We're following a famous author Zipporah who takes a retreat to a luxurious lodge to write her next psychological thriller which is a story about a woman who is kidnapped and held captive in the basement of a remote cabin. There are "book within a book" chapters where we get to read pages from the manuscript she's writing. The other chapters follow the author while she explores the resort and enjoys other activities between writing. She meets a man who is also staying at the resort, and they hit it off quick. They start having dinners together and going on excursions. She doesn't tell him her real name as she doesn't want anyone to know who she is. Strange things start happening and she thinks her new friend is digging too deep and may have found out who she is and she's not sure she can trust him. A shocking twist fractures Zipporah's reality, and she starts to spiral and question everything about herself.

This book was very gripping and fast paced. I read it in one day. I didn't see where the plot was going and was pleasantly surprised by the twist. I do feel like the twist came in a bit early but overall, I had a great time reading this. I would definitely read from this author again.

Thank you NetGalley & Greyt Companion Press for an eARC of this book in exchange of my honest review. #WhenSheEscapedAThriller #NetGalley

This was my first Jenifer Ruff book but it will not be my last. Totally did not see that twist coming! absoultey 5 stars!

When She Escaped is a fast paced page turner that is hard to put down. It is about an author who retreats to the Raven’s Hollow Lodge located in the NC mountains in order to finish her latest novel. There are excerpts of the manuscript sprinkled throughout the story. Both the manuscript excerpts and the overall story are full of twists and surprises that will make you want to find out what is happening! This book is perfect to take with you on your next vacation or just want an escape from your everyday routine!

****SECOND UPDATE: I was able to download the book on Kindle Unlimited and WOW was I glad that I did. I knew when I read the description of the book that I would enjoy it, I was truly bummed when I got the incorrect and illegible version from NetGalley. This book was great. I did not predict one of the biggest, but one of several twists in the book. It took me on a wild ride and I thoroughly enjoyed ever bit if this book. I feel like it even kept things open ended and could possibly have a sequel! Overall, this was a great psychological thriller that I have already recommended to several friends and family members. Very well done, Jenifer!

****UPDATE: Apparently the file that got sent to my Kindle was not in the correct format and that is why it was unreadable. It is available on Kindle Unlimited and I will be reading it there and will leave an updated review upon finishing the book. Thank you Jenifer for emailing me and letting me know about the mix up! That shows a lot of character as an author!

I was unfortunately not able to finish this book. There were so many typos and misprints that it was much too difficult to read. I would give it half a star if I was able to, honestly. I understand that there are mistakes in books and nothing is perfect, but the typos, misprints and random letters everywhere was too much to get past.

⭐️⭐️½ – When She Escaped by Jenifer Ruff

A psychological thriller set in a luxury mountain resort, When She Escaped had the bones of an intriguing premise—a bestselling author isolating herself to write a new novel about a woman imprisoned in a remote cabin, only to start losing her grip on reality. But unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to its potential.

The opening line—“Hannah Williams is going to die. I have to kill her.”—was jarring and awkward, immediately throwing me off. The cover, which didn’t match the plot, also gave away key elements and left me confused about what kind of story I was reading. While the synopsis teases a remote, secluded setting, Zipporah is actually at an upscale lodge, which undermines the tension from the outset.

I was initially drawn to the meta concept of a writer entangled in her own thriller, and the mysterious guest she grows close to—an angle that could’ve provided rich suspense. But what followed was a muddled narrative that lacked cohesion, with a twist that landed too early and drained the rest of the story of any real tension.

The characters, especially Zipporah and Robert, felt flat and emotionally distant. Their connection lacked chemistry and depth, and there wasn’t enough genuine character development to make their story compelling. Much of the book relied on telling rather than showing, which made it hard to connect or feel invested in the stakes.

The writing style also felt bloated at times, with unnecessary details that slowed the pacing. The major twist came halfway through the book and while it was unexpected, it ultimately derailed the suspense rather than heightening it.

And unfortunately, the ending didn't offer the punch needed to redeem the earlier flaws.

Spoiler concerns: Plot holes like how Zip checks in to a luxury resort with no ID or credit card, the psychiatrist’s questionable decision to let her travel, and the unresolved mystery of the missing sheriff’s body all left me frustrated.

Thank you to the author, the publisher (Greyt Companion Press), and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC.

This thriller has a bit of a slow start, but definitely gets exciting as the plot progresses.

The mid point twist was interesting, and had me reviewing the first half of the book again with this new knowledge. I did find that giving the reveal away so early lessened the anticipation for the rest of the book. I kept waiting for something else crazy to happen but instead it’s like the last half just kept on explaining things.

