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What You Leave Behind
Award-winning author Wanda Morris returns with a powerful, haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner and the death of his sister just months before, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and persists in half the United States today.
Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a “dayclean,” a fresh start.
She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.
Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.
Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a “dayclean,” a fresh start.
She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.
Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.
11 pages, Audio CD
First published June 18, 2024
410 people are currently reading
41802 people want to read
About the author
Wanda M. Morris
5 books1,257 followersWanda M. Morris is a corporate attorney, having worked in the legal departments of some of America's top Fortune 100 companies. As an accomplished presenter and leader, she previously served as President of the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, in which she established a signature female empowerment program known as the Women's Initiative.
Wanda M. Morris is an alumni of the Yale Writers Workshop and a Claymore Award finalist for mystery writing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She is married, the mother of three, and she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Wanda M. Morris is an alumni of the Yale Writers Workshop and a Claymore Award finalist for mystery writing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She is married, the mother of three, and she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 883 reviews
July 9, 2024
Stunning, breathtaking, mind-blowing! Three words that succinctly capture my emotions during this unputdownable wild ride. It ensnared me from the very first page, keeping me on the edge of my seat, shivering and nervous, urging me to turn the pages faster.
This thrilling tale seamlessly weaves racism, political corruption, and history into spirituality. It takes us on a journey alongside the resilient lawyer, Deena Wood, who has been hit by tragedy like tsunami waves—losing her mother, betrayed by her ex, and ousted from her home, all while being terminated from her job. How much can one person endure? Now, with her tail between her legs, she returns to her hometown of coastal Georgia, Brunswick, where the culture of the Geeche people envelops her like a comforting safety blanket.
Returning to her childhood home becomes confusing when her mother is replaced by Ruth, her mother's best friend, who married her father only six months after burying her mother. She resents her newfound stepmother, blaming herself for failing to piece together the fragments of her shattered life.
A chance encounter with Holcomb Gardner, mistaking her for a realtor trying to take his land, turns Deena's day into a nerve-wracking experience with a barrel pointed at her head. The threats from an old man in a trailer are not the only highlights of her day; she's also pursued by a mysterious car on her return journey. Who is following her? Why does an old man in a trailer claim ownership of a million-dollar land? Which company is trying to take it from him?
While she toils away at her suffocating job to save enough funds to escape her childhood home, Deena's mind remains fixated on the mystery of the missing old man and the suspicious death of her sister. Could they be connected to those who pose a threat to the lives of many townspeople? Why does her own father act as if he's seen a ghost when she mentions the Gardners? She delves deeper not just for herself but for the townies who risk losing everything inherited from their ancestors.
Deena senses the clinking shackles of the brave Igbo people who chose death over slavery by walking into Dunbar Creek. She feels indebted to shed light on a massive corruption for her own "dayclean": a fresh start!
This epic and thought-provoking story of the Geeche people will linger in my mind and heart for a long time. It stands as one of the marvelous works of 2024! Don't miss this amazing read deserving more than five stars!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this epic book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This thrilling tale seamlessly weaves racism, political corruption, and history into spirituality. It takes us on a journey alongside the resilient lawyer, Deena Wood, who has been hit by tragedy like tsunami waves—losing her mother, betrayed by her ex, and ousted from her home, all while being terminated from her job. How much can one person endure? Now, with her tail between her legs, she returns to her hometown of coastal Georgia, Brunswick, where the culture of the Geeche people envelops her like a comforting safety blanket.
Returning to her childhood home becomes confusing when her mother is replaced by Ruth, her mother's best friend, who married her father only six months after burying her mother. She resents her newfound stepmother, blaming herself for failing to piece together the fragments of her shattered life.
A chance encounter with Holcomb Gardner, mistaking her for a realtor trying to take his land, turns Deena's day into a nerve-wracking experience with a barrel pointed at her head. The threats from an old man in a trailer are not the only highlights of her day; she's also pursued by a mysterious car on her return journey. Who is following her? Why does an old man in a trailer claim ownership of a million-dollar land? Which company is trying to take it from him?
While she toils away at her suffocating job to save enough funds to escape her childhood home, Deena's mind remains fixated on the mystery of the missing old man and the suspicious death of her sister. Could they be connected to those who pose a threat to the lives of many townspeople? Why does her own father act as if he's seen a ghost when she mentions the Gardners? She delves deeper not just for herself but for the townies who risk losing everything inherited from their ancestors.
Deena senses the clinking shackles of the brave Igbo people who chose death over slavery by walking into Dunbar Creek. She feels indebted to shed light on a massive corruption for her own "dayclean": a fresh start!
This epic and thought-provoking story of the Geeche people will linger in my mind and heart for a long time. It stands as one of the marvelous works of 2024! Don't miss this amazing read deserving more than five stars!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this epic book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 30, 2024
Well-written, with an intriguing premise and superb characterization, What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris is a gripping read.
The story revolves around thirty-nine-year-old Deena Wood, who recently moved back to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, where she lives with her father and his new wife, Ruth. The move hasn’t been easy for Deena. She is still grieving the loss of her mother and her recent divorce and having to move back home and take up an unfulfilling job after being fired from her position as a litigator in a prestigious law firm in Atlanta hasn’t been a pleasant experience. On a day trip to the south Georgia Coast to clear her mind, she encounters Holcomb Gardner, who looks to be in his seventies living in a trailer, who claims she is trespassing on his property – land that he jointly owned with his sister Delilah. Deena is curious and on looking into the details, discovers that Delilah is recently deceased and when she attempts to meet Holcomb again, she finds him gone -and the land up for sale, which her suspicions as Holcomb had been adamant about protecting what was rightfully his. Deena sets out to find out what happened to the Gardner family and who is behind the realty company that is facilitating the sale of the Gardners' land.
As Deena embarks on her quest to find out what happened to Holcomb, she uncovers a complex web of illegal land grabs targeting low-income communities, political corruption, corporate greed, conspiracy and murder. As Deena gets closer to the truth, it is evident that there are players in the mix who would resort to any means to stop Deena and she will need all the help she can get.
The plot, the writing and the characters grabbed from the very first page and I stayed up all night reading this novel, simply unable to put it down until I reached the end. The story touches upon themes of grief, family, community, inheritance and legacy. The narrative is shared for the most part from Deena’s first-person POV with the other narrators’ perspectives shared in short chapters interspersed throughout the narrative.
I enjoyed following Deena’s character arc and getting to know the people in her support system (Uncle Duke was one of my favorite characters) and thought that the author has done a commendable job of striking a balance between Deena’s home life, personal troubles, family history and the primary plotline, weaving the different threads of the narrative together into a consistently paced, well crafted, suspenseful narrative with enough twists and surprises (with a touch of the supernatural) to keep you turning the pages. The romance track was maturely handled and did not distract from the main plot. I was satisfied with how the author chose to end the novel and enjoyed the climax, which followed a tension-filled build-up.
The elements of Gullah-Geechee culture and beliefs and the historical detail on Igbo Landing at Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, Georgia, incorporated into the plot, certainly enriched the narrative.
Do read the informative Afterword where she discusses the issue of heir’s property and the places and people that inspired this novel.
This was my first time reading Wanda Morris and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Finally, I love that cover!
Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
The story revolves around thirty-nine-year-old Deena Wood, who recently moved back to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, where she lives with her father and his new wife, Ruth. The move hasn’t been easy for Deena. She is still grieving the loss of her mother and her recent divorce and having to move back home and take up an unfulfilling job after being fired from her position as a litigator in a prestigious law firm in Atlanta hasn’t been a pleasant experience. On a day trip to the south Georgia Coast to clear her mind, she encounters Holcomb Gardner, who looks to be in his seventies living in a trailer, who claims she is trespassing on his property – land that he jointly owned with his sister Delilah. Deena is curious and on looking into the details, discovers that Delilah is recently deceased and when she attempts to meet Holcomb again, she finds him gone -and the land up for sale, which her suspicions as Holcomb had been adamant about protecting what was rightfully his. Deena sets out to find out what happened to the Gardner family and who is behind the realty company that is facilitating the sale of the Gardners' land.
As Deena embarks on her quest to find out what happened to Holcomb, she uncovers a complex web of illegal land grabs targeting low-income communities, political corruption, corporate greed, conspiracy and murder. As Deena gets closer to the truth, it is evident that there are players in the mix who would resort to any means to stop Deena and she will need all the help she can get.
The plot, the writing and the characters grabbed from the very first page and I stayed up all night reading this novel, simply unable to put it down until I reached the end. The story touches upon themes of grief, family, community, inheritance and legacy. The narrative is shared for the most part from Deena’s first-person POV with the other narrators’ perspectives shared in short chapters interspersed throughout the narrative.
I enjoyed following Deena’s character arc and getting to know the people in her support system (Uncle Duke was one of my favorite characters) and thought that the author has done a commendable job of striking a balance between Deena’s home life, personal troubles, family history and the primary plotline, weaving the different threads of the narrative together into a consistently paced, well crafted, suspenseful narrative with enough twists and surprises (with a touch of the supernatural) to keep you turning the pages. The romance track was maturely handled and did not distract from the main plot. I was satisfied with how the author chose to end the novel and enjoyed the climax, which followed a tension-filled build-up.
The elements of Gullah-Geechee culture and beliefs and the historical detail on Igbo Landing at Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, Georgia, incorporated into the plot, certainly enriched the narrative.
Do read the informative Afterword where she discusses the issue of heir’s property and the places and people that inspired this novel.
This was my first time reading Wanda Morris and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Finally, I love that cover!
Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
July 15, 2024
I think I just found a new auto buy author
This character driven, contemporary thriller follows Deena. Deena has found herself back in her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia. Her marriage has crumbled, her mother has recently passed away and she has also lost her job at a top Atlanta law firm. While on the road to clear her mind she stumbles onto the property of disgruntled homeowner Holcomb Gardner, who believes she is there to try and take away his home away from him. Managing to escape from a near deadly ending. She finds out a couple of days later that the Holcomb has disappeared and from deeper investigation it seems his whole lineage have disappeared or been k!lled. A carless slip up now has Deena in a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities. There are dark and powerful forces at work, but can Deena get to the bottom of it and come out unscathed?
Whewww I listened to the audiobook of this book and I am so glad I did. It was such a outstanding read and performance and had me LOCKED IN!
Deena is dealing with so much trauma while also trying to help her community and dealing with the pop up of a once great love, her childhood boo! I adored Deena’s character, and she was such a strong and courageous woman. She never backed down once and stood up for what was right. I was rooting for her throughout. Her chapters with her dad and uncle had me in a chokehold and i was holding back the tears. Those two men loved her unconditional and were fantastic wingmen!
I learnt so much about how properties dating years back from heirs can quickly be taking away from todays families due to dirty politics and money grabbing b$astards!
The paranormal chapters intertwined with the Gullah-Geecee culture, gave me such goosebumps. It really was a profound and ear grabbing read.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The characters of Deena, Jimmie and Duke
➽ The educational background of tax issues and properties
➽ Learning about cultures I didn’t have a vivid knowledge about
➽ The interval chapters from a ‘mystery woman’ had my nerves SHOOK
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The ending felt semi rushed
➽ A little predictable
This was a fantastic book and would urge to listen to the audiobook if you decide to pick this one. The afterword by the author was the crème de la crème and explained so much why this story was needed! Cant wait to read more of Wanda’s work!
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Woop! Found another book with a mix of my favourite genres!
Thrillers + Historical Fiction = perfection 😮💨
Fingers crossed with this one ❤️💚💛
This character driven, contemporary thriller follows Deena. Deena has found herself back in her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia. Her marriage has crumbled, her mother has recently passed away and she has also lost her job at a top Atlanta law firm. While on the road to clear her mind she stumbles onto the property of disgruntled homeowner Holcomb Gardner, who believes she is there to try and take away his home away from him. Managing to escape from a near deadly ending. She finds out a couple of days later that the Holcomb has disappeared and from deeper investigation it seems his whole lineage have disappeared or been k!lled. A carless slip up now has Deena in a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities. There are dark and powerful forces at work, but can Deena get to the bottom of it and come out unscathed?
Whewww I listened to the audiobook of this book and I am so glad I did. It was such a outstanding read and performance and had me LOCKED IN!
Deena is dealing with so much trauma while also trying to help her community and dealing with the pop up of a once great love, her childhood boo! I adored Deena’s character, and she was such a strong and courageous woman. She never backed down once and stood up for what was right. I was rooting for her throughout. Her chapters with her dad and uncle had me in a chokehold and i was holding back the tears. Those two men loved her unconditional and were fantastic wingmen!
I learnt so much about how properties dating years back from heirs can quickly be taking away from todays families due to dirty politics and money grabbing b$astards!
The paranormal chapters intertwined with the Gullah-Geecee culture, gave me such goosebumps. It really was a profound and ear grabbing read.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The characters of Deena, Jimmie and Duke
➽ The educational background of tax issues and properties
➽ Learning about cultures I didn’t have a vivid knowledge about
➽ The interval chapters from a ‘mystery woman’ had my nerves SHOOK
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The ending felt semi rushed
➽ A little predictable
This was a fantastic book and would urge to listen to the audiobook if you decide to pick this one. The afterword by the author was the crème de la crème and explained so much why this story was needed! Cant wait to read more of Wanda’s work!
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Woop! Found another book with a mix of my favourite genres!
Thrillers + Historical Fiction = perfection 😮💨
Fingers crossed with this one ❤️💚💛
July 2, 2024
Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a “dayclean,” a fresh start.
She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.
Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.
A haunting, thought-provoking story, What You Leave Behind was yet another example of this author’s masterful talent. From the dynamite characters to the twisty, twisty plot, all I could do was hold on for dear life as this tale of psychological suspense unwound before me. In true Morris form, she gracefully intertwined an education in racism through a historical lens into a captivating storyline that won me over from the very first page.
The strongest element to this humdinger of a book, however, were easily the characters. Fully fleshed out and realistic, they came alive right before my eyes. From the “OG duo” of Jimmie and Duke to Deena herself, I was swept away by them all. I was particularly enamored with Deena’s startlingly endearing character arc. From a broken woman down on her luck to a brave, dogged warrior for what she thought was right, she made this character-driven novel sing from the start.
The plot itself was a combo of nuanced powerhouse and suspenseful whodunnit. Thrown into the mix was the addictive element of Gullah-Geecee culture. Every time that I pick up one of Morris’s novels, I’m happily taught just a bit more about the difficulties that face African-Americans in our society as well as the depth to their heritage. Despite the importance of the topics, however, it only added to—and never distracted from—the propulsive narrative or unbridled tension.
There were only two teeny, tiny flaws that I could find within these pages. Namely intermittent moments of stilted dialogue and a somewhat confusing climax. Despite them, however, both only just barely caught my attention. And when push came to shove, neither of those things could touch my love for this book. Fast-paced and addictive, it took some doing not to read every last word in just a single sitting.
