Thank you Libro.fm / Macmillan Audio for the ALC and Celadon Books, #partner for the advanced copy of Heather in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Celadon Books / Macmillan Audio
Published: June 9, 2026
Summary:
For readers of Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods, a small-town detective reopens an unsolved case, sending shock waves across generations of women in this gripping new mystery from the Edgar Award–winning author of Please See Us.
1994. In the myth-riddled woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, sixteen-year-old Annabelle Riley’s twin sister, Sabrina, has been having an affair with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover what’s going on. Then, inexplicably, both sisters disappear.
In this same town years later, newly instated Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly resurrects details from a heartbreaking cold case. As she digs deeper, the past and the present collide, challenging everything Callie believes about right and wrong, about who she is, and about the town she’s always called home.
A propulsive mystery as incisive as it is forgiving, Heather bears a visceral reminder that the truth of a woman’s life is often complicated and unknowable—to those on the outside, and sometimes even to herself.
My thoughts:
I absolutely loved Caitlin Mullen’s debut novel, Please See Us, so of course I knew I’d be reading whatever she wrote next…and I loved this new one just as much! She has now become a must-read author for me!!
This book has everything I love in a literary thriller…it’s a slow-burn, character-driven mystery that is steeped in atmosphere. Set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the sense of place is incredibly strong. It gives off a dark, foreboding feel to it, that just adds to the overall suspense.
What I loved:
🖤 small-town mystery
🌲 multiple perspectives
🖤 dual timelines
🌲 dark themes that are explored
🖤 cold case reopened
The dual timeline had me riveted, as slowly the pieces come together & secrets from this small town start to unravel. It’s also an emotional read at times, and I definitely felt my share of emotions throughout…but it’s heavy. It weighs on you, all that happens…so be forewarned.
Audio thoughts:
This was amazing on audio, with the three narrators–Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin and Mia Wurgaft–each bringing an emotional depth to the performance that enhanced the story.
Bottom line — This will be one of my top reads of the year!!
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