The Women in White: A Novel by Sarah Pekkanen
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Published by: St. Martin’s Press
The next thriller from #1 bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen combines a decades-old mystery with spine-tingling paranormal elements in this twisty novel of the seen and unseen.
Extrasensory perception.
The Gift.
A Sixth Sense.
Or something else….
In 1964, four remarkable young women at a prestigious university became the subjects of parapsychology experiments by a visionary scientist. On the cusp of a historic breakthrough, the women mysteriously vanished and the program was erased from history.
Decades later, Riley Bell, newly divorced and desperate for a fresh start, accepts a caretaker job for an elderly widow named Betty. Riley steps into a home that is frozen in another era – no microwave, television, or cell phones, and Betty has never heard of the internet.
Why has Betty lived in such profound isolation for so many years, and why does she need Riley now? As the story unfolds across two timelines – Betty’s 1960s era of 5 o’clock martinis and high-stakes experiments, and Riley’s quest to uncover the truth about the missing women – old secrets rise to the surface. And the only way to survive is to confront the mystery that has lingered for sixty years.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! The flashback chapters were my favorite. A look back at when times were simpler. I loved the friendship between the girls. It made me want to know much more about each of their lives! I was surprised at the twist. I do love a good twist. Towards the end I did feel the sense of urgency and danger in the flashbacks but the present felt a bit rushed.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is probably my favorite one of this author so far! If you enjoy twisty thrillers, this one is for you! Add it to your TBR today.
