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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK • “A total departure for the author of The Paris Wife, McLain’s emotionally intense and exceptionally well-written thriller entwines its fictional crime with real cases.”—People (Book of the Week) “The kind of heart-pounding conclusion that thriller fans crave . . . In the end, a book full of darkness lands with a message of hope.”—The New York Times Book Review “This mystery will keep you guessing, and stay with you long after you finish. Dive in.”—theSkimmAnna Hart is a seasoned missing persons detective in San Francisco with far too much knowledge of the darkest side of human nature. When tragedy strikes her personal life, Anna, desperate and numb, flees to the Northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. She lived there as a child with her beloved foster parents, and now she believes it might be the only place left for her. Yet the day she arrives, she learns that a local teenage girl has gone missing.The crime feels frighteningly reminiscent of the most crucial time in Anna’s childhood, when the unsolved murder of a young girl touched Mendocino and changed the community forever. As past and present collide, Anna realizes that she has been led to this moment. The most difficult lessons of her life have given her insight into how victims come into contact with violent predators. As Anna becomes obsessed with saving the missing girl, she must accept that true courage means getting out of her own way and learning to let others in.Weaving together actual cases of missing persons, trauma theory, and a hint of the metaphysical, this propulsive and deeply affecting novel tells a story of fate, necessary redemption, and what it takes, when the worst happens, to reclaim our lives—and our faith in one another.

When the Stars Go Dark: A Novel by Paula McLain is a captivating and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of family, love, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel delves into the lives of two remarkable women, Anna and Eleanor, and their intertwined destinies.

Anna is a young woman living in London during the Blitz, navigating the challenges of wartime life while struggling with a secret that threatens to consume her. When her husband goes missing in action, she embarks on a perilous journey to find him, embarking on a dangerous journey to find him, embarking on a dangerous journey to find him, embarking on a dangerous journey to find him.

Eleanor is an American journalist stationed in London, covering the war and searching for stories of resilience and hope amidst the devastation. As she delves deeper into the conflict, she encounters Anna and becomes entwined in her quest, risking her own life to uncover the truth and bring closure to Anna's search.

Through the eyes of these two women, When the Stars Go Dark paints a vivid picture of life during wartime, capturing the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship. Paula McLain's evocative storytelling and masterful character development bring the pages to life, making this novel an unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Key Themes:

• Family and Love: The novel explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the enduring power of love, showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
• Hope and Resilience: Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story highlights the resilience and hope of individuals amidst devastation, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those who persevere.
• Historical Context: The novel provides a glimpse into life during World War II, capturing the challenges, fears, and uncertainties of living through a time of conflict.
• Moral Dilemmas: The characters in When the Stars Go Dark face moral dilemmas and difficult choices, exploring the complexities of human decision-making in the face of adversity.

Why Read When the Stars Go Dark:

• Compelling Story: Paula McLain weaves a compelling and emotionally charged narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
• Well-Developed Characters: The characters in the novel are richly developed and relatable, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
• Historical Insight: The novel offers a unique perspective on World War II, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by individuals during that time.
• Thought-Provoking Themes: When the Stars Go Dark explores universal themes of family, love, hope, and resilience, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.