One year ago Isabelle Drake’s life was changed drastically. Her toddler Mason was taken in the middle of the night while she and her husband, Ben, were asleep in the next room. Since then Isabelle hasn’t slept… at all. She’s had cat naps and micro sleeps where she loses track of time, but not a solid chunk of sleep since that night. Ben left her in that year as well.

This is not Isabelle’s first time having a sleep difficulty however. As a child she was a sleepwalker and worried her parents and sister with this problem. Are these issues connected?

Now, she’s out on the true crime circuit telling Mason’s story, hoping to get a lead since it’s pretty much a cold case at this point. At the latest true crime convention she’s approached by a podcaster who would like to tell her story. Waylon Spencer says he can possibly help to solve Mason’s case. Will it work?

🫠Told in first person with a MAJORLY unreliable narrator
⏰Dual timelines- now and then (my fave trope!)
🔥slowwwww burn thriller
👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Family drama/🤰motherhood
🔍Fans of True Crime will be hooked!
🐊 Southern setting- reminiscent of Southern gothic

Stacy Willingham has gained an instant auto-buy fan here! I somehow missed FLICKER IN THE DARK but that will be remedied quickly (and it’s been picked up by HBO for a series!)

This was a twisty thrill ride. Isabelle was fleshed out beautifully. I felt her pain and emotion throughout. Isabelle was so unreliable it was hard to know who to trust, even whether to trust what she was saying. But that was what was so good. Every time you think you have it figured out, it twists again. As a southerner, I was also really into the whole marsh, southern, creepy vibes. Upped the ante so much. This was my last and MOST FAVORITE thriller of the year.

I also listened to the ALC and really enjoyed the narration by Karissa Vacker. She had amazing depth and emotion. Her voice was perfect for Isabelle.

The author’s note was exceptional as well. Must read!

Release date: January 10, 2023

🚨Warnings below may contain spoilers.

🚨TW: Suicide, Drugs, Child Abduction, Postpartum Psychosis

Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur, and Macmillan Audio for the early release copies!! (less)