When She Was Me

About the book

2024 NetGalley Must Read Debut Author

"A nail-biting story of sisterhood, suspicion, and suspense. When She Was Me weaves together past and present seamlessly to create a twist you won't see coming." - Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching

There's only one way out of these woods…

Ever since that night, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable. As the sole permanent residents of Cabin Two, their refuge on an isolated Tennessee campground, they manage to stay away from prying eyes, probing questions, and true crime junkies. Just the two of them, Cassie and Lenora against the world. The peace and quiet is almost enough to make them forget what happened all those years ago. Almost.

Until a teenage girl camping at the neighboring cabin goes missing, and the memories come rushing back. As the crime becomes ever more recognizable-they know better than anyone that so-called 'happy families' can be anything but-each sister suspects the other knows more than she's letting on….

Trapped in the isolating, claustrophobic wilderness, Cassie and Lenora must piece together the truth of what happened-and the sinister truth lurking in their own pasts-before it's too late.

A taut, captivating read perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth and Kate Alice Marshall, When She Was Me is a story of sisterhood, obsession, and the ways secrets stalk us like shadows.

"When She Was Me is eerie, captivating, and full of twists." - Darcy Coates, USA Today bestselling author of Dead of Winter

Praise for this book:

"When She Was Me is eerie, captivating, and full of twists. I gasped out loud multiple times." - Darcy Coates

"A mesmerizing, addictive thriller that will keep readers guessing from start to jaw-dropping finish. Told in vibrant, hypnotic prose, with complex relationships and haunting secrets at its core, When She Was Me is a standout debut from a wildly talented new author. Marlee Bush is one to watch." - Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

"A searing, blistering thriller that grabs you and doesn't let you go until its final, dizzying twist. Beautifully written and as tender as it is terrifying, Marlee Bush is a breakout new voice to watch." - Jenny Hollander

"When She Was Me is a powerfully gripping debut. Atmospheric and lushly described, it reads like a tense, vivid dream. The serpentine twists and nuanced character relationships will haunt you long after you turn the last page." - R J Jacobs

"A nail-biting story of sisterhood, suspicion, and suspense. When She Was Me weaves together past and present seamlessly to create a twist you won't see coming." - Tracy Sierra

"I tore through When She Was Me with my heart in my throat-the prose was cunning and beautiful; the atmosphere was claustrophobic and unsettling; the imagery was dark and vibrant and the strange dynamic between the sisters was hard to look away from. In short, Marlee Bush has crafted one of the most mesmerizing psychological thrillers I have ever read." - Ashley Tate