A Book A Week

This year has been brimming with intriguing thriller releases, adding numerous titles to my ever-expanding to-be-read list. One such addition was Sarah Pekkanen's Gone Tonight, which I eagerly included as soon as news of its release surfaced. Having previously enjoyed Pekkanen's collaborative works with Greer Hendricks, the prospect of her new solo venture captured my attention. While it took me a bit of time to finally open the book's pages, I found myself swiftly making my way through its content once I did.

How well do you truly know your parents? We often rely on them to fill in the gaps of their lives that existed before we came into the picture. Even in adulthood, there are still moments of discovery about our parents that surprise us. I find myself regularly uncovering new layers in the stories of my own parents. This sentiment resonates with Catherine Sterling, who believed she had a solid understanding of her mother. Ruth Sterling, a quiet and diligent individual, has been a constant companion and confidante throughout Catherine's lifetime. Together, they've shared cities and experiences, forming an inseparable bond.

Now, Catherine is on the brink of embarking on a new journey—a step into independent adulthood. A fresh job opportunity in a new city beckons, igniting her excitement to embrace this new phase. For Ruth, who has safeguarded Catherine all her life as a single mother, protection has been her priority. Every choice and sacrifice she's made has been for her daughter's safety and well-being. Ruth recognizes that Catherine places unwavering trust in her, a trust she has worked to cultivate. But as Catherine prepares to venture out on her own, Ruth confronts the unsettling reality that her protective measures, necessary though they may be, could drive a wedge between them. Ruth harbors a hidden past, carefully concealed from her daughter. And now, to ensure Catherine's continued safety, Ruth is prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to prevent her daughter from leaving.

Sarah Pekkanen's books have gained immense popularity in the thriller genre for good reason. Her knack for crafting intricate narratives centered around family drama makes her novels incredibly engaging. Right from the initial pages of Gone Tonight, I found myself captivated. Pekkanen employs a dual perspective, alternating between the mother and daughter's viewpoints, providing readers with insights that the other character is oblivious to. This narrative technique intensifies the suspense as revelations unfold.

While the overall execution is skillful, there are moments of inconsistency. The middle section, in particular, seemed to become entangled in the complexities it was weaving. Nevertheless, Pekkanen propels the plot forward, enticing readers to delve deeper into the enigmatic mother-daughter relationship. The story culminates in a gripping finale that left me breathless. One's response to this book might be influenced by their familiarity with the thriller genre. While parts of the narrative exhibit similarities to other thrillers, Pekkanen adds her own distinctive touch. As I delved further into the intricacies of the plot, I found myself increasingly willing to immerse in its uniqueness. Gone Tonight stands as a commendable thriller that held my attention through its consistently moving plot and unexpected character revelations.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 60)