What She Left Behind by Tracy Bilen

"Don't even think of leaving...I will find you," he whispered. "Guaranteed."
Sara and her mom have a plan to finally escape Sara's abusive father. But when her mom doesn't show up as expected, Sara's terrified. Her father says that she's on a business trip, but Sara knows he's lying. Her mom is missing--and her dad had something to do with it. Each day that passes, Sara's more on edge. Her friends know that something's


Goodreads Summary

Despite flashbacks to better times in Sara’s family, it is impossible to feel any sympathy toward her abusive father. Beatings inflicted on her mother have gone on for years. Sara’s brother chooses suicide over the emotional and physical abuse he endures. Sara herself is not physically harmed, but the strain of living with her super-critical, controlling father anymore is impossible. Her mom makes plans for the two of them to disappear, but then disappears herself. Terrified that something has happened to her mom, Sara doesn’t believe her father’s story of a “business trip”. Sara works on the mystery of finding out what has happened to her mom while balancing her dad’s craziness, school, a new boyfriend, and an old friend who is a good and constant reminder of her brother.

Sara’s sleuthing brought me into the story. It’s interesting to see the steps she takes to track her mother’s plans. The author does a great job of creating a squeamish, dark sense of fear whenever Sara’s father is in the scene…or even if she just thinks about him. I felt like holding my breath. It was almost painful to read about his temper. The dialogue between Sara and Alex lightens up this dark story. Because Sara is so isolated, reading about the loyalty and help she gets from Alex and Zach lessens the horror of her situation. The final battle shows Sara’s strengths, but also highlights how much she loves her dad.

Three and a half Stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*


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