What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Tessa
Jace and Tessa appear to be a young couple in love with nothing to hide. But looks can be deceiving.
When Jace Montgomery comes home late from entertaining clients, he discovers that his wife Tessa is missing. There’s broken glass at the back door. Clumps of her hair. Blood. The cops in their small New Jersey town have him pegged as a suspect, especially after he explodes at a reporter during a press conference. Jace maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence against him, but when a coworker he's accused of having an affair with also disappears and a search warrant turns up an illegal gun in Jace’s home, all signs point to him as the culprit. What is he really hiding?
Meanwhile, Tessa finally feels safe, having set up her husband to take the fall for her disappearance—and someone close to him is helping her put him away. Breaking her lifelong pattern of bad men is only one hurdle she has to overcome. The other is outrunning her secret past while trying to stay alive, especially when those in her new life aren’t who they appear to be.
Jace’s lies don't add up and the authorities are closing in. Will Tessa’s old life catch up to her and drag her back to a life of abuse before justice is served?
Finding Tessa is a smart domestic thriller where nothing can be taken at face value, where every twist reveals a deadlier secret than the one before. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Samantha Downing, and incisive, fresh psychological suspense won't want to miss it.
When Jace Montgomery comes home late from entertaining clients, he discovers that his wife Tessa is missing. There’s broken glass at the back door. Clumps of her hair. Blood. The cops in their small New Jersey town have him pegged as a suspect, especially after he explodes at a reporter during a press conference. Jace maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence against him, but when a coworker he's accused of having an affair with also disappears and a search warrant turns up an illegal gun in Jace’s home, all signs point to him as the culprit. What is he really hiding?
Meanwhile, Tessa finally feels safe, having set up her husband to take the fall for her disappearance—and someone close to him is helping her put him away. Breaking her lifelong pattern of bad men is only one hurdle she has to overcome. The other is outrunning her secret past while trying to stay alive, especially when those in her new life aren’t who they appear to be.
Jace’s lies don't add up and the authorities are closing in. Will Tessa’s old life catch up to her and drag her back to a life of abuse before justice is served?
Finding Tessa is a smart domestic thriller where nothing can be taken at face value, where every twist reveals a deadlier secret than the one before. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Samantha Downing, and incisive, fresh psychological suspense won't want to miss it.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
September 24, 2021
Wooooww!! Just wow!
This book reminded me of listening to Sweet Caroline and when the good times never seemed so good part comes, chanting “ so good, so good, so good!”
I’m actually chanting for this book now because it’s freaking gooooodddd! Not so good! Sooooo amazing!
Mind games, twists you never see that coming, fast pacing chapters ending with cliffhangers, the impressive characterization, action packed, whirlwind, shocking, jaw dropping progression of story make you jump out of your seat, tapping your feet nervously, screaming to the pages and to your own eyes and hands to work quickly so you can read faster to learn how the crazy wild ride will conclude!
I’m not gonna tell much about the story to ruin your soon to be perfect reading experience!
We have two narrators: missing wife Tessa who is professional A.hole magnet, suffering from the pretty shitty hand the life dealt with her for years, being abused by foster parents and then ex husbands, lovers! Now she’s on the run after she realizes the control freak, evil incarnation called himself husband might kill her!
And we have another narrator: the husband Jace who finds broken glass pieces at the front door, pieces of Tessa’s hair and her blood! His wife is nowhere to be seen and the police thinks he might have killed her!
It seems like Tessa tries to frame her husband from her disappearance by planting evidence in their house with help of someone but could she getaway from this? Could she finally have a fresh start? Could Jace prove he has nothing to do with his wife’s disappearance?
Well, keep on reading because the author is trick master and she may blow your mind with this extremely fantastic debut!
Im so sure I’ll do anything in my power to promote this book on my social media accounts and share my thoughts and reviews as well. This is something special. So unique, clever and tempting! I’m looking forward to read the author’s future works ! I’m so happy there’s a brilliant new thriller author in the literature town!
Of course I’m giving my five shining, WTH I just read, my head is still spinning after those delicious twists stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers/ Scarlet for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me exchange my honest thoughts.
This book reminded me of listening to Sweet Caroline and when the good times never seemed so good part comes, chanting “ so good, so good, so good!”
I’m actually chanting for this book now because it’s freaking gooooodddd! Not so good! Sooooo amazing!
Mind games, twists you never see that coming, fast pacing chapters ending with cliffhangers, the impressive characterization, action packed, whirlwind, shocking, jaw dropping progression of story make you jump out of your seat, tapping your feet nervously, screaming to the pages and to your own eyes and hands to work quickly so you can read faster to learn how the crazy wild ride will conclude!
I’m not gonna tell much about the story to ruin your soon to be perfect reading experience!
We have two narrators: missing wife Tessa who is professional A.hole magnet, suffering from the pretty shitty hand the life dealt with her for years, being abused by foster parents and then ex husbands, lovers! Now she’s on the run after she realizes the control freak, evil incarnation called himself husband might kill her!
And we have another narrator: the husband Jace who finds broken glass pieces at the front door, pieces of Tessa’s hair and her blood! His wife is nowhere to be seen and the police thinks he might have killed her!
It seems like Tessa tries to frame her husband from her disappearance by planting evidence in their house with help of someone but could she getaway from this? Could she finally have a fresh start? Could Jace prove he has nothing to do with his wife’s disappearance?
Well, keep on reading because the author is trick master and she may blow your mind with this extremely fantastic debut!
Im so sure I’ll do anything in my power to promote this book on my social media accounts and share my thoughts and reviews as well. This is something special. So unique, clever and tempting! I’m looking forward to read the author’s future works ! I’m so happy there’s a brilliant new thriller author in the literature town!
Of course I’m giving my five shining, WTH I just read, my head is still spinning after those delicious twists stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers/ Scarlet for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me exchange my honest thoughts.
July 14, 2021
I don't know what happened, but Finding Tessa bored me to tears and was utterly putdownable. I barely dragged myself to the finishing line, and almost gave up many times if not for the promise of that amazing twist.
Tessa, only months into marriage with her wonderful husband Jace, has gone missing. Of course, in the spirit of all domestic thrillers, Tessa and Jace both have so many secrets, the husband is the only suspect, and the police do nothing but badger and accuse him of guilt. Sigh.
In this 300 page book, nothing happens for the first 275 pages. Instead, we get domestic banality galore, with Jace being upset, making coffee, sleeping, eating, and crying. He feeds the dog (half dry food, half wet food). It was so boring and devoid of plot advancement that my mind kept wandering.
We also see Tessa's perspective. Often, the same event will be described from both of their points of view. That makes sense when the two perspectives are different. But in this case, they are the same. And it's irrelevant things like how they met, how much they like each other, their dates, etc. And we have to read it twice.
The characters are all pretty bland, including Jace and Tessa. And true to the genre, overblown reactions is de rigueur. Maximum suspicion must be attributed to every comment, and it's best to overreact rather than underreact. It was all very exhausting.
But the twist, you say! Honestly, it was just ok. I wasn't blown away or even surprised. It seems like standard domestic thriller stuff, nothing I haven't seen before.
You guys know this isn't my favorite genre, so please check out other reviews for more diverse opinions. There are so many glowing reviews out there. The only plausible explanation is that I somehow read a different book than everyone else.
Tessa, only months into marriage with her wonderful husband Jace, has gone missing. Of course, in the spirit of all domestic thrillers, Tessa and Jace both have so many secrets, the husband is the only suspect, and the police do nothing but badger and accuse him of guilt. Sigh.
In this 300 page book, nothing happens for the first 275 pages. Instead, we get domestic banality galore, with Jace being upset, making coffee, sleeping, eating, and crying. He feeds the dog (half dry food, half wet food). It was so boring and devoid of plot advancement that my mind kept wandering.
We also see Tessa's perspective. Often, the same event will be described from both of their points of view. That makes sense when the two perspectives are different. But in this case, they are the same. And it's irrelevant things like how they met, how much they like each other, their dates, etc. And we have to read it twice.
The characters are all pretty bland, including Jace and Tessa. And true to the genre, overblown reactions is de rigueur. Maximum suspicion must be attributed to every comment, and it's best to overreact rather than underreact. It was all very exhausting.
But the twist, you say! Honestly, it was just ok. I wasn't blown away or even surprised. It seems like standard domestic thriller stuff, nothing I haven't seen before.
You guys know this isn't my favorite genre, so please check out other reviews for more diverse opinions. There are so many glowing reviews out there. The only plausible explanation is that I somehow read a different book than everyone else.
May 12, 2021
UNPUTDOWNABLE!
Usually I read a book every two days , but when my day started at 330 AM, I was able to read this breathtakingly FAST, SUSPENSEFUL novel in just one day!
And, I am so glad that I just added it and requested it after reading a friend’s spoiler free review WITHOUT reading the book description because now that I have....I think the synopsis gives away a few too many surprises!!
Yes, the GIRL is GONE and framing her latest husband!
But, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have read this before!
Tessa’s many husbands all have TWO things in common...they like to physically abuse her, and they share a name-A**hole!!
But, THIS time, she wants to break the cycle and GET EVEN! And, she has finally found someone to help!
Told from two alternating perspectives-TESSA as she makes her escape, and JACE, her husband who “comes home” from entertaining clients to “find” that Tessa is missing, and there are clumps of hair and blood on the kitchen floor.
Jace maintains his innocence, of course, but, the evidence is damning...
Putting together pieces of the puzzle was fun, and MICHAEL DAVID and I picked up on SOME clues as we buddy read this one!
Which means, NO PLOT HOLES in THIS taut thriller!
But, that DOESN’T mean we WEREN’T surprised!
One twist in particular had my mouth hanging open in shock!
DEBUT author Jaime Lynn Hendricks proves that you CAN write a thriller with some characters to root for, and you don’t need coincidences to wrap things up!
BEST of all- you CAN write one WITHOUT resorting to animal harm to make your point!
🐶 Candy will be fine!
DO yourself two favors!
Be sure to watch for Michael’s fabulous review as well!
DOWNLOAD this one today! AVAILABLE now!!
Thank you to Scarlet Publishing for providing an ARC through NetGalley!
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review !
I am excited to say that I have another auto-request author! I look forward to seeing what she pens next!
Usually I read a book every two days , but when my day started at 330 AM, I was able to read this breathtakingly FAST, SUSPENSEFUL novel in just one day!
And, I am so glad that I just added it and requested it after reading a friend’s spoiler free review WITHOUT reading the book description because now that I have....I think the synopsis gives away a few too many surprises!!
Yes, the GIRL is GONE and framing her latest husband!
But, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have read this before!
Tessa’s many husbands all have TWO things in common...they like to physically abuse her, and they share a name-A**hole!!
But, THIS time, she wants to break the cycle and GET EVEN! And, she has finally found someone to help!
Told from two alternating perspectives-TESSA as she makes her escape, and JACE, her husband who “comes home” from entertaining clients to “find” that Tessa is missing, and there are clumps of hair and blood on the kitchen floor.
Jace maintains his innocence, of course, but, the evidence is damning...
Putting together pieces of the puzzle was fun, and MICHAEL DAVID and I picked up on SOME clues as we buddy read this one!
Which means, NO PLOT HOLES in THIS taut thriller!
But, that DOESN’T mean we WEREN’T surprised!
One twist in particular had my mouth hanging open in shock!
DEBUT author Jaime Lynn Hendricks proves that you CAN write a thriller with some characters to root for, and you don’t need coincidences to wrap things up!
BEST of all- you CAN write one WITHOUT resorting to animal harm to make your point!
🐶 Candy will be fine!
DO yourself two favors!
Be sure to watch for Michael’s fabulous review as well!
DOWNLOAD this one today! AVAILABLE now!!
Thank you to Scarlet Publishing for providing an ARC through NetGalley!
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review !
I am excited to say that I have another auto-request author! I look forward to seeing what she pens next!
May 11, 2021
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Looking for a 5-star stunner with a jaw-dropping twist? Well, LOOK NO FURTHER!
A brief synopsis that won’t give too much away (unlike the actual book blurb, which may reveal a secret or two):
Jace Montgomery comes home late one evening to find his wife, Tessa, MIA. He is instantly on alert when he notices broken glass, a clump of hair, and blood. He immediately reports this to the police, but never expects to be their prime suspect in her disappearance.
Tessa is thrilled to be out from under the watchful eyes of her abusive husband. She has been hurt too many times, and wants him to pay for it. She sets him up to pay the price for her disappearance, and couldn’t be more thrilled.
...As long as she gets away with it.
This is a smart domestic thriller that literally made me GASP at one of the twists. That is always a fun treat. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Author Jaime Lynn Hendricks is effortless in moving the plot along at a fast pace and ramping up the suspense, so much so that I barely slept and picked it back up in the very early morning hours. Talk about a gripping thriller!
The characters are fantastically written and fully fleshed out, and I couldn’t help but care deeply for Tessa and all of the terrible things she has gone through. She is a REAL character. Of course, there are unsavory hooligans as well, and they too are written extremely realistically. Speaking of characters, shout out to two of my favorites: Candy, a sweetheart of a dog 🐶...and Hobart, a cab driver with a heart of gold! 🚕
Detective Jayme was on the case with me as we buddy read this, and we were able to to find some clues, but there were plenty more surprises in store. 🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
Mark my words: This is not the last time we will be hearing about Hendricks. I predict that this will be a huge and worthy hit, so make sure you pick up a copy when it’s published on: 5/11/21.
Thank you to Scarlet and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Looking for a 5-star stunner with a jaw-dropping twist? Well, LOOK NO FURTHER!
A brief synopsis that won’t give too much away (unlike the actual book blurb, which may reveal a secret or two):
Jace Montgomery comes home late one evening to find his wife, Tessa, MIA. He is instantly on alert when he notices broken glass, a clump of hair, and blood. He immediately reports this to the police, but never expects to be their prime suspect in her disappearance.
Tessa is thrilled to be out from under the watchful eyes of her abusive husband. She has been hurt too many times, and wants him to pay for it. She sets him up to pay the price for her disappearance, and couldn’t be more thrilled.
...As long as she gets away with it.
This is a smart domestic thriller that literally made me GASP at one of the twists. That is always a fun treat. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Author Jaime Lynn Hendricks is effortless in moving the plot along at a fast pace and ramping up the suspense, so much so that I barely slept and picked it back up in the very early morning hours. Talk about a gripping thriller!
The characters are fantastically written and fully fleshed out, and I couldn’t help but care deeply for Tessa and all of the terrible things she has gone through. She is a REAL character. Of course, there are unsavory hooligans as well, and they too are written extremely realistically. Speaking of characters, shout out to two of my favorites: Candy, a sweetheart of a dog 🐶...and Hobart, a cab driver with a heart of gold! 🚕
Detective Jayme was on the case with me as we buddy read this, and we were able to to find some clues, but there were plenty more surprises in store. 🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
Mark my words: This is not the last time we will be hearing about Hendricks. I predict that this will be a huge and worthy hit, so make sure you pick up a copy when it’s published on: 5/11/21.
Thank you to Scarlet and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
August 21, 2021
Finding Tessa has been finding a lot of fans lately, so I needed to find out for myself what the fuss is about.
The Good - There’s a dog, and he doesn’t die! In fact, no animals are harmed in the making of this book.
The Bad - As with most domestic thrillers, your enjoyment largely depends on whether or not you see its ‘big twist’ and ‘shocking ending’ coming. Guess what? I saw them coming.
The Ugly - I am just getting so tired of books where women are treated like punching bags and men are a-holes simply because they have a Y chromosome. “Guys abusing gals” isn’t a trope I enjoy apparently.
There are many glowing reviews for this debut novel, so if domestic suspense is your favorite genre you’ll want to check them out before crossing it off your list.
Personally, I just found Tessa too bleak and unoriginal to recommend.
I received an advance copy to review from Scarlet/Penzler Publishers via NetGalley.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
The Good - There’s a dog, and he doesn’t die! In fact, no animals are harmed in the making of this book.
The Bad - As with most domestic thrillers, your enjoyment largely depends on whether or not you see its ‘big twist’ and ‘shocking ending’ coming. Guess what? I saw them coming.
The Ugly - I am just getting so tired of books where women are treated like punching bags and men are a-holes simply because they have a Y chromosome. “Guys abusing gals” isn’t a trope I enjoy apparently.
There are many glowing reviews for this debut novel, so if domestic suspense is your favorite genre you’ll want to check them out before crossing it off your list.
Personally, I just found Tessa too bleak and unoriginal to recommend.
I received an advance copy to review from Scarlet/Penzler Publishers via NetGalley.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
February 24, 2021
Here that?
That is the sound of a ball being hit out of the park! ⚾
Jamie Lynn Hendricks you have a bright future ahead of you if your debut is anything to go by.
I am not going to discuss the plot because I don't want to ruin this for anyone else. This is a book where the less you know the better. Trust me.
I was hooked on this one from the very first page which is a rarity these days so I am thrilled to say how much I loved this. This story is truly addictive and delicious and suspenseful and all those things that I love in my psych thrillers. Best of all a twist that left me gobsmacked.😲 You know the ones? When everything you thought you knew gets turned on its head leaving the reader with their own head spinning. Oh yeah, one of those kinds of twists. So good. So satisfying.
Did I sell you yet? No. Well how about this? An adorable cattle dog pup named Candy that is as sweet as can be. I wanted to reach into the pages to give her a proper belly rub and ear scratch. No animals getting hurt here. Just dog snuggles and kisses which is exactly as it should be.
I found the ending to be enjoyable, satisfying, and best of all plausible. This is a real gem of a psychological thriller and I hope that it gets the attention that it rightly deserves. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlet for generously granting my *wish* to read this arc!
That is the sound of a ball being hit out of the park! ⚾
Jamie Lynn Hendricks you have a bright future ahead of you if your debut is anything to go by.
I am not going to discuss the plot because I don't want to ruin this for anyone else. This is a book where the less you know the better. Trust me.
I was hooked on this one from the very first page which is a rarity these days so I am thrilled to say how much I loved this. This story is truly addictive and delicious and suspenseful and all those things that I love in my psych thrillers. Best of all a twist that left me gobsmacked.😲 You know the ones? When everything you thought you knew gets turned on its head leaving the reader with their own head spinning. Oh yeah, one of those kinds of twists. So good. So satisfying.
Did I sell you yet? No. Well how about this? An adorable cattle dog pup named Candy that is as sweet as can be. I wanted to reach into the pages to give her a proper belly rub and ear scratch. No animals getting hurt here. Just dog snuggles and kisses which is exactly as it should be.
I found the ending to be enjoyable, satisfying, and best of all plausible. This is a real gem of a psychological thriller and I hope that it gets the attention that it rightly deserves. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlet for generously granting my *wish* to read this arc!
April 3, 2021
Book friends, listen to me. Finding Tessa is a book that you won't be able to put down.
Who hasn't met a Tessa or know about a Tessa? Women who make the wrong decisions about a man over and over. Women who are abused mentally or physically. I certainly do!
Tessa has had bad luck with "Assholes". Her latest "Asshole" has punched her in the face leaving her black and blue but this time she is going to disappear and make him pay for it. So when Jace Montgomery arrives at his home and his wife, Tessa is gone, he calls the cops. Of course, the cops know the drill. The husband did it especially after finding broken glass, hair, and blood. But is it always the husband?
With Finding Tessa, we get two different points of view. We are giving glimpses of the real Tessa and Jace. The more info I got, the more intricate the story became.
As a domestic thriller, Finding Tessa receives a two thumbs up from me. Both Tessa and Jace were smartly crafted. There was no way, I wouldn't sympathize with Tessa and her bad luck. With all the times' men have hurt her, she was due to find someone nice but looks can be deceiving.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Scarlet via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Who hasn't met a Tessa or know about a Tessa? Women who make the wrong decisions about a man over and over. Women who are abused mentally or physically. I certainly do!
Tessa has had bad luck with "Assholes". Her latest "Asshole" has punched her in the face leaving her black and blue but this time she is going to disappear and make him pay for it. So when Jace Montgomery arrives at his home and his wife, Tessa is gone, he calls the cops. Of course, the cops know the drill. The husband did it especially after finding broken glass, hair, and blood. But is it always the husband?
With Finding Tessa, we get two different points of view. We are giving glimpses of the real Tessa and Jace. The more info I got, the more intricate the story became.
As a domestic thriller, Finding Tessa receives a two thumbs up from me. Both Tessa and Jace were smartly crafted. There was no way, I wouldn't sympathize with Tessa and her bad luck. With all the times' men have hurt her, she was due to find someone nice but looks can be deceiving.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Scarlet via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 11, 2021
*Published today (11th May 2021) and the UK title is 'His Missing Wife'*
A fast paced, addictive and twisty thriller!
Broken glass. A trail of blood. Clumps of hair.
Jace Montgomery comes home from work to find his wife missing. He calls the police, but with the damning evidence, he soon becomes their number one suspect.
Tessa has had it with 'assholes' and is on the run from her abusive husband. Where is Tessa? What happened?
I really enjoyed this entertaining debut thriller by Jaime Lynn Hendricks. Alternating between Jace and Tessa's POV, the suspense built nicely, and a twist really shocked me at one point! I'm talking jaw on the floor shocked, which made me question everything I thought I knew!
Action packed and gripping, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure this mystery out. I'm a pretty rubbish detective, and suspected quite a few of the characters of being up to no good! Who was lying?
Jace and Tessa weren't the most likeable characters all of the time during the book, but they felt flawed and real, which I liked. They were both emotional people who had been through a lot in their pasts, and strong, gritty Tessa in particular had suffered some horrible experiences. I'd like to point out here that there is a lot of violence against women in this book, so tread carefully if that's something you've experienced, or don't like reading about.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks certainly highlighted a few issues about judgement on social media, which hit home! Some people certainly play detective and judge without having all the facts...
I did have a couple of issues with things that a main character didn't do, which seemed highly unbelievable, and the quick marriage well.. I know it happens, and call me a cynic, but I just don't believe in love at first sight! I also felt a bit weird reading about a neighbour's dysfunctional relationship with their child...Nevertheless, the ending felt quite satisfying.
If you're looking for a fast, clever thrilling mystery, then have a go to see if you can FIND TESSA 🤣I'm definitely interested to see what this author writes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and W.W.Norton & Company for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
A fast paced, addictive and twisty thriller!
Broken glass. A trail of blood. Clumps of hair.
Jace Montgomery comes home from work to find his wife missing. He calls the police, but with the damning evidence, he soon becomes their number one suspect.
Tessa has had it with 'assholes' and is on the run from her abusive husband. Where is Tessa? What happened?
I really enjoyed this entertaining debut thriller by Jaime Lynn Hendricks. Alternating between Jace and Tessa's POV, the suspense built nicely, and a twist really shocked me at one point! I'm talking jaw on the floor shocked, which made me question everything I thought I knew!
Action packed and gripping, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure this mystery out. I'm a pretty rubbish detective, and suspected quite a few of the characters of being up to no good! Who was lying?
Jace and Tessa weren't the most likeable characters all of the time during the book, but they felt flawed and real, which I liked. They were both emotional people who had been through a lot in their pasts, and strong, gritty Tessa in particular had suffered some horrible experiences. I'd like to point out here that there is a lot of violence against women in this book, so tread carefully if that's something you've experienced, or don't like reading about.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks certainly highlighted a few issues about judgement on social media, which hit home! Some people certainly play detective and judge without having all the facts...
I did have a couple of issues with things that a main character didn't do, which seemed highly unbelievable, and the quick marriage well.. I know it happens, and call me a cynic, but I just don't believe in love at first sight! I also felt a bit weird reading about a neighbour's dysfunctional relationship with their child...Nevertheless, the ending felt quite satisfying.
If you're looking for a fast, clever thrilling mystery, then have a go to see if you can FIND TESSA 🤣I'm definitely interested to see what this author writes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and W.W.Norton & Company for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
Tessa is gone...
Jace (the hubs) comes home to find what appears to be a crime scene.
It is always the husband... Jace knows that is what everyone is thinking...
I didn't know who was telling the truth and believe me, my mind was spinning, swirling, and circling. I do admit to being confused before the big reveal. I had no idea who to believe or who was lying. And this is what made it enjoyable! Lots of guessing, and trying to play Private Investigator.
I wasn't wowed like many others were, but enjoyed the way the story weaved in and out with the smoke and mirrors. I had some strong feelings for a few of the characters (some to sympathize with and some to loathe) and was pulling for them to have their happy ever after...
A quick domestic thriller that will keep you on the lookout for that villian!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy. OUT May 11, 2021
Jace (the hubs) comes home to find what appears to be a crime scene.
It is always the husband... Jace knows that is what everyone is thinking...
I didn't know who was telling the truth and believe me, my mind was spinning, swirling, and circling. I do admit to being confused before the big reveal. I had no idea who to believe or who was lying. And this is what made it enjoyable! Lots of guessing, and trying to play Private Investigator.
I wasn't wowed like many others were, but enjoyed the way the story weaved in and out with the smoke and mirrors. I had some strong feelings for a few of the characters (some to sympathize with and some to loathe) and was pulling for them to have their happy ever after...
A quick domestic thriller that will keep you on the lookout for that villian!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy. OUT May 11, 2021
May 26, 2022
This was a case of Death by Bad Grammar and formatting!
The story started off intriguingly enough: a fleeing heroine with a torrid past. All the men in Tessa's life used her as a punching bag. We start to worry: did impulsive Tessa fall into yet another terrible, abusive relationship with Jace?
As I read this story, I started getting confused: Tessa's narrative was all over the place! Which generic Asshole was she referring to at which given time? Was Tessa referring to a recent or past Asshole, or one in present time? Being somewhat methodical, I started taking notes on my Kindle and was able to separate the Asshole Drew versus Jace timelines.
Aha! I realized: the author is creating misdirection by the use of a deliberately (I hope!) garbled writing style and generic labels instead of names for specific characters. Tessa is an unreliable witness because she can't tell her story coherently?! Okaaaaay......!!!! (She is also a bigamist - her marriage to Drew is legal despite the false names on the certificate.) Eventually I shrugged and decided to go with it, and kept reading....
Thankfully, the writing became less garbled towards the end, and I was able to follow along without my timeline notes, but then the plot devices became a tad formulaic and stretched my need to suspend my disbelief to the breaking point. Sorry, but that gizmo that totally saved the day - and the reason given for it's existence in the first place - was feeble! Tessa's statement that she refused to be a slave to technology and wasn't up on Iphones, etc., was totally contradictory: she had no trouble using the internet, email, texts, burner phones, etc. On the contrary: our Tessa was quite the resourceful woman!
In the end, I was not impressed that the author used seemingly bad drafting and formatting skills to hoodwink and misdirect the reader. (This form of misdirection would have worked better had Tessa's story been written in diary form. The jumping timeline tangents would have been easier to accept, given that Tessa never finished high school. But, again, bonus points to her for being such a resourceful woman in her disappearing acts! Also, I usually overlook the incorrect use of the subjective case after prepositions such as "between" in dialogue, but not in the main body of a story. Correct usage: between you and me/him/her/them; NOT: between you and I, etc.
I'm going to rate this one a 3.5 out of 5, reduced to a 3.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The story started off intriguingly enough: a fleeing heroine with a torrid past. All the men in Tessa's life used her as a punching bag. We start to worry: did impulsive Tessa fall into yet another terrible, abusive relationship with Jace?
As I read this story, I started getting confused: Tessa's narrative was all over the place! Which generic Asshole was she referring to at which given time? Was Tessa referring to a recent or past Asshole, or one in present time? Being somewhat methodical, I started taking notes on my Kindle and was able to separate the Asshole Drew versus Jace timelines.
Aha! I realized: the author is creating misdirection by the use of a deliberately (I hope!) garbled writing style and generic labels instead of names for specific characters. Tessa is an unreliable witness because she can't tell her story coherently?! Okaaaaay......!!!! (She is also a bigamist - her marriage to Drew is legal despite the false names on the certificate.) Eventually I shrugged and decided to go with it, and kept reading....
Thankfully, the writing became less garbled towards the end, and I was able to follow along without my timeline notes, but then the plot devices became a tad formulaic and stretched my need to suspend my disbelief to the breaking point. Sorry, but that gizmo that totally saved the day - and the reason given for it's existence in the first place - was feeble! Tessa's statement that she refused to be a slave to technology and wasn't up on Iphones, etc., was totally contradictory: she had no trouble using the internet, email, texts, burner phones, etc. On the contrary: our Tessa was quite the resourceful woman!
In the end, I was not impressed that the author used seemingly bad drafting and formatting skills to hoodwink and misdirect the reader. (This form of misdirection would have worked better had Tessa's story been written in diary form. The jumping timeline tangents would have been easier to accept, given that Tessa never finished high school. But, again, bonus points to her for being such a resourceful woman in her disappearing acts! Also, I usually overlook the incorrect use of the subjective case after prepositions such as "between" in dialogue, but not in the main body of a story. Correct usage: between you and me/him/her/them; NOT: between you and I, etc.
I'm going to rate this one a 3.5 out of 5, reduced to a 3.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2021
4-5 stars
Tessa is missing in very suspicious circumstances, the obvious subject of suspicion is her husband of four months Jace Montgomery. Dig s bit deeper and there’s an air of mystery surrounding Tessa's background, so it’s a case of finding who Tessa is and physically finding her. The story is told in alternating points of view by Jace and Tessa.
First of all, this is a debut which gets a wow from me, this author is going places if this is anything to go by. The alternating perspectives works really well and keeps the mystery and suspense going for a long time and you perched on the edge of your seat trying to work it out! There are some very good twists in the story and one is an absolute cracker making you do a 180 in your thinking - kudos Jaime Lynn Hendricks! It’s well written, very absorbing to the point where you don’t want to put it down, the premise and plot are well executed too. The characterisation is really good especially Tessa who is portrayed very sympathetically and her dark past makes you want to weep especially as her ‘mandar’ is not well tuned making it a tough read in places. You will her on, this girl so deserves a break. The storyline has all the elements of domestic nor - secrets, lies, baited breath suspense, betrayal, revenge and getting your just desserts. The social media posts included make me so cross in their judge ‘em, jury ‘em and hang ‘em crassness BEFORE a person is even charged. Sad but oh so true as you see this attitude day in and day out. The solution is a bit of a stretch in my opinion but ok, I’ll admit it, I do like it!!!
Overall, I do hope you’re well under way with the next one J L H because my elbows will be sharpened and firmly sticking out jostling to get to the head of the queue to get my mitts on it. So very unBritish!!!! 😂 Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penzler Publishing, Scarlet for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Tessa is missing in very suspicious circumstances, the obvious subject of suspicion is her husband of four months Jace Montgomery. Dig s bit deeper and there’s an air of mystery surrounding Tessa's background, so it’s a case of finding who Tessa is and physically finding her. The story is told in alternating points of view by Jace and Tessa.
First of all, this is a debut which gets a wow from me, this author is going places if this is anything to go by. The alternating perspectives works really well and keeps the mystery and suspense going for a long time and you perched on the edge of your seat trying to work it out! There are some very good twists in the story and one is an absolute cracker making you do a 180 in your thinking - kudos Jaime Lynn Hendricks! It’s well written, very absorbing to the point where you don’t want to put it down, the premise and plot are well executed too. The characterisation is really good especially Tessa who is portrayed very sympathetically and her dark past makes you want to weep especially as her ‘mandar’ is not well tuned making it a tough read in places. You will her on, this girl so deserves a break. The storyline has all the elements of domestic nor - secrets, lies, baited breath suspense, betrayal, revenge and getting your just desserts. The social media posts included make me so cross in their judge ‘em, jury ‘em and hang ‘em crassness BEFORE a person is even charged. Sad but oh so true as you see this attitude day in and day out. The solution is a bit of a stretch in my opinion but ok, I’ll admit it, I do like it!!!
Overall, I do hope you’re well under way with the next one J L H because my elbows will be sharpened and firmly sticking out jostling to get to the head of the queue to get my mitts on it. So very unBritish!!!! 😂 Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penzler Publishing, Scarlet for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 21, 2021
Finders Keepers.
Where is Tessa and more importantly WHO is she?
Almost everything about Tessa kept me guessing. Is she an unreliable narrator, unlucky, or a con herself?
A given was her humor and grit. I was laughing out loud in places at her inner dialog and astute observations. In doing so, I was trying not to put a stake into her outcome because who knows what will happen in a psychological thriller?
This book was all that I hope for when reading a story of this genre. I loved it! Unexpected surprises, twists, and well developed characters - some that you will like and others not at all. Not to mention dead bodies.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers Scarlet, NetGalley UK, and the author for my electronic review copy. I appreciated the opportunity to read this!
Where is Tessa and more importantly WHO is she?
Almost everything about Tessa kept me guessing. Is she an unreliable narrator, unlucky, or a con herself?
