Status
Available
Call number
Publication
St. Martin's Griffin
Pages
308
Description
One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn't add up. Looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister's return might just be the beginning of the crime.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
Physical description
308 p.; 8.25 inches
ISBN
9781250141422
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User reviews
LibraryThing member susan0316
This is the second book that I've read by Wendy Walker and she just keeps on getting better. I loved this book and once I started it, I didn't put it down until I finished it. This was a fantastic suspense novel with a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Cass was 15 when she showed up at her
Cass and all the investigators main goal is to find Emma but is that going to happen or is Emma's location another secret to uncover.
This is a fantastic suspense novel and as the facts are revealed slowly, the reader is kept in suspense as to the final outcome. I look forward to what this author will write in her next novel.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest opinion.
Cass was 15 when she showed up at her
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mother's door after being gone for three years. She and her sister Emma had disappeared the same night and after exhaustive FBI searches, it was assumed that they had been kidnapped or they were dead. When Cass showed up she was unable to tell her parents exactly where she'd been and more importantly where her sister Emma was. It is apparent that she is keeping secrets but no one knows why. Among the investigators was forensic scientist Abby Winter who had investigated during the first search for the girls and has secrets of her own to keep hidden. Cass and all the investigators main goal is to find Emma but is that going to happen or is Emma's location another secret to uncover.
This is a fantastic suspense novel and as the facts are revealed slowly, the reader is kept in suspense as to the final outcome. I look forward to what this author will write in her next novel.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member fredreeca
This is twisted!! That's the only way I know how to describe this novel, COMPLETELY TWISTED!
Emma and her sister,Cass, have disappeared. Three years later Cass returns home with a strange story about her and Emma's whereabouts. I really do not want to get into more of the story than that. I will
A large amount of research went into this novel. I learned a great deal about narcissistic behavior and its effects on a family. The coping mechanisms of a family member to survive this disorder are incredible.
I have no words to describe the creativity of Wendy Walker. She can come up with some psycho characters and tales which take a long time to get over. Her first novel, All is Not Forgotten, was a five star read for me. Just like this book….I did not want to give the story away. You must read these novels, especially if you love psychological thrillers.
The story bogs down a little for me in the middle. This is the only reason I did not give a five star read. But the twist at the end……oh my my! "What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." – Walter Scott
"I could feel the scream inside me. I had felt it that morning when I had to cover my mouth with a pillow so no one would hear." - Emma in the Night
I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.
Emma and her sister,Cass, have disappeared. Three years later Cass returns home with a strange story about her and Emma's whereabouts. I really do not want to get into more of the story than that. I will
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give something away. And believe me….you do not want to know about it till you read it!A large amount of research went into this novel. I learned a great deal about narcissistic behavior and its effects on a family. The coping mechanisms of a family member to survive this disorder are incredible.
I have no words to describe the creativity of Wendy Walker. She can come up with some psycho characters and tales which take a long time to get over. Her first novel, All is Not Forgotten, was a five star read for me. Just like this book….I did not want to give the story away. You must read these novels, especially if you love psychological thrillers.
The story bogs down a little for me in the middle. This is the only reason I did not give a five star read. But the twist at the end……oh my my! "What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." – Walter Scott
"I could feel the scream inside me. I had felt it that morning when I had to cover my mouth with a pillow so no one would hear." - Emma in the Night
I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.
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LibraryThing member mootzymom
This book kept me reading obsessively. As Cass spun her take explaining her 3 year disappearance I found myself next to Dr. Abby trying to discern between truth and the trap she was setting for her mother. The truth was far more sinister than I could have ever expected.
LibraryThing member ebrahmstadt
This was a rather interesting book focused on a family led by a narcissistic mother. Two teenagers disappeared 3 years ago, one has returned and the search for the other one ensues. We uncover a rather convoluted plan to reveal the truth about what happened three years ago. I must admit I was not
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expecting the end. Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for copy in exchange for an honest review. Show Less
LibraryThing member JenniferLynn
I loved this book!!! As soon as I started to read it, I didn't want to put it down. Everything about it was awesome- the story, writing style and characters. Some of the characters were horrible human beings but they just added even more to the whole book.
Cass and Emma disappeared from home without
Honestly, I never guessed the ending, but it was a great twist on what I thought happened. Judy was one of the worst mothers. It's hard to imagine anyone could be that terrible. The story about the reason behind Emma's haircut and the necklace were horrible. Cass's stepfather and stepbrother were also equally unbalanced. I'm surprised how normal Cass was after growing up in that household.
I definitely recommend this book. It's a quick read because you will not want to put it down. It was one of the best books I have read this year. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author, Wendy Walker, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
Cass and Emma disappeared from home without
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a trace. Emma's car was found at the beach with her purse and keys inside. Judy, their mother, claimed they were fighting over a necklace before they both disappeared. Three years later, Cass shows up at her mom's door and tells everyone they need to find Emma. Cass tells her story and gives details about her life on the isolated island and how she was finally able to escape.Honestly, I never guessed the ending, but it was a great twist on what I thought happened. Judy was one of the worst mothers. It's hard to imagine anyone could be that terrible. The story about the reason behind Emma's haircut and the necklace were horrible. Cass's stepfather and stepbrother were also equally unbalanced. I'm surprised how normal Cass was after growing up in that household.
I definitely recommend this book. It's a quick read because you will not want to put it down. It was one of the best books I have read this year. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author, Wendy Walker, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
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LibraryThing member muddyboy
This a very interesting novel about perhaps the most dysfunctional family I have ever read about (fiction or non fiction). There is not physical abuse but everything else under the sun occurs. The core character is Cass who has an older sister, a narcissistic mother and a creepy step father and
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brother. The primary plot mover is the disappearance of the two girls for a period of three years when Cass reappears out of the blue but her sister is still missing. All sorts of dirty laundry come out during the search process. A really captivating book perfect for a movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cherylk
I read All is not Forgotten. It was fine but wow, what a two hundred degree improvement this book is. Literally, I could not stop reading. From the beginning, I was hooked. The story was fresh and thought provoking. A true psychological thriller. I will tell you that while I was half right in my
Each character played their part well. Yet, it was truly the women that lead the pack with Cass, her mother, and Dr. Abby Walker. Each one brought a different level to the story. Abby with her obsession to the case. Cass's mother being a narcissist, and Cass..master puppeteer or innocent victim. Don't miss out on one of the best books of 2017!
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guess about how the story would end, I was still blind sided with shock on how the story truly ended. Each character played their part well. Yet, it was truly the women that lead the pack with Cass, her mother, and Dr. Abby Walker. Each one brought a different level to the story. Abby with her obsession to the case. Cass's mother being a narcissist, and Cass..master puppeteer or innocent victim. Don't miss out on one of the best books of 2017!
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LibraryThing member irregularreader
Three years ago, sisters Emma and Cass disappeared. Now Cass has returned, but what happened to Emma? As Cass begins telling her family and the FBI about what happened to her and her sister, it becomes clear that there are many hidden depths to Cass’s story, and that multiple people are playing
God, I have read a lot of psychological thrillers in this vein recently. With the success of titles like The Girl on the Train and In a Dark, Dark Wood, these types of books are definitely in vogue. And I do generally enjoy this genre; but even I’m starting to feel worn down by plot twist after plot twist. I’m going to try very hard not to make Emma in the Night suffer for my over-saturation.
This book is a fine example of the genre. Walker keeps us guessing for most of the book about who can be trusted and who cannot. The character of Cass is definitely front and center, and those surrounding her, especially her mother, sister, and the FBI psychologist interviewing her are left a bit flat by comparison. I did enjoy the slow pulling back the layers of the months and years preceding Cass and Emma’s disappearance. Walker’s portrayal of the facade of a typical upper-middle-class home hiding dark secrets was well done.
So if you (unlike me) are not burned out on a genre turned into the literary equivalent of an IPA, this book has a lot to offer. Fans of Paula Hawkins and Ruth Ware will like this book.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
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for their own ends. The more Cass reveals, the more questions arise. And it is impossible to tell who, if anyone, can be trusted to tell the truth about Emma.God, I have read a lot of psychological thrillers in this vein recently. With the success of titles like The Girl on the Train and In a Dark, Dark Wood, these types of books are definitely in vogue. And I do generally enjoy this genre; but even I’m starting to feel worn down by plot twist after plot twist. I’m going to try very hard not to make Emma in the Night suffer for my over-saturation.
This book is a fine example of the genre. Walker keeps us guessing for most of the book about who can be trusted and who cannot. The character of Cass is definitely front and center, and those surrounding her, especially her mother, sister, and the FBI psychologist interviewing her are left a bit flat by comparison. I did enjoy the slow pulling back the layers of the months and years preceding Cass and Emma’s disappearance. Walker’s portrayal of the facade of a typical upper-middle-class home hiding dark secrets was well done.
So if you (unlike me) are not burned out on a genre turned into the literary equivalent of an IPA, this book has a lot to offer. Fans of Paula Hawkins and Ruth Ware will like this book.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
I read Wendy Walker’s book “All is Not Forgotten” so was looking forward to reading this one. I love psychological thrillers.
Sisters Emma and Cass Tanner mysteriously disappear one night. Then three years later, Cass just as mysteriously returns home – alone. Cass describes how she and Emma
I must say that the Tanner family is the epitome of a dysfunctional family. Cass and Emma’s parents, Owen and Judy, are divorced. Owen has a son named Witt from his first marriage. (Witt is the only stable one in the bunch.) Judy then marries Jonathan Martin who has a teenage son named Hunter. Judy now insists that her own daughter call her “Mrs. Martin”. This mother is a real “piece of cake”. She has a narcissistic personality disorder. If you are not familiar with this disorder, it means that she has an inflated sense of her own importance, with a constant need to feel admired. Since she believes the world revolves around her, she is incapable of feeling empathy for others. But behind all this, she has a very fragile self-esteem and cannot handle the slightest criticism. Imagine having her for a mother…
I found the pace to be very slow. I almost gave up on it several times. I didn’t find any of the characters engaging, and the only one that drew any emotion from me was Witt. While the story is told from the perspectives of Cass and Dr. Winter, it is written in third person. Thus the reader is unable to get into the head of the characters and left me with a feeling of detachment (the same complaint I had with “All is Not Forgotten”). The only chapter I felt any visceral response to was the last one, written as a first person perspective from Cass.
It is suspenseful, and it does have a twist. If you are not familiar with the behavior of a narcissist and how the disorder impacts those close to the person, it may be worth the read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Sisters Emma and Cass Tanner mysteriously disappear one night. Then three years later, Cass just as mysteriously returns home – alone. Cass describes how she and Emma
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were kidnapped and held against their will on a remote island. Dr. Abby Winter, a forensic psychiatrist with the FBI, and Special Agent Leo Strauss return to the case that had gone cold on them a year earlier. Now the search is resumed but this time only for Emma. What happened the night the girls disappeared? Where have they been for three years? And where is Emma?I must say that the Tanner family is the epitome of a dysfunctional family. Cass and Emma’s parents, Owen and Judy, are divorced. Owen has a son named Witt from his first marriage. (Witt is the only stable one in the bunch.) Judy then marries Jonathan Martin who has a teenage son named Hunter. Judy now insists that her own daughter call her “Mrs. Martin”. This mother is a real “piece of cake”. She has a narcissistic personality disorder. If you are not familiar with this disorder, it means that she has an inflated sense of her own importance, with a constant need to feel admired. Since she believes the world revolves around her, she is incapable of feeling empathy for others. But behind all this, she has a very fragile self-esteem and cannot handle the slightest criticism. Imagine having her for a mother…
I found the pace to be very slow. I almost gave up on it several times. I didn’t find any of the characters engaging, and the only one that drew any emotion from me was Witt. While the story is told from the perspectives of Cass and Dr. Winter, it is written in third person. Thus the reader is unable to get into the head of the characters and left me with a feeling of detachment (the same complaint I had with “All is Not Forgotten”). The only chapter I felt any visceral response to was the last one, written as a first person perspective from Cass.
It is suspenseful, and it does have a twist. If you are not familiar with the behavior of a narcissist and how the disorder impacts those close to the person, it may be worth the read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
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LibraryThing member cburnett5
Emma in the Night is a page-turner that I didn’t want to put down until I finished the very last page. Two teenage girls disappear, and three years later only one returns. Cassie shows up on her mother and stepfather’s front porch panicked and hysterically asking them to help her find her
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sister Emma claiming both girls were kidnapped and held on an island. And so the story begins…. Where is Emma? Is Cassie telling the truth? Why is their mother so awful? As I have stated in many a review, this thriller genre where the narrator may or may not be telling the truth is heavily overloaded, and many of the plots are obvious or unbelievable. Thankfully, Emma in the Night is neither, instead it is clever and ultimately credible. As I kept reading, I was frequently curious as to where the story was going and how it would end. To me, that is the mark of a good book. I definitely recommend Emma in the Night, especially if you like to read thrillers. Show Less
LibraryThing member iadam
I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Whoa, a true textbook picture of a narcissistic mother and how her behaviors affect the entire family. So many family secrets, lies, and twists and
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turns. Creepy and disturbing. A warped, mentally ill mother. I couldn’t put it down. There was never a dull moment. An extremely well written psychological thriller with an amazing plot and excellent character development. The author kept me guessing right up until the ending. This book is well worth the read and I look forward to reading more from Wendy Walker in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member debkrenzer
I think this has to be one of the most dysfunctional families that I have ever read about in fiction. The mother suffers from a narcissistic condition that keeps her making sure that she is the best at everything there is. Her daughters must constantly tell her that she is the best mom. Her husband
The mother in this book has started a war and the daughters are done with being soldiers on a battlefield. The results are very dangerous in this well written book. I do have to say that I did not finish the first book written by this author. I didn't realize that until I had finished this one, however. My main concern was that there was a lot of psychological chatter and diagnoses. Something I was not expecting in the first book. With this book I went into it just knowing that two sisters ran away and one reappeared after three years. I think I enjoyed this one a lot better because I had no preconceived notions and the "psych" jargon didn't really bother. Actually, it was very interesting.
I read this book all in one sitting and will definitely take another look at Wendy Walker's first book as I didn't finish it the first time.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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has to constantly tell her that she is the best wife and he has to insure that he does nothing to convey any other message. The penalties for not following the rules of the mother are very severe. You can be cut out of the mother's life very easily. A punishment that really messes with children, young and old alike.The mother in this book has started a war and the daughters are done with being soldiers on a battlefield. The results are very dangerous in this well written book. I do have to say that I did not finish the first book written by this author. I didn't realize that until I had finished this one, however. My main concern was that there was a lot of psychological chatter and diagnoses. Something I was not expecting in the first book. With this book I went into it just knowing that two sisters ran away and one reappeared after three years. I think I enjoyed this one a lot better because I had no preconceived notions and the "psych" jargon didn't really bother. Actually, it was very interesting.
I read this book all in one sitting and will definitely take another look at Wendy Walker's first book as I didn't finish it the first time.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member JanJanFreeman
Cass and Emma Tanner are the famous sisters that mysteriously disappeared three years ago. Now, only Cass has returned. What happened to Emma? That's exactly what Dr. Abby Winter is going to find out. What she has discovered in the last three years since the girls vanished and her investigation
I loved this book and found it masterfully created. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger that made me as a reader want to read "just one more chapter" for several chapters. It was told in alternating perspectives between Cass and Abby (Dr. Winter) which I thought enhanced the story as it gave deeper perspective into both characters as well as gave different views on the supporting characters.
To be more personal than I have been in any of my previous reviews, I cannot explain well enough to give it justice just how immensely tied to this book I was. I had to put it down some chapters because it related too well to my childhood with a narcissistic mother that too much of it in one sitting could be overwhelming. Fortunately, I were raised mostly by my (selfless, hilarious, and dedicated) father so I did not have the damages quite as bad as these girls, but the scars are still there. Time does not actually heal all wounds. Some scars will always remain, even if they are hidden just under the surface.
There are variances with every family and experience with any personality disorder. Yet there were pages and pages that I kept highlighting and excitedly screaming out "YES! Exactly!". It was fascinating to see what I experienced play out in a fictional tale. The quote that I had to read over and over because it was accurate, relatable, and glaringly honest was:
"Mrs. Martin had never been punished for anything she had ever done. She was a master illusionist. Even people trained to see, even people looking for exactly what was there to be seen, could still not see".
I am immensely pleased that Wendy Walker had the courage and skill to take this topic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and create a story that is masterful regardless of if a reader has had an experience with it. There has only been one other book that I have read on this topic several years ago, Dr. Karyl McBride's Will I Ever Be Good Enough?. This book was nonfiction and absolutely changed my life because it put the facts of Narcissistic Mothers in my face and helped me learn how to cope and live my own life. If you are someone who has gone through an experience with someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, particularly with a Narcissistic mother, I highly recommend both Will I Ever Be Good Enough? and Emma in the Night. You should also know that you are not alone!
I would also recommend this book for those readers who are fans of surprise twists as there are several. Furthermore, the ending is unexpected, twisted, and genius.
For those who may be offended: there was foul language, sexually explicit scenarios, drug use, alcohol use, infidelity, incest, and child abuse.
