Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak is a mystery novel about Sloane McBride, who returns to her small Texas hometown to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance. As she delves deeper into her family's dark secrets, she realizes that her father and brother will do anything to keep her from uncovering the truth. The novel is full of secrets, lies, and a jilted ex-boyfriend, making it a thrilling read for mystery lovers.