Lori Golden's sister is murdered and her mother's rental properties are being torched. Are the events related? Why are they happening? Are Lori and her mother in danger? I spent most of this book thinking how I would have written the same story instead of how Ms. James did. This is not a good way to read a book but I couldn't get myself out of that mode. So, what would I have done differently? I would have told the story in the first person instead of third person. Somehow this treatment made me feel as though I was sitting on a neighboring roof spying on the characters. Next, I would not have intermittently used the characters full names. It felt random and it distracted me from the story itself. And, while I enjoyed hearing Lori discuss why she thought all the men in her life were the murderer/arsonist because it was written in third person, she had to out loud accuse the person. It seemed quite paranoid and unnecessary. First person would have meant this could have been an internal dialogue. Finally, part of the ending was completely expected. I can't say why because it would be a spoiler. So I liked the concept and basic story line but I felt like the book could have been presented better.

The night 16-year-old Jessie Golden is brutally raped and then murdered in the basement of a nearby empty house belonging to her mother Dana, 22-year-old Lori Golden’s heart is broken. She adores her younger sister and can’t imagine life without her. Her mother is absolutely devastated and sinks into a deep depression. Not only has Dana lost her beautiful vivacious daughter, but also her perfect match for a badly needed kidney transplant. Jessie was the only family member who could donate a kidney to her mother. They had been unable to contact the only other person who may be a match, Dana’s absent brother who had moved abroad after a family rift. No one else has tissue of an acceptable match.
The merged family begins to crumble. Dana’s boyfriend Jake tries to comfort her but when his son Spencer is taken in for questioning, Dana is convinced of his guilt. She cannot bear the fact that she exposed her daughter to Spencer, already known to have a dubious history. She feels a failure as a mother and cannot stand the fact that Jake believes Spencer is innocent of Jessie’s horrific murder. It’s the proverbial nail in the coffin of their once flourishing relationship.
Lori in effect becomes Dana’s carer, but the responsibility weighs her down. Without the support of her boyfriend and best friend she wouldn’t know what to do. This is the heartrending story of a grieving family and their struggle to come to terms with a massive tragedy. To make matters even more acute, further crimes are committed against Dana’s family and mysterious anonymous letters delivered through the letterbox. It seems that the family are being targeted by a vicious criminal bent on destroying them. The problem is that they have no idea who it could be and on-going police investigations are yielding very few clues. They fear they may go into hiding to protect themselves as the police cannot provide long term protection.
‘After She’s Gone’ is an intriguing novel where the secret back history of the Golden family plays an important role in the outcome of the story. Someone is weaving a web of deceit and someone else is not who they at first seem to be. Secrets, lies, betrayal, grief and reunion are powerful issues included in any novel but for me there were discrepancies in the story that rather spoilt what at first seemed to be such a promising story. It had nothing to do with the diverse and well developed characters, some of which were very really lovely and others totally odious and obnoxious – a great mix. The storytelling was good but at times quite slow-paced. I loved the way some of the loose ends were tied together at the very end of the novel and thought it was a terrific finale, but nevertheless this is not one of my favourite novels of Maggie James, whereas I loved ‘His Kidnapper’s Shoes’. I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my copy of this novel sent to me in return for an honest review. I did enjoy reading it but my reservations are reflected in my 3* rating. Nonetheless I am pleased that I persevered with the novel.

This book felt really amateurish to me I'm afraid, the characters didn't feel fully developed, emotionless and I just couldn't connect with any of them at all. Every chapter just felt monologue and expressionless. I guess to summarize, it felt like a draft. It could be brilliant but it's not unfortunately.

I have read and enjoyed previous books by Maggie James so I was very disappointed when I discovered I just couldn't get into this one.
The book really irritated me with it's constant use of the term 'sweetheart' something I note other reviewers also noticed. Sound like a feeble criticism but when you read apparently every character in the book repeats this term it just grates. Also the book is over complicated with every character having secret lives and issues, enough problems and revelations to fill a complete series of books and not a 250 page novel.
To be honest the book did hold enough interest for me to want to know more but if I had of been told this was a debut novel I would have perhaps had a little more sympathy. I am hoping that this was a one off sub standard novel by what I am sure is a very good author going on previous books I have read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing with supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was first time I'd come across Maggie James, so her books were definitely new to me. I chose to read After She's Gone as the cover appealed and I liked the sound of the blurb.

I can truly say that i thoroughly enjoyed it, it was fairly fast paced, easy to keep up with all that was going on and the characters were really well written and life like.

I thought the story plot was cleverly done and wasn't predictable in any way. I was guessing throughout the whole book as to how it would end.

Would I recommend her books, yes and will I read more by this author in future, again absolutely yes.

Requested this book for my holiday wanted an author I had not read before,. And was I glad I did, read it in a day, kept me guessing up to the very end. Found it very easy reading & all the characters and their relationships kept me engrossed. Highly recommend this book. Will not be waiting to go on holiday to read more by Maggie James.

My first Maggie James novel and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Psychological suspense novels would not be my usual read but I found myself turning the pages to read more.

Lori Gordon's world changes when her sister Jessie is brutally murdered. This turns her and her family's world upside down.

The book explores how a family can be torn apart by hidden pasts and lies. I enjoyed the exploration of mental health issues which may be a subject ignore in popular fiction.

Overall the book got me thinking and I enjoyed the twists in the story. A great introduction to this type of novel I think I will look out for other novels by the author for future reading.

After She’s Gone is my third Maggie James read. I am torn with how to rate it as there were some features I really liked about it, but then there were other things I was not keen on.

The good stuff first. Ms. James can write. The prose is elegantly simple and flows well. She can spin a good story and this one had a couple of dynamite twists. I liked the premise and the protagonist, 22-year-old Lori Golden. Lori is trying to make sense of her world after her 16-year-old sister is brutally raped and murdered. Adding to her misery are threatening letters sent to her mom, her mother’s life-threatening health issues, and fires taking down her family’s rental properties one by one. Is their own home next to go up in flames? There is also an arsonist setting fire to empty warehouses all over town; whether it’s the same person who is targeting the family rental properties is not known. I enjoyed how the author was able to cleverly make just about everyone look suspicious. I also appreciated learning about the difference between pyromaniacs and arsonists and the psychological mindsets of both types of fire-setters. We have a lot of family drama, which I consider a positive. The inclusion of a kitty in the story is always a plus (NO animal torture here). Most of all, the story was engrossing enough that I finished the book in 2 days (very fast for me).

What didn’t I like? Well, several things. Overall, I think Ms. James tried to do too much in this one; there were just too many issues/subplots going on to address each one sufficiently. Secondly, I figured out the baddie right off the bat. (Spoiler) Of course it was the only character who wasn’t deemed a suspect, and we were given very little info about him, unlike everyone else. Plus he was super saccharine in his words and actions—clearly a baddie to this mystery reader. (End of spoiler). I did not care for the end of the ending. The last two plot tie-ups (Spoiler) Aiden revealed to be the arsonist and hints that Lori was going to become romantically involved with Damon (End of spoiler) were unnecessary, too neat, and not liked by me. I wished Ms. James hadn’t gone there. And what were the police thinking? (Spoiler) How could they elect to watch the Golden house for only a couple of nights because of budget restrictions when it was clear the out of control fire-setter was targeting it next? Also, when Lori went missing I thought the police would have dropped everything in their rush to find her; after all, the entire family seemed targeted. But no, they figured they should wait 24 hours to see if she would come back on her own. (End of spoiler). While we are on the topic of thinking, what was Lori thinking? (Spoiler) when she elected to move in with her boyfriend rather than immediately find new lodging with her mother and TO BE with her mom when it appeared imminent their house was going to be destroyed. Also why did she keep tearing up the threatening notes coming to the house instead of showing them to the police (end of spoiler). Then there was Aiden’s thinking, or lack thereof. (Spoiler) Why didn’t he call the police when by tracking Lori’s phone he discovered her in a life-threatening situation with the baddie? He had his cell phone. He should at least have notified someone about where he was headed so he could be found if he ended up needing help. He also should have had some sort of weapon with him. (End of spoiler). Finally, sorry, but gosh, if I heard Lori called “sweetheart” one more time, I think I might have launched my kindle straight through the roof!!! Aaaaaargh!

Well, when the dust settled, I felt frustrated, yet entertained. The book was hard to put down. Therefore, despite the head-banging I engaged in, I have to rate this at least 3 stars just for sheer entertainment. I gave Sister Psychopath 4 stars and Blackwater Lake 5 stars. I think if Ms. James just reigns it in a bit and makes her next book more streamlined and more believable, then she will again attain the levels of these two novels. I do remain a fan and will be reading her other three books, which are waiting on my kindle.

Many thanks to Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Ms. Maggie James for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

Sorry really didnt enjoy the book. i found it hard to get into and boring. i really struggled reading it.

Oh dear. this one didnt do it for me at all unfortunately. All the more disappointing as I loved Maggie James previous novel His Kidnappers Shoes and rated it 5 stars.

The story revolves around The Golden family and the murder of the youngest daughter, 16 year old Jessie.
The main character in this piece is Lori, Jessies older sister and the book concentrates heavily on how she tries to come to terms with the murder and her loss, and how she deals with her family and friends.
She is suspicious of everyone and has reason to believe than more than one of them could be the killer.

At a little over 250 pages, the book is a relatively short one but to be honest it was a chore to read and felt much much longer.
The red herrings were very obvious and the killer was as clear as day to me from very early on in the book.
None of the characters were that interesting and even Lori, who the book sort of revolves around, held little interest to me.
It takes an age to resolve itself as it plodded along and to be honest it was a real chore to finish and I couldnt wait to get to the end of it, just to be done with it.
Not one for me at all Im afraid. It wasnt unreadable but it was pretty close. I take no pleasure in writing this negative review as already said, i really loved Maggie James previous work. Its hard to think that both books were penned by the same author.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Maggie James for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read 30% of the book but had to put it down. I did not like the way it was written and had to keep re-reading parts to get the jist. In the end I put the book down which is rare for me. There are obviously a lot of stories weaved into one, a lot of mystery and without knowing too much the whole story was hard to follow.

I have to start this review out by expressing my love for all things Maggie James. The first 3 books I've read from her have all been 4-5 star ratings, and she has become an author I readily seek out. So of course when this became available on Netgalley I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Now having finished, I'm looking at all the other 5 star reviews and wondering how my feelings for this book can differ so much from everyone else...especially for an author that I hold in such high regard?!

I didn't like this book at all. In fact it felt like it was written by a complete unknown author to me. Nowhere did I get the intensity and suspense that I have come to love. The plot had everything but the kitchen sink thrown into it from <spoiler> a rape/murder, a pyromaniac running rampant, a pedophile, incest, long lost siblings </spoiler> and secrets galore that just seemed over the top.

I had issues with the writing style as well. It seemed amateurish at times and overly dramatic. Some of the scenes that were designed to create tension just fell flat. There was also the issue of the characters being referred to by their full name. Example: 'Lori opened the door and Fraser Golden was standing there...'. Fraser Golden is her Father, so why not address him as such? This was done several times throughout to various characters and it just made the flow more disjointed and confusing.

Even with all the attempts to throw the reader off in different directions on who the main antagonist was, I figured out who it was early on, but at least I didn't figure out the why of it all. That was the one saving grace of this entire read.

I don't know what happened to the Maggie James that I have come to know and love, but I hope she's back soon. I'm going to write this one off as if it didn't happen. She'll be back, I just know it!

ARC provided by NetGalley

Talk of a serving of emotions and situations and this book has it!

The story focuses on Lori and her sister Jessie who have always been close, until the time when they get word from the police that Jessie was murdered and the basement where she was, set ablaze. Everything comes crashing down on Lori, and it does not help that her mom has been seeking treatment due to her kidney problem, and her step-dad, Jake has a son, Spencer who is a junkie. The news of Jessie's death opens up a whole new world for Lori where she trusts no one, and goes on to answer the only question you have as a reader, 'who killed Jessie and why?'

I'd chunk the book into two: the first 40% of the story is more like an avalanche! Everything that could go wrong, goes wrong and it gets worse, and Lori is in the middle of all this trying not to lose her mind. It is pretty intense for such a young person and I had to set the book aside at some point just so I could take it all in.

The second part, is more towards the end, what I would say starts from 75% into reading the story, and this is where the blanks are filled in. You start to get a sense of relief that everything will be okay, and you find your detective skills are not so shabby. This is the part where I could not set my reading device down because I was finally sensing some relief and truth, especially for Lori's sake.

One part struck home, and this was the conversation between Lori, Spencer and Jake (Lori's step-dad) on addiction, he said, "We can coast along just fine, keeping the urge at bay, until something goes wrong." It was spot on about addiction, and for him to come out and declare that to his kids, was a powerful moment for me in the story.

I'd definitely read more works by Maggie James and would be intrigued by her take now on how a parent tries to blend into a new family, because on this one, Dana (Lori's Mom) was not one to listen to excuses.

A good suspenseful book with lots of twists and turns in the plot.

Brilliant storyline that was quite an addictive read in parts

i was great from the first page, could not put it down. Love it

Lori Golden's family is torn apart when her younger sister, Jessie, is found murdered. At the same time an arsonist is burning down buildings across Bristol, can the two be linked and what more will Jessie's murder uncover and just how much can one family take. This book started with one hell of a hook, murder and arson! After this high impact opening, I wasn't quite sure where the book was heading and I felt that it was going to be a little slow for my liking...but OH BOY was I soooo wrong! A few chapters in and my head was spinning as I jumped from character to character suspecting each and every one of them of murder and arson! Who was telling me the truth, who could I believe and did I even trust any of them!

Lori is the main narrator of "After She's Gone" and as a reader you could genuinely feel her hurt and her confusion as she struggled not only to deal with her own grief, but also with her mother who was spiralling into a hell we don't even want to imagine! Added to that, Lori begins to suspect all those around her of being involved in her sister's murder and her fear is rising as she realises she and her mother may also be at risk! I really connected with Lori and felt so sorry for her - I felt the others in her life placed her under so much pressure to deal and cope with all that was happening, I was rooting for her all the way through the book!

Dana, Lori and Jessie's mother irritated me...I'm sorry #mybad I know I should have felt her grief and got where she was coming from but at times I wanted to shake her and say...open your eyes and look at your daughter shrinking before you woman! I did feel for her but I struggled to like her and this intensified as the book progressed.

I don't want to talk too much about the other characters for fear of spoilers but they all played a part in putting a pressure of some sort or other upon Lori. For those falsely accused I had pity - but boy was it hard to work out where my suspicions were wrong!

After She's Gone explores secrets and lies and what a devastating impact they can have when we don't open up to those we love.

This book had my head reeling, I ricocheted from suspect to suspect, glowering at them all as I turned the pages. I keenly felt Lori's anguish and grief and her confusion, fear and mistrust as she struggled to deal with the descent into hell going on around her! I wanted to step into the pages and rescue her! I was so glad of a long train journey as I got half way through the book as I was able to settle myself down and finish it without any distractions! So what started slowly for me, quickly picked up the pace and dragged me screaming along with it!

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing (this publisher has a knack for publishing books I love.) I received this advance read in exchange for an honest review. This was an author I'd never read, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity.
Lori's 16 year old sister is killed. She has multiple other family problems going on at the same time, and there is a firebug burning properties around town.
When the police make an arrest, Lori is not convinced they have the right person, but she keeps changing her mind on who might be responsible. I did figure out who did it, but then it took yet another twist I hadn't seen coming at all.
I highly recommend this one.

Maggie James was a new author for me when I read His Kidnapper's Shoes and I am so pleased to have discovered her as you are guaranteed to have an intensely gripping and high quality read in your hands. Don't just take my word for it - Maggie is certainly becoming a firm favourite among readers judging by the many 5 star reviews on Amazon.

There's no happy ending for 16 year old Jessie Golden when she goes missing one evening. Her body is found in one of her mother's rental properties, leaving her sister, Lori, and mother, Dana, devastated. As the family come to terms with Jessie's death they become suspicious of each other - often people are murdered by those known to them and with Dana's partner, Jake, and his son, Spencer, acting suspiciously Lori can't help but think that one of them knows more about Jessie's death than he is willing to let on. Who can Lori trust?

There are so many characters acting suspiciously, each withholding their own delicious secret, that you will never be able to isolate which one holds the key to Jessie's murder. As a pyromaniac targets Dana's properties, she fears that Jessie's murder is retribution for something she did in her past. And we all know that the past does come back to haunt you! As it becomes clear that the fires, and Jessie's death, are something personal, it's only a matter of time before the murderer shows their hand.

After She's Gone is a no holds barred account of an imploding family coming to terms with their grief. Each character's thoughts and feelings are impeccably described and we feel their hurt, anger, despair and fear in every page. The character of Lori was my absolute favourite - she has to deal with so many feelings from sibling rivalry and jealousy to complete devastation whilst still trying to hold her fractured family together. After She's Gone is another fantastic page turner from Maggie James that gets inside your head and stays there. A recommended must read from me!

Lori and her sister Jessie have been both the best of friends and worst of enemies, as sisters always are. But no matter what, they always had each other’s backs. So when Jessie is killed , Lori is beside herself. She and her mother try carry on, but Jessie’s death is the catalyst that will reveal dark family secrets, things Lori never suspected.