What do you think?
Chelsey Calhoun #2
Before You Were Anne
After a woman is killed and her daughter vanishes, detective Chelsey Calhoun uncovers a legacy of violence and survival that spans from Japan to Seattle in the new novel by the author of The Return of Ellie Black.
A murdered woman. A missing daughter. A truth buried across two continents.
Married, pregnant, and thriving in her career, Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life finally feels whole, until an explosive new case shatters everything. A mother is dead. Her sixteen-year-old daughter, Naomi, has disappeared. And the search will awaken questions about Chelsey’s own origins—questions she’s spent a lifetime afraid to ask.
The victim called herself Anne Walker. But she was born Rika Takahashi, and her journey from a remote Japanese farm to suburban Seattle conceals decades of deception. Across Tokyo’s shadowed underworld, an isolated Idaho town, and years of carefully constructed lies, Rika reinvented herself at every turn. But she was always running—from someone, or something.
Now, Chelsey must find Naomi before she becomes the next victim. But the deeper she delves into Rika’s hidden life, the more she discovers: some secrets are worth killing for. And the most dangerous truths may be the ones closest to home.
Told in three interwoven voices, Before You Were Anne is a gripping suspense novel about the lies that bind families and the sins that echo across generations.
A murdered woman. A missing daughter. A truth buried across two continents.
Married, pregnant, and thriving in her career, Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life finally feels whole, until an explosive new case shatters everything. A mother is dead. Her sixteen-year-old daughter, Naomi, has disappeared. And the search will awaken questions about Chelsey’s own origins—questions she’s spent a lifetime afraid to ask.
The victim called herself Anne Walker. But she was born Rika Takahashi, and her journey from a remote Japanese farm to suburban Seattle conceals decades of deception. Across Tokyo’s shadowed underworld, an isolated Idaho town, and years of carefully constructed lies, Rika reinvented herself at every turn. But she was always running—from someone, or something.
Now, Chelsey must find Naomi before she becomes the next victim. But the deeper she delves into Rika’s hidden life, the more she discovers: some secrets are worth killing for. And the most dangerous truths may be the ones closest to home.
Told in three interwoven voices, Before You Were Anne is a gripping suspense novel about the lies that bind families and the sins that echo across generations.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Emiko Jean
14 books3,031 followersEmiko Jean is a New York Times best-selling author of adult and young adult fiction.Her books have been published in over thirty languages. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America as a GMA book club pick, by Reese Witherspoon as a young adult book club pick, and in publications such as: Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4-4.5! GREAT mystery/thriller!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!
A Japanese-American woman was murdered and her 16 year old daughter disappeared. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is assigned to investigate and discovers painful details of the woman's life while confronting her own secrets of the past.
I started this today and it's fantastic. The story has loads of emotional depth and drama and it's kind of hard to put this book down.
This will be featured on BOTM. Get your copy for $5 using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Very easy to sign up and cancel, at no additional cost to you! Love BOTM: quality is great and you get awesome books prior to release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author, Emiko Jean for an early ARC.
Publication: September 1, 2026
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!
A Japanese-American woman was murdered and her 16 year old daughter disappeared. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is assigned to investigate and discovers painful details of the woman's life while confronting her own secrets of the past.
I started this today and it's fantastic. The story has loads of emotional depth and drama and it's kind of hard to put this book down.
This will be featured on BOTM. Get your copy for $5 using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Very easy to sign up and cancel, at no additional cost to you! Love BOTM: quality is great and you get awesome books prior to release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author, Emiko Jean for an early ARC.
Publication: September 1, 2026
September 3, 2026
In book two, we follow Japanese-American detective Chelsey Calhoun, who is balancing a high-stakes investigation with major personal life changes. The mystery centers on a mother-daughter duo, Anne and Naomi, and is told through multiple perspectives. Emiko Jean delivers incredible character depth, particularly through Anne’s heartbreaking backstory as an immigrant surviving a cycle of abusive relationships. It didn't have quite the same fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat energy as the first book for me, but it’s a beautifully detailed, slower-burn mystery with great emotional weight and solid twists.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Like a gentle yet weighty breeze, the lyrical prose in Before You Were Anne burrowed its way into my soul. You see, this wasn’t just a murder mystery. Oh, no. The story was so much deeper and darker than that, with the true dangers of silence, the lasting effects of trauma, and the search for one’s true identity lying at its core. Well, there was also the total shocker beneath the ultimate twist, but I’m not going to spoil that here. After all, this reflective tale had plenty of layers to fill up this review. Immersive, suspenseful, and packed with emotional depth, it was a beautiful story in spite of the three raw, hard-hitting plot lines that had echoes about motherhood, identity, and survival throughout. Relayed by Chelsey, Rika, and Naomi as they weathered their fates in this tragic yet poignant narrative, I was blown away by their complex, well-developed personas that only seemed to grow at every turn. The plot, though…that was where this book truly shined.
So what was so unique about this tangled web of family secrets? Well, in addition to being a powerful murder mystery full of tension and dread, it also was a slow-burning puzzle of subtle deception and carefully placed clues. And when it all came together? Phew! All I can say is that the payoff at the end was just as good—if not better—than the cleverly interwoven timelines and voices. With a far-reaching, culturally rich scope that spanned multiple decades and two continents as well as a hauntingly vivid atmosphere, this story is sure to live rent-free in my head just like the first book in the series. Just know that this one was much more of a character-driven slow burn vs the fast-paced police investigation in The Return of Ellie Black. That being said, I probably fell even more in love with this one. After all, it was an emotional gut-punch that just grew deeper with every page. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
P.S. I’m going to make the assumption, Ms. Jean, that there’s a third book coming with Chelsey et al as the focus, but let me take a moment to beg and plead just the same. I need more about this multilayered detective and her life, so please oh please let there be another one coming soon!
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Domestic suspense
- Onion-like plotting
- Low-key procedurals
- Multiple POVs
- Multiple plot lines
- Lyrical prose
- Character-driven plot lines
- Emotional depth
- Slow-burning mysteries
- Continuing sagas
- Complex characters
- Short chapters
- A heavy atmosphere
SYNOPSIS:
Married, pregnant, and thriving in her career, Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life finally feels whole, until an explosive new case shatters everything. A mother is dead. Her sixteen-year-old daughter, Naomi, has disappeared. And the search will awaken questions about Chelsey’s own origins—questions she’s spent a lifetime afraid to ask.
The victim called herself Anne Walker. But she was born Rika Takahashi, and her journey from a remote Japanese farm to suburban Seattle conceals decades of deception. Across Tokyo’s shadowed underworld, an isolated Idaho town, and years of carefully constructed lies, Rika reinvented herself at every turn. But she was always running—from someone, or something.
