"We're always one breath away from something, living or dying, sometimes it just can't be helped."
~ Heather Gudenkauf
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Heather Gudenkauf, a name synonymous with heartfelt storytelling and gripping suspense, has established herself as a prominent figure in the realm of contemporary fiction. With a knack for weaving intricate narratives and creating characters that linger in the minds of readers long after the final page, Gudenkauf has earned a devoted following and widespread acclaim for her evocative novels.
Raised in rural Iowa, Gudenkauf's formative years were shaped by a love of literature and a deep connection to the natural world. After studying education and counseling, she embarked on a career as a teacher and school counselor, where she honed her skills as a keen observer of human nature. Drawing from her experiences working with children and families, Gudenkauf brings a sense of authenticity and empathy to her writing, crafting stories that resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.
Gudenkauf made her literary debut with the novel "The Weight of Silence," a haunting exploration of family, secrets, and the power of love. Set against the backdrop of a small Midwestern town, the novel follows the disappearance of two young girls and the ripple effects that reverberate through the lives of those left behind. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "The Weight of Silence" struck a chord with readers, earning praise for its nuanced portrayal of grief and resilience.
Since her debut, Gudenkauf has continued to captivate readers with a string of bestselling novels, including "These Things Hidden," "Missing Pieces," and "Little Mercies." Each of these works showcases Gudenkauf's talent for crafting suspenseful, emotionally resonant narratives that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Her ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche and explore the complexities of relationships has earned her a reputation as a master storyteller, beloved by readers around the world. Her works have been translated into over 20 languages and have garnered praise from critics and readers alike.
One of the hallmarks of Gudenkauf's writing is her ability to create vivid, multidimensional characters that feel like old friends to her readers. Whether she is exploring the bonds of sisterhood, the complexities of motherhood, or the enduring power of friendship, Gudenkauf imbues her characters with a sense of authenticity and depth that draws readers in from the very first page. Her prose is understated yet powerful, evoking a range of emotions and inviting readers to see themselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs of her protagonists.
Readers are drawn to Gudenkauf's work for its compelling storytelling, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes. Her novels offer a blend of suspense, mystery, and heartwarming moments of connection that keep readers coming back for more. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or contemporary fiction, Gudenkauf's novels offer something for everyone to enjoy and savor.
While Gudenkauf is perhaps best known for her standalone novels, she has also received acclaim for her collaborations with other authors. These collaborations further showcased Gudenkauf's versatility as a writer and introduced her to new audiences eager for her signature blend of suspense and emotion.
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Gudenkauf has also been recognized for her contributions to the literary community. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the [insert specific awards/accolades here], which have helped to elevate her profile and cement her reputation as one of the most talented writers of contemporary fiction.
For those who have yet to discover the magic of Heather Gudenkauf's writing, her books offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the lives of unforgettable characters and explore the depths of the human experience. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding thriller or a poignant tale of love and redemption, Gudenkauf's novels promise an unforgettable reading experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
Away from the written page, Gudenkauf finds solace in the natural beauty of Iowa, where she resides with her family and beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Lolo. When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Gudenkauf can be found spending quality time with her loved ones, indulging in her love for reading, or exploring the great outdoors through swimming and hiking adventures.
As Gudenkauf continues to captivate readers with her evocative storytelling and richly drawn characters, her literary legacy continues to flourish, leaving an indelible mark on the world of suspense fiction. With each new novel, she invites readers on a journey of discovery, inviting them to explore the depths of the human psyche and the intricacies of the human heart.
Heather Gudenkauf Best Quotes
“But you know all about that, being sorry and having no words to say something when you know you should but you just can't”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“Having a little girl has been like following an old treasure map with the important paths torn away.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“We're always one breath away from something, living or dying, sometimes it just can't be helped.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“Every five-year-old kid should have a pair of happy pajamas. (217)”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“It isn't the dark you should be afraid of, the girl thought, it's the monsters who step out into the light that you need to fear.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Who you choose to walk with through life will be the most important decision that you will ever, ever make. You will have your children and you will love them because they are yours and because they will be wonderful. Just like you ... But who you marry is a choice. The man you choose should make you happy, encourage you in following your dreams, big ones and little ones.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Mercies“That's the wonderful thing about the human heart, there's room enough for all kinds of love.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“People say that being a mother is the most important job you will ever have. And it is very important. But it is even more important, I believe, to be a wife, a good wife....I don't mean you have to be a floor mat. That's not what I mean at all. I mean, who you choose to walk with through life will be the most important decision that you will ever, ever make. You will have your children and you will love them because they are yours and because they will be wonderful. Just like you.... But who you marry is a choice. the man you choose should make you happy, encourage you in following your dreams, big ones and little ones.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“You don't ever want to corner something meaner than you.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“You were a wish that we made every morning when we woke up and a prayer we said before we went to bed each night,”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“The easiest way to save face, is to keep the lower half shut.”
― Heather Gudenkauf“I realize then, what my mother already knows—has known for a long time. Motherhood is a procession of goodbyes. Some bittersweet and filled with promise and hope, some gradual, a gentle prying away of your fingers from something precious, some more violent, unexpected.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Mercies“the worst kind of hurt was the kind that wasn't there yet, but you knew was slowly creeping toward you.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Mercies“People say that being a mother is the most important job you will ever have. And it is very important. But it is even more important, I believe, to be a wife, a good wife.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“No,” Becky shook her head. “You need to listen to me. It’s Randy Cutter.” She looked at Wylie, terror in her eyes. “He’s outside right now. I know him. I know his voice, dammit, I’ve heard it nearly every day for the last twenty years.” Wylie stared at Becky and then looked to the little girl for confirmation. She nodded. “Jesus,” Wylie breathed. Randy Cutter? It didn’t make any sense.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“We're always on breath away from something--living or dying--, sometimes it just can't be helped.”
― Heather Gudenkauf“The feud, if that was what you could call it, lasted for years and bled into their day-to-day lives. There were fences that William Doyle was sure Randy Cutter had damaged and calls to the sheriff about wayward cattle. And there was Ethan’s friendship with Randy’s son, Brock. That didn’t sit well with either family.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Libraries, no matter what state or city Wylie visited, had the same comforting smell, and the Spirit Lake Public Library in Iowa was no different. The books, paper, glue, and ink - all in various stages of disintegration - had a musty, vanilla-like scent that eased her anxiety.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Wylie stared down at the woman’s battered face. One mistrustful brown eye looked back at her. Wylie looked down at her own hand, where a matching horseshoe-shaped scar, though less pronounced, marred her palm.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Wylie,” the little girl said shyly. “My name is Josie.” And they stepped out into the brittle sunshine.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Finally, the woman spoke. “I’d forgotten what you looked like. I mean, if I closed my eyes really tight, I’d get little flashes.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Yes, Jackson Henley. There just wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him for killing my family and your disappearance. They couldn’t find the gun he used or my brother’s missing truck. They couldn’t find you. But don’t worry. He’s caught now. I locked him in the toolshed. He’ll never hurt you again.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“He told me she was dead. He told me that you were all dead—your family, your dog—and it was all my fault. But I snuck out of the basement and I called home. And she answered. My mother. She wasn’t dead. But I couldn’t say anything. I just hung up.” Her mother wiped at her eyes. “But your parents? Your brother?”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“I’ve made no friends here, I have no happy memories, but I do have something that I have never, ever had in my life: peace, which is a rare, precious thing. How I can be at peace for what I’ve done? I don’t know, but I am. When I was younger, before I was in prison, my mind never stopped racing. It was constantly go, go,”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“But under the surface, beneath my skin, it was like my blood was boiling. I couldn’t sit still, I could never rest.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“His shadow crawled across the wall. He was getting closer. “Come on,” he called out. “Did you really think I would let you leave? You know better than that. You belong to me.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“You beat my brother, strangled him, and hid his body in the barn. You tried to frame him and you kidnapped my best friend. You shot me. Why? I don’t understand.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“You’re sick,” Wylie said with disgust. “Evil and sick. And now you plan on killing us all. Finish what you started.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“It wasn’t your fault,” Becky said. “It was Randy Cutter’s fault—his alone. Let go of it,” Becky begged. “I never blamed you, not even once, so please stop blaming yourself.” Becky took Wylie’s hand in her own. “Sisters forever, right?” “Sisters forever,” Wylie whispered.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Yeah,” Cutter interjected. “Little girls shouldn’t be playing with such big weapons.” He held the shotgun at crotch level and waggled his tongue suggestively.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“What I know is you have had a serious lack of judgment lately,” Lynne said. “Kara, driving on the baseball field...”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Her father would come soon, and what would he do when he saw the mess? He’d be angry. He’d swear and yell and then hurt her mother, who lay in the bed too weak to move, too sad to eat or drink. She wouldn’t be able to take it.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Two teenagers missing along with a truck. Parents dead, sister shot. Butler pulled Levi aside, out of earshot, his mouth set in a grim line. “Put out a BOLO for Ethan Doyle’s truck.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“The sturgeon moon hung fat and low and bee pollen yellow. Or was it called a buck moon? The sheriff couldn’t remember.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“The last seven days had been quiet. Too quiet. There were no burglaries, no serious motor vehicle accidents, no meth explosions, not one report of domestic abuse. Not that Blake County was a hotbed of lawlessness.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Her seventeen-year-old son had become a stranger to her. Her sweet boy had always had a wild streak, which had turned mean. He’d be up to no good, she was sure of that. Brock was born when they were barely eighteen and barely knew how to take care of themselves, let alone an infant.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“A current of anger slid through Levi. Had the little fucker lied to him? Maybe he knew something that could break this case wide-open. Holding the weapon off to the side, careful not to smudge any possible fingerprints, Levi began to walk back toward the farm. He needed to find Brock Cutter.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“If he had run the license plate, he would have seen that Brock Cutter had a suspended license and a bench warrant for a failure to appear for a court date related to a harassment case over in Kossuth County. He would have learned that Brock Cutter wasn’t as innocent and good-natured as his cousin, Brett.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“After seeing the medical examiner pull into the Doyles’ drive, Margo nearly passed out. She had never felt such fear before in her life. It was as if someone had reached right down her throat and snatched her breath away.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Maybe Becky had left willingly with Ethan. Young love gone rogue? Another Bonnie and Clyde or Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate? Star-crossed lovers who went on deadly crime sprees. Santos had a few more questions for Margo and Kevin Allen.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“It's not going to be easy," she says, looking up at me. "it's probably going to get a lot harder before it gets easier. No one can change what you did or what has happened in the past." I lower my head and start to cry again. "But-" she says so sharply that I have to look up at her again. "But you do have control over who you are no and how you carry yourself. Do you understand?”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“Homes were supposed to be safe havens, meant to protect. It was supposed to be a shelter from the elements, a fortress to keep out evil, and her home had betrayed Josie in the worst possible way.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Randy Cutter was quite angry with my daughter and her husband over a parcel of land,” Caroline explained. “It got pretty ugly at the time. William bought a piece of farmland that Randy thought should have gone to him. It came to blows, lawyers got involved. When several of their livestock were found dead, William was sure Randy Cutter had something to do with it.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“She’s only thirteen,” Margo said plaintively. “Why would he be interested in a thirteen-year-old? She’s just a baby,” Margo said, her face pale and desperate with grief.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Brock and Ethan are not friends,” Deb said sourly. “We told those two boys to stay away from each other. Nothing good ever came out of those two boys being in the same space with one another.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“She never wanted to set foot on this farm again. Her family’s blood now coursed through its soil. She imagined the corn and alfalfa rising from the earth stunted and black with rot.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“She and Agent Randolph were staying at the Burden Inn, a low-rise motor lodge that was as grim as its name. It was clean at least.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“But even on the days he brought treats and touched the girl’s hair and told her she was pretty, he was quicker to slap and push and pinch.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Her grandparents tried to create a new life for her, but her past haunted her no matter where she went. She was always Josie Doyle—the girl whose family was murdered, whose best friend vanished without a trace.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Jackson Henley did not like to follow orders, liked to drink, and to harass his female soldier counterparts.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“One woman reported that Henley, along with a group of other male soldiers, mentally and sexually harassed her to the point of a near breakdown. Another woman accused him of false imprisonment after he purportedly refused to let her leave after the two spent a night together.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“My name is Josie.” And they stepped out into the brittle sunshine.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“certain”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies“I get Allison’s letters. Sometimes I wish that I could write back to her, go see her, act like a sister to her. But something always stops me. Grandma tells me I should talk to Allison, try to forgive her. But I can’t. It’s like something broke inside me that night five years ago.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“she’d never felt so free as she did in that moment, soaring into the air, the fingers of her left hand interlocked with her best friend’s, the fingers of her right hand extended to the sky. The stars felt so close. Like a pile of jacks to be scooped up in her palm. A fistful of stars. In that moment, such a thing didn’t seem impossible.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“God doesn't take attendance and even if a person goes to church every single day, that doesn't make him some kind of saint.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“Sometimes letting go is a good thing. Sometimes it’s the only thing left to do.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“I think a person doesn't have to be in a church to feel close to God. The desert works just as well.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“but she didn’t like the dark and what might be lurking outside after the sun went down.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“It isn’t the dark you should be afraid of, the girl thought, it’s the monsters who step out into the light that you need to fear.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“I had this thing I did to help calm myself at night. I’d lie on my back, tuck the covers around me just so and imagine that I was in a small boat. I would conjure a lake so big that I couldn’t see the shore and the sky would be an overturned bowl above me, black, moonless and full of winking fairy lights for stars. There would be no wind, but my boat would carry me across the smooth, dark waters. The only sound would be the lazy slap of water against the side of the boat. This calmed me somehow and I could close my eyes and rest. Because I was only sixteen when I got to prison, I was separated from the general population until I turned eighteen. After surviving the first terrible weeks, I suddenly realized that I didn’t need my boat anymore and I slept just fine.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, These Things Hidden“who you choose to walk with through life will be the most important decision that you will ever, ever make.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“Motherhood is a procession of goodbyes. Some bittersweet and filled with promise and hope, some gradual, a gentle prying away of your fingers from something precious, some more violent, unexpected.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Mercies“me. Petra, this is Lucky Thompson, one of my students.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“one”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies“I already know what is coming. “Yeah,” Joe says. “Can you come?” “There’s a child.” It’s not a question. We’ve”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies“this”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies“Scary Movie,”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Stand Your Ground”
― Heather Gudenkauf, This is How I Lied“away from”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Judith”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies“in”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“My advice to those who have the dream to write is to do just that, write. It’s so important to set aside time each day to get your thoughts and ideas down on paper. It can be an hour or ten minutes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the pages start accumulating. I think it is also crucial for writers to be readers. Read widely and deeply.”
― Heather Gudenkauf“It's so much easier to leap off a cliff holding someone's hand.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, One Breath Away“It was supposed to be you all along,”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Josie's favorite spot on the farm was the big red hip roof barn. Eighty years old, it greeted Josie each morning with its broad red face. Its nose the hayloft door, its eyes the widely spaced upper windows, and its mouth the entry large enough to drive a truck through. The barn smelled of sun-warmed sweet hay and tractor oil. It smelled of dust motes and goats. Josie filled the wooden feed bunks that ran down the center of the barn with feed. Josie filled a small bucket with pellets while Becky ran from corner to corner, searching for the mama cat and her kittens. They were squirreled away somewhere, nowhere to be found. Josie and Becky walked back outside to where the barn opened up into a fenced area where the thirty-odd goats spent the day. When they heard the bucket bumping against her leg, the goats came running on their spindly legs. Josie and Becky reached into the bucket for the pellets and slid their hands through the fence, their palms laid flat. Becky laughed at their black caterpillar-shaped eyes and humanlike bellows.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“It did stink, but that was just part of living out in the country. The sweet scent of mown hay intermingled with cow manure. The clean, crisp smell of laundry just pulled from the line suddenly smothered by the sharp, acrid smell that came from the nearby hog confinement.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Josie got to the final bunker and started pouring in the grain when a putrid odor filled her nose. She covered her face with her hand. Goats had a strong scent, especially the billy goats, but that wasn't what she smelled. It was a distinctive odor. Animals were always dying on the farm. Whether it be a goat, chicken, or a nighttime visitor like a possum or raccoon, animals died, and their stink was unmistakable. Josie knew that she couldn't let the goats feed from bunks that contained a carcass. She was carefully pawing through the three feet of hay that lined the bottom of the bunk in search of the animal when she saw it. The deep indigo of denim. Josie paused. It was so out of place, so foreign a sight, it took a moment for her to register what she was seeing.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Her son. No matter where she went, no matter the number of miles between them, he was her true north. He was her home.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Wylie hated these quiet moments. It felt like the entire world was asleep except for her. The moment the dove-colored light peeked between the edges of the curtains, she would relax. She would close her eyes, and for just a moment, she would be like everyone else.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“you choose to walk with through life will be the most important decision that you will ever, ever make. You will have your children and you will love them because they are yours and because they will be wonderful. Just like you.” She wrinkled her nose at me and grinned. “But who you marry is a choice. The man you choose should make you happy, encourage you in following your dreams, big ones and little ones.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Weight of Silence“Small towns have long memories.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Before She Was Found“The blackest dark came in the middle of the night. It was warm and velvety and sounded like her mother’s breathing right next to her. It isn’t the dark you should be afraid of, the girl thought, it’s the monsters who step out into the light that you need to fear.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“From what Santos could see, Becky listened to pop music, read books from the Goosebumps and The Baby-Sitters Club series, and from the crumpled-up wrappers beneath her bed, had an affinity for Laffy Taffy and caramel apple suckers.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, The Overnight Guest“Maybe my parents should sue themselves.”
― Heather Gudenkauf, Before She Was Found