What do you think?
Unidentified Woman
Serena Taylor is unraveling.
After two devastating pregnancy losses, she can’t focus, can’t sleep, and can’t stop scrolling through reports of women disappearing from her city. At first it’s a distraction. Then it becomes an obsession. Late-night research turns into surveillance, secrets, and lies, straining both her marriage and her business. Serena starts to see patterns and connections the police missed. Then another woman goes missing. And this time, it’s someone Serena knows.
When Serena realizes she’s in too deep, it’s too late. Someone knows she’s investigating… And they’re determined to make her stop.
Can Serena uncover the truth before another woman disappears, or will her obsession cost her everything?
After two devastating pregnancy losses, she can’t focus, can’t sleep, and can’t stop scrolling through reports of women disappearing from her city. At first it’s a distraction. Then it becomes an obsession. Late-night research turns into surveillance, secrets, and lies, straining both her marriage and her business. Serena starts to see patterns and connections the police missed. Then another woman goes missing. And this time, it’s someone Serena knows.
When Serena realizes she’s in too deep, it’s too late. Someone knows she’s investigating… And they’re determined to make her stop.
Can Serena uncover the truth before another woman disappears, or will her obsession cost her everything?
- GenresThriller
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 13, 2026
This book had me hooked from start to finish! I worked in the Short North the same time that the author did. She beautifully captured the unique culture and sense of community in the neighborhood. It felt like a love letter to such a special time and place in my life, even though the story was dark. In the best way, I did not expect the ending!
September 25, 2026
finished this book in less than a day! was an easy read with an interesting plot and sub plots. more of a mystery than a thriller. the main character is cute and relatable. the author did a good job making everyone seem suspicious lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid read for me, though it didn’t quite become the page-turner I was hoping for. I struggled with the writing style at first. Some of the formatting and dialogue choices (such as exaggerated punctuation and expressions) felt distracting, and there were a few repeated words and phrases that pulled me out of the story. Personally, I also wasn’t a fan of the spicy scenes. They weren’t something I felt added to the story, and I would have enjoyed the book more without them.
That said, the story improved as it progressed. While I never reached the point where I couldn’t put it down, I always had enough questions to keep turning the pages. The mystery kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t completely hooked.
Serena felt like a realistic protagonist. There were moments when some of her decisions felt a little bolder and more vigilante than I found believable, but overall she was easy to understand and follow. The descriptions of the setting were one of the book’s strengths. I could clearly picture the environment and appreciated the atmospheric writing.
The pregnancy loss storyline was handled with care and felt authentic. I did find myself wanting that part of Serena’s story to be woven more tightly into the central mystery. Strengthening the connection between her grief and her determination to investigate the missing women would have made her motivations feel even more compelling.
The ending leaned more hopeful than many thrillers I’ve read, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just wasn’t what I expected. If you’re someone who enjoys psychological suspense with emotional themes and a satisfying conclusion, this may be a good fit for you.
Overall, while the writing style and pacing weren’t always a perfect match for my tastes, I enjoyed the premise, appreciated the emotional depth, and would absolutely pick up another book by this author.
This was a solid read for me, though it didn’t quite become the page-turner I was hoping for. I struggled with the writing style at first. Some of the formatting and dialogue choices (such as exaggerated punctuation and expressions) felt distracting, and there were a few repeated words and phrases that pulled me out of the story. Personally, I also wasn’t a fan of the spicy scenes. They weren’t something I felt added to the story, and I would have enjoyed the book more without them.
That said, the story improved as it progressed. While I never reached the point where I couldn’t put it down, I always had enough questions to keep turning the pages. The mystery kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t completely hooked.
Serena felt like a realistic protagonist. There were moments when some of her decisions felt a little bolder and more vigilante than I found believable, but overall she was easy to understand and follow. The descriptions of the setting were one of the book’s strengths. I could clearly picture the environment and appreciated the atmospheric writing.
The pregnancy loss storyline was handled with care and felt authentic. I did find myself wanting that part of Serena’s story to be woven more tightly into the central mystery. Strengthening the connection between her grief and her determination to investigate the missing women would have made her motivations feel even more compelling.
The ending leaned more hopeful than many thrillers I’ve read, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just wasn’t what I expected. If you’re someone who enjoys psychological suspense with emotional themes and a satisfying conclusion, this may be a good fit for you.
Overall, while the writing style and pacing weren’t always a perfect match for my tastes, I enjoyed the premise, appreciated the emotional depth, and would absolutely pick up another book by this author.
August 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fast-paced read and a great mix of thriller and realism. There is some sensitive content related to pregnancy loss, which can be difficult to read for many, but I thought the author handled those scenes honestly and thoughtfully.
Some of the dialogue felt a little unrealistic or unnatural at times, although that may have been more a matter of the writing style and how the conversations were presented. I really enjoyed Serena as the protagonist, and her internal dialogue was one of the strongest parts of the book. It helped pull me into the story and kept me invested in her perspective.
Being from the city where the story takes place also made it especially fun to read about familiar local businesses and landmarks.
Overall, I loved the premise, and the story kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed the ending as I tried to solve the mystery alongside Serena. The conclusion felt complete, and I liked that it ended on a hopeful note.
Excellent debut novel! Congratulations to the author!
This was a fast-paced read and a great mix of thriller and realism. There is some sensitive content related to pregnancy loss, which can be difficult to read for many, but I thought the author handled those scenes honestly and thoughtfully.
Some of the dialogue felt a little unrealistic or unnatural at times, although that may have been more a matter of the writing style and how the conversations were presented. I really enjoyed Serena as the protagonist, and her internal dialogue was one of the strongest parts of the book. It helped pull me into the story and kept me invested in her perspective.
Being from the city where the story takes place also made it especially fun to read about familiar local businesses and landmarks.
Overall, I loved the premise, and the story kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed the ending as I tried to solve the mystery alongside Serena. The conclusion felt complete, and I liked that it ended on a hopeful note.
Excellent debut novel! Congratulations to the author!
September 25, 2026
Wow! Absolutely a must read!
Okay, WOW. Unidentified Woman by Stephanie Tersigni is such a good debut, I could not put it down!!
Serena owns a boutique in Columbus and is dealing with the heartbreak of a couple miscarriages when young women in her town start going missing, and she basically becomes the one determined to figure out what's going on. Watching her go from grieving to full-on hero mode was SO good.
Bonus points because I'm from Columbus too, so getting little nods to real local spots throughout made it even more fun to read.
The ups and downs felt so real and relatable, and I was dying to know what happened next the entire time. Such a gripping, emotional ride.
Cannot wait to see what Stephanie writes next. What a debut!!
Okay, WOW. Unidentified Woman by Stephanie Tersigni is such a good debut, I could not put it down!!
Serena owns a boutique in Columbus and is dealing with the heartbreak of a couple miscarriages when young women in her town start going missing, and she basically becomes the one determined to figure out what's going on. Watching her go from grieving to full-on hero mode was SO good.
Bonus points because I'm from Columbus too, so getting little nods to real local spots throughout made it even more fun to read.
The ups and downs felt so real and relatable, and I was dying to know what happened next the entire time. Such a gripping, emotional ride.
Cannot wait to see what Stephanie writes next. What a debut!!
September 9, 2026
I sat down to skim the first chapter when I first bought it. An hour later I was a hundred pages in.
I read for a living, and most of it is dry. So I notice when a writer actually pulls me along.
Her control of suspense is the thing. Just enough to keep you turning pages, never showing off. You don't catch her working.
The main character helps. Assertive without being a cardboard tough-girl, with real doubt underneath. The dialogue sounds like people talking, not speeches built to be quoted.
The author isn't selling you on anything. She's just telling a story, and she's good at it.
I read for a living, and most of it is dry. So I notice when a writer actually pulls me along.
Her control of suspense is the thing. Just enough to keep you turning pages, never showing off. You don't catch her working.
The main character helps. Assertive without being a cardboard tough-girl, with real doubt underneath. The dialogue sounds like people talking, not speeches built to be quoted.
The author isn't selling you on anything. She's just telling a story, and she's good at it.
September 19, 2026
Absolutely devoured this book in just three days! Unidentified Woman takes you on an emotional journey all while keeping you turning page after page to find out what’s happening to the missing girls. Incredible debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and it did keep me engaged; wanting to know what was going to happen next. The writing style and some of the dialogue was hard to get through at times, and distracting.
That being said, the book definitely picked up as it went along. The mystery kept me interested and gave me enough questions that I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened.
I really liked Serena as a main character and found her easy to root for, even if a few of her choices felt a little unrealistic at times. Being from the area of the book, the description of the setting was really well done.
The storyline surrounding Serena’s pregnancy loss was emotional and handled thoughtfully. I do wish that part of her story had been tied a little more closely to the main mystery, because I think it could have made her motivation to investigate even stronger. At times, felt like a separate part of her story
The ending was more hopeful than I expected from a psychological thriller, but I actually appreciated that. I enjoyed the premise and the emotional side of the story, and I would definitely read another book by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and it did keep me engaged; wanting to know what was going to happen next. The writing style and some of the dialogue was hard to get through at times, and distracting.
That being said, the book definitely picked up as it went along. The mystery kept me interested and gave me enough questions that I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened.
I really liked Serena as a main character and found her easy to root for, even if a few of her choices felt a little unrealistic at times. Being from the area of the book, the description of the setting was really well done.
The storyline surrounding Serena’s pregnancy loss was emotional and handled thoughtfully. I do wish that part of her story had been tied a little more closely to the main mystery, because I think it could have made her motivation to investigate even stronger. At times, felt like a separate part of her story
The ending was more hopeful than I expected from a psychological thriller, but I actually appreciated that. I enjoyed the premise and the emotional side of the story, and I would definitely read another book by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
September 9, 2026
This book was so good!!! I read this book extremely fast and I was hooked! I had so much fun trying to play detective and attempt to pick up on different hints the more and more I read on what was going on and who was involved. I was on the edge of my seat and constantly found myself so excited to continue reading to see what happened next. While I loved the suspense in the book, I also loved the depth that was added in with Serena’s personal story. It was meaningful and at times emotional. I loved how Serena was this stylish boutique owner and fashionista but also was playing detective and taking the case in to her own hands and putting herself in danger in order to help. This was such a great read and I’m so excited to read more of Stephanie’s books!!!! What an awesome debut!
My favorite quote: "Time is a luxury I don’t have,” I say, my voice going cold. “And neither do the girls.” Thank you so much, Stephanie, for the ARC of your book!!!! :)
My favorite quote: "Time is a luxury I don’t have,” I say, my voice going cold. “And neither do the girls.” Thank you so much, Stephanie, for the ARC of your book!!!! :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
The author of this book very kindly sent me an ARC!
I absolutely flew through this story, it was very fast paced and things were constantly happening.
I loved the main character Serena and how passionate she was about finding the missing girls. The author did a great job of weaving in Serena’s journey with fertility issues to how much she cared about the girls, it was quite moving. Reading that the author faced the same challenges herself was very touching as well.
The ending was shocking, I did not except one aspect of it all all. I love how everything wrapped up, it was very satisfying. Almost in a cozy mystery kind of way, though overall it’s a very serious book.
Overall loved this and hope to see more from the author!
I absolutely flew through this story, it was very fast paced and things were constantly happening.
I loved the main character Serena and how passionate she was about finding the missing girls. The author did a great job of weaving in Serena’s journey with fertility issues to how much she cared about the girls, it was quite moving. Reading that the author faced the same challenges herself was very touching as well.
The ending was shocking, I did not except one aspect of it all all. I love how everything wrapped up, it was very satisfying. Almost in a cozy mystery kind of way, though overall it’s a very serious book.
Overall loved this and hope to see more from the author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! I read it at the airport and on a flight and it was the perfect distraction to help time pass. For me, it was an absolute page turner. Maybe because I knew the author in high school and have watched her grow from afar. I moved away from our hometown during college, so it was like being back home while reading this book. The author did a great job of having hints related to the mystery throughout the book and they all paid off. This will be a reread for me!
One note for readers, there is a content/trigger warning and you should know that the on page content was explicit.
One note for readers, there is a content/trigger warning and you should know that the on page content was explicit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received as a ARC from the author.
This is the type of book you can pour yourself a cup of tea, get cozy and get lost in the world of Serena, her clothing shop and the mystery behind the missing woman in her town.
The characters were relatable and felt like someone you may meet on the street.
Plot moved along nicely.
It was an easy read.
One to add to your bookshelf when it’s released.
This is the type of book you can pour yourself a cup of tea, get cozy and get lost in the world of Serena, her clothing shop and the mystery behind the missing woman in her town.
The characters were relatable and felt like someone you may meet on the street.
Plot moved along nicely.
It was an easy read.
One to add to your bookshelf when it’s released.
Review of advance copy
This is a fast paced book that I could not put down! I loved the strong female lead and the way she handled adversity with grit, determination, and humor. I went to high school with the author so it felt like Serena was someone I actually knew which was fun. I'm proud of Steph for channeling her grief into this project and for speaking about her loss so candidly. Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The elements of pregnancy loss were powerful and raw. Really enjoyed the mystery set around familiar places near and dear in Columbus. Impressed by the debut novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thrilling story that leaves you longing to read more. Highly recommend.
September 8, 2026
So good! I read it while on vacation and finished it in 2 days.
September 8, 2026
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Not what I expected. The plot really had me on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to see what else she writes.
September 9, 2026
For a story with so much happening, I seemed to fly through it. It was such an easy read, and easy to get caught up in the mystery.
Multiple young women in the area have gone missing with no explanation and not much linking them, but when Serena's employee goes missing, she can't sit back and do nothing. She investigates, asks questions and puts up cameras, all in order to find the culprit.
Her obsession with the case puts a strain on her marriage, but she's determined to find out what happened to these women.
I liked that I couldn't predict who the bad guy was! After reading so many books I can usually guess, but this one was twisty and I liked it!
Enjoyed this one. I'd love to read more from the author in the future.
Multiple young women in the area have gone missing with no explanation and not much linking them, but when Serena's employee goes missing, she can't sit back and do nothing. She investigates, asks questions and puts up cameras, all in order to find the culprit.
Her obsession with the case puts a strain on her marriage, but she's determined to find out what happened to these women.
I liked that I couldn't predict who the bad guy was! After reading so many books I can usually guess, but this one was twisty and I liked it!
Enjoyed this one. I'd love to read more from the author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews