Where He Left Me

by Nicole Baart

From Nicole Baart, the bestselling author of Everything We Didn’t Say, comes a twisty, atmospheric suspense novel about a newlywed whose husband disappears, leaving her isolated in Washington’s North Cascades.

College professors Sadie Sheridan and Felix Graham are on sabbatical at Hemlock House, located on a remote mountain homestead established years ago by Felix’s family. When Felix leaves on a work trip but doesn’t return, effectively stranding Sadie on the mountain, her world collapses.

Alone at Hemlock House, frantic Sadie struggles to make sense of what her missing astronomer husband left behind. Forced to confront two mysterious trespassers just as a powerful storm bears down, Sadie and the strangers have no choice but to ride it out together. As conditions worsen and shocking secrets are revealed, Sadie must face whether or not she ever knew the man she married and is she fighting only for her own survival now—or still for the man who promised her the stars?

Where He Left Me is another compelling, emotional thriller from an author who “writes with a poet’s eye for language and a storyteller’s gift for suspense” (William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author).

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Adult Fiction

323 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Nicole Baart is the author of eleven novels, including Everything We Didn’t Say (an October 2021 Book of the Month selection and Amazon Editor's pick) and The Long Way Back. Best known for her “race-to-the-finish family dramas” (People), Baart is also the cofounder of a nonprofit and mother of five. She lives in Iowa with her family.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nicolebaart/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NicoleBaart/
Twitter https://twitter.com/NicoleLynnBaart

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How on earth have I never read a book by Nicole Baart before?! Beautiful, lyrical, and poignant yet also filled with nerve-shredding dread and ominous foreboding, Where He Left Me was a fever-dream of a novel in the best possible way. With deeply developed characters, an isolated setting, and a claustrophobic feel, I fell head over heels for this one from the very first page. You see, not only did the remote homestead feel like yet another character, but the atmosphere that pervaded it rippled with an evocatively described quiet tension. That, however, wasn’t even the best piece of this novel. A moving tale of trauma, loss, and the need to feel seen, it was a tear-jerking story that touched me more than I can say. Don’t get me wrong, there were also plenty of fear-drenched worries and heart-stopping chills, but the two fitted together like a pair of perfectly matched souls.

All in all, this tale of psychological suspense was as close to perfection as you could possibly get. Bringing to mind the underlying feel of Heather Gudenkauf’s The Overnight Guest, there was no way I was putting this book down once I was enveloped in Baart’s immersive storytelling and ratcheting unease. From the compelling characters, who I grew more attached to with every scene, to the twisty, twisty plot, which deceived me at every turn, it was an utter slam dunk in every way. And let me tell you, when I reached that big, giant twist about halfway through, my jaw hit the floor as I whispered “WTF?!” out loud. With long-buried secrets, mysterious dark posts, and an epic love story at its core, the layers to this novel were as awe-inspiring as Baart’s very own prose. All I know is that I’m now a brand-spanking-new fan of this seriously talented author, and can’t wait to read her backlist ASAP. Rating of 5+ stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Sadie Sheridan’s new husband Felix, a professor of planetary sciences, has vowed to never leave her. But when Felix doesn’t return from a work trip, Sadie is stranded at Hemlock House, the remote mountain homestead where her husband grew up. Doubt creeps into Sadie’s heart. Then panic. Where is he?

Scared and alone in a place that feels haunted, Sadie struggles to make sense of what her missing husband left behind. But when she catches strangers lurking around the property, Hemlock House instantly becomes both a sanctuary and a prison. Navigating threats from outside and in, Sadie is forced to confront shocking secrets that leave her questioning whether she really knows Felix at all. As a powerful storm bears down, she must decide: is she fighting only for her own survival now—or for the man who promised her the stars?

