Closer Than You Know

A Novel

De: Brad Parks

Narrado por: Emily Rankin

Brad Parks delivers another riveting, emotionally powerful stand-alone domestic suspense thriller perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and What She Knew.

Disaster, Melanie Barrick was once told, is always closer than you know.

It was a lesson she learned the hard way growing up in the constant upheaval of foster care. But now that she's survived into adulthood - with a loving husband, a steady job, and a beautiful baby boy named Alex - she thought that turmoil was behind her.

Until one Tuesday evening when she goes to pick up Alex from childcare only to discover he's been removed by Social Services. And no one will say why. It's a terrifying scenario for any parent, but doubly so for Melanie, who knows the unintended horrors of what everyone coldly calls "the system".

Her nightmare mushrooms when she arrives home to learn her house has been raided by sheriff's deputies, who have found enough cocaine to send Melanie to prison for years. The evidence against her is overwhelming, and if Melanie can't prove her innocence, she'll lose Alex forever.

Meanwhile, assistant commonwealth's attorney Amy Kaye - who has been assigned Melanie's case - has her own troubles. She's been dogged by a cold case no one wants her to pursue: a serial rapist who has avoided detection by wearing a mask and whispering his commands. Over the years, he has victimized dozens of women.

Including Melanie. Yet now her attacker might be the key to her salvation...or her undoing.

©2018 Brad Parks (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

A Kirkus Best Book of 2018: “Parks dishes out another irresistible descent into hell.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Parks has produced a gripping story, masterfully drawn.” (Oprah.com, Editor’s Pick)

“Another winning tale of domestic suspense from the Shamus- and Nero Award-winning author Parks, who knows how to get readers to empathize emotionally with his characters while amping up the tension and suspense from the first page.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Well, I didn’t expect that!!

Great plot, great story, great narration. Had me hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommend!

Get it

So different than other novels, I could feel her pain. Couldn’t stop listening, must read - definitely get it!

Good entertainment, but not believable

The narrator was incredible. The characters were well defined. The plot kept you guessing. For me, I just could not believe all the bad that happened to mother. Child protective services, the police, attorneys, and anyone knowing anything about her, would never have believed she had anything to do with all of the charges she was convicted of. Having said that, I still enjoyed the book and really enjoy Brad Parks' writing. I will continue to read his books. Sometimes we just need to be entertained with way off the Richter scale storylines!

Kept Me Guessing

The characters were well developed and the story line original. Can’t wait to find another of his books.

This book..really really liked it

Don’t usually write a full review I listen to at least 3 a week. That being said, this one is a different take on my usual psych thriller. I truly enjoyed it. The characters, the protagonist especially, is likable and well developed. There are some eye roll moments and one that runs throughout, but, it’s absolutely forgivable in this great book. Worth a credit.

Plot twist is off the hook.

Semi spoiler :: Just got to the plot twist, culminating action - pretty darn good. Five chapters to go? Ok, I am at the top of the roller coaster.

Dives in, then slows down and picks up steam

I debated whether to give 3 or 4 stars as I was reading this, since it was interesting and easy to follow, but it didn't quite have that quality that made me not want to put it down. But once I got about half or 3 quarters of the way through, it earned that 4th star; toward the end I wanted to keep reading whenever I could. I wasn't sure at first, but I would recommend this book.

Now this is SUSPENSE!!!!

I really enjoy Brad Parks and have recently completed his Carter Ross series which I recommend along with his other stand alone Say Nothing.
The publisher's summary gives a great description to this book. To say any more would give away the story. What you don't get from this is the nail biting, heart racing anger and frustration the mother (Melanie Barrick) must have been feeling when she finds her son was removed by social services from his daycare provider. Or the "perfect couple" who fostered her her three month old son. Or that the protagonist grew up in foster care and knows how cruel the system can be.
The characters are so fleshed out you know them like a neighbor You know where they've been and what they want to do with their lives.
The descriptions are vivid. You can actually SEE the devastation of Melanie's home following the search by the police. There's just something a little too perfect about the case against Melanie and the evidence too airtight. Add that the district attorney wants to rush this to trial and the assistant DA already knows her from a serial rapist who is terrorizing the community.
Emily Rankin does an outstanding job narrating. She gets the emotions just right.
This book has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
If you found this review helpful please indicate so.
Thank You.

I've read much better

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I don't think I would. I was a bit annoyed.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It was somewhat annoying. I find a story more enjoyable when the plot is somewhat reasonable. I don't like it when law enforcement look like idiots.

Which scene was your favorite?

none

Did Closer Than You Know inspire you to do anything?

write this review

captivating and suspenseful down to the last sec

wonderful story line. many twists and turns. I think I could listen to Emily Rankin narrate the back of a ketchup bottle. I love her story telling.