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Pieces of You
Equal parts creepy and sentimental, this grieving adult orphan's investigation into abduction and murder is a haunting exploration of the relationships we have with our mothers, even after they're gone.
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed - and bloody - young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident-whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed passion and purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing young women and her connection to them, and to her blind date, whose online presence has been scrubbed without a trace.
Written from varying perspectives, including the missing women and the killer himself, the strange motive unfurls. Will Nora uncover the truth before the killer claims another victim?
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed - and bloody - young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident-whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed passion and purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing young women and her connection to them, and to her blind date, whose online presence has been scrubbed without a trace.
Written from varying perspectives, including the missing women and the killer himself, the strange motive unfurls. Will Nora uncover the truth before the killer claims another victim?
- GenresSuspense
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Jessica Gomez
1 book22 followersDark thriller PIECES OF YOU now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target or BookShop.org, or request it from your local bookstore!
Jessica Gomez is an author with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Michigan. Her debut novel, a thriller titled PIECES OF YOU, released October 1st, 2024.
Jessica is a film critic and journalist in the horror genre. She has been published on weddings, business, real estate, and motherhood. She's been featured on BRIDES, Bustle, TODAY, and several film sites. She currently resides in Michigan with her husband and son. For inquiries, visit WriterJessicaGomez. com or follow @writerjessicagomez on Instagram.
Jessica Gomez is an author with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Michigan. Her debut novel, a thriller titled PIECES OF YOU, released October 1st, 2024.
Jessica is a film critic and journalist in the horror genre. She has been published on weddings, business, real estate, and motherhood. She's been featured on BRIDES, Bustle, TODAY, and several film sites. She currently resides in Michigan with her husband and son. For inquiries, visit WriterJessicaGomez. com or follow @writerjessicagomez on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 5, 2024
If you could see me right now, you’d notice a big, old grin on my face. After racing through Pieces of You in only a matter of hours, I am awe-struck by the sheer awesomeness held within this debut novel’s pages. From the natural, free-flowing prose to the vivid, evocative descriptions, it was well-written, compelling, and downright addictive. But it was the perfectly plotted storyline which told a dark, twisted tale that won me over hook, line, and sinker. Gripping and all too real despite some much appreciated fictional flare, it was everything I wanted and more, no doubt about it.
The serial killer premise was just the start of the gold star attributes, though. Intermingled with this nightmarish plot was a heart-rending exploration of the mother and child relationship, mental health, and unrelenting grief. I mean, it was so touching and poignant that I quite literally cried. That, of course, didn’t detract in the slightest from the ratcheting pace and edge-of-your-seat chills, which provided for plenty of spine-tingling fear in this unforgettable thriller.
My only teeny, tiny issue was with the conclusion. I just wanted a bit, well, more. Not so much with how it all ended, but I would have loved to follow the characters along in their journey for a bit longer. So perhaps it wasn’t a hang up per se, but a wishlist instead.
All said and done, with an eerie small town setting, realistic characters, and a heart-pounding climax, I was absolutely over the moon. While I haven’t read The Quiet Tenant just yet, I can only imagine that this would be a perfect follow up to that. Deeply unsettling while also bingeable in the extreme, even the omniscient perspective was an utter home run. After all, it allowed me to see the plot from all sides—up to and including the murderer himself. All told, this book had it all, so be sure to grab your own copy ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed—and bloody—young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident—whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing women. As she discovers her connection to them, a strange motive unfurls.
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, drug use, knife violence, mention of: death of a parent, suicide, drug addiction
The serial killer premise was just the start of the gold star attributes, though. Intermingled with this nightmarish plot was a heart-rending exploration of the mother and child relationship, mental health, and unrelenting grief. I mean, it was so touching and poignant that I quite literally cried. That, of course, didn’t detract in the slightest from the ratcheting pace and edge-of-your-seat chills, which provided for plenty of spine-tingling fear in this unforgettable thriller.
My only teeny, tiny issue was with the conclusion. I just wanted a bit, well, more. Not so much with how it all ended, but I would have loved to follow the characters along in their journey for a bit longer. So perhaps it wasn’t a hang up per se, but a wishlist instead.
All said and done, with an eerie small town setting, realistic characters, and a heart-pounding climax, I was absolutely over the moon. While I haven’t read The Quiet Tenant just yet, I can only imagine that this would be a perfect follow up to that. Deeply unsettling while also bingeable in the extreme, even the omniscient perspective was an utter home run. After all, it allowed me to see the plot from all sides—up to and including the murderer himself. All told, this book had it all, so be sure to grab your own copy ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nora Aberdeen has been a mess since her mother died. Once a promising young journalism student, she's dropped out of school, stopped taking care of herself, and cut off most of her friendships. On a whim, she ventures out of her comfort zone to the deteriorating small town of Woodbridge, Pennsylvania, to meet a blind date, where she is embarrassingly stood up. Nora finds herself on edge on her desolate trek back home, and before she understands what's happened, a visibly distressed—and bloody—young woman darts in front of her car, causing Nora to veer off the road and headfirst into a tree. When Nora regains consciousness, the woman is gone.
Nora's estranged uncle, a Sheriff's Deputy, comes calling with information about a growing list of young women turning up dead in Woodbridge, including the woman who caused Nora's accident—whose death has been, to Nora's shock, declared a suicide. His colleagues have written the women off as drug overdoses, but suspicious circumstances and the department's ineptitude point to something more nefarious. Unsure if she can trust the only family she has left, Nora finds renewed purpose as she dusts off old journalism skills to uncover the secrets of the missing women. As she discovers her connection to them, a strange motive unfurls.
Thank you to Jessica Gomez for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, drug use, knife violence, mention of: death of a parent, suicide, drug addiction
May 24, 2024
I really loved and had a great time reading this book. It's a thriller but there was much more than suspense or tense moments (there were plenty of those) this book touched on personal relationships and family, motherhood in particular, and things like mental health and internal growth.
One of the things I liked most about this book was the pacing. I never got bored or was like, "Get on with it!!" The chapters moved along, and i cared about the story and characters enough to keep the pages turning.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more! Would be great for a summer pool/beach read or a fantastic way to bring in spooky szn this fall
One of the things I liked most about this book was the pacing. I never got bored or was like, "Get on with it!!" The chapters moved along, and i cared about the story and characters enough to keep the pages turning.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more! Would be great for a summer pool/beach read or a fantastic way to bring in spooky szn this fall
August 30, 2024
I was sucked in right away. This was a great, dark thriller full of shocking surprises. The author tells a story about how people deal with grief, mental illness, and the stigma around drug use. This was equally touching and disturbing. I loved it!
September 22, 2024
I was hooked from the very beginning. I read this a couple of weeks ago and I’m still thinking about it!
This book touches on grief, complicated family relationships, addiction and female friendship. It’s full of strong and intelligent female characters. I also thought the characters were all well developed.
The plot was also very well thought out. It had more meat to it than the typical thriller. It wasn’t all suspense. There’s a lot of heart too while Nora is getting to know her Uncle again as they work the case together. I also appreciated getting multiple POV’s in this case and actual insight into the motive.
There were plenty of heart-racing, edge of the seat moments. It actually gave me chills at one point. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
This book touches on grief, complicated family relationships, addiction and female friendship. It’s full of strong and intelligent female characters. I also thought the characters were all well developed.
The plot was also very well thought out. It had more meat to it than the typical thriller. It wasn’t all suspense. There’s a lot of heart too while Nora is getting to know her Uncle again as they work the case together. I also appreciated getting multiple POV’s in this case and actual insight into the motive.
There were plenty of heart-racing, edge of the seat moments. It actually gave me chills at one point. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
September 19, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book! I’m kind of sad I can’t ever read it again for the first time lol! Characters were well developed and the plot was great. This book kept me entertained the whole time I read it and I cannot wait for more from this author!
September 27, 2024
4.5 rounded⭐️
Man oh man, what a fantastic, suspenseful book!
Huge round of applause to the author, Jessica Gomez, on an outstanding debut novel👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I mean, honestly, this writing was top tier and so impressive. There wasn’t a single boring moment or a time where I felt like the book wasn’t pulling me in. It had a good bit of twists and turns while also ✨sprinkling✨ in some tough subjects like grief, friendship, drug use, complicated family dynamics and more. I loved the POV’s given and the way that the story unfolded at the end. Overall, this was such a thought provoking read- I read this weeks ago and still think about it often!!
I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.. whatever it is, it’s going to be good🖤
Thank you to the author, Jessica Gomez, for my ARC copy of this book. This is, as always, my honest opinion🩷
Man oh man, what a fantastic, suspenseful book!
Huge round of applause to the author, Jessica Gomez, on an outstanding debut novel👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I mean, honestly, this writing was top tier and so impressive. There wasn’t a single boring moment or a time where I felt like the book wasn’t pulling me in. It had a good bit of twists and turns while also ✨sprinkling✨ in some tough subjects like grief, friendship, drug use, complicated family dynamics and more. I loved the POV’s given and the way that the story unfolded at the end. Overall, this was such a thought provoking read- I read this weeks ago and still think about it often!!
I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.. whatever it is, it’s going to be good🖤
Thank you to the author, Jessica Gomez, for my ARC copy of this book. This is, as always, my honest opinion🩷
September 7, 2024
What a great book! I was so invested in the characters. You can't help but care about everything they are going through. This is one of those books where I kept telling myself, "One more chapter."
October 3, 2024
Pieces Of You is an addictive and compelling psychological thriller that kept me hooked. It held me in its grasp straight from the start and had me racing to the finish line. I couldn't stop reading once I started. The writing was good and it's hard to think this was a debut.
The story was really interesting, intriguing and had a chilling, eerie feeling to it that I truly appreciated. The scenery was so vivid, the scenes easily imaginable and the fear highly palpable. The culprit definitely took me by surprise. My only issue was with the conclusion, I would've liked a little more, I thought it happened a little too quickly and wrapped up too fast.
Overall, a great debut psychological thriller that's on the shorter side which is perfect for new and seasoned thriller readers. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next !
✨️Thank you to @jessicagomez for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story was really interesting, intriguing and had a chilling, eerie feeling to it that I truly appreciated. The scenery was so vivid, the scenes easily imaginable and the fear highly palpable. The culprit definitely took me by surprise. My only issue was with the conclusion, I would've liked a little more, I thought it happened a little too quickly and wrapped up too fast.
Overall, a great debut psychological thriller that's on the shorter side which is perfect for new and seasoned thriller readers. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next !
✨️Thank you to @jessicagomez for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2024
From start to finish, this book grips you and keeps you engaged to turn each page. A thriller, written with bold, smart female characters, I loved it as a true crime fanatic (and a hater of poorly written female characters—none here!).
But more than your usual thriller, it has heart and emotion, touching on grief and vulnerability in a relatable and sometimes heartbreaking way. The writing is so good that you feel every emotion right along with Nora. The writing really paints a picture with each scene—you feel like you’re on the dark, lonely roads, and sitting alongside Nora as she investigates to find the truth. Loved it and highly recommend for anyone who loves smart, modern mystery and thrillers!
But more than your usual thriller, it has heart and emotion, touching on grief and vulnerability in a relatable and sometimes heartbreaking way. The writing is so good that you feel every emotion right along with Nora. The writing really paints a picture with each scene—you feel like you’re on the dark, lonely roads, and sitting alongside Nora as she investigates to find the truth. Loved it and highly recommend for anyone who loves smart, modern mystery and thrillers!
September 10, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. The way the author writes makes you want to keep reading until the end. Personally, the plot slowly builds but the ending tied everything together. It’s definitely a shorter read than other psychological thrillers, so if you are looking to invest and enjoy a good read, then this a great book to pick up!
October 5, 2024
Wow. This was truly an exciting read. I could not put it down, as each chapter ended with needing to know what happened in the next. Really excellent writing and storytelling. Thrilling and haunting, and yet at its core a story of the strength of female friendship. Very enjoyable, while still leaving you a little afraid to read it in the dark!
August 31, 2024
It took me a bit to really get into the story but once I did, I was hooked! The ending really took me by surprise. I would love to see another book with David working a case as detective. Overall, definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews