This book was instantly intriguing for me, and I was unable to put it down. An FBI investigator has an intimately close connection to a local murder, and has dedicated her life to trying to identify patterns of serial killers. She has become dedicated to finding the man that killed her brother and proving her father's innocence. This is a fast paced thriller with so many twists and turns and the ending is a pure shock. I cannot wait to read more of Nichole Severn's work, as she is an incredibly gifted writer. This story has so many directions to go, and I just cannot wait to find out what happens next. The final twist was so unexpected, and left me wanting more.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Nichole Severn, and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Girl Who Survived by Nichole Severn is a mystery set in small-town UK with some flashbacks sections. When Leigh was seventeen, her younger brother was kidnapped and murdered with her entire town accusing Leigh’s father of the crime as well as the death of another child. As an adult, Leigh has studied the psychology of serial killers and returned to her small town to reopen her father's case and get justice for her brother, but the town isn't welcome to the idea.

What I liked was how Leigh was shown in a fairly compassionate light. The abduction of her brother and destruction of her family are difficult things she can't move past and this is compounded by the discovery that she has cancer in her ovaries and needs to have a hysterectomy, something she's not willing to do because she wants a family some day. The subject matter is difficult but handled thoughtfully and realistically.

Leigh’s ultimate goal is to bring Chris Ellingson, the man she believes murdered her brother, to justice and clear her father's name. Chris was a psychologist at Leigh's brother's school and the evidence seems obvious but the town isn't willing to listen and wants to move on, reflecting something that does happen in communities when devastating crimes are committed.

I would recommend this to fans of explorations of how communities react to old cases being reopened, readers looking for a mystery with a small town angle, and those looking for mysteries that also touch on topics relating to reproductive health.

I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I had to take some time to process that twist at the end. Wow! I was not expecting that at all. In fact it came out of left field for me and made me dislike some of the characters that I previously liked. Leigh works for the FBI and was sent back to her hometown as a consultant. She ruffles more than a few feathers coming back to town. She is determined and sometimes toes the line on ethical behavior, but she gets the job done. This is listed as book 1, so I'm assuming a sequel is planned for the future and I'm looking forward to reading more of Leigh's story.

Enjoyed this book, lots of twist and turns. A couple of times I did get a bit lost but apart from that a fab read!

Summary: Leigh Brody (FBI) is called back to her hometown after a murders MO is similar to the murder of a decade old case, her brothers. Her father went down for the murder of the previous case. As the bodies keep accumulating Leigh needs to learn who the killer is.

There were a few slower points in the book, but certain parts I was fully encapsulated in the book. I did predict who the killer was like a little over halfway through, but I still enjoyed the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What did I just read??? This was a going in blind book for me and man, it sucked me in from the very beginning.
THE PLOT TWIST????!!! ah loved it.
Cannot wait to read more of Agent Brody's stories!!!

I’m always ready for a mystery thriller, and really enjoy the interactions between characters who are from various investigative departments. This first in a new series built around FBI Agent Leigh Brody was very satisfying in this regard, especially given her situation as a generally unwelcome, especially by the police,hometown girl returning after years away. This was an interesting approach to introducing a character and it worked. While I thought the character of Agent Brody was thoughtfully developed, I felt like I spent too much time in her head; this went beyond her processing her past trauma and trying to reconcile it with what was happening in her present. It became redundant and distracting as a result. While the ending was satisfying overall, setting up for and interesting situation in the next book, it was much too unrealistic to be believable. It will be hard to set that piece aside when I read the next entry; despite that, I am looking forward to book 2.

Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this action-packed mystery.

I loved this from beginning to end. Ms. Severn knocked this one out of the ball park. When FBI Agent Leigh Brody comes home to assist on a case, but things get really interesting as something comes to light that stirs up things that happened 20years ago. This case has just become very personal for her. The town of Lebanon doesn’t want Leigh there, and makes it very clear she’s not welcome anymore. They even go to some extremes that harm her. The Sheriff in town has made it crystal clear she is only there to assist, and not take over in any capacity. He will ask the questions.

Highly recommend, so much more to come. The ending was amazing.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read this book before it’s out. I have bought a copy of this book.
I love Ms. Severn’s book, and read them all.

My first take on Nichole Severn writing and what a bumpy ride it has been! The plot was complex and vivid, with plenty of gore and all sorts of evil. Exactly what a girl wants! ;)

It’s hard to accept the main character’s past. Leigh is a woman tormented by the loss of her entire family (although through different means and in different times) due to gruesome circumstances. Left completely alone, she tries to bring justice to light, while facing the inevitable ghosts from the past. But the start of a new killing spree promises to keep stirring the waters…

The storyline is definitely twisted, with a more than satisfying ending. I was totally surprised with the outcome and all the little gems hidden throughout the book’s intelligently crafted plot. But…

There were moments where I felt lost in the writing. Some chapters were somehow difficult to get in to… And there were some inaccuracies in terms of medical situations.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance. This opinion is my own.

Thanks Net Galley for providing me an early release of this book.
All opinions here are my own.
This was my first book by this author and I will be reading more of her books. I love crime thrillers, and this one did not disappoint. After 20 years Leigh Brody returns to her hometown because a body has been found and her name is on it.The last time she was there she was a kid and found the body of her brother Troy. Now she is an FBI agent and has been called back help solve crimes that were committed in the same way that killed her brother. She is met with some resistance from the police force and as the story develops, we begin to understand what happened 20 years ago and how it is still affecting the town she grew up in. This was a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on. I did not figure this one out and was totally surprised when all was revealed!
A 4 star read for me!

Whooo boy, not my usual romantic suspense but a great read anyway by one of my favourite authors. This twisted story grabs you from the start and holds you through the convoluted researching into the warped reasoning of a killer.
As much as I’m usually good at working out the villain I certainly didn’t see that one coming, nor the other twist at the end. The continuation of this series really does look promising.

Wow, what an utterly fantastic book this was to read. Excellent characters that you could get into and a storyline that kept you utterly gripped and wanting to read on to find out what happened next - my sign of a great book! Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Girl Who Survived" by Nichole Severn is a riveting addition to the crime thriller genre, introducing readers to the tenacious and sharp-witted FBI Agent Leigh Brody. As the first book in the Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series, Severn crafts a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally resonant, ensuring that readers are glued to the pages from start to finish.

The novel opens with a haunting premise: a series of disappearances that echo a personal tragedy in Brody's past. Severn masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, as Brody is drawn back to her hometown to consult on a case that hits too close to home. The small-town setting is palpable, enveloping the reader in an atmosphere of claustrophobia and suspicion, where everyone knows everyone, and secrets can't stay buried forever.

Severn's writing is sharp and evocative, with a knack for creating heart-stopping moments that leave readers gasping. The pacing is relentless, propelling the story forward with a series of well-placed twists and red herrings that keep the mystery alive until the very end. The narrative is layered, offering readers a complex puzzle to piece together alongside Brody, whose own demons and unresolved history add depth to her character.

One of the standout elements of "The Girl Who Survived" is its character development. Severn doesn't just present a case for Brody to solve; she presents a journey for her to undergo. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with each character contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The dynamics between Brody and the townspeople, who view her with a mix of respect, suspicion, and resentment, are particularly compelling.

I really struggled to get into this story, found the narrative rather mediocre and couldn’t connect or relate to any of the main characters. Appreciate the chance to review an advanced readers copy. Thanks to Netgalley.

The Girl Who Survived by Nichole Severn

An excellent read, Full of twists and fast paced with a great plotline and believable characters. First time read by this author and would read any other titles.
Enjoyed it.

A good read for anyone who loves murder mystery and loves a series, this was a first time reading a book by Nichole and I’m excited to see what is next in the series.

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

As an ARC reader, I had the privilege of diving into Nichole Severn's latest thriller, "The Girl Who Survived," and I was absolutely captivated from the first page to the last.

Leigh Brody's return to her hometown after a chilling discovery is just the beginning of an intense journey. Two decades ago, she stumbled upon her brother's murdered body, an event that shattered her world. Her father was blamed, but Leigh never believed he was guilty. Now, as an FBI agent, Leigh is called back home when a series of copycat crimes emerge, each with a haunting connection to her past.

Severn masterfully weaves together a gripping narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth. Leigh's determination to uncover the truth is palpable, and as a reader, I couldn't help but be drawn into her quest for justice. The tension escalates with each turn of the page, especially as another child goes missing, adding urgency to Leigh's investigation.

What sets "The Girl Who Survived" apart is its complex characters and the exploration of deep-seated family secrets. Leigh's struggle with her past, her relationships, and her own demons adds layers of authenticity to the story. The dynamics between the characters are richly developed, keeping me guessing until the very end.

Severn's writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse you in the story's atmosphere. The small-town setting of New Hampshire comes alive, adding to the sense of unease and mystery that permeates the novel.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of "The Girl Who Survived" is its unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Severn throws a curveball that leaves you reeling. The final revelation is both shocking and satisfying, a testament to the author's skill in crafting a truly unpredictable thriller.

In conclusion, "The Girl Who Survived" is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. Nichole Severn has delivered an electrifying tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of truth that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I eagerly await Severn's next masterpiece.

This is a book that will throw you from the Yessss-side to the WTF-side and back…and back again and…you get the point. So let’s do this. I loved and hated this book, although hated is a very strong word. There were some ‘conflicting’ moments. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and this won’t be the last book I’ve read by her. The characters were likable enough and I was engaged in the story. I liked the twists and turns and had to flip those pages. The story was fast-paced, which I liked, but the mid-point slowed down. The downside was the procedures as there is no way in hell this would happen in real life. That's where the conflicting moments kicked in, especially for me. But hey…it’s fiction and fiction is all about imagination, so I could somewhat get over this. But then……the end. I can not go into this too deeply as I don't want to give spoilers away….but wtaf!! For some this ending might be surprising and been seen as a major twist. For me, the only thing it did was disturb my moral compass and give me a massive eye-roll. Like…why?! This is the first book in a series and I probably will read the second one, just to see how things go. As I said, I like the writer's style, but I definitely had some issues. For people with minor procedural knowledge, and if you are totally fine with WTAF-endings this will be a great read.
3.5 ⭐️rounded up

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

It took me a little while to get into this book. Although the story was pretty action-packed from the beginning, it wasn’t until the second half that I really couldn’t put it down. However - It was an excellent second half. The main character, Leigh, was relatable and easy to like, and the author kept me guessing about what the twists might be. There was one character that I knew couldn’t be what they seemed, but I wasn’t ready for it when the truth was revealed. All in all, a good book, one that I would recommend. And I’ll definitely look for the next entrance into this series.