A given was her humor and grit. I was laughing out loud in places at her inner dialog and astute observations. In doing so, I was trying not to put a stake into her outcome because who knows what will happen in a psychological thriller?
This book was all that I hope for when reading a story of this genre. I loved it! Unexpected surprises, twists, and well developed characters - some that you will like and others not at all. Not to mention dead bodies.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers Scarlet, NetGalley UK, and the author for my electronic review copy. I appreciated the opportunity to read this!
March 19, 2021
Jace and Tessa are married, and everything is going well until Tessa is missing. Jace finds blood and a crime scene when he comes home from work.
Of course, the cops look at him first, and while Jace is under scrutiny, a coworker he’s rumored to have had an affair with disappears, too.
There’s another point of view here: Tessa’s. She is feeling safe now that she’s run and set up her husband for the crime. She has a secret past she’s trying to leave behind, even beyond what has transpired with Jace.
Is Jace involved? What is happening? Is Tessa good or evil? So many twists and turns! Finding Tessa is a fun one!
If you are looking for a fresh new thriller, this is it. Twists, turns, secrets, lies, unreliable narration, Jaime Lynn Hendricks is a HOT thriller author, and I am so excited to see what she brings us next. Five star thriller alert!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Of course, the cops look at him first, and while Jace is under scrutiny, a coworker he’s rumored to have had an affair with disappears, too.
There’s another point of view here: Tessa’s. She is feeling safe now that she’s run and set up her husband for the crime. She has a secret past she’s trying to leave behind, even beyond what has transpired with Jace.
Is Jace involved? What is happening? Is Tessa good or evil? So many twists and turns! Finding Tessa is a fun one!
If you are looking for a fresh new thriller, this is it. Twists, turns, secrets, lies, unreliable narration, Jaime Lynn Hendricks is a HOT thriller author, and I am so excited to see what she brings us next. Five star thriller alert!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 13, 2021
4.5, rounded up
My what a tangled web we weave ....
Imagine coming home from work, your spouse missing and you find, blood, hair and a broken window. It’s there that the terror begins for husband, Jace, as he worries about what has happened to his wife, Tessa.
Yeah, we all know that it’s “always the husband”, right? Especially
when there is abuse involved. And unfortunately, Tessa has lived her life as a punching bag.
But wait, there’s more to this story and a twist that left me speechless (which my husband will tell you rarely happens)! And there were other tidbits that led me off the path and turned me around that I had to reread some pages to figure out, “where was I?”
To be honest, it did bug me a little by all the disastrous decisions Tess had made in her life, not learning much and making the same decisions over and over.
All in all, this is a fantastic read. I loved the twists and having to change my mind, multiple times, trying to figure things out and loved the characters, especially Hobart 🚕 and Candy 🐶 .
My what a tangled web we weave ....
Imagine coming home from work, your spouse missing and you find, blood, hair and a broken window. It’s there that the terror begins for husband, Jace, as he worries about what has happened to his wife, Tessa.
Yeah, we all know that it’s “always the husband”, right? Especially
when there is abuse involved. And unfortunately, Tessa has lived her life as a punching bag.
But wait, there’s more to this story and a twist that left me speechless (which my husband will tell you rarely happens)! And there were other tidbits that led me off the path and turned me around that I had to reread some pages to figure out, “where was I?”
To be honest, it did bug me a little by all the disastrous decisions Tess had made in her life, not learning much and making the same decisions over and over.
All in all, this is a fantastic read. I loved the twists and having to change my mind, multiple times, trying to figure things out and loved the characters, especially Hobart 🚕 and Candy 🐶 .
September 18, 2022
Have you seen Tessa?
Tessa’s husband Jace is frozen with fear and confusion! Tessa is gone and now the police have come knocking on his door. Can he convince them to look elsewhere?
Told from both Tessa’s and Jace’s perspectives. I felt a bit of the Gone Girl vibe. But with enough differences that it definitely stood on its own.
There are some great twists along the way so make sure you’re paying attention or you’ll end up backtracking to see what you just missed! (happened to me!) 🤣
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a fabulous job with the characters! Highly recommend the audio version!
Looking forward to more from this author!
Thank you to my local library 🎧
Tessa’s husband Jace is frozen with fear and confusion! Tessa is gone and now the police have come knocking on his door. Can he convince them to look elsewhere?
Told from both Tessa’s and Jace’s perspectives. I felt a bit of the Gone Girl vibe. But with enough differences that it definitely stood on its own.
There are some great twists along the way so make sure you’re paying attention or you’ll end up backtracking to see what you just missed! (happened to me!) 🤣
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a fabulous job with the characters! Highly recommend the audio version!
Looking forward to more from this author!
Thank you to my local library 🎧
April 22, 2021
Finding Tessa proves one thing.......you're either running towards something or running away from something. Believe me, in the course of things, you'll be tripping over your own feet, banging your head, and living in an alternative universe. And the zip code is Wonkyville.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks has written this one in the mode of a maze. Just when you think you have a handle on this storyline, she sends in another zinger. Who's the who and where's the where? Not gonna know until the brakes screech at the end.
Jace Montgomery and his new bride, Tessa, have recently moved into their new home in the suburbs. They've adopted a rescue dog, Candy, to round out their new beginnings. And on this particular evening, Jace, assistant branch manager of Valley Lake Bank, has a business meeting with some important clients. When he arrives home, he notices a shattered window over the breakfast nook. There's blood on the kitchen floor with strands of Tessa's hair.
In a panic, Jace calls the police. And we are now on the threshhold of a spinning out-of-control vertigo into Hell. All eyes fall upon Jace. Little bits of evidence start to lean in his direction. No matter how he tries to explain himself, Jace sinks deeper and deeper in a pond of guilt. Even his neighbors cast a suspicious eye in his direction.
Hendricks supplies bountiful episodes of backstories that line this one with a caseload of suspicion as to who is loaded with lies and who is telling the truth. But on all counts, Finding Tessa draws you in and boggles the mind. There's no giving away more to the plot than that. Kick off your shoes and dive into this one yourself. It's a fast read with a tight grip. Maybe just what we need about now.
I received a copy of Finding Tessa through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Penzler Publishers and to Jaime Lynn Hendricks for the opportunity.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks has written this one in the mode of a maze. Just when you think you have a handle on this storyline, she sends in another zinger. Who's the who and where's the where? Not gonna know until the brakes screech at the end.
Jace Montgomery and his new bride, Tessa, have recently moved into their new home in the suburbs. They've adopted a rescue dog, Candy, to round out their new beginnings. And on this particular evening, Jace, assistant branch manager of Valley Lake Bank, has a business meeting with some important clients. When he arrives home, he notices a shattered window over the breakfast nook. There's blood on the kitchen floor with strands of Tessa's hair.
In a panic, Jace calls the police. And we are now on the threshhold of a spinning out-of-control vertigo into Hell. All eyes fall upon Jace. Little bits of evidence start to lean in his direction. No matter how he tries to explain himself, Jace sinks deeper and deeper in a pond of guilt. Even his neighbors cast a suspicious eye in his direction.
Hendricks supplies bountiful episodes of backstories that line this one with a caseload of suspicion as to who is loaded with lies and who is telling the truth. But on all counts, Finding Tessa draws you in and boggles the mind. There's no giving away more to the plot than that. Kick off your shoes and dive into this one yourself. It's a fast read with a tight grip. Maybe just what we need about now.
I received a copy of Finding Tessa through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Penzler Publishers and to Jaime Lynn Hendricks for the opportunity.
March 2, 2023
Have you met Tessa yet? 😍 So once again I am way late to the party…but wow!! 🥳This did not disappoint!! ❤️ I have heard this compared to Gone Girl… 👱♀️… and before you roll your eyes 👀….because we have heard that a million times… I am going to say … it definitely gave off some Gone Girl vibes… which I fricking loved!!!!! However�� it was done 💯 % in it’s own unique way… and it was … brilliant… 😉
Listen to this… she dated him for a month… ran off and got married …. Husband and wife💍 for four months… and then Tessa goes missing..🤭… you know it is… always the husband.. I mean it really always is…😂…I don’t make the rules..🤷♀️
Okay these alternating POV’s … were fantastic!! When the twist hit…🤔😳🤭🤯…I was completely blindsided… So many times I wanted to say… OMG Tessa…walk away from that dude… Run 🏃♀️ girl .. Run.. 🤬…
Oh and the best… there was a dog 🐶.. named Candy…and guess what??? This is the only spoiler I will give you… 😉@jaimelynnhendricksauthor gets extra points for not harming the dog!!! 🙌🙌🙌 In fact… I think Candy had the best life out of everyone!! 🥰
Seriously.. this twist was so sneaky.. so unexpected… I actually had to read it again… because I couldn’t believe it!😳
A fantastic twisted page turner that I couldn’t put down. All the stars for this fantastic debut!! 🤩 How on earth is this a debut??? Looking forward to reading It Could Be Anyone.
