I had a hard time getting invested into this book! I like the premise and the writing is decent, it just didn’t hook me.

Vanished Without a Trace

A chilling, fast-paced thriller No One Saw Her Go is a tense and atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. The mystery surrounding the young girl’s disappearance is masterfully unraveled, with twists that genuinely surprise. The characters are well-drawn, and the emotional depth adds to the suspense. A compelling, fast-paced read that’s hard to put down which is perfect for fans of dark, character-driven crime fiction. This book is Tense and addictive. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In this summer camp thriller, Zoey’s mother reveals she had a sister Heather that went missing in 1989 at Camp Medley. Zoey takes it upon herself to get a job at this camp to find out what happened to her aunt Heather. As she tries to find clues, she realizes her own life may be in danger.
This is a good summer thriller. I read it in one day! The writing was well done and it was a good storyline, however I think the way it unfolded in the end could’ve been revealed better.

The premise of this book hooked me and made me want to read it, and it definitely delivers some excellent thriller traits. I love a dual timeline with multiple POVs, and the idea of a young college student digging into her aunt's long-ago disappearance from a summer camp is so incredibly juicy. There is some difficult subject matter that's handled in a mostly vague way (which I appreciated--I don't need gory details when it comes to violent crime). I thought the author built up suspense very well and delivered a satisfying ending.

That said, the writing quality is really hard to look past. This book needed better editing to ensure proper sentence structure, and the dialogue felt very stilted and unnatural for most of the book. I'm assigning four stars, but that's definitely a generous rounding up from maybe 3.5, only because I do believe a powerful story hook and well-developed plot can go a long way for a good reading experience.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this novel.

1.5/5. I wanted to like this book. I really did. A psychological thriller at a summer camp has such promise. But this book is so poorly written I struggled to finish it. First, whoever edited this book did not do their job. At a minimum, it needs 20%+ fewer flowery, descriptive adjectives, and 20% more commas to make sense. Then it needs conversation that actually sounds realistic and is not simply superficial and stilted.

I really thought this was a book by a first-time author. It is that awkward. I was shocked to see 18 books in her Goodreads author profile.

Overall, one of the more disappointing books I have read in a long time.

Zoey is a criminology student who decides to spend the summer at the camp where her aunt disappeared 30 years ago, she hopes to solve the case. She also wants to find out if something happened to her ex boyfriend Craig, who broke up with her by text quite abruptly and basically disappeared without a trace. She has a lot on her to do list.
People at the camp are obviously mysterious and not big fans of talking about the past, the camp has been in the same family for a very long time and they still run the place.
We get alternative POV from both Zoey and Heather (from 1989) and getting to know Heather makes every thing even more sad, she escaped a terrible home situation to basically end up in another really bad place. That case would have worked out great on its own but the author decided we needed a few more twists and the resolution of Craig's whole story was absolutely not needed and ridiculous, honestly took me out of the whole story. I'm choosing to ignore that part of the book because I really enjoyed the rest. But a not to aspiring authors, you can have a very simple resolution that works because of the emotional consequences without having to add one more ridiculous twist on top of it.

In 1989 Heather runs away from home and goes to stay at Camp Medley, hidden in the woods with her boyfriend. While at the camp she goes goes missing and her sister has no idea what happened to her. Fast forward to 2024 and Heather’s niece Zoey heads to the camp to get some answers for her mum.

The concept of the plot was good and it had potential to be a great read but unfortunately the book didn’t live up to my expectations. I found it to be quite repetitive and somewhat boring at times, certainly throughout the first half. I got to around 70% of the way through before I thought anything major really happened, because of this the ending felt extremely rushed. Despite this, there were some unexpected twists revealed at the end which contributed towards a good ending.

Overall I didn’t love this book, and probably wouldn’t recommend it. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

Zoey takes a job at a summer camp to uncover the truth of what happened to her aunt, who disappeared decades ago. She only recently discovered that she had an aunt because it was too painful for her mother to talk about. She figures the mystery is a good distraction from her recent breakup, and if she can't make herself feel better, she may as well help her mother. Of course, investigating the past isn't easy, even though the camp is still run by the same family that was there thirty years ago. This makes her think they have to know more than they say, or that they disclosed in the past.

The story is told not only from Zoey's perspective, but also from her aunt Heather's, when she was hiding there in the woods. She wasn't a registered camper, but had left a terrible situation at home and had nowhere else to go. Her boyfriend worked at the camp, so he was able to keep her hidden and fed while they worked out a future together. One they never got to enjoy.

I have to say, this story was darker than I expected. Not exactly one of those bright and sunny, everything works out great type of books. I think that's part of why I liked it - even though some reveals were pretty obvious, they were also realistic and bleak. The ending was more like one of sad resignation than an aha! end to the mysteries.

I think I would have given it the full five stars except that one of the only parts that didn't seem realistic to me was the lack of attention paid by law enforcement in the past. It's pretty obvious that if they had just performed an actual investigation, the mystery would have been solved. It's the fact that they didn't that made no sense to me. Just because Heather wasn't reported missing for a while after it happened, because of the series of events? I wasn't convinced. It should have made the whole disappearance even more suspicious. But overall, not a big deal, I still couldn't put it down and had to see how it all played out. And I wasn't disappointed!

This was interesting, and extremely creepy. However the plot was pretty scattered, and I found the protagonist’s abit difficult to deal with, due to their ages, and subsequent way of thinking. The different chapters being from the point of view of different characters was definitely interesting, and helped expand the story. Some of the plot points were slightly derivative, and I could kind of predict what was going to happen, but it was definitely an interesting premise, and the writing was good, I just don’t think it’s my cup of tea!

Zoey has a penchant for cold cases and discovers one belonging to her own family’s past. The story evolves flipping from the present to the past as they interconnect. The mystery moves smoothly down a dark path and ends with all the questions answered.

A camp setting? An urban legend with the 'the man in the woods." Missing girls and multiple POVs that move the story along to it's mind-blowing conclusion? Royer-Derr had me along for the ride, turning the pages. This story is spooky and creepy. And fantastic. I'm going with spooktastic (new word). Give me s'more (sorry, had to pun here) from this author and I'll be there.

Wow, what a great read. No One Saw Her Go by Sally Royer-Derr was a page-turner for me, and I really liked both the main characters and their storylines. The story is told in the present day by Zoey (2024) and in the past (1989) by Heather, who is Zoey's aunt.

The story is a gripping thriller with an interesting backdrop of the kid's camp. The story combines elements of mystery and horror. From the very first page, I was drawn into the eerie world of Camp Medley, a summer camp with a dark past that seeps into the present. The narrative focuses on Zoey Montgomery, a determined criminology student who seeks answers about the disappearance of her aunt Heather, who has been missing for over three decades. As Zoey uncovers disturbing patterns in the camp's history, the tension escalates. The author weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat, filled with unexpected twists and chilling revelations. The characters are well-developed, with Zoey's journey from hopeful to haunted. Her determination to find the truth, despite the escalating dangers, makes her a relatable and compelling protagonist. The eerie whispers from the woods and the camp add a layer of psychological uneasiness that enhances the overall reading experience. The pacing is spot-on, with a perfect balance of suspense and character development that keeps you invested in Zoey's quest.

Overall, No One Saw Her Go is a compelling read that will leave you questioning the safety of summer camps long after the final page is turned.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery with a dark twist.

#NoOneSawHerGo #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

This is a dual-timeline thriller that follows Zoe, who takes a summer job as a camp counsellor in rural Pennsylvania to find out what happened to her aunt Heather, who disappeared at the camp almost thirty years ago. The other timeline is told from the point of view of Heather herself, who is staying illicitly at the camp in 1989 because she has nowhere else to go. I love a summer camp setting, especially in the 80s, but I found this very poorly written and paced. It feels consistently rushed, there's a huge amount of inf0-dumping at the beginning, and the writing is very juvenile. It's also been badly edited and is chock-full of errors (far more than I would expect even at ARC stage). Not one I can recommend.

This book made me feel — and I mean everything.
From frustration that no one seems to care about Zoey’s search for answers, to anger at the silence and lies surrounding her aunt Heather’s disappearance… then sadness, betrayal, and shock all over again as the truth finally unraveled. I was hooked.The dual POV — switching between Zoey in the present and Heather in the past — was so well done. It added depth, suspense, and so much emotion. I wanted to throw the book at how unfair Heather’s situation was. And the ending? Gut punch.
Fast-paced, creepy, and full of secrets, this was such a satisfying and emotional read. Highly recommend to thriller lovers who enjoy mystery layered with heartbreak, dark truths, and fierce determination.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

In No One Saw Her Go, the plot preview attracted me and the storyline was relatively effective. However, the writing style, for me, was lacking. The sentences seemed to simple and choppy, and this included parts surely not done for the suspense effect. With details repeated often and scant character development, the book didn’t hold my interest. However, teenage readers may enjoy it.

First time reading this author and enjoyed the story, duel time line which was easy to follow about a girl trying to find out why her aunt disappeared from a summer camp. Story keeps you guessing and with a twist near the end. Worth the read. My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Storm Publishing for the early read for an honest review.

**A Captivating, Edge-of-Your-Seat Mystery with Plenty of Twists** No One Saw Her Go by Sally Royer-Derr is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked from the first page to the shocking conclusion. Zoey Montgomery’s summer as a camp counselor was supposed to be just a line on her résumé, but her quest to uncover what happened to her aunt Heather—a disappearance that’s haunted her for decades—unravels into a deeply sinister and dangerous game. From rumors of missing girls to strange accidents that seem more than accidental, the story is packed with suspense and spine-tingling moments. Royer-Derr skillfully builds a tense atmosphere, blurring the line between paranoia and reality, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s just in Zoey’s mind. The woods hide dark secrets, and the camp’s history is more twisted than anyone suspects. What really shines is the sense of dread that grows page after page. The characters are intriguing and believable, with Zoey’s determination driving the story forward—along with enough twists to keep your jaw dropping. I loved how the story balanced campfire nostalgia with lurking horror, creating a vivid setting where danger feels just a whisper away. While some plot points felt a tad predictable, the overall pacing and clever reveals made this a wildly entertaining read. If you enjoy suspense with a dash of psychological horror and plenty of surprises, No One Saw Her Go will have you turning pages late into the night, guessing who’s telling the truth—and who’s hiding a terrible secret.

I was intrigued as soon as I came across this book. The cover is gorgeous, and it gave the perfect summer camp, creepy vibe that I was looking for. A quick, one sitting read for the summer!

This story follows Zoey Montgomery when she applies for a camp counselor position at the same camp her aunt Heather mysteriously disappeared from 35 years ago.
Being obsessed with true crime and wanting to find closure for her mother, Zoey takes it upon herself to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance all those years ago.
I loved that the story and two alternating time frames ( present day with Zoey as well as 35 years ago from Heather. )
I really like the concept of the book, I would have rated it slightly lower just for the predictability aspect- I always knew where it was going – it was more so just gathering the details that made it so. That could be just a me thing, as I typically always figure out any twists, but the fast paced story telling saved it a star.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read.

If you're anything like me, you're constantly on the hunt for that next book that will completely consume your thoughts, keep you up late turning pages, and leave you breathless long after you've read the final word. Look no further, because Sally Royer-Derr's No One Saw Her Go is precisely that kind of book. Described as "thrilling and addictive psychological suspense," this novel lives up to every promise and then some.

From the very first chapter, Royer-Derr expertly sets a tone of unease and intrigue. The premise itself is chilling: someone vanishes, and the narrative slowly, meticulously unwinds the tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives that surround their disappearance. What makes this book truly stand out in the crowded psychological thriller genre is its masterful pacing and deep dive into the human psyche.

One of the most compelling aspects of No One Saw Her Go is its character development. Royer-Derr doesn't just present characters; she dissects them, revealing their flaws, their hidden fears, and their darkest impulses. You'll find yourself questioning everyone, even those you initially trust, as new information comes to light. This constant re-evaluation of characters creates an immersive reading experience where you feel like an active participant in solving the mystery.

The suspense in this novel isn't reliant on cheap jump scares or gratuitous violence. Instead, it's a slow burn, a creeping dread that builds with each revelation. Royer-Derr utilizes psychological manipulation, unreliable narrators, and a pervasive sense of paranoia to keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you've pieced together the puzzle, a new twist emerges, forcing you to rethink everything you thought you knew. This keeps the "addictive" quality high, as you're constantly driven to uncover the truth.

The writing itself is crisp and evocative, painting vivid scenes without bogging down the narrative. The dialogue feels authentic, and the internal monologues of the characters are particularly effective in building the psychological tension. Royer-Derr understands the nuances of human behavior, and it shines through in every page.

Why You Need to Read This Book:
Intricate Plot: The layers of mystery are peeled back with precision, leading to a truly satisfying and surprising climax.

-Deep Psychological Exploration: If you enjoy thrillers that delve into the minds of their characters, this is for you.

-Unpredictable Twists: Just when you think you've figured it out, be prepared to be wrong.

-Pacing Perfection: The suspense builds steadily, making it impossible to put down.

In conclusion, No One Saw Her Go is a triumph of psychological suspense. Sally Royer-Derr has crafted a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply intelligent, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the genre. If you're looking for a book that will grip you from start to finish and stay with you long after you've closed its pages, add this to your must-read list immediately. You won't be disappointed.

I think if this was marketed as a young adult novel, I would have like it more. I mean, I went into it thinking it was an adult novel, but it didn't feel like one. The protagonist was too naive, young and she asked and thought about the same things all the time.
I love YA stories, when I choose to read them.
In this case, as a YA story, I loved it, but as an adult one, it didn't work.