You Said She Died

~Annalise VanGallows Read 7/3/25-7/14/25

“For the parts of me that survived in silence. For the version of me that finally screamed.”

“I sit here locked inside my head, remembering everything you said…The silence gets us nowhere.” ~Staind “For You”

I have found the Dedication page of Van Gallows’ books are quickly becoming something I look forward to when being asked to Alpha/Beta/ARC for her. The quotes she uses; whether they are song lyrics, sections from a poem, or her personal thoughts and/or feelings, evoke emotions readers can connect with deeply. These quotes tie in with the book beautifully and set the tone for what is to come.

You Said She Died, the story of Amina Hilton’s (FMC) existence has been defined by years of trauma, starting as early as childhood. This trauma has shaped Amina into a woman who believes she is broken, unlovable, unworthy…..until Theo. Theo is the first person to make a crack in the walls she built around her heart. As perfect as Theo seems, she doesn’t fall easy. When her past comes to haunt her, lies come to surface, Amina endures it all. Will she come out on the other side, a stronger woman with the catch of a lifetime? Or will it all go up in flames as she spirals out of control?

In her second novel, VanGallows has upped her game when it comes to character development. Fleshing out her characters in You Said She Died, giving them emotional connection to one another while drawing the reader in. Amina is beautifully flawed, resilient and desperately human. Emotionally charged with childhood trauma, manipulation, violence and gaslighting, yet underneath it all she just has the desire to be wanted and needed. Her fears and mental strife create an emotional anchor allowing readers to relate to her.

You Said She Died is filled with vivid imagery and atmospheric detail plunging you directly into Amina’s journey. VanGallows brings to reality her characters so that you feel as if you are experiencing the events of their life with them, not just reading them.

VanGallows doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics, she handles them with grace and tact. Balancing the trauma, the growth of her character and giving us a resolution that makes you feel complete seems as if it just came natural through her writing.

You have moderate pacing that remains steady and strong building tension while transitioning is smooth and seamless. Readers are immersed into a journey of healing and growth, showing that your past doesn’t define you while becoming whole even when trust isn’t your forte.

You Said She Died presents us with a psychological journey of trauma and suspense layered with romance. I would recommend giving this one a read if you are looking for something different when it comes to psychological thrillers.

I would like to thank Annalise VanGallows for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC You Said She Died. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.

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