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What Remains of Her: A Haunting Paranormal Thriller of Ghosts, Disappearance, and Rural Noir Secrets
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Girls comes this chilling, harrowing thriller set in rural Vermont about a recluse who believes the young girl he's found in the woods is the reincarnation of his missing daughter, returned to help him solve her and his wife's disappearance. I won’t say a word. Cross my heart and hope to die… Jonah Baum, a professor of poetry at a local college in Vermont, sees his ordinary life come tumbling down when his wife and young daughter vanish from their home. No evidence of a kidnapping. No sign of murder. No proof that Rebecca didn’t simply abandon her marriage. Just Sally’s crude and chilling drawings, Jonah’s little lies, and the sheriff’s nagging fears that nothing is what it seems. For Sally’s best friend, Lucinda, it’s something else. She trusts in Sally not to just disappear, not after they’ve shared so many secrets—especially about the woods and what they saw there. But she’ll never tell. No one would believe her anyway. As the search for Rebecca and Sally intensifies, and as suspicion falls on Jonah, the disappearances become more relentlessly haunting than anyone can imagine. Because what’s seen in the light of day is not nearly as terrifying as what remains hidden in the dark…
528 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2018
342 people are currently reading
5395 people want to read
About the author
Eric Rickstad
14 books1,049 followersEric Rickstad is a New York Times and International bestselling novelist.
His latest novel, LILITH, will be published on March 19, 2024.
His previous novel, I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM, was a New York Times Thriller of the Year.
He also wrote WHAT REMAINS OF HER, REAP, and The Canaan Crime Series — LIE IN WAIT, THE SILENT GIRLS, and THE NAMES OF DEAD GIRLS— which has sold more than a half million copies worldwide.
He lives in Vermont.
His latest novel, LILITH, will be published on March 19, 2024.
His previous novel, I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM, was a New York Times Thriller of the Year.
He also wrote WHAT REMAINS OF HER, REAP, and The Canaan Crime Series — LIE IN WAIT, THE SILENT GIRLS, and THE NAMES OF DEAD GIRLS— which has sold more than a half million copies worldwide.
He lives in Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
July 23, 2018
3.5 stars
Fairly simple mystery involving the disappearance of a mother, Rebecca, and her daughter, Sally. The story jumps back and forth between Jonah, the husband and father who is the prime suspect, and the daughter's best friend, Lucinda.
The winter setting of Vermont just adds another layer to an already bleak and depressing situation. The strength of the book is not so much the mystery as it is seeing how the disappearance affects Jonah and Lucinda. There is definitely a haunting type quality to the book as the author really captures their inner struggles as they deal with the aftermath of the disappearance each in their own way.
The story is gripping and I ended up finishing the book over the course of an afternoon. The weakness of the book is definitely the "big reveal". When you finally are told what happened it is not really surprising or unexpected as there were a limited amount of directions the story could go in. However, the author is talented enough that it did not ruin the story for me. By the time I was finished reading, I felt much more of an attachment to the main characters rather than the mystery itself.
I think if you go into this just wanting a good, solid fiction read with complex characters rather than a mystery filled with twists and turns, you will enjoy this book a lot more.
I won a free advance digital copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Fairly simple mystery involving the disappearance of a mother, Rebecca, and her daughter, Sally. The story jumps back and forth between Jonah, the husband and father who is the prime suspect, and the daughter's best friend, Lucinda.
The winter setting of Vermont just adds another layer to an already bleak and depressing situation. The strength of the book is not so much the mystery as it is seeing how the disappearance affects Jonah and Lucinda. There is definitely a haunting type quality to the book as the author really captures their inner struggles as they deal with the aftermath of the disappearance each in their own way.
The story is gripping and I ended up finishing the book over the course of an afternoon. The weakness of the book is definitely the "big reveal". When you finally are told what happened it is not really surprising or unexpected as there were a limited amount of directions the story could go in. However, the author is talented enough that it did not ruin the story for me. By the time I was finished reading, I felt much more of an attachment to the main characters rather than the mystery itself.
I think if you go into this just wanting a good, solid fiction read with complex characters rather than a mystery filled with twists and turns, you will enjoy this book a lot more.
I won a free advance digital copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 5, 2018
The hands that hold the cards that you've been dealt.....
