The Ones We Love

A Novel

By: Anna Snoekstra

Narrated by: Aimee Smith

Can they survive what’s behind the padlocked door?

Since the weekend of the party—the one twenty-two-year-old Liv can’t remember, the one that left her covered in bruises—she’s been locked out of her bedroom by a padlock. Her parents are behaving oddly and her best friend won’t respond to her texts. Maybe she really was out of control that night?

Meanwhile Liv’s father, Janus, is not sure he can do what is necessary to keep this secret hidden. He brought his family from Australia to Los Angeles to chase his dream of seeing his novel on the big screen, and he can’t let them down. Not again.

Kay gave up everything when she had Liv and Casper. So now she’ll do whatever she has to do to take care of them. Her marriage, though, is a different story. And the neighbors—well, she’ll just have to be more careful.

Casper, the youngest, was away that weekend, but he knows something isn’t right. His parents don’t look each other in the eye anymore. His father’s hands tremble for no reason. And where does Liv keep disappearing to in the middle of the night? Casper decides to find out what no one will tell him about that weekend. What lies behind the padlocked door?

Critic reviews

"Anna Snoekstra masterfully builds tension as the family's polished façade begins to crack. This fifth novel is her strongest yet — smart, unnerving, and oozing with tension." –The Australian

“The Ones We Love is a thriller that’s so much more than a page-turner -- although it’s certainly that, too! This is a book that’s about the meaning of family, and the bonds that connect us even as we drift apart. Anna Snoekstra has written a gripping and emotional story that’s full of surprises.” —Janelle Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Watch Me Disappear and What Kind of Paradise

"Slow, creeping dread. Hot, listless LA. A story about the things we can’t say to people closest to us. Anna Snoekstra’s The Ones We Love will make your spine tingle in the best way." —Hayley Scrivenor, internationally bestselling author of Dirt Town and Girl Falling

"I loved it so much. It's a beautifully written suspense about the ways a family grows apart, and what they're willing to sacrifice for each other, with a satisfying mystery at its core. Highly, highly recommend!" —Katie Gutierrez, national bestselling author of More Than You'll Ever Know

“Artfully tense and unsettling, The Ones We Love explores family crises, survival strategies and the difference between our public and most private behaviors. A guaranteed page-turner with heart and depth.” —Anna Downes, bestselling author of The Safe Place and Red River Road

"A gripping exploration of family secrets and the veneer of a perfect family, The Ones We Love is a moving and unforgettable read that will stay with you." —J.P. Pomare, #1 internationally bestselling author of In The Clearing and The Last Guests

"The Ones We Love is a raw examination of family, with page-turning twists and memorable characters. What more could you want?" —Christian White, internationally bestselling author of The Wife and the Widow and The Ledge

"Perfect prose, pacing and plot. An absolute page turner which I couldn’t put down." —Aoife Clifford, award-winning author of It Takes A Town

"Shocking and enthralling from the first page to the last! The Ones We Love oozes tension with every ominous chapter. Anna Snoekstra deftly portrays a family gripped by uncertainty and desperation." —Ashley Kalagian Blunt, #1 internationally bestselling author of Dark Mode

5 hours in... should I finish?

This book is really slow. I have 5 hours left trying to decide to return for credit or keep going. I want to know the ending but if it's anything like the rest of the book I'll be underwhelmed. Voice for main female character is very odd, i keep forgetting their from Australia when her voice sounds more of a Chinese/mandarin accent. Which is fine but makes it hard to paint a picture of the family in your mind when I keep imagining a more Chinese culture and family life not Australian.
I'm very bored with the story so far. Might just return.

Five stars

This was an absorbing and suspenseful story with excellent character development. It explored the tension between individuation and one’s role in a family within the context of an intriguing mystery.

I hadn’t read any of this author’s work before, but I will be checking out her other books.