An einem eiskalten Märztag betritt ein Unbekannter die Highschool von Broken Branch und nimmt die Kinder der dritten Klasse als Geiseln. Niemand weiß, wer er ist. Niemand weiß, was er will. Weder Officer Meg Barrett, die von der Einsatzzentrale an die Schule ihrer Tochter gerufen wird. Noch Evelyn Oliver, die Lehrerin, die gemeinsam mit den Kindern in der Gewalt des Geiselnehmers ausharrt. Oder die dreizehnjährige Augie Baker, die bereit ist, alles zu tun, um ihren kleinen Bruder zu retten. Mit jeder Minute, die vergeht, treten die verborgenen Ängste und Zerwürfnisse der Bewohner von Broken Branch immer mehr zutage, während sie verzweifelt einen Weg suchen, ihre Kinder aus den Fängen des Geiselnehmers zu befreien
Heather Gudenkauf Bücher







Kindsmord! Keiner kann glauben, dass Allison Glenn dieses schändliche Verbrechen tatsächlich begangen hat. Doch als das Gericht sie zu einer Gefängnisstrafe verurteilt, scheint die Schuld der Sechzehnjährigen bewiesen. Und die Einzige, die etwas dazu sagen könnte, schweigt. Fünf Jahre später wird Allison aus dem Gefängnis entlassen – in eine Welt, die sich von ihr abgewandt hat. Nur die Buchhändlerin Claire ist bereit, ihr eine zweite Chance zu geben. Gemeinsam kümmern sie und Allison sich um den kleinen Buchladen – und um Joshua, Claires fünfjährigen Adoptivsohn. Doch wie wird Claire reagieren, wenn sie die Wahrheit über Allisons Geheimnis erfährt?
Als an diesem Tag im August die ersten Sonnenstrahlen die feuchte Morgenluft durchdringen, stellen zwei Familien nach dem Aufwachen fest, dass ihre kleinen Mädchen über Nacht verschwunden sind. Die siebenjährige Calli ist ein süßes, verträumtes Kind, das seit seinem vierten Lebensjahr kein Wort mehr gesprochen hat. Petra ist ihre beste Freundin, ihre Seelenverwandte und ihre Stimme. Doch niemand hat die beiden seit dem letzten Abend gesehen. Auf der verzweifelten Suche der Eltern schlägt die anfängliche Unterstützung schnell in gegenseitiges Misstrauen um. Und bald schon müssen alle der Wahrheit ins Auge sehen: Niemand ist so unschuldig, wie er von sich glaubt – und einer von ihnen könnte ein Mörder sein.
Little Mercies
- 352 Seiten
- 13 Lesestunden
A single error can lead to significant and life-changing repercussions for the characters involved. As they navigate the fallout from their choices, themes of regret, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of fate emerge. The narrative delves into the intricate relationships and emotional turmoil that arise, showcasing how a moment of poor judgment can ripple through lives, altering paths in unexpected ways.
The Overnight Guest
- 352 Seiten
- 13 Lesestunden
True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn't mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she's retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace. As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls--haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn't as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them. And don't miss these other great stories by Heather! The Weight of Silence These Things Hidden Little Mercies MIssing Pieces Not a Sound Before She Was Found This is How I Lied
A shocking discovery and chilling secrets converge in this gripping novel from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf When a tragic accident leaves nurse Amelia Winn deaf, she loses everything that matters--her job, her husband, David, and her stepdaughter, Nora. Now, two years later and with the help of her hearing dog, Stitch, she is finally getting back on her feet. But when she discovers the body of a fellow nurse in the dense bush by the river, deep in the woods near her cabin, she is plunged into a disturbing mystery that could shatter the carefully reconstructed pieces of her life all over again. As clues begin to surface, Amelia finds herself swept into an investigation that hits all too close to home. But how much is she willing to risk in order to uncover the truth and bring a killer to justice?
Before She Was Found
- 368 Seiten
- 13 Lesestunden
Set in a quiet Iowa town, this gripping thriller revolves around three young girlfriends whose lives are disrupted by a dark obsession and a chilling crime. As the story unfolds, the bonds of friendship are tested against the backdrop of suspense and intrigue, revealing the complexities of their relationships and the impact of their choices. The author, known for her bestselling work, weaves a tale that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the darker sides of human nature.
This Is How I Lied
- 368 Seiten
- 13 Lesestunden
Everyone has a secret they'll do anything to hide... Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa--discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold. For decades Maggie has been haunted by Eve's death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they're letting on, and they'll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep. "A twisty, evocative tale [that] intertwines page-turning suspense with characters that creep into your very bones.... An exhilarating thriller." --Christina McDonald, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Night Olivia Fell
Set to release on March 26, 2024, this gripping novel by Heather Gudenkauf explores themes of surveillance and the impact of public scrutiny. The story delves into the lives of its characters as they navigate a world where everyone is constantly observing, raising questions about privacy, trust, and the consequences of being watched. Expect an engaging narrative that intertwines personal struggles with societal issues, promising to captivate readers with its timely relevance and emotional depth.

