NOVEMBER 2018 - AudioFile
Unresolved crimes that took place during their adolescence follow Gemma and Rachel into adulthood, and we are held spellbound by narrators Katharine McEwan and Fiona Hardingham. We piece together the past and present as the two trade bits of the story in alternating chapters, building suspense as they seek retribution. McEwan's low, throaty characterization of Gemma stands apart from Hardingham's crisp vowels and upper-crust British accent for Rachel. We hang on to find out who was at that party so long ago and what the women can do about it now. This is a story for our times, told by two expert narrators who draw us into the depths of regret. M.R. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
02/05/2018
In the prologue to this engrossing psychological thriller from British author Torjussen (Gone Without a Trace), optimistic, confident 18-year-old Gemma attends an end-of-school bash that starts with drinking and laughter but ends with Gemma being raped in the bedroom of a boy who has just been accepted at Oxford. Flash forward 15 years to the present day. Gemma is now married to stay-at-home-dad Joe Brogan and owns her own real estate business in Chester, England. Gemma is overworked and acutely aware of the quality time she’s missing with her young son as a result of her long hours. When she becomes the target of an online stalker, the police, while sympathetic, offer no real assurance, since much of the threatening behavior is carried out via email and on social media. Unable to confide in Joe given their shaky marriage, Gemma must face the escalating harassment on her own. How she tracks down her tormentor, who has a link to that long-ago party, and confronts him as well as her own fears will keep readers turning the pages. Paula Hawkins fans will find a lot to like. Agent: Kate Burke, Diane Banks Associates (U.K.). (Apr.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Gone Without a Trace
“Mary Torjussen spins a clever, fast-paced tale with a twist so sharp it will give readers whiplash.”—Tami Hoag, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bitter Season
“Gone Without a Trace has one of the most interesting narrators I’ve ever come across. Suspenseful and subtle, this novel plays with all of your expectations. Not to be missed!”—Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door
“Gripping suspense with a chilling twist. Mary Torjussen kept me turning the pages to the very last.”—Meg Gardiner, Edgar Award–winning author of Unsub
“Torjussen’s debut novel combines tightly wound suspense with an unfolding surprise ending, making for a gripping page-turner from start to finish. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Alafair Burke’s If You Were Here will love this.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Grabbed me right away with its mind-blowing and heartbreaking premise, and I couldn’t read fast enough as the book revealed a series of twisting and even jaw-dropping surprises. This thriller thrills, but it’s grounded by complicated, complex, and sometimes deeply flawed characters I couldn't stop thinking about. An absorbing, shocking thriller!”—David Bell, bestselling author of Bring Her Home
“[A] strong debut....The deliciously dark conclusion is perfect for this tale of all-consuming obsession, jealousy, and the secrets that lie beneath the most perfect of exteriors.”—Publishers Weekly
“Will keep readers on the edges of their seats as they delve into Hannah’s troubled mind....Readers will be absorbed in this hard look at human nature and the lengths we will go to"protect"what we feel is ours.”—Booklist
“Torjussen draws you into Hannah’s plight until you’re wrapped in it like the coils of an anaconda. It’s a maze of madness and obsession that holds you until the final devastating line of the story.”—Suspense Magazine
“[A] creepy, adrenaline fueled thriller....Fans of Claire Mackintosh and J.T. Ellison will find plenty here to love. The concept is unique, with a clever setup that hooks on page one....The writing is sleek, the pace is propulsive, and the tale’s tension remains palpable throughout. In a subgenre where third-act twists are the norm, Gone Without a Trace is the rare domestic thriller that simultaneously shocks, challenges convention, and delivers an important social message....the book’s final page is guaranteed to chill.”—Mystery Scene Magazine
“[An] engrossing psychological thriller....Paula Hawkins fans will find a lot to like.”—Publishers Weekly
NOVEMBER 2018 - AudioFile
Unresolved crimes that took place during their adolescence follow Gemma and Rachel into adulthood, and we are held spellbound by narrators Katharine McEwan and Fiona Hardingham. We piece together the past and present as the two trade bits of the story in alternating chapters, building suspense as they seek retribution. McEwan's low, throaty characterization of Gemma stands apart from Hardingham's crisp vowels and upper-crust British accent for Rachel. We hang on to find out who was at that party so long ago and what the women can do about it now. This is a story for our times, told by two expert narrators who draw us into the depths of regret. M.R. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
