Douglas, Claire

Douglas’s (The Couple at Number 9) rural winter setting creates an eerie sense of place. Great for readers looking for a captivating mystery with big reveals.

Narrator Nathalie Buscombe brings many of the book’s women to life while Kenton Thomas brings a distinct voice and personality to Theo, whose connection to the three women becomes part of the larger mystery. All this and a mind-blowing plot twist that completely changes the whole complexion of the novel come together to create a mystery that gives listeners a punch in their collective gut and a tug on their heartstrings.

While too neatly wrapped up with some almost cloying concluding developments, readers will steadily question what they know about the dysfunctional McKenzies. For fans of Fiona Barton.

Thriller fans will enjoy the twists here, but vacationing readers may find the protagonists' circumstances especially disconcerting as they check all the closets of their summer rentals.