What do you think?
Rate this book
Where Lost Girls Go
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26From New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger comes an addicting read that's The Girls by Emma Cline meets The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson. There are many reasons why six girls have ended up living with Sol in a cabin deep in the Kentucky woods. But the girls don't talk about what has brought them each here or who they were before. The have become sisters and are grateful to have a place to call home.Iris knows she owes everything to Sol. He has promised to keep them safe from their pasts. All he asks in return is for their loyalty, which Iris freely gives. With her sisters and Sol as her family, she feels happier than she has in a long time.Until a new girl arrives and everything changes.Sol dubs her Rose and the sisters are quick to welcome her. Iris is drawn Rose, but as they grow closer, Rose has Iris questioning things about this life in the woods. When Sol notices, he challenges Iris to prove her commitment to their family. Her sisters tell her that she should be willing to do anything for the man who saved her. But with each new ask, Iris realizes there is more to Sol-and her sisters-than she knows and some secret should stay buried deep.New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger weaves a stunning story about girlhood, power, and desperation that asks just how far we'll go to save ourselves-and those we love.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Kody Keplinger
19 books6,775 followersKody Keplinger is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of books like The DUFF, That's Not What Happened, and Where Lost Girls Go, as well as many others. Her debut novel, The DUFF, was published when she was nineteen years old and was later adapted into a feature film starring Mae Whitman. Kody is legally blind and queer and many of her books feature characters from those backgrounds as well. When not writing, she loves to play Dungeons and Dragons and hang out with her dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This is the first book by Kody Keplinger that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. Where Lost Girls Go, had me trying to guess what would happen next throughout the story. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending surprised me in a way I hadn’t thought. If you don’t want to read any spoilers… please stop reading now!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We have two POVs throughout the story- Caela and Iris’s. Let’s just say, I’m not sure if I’m just dumb or if it was intentional the way the author wrote this. I was convinced that Rose was Caela and Iris was Iris. But it turns out Iri was Caela. Caela’s POV is told in third person, while Iris’s POV is first person. Like I said, I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if the author did that intentionally(as a way to throw the reader off?) It’s not exactly a plot twist, but I was a shock when I was expecting finally know Iris’s real name, only to find out I already knew it. Now that I think of it, I could also talk about how me believing or thinking that Caela was Rose and Iris wasn’t, could do with identity and exploring that. I feel like I’m not making sense, but hopefully once more ARCs are read or when it is released, I can talk about it with other people and see what they think!
While it is YA, the story doesn’t feel like a typical YA book. Yes, the girls’ ages range from 16 to early twenties, but the topics and themes throughout are a little darker. I usually am apprehensive about YA books, but I now believe that is only the case when it comes to YA romance. Yes, there is a little bit of sapphic romance in the story, but Where Lost Girls Go, is so much more than that. Ugh, I wish I had someone to talk to about this book. It’s definitely one that could easily be a book club book due to the themes and motifs that could be explored. I would definitely recommend this book and author to anyone over the age of 14ish.
Easily a 5 star read!!!
This is the first book by Kody Keplinger that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. Where Lost Girls Go, had me trying to guess what would happen next throughout the story. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending surprised me in a way I hadn’t thought. If you don’t want to read any spoilers… please stop reading now!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We have two POVs throughout the story- Caela and Iris’s. Let’s just say, I’m not sure if I’m just dumb or if it was intentional the way the author wrote this. I was convinced that Rose was Caela and Iris was Iris. But it turns out Iri was Caela. Caela’s POV is told in third person, while Iris’s POV is first person. Like I said, I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if the author did that intentionally(as a way to throw the reader off?) It’s not exactly a plot twist, but I was a shock when I was expecting finally know Iris’s real name, only to find out I already knew it. Now that I think of it, I could also talk about how me believing or thinking that Caela was Rose and Iris wasn’t, could do with identity and exploring that. I feel like I’m not making sense, but hopefully once more ARCs are read or when it is released, I can talk about it with other people and see what they think!
While it is YA, the story doesn’t feel like a typical YA book. Yes, the girls’ ages range from 16 to early twenties, but the topics and themes throughout are a little darker. I usually am apprehensive about YA books, but I now believe that is only the case when it comes to YA romance. Yes, there is a little bit of sapphic romance in the story, but Where Lost Girls Go, is so much more than that. Ugh, I wish I had someone to talk to about this book. It’s definitely one that could easily be a book club book due to the themes and motifs that could be explored. I would definitely recommend this book and author to anyone over the age of 14ish.
Easily a 5 star read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Kody Keplinger’s “Where Lost Girls Go” is a tense, emotionally charged YA book that combines cult psychology, coming-of-age vulnerability, and a tender sapphic romance into a story that’s as unsettling as it is heartfelt. Though marketed as young adult, the book tackles darker, more mature themes than typical YA fare with grief, predatory manipulation, trauma bonding, and the desperate human need to belong. The romance is clean, and the story can still be suitable for younger YA readers to help introduce them to the red flag behavior of the following’s leader.
The story follows two perspectives: Iris, told in an intimate first-person voice, and Caela, narrated in third person. Both perspectives show what happens when you both lose and regain control of your own life. And control is the very thing Sol, the charismatic but deeply manipulative leader of the secluded woodland “family,” craves most.
The setup is chillingly realistic: a group of girls, most minors and all traumatized or adrift, living isolated in a cabin with a man who promises salvation, safety, and a new beginning. In reality, Sol has groomed them into dependency through psychological manipulation, escalating “trials,” and strict loyalty tests. There’s no sexual abuse in the story, but Sol’s need for power is insidious, cult-like, and deeply damaging. He feeds the girls poorly, withholds information, and pushes Iris into increasingly dangerous and illegal tasks to prove her devotion.
The girls themselves are the emotional heart of the book. They come with flower names like Rose, Iris, and others, and this is a motif that underscores both their fragility and their resilience. Their bond feels genuine, forged through shared pain and the desperate longing for family they never truly had. When Rose arrives, the group dynamic shifts: she clings to Iris, Iris clings back, and a slow-blooming sapphic romance begins to take shape. Their connection is tender, hesitant, and a key catalyst in Iris’s awakening.
Flashbacks deepen Iris’s character, showing the grief, loneliness, and past mistakes that left her vulnerable to Sol’s influence. It’s easy to ache for her, and for all the girls as each of them was shaped by a world that failed them long before Sol ever did.
The mystery surrounding Sol’s true intentions and the cabin’s secrets starts strong. A few side characters could have used more development, and an epilogue would have strengthened the already satisfying ending. Still, the story’s emotional beats land powerfully, especially as Iris begins to question Sol, reclaim her identity, and fight, literally, for her freedom.
The final act delivers danger, blood, and real stakes, but its strongest moment is Iris choosing herself: her safety, her future, her right to exist outside the confines of someone else's control.
Overall, “Where Lost Girls Go” is a gripping, thoughtful, and often heartbreaking look at how predators build power and how young women find the strength to break that power apart. It’s a perfect choice for readers who appreciate YA that doesn’t sugarcoat trauma, and who want a story that balances darkness with resilience, danger with hope.
Kody Keplinger’s “Where Lost Girls Go” is a tense, emotionally charged YA book that combines cult psychology, coming-of-age vulnerability, and a tender sapphic romance into a story that’s as unsettling as it is heartfelt. Though marketed as young adult, the book tackles darker, more mature themes than typical YA fare with grief, predatory manipulation, trauma bonding, and the desperate human need to belong. The romance is clean, and the story can still be suitable for younger YA readers to help introduce them to the red flag behavior of the following’s leader.
The story follows two perspectives: Iris, told in an intimate first-person voice, and Caela, narrated in third person. Both perspectives show what happens when you both lose and regain control of your own life. And control is the very thing Sol, the charismatic but deeply manipulative leader of the secluded woodland “family,” craves most.
The setup is chillingly realistic: a group of girls, most minors and all traumatized or adrift, living isolated in a cabin with a man who promises salvation, safety, and a new beginning. In reality, Sol has groomed them into dependency through psychological manipulation, escalating “trials,” and strict loyalty tests. There’s no sexual abuse in the story, but Sol’s need for power is insidious, cult-like, and deeply damaging. He feeds the girls poorly, withholds information, and pushes Iris into increasingly dangerous and illegal tasks to prove her devotion.
The girls themselves are the emotional heart of the book. They come with flower names like Rose, Iris, and others, and this is a motif that underscores both their fragility and their resilience. Their bond feels genuine, forged through shared pain and the desperate longing for family they never truly had. When Rose arrives, the group dynamic shifts: she clings to Iris, Iris clings back, and a slow-blooming sapphic romance begins to take shape. Their connection is tender, hesitant, and a key catalyst in Iris’s awakening.
Flashbacks deepen Iris’s character, showing the grief, loneliness, and past mistakes that left her vulnerable to Sol’s influence. It’s easy to ache for her, and for all the girls as each of them was shaped by a world that failed them long before Sol ever did.
The mystery surrounding Sol’s true intentions and the cabin’s secrets starts strong. A few side characters could have used more development, and an epilogue would have strengthened the already satisfying ending. Still, the story’s emotional beats land powerfully, especially as Iris begins to question Sol, reclaim her identity, and fight, literally, for her freedom.
The final act delivers danger, blood, and real stakes, but its strongest moment is Iris choosing herself: her safety, her future, her right to exist outside the confines of someone else's control.
Overall, “Where Lost Girls Go” is a gripping, thoughtful, and often heartbreaking look at how predators build power and how young women find the strength to break that power apart. It’s a perfect choice for readers who appreciate YA that doesn’t sugarcoat trauma, and who want a story that balances darkness with resilience, danger with hope.
November 24, 2025
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the arc!
Minor spoilers ahead.
This was another fast, intriguing read. We follow two POVs: Iris and Michaela, jumping back and forth in the timeline. In Michaela's timeline, we watch as she's forced to move in with her uncaring mother after the sudden death of her father. At the same time, from Iris' chapters, we explore a group of girls who live in a remote house with Sol, a man who "saved" them from hard situations. Each of the girls, Iris, Lily, Violet, Poppy, Zinnia, and the newcomer, Rose, have complicated pasts they're trying to escape.
As Rose adjusts to life with Sol, she and Iris get closer and closer, a fact that Sol doesn't quite approve of. Iris, who has been there for nearly a year, is starting her trials, a way to prove her devotion to the family, and as the tasks become increasingly more intense, she begins to question whether her blind loyalty is really such a good thing.
Michaela, or Caela, as she goes by, struggles to adjust to life with her mom and stepfather. Lonely, she begins to make poor choices to try to keep her only friend. These choices lead to her eventually being kicked out by her mother and stepfather. As the reader, we can quickly see where her story is headed as the two POVs start to intertwine.
I did like this book, but it definitely reads on the younger side of YA, despite the dark themes. I probably would've been very drawn to this at around 14 or 15. It is dark at points, but it never edges too far. It also does really remind me of The Cellar books, with all the characters having flower names and the general vibe.
I struggled to be really drawn into the story, as I don't think the backstories of the girls were fleshed out enough for me to believe they would leave everything they had to live with some random man who can barely provide for them. I wish that maybe the reasons for their devotion to Sol could have been developed more, because as the reader, I didn't really buy it.
I liked all of the girls for the most part, though I sometimes struggled to remember who was who, since only Rose and Iris get significant character development. The Marigold mystery was intriguing but a bit predictable. I did like Rose and Iris's relationship, though, and thought they were cute together.
I thought the ending was satisfying enough, though there were a few loose ends that I wish had been tied up a little better.
What really got me, and maybe this is just me being stupid (major spoiler warning), is that I had no idea that Iris was Caela. For some reason, I definitely thought Rose was her, so when that was revealed, I was shocked! That was a good twist, even if it was unintentional.
Overall, this was not a bad book. I did enjoy it and liked how fast-paced it was. The two POVs were interesting, though I was more invested in Iris'. I just wish it had gone further!
3 stars
Minor spoilers ahead.
This was another fast, intriguing read. We follow two POVs: Iris and Michaela, jumping back and forth in the timeline. In Michaela's timeline, we watch as she's forced to move in with her uncaring mother after the sudden death of her father. At the same time, from Iris' chapters, we explore a group of girls who live in a remote house with Sol, a man who "saved" them from hard situations. Each of the girls, Iris, Lily, Violet, Poppy, Zinnia, and the newcomer, Rose, have complicated pasts they're trying to escape.
As Rose adjusts to life with Sol, she and Iris get closer and closer, a fact that Sol doesn't quite approve of. Iris, who has been there for nearly a year, is starting her trials, a way to prove her devotion to the family, and as the tasks become increasingly more intense, she begins to question whether her blind loyalty is really such a good thing.
Michaela, or Caela, as she goes by, struggles to adjust to life with her mom and stepfather. Lonely, she begins to make poor choices to try to keep her only friend. These choices lead to her eventually being kicked out by her mother and stepfather. As the reader, we can quickly see where her story is headed as the two POVs start to intertwine.
I did like this book, but it definitely reads on the younger side of YA, despite the dark themes. I probably would've been very drawn to this at around 14 or 15. It is dark at points, but it never edges too far. It also does really remind me of The Cellar books, with all the characters having flower names and the general vibe.
I struggled to be really drawn into the story, as I don't think the backstories of the girls were fleshed out enough for me to believe they would leave everything they had to live with some random man who can barely provide for them. I wish that maybe the reasons for their devotion to Sol could have been developed more, because as the reader, I didn't really buy it.
I liked all of the girls for the most part, though I sometimes struggled to remember who was who, since only Rose and Iris get significant character development. The Marigold mystery was intriguing but a bit predictable. I did like Rose and Iris's relationship, though, and thought they were cute together.
I thought the ending was satisfying enough, though there were a few loose ends that I wish had been tied up a little better.
What really got me, and maybe this is just me being stupid (major spoiler warning), is that I had no idea that Iris was Caela. For some reason, I definitely thought Rose was her, so when that was revealed, I was shocked! That was a good twist, even if it was unintentional.
Overall, this was not a bad book. I did enjoy it and liked how fast-paced it was. The two POVs were interesting, though I was more invested in Iris'. I just wish it had gone further!
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is about how predators build power and how girls take it back.
📚 Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Keplinger
Genre: YA contemporary
Vibes: cult psychology, isolated cabin in the woods, trauma bonding, sapphic slow burn, survival
Six girls live in a cabin deep in the Kentucky woods with a man named Sol who promises safety, salvation, and a new beginning. They do not talk about who they were before. They have flower names now. They have each other.
