Title: When She Returned
Author: Lucinda Berry
First published October 15, 2019
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.07
Overview
After being gone for over a decade, Charlotte Davis returns home to her family, only to discover that they have all moved on without her. Her husband has remarried and her son doesn’t remember her at all.
Charlotte struggles to reintegrate into her old life, but she is not the same person that she once was. Her family tries to help her adjust, but in the process, they uncover deep secrets about their relationships that they have been hiding from each other.
As they delve further into the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance, they realize that her homecoming is not as innocent as it seems. In a shocking turn of events, the family is forced to confront the sinister truth behind Charlotte’s sudden reappearance.
About the Author
Meet Dr. Lucinda Berry, a seasoned clinical psychologist and a prominent figure in the field of studying childhood trauma. These days, she channels her expertise into crafting deeply engaging stories that blur the boundary between fiction and nonfiction.
Her work delves into the murky depths of the human mind, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the darkness within.
With her writing optioned for film and translated into various languages, Berry’s talent as a storyteller is undeniable. If she’s not busy chasing after her son, she can often be found pounding the pavement of Los Angeles, training for her next marathon.
To stay updated on her latest release, follow her on Facebook or subscribe to her newsletter.
Editoral Review
Lucinda Berrys When She Returned is a psychological thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Published on October 15, 2019, Berrys writing style is trademark fast-paced and will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Set in a small town in Oregon, the novel explores the story of a young girl named Trina who vanished without a trace 10 years ago. Her sudden, unexplained disappearance has traumatized her family and friends, creating a ripple effect that has affected the entire town.
Now, a decade later, Trina is back, and her return sends shock waves through those who knew her before. The book opens with Trina arriving back in town with no memories of where she has been or what has happened to her, a common trope in thrillers.
Despite this, Berry’s masterful writing and solid use of pacing ensures the reader never loses interest or becomes bored with the familiar narrative. When She Returneds character development is stellar, with Trina’s changing persona leaving the reader reeling.
Berry uses the mysteries surrounding the characters behaviors to great effect, highlighting the difference between the facade of normality that Trina presents and the darkening psyche beneath. The setting and in particular the town of Marion is depicted as gloomy and sinister, only adding to the sense of unease surrounding the central mystery.
Though the book has an intense and grim tone throughout, it can at times lack depth and nuance. Similarly, the lack of a proper explanation as to why Trina disappeared has the potential to leave readers unsatisfied at the book’s conclusion.
Despite this, Berrys ability to weave a work that is both thrilling and disturbing is commendable. When She Returned is one of the best thriller novels of its year, with the author utilizing a range of traditional thriller elements to craft an exciting and unpredictable reading experience.
It will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those who are new to it but is not for those who are looking for something that has a layered narrative. With well-crafted characters and a gripping storyline, When She Returned is a must-read book for anyone who loves the thrill of a good mystery.
Therefore, it would be well-suited for anyone looking for a great book to read through the night, trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The Washington Post gives it a solid three and a half out of five rating.