Jonah Baum stares at stacks of papers piled high that beckon for his attention. As an adjunct professor of poetry at a local college in Vermont, Jonah knows the endless task of grading. Perhaps he knows more intimately how life puts its own smeared stamp on your efforts and actions throughout the years. It all comes down to treading on the mundane.
But Jonah could never imagine what would be brought to his doorstep as the Joker slips between those hand-held cards.
Jonah wakes the next morning to the cold hard reality that his wife and daughter have gone missing. They were expected to be home hours upon hours ago and placed in the regular routine of life. Jonah alerts his friend Maurice who is the small town sheriff. Maurice and the state police bombard Jonah with questions about his own actions and whereabouts. Could Jonah have something to do with their disappearance?
Eric Rickstad presents a story torn from today's headlines. Missing children. Missing wives. Missing relationships. The story spins from 1987 to the present. This case continues to still open through the years. Jonah becomes his own version of the walking dead. He's lost everything and everyone and people still eye him with a guilty verdict even without a court case. Jonah lives in an abandoned cabin in the woods scratching out an existence......until another young girl goes missing.
I rated What Remains Of Her at a solid 3.5 but kicked it up to 4 stars because of Eric Rickstad's fine writing style. He's able to get beneath the skin of his characters well. My concern was with the deadends that lay at each juncture of the multiple inroads. Jonah continues to make bad choices even when he knows full well the consequences. It frustrated me. But then the plot line doesn't have very far to go in a small town with not many options. You'll probably figure this one out without a roadmap. Entertaining, but no shockers here.
I received a copy of What Remains Of Her through Giveaways on Goodreads. My thanks to William Morrow Books and to Eric Rickstad for the opportunity.
Jonah Baum stares at stacks of papers piled high that beckon for his attention. As an adjunct professor of poetry at a local college in Vermont, Jonah knows the endless task of grading. Perhaps he knows more intimately how life puts its own smeared stamp on your efforts and actions throughout the years. It all comes down to treading on the mundane.
But Jonah could never imagine what would be brought to his doorstep as the Joker slips between those hand-held cards.
Jonah wakes the next morning to the cold hard reality that his wife and daughter have gone missing. They were expected to be home hours upon hours ago and placed in the regular routine of life. Jonah alerts his friend Maurice who is the small town sheriff. Maurice and the state police bombard Jonah with questions about his own actions and whereabouts. Could Jonah have something to do with their disappearance?
Eric Rickstad presents a story torn from today's headlines. Missing children. Missing wives. Missing relationships. The story spins from 1987 to the present. This case continues to still open through the years. Jonah becomes his own version of the walking dead. He's lost everything and everyone and people still eye him with a guilty verdict even without a court case. Jonah lives in an abandoned cabin in the woods scratching out an existence......until another young girl goes missing.
I rated What Remains Of Her at a solid 3.5 but kicked it up to 4 stars because of Eric Rickstad's fine writing style. He's able to get beneath the skin of his characters well. My concern was with the deadends that lay at each juncture of the multiple inroads. Jonah continues to make bad choices even when he knows full well the consequences. It frustrated me. But then the plot line doesn't have very far to go in a small town with not many options. You'll probably figure this one out without a roadmap. Entertaining, but no shockers here.
I received a copy of What Remains Of Her through Giveaways on Goodreads. My thanks to William Morrow Books and to Eric Rickstad for the opportunity.
May 8, 2018
In his best novel yet, Rickstad unravels a twenty-year-old mystery with shrewd, crafty skill. A taut, chilling psychological ride.
July 27, 2018
I’m a big fan of Eric’s work and have been eagerly anticipating this new novel of his for some time - I’m so glad to say that it didn’t disappoint.
Eerily good, creepy, wonderfully visual like all of Eric’s previous work, he is just a wonderful writer.
As I said previously when I finished reading The Silent girls, I really hope Netflix snap up this book for dramatisation, it’s easily good enough to be an engrossing Netflix thriller series - there’s something Twin Peaksy about it, despite it maintaining an original feel.
It has a well balanced mixture of thriller, bad cop/good cop, and even a bit of a supernatural overtone... just a great read.
Devoured it in one long nighttime sitting - if you are a fan of Eric’s previous work or even if you’ve never heard of him before but enjoy a good gritty psychological thriller - invest in this, it’s well worth it.
4+ stars 🌟
Eerily good, creepy, wonderfully visual like all of Eric’s previous work, he is just a wonderful writer.
As I said previously when I finished reading The Silent girls, I really hope Netflix snap up this book for dramatisation, it’s easily good enough to be an engrossing Netflix thriller series - there’s something Twin Peaksy about it, despite it maintaining an original feel.
It has a well balanced mixture of thriller, bad cop/good cop, and even a bit of a supernatural overtone... just a great read.
Devoured it in one long nighttime sitting - if you are a fan of Eric’s previous work or even if you’ve never heard of him before but enjoy a good gritty psychological thriller - invest in this, it’s well worth it.
4+ stars 🌟
October 26, 2018
Nope. I deeply wish writers would know what the end point of the plot is when they write. Or it just ends up like this and it is bizarre parts of nonsense. There is so much happenstance and then other stuff and then more happenstance and then the unveiling of what happened. Which then makes so little sense. If this was planned out ahead of writing then I am even more confused. If that is indeed possible. But if you look at other reviews I am in the minority so what do I know.
August 9, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a standard case of mother and daughter disappearing with the husband as prime suspect number one. There's an ominous tone set from the beginning with the depths of childhood imagination and that wholehearted importance to keep secrets for your best friend, no matter the consequence or potential helpfulness to a case. It's amazing what we deem to be so much more important as children than as adults.
We fast forward a couple of decades+ where people close to the case are still dealing the aftermath of this horrible crime. There's nothing worse than not having answers... or so we like to think. Grass is greener? Graves are darker? While I did like how the author transversed from one timeline to another smoothly, I found myself liking the beginning part of the book better.
The short chapters make for a fast read and I found myself continually flipping page after page. Next thing I know it's way past my bedtime and I'm halfway through the novel. While this story is addicting, I did find the ending not to surprise me as much as I thought that it would. I did the whole, "ohhhhhhhh, really?! asshole..." then shrug and continued on. (Asshole for a certain character, not the author, to be clear!)
This is an absolutely solid lighter thriller with some creepy tones and no real big surprise. The story is well written and even without that throat punch a lot of people expect from thrillers these days, it still makes an impact. I felt this was a bit more character driven and I did feel for a certain two of them. I just wanted a little bit more bite that I felt the ominous tone set at the beginning felt like it was promising.
Thanks to William Morrow and TLC Book Tours for this copy.
This is a standard case of mother and daughter disappearing with the husband as prime suspect number one. There's an ominous tone set from the beginning with the depths of childhood imagination and that wholehearted importance to keep secrets for your best friend, no matter the consequence or potential helpfulness to a case. It's amazing what we deem to be so much more important as children than as adults.
We fast forward a couple of decades+ where people close to the case are still dealing the aftermath of this horrible crime. There's nothing worse than not having answers... or so we like to think. Grass is greener? Graves are darker? While I did like how the author transversed from one timeline to another smoothly, I found myself liking the beginning part of the book better.
The short chapters make for a fast read and I found myself continually flipping page after page. Next thing I know it's way past my bedtime and I'm halfway through the novel. While this story is addicting, I did find the ending not to surprise me as much as I thought that it would. I did the whole, "ohhhhhhhh, really?! asshole..." then shrug and continued on. (Asshole for a certain character, not the author, to be clear!)
This is an absolutely solid lighter thriller with some creepy tones and no real big surprise. The story is well written and even without that throat punch a lot of people expect from thrillers these days, it still makes an impact. I felt this was a bit more character driven and I did feel for a certain two of them. I just wanted a little bit more bite that I felt the ominous tone set at the beginning felt like it was promising.
Thanks to William Morrow and TLC Book Tours for this copy.
June 24, 2022
After having read I Am Not Who You Think I Am ~ by Eric Rickstad (which I really enjoyed), I wanted to read some of his previous books with this book being one of them.
What Remains Of Her was a decent read, a little depressing if I’m being honest. It’s super hot where I live right now, and I feel that I may have enjoyed this book more in the cold, winter months (that’s just the vibe that I got from this book). Not much really happened throughout the book, the pacing was rather slow, and the ending has left me a little bewildered…
There were some decent twists, but not much of a thrill factor.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and still plan to read more from Rickstad.
What Remains Of Her was a decent read, a little depressing if I’m being honest. It’s super hot where I live right now, and I feel that I may have enjoyed this book more in the cold, winter months (that’s just the vibe that I got from this book). Not much really happened throughout the book, the pacing was rather slow, and the ending has left me a little bewildered…
There were some decent twists, but not much of a thrill factor.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and still plan to read more from Rickstad.
June 7, 2018
Eric Rickstad has done it again! This time with What Remains of Her, a stand-alone thriller set in the small towns and mountains of Vermont. As we’ve come to rely on with his previous Vermont noir, he delivers an irresistible premise and a cast of complicated but believable characters caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
The mystery unfolds in multiple “books” set apart by time and events. Even better, they signal new and unexpected paths in the story. Just when I thought I knew where the narrative was going, he surprised me and left me wondering where it could possibly be headed. Rather than disappoint, the decision turned out to be brilliant, and produced an ending that was both bittersweet and surprisingly satisfying.
This may be my favorite of all his books, and I can hardly wait to see what he has in store for us next. All I know is that I’ll be first in line.
Please note that I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery unfolds in multiple “books” set apart by time and events. Even better, they signal new and unexpected paths in the story. Just when I thought I knew where the narrative was going, he surprised me and left me wondering where it could possibly be headed. Rather than disappoint, the decision turned out to be brilliant, and produced an ending that was both bittersweet and surprisingly satisfying.
This may be my favorite of all his books, and I can hardly wait to see what he has in store for us next. All I know is that I’ll be first in line.
Please note that I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2018
I read this within one day, staying up until almost 2 am to finish. Absolutely superb, really twisty book. I'll come back to the review later because I'm trying to figure out the best way to talk about it without spoilers.
Just excellent.
Just excellent.
July 17, 2018
What Remains of Her centers on Jonah an adjunct college professor the disappearance of his wife Rebecca and their 7 yr. old daughter Sally. Although evidence doesn't suggest Jonah is behind their disappearance, the town's people believe he is responsible, and Jonah carries feelings of guilt that he is in some way responsible. Their disappearance, however, not only haunts Jonah, but it also impacts the lives of Lucinda, Sally's best friend, and Lucinda's father who was the sheriff when Rebecca and Sally mysteriously vanished. Readers are privileged to observe how lies, fears, and secrets nag the sheriff, Lucinda, and Jonah as the novel's action focuses on their lives and actions when another 7 yr. old girl Gretchen who looks much like Sally is reported missing on the 25th anniversary of Sally's and her mother's disappearance.
Author Eric Rickstad fully develops Jonah and Lucinda into believable characters with whom we sympathize, often support and cheer. They share their pain, fears, and self-doubt as they continue to recon with Sally's presumed death, uncover pieces of the past, and are faced another child's disappearance that stirs the ember's of the past. While some of the action is set in the houses of Jonah and Lucinda, Rickstad also develops the all-important mysterious, near-by woods where as children Lucinda and Sally ventured even though they were told the woods were off-limits.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and all too often hated to put it down for life's demands. I loved the twists and revelations in the plot as well as the very satisfying ending; therefore, I highly recommend o fiction readers What Remains of Her.
Author Eric Rickstad fully develops Jonah and Lucinda into believable characters with whom we sympathize, often support and cheer. They share their pain, fears, and self-doubt as they continue to recon with Sally's presumed death, uncover pieces of the past, and are faced another child's disappearance that stirs the ember's of the past. While some of the action is set in the houses of Jonah and Lucinda, Rickstad also develops the all-important mysterious, near-by woods where as children Lucinda and Sally ventured even though they were told the woods were off-limits.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and all too often hated to put it down for life's demands. I loved the twists and revelations in the plot as well as the very satisfying ending; therefore, I highly recommend o fiction readers What Remains of Her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
So very beautiful and sad
February 21, 2019
Really, if I am being petty, it's 1.5 stars. This book is a thriller alright... You will be thrilled to be done with it.
Interesting story, although predictable... and the "twist" at the end, while plausible, is ridiculous and its reveal a HUGE stretch. But that's beside the point. The characters are shallow, the writing formulaic and predictable. It feels like this was the output of a random cliche and simile generator, or maybe the semester project in a college level creative writing class. It's one of those books you'll read and wonder what publisher actually thinks "Oh, this is worth investing money in..."
Pretty much everyone in the story suffers at least one minor to moderate bleeding flesh wound. Bloody nose, bleeding chapped lips (not kidding), scalp lacerations galore, scraped hands and fingers. And there seems to be lots of people falling out of beds repeatedly and/or falling over in shock. Also thrown in is some random vomitting and drueling to round out the body fluid narrative. It's just missing semen and urine, an oversight I am sure.
There are holes in the narrative... for instance the protagonist's hair does not match the samples taken from bedding, but at no point have we been told of any warrants being issued or samples taken. The so-called police work seems to more likely be black magic.
There is an attempt to give some background on why the protagonist is the way he is, but it feels contrived as though Rickstad meant to finish the chapter, but never did. I guess he had a rough childhood? I think? Maybe? Not sure why exactly. The explanation is more of a fever dream than anything.
The chapters are short, which generally I like... But in this case they were sometimes ridiculously short... A few paragraphs. And the ending really needed to end more quickly once the final plot twist was revealed. Instead it dragged on maybe twenty pages longer than it needed to, trying to wrap up some loose ends that didn't need to be wrapped up. Or maybe I just didn't care enough at that point. As I said, I was thrilled to be almost finished.
I just cannot recommend this to anyone except maybe a middle school level reader looking for some pulpy escapist reading.
Interesting story, although predictable... and the "twist" at the end, while plausible, is ridiculous and its reveal a HUGE stretch. But that's beside the point. The characters are shallow, the writing formulaic and predictable. It feels like this was the output of a random cliche and simile generator, or maybe the semester project in a college level creative writing class. It's one of those books you'll read and wonder what publisher actually thinks "Oh, this is worth investing money in..."
Pretty much everyone in the story suffers at least one minor to moderate bleeding flesh wound. Bloody nose, bleeding chapped lips (not kidding), scalp lacerations galore, scraped hands and fingers. And there seems to be lots of people falling out of beds repeatedly and/or falling over in shock. Also thrown in is some random vomitting and drueling to round out the body fluid narrative. It's just missing semen and urine, an oversight I am sure.
There are holes in the narrative... for instance the protagonist's hair does not match the samples taken from bedding, but at no point have we been told of any warrants being issued or samples taken. The so-called police work seems to more likely be black magic.
There is an attempt to give some background on why the protagonist is the way he is, but it feels contrived as though Rickstad meant to finish the chapter, but never did. I guess he had a rough childhood? I think? Maybe? Not sure why exactly. The explanation is more of a fever dream than anything.
The chapters are short, which generally I like... But in this case they were sometimes ridiculously short... A few paragraphs. And the ending really needed to end more quickly once the final plot twist was revealed. Instead it dragged on maybe twenty pages longer than it needed to, trying to wrap up some loose ends that didn't need to be wrapped up. Or maybe I just didn't care enough at that point. As I said, I was thrilled to be almost finished.
I just cannot recommend this to anyone except maybe a middle school level reader looking for some pulpy escapist reading.
August 2, 2018
I liked the beginning of this book but then I felt like I fell into dead air. It dragged to a somewhat interesting ending but it became dull in the middle of the story so, although the ending was okay, I was no longer really invested in the outcome.
July 4, 2018
I read this book in 24 hours. It is fantastic! It's a true mystery novel with no gore. The author captured the deepest emotions of the characters perfectly. The pacing of the story keeps the reader constantly engaged. Highly recommend.
February 8, 2019
Eric Rickstad has written a very painful story of a man whose entire life turns into nothing when his wife and child vanishes into thin air. 25 years of pain and misery and crippling grief that doesn't let him live or die, each and every page resonates with that grief from the father who is still looked upon with suspicion and then Lucinda who is Sally's best friend. The story moves forward in alternate chapters between these characters and it is slow paced but the author has done good work in making us feel for Jonah. The mystery part of the story is nothing out of the world coz there are only few options but the rural snowy Vermont adds a chilling layer to the whole haunting tale.
August 25, 2018
I did not enjoy this book at all. The beginning was alright, but it turned to mumble jumble shortly after. The storyline was all over the place and did not flow together. This book could not keep my attention for that long as I was never held in suspense.
I still don’t understand how the middle connects with the story whatsoever.
Reviews state that this novel is “frightening” and “chilling,” but I beg to differ. It was dull, illogical, and quite predictable.
I still don’t understand how the middle connects with the story whatsoever.
Reviews state that this novel is “frightening” and “chilling,” but I beg to differ. It was dull, illogical, and quite predictable.
August 16, 2018
I can honestly say this was the most underwhelming twist in a story ..For me anyways.
I didnt buy it at all it just seemed like a way to make the final twist that much a of a shocker ...
The story was to slow paced for me that when it finally picked up towards the end it was just to little to late ..
I didnt buy it at all it just seemed like a way to make the final twist that much a of a shocker ...
The story was to slow paced for me that when it finally picked up towards the end it was just to little to late ..
April 6, 2025
I've never flipped through a book so fast! The buildup was perfect, and my predictions about what remained of Sally and Rebecca were completely off. Not only was it mysterious, but the detailed take on the dark side of foster care was a powerful addition to the story—it had me empathizing deeply with Jonah and the missing girl.
July 12, 2018
Wow. This book is filled with so many twists and turns it left me with my jaw hanging. Usually when I read a mystery or thriller it's pretty predictable . This one was anything but! Loved all the characters and felt connected . Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen , I was wrong! What a rollercoaster ride!!! Go read it! You won't be disappointed!!
November 24, 2018
I am a huge Eric Rickstad fan, and this new one from him does not disappoint!
The mysterious disappearance of Jonah's wife and daughter are a defining moment in his life. There is no evidence of a crime, and yet, the suspicion on him never dissolves, driving him into a life of complete seclusion. His daughter's best friend Lucinda, knows that her friend would never have just disappeared, but she only has Sally's secrets, which don't hold weight in light of her being a child. Twenty five years later, Jonah finds a little girl in the woods and becomes convinced she is related to Sally's disappearance, and Lucinda finds herself trying to put puzzle pieces together from across decades.
This is yet another delightfully twisting mystery, wrapped up in perfectly dark character drama. I LOVE how Eric writes his characters, so that they are individually haunted and flawed, while remaining relatable to the reader. Watching Lucinda struggle with the case, and her own life trajectory, while simultaneously watching Jonah's personal struggles in understanding what happened to his family make for compelling reading.
I definitely did not see the twists coming in this one, and I love to be left guessing to the last pages. Without offering any spoilers, I will say that this is one that becomes more fast paced the deeper in you get. It became impossible to put down, and I loved the twists that held me to the very last pages.
This is one that mystery readers need to add to their piles, without question!
The mysterious disappearance of Jonah's wife and daughter are a defining moment in his life. There is no evidence of a crime, and yet, the suspicion on him never dissolves, driving him into a life of complete seclusion. His daughter's best friend Lucinda, knows that her friend would never have just disappeared, but she only has Sally's secrets, which don't hold weight in light of her being a child. Twenty five years later, Jonah finds a little girl in the woods and becomes convinced she is related to Sally's disappearance, and Lucinda finds herself trying to put puzzle pieces together from across decades.
This is yet another delightfully twisting mystery, wrapped up in perfectly dark character drama. I LOVE how Eric writes his characters, so that they are individually haunted and flawed, while remaining relatable to the reader. Watching Lucinda struggle with the case, and her own life trajectory, while simultaneously watching Jonah's personal struggles in understanding what happened to his family make for compelling reading.
I definitely did not see the twists coming in this one, and I love to be left guessing to the last pages. Without offering any spoilers, I will say that this is one that becomes more fast paced the deeper in you get. It became impossible to put down, and I loved the twists that held me to the very last pages.
This is one that mystery readers need to add to their piles, without question!
July 24, 2018
This was the first book I’ve read by Eric Rickstad and I have to say that it is a top-notch thriller.
One day Jonah Baum wakes up to find his wife and daughter missing. A search ensues and some mysterious drawings left behind by his daughter, Sally, come into question, but, tragically, the duo are never found. 25 years later Jonah’s loss still haunts him and he lives the life of hermit, with little contact with the outside world. When another child goes missing, both Sally’s childhood friend, Lucinda, and Jonah are abruptly drawn back into the past mystery and they search for answers to both the past and the present.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The characters were very real and relatable and the descriptions of the winter woods setting drew me in. I did not predict the ending at all and I loved the resolution. I highly recommend this for suspense lovers and look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me with a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One day Jonah Baum wakes up to find his wife and daughter missing. A search ensues and some mysterious drawings left behind by his daughter, Sally, come into question, but, tragically, the duo are never found. 25 years later Jonah’s loss still haunts him and he lives the life of hermit, with little contact with the outside world. When another child goes missing, both Sally’s childhood friend, Lucinda, and Jonah are abruptly drawn back into the past mystery and they search for answers to both the past and the present.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The characters were very real and relatable and the descriptions of the winter woods setting drew me in. I did not predict the ending at all and I loved the resolution. I highly recommend this for suspense lovers and look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me with a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2019
I finally got through this book. First of all, I do not like books that feature a child as a protagonist. Granted the protagonist grew up, but not soon enough. The ending really made no sense and I was left with the idea that the author couldn't decide between two endings. If this book hadn't been loaned to me by a good friend, I would not have stuck with it past the first few chapters. You, however, may feel differently. My friend told me that this book is one of a series so the next books may actually shed light on this one. I have learned one thing when writing reviews: never write them when you are in a bad mood. I owe the author an apology for the first review I did on his book. Sorry Eric.
March 15, 2019
As most reviewers said, the beginning was good, the middle got loose but then I differ and felt the end was just slapped down in front of you. Causing all your emotional ties to the characters dissolve.
The police work, or lack there of, was shoddy and made huge jumps. I finished it quickly just to have the joy of closing the cover.
The police work, or lack there of, was shoddy and made huge jumps. I finished it quickly just to have the joy of closing the cover.
July 30, 2018
Thank you to William Morrow Books and Goodreads. I won a copy of Kindle book in a goodreads giveaway.
Jonah comes home from work one day and his wife and daughter aren't home. He really doesn't think too much of it at first, but after several hours he knows that something is wrong. He calls his friend Maurice, who happens to be the sheriff. But Jonah lies about a couple of things like where he slept last night and the fight Rebecca and Jonah had.
Lucinda confesses to her dad after she finds him crying in the basement (Maurice the sheriff) that Sally had told her a secret about the man who follows her and that maybe Sally was at their secret place. Jonah feels like his whole world is falling apart. Everyone is looking at him like he did something too them, but Jonah just wants them to come home.
As time passes and no bodies are found life slowly moves on for everyone but Jonah. He ends up leaving the school because he can't focus and he still feels like everyone believes that he killed them. He loses everything and becomes a hermit up on the mountain. Until one day a young girl that looks just like Sally disappears...
I have to say I am not always a fan of the unreliable narrator, sometimes it enhances the story other times it makes it really confusing. This one kind of rode the line between the two. However, I felt bad for Jonah he had a rough childhood, his marriage seemed troubled, and then his wife and daughter disappeared. 25 years later to the day he more than a little crazy and a hermit.
That being said I like how Eric wove the past and the present together and brought the story full circle. Lucinda remembered her promise to never forget and actually solved the story and brought justice to her friend and did it despite the cost. I have to say that I didn't honestly suspect a thing until the reveal and I didn't see the double twist coming at all. I think my mouth literally dropped open.
Jonah comes home from work one day and his wife and daughter aren't home. He really doesn't think too much of it at first, but after several hours he knows that something is wrong. He calls his friend Maurice, who happens to be the sheriff. But Jonah lies about a couple of things like where he slept last night and the fight Rebecca and Jonah had.
Lucinda confesses to her dad after she finds him crying in the basement (Maurice the sheriff) that Sally had told her a secret about the man who follows her and that maybe Sally was at their secret place. Jonah feels like his whole world is falling apart. Everyone is looking at him like he did something too them, but Jonah just wants them to come home.
As time passes and no bodies are found life slowly moves on for everyone but Jonah. He ends up leaving the school because he can't focus and he still feels like everyone believes that he killed them. He loses everything and becomes a hermit up on the mountain. Until one day a young girl that looks just like Sally disappears...
I have to say I am not always a fan of the unreliable narrator, sometimes it enhances the story other times it makes it really confusing. This one kind of rode the line between the two. However, I felt bad for Jonah he had a rough childhood, his marriage seemed troubled, and then his wife and daughter disappeared. 25 years later to the day he more than a little crazy and a hermit.
That being said I like how Eric wove the past and the present together and brought the story full circle. Lucinda remembered her promise to never forget and actually solved the story and brought justice to her friend and did it despite the cost. I have to say that I didn't honestly suspect a thing until the reveal and I didn't see the double twist coming at all. I think my mouth literally dropped open.
July 26, 2018
[I recieved a copy from @williammorrowbooks and @tlcbooktours for an honest review]
What Remains of Her by Eric Rickstad captured me right from the beginning and didn't let me go. I still can't stop thinking about that ending, how I never saw it coming and how it broke my heart. I love Eric Rickstads writing. You really get to know each character and form a bond with them, whether they are an adult or a child. He has such a great way of making their emotions and fear almost tangible.
What Remains of Her deals with the disappearance of a wife and daughter. The reader watches through Jonah,the husbands, eyes as he watches his world crumble. As the reader you know he's innocent but can't help but be beaten down along with him as everything makes him look guilty. At the same time we see a young girl, Lucinda, lose her best friend and feel stuck and hopeless. The story then jump to 25 years later and finally learn answered to the questions long unanswered.
I highly recommend What Remains of Her by Eric Rickstad to all my fellow psychological thriller fans!
What Remains of Her by Eric Rickstad captured me right from the beginning and didn't let me go. I still can't stop thinking about that ending, how I never saw it coming and how it broke my heart. I love Eric Rickstads writing. You really get to know each character and form a bond with them, whether they are an adult or a child. He has such a great way of making their emotions and fear almost tangible.
What Remains of Her deals with the disappearance of a wife and daughter. The reader watches through Jonah,the husbands, eyes as he watches his world crumble. As the reader you know he's innocent but can't help but be beaten down along with him as everything makes him look guilty. At the same time we see a young girl, Lucinda, lose her best friend and feel stuck and hopeless. The story then jump to 25 years later and finally learn answered to the questions long unanswered.
I highly recommend What Remains of Her by Eric Rickstad to all my fellow psychological thriller fans!
October 13, 2018
What Remains of Her is Eric Rickstad's latest book.
Jonah Baum's wife Rebecca and young daughter Sally went missing twenty five years ago from their home in Vermont. Jonah has never been the same from that day. He's living in a run down cabin in the forest, eschewing society, but hoping against hope that they might still be found. Sally's friend Lucinda might remember something still.....
When another little girl is lost in the woods, it is Jonah who finds her. Is she real or has Jonah's mind finally broken?
I liked the idea of the long disappearance and memories from a child perhaps holding the answers. The other little girl, Gretel was an unexpected entry in the plot. (Really? Gretel? Fairy tale lost in the woods Gretel?) And I think it was here that Rickstad lost me. Much time is spent on this mystery child with the plot going in directions that seemed utterly ridiculous. The mystery itself has limited options as to the whodunnit is. (Fairly easy to suss out.) The police investigation I was hoping for never really happened. (And c'mon - clues left for 25 years in the victim's house?!)
Sorry, this one was overdone and overwrought in my opinion.
Jonah Baum's wife Rebecca and young daughter Sally went missing twenty five years ago from their home in Vermont. Jonah has never been the same from that day. He's living in a run down cabin in the forest, eschewing society, but hoping against hope that they might still be found. Sally's friend Lucinda might remember something still.....
When another little girl is lost in the woods, it is Jonah who finds her. Is she real or has Jonah's mind finally broken?
I liked the idea of the long disappearance and memories from a child perhaps holding the answers. The other little girl, Gretel was an unexpected entry in the plot. (Really? Gretel? Fairy tale lost in the woods Gretel?) And I think it was here that Rickstad lost me. Much time is spent on this mystery child with the plot going in directions that seemed utterly ridiculous. The mystery itself has limited options as to the whodunnit is. (Fairly easy to suss out.) The police investigation I was hoping for never really happened. (And c'mon - clues left for 25 years in the victim's house?!)
Sorry, this one was overdone and overwrought in my opinion.
August 5, 2025
Started off promising, but the middle portion of it, was just a bit slow for me. The ending was swift and resolved the mystery quickly. I enjoyed the short chapters, and the plot had a lot of opportunity. However, it felt flat for me at times and the connection between the past and present was a bit confusing at times. I think there was a lot of great potential for the plot to go different ways. Simple read if you want a straightforward thriller/ suspense.
August 4, 2018
Out of the 101 books I have read so far this calendar year, this one is the best. Authentic characters - I related to each and every one of them and walked every step with them. Cannot even remember the last time I was so fully invested in a book. Thank you, Eric Rickstad.
September 7, 2018
This was a crazy book. I really liked it. I would have given it 4 stars but there was a bit of swearing. I could not put it down though. Just a little creepy and had my heart pounding at times.
May 5, 2025
Meh. I liked the beginning, but eventually it all fell flat and I got bored. I read about 75% and then skimmed the rest. Too many good books to read slow and boring ones.
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