If You Find Me

By: Emily Murdoch

Narrated by: Tai Sammons

A deeply compelling mix of high school drama and page-turning mystery that asks profound questions about family, truth, and love

Fourteen-year-old Carey and six-year-old Jenessa have been living in the woods with their mother for as long as they can remember; the sheltering trees and a broken-down camper are all they know. But what they’ve never been told is that Carey vanished from the real world ten years ago, when their mother took her, causing an uproar in the media - and in her father’s life.

Now, abandoned by the mother they trusted, they’re often left alone for long periods of time to fend for themselves - but, in one moment, everything changes. They’re found by Carey’s father and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world, one of shopping malls, shiny appliances, new clothes, and mouth-watering food. Carey desperately wants to believe in this new reality but is held back by a deep and painful loyalty to her mentally ill mother, who gave Carey her violin and taught her how to play the soaring music that helps her survive.

And then there’s the other piece of Carey’s past that haunts her, the story of what happened to her and Jenessa on that dark night in the woods - the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Will Carey ever be able to trust her father and his family enough to fit into this new life? Will Jenessa finally break her silence and ruin the cocoon of safety that Carey’s built so carefully around them? And what will happen if the secret comes out?

©2013 Emily Murdoch (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Critic reviews

“Grabbed me by the heart on page one and didn’t let go till the very last word. Murdoch’s language is lovely, her storytelling gripping.” (Carol Lynch Williams, PEN Award-winning author of The Chosen One)

“Within two pages, I was so hopelessly hooked, I felt like the story had attached itself to me…Original and suspenseful, but most of all, it was Carey’s voice that had me flipping the pages…One of those books you devour.” (Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List)

“Searing…Hurt my heart and will probably haunt my dreams—a beautiful book about survival, identity, family, love, and so much more.” (Jenny Downham, author of Before I Die)

Well-written characters, good story!

Tai Sammons really brings this book to life. I truly enjoyed this book! The author does a beautiful job with the characters and storylines.

WOW! Such an amazing read!

The story is well written with a 1st person narrative. The audio narrator nails the Tennessee back woods dialect. The plot is realistic with no sugarcoating, so prepare yourself for the ugly warts of our human condition!!! My heart ached for the protagonist, yet her courage and perseverance was admirable. Kudos to Ms. Murdoch for writing such a well-developed story!

Good story

This is a good story, but the fake southern accent from the reader is not realistic and made my skin crawl. If you can look past the accent it is great story.

Outstanding.

The story pulls you in and grabs your heart. The characters are well developed you feel like you know and understand them. The descriptions used to set each setting are spot on. The flow or pace of the story and the reading of it is soothing.

So very good!

Incredibly well done. Good story, excellent narration. Tremendous story - every minute worthwhile. Loved it all!