"As She Left It" is a mystery novel by Scottish author Catriona McPherson, first published in 2013. The book tells the story of Opal Jones, a woman who returns to her childhood home in a small village in England after her mother's death. As she sorts through her mother's possessions, Opal becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of a girl who went missing in the village years earlier.
The novel is notable for its atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions of the village and its inhabitants. McPherson paints a haunting portrait of a small community plagued by secrets and rumors, and the protagonist's investigation takes her down a dark and twisted path.
As Opal delves deeper into the mystery of the missing girl, she uncovers disturbing truths about her own past and the people she thought she knew. The novel explores themes of memory, trauma, and the often-unreliable nature of childhood recollections.
"As She Left It" has been praised for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric setting. The novel has been compared favorably to the works of other contemporary mystery writers, such as Tana French and Gillian Flynn. It has been lauded for its combination of suspenseful storytelling and thoughtful exploration of complex themes, making it a compelling read for fans of the mystery genre.