I’d definitely consider reading another book by this author. The imagery and descriptions in this story definitely transported me away from reality.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Greyt Companion Press for a copy.

I was already highly intrigued by the cover - it just looked like I was going to enjoy it - and I’m happy to say this book did not disappoint. What an absolute gripping, fast-paced banger! I ate this up.

The story grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The short, punchy chapters make it super easy to fly through, and you just keep thinking, “Okay, one more…” until suddenly you're at the end.

One of my favorite aspects was the setting: a secluded mountain cabin. It adds this constant sense of unease that really creeps under your skin. Combine that with Emma’s background story and you’ve got the perfect recipe for seriously unsettling vibes.

I also really liked the ''book within a book'' part. It added another layer of mystery and kept me second-guessing everything. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it flips the script again.

Highly recommend if you're into thrillers that keep you guessing and don’t let up!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Greyt Companion Press for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Such an amazing read, if you are looking for an amazing page turner book, this is it! Each page kept me wanting to know more

This book was good!! I got it as a NetGalley ARC but it had so many typos but made the book almost unreadable. I waited for release and got the audio.

I am so glad I got into this book as it was such a rollercoaster ride with the plot and emotions. By the end of the book my jaw was on the ground.

I didn’t really remember what this book was about and I think that is the best way to go into this book. Going into this book blind will leave you with the same emotions I had.

This book will leave you not wanting to go to a gas station alone ever again.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 280
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

Jenifer Ruff’s When She Escaped is a chilling, adrenaline-fueled thriller that wastes no time plunging readers into a nightmare—and then refuses to let them look away. Centered around survival, manipulation, and buried secrets, this novel is a gripping exploration of trauma and the long, treacherous road to freedom.

The story follows a young woman who has endured the unthinkable—held captive, isolated from the world, and stripped of her identity. When she finally escapes, what should be a moment of liberation quickly turns into something far more complex. The outside world is watching, but not everything—or everyone—is what they seem. As the media frenzy builds and the investigation deepens, layers of deception are peeled away, revealing disturbing truths that blur the line between victim and survivor.

Ruff’s writing is taut and propulsive, perfect for the story’s high-stakes premise. She deftly shifts between timelines and perspectives, maintaining suspense while slowly unraveling the truth. The psychological depth of the protagonist is one of the novel’s greatest strengths; her confusion, resilience, and paranoia feel painfully real. The author doesn’t glamorize trauma—instead, she offers a raw, often unsettling portrait of what survival really looks like.

Where the book stumbles slightly is in its secondary characters—some of them feel more like plot devices than fully realized people—and a couple of twists veer into melodramatic territory. But overall, the narrative is powerful, and the ending packs a punch.

When She Escaped is a standout in the captive-survivor thriller genre. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, or Chevy Stevens will find plenty to love here. It’s the kind of book that makes you turn on all the lights before bed—and then stay up late reading anyway.

This was an ARC I went into completely blind. I didn’t even read the blurb. I just saw “thriller” and thought, ‘‘This looks exciting, I’ll give it a go’. The story follows a successful author who heads to a snowy mountain resort to begin writing her book, and straight away there’s a creeping sense of unease. The setting is spot-on for a thriller: isolated, cold, and quietly tense. Things are not as they seem!

The writing is quite simplistic and easy to follow. I’ll be honest - early on I wasn’t sure about it. It felt a bit short and abrupt, and I thought maybe it wasn’t going to be all that strong. But as it went on, I realised that style actually works. It reflects the narrator’s thought process and adds to the tension, so it ends up enhancing the thriller vibe rather than taking away from it.

I really enjoyed the dual storyline. The parallels between them add another layer of suspense, and suddenly you’ve got two major plots to unravel, which keeps things interesting. Halfway through, there’s a massive twist I genuinely didn’t see coming! I knew something was off, but I never could’ve guessed that. This to me, is good storytelling. It’s a very unique thriller with a fascinating take on mental health as well - very, very interesting topic.

The pacing is quick, it’s exciting, and I couldn’t help thinking it would make a brilliant horror or thriller film. And the ending was pretty satisfying too.

4.5 stars

This is a gripping psychological thriller that had me glued from the 1st page. Set at the remote and luxurious Raven’s Hollow Lodge, bestselling author Zipporah Bazile heads there to work on her next book—but things quickly take a creepy turn. Something’s not right. Zip starts noticing strange behavior, feels like she’s being watched, and even begins to suspect someone might be trying to harm her. The twists come fast—just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another sharp turn. I loved that feeling of not knowing who to trust, especially with Zip’s romantic connection complicating things even more. The suspense is strong all the way through—isolated cabins, eerie trails, and that constant tension that something bad is coming. There’s also a mysterious couple who might not be what they seem, and that just added to the tension.

If you’re into dark, twisty thrillers that keep you guessing, this one’s a wild ride. Definitely don’t read it before bed unless you’re cool with keeping the lights on!

4.5⭐️
Oh my gosh this book was so good I could’ve never ever seen this plot twist coming it was actually crazy. The book was keeping me on my toes the whole time when I was reading I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what’ll happen. I also did not expect to cry over this book.

During the start of the book I was really scared of what will happen to zip(emma) because i had the theory that she writes her own fate.
I was so shocked when we found out the thing with the multiple personalities I was sitting there jaw on the floor and had to walk around my room for a bit after that.
Also nothing could’ve prepared me for the fact that the book she was writing is actually her own story which was my initial theory but in a whole other way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. I really loved the plot on this one!!!! Very nerve wracking and I couldn’t put it down!

This is the first book I’ve read by Jenifer and I can’t wait to read more. I was completely hooked from the very beginning. The twists and turns, suspense, tension, shocking revelations and thrill will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages so fast trying to see what’s going to happen next. Zipporah is a best selling author with 10 days til her new book is due. She checks into Ravens Hollow Lodge which serves as the perfect backdrop to her new thriller. But as she ventures around, things start getting eerie, and she soon finds herself living a thriller much like she’s writing. She can’t decide if she should fear or trust the one she’s getting closer to at the resort. You won’t believe everything Zip goes through. Once you think you have it figured out, Jenifer throws another’s curveball. The ending was absolutely perfect! I loved going between Zipporah’s POV and the manuscript she was writing!!

When She Escaped is a book inside a book! Zip is at a resort to write her next book and we get to read parts of the manuscript. I loved the cabin picture the author put in front of the manuscript parts.

This is my first book by this author and wow will I be reading more! The twists are surprising and leave you excited to travel the new direction with the characters.

It's hard to find a thriller lately that really takes you for a wild ride but this one rose to the occasion. I loved it!

"A secluded mountain cabin. A famous author. A truth best left hidden."

Best selling novelist Zipporah Bazile is writing her new psychological thriller about a woman who is imprisoned in the basement of an isolated cabin. At first, Raven's Hollow Lodge seems to be the perfect place to immerse herself in her writing. But when Zipporah starts to wander around the resort, weird things start to happen. It feels like someone is following her, and when she finds a mysterious substance in her drink, she starts to fear for her safety and her life. As her paranoia grows, Zipporah also finds herself questioning the growing relationship with another guest at the resort. Is he the person behind the unsettling events, or can he be trusted? As her grip on reality starts to slip, Zipporah must question everything she thought she knew about her past, present and herself.

This was the first book by Jennifer Ruff that I have read and I really enjoyed it! The atmospheric setting is vivid and rich, drawing the reader in. The pacing is a bit slow in the beginning but soon it ramps up the tension and suspense until the twisted end. Short chapters leave you wanting to read just one more and the narrative is written well. The only issue I had was I found a few parts sort of confusing but that in no way was a deal breaker. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of creepy vibes and atmospheric thrillers!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Ruff, and Greyt Companion Press for this ARC!! Publication date is June 6th 2025.

When She Escaped drops you into Raven’s Hollow, a luxury lodge that feels more haunted spa retreat than writer’s paradise. Our girl Zipporah Bazile arrives ready to write her next thriller, but ends up starring in a chilling one of her own. There’s something slithering just beneath the surface—footsteps in the woods, weird messages, maybe-poisoned drinks—and I could feel the goosebumps rising.

Jenifer Ruff’s writing is sensory-rich, stylishly creepy, and sharp as a shattered wine glass. The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. The pacing? A slow, simmering boil that hits full fever dream by the end. And the twist? Let’s just say… I did not see that coming. At all.

I docked half a star only because I wanted just a little more clarity in the chaos near the climax. Things got very tangled for a hot minute, and I had to reread to catch my breath. But honestly? Worth it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 – A smart, layered, reality-bending thriller perfect for fans of cabin-core creepiness, unreliable narrators, and endings that make you question everything.

Don’t trust the wine. Or the Wi-Fi. Or maybe even yourself.

Thank you to GreyT Companion Press for providing this review copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #NetGalley #WhenSheEscaped

It's an intriguing premise, but I just couldn't get into this one. The writing style felt flat, with lots of extra litttle details that didn't add anything to the story, and there wasn't much sense of urgency to what should have been a suspenseful plot.