You Shouldn't Be Here: A Novel

by Lauren Thoman

Overview

Two strangers search for the truth behind bizarre occurrences no one else dares to discuss—only to discover that they’re connected by secrets that could destroy them both. A thrilling and twisty novel by the acclaimed author of the Mindy’s Book Studio pick I’ll Stop the World.

When sixteen-year-old Angie Stewart starts hearing a mysterious voice in her house, she’s thrilled at the possibility of a ghost. Finally, something interesting is happening in her boring hometown of East Henderson, Pennsylvania. But why is she the only one who can hear it? And what does it want from her?

Meanwhile, first-year teacher Madelyn Zhao just got the keys to her new home, which is located close to her job, within walking distance of a dog park—and, most importantly, in the town where her cousin went missing several years ago. No one in East Henderson wants to talk about what happened, but Madelyn is determined to find answers.

As the two strangers search for clues, their investigations begin to point toward the same dark place. But by the time they realize that the truth could be deadly, it’s too late to turn back. And someone out there will stop at nothing to make sure their secrets stay buried.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781662517686
Publisher:	Amazon Publishing
Publication date:	08/01/2024
Pages:	396
Product dimensions:	5.78(w) x 8.74(h) x 1.24(d)

About the Author

Lauren Thoman is the author of the Mindy’s Book Studio selection I’ll Stop the World. She lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two children, a fluctuating number of rescue and foster dogs, and a somewhat alarming quantity of fish. Her pop culture writing has appeared in numerous online outlets including Parade and Vulture. When she’s not writing, she’s probably on the hunt for tacos or coffee, poking around her flower beds, or buried underneath a pile of dogs. For more information, visit laurenthomanwrites.com.

Editorial Reviews

You Shouldn’t Be Here

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

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

“You Shouldn’t Be Here will touch your heart in ways you could never expect. Thoman has created a charming but tense story that drew me in and wouldn’t let go. I was riveted from the first page.” —R. J. Jacobs, author of This Is How We End Things

I’ll Stop the World

“Lauren Thoman’s I’ll Stop the World is a whip-smart mystery with a vibrant cast of characters that gives off great eighties vibes. I was absolutely dazzled by this unputdownable genre-bending novel that’s equal parts coming-of-age suspense and an emotional tale of forgiveness and second chances.” —Mindy Kaling

“Thoman’s ambitious timeline of events is both expansive and compressed, with the storyline unfolding over the course of both one week and thirty-eight years, and her portrayal of teenagers in varying degrees of crisis is sympathetic. A novel look at strange (and stranger) things.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Thoman’s sweeping debut defies categorization. A multigenerational mystery, a compulsively readable love story, an intricately woven sci-fi—whatever it is, I’ll Stop the World is the mind-bendy time-travel eighties romp we all need right now. I’m obsessed with this book.” —David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author

“I’ll Stop the World layers mystery upon mystery, from the everyday secrets in the lives of teens coming of age in a small town now to the dark shock waves still radiating out from deaths that took place decades before. Lauren Thoman’s debut novel is a time-bending page-turner packed with twists no one will see coming. This is a story that continues to resonate long after you finish.” —Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

“In this standout debut, Lauren Thoman takes the reader on a wild ride, deftly wrapping a coming-of-age story with a clever mystery, sprinkled with eighties nostalgia that’ll have you reaching for your Bubble Yum. As I tore through the pages, I fell in love with the cast of flawed and funny characters, who felt as real as the friends I grew up with. Best of all, Thoman delivers an impossibly satisfying ending in a way only the very best time-travel storytellers can. This one should go at the top of everyone’s must-read list!” —Brianna Labuskes, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

“A brilliant, thought-provoking page-turner that so deeply sucked me into a world of richly drawn characters and fast-paced action that I never wanted to leave.” —Sonali Dev, USA Today bestselling author of The Vibrant Years

“A page-turning, time-bending mystery full of heart. I’ll Stop the World gave me a chance to solve a cold crime from a refreshing new perspective. Lauren Thoman is an exciting new talent not to be missed!” —Kara Thomas, bestselling author of That Weekend and Out of the Ashes

From the Publisher