the setup…
Thirty years ago, the Dixon family inexplicably disappeared from their family lodge situated upon a ledge in the mountains of Shereford, New Hampshire. Police Chief Ian Grady was led to the scene by the stray dog they’d taken in, obvious from the bloody footprints that something violent had occurred. How could Janet and David Dixon, with their four children simply vanish? Despite extensive searches then and throughout the years, the family was never seen again and the house remained abandoned, the subject of true crime podcasts and other folklore. Now, newcomers Raquel and Theo Collins have bought the house, renovated it and plan to call it home. When another stray dog shows up and “adopts” them, he eventually leads them to a secret well on the property with human remains inside. Police Chief Amanda (Mandy) Grady has the daunting task of investigating this and the crime her father was never able to solve. Will this lead to answers of the thirty year old mystery?
the heart of the story…
Everything about this was creepy and soon I was suspecting everyone of something. It felt like Rachel had an agenda as she had her own hidden past. The more Mandy probed she kept uncovering new mysteries and sinister actions reaching back into other centuries.
the narration…
OMG! Hillary Huber took this story into the stratosphere with her outstanding storytelling and voice distinctions for a host of characters. She made everything come alive.
the bottom line…
There were so many angles, twists and turns that went well beyond the mystery of the missing Dixon family. I’m not particularly a fan of the spooky season but this was next level. Nothing prepared me for the outcome but the journey was the thing. And, the English Labradors called “Dog” and “Mr. Man” brought some levity and balance to a tale that made me shudder.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 4, 2026
- Narrator: Hillary Huber
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 1 minute
- Publisher: Hachette Audio
Sounds intriguing! Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜
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Great review! I just had this one come off hold for me at the library but I think I will wait until October when I have open spaces in my schedule still. Sept is jam packed.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 It’s definitely perfect for the season.
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Sounds like the narrator really made this one a great listening experience!
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I’m already a big Hillary Huber fan (she narrates a LOT of Karen Rose’s books) but she was outstanding here. Made this the story I know the author wants it to be.
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Why only 4 stars? Just curious.
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At one point, I was having to manage about four or five plot lines and it became difficult, especially with an unidentified narrator. The last third of the book brought it home. But that’s why it wasn’t a five star experience for me. I didn’t want to put that in as it’s spoilerish.
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Ah, okay! Might be easier in a written format. I’m really enjoying it so far.
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Can’t wait to talk about it more when you’re done. The audio was fantastic. Otherwise, it would have been worse for me. It’s the halfway point.
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