DeAnn and MaryBeth! Be sure to watch for their thoughts as well!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Simon Element/S&S/ Marysue Ricci Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Wyatt College is nestled in a picturesque small town in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains. But, it has an ugly history-a HAZING tradition called “The Howling”, which went horribly wrong one year.
When the wind whistles, the undergraduates must run from home base through the dense woods and back to campus without getting “caught” by any Seniors wearing masks.
Beckett Bowery was a senior at the college the year that tragedy struck. Two local men dead, and her roommate, Adalyn Vale, on the run, never to be seen again, after being suspected of starting the fire which claimed their lives. Beckett was accused of being her accomplice and though never proven, she was asked to finish her senior year at a “sister college” in London.
For the last two decades, Beckett has stayed away, despite both of her parents being Professors at the college. Then her daughter, Delilah, applies to Wyatt College secretly and accepts the full scholarship she is offered. Beckett is worried that the town will still remember the accusations.
TURNS OUT, SHE WAS RIGHT
Not less than a week later, Beckett is awoken by her cell phone in the middle of the night. Her daughter’s name is illuminated, but all she hears is a gasp before the call is dropped…
Megan Miranda always sets a scene vividly, transporting me to wherever her book takes place, with this being no exception. And, her characters feel like real people-with the mother/daughter dynamic here ringing true.
This book unfolds from Beckett’s POV in three parts, with the first two setting up the story mostly in the PRESENT with glimpses into the PAST when Beckett was the student on campus-but it doesn’t read as YA since she is now a Mom. The third part, which begins at 56% is when the pace picks up and most of the action takes place, with Delilah seemingly being targeted by someone with a grudge.
Readers of Dark Academia will be pleased with the CREEPY hazing ritual-“The Howling”, the hidden underground tunnels and the deep woods which surround the school and make Cell phone service and Wi-Fi unreliable at best.
And, it seems that SOMEONE is always watching.
College kids with secrets from the PAST getting exposed isn’t MY favorite trope-so this wasn’t a favorite of Megan Miranda’s for me, but although I have enjoyed her last few books more, this was still a mostly satisfying read that might work as a “spooky season” pick!
A buddy read with DeAnn and MaryBeth! Be sure to watch for their thoughts as well!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Simon Element/S&S/ Marysue Ricci Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
October 16, 2025
When a mother vows never to return to her hometown—the place she fled decades ago after a tragic incident sealed her fate—she believes the past is buried. But when her daughter goes missing, she is forced to confront the very mistakes she once tried to escape.
Beckett Bowery, the daughter of two academics, left Wyatt Valley after becoming a prime suspect in a campus fire that claimed the lives of two young men. Now a ghostwriter, she has raised her daughter, Delilah, in solitude—until Delilah is accepted into the very college where Beckett’s past unraveled. Her roommate, Adalyn, was involved in the same deadly fire years ago, and Beckett was suspected of helping her disappear. Though a key witness refused to come forward, Beckett chose exile over fighting the accusations.
Now, with Delilah enrolled at the school and suddenly unreachable after a cryptic late-night call, Beckett fears her daughter is caught in a new, sinister reenactment of the town’s infamous Howling Night. Desperate to find her, she returns to Wyatt Valley—only to discover that her former flame, Clint, is now the college dean. As Beckett digs deeper, old secrets resurface, threatening not just Delilah’s safety but also her own. To save her daughter, she must confront the past she thought she had outrun—before it’s too late.
This fast-paced mystery keeps the pages turning, delivering satisfying answers and well-placed puzzle pieces. While some twists are predictable and the biggest mystery unfolds as expected, the story remains an engaging small-town thriller that can be devoured in one sitting. As a longtime fan of the author, I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 for this intriguing, suspenseful read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element / S&S / Marysue Rucci Books for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Beckett Bowery, the daughter of two academics, left Wyatt Valley after becoming a prime suspect in a campus fire that claimed the lives of two young men. Now a ghostwriter, she has raised her daughter, Delilah, in solitude—until Delilah is accepted into the very college where Beckett’s past unraveled. Her roommate, Adalyn, was involved in the same deadly fire years ago, and Beckett was suspected of helping her disappear. Though a key witness refused to come forward, Beckett chose exile over fighting the accusations.
Now, with Delilah enrolled at the school and suddenly unreachable after a cryptic late-night call, Beckett fears her daughter is caught in a new, sinister reenactment of the town’s infamous Howling Night. Desperate to find her, she returns to Wyatt Valley—only to discover that her former flame, Clint, is now the college dean. As Beckett digs deeper, old secrets resurface, threatening not just Delilah’s safety but also her own. To save her daughter, she must confront the past she thought she had outrun—before it’s too late.
This fast-paced mystery keeps the pages turning, delivering satisfying answers and well-placed puzzle pieces. While some twists are predictable and the biggest mystery unfolds as expected, the story remains an engaging small-town thriller that can be devoured in one sitting. As a longtime fan of the author, I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 for this intriguing, suspenseful read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element / S&S / Marysue Rucci Books for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
April 18, 2025
ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
it was very fast read but like
what was this weird little game? why was it never explained fully. do all the kids play it? literally what reason is there for the adults to protect it?
the connection with cliff? could've been sexier or more gut punch
idk there's a world in which she didn't spill her guts and still got away with it. Just dumb to go to prison for debts that the dead don't count anyway. romanticizing morals a little too late.
the tunnels were interesting but needed more fleshed out. would've been cooler with a map
I didn't care one single bit about the 2 dead dudes. so like that wasn't high stakes for me
it was very fast read but like
what was this weird little game? why was it never explained fully. do all the kids play it? literally what reason is there for the adults to protect it?
the connection with cliff? could've been sexier or more gut punch
idk there's a world in which she didn't spill her guts and still got away with it. Just dumb to go to prison for debts that the dead don't count anyway. romanticizing morals a little too late.
the tunnels were interesting but needed more fleshed out. would've been cooler with a map
I didn't care one single bit about the 2 dead dudes. so like that wasn't high stakes for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Beckett Bowery has reservations about sending her daughter to the same college where Beck herself was asked to leave her senior year.
However, Wyatt College is where Deliah applies (unbeknownst to Mom), gets accepted, and earns a full scholarship.
Uh oh, looks like Mama's gonna have to confront the ghosts that she’s spent two decades avoiding.
In her new novel, You Belong Here, Megan Miranda excels at creating an atmospheric setting that becomes integral to the story.
This is especially poignant as we learn about the old hazing ritual, where freshmen were chased through the campus woods by masked seniors and the resulting tragedy that occurred when Beckett was a student at the college.
The town of Wyatt Valley becomes another character here — a place where wind funnels through the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains, creating "the howling" each autumn.
After all the time-hopping between the past and present, as well as multiple twists and turns, the revelations in the last third of the book feel a wee-bit rushed but ultimately lead to a shocking conclusion.
Nonetheless, fans of dark academia and mystery-thriller lovers will enjoy this one.
September 3, 2025
In standard Megan Miranda style, You Belong Here was a slow-burning plot full of simmering suspense and unending dread. Bracketed by the past and the present, the dual timelines crafted a tale riddled with uncertainty as the enigmatic truth slowly came into view. Taking place in a small college town filled with ghosts of the past, the dark academia setting felt like yet another persona alongside the handful of well-developed characters. Oozing with a collegiate feel but also plenty of foreboding, the campus came alive with each additional page. Yet again, Ms. Miranda created a locale that felt utterly real with its own distinct sense of time and place, which became just as addictive as the premise.
As for the rest of the cast, from the protagonists’ realistic mother-daughter dynamic to the handful of old friends and enemies that presented as believable red herrings, I found myself holding my breath much of the time. Suspicious in the best possible way, nearly every person in this spine-tingling premise received a heavy dose of my side-eye glances as I tried to work out the whos, whats, and whys. After all, I didn’t trust a single one of the characters—up to and including Delilah and Beckett. Were they hiding something from the reader? Or were they victims themselves? I’m going to leave it to you to find out as this story was too good to spoil in even the tiniest way.
All said and done, with a perfect mix of eerie small town vibes, intense unease, and palpable emotion, I was thrilled to fall head over heels for this dark, chilling ride. With a series of subtle clues that led to a domino-like fall of well-timed twists and turns, I was particularly pleased with the heart-pumping climax that shocked me but good. I mean, even her parents were hiding some delicious long-buried secrets. Complex but also easy to follow, the non-stop suspense spun tales within tales that ended with a shocking conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Haunting, atmospheric, and undeniably tense, I ate up every word of this dynamite, must-read tale of psychological suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were strong: Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…
For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…
Thank you to Megan Miranda and Marysue Rucci Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 29, 2025
Content warning: missing person, fire
As for the rest of the cast, from the protagonists’ realistic mother-daughter dynamic to the handful of old friends and enemies that presented as believable red herrings, I found myself holding my breath much of the time. Suspicious in the best possible way, nearly every person in this spine-tingling premise received a heavy dose of my side-eye glances as I tried to work out the whos, whats, and whys. After all, I didn’t trust a single one of the characters—up to and including Delilah and Beckett. Were they hiding something from the reader? Or were they victims themselves? I’m going to leave it to you to find out as this story was too good to spoil in even the tiniest way.
All said and done, with a perfect mix of eerie small town vibes, intense unease, and palpable emotion, I was thrilled to fall head over heels for this dark, chilling ride. With a series of subtle clues that led to a domino-like fall of well-timed twists and turns, I was particularly pleased with the heart-pumping climax that shocked me but good. I mean, even her parents were hiding some delicious long-buried secrets. Complex but also easy to follow, the non-stop suspense spun tales within tales that ended with a shocking conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Haunting, atmospheric, and undeniably tense, I ate up every word of this dynamite, must-read tale of psychological suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were strong: Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…
For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…
Thank you to Megan Miranda and Marysue Rucci Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 29, 2025
Content warning: missing person, fire
July 25, 2025
Secrets don’t just live in the shadows; they major in hiding out in college towns. That setup always sounds promising but I’ve realized the academia premise just isn’t quite my thing, and that might be why this one didn’t wow me but I liked it.
Low simmer suspense, tangled loyalties, & quietly unsettling vibes!
I was interested enough to keep going even if I never felt fully pulled in. The mystery stayed at a low simmer through much of the book, but once I hit the halfway mark, the pace picked up and I found myself more engaged.
I did notice and appreciate the mother and daughter dynamic between Beckett and Delilah. There’s a quiet tug of war between trust and protection, truth and omission, that felt grounded and believable. Still, I didn’t feel a strong connection to either of them, and the characters overall didn’t leave much of an emotional mark.
The setting really worked. Dark woods, unreliable Wi-Fi, and old school campus rituals gave it a subtle dark academia vibe without overdoing it. But the premise didn’t have the kind of pull I tend to look for, and the college setting isn’t one I naturally relate to.
I didn’t trust a single person here and honestly, that felt intentional. The constant vagueness just didn’t quite spark the kind of suspicion or tension I usually enjoy.
Even though this wasn’t a favourite, I was still entertained and enjoyed the ride. I’ve liked many of Megan Miranda’s past novels and I’ll definitely keep reading whatever she writes next.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the advance copy. You Belong Here publishes July 29, 2025. I’m recommending this one to readers who enjoy campus set suspense and character driven mysteries with a slow burn, reflective tone.
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up to 4. Entertaining and solid, just not quite a standout for me.
Low simmer suspense, tangled loyalties, & quietly unsettling vibes!
I was interested enough to keep going even if I never felt fully pulled in. The mystery stayed at a low simmer through much of the book, but once I hit the halfway mark, the pace picked up and I found myself more engaged.
I did notice and appreciate the mother and daughter dynamic between Beckett and Delilah. There’s a quiet tug of war between trust and protection, truth and omission, that felt grounded and believable. Still, I didn’t feel a strong connection to either of them, and the characters overall didn’t leave much of an emotional mark.
The setting really worked. Dark woods, unreliable Wi-Fi, and old school campus rituals gave it a subtle dark academia vibe without overdoing it. But the premise didn’t have the kind of pull I tend to look for, and the college setting isn’t one I naturally relate to.
I didn’t trust a single person here and honestly, that felt intentional. The constant vagueness just didn’t quite spark the kind of suspicion or tension I usually enjoy.
Even though this wasn’t a favourite, I was still entertained and enjoyed the ride. I’ve liked many of Megan Miranda’s past novels and I’ll definitely keep reading whatever she writes next.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the advance copy. You Belong Here publishes July 29, 2025. I’m recommending this one to readers who enjoy campus set suspense and character driven mysteries with a slow burn, reflective tone.
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up to 4. Entertaining and solid, just not quite a standout for me.
August 26, 2025
2.75 🌟…not a whole lot to write home about with this one 🤷🏻♀️
July 21, 2025
I’m in Vacation Mode!😎🏖️
You Belong Here" by Megan Miranda presents an intriguing narrative that immerses readers in her signature storytelling style, although it may not reach the heights of her previous works. It is set against the backdrop of Wyatt College in Virginia, where Beckett Bowery is helping her daughter, Delilah, settle in as an incoming freshman. Beckett's intense, protective nature showcases her struggle with helicopter parenting and hints at a troubling past that has haunted her for two decades.
Central to Beckett's backstory is a tragic incident from her college days, where two young men died and her best friend mysteriously vanished, leaving Beckett living in the shadow of suspicion. Despite her daughter receiving a full scholarship, Beckett’s decision to return to the campus is fraught with tension.
The turning point comes one fateful night when Delilah calls Beckett in distress, leading to her sudden disappearance. Is someone out for revenge? Who is behind Delilah’s disappearance? As Beckett races to unravel the past, the story unfolds through a dual narrative, alternating between present-day events and flashbacks. While Miranda typically excels at creating rich, resonant characters, the emotional depth felt lacking this time, making it challenging to connect with the protagonists.
Though the premise is compelling, it didn't spark the same excitement as her earlier works. I encourage readers to explore the book and form their own perspectives, as it undoubtedly reflects Megan Miranda's distinct style and storytelling prowess.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada, S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books, for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
You Belong Here" by Megan Miranda presents an intriguing narrative that immerses readers in her signature storytelling style, although it may not reach the heights of her previous works. It is set against the backdrop of Wyatt College in Virginia, where Beckett Bowery is helping her daughter, Delilah, settle in as an incoming freshman. Beckett's intense, protective nature showcases her struggle with helicopter parenting and hints at a troubling past that has haunted her for two decades.
Central to Beckett's backstory is a tragic incident from her college days, where two young men died and her best friend mysteriously vanished, leaving Beckett living in the shadow of suspicion. Despite her daughter receiving a full scholarship, Beckett’s decision to return to the campus is fraught with tension.
