Before She Finds Me

A Novel

By: Heather Chavez

Narrated by: Megan Tusing

The Last Flight meets Killing Eve in this "timely and emotional" thriller that follows two mothers racing to uncover the truth behind a horrific attack (Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author)—even after it becomes clear that the reality will destroy one of their families.

Julia Bennett has worked hard to create a stable life for her daughter, Cora, in Southern California. So when Cora leaves for college, the worst thing Julia expects on move-in day is an argument with her ex-husband and his new wife. But a sudden attack leaves the campus stunned—and only Julia’s quick actions save Cora’s life. Shaken in the aftermath, and haunted by a dark secret, Julia starts to wonder: What if the attack wasn’t as random as everyone believes?

Newly pregnant Ren Petrovic has an unusual career—she’s a trained assassin, operating under a strict moral code. Ren wasn’t on campus that day, but she knows who was: her husband, Nolan. What she doesn’t know is why Nolan has broken their rules by not telling her about the job in advance. The more Ren looks into the attack, the more she begins to question: Who really hired Nolan? And why did one woman in the crowd respond so differently from all the rest?

Julia and Ren each want answers, but their searches quickly pit them against each other. One woman is a hired killer, but the other is a determined survivor. And both mothers will defend their families to the bitter end.

"Slick, smart, layered, and full of surprises." —Lisa Unger
"An exciting thriller perfect for fans of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Pieces of Her." —Buzzfeed
"Wholly addictive." —May Cobb
"Chavez is at the top of her game." —Jeneva Rose
"Fresh and surprising." —BookPage (starred review)

Named a "Summer Must-Read" by CrimeReads • Book Riot • BuzzFeed • Fresh Fiction • BookBub • Wealth of Geeks • Daily Times • Ground News • SheReads • Mercury News • East Bay Times • Boston Herald • The Orange County Register

©2023 Heather Chavez (P)2023 Mulholland Books

Critic reviews

"With characters that leap off the page with their flawed humanity, Heather Chavez crafts a story that is both timely and emotional. Before She Finds Me is sure to be the next big summer thriller.”—Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight and The Lies I Tell

"Slick, smart, layered and full of surprises, Before She Finds Me will have you hooked on page one and guessing as you breathlessly turn the pages. With her complex female characters and expert plotting, Chavez takes her readers on a wild, unpredictable ride. So grab this book and buckle up!”—Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six

“From the very first page, Chavez jettisons the reader into a web of intrigue, lies, and murder. Fast-paced and hard-edged, Before She Finds Me is a whip-smart, heart-stopping thriller that will have you flying through the pages and guessing to the very end.”—Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest

Tense and well-plotted

This tense thriller kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. The narration was excellent too. I’m glad I chose the audiobook for this one.

Before She Finds Me

Heather Chavez has woven a complex, interesting story. I do highly recommend the audio book.

Love it

Totally worth it, couldn’t put it down! Great twists and storylines. Must read - buy it now

A (mostly) Fun Read

This book is perfect for a quick summer read. It was fast-paced with mostly likeable characters.

We get two POVs in this story, and honestly could've done with less from the assassin's pov and more Julia. Some of the story is predictable, but it doesn't take away from enjoying the book.

The author's writing is a breath of fresh air among other recent publications where writers are telling instead of showing and, in some cases, lecturing instead of writing a good story.

I recommend if you like a quick, fun mystery with twists and a character you can root for.

Incredible book & audio

A lot of twists and turns. And I did not see the ending coming & how everyone was somehow connected.

Assassin Family

Just OK plot is interesting but improbable. narration is very good, Summer read at best.

Loved it!!!!

Loved this book so much - I do wish *all* of the treads were tied up by the end but it was a great story and kept me guessing. Twisty thriller fans will love it!

Inane!

A total waste of time and money, such a pointless and uninteresting story. Save your credits for another book!