the setup…
Lexi Mills is a substitute teacher now assigned to the school in Leedham. She’s excited about the challenge but it’s the reason why she’s needed that makes it bittersweet. Cate Walker, the full time teacher, is missing, along with her eight-year old son Archie. They left school on a Friday and vanished on their way home. Husband and father Oliver is also the head teacher who soon has all eyes looking at him because of course that’s where you’d look first…right?
the heart of the story…
Lexi’s is the primary point of view so she shaped my perspective. But then we also hear from Oliver and a few others, including someone creepy and quite possibly responsible for Cate and Archie’s abduction. But one thing that connects everyone is they’re all harboring secrets. Even Lexi has a past she’s trying to hide and I was carefully collecting and assembling clues trying to figure this thing out. What finally unraveled was nothing close to what I’d imagined!
the narration…
What I look for first in a narrator is strong storytelling skills and Emma Woods was outstanding in that respect. And, she had a host of characters that she defined and distinguished exceptionally well. She gave nothing away!
the bottom line…
I was rolling along, enjoying a good mystery and developing theories and scenarios that I was almost smug about. Then it took a turn that upended everything. This was a very clever story with a few amazing twists I never, ever saw coming. Well done! And that’s all I will say about it.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 23, 2024
- Narrator: Emma Woods
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 53 minutes
- Publisher: Bolinda audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo glad it surprised you!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 It was quite dramatic.
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Wahey!
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Thanks for the recommendation, Eva💜
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Any time! 😘
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I love a great narrator and they can really enhance a reading experience. Wonderful review of this book Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 Though I listen to a lot of audiobooks, I’m very picky about narrators. They can make or break a listening experience.
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Great review Jo, sounds like it really took you by surprise!
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Thanks, Sarah💜 It was one of those head-snapping moments!
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Fab review! I love the sound of this one.
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I had a really good time with this one.
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This one sounds so good! Excellent review!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 Every once in a while I like these head-snapping twisters.
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I love the sound of this and will have to put it on my very long TBR list.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Hope you like it, Anne💜
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Wonderful review, Jo. Having been a teacher, I usually steer clear of books about teachers and schools. It sounds like this is one that I would enjoy though.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I think you’re safe as it’s not about their careers at all.
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