Thank you to Nicole Baart and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: November 4, 2025

Content warning: missing person, dementia, family estrangement, domestic abuse, gun violence, mention of: maternal death

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In every world, I'd find you." An epic love story that will pull at your heartstrings. This is breathtaking but the security is soon to unravel.
Sadie and Felix take a break as professors and stay in a cabin in the wilderness that was Felix's homestead, high within the hemlocks is the Hemlock House. A Cozy dynamic getaway leaves Sadie feeling a chill. That's not the only thing that Sadie encounters, but Felix leaves to go on a business trip stranding her. Her anxiety kicks in, as well as feeling alone. The house gives a haunting feel and before long the eyes watching her become two strangers she finds in one of their outbuildings. These two are mysterious and she hesitantly invites them in as a storm is brewing. As the weather rages, they sense the cautious observations and unspoken tension between them. As she rambles through the house, she finds long buried secrets and finds there is more to her husband than she had ever known. A sudden lack of control over their circumstance, the cabin is no longer a haven but also feeling as an intruder.
This is so creepy and not sure I could have pulled off staying there. All the feels for this very anticipated book. This haunted house intensifies so many emotions such as love, loss and a need for forgiveness. We may not know the person we love. The twists are unexpected which ramps this one up to a 5 star...well-written and complex.
Thank you Edelweiss and Atria Books for this incredible ARC.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH this cover!! It’s absolutely perfect!! See the snow ❄️ on the roof?? The woods?? Yep you guessed it.. one of my favorite type of settings.. snowed in… isolated.. and oh so creepy. Thank you so much @atriabooks @atriathrillers #atriapartner for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰🥰

Pub date is 11/4!! 🥳

Sadie and Felix are just the cutest couple. I loved hearing their backstory leading up to their marriage. Life is great.. until it isn’t. Felix is missing…. Off on a work trip.. he never arrives back home. Did he leave her? Or is something really wrong? 🤔

Okay Felix left our girl Sadie is a very remote home that his family owns. No neighbors.. no friends… nobody around for miles.. and a snowstorm. Then she sees them on the cameras… two strangers… 😳.. on the property..

Snowed in? Remote location? Stranger danger? 😳 LOTS of secrets?? Sign me up! This took a direction that I definitely did not see coming. I really enjoyed how this played out.

[Kimberly Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Where He Left Me, Nicole Baart delivers a breathtaking blend of heartache and suspense as a woman’s search for the truth unravels the life she thought she knew. With lyrical prose and a cleverly layered structure, Baart lures you into the wilds of the North Cascades, where a missing husband, a fractured family, and long-buried secrets collide—and love can be the most dangerous illusion of all.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerebral, twisty, and a read that will have you sleeping with one eye open.

Felix and Sadie have a love story that some would say is written for the stars. Felix is devoted, romantic, and true… Sadie pragmatic, loving and faithful. When Felix goes missing Sadie starts to question it all..

Told from a timeline that flips from before to after Felix is missing the reader is treated to a fast paced, heart pounding novel that makes you want to know more

Nicole Baart writes atmospheric emotional page turner that make you feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest. Loved this novel

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Baart delivers another deeply emotional and quietly haunting story in Where He Left Me. The novel follows Sadie, who retreats with her husband, Felix, to his family’s vacation home Hemlock House, a sprawling estate with an unsettling presence. When Felix leaves for a business trip and doesn’t return on time, Sadie finds herself alone in the house as a storm closes in. Her solitude is soon broken by the arrival of two strangers trespassing on the property, and what unfolds from there is a taut, layered exploration of grief, betrayal, and the secrets we keep.

Told through alternating timelines that trace Sadie and Felix’s relationship from its earliest moments to the tense present, Baart crafts a slow burn suspense that feels both intimate and cinematic. The shifting narrative builds a steady undercurrent of dread, while her lyrical writing grounds the story in emotional realism. As the storm outside grows more violent, the true turbulence lies within Hemlock House—and within Sadie herself—as the truth begins to surface in unexpected and unsettling ways.

Where He Left Me is atmospheric, beautifully written, and psychologically rich. Baart’s signature blend of emotional depth and understated suspense shines here, making this one of those quiet thrillers that lingers long after the final page. If you enjoy character driven mysteries that balance tension with introspection, this is a must read.

[Aleesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by someone who loves words. Someone who loves language and telling stories.

The way Baart puts words together to give us a story that's atmospheric, poignant, and deeply emotional yet at the same time is eerie and ominous and filled with a slow-simmering dread is almost mind-boggling.

I was with Sadie when she was alone, when she was riddled with worry for her missing husband. I was in her body when she felt that spine-tingling sense of dread and loneliness. When she was scared and paranoid. When she felt the cold of the snow storm blowing in and the bleak realization that she was going to have to get through it on her own.

And when she found 2 young boys hiding out in her greenhouse, scared and beaten up and skittish, I was right with them as they formed a tenuous trust in one another.

It's impossible not to be sucked into this story. To not bleed for Henry and Finn's situation.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out who the young boys are and what has happened, but even still - the ending of this novel was gut wrenching and heart-stopping. So many things could have gone so wrong. Some of them did.

I loved this story. Couldn't put it down. If you're in the mood for a wintery thriller that's as cozy as it is spine-shivering, pick this one up. You won't regret it.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: Nov. 4, 2025

Sadie and Felix are newlyweds. As college professors, he- planetary sciences and she- English, the two met on their college campus and fell in love instantly. Both came from broken homes and felt that it was destined that they meet and marry, to build the happy, healthy relationship that they did not have growing up. Until the night Felix doesn’t return from a business trip, leaving Sadie alone in Felix’s childhood home, Hemlock House. Before Sadie can alert the police, two boys show up on her doorstep, alone, scared and very obviously abused, so Sadie reluctantly takes them in, putting Felix’s disappearance on the back burner temporarily as she deals with the boys’ needs. But as Sadie starts to uncover more about the young strangers, she starts to wonder if somehow, her husband’s disappearance is connected to the boys’ arrival, and the urgency to find her missing husband intensifies as Sadie fears the worst.

“Where He Left Me” by Nicole Baart is a claustrophobic mystery that takes place in a desolate wilderness cabin, where unexpected storms can spring up out of nowhere and there is no one around for miles. A gripping tale of isolation, heartbreak and not one, but TWO seemingly unrelated mysteries and “Left” had more than enough to keep me engaged right from the start.

Sadie is the sole narrator and the story itself is dual-timeline, told in the current time and years ago, setting the scene for how Felix and Sadie met. Since Felix is gone from almost the beginning of the novel, it was necessary to reveal how the couple met, so that readers could meet the Felix that Sadie loves, and feel a connection with him without him being present.

Nicole Baart is a favourite in the domestic suspense genre although I have, tragically, never read a novel of hers (not yet, anyway). Her writing is stellar, crafting two suspenseful and well-developed plotlines and connecting them in a seamless, free-flowing way. The ending answered every last remaining question and provided solace and satisfaction to all of the characters, while ensuring that the twists and turns made the ending unpredictable until the final chapters.

“Left” is emotional and intriguing, filled with high-octane suspense and unpredictable and unexpected plot twists that managed to come together perfectly. Sadie is a relatable character, and the brothers are heartbreaking and haunted, especially young Finn, instantly forming a rapport with readers. Baart has delivered a powerful story that will connect with readers in all the right ways.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newly married and madly in love, Sadie is anxiously awaiting her husband's return from a business trip to the remote mountain home belonging to his family, where he and Sadie have been staying. When he is late, she is at first disappointed, but later terrified that something has happened to him when he still has not arrived the next day. They haven't fought, his clothes are in the closet, he wouldn't just leave her without telling her, and abandon his belongings... would he? And who is that on the trail cams creeping around in the woods?

When I read the synopsis about being stranded on the mountain with the snowstorm on the way and the trespassers in the woods, I thought this was right up my alley!

The story is told on two timelines, and although the present-day goings on were sometimes suspenseful and chilling It didn't take long before I was getting annoyed with being pulled out of the action when it flipped back to the days when Sadie first met her husband, how they became friends before they dated etc. It was sweet at first, but eventually, I wanted to skim those chapters.
Another thing that irked me was Sadie's response to the whole missing husband thing. She was not, in fact "stranded on the mountain," she had a way to get down, but chose to stay until the storm came. She waited a ridiculous amount of time before reporting her husband missing. I know TV shows and movies claim you need to wait 48 hours to report a missing person, but in reality, there is no such waiting period. She made a point of checking to see if his flight was on time, but had she called the police, they could have easily found out whether or not he ever got on that plane.

So, while I enjoyed the mystery of the present-day plotline, I found some of Sadie's decisions to be unbelievable, and I just wanted to get on with it instead of being constantly interrupted with flashbacks.
This was just an OK read for me. Not bad, not great.

My thanks to Atria Books for the gifted copy.

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one!

This thriller read is atmospheric and suspenseful, and is set in a remote house in the mountains during a winter storm. The isolation and remoteness are so well described as is the stormy weather.

The main character, Sadie, is so likable and relatable, gutsy while vulnerable. I enjoyed the way the author told the story through the present timeline of Sadie, whose husband, Felix, has disappeared, and she has to use her wits to survive alone during the storm and deal with suspicious strangers lurking on her property, and the past storyline of how Sadie and Felix met and fell in love. I enjoyed the astronomy and Shakespeare references.

The pacing was good and I liked the way the tension built over the course of the novel. The reveal toward the end was well done and the ending and epilogue were very satisfying. The relationship elements of the story made for a heartfelt read.

I really liked how this read was both heartfelt and suspenseful.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Madison Follett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was mysterious and intriguing throughout the entirety of book. My heart was aching for Henry & Finn the whole time! The panic of not knowing where your husband has disappeared to is also tragic. I wished I would have known a bit more about Gabi throughout the book. All of Felix’s statements about here were very brief and I would have loved to have read stories of how they grew up the best of friends and how Ben ruined everything when he came into her life. Overall, super great!! 3.5 stars

[Lauren Self (lauren.shelby.reads)]

DNF for now .. I may come back to this later - idk if it was the pressure of finishing this before pub date or what but it was boring to me and I have too many anticipated reads to keep picking it up right now. I’ll keep it on my shelf though ❤️

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank You Nicole for sending me a copy of your book. This was a really interesting read and super fast paced. I could picture this story in my head as I read it. Being stranded at a house, Your husband is missing when he was supposed to be back from his trip. You start seeing things and people outside watching you from your window, trespassers. What are they doing there? Who are they? Where is her husband? The ending too was crazy.

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller is a dramatically layered tale of suspense of a newly married woman who is home alone in her secluded home. Her husband, Felix, was supposed to return home after a business trip but she cannot reach him and there’s a storm rolling in. Frightened by the outdoor trail cameras, Sadie soon learns that she is not alone. I was captivated by Sadie and Felix’s backstory and how many aspects of Felix’s life were unknown to Sadie. There are moments of terror and sadness but also sparks of warmth and new beginnings.

Thank you Simon Audio and Atria Books for the gifted books.

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this copy of the book.

This book is such a wild ride. A spooky house in the middle of nowhere, a missing husband, and two mysterious teens who show up in the middle of the night. That’s Sadie’s reality during this novel, and the discovery of the truth shocks both her and the reader. If you want an edge of your seat, can’t put it down thriller…this is for you.

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with all the snowed in winter vibes! I loved the setting and really felt like I was there. Multiple timelines kept the book moving along really nicely and I was eager to see where we were headed. There were a few aspects I would’ve liked to explore a bit more, but overall a fast read that I would recommend.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Babbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the ending made it worthwhile, this was one of the SLOWEST burn thrillers I have ever read. The storyline is pretty solid, but just so slow that this became difficult to want to pick up.

