The Bookish Ashley

If you love a thriller that grips you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go, It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica delivers exactly that. Known for her knack for domestic suspense (Local Woman Missing, The Other Mrs.), Kubica once again proves she’s a master of slow-burn tension, layered secrets, and jaw-dropping twists.

A Vacation Turned Nightmare

The novel opens with a chilling scene: Courtney Gray arrives at her family’s lakeside cottage expecting a peaceful visit—only to find her brother and sister-in-law murdered. Her young nephew, Wyatt, is asleep upstairs. Her niece, Reese, is gone.

From that moment on, the story never loses its uneasy pulse.

What makes this premise especially compelling is the emotional core. This isn’t just about solving a crime. It’s about family loyalty, buried resentments, and the terrifying realization that the people you love may not be who you think they are.

Small Town, Big Secrets

Kubica excels at creating claustrophobic settings, and the secluded lake resort feels like a character in its own right. The serene backdrop contrasts sharply with the violence at its center. As police investigate and the town whispers, suspicion falls in every direction.

Is Reese a kidnapped victim—or something far more disturbing?

Kubica carefully peels back the layers of both the Gray family and the surrounding community. Each chapter reveals another crack in the façade, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the narrative shifts. The pacing is deliberate but addictive, building tension in that signature Kubica style.

Themes That Linger

Beyond the central mystery, It’s Not Her explores:

The fragility of trust within families The stories we tell ourselves to survive How grief can distort memory and truth The danger of assumptions

Courtney’s perspective anchors the story emotionally. Her desperation to find Reese—and to make sense of the unthinkable—keeps the stakes deeply personal. You’re not just reading to discover the killer; you’re reading to see how this family survives (or doesn’t).

The Twist

Without spoilers: Kubica knows how to land a punch. The final revelations are both shocking and unsettling in a way that lingers after you close the book. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to flip back through earlier chapters to catch what you missed.

It’s Not Her is a tense, atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of:

Domestic suspense Small-town crime stories Twisty, character-driven mysteries Kubica’s previous hits like The Good Girl and Local Woman Missing

Mary Kubica continues to cement her place as one of the most reliable voices in psychological suspense. If you’re looking for your next edge-of-your-seat read, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.