A Different Kind of Gone

A Novel

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Patricia Shade

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?

©2023 Catherine Ryan Hyde, Trustee, or Successor Trustee, of the Catherine Ryan Hyde Revocable Trust created under that certain declaration dated September 27, 1999. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Prolific author Hyde raises thorny issues around domestic violence, examines the power of misplaced guilt, and illustrates the bonds of shared experience in her take on a ripped-from-the-headlines story. Her characteristic empathy is on full display…”—Booklist

“In Catherine Ryan Hyde’s gripping novels, ordinary people become extraordinary because of their determination to do the right thing…No matter which Hyde book you read, life after that reading seems just a bit different, a bit more satisfying and a bit more hopeful.”—Bookreporter

Stereotypical topics were overemphasized.

I enjoyed the first part of this book, but topics were readdressed often and it got very boring towards the middle of the book.

the understanding of life's lessons

I loved it. Sure hope to see more of Norma or maybe a series. I am wowed.

Medium

As a big fan of Hyde’s writing I was anxious to get this latest book. For me, it did not measure up to her other work. The depth was missing & it moved very very slowly. I still look forward to her future work tho!

Deep meditation on Justice

I love CRH books, and this one was no exception. Some over-thinking and ruminating on the part of the characters, which became overkill for me. But in general, the focus on lying, and how that feels/spins a web that gets more complex was fascinating. As was the plot twists and turns.

The wisdom and honesty of Norma

I thought this was a very interesting story. I enjoy all of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books.

I usually love her stories

Every time I got in my car and the book started playing, I was disappointed that it wasn’t over yet.

Not my favorite CR Hyde book

Did not like the audio performance at all. Also the relationships among the main characters—Norma, Jill, Wanda, Betty—seemed rather far-fetched. I wasn’t excited about this book.

A Lot to Think About

This is a great story about friendship, relationships and human nature, told with love, wisdom and compassion.

wisdom

I liked the author’s treatment of abusive relationships. The author shoes a lot of wisdom.

Excellent!

Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books speak to your heart and soul. Every day characters brought together by difficult situations. Common within her books is a younger person learning from an older person. This book certainly was no different. Norma helped first one and then two abused young ladies. She became there Guardian without even trying to be. She learned from them as well. I believe this was the first book of hers that I’ve read that I did not cry over! Excellent writer with excellent themes. thank you for what you bring to the literary kingdom.