Now, Chelsey must find Naomi before she becomes the next victim. But the deeper she delves into Rika’s hidden life, the more she discovers: some secrets are worth killing for. And the most dangerous truths may be the ones closest to home.
Thank you Emiko Jean and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 1, 2026
Content warning: adoption, pregnancy, murder, kidnapping, forced confinement, stalking, xenophobia, domestic abuse, childbirth, dementia, gun violence, death, trafficking, mention of: drug abuse, addiction
So what was so unique about this tangled web of family secrets? Well, in addition to being a powerful murder mystery full of tension and dread, it also was a slow-burning puzzle of subtle deception and carefully placed clues. And when it all came together? Phew! All I can say is that the payoff at the end was just as good—if not better—than the cleverly interwoven timelines and voices. With a far-reaching, culturally rich scope that spanned multiple decades and two continents as well as a hauntingly vivid atmosphere, this story is sure to live rent-free in my head just like the first book in the series. Just know that this one was much more of a character-driven slow burn vs the fast-paced police investigation in The Return of Ellie Black. That being said, I probably fell even more in love with this one. After all, it was an emotional gut-punch that just grew deeper with every page. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
P.S. I’m going to make the assumption, Ms. Jean, that there’s a third book coming with Chelsey et al as the focus, but let me take a moment to beg and plead just the same. I need more about this multilayered detective and her life, so please oh please let there be another one coming soon!
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Domestic suspense
- Onion-like plotting
- Low-key procedurals
- Multiple POVs
- Multiple plot lines
- Lyrical prose
- Character-driven plot lines
- Emotional depth
- Slow-burning mysteries
- Continuing sagas
- Complex characters
- Short chapters
- A heavy atmosphere
SYNOPSIS:
Married, pregnant, and thriving in her career, Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life finally feels whole, until an explosive new case shatters everything. A mother is dead. Her sixteen-year-old daughter, Naomi, has disappeared. And the search will awaken questions about Chelsey’s own origins—questions she’s spent a lifetime afraid to ask.
The victim called herself Anne Walker. But she was born Rika Takahashi, and her journey from a remote Japanese farm to suburban Seattle conceals decades of deception. Across Tokyo’s shadowed underworld, an isolated Idaho town, and years of carefully constructed lies, Rika reinvented herself at every turn. But she was always running—from someone, or something.
Now, Chelsey must find Naomi before she becomes the next victim. But the deeper she delves into Rika’s hidden life, the more she discovers: some secrets are worth killing for. And the most dangerous truths may be the ones closest to home.
Thank you Emiko Jean and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 1, 2026
Content warning: adoption, pregnancy, murder, kidnapping, forced confinement, stalking, xenophobia, domestic abuse, childbirth, dementia, gun violence, death, trafficking, mention of: drug abuse, addiction
September 5, 2026
This is the second book in the Chelsey Calhoun series. I didn’t read the first one and had no problem following along.
The story starts with a dead woman and her teenage daughter is missing. Who would do this and why? The woman went by Anne but was born under a different name.
Two timelines are going from the past and the present. We get a view of what the woman’s life was like before her daughter was born and after.
I liked the multiple POV and dual timelines. I was really interested in this woman’s past. The two things that bothered me a little were the pace and a trope that really irks my nerves. Once that came into play, I lost a little interest. I can’t tell you or it would spoil it. This is a me thing.
Still a good story that people are loving and I recommend you checking it out.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Simon Books for the gifted copy
The story starts with a dead woman and her teenage daughter is missing. Who would do this and why? The woman went by Anne but was born under a different name.
Two timelines are going from the past and the present. We get a view of what the woman’s life was like before her daughter was born and after.
I liked the multiple POV and dual timelines. I was really interested in this woman’s past. The two things that bothered me a little were the pace and a trope that really irks my nerves. Once that came into play, I lost a little interest. I can’t tell you or it would spoil it. This is a me thing.
Still a good story that people are loving and I recommend you checking it out.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Simon Books for the gifted copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ANHPI Month 2026 #7
I love everything Emiko has ever written, from young adult romance to adult contemporary to this police procedural. It's giving Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
We met Detective Chelsey Calhoun in the previous novel, a book I ate up. I read this fast, too. There are two stories happening here: 1) Anne Walker is dead. Her teenage daughter Naomi is missing. But Anne was born Rika Takahashi, and she has a very sad backstory. 2) Like Rika, Chelsey is of Japanese descent. But Chelsey is adopted. She is now pregnant, and wonders what biological traits she will pass on to her daughter. Her adoptive mother is being very secretive with what she knows.
But since we don't learn too much about Chelsey (we have to leave more for books three and beyond), let's focus on Rika and her terrible taste in men. 1) There's the young white man that found her in her youth, slept with her, left the country, and left her some cash. 2) There's the tattooed yakuza member she met when she was working in a hostess bar. 3) There's the white man that "rescued" her. But something isn't quite right with him.
Two is important, but this story is about three. I wanted to start this review off with my new favorite saying, "Men should be lonelier," but the more and more I read, the more horrified I became. Because it's not just men you should fear, but women.
This is a story about trafficking in the form of marriage. And how the very women you come to trust turn around and sell you to the highest bidder. Calling it marriage doesn't change what it is. People look down on mail-order brides. I pity them. Surely you don't think women would subject themselves to such a low if they had any other choice.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster
I love everything Emiko has ever written, from young adult romance to adult contemporary to this police procedural. It's giving Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
We met Detective Chelsey Calhoun in the previous novel, a book I ate up. I read this fast, too. There are two stories happening here: 1) Anne Walker is dead. Her teenage daughter Naomi is missing. But Anne was born Rika Takahashi, and she has a very sad backstory. 2) Like Rika, Chelsey is of Japanese descent. But Chelsey is adopted. She is now pregnant, and wonders what biological traits she will pass on to her daughter. Her adoptive mother is being very secretive with what she knows.
But since we don't learn too much about Chelsey (we have to leave more for books three and beyond), let's focus on Rika and her terrible taste in men. 1) There's the young white man that found her in her youth, slept with her, left the country, and left her some cash. 2) There's the tattooed yakuza member she met when she was working in a hostess bar. 3) There's the white man that "rescued" her. But something isn't quite right with him.
Two is important, but this story is about three. I wanted to start this review off with my new favorite saying, "Men should be lonelier," but the more and more I read, the more horrified I became. Because it's not just men you should fear, but women.
This is a story about trafficking in the form of marriage. And how the very women you come to trust turn around and sell you to the highest bidder. Calling it marriage doesn't change what it is. People look down on mail-order brides. I pity them. Surely you don't think women would subject themselves to such a low if they had any other choice.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
I loved the first book in this series, so when I saw it was an option for Book of the Month, I couldn't add it to my box quick enough.
After finishing this book, my main reaction is: Oof. This felt like a punch to the gut.
In my opinion, this book is heavy. While it's a mystery, with Chelsey one of the main detectives, it tackles a lot of heavy topics. Now, this experience may be shadowed by the years I worked in child welfare, seeing these topics playing out in real life, so maybe it won't hit so hard for others.
One thing I want to give a trigger warning for though is domestic violence. While it is not super descriptive, it is mentioned several times with some descriptions. So, please take this into consideration before picking up this book.
Additionally, for anyone who may have not read the first book, there is also mention of adoption and the struggle of not knowing where you truly come from, from not knowing your family history and background. This theme runs steadily through the book.
Now, all that aside, this was a solid mystery. I felt like everything was paced well and there were clues you could follow along with, without there being an overwhelming amount. I also appreciated that, in the end, everything tied up nicely and made sense. There weren't any plot holes or things I was left questioning.
One of my favourite things about this series though is the lead detective Chelsey and her partner Montoya. I love seeing this work well together as partners, while also getting glimpses of the friendship underneath. Their partnership is the kind I imagine every officer wishes they had.
Chelsey and Montoya are solid detectives as well. As a reader, I'm always able to follow along with their reasoning regarding the decisions they make and the conclusions they come to. I find them very level headed, professional, and logical. More than this though, I love the heart they have behind the work. The author makes it clear they are both detectives that care very much about the people they are working to find and the victims they are trying to get justice for. This isn't just a job for them. This, mixed with the fact that they make mistakes and question their actions, makes them feel very realistic and relatable to me. They are characters I can root for every time.
Also, can we give a quick shout out to Noah? Chelsey, you picked a good one girl! We love a supportive and loving husband, who isn't afraid to let his wife shine! 👏🏻
In terms of the pacing of this book, I think it was well done. There were times that there was a lot of tension and anxiety, while also giving us time to think and consider the information the detectives have collected to that point. Due to this, I felt like the pacing was well balanced without there being any stretches that felt like the story was dragging.
Lastly, I love that the author has left Chelseys personal story open, letting us know that there is more to come. I honestly can't wait to find out what comes next for her in her search for information about her family and I just know I'll be scooping up the next book just as fast as this one.
Overall, this book provided a solid mystery that was also filled with a lot of heart, grief, sadness, guilt, betrayal, and every emotion in between. So, if you enjoy mysteries that have solid and realistic detectives, but also possibly make you cry, then this one is for you!
After finishing this book, my main reaction is: Oof. This felt like a punch to the gut.
In my opinion, this book is heavy. While it's a mystery, with Chelsey one of the main detectives, it tackles a lot of heavy topics. Now, this experience may be shadowed by the years I worked in child welfare, seeing these topics playing out in real life, so maybe it won't hit so hard for others.
One thing I want to give a trigger warning for though is domestic violence. While it is not super descriptive, it is mentioned several times with some descriptions. So, please take this into consideration before picking up this book.
Additionally, for anyone who may have not read the first book, there is also mention of adoption and the struggle of not knowing where you truly come from, from not knowing your family history and background. This theme runs steadily through the book.
Now, all that aside, this was a solid mystery. I felt like everything was paced well and there were clues you could follow along with, without there being an overwhelming amount. I also appreciated that, in the end, everything tied up nicely and made sense. There weren't any plot holes or things I was left questioning.
One of my favourite things about this series though is the lead detective Chelsey and her partner Montoya. I love seeing this work well together as partners, while also getting glimpses of the friendship underneath. Their partnership is the kind I imagine every officer wishes they had.
Chelsey and Montoya are solid detectives as well. As a reader, I'm always able to follow along with their reasoning regarding the decisions they make and the conclusions they come to. I find them very level headed, professional, and logical. More than this though, I love the heart they have behind the work. The author makes it clear they are both detectives that care very much about the people they are working to find and the victims they are trying to get justice for. This isn't just a job for them. This, mixed with the fact that they make mistakes and question their actions, makes them feel very realistic and relatable to me. They are characters I can root for every time.
Also, can we give a quick shout out to Noah? Chelsey, you picked a good one girl! We love a supportive and loving husband, who isn't afraid to let his wife shine! 👏🏻
In terms of the pacing of this book, I think it was well done. There were times that there was a lot of tension and anxiety, while also giving us time to think and consider the information the detectives have collected to that point. Due to this, I felt like the pacing was well balanced without there being any stretches that felt like the story was dragging.
Lastly, I love that the author has left Chelseys personal story open, letting us know that there is more to come. I honestly can't wait to find out what comes next for her in her search for information about her family and I just know I'll be scooping up the next book just as fast as this one.
Overall, this book provided a solid mystery that was also filled with a lot of heart, grief, sadness, guilt, betrayal, and every emotion in between. So, if you enjoy mysteries that have solid and realistic detectives, but also possibly make you cry, then this one is for you!
April 19, 2026
I really enjoyed reading The Return Of Ellie Black a couple of years ago, so when I saw that Emiko Jean had written another novel in the same genre, I knew that I wanted to read it.
And I’m glad that I did, because I think that I enjoyed this book even more that the previous one.
One thing that I love is when authors have recurring characters in books but don’t officially make them a series that I feel like I have to commit to and read in order.
In Before You Were Anne, we are reunited with Detective Chelsea Calhoun, a main character Ellie Black, who’s now four months pregnant.
If you’ve read The Return Of Ellie Black you will definitely remember her, but what’s nice is that both books work fine as a standalone, so it isn’t necessary to read one in order to appreciate the other.
This is a dual timeline novel that takes place in present day Seattle and Tokyo about sixteen years prior.
Parts of it are written in second-person narrative, which is not something that I often see.
I enjoyed reading in a different style, although there were a couple of flashbacks where I had to reread things to be able to tell which generation it was flashing back to.
This book is very much a slow burn (something that I’m often not a fan of).
But it really worked for me this time; the story was great and held my full attention from beginning to end.
I was a tad disappointed because I made an accurate assumption about one of the characters way before it was revealed (I prefer twists and turns that I never could have seen coming), but everything else was so good that it didn’t really detract from my overall enjoyment.
I’d definitely recommend both Before You Were Anne and The Return Of Ellie Black to anyone who enjoys slow burn mysteries with some police procedural aspects thrown in.
I’d also include a TW for anyone who’s sensitive to domestic violence.
Thanks to Simon & Shuster and Emiko Jean for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
And I’m glad that I did, because I think that I enjoyed this book even more that the previous one.
One thing that I love is when authors have recurring characters in books but don’t officially make them a series that I feel like I have to commit to and read in order.
In Before You Were Anne, we are reunited with Detective Chelsea Calhoun, a main character Ellie Black, who’s now four months pregnant.
If you’ve read The Return Of Ellie Black you will definitely remember her, but what’s nice is that both books work fine as a standalone, so it isn’t necessary to read one in order to appreciate the other.
This is a dual timeline novel that takes place in present day Seattle and Tokyo about sixteen years prior.
Parts of it are written in second-person narrative, which is not something that I often see.
I enjoyed reading in a different style, although there were a couple of flashbacks where I had to reread things to be able to tell which generation it was flashing back to.
This book is very much a slow burn (something that I’m often not a fan of).
But it really worked for me this time; the story was great and held my full attention from beginning to end.
I was a tad disappointed because I made an accurate assumption about one of the characters way before it was revealed (I prefer twists and turns that I never could have seen coming), but everything else was so good that it didn’t really detract from my overall enjoyment.
I’d definitely recommend both Before You Were Anne and The Return Of Ellie Black to anyone who enjoys slow burn mysteries with some police procedural aspects thrown in.
I’d also include a TW for anyone who’s sensitive to domestic violence.
Thanks to Simon & Shuster and Emiko Jean for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
September 2, 2026
**Happy publication day to the newest Chelsey Calhoun mystery!**
Nothing like a murder investigation to uncover your family tree.
4.5 stars rounded up.
When a woman is murdered and her sixteen-year-old daughter disappears, Detective Chelsey Calhoun is drawn into a case that quickly becomes much more personal than she expected. The victim lived under the name Anne Walker, but she was born Rika Takahashi, and the search for her missing daughter sends Chelsey digging into a complicated history stretching from Japan to Seattle - and, unexpectedly, into questions about her own origins.
I was so glad to see Detective Chelsey Calhoun return. I really enjoyed her character and storyline in Emiko Jean's The Return of Ellie Black , and she remains just as compelling in this second installment, which finds her now working in Seattle. If you haven't read the first book, I would absolutely recommend starting there, though it is not strictly necessary. **Not only is it excellent, but it also provides important background to Chelsey's story.**
Where The Return of Ellie Black took what initially appeared to be a fairly straightforward missing-girl mystery and turned it into a deeply nuanced exploration of what it means to be a woman in the world, Before You Were Anne - while still tackling those issues - shifts the focus to cross-cultural identity, mothers and daughters, and the complicated question of where - and with whom - we belong. Chelsey's Japanese heritage becomes increasingly important as she investigates a missing girl with Japanese roots of her own, while **her pregnancy** and the questions surrounding her adoption add another deeply personal layer to the story without distracting from the central mystery.
I really enjoyed seeing Chelsey settle into her new life in Seattle, where she is now four months pregnant, has a refreshingly functional relationship with her husband, and shares her workload on the job with a partner. Their dynamic worked particularly well for me and added another dimension to a character I was already invested in.
As with Jean's previous novel, what elevates this far above many other thrillers for me is the thoughtful commentary woven throughout the mystery. Jean tackles questions of identity, belonging, motherhood, and the ways in which the choices of one generation can reverberate through the next, all while writing with a prose that is considerably more beautiful than you might expect from **your run-of-the-mill thriller**.
The mystery itself is solid, although I did feel that Jean tries to do a little too much with it. This is still very much a slow burn, and while I enjoyed the deliberate pacing for most of the novel, things became somewhat convoluted toward the end without ultimately delivering a particularly surprising resolution.
Even so, I remain very invested in Chelsey's story. In fact, the biggest mystery for me may now be the one surrounding Chelsey herself: as she begins to unravel the circumstances of her own adoption, there are clearly more questions waiting to be answered. And if that is a hint that there are more Chelsey Calhoun books to come, I, for one, am here for it.
Thoughtful, atmospheric, and beautifully written, Before You Were Anne is another compelling addition to Chelsey Calhoun's story. The mystery's ultimate resolution may not have completely surprised me, but Emiko Jean once again proves that she can take the familiar ingredients of a thriller and turn them into something much more nuanced - and considerably more interesting.
TW for domestic abuse, stalking.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for inviting me to read an ARC via NetGalley.
"Before You Were Anne" publishes TODAY, September 1, 2026!
Nothing like a murder investigation to uncover your family tree.
4.5 stars rounded up.
When a woman is murdered and her sixteen-year-old daughter disappears, Detective Chelsey Calhoun is drawn into a case that quickly becomes much more personal than she expected. The victim lived under the name Anne Walker, but she was born Rika Takahashi, and the search for her missing daughter sends Chelsey digging into a complicated history stretching from Japan to Seattle - and, unexpectedly, into questions about her own origins.
I was so glad to see Detective Chelsey Calhoun return. I really enjoyed her character and storyline in Emiko Jean's The Return of Ellie Black , and she remains just as compelling in this second installment, which finds her now working in Seattle. If you haven't read the first book, I would absolutely recommend starting there, though it is not strictly necessary. **Not only is it excellent, but it also provides important background to Chelsey's story.**
Where The Return of Ellie Black took what initially appeared to be a fairly straightforward missing-girl mystery and turned it into a deeply nuanced exploration of what it means to be a woman in the world, Before You Were Anne - while still tackling those issues - shifts the focus to cross-cultural identity, mothers and daughters, and the complicated question of where - and with whom - we belong. Chelsey's Japanese heritage becomes increasingly important as she investigates a missing girl with Japanese roots of her own, while **her pregnancy** and the questions surrounding her adoption add another deeply personal layer to the story without distracting from the central mystery.
I really enjoyed seeing Chelsey settle into her new life in Seattle, where she is now four months pregnant, has a refreshingly functional relationship with her husband, and shares her workload on the job with a partner. Their dynamic worked particularly well for me and added another dimension to a character I was already invested in.
As with Jean's previous novel, what elevates this far above many other thrillers for me is the thoughtful commentary woven throughout the mystery. Jean tackles questions of identity, belonging, motherhood, and the ways in which the choices of one generation can reverberate through the next, all while writing with a prose that is considerably more beautiful than you might expect from **your run-of-the-mill thriller**.
The mystery itself is solid, although I did feel that Jean tries to do a little too much with it. This is still very much a slow burn, and while I enjoyed the deliberate pacing for most of the novel, things became somewhat convoluted toward the end without ultimately delivering a particularly surprising resolution.
Even so, I remain very invested in Chelsey's story. In fact, the biggest mystery for me may now be the one surrounding Chelsey herself: as she begins to unravel the circumstances of her own adoption, there are clearly more questions waiting to be answered. And if that is a hint that there are more Chelsey Calhoun books to come, I, for one, am here for it.
Thoughtful, atmospheric, and beautifully written, Before You Were Anne is another compelling addition to Chelsey Calhoun's story. The mystery's ultimate resolution may not have completely surprised me, but Emiko Jean once again proves that she can take the familiar ingredients of a thriller and turn them into something much more nuanced - and considerably more interesting.
TW for domestic abuse, stalking.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for inviting me to read an ARC via NetGalley.
"Before You Were Anne" publishes TODAY, September 1, 2026!
September 12, 2026
4⭐️ Fast paced and tense mystery/thriller that kept me turning pages until the very end. This book features detective Chelsea Calhoun that we first met in The Return of Ellie Black. The ending leaves us with the possibility of another novel featuring detective Chelsea.
Detective Calhoun is now married and newly pregnant with a daughter. She and her partner are assigned to investigate a murdered mom Anne, and her missing teen daughter Naomi.
Chelsea is also dealing with her own adoption mystery. As an Asian child adopted to a white family, she longs to know her mysterious origin story.
Many twists and turns as we follow the quest to find Naomi before it’s too late, and an adoption surprise for Chelsea! Satisfying ending! Hope to see more of Detective Calhoun in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
Detective Calhoun is now married and newly pregnant with a daughter. She and her partner are assigned to investigate a murdered mom Anne, and her missing teen daughter Naomi.
Chelsea is also dealing with her own adoption mystery. As an Asian child adopted to a white family, she longs to know her mysterious origin story.
Many twists and turns as we follow the quest to find Naomi before it’s too late, and an adoption surprise for Chelsea! Satisfying ending! Hope to see more of Detective Calhoun in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
March 26, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for giving me an ARC of this book (ebook version).
Detective Chelsey Calhoun is back and I am here for it. I didn't realize when I read The Return of Ellie Black that this was going to be a series following the detective, but I'm really stoked that it is. Chelsey is complicated and Emiko Jean has only scratched the surface with her story. It seems like we will be getting bits and pieces in each book as Chelsey works through her own issues while working cases.
Anne, a Japanese immigrant, has been found murdered in her home. Her teenage daughter, Naomi, is missing. As the detectives investigate, the story is woven with flashbacks of Anne's life growing up and living as a young adult in Japan. Before she was Anne, she was Rika. Rika's story takes us from a small farm where she was raised by her teenage mother and grandparents, to her move to the city and work at a hostess club where she falls for someone she doesn't realize is off limits until it's too late, to her escape to America with the handsome man she meets while trying to figure out her life. Her life in America and her new husband turn out not to be the ideal she thought they were and so she escapes and becomes Anne. But something from her past has come to light and that something has gotten her murdered...
Detective Calhoun and her partner race to find Naomi while trying to unravel the secrets that Anne was keeping before it's too late. I found this book to be well written and exciting. It kept me on my toes and there were revelations that surprised me. An excellent read!
Detective Chelsey Calhoun is back and I am here for it. I didn't realize when I read The Return of Ellie Black that this was going to be a series following the detective, but I'm really stoked that it is. Chelsey is complicated and Emiko Jean has only scratched the surface with her story. It seems like we will be getting bits and pieces in each book as Chelsey works through her own issues while working cases.
Anne, a Japanese immigrant, has been found murdered in her home. Her teenage daughter, Naomi, is missing. As the detectives investigate, the story is woven with flashbacks of Anne's life growing up and living as a young adult in Japan. Before she was Anne, she was Rika. Rika's story takes us from a small farm where she was raised by her teenage mother and grandparents, to her move to the city and work at a hostess club where she falls for someone she doesn't realize is off limits until it's too late, to her escape to America with the handsome man she meets while trying to figure out her life. Her life in America and her new husband turn out not to be the ideal she thought they were and so she escapes and becomes Anne. But something from her past has come to light and that something has gotten her murdered...
Detective Calhoun and her partner race to find Naomi while trying to unravel the secrets that Anne was keeping before it's too late. I found this book to be well written and exciting. It kept me on my toes and there were revelations that surprised me. An excellent read!
September 1, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you @simonbooks + @simon.audio for the galley and ALC ♡ #simonbooksbuddy
The Return of Ellie Black took me by surprise as my top thriller of 2024. So I was very excited to get my hands on the follow up book.
Once again this is first a missing girl story. But it’s the historical timeline that was most compelling. Exploring Japanese tea houses, Yakuza, and crime syndicates…and escaping one’s destiny.
In the present timeline Chelsey is pregnant and desperate to learn her origin story: how did she come to be adopted into her white family? So many secrets and lies, in the name of love.
The 3 POVs and timeline hopping between Chelsey, Rika, and Naomi, made for a fast paced plot that I wanted to finish in a single sitting. (I didn’t because I was at my son’s soccer game and wanted to be present for that too 😝⚽️.)
If you loved Ellie Black you’re going to want to pick this one up. Out today!
TW: Child Abuse, Kidnapping, Domestic Violence, Rape, Assault, Misogyny
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 multi cast audio with Mizuo Peck, Mieko Gavia, and Mirai was the way to go, making it very easy to distinguish Chelsea, Rika, and Naomi.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcvz5lokaMe/
Thank you @simonbooks + @simon.audio for the galley and ALC ♡ #simonbooksbuddy
The Return of Ellie Black took me by surprise as my top thriller of 2024. So I was very excited to get my hands on the follow up book.
Once again this is first a missing girl story. But it’s the historical timeline that was most compelling. Exploring Japanese tea houses, Yakuza, and crime syndicates…and escaping one’s destiny.
In the present timeline Chelsey is pregnant and desperate to learn her origin story: how did she come to be adopted into her white family? So many secrets and lies, in the name of love.
The 3 POVs and timeline hopping between Chelsey, Rika, and Naomi, made for a fast paced plot that I wanted to finish in a single sitting. (I didn’t because I was at my son’s soccer game and wanted to be present for that too 😝⚽️.)
If you loved Ellie Black you’re going to want to pick this one up. Out today!
TW: Child Abuse, Kidnapping, Domestic Violence, Rape, Assault, Misogyny
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 multi cast audio with Mizuo Peck, Mieko Gavia, and Mirai was the way to go, making it very easy to distinguish Chelsea, Rika, and Naomi.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcvz5lokaMe/
September 3, 2026
This is book 2 in the Chelsey Calhoun series. The first, The Return of Ellie Black, was a five star read for me,and so was this one. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one. It can totally be read as a standalone. This was such a great crime thriller/mystery. I loved being back into the world of Chelsey Calhoun while she is back on the case of a murdered mother, Anne (previously Rika) and her missing daughter, Naomi. We get multiple POV’s and timelines which made for such a fast read. The mystery was so good and I loved the parts about Anne's past, in Japan. There are unexpected twists and great character development. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2026
When Anne is found murdered in her home and her daughter Naomi is missing, Chelsey Calhoun takes on the investigation while pregnant and questioning her own origins as an adopted child. Told through three POVs and two timelines, the story pieces together what happened to Anne and Naomi.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book in under 24 hours. I grabbed it from BOTM without realizing it was a sequel, but Before You Were Anne can absolutely be read as a standalone. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book because I loved this one so much!
I was truly invested in needing to know what happened to Anne and Naomi. What surprised me most was how REAL this thriller felt. I usually read thrillers for, ya know, the thrill and often find myself thinking, “that would never happen in real life”. But this felt like something that could actually happen to someone and that made the stakes and emotions of it all feel even higher.
The ending was bittersweet. It was intense, emotional, and completely captivating. While absolutely heartbroken for Naomi I also felt excitement for her and the next chapter of her life.
Overall, I would say this is probably one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, if not THE best. I could see the scenes playing out in my head the entire time and could absolutely see this becoming a TV series or movie.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book in under 24 hours. I grabbed it from BOTM without realizing it was a sequel, but Before You Were Anne can absolutely be read as a standalone. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book because I loved this one so much!
I was truly invested in needing to know what happened to Anne and Naomi. What surprised me most was how REAL this thriller felt. I usually read thrillers for, ya know, the thrill and often find myself thinking, “that would never happen in real life”. But this felt like something that could actually happen to someone and that made the stakes and emotions of it all feel even higher.
The ending was bittersweet. It was intense, emotional, and completely captivating. While absolutely heartbroken for Naomi I also felt excitement for her and the next chapter of her life.
Overall, I would say this is probably one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, if not THE best. I could see the scenes playing out in my head the entire time and could absolutely see this becoming a TV series or movie.
September 6, 2026
I absolutely loved The Return of Ellie Black, so I was very excited when I saw that Emiko Jean had written a new book. I grabbed it from NetGalley as soon as I saw it - no hesitation whatsoever. This book delivers as well as ‘Ellie Black’ on all fronts!
The story, the atmosphere and the characters are all so well developed. The plot is intricately woven and the suspense never lets up! I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I actually ignored all my responsibilities for an entire day until I had it finished. Nearing the end, I knew it was coming but I just was not emotionally prepared for it. And now I have a book hangover.
Bravo Ms. Jean👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I will be impatiently awaiting your next bestseller!!
✨Thank you Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for the advance copy.
The story, the atmosphere and the characters are all so well developed. The plot is intricately woven and the suspense never lets up! I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I actually ignored all my responsibilities for an entire day until I had it finished. Nearing the end, I knew it was coming but I just was not emotionally prepared for it. And now I have a book hangover.
Bravo Ms. Jean👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I will be impatiently awaiting your next bestseller!!
✨Thank you Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for the advance copy.
September 7, 2026
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for the gifted book!
I absolutely loved The Return of Ellie Black. and was so excited to be back in Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s world! This book starts getting intense from the very beginning when a Anne is found dead and her 16-year-old daughter, Naomi, is missing!
As she tries to solve the murder of Anne and search for Naomi, Chelsea begins to uncover the truth surrounding who Anne really was and the secrets she was hiding from her daughter. Told through multiple different perspectives and timelines, this story kept me locked in the entire time!
I also loved learning more about Chelsea and watching as she uncovers lies and secrets from her own past! There was never a dull moment! The ending wrapped things up perfectly, but I still hope we get more from Chelsea and her story in the future!
This can easily be read as a standalone in my opinion, but I would still recommend reading The Return of Ellie Black because it's THAT good!
4.5 stars rounded up
I absolutely loved The Return of Ellie Black. and was so excited to be back in Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s world! This book starts getting intense from the very beginning when a Anne is found dead and her 16-year-old daughter, Naomi, is missing!
As she tries to solve the murder of Anne and search for Naomi, Chelsea begins to uncover the truth surrounding who Anne really was and the secrets she was hiding from her daughter. Told through multiple different perspectives and timelines, this story kept me locked in the entire time!
I also loved learning more about Chelsea and watching as she uncovers lies and secrets from her own past! There was never a dull moment! The ending wrapped things up perfectly, but I still hope we get more from Chelsea and her story in the future!
This can easily be read as a standalone in my opinion, but I would still recommend reading The Return of Ellie Black because it's THAT good!
4.5 stars rounded up
April 26, 2026
This book was so good! It’s a story of family, mothers and daughters, those who help us, the secrets we hide from those we love, and so much more. The story takes place between Japan and Seattle and the setting is very vivid and I felt like I could feel being in both places.
The mystery surrounding Rika’s past, and Naomi’s disappearance kept me very invested in this story. Add to it Detective Chelsea Calhoun from The Return of Ellie Black is a main character in this story and the mystery of her adoption plays a role in this story as well.
This was a very written mystery that really solidified Emiko as a must read author and I can’t wait to read more by her.
The mystery surrounding Rika’s past, and Naomi’s disappearance kept me very invested in this story. Add to it Detective Chelsea Calhoun from The Return of Ellie Black is a main character in this story and the mystery of her adoption plays a role in this story as well.
This was a very written mystery that really solidified Emiko as a must read author and I can’t wait to read more by her.
September 1, 2026
This novel opens in Seattle with the discovery of a dead woman and her teenage daughter missing. Detective Chelsey Calhoun (also the main character in Emiko Jean’s last book, The Return of Ellie Black) and her partner are assigned to the case. The title comes from the fact that the dead woman, Anne Walker, was previously known as Rika. In addition to the parts where Chelsey is investigating, the book also includes parts about Anne/Rika’s past from Japan to Idaho to Seattle, and brief glimpses of Naomi post-disappearance.
This was a really good one, and one I couldn’t put down. At first it seems like the mystery is going to be pretty simple and resolved quickly, but each time it seems all figured out, the plot takes another turn I didn’t see coming - not silly thrilly type twists, more just interesting developments that still make total sense. It is a sequel, but can definitely be read as a standalone - the mystery is totally separate. You may just be a little confused by some of the references to Chelsey’s personal past if you haven’t read the first one. Though I highly recommend the first book as well!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for my e-ARC (out today); all opinions are my own.
This was a really good one, and one I couldn’t put down. At first it seems like the mystery is going to be pretty simple and resolved quickly, but each time it seems all figured out, the plot takes another turn I didn’t see coming - not silly thrilly type twists, more just interesting developments that still make total sense. It is a sequel, but can definitely be read as a standalone - the mystery is totally separate. You may just be a little confused by some of the references to Chelsey’s personal past if you haven’t read the first one. Though I highly recommend the first book as well!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for my e-ARC (out today); all opinions are my own.
August 26, 2026
Detective Chelsey Calhoun is back in the second installment in the series. If you have not read the first book, The Return of Ellie Black, I highly recommend it. Emiko Jean, a YA romance author blew me out of the water with her mystery thriller debut, and I was very excited to learn a sequel had been written. The book starts with a woman who has been stabbed to death in her home, and her teenage daughter is missing. Chelsey is now married, pregnant, living in Seattle and is partnered up with Montoya. They work well together and soon learn that Anne Walker, the stabbing victim, is really Rika Takahashi, born on a farm in in Japan. How did she get to the States and what is her story? The clues will lead them to Idaho and back as they search for Rika's daughter, Naomi, and will uncover dark secrets. During the search, Chelsey's questions about her own history will bubble up, leading her to search for answers. I'm hoping this will lead to a third book in the series! Before You Were Anne has an atmospheric Pacific Northwest vibe, is somewhat dark, and told in multiple POVs in both the past and the present, slowly bringing together both to tell the full inter-generational story.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
April 11, 2026
Detective Chelsey Calhoun is back! We first met her in ”The return of Ellie Black” which was a 5 star read for me. She is now uncovering a legacy of violence when a woman is found murdered and her teenage daughter is missing.
This book enraptured me from the start. We hear Rika’s story and how she made her way to America while trying to uncover the mystery of her death. Also, where is her daughter Naomi? This book is heartbreaking and will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
This book enraptured me from the start. We hear Rika’s story and how she made her way to America while trying to uncover the mystery of her death. Also, where is her daughter Naomi? This book is heartbreaking and will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
June 19, 2026
UGHH i have so much i wanna say but i can’t say a ton without spoiling… i liked the first book, but i absolutely LOVED this one. the mystery, characters, everything like OMFG i could not have asked for a better sequel. i appreciated that the story focused more on chelsey’s heritage and developed an entirely new plot without relying heavily on book one.
both books could probably be read as standalones and still be strong, but i think having the existing knowledge from book one only made book two so so much better. gonna sing this books praises until the day i die🙏🏼🙏🏼 book three ASAP pls!
ALSO tysm netgalley for the arc, bless your kind souls🫶🏼
both books could probably be read as standalones and still be strong, but i think having the existing knowledge from book one only made book two so so much better. gonna sing this books praises until the day i die🙏🏼🙏🏼 book three ASAP pls!
ALSO tysm netgalley for the arc, bless your kind souls🫶🏼
April 15, 2026
“Of all the risks in the world, the biggest is not knowing."
In Before You Were Anne, Emiko Jean has given us another beautifully written thriller centering home and belonging. We get multiple points of view and flashbacks, and get to enjoy a story that spans continents.
You don't have to read The Return of Ellie Black first, but there are nods to characters and situations that would be helpful to know. That and it's such a great book!
In Before You Were Anne, Emiko Jean has given us another beautifully written thriller centering home and belonging. We get multiple points of view and flashbacks, and get to enjoy a story that spans continents.
You don't have to read The Return of Ellie Black first, but there are nods to characters and situations that would be helpful to know. That and it's such a great book!
September 3, 2026
A murdered Japanese-American woman. A missing daughter. And a pregnant detective (Chelsey) who is determined to solve the case.
I remember being very intrigued by 'The Return Of Ellie Black' and this second Chelsey Calhoun book is equally dark and riveting (and it can be read as a standalone). In BEFORE YOU WERE ANNE, Jean deeply captures identity, belonging, adoption, Asian fetishization, a legacy of violence and the way trauma perpetuates. Through dual timelines and spanning generations, the mystery is dissected into truths that render sharp depiction of real characters and their struggles.
It's a slow burn narrative loaded with drama that makes us keep turning the pages. I enjoyed how the investigation takes on a more personal level when the case starts to intertwine with Chelsey's personal story/past. With steady unfold of what's buried deep and a right dose of suspense, I didn't even bother some formulaic parts. In short, I think Jean lands on the delivery and I would like to read the next installment to uncover more about Chelsey.
ps: being a bit vague and not revealing the trigger warnings to avoid giving too much; also don't read the synopsis, better go blind
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Simon books . All opinions are my own ]
I remember being very intrigued by 'The Return Of Ellie Black' and this second Chelsey Calhoun book is equally dark and riveting (and it can be read as a standalone). In BEFORE YOU WERE ANNE, Jean deeply captures identity, belonging, adoption, Asian fetishization, a legacy of violence and the way trauma perpetuates. Through dual timelines and spanning generations, the mystery is dissected into truths that render sharp depiction of real characters and their struggles.
It's a slow burn narrative loaded with drama that makes us keep turning the pages. I enjoyed how the investigation takes on a more personal level when the case starts to intertwine with Chelsey's personal story/past. With steady unfold of what's buried deep and a right dose of suspense, I didn't even bother some formulaic parts. In short, I think Jean lands on the delivery and I would like to read the next installment to uncover more about Chelsey.
ps: being a bit vague and not revealing the trigger warnings to avoid giving too much; also don't read the synopsis, better go blind
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Simon books . All opinions are my own ]
September 6, 2026
4.5/5⭐️ Before You Were Anne is the second book in the Detective Chelsey Calhoun series. These are interconnected standalones with only the main character Chelsey connecting the two books. However, there are spoilers for some plot points of The Return of Ellie Black in this, so definitely read that one first if you want to read both.
This was QUITE a different tone that book one in this series but it worked beautifully in a different way. The Return of Ellie Black was fast-paced and shocking twists kind of thriller. Before You Were Anne read more literary, slow burn mystery to me. It still had some great twists and mystery but the focus was much more on the characters and their backstories. Since we are following several points of view, including one from a mother and a daughter, this ended up packing a much more emotional punch while simultaneously explores themes of immigration, identity, and abuse. I had to keep putting the book down at the end because I couldn't read through the tears in my eyes.
I'll definitely be reading more of Emiko Jean's thrillers in the future!
Thank you Simon Books Buddy for the physical ARC!
This was QUITE a different tone that book one in this series but it worked beautifully in a different way. The Return of Ellie Black was fast-paced and shocking twists kind of thriller. Before You Were Anne read more literary, slow burn mystery to me. It still had some great twists and mystery but the focus was much more on the characters and their backstories. Since we are following several points of view, including one from a mother and a daughter, this ended up packing a much more emotional punch while simultaneously explores themes of immigration, identity, and abuse. I had to keep putting the book down at the end because I couldn't read through the tears in my eyes.
I'll definitely be reading more of Emiko Jean's thrillers in the future!
Thank you Simon Books Buddy for the physical ARC!
September 7, 2026
In 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘞𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘦, author Emiko Jean takes us on another investigation with detective Chelsey Calhoun. In this installment, a Japanese immigrant woman has been murdered and her teenaged daughter has gone missing from their quiet suburban neighborhood. Chelsey, still dealing with her complicated family history and now pregnant with a child of her own, is deeply affected by the case but determined to do her job. Told from multiple points of view and timelines, Jean has put together yet another gripping mystery-thriller. I especially enjoyed the international aspects of the story and the vivid descriptions of the settings. 4.25 stars. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2026
Really enjoyed this book! BTM Need to have more like these types of books in their subscriptions!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 18, 20264.25 ⭐️
Not sure I can say I loved a book when it made me feel all kinds of emotions: pain, horror, sadness and grief. All layered with an “ick”.
A story about a young woman named Rika whose journey from a Japanese farm to America is full of secrets and illegal activities that fray a bond between mother and daughters…
I won’t give more than that except to say that I was held hostage by horror, and not a scary kind of horror, but the “this could actually be real and makes me desperately sad” kind of horror.
Emotional thriller indeed.
Did it feel like I could read this in a newspaper tomorrow. Yes, yes it does
And that’s what makes it even more heartbreaking
Darn this author can write. Because every character felt uncomfortably real.
Ps. This is the same character Chelsey from “The Return of Ellie Black” .
Not sure I can say I loved a book when it made me feel all kinds of emotions: pain, horror, sadness and grief. All layered with an “ick”.
A story about a young woman named Rika whose journey from a Japanese farm to America is full of secrets and illegal activities that fray a bond between mother and daughters…
I won’t give more than that except to say that I was held hostage by horror, and not a scary kind of horror, but the “this could actually be real and makes me desperately sad” kind of horror.
Emotional thriller indeed.
Did it feel like I could read this in a newspaper tomorrow. Yes, yes it does
And that’s what makes it even more heartbreaking
Darn this author can write. Because every character felt uncomfortably real.
Ps. This is the same character Chelsey from “The Return of Ellie Black” .
April 16, 2026
That was incredible. I knew when I read Ellie Black that Emiko was going to be an auto read author for me. Her books are beautifully written, keep you on the edge of your seat, and pull at your heartstrings.
Detective Calhoun (Yes, from Ellie Black!) investigates a case with a murdered woman and her missing teen daughter. The book spans decades as we unravel what happened in Anne’s past and try to find Naomi.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I already can’t wait for the next installment!
Detective Calhoun (Yes, from Ellie Black!) investigates a case with a murdered woman and her missing teen daughter. The book spans decades as we unravel what happened in Anne’s past and try to find Naomi.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I already can’t wait for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved The Return of Ellie Black. I thought it was absolutely riveting and read it in a single afternoon. Sadly, Before You Were Anne didn't live up to its predecessor. Detective Chelsea Calhoun, now pregnant, returns with another tragic case: Rika/Anne Walker, a Japanese immigrant, has been murdered, and her 16-year-old daughter Naomi is missing. The premise was intriguing, but the story itself lacked any gas. It was so slow, and Emiko Jean weighed down the narrative with excessive backstory. I sadly wasn't invested in either the plot or the characters. This didn't hold my attention, and I mainly skimmed to the end to find out what happened. I missed the breakneck pacing and juicy turns from The Return of Ellie Black.
Thank you to Simon & Schuester via Netgalley for the digital ARC.
Thank you to Simon & Schuester via Netgalley for the digital ARC.
May 17, 2026
I enjoyed this one. A bit slow pacing wise and lost some nuance in side characters, but I liked the characters and three, thoughtful POVs of women at different stages of life, death, and uncertainty. The mystery was interesting - not predictable but not surprising and I enjoyed the path to the solve. Overall a well done read. Would recommend Ellie Black read prior to picking this one up for context. Excited to see what Chelsey does next.
read for
Multiple POVs
Murder Mystery
Strong FMCs
Buddy Cop Procedural
read for
Multiple POVs
Murder Mystery
Strong FMCs
Buddy Cop Procedural
September 16, 2026
Before You Were Anne opens with a homicide and a missing teen. Detective Calhoun is dispatched, with her partner, to investigate both.
It uses the framework of of a mystery/police procedural to explore themes of: Immigration, vulnerability, and exploitation, women trying to create better lives under unequal circumstances, identity and the stories we're told about who we are.
This book contains some very heavy topics and I’ll provide some content warnings below…with spoiler tags. Don’t go in expecting an edge-of-your-seat thriller. This is more character driven than the setup might suggest, but also with a hard-hitting emotional impact.
I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it. I was rooting for all three main characters. The pacing was even and I was engaged throughout. While sometimes sad and heavy, I felt the ending was satisfying, hopeful and forward looking.
I loved the narrative style of this book. Th author uses ALL the tricks of the trade. We have third person limited, with multiple POVs and multiple timelines, all written in present tense. The psychic distance was also fascinating. A POV chapter often begins at quite a distance, almost as if I’m observing as a fly on the wall. For example, a POV chapter might start “Naomi lies on the bed connected to an I.V……” or “Anne walks out of the house, returns and takes her keys…”. Think of a film that opens on a wide shot and then slowly moving closer to the character’s thoughts and feelings. Then cut…new POV, possibly a new timeline, wide shot again, still writing in present tense. I thought it was perfect for a police procedural style novel.
Note this is the second Detective Chelsey Calhoun novel. I hadn't read the first and had no trouble diving in. Book One is called The Return of Ellie Black.
Content Warnings, while not graphic this book does contain
It uses the framework of of a mystery/police procedural to explore themes of: Immigration, vulnerability, and exploitation, women trying to create better lives under unequal circumstances, identity and the stories we're told about who we are.
This book contains some very heavy topics and I’ll provide some content warnings below…with spoiler tags. Don’t go in expecting an edge-of-your-seat thriller. This is more character driven than the setup might suggest, but also with a hard-hitting emotional impact.
I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it. I was rooting for all three main characters. The pacing was even and I was engaged throughout. While sometimes sad and heavy, I felt the ending was satisfying, hopeful and forward looking.
I loved the narrative style of this book. Th author uses ALL the tricks of the trade. We have third person limited, with multiple POVs and multiple timelines, all written in present tense. The psychic distance was also fascinating. A POV chapter often begins at quite a distance, almost as if I’m observing as a fly on the wall. For example, a POV chapter might start “Naomi lies on the bed connected to an I.V……” or “Anne walks out of the house, returns and takes her keys…”. Think of a film that opens on a wide shot and then slowly moving closer to the character’s thoughts and feelings. Then cut…new POV, possibly a new timeline, wide shot again, still writing in present tense. I thought it was perfect for a police procedural style novel.
Note this is the second Detective Chelsey Calhoun novel. I hadn't read the first and had no trouble diving in. Book One is called The Return of Ellie Black.
Content Warnings, while not graphic this book does contain
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