Leave The Girls Behind

Leave the Girls Behind by Jacqueline Bublitz is a gripping psychological thriller that explores trauma, justice, and the lasting impact of violence. The story follows Ruth-Ann Baker, a bartender still haunted by the murder of her best friend, Beth, when they were kids. Years later, after another girl disappears from their hometown, Ruth begins to suspect that the man convicted of Beth’s murder might not have acted alone. This sparks an intense investigation that takes her across the world and deep into the past.

Bublitz creates a chilling atmosphere with moments that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. Ruth’s connection to the victims and her descent into obsession kept me completely hooked. The pacing is tight, and the tension builds with each chapter. I was constantly eager to find out what would happen next.

The twists that come toward the end genuinely surprised me. Just when I thought I had a sense of where things were going, the story shifted in unexpected and powerful ways.

This novel is not just a mystery but a moving exploration of how trauma echoes through time. It’s an intense, emotional, and unforgettable read that stayed with me long after I finished.

Content advisory: The novel centres around the murder of young girls and includes references to violent acts and their aftermath.