You Shouldn't Be Here: A Novel

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars | 3,041 ratings

Price: 4.99

Last update: 08-02-2024


About this item

Two strangers search for the truth behind bizarre occurrences no one else dares to discuss—only to discover that they’re connected by secrets that could destroy them both. A thrilling and twisty novel by the acclaimed author of the Mindy’s Book Studio pick I’ll Stop the World.

When sixteen-year-old Angie Stewart starts hearing a mysterious voice in her house, she’s thrilled at the possibility of a ghost. Finally, something interesting is happening in her boring hometown of East Henderson, Pennsylvania. But why is she the only one who can hear it? And what does it want from her?

Meanwhile, first-year teacher Madelyn Zhao just got the keys to her new home, which is located close to her job, within walking distance of a dog park—and, most importantly, in the town where her cousin went missing several years ago. No one in East Henderson wants to talk about what happened, but Madelyn is determined to find answers.

As the two strangers search for clues, their investigations begin to point toward the same dark place. But by the time they realize that the truth could be deadly, it’s too late to turn back. And someone out there will stop at nothing to make sure their secrets stay buried.


Top reviews from the United States

Tiera C
5.0 out of 5 stars You Shouldn’t Be Here
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
This was really good. If you think it’s slow in the beginning, keep reading. I promise it’s worth it. It wasn’t predictable at all
Cormac Bevins
2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story sidetracked with preachy comments
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
I was interested in this story but kept getting pulled out of it because of the persistent preachy anti-gun commentary. I don't own a gun and likely never will, but I found it ham-fisted that anyone bad in this story was a "gun-enthusiast" and that having guns was consistently listed as a negative quality. I don't generally have a problem with bias in stories, but it was brought up enough in various contexts that it felt like I was reading a political commentary as much as a mystery.
Megahn
1.0 out of 5 stars Garbage
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
Poorly written with many grammatical errors and unlikable characters. I could not even finish reading it, a first for me.
Gregosaurus
5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Story with Well Developed Characters!
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
Lauren Thoman's You Shouldn't Be Here is a riveting exploration of the dark underbelly of a small Pennsylvania town, spearheaded by the nefarious and narcissistic real estate mogul, Doug Raymond. Thoman doesn't shy away from portraying the gritty realities and dubious dealings that lie beneath Raymond's polished exterior, making for a compelling antagonist whose influence seems to know no bounds.

True to form, Thoman breathes life into every character, creating a rich cast of personalities that draw the reader in. My favorite is Potato, a fluffy, endearing dog who steals scenes and hearts alike, living her best life amidst the unfolding drama. Potato's presence adds a charming touch of levity and warmth to the story.

Thoman adds in perfectly measured tension between the lead characters which not only breathes life into their personalities but also creates complex motivations and inner conflicts. The resulting dynamic is one where personal desires and professional duties clash, adding an extra layer of intensity to the story.

The plot of You Shouldn't Be Here is masterfully woven, with complexity, depth, and intrigue escalating with each page. Thoman's skill in layering multiple points of view with mystery and intrigue ensures that readers are constantly engaged, uncovering new facets and secrets that keep the suspense alive.

Overall, You Shouldn't Be Here is a compelling read, marked by well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and a balance of tension and warmth that left me feeling bought in to the characters and the risks they deal with.
Julie K
5.0 out of 5 stars If you’re looking for a book with an intriguing story and characters, this book is for you!
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
You know that great feeling of starting a book and loving it immediately? That’s the feeling I got from You Shouldn't Be Here, and I couldn’t stop reading. Madelyn was a marvelous, sympathetic character, and I loved her awkwardness and low-key romance. She made some poor choices that showed she was fallible and endearingly real. I enjoyed the friendship between Angie and Bas and how he never stopped missing her. Knowing who a ‘bad guy’ was from the start didn’t stop me from suspecting other characters of being involved too. If you’re looking for a book you will race through, with an intriguing story and characters, this book is for you!
BooksforDays
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read with great characters that I couldn't put down!
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
I got my hands on an early copy of this book and couldn't believe my luck. Thoman creates an amazingly vivid portrait of small town corruption in the antagonist of this story, Doug Raymond, while weaving the stories of other characters together in a way that is both compelling and endearing! Friendship, light romance, and a seriously compelling plot that had me turning pages long after I was supposed to be sleeping--I will dive into a world populated with Thoman's characters any day of the week.
cmcsan
1.0 out of 5 stars Not for me
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
Read the author's bio and you'll know what audience this book is written for.
Booklover Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating plot and vibrant characters
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
I need a book that was different than everything I’ve been reading and this was perfect. I was hooked very quickly and flew through the pages.

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