All said and done, from the deep conspiracy plot to the sweet romance, this book had it all. Even a trace of the paranormal. If that’s not your thing, don’t let it sway you. For me, it merely added to the success of the vibrant historical background. If anything, it brought to mind the Ya-Ya Sisterhood without appropriating someone else’s culture. Needless to say, though, it was the heartrending emotion, dastardly deeds, and well-written prose that won me over hook, line, and sinker. All in all, it was a knockout. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Wanda M. Morris and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 18, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a parent, stalking, breaking and entering, racism
She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.
Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.
A haunting, thought-provoking story, What You Leave Behind was yet another example of this author’s masterful talent. From the dynamite characters to the twisty, twisty plot, all I could do was hold on for dear life as this tale of psychological suspense unwound before me. In true Morris form, she gracefully intertwined an education in racism through a historical lens into a captivating storyline that won me over from the very first page.
The strongest element to this humdinger of a book, however, were easily the characters. Fully fleshed out and realistic, they came alive right before my eyes. From the “OG duo” of Jimmie and Duke to Deena herself, I was swept away by them all. I was particularly enamored with Deena’s startlingly endearing character arc. From a broken woman down on her luck to a brave, dogged warrior for what she thought was right, she made this character-driven novel sing from the start.
The plot itself was a combo of nuanced powerhouse and suspenseful whodunnit. Thrown into the mix was the addictive element of Gullah-Geecee culture. Every time that I pick up one of Morris’s novels, I’m happily taught just a bit more about the difficulties that face African-Americans in our society as well as the depth to their heritage. Despite the importance of the topics, however, it only added to—and never distracted from—the propulsive narrative or unbridled tension.
There were only two teeny, tiny flaws that I could find within these pages. Namely intermittent moments of stilted dialogue and a somewhat confusing climax. Despite them, however, both only just barely caught my attention. And when push came to shove, neither of those things could touch my love for this book. Fast-paced and addictive, it took some doing not to read every last word in just a single sitting.
All said and done, from the deep conspiracy plot to the sweet romance, this book had it all. Even a trace of the paranormal. If that’s not your thing, don’t let it sway you. For me, it merely added to the success of the vibrant historical background. If anything, it brought to mind the Ya-Ya Sisterhood without appropriating someone else’s culture. Needless to say, though, it was the heartrending emotion, dastardly deeds, and well-written prose that won me over hook, line, and sinker. All in all, it was a knockout. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Wanda M. Morris and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 18, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a parent, stalking, breaking and entering, racism
July 12, 2024
I’d heard good things about What You Leave Behind. And I loved the idea of a historic aspect dating back to Reconstruction on top of a mystery. First off, the reference to Reconstruction is a misleader. There is only one little link to Reconstruction in this book at all and that comes almost at the end. It’s also much more women’s lit than it is a mystery, especially once a romance angle is added. And the final straw for me was that there is a big supernatural element. This book ended up being a big miss for me.
Deena returns to her father’s home in Brunswick, GA after her marriage falls apart and she loses her job as a lawyer in Atlanta. She’s also recently lost her mother. Her dad has remarried, to her mom’s best friend. To say Deena is struggling is an understatement. I recognized she was depressed, but I just couldn’t relate. Her stepmother was such a lovely woman and Deena was so borish to her. She’d even realize how ugly she was being but never corrected her actions until the very end. And did this gal ever do anything to earn her salary? She took so much time off, taking long lunches and faking doctor’s appointments, and then spent time at the office doing her own investigations. Not discounting what an a**hole her boss was, she was a worthless employee.
The premise that Deena stumbles across an angry old man armed with a shotgun, insisting he’ll never sell his property. But a few days later, she returns to his property to find him gone and a for sale sign up. I found the premise forced. It seemed implausible that this woman would go off on a massive witch hunt over a man she literally only talked to for a few minutes.
The interval sections written from an unknown woman’s perspective were unnecessary. I’m not a fan of foreshadowing, which is what these sections were all about.
And then that ending. As I’ve said earlier, I’m not a fan of the supernatural and it figured heavily in the ending. I felt duped.
The Afterword was the best part of the book. I wish I had only listened to it and skipped the actual story.
Deena returns to her father’s home in Brunswick, GA after her marriage falls apart and she loses her job as a lawyer in Atlanta. She’s also recently lost her mother. Her dad has remarried, to her mom’s best friend. To say Deena is struggling is an understatement. I recognized she was depressed, but I just couldn’t relate. Her stepmother was such a lovely woman and Deena was so borish to her. She’d even realize how ugly she was being but never corrected her actions until the very end. And did this gal ever do anything to earn her salary? She took so much time off, taking long lunches and faking doctor’s appointments, and then spent time at the office doing her own investigations. Not discounting what an a**hole her boss was, she was a worthless employee.
The premise that Deena stumbles across an angry old man armed with a shotgun, insisting he’ll never sell his property. But a few days later, she returns to his property to find him gone and a for sale sign up. I found the premise forced. It seemed implausible that this woman would go off on a massive witch hunt over a man she literally only talked to for a few minutes.
The interval sections written from an unknown woman’s perspective were unnecessary. I’m not a fan of foreshadowing, which is what these sections were all about.
And then that ending. As I’ve said earlier, I’m not a fan of the supernatural and it figured heavily in the ending. I felt duped.
The Afterword was the best part of the book. I wish I had only listened to it and skipped the actual story.
August 10, 2024
As I began to read this one, I felt something familiar about it. Was I reading “Camino Ghosts” by John Grisham again? My review of his book is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It was the familiarity about real estate developers stealing ancestors land, and supernatural elements intermingling in the background, with present-day attorneys doing what they could to fight as underdogs to stop those developers, that lingered throughout this story. These were the things that kept tugging at me, making me see Grisham’s story, too.
Even with the plot familiarity, this one was still character-driven, and the history of the Gullah-Geechee area was scenic and entrancing. Be sure to read the author’s afterward for more information.
And, even if ‘Camino Ghosts’ kept popping up for me, the author still did an incredible job bringing the culture of the South Carolina and Georgia coasts, along with the challenges and predicaments of the people to life, in this one. She also had a way of making it appear she was incorporating facts about the issues without slowing down the plot. The mystery with some romance, will keep readers turning pages.
It was the familiarity about real estate developers stealing ancestors land, and supernatural elements intermingling in the background, with present-day attorneys doing what they could to fight as underdogs to stop those developers, that lingered throughout this story. These were the things that kept tugging at me, making me see Grisham’s story, too.
Even with the plot familiarity, this one was still character-driven, and the history of the Gullah-Geechee area was scenic and entrancing. Be sure to read the author’s afterward for more information.
And, even if ‘Camino Ghosts’ kept popping up for me, the author still did an incredible job bringing the culture of the South Carolina and Georgia coasts, along with the challenges and predicaments of the people to life, in this one. She also had a way of making it appear she was incorporating facts about the issues without slowing down the plot. The mystery with some romance, will keep readers turning pages.
January 10, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
I am a huge Wanda M. Morris fan. I have no problem believing we would be friends IRL, because obviously we have similar tastes and likes.
I put off reading What You Leave Behind longer than I should have. The overall rating surprised me; less than a 4-star? Having read this now, I have no idea why. This novel deserves so much more hype and love.
Admittedly, this contains some of my favorite tropes and I'm a sucker for a compulsive Legal Thriller, but still, I think this could be enjoyed by so many Readers.
The set-up for this is one of my faves; an MC returning to their hometown after quite some time away, trying to figure out a mystery, or solve a cold case.