Listen to this… she dated him for a month… ran off and got married …. Husband and wife💍 for four months… and then Tessa goes missing..🤭… you know it is… always the husband.. I mean it really always is…😂…I don’t make the rules..🤷♀️
Okay these alternating POV’s … were fantastic!! When the twist hit…🤔😳🤭🤯…I was completely blindsided… So many times I wanted to say… OMG Tessa…walk away from that dude… Run 🏃♀️ girl .. Run.. 🤬…
Oh and the best… there was a dog 🐶.. named Candy…and guess what??? This is the only spoiler I will give you… 😉@jaimelynnhendricksauthor gets extra points for not harming the dog!!! 🙌🙌🙌 In fact… I think Candy had the best life out of everyone!! 🥰
Seriously.. this twist was so sneaky.. so unexpected… I actually had to read it again… because I couldn’t believe it!😳
A fantastic twisted page turner that I couldn’t put down. All the stars for this fantastic debut!! 🤩 How on earth is this a debut??? Looking forward to reading It Could Be Anyone.
May 11, 2021
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Penzler/Scarlet, and Jaime Lynn Hendricks for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 5.11!**
First there was Amy Dunne...and then there was Tessa.
A desperate woman escaping from a dangerous situation...or simply running headfirst into another?
Tessa has always had bad taste in men, drawn to the 'Assholes', which has put a cap on her already difficult younger life in the foster care system. These decisions have led her to bury her identity and constantly flee, never settling anywhere for too long. She finally feels she has set the perfect trap to hold just the right Asshole accountable....the one that CAN'T fail...
When Tessa turns up missing, all eyes point toward her husband Jace. Blood is present. A weapon is found in the home. Jace is flabbergasted at his wife's disappearance and is desperate to have someone--ANYONE--listen to HIS side of the story, and to not fall prey to the forgone conclusion that it is always the husband. Does he have any hope of actually finding his wife...or has Tessa outwitted and outplayed everyone...even you, the reader?
The Gone Girl overtones are heavy, but luckily this book takes a different trajectory entirely and doesn't borrow too heavily from the aforementioned. While this is a strong debut by Hendricks, the first (and in my mind, only) twist hits fast and furious fairly early-midway on and then the action stays at a steady enough clip to keep you invested, but not quite as fast-paced as I'd prefer. I appreciated the character development and getting a significant look into Tessa's backstory, so that was a huge plus for me personally.
I do wish I'd felt a bit more surprised by the ending and kept waiting for that stunning cold-water-in-your-face moment, but it didn't quite happen for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but I do feel there was some unexplored potential in this one that could have really taken it up a notch for me. I am glad that Hendricks has entered the playing field, though, and already look forward to reading her next book!
4 ⭐
First there was Amy Dunne...and then there was Tessa.
A desperate woman escaping from a dangerous situation...or simply running headfirst into another?
Tessa has always had bad taste in men, drawn to the 'Assholes', which has put a cap on her already difficult younger life in the foster care system. These decisions have led her to bury her identity and constantly flee, never settling anywhere for too long. She finally feels she has set the perfect trap to hold just the right Asshole accountable....the one that CAN'T fail...
When Tessa turns up missing, all eyes point toward her husband Jace. Blood is present. A weapon is found in the home. Jace is flabbergasted at his wife's disappearance and is desperate to have someone--ANYONE--listen to HIS side of the story, and to not fall prey to the forgone conclusion that it is always the husband. Does he have any hope of actually finding his wife...or has Tessa outwitted and outplayed everyone...even you, the reader?
The Gone Girl overtones are heavy, but luckily this book takes a different trajectory entirely and doesn't borrow too heavily from the aforementioned. While this is a strong debut by Hendricks, the first (and in my mind, only) twist hits fast and furious fairly early-midway on and then the action stays at a steady enough clip to keep you invested, but not quite as fast-paced as I'd prefer. I appreciated the character development and getting a significant look into Tessa's backstory, so that was a huge plus for me personally.
I do wish I'd felt a bit more surprised by the ending and kept waiting for that stunning cold-water-in-your-face moment, but it didn't quite happen for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but I do feel there was some unexplored potential in this one that could have really taken it up a notch for me. I am glad that Hendricks has entered the playing field, though, and already look forward to reading her next book!
4 ⭐
May 7, 2021
Well, well, well, what do we have here??? A domestic thriller which took me on a thrilling, twisting, and turning, and shocking ride.
I picked this up to read, wanting a change from the current books I was reading. I only intended to read a couple of pages before bed but could not put the book down and got to the 38% mark or as I like to call it the "What did I just read!?!" mark. That is when I got the first twist which turned things on its head for me. I thought I had things all figured out. NOPE! Not even close!
Jace Montgomery comes home after a night of entertaining clients to find his wife, Tessa missing. Not just missing but blood on the floor, clump of hair and broken glass type of missing. A call to the police and an investigation that puts him on the top of the suspect list. As the police take a long hard look at Jace, he strongly claims he is innocent and wants his wife back.
Tessa, who has dated a long line of well, less than loving men, has left her abusive husband. She is ready to start over. Hopefully, he will not find her. Hopefully, she can get a job, start over, and be happy. She deserves it after everything she has endured in her life.
This was a fun, entertaining book that shocked me and delivered on shock value. Told in both Tessa and Jace's POV. We get into both of their minds, learn their secrets, and watch as their stories are told.
This proved to be a fast and satisfying read. Hendricks delivers a smart, clever, and hard to put down, twisty tale! I cannot wait to read what Hendricks writes next! Seriously, what will she come up with next?
Thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
I picked this up to read, wanting a change from the current books I was reading. I only intended to read a couple of pages before bed but could not put the book down and got to the 38% mark or as I like to call it the "What did I just read!?!" mark. That is when I got the first twist which turned things on its head for me. I thought I had things all figured out. NOPE! Not even close!
Jace Montgomery comes home after a night of entertaining clients to find his wife, Tessa missing. Not just missing but blood on the floor, clump of hair and broken glass type of missing. A call to the police and an investigation that puts him on the top of the suspect list. As the police take a long hard look at Jace, he strongly claims he is innocent and wants his wife back.
Tessa, who has dated a long line of well, less than loving men, has left her abusive husband. She is ready to start over. Hopefully, he will not find her. Hopefully, she can get a job, start over, and be happy. She deserves it after everything she has endured in her life.
This was a fun, entertaining book that shocked me and delivered on shock value. Told in both Tessa and Jace's POV. We get into both of their minds, learn their secrets, and watch as their stories are told.
This proved to be a fast and satisfying read. Hendricks delivers a smart, clever, and hard to put down, twisty tale! I cannot wait to read what Hendricks writes next! Seriously, what will she come up with next?
Thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 6, 2021
4.5 stars - rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a debut!
After all of the glowing reviews from my Goodreads friends, I knew I had to get on my iPad to request this one - fast. When I got my approval, I couldn’t wait to dig in!
I have to admit, not many books grab me from the get go. Needless to say, this one did and it was damn near impossible to put down once I got started. This is not your typical slow burn thriller. Oh no - this one was super fast paced, with nonstop suspense and twists galore that kept me guessing the whole way through. I could not figure this one out at all. I was completely clueless! Everyone was a suspect. One twist had me sitting with my mouth open - which was very amusing to my husband - who is not a lover of books or reading, so he just doesn’t get it! 😜
All in all, Finding Tessa has EVERYTHING a reader looks for in a psychological thriller. It’s a must read for fans of this genre.
**Fun fact...there is a dog in this story (Hi Candy! 🐶) who is not harmed in any way! Yay! Only puppy hugs here.
I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Scarlet Publishing and Jaime Lynn Hendricks for my advanced copy to read and review.
What a debut!
After all of the glowing reviews from my Goodreads friends, I knew I had to get on my iPad to request this one - fast. When I got my approval, I couldn’t wait to dig in!
I have to admit, not many books grab me from the get go. Needless to say, this one did and it was damn near impossible to put down once I got started. This is not your typical slow burn thriller. Oh no - this one was super fast paced, with nonstop suspense and twists galore that kept me guessing the whole way through. I could not figure this one out at all. I was completely clueless! Everyone was a suspect. One twist had me sitting with my mouth open - which was very amusing to my husband - who is not a lover of books or reading, so he just doesn’t get it! 😜
All in all, Finding Tessa has EVERYTHING a reader looks for in a psychological thriller. It’s a must read for fans of this genre.
**Fun fact...there is a dog in this story (Hi Candy! 🐶) who is not harmed in any way! Yay! Only puppy hugs here.
I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Scarlet Publishing and Jaime Lynn Hendricks for my advanced copy to read and review.
April 20, 2021
In a word dreadful!
Two thoughts to always remember.....(well maybe five)
1. Never waste precious reading time on a book that you were approved for in a nanosecond on a Saturday!
2. Stop looking for the silver lining when there isn't one.
3. DNF ing a book is not a horrendous black mark against you!
4. An opinion is just an opinion that matters only to you!
5. Peace to all who loved this one!
The end!
Two thoughts to always remember.....(well maybe five)
1. Never waste precious reading time on a book that you were approved for in a nanosecond on a Saturday!
2. Stop looking for the silver lining when there isn't one.
3. DNF ing a book is not a horrendous black mark against you!
4. An opinion is just an opinion that matters only to you!
5. Peace to all who loved this one!
The end!
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 30, 2021Dnf....the writing style and the characters are not for me so I’m cutting my losses early and moving on!
May 1, 2021
I’m in the camp of those who really enjoyed this book. Maybe I should have seen the twists coming but I was ripping through it that quickly that I didn’t stop to think about it.
Jace comes home one night to find his wife Tessa missing. There is blood on the floor and a clump of hair. They are only recently married after a whirlwind ‘courtship’ and Jace doesn’t actually know much about his wife’s past. Of course he calls the police - what loving husband wouldn’t? But it is not long before the police are putting him under a microscope. That’s one POV. The other is from Tessa - she is running from yet another abusive relationship. Her latest husband has gone too far this time and she vows not to repeat past mistakes.
The story flips between these points of view and just when you think you know what’s happening - you actually don’t! I don’t want to say any more as you should really discover this compelling book for yourselves.
Poor Tessa had a shocking childhood, marred by neglectful parenting and abusive foster homes. She seems to be a magnet for abusive, controlling men. It’s like they can sense her vulnerability and prey on her weaknesses. But no more, she vows as she is determined to get out from under the yoke and start over yet again. But has has she made a grave error of judgement and jumped from the frypan into the fire?
This one is tightly plotted and it is hard to believe it is a debut novel. There was plenty of misdirection, red herrings and potential ‘bad guys’. It was a fun read and flowed really well. Tessa was a likeable character despite her appalling taste in men! I struggled to put this book down and read it very quickly as I got more and more invested in knowing ‘what really happened’. Thanks to Netgalley, Penzler Publishers and the author for proving a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
Jace comes home one night to find his wife Tessa missing. There is blood on the floor and a clump of hair. They are only recently married after a whirlwind ‘courtship’ and Jace doesn’t actually know much about his wife’s past. Of course he calls the police - what loving husband wouldn’t? But it is not long before the police are putting him under a microscope. That’s one POV. The other is from Tessa - she is running from yet another abusive relationship. Her latest husband has gone too far this time and she vows not to repeat past mistakes.
The story flips between these points of view and just when you think you know what’s happening - you actually don’t! I don’t want to say any more as you should really discover this compelling book for yourselves.
Poor Tessa had a shocking childhood, marred by neglectful parenting and abusive foster homes. She seems to be a magnet for abusive, controlling men. It’s like they can sense her vulnerability and prey on her weaknesses. But no more, she vows as she is determined to get out from under the yoke and start over yet again. But has has she made a grave error of judgement and jumped from the frypan into the fire?
This one is tightly plotted and it is hard to believe it is a debut novel. There was plenty of misdirection, red herrings and potential ‘bad guys’. It was a fun read and flowed really well. Tessa was a likeable character despite her appalling taste in men! I struggled to put this book down and read it very quickly as I got more and more invested in knowing ‘what really happened’. Thanks to Netgalley, Penzler Publishers and the author for proving a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
October 16, 2021
Is it possible to give a book more than five stars??? This one definitely deserves it! Wow, what a psychological thrill ride this book is. It’s out May 2021 but y’all you just read this book! It’s definitely one of my top five reads of 2020!
Jace and Tessa appear to be a young couple in love with nothing to hide. Until one day Jace comes home to find Tessa missing with broken glass, clumps of hair and blood. The cops quickly peg Jace as a suspect and the evidence mounts against him. Tessa finally felt safe but is her past catching up with her? Told in alternating POV of Jace and Tessa with twists I never saw coming and just when I thought oh I know where this is headed the author hit me with another shock! I read this book in less than 24 hours, it was just that good! If your like me and read non stop thrillers your always looking for one that really takes your breath away and keeps you guessing and this book did exactly that. The characters are well developed and I found myself rooting for all of them even when I didn’t want to.
I already can not wait for Jamie Lynn Hendricks next book!!
Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
Jace and Tessa appear to be a young couple in love with nothing to hide. Until one day Jace comes home to find Tessa missing with broken glass, clumps of hair and blood. The cops quickly peg Jace as a suspect and the evidence mounts against him. Tessa finally felt safe but is her past catching up with her? Told in alternating POV of Jace and Tessa with twists I never saw coming and just when I thought oh I know where this is headed the author hit me with another shock! I read this book in less than 24 hours, it was just that good! If your like me and read non stop thrillers your always looking for one that really takes your breath away and keeps you guessing and this book did exactly that. The characters are well developed and I found myself rooting for all of them even when I didn’t want to.
I already can not wait for Jamie Lynn Hendricks next book!!
Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
May 27, 2021
Fast-paced and hard to put down, Finding Tessa had me on the edge of my seat all the way through! A few of the characters were really really cool and the dog was just adorable. Twists and turns throughout too which is always super fun. The very first twist was just crazy and hooked me in for good!
A huge unfortunate was that I figured out the end before I reached it! I was so sad that my presumptions were correct!
In books like domestic thrillers, triggers for some people are going to be brought up. I understand the author truly wanted to drive the point home about Tessa’s abuse her whole life, but even 75% of the way through the book we are still being told of her past abuse stories. It’s awful, it’s horrendous, it’s devastating of course, but after reading so far through the book, it almost seemed a distraction to once again bring it up.
All in all, a great great story and I would definitely read more from this author if and when she writes a new book!
A huge unfortunate was that I figured out the end before I reached it! I was so sad that my presumptions were correct!
In books like domestic thrillers, triggers for some people are going to be brought up. I understand the author truly wanted to drive the point home about Tessa’s abuse her whole life, but even 75% of the way through the book we are still being told of her past abuse stories. It’s awful, it’s horrendous, it’s devastating of course, but after reading so far through the book, it almost seemed a distraction to once again bring it up.
All in all, a great great story and I would definitely read more from this author if and when she writes a new book!
May 11, 2021
3.5 stars
This review was first posted on Mystery and Suspense. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https//www.mysteryandsuspense.com/finding-te...
The book is narrated in the alternating voices of Jace Montgomery and Tessa Smyth, a newlywed couple living near the Jersey shore. Jace is a banker and Tessa is an interior decorator, and their marriage occurred so fast that they haven't even met each other's families.
The story opens with Jace, who's worried about his wife.
Jace is the branch manager of New Jersey's Valley Lake Bank, and is trying to get financing for a new shopping center.
Thus Jace and his colleague Rosita wined and dined two representatives from Vistabuild, hoping to win their favor.
Jace got home late from the business dinner, and discovered that his wife Tessa was missing. There's a broken window in the kitchen, blood and hair on the ground outside, and Tessa's purse and phone are in the house.
Jace calls the authorities, and Detective Solomon and a forensics team are soon on the scene.
Solomon asks if anyone would want to hurt Tessa, and Jace explains that his wife had violent men in her past, but he doesn't know any of their names. In fact, the banker seems to know very little about his spouse, other than that she was raised in abusive foster homes and may have four siblings. In fact Jace isn't even sure if Smyth is Tessa's maiden name or her ex-husband's last name. When Solomon asks the banker if there were any problems in his and Tessa's marriage, Jace lies and says no.
The detective concludes that Tessa knew the person responsible for her disappearance, because the couple's dog Candy would have attacked an intruder.
In fact, it's pretty clear that Solomon is suspicious of Jace, because the husband is always the first suspect.
Switch to Tessa, and we learn she's on the run.
Tessa has nine thousand dollars in cash that she saved up, and is relieved she has the resources to get away. In the past, every time Tessa left an ex she'd jump right into another relationship, because she had no money and nowhere to go. This time, Tessa catches a bus to a distant city, checks into a cheap motel, and proceeds to get the fake ID she needs to get on with her life. Tessa is still very apprehensive, however, because she knows her ex-husband will kill her if he finds her.
Still, Tessa is hopeful things will work out this time because she has a plan. With the help of a friend who'll plant the appropriate clues, Tessa hopes to get her ex-husband imprisoned for murdering her.
Shift back to Jace, and he's in trouble.
A neighbor tells the police that Tessa was very upset because Jace came home with a gun. Jace denies this, but the police don't believe him.
Soon afterwards, a woman's maimed body is found; another woman goes missing; and evidence is found in the banker's house. The press goes crazy, and Jace is dubbed Valley Lake's notorious murderer. Jace gets two lawyers to help him: his friend Evan Soderberg and defense attorney Robert Brown. Soderberg manage to raise bail, but Jace is still confined to his house with an ankle bracelet.
Switch to Tessa, and it seems old habits die hard.
Tessa starts settling into her new home, and goes to a wine bar for a meal. There Tessa flirts with a bartender named Damon, who's interested in the new lady in town.
Though Tessa knows better, she makes a date with Damon, hoping she'll have better luck this time. The date goes well.....until it doesn't.
To reveal more would be a spoiler, except to say that things aren't necessarily what they seem.
This is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing from beginning to end.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jaime Lynn Hendricks, and Penzler Publishers for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
June 19, 2023
A compelling and entertaining read!!
Jace Montgomery has called the police to report his thirty-one-year-old wife, Tessa missing. He had worked late and when he arrived home he was shocked to find one of their windows broken with glass all over the floor.
Jace tells police he last interacted with Tessa earlier that day when she texted him to say she wasn't feeling well. When the police ask if there’s any problems in the marriage, Jace says there isn’t. He does tell them that they’ve only known each other a short time. They’ve been married for only four months.
We also hear from Tessa. We are given insight into her past and present life. She tells us how she has a type and how she’s had a hard time trying to break the cycle she's had with men.
So where is Tessa? Was this a robbery gone wrong or something much more sinister?
I really liked how this story was told. I liked reading the different perspectives. I got lucky with a couple of my guesses, but I still really enjoyed the story. I loved how everything came together. It was a gripping read and the suspense was full on right up until the end.
A well-written and intriguing domestic suspense novel. I am excited to read more from this author.
Jace Montgomery has called the police to report his thirty-one-year-old wife, Tessa missing. He had worked late and when he arrived home he was shocked to find one of their windows broken with glass all over the floor.
Jace tells police he last interacted with Tessa earlier that day when she texted him to say she wasn't feeling well. When the police ask if there’s any problems in the marriage, Jace says there isn’t. He does tell them that they’ve only known each other a short time. They’ve been married for only four months.
We also hear from Tessa. We are given insight into her past and present life. She tells us how she has a type and how she’s had a hard time trying to break the cycle she's had with men.
So where is Tessa? Was this a robbery gone wrong or something much more sinister?
I really liked how this story was told. I liked reading the different perspectives. I got lucky with a couple of my guesses, but I still really enjoyed the story. I loved how everything came together. It was a gripping read and the suspense was full on right up until the end.
A well-written and intriguing domestic suspense novel. I am excited to read more from this author.
June 12, 2021
Rounded to 3 stars.
Based on my favourite reviewers, I was expecting to hate this book.
But I really enjoyed the writing (for the most part).
As for the structure, there is no distinction of a timeline (there is no “now” or “after”), which can be frustrating to some readers. I had no problem with it.
The characters are all unlikeable.
As for the plot line, in the beginning I thought that I was reading a copycat of Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, but I was wrong. But there is a lack of originality.
The book did start very well and held my full interest up to 70%. After that, I have no idea what happened. It felt like somebody else took over the pen from the author and decided to finish the story in a hurry. And what a mess!
It ended with one of the worst twists and explanations that I’ve ever read.
Anyways, there are some details that are not realistic, but as this is a work of fiction, it really should not matter.
PS. My book was not an ARC, but the finished product. The formatting was perfect and I do not recall any misspellings or bad grammar, but as English is not my first language, perhaps I was oblivious to those errors.
Based on my favourite reviewers, I was expecting to hate this book.
But I really enjoyed the writing (for the most part).
As for the structure, there is no distinction of a timeline (there is no “now” or “after”), which can be frustrating to some readers. I had no problem with it.
The characters are all unlikeable.
As for the plot line, in the beginning I thought that I was reading a copycat of Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, but I was wrong. But there is a lack of originality.
The book did start very well and held my full interest up to 70%. After that, I have no idea what happened. It felt like somebody else took over the pen from the author and decided to finish the story in a hurry. And what a mess!
It ended with one of the worst twists and explanations that I’ve ever read.
Anyways, there are some details that are not realistic, but as this is a work of fiction, it really should not matter.
PS. My book was not an ARC, but the finished product. The formatting was perfect and I do not recall any misspellings or bad grammar, but as English is not my first language, perhaps I was oblivious to those errors.
May 14, 2021
Finding Tessa delves into the complicated life of a deliciously flawed main character, Tessa, whose love life has been a series of hookups with dangerous, angry men, aka "A#$holes" in her words. In a whirlwind romance, she meets and marries a seemingly gentle man, Jace Montgomery. Then one night, Jace comes home from work late to find clumps of hair, blood, and a broken window and his wife, Tessa, missing. The cops peg him as a suspect after an explosive outburst to a reporter, and the police investigation slowly exposes him to be a man, not who he seems. But Tessa, as the author teases, is a woman fed up at being a victim, and the unraveling of Jace's innocence fits a pattern of Tessa's past escapes. Twisted assumptions about each character's guilt and innocence untangle as hidden pasts get exposed.
I'm not surprised the publisher promotes Finding Tessa as a domestic thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn because for a majority of the book she delivers. Although the ending did not meet the excitement generated by the book's explosive beginning, I got hooked on the characters and enjoyed the ride.
I'm not surprised the publisher promotes Finding Tessa as a domestic thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn because for a majority of the book she delivers. Although the ending did not meet the excitement generated by the book's explosive beginning, I got hooked on the characters and enjoyed the ride.
August 18, 2021
I'm a little burnt out on the troupe of attractive, rich husband brutally beats on attractive, troubled wife.
To be fair, the twist is really good and the ending is both plausible and satisfying, albeit a wee coincidental but no reason to nit pick. But the clichés were layered on thick.
Also felt like the dialogue was "on the nose" a lot, often followed by an overly dramatic action response like crying or men punching desks. Oh god. Those poor desks. So many desks got punched.
I personally get peeved when an author chooses to describe someone in an unpleasant way by pointing out a lazy eye. Constantly. Just seems lazy and cruel.
Overall, despite my minor criticisms on the writing, this is an engaging, quick read. I just don't think it brings anything new or original. I did not have rose colored lenses on due to my minor pet peeves, so I highly encourage readers to check out many other glowing reviews for this book. Cheers!
To be fair, the twist is really good and the ending is both plausible and satisfying, albeit a wee coincidental but no reason to nit pick. But the clichés were layered on thick.
Also felt like the dialogue was "on the nose" a lot, often followed by an overly dramatic action response like crying or men punching desks. Oh god. Those poor desks. So many desks got punched.
I personally get peeved when an author chooses to describe someone in an unpleasant way by pointing out a lazy eye. Constantly. Just seems lazy and cruel.
Overall, despite my minor criticisms on the writing, this is an engaging, quick read. I just don't think it brings anything new or original. I did not have rose colored lenses on due to my minor pet peeves, so I highly encourage readers to check out many other glowing reviews for this book. Cheers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews