What do you think?
Rate this book
Heather
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26A small-town detective reopens an unsolved case, sending shock waves across generations of women in this gripping new mystery from the Edgar Award–winning author of Please See Us.
1990. In the myth-riddled woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, sixteen-year-old Annabelle Riley's twin sister, Sabrina, has been having an affair with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover what's going on. Then, inexplicably, both sisters disappear.
In this same town years later, newly instated police chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly resurrects details from a heartbreaking cold case. As she digs deeper, the past and the present collide, challenging everything Callie believes about right and wrong, who she is, and the town she's always called home.
A propulsive mystery as incisive as it is forgiving, Heather bears a visceral reminder that the truth of a woman's life is often complicated and unknowable—to those on the outside, and sometimes even to herself.
1990. In the myth-riddled woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, sixteen-year-old Annabelle Riley's twin sister, Sabrina, has been having an affair with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover what's going on. Then, inexplicably, both sisters disappear.
In this same town years later, newly instated police chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly resurrects details from a heartbreaking cold case. As she digs deeper, the past and the present collide, challenging everything Callie believes about right and wrong, who she is, and the town she's always called home.
A propulsive mystery as incisive as it is forgiving, Heather bears a visceral reminder that the truth of a woman's life is often complicated and unknowable—to those on the outside, and sometimes even to herself.
13 pages, Audiobook
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Caitlin Mullen
3 books477 followersCaitlin Mullen is the author of Please See Us, which won the 2021 Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was named a New York Times best crime novel in 2020. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and children.
instagram: @caitlin_e_mullen
instagram: @caitlin_e_mullen
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️ How rarely do we know the truths even about our own lives?
Two missing girls, one cold case, thirty years of silence. This is a story of a small town that harbored a lot of dark secrets. Set in Pine Barrens, NJ, this is mystery/literary thriller that follows two timelines and 3 distinct narrators.. each telling a story that serves as a reminder that a woman's life is often complicated and unknowable and when a voice is lost, a lot of truth is lost with it.
1994. A 16 year old Sabrina is having an affair with a mysterious older man. Her twin sister Annabelle is determines to uncover what is going on. Then, inexplicably both sisters disappear.
2023. A small town detective, Callie, reopens an unsolved case when she makes an arrest that resurrects details of the heartbreaking past.
Body of a baby is found in the woods. No one knows whose baby it is, how it got there or who is involved. The case goes cold and silent for the next 30 years until Callie, a newly instated police chief officer, makes an arrest that opens a little crack in the cold case. The arrest sets off a chain of events, bringing Callie closer to the truth but she was not expecting to find something that is far more deeper, messier and personal.
Heather is a slow burn mystery full of suspense. While the pacing is slow at times, the story is laced with emotionally shocking moments and is more of a character driven crime fiction. I had a little trouble following the narration the first 15% and then I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I listened to the first 70% of the narration in one sitting and finished the rest the next day, also in one sitting. I loved Callies character--she was driven, on top of things, an embodiment of what I'd call a great detective and police officer. She just kept digging and digging some more and all this digging ticked a few people off (total red flags!) and she just wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted. All this digging just added more tension to the narrative, I seriously started to think I was part of the investigation! Ha!
The noisiness of the third narrator was probably my favorite part of the story. A girls own curiosity opens a can of worms. I loved how everything unfolded and readers should be prepared for emotional depth that covers dark subjects: teen pregnancy, loss, stillbirth, sexual exploitation.
Narrator: Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
Duration 12 hours 2 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author, Caitlin Mullen for an early ALC.
Publication date: June 9, 2026
Two missing girls, one cold case, thirty years of silence. This is a story of a small town that harbored a lot of dark secrets. Set in Pine Barrens, NJ, this is mystery/literary thriller that follows two timelines and 3 distinct narrators.. each telling a story that serves as a reminder that a woman's life is often complicated and unknowable and when a voice is lost, a lot of truth is lost with it.
1994. A 16 year old Sabrina is having an affair with a mysterious older man. Her twin sister Annabelle is determines to uncover what is going on. Then, inexplicably both sisters disappear.
2023. A small town detective, Callie, reopens an unsolved case when she makes an arrest that resurrects details of the heartbreaking past.
Body of a baby is found in the woods. No one knows whose baby it is, how it got there or who is involved. The case goes cold and silent for the next 30 years until Callie, a newly instated police chief officer, makes an arrest that opens a little crack in the cold case. The arrest sets off a chain of events, bringing Callie closer to the truth but she was not expecting to find something that is far more deeper, messier and personal.
Heather is a slow burn mystery full of suspense. While the pacing is slow at times, the story is laced with emotionally shocking moments and is more of a character driven crime fiction. I had a little trouble following the narration the first 15% and then I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I listened to the first 70% of the narration in one sitting and finished the rest the next day, also in one sitting. I loved Callies character--she was driven, on top of things, an embodiment of what I'd call a great detective and police officer. She just kept digging and digging some more and all this digging ticked a few people off (total red flags!) and she just wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted. All this digging just added more tension to the narrative, I seriously started to think I was part of the investigation! Ha!
The noisiness of the third narrator was probably my favorite part of the story. A girls own curiosity opens a can of worms. I loved how everything unfolded and readers should be prepared for emotional depth that covers dark subjects: teen pregnancy, loss, stillbirth, sexual exploitation.
Narrator: Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
Duration 12 hours 2 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author, Caitlin Mullen for an early ALC.
Publication date: June 9, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Currently a GR giveaway going on
3.5⭐
Genre ~ police procedural, crime fiction
Setting ~ New Jersey
Publication date ~ June 6, 2026
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 54 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 8 minutes
Narrators ~ Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
POV ~ 3rd and 2nd (Annabelle)
Featuring ~ 3 parts, small town, cold case, slow burn
Callie is our new police chief ready to set some fresh eyes on the cold case of missing sisters, Annabelle & Sabrina, from the 90's.
These 16 year old twins don't have the best home life, so as you can imagine they don't make the best choices. There are inappropriate relationships resulting in .
Having a mix of 3rd and 2nd person narration was jarring, so I wasn't a big fan of that.
Part 2 we meet Blair in September 2023 that ramps up the story slightly.
Overall, this was fine as cold cases go, but it was very slow moving and pretty predictable. The eerie vibes were on point, though. It's worth mentioning this is not a thriller, so don't expect that going in if that's what you prefer with your mysteries.
Narration notes:
Please as punch there are 3! They all did well.
Pre-reading notes:
Obviously I have to read this one!
3.5⭐
Genre ~ police procedural, crime fiction
Setting ~ New Jersey
Publication date ~ June 6, 2026
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 54 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 8 minutes
Narrators ~ Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
POV ~ 3rd and 2nd (Annabelle)
Featuring ~ 3 parts, small town, cold case, slow burn
Callie is our new police chief ready to set some fresh eyes on the cold case of missing sisters, Annabelle & Sabrina, from the 90's.
These 16 year old twins don't have the best home life, so as you can imagine they don't make the best choices. There are inappropriate relationships resulting in .
Having a mix of 3rd and 2nd person narration was jarring, so I wasn't a big fan of that.
Part 2 we meet Blair in September 2023 that ramps up the story slightly.
Overall, this was fine as cold cases go, but it was very slow moving and pretty predictable. The eerie vibes were on point, though. It's worth mentioning this is not a thriller, so don't expect that going in if that's what you prefer with your mysteries.
Narration notes:
Please as punch there are 3! They all did well.
Pre-reading notes:
Obviously I have to read this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A slow-burn, layered mystery in a haunting setting.
The New Jersey Pine Barrens have long been fertile ground for myth and mystery, and in Heather, Caitlin Mullen uses that eerie landscape to craft a slow-burning, deeply atmospheric thriller about secrets, sisterhood, and the lingering weight of the past.
