Motherless

September 22, 2014
Readers looking for an eerie, multilayered tale whose mysteries aren’t fully revealed until the end will find it in Healy’s newest novel. She’s well known for her creepy novels (Never Let You Go), and this one won’t disappoint. But be prepared for confusion about who is dead and who isn’t, about who is describing what events, and who is speaking to whom. Garrett Becker is certain he sees his wife on the street, but Misty has been dead for almost 17 years, an apparent suicide whose body was lost in the ocean. Garrett’s attempt to reach her ends in tragedy, leaving his two children alone in the world. Enter Sara Rochester, Misty’s cousin, whose guilt leads her to connect with and help care for Marina, 20, and Dylan, 16. Secrets are legion and revealed slowly as Healy unwinds this convoluted, often confusing, somewhat disjointed tale that ends on an oddly satisfying note. Agent: Meredith Smith, Creative Trust.

November 15, 2014

Although they are parents of a young daughter and a soon-to-be born son, Misty and Garrett have hit a rocky patch in their marriage. Garrett has a wandering eye that does not escape his wife's notice. She confronts him about his alleged relationship with a mutual friend, Sara, which he denies. Misty's fears escalate, and her mental health deteriorates, raising concerns as to whether she's a danger to herself or her children. Now a ghost, Misty narrates from beyond the grave as readers learn gradually about her alleged suicide and Garrett's death. As Misty tries to guide her children from the afterlife, she uncovers more secrets, especially those involving Sara. VERDICT Healy's (Afloat; Stranger Things) many fans will love this mesmerizing novel of supernatural suspense. Some may have difficulty keeping track of the time jumps and flashbacks, especially since those episodes are not easily distinguishable. Still, those CF readers who enjoyed Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones might want to try this.

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