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What She Found

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After her recent separation, Tabitha Weaver is holding her life together by a thread. Luckily, her six closest friends have the perfect cure for heartbreak: a weekend in the countryside complete with relaxation, a blind date, and all the wine she can handle.

But it isn’t long before their night at the secluded rental house goes sour. The drinks flow a little too freely and lingering tensions arise before they’re interrupted by frantic knocking at the door. The stranger claims to have been in an accident, and though her head is bleeding, she refuses to let them call an ambulance.

With Tabitha distracted by her new beau, another friend leaving to check out the scene of the accident, and the rest of the group busy feuding, they lose track of the stranger’s whereabouts. It isn’t until she wakes up with a hangover that Tabitha finds a note on her dresser: Don’t stop until you find it.

Tabitha disregards the note, and the evening, and returns home believing the weekend is behind her. But when the strange woman is reported missing, the police start circling—the group must reexamine their accounts of what happened that night. And the discrepancies in their stories cannot be overlooked. It doesn’t help that the police have discovered clues to suggest foul play.

As the evidence mounts against them, loyalties are tested. Tabitha is desperate to find the truth about what happened to the woman.

Which of her friends is lying? Who can she trust?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2020

439 people are currently reading
881 people want to read

About the author

Emerald O'Brien

36 books625 followers
Emerald O’Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, and graduated from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.

A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.

Get your free ebook, exclusive to Emerald's newsletter subscribers today: http://www.emeraldobrien.com/your-fre...

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5 stars
234 (33%)
4 stars
233 (33%)
3 stars
149 (21%)
2 stars
58 (8%)
1 star
15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Tracey .
896 reviews57 followers
March 8, 2020
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced suspense novel with interesting characters and an intriguing mystery. It is a real page turner, and its twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end. Ms. O'Brien is an expert at keeping her readers engaged from the beginning of her novels until the very last page. I received an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kiersten Modglin.
Author 57 books14.3k followers
January 22, 2020
O’Brien’s latest, What She Found, is everything I look for in a good story. This twisted mystery starts from page one—who are these characters, why are they the way they are—and continues until the very last amazing word.

Every character contributed to this twisted web. As soon as I decided on a theory, the author swatted it away with a new surprise.

This book will undoubtedly be in my Top Reads of 2020, because it’s already in my Top Reads ever. I’m obsessed with this story. The way the author expertly crafts a mystery you can’t turn away from, weaves in characters you love to hate, and steers you in one direction only to give you whiplash from the sharp turn in another direction make this story one readers will devour in one sitting!

Breathtakingly twisted—this is a story about betrayal and secrets. It poses the question: how well can you ever really know ANYONE? Even those closest to you? Even yourself?

I am obsessed!
Profile Image for Meghan O'Flynn.
Author 171 books666 followers
March 29, 2020
Just how tight are the ties that bind? Addictive and unsettling, O'Brien's latest will drag you in and hold you tight. Highly recommend for fans of Abigail Haas and Tana French.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books566 followers
April 10, 2020
A group of friends get together for a weekend party at an isolated house. With a plot like that, I was immediately drawn to this story. Add the fact that a mysterious stranger (a woman) shows up after a car accident, then disappears, and the foundation of the book is strong. I couldn’t wait to dive in! The night of the party everyone is drinking, and no one has a clear memory of what happened the next morning. There are conflicting stories about what took place, and soon the police are involved, along with whispers of murder.

I wanted to love this book, but I had problems with how most of the characters behaved, especially how easily they believed lies that were put forth about other members of their group. I just couldn’t believe friends would behave that way--turning on each other so quickly, after knowing one another for years. Maybe one or two people in the group, but the majority, if not all?

Pretty much no one (with the exception of Tabitha, the narrator, who is going through a divorce) is who they seem. Each has an agenda, many are up to their necks in lies or coverups. Admittedly, there were several places where I couldn’t read fast enough to discover what happened. The book is well-written, but when the ending arrived, I found the plot too far-fetched and the behavior of the characters unrealistic. I’m sure many other readers will enjoy this story. I would read this author again, this story just wasn’t quite right for me. 3.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
April 11, 2020
Suspenseful thrillers are my favorite type of read! can never get enough! What She Found was great. It was twisted and full of edge of your seat suspense. Some things were a bit far-fetched, but it still makes for a great story! This book is definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Arti Manani.
Author 5 books32 followers
October 21, 2025
How tight is your circle? How much do you really know your friends? Will they always have your back? Are they secretly jealous of you? How easy would it be for them to turn against you? ...or you, them? 👀

What She Found by Emerald O’Brien had me hooked right from the start. It's tense, twisty, and full of that small-town secrecy vibe that I love in a good domestic thriller. The plot and pacing was strong, and the suspense kept me turning the pages, wanting to find out what happened to Karina, a random woman who turns up at a lodge where a group of friends are staying for a getaway... Suddenly, Karina goes missing. What happened to her? Why?

