When She Was Me is the debut psychological thriller from Marlee Bush.

Cassie and Lenora have moved to an isolated campground to heal from a traumatic event referred to as "that night." Bonded not only because they're twins, but also because of their shared trauma, Lenora has become agoraphobic and Cassie will do anything to protect her. After the owner of the campground passes away and a new owner moves in, a family comes to stay for a short visit in the cabin next door. Soon, the teenage daughter is missing, and her body is found a day later, which starts Lenora and Cassie spiraling. Can this really be happening again?

Told from three viewpoints, this is a character-driven thriller filled with shadows and secrets. We get to see things from Cassie and Lenora's point-of-view in the present, interspersed with chapters from "Then" with an unknown narrator. Is it Cassie? Lenora? Both? Neither? As the story moves along, we learn more about that night, what happened, and why Lenora can only leave the cabin to go to the bath-house. Cassie seems to barely be holding it together once Tilly's body is found, and she starts to wonder if Lenora did something to her while sleepwalking. She knows Lenora is keeping secrets from her, and as the puzzle pieces start falling into place, it's up to them to save themselves and protect each other.

All in all, this was an okay book for me. It was a slow burn, and I enjoy more plot-driven novels. For readers who enjoy a character study on trauma, strong bonds, and protecting your loved ones, this would be a great choice. If you enjoy Kiley Reid, then you should like this.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own. ( )

While this was a good debut mystery by Marlee Bush, it just moved so slowly. The story of twins Cassie and Lenora intrigued me but it did get repetitive. The flashback chapters were also confusing - I know it was intentional to not know whose voice you were hearing but I didn't like it. Overall, it was an interesting story just a little too slow for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. ( )

When She Was Me by Marlee Bush is a highly recommended atmospheric murder mystery featuring sisterhood, obsessions, and many secrets.

After a traumatic incident in their past, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable. Now they live permanently in Cabin Two at an isolated Tennessee campground where they keep to themselves and Cassie films a true crime podcast. Lenora is agoraphobic and stays inside as much as possible, with the exception of careful trips to the bathhouse. After the owner of the campground dies, it is sold to a new owner who is going to allow the sisters to continue their long-term lease. Then cabin three is rented to a family with a teenage girl who later goes missing. As the search is on, the carefully cultivated life of Cassie and Lenora begins to unravel.

The twins are enmeshed in their own heads, while carefully watching others around them and each other. With a creepy, anticipatory atmospheric setting, this is a very slow paced and somewhat repetitious novel for a good portion of it, but it does make the tension rise keep rising ever so slowly until the action finally starts toward the end. The isolated camp surrounded by woods plays a major part in creating the eerie atmosphere.

The narrative is told through each sister's point of view with added "then" chapters disclosing their past. The contrast between the sisters is evident from the start and readers will want to know what happened to them in the past and how it impacted them. I can't honestly say that there are any likable or relatable characters present. There are strong themes involving the bonds between sisters and dysfunctional families.

Once the tension begins to increase, readers who have made it that far will be much more invested in the outcome. There is a twist at the end which is surprising. When She Was Me is a well written, excellent debut novel by Marlee Bush. Thanks to Poison Pen Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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