The First Day of Spring

A Novel

By: Nancy Tucker

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

“Tense, addictive and powered by an unforgettable narrative voice.” - PAULA HAWKINS

"A stunning debut...Suspenseful? You bet. Heart-rending? From beginning to end."—The Washington Post

“Gripping…The voices of Chrissie and Julia reside deep in your skull: visceral and wicked, sad and wonderful, all at the same time.” —The New York Times

“Fans of Lisa Jewell and smart psychological suspense will eagerly await Tucker’s next.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

“So that was all it took,” I thought. “That was all it took for me to feel like I had all the power in the world. One morning, one moment, one yellow-haired boy. It wasn't so much after all.”


Meet Chrissie...

Chrissie is eight and she has a secret: she has just killed a boy. The feeling made her belly fizz like soda pop. Her playmates are tearful and their mothers are terrified, keeping them locked indoors. But Chrissie rules the roost -- she's the best at wall-walking, she knows how to get free candy, and now she has a feeling of power that she never gets at home, where food is scarce and attention scarcer.

Twenty years later, adult Chrissie is living in hiding under a changed name. A single mother, all she wants is for her daughter to have the childhood she herself was denied. That’s why the threatening phone calls are so terrifying. People are looking for them, the past is catching up, and Chrissie fears losing the only thing in this world she cares about, her child.

Nancy Tucker leaves the reader breathless as she inhabits her protagonist with a shocking authenticity that moves the reader from sympathy to humor to horror to heartbreak and back again.

Neglect and hunger

I rarely write reviews this one deserves it. It is an unflinching look at severe neglect. Some people just shouldn’t have children. Neglect is child abuse, this book examines the psychological damage and it’s affects on so many. A pebble thrown into the lake, watch the ripples.
Beautifully written, characters that you will take with you. The narrator was spot on. Listened twice. Cannot wait for the next one by Tucker.

A Child’s Mind

I am stunned from being inside the mind of this amazing child. A sad, poignant tale that rings true to the realities of life for many unloved, neglected children. Through it all there is a hope that love will triumph over tragedy! Excellent!!!

Gripping story

Not only is the story compelling, but the narrator brings the characters to life. Couldn’t wait to get in my car to listen to the next chapter.

simply amazing

This was such a riveting novel to read. It is one of the fastest books I've ever gone through, just so interesting! Getting the perspective of adult Chrissie and young Chrissie was perfect for this novel. My heart hurt for both. It is so sad how the people around you can change your entire life based on how you are treated growing up.

Heart wrenching and thought provoking

From the very first line in this book I was drawn in. I thought this was just going to be a suspense novel but it is so much more. Your heart will be broken and then mended by following Chrissje throughout her story. The characters are well developed even in their “badness”.