Told through a series of redacted confessions recorded by a secret agency, this is the story of Talya—a girl who’s equal parts Katniss Everdeen and Harriet the Spy. Sharp-eyed and fiercely independent, she navigates crushes, cliques, bullies, and conspiracies, all while proving one undeniable truth—high school is pure torture. Having lost her parents and her memory, Talya’s only goal is to survive senior year. When Axel walks into her English class, she’s convinced he’s a spy who holds the key to her past and can save her from a sinister plot. After she stumbles upon a real conspiracy, Axel reluctantly gives her the tools to protect herself. But Talya has secrets of her own—and even under interrogation, she won’t admit the real reason she’s drawn to the enigmatic, attractive new student. When the homecoming football game explodes into an international crisis, Talya discovers she’s not just at risk—she may be the biggest threat of all.

Praise for Gone Before You Knew Me

“Gone Before You Knew Me is more than a great YA novel. It is a great any-age novel. Wildermuth’s characters crackle off the page, flawed humanity in all its glory. The tone is fast and smart, a present-day cousin to Raymond Chandler or Megan Abbott, with whom she shares a great eye for detail. Like her story’s protagonist Talya, Wildermuth is what Shakespeare would have called a first-class 'snapper up of unconsidered trifles,' and an author with the skill to weave those tiny, telling moments into a riveting story of school corridors and spy rings.”

—Brendan Foley, bestselling author of Under the Wire

“Renate Wildermuth has the recipe for a truly great book. She starts with dynamic characters, adds intriguing mysteries, whisks in radical plot twists and a full cup of killer action sequences, then tops off her marvelous concoction with delightful doses of clever humor, perceptive insights, and the perfect pinch of romance. Gone Before You Knew Me is an absolutely winning read from first sentence to last, an irresistible world I’d eagerly return to.”

—Neil Connelly, author of Into the Hurricane

“Not your everyday outsider girl surviving high school story–not by a football field. Twists and intrigue speed down the hallways, along with teen angst and humor. Talya’s voice doesn’t just sing throughout but resonates with life, questions, and all that comes with growing up.

—Patricia Marcantonio, author of Best Amigas

“Gone Before You Knew Me is a gripping tale of survival and grit. Talya’s acerbic wit and painful memories make her a riveting narrator to this powerful adventure. Are her deductions the imaginings of a troubled teenager or an observant young woman? Fans of Alex Rider and The Hunger Games will find her a compelling character. Wildermuth’s reveals spring at readers to astonishing effect as she weaves the strands into a satisfying plot.”

—Nev March, award-winning author of Murder in Old Bombay

“A mysterious opening, an exciting ending and a whole lot of smart writing in between, Gone Before You Knew Me is a terrific read. I won’t soon forget Talya, the book’s gutsy high-school heroine, and her intense story. Renate Wildermuth has written a winner.”

—Ken Jaworowski, Edgar-nominated author of Small Town Sins