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.
In Paula McLain's gripping novel, "When the Stars Go Dark," the peaceful existence of a small town is shattered when children begin to vanish without a trace. As the community grapples with fear and uncertainty, two women find themselves at the heart of the mystery.
First, there's Anna, a dedicated police officer haunted by her own troubled past. Determined to solve the case, Anna immerses herself in the investigation, uncovering secrets and lies that threaten to tear the town apart.
Then there's Morgan, a young mother struggling to cope with her own personal demons. When her son becomes the latest victim, Morgan's world is turned upside down. Driven by desperation, she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her son and uncover the truth behind the disappearances.
As Anna and Morgan's paths intertwine, they uncover a complex web of corruption, deceit, and long-buried secrets. With each step closer to the truth, they find themselves in grave danger. Will they be able to save the missing children and expose the darkness that threatens to consume their town?
"When the Stars Go Dark" is a gripping and suspenseful read that explores the darkest corners of the human heart. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative writing, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Here are some additional details about the book:
- Author: Paula McLain
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Publication Date: May 2021
- Pages: 384
- ISBN: 978-0316445934
If you're looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read, "When the Stars Go Dark" is definitely worth checking out.