[Danielle B · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHERE HE LEFT ME is a slow burn mystery/thriller, perfect for the winter season. About halfway in, the pace picked up and it was hard to stop listening to. I thought the audiobook was very well done. I really liked the narration and thought it added to the suspense and made it feel more real. Overall, I would say this was another well written book by Nicole Baart.

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my #gifted copy.

[Rebekah Bartels · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique story with a twist I didn’t see coming. This one spooked me a little when I was up with my newborn at 2 am reading. All of the loose ends came together tied up in a bow at the end. My only critique is that I wanted more backstory of the siblings. I could read a whole series about them!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Atria Books for the advanced copy of Where He Left Me in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Unfortunately, I felt the execution left much to be desired in this one, as its initial potential quickly dissipated after the first act and never truly recovered. My main issue centered on the female lead, who lacked personality of any kind, making it difficult to feel any empathy for her dire situation. The flashback chapters, which seemed intended to build backstory and connection between her and her husband, failed to establish any genuine relationship between the two characters and felt forced to be quite honest.

These sections, coupled with the heavy focus on constellations and outer space, made those particular chapters feel tedious and slow, often making me want to skip them entirely.

The plot surrounding the missing husband was sidelined early on. The introduction of two unexpected children showing up during the snowstorm added minor intrigue, but it failed to build any substantial mystery. This subplot was frustratingly executed, offering no hints as to why the children appeared or if their presence was connected to anything sinister. The focus remained on surviving the storm rather than establishing any link between the female lead and the boys. By the time the reveal or twist occurred, I was unimpressed, and the final conclusion felt unnecessary.

Overall, the book attempted to be a "domestic thriller" with "isolation" elements but was unsuccessful in executing either trope. My lack of emotional connection to the characters meant that the surrounding plot elements carried very little weight. There were themes surrounding domestic violence that if introduced earlier or in a different way would have led to more of an emotional impact but I can't say this is a book I'd recommend to someone who is looking for the run of the mill thriller.

[Susan Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC ebook copy.
This was a great book.
I'll be honest, I was surprised many times because nothing ever happened the way I expected it to.
I will highly recommend this to all of my reader friends.

[Nicole Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Cover: ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger/Content Warning(s): Missing Spouse, Death Of Sibling(s), Death Of Parent(s), Child Abuse/Neglect, Sick Parent, Domestic Abuse, Drug Addiction (mentioned)
POV: Singular, First Person/Singular, Third Person (Flashbacks)
Series/Standalone/Duet: Standalone
First In Series/Duet: Yes
HEA/Cliffhanger/HFN: HEA
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Safe or Dark: Dark ️️️
Expected Release Date: November 4, 2025


Quick Take Review 💥:

This is a slow-burn thriller with a super tense, atmospheric vibe and characters that actually feel real. The short chapters and really smooth, easy writing make it such a quick read.

Yeah, it drags a little in parts, but overall the pacing feels just right and keeps you hooked.

The creepy, isolated setting makes it a perfect spooky season or winter storm read.


In Depth Review 👇


Plot 📖: 

Sometimes storms bring more than just wind and rain. 

Married college professors Sadie Sheridan and Felix Graham are finally enjoying a long-overdue sabbatical at Hemlock House, a secluded mountain homestead built by Felix’s family generations ago. For the first time in years, life feels still. 

When Felix leaves for a brief work trip, Sadie expects a few quiet days alone. But when he doesn’t return, she finds herself stranded and increasingly unsettled. 

As the storm outside intensifies, Sadie begins to sift through her husband’s belongings, and what she uncovers shakes the foundations of everything she believed about him. Then, just as isolation threatens to close in, two mysterious strangers arrive at Hemlock House seeking shelter from the unrelenting weather. 

Forced to ride out the storm together, Sadie quickly realizes that these strangers may know more than they’re saying. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, she’s left to question everything: who was Felix, really? How deep do the lies go? And now that the truth is coming to light, is Sadie fighting for her life or for the man she thought would give her the stars? 

Writing 📝: 

Nicole Baart’s writing is easy to follow while managing to give off the ominous vibes it’s intended to. Her descriptions in the story were detailed without feeling bogged down. The creepy and isolated atmosphere of the story was built so nicely. I could feel the tension and suspense as events slowly but surely moved towards a breaking point. I found it to be very enjoyable and paced nicely throughout. Although at times things did move at a bit of a slower pace, nothing ever felt too rushed or came to an unneeded standstill; things moved just how they should’ve.

The past and present timelines never got confusing or felt choppy. They flowed into one another nicely and added a nice element to the story, as did the changing points of view along the way. 

Main Character(s) 👫:

Sadie Sheridan - Character Rating: A

Side Character(s) 👫:

Felix Graham - Character Rating: A

Henry Abbott - Character Rating: B-

Finn Abbott - Character Rating: A

Benjamin Abbott - Character Rating: Undetermined

Gabriella Graham - Character Rating: Undetermined

Thoughts 💭: 

"In every world, I'd find you."

 

You think you know the person you married, right? No way they’d keep some huge, life-changing secrets from you... right? 

Yeah, think again. 

First things first, the chapter lengths! They're just right, which makes the book super easy to get through. I’m always a fan of shorter chapters; it’s such a plus. There’s nothing better than sitting down to read and suddenly realizing you’ve flown through a bunch without even noticing. 

“Terror is a slow-moving train, black and hulking and incomprehensible, until it finally hits head-on.

 

Even though this book leans more toward a slow burn, the story gets to the core of the plot right from the start. Chapter one sets things in motion and establishes the tone for what’s to come. There were a few moments where the pacing dragged a bit ...almost to the point of feeling dull, but overall, it was handled well. The slower parts ended up being important for the buildup, making the eventual payoff hit even harder.

The spooky season vibes in this one were VIBING! I felt like I was isolated during a storm in Hemlock House with Sadie. The tense atmosphere and goosebump-inducing scenarios were done so well. My anxiety was dancing on the edge every single time I picked this book up. Things were descriptive enough to make you feel like you were in the scene with the characters, going through it all with them, without feeling bogged down. The vibes in this book had me in a chokehold. The gloomy winter weather, the isolated house, and the sketchy visitors, ALL OF IT grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let up for a second.

“I couldn’t imagine choosing estrangement over a living, breathing sibling.”

 

The story is told through two timelines: the present, where Felix has gone missing and Sadie’s trying to figure out what happened, and the past, leading up to their marriage. Both timelines were handled really well. They flowed seamlessly and never felt confusing or jumbled. The glimpses into how their relationship started and grew were sprinkled in at just the right moments. It added a deeper layer to the story and made the whole thing feel more emotionally grounded. Honestly, it made me even more invested in finding out how everything would play out. 

Each timeline also comes with a different point of view, both from Sadie. The present-day storyline, where Felix is missing, is told in first-person, while the past timeline, leading up to their marriage, is written in third-person. Surprisingly, this shift in perspective never felt confusing or disjointed. It was always clear which timeline and POV we were in. I actually really liked that choice. The third-person narration for the past made sense; it felt like Sadie was reflecting on something that had already happened. Meanwhile, the first-person present tense pulled me right into the current mystery, making it feel immediate and personal, like we were experiencing everything alongside her. 

“Hemlock House is a mausoleum, the resting place of a life interrupted.”

 

The twists and turns in this book totally kept me on my toes, and I’m pretty sure they’ll keep you on yours too. I had no idea where things were going, and honestly, that made the whole reading experience even better. Even when the pace slowed down a bit, I was still fully hooked, needing to know what would happen next. And trust me, the wait is so worth it. Trying to piece everything together in my head was such a fun challenge, and when the reveals hit? I was completely blown away—in the best way. Nicole Baart, you nailed it. Seriously… well done. 

Okay, let me backtrack for a moment; I wasn’t entirely in the dark about the twist. I actually guessed one part fairly early on; it was pretty obvious. That said, I was still pleasantly surprised by the overall direction the story took. 

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” 

The author did something that I think is really hard to pull off; she created a whole cast of characters that were all likable and relatable in their own way. I didn’t find myself disliking any of them. But the one I connected with the most was Sadie. As a wife, I totally understood what she was feeling when Felix went missing. Her stress, heartbreak, fear, and that deep, painful missing—it all hit so close to home. Honestly, I would’ve turned the world upside down to find my husband. Just the thought of losing him is something I can’t even begin to imagine. Her shift from genuinely being happy to falling off the deep end is unfortunately something I believe a lot of us can relate to. 

When it comes to Felix, I completely related to him on an older sibling level. That fierce, instinctive need to protect his younger sister is something I deeply understand; it’s just a natural part of the older sibling-younger sibling dynamic. 

While I didn’t connect as personally with Henry and Finn, my heart still ached for both of them. Their story was incredibly moving and stirred up a mix of emotions. I can’t imagine growing up with the life they did, and I was genuinely relieved to see them finally get the ending they deserved. 

 

“If love always ends in death—and it always, always will—why love singularly at all?”

 

I really enjoyed the ending; it left me feeling completely satisfied with how everything unfolded. It was a beautiful conclusion to a complicated journey. All the loose ends were tied up nicely, and honestly, I couldn’t have guessed how it would all play out even if you paid me. Spectacular, 10/10! golf clap

As someone who’s childfree by choice (and married to someone who feels the same), I was really happy to see a married couple in a story who didn’t have kids and didn’t seem all that interested in having them, either. So I was a little bummed at the end when Felix and Sadie ended up taking custody of Henry, Finn, and Juliet and talked about how it completed their family and made them happier than ever. 

That said, I totally got it. The only way my husband and I would ever have kids is if , Gods forbid, something happened to my brother and sister-in-law (or another loved one). We’d take in our nieces and nephews without a second thought. Our hearts and home would be wide open. So on that level, I understood where Felix and Sadie were coming from and why things played out the way they did. 

“I’m well aware that it may never be okay again.”

 

My above rant is just me being petty. It didn’t subtract anything from the plot or story for me at all. 

This book truly gives you everything: a gripping love story, edge-of-your-seat suspense, juicy drama, and all the messy family chaos you could want. I was completely hooked. It was intense, emotional, and just so well done. Loved every second of it. 

Recommendation 🤝️ 

I would recommend this book to readers who are always up for a slow-burn psychological thriller that has unexpected drama and surprises. and

I would also recommend this to people who enjoy shows like Succession and Bloodline. Or drama-filled family-related shows such as Dynasty.  

I would also recommend this book to people who enjoy books by Lucinda Berry, Alice Feeney, Samantha Downing, and Gillian Flynn. 

As always, remember that reading is totally subjective, and that’s exactly what makes it so wonderful. 😊 
 
I would like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book. 

This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.

[Kory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC! Nicole Baart’s Where He Left Me is a beautifully written novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. The story is emotionally rich and thoughtfully crafted, drawing you into the lives of the characters as they navigate through their complex feelings and unexpected revelations. Baart’s lyrical prose creates a poignant atmosphere that keeps you invested from start to finish. The characters feel genuine and relatable, making their journeys both meaningful and memorable. While the pace slows a bit in certain sections, it ultimately adds to the depth and emotional weight of the story. This novel is a powerful exploration of healing and redemption, leaving a lasting impression without being overly sentimental. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates heartfelt family dramas with an insightful touch.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

I read this right before The Intruder by Freida McFadden and, by total coincidence, the plotlines were so weirdly similar (a woman trapped alone in a house by a storm + unexpected intruders in a greenhouse/shed) that I got confused. ("Trapped by a storm" is a very common plot in a locked room-type thriller, but to read them back to back was a bit disorienting.) The similarities are even more: both "intruders" are children with a connection to the main character. Both books remind me of The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

Where He Left Me did an excellent job of scene setting, as Sadie, the main character, finds herself alone in her new-ish husband's house in the Cascade Mountains during a storm. The descriptions of the area and the power of nature were something that was lacking in the other book! Felix, her husband, was expected home, but is now nowhere to be found.

