The One I Left Behind

By: Jennifer McMahon

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

The summer of 1985 changes Reggie’s life. An awkward thirteen-year-old, she finds herself mixed up with the school outcasts. That same summer, a serial killer called Neptune begins kidnapping women. He leaves their severed hands on the police department steps and, five days later, displays their bodies around town. Just when Reggie needs her mother, Vera, the most, Vera’s hand is found on the steps. But after five days, there’s no body and Neptune disappears.

Now, twenty-five years later, Reggie is a successful architect who has left her hometown and the horrific memories of that summer behind. But when she gets a call revealing that her mother has been found alive, Reggie must confront the ghosts of her past and find Neptune before he kills again.

Bit slow to start

Absolutely loved the narrator. You could picture each character as she talked about them.
It took a bit to get the story going and keep me interested but I loved it anyway. I enjoyed her writing and can’t wait for another book by Jenifer McMahon.

It’s good then real good then *meh*

I enjoy Jennifer McMahon’s writing, but I am a bit frustrated with the ending. The story keeps you guessing and engaged and you want to know what happens next and then it feels a bit rushed… *shrug*

really good

I love books that leave me guessing and this one did just that....all the way until the end.

Kept me guessing

Another great story by Jennifer McMahon. Interesting story with plenty of realistic characters and a plot line that keeps you guessing. Julia Whelan’s expressive reading voice adds to the story.

Couldn't Stop Listening ~ Sucked Me In!!!

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked how the author told the story, alternating between 1985, 2010 and excerpts from the fictional book within the book about the case. Doing it this way not only added suspense to the story but wonderful background, clues and was a great way to tell us important info in a creative way. There are a lot of sub plots as well which were very entertaining. She also describes scenes in a way that is realistic and easy to visualize. Great story, great ending.

What does Julia Whelan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I actually bought this book BECAUSE Julia narrated it. I clicked on her name to see what else she has done after I heard her in Gone Girl. I think I'll keep selecting books this way. Not only did she go to college in my hometown (side note) :) but she has an amazing ability to capture any character with a different voice no matter if they are old, young, male or female. It's all believable. Her natural voice as a narrator is confident, has an excellent cadence and very easy to listen to. It never sounds like it's the first time she's reading the book (unlike other narrators).

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! I listen to books in the car during my commute. With this book I found myself listening at home with headphones during any free moment!