I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery story that focused pn a wide range of suspicious characters facing a terrifying situation trapped in a remote rental house when they realize they were invited under false pretenses. A long ago explosion and subsequent horrific stabbing of the survivors paves the way for a journalist to invite friends and families of the victims to what is supposed to be a memorial weekend of closure, not murder. The guests soon learn the man convicted of the crime may not have worked alone when his mother drugs the guests, steals their phones and traps them for the weekend.. One guest is now a FBI agent and she races to discover if there is an unknown killer stalking the guests or is it one of them ???

Venturing into the chilling aftermath of the Memorial Day Massacre, this psychological thriller takes you on a riveting journey. Two decades later, Amy Brewer finds herself entangled with a group brought together by a journalist, unveiling dark secrets. The narrative, though slightly drawn out, captivates with suspense, keeping you guessing about the elusive killer. The characters, especially Amy, are skillfully developed, making it easy to root for them. While the multitude of characters may seem overwhelming, the singular POV and occasional glimpses into others' minds provide intriguing insights. This “airport thriller” offers a suspenseful, if slightly slow, exploration into guilt, secrets, and a final reveal that, while somewhat anti-climactic, aligns seamlessly with the story's build-up.

I struggled a little with this at the outset. My version also had a typo or two and I wondered if a character's name changed as at one point Conor was referenced rather than Oliver, which was kinda confusing as I couldn't get everyone's names straight in my head (including the five original victims).

I understood why Grey included such a large cast (to maximise the suspect pool and ensure any of the original group killed could have been the target) but given I put this down part way through I didn't remember who anyone was when I came back to it. The large cast also meant that we didn't really spend time getting to know some of the characters. As a result I wasn't terribly invested in the fate of most. Having said that I liked the realism Grey proffers upon Amy/Therese - despite being an FBI agent, happy to have someone else deal with the mess rather than feel compelled to solve the mystery herself.

Most of the book unfolds from Therese's point of view though there are excerpts involving most of the other characters and we all learn they have their secrets and 'may' have had cause to harm one of the original victims.

This was an enjoyable enough read and is the equivalent of a locked room mystery in the present as the group are isolated. Obviously the person behind the weekend hadn't intended for that to happen though I couldn't help but wonder what they thought MIGHT occur when they confronted a murderer who's gotten away with their crime(s) for twenty years.

Great writing style.but felt deflated with not much story of the original night.
I know there was some mystery needed and what was said about Amy Theresa in the years before they are brought to this house.
Also a bit more emotions based on why she joined the FBI.
I would watch this a thriller/mild horror movie as it would be great on screen

This was a fun read! It did feel a little dragged out, but never enough for me to want to put it down. It kept me guessing as to who the killer was and what the deal was, which I love.

She Left by Stacie Grey is a closed circle mystery following Amy Brewster, the lone survivor of a mass killing twenty years prior as she and others connected to the killing are brought together at a remote location for a follow up article.

I typically enjoy a closed circle mystery with everyone trapped in a house, trying to figure out whodunnit but this one missed the mark for me. The writing style is fine but the characters felt very bland and their motivations didn’t feel believable. This book was really slow for me and by about halfway through I’d lost interest in the mystery. Maybe those new to closed circle mysteries might like this, but it wasn’t for me.

thank you netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy. it was a good thriller that kept me on my toes!

I was instantly drawn to this book because of the blurb description, the massacre seemed like it would be very suspenseful and it did not disappoint, my heart was pounding from start to finish. I think the characters (especially Amy) were developed so well and you cant help but root for her. The author did a wonderful job with this book and so glad I had the opportunity to arc read this. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. 5 stars!

One of the first books I read with multiple characters I could easily follow along with. That being said - did we really NEED 10 characters in the present plus 5 in the past? It was a bit confusing at first having to flip back to see how each character related to 10 years ago and even the author slipped up in an early page calling Oliver Conner. I liked that it was all told from 1 POV by the main character who was present in the cabin 20 years ago and shows up to this party to finally speak her truth with 2 pages given here and there to the other characters to give us potential clues and motives. I actually really enjoyed this book!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This book drew me in and kept me guessing along the way.

This book may be one of my favorite thrillers of the year. It was really good. I couldn’t stop reading. Thank you netgalley.

After being humiliated at a party, Amy Brewer left. After a scary and creepy walk through the woods, she learns that the others at the party, all five of them, are dead. Murdered. Amy suffered from guilt and was a suspect in the “Memorial Day Massacre.” She left town to escape and began using her middle name - Therese. She became an FBI Agent.

She receives an invitation some twenty years later from a journalist who wants to do an article. Somewhat reluctantly, she joins nine other people who all, it turns out, have a connection to that night when the party goers were murdered.

There is no journalist. What is going on? A vicious storm breaks. All of the participants’ cell phones and car keys go missing.

So begins an engrossing journey into murder, suspicion, lies and mistrust. As some of the ten people begin to be murdered, fear begins to grow. Does this have anything to do with the original murders of twenty years earlier? Is someone among them the killer? Then and now?

This is a well written and plotted novel. For brevity, I imagine, only background given for the characters was as it related to the original murders. I usually like to know the characters and their motivations more thoroughly. The reader learns about the terror, theories (everybody seemed to have one), and accusations thrown about different members of the group.

I really liked the premise of this book and thought it had such a strong introductory chapter. Unfortunately, the rest of it was a let down.

The majority of the characters - and there were a lot to keep track of - were sort of one note, and they were led by an incredibly bland main character. I didn't find a single character to be likable, which made it difficult to get invested in what they were going through.

A lot of the motivating triggers for the plot also felt overly manufactured and I struggled to find them believable.

Finally, while the big reveal at the end made a lot of sense, I had also guessed who the killer was very early in the book so there wasn't any shock factor for me.

336 pages

4 stars

After being humiliated at a party, Amy Brewer left. After a scary and creepy walk through the woods, she learns that the others at the party, all five of them, are dead. Murdered. Amy suffered from guilt and was a suspect in the “Memorial Day Massacre.”

She left town to escape and began using her middle name - Therese. She became an FBI Agent.

She receives an invitation some twenty years later from a journalist who wants to do an article. Somewhat reluctantly, she joins nine other people who all, it turns out, have a connection to that night when the party goers were murdered.

There is no journalist. What is going on? A vicious storm breaks. All of the participants’ cell phones and car keys go missing.

So begins an engrossing journey into murder, suspicion, lies and mistrust. As some of the ten people begin to be murdered, fear begins to grow. Does this have anything to do with the original murders of twenty years earlier? Is someone among them the killer? Then and now?

This is a well written and plotted novel. For brevity, I imagine, only background given for the characters was as it related to the original murders. I usually like to know the characters and their motivations more thoroughly. The reader learns about the terror, theories (everybody seemed to have one), and accusations thrown about different members of the group.

I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"She Left" by Stacie Grey is a gripping and suspenseful mystery novel that masterfully blends elements of thriller and psychological drama. The story centers on Amy Brewer, the sole survivor of a tragic event known as the Memorial Day Massacre, which claimed the lives of her five friends twenty years earlier. Amy's journey back to a remote cliffside house with ten others connected to the crime sets the stage for a harrowing tale of secrets, survival, and suspense.

Grey's storytelling is atmospheric and intense, skillfully capturing the tension and claustrophobia of the isolated setting. The narrative effectively weaves between the present-day gathering and the events of the past, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and suspense. The characterization of Amy is particularly well-done, portraying her as a complex and haunted figure, struggling with guilt and the weight of survival.

The premise of the novel is intriguing, reminiscent of classic whodunits but with a contemporary twist. As the guests begin to die, the plot thickens, and the suspense escalates, keeping the reader engaged and guessing. Grey's writing style is sharp and engaging, with well-paced twists and turns that maintain a sense of urgency throughout the story.

However, readers who prefer more action-driven thrillers may find the novel’s focus on psychological drama and character development less appealing. Additionally, the complex web of relationships and backstory might be challenging for some to follow.

Content warnings for themes of murder, guilt, and psychological trauma are appropriate. "She Left" is ideal for readers who enjoy mystery and thriller novels that delve into the complexities of the human psyche and the darkness that can linger from past traumas.

In conclusion, "She Left" by Stacie Grey is a compelling and suspenseful novel that offers a deep dive into a chilling mystery and the psychological aftermath of tragedy. Its combination of atmospheric setting, complex characters, and gripping plot make it a must-read for fans of the mystery and thriller genres.

I'm a huge fan of the locked-in thriller genre, and for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced with an intriguing and mysterious storyline that kept me glued to the story. The suspense was maintained throughout and kept me guessing until the end. The writing was well done, but it was hard to keep track of the characters and their relations to the Memorial Day massacre. The majority of the story is told from the POV of Amy/Therese with vignettes from the other characters mixed throughout. I finally had them all figured out by the halfway point, but my confusion distracted me from the story. I was also a little let down by the reveal. It wasn't as epic as I had hoped. Still, overall, a decent thriller and solid debut that was worth the read. I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!

She Left - an enjoyable wee thriller, with the same feel of an Agatha Christie. I love a setting of a bunch of people with a connection, trapped in a remote location. It didn't fully captivate me - but I think it would really appeal to a lot of readers.

I liked the characters, the occasional change in perspective, and the ending was a slight let down but the reveal was a surprise to me - so that was done well.

A great summer or plane read, it's exciting enough, has a few twists and turns and some strong female characters. Worth a read.

This was a great story and I hope the first of many about Amy Therese Brewer. The character is well drawn by Stacie and backed up by a good supporting cast. I was a little confused by the different ones at first, but thankfully Stacie whittled them down for the reader. There are a number of typos in the book which will need sorting before its final release. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy.

A solid closed-room mystery, similar in style and feel to “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. A group of people, tangentially connected to a massacre that happened years ago find themselves trapped in a remote location, when things start to go very wrong- what happened in the past, who can you trust, and how is it all connected?
This book falls into the category of what I consider an “airport thriller”. It isn’t genre defying, but it’s fun, and easy to read. I love a good closed-room mystery, and this mostly delivers. It gets a little slow towards the end, so I kinda feel like it could’ve been 50 pages-ish shorter, but overall each character is interesting, with their own motives that keep you guessing. I like the occasional jump to the other characters POVs, it gives you insights into what they may be hiding, leaving breadcrumbs to help build the story.
The final reveal feels a little anti-climactic, but makes sense with the story and lead up.

Wow! What a great thriller. I couldn't put this down. I read it in one evening. This was engaging and unputdownable! Everything you'd want in a thriller!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!