the setup…
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee left her home in Pennsylvania and escaped to Lantern Cove, Maine, legally becoming Mary Whittaker. Her son Tommy had been convicted of being the notorious Bedfellow serial killer and later escaped from prison. She escaped from her own private hell and is living somewhat peacefully until investigative reporter Ross Eeling shows up on her doorstep and threatens her new life and others close to her. Hattie agrees to work with him after he blackmails her into acquiescence. It unleashes the next step in Hattie’s nightmares.
the heart of the story…
Hattie’s is the sole point of view and she’s not the most reliable with her vivid nightmares, which she calls “daymares.” It was often difficult to distinguish them from reality…sightings of a foretelling owl, conversations with her dead husband, seeing non-existent figures (maybe) in the shadows and mysterious calls in the middle of the night on her old phone. It’s a highly atmospheric setting, too, which heightens the creep factor.
the narration…
Emily Sutton-Smith was absolute perfection as Hattie. She gave nothing away and contributed to the mysteriousness with her excellent storytelling.
the bottom line…
It’s an intense psychological suspense that takes it time. The pace is a bit slow in the beginning as it gradually builds to a pretty exciting crescendo. I’m glad I hung in because it has a satisfying payoff, some I suspected but most I didn’t. I continue to be a big fan of the author and look forward to what’s next.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 22, 2026
- Narrator: Emily Sutton-Smith
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 57 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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