The story moves between two timelines. In the present day, newly appointed police chief Callie Hauser returns to her hometown hoping to find her footing in a role that carries both professional and personal stakes. When an arrest unexpectedly resurrects details connected to the death of an infant, Callie begins investigating the cold case, as well as the long-unsolved disappearance of twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley in the mid-1990s - and it's not long before old secrets start to surface and the past begins colliding with the present.
Heather is very much a character-driven mystery, and it works beautifully on that level. Mullen takes her time exploring the complicated lives of the women at the center of the story, examining family ties, buried trauma, and the way small towns preserve both memories and secrets. The Pine Barrens themselves become almost a character in the novel, their folklore and isolating landscape providing the perfect haunting backdrop.
At times, the atmosphere and themes are reminiscent of The God of the Woods , a personal favorite of mine, particularly in the way both novels blend a missing-person mystery with a deeper exploration of family dynamics and long-held community secrets.
My main reservation with the novel itself concerns its different points of view. The twins' sections are written in second person, a stylistic choice that creates a certain distance in the narrative. As a result, those chapters occasionally feel more like a stylistic experiment than a storytelling necessity. In addition, the eventual introduction of a third perspective (Blair) doesn't always feel entirely essential to the narrative.
In the audiobook version, all three perspectives are narrated by different performers, which was an excellent choice. Christine Lakin in particular delivers a standout performance as Callie, capturing both the character's determination and her underlying vulnerability as she navigates the pressures of returning home and reopening a case everyone wants to forget about. Mia Wurgaft also provides a strong and engaging narration in her sections, though they are fewer in number. Finally, Bailey Carr narrates the perspective of the teenage twins. While her performance emphasizes the emotional fragility of the characters, the softer delivery didn't work quite as well for me - especially since I was already struggling with the second-person narration in those chapters.
The pacing of the novel leans firmly toward the slow-burn end of the thriller spectrum, prioritizing atmosphere and character over relentless twists. For readers like myself who enjoy immersive, emotionally complex mysteries, that's very much part of the appeal. Haunting, introspective, and beautifully grounded in its setting, Heather explores family, secrets, and the ways small towns hold onto the past. The result is a thoughtful and layered mystery with an unforgettable atmosphere.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
"Heather" is slated to be released on June 9, 2026.
The New Jersey Pine Barrens have long been fertile ground for myth and mystery, and in Heather, Caitlin Mullen uses that eerie landscape to craft a slow-burning, deeply atmospheric thriller about secrets, sisterhood, and the lingering weight of the past.
The story moves between two timelines. In the present day, newly appointed police chief Callie Hauser returns to her hometown hoping to find her footing in a role that carries both professional and personal stakes. When an arrest unexpectedly resurrects details connected to the death of an infant, Callie begins investigating the cold case, as well as the long-unsolved disappearance of twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley in the mid-1990s - and it's not long before old secrets start to surface and the past begins colliding with the present.
Heather is very much a character-driven mystery, and it works beautifully on that level. Mullen takes her time exploring the complicated lives of the women at the center of the story, examining family ties, buried trauma, and the way small towns preserve both memories and secrets. The Pine Barrens themselves become almost a character in the novel, their folklore and isolating landscape providing the perfect haunting backdrop.
At times, the atmosphere and themes are reminiscent of The God of the Woods , a personal favorite of mine, particularly in the way both novels blend a missing-person mystery with a deeper exploration of family dynamics and long-held community secrets.
My main reservation with the novel itself concerns its different points of view. The twins' sections are written in second person, a stylistic choice that creates a certain distance in the narrative. As a result, those chapters occasionally feel more like a stylistic experiment than a storytelling necessity. In addition, the eventual introduction of a third perspective (Blair) doesn't always feel entirely essential to the narrative.
In the audiobook version, all three perspectives are narrated by different performers, which was an excellent choice. Christine Lakin in particular delivers a standout performance as Callie, capturing both the character's determination and her underlying vulnerability as she navigates the pressures of returning home and reopening a case everyone wants to forget about. Mia Wurgaft also provides a strong and engaging narration in her sections, though they are fewer in number. Finally, Bailey Carr narrates the perspective of the teenage twins. While her performance emphasizes the emotional fragility of the characters, the softer delivery didn't work quite as well for me - especially since I was already struggling with the second-person narration in those chapters.
The pacing of the novel leans firmly toward the slow-burn end of the thriller spectrum, prioritizing atmosphere and character over relentless twists. For readers like myself who enjoy immersive, emotionally complex mysteries, that's very much part of the appeal. Haunting, introspective, and beautifully grounded in its setting, Heather explores family, secrets, and the ways small towns hold onto the past. The result is a thoughtful and layered mystery with an unforgettable atmosphere.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
"Heather" is slated to be released on June 9, 2026.
May 22, 2026
thank you to netgalley, caitlin mullen, and celadon books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
release date: june 9th, 2026
oof. this was an emotional read. every woman in this book deserves so much better and more. it took a while for me to get into this book because it is veryyy slow in the beginning. that was my only complaint with this book. that, and there seemed to be too many side characters but omg no! i was so wrong - it is the side characters that truly bring this plot together. halfway through the book, you realize why and how every detail, minute or not, is very important. and by then, you won't be able to put this book down. the riley sisters have definitely made an impact on me.
release date: june 9th, 2026
oof. this was an emotional read. every woman in this book deserves so much better and more. it took a while for me to get into this book because it is veryyy slow in the beginning. that was my only complaint with this book. that, and there seemed to be too many side characters but omg no! i was so wrong - it is the side characters that truly bring this plot together. halfway through the book, you realize why and how every detail, minute or not, is very important. and by then, you won't be able to put this book down. the riley sisters have definitely made an impact on me.
April 28, 2026
HEATHER
By Caitlin Mullen
Narrated by Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
Buried Secrets in the Pine Barrens
3.5 rounded down
A slow-burn suspense novel set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Heather follows Police Chief Callie Hauser as she returns to her small hometown and makes an arrest that unexpectedly reopens a cold case from the 1990s. Two sixteen-year-old twin girls vanished years earlier, and Callie’s investigation begins to unsettle the town as long-buried secrets start to surface. As past and present collide, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew—about the case, the town, and even herself.
This is a slower-paced, dark, and atmospheric story with a quiet sense of unease. The pacing may not work for everyone, but it suits the moody, character-driven nature of the novel. Told through dual timelines, it focuses on complex women and how their pasts, relationships, and secrets shape their lives. The writing is descriptive and layered, exploring themes of trauma and memory.
This was a solid read for me, and I’d be interested in reading more from Caitlin Mullen. The narration was very well done, and I would definitely recommend the audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
April 21, 2026
Loved this—4.5 stars! A slow-burn, twisty cold case with just enough present-day drama to keep things moving. Callie was such a strong, layered character and I really enjoyed her growth. The sister dynamic felt super real, too. My only small gripe was wanting a bit more depth from a couple side characters. Overall, gripping, emotional, and definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for honest feedback.
I’m not typically into slow burn thrillers (and this one was slowwww) however, it was so well done that it kept me intrigued throughout. It was incredibly atmospheric and the characters were complex which added to the tension intimacy of the story. It was giving “Mare of Easttown” vibes and I can absolutely envision this book as a movie or series. Definitely a haunting read that will linger in my mind.
I’m not typically into slow burn thrillers (and this one was slowwww) however, it was so well done that it kept me intrigued throughout. It was incredibly atmospheric and the characters were complex which added to the tension intimacy of the story. It was giving “Mare of Easttown” vibes and I can absolutely envision this book as a movie or series. Definitely a haunting read that will linger in my mind.
March 2, 2026
I liked it!! Very exciting and then satisfying cold case mystery! Initially it was slow but picked up quite a bit. There is a back in forth between pov and timelines that was incredibly successful in my eyes.
When I started reading it I had the thought that I didn’t want to read about a cop solving a cold case, I’d rather read about a teenager (good girls guide to murder) or a group of old people (Thursday murder club) doing that. That said and with the most minimal spoilers - this book does eventually arrive at acab.
Heather is sort of giving Mare of Easttown, the absolutely incredible Kate Winslet mini series - I recommend that show and this book with equal measure.
Thanks for the arc and looking forward to the pub date this June. This would be a great summer read!!
When I started reading it I had the thought that I didn’t want to read about a cop solving a cold case, I’d rather read about a teenager (good girls guide to murder) or a group of old people (Thursday murder club) doing that. That said and with the most minimal spoilers - this book does eventually arrive at acab.
Heather is sort of giving Mare of Easttown, the absolutely incredible Kate Winslet mini series - I recommend that show and this book with equal measure.
Thanks for the arc and looking forward to the pub date this June. This would be a great summer read!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story was a heavy one.
The case itself? Really good. Tragic, uncomfortable at times and definitely not an easy read. It deals with a lot of difficult topics, teen pregnancy, grief, grooming, loss and it doesn’t shy away from them.
The story follows the disappearance of two sisters back in the `90s and then jumps years later, when a new police chief starts digging into the case again. As more details come to light, it becomes clear that things are way more complicated than they first seemed.
I really liked the multiple POVs (Annabelle & Sabrina in the `90s and Callie & a girl called Blair, in the present). They helped piece everything together and gave a fuller picture of what actually happened.
Emotionally, this book hit me really hard. It made me angry, frustrated, sad… and at times probably I wanted to scream a little. I could easily see this as a real case.
BUT.
The pacing… yeah. It’s very slow. Like, very slow. And while I understand why the story takes its time, I do think it could’ve been tighter.
That said, the audiobook narration was excellent and definitely helped bring the story to life.
Overall, this had all the elements of a really strong and amazing procedural, I just wish it moved a bit faster.
⭐ 3.75, rounded to 4
Thank you NetGalley and the gods at Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
The case itself? Really good. Tragic, uncomfortable at times and definitely not an easy read. It deals with a lot of difficult topics, teen pregnancy, grief, grooming, loss and it doesn’t shy away from them.
The story follows the disappearance of two sisters back in the `90s and then jumps years later, when a new police chief starts digging into the case again. As more details come to light, it becomes clear that things are way more complicated than they first seemed.
I really liked the multiple POVs (Annabelle & Sabrina in the `90s and Callie & a girl called Blair, in the present). They helped piece everything together and gave a fuller picture of what actually happened.
Emotionally, this book hit me really hard. It made me angry, frustrated, sad… and at times probably I wanted to scream a little. I could easily see this as a real case.
BUT.
The pacing… yeah. It’s very slow. Like, very slow. And while I understand why the story takes its time, I do think it could’ve been tighter.
That said, the audiobook narration was excellent and definitely helped bring the story to life.
Overall, this had all the elements of a really strong and amazing procedural, I just wish it moved a bit faster.
⭐ 3.75, rounded to 4
Thank you NetGalley and the gods at Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars!
Discussing the complex and intertwined connections in a small town, I’m really glad I chose the audiobook because there was so much to unpack!
A small-town detective reopens a cold case, impacting generations of women in this gripping mystery. The story begins in 1994 when 16-year-old Annabelle Riley investigates her twin sister Sabrina’s affair with an older man, leading to their unexplained disappearance. Years later, Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that brings haunting details of the case to light, forcing her to confront her beliefs about morality and her hometown.
This poignant and bittersweet story is divided into three parts, featuring dual timelines with Annabelle's perspective from the past and Callie’s and Blare’s viewpoints from the present. It explores three generations of women grappling with secrets, tough choices, and challenging upbringings.
We delve into Annabelle's and Sabrina’s stories, imagining the hardships they faced growing up without a mother and with a father who was emotionally absent. Then we meet Callie, who navigates her own struggles as a chief in a male-dominated world while also uncovering her unexpected connections to other characters. Lastly, we encounter Blare, who, in her distinct timeline, experiences a loving family environment. However, the twist that lies ahead takes us by surprise.
Wow, what an emotional journey! This book will certainly spark thought-provoking discussions, making it an ideal choice for book clubs. I can personally relate to it, having grown up alone without adult guidance during my formative years. Although I faced many choices, I’m thankful I discovered my own path, and in hindsight, I believe I made the right decisions.
The audiobook was fantastic, thanks to a few of my favorite narrators who truly brought the story and its emotions to life. I often found it hard to hit pause, and if you find the book a bit slow, I highly recommend listening to the audio version! The narrators matched the characters' personalities perfectly.
This story is for anyone who appreciates a slow-burn mystery rich in dark and emotional themes. It challenges you to immerse yourself in difficult situations and reminds you that, no matter where we find ourselves in the narrative, we’re all seeking our place in life. Of course, having family and support can shape who we become, but those who are less fortunate must often start over if given the chance.
The choices we make as teenagers or young adults can be tough to grasp in hindsight as adults. This book beautifully conveys the themes of trauma, grief, abandonment, and the quest for personal identity, all waiting for you to interpret in your own unique way. After all, we all have a past, and what we do with our future is up to us. However, doing the right thing is never easy. What a heartfelt story this is! Bravo!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Discussing the complex and intertwined connections in a small town, I’m really glad I chose the audiobook because there was so much to unpack!
A small-town detective reopens a cold case, impacting generations of women in this gripping mystery. The story begins in 1994 when 16-year-old Annabelle Riley investigates her twin sister Sabrina’s affair with an older man, leading to their unexplained disappearance. Years later, Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that brings haunting details of the case to light, forcing her to confront her beliefs about morality and her hometown.
This poignant and bittersweet story is divided into three parts, featuring dual timelines with Annabelle's perspective from the past and Callie’s and Blare’s viewpoints from the present. It explores three generations of women grappling with secrets, tough choices, and challenging upbringings.
We delve into Annabelle's and Sabrina’s stories, imagining the hardships they faced growing up without a mother and with a father who was emotionally absent. Then we meet Callie, who navigates her own struggles as a chief in a male-dominated world while also uncovering her unexpected connections to other characters. Lastly, we encounter Blare, who, in her distinct timeline, experiences a loving family environment. However, the twist that lies ahead takes us by surprise.
Wow, what an emotional journey! This book will certainly spark thought-provoking discussions, making it an ideal choice for book clubs. I can personally relate to it, having grown up alone without adult guidance during my formative years. Although I faced many choices, I’m thankful I discovered my own path, and in hindsight, I believe I made the right decisions.
The audiobook was fantastic, thanks to a few of my favorite narrators who truly brought the story and its emotions to life. I often found it hard to hit pause, and if you find the book a bit slow, I highly recommend listening to the audio version! The narrators matched the characters' personalities perfectly.
This story is for anyone who appreciates a slow-burn mystery rich in dark and emotional themes. It challenges you to immerse yourself in difficult situations and reminds you that, no matter where we find ourselves in the narrative, we’re all seeking our place in life. Of course, having family and support can shape who we become, but those who are less fortunate must often start over if given the chance.
The choices we make as teenagers or young adults can be tough to grasp in hindsight as adults. This book beautifully conveys the themes of trauma, grief, abandonment, and the quest for personal identity, all waiting for you to interpret in your own unique way. After all, we all have a past, and what we do with our future is up to us. However, doing the right thing is never easy. What a heartfelt story this is! Bravo!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy (ALC) of Heather in exchange for an honest review.
Caitlin Mullen delivers a layered, atmospheric mystery in Heather that kept me invested from beginning to end. Set against the haunting backdrop of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, this story blends a cold case, family secrets, and the complicated realities of womanhood into a compelling and emotionally resonant mystery.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded across timelines, slowly revealing what happened to twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina after their mysterious disappearance in 1994. The mystery itself was gripping, but what stood out most to me was the way Mullen explored relationships between women, identity, and the ripple effects of trauma and secrets across generations. The small-town setting added an eerie, immersive quality that made the story feel even more atmospheric.
The audiobook experience elevated the story for me. Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, and Mia Wurgaft each brought distinct voices and emotional depth to the characters, helping the multiple perspectives feel clear and engaging. Their performances added tension and nuance that made it easy to stay immersed in the mystery.
While the pacing occasionally felt slower in spots, the payoff was worth it, and the emotional depth gave this mystery something extra beyond just twists and suspense.
If you enjoy layered mysteries with strong female perspectives, cold cases, small-town secrets, and an atmospheric setting, Heather is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Caitlin Mullen delivers a layered, atmospheric mystery in Heather that kept me invested from beginning to end. Set against the haunting backdrop of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, this story blends a cold case, family secrets, and the complicated realities of womanhood into a compelling and emotionally resonant mystery.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded across timelines, slowly revealing what happened to twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina after their mysterious disappearance in 1994. The mystery itself was gripping, but what stood out most to me was the way Mullen explored relationships between women, identity, and the ripple effects of trauma and secrets across generations. The small-town setting added an eerie, immersive quality that made the story feel even more atmospheric.
The audiobook experience elevated the story for me. Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, and Mia Wurgaft each brought distinct voices and emotional depth to the characters, helping the multiple perspectives feel clear and engaging. Their performances added tension and nuance that made it easy to stay immersed in the mystery.
While the pacing occasionally felt slower in spots, the payoff was worth it, and the emotional depth gave this mystery something extra beyond just twists and suspense.
If you enjoy layered mysteries with strong female perspectives, cold cases, small-town secrets, and an atmospheric setting, Heather is definitely one to add to your TBR.
May 3, 2026
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
March 13, 2026
This was a complicated read for me. First, thank you to MacMillan audio and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy. I think the story was beautifully narrated, with each narrator’s voice distinct and lending to the atmospheric tone of the novel. They were a highlight for sure!!
That said, I believe this novel is best received if you let it wash over you and don’t think too closely about all the mental leaps these characters are making throughout the story, or the plot gaps that could have been fleshed out, solving these mysteries quicker. You need to suspend your disbelief for an enjoyable, emotionally charged(-ish???) read with some good twists and turns. I unfortunately did not do that for most of my listen.
There were several moments here where I found myself going “well no duh”, because the writing was trying so hard to be profound and add depth to things that didn’t need any extra emotional value! Callie is described as not knowing *~*why*~* she decides to flip through the old yearbook of the twins to see her kinda-estranged mother’s photo….well like…I can tell you why, and I don’t know if the reason is as profound as it’s written to be. Sometimes humans make choices and they don’t need three poetic metaphors as justification for each choice, especially when all three narrators are written in this very specific way. These women wind up blending into each other, save for the different perspectives they’re written in. Simpler writing would have supported the grit of this story’s themes of addiction and grimy, awful men really well.
I think the story needed either way more of Blair’s perspective leading to a reveal, or none at all. Her section felt like an afterthought, though listening to it rather than reading a print copy may have lended to this feeling. I also didn’t think the love interest was necessary in Callie’s journey for anything other than giving her a place to be while other important things happened.
I’d like to pitch this as a really good, atmospheric HBO Max show, where I think some of the elements could be served in more authentic ways. There’s a lot of really rich world building and interesting material here, if we could rely more on “show” and less on “tell”.
That said, I believe this novel is best received if you let it wash over you and don’t think too closely about all the mental leaps these characters are making throughout the story, or the plot gaps that could have been fleshed out, solving these mysteries quicker. You need to suspend your disbelief for an enjoyable, emotionally charged(-ish???) read with some good twists and turns. I unfortunately did not do that for most of my listen.
There were several moments here where I found myself going “well no duh”, because the writing was trying so hard to be profound and add depth to things that didn’t need any extra emotional value! Callie is described as not knowing *~*why*~* she decides to flip through the old yearbook of the twins to see her kinda-estranged mother’s photo….well like…I can tell you why, and I don’t know if the reason is as profound as it’s written to be. Sometimes humans make choices and they don’t need three poetic metaphors as justification for each choice, especially when all three narrators are written in this very specific way. These women wind up blending into each other, save for the different perspectives they’re written in. Simpler writing would have supported the grit of this story’s themes of addiction and grimy, awful men really well.
I think the story needed either way more of Blair’s perspective leading to a reveal, or none at all. Her section felt like an afterthought, though listening to it rather than reading a print copy may have lended to this feeling. I also didn’t think the love interest was necessary in Callie’s journey for anything other than giving her a place to be while other important things happened.
I’d like to pitch this as a really good, atmospheric HBO Max show, where I think some of the elements could be served in more authentic ways. There’s a lot of really rich world building and interesting material here, if we could rely more on “show” and less on “tell”.
May 26, 2026
Heather is a slow building, character driven, cold case mystery told from multiple POVs, in 2 timelines. Right from the start, we see a complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. I loved how Caitlin Mullen really dove into those flawed characters and the decisions they made while then connecting the present to the past with the backstory of a missing teen that had gone unsolved.
Callie is the chief of police and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. From helping to care for a loved one, to a tumultuous relationship with her mother, to the troubles of becoming the chief of police, is Callie dealing with more than she can chew? With a recent arrest, she brings up a past unsolved mystery that has haunted the county. With its atmospheric setting and a cast of characters that all play some sort of role in Callie's life, secrets are unveiled and the past collides with the present in an unexpected way and we see that not everything is so black and white.
I enjoyed the way the author connected the past with the present, but was always left haunted by the past when it came to the story of the twin sisters that had had so much trauma and pain in their lives. I felt so much heartbreak and anger with what they went through and what they gave up, but was satisfied with how Mullen thoughtfully brought the story full circle and connected the two timelines. At the core of this story, it's about women and the choices we are forced to make.
With that said, the story may have been slow to build, but I loved that there were multiple POVs that were treated as puzzle pieces, and all came together to understand the female perspectives. With Christine Lakin, Bailey Carr, and Mia Wurgaft narrating the audiobook, they gave amazing yet haunting performances, bringing each and every character to life until we uncovered each secret being hidden in the small town.
Overall, an emotional story, with powerful and layered female characters that will have you pulled in from the beginning. Definitely an audiobook and book I'd recommend. 4+ stars
Callie is the chief of police and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. From helping to care for a loved one, to a tumultuous relationship with her mother, to the troubles of becoming the chief of police, is Callie dealing with more than she can chew? With a recent arrest, she brings up a past unsolved mystery that has haunted the county. With its atmospheric setting and a cast of characters that all play some sort of role in Callie's life, secrets are unveiled and the past collides with the present in an unexpected way and we see that not everything is so black and white.
I enjoyed the way the author connected the past with the present, but was always left haunted by the past when it came to the story of the twin sisters that had had so much trauma and pain in their lives. I felt so much heartbreak and anger with what they went through and what they gave up, but was satisfied with how Mullen thoughtfully brought the story full circle and connected the two timelines. At the core of this story, it's about women and the choices we are forced to make.
With that said, the story may have been slow to build, but I loved that there were multiple POVs that were treated as puzzle pieces, and all came together to understand the female perspectives. With Christine Lakin, Bailey Carr, and Mia Wurgaft narrating the audiobook, they gave amazing yet haunting performances, bringing each and every character to life until we uncovered each secret being hidden in the small town.
Overall, an emotional story, with powerful and layered female characters that will have you pulled in from the beginning. Definitely an audiobook and book I'd recommend. 4+ stars
April 19, 2026
Heather is a small town, slow burn thriller/mystery that follows the POV of three characters, in two separate time periods. I am rating this one somewhere between 3-3.5 stars.
I liked all of the characters/character development for Callie (FMC) a lot, and I think it was due to this story being told from primarily from a 3rd person POV, which I don’t think I’ve come across often in this genre, so I found that interesting and also disorienting at times.
While the book was well written, the mystery was laid out in a way that I caught onto clues and twists 2-3 steps ahead of the author’s intention for laying them out for the reader. I also found elements of the story to be unrealistic (if what Jenna discovered as a teenager was well known by the town, I’m not convinced Callie wouldn’t have heard about it growing up via gossip, especially living in a small town) and for her credentials, Callie often acts in a way that feels more like rookie behavior rather than someone in a position of a police chief would act.
Shout out to the reference to circling words to look up in the dictionary - kids today will never know what that was like!!!!
Lastly the narrators did a wonderful job bringing all of these characters to life. I could listen to them for hours.
Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review prior to this book’s release on June 9th!
*** check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain material
I liked all of the characters/character development for Callie (FMC) a lot, and I think it was due to this story being told from primarily from a 3rd person POV, which I don’t think I’ve come across often in this genre, so I found that interesting and also disorienting at times.
While the book was well written, the mystery was laid out in a way that I caught onto clues and twists 2-3 steps ahead of the author’s intention for laying them out for the reader. I also found elements of the story to be unrealistic (if what Jenna discovered as a teenager was well known by the town, I’m not convinced Callie wouldn’t have heard about it growing up via gossip, especially living in a small town) and for her credentials, Callie often acts in a way that feels more like rookie behavior rather than someone in a position of a police chief would act.
Shout out to the reference to circling words to look up in the dictionary - kids today will never know what that was like!!!!
Lastly the narrators did a wonderful job bringing all of these characters to life. I could listen to them for hours.
Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review prior to this book’s release on June 9th!
*** check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain material
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am extremely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reviewing an ALC (Advance Listener Copy) of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Heather is a wonderful slow-burn mystery that is very immersive and atmospheric. In the modern timeline, Chief of Police Callie Hauser makes an arrest that hits surprisingly close to home. While dealing with the trauma that stirs up, she uncovers shocking clues tied to a cold case from the past. In 1994, twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley are eking out a hardscrabble existence after their mother abandoned them and their father is rarely around to help. Sabrina gets caught up in a relationship with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle feels her sister pulling away. Terrified of losing the one tether to normalcy she has left, Annabelle decides to spy on her sister and find out more about the elusive stranger she only knows as The Coyote. Both sisters then disappear without a trace, and the case goes cold.
The story unfolds across the two timelines from the perspectives of Callie and the Riley sisters. The entire story is set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a place well known for its mythical lore and stories of hauntings. I enjoyed the way the real-life folklore of the Barrens is woven into the narrative. The sticky, summery vibes would make this a perfect seasonal read. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the timelines, although I was a little overwhelmed by the number of characters at the start. That eventually settled down, and the story became easy to follow.
This is for sure a slow-burn narrative, but I found the pacing to be steady throughout. I have seen this compared to The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, and I definitely see similarities. I also picked up some Tana French, Ozark, and Mare of Easttown vibes. There is some suspension of disbelief required for certain elements to make sense, but nothing too far-fetched. This is as much a story of trauma and women having to make difficult choices—or having no choices available—as it is a gritty mystery. There was a nice twist about 45% of the way through that I did not see coming, and I was fully locked in by then. The audio narration was beautifully executed and added to my enjoyment of the story.
Very well written, this one will appeal to fans of slow-burn mysteries, survivor stories, crime procedurals, or anyone intrigued by the lore of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. 3.75 stars rounded up for the twist and a solid ending
Heather is a wonderful slow-burn mystery that is very immersive and atmospheric. In the modern timeline, Chief of Police Callie Hauser makes an arrest that hits surprisingly close to home. While dealing with the trauma that stirs up, she uncovers shocking clues tied to a cold case from the past. In 1994, twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley are eking out a hardscrabble existence after their mother abandoned them and their father is rarely around to help. Sabrina gets caught up in a relationship with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle feels her sister pulling away. Terrified of losing the one tether to normalcy she has left, Annabelle decides to spy on her sister and find out more about the elusive stranger she only knows as The Coyote. Both sisters then disappear without a trace, and the case goes cold.
The story unfolds across the two timelines from the perspectives of Callie and the Riley sisters. The entire story is set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a place well known for its mythical lore and stories of hauntings. I enjoyed the way the real-life folklore of the Barrens is woven into the narrative. The sticky, summery vibes would make this a perfect seasonal read. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the timelines, although I was a little overwhelmed by the number of characters at the start. That eventually settled down, and the story became easy to follow.
This is for sure a slow-burn narrative, but I found the pacing to be steady throughout. I have seen this compared to The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, and I definitely see similarities. I also picked up some Tana French, Ozark, and Mare of Easttown vibes. There is some suspension of disbelief required for certain elements to make sense, but nothing too far-fetched. This is as much a story of trauma and women having to make difficult choices—or having no choices available—as it is a gritty mystery. There was a nice twist about 45% of the way through that I did not see coming, and I was fully locked in by then. The audio narration was beautifully executed and added to my enjoyment of the story.
Very well written, this one will appeal to fans of slow-burn mysteries, survivor stories, crime procedurals, or anyone intrigued by the lore of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. 3.75 stars rounded up for the twist and a solid ending
April 29, 2026
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Heather in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Wow. This book is going to be really hard to describe, but I’ll try my best because I absolutely loved it.
This story made me feel everything— worry, anger, hope, heartbreak, dread… literally every emotion in between. I’ve seen some reviews call this a slow burn, and I can understand why, but honestly? I was hooked the entire time. I never once felt bored or disconnected. I was fully invested in these characters from start to finish.
Callie’s storyline especially stayed with me. I loved the 1994 timeline so much, and even though it wasn’t the entire focus of the book, it added exactly the kind of atmosphere and emotional weight I wanted. Add in the myths surrounding the New Jersey Pine Barrens mixed with very real human struggles, and I just couldn’t stop listening.
This isn’t a terrifying thriller in the traditional sense— it’s more about the emotional tension and the constant feeling that something heavy is sitting just beneath the surface. The mystery unfolds in such a haunting, human way that I know this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
The audio production was also incredibly well done.
If you love atmospheric mysteries with emotional depth, complicated women, cold cases, and haunting small-town secrets, I highly recommend picking this one up when it releases.
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Wow. This book is going to be really hard to describe, but I’ll try my best because I absolutely loved it.
This story made me feel everything— worry, anger, hope, heartbreak, dread… literally every emotion in between. I’ve seen some reviews call this a slow burn, and I can understand why, but honestly? I was hooked the entire time. I never once felt bored or disconnected. I was fully invested in these characters from start to finish.
Callie’s storyline especially stayed with me. I loved the 1994 timeline so much, and even though it wasn’t the entire focus of the book, it added exactly the kind of atmosphere and emotional weight I wanted. Add in the myths surrounding the New Jersey Pine Barrens mixed with very real human struggles, and I just couldn’t stop listening.
This isn’t a terrifying thriller in the traditional sense— it’s more about the emotional tension and the constant feeling that something heavy is sitting just beneath the surface. The mystery unfolds in such a haunting, human way that I know this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
The audio production was also incredibly well done.
If you love atmospheric mysteries with emotional depth, complicated women, cold cases, and haunting small-town secrets, I highly recommend picking this one up when it releases.
May 15, 2026
This had all the ingredients of a book I normally love: missing girls, small town secrets, generational trauma, and an eerie setup in the Pine Barrens. Honestly the cover and synopsis make this feel like it’s going to be a dark woods-heavy atmospheric mystery and I was SO ready for that. Unfortunately, the actual woods barely felt present in the story at all.
Instead, this was an excruciatingly slow burn where I pretty much had the mystery figured out within the first few chapters. Once the second part started, it became even more obvious where things were headed and I kept waiting for some huge twist or revelation to prove me wrong. It never came.
That doesn’t mean the book is bad because it isn’t. The writing is solid and I can absolutely see why some readers would connect with it. But the pacing was painfully sluggish and the reveals felt so predictable that I never got the payoff I was hoping for. Instead of building tension, it mostly felt like waiting around for the characters to catch up to information the reader already knows.
If you love very slow, character driven literary mysteries that focus more on mood and relationships than actual suspense, this may work really well for you. I just needed more tension, more momentum, and honestly way more creepy Pine Barrens atmosphere than what we actually got.
Instead, this was an excruciatingly slow burn where I pretty much had the mystery figured out within the first few chapters. Once the second part started, it became even more obvious where things were headed and I kept waiting for some huge twist or revelation to prove me wrong. It never came.
That doesn’t mean the book is bad because it isn’t. The writing is solid and I can absolutely see why some readers would connect with it. But the pacing was painfully sluggish and the reveals felt so predictable that I never got the payoff I was hoping for. Instead of building tension, it mostly felt like waiting around for the characters to catch up to information the reader already knows.
If you love very slow, character driven literary mysteries that focus more on mood and relationships than actual suspense, this may work really well for you. I just needed more tension, more momentum, and honestly way more creepy Pine Barrens atmosphere than what we actually got.
May 16, 2026
3.75:
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy!
This book had such potential to be a five star. Written so well with a great pacing and flow. The multi point of view really added to the story. Was pretty letdown by the plot twist at the end, felt like it came out of nowhere. I can never find a good balance of how much I want to have guessed the ending or feel like it's plausible for me to like the story… so maybe that's on me. Did read the last couple chapters quickly so might've missed some items. Felt very similar to an SA Cosby book! Love him, therefore, will love anything this author puts out.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy!
This book had such potential to be a five star. Written so well with a great pacing and flow. The multi point of view really added to the story. Was pretty letdown by the plot twist at the end, felt like it came out of nowhere. I can never find a good balance of how much I want to have guessed the ending or feel like it's plausible for me to like the story… so maybe that's on me. Did read the last couple chapters quickly so might've missed some items. Felt very similar to an SA Cosby book! Love him, therefore, will love anything this author puts out.
April 22, 2026
4.5/5 stars. This was a slow burn mystery that had me gripped from the moment it started. I love a multiple POV, multiple timeline story, so this really hit the mark for me on both accounts. Callie was a reliable, honest character and you completely understood her and her actions. I didn’t really know where this was going to go and felt like everything got tied up in the end!
I was a little put off by the big idea of the cold case (deceased infant) and felt a little uneasy about that. So that is where I take off from a full 5 personally.
It’s always a plus when an audiobook includes various voice actors to make the story come alive. A well done production!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc!
I was a little put off by the big idea of the cold case (deceased infant) and felt a little uneasy about that. So that is where I take off from a full 5 personally.
It’s always a plus when an audiobook includes various voice actors to make the story come alive. A well done production!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story mixes mystery with everyday life, where family history, mistakes, and forgiveness sit alongside the investigation. It feels like the focus is as much on understanding what happened as it is on how people continue living with it.
The way events unfold connects personal history with present tension, so the mystery is always tied to emotion and memory rather than just clues.
The three narrators in the audiobook make each part of the story feel distinct. Hearing different voices for different perspectives keeps the structure clear and adds variation as the story moves forward.
The way events unfold connects personal history with present tension, so the mystery is always tied to emotion and memory rather than just clues.
The three narrators in the audiobook make each part of the story feel distinct. Hearing different voices for different perspectives keeps the structure clear and adds variation as the story moves forward.
May 2, 2026
A soft, emotional novel, full of the grief of the female experience. The procedural elements keep the plot moving, but each chapter contains multitudes of relatable emotions that all women have felt at least once in their lives.
May 24, 2026
Heather was full of twists and turns as the main character tries to solve an old case involving her mother, who has now disappeared. I really enjoyed the procedural aspects of the story as well as Callie’s determination to solve this old case and uncovering the unexpected connection to her. When I say unexpected I mean I really didn’t see that coming, especially when she got some answers, and I love that element of surprise in a book. Multiple POV and timelines kept the pacing fast and kept me wanting more as each chapter ended and I was solidly invested in this story pretty quickly. The audiobook was narrated by 3 voice actors and I never had to wonder which character was speaking or from which timeline.
Tropes:
🌳 Family secrets
🌳 Small town drama
🌳 Who can you trust?
🌳 FMC in authority in a male dominated workplace
🌳 A bit of romance
🌳 Solving a cold case
Tropes:
🌳 Family secrets
🌳 Small town drama
🌳 Who can you trust?
🌳 FMC in authority in a male dominated workplace
🌳 A bit of romance
🌳 Solving a cold case
May 27, 2026
A slow burn thriller set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens reminiscent of The God of the Woods and Long Bright River. Compelling and well written.
March 22, 2026
This was a captivating story told with very interesting characters and when all the story lines comes together they fit perfectly.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest feedback!
First things first, I wouldn’t exactly call Heather a thriller in the traditional sense. It’s more of a literary, slow-burn mystery that’s deeply atmospheric and character driven (think The God of the Woods). Personally, I love this style, but it’s certainly not for anyone seeking something fast-paced.
Heather moves between two timelines. In the present day, Callie returns to her hometown in the New Jersey Pine Barrens as the newly appointed police chief. She makes an arrest that hits close to home and rouses details of a cold case from the 1990s regarding missing sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley and the death of an infant.
In the mid-90s, teenage twins Annabelle and Sabrina are caught up in a complicated relationship with an older man. They’re dependent on one another for just about everything — their mother abandoned them and their father is always gone.
As Callie investigates the cold case in the present, secrets start to unravel and the two timelines begin to collide.
I loved that on the surface, it’s a cop investigating and solving a cold case mystery. But once you look a little deeper, it’s a rich social commentary. It’s equal parts family drama and literary thriller. It explores motherhood, childhood trauma, and belonging. And Caitlin Mullen does such an excellent job of weaving all of these things together to build a deeply atmospheric and moving story. I highly recommend it!
In the audiobook version, each perspective is narrated by a different voice actor, but I found their voices to be a little bit too similar. The narrator for Callie, in particular, did such a spectacular job. She made the story easy to follow and kept the listener truly invested despite the slower pacing. I also thought the soft and subtle delivery of Sabrina and Annabelle worked to really emphasize their innocence and loneliness as well.
What kept this from being a 5-star read for me was the second person point of view for the twins’ perspectives. That stylistic choice I found curious and a little confusing. I think it would’ve hit harder had the point of view remained in third or even switched to first instead of second.
Overall, I anticipate Heather to be a major hit when it releases this summer!
First things first, I wouldn’t exactly call Heather a thriller in the traditional sense. It’s more of a literary, slow-burn mystery that’s deeply atmospheric and character driven (think The God of the Woods). Personally, I love this style, but it’s certainly not for anyone seeking something fast-paced.
Heather moves between two timelines. In the present day, Callie returns to her hometown in the New Jersey Pine Barrens as the newly appointed police chief. She makes an arrest that hits close to home and rouses details of a cold case from the 1990s regarding missing sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley and the death of an infant.
In the mid-90s, teenage twins Annabelle and Sabrina are caught up in a complicated relationship with an older man. They’re dependent on one another for just about everything — their mother abandoned them and their father is always gone.
As Callie investigates the cold case in the present, secrets start to unravel and the two timelines begin to collide.
I loved that on the surface, it’s a cop investigating and solving a cold case mystery. But once you look a little deeper, it’s a rich social commentary. It’s equal parts family drama and literary thriller. It explores motherhood, childhood trauma, and belonging. And Caitlin Mullen does such an excellent job of weaving all of these things together to build a deeply atmospheric and moving story. I highly recommend it!
In the audiobook version, each perspective is narrated by a different voice actor, but I found their voices to be a little bit too similar. The narrator for Callie, in particular, did such a spectacular job. She made the story easy to follow and kept the listener truly invested despite the slower pacing. I also thought the soft and subtle delivery of Sabrina and Annabelle worked to really emphasize their innocence and loneliness as well.
What kept this from being a 5-star read for me was the second person point of view for the twins’ perspectives. That stylistic choice I found curious and a little confusing. I think it would’ve hit harder had the point of view remained in third or even switched to first instead of second.
Overall, I anticipate Heather to be a major hit when it releases this summer!
April 7, 2026
This is a slow burn story.
Heather has this slow, simmering tension that builds as the story unfolds, and I found myself getting more emotionally invested with every chapter. It made me feel uneasy in a very intentional way—there’s a quiet darkness running underneath everything, and it kept me on edge. By the end, I was left reflective and a little haunted by the characters and the choices they made.
What really stood out to me was how atmospheric it felt. There’s such a strong sense of place and mood, and it adds to that almost eerie, creeping feeling throughout the book. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but more of a psychological unraveling, which I really appreciated.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it honestly elevated the experience for me. The narration captured the tone perfectly—subtle, emotional, and at times unsettling. The different voices and pacing made it easy to stay engaged, and it helped deepen that immersive, almost intimate connection to the story.
Definitely recommend if you love character-driven, moody thrillers—especially in audiobook format.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the ARC
Heather has this slow, simmering tension that builds as the story unfolds, and I found myself getting more emotionally invested with every chapter. It made me feel uneasy in a very intentional way—there’s a quiet darkness running underneath everything, and it kept me on edge. By the end, I was left reflective and a little haunted by the characters and the choices they made.
What really stood out to me was how atmospheric it felt. There’s such a strong sense of place and mood, and it adds to that almost eerie, creeping feeling throughout the book. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but more of a psychological unraveling, which I really appreciated.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it honestly elevated the experience for me. The narration captured the tone perfectly—subtle, emotional, and at times unsettling. The different voices and pacing made it easy to stay engaged, and it helped deepen that immersive, almost intimate connection to the story.
Definitely recommend if you love character-driven, moody thrillers—especially in audiobook format.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the ARC
May 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, the author and narrators for this audiobook ARC.
I was already looking forward to this novel after seeing that Caitlin Mullen won the Edgar award for her debut (which I promptly added to my TBR) and saw that Heather was likened to Liz Moore's The God of the Woods.
Heather was one of those audiobooks that completely pulled me in from the start even if it was a slow burn. (Which is hard to do sometimes if the narration just doesn't fit or is hard to get into.. But that wasn't the case here. I loved the narrators for Callie, Annabel, and Blair and actually was delighted to recognize one of the narrators from another ARC I listened to earlier this year- one of those voices that works perfectly for audiobooks, especially ones about girlhood.) The performances brought a lot of emotional depth to the story, and I thought the dual timelines and multi-POV structure worked really well to tell this particular story.
The mystery kept me invested, and Mullen's writing heightened everything to another level. The prose is beautiful, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. The novel explores identity, girlhood, family, trauma, control, and the complicated legacies that women inherit. It's about girls growing up without the support, protection, or the guidance they deserved. Sabrina, Annabel, Jenna, Leila, and so many others find themselves vulnerable to men like "The Coyote" who know exactly how to exploit that vulnerability. That's what made it feel so real- how clearly it portrays the way certain men seem to have a sixth sense to identify and prey upon people who are desperate to be seen and loved. And the men that protect their own.
I also appreciated the ways Mullen explored the double standards women face. Callie is constantly forced to prove herself as police chief by the men in the squad who harbor beliefs that she is somehow less capable because she is a women ("look at this lady detective playing at solving mysteries"). And when a women is in a position of leadership, competent, straightforward and confident, she's seen in a negative light- cold, unfeeling, unfeminine, "a bitch". But a man in the same position is a boss; he's cool and determined and knows what he wants and gets it. All that to say, I appreciated the book repeatedly asking who gets taken seriously, who gets dismissed or silenced, who gets believed.
Another thing I love is when the setting becomes its own character. The Pine Barrens felt like a living character within this novel. Beautiful, peaceful, mysterious, dangerous. The folklore surrounding the Jersey Devil, the woods, the waterways, and small-town atmosphere all create a real sense of place. I love novels where the setting is deeply connected to the plot like this.
I was also especially drawn to the family dynamics. The contrasts between mother-daughter relationships are really interesting here: Blair and Iris, Callie and Jenna, Annabel and Sabrina with their absent mom. Mullen does a great job showing how the absence of love can shape people just as profoundly as its presence.
There were definitely a few moments where Callie frustrated me, particularly when it came to Adrian and her blind spots surrounding Jane, but I did appreciate when it was acknowledged. At one point, I think Jane says something like, "You're so smart, but you can be so stupid sometimes." I was like YES, thank you! And it also mirrors what Sabrina would often tell Annabel.
End rant. Overall, this is much more than a typical police procedural. It's a really compelling mystery about family secrets, a thoughtful exploration of girlhood, womanhood, motherhood, and the stories we choose or choose not to pass down from generation to generation. Would recommend!
I was already looking forward to this novel after seeing that Caitlin Mullen won the Edgar award for her debut (which I promptly added to my TBR) and saw that Heather was likened to Liz Moore's The God of the Woods.
Heather was one of those audiobooks that completely pulled me in from the start even if it was a slow burn. (Which is hard to do sometimes if the narration just doesn't fit or is hard to get into.. But that wasn't the case here. I loved the narrators for Callie, Annabel, and Blair and actually was delighted to recognize one of the narrators from another ARC I listened to earlier this year- one of those voices that works perfectly for audiobooks, especially ones about girlhood.) The performances brought a lot of emotional depth to the story, and I thought the dual timelines and multi-POV structure worked really well to tell this particular story.
The mystery kept me invested, and Mullen's writing heightened everything to another level. The prose is beautiful, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. The novel explores identity, girlhood, family, trauma, control, and the complicated legacies that women inherit. It's about girls growing up without the support, protection, or the guidance they deserved. Sabrina, Annabel, Jenna, Leila, and so many others find themselves vulnerable to men like "The Coyote" who know exactly how to exploit that vulnerability. That's what made it feel so real- how clearly it portrays the way certain men seem to have a sixth sense to identify and prey upon people who are desperate to be seen and loved. And the men that protect their own.
I also appreciated the ways Mullen explored the double standards women face. Callie is constantly forced to prove herself as police chief by the men in the squad who harbor beliefs that she is somehow less capable because she is a women ("look at this lady detective playing at solving mysteries"). And when a women is in a position of leadership, competent, straightforward and confident, she's seen in a negative light- cold, unfeeling, unfeminine, "a bitch". But a man in the same position is a boss; he's cool and determined and knows what he wants and gets it. All that to say, I appreciated the book repeatedly asking who gets taken seriously, who gets dismissed or silenced, who gets believed.
Another thing I love is when the setting becomes its own character. The Pine Barrens felt like a living character within this novel. Beautiful, peaceful, mysterious, dangerous. The folklore surrounding the Jersey Devil, the woods, the waterways, and small-town atmosphere all create a real sense of place. I love novels where the setting is deeply connected to the plot like this.
I was also especially drawn to the family dynamics. The contrasts between mother-daughter relationships are really interesting here: Blair and Iris, Callie and Jenna, Annabel and Sabrina with their absent mom. Mullen does a great job showing how the absence of love can shape people just as profoundly as its presence.
There were definitely a few moments where Callie frustrated me, particularly when it came to Adrian and her blind spots surrounding Jane, but I did appreciate when it was acknowledged. At one point, I think Jane says something like, "You're so smart, but you can be so stupid sometimes." I was like YES, thank you! And it also mirrors what Sabrina would often tell Annabel.
End rant. Overall, this is much more than a typical police procedural. It's a really compelling mystery about family secrets, a thoughtful exploration of girlhood, womanhood, motherhood, and the stories we choose or choose not to pass down from generation to generation. Would recommend!
May 18, 2026
Heather by Caitlin Mullen is a highly recommended mystery set in the woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens which follows several timelines as a new police chief investigates a drug ring, opens up a cold case, and tries to overcome officers predisposed to dislike her.
Opening back in time in the 1990's the prologue follows two sixteen-year-old twins, Sabrina and Annabelle Riley, who are in a dysfunctional household in Pine Lakes where their mother is gone and their father is rarely there. Sabrina is having an affair with an older man she calls the coyote. Annabelle is curious and makes the mistake of meeting up with him. We learn in subsequent chapters that she became pregnant and the sisters disappeared.
In the present New police Chief Callie Hauser left her job as a narcotics detective and returns to her home town of Pine Lakes to help her best friend, Jane, recover after getting hurt in a hit-and-run accident. Callie's first arrest is her estranged mother, Jenna, for drunk driving. As Jenna's paperwork is being done, Callie overhears a discussion about an unsolved case. Apparently when Jenna was sixteen she found a dead infant and the case went cold. Although her focus is on shutting down a local drug ring, Callie immediately requests the paperwork on the cold case. Jenna then disappears after she is released.
The even-paced narration focuses more on the atmosphere while slowly building up some suspense and tension. The novel continues alternating between the two time lines up to about the 44% mark when a third narrator is introduced. These chapters begin in September 2023 and follow a teenager named Blair. The plot resumes, now following the three timelines.
Seemingly no one is telling the truth in this novel of intrigue and there are so many pieces that are may be interconnected, or not. Additionally, trust no one and set some disbelief aside for some twists. The slow-moving plot seems to follow the formula for a small town mystery, or rather in this case several mysteries including ones that were never resolved. The story could also have been tightened up a bit to keep the pace up while holding the reader's interest. The pace does pick up toward the end.
It might have helped the pace to drop the romance and increase the time spent on actual investigations. The other officers under Callie's command, are apparently incompetent and defiant, something which should have been addressed immediately. There is also one glaring error which I'm sure editors will catch. FYI: Jimmy Stewart starred in Rear Window, not Gregory Peck. 3.5 rounded up.
Heather is a good selection for anyone who enjoys an even paced, atmospheric small town mystery told through multiple timelines. Thanks to Celadon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Opening back in time in the 1990's the prologue follows two sixteen-year-old twins, Sabrina and Annabelle Riley, who are in a dysfunctional household in Pine Lakes where their mother is gone and their father is rarely there. Sabrina is having an affair with an older man she calls the coyote. Annabelle is curious and makes the mistake of meeting up with him. We learn in subsequent chapters that she became pregnant and the sisters disappeared.
In the present New police Chief Callie Hauser left her job as a narcotics detective and returns to her home town of Pine Lakes to help her best friend, Jane, recover after getting hurt in a hit-and-run accident. Callie's first arrest is her estranged mother, Jenna, for drunk driving. As Jenna's paperwork is being done, Callie overhears a discussion about an unsolved case. Apparently when Jenna was sixteen she found a dead infant and the case went cold. Although her focus is on shutting down a local drug ring, Callie immediately requests the paperwork on the cold case. Jenna then disappears after she is released.
The even-paced narration focuses more on the atmosphere while slowly building up some suspense and tension. The novel continues alternating between the two time lines up to about the 44% mark when a third narrator is introduced. These chapters begin in September 2023 and follow a teenager named Blair. The plot resumes, now following the three timelines.
Seemingly no one is telling the truth in this novel of intrigue and there are so many pieces that are may be interconnected, or not. Additionally, trust no one and set some disbelief aside for some twists. The slow-moving plot seems to follow the formula for a small town mystery, or rather in this case several mysteries including ones that were never resolved. The story could also have been tightened up a bit to keep the pace up while holding the reader's interest. The pace does pick up toward the end.
It might have helped the pace to drop the romance and increase the time spent on actual investigations. The other officers under Callie's command, are apparently incompetent and defiant, something which should have been addressed immediately. There is also one glaring error which I'm sure editors will catch. FYI: Jimmy Stewart starred in Rear Window, not Gregory Peck. 3.5 rounded up.
Heather is a good selection for anyone who enjoys an even paced, atmospheric small town mystery told through multiple timelines. Thanks to Celadon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back in the summer of 2021 I read this author's debut novel, "Please See Us", and was very impressed with her writing. Needless to say, I was eager to read what she came up with next. "Heather" didn't disappoint.
Written in a dual time line format, the story follows two twin sisters back in the early 1990s. The sixteen year old girls live in a house where the mother is absent, and the father might as well be. One sister, Sabrina, rebels by dropping out of school and having a relationship with an older man. The other sister, Annabelle, works hard at school and wants to escape her life via education. Annabelle is curious though, and she makes the grave error of meeting up with her sister's 'older man', and becomes pregnant by him.
The scenes portraying Isabelle's desperation and bewilderment at how her life has been upended are written with a visceral poignancy.
Meanwhile, in the present day, Callie Hauser is the new police chief of her home town in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Formerly a big city narcotics detective, Callie came home to help out her best friend, Jane, after she was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. Sadly, one of the first people Callie arrests in her new position, is her very own mother, Jenna - who vanishes after her release. Callie has been estranged from her mother for years due to Jenna's substance abuse. Jenna's problems all began at a tender age when she found a dead infant in the woods. This baby was said to have had ties to Annabelle and Sabrina Riley, twin sisters who then subsequently disappeared. This cold case has Callie well and truly intrigued. But the more she investigates the case, the more she realizes that there may be ties to her own life, and her own well-being...
Then, after a while, the reader encounters a third narrator, a teenage girl named Blair. A girl whose own curiosity and nosiness will put the stability of her family in jeopardy and forever change her own life.
With themes of sexual exploitation, innocence lost, resilience, lack of agency, small town corruption, and family secrets, "Heather" will appeal to many. The only quibbles I had were the differing voice tenses. Some characters were written in first person, other characters in second person, etc. Also, I thought the story was a tad longer than it needed to be.
The narrators of this audiobook did an excellent job of keeping the characters distinct in my head. I especially liked Christine Lakin's performance of Callie's character.
In summation, Heather is an immersive, slow burn of a thriller. The characters are fully fleshed out, the setting atmospheric, and the writing is compelling. A multi-layered story, that will likely remain in your memory.
Written in a dual time line format, the story follows two twin sisters back in the early 1990s. The sixteen year old girls live in a house where the mother is absent, and the father might as well be. One sister, Sabrina, rebels by dropping out of school and having a relationship with an older man. The other sister, Annabelle, works hard at school and wants to escape her life via education. Annabelle is curious though, and she makes the grave error of meeting up with her sister's 'older man', and becomes pregnant by him.
The scenes portraying Isabelle's desperation and bewilderment at how her life has been upended are written with a visceral poignancy.
Meanwhile, in the present day, Callie Hauser is the new police chief of her home town in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Formerly a big city narcotics detective, Callie came home to help out her best friend, Jane, after she was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. Sadly, one of the first people Callie arrests in her new position, is her very own mother, Jenna - who vanishes after her release. Callie has been estranged from her mother for years due to Jenna's substance abuse. Jenna's problems all began at a tender age when she found a dead infant in the woods. This baby was said to have had ties to Annabelle and Sabrina Riley, twin sisters who then subsequently disappeared. This cold case has Callie well and truly intrigued. But the more she investigates the case, the more she realizes that there may be ties to her own life, and her own well-being...
Then, after a while, the reader encounters a third narrator, a teenage girl named Blair. A girl whose own curiosity and nosiness will put the stability of her family in jeopardy and forever change her own life.
With themes of sexual exploitation, innocence lost, resilience, lack of agency, small town corruption, and family secrets, "Heather" will appeal to many. The only quibbles I had were the differing voice tenses. Some characters were written in first person, other characters in second person, etc. Also, I thought the story was a tad longer than it needed to be.
The narrators of this audiobook did an excellent job of keeping the characters distinct in my head. I especially liked Christine Lakin's performance of Callie's character.
In summation, Heather is an immersive, slow burn of a thriller. The characters are fully fleshed out, the setting atmospheric, and the writing is compelling. A multi-layered story, that will likely remain in your memory.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews