You Shouldn't Be Here

A Novel

By: Lauren Thoman

Narrated by: Christina Ho

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.

©2024 by Lauren Thoman. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“An original and deftly crafted novel of murder, suspense and cover-up revealed…” —Midwest Book Review

“A hip, fresh, mind-bending mystery with characters you’ll love to pieces. Madelyn is incredibly real, and her clever sleuthing skills bring to mind a modern-day paranormal Nancy Drew—righting serious wrongs and bringing justice to the land. Not to mention she’s the perfect foil to the jaw-droppingly yummy Alex. Loved it!” —J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author

“You Shouldn’t Be Here is the best kind of dual timeline story—where everything is connected, nothing is as it seems, and I never saw the final twist coming. Lauren Thoman’s latest is the perfect blend of authentic characters and page-turning mystery: unsettling, surprising, and deliciously satisfying.” —Jessica Strawser, USA Today bestselling author of The Last Caretaker

Great story but..

Great story line, however it felt very juvenile, maybe the narrator? I love me a YA, so nothing wrong with that, but something about the narrator just irked me. But well worth the read or listen!

Very entertaining!

Liked the characters, the development of the story and the twist at the end regarding the ghost!

Not What I Expected

Was intrigued thru out the story. Kept my attention & loved the way the twist got me at the end!

An unexpected twist!

What an engaging and suspenseful mystery adventure. In a story that spans across 10 years, Madelyn is searching for what happened to her cousin and Angie is seeking to take down the county's biggest proprietor. By working together, maybe they can help each other.

Ugh! Romance.

I liked it until I realized that it was going to be yet another romance mystery.

Just so so

Could have been good but so many story holes and unexplained things. Narration was way too upbeat for the story and made it seem silly

tried to edit

I tried to edit my review, after listening to nearly the end, but couldn't. After listening most of the way through, the ending was ridiculously implausible. here is my take on it, I wouldn't recommend. I put up with the childish jabs aimed at conservatives but the author didn't make it remotely worthwhile. there is a warning for almost everything, audible needs to add a warning that the author is insulting to roughly half the population, that way I ensure that I don't support authors that behave this way. they have their views, I have mine. grow up and try to adult like the rest of us. I will definitely not buy another book by this author. I do have to thank you for proving the common belief about teachers, though.

Not much

Might be better as a book than an audible. Predictable story line and annoying characters

Conservative Bashing Author

I was looking forward to a fun ghost story/ mystery. what I got was an author who couldn't go a full chapter without whining about "those people." Conservatives! People who don't share her opinion aren't even given the courtesy of a title. They're just referred to as "those people.". I thought liberals welcomed all people. Instead, if you dare to disagree you're attacked! What do politics have to do with a light ghost story? This book, in my opinion was written by an angry liberal who lets politics cloud everything she attempts to do.

Too liberal

Too liberal for me. I don’t like books with political views that have nothing to do with the story line.