Book Review: You Belong Here by Megan Miranda
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the allure of a college campus, especially one nestled in the stunning Virginia Blue Ridge mountains. When I stumbled across Megan Miranda’s upcoming release, You Belong Here, the combination of dark academia and a chilling past pulled me in like a moth to a flame. Having enjoyed Miranda’s previous works, I was excited to explore this seemingly haunting tale of secrets, family ties, and the shadowy corners of history.
At the heart of You Belong Here is Beckett Bowery, a character whose life forever changed during her senior year at Wyatt College. After a horrific hazing incident called “The Howling” left two local men dead and her roommate, Adalyn Vale, presumed lost, Beckett finds herself branded by the past. Fast forward two decades, and her daughter Delilah has secretly applied to the same institution, stirring up a wave of anxiety for Beckett, who fears the ghosts of her past might resurface. The novel captures the intricacies of the mother-daughter dynamic beautifully, resonating deeply as Beckett navigates the complexities of protecting Delilah from the legacy of that fateful year.
Miranda excels at setting a vivid scene, immersing readers in Wyatt College’s eerie landscape filled with underground tunnels and dense woods where whispers of the past linger. This atmospheric backdrop serves as a character in itself, blending seamlessly with the tale of hazing and hidden truths. The story unfolds from Beckett’s perspective, primarily through the present but perfectly interspersed with haunting glimpses from her student days. I appreciated how Beckett’s voice feels not only relatable but resonant; she is a mother with a past, a multifaceted character whose experiences feel palpable.
As the book progresses into the gripping third part, the pace accelerates—my heart raced alongside Delilah as she seemingly becomes the target of someone’s vendetta. The consistency of dread throughout the story kept me turning pages far into the night, as I just had to uncover the tangled threads of these familial and historical connections. While I’m generally not a fan of the “college kids with secrets” trope, Miranda managed to thread this familiar plotline with nuance and intrigue, resulting in a mostly satisfying read that would be perfect for the upcoming spooky season.
I must thank Simon Element/S&S and Marysue Ricci Books for providing the gifted ARC through NetGalley. You Belong Here may not be my favorite among Miranda’s works, but it certainly showcases her knack for blending suspense with rich characterization. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers filled with dark secrets and intricate relationships, this book is bound to resonate with you.
Overall, I’d recommend You Belong Here to fans of dark academia, mystery-lovers, and readers looking for a reflection on the weight of the past in shaping our present. This tale not only entertained me but left me pondering the lengths we go to protect our loved ones—and how sometimes, being connected to past tragedies can feel hauntingly inescapable. Happy reading, and I encourage you to check in with my buddies DeAnn and MaryBeth for their thoughts on this hauntingly beautiful tale!