
the setup…
Jacintha (Jack) Cross and her husband Gabe Medway own Crossways, a company that conducts penetration test for companies to test their security systems. She’s the one that does the breaking and entering, he does the tech and hacking work. After Jack is caught leaving after successfully finishing the current assignment, she’s taken to the police station and held until the wee hours of the morning until someone finally acknowledges she’s not really a burglar. But when she gets home, Jack discovers Gabe has been brutally murdered. Unfortunately, the police begin to hone in on the likely suspect…her! She makes a split second decision to flee, knowing it’s now up to her to find out the truth.
the heart of the story…
The story begins with Jack and Gabe carrying out that assignment, he a voice in her ear via Bluetooth and she expertly avoiding pitfalls and completing the mission. In that short period of time, I got a strong sense of not only Jack’s mag skills but the depth of feelings between the couple. When she finds Gabe dead, I shared her excruciating pain and grief. After she goes on the run, Jack is fueled by that grief and adrenalin, combined with natural talent and instincts. It’s a breathtaking journey as her resources are limited and she’s not longer certain who she can trust. Even though I pinpointed the likely culprit about midway, that didn’t lessen my enjoyment because I didn’t know the why and keeping up with and worrying about Jack was paramount.
the narration…
I love Imogen Church’s performances, even though I have to increase the speed. She’s got great storytelling skills and this seemed tailor made for her talents. She made this even more compelling.
the bottom line…
This was a little different flavor from the past books by Ware and it was a nice surprise. I became an instant Jack fan and rooting for her was mostly all I cared about. She will rank as one of my most favorite fictional characters as this woman’s gut instincts served her incredibly well and she trusted them. Jack was a quick thinker who outwitted the police and those who placed obstacles in front of her (think a female Jason Bourne). While I enjoyed everything about the story, the ending was spectacular and did me in. This was a wonderful listening experience.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 20, 2023
- Narrator: Imogen Church
- Audio Length: 13 hours, 57 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Listen to a Sample!
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

Very excited to read this one. Such an excellent review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 This is one where the opening chapter definitely sets the stage and is important.
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Great review! I love a strong female character with great gut instincts!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 Then you’re going to love Jack!
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Really looking forward to this one Jo, and your fantastic review has made me even more eager to read it!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 Sure hope you can get it on audio!
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Thanks for the review – I like Ruth Ware and haven’t listened to an audiobook in a while!
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Thank you, Barbara💜 It’s wonderful on audio as Imogen brings the excitement.
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Excellent! I really enjoyed this one too. It had some shocks.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I’m not surprised you loved it, too.
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I like the comparison to Jason Bourne (a female version). I’ve been wondering about this one and it sounds like one I would love. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 When I was writing the review, Jason Bourne popped into my brain and it felt perfect as a comparison.
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I wish she’d go back to the gothic thrillers. Great review, Jo! xx
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Thanks, Eva💜 I just like how her mind seems to work.
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I read so many of Ware’s books, except for The IT Girl and would love to catch up on that and this one now! It sounds fun. Great review! Thanks for sharing, Jonetta! 😀
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Thank you, Lashaan💜 I’ve read most of her books, too.
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Fab review! I’ve had mixed reactions to Ruth Ware, but I can’t deny that I’m curious about this one… It’s the female Jason Bourne comment that does it!
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Thanks, Yvo💜 You will love Jack!
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I love her gothic thrillers, but I think Zero Days might be my favorite book of hers, or very close to it. It was such an exciting read!
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I feel the same way, Diana💜
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I didn’t add this one to my TBR as her last couple of books didn’t wow me, but I am adding it now. I need to get to know Jack thanks to your review, Jo. Off to see if my library has this audiobook and get on the list.
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Carla, I think this is the one💜 If you like Evan Smoak, you’ll love Jack.
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You know how to hook me!
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😏
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