What I didn't love as much about this book was how much explanation was required at the end. But I remain a fan of the author and will try her next book for sure!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping man-against-nature, psychological suspense. There’s a bit of going back and forth in timeline, but it’s not truly dual timeline. I found the heroine compelling and the story engaging. Each of the characters felt real and broken. And in that space there was a story I wanted to see resolved. I figured out the big reveal early, but it only made the pages turn faster for me. And there were other big pieces of the plot that remained hidden from me. Overall I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it!

[Jessica Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria books, author Nicole Baart, and Goodreads giveaways for the ARC!

[Danny Falks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply could not put this book down! The story focuses on Sadie, an aspiring novelist and one of the most independent heroines I’ve encountered recently. Her husband fails to return from a work trip and when she discovers trespassers on her property, she ignites a chain of events leading to a suspenseful and unpredictable ending.

There were several moments throughout the book that were so exciting, I gasped out loud. I felt propelled to see how the story was going to come together, so much so that I read the book throughout the course of one day. While there are very sad elements, the resolution was satisfying and provides the glimmer of hope that has become a staple of Baart’s work.

In the book Sadie’s agent tells her “You write with such a subtle beauty… There’s something real and aching in your words. But your story needs a lot of work.” Well, just scratch that last sentence and that’s exactly how I feel about Baart. Beautiful writing throughout and an intriguing story with relatable elements. I especially loved how the flashback chapters were titled by the astronomical occurrences they corresponded with and the multiple Shakespearean references. Would totally recommend this book!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!

Isolated House in the Woods + Missing Husband + Mysterious Guests + Family Secrets

This book was such a whirlwind fast paced read. I’m actually so sad that it’s over, especially with that emotional epilogue. This was suspenseful and had me staying up way past my bedtime to squeeze in as much reading as I could get.

I enjoyed the flashback timeline, it was very insightful for the main couple’s relationship, as well as the mysterious family backstory. This couple was so cute and gives hope to finding your “person” later in life.

I would absolutely love to read more books from this author!

[Hannah Mullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where He Left Me by Nicole Baart
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all, it was such a pleasure meeting Nicole on Tuesday-she was so kind and genuine! The event with Heather Gudenkauf, another suspense author with a new release this week, was a great conversation.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The flashbacks between Sadie and Felix’s love story were beautifully done, and I loved how the moon phases dividing the chapters tied into her husband’s occupation. The isolated house setting added a perfectly eerie touch, and the plot twist completely delivered. The mystery surrounding the boys reminded me a bit of Henry and his brother from The Last of Us, which made it even more compelling.

I’ll definitely keep reading Baart’s books and following her on social media

[shannon (books by the glass) · Rating 2 out of 5]

while I can appreciate an atmospheric, cabin in the woods in a storm mystery, this one didn’t hit for me 😩 it felt very surface level when it came to the actual thriller elements, and I just wanted so much more from the “twists!”

sadie is home alone in the woods with a blizzard on its way when two things happen simultaneously… her husband never returns home from his work trip, and two teenage boys show up looking for asylum - are these two events somehow connected? 👀

henry and finn were the heroes and the highlights of this book - and I wanted to know so much more about their upbringing and resilience that brought them to sadie’s doorstep. the flashbacks were of sadie and felix’s love story - and while it was cute, it didn’t advance the plot whatsoever… I kept thinking something from their past was going to make a reappearance but nope 🤡

and can we talk about all of the random space information dumps? I get that felix was an astrology professor, but why did we need to know about every galaxy? one or two dialogues about work would have been fine, but this was firmly overkill…

I wasn’t fairly motivated to finish this one, but I’m still glad I read it regardless…

rating: 2.5 stars
wine pairing: columbia valley riesling