The turning point comes one fateful night when Delilah calls Beckett in distress, leading to her sudden disappearance. Is someone out for revenge? Who is behind Delilah’s disappearance? As Beckett races to unravel the past, the story unfolds through a dual narrative, alternating between present-day events and flashbacks. While Miranda typically excels at creating rich, resonant characters, the emotional depth felt lacking this time, making it challenging to connect with the protagonists.
Though the premise is compelling, it didn't spark the same excitement as her earlier works. I encourage readers to explore the book and form their own perspectives, as it undoubtedly reflects Megan Miranda's distinct style and storytelling prowess.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada, S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books, for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
April 12, 2025
This author is really just not for me…. And also if I heard one more thing about the WIND I was going to lose my mind.
June 2, 2025
You Belong Here is an interesting tale about a woman who left her hometown under a cloud of suspicion decades earlier. Beckett’s parents were both professors at the local college, so she attended there on a free ride. But when her roommate sets fire to a building and two men are killed, Beckett is suspected of being involved. Now, two decades later, unbeknownst to her, her daughter has applied to attend the college and plans to go. Beckett can’t get past her worry that something bad will befall her daughter.
Miranda totally creates a creepy locale - complete with howling winds and tunnels under the buildings. And it’s not long before it would appear Beckett’s fears are well founded.
The book is told in a now and then format, with Beckett providing the POV for both. Miranda keeps the level of suspense high throughout - a mother’s fears for her child, everyone keeping secrets and not knowing who to believe or trust. She totally gets that eighteen year old mentality of wanting to be an adult and flip side not understanding that actions have repercussions. It totally kept me in the dark and I had no idea how it would play out until right before the end.
My thanks to Netgalley and Simon Element for an advance copy of this book.
Miranda totally creates a creepy locale - complete with howling winds and tunnels under the buildings. And it’s not long before it would appear Beckett’s fears are well founded.
The book is told in a now and then format, with Beckett providing the POV for both. Miranda keeps the level of suspense high throughout - a mother’s fears for her child, everyone keeping secrets and not knowing who to believe or trust. She totally gets that eighteen year old mentality of wanting to be an adult and flip side not understanding that actions have repercussions. It totally kept me in the dark and I had no idea how it would play out until right before the end.
My thanks to Netgalley and Simon Element for an advance copy of this book.
July 28, 2025
Who says you can never go home again? Beckett Bowery thought she would never go home again after that tragic night when two men died, and her roommate went missing! When she left her coege where her two parents taught, in Wyatt Valley, Virginia, she never looked back - until now! Her daughter, Delilah, applied to Wyatt College allnd was awarded a full scholarship. Most parents would be over the moon and excited for their child, but Beckett is not feeling the warm and fuzzies about it. Wyatt Valley is a small town, and small towns are notorious for their secrets and long memories. Small towns are places where everyone knows everyone and their business. There are things that Beckett would not like to face. Told in two timelines, You Belong Here gives readers insight into Beckett's past and her time at the college while showing her as a mother who is concerned about her daughter......
Dark, atmospheric, full of tension, dread, and unease, You Belong Here was gripping from the very beginning! I was intrigued by what happened the night of "the Howling" when Beckett was in college. It was a night that changed everything in Beckett's life. Megan Miranda has another solid suspenseful and riveting book on her hands. I thought she did a great job showing a mother's concern for her child, her quest for answers, and her unwavering drive. I also enjoyed how Miranda showed how secrets effect people those keeping the secrets and those seeking out the truth or reasons for the secrets. This book had many twists which kept me engaged and turning the pages!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Dark, atmospheric, full of tension, dread, and unease, You Belong Here was gripping from the very beginning! I was intrigued by what happened the night of "the Howling" when Beckett was in college. It was a night that changed everything in Beckett's life. Megan Miranda has another solid suspenseful and riveting book on her hands. I thought she did a great job showing a mother's concern for her child, her quest for answers, and her unwavering drive. I also enjoyed how Miranda showed how secrets effect people those keeping the secrets and those seeking out the truth or reasons for the secrets. This book had many twists which kept me engaged and turning the pages!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 11, 2025
My least favourite book by this author so far. It's slow, repetitive, and not very engaging. A lot of things happening in this story don't make much sense to me. I should have checked the average rating before deciding to read it.
The audiobook narration was good.
The audiobook narration was good.
August 30, 2025
This was just an OK quick mystery/thriller . Nothing really new or unique stood out for me.
Quick synopsis: Almost through her senior year at Wyatt College Beckett leaves suddenly due to a tragedy at school. Fast-forward roughly 20 years later, and her daughter has decided to attend the same college. As per usual, the past cannot stay in the past and things start repeating themselves.
Just at a surface level, the mystery was good and it held my attention. What this really lacked was substance. A lot of the events center around a ritual called the Howling which was described, but you were never in the thick of it, which I think would have really turned the creep factor up a notch. As for the past timeline, it would have been great to get more detail than just a quick rehash of what happened, especially since it was to be a big part of the novel. There were also some plot points that I felt were unbelievable and didn’t just resonate well with me. Beckett‘s parents, I’m looking at you.
I’m usually hit or miss with this author and I’d say this one held steady in the middle.
Quick synopsis: Almost through her senior year at Wyatt College Beckett leaves suddenly due to a tragedy at school. Fast-forward roughly 20 years later, and her daughter has decided to attend the same college. As per usual, the past cannot stay in the past and things start repeating themselves.
Just at a surface level, the mystery was good and it held my attention. What this really lacked was substance. A lot of the events center around a ritual called the Howling which was described, but you were never in the thick of it, which I think would have really turned the creep factor up a notch. As for the past timeline, it would have been great to get more detail than just a quick rehash of what happened, especially since it was to be a big part of the novel. There were also some plot points that I felt were unbelievable and didn’t just resonate well with me. Beckett‘s parents, I’m looking at you.
I’m usually hit or miss with this author and I’d say this one held steady in the middle.
July 31, 2025
Megan Miranda is a must read author for me and I was thrilled to be able to read You Belong Here early. A college setting is always going to have my attention, and there was so much drama in this one. A slower burning suspense thriller, this book kept me guessing right until the very end.
Beckett and her daughter Delilah had an interesting relationship, not quite the one Beckett believed they had. When Delilah goes missing she is determined to find her, even if that means returning to the place that holds her worst memories and regrets. She never wanted her daughter to go to the college she did, that changed her life forever. This is a dark story of secrets and cover ups that goes deeper than they could imagine. I didn’t see that ending coming at all, it was really well done.
Thanks so much to Simon Element for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 29th
Beckett and her daughter Delilah had an interesting relationship, not quite the one Beckett believed they had. When Delilah goes missing she is determined to find her, even if that means returning to the place that holds her worst memories and regrets. She never wanted her daughter to go to the college she did, that changed her life forever. This is a dark story of secrets and cover ups that goes deeper than they could imagine. I didn’t see that ending coming at all, it was really well done.
Thanks so much to Simon Element for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 29th
August 30, 2025
1.5 Stars
What was the purpose of this book?
What was the purpose of this book?
March 26, 2025
ARC - 4/5⭐️ WOW. I’ve read a few Megan Miranda books in the past and loved them, so I was super excited to receive this ARC! And this was the best one yet!!
You Belong Here tells the story of Beckett, who must return to her hometown in order to send her daughter, Delilah, off to college after vowing to never return. While there, secrets from Beckett’s past are uncovered as her daughter is determined to be missing. Beckett fights to discover the truth surrounding her past and this town’s secrets. This story took so many turns that I was not expecting! I didn’t know who I could trust or where the story would end up but I loved every minute of it! Such a great fast paced, chilling thriller novel!
Thank you so much to Megan Miranda, Marysue Rucci Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
You Belong Here tells the story of Beckett, who must return to her hometown in order to send her daughter, Delilah, off to college after vowing to never return. While there, secrets from Beckett’s past are uncovered as her daughter is determined to be missing. Beckett fights to discover the truth surrounding her past and this town’s secrets. This story took so many turns that I was not expecting! I didn’t know who I could trust or where the story would end up but I loved every minute of it! Such a great fast paced, chilling thriller novel!
Thank you so much to Megan Miranda, Marysue Rucci Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
December 16, 2025
Thanks for the advance copy
It’s official, I’m done trying to enjoy this author’s books. Good writing but just way too boring for my likes. 😬 This was the 3rd or 4th book I’ve tried reading from this author but I just can’t. Maybe if they were 20 pages and consisted of the best parts only. It’d be a good book for insomniacs - put you right to sleep.
It’s official, I’m done trying to enjoy this author’s books. Good writing but just way too boring for my likes. 😬 This was the 3rd or 4th book I’ve tried reading from this author but I just can’t. Maybe if they were 20 pages and consisted of the best parts only. It’d be a good book for insomniacs - put you right to sleep.
October 13, 2025
I won’t go into the plot, it’s easy to find. I like slow burns and I could sympathize with the mother looking for her daughter, but I spent my time with this book either confused or irritated.
I made it to 70% and just couldn’t go further.
I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
I made it to 70% and just couldn’t go further.
I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
April 6, 2025
When Beckett Bowery was a senior at Wyatt College, her best friend set a fire that claimed two lives and then vanished, never to be heard from again. Beckett did her best to leave behind both Wyatt and the lingering questions about her own involvement in the tragic event. That is until her daughter, Delilah, decides to attend Wyatt College and participate in a traditional hazing game called the Howling. After a frightening, dropped call from Delilah, Beckett returns to the small town of her youth—and soon finds herself accused of something she never expected.
Megan Miranda is a master of the campus mystery genre, and You Belong Here is no exception. Fans of dark academia and literary mysteries will be drawn into this atmospheric college town where Beckett Bowery’s past might just be repeating itself. The split timelines, the rivalry between the town and the college, and the vivid sense of place kept me thoroughly captivated.
However, I did have one issue with the book: the ending felt a bit rushed. The setting, the complex mother-daughter relationship, and the intricate mystery are all wonderfully developed, but then, in the final pages of the book, the story accelerates toward a conclusion that, while satisfying, felt too quick. I was left slightly confused by how everything unraveled. Due to this, I gave a 3.5 review but rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, LLC for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Megan Miranda is a master of the campus mystery genre, and You Belong Here is no exception. Fans of dark academia and literary mysteries will be drawn into this atmospheric college town where Beckett Bowery’s past might just be repeating itself. The split timelines, the rivalry between the town and the college, and the vivid sense of place kept me thoroughly captivated.
However, I did have one issue with the book: the ending felt a bit rushed. The setting, the complex mother-daughter relationship, and the intricate mystery are all wonderfully developed, but then, in the final pages of the book, the story accelerates toward a conclusion that, while satisfying, felt too quick. I was left slightly confused by how everything unraveled. Due to this, I gave a 3.5 review but rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, LLC for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 26, 2025
That was an excellent audiobook. I loved the story more than I thought I would. At first it seems slow but later, each chapter left a mini cliffhanger that I couldn't stop. It's one book I lose sleep over. The mother daughter relationship also gave me an insight into communicating with teenagers. The requirements to tiptoe and gently extract information from them. It's excruciatingly frustrating.
This story followed Beckett, a daughter of two professors at the small college town. This college has a game tradition the students like to play, called The Howling. The girls ran off and the boys chased after to catch them. They win if they can make it back to home base without being caught. It occurred in the dark woods by the school. Beckett was a naughty girl who breaks the rules by stealing the school's tunnel key to take her friends to sneak off to forbidden places.
This story was told in the present day where Beckett came back to the small college town after moving away for almost 20 years with her daughter attending the school. She worried for her daughter's safety due to the secrets she held. The story then switched to the past where Beckett attended the school and played the Howling game. This time, the games was played among guys her roommate made an enemy of. It turned deadly. Beckett was under investigation but she didn't know all the secrets. In the present day, a body was found on campus and Beckett has to deal with it before her daughter gets hurt!
Thank you MarySueRucciBooks and SimonAudio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
This story followed Beckett, a daughter of two professors at the small college town. This college has a game tradition the students like to play, called The Howling. The girls ran off and the boys chased after to catch them. They win if they can make it back to home base without being caught. It occurred in the dark woods by the school. Beckett was a naughty girl who breaks the rules by stealing the school's tunnel key to take her friends to sneak off to forbidden places.
This story was told in the present day where Beckett came back to the small college town after moving away for almost 20 years with her daughter attending the school. She worried for her daughter's safety due to the secrets she held. The story then switched to the past where Beckett attended the school and played the Howling game. This time, the games was played among guys her roommate made an enemy of. It turned deadly. Beckett was under investigation but she didn't know all the secrets. In the present day, a body was found on campus and Beckett has to deal with it before her daughter gets hurt!
Thank you MarySueRucciBooks and SimonAudio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
August 13, 2025
3-3.5 stars! campus thrillers are one of my fave tropes so i was excited for that element and enjoyed the setting arguably the most, but overall it was a bit too much of a slow burn for my taste.
my other fave part was the dual timeline / POVs of the mom at the college and her daughter there too. i liked flip flopping between to see similarities and it all come together but ultimately this felt almost more like a family drama with a slow burn mystery element. i was expecting a thriller, so know that going in!
i think my main issue was the way this story was executed and set up… i think the set up made the mystery in the first half almost seem pointless? if you have read it i think this will make more sense 🤣
overall a decent read but one that can be forgotten long term as there isn’t that much to say. certainly lots of better campus thrillers (in my opinion) out there over this one!
my other fave part was the dual timeline / POVs of the mom at the college and her daughter there too. i liked flip flopping between to see similarities and it all come together but ultimately this felt almost more like a family drama with a slow burn mystery element. i was expecting a thriller, so know that going in!
i think my main issue was the way this story was executed and set up… i think the set up made the mystery in the first half almost seem pointless? if you have read it i think this will make more sense 🤣
overall a decent read but one that can be forgotten long term as there isn’t that much to say. certainly lots of better campus thrillers (in my opinion) out there over this one!
October 12, 2025
Secrets don't stay secrets sometimes!
Beckett Bowery vowed never to return to Wyatt Valley, haunted by painful memories. When she attended Wyatt College, two local men died in a fire, and her then-roommate, Adalyn Vale, became the prime suspect, accused of murder. After Adalyn vanished the night of the fire, suspicion turned to Beckett. The town believed she was involved, and the police shared their suspicions, but without proof, no charges were filed. Instead, Wyatt College sent Beckett a letter stating she was no longer welcome, forcing her to finish her education abroad.
Twenty years later, Beckett’s daughter, Delilah, has been accepted to Wyatt College with a full scholarship. With no other option, Beckett reluctantly agrees and drives her daughter to campus, worried that the town still remembers her name and that Delilah might suffer for it.
A week after dropping her off, Delilah calls in the middle of the night but doesn’t speak. Sensing something is wrong, Beckett drives through the early morning to find her daughter, hoping she’s unharmed.
You Belong Here is an atmospheric thriller brimming with suspense and twists. It was easy to step into Beckett’s shoes and feel her anguish as she tries to find and protect her daughter from an unknown threat.
Though not my favorite of Megan Miranda’s books, I’m eager to read whatever she delivers next.
Cliffhanger: No
4.0/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Beckett Bowery vowed never to return to Wyatt Valley, haunted by painful memories. When she attended Wyatt College, two local men died in a fire, and her then-roommate, Adalyn Vale, became the prime suspect, accused of murder. After Adalyn vanished the night of the fire, suspicion turned to Beckett. The town believed she was involved, and the police shared their suspicions, but without proof, no charges were filed. Instead, Wyatt College sent Beckett a letter stating she was no longer welcome, forcing her to finish her education abroad.
Twenty years later, Beckett’s daughter, Delilah, has been accepted to Wyatt College with a full scholarship. With no other option, Beckett reluctantly agrees and drives her daughter to campus, worried that the town still remembers her name and that Delilah might suffer for it.
A week after dropping her off, Delilah calls in the middle of the night but doesn’t speak. Sensing something is wrong, Beckett drives through the early morning to find her daughter, hoping she’s unharmed.
You Belong Here is an atmospheric thriller brimming with suspense and twists. It was easy to step into Beckett’s shoes and feel her anguish as she tries to find and protect her daughter from an unknown threat.
Though not my favorite of Megan Miranda’s books, I’m eager to read whatever she delivers next.
Cliffhanger: No
4.0/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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August 18, 2025DNF @ 50% . I usually love MM but I have just lost interest in this one. I haven’t connected to any of the characters, they all seem so bland and I just don’t care enough to know what happens 🤷🏻♀️
August 19, 2025
"A decades-old secret that drove a mother from her hometown now threatens her college-bound daughter in this twisty new thriller."
I loved everything about this chilling thriller where Beckett's past catches up with her and her daughter Delilah twenty years later. Miranda expertly creates tension with chapters alternating with Beckett's college experience until her past collides with her daughter's present. I found this to be a riveting page-turner, and I was fully invested in the mother-daughter relationship. This is the perfect fall thriller as it centers around an event called The Howling that takes place in October. Highly recommend.
I loved everything about this chilling thriller where Beckett's past catches up with her and her daughter Delilah twenty years later. Miranda expertly creates tension with chapters alternating with Beckett's college experience until her past collides with her daughter's present. I found this to be a riveting page-turner, and I was fully invested in the mother-daughter relationship. This is the perfect fall thriller as it centers around an event called The Howling that takes place in October. Highly recommend.
March 28, 2025
A twisty, dark academia mystery with old secrets, accidents and scary chases. Reminds me of Parents Weekend by Alex Finley and School of Lies by Laura Ling Brown.
Beckett left Wyatt college years ago after a terrible nightmare and never saw her roommate and best friend again. Now her daughter has accepted a scholarship to attend the college. After a cryptic text, her daughter goes missing.
This is a typical Megan Miranda, fun and easily digestible if you want to fly through a fun mystery book. Nice and repetitive if you enjoy audiobooks or just need that for plot purposes. The twists and reveals might be a tad predictable, but they are well paced. I would have liked to learn more about Daphne, Beckett herself is relatable but honestly a bit dense.
Thank you to Simon Element and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published July 28, 2025.
Beckett left Wyatt college years ago after a terrible nightmare and never saw her roommate and best friend again. Now her daughter has accepted a scholarship to attend the college. After a cryptic text, her daughter goes missing.
This is a typical Megan Miranda, fun and easily digestible if you want to fly through a fun mystery book. Nice and repetitive if you enjoy audiobooks or just need that for plot purposes. The twists and reveals might be a tad predictable, but they are well paced. I would have liked to learn more about Daphne, Beckett herself is relatable but honestly a bit dense.
Thank you to Simon Element and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published July 28, 2025.
July 26, 2025
4.5 stars rounding up to 5 stars on Goodreads
Wow! I can always count on Megan Miranda to get me hooked and never let go. I was on the edge of my seat and didn’t want to put it down!
I loved the multiple timelines as it built so much suspense and had me reminiscing of my college days. My mind was spinning, trying to figure out the plot but I was so wrong. Don’t miss You Don’t Belong Here and add it to your TBR!
Thank you @_SimonElement and @MarysueRucciBooks for the gifted copies.
Wow! I can always count on Megan Miranda to get me hooked and never let go. I was on the edge of my seat and didn’t want to put it down!
I loved the multiple timelines as it built so much suspense and had me reminiscing of my college days. My mind was spinning, trying to figure out the plot but I was so wrong. Don’t miss You Don’t Belong Here and add it to your TBR!
Thank you @_SimonElement and @MarysueRucciBooks for the gifted copies.
August 6, 2025
*3.5 stars
It pains me to say this, but this was Megan Miranda's weakest book so far. The characters weren't really fleshed out all that well and the plot was paper thin. The ending felt rushed and there were way too many loose threads that weren't touched upon. All in all a disappointment. Ugh.
It pains me to say this, but this was Megan Miranda's weakest book so far. The characters weren't really fleshed out all that well and the plot was paper thin. The ending felt rushed and there were way too many loose threads that weren't touched upon. All in all a disappointment. Ugh.
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beckett Bowery is about to live the milestone that parents both dread and look forward to; her daughter, Deliah, is about to head to college. Now, while any college would do, Beckett is troubled by her daughter's decision to attend Wyatt College, in her hometown of Wyatt Valley. It is here where a tragedy occurred, and Beckett's roommate went missing. Beckett, herself, had to deal with the suspicions of the police until her parents allowed her to leave and finish her degree somewhere else. But Beckett's past is about to re-emerge, and this time, it spells danger for Deliah.
Once I began reading this story, it held me captive. I couldn't sleep until I reached the ending. I wouldn't say this book is perfect, but it entertained me. The plot took turns that I didn't anticipate( Beckett's parents- that was wild).
A good summer read!
Expected Publication 29/07/25
Goodreads review 28/07/25
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beckett Bowery is about to live the milestone that parents both dread and look forward to; her daughter, Deliah, is about to head to college. Now, while any college would do, Beckett is troubled by her daughter's decision to attend Wyatt College, in her hometown of Wyatt Valley. It is here where a tragedy occurred, and Beckett's roommate went missing. Beckett, herself, had to deal with the suspicions of the police until her parents allowed her to leave and finish her degree somewhere else. But Beckett's past is about to re-emerge, and this time, it spells danger for Deliah.
Once I began reading this story, it held me captive. I couldn't sleep until I reached the ending. I wouldn't say this book is perfect, but it entertained me. The plot took turns that I didn't anticipate( Beckett's parents- that was wild).
A good summer read!
Expected Publication 29/07/25
Goodreads review 28/07/25
July 12, 2025
Beckett never wanted to go back to her small hometown --where she had spent her whole childhood and stayed for college -- after she was involved in a fire that resulted in the death of 2 people. She spent a semester abroad and then moved away permanently, becoming a single mom and hiding in other people's stories as a ghostwriter. But when her daughter, Delilah, is accepted into that very same college Beckett attended, she can't avoid her past any longer. Things get weird the second she returns to Wyatt. There's another suspicious fire. Her daughter goes missing after a frantic middle-of-the-night dropped call. And then they find a body on the campus...
I've read a few Megan Miranda books, and they are historically hit or miss for me. The characters mostly all seem like jerks (I guess so you suspect everyone?), and sometimes the twists and turns of the plots work better than others. And here, they didn't work at all.
Now I realize this is an ARC so some further editing might tighten some of the details left hanging, but I had a lot of trouble following what on earth was going on in this book. There were all these different subplots (Her parents! Her former roommate! A random dude she dated in HS who was sus and is now the dean! A possible romance with her daughter's dad!) that didn't add much to the story because they were all only partially explored and seemed tossed in as misdirection. I'm still not sure I could tell you what actually happened in the big reveal at the end. The plot was so murky to keep the readers guessing that it was completely incomprehensible and made it pretty hard to care whether any of it made sense.
In my mind, a good mystery weaves a complex web around the reader that makes them ask a lot of questions and become invested in the outcome. Instead, this book (as it currently is) leaves the reader completely in the dark and pretty ambivalent about how it all turns out.
While I'm not ready to say that I'm done with Megan Miranda books, I won't be anxiously waiting for the next one.
**Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!**
I've read a few Megan Miranda books, and they are historically hit or miss for me. The characters mostly all seem like jerks (I guess so you suspect everyone?), and sometimes the twists and turns of the plots work better than others. And here, they didn't work at all.
Now I realize this is an ARC so some further editing might tighten some of the details left hanging, but I had a lot of trouble following what on earth was going on in this book. There were all these different subplots (Her parents! Her former roommate! A random dude she dated in HS who was sus and is now the dean! A possible romance with her daughter's dad!) that didn't add much to the story because they were all only partially explored and seemed tossed in as misdirection. I'm still not sure I could tell you what actually happened in the big reveal at the end. The plot was so murky to keep the readers guessing that it was completely incomprehensible and made it pretty hard to care whether any of it made sense.
In my mind, a good mystery weaves a complex web around the reader that makes them ask a lot of questions and become invested in the outcome. Instead, this book (as it currently is) leaves the reader completely in the dark and pretty ambivalent about how it all turns out.
While I'm not ready to say that I'm done with Megan Miranda books, I won't be anxiously waiting for the next one.
**Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!**
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