A close-knit group of friends. One missing person. Secrets. Lies.

The characters felt real, many were flawed and messy, yet relatable, but I have to admit I did find there were a few too many to keep track of at times. The ending reveal wasn't what I expected, which is always good, but it was a little confusing with so much happening at once.

However it didn’t take away from the fact that this was still an addictive, well-written story and I'll certainly be reading more from Emerald.
Profile Image for Terra.
179 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2025
My first book by Emerald O'Brien and was not disappointed! The twists were twisty and while some I had figured out, others blew me away! What an excellent book! Looking forward to reading more by her!
Profile Image for Diane.
288 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2020
What a page turner, great whodunnit and I will be reading more from this author,
12.6k reviews189 followers
April 9, 2020
What an intriguing story. Tabitha is a fantastic character faced with loss, life that’s not so simple, yet she’s strong. Loved it.
Profile Image for Corianne.
350 reviews42 followers
June 11, 2021
2.5 stars. I hesitated to post a review, because I don’t want to discourage anyone from giving it a go themselves! But I want to be honest, and share my honest review — because then my reviews are more valuable to everyone.

First, I’ll say that I have so much respect for authors that craft these page turning stories. I would love to someday, and they have done it, so I am in awe of their hard work and dedication to telling stories! You rock, Emerald.

This is my first read by this author, and I read it in less than 24 hours. I really like Emerald’s writing style — and the plot was perfect. I hate being able to predict endings and I definitely didn’t predict this one!

But, I had a few issues with this book.

1. Way too many characters. This might just have been hard for me, but I couldn’t keep people straight.

2. It was so hard to follow at the end. I need to re-read from when Derek died because I’m still confused.

- they all met Karina at a casino
- she began an affair with Derek, and Arland?
- Matt noticed, and encouraged her to blackmail Arland because he was jealous of Arland’s life (sorry, Cass)
- Liz was sleeping with Connor... and realized when Karina got to the cabin that she’d been sleeping with Arland because of the rings?
- Liz somehow hid the car by herself?
- who wrote the first note Tabbie found in her purse?? Karina when she realized she was in trouble? Did she have a feeling?

I’m just having a hard time comprehending how it all went down — it felt unclear to me! I don’t understand how it all went down.

3. Overuse of the word “sneer”. I am admittedly sensitive to this sort of thing, though; I ALWAYS notice when a word appears repetitively as a descriptor.

However, I’m in for everything else Emerald writes! It was a page turner, for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews72 followers
March 26, 2020
What She Found by Emerald O'Brien is a mesmerizing, addictive and captivating story of love, loss, and fear. A Psychological Suspense that is twisted, addictive, a page turner, that will kept the reader on the edge of their seat. The fear is tangible, the loss is great and with ties that bind, readers will definitely be in awe.
A definite must read for fans of Psychological thrillers, suspense, mystery and trust.
WHAT SHE FOUND is well crafted, and well excuted. The characters are believable and engaging. Twisted with a bit of everything a reader would expect in a Psychological Suspense and more with a gripping and explosive conclusion.
Highly recommended!

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating:
Reviewer: AprilR
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
March 28, 2020
This is an ensemble story involving a number of people. It opens with a group of friends gathered for a weekend in wine country. Although the group considers themselves to be family, there is tension and secrets that slowly emerge. A woman appears and mysteriously vanishes. This sets the basis for the entire rest of the book. Despite all the clues, it is impossible to figure out what happened until the very end, and by that time the family bonds have been destroyed, and the dark side of each character revealed. The action and interactions are very realistic, and the baggage carried by each of the characters becomes visible and affects the action. Before the story ends, murder, affairs, addictions, and disease all show up. This is a very intense and realistic book.
Profile Image for Lesley Kay.
292 reviews67 followers
April 15, 2020
I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed the book, which centered around a group of friends vacationing when a stranger shows up at the door of their rented house. When she disappears, it creates suspicion among the friends and dark secrets start to come out. I would not have guessed the ending, but I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt. All in all, a fun read!
Profile Image for Annie McDonnell.
Author 1 book116 followers
June 16, 2020
“What She Found” proves to be a story that I found myself fully invested in! Unputdownable! With an ending I did not see coming...A mile away!

Emerald O’Brien offers generous amounts of shock value! She puts twists in this story that appear like a blind curves in the road!

I loved all of the friends! The drama! The baggage! The secrets! The Stranger!!

The goosebumps I consistently got!

Be Sure to Grab “What She Found” and be prepared to be Wow’d!
Profile Image for Sarah.
637 reviews10 followers
September 8, 2020
This book was just not very good. Every character (especially the protagonist) was constantly making unbelievable stupid decisions, and somehow despite being so short, there's a LOT of extraneous detail. Not even red herrings really, just information that doesn't matter at all. The final confrontation with the culprit is ridiculous. Some bits were genuinely creepy though so I gave it 2 stars.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,054 reviews375 followers
July 13, 2020
With friends like these....

Tabbie, Liz, Arland, Cassie, Matt, Connor and Bonnie. All the best of friends since bonding in a grief support group during their university days. Now Bonnie has passed away and Tabbie is going through a painful divorce, but the group gets together like always for a summer trip, Connor bringing along his friend Wesley as a possible hookup for Tabbie. But the weekend veers off-course when a woman named Karina shows up at their rental home, claiming to have suffered a minor car accident. Nearly everyone has been drinking and there’s a bit of confusion about who sees Karina do what and when, but Matt repairs her car and in the morning she’s gone.

Cut to a few days later....suddenly Karina’s car appears hidden on Liz and Arland’s property. Why is it there, and where is Karina? The friends’ lives quickly go down the rabbit hole, Tabbie most of all.

Decent thriller. I loved the friendship among the group and hate that we never got to meet Bonnie, their glue. Decent mystery, and not really a whodunit in that one didn’t really have the information to puzzle it all out, but that’s OK. Good quarantine read and currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Nancy Timmerman.
177 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2020
This novel!! This novel grabbed me from the very beginning. I became completely immersed in it and the story had me at the edge of my seat. It was suspenseful, marvelously twisted and rattled my brain, trying to guess what could possibly happen next! Emerald O'Brien wrote “What She Found” perfectly, giving me the heebie-jeebies.

Trust is a big word. The main character, Tabbie takes a bombshell hit when her husband wants a separation. I feel nothing but heartbreak for Tabbie as her life seems to be spiraling down at a quick pace. A weekend trip in a secluded house with friends, seems just what she needs; until a stranger knocks on the door. “We're all here. Who would be knocking this late at night?” What happens next really makes Tabbie ask herself if she really knows her friends, after all these years.

I'm a new fan of Emerald O'Brien's books. She has cleverly written a keen who-dun-it revealing her gift of writing. Don't hesitate to snatch this book, but, my advice, read with the lights on!

~This book was given to me in a giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,388 reviews45 followers
March 27, 2024
What She Found was a perfect suspenseful and addictive popcorn thriller/mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. From the first page I was hooked and enthralled in this sick tale. It is a true page turner and it will keep you glued to the pages, I can promise you that.

I had no idea where this was headed, these characters were so full of secrets and lies. I didn't know who to trust. Every time I thought I had something figured out the author smacked me in the other direction.

The twists and turns were amazingly well done, I did not see them coming. Once you get to the climax up until the very end you'll be chewing on your nails to find out.

🎧 The narration by Stephanie Dillard was so good. I really enjoyed her, she kept me so hooked and interested through the whole story. She truly knew how to build suspense.
Profile Image for Rebecca Preston.
17 reviews
February 6, 2025
While the book may be short, its impact is immense. O'Brien's writing is masterful, weaving a tale that's both haunting and mesmerizing. The story is expertly paced, with each twist and turn carefully crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The characters are well-developed and complex, with flaws and motivations that make them relatable and human. The author's use of language is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of the setting that's both atmospheric and immersive.

But it's the ending that truly sets 'What She Found' apart. I got goosebumps as the truth unfolded, and I couldn't help but applaud the author's skillful storytelling. The reveal is both shocking and satisfying, tying together threads that I didn't even realize were there. It's a testament to O'Brien's skill as a writer that she can craft an ending that's both surprising and inevitable.

If you're looking for a gripping, suspenseful read that will leave you breathless, 'What She Found' is a must-read. Don't let its short length fool you – this book packs a big punch. Five stars, hands down!
Profile Image for Lucy Appadoo.
Author 36 books58 followers
April 6, 2025
This is an intriguing story about Tabbie and her group of friends who meet a stranger, Karina at their vacation home one night. But when Karina disappears, the police question the group, believing that one of them might be responsible for something suspicious.

Tabbie is sure that someone is lying, with secrets from that night. She starts to believe her estranged husband might be involved after discovering his secret. But when her brother's life might be in danger, Tabbie takes matters into her own hands and strives to discover the identity of this person who might be involved in Karina's disappearance.

I especially enjoyed the suspense, red-herrings, and complex plot that kept me turning the pages. I did get a little confused by so many names though, but it was still an interesting read.

69 reviews
June 15, 2025
2/5⭐️

This book was an okay read. I got this book for free on kindle. It focused on a group of friends who went away for a stay in a cottage in the woods. During a night of games and drinking a women knocks in their door. Clearly she has been in an accident and is injured. The women insists nobody calls for help, her car is just broken down after swerving to miss an animal and she plans to call a friend for help. Following this encounter the group discovers this woman went missing and someone is trying to frame them. Her car ends up in one of their yards, her bloody clothes end up in someone’s car, and stories aren’t adding up. Friends begin to turn on each other and it ends up that one of the friends was connected to this woman’s death and tried to pin it on her friends to save herself and her family.

I enjoyed the concept of this book especially in the beginning; however as time went on it just became too outside the box for me to really get all in on. There also were so many characters with similar traits that I often was confused who was who. This book was okay and maybe I would recommend it for someone who particularly liked this genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brianna North.
Author 5 books41 followers
June 26, 2025
This was a great thriller that put friendships to the test after a cottage getaway gone wrong. When a stranger knocks on the door after an apparent car accident to use the phone, she turns down help from Tabbie and her friends, and is reported missing days later. Tabbie and her friends are suddenly being questioned by police, and their stories aren't adding up. Now they must figure out - who in the friend group is lying?

I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this thriller! They had me questioning everyone in the friend group, especially as more secrets were uncovered. I'd highly recommend this one if you love thrillers with a little drama!
1,813 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2020
This was a thrill ride. A group of friends rent a property in a isolated area. A stranger knocks at the door late at night. She, Karina, says her car broke down and her cell phone needs charged. Karina does not want to stay inside very long. She appears to be making a cell phone call and that is the last any of the group sees her. Karina's car ends up in the back yard of one of the couples. Karina goes missing. Blood is found on clothes in another of the groups trunk. The author knows how to spin a tale and make you keep guessing about the outcome.
Profile Image for anna🎀🤍.
28 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2025
i have so much to say but also not??

i literally couldn’t put this book down, it was so hooking. i read it in a few hours and i felt so many emotions. towards the end, it confused me a lot and i still have so many unanswered questions and such, but i really enjoyed it for the most part. the ending wasn’t what i expected and wasn’t really what i was looking for, even though i figured out who did it by 3/4 of the way in. even then, my jaw was dropped!

definitely recommend if you want a book that you genuinely cannot put down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ four star
Profile Image for Barbie.
57 reviews
January 16, 2022
Who can you trust when you can’t trust your friends, your husband (soon to be ex), or yourself? This was the question Tabitha asked herself throughout this rousing story. I could not stop until I had all the pieces of the puzzle about his mysterious woman who disappeared as quickly as she showed up in Tabitha’s life.

This novel had me constantly questioning who I could believe and left me in the dark until the very end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story took another twist I didn’t see coming.

I definitely look forward to more from Emerald O’Brien!
Profile Image for Courtney Rennie.
477 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2024
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


'What She Found' is a chilling who-dunnit that will leave you guessing until the very end! The narrator, Stephanie Dillard, did an amazing job of telling this story. As soon as Corrina spoke I got chills down my spine. I kept guessing someone different throughout the entire book but did not expect the ending whatsoever. Full of drama and keeps you on the edge of your seat!
137 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2020
If you're looking for a compelling but confusing mystery, this is it. A relaxing weekend away with friends tuns out to be anything but when a strange young woman turns up on their doorstep during a rain storm asking for help for her broken down car after an accident. She's there and then she isn't, but where is she? That gets to be a recurring question when her family reports her miussing following that weekend. Whar once were totally supportive friends become accusers of one another as incriminating evidence against various members of the group pops up. Hold onto your hats for this roller coaster read will make your head swim - enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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