Title: Heather
Author: Caitlin Mullen
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction
Format: Audiobook (ALC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75★, rounded up)
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Synopsis
In 1994, twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley disappear in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Sabrina has been secretly involved with an older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s relationship.
Then both girls vanish.
Years later, newly appointed Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly brings the cold case back into the spotlight. As she begins digging into what really happened, long-buried secrets start resurfacing, forcing the town—and the women connected to the case—to confront painful truths that have remained hidden for decades.
My Thoughts
This was a heavy one.
Not necessarily because of the mystery itself, although the case is certainly tragic, but because of the themes the story explores. Teen pregnancy, grief, grooming, loss, family trauma… this book does not shy away from difficult subjects, and at times it can be genuinely heartbreaking.
The story follows the disappearance of twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina in the 1990s before shifting to the present day, where Police Chief Callie Hauser begins reexamining the case.
As more details come to light, it becomes increasingly clear that what happened to the sisters is far more complicated than anyone originally believed.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of multiple POVs. We get perspectives from Annabelle and Sabrina in the past, alongside Callie and Blair in the present. Together, they slowly piece the mystery together while also showing how the effects of a tragedy can ripple through generations.
I thought this structure worked really well because it allowed the story to feel larger than a single investigation. This wasn't just about solving a cold case; it was about understanding the lives of the people affected by it.
Emotionally, this book hit me hard.
There were moments that made me angry, moments that made me sad, and several where I just wanted to scream at certain characters. The situations felt believable enough that I could easily imagine reading about a similar case in a newspaper or seeing it featured in a true-crime documentary.
The emotional impact was easily the strongest part of the novel for me.
My biggest issue was the pacing.
And unfortunately... it is very slow.
I completely understand why the story takes its time. The characters need space to develop, and the themes require a more thoughtful approach than a fast-paced thriller would allow. Still, there were moments where I felt the book could have been tightened up a bit without losing any of its emotional depth.
That said, the audiobook narration was excellent and helped keep me engaged even during the slower sections.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Heather is a powerful and emotionally charged mystery that focuses just as much on the people behind the case as it does on the investigation itself.
While the pacing occasionally tested my patience, the strong character work, difficult themes, and emotional impact made it a memorable read. If you enjoy slower, character-driven mysteries that explore grief, trauma, and the lasting consequences of secrets, this is definitely one worth checking out.
ARC Disclaimer
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the ALC. All opinions are my own.
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