And they have him.
What makes this hit so hard:
🌲 A chillingly realistic cult dynamic built on manipulation, loyalty tests, and isolation
🌸 Flower named girls whose fragility and resilience mirror each other
🧠 Psychological grooming that escalates in subtle, insidious ways
🩸 Real stakes in the final act that do not pull punches
💗 A tender, slow blooming sapphic romance that becomes a catalyst for awakening
There is no graphic sexual abuse, but the control Sol exerts is deeply disturbing. He withholds food. He withholds information. He pushes Iris into increasingly dangerous tasks to prove her loyalty. The manipulation is textbook and terrifyingly believable.
The dual perspectives of Iris in first person and Caela in third person add depth to the theme of control. What it means to lose it. What it means to reclaim it.
The emotional core is the girls themselves. Their bond feels real. Messy. Forged from grief and abandonment. When Rose arrives and her connection with Iris begins to grow, it is soft and hesitant and beautifully done. That relationship becomes the crack in Sol’s carefully constructed world.
Flashbacks make it painfully clear how vulnerable Iris was long before Sol found her. You ache for her. You understand why she stayed. And that makes her eventual awakening even more powerful.
I would have loved slightly more development for a few side characters and maybe an epilogue to sit with the aftermath. But the ending still lands. Especially the moment where Iris chooses herself.
If you want YA that does not sugarcoat trauma, that explores cult psychology with nuance, and that balances darkness with resilience and hope, this is one to watch.
💬 Do you gravitate toward YA that pushes into darker psychological territory, or do you prefer lighter coming of age stories?
#KodyKeplinger #WhereLostGirlsGo #YAFiction #ContemporaryYA #Bookstagram
📚 Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Keplinger
Genre: YA contemporary
Vibes: cult psychology, isolated cabin in the woods, trauma bonding, sapphic slow burn, survival
Six girls live in a cabin deep in the Kentucky woods with a man named Sol who promises safety, salvation, and a new beginning. They do not talk about who they were before. They have flower names now. They have each other.
And they have him.
What makes this hit so hard:
🌲 A chillingly realistic cult dynamic built on manipulation, loyalty tests, and isolation
🌸 Flower named girls whose fragility and resilience mirror each other
🧠 Psychological grooming that escalates in subtle, insidious ways
🩸 Real stakes in the final act that do not pull punches
💗 A tender, slow blooming sapphic romance that becomes a catalyst for awakening
There is no graphic sexual abuse, but the control Sol exerts is deeply disturbing. He withholds food. He withholds information. He pushes Iris into increasingly dangerous tasks to prove her loyalty. The manipulation is textbook and terrifyingly believable.
The dual perspectives of Iris in first person and Caela in third person add depth to the theme of control. What it means to lose it. What it means to reclaim it.
The emotional core is the girls themselves. Their bond feels real. Messy. Forged from grief and abandonment. When Rose arrives and her connection with Iris begins to grow, it is soft and hesitant and beautifully done. That relationship becomes the crack in Sol’s carefully constructed world.
Flashbacks make it painfully clear how vulnerable Iris was long before Sol found her. You ache for her. You understand why she stayed. And that makes her eventual awakening even more powerful.
I would have loved slightly more development for a few side characters and maybe an epilogue to sit with the aftermath. But the ending still lands. Especially the moment where Iris chooses herself.
If you want YA that does not sugarcoat trauma, that explores cult psychology with nuance, and that balances darkness with resilience and hope, this is one to watch.
💬 Do you gravitate toward YA that pushes into darker psychological territory, or do you prefer lighter coming of age stories?
#KodyKeplinger #WhereLostGirlsGo #YAFiction #ContemporaryYA #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've been reading some GREAT YA books recently, which has been a breath of fresh air. I reallllly enjoyed this one. I started it in the wee hours of the morning and quickly got into the spooky vibe. It's atmospheric given both the setting is mainly rural Kentucky in a secluded cabin, but also the whole mood of the book. Early on we meet Caela who was essentially abandoned by her mother, but was very close with her father who suddenly passed (on her birthday no less...oof). She suffers through a funeral her estranged grandparents wanted, but definitely was not representative of what her dad would have wanted. Off she goes to Kentucky with her mom and stepdad, who try to "pray the gay" out of her. Not only that, but they don't allow her to be herself in any form including insisting on using her given name, Michaela.
The story bounces between the remote cabin and Caela's story. The remote cabin is where several girls (mostly underage) live with a 36-year old Sol who "saves" them and "christens" them with a new floral name and seeks to have the girls become loyal only to him. The underage comment might have you wondering like I did what territory this book with delve into, but it did not. Sol messes with the girls psychologically.
I liked the cult-like vibes and it paired nicely with some documentaries in which I've been indulging. Keplinger kept it nicely at a YA level that an adult can also appreciate. A clear picture was painted of how a person that feels abandoned by everyone can latch onto someone who pays attention to them. It didn't take long for a strong loyalty to be established even when it conflicted with what is morally right. The book is a slow-burn, but goes at a fast pace, which might sound confusing. It worked really well for me as some slow-burns drag on a little too much. It definitely fits the psychological thriller/horror combo I've been loving lately.
Thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story bounces between the remote cabin and Caela's story. The remote cabin is where several girls (mostly underage) live with a 36-year old Sol who "saves" them and "christens" them with a new floral name and seeks to have the girls become loyal only to him. The underage comment might have you wondering like I did what territory this book with delve into, but it did not. Sol messes with the girls psychologically.
I liked the cult-like vibes and it paired nicely with some documentaries in which I've been indulging. Keplinger kept it nicely at a YA level that an adult can also appreciate. A clear picture was painted of how a person that feels abandoned by everyone can latch onto someone who pays attention to them. It didn't take long for a strong loyalty to be established even when it conflicted with what is morally right. The book is a slow-burn, but goes at a fast pace, which might sound confusing. It worked really well for me as some slow-burns drag on a little too much. It definitely fits the psychological thriller/horror combo I've been loving lately.
Thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What happens when your father dies and your mother doesn't want you? What happens when your friends stop talking to you? What happens when you are kicked out onto the street with no food, no money and no cell phone? Imagine being a teenage girl with no where to turn, when a savior shows up to solve all your problems. What would you do? Where would you go if you were lost?
If you ever wondered how young girls are abducted or people join a cult without understanding it's a cult, then read this book and you'll quickly see how impressionable teens can been when someone says the right thing at the right time in the midst of tragedy. As you follow Iris and Michaela's story through the novel you will understand how hurtful adults can be and why some teens struggle with their identity.
If you enjoy YA that has plot twists and character growth, you will enjoy this. Some other aspects include LGBTQIA romance, murder, and secrets. The lost of a parent is also a major plot point.
I enjoyed the plot twist in the book and I could resonate with the main character and how she was simply misunderstood by those who should have loved her. Losing a parent can be hard, and Michaela was never given the space to grieve. I did find some parts to be a bit repetitive in reactions and conversation, but some of that was meant to build character arcs so I looked past it.
But major ick factor for me...Sol. Like who in the world would not find it super weird that he's a 30 something male living with five teenage girls - RED FLAGS! I wanted more justice for him at the end, so the ending was not as final as I hoped for. I'm glad the girls found some peace, but for me...not enough resolution.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
If you ever wondered how young girls are abducted or people join a cult without understanding it's a cult, then read this book and you'll quickly see how impressionable teens can been when someone says the right thing at the right time in the midst of tragedy. As you follow Iris and Michaela's story through the novel you will understand how hurtful adults can be and why some teens struggle with their identity.
If you enjoy YA that has plot twists and character growth, you will enjoy this. Some other aspects include LGBTQIA romance, murder, and secrets. The lost of a parent is also a major plot point.
I enjoyed the plot twist in the book and I could resonate with the main character and how she was simply misunderstood by those who should have loved her. Losing a parent can be hard, and Michaela was never given the space to grieve. I did find some parts to be a bit repetitive in reactions and conversation, but some of that was meant to build character arcs so I looked past it.
But major ick factor for me...Sol. Like who in the world would not find it super weird that he's a 30 something male living with five teenage girls - RED FLAGS! I wanted more justice for him at the end, so the ending was not as final as I hoped for. I'm glad the girls found some peace, but for me...not enough resolution.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this ARC!
The moment I read the description of Where Lost Girls Go, I knew I had to read it. Cult vibes? Check. Queer representation? Check. More mature themes in a YA novel? Check.
We are blessed with two POV's throughout the book. Iris in first person and Caela in third person. I won't lie, I was a little thrown off with Caela's POV's at first, which doesn't normally happen to me, but it was definitely important to the story to hide certain aspects of their identity. Once I caught on, I was fine. You may understand more once you read it.
That said, I absolutely loved the story line. A group of traumatized, mostly teenage girls, living with an older man in an isolated cabin with huge culty vibes. This is definitely a darker, edgier story than you usually see in YA and therefore I'd recommend it for older readers, not younger. Beautifully written, this story covers grief, manipulation, trauma bonding and predatory behavior. I was very thankful that I was wrong about Sol's intentions with the girls and where it might have gone. The twist did still surprise me a bit but it absolutely made sense.
The sapphic romance element was done beautifully and tastefully, not out of place as often happens with YA novels. There is also some violence throughout the story but it's not the most graphic.
What I loved most was the absolute strength and resilience that the author gave these female characters. Something that we don't see enough of, especially in YA books.
I fully recommend Where Lost Girls Go and I hope you love it as much as I did.
The moment I read the description of Where Lost Girls Go, I knew I had to read it. Cult vibes? Check. Queer representation? Check. More mature themes in a YA novel? Check.
We are blessed with two POV's throughout the book. Iris in first person and Caela in third person. I won't lie, I was a little thrown off with Caela's POV's at first, which doesn't normally happen to me, but it was definitely important to the story to hide certain aspects of their identity. Once I caught on, I was fine. You may understand more once you read it.
That said, I absolutely loved the story line. A group of traumatized, mostly teenage girls, living with an older man in an isolated cabin with huge culty vibes. This is definitely a darker, edgier story than you usually see in YA and therefore I'd recommend it for older readers, not younger. Beautifully written, this story covers grief, manipulation, trauma bonding and predatory behavior. I was very thankful that I was wrong about Sol's intentions with the girls and where it might have gone. The twist did still surprise me a bit but it absolutely made sense.
The sapphic romance element was done beautifully and tastefully, not out of place as often happens with YA novels. There is also some violence throughout the story but it's not the most graphic.
What I loved most was the absolute strength and resilience that the author gave these female characters. Something that we don't see enough of, especially in YA books.
I fully recommend Where Lost Girls Go and I hope you love it as much as I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was fantastic. I read it in a day. I didn't want to put it down.
I'm a high school librarian. I've been forced to start reading books through the lens of book banners, since I live in a very ban happy county. Over 600 books and counting and our school board is so proud to be "protecting" our children from literature. This is the kind of book a book banner would love to remove from the shelves. But not because it has swearing, sex, drinking, drug use, or graphic violence. It doesn't have any of those things. It's about a girl whose life changes overnight. She goes from living in a loving, stable home, to having her whole life uprooted through no fault of her own. Conversely, we also see the story of Iris. A girl who has fought to put her life back together with the help of a band of misfits. But this wouldn't be a story if there wasn't trouble in paradise. It's also a story about nonsexual grooming. It's a story about adults trying to convince kids to do the wrong thing and then the kids have to figure out what right and wrong really is. It's a story about loyalty and what it looks like. But the book banners won't like a story about young women learning to use their voice against a charismatic, controlling man who just wants to help a ragtag group of teenage girls. Nope. And that my friends, is exactly why you should read it.
I'm a high school librarian. I've been forced to start reading books through the lens of book banners, since I live in a very ban happy county. Over 600 books and counting and our school board is so proud to be "protecting" our children from literature. This is the kind of book a book banner would love to remove from the shelves. But not because it has swearing, sex, drinking, drug use, or graphic violence. It doesn't have any of those things. It's about a girl whose life changes overnight. She goes from living in a loving, stable home, to having her whole life uprooted through no fault of her own. Conversely, we also see the story of Iris. A girl who has fought to put her life back together with the help of a band of misfits. But this wouldn't be a story if there wasn't trouble in paradise. It's also a story about nonsexual grooming. It's a story about adults trying to convince kids to do the wrong thing and then the kids have to figure out what right and wrong really is. It's a story about loyalty and what it looks like. But the book banners won't like a story about young women learning to use their voice against a charismatic, controlling man who just wants to help a ragtag group of teenage girls. Nope. And that my friends, is exactly why you should read it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overall, Where Lost Girls Go was a very intriguing story that kept me constantly guessing what would happen next. The narrative is told through two perspectives, Caela and Iris, which adds both depth and tension as the story unfolds. Nestled deep in the mountains of rural Kentucky, the isolated cabin setting creates an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere. I appreciated the way in which the book explores the themes of cult psychology, trauma bonding, survival, and coming-of-age vulnerability. A group of mostly underage girls, each carrying trauma or a sense of displacement, is brought to an isolated cabin, where their pasts are left unspoken. In the absence of outside connection, they form a tight, almost familial bond rooted in shared grief and abandonment. This “found family,” however, exists under Sol's control, introducing a disturbing layer of manipulation and isolation that feels strikingly realistic in its portrayal of cult dynamics. The annual trials each girl must endure heighten the tension, revealing the lengths they are willing to go for acceptance, belonging, and survival. This story offers a heartbreakingly honest look at how predators build power, while also celebrating girlhood and resilience. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was pleased to wish for this via NetGalley and actually get a copy. I love a good cult story, and mixed with the YA and thriller aspects I knew it would be up my alley.
It was compelling and kept me intrigued from the start. The change in POV was jarring at first but I quickly figured out what was going on there, which made it more interesting to follow. I would have liked a bit more character development for the other girls; they were all told to forget their pasts, so I understand why it wasn't detailed, but I do think it could have been impactful. It would have made it easier to understand, too, why they were so drawn to Sol.
On that note, I also wanted to understand more about Sol's situation. I enjoyed the brief explanations of his background we got, but what exactly was his end game? I appreciated that there wasn't sexual abuse (I don't think that's a spoiler), but besides control, what did he get out of this? What were his plans, especially since he knew people were onto him?
The end felt too fast, with everything suddenly happening at once. There were some open-ended questions remaining, but I think that works okay for this type of story. I wouldn't have minded an epilogue or something to tie things up, though.
(Also, the joy of being a 40-year-old YA reader: the ~ creepy old dude ~ in the story is 36, lol)
It was compelling and kept me intrigued from the start. The change in POV was jarring at first but I quickly figured out what was going on there, which made it more interesting to follow. I would have liked a bit more character development for the other girls; they were all told to forget their pasts, so I understand why it wasn't detailed, but I do think it could have been impactful. It would have made it easier to understand, too, why they were so drawn to Sol.
On that note, I also wanted to understand more about Sol's situation. I enjoyed the brief explanations of his background we got, but what exactly was his end game? I appreciated that there wasn't sexual abuse (I don't think that's a spoiler), but besides control, what did he get out of this? What were his plans, especially since he knew people were onto him?
The end felt too fast, with everything suddenly happening at once. There were some open-ended questions remaining, but I think that works okay for this type of story. I wouldn't have minded an epilogue or something to tie things up, though.
(Also, the joy of being a 40-year-old YA reader: the ~ creepy old dude ~ in the story is 36, lol)
March 9, 2026
Kody Keplinger’s novel, Where Lost Girls Go, is enthralling. Deep in rural Kentucky, six girls find themselves living in a cabin with a mysterious man named Sol. Sol saved them from their pasts and created a found family. The girls don’t talk about what brought them here or even use their real names. Once Sol finds them, their new names become their new lives. The only thing Sol requires is absolute loyalty. At the end of a year, each girl is required to pass a trial, and the tasks are a true test of how much the girls are willing to do, and give up, to keep their new family.
This novel is a testament to girlhood, trauma, strength, and finding one’s truest self. The characters’ development is amazing. Watching the main character descend into the cult mindset is disturbing and completely believable. Once the trials began, I was floored at how much was asked of the girls and how much the girls were willing to sacrifice. The pacing is tense and keeps the reader interested. Readers will be hooked until the last page, the last paragraph!
This novel is a testament to girlhood, trauma, strength, and finding one’s truest self. The characters’ development is amazing. Watching the main character descend into the cult mindset is disturbing and completely believable. Once the trials began, I was floored at how much was asked of the girls and how much the girls were willing to sacrifice. The pacing is tense and keeps the reader interested. Readers will be hooked until the last page, the last paragraph!
November 13, 2025
A very heartfelt story of young women who are accepting and dealing with their traumas and anxieties while adjusting to a new "family" life among the other girls. Acceptance is important to them and when a new girl is brought to the cabin, she clings to Rose as becomes a new sister to them all.
My heart aches for these girls and what they went through. I also love how most of the girls have flower names (Rose, Iris, etc). It reminds me of another book I read with a similar theme and character names but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
My heart aches for these girls and what they went through. I also love how most of the girls have flower names (Rose, Iris, etc). It reminds me of another book I read with a similar theme and character names but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was very excited to receive an eARC of this book after "wishing" for it on NetGalley and could not wait to start it. While reading the first chapter I was feeling a bit nervous that is book would not be what I was looking for and honestly almost stopped reading it right then but I am so glad I continued with it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even if it was a bit predictable. The only thing I wish was maybe an epilogue with where the characters end up but regardless this was a 5 star read for me.
I was very excited to receive an eARC of this book after "wishing" for it on NetGalley and could not wait to start it. While reading the first chapter I was feeling a bit nervous that is book would not be what I was looking for and honestly almost stopped reading it right then but I am so glad I continued with it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even if it was a bit predictable. The only thing I wish was maybe an epilogue with where the characters end up but regardless this was a 5 star read for me.
April 29, 2026
Where Lost Girls Go is one of those reads that pulls you in without trying too hard. It’s more of a slow, atmospheric story than a fast-paced thriller, but that’s what made it so great. The tension builds through small reveals, and I really liked how much focus was put on the characters and their emotions.
It’s a little haunting, a little reflective, and not super predictable. If you go in expecting constant twists, it might not be for you—but if you like a story that quietly sticks with you, this one is it. I’ll be thinking of Rose and Iris for a while after this.
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for this early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
It’s a little haunting, a little reflective, and not super predictable. If you go in expecting constant twists, it might not be for you—but if you like a story that quietly sticks with you, this one is it. I’ll be thinking of Rose and Iris for a while after this.
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for this early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was definitely a strange one with so much to offer.
I enjoyed the dual timeline - Caela struggling to make herself smaller to fit into her mother's life and home. The rage I felt - heartbreaking and so realistic.
Sol takes in the lost girls found in his small town - as a new flower in his garden, Rose brings possibilities. On the brink of celebrating her one year anniversary, Iris must complete the trials determined by Sol. These requests must be completed for Iris to stay - or she'll have to leave. Navigate the world on her own. After year of security and growth, Iris cannot stomach the conflict Rose opens her mind and encourages her to face.
Great read!
I enjoyed the dual timeline - Caela struggling to make herself smaller to fit into her mother's life and home. The rage I felt - heartbreaking and so realistic.
Sol takes in the lost girls found in his small town - as a new flower in his garden, Rose brings possibilities. On the brink of celebrating her one year anniversary, Iris must complete the trials determined by Sol. These requests must be completed for Iris to stay - or she'll have to leave. Navigate the world on her own. After year of security and growth, Iris cannot stomach the conflict Rose opens her mind and encourages her to face.
Great read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m not going to lie, when I first picked up this book, I almost DNF’d because it seemed eerily similar to The Cellar by Natasha Preston, especially with the flower theme. I am so glad I kept going! It ended perfectly. This was such a great read from start to finish. It’s a really fast paced book with twists and turns. I loved seeing the character development and how Iris struggled with her new identity and losing herself. I finished this in a matter of hours. So good!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book. This does not affect my review of the book.
I enjoyed the book but was a bit confused about Sol. My first inclination was he was taking the girls in for sexual purposes. But when that was not the case other than the control he had over the girls I don't know why there was a need to keep them hidden. Just would have liked more background about him.
I enjoyed the book but was a bit confused about Sol. My first inclination was he was taking the girls in for sexual purposes. But when that was not the case other than the control he had over the girls I don't know why there was a need to keep them hidden. Just would have liked more background about him.
March 24, 2026
For my first intro to thrillers, I’d say that was really good! I really enjoyed the two timelines and how they connected at the end. This book was an interesting, slightly creepy, and very important look into the world of cults. With LGBTQ elements, and a coming of age love story, this is a must read.
(I also loved the cover, it makes sense at the end :)
(I also loved the cover, it makes sense at the end :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley, The publisher and Kody Keplinger for the ARC.
Actual rating - 3.5
*Where lost girls go* was an enjoyable YA read, and I'd definitely recommend it to people looking for a slightly dark young adult thriller with cult-like vibes.
It did feel a tad predictable for me, but it still kept my interest throughout and felt like a pretty quick read.
Actual rating - 3.5
*Where lost girls go* was an enjoyable YA read, and I'd definitely recommend it to people looking for a slightly dark young adult thriller with cult-like vibes.
It did feel a tad predictable for me, but it still kept my interest throughout and felt like a pretty quick read.
May 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the advance copy in return for my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book because I was drawn to the description. However, in my opinion, it was just okay. The characters were a bit too flat, and the writing and story were a bit simplistic and came across as kind of juvenile. I did appreciate the subject matter though.
I really wanted to like this book because I was drawn to the description. However, in my opinion, it was just okay. The characters were a bit too flat, and the writing and story were a bit simplistic and came across as kind of juvenile. I did appreciate the subject matter though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book so much - the back and forth timeline and name changes are so perfectly written to keep the suspense and curiosity alive. Sol acts as a “caring” cult leader & it is so apparent to me how easily manipulated a young mind can be. I would actually love a second book to this with a follow up on the girls! Thank you NetGalley & Scholastic for the early read opportunity! 4.25 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Keplinger hooked me from page one. Where Lost Girls Go is tense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Iris’s world of secrets, loyalty, and survival had me on edge the whole time. If you love YA thrillers with heart, this one is a must-read!
Want to Read
April 14, 2026oooh Love this author! I can't wait to read this! Pub date: July 2026
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy
The arrival of a new girl prompts a teen to question the leader of the cult that shelters them.
Lyrical prose alternates between first person narration and third-person memories in an engrossing tale about family and healing.
Lyrical prose alternates between first person narration and third-person memories in an engrossing tale about family and healing.
May 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC at BookCon. I wouldn’t describe this as being an extremely eventful book. But I think at the ending I realized what I thought was true was not.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I have mixed feelings about “Where Lost Girls Go”! This was a fast-paced, tense read that I finished rather quickly. It does have dark themes but never crosses the line that I was worried about, even though I was uncomfortable with this creepy man the whole time lol. The cult dynamics were really realistic and shown through manipulation, isolation, and all the various tests Sol put them through. I think I just wanted the girls’ backstories to be more developed because I just didn’t buy their motivations for staying with Sol, however I loved their bonds with each other. I was hoping for a bigger twist I think too and just more depth in general, but overall an intriguing story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where lost girls go by Kody Keplinger is a creepy, realistic suspense novel set in a remote cabin in the Tennessee mountains. Sol is a 36 year old man who has opened his home to teenage girls who need a fresh start. There, the young women can forget their past and begin dreaming of a new future. All Sol asks of the five teenage girls is that they do their share of the work on the homestead – and that they offer complete loyalty to their new family. Sol offers them nightly counseling sessions, where he focuses on positivity and guides them on a new path to help them blossom. Then Rose arrives. She questions Sol and his motives, but Sol demands loyalty – and challenges her with three tests of her loyalty, which include setting fire to the small town grocery store whose owner asked too many questions. There are a lot of red flags along the way to make readers uncomfortable with what’s going on – and with good reason. Even though some secrets should stay buried, the past has a way of rising up and seeking justice. Highly recommended for high school libraries and public library young adult collections. This will be in high demand!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews