Since She’s Been Gone, by Sagit Schwartz

Short Take: Like sitting through a lecture I never signed up for.

(*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*)

Important note - I tapped out on this one at the 20% mark. It just couldn’t hold my interest.

This book was described as a thriller, it is not. Not even remotely. It’s about a woman and her eating disorder. Which is fine, recovery memoirs can be super interesting. This book’s treatment of the main character’s eating disorder, however, is not interesting.

The author can’t decide how she wants to approach the topic, and is all over the map with it. She goes into great depth about eating disorders in general, bashing the reader over the head with facts about eating disorders (referred to as ED), often switching tense and tone in a single chapter. We get a few sentences (in first person) about Beatrice’s struggle with eating a meal in a treatment center, then a page-long third-person breakdown of why ED patients are pushed to eat communally, the effects on the body of eating after a period of starvation, how their caloric needs change, etc. Then back to Beatrice struggling.

It’s the focal point of every other chapter. Dual timelines are cool, but there’s nothing about this info dump that moves anything along. It’s 100% the author trying to show off what an expert she is on eating disorders. It’s a serious topic and deserves serious treatment, but it just doesn’t work in a book pretending to be a fictional work with a whole plot and everything. I mean, Beatrice is torn between ED, and her fiance whose name is (gawd I wish I was joking) Eddie. Like, seriously??? I’m sure if Ms. Schwartz tried, she could hit us over the head harder with it, but I don’t see how.

And every so often there’s some bit about her mother who may or may not be dead and what might have happened to her, but there’s just not enough story there. I give up. Based on other ratings, there’s a real audience for this blend of condescension and navel-gazing, but I’m not it.

The Nerd’s Rating: ONE HAPPY NEURON (and vodka, STAT. And a better book, please.)

Beatrice Bennett, fondly known as “Beans” has endured her fair share of lifelong struggles but is currently living contently. She’s a clinical psychologist and is loved by her partner and his young daughter. When she was fifteen years old, she tragically lost her mother due to a hit and run driver. In order to gain control of her life, she developed an eating disorder that continues to follow her decades later.

One morning, she meets a new patient at her office who delivers shocking news: Beans’ mother is still alive! This new knowledge, propels Beans into investigative mode where she will have to face her past demons.

This novel is an exciting and heartbreaking journey that travels from the present back to when Beans’ life fell apart. Reading the author’s note regarding content warnings and her own experience with eating disorders, gave me a better view into the issues that formed Beans. I felt the raw emotions that Beans was experiencing both when she lost her mom and again when she was searching for the truth into that loss. I loved that the storyline wove in current events, psychological disorders and a compelling storyline into this captivating thriller.

A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Crooked Lane Books. The opinions are my own and freely given.

This is the story of Beans, whose mother died when she was 15 and has struggled with anorexia ever since. One day, a woman shows up and tells her, her mother is alive. This starts Beans searching for her mother and learning everything she can about her mom's life. There are references to drug addiction, and pharmaceutical coverups, government and police corruption. Throughout out this, Beans finds it hard to not let her eating disorder take over. From her homebase in LA, where she grew up with her loving parents, to her travelling to New York City, where her mom was before she came to LA. I was really involved in this story, trying to figure out where her mother was and why she might have disappeared or is this woman just making it up for some reason that Beans can't figure out. Beans realizes that she needs to make herself a better person for her boyfriend Eddie and his daughter Sarah, who also lost her mom at a young age. This is a really good debut, and I can't wait to read more of her books.

This book will be posted to Instagram @kuhlreads on 2/9/24.
You can find it live on Bookbub, goodreads, librarything and storygraph

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC to read and review.

I really struggled with the writing style of this one…I loved that it was first-person POV, but it was all tell and no show. I didn’t see the need for dual timelines since it was more a retelling of the past than actually showing her living it.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me somewhere around 30%…

Timely, engaging, and entertaining. A recommended purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.

Beatrice also know as "Beans" is a strong character throughout this book. She lost her mother at age 15 and has since struggled with an eating disorder. Beans soon discovers that her mother had some secrets in her past. The story has dual timelines, current and past. The writing is amazing and keeps the reader engaged. Bean sums up her mom in the end, even though she wasn't perfect, she tried to protect me. That was her legacy. I was born, and I was loved. That was my privilege. Fast paced, edge of your seat, and an emotional read! 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This book is available 2/6/24.

Thank you to Sagit and NetGalley for the ARC! Since She’s Been Gone is a suspenseful, page-turning thriller that had me racing to the end. But it’s also a heartfelt story that ends on a hopeful note. Beatrice’s story pulled at my heart strings, and the dual timeline gave me a deep understanding of her struggles with her eating disorder and grief. This topic was extremely well written and handled with compassion in a way that’s hard to find in most books. In addition to the multiple mysteries that propel the story forward, this novel is full of compelling and complicated relationships that feel very relatable both on and off the page.

I love Sagit’s debut and can’t wait to read more of her books in the future!

"𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘴"

If you like books with family drama and dual timelines, you'll enjoy this one! This kept me interested and on my toes. I loved the quick chapters, easy writing style and the way the mystery and story unfolded. Read with care if drug addiction and eating disorders are triggers for you. This was a great debut and I'm looking forward to more by this author.

Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Crooked Lane Books and Sagit Schwartz for an eARC of this book. Since She's Been Gone releases on February 4, 2024!

I started this book and didn't want to put it down. I loved the dual timelines, the heavy subject material, the sleuthing, and the way the mystery unfolded. I learned so much and was rooting for Beans every step of the way.

This book is sectioned into multiple parts with dual timelines and quick chapters. It makes it so easy to get lost in the pages! I was completely enthralled with the past timeline with Beans at the treatment center where she was getting care for her anorexia. I feel like there is a lot of media around eating disorders, but my perception of what they actually are was so false. It was extremely evident that Schwartz did her research. The information was factual and non-judgmental. It was presented in such a perfect way and I was so connected to Beans and her struggles.

The present timeline was action-packed and I didn't want to miss a word. It was super fast-moving and so much happened in such a short period of time. There was a bit of suspension of belief with the current timeline, but I was totally here for it. I always love when I have all the pieces of a puzzle but can't quite work it out and Schwartz did an amazing job bringing us to the conclusion and putting everything together.

I'm totally impressed that this is a debut! There are incredible things for Schwartz on the horizon and I will without question be picking up anything she writes!

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Crooked Lane Books for the novel.

💊Since She’s Been Gone💊
Author: Sagit Schwartz
Pub Date: February 6, 2024

Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions @sagitschwartz @crookedlanebooks for the #gifted copy of this book!

Whhhewwwie! This was a good one that touched on very tough topics! Opioid addiction and eating disorders are so very relevant in today’s world and since both of these topics have personally affected people in my life I felt drawn to this story!

Beatrice “Beans”, now a licensed therapist, is meeting with a client and her day was interrupted by a mysterious woman telling her that her deceased mother is actually very much alive. This is odd because her mother died when Beans was 15 in a hit and run accident. At first Beans thinks this woman is crazy until this woman reveals details that makes her doubt every truth in her life. Now Beans is races to find out the real truth and uncover what really happened to her mother.

I am blown away this is a debut because it was so well done! This family drama was suspenseful, tough to read at times and definitely pulled on my heart strings. I can tell she has personally loved someone with or had an eating disorder (ED) herself because lifelong struggle around ED was portrayed so accurately. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath as details were uncovered. I read this fast paced book in an afternoon so be warned that once you start you won’t want to stop! The story itself was very addicting and I am excited to see what Sagit has up her sleeve in the future!

Make sure you read the trigger warnings on this one. The author does bring the topics to light in the beginning which I think was a nice touch!

Thank you for an advance copy of this thriller. It tells the story of Beatrice, Beans, a woman who is finally settled in her life after dealing with an ED, death of her parents when she was younger. But her world is rocked when a strange woman tells her that her mom is still alive after all these years. Then the mystery starts. This book could be difficult for anyone struggling with an ED there is some tough content here. But overall I liked the suspenseful story and the character of Beatrice is very formidable. OVerall a great, twisty thriller with a touch of heart.

Since She’s Been Gone
By: Sagit Schwartz

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing debut! Told in dual timelines detailing Beatrice Bennett, known as beans.

As a child she lost her mother and was raised by her father. Shortly after the death of her mother she develops an eating disorder. Unable to help his caught he send her to a treatment facility. Her eating disorder is known as ED and is discussed throughout her life.

As an adult she is now a Psychologist and gets a phone call that changes her life. The person tells her she is in danger and her mother is alive. She does not believe her, but when the girl hands her a bracelet that was her moms she starts questioning everything.

Beatrice journey sends her to NYC which her mother earned her to never go to. This journey leads her to a lot she did not know about and puts Beatrice and her loved ones in danger. This novel is highly emotional and I was thoroughly invested in her story.

Triggers: Eating disorders

Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for this advanced copy. I cannot wait for this authors next book.

#sinceshesbeengone, #sagitschwatrz, #crookedlanebooks, #thrillerbookloverpromtions, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This is a fantastic debut! The writing is beautiful, the story has depth and emotion. It’s about a woman named Beans that has struggled with an eating disorder her whole life. She has also struggled with grief over losing her mother as a child. Now, new information has come to light about her mother and Beans follows the trail, finding herself in danger.

This book was intense! This was not my favorite read but it was good. The plot was really well developed and this author is a great writer! Overall a 3 star read.

This book was a little slow for me. The entire book talked about her obsession with her eating disorder which drove me insane. I have suffered from Anorexia on & off since I was 15 so I understood the point of bringing it up but I felt like it was such a huge part of the book. It just took too long to get to the point.

Beatrice “Beans” Bennett was 15 years old when her mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident, sending Beans into a tailspin and on a path to a lifelong battle against ED (eating disorder). Now an adult firmly in recovery, Beans is stunned when a mysterious woman tells her not only is her mother still alive, but she’s in grave danger and needs Beans’s help. As Beans races to find out the truth about her mother, she finds herself down a rabbit hole of secrets, lies, and addiction, all linked to a goliath pharmaceutical company responsible for the opioid crisis.

This dual timeline story will keep you on the edge of your seat as Beans searches for answers about what really happened to her mother in the present while her struggle against anorexia in the past breaks your heart. The writing is raw and emotional, and the author tackles some incredibly difficult topics with honesty and compassion. The mystery is tense and propulsive, but the poignant family drama and skillful mental health representation gripped me even more. Please read with care if ED, addiction, and miscarriage are triggers for you.

Oh, and did I mention this is a debut novel? Sagit Schwartz is definitely one to watch in this genre!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.

I want to preface this with a big Trigger Warning for eating disorder and drug addiction. With that said, Schwartz did an excellent job of writing these elements into the characters. With such heavy topics, the author wrote them beautifully and elegantly.

If you enjoy a dual timeline, this one is for you! The author was able to flow between the timelines with ease and fluidity. I found myself lost in one timeline and obsessed with what was happening, then simultaneously feeling the same when I fell into the next timeline.

Imagine being told your mother is in danger when your mother has been dead for many years…or so you thought.

Can we ever truly know the people we love?

Losing her mother to a hit-and-run at age 15 threw Beatrice “Beans” Bennett’s life into turmoil. Bereft, she developed a life-threatening eating disorder, and went through a challenging recovery process which paved the way for her work as a clinical psychologist decades later.

When a new patient arrives at her office and insists that Beans’s mother is still alive—and in danger—Beans is forced to revisit her past in order to uncover the truth. She learns the “patient” is a member of a notorious family that owns a drug company largely responsible for the national opioid epidemic, and that her mother was once tangled in their web. In a race against time—and her mother’s assailants—while once again facing the disorder she thought she’d put behind her, Beans discovers that, like herself, her mother had a devastating secret.

With its fast-moving, edge-of-your-seat action and intimate look at mental health, Since She’s Been Gone will keep readers in its grasp long after the last page.

In a genre where there is no shortage of shocking twists, maybe the most shocking reveals are those that could actually happen. Sagit Schwartz draws on her own experience as a psychotherapist to craft a compelling, addictive, suspense-filled novel that had me mesmerized from the very beginning. Since She's Been Gone realistically describes the daily, continuing struggles of addiction and recovery in women, while at the same time keeping me completely invested in knowing what happened to Beatrice's mother, how she will deal with the results of long-buried secrets, and the aftermath of her discovery.. This is a strong debut, one that I hope will get lots of well-deserved attention.

I could not put this book down! The pacing was excellent. I couldn't wait to find out what happened. Beans was likable and I felt for her with ED. What a twisty and heartbreaking story. The ending was perfect. I can't wait to see what else this authors writes. A fantastic debut.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review! I really enjoyed this one— the alternating timelines kept me on my toes, and I didn’t get bored with either time period. There are a lot of trigger warnings in this book, specifically eating disorders, addiction, and miscarriage, so I would caution readers who are sensitive to those subjects. This was fast paced — I needed to know the story with Beatrice’s mom! I definitely didn’t figure out all of the details on this one. I really like how it wrapped up in the end, as heartbreaking as it may be in some ways. I would recommend!