Our MC in this story is Deena Woods. Deena is an attorney, who has recently returned to her family home in Brunswick, Georgia, after a horrible divorce. She is now living with her Dad, Jimmy, and Step-Mom, Ruth.
We learn so much about Deena, and I loved getting to know her. Her Mom didn't pass all that long ago, so she is still wracked with grief. Additionally, it didn't take long for her Dad and Ruth to get together, so there's a little resentment there, of this new woman living in her Mom's house.
Nevertheless, they get along and you can tell there's a lot of love in the house. For her part, Deena is trying to work through all her feelings, but it isn't easy.
One of the things she sometimes does when she's feeling overwhelmed, is goes for long drives. She looks for quiet places she can sit and be with her thoughts.
It's on one of these occasions, on a beautiful waterfront parcel, that she has a run-in with the property owner that will fundamentally change her life.
He mistakenly identifies Deena as an agent of the company that has been trying to buy the property from him. The thing is, his family has owned that property since just after the Civil War and he has zero interest in selling.
He's sick of them hounding him and let's Deena know, in no uncertain terms, that he will never, ever sell that land. Even though Deena tries to explain herself, he's not hearing it and she gets out of there as fast as she can.
The interaction leaves a lasting impression. She can't stop thinking about the man and the things he said. When she asks her Dad and Ruth about the man and the property, they're shady, like they know more than they're letting on.
Shortly thereafter, when Deena returns to the property, the man is no where to be found, even his trailer is gone and there's a For Sale sign on the property. What the heck? Something isn't right.
It's at that point, Deena knows if she doesn't start looking into this, no one will. She's determined to find out what happened to the man and what this organization, scooping up all these properties, really is.
I was drawn into the mystery of this from the start. The way Deena's Dad and Step-Mom acted, I didn't blame her for digging further in. It's a very small town, one they've both lived in their whole life, they definitely knew something.
I loved how determined Deena was and how she wasn't afraid to stick her neck out for others. She was doing the right thing and she knew it.
This was full of danger, intrigue, beautifully-developed characters, small town drama, as well as real life issues that are rarely discussed, or that people don't even realize are a problem until it happens to them or their families.
The incorporation of the very real problem of Heirs' Property, I thought was so well done here. As someone interested in both the law and real estate, I'll admit, it did work particularly well for me.
However, this is a very real and very serious issue, so hopefully people who read this will be interested enough to learn more about it.
I also liked the idea of this shadow organization coming in scooping up valuable properties from vulnerable individuals. Think BlackRock, which is another very serious issue that doesn't get enough recognition as to its threat in many markets throughout the U.S.
More than the issues though, I just really enjoyed how Morris told this story. I loved the character work, and even the incorporation of some slight paranormal elements.
There's a lot of exploration of family legacy, love, forgiveness and grief. It's a story about taking action and pushing through hardships. It's a story of fresh starts and honoring those who came before you. It's action-packed, full of intrigue and heart. It's definitely my kind of story.
Overall, I thought this was brilliant. I was a Morris fan coming in, and I'm an even bigger Morris fan going out. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was such a fantastic read; highly recommend!
I am a huge Wanda M. Morris fan. I have no problem believing we would be friends IRL, because obviously we have similar tastes and likes.
I put off reading What You Leave Behind longer than I should have. The overall rating surprised me; less than a 4-star? Having read this now, I have no idea why. This novel deserves so much more hype and love.
Admittedly, this contains some of my favorite tropes and I'm a sucker for a compulsive Legal Thriller, but still, I think this could be enjoyed by so many Readers.
The set-up for this is one of my faves; an MC returning to their hometown after quite some time away, trying to figure out a mystery, or solve a cold case.
Our MC in this story is Deena Woods. Deena is an attorney, who has recently returned to her family home in Brunswick, Georgia, after a horrible divorce. She is now living with her Dad, Jimmy, and Step-Mom, Ruth.
We learn so much about Deena, and I loved getting to know her. Her Mom didn't pass all that long ago, so she is still wracked with grief. Additionally, it didn't take long for her Dad and Ruth to get together, so there's a little resentment there, of this new woman living in her Mom's house.
Nevertheless, they get along and you can tell there's a lot of love in the house. For her part, Deena is trying to work through all her feelings, but it isn't easy.
One of the things she sometimes does when she's feeling overwhelmed, is goes for long drives. She looks for quiet places she can sit and be with her thoughts.
It's on one of these occasions, on a beautiful waterfront parcel, that she has a run-in with the property owner that will fundamentally change her life.
He mistakenly identifies Deena as an agent of the company that has been trying to buy the property from him. The thing is, his family has owned that property since just after the Civil War and he has zero interest in selling.
He's sick of them hounding him and let's Deena know, in no uncertain terms, that he will never, ever sell that land. Even though Deena tries to explain herself, he's not hearing it and she gets out of there as fast as she can.
The interaction leaves a lasting impression. She can't stop thinking about the man and the things he said. When she asks her Dad and Ruth about the man and the property, they're shady, like they know more than they're letting on.
Shortly thereafter, when Deena returns to the property, the man is no where to be found, even his trailer is gone and there's a For Sale sign on the property. What the heck? Something isn't right.
It's at that point, Deena knows if she doesn't start looking into this, no one will. She's determined to find out what happened to the man and what this organization, scooping up all these properties, really is.
I was drawn into the mystery of this from the start. The way Deena's Dad and Step-Mom acted, I didn't blame her for digging further in. It's a very small town, one they've both lived in their whole life, they definitely knew something.
I loved how determined Deena was and how she wasn't afraid to stick her neck out for others. She was doing the right thing and she knew it.
This was full of danger, intrigue, beautifully-developed characters, small town drama, as well as real life issues that are rarely discussed, or that people don't even realize are a problem until it happens to them or their families.
The incorporation of the very real problem of Heirs' Property, I thought was so well done here. As someone interested in both the law and real estate, I'll admit, it did work particularly well for me.
However, this is a very real and very serious issue, so hopefully people who read this will be interested enough to learn more about it.
I also liked the idea of this shadow organization coming in scooping up valuable properties from vulnerable individuals. Think BlackRock, which is another very serious issue that doesn't get enough recognition as to its threat in many markets throughout the U.S.
More than the issues though, I just really enjoyed how Morris told this story. I loved the character work, and even the incorporation of some slight paranormal elements.
There's a lot of exploration of family legacy, love, forgiveness and grief. It's a story about taking action and pushing through hardships. It's a story of fresh starts and honoring those who came before you. It's action-packed, full of intrigue and heart. It's definitely my kind of story.
Overall, I thought this was brilliant. I was a Morris fan coming in, and I'm an even bigger Morris fan going out. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was such a fantastic read; highly recommend!
December 27, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This book gives get out vibes and is such a great read! It’s a twisty slow burn with an ending that I didn’t see coming!! It includes a bit of magical realism that I don’t typically reach for but it really did add to the story!
- I love that this book had so many characters which kept me guessing. I haven’t read anything from this author, but I love finding new books by black authors to read!
- My favorite thing about this book is how much I was able to learn about history while reading this story. I love a book that can teach me something while I’m enjoying it!
- This book gives get out vibes and is such a great read! It’s a twisty slow burn with an ending that I didn’t see coming!! It includes a bit of magical realism that I don’t typically reach for but it really did add to the story!
- I love that this book had so many characters which kept me guessing. I haven’t read anything from this author, but I love finding new books by black authors to read!
- My favorite thing about this book is how much I was able to learn about history while reading this story. I love a book that can teach me something while I’m enjoying it!
June 10, 2024
Well this was a page turner! Once I got into this book I could not out it down and I ended up binge reading the last 75%. A variety of characters who you will be either loving or loathing made this a fun mystery with some dark and disturbing themes.
Deena is almost 40 and her life has just imploded! Her husband left her, she lost her job and her mother passed away. She packs up her life and moves back home to Brunswick, Georgia where she works a job that she hates and is still grieving for her mother. One day when she is out driving to try to clear her head, she meets Holcomb Gardner, a man determined not to lose his house and land to those who are trying to get their hands on it. A week later she returns to seem him and there is no trace of the man and a sold sign on the fence. Deena cannot let this go, and will do anything to find out what happened. It opens up a can of worms and she find herself in danger.
This book was so addictive. Whilst Deena made some questionable choices, she was like a dog with a bone to get to the truth. Nothing was too hard, even if it meant putting herself up against some nasty folks. I love her Uncle Duke, what a firecracker of a man he was!
Thanks so much to William Morrow and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 18th.
Deena is almost 40 and her life has just imploded! Her husband left her, she lost her job and her mother passed away. She packs up her life and moves back home to Brunswick, Georgia where she works a job that she hates and is still grieving for her mother. One day when she is out driving to try to clear her head, she meets Holcomb Gardner, a man determined not to lose his house and land to those who are trying to get their hands on it. A week later she returns to seem him and there is no trace of the man and a sold sign on the fence. Deena cannot let this go, and will do anything to find out what happened. It opens up a can of worms and she find herself in danger.
This book was so addictive. Whilst Deena made some questionable choices, she was like a dog with a bone to get to the truth. Nothing was too hard, even if it meant putting herself up against some nasty folks. I love her Uncle Duke, what a firecracker of a man he was!
Thanks so much to William Morrow and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 18th.
January 19, 2025
This was super engaging! Okay lemme break it down for you:
Plot: provoking - I learned a lot about systems of oppression related to real estate and generational wealth.
Characters: not too many! I dislike large cast books. This had about 15-20 total characters, Deena being the main. I loved all the elderly folks - so feisty, sassy, and wise! Also, Easter can be my lawyer any day!
Magical realism: yep, you heard me right! If you like ancestors as guiding spirits - READ THIS BOOK. It was cool!
Ending: wish it was longer. I wanted the “stick it to the man” moment to have a little more punch. For all the shit Deena had to go through, the end was a little fast.
Plot: provoking - I learned a lot about systems of oppression related to real estate and generational wealth.
Characters: not too many! I dislike large cast books. This had about 15-20 total characters, Deena being the main. I loved all the elderly folks - so feisty, sassy, and wise! Also, Easter can be my lawyer any day!
Magical realism: yep, you heard me right! If you like ancestors as guiding spirits - READ THIS BOOK. It was cool!
Ending: wish it was longer. I wanted the “stick it to the man” moment to have a little more punch. For all the shit Deena had to go through, the end was a little fast.
September 14, 2024
Whew, Deena was nosy but it worked in her favor. After the loss of her mother, Deena’s husband not only asks for a divorce- but he asks her to leave the home they shared. Full of grief, Deena leaves Atlanta and returns home to Brunswick, Ga to live with her father and stepmother until she’s back on her feet. Deena is so consumed with grief that most days she just leaves work and drives around aimlessly. One afternoon, she stumbles across some land owned by Holcomb Gardener. When Mr. Gardner goes missing, Deena’s nosiness leads her down a dangerous path.
I really enjoyed that this story took place so close to my hometown. I loved the Gullah Geechee culture and the spiritual elements throughout the story. I don’t know that I’d classify this story as a thriller but there was mystery for sure.
I really enjoyed that this story took place so close to my hometown. I loved the Gullah Geechee culture and the spiritual elements throughout the story. I don’t know that I’d classify this story as a thriller but there was mystery for sure.
September 30, 2024
“What you Leave Behind” will most definitely be uncovered fooling with Deena. Chyyyy they say that curiosity killed the cat however it uncovered a string of “mysterious” deaths that ended up being murder.
Deena is finally starting to get her bearings again after the loss of her mother, her career and a brutal divorce. She’s back at home with her father and his new wife and where she should’ve had her head down rebuilding her life she instead ends up being held at gunpoint by Holcomb Gardner and let’s just say their first encounter was a lasting one. Deena can’t seem to shake that there’s some shady business going on and the more she digs, the more she uncovers.
There are people that don’t take too well to Deena’s snooping and will do anything to keep their skeletons hidden. At this point Deena is in too deep and despite death threats and attempts at her life, she can’t stand by while the Gardner legacy is destroyed and big corporations come and take everything the Gullah people have worked so hard to achieve.
This was a really captivating story that had me locked in. I’m a firm believer in minding the business that pays you but in Deena’s case it paid off not too. I had no idea my fav was a narrator! She made the audiobook that much more addictive.
Deena is finally starting to get her bearings again after the loss of her mother, her career and a brutal divorce. She’s back at home with her father and his new wife and where she should’ve had her head down rebuilding her life she instead ends up being held at gunpoint by Holcomb Gardner and let’s just say their first encounter was a lasting one. Deena can’t seem to shake that there’s some shady business going on and the more she digs, the more she uncovers.
There are people that don’t take too well to Deena’s snooping and will do anything to keep their skeletons hidden. At this point Deena is in too deep and despite death threats and attempts at her life, she can’t stand by while the Gardner legacy is destroyed and big corporations come and take everything the Gullah people have worked so hard to achieve.
This was a really captivating story that had me locked in. I’m a firm believer in minding the business that pays you but in Deena’s case it paid off not too. I had no idea my fav was a narrator! She made the audiobook that much more addictive.
May 7, 2024
4.5 stars. Fabulous!
January 5, 2024
The tale starts when Deena returns to her childhood house in Brunswick, Georgia. She wants peace and a new beginning. But, her dreams of a calm escape are ruined when she accidentally finds the seaside land of a hidden widower. She doesn't know this meeting will send her on a scary route filled with risk and mystery.
Morris is good at connecting her characters' problems with more significant societal matters. Deena's journey to find out why the widower went missing showed that illegal land stealing and turning old poor village areas into new places happened. Deena bravely works for justice and symbolizes hope in her community. She battles against powerful and dark forces.
Morris' clear pictures of the seaside of Georgia make a lovely setting for the story. They put readers deeply into the exciting past and culture of that place. Morris pays close attention to details, making the location feel real. This added depth to the story. The Geechee people and their ways are easily connected to the story, giving a unique and authentic view.
"What You Leave Behind" is an exciting book that makes you think. It has parts of mystery, opinions about society, and how people can improve themselves. Wanda Morris tells a great story that keeps people reading and caring about what will happen next. It's hard to stop reading her book. This book has solid ideas and great characters. It will make a deep impression on people after reading it.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Morris is good at connecting her characters' problems with more significant societal matters. Deena's journey to find out why the widower went missing showed that illegal land stealing and turning old poor village areas into new places happened. Deena bravely works for justice and symbolizes hope in her community. She battles against powerful and dark forces.
Morris' clear pictures of the seaside of Georgia make a lovely setting for the story. They put readers deeply into the exciting past and culture of that place. Morris pays close attention to details, making the location feel real. This added depth to the story. The Geechee people and their ways are easily connected to the story, giving a unique and authentic view.
"What You Leave Behind" is an exciting book that makes you think. It has parts of mystery, opinions about society, and how people can improve themselves. Wanda Morris tells a great story that keeps people reading and caring about what will happen next. It's hard to stop reading her book. This book has solid ideas and great characters. It will make a deep impression on people after reading it.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
January 6, 2025
I started the year off right with this one. I love a good lowcountry story. Add mystery and I'm in love. Wanda M. Morris is an auto-buy author for me. I have the hard cover, but also checked out the audio on Hoopla so I could listen when I wasn't sitting with it. Joneice Abbott-Pratt is my favorite narrator, so that may it even more enjoyable.
I enjoyed the GA Geechie lowcountry history. Heirs property is a topic I've mentioned in both of my lowcountry novels. You almost can't right about Black people in the lowcountry without mentioning it in some way, and why not include it? Doing so raises awareness of a very real issue.
I loved that them of restoration and second chances that was heavily interwoven into this story. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the pacing.
It's a 10 out of 5.
Page turning suspense.
I enjoyed the GA Geechie lowcountry history. Heirs property is a topic I've mentioned in both of my lowcountry novels. You almost can't right about Black people in the lowcountry without mentioning it in some way, and why not include it? Doing so raises awareness of a very real issue.
I loved that them of restoration and second chances that was heavily interwoven into this story. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the pacing.
It's a 10 out of 5.
Page turning suspense.
August 8, 2024
It didn't take long for Wanda M. Morris to become one of my favorite authors, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on What You Leave Behind. I loved the basis of the story here, and it was all very mysterious. Deena was a very empathetic character and I got wrapped up in her sleuthing after the man she meets disappears. I learned so much through this book and it also made me think about things I knew nothing about going in. I was wrapped up in it from the very start, and there is plenty of suspense as the story goes on. This could easily be read in a day and is so gripping that it made for a bingeable read for sure.
I listened to the audiobook as per usual and thought Joniece Abbott-Pratt & Lynnette R. Freeman did a great job as narrators. Besides Deena's viewpoint, we also have another POV, and it took me a bit to figure out who/what that was supposed to be. The supernatural element to that was a little confusing TBH, and I almost wish that POV hadn't existed. I would have preferred to get full realization through Deena, but when I neared the end, I did appreciate it a bit more. What You Leave Behind left me feeling shook and was a heavier read with a bit of humor. I will also say that the author's note is a must-read, and if you enjoy learning about timely issues with your fiction I would definitely give this one a read!
I listened to the audiobook as per usual and thought Joniece Abbott-Pratt & Lynnette R. Freeman did a great job as narrators. Besides Deena's viewpoint, we also have another POV, and it took me a bit to figure out who/what that was supposed to be. The supernatural element to that was a little confusing TBH, and I almost wish that POV hadn't existed. I would have preferred to get full realization through Deena, but when I neared the end, I did appreciate it a bit more. What You Leave Behind left me feeling shook and was a heavier read with a bit of humor. I will also say that the author's note is a must-read, and if you enjoy learning about timely issues with your fiction I would definitely give this one a read!
June 20, 2024
REVIEW
Thank you #partner @williammorrowbooks for my #gifted copies.
What You Leave Behind
Wanda Morris
This is my third book by @wandamowrites in as many years, and she's three for three for me! 🙌🏼
Her newest, What You Leave Behind, is a gripping, multilayered thriller with a hint of the paranormal. Here we meet Deena Wood, a lawyer who, after the mysterious death of a local landowner and his sister, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction. Despite having lost so much, Deena risks it all for justice.
Exploring the corruptive practice developers use to kick Black folks off their rightful land, What We Leave Behind is as heartbreaking as it is thrilling. Intricately plotted with twists and turns around every corner, this emotionally charged novel will keep readers turning the pages just to find out what happens next.
If you haven't read this author's work yet, I highly recommend all three:
•All Her Little Secrets
•Anywhere You Run
•What You Leave Behind
📌 Available now!
Thank you #partner @williammorrowbooks for my #gifted copies.
What You Leave Behind
Wanda Morris
This is my third book by @wandamowrites in as many years, and she's three for three for me! 🙌🏼
Her newest, What You Leave Behind, is a gripping, multilayered thriller with a hint of the paranormal. Here we meet Deena Wood, a lawyer who, after the mysterious death of a local landowner and his sister, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction. Despite having lost so much, Deena risks it all for justice.
Exploring the corruptive practice developers use to kick Black folks off their rightful land, What We Leave Behind is as heartbreaking as it is thrilling. Intricately plotted with twists and turns around every corner, this emotionally charged novel will keep readers turning the pages just to find out what happens next.
If you haven't read this author's work yet, I highly recommend all three:
•All Her Little Secrets
•Anywhere You Run
•What You Leave Behind
📌 Available now!
June 3, 2024
This author does NOT miss‼️ If you’ve never read any books by Morris I beg you to get into it ASAP. The way she crafts her stories to tackle real life issues offers a narrative that is thrilling, authentic, and thought-provoking. This one was a when not minding your business goes wrong but works in your favor in the end type vibe.
The novel follows Deena Wood’s returning to her hometown in Brunswick, Georgia after the loss of her mother and a nasty divorce. Returning home should’ve been a fresh start for Deena. But when she has a hostile encounter with Holcomb Gardner after trespassing on his land.
Her presence puts him in defense mode because she’s unaware Holcomb’s been in a constant battle over the ownership of his property. Threatening her never to return provokes Deena to do a little snooping. But when she discovers Holcomb’s gone missing, his property is now up for sale, and his sister died a few months back Deena gets suspicious and suspects foul play. Digging through thick layers of lies, secrets in the family, and illegal land grabs that date back to Reconstruction. Deena is in a race against time to uncover the truth before it’s too late and she too may become a victim.
Exploring how heirs properties have become a serious problem in low income black and brown communities there’s so much you can learn from this book. We even get a glimpse of a spiritual entity that kind of assists and protects Deena along the way.
Overall, I loved the book with its vivid depictions and complex characters tension rises with each chapter. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, with a compelling plot, and a strong FMC this the one. Special thanks to the author @wandamorris & the publisher @williammorrowbooks for my gifted copy‼️
The novel follows Deena Wood’s returning to her hometown in Brunswick, Georgia after the loss of her mother and a nasty divorce. Returning home should’ve been a fresh start for Deena. But when she has a hostile encounter with Holcomb Gardner after trespassing on his land.
Her presence puts him in defense mode because she’s unaware Holcomb’s been in a constant battle over the ownership of his property. Threatening her never to return provokes Deena to do a little snooping. But when she discovers Holcomb’s gone missing, his property is now up for sale, and his sister died a few months back Deena gets suspicious and suspects foul play. Digging through thick layers of lies, secrets in the family, and illegal land grabs that date back to Reconstruction. Deena is in a race against time to uncover the truth before it’s too late and she too may become a victim.
Exploring how heirs properties have become a serious problem in low income black and brown communities there’s so much you can learn from this book. We even get a glimpse of a spiritual entity that kind of assists and protects Deena along the way.
Overall, I loved the book with its vivid depictions and complex characters tension rises with each chapter. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, with a compelling plot, and a strong FMC this the one. Special thanks to the author @wandamorris & the publisher @williammorrowbooks for my gifted copy‼️
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars
I enjoyed my time reading What You Leave Behind. No major notes on it. The writing was good and it was a quick read. The premise was unlike anything I’ve read before in this category, so that was refreshing. The book didn’t overstay its welcome, but also didn’t WOW me.
I would recommend this to others (those who want a slower paced thriller/suspense). I’ll read more from this author in the future!
I enjoyed my time reading What You Leave Behind. No major notes on it. The writing was good and it was a quick read. The premise was unlike anything I’ve read before in this category, so that was refreshing. The book didn’t overstay its welcome, but also didn’t WOW me.
I would recommend this to others (those who want a slower paced thriller/suspense). I’ll read more from this author in the future!
July 25, 2024
4.5 review to come
July 13, 2024
Each book by Wanda has gotten better to me. I loved the format with which she wrote this one. The interludes from an ancestor were everything!! 🔥🔥💜 There is a balance of lovable characters and loathsome ones. Enough mystery and suspense to keep the pages turning. Enough factual researched plot and content to make you sit up and think. This definitely an auto-buy author for me at this point. Looking forward to her next book and recommend all three of her books.
January 16, 2024
I have always been interested in reading about the Geechee-Gullah and grabbed this book immediately. Like many stories hitting the news now, there is a focus on the rights of the people and the land that they live on currently and in the past. Morris creates a clear view of the community while including a bit of the gothic taste in spirits and hauntings.
Deena Woods is a scrappy lawyer about to enter her 40th year. She has returned home after an upsetting divorce that has pierced her heart and made her question her own judgement. In her family home she is forced to confront the woman her father married 6 months after the death of her beloved mother and work a soul-sucking job at a local business. But when Deena runs into an unknown man she cannot let go of the feeling of foreboding that she experienced. Before long she is pulling at threads and following a long and twisted trail uncovering a redevelopment plan that hurts the entire community.
Along the way there is plenty of family drama and complex characters to pull you in. I greatly enjoyed the history and the contemporary information on the area. I also enjoyed that our protagonist was not helpless or hapless. I would love to befriend Deena and hope to read her again!
#whatyouleavebehind #wandammorris
#willimamorrow
Deena Woods is a scrappy lawyer about to enter her 40th year. She has returned home after an upsetting divorce that has pierced her heart and made her question her own judgement. In her family home she is forced to confront the woman her father married 6 months after the death of her beloved mother and work a soul-sucking job at a local business. But when Deena runs into an unknown man she cannot let go of the feeling of foreboding that she experienced. Before long she is pulling at threads and following a long and twisted trail uncovering a redevelopment plan that hurts the entire community.
Along the way there is plenty of family drama and complex characters to pull you in. I greatly enjoyed the history and the contemporary information on the area. I also enjoyed that our protagonist was not helpless or hapless. I would love to befriend Deena and hope to read her again!
#whatyouleavebehind #wandammorris
#willimamorrow
February 6, 2024
In the beginning, I thought this was a fine read. Oof – that’s like a death knell word, isn’t it? It’s…fine. Happily, it turned into: It’s great!
And, seriously, it’s a great read. I adored Deena and her father and poor Ruth. (Oh, I loved Ruth. She was so good and meant so well!)
And while the story starts a little slowly, it definitely ramps up into a tale of murder, greed, and the terrible things we do to others. At times, I was enraged.
I completely adored the parts of Gullah Geechee culture and legend we learned and, honestly, before I knew it this ‘fine’ read turned into a book I didn’t want to put down!
I ended up enjoying it tremendously and would read the author again in a heartbeat.
• ARC via Publisher
And, seriously, it’s a great read. I adored Deena and her father and poor Ruth. (Oh, I loved Ruth. She was so good and meant so well!)
And while the story starts a little slowly, it definitely ramps up into a tale of murder, greed, and the terrible things we do to others. At times, I was enraged.
I completely adored the parts of Gullah Geechee culture and legend we learned and, honestly, before I knew it this ‘fine’ read turned into a book I didn’t want to put down!
I ended up enjoying it tremendously and would read the author again in a heartbeat.
• ARC via Publisher
September 24, 2024
Didn’t finish. Couldn’t deal with Whitney main character. The inner dialog was annoying and repetitive. The plot was ridiculously contrived and obvious. The writing was juvenile. I stopped when I came to this sentence “I snapped the soda can open before I took a long sip.” Good idea to open it first. And a sip is not long. Whatever. Stopped reading before I drove myself nuts.
May 17, 2025
A well written, intriguing mystery thriller that stands out from all its contemporaries because it was also incredibly thought provoking.
Morris exquisitely and poignantly presented insight into cultural roots, the very backbone of America. I have never read a classic thriller encompassing rich history.
While the story and mystery itself was linear and straightforward, the characters and their narrative voices were the stars! I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to learn more about them, I wanted to hear them talk and be part of their life. There was also a little touch into mysticism highlighting the power of our ancestors.
The plot started out slow more focused on history, vivid descriptions and characterization, then the mystery itself ramps up into a tale of greed, race, land grab and how truly our system was designed during the reconstruction era. Both these parts were perfectly balanced and kept the suspense and character arc right till the end.
4.5 stars 🌟
🎧 highly recommend the audiobook, the narrators were incredible.
PS: The afterword, the very last chapter, gave me goosebumps.
Morris exquisitely and poignantly presented insight into cultural roots, the very backbone of America. I have never read a classic thriller encompassing rich history.
While the story and mystery itself was linear and straightforward, the characters and their narrative voices were the stars! I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to learn more about them, I wanted to hear them talk and be part of their life. There was also a little touch into mysticism highlighting the power of our ancestors.
The plot started out slow more focused on history, vivid descriptions and characterization, then the mystery itself ramps up into a tale of greed, race, land grab and how truly our system was designed during the reconstruction era. Both these parts were perfectly balanced and kept the suspense and character arc right till the end.
4.5 stars 🌟
🎧 highly recommend the audiobook, the narrators were incredible.
PS: The afterword, the very last chapter, gave me goosebumps.
August 8, 2024
Ugh! Wanda Morris does it AGAIN!! She knocked it out the park with this paranormal-esque mystery suspense that transfers between two different time periods! Entertain me, school me! Give me real life style thriller vibes! Dy-no-mite 💥
Deena is in limbo. She’s not loving her job, recently divorced, grieving her mother, and feels quite dejected. One day she goes out to where she feels her mother’s presence the most. There, an old man threatens her to get off his land because he’s not selling.
Excurse me, sir?! She hurries away, but she’s left intrigued. What is the deal with this man and this land? After doing some research and snooping, she finds out about a long seedy history of companies taking over properties from Blacks - even if they have to kill.
This shocked the shit out of me, because Heiress Property! Someone’s property can be sold or acquired if there’s no legally designated owner. I want to learn more about this for personal knowledge, and wish I’d known about this while my elders were still alive.
Is this real?! Yes! It’s happened to so many of my elders. So much of our land has been taken from us with no one knowing what to do, how it happened, or where to even start to get it back, if we can!!
Quite a few people commented that they figured out who was behind all the crime, but I had no clue. Totally blindsided, here!
This, coupled with some drama, family secrets, history, guidance from the ancestors, a little touch of romance, and Uncle Duke who stayed ready to “set it off in this MF”, topped with the Geechee style I’ve come to love made this another WM banger & my top read in July!
Gimme more, Wanda, give me more! Get yo hands on this one nowww!!
Gonna talk to my parents about this HP and make sure they sign them papers! ✍️
So so good!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Deena is in limbo. She’s not loving her job, recently divorced, grieving her mother, and feels quite dejected. One day she goes out to where she feels her mother’s presence the most. There, an old man threatens her to get off his land because he’s not selling.
Excurse me, sir?! She hurries away, but she’s left intrigued. What is the deal with this man and this land? After doing some research and snooping, she finds out about a long seedy history of companies taking over properties from Blacks - even if they have to kill.
This shocked the shit out of me, because Heiress Property! Someone’s property can be sold or acquired if there’s no legally designated owner. I want to learn more about this for personal knowledge, and wish I’d known about this while my elders were still alive.
Is this real?! Yes! It’s happened to so many of my elders. So much of our land has been taken from us with no one knowing what to do, how it happened, or where to even start to get it back, if we can!!
Quite a few people commented that they figured out who was behind all the crime, but I had no clue. Totally blindsided, here!
This, coupled with some drama, family secrets, history, guidance from the ancestors, a little touch of romance, and Uncle Duke who stayed ready to “set it off in this MF”, topped with the Geechee style I’ve come to love made this another WM banger & my top read in July!
Gimme more, Wanda, give me more! Get yo hands on this one nowww!!
Gonna talk to my parents about this HP and make sure they sign them papers! ✍️
So so good!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
July 28, 2024
A good thriller that touches on an important social issue chiefly affecting marginalized communities. Deena, who’s spent years as a big-city lawyer in Atlanta, returns to her small low country Georgia hometown with her tail between her legs after her creepy husband kicks her out and she loses her job at a high-powered firm. Not only that, she’s still reeling from the loss of her beloved mother and feels like a complete 39-year-old failure after moving back under her father’s roof while she gets back on her feet, not to mention that she’s now woefully underemployed as a glorified paralegal, reporting to a despicable bully. She’s completely demoralized, but don’t count her out just yet. She has an accidental encounter with a shotgun-toting stranger shooing her off his land, ranting about how he won’t let this land that has been in his family for generations be stolen from him. Deena gets the bit between her teeth and just will not give up as she begins to unearth evidence of widespread (legal but surely unethical) stripping of generational wealth, ie, land and houses, from the descendants of those who die intestate. In an afterword, the author explains that it was her hope to highlight this practice, shockingly widespread in great swathes of the U.S.
May 20, 2024
I know other people will love this more than I did so please take my review with a grain of salt. If you like missing person mystery books you’ll probably enjoy it.
Pros: Well written, well thought out, developed characters, betrayal, secrets, dysfunctional family dynamics
Cons: I just didn’t care about the plot.
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRKRHyVp/
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Pros: Well written, well thought out, developed characters, betrayal, secrets, dysfunctional family dynamics
Cons: I just didn’t care about the plot.
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRKRHyVp/
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 27, 2024
Deena has lost her mother, her job, divorced her cheating husband, and moved back to her childhood home in Brunswick Georgia with her dad and his new wife all within one year. Still grieving the loss of her mother and her previous life Deena likes to take rides to clear her mind. One particular ride she winds up trespassing on private property where she comes in contact with owner Holcomb Gardner who thinks she is someone trying to force him to sell his land. After threatening Deena, she leaves but finds herself being followed by someone in a black SUV. Arriving back to work safely Deena vows to get it together so she doesn’t lose the job she hates. But there is something about Holcomb and Delilah that Deena can’t shake. After finding out Delilah is dead Deena wants to talk to Holcomb but finds him missing and his house up for sale. Now Deena sets out to find out what happened to the Gardner family, and who is behind the realty company that took the Gardners land.
What a ride. I see why Wanda M. Morris gets amazing reviews. This was my first read by the author and I am now a fan. This was a phenomenal book that had me in a choke hold from beginning to the very end. I love how the book starts with a history lesson about the Igbo people and Dunbar Creek on St. Simon Island. Wanda had me running to google to see what I could learn, and I hadn't even gotten to Chapter 1. I was hooked from that moment on.
In the beginning Deena did irritate me because I thought she was being a bit repetitive, but I had to remember she was grieving and push past the repetition. Once Deena found out Holcomb was missing, she dove headfirst and found the distraction she needed from her grief. Deena was not going to let up. The more she found, the harder she dug even when her life was in danger Deena did not back down. I loved her daddy Jimmy Lee and her Uncle Duke, they made sure they knew what was going on with baby girl at all times. Daddy and Unc played no games.
I was suspicious of one or two people but Wanda did a good job not dropping many clues on who all was in on the fraud. I also learned so much while reading this. Wanda said she wanted to write an engaging and entertaining story that made you think too, and she succeeded. I had never heard of the heir's property legal theory before, this book sent me down a rabbit hole to learn more about this.
I have been interested in the Gullah Geechee Culture since my visit to Kiawah, an Island in South Carolina, last year, so I was happy to see the culture woven into this story so effortlessly. I have now become a fan of Wanda M. Morris and will be reading more from her in the coming months.
What a ride. I see why Wanda M. Morris gets amazing reviews. This was my first read by the author and I am now a fan. This was a phenomenal book that had me in a choke hold from beginning to the very end. I love how the book starts with a history lesson about the Igbo people and Dunbar Creek on St. Simon Island. Wanda had me running to google to see what I could learn, and I hadn't even gotten to Chapter 1. I was hooked from that moment on.
In the beginning Deena did irritate me because I thought she was being a bit repetitive, but I had to remember she was grieving and push past the repetition. Once Deena found out Holcomb was missing, she dove headfirst and found the distraction she needed from her grief. Deena was not going to let up. The more she found, the harder she dug even when her life was in danger Deena did not back down. I loved her daddy Jimmy Lee and her Uncle Duke, they made sure they knew what was going on with baby girl at all times. Daddy and Unc played no games.
I was suspicious of one or two people but Wanda did a good job not dropping many clues on who all was in on the fraud. I also learned so much while reading this. Wanda said she wanted to write an engaging and entertaining story that made you think too, and she succeeded. I had never heard of the heir's property legal theory before, this book sent me down a rabbit hole to learn more about this.
I have been interested in the Gullah Geechee Culture since my visit to Kiawah, an Island in South Carolina, last year, so I was happy to see the culture woven into this story so effortlessly. I have now become a fan of Wanda M. Morris and will be reading more from her in the coming months.
July 12, 2024
Take a trip with me to Georgia low country where we’ll meet Deena, a non-practicing attorney, who moved back home to Brunswick after her life fell apart in Atlanta and she grieves over multiple losses. Sit back in the shade of the Golden Isles as she gets herself into some dicey situations while trying to solve a mystery surrounding a missing elderly man whose land is possibly worth killing over.
This was a fun read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys southern crime stories! Come for the atmosphere and mystery, stay for the eye-opening commentary on a pesky little law called heirs’ property that can and has been used to strip generational wealth from the disenfranchised and ill-informed, targeting those who are estate rich but cash poor.
A second chance romance provides guidance and stability for our MC, and we meet some lovable characters anyone would want to have in their corner, (especially Deena’s dad, Jimmie, and her Uncle Duke). The author weaves in touches of Gullah Geechee culture and supernatural magical realism that adds richness and depth to the overall story.
The ending seemed to miss a bit of umph for me. Although it’s very dramatic, I think I found that the culprit and motives required too much suspension of disbelief (although saying this about a book that includes a decent amount of magical realism, which I enjoyed, may be silly lol). A good 3.75 rounded up to 4⭐️s!
This was a fun read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys southern crime stories! Come for the atmosphere and mystery, stay for the eye-opening commentary on a pesky little law called heirs’ property that can and has been used to strip generational wealth from the disenfranchised and ill-informed, targeting those who are estate rich but cash poor.
A second chance romance provides guidance and stability for our MC, and we meet some lovable characters anyone would want to have in their corner, (especially Deena’s dad, Jimmie, and her Uncle Duke). The author weaves in touches of Gullah Geechee culture and supernatural magical realism that adds richness and depth to the overall story.
The ending seemed to miss a bit of umph for me. Although it’s very dramatic, I think I found that the culprit and motives required too much suspension of disbelief (although saying this about a book that includes a decent amount of magical realism, which I enjoyed, may be silly lol). A good 3.75 rounded up to 4⭐️s!
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