Six Weeks to Live

A Novel

By: Catherine McKenzie

Narrated by: Alex Allwine, Eileen Stevens, Julia Whelan, Caitlin Davies

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

In this international bestseller, a “twisty tale of secrets and lies that reverberate across generations of a dysfunctional family” (Michele Campbell, author of The Wife Who Knew Too Much), a woman diagnosed with cancer sets out to discover if someone poisoned her before her time is up.

Jennifer Barnes never expected the shocking news she received at a routine doctor’s appointment: she has a terminal brain tumor - and only six weeks left to live.

While stunned by the diagnosis, the 48-year-old mother decides to spend what little time she has left with her family - her adult triplets and twin grandsons - close by her side. But when she realizes she was possibly poisoned a year earlier, she’s determined to discover who might have tried to get rid of her before she’s gone for good.

Separated from her husband and with a contentious divorce in progress, Jennifer focuses her suspicions on her soon-to-be ex. Meanwhile, her daughters are each processing the news differently. Calm medical student Emily is there for whatever Jennifer needs. Moody scientist Aline, who keeps her mother at arm’s length, nonetheless agrees to help with the investigation. Even imprudent Miranda, who has recently had to move back home, is being unusually solicitous.

But with her daughters doubting her campaign against their father, Jennifer can’t help but wonder if the poisoning is all in her head - or if there’s someone else who wanted her dead. “Part whodunnit, part family drama, this textured and utterly spellbinding story unravels in surprising ways you won’t see coming” (Christina McDonald, USA Today best-selling author).

©2021 Catherine McKenzie. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Julia Whelan, as Jennifer, is powerful as she balances the challenges of facing death, focuses on her daughters, and fights to learn the truth. Alex Allwine perfectly captures Aline's hostility while also demonstrating the cracks in her armor as secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. These distinctive multidimensional characters weave together perfectly in this must-listen thriller." (AudioFile Magazine)

What a plot twist!!!

Very good listen and narration. Must listen to if you love a good plot twist. Finished it in one day.

Strange story

I didn’t like all of the profanity in the story. It really serves no purpose. I also didn’t like how in the end the killer got away with it. There was no real resolution. This book was ok and it took me a long time to finish. I do really like Julia Whelan’s performance in any audio book.

The ending will shock you

This book is something that I didn't think I would like, boy was I surprised, Its worth reading. The plots in the book take many twist and turns and draw you in. I don't want to give out to much of the story, but yes the title is correct, the main charater only has 6 weeks to live......and in those 6 weeks and lot happens...you will be on the edge of your seat to see whats going to happen next.

Exciting!

A tragic diagnosis and the family who is grieving their mother! When they learn about things in the the past there is anger and guilt but why?
I definitely recommend this book 🎧❤️

Good but Heartbreaking

I enjoyed getting to know the characters, their back-story and the pace of the unfolding. From the blurb, you know you’re getting into something less than light & fluffy but I wasn’t prepared for the depths I would feel listening to this.

Ok

Was hard to down load.
Will recommend to my friends and family
Like to listen to audio books while I walk my dog.

Great performance ensemble. Terrible Strory

I just did not care for this book at all. It is short at 9 hours and I listened to it for half a day. It goes round and round and at the end I was glad it was over. The story was boring and slow and the end was unsatisfying. The cover teasers make the story sound far more sinister than it is. It is about a horrible woman with three horrible daughters. It is kind of like a poorly written Grimms Fairy Tale. If you like burn pits and poison then this book may be one you enjoy.

I will listen anything Julia Whelen narrates. The entire ensemble cast drives this story and for me that was the sole redeeming quality of this audiobook.

Interesting, engaging, "must get to the end"

A uniquely written plot that leaves you guessing until the end. Looked forward to having car time so I could get back to listening. A psychological mystery that moved fast as it unfolds dark and disturbing family secrets. The audio presentation was well done. At the end, I felt satisfied and unsatisfied all at the same time, but not in a bad way. Read or listen to find out for yourself. Definitely recommend.

Awful

The blurb sounded very intriguing, but the story fell flat. There are too many characters, all unlikable, and too many narrators. There are too many secrets and revelations to be credible. The writing style and dialogue is often juvenile. The story is far-fetched and a tedious listen. Patients can live for years with a stage 4 glioblastoma. It seems unlikely that a doctor would offer such a specific "6 weeks to live" prognosis.

Terrible narration, predictable conclusion.

This book was not very well written, and it was pretty easy to guess how it was going to end. However, I would have liked it better with different narrators – not only were the voices annoying, but the delivery of individual sentences was often stilted or off the mark.