Please note: an electronic copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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begun is one thing: nothing is what it seems. Dr. Abby Winter knows firsthand how traumatizing it can be to have a childhood ruled by a narcissistic mother. That is what got her into this line of work in the first place. But can she keep her past from clouding her judgement in the present?I loved this book and found it masterfully created. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger that made me as a reader want to read "just one more chapter" for several chapters. It was told in alternating perspectives between Cass and Abby (Dr. Winter) which I thought enhanced the story as it gave deeper perspective into both characters as well as gave different views on the supporting characters.
To be more personal than I have been in any of my previous reviews, I cannot explain well enough to give it justice just how immensely tied to this book I was. I had to put it down some chapters because it related too well to my childhood with a narcissistic mother that too much of it in one sitting could be overwhelming. Fortunately, I were raised mostly by my (selfless, hilarious, and dedicated) father so I did not have the damages quite as bad as these girls, but the scars are still there. Time does not actually heal all wounds. Some scars will always remain, even if they are hidden just under the surface.
There are variances with every family and experience with any personality disorder. Yet there were pages and pages that I kept highlighting and excitedly screaming out "YES! Exactly!". It was fascinating to see what I experienced play out in a fictional tale. The quote that I had to read over and over because it was accurate, relatable, and glaringly honest was:
"Mrs. Martin had never been punished for anything she had ever done. She was a master illusionist. Even people trained to see, even people looking for exactly what was there to be seen, could still not see".
I am immensely pleased that Wendy Walker had the courage and skill to take this topic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and create a story that is masterful regardless of if a reader has had an experience with it. There has only been one other book that I have read on this topic several years ago, Dr. Karyl McBride's Will I Ever Be Good Enough?. This book was nonfiction and absolutely changed my life because it put the facts of Narcissistic Mothers in my face and helped me learn how to cope and live my own life. If you are someone who has gone through an experience with someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, particularly with a Narcissistic mother, I highly recommend both Will I Ever Be Good Enough? and Emma in the Night. You should also know that you are not alone!
I would also recommend this book for those readers who are fans of surprise twists as there are several. Furthermore, the ending is unexpected, twisted, and genius.
For those who may be offended: there was foul language, sexually explicit scenarios, drug use, alcohol use, infidelity, incest, and child abuse.
Please note: an electronic copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member dazedbybooks
I really want to give this book 4 stars, but I just can't. Living with and suffering through years of my life with a true narcissist, I felt a little more critical of the characters and their actions and relationships. Note, I'm not talking about the "narcissist" title that is overused to describe
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the self-absorbed, but the REAL and what Walker describes as "someone who is seeking validation for their own self-doubts and shortcomings, using manipulation to elevate their own self-esteem". From my experience, the manipulation is much more subtle and very hidden to outsiders. I also believe (and my experience and research support this theory) that a true narcissist will cling to a specific, targeted person, especially a codependent person (which I think perfectly describes Cass), who has a need to take care of and constantly praise their appearance, intelligence, accomplishments, etc. This book does have a very intriguing plot, and I was hooked into figuring out every last detail, and I was not able to figure out any of the answers myself, so for that, it was masterfully pulled together. I was not prepared for the outcome, but I was not disappointed by the ending at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member beckyhaase
EMMA IN THE NIGHT by Wendy Walker
This psychological thriller held my attention during the read, but two days after finishing it I have completely forgotten it. Two sisters disappear one night and three years later only one returns home.
There are lots of lies, innuendoes, miss directions and scary
So, is this a good book? Well it will hold your interest and is a good beach read. Is it profound? Not really.
4 of stars
This psychological thriller held my attention during the read, but two days after finishing it I have completely forgotten it. Two sisters disappear one night and three years later only one returns home.
There are lots of lies, innuendoes, miss directions and scary
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characters. Emma is quite well drawn. The other characters are known only in retrospect. The plot will keep you guessing until the end.So, is this a good book? Well it will hold your interest and is a good beach read. Is it profound? Not really.
4 of stars
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
All good psychological thrillers deserve to be read with no inkling of what is to come. Therefore, this will be nothing but my attempt to gush about Emma in the Night without any spoilers. Prepare yourself for a lot of gushing.
Yes, Emma in the Night uses some of the same tropes that have always
The entire premise – of two sisters missing and one returning without the other – is intriguing in its own right. But from the moment we first meet Cass, you know this is not going to be a typical whodunit novel. Moreover, while you know Cass is hiding something and it would be all too easy to dismiss her as an unreliable narrator, there is something about her that prevents you from doing so. You take what she has to say at face value, which only muddies the various agendas and prevents a clear picture of where it is all going.
The rest of the characters flow in the same way. Filled with secrets and possible ulterior motives, you spend as much time wondering what is true as you do wondering what the endgame is. The final secret is one that leaves you in awe at the masterful way Ms. Walker steers readers towards the ending without giving away a single thing.
What made the novel for me was the narcissistic parent. This is not the same self-absorbed parent we typically see in any novel. This is a whole new level of narcissism, as in an actual disease of the mind. Ms. Walker does an amazing job explaining the difference and its rarity. Plus, she creates a character that is entirely believable even as the character is doing the most despicable things. Watching this parent manipulate others is equal parts revolting and fascinating, and the degree of the manipulation will shock even the most hardened reader. Yet, the behavior fits with everything we learn about the parent. Combined with Cass’ earnestness and Dr. Winter’s emotional involvement, it makes for an unputdownable novel.
Yes, Emma in the Night uses some of the same tropes that have always
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been used in psychological thrillers. We have the jaded psychiatrist, a dysfunctional family, and a mystery where things are not as they seem. It is how Wendy Walker puts them all together that makes the story so engrossing.The entire premise – of two sisters missing and one returning without the other – is intriguing in its own right. But from the moment we first meet Cass, you know this is not going to be a typical whodunit novel. Moreover, while you know Cass is hiding something and it would be all too easy to dismiss her as an unreliable narrator, there is something about her that prevents you from doing so. You take what she has to say at face value, which only muddies the various agendas and prevents a clear picture of where it is all going.
The rest of the characters flow in the same way. Filled with secrets and possible ulterior motives, you spend as much time wondering what is true as you do wondering what the endgame is. The final secret is one that leaves you in awe at the masterful way Ms. Walker steers readers towards the ending without giving away a single thing.
What made the novel for me was the narcissistic parent. This is not the same self-absorbed parent we typically see in any novel. This is a whole new level of narcissism, as in an actual disease of the mind. Ms. Walker does an amazing job explaining the difference and its rarity. Plus, she creates a character that is entirely believable even as the character is doing the most despicable things. Watching this parent manipulate others is equal parts revolting and fascinating, and the degree of the manipulation will shock even the most hardened reader. Yet, the behavior fits with everything we learn about the parent. Combined with Cass’ earnestness and Dr. Winter’s emotional involvement, it makes for an unputdownable novel.
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LibraryThing member booksandmunches
The cover is actually the first thing that piqued my interest when I was browsing through Netgalley. It's just so fitting to the title and looks amazing. So I read the synopsis. And that did not disappoint me either! On the contrary, I was ready to dive in!
If you're asking why, it's the
This book was just... wow... I have to say that this book will be confronting for anyone that has lived or been under the influence of a narcissist. You recognize a lot of what is being said and described. Things you wouldn't have thought of before, now jump right at you screaming "Yes, this!" Or at least, that's what I had.
I always keep my notebook with me when I'm reading a book that looks promising, in case I want to write some stuff down to use in my reviews or just jot down a quote real quickly. With this book? I had reached chapter seven and three pages were scribbled, not to mention all the quotes I highlighted on my Kindle. So you can say that this book left a mark on me. I won't be forgetting it any time soon.
Before actually saying something about the story, I just need to praise Wendy Walker for doing this. For giving such a clear image of how it can be, how it is to live with a person like that. To have that influence your life, your being and your future. There are people out there who think that once you've 'escaped' that person, everything's all right. But it is not. Being under the influence of a narcissist is something that scars you for life. You have to fight every day to erase and avoid their influence. Wendy Walker succeeded at bringing that forward perfectly in the most brilliant way possible.
You get a clear image of how Cass' life was like before she and her sister disappeared. The way things are explained makes you want to find out what exactly happened. What lead them to disappear? Why is Cass back and Emma still missing? Where did they disappear to? I caught myself thinking up all kinds of theories as the story went on. Each time I had a new theory, I would read something that undid it completely. So I had to find a new theory, and another one, and another one.
The book is told from two POV 's. First you have Cass, the youngest sister who suddenly shows up at her mother's doorstep three years after she went missing. When Cass is telling her story, you notice how detached she feels from everything, how objective she is about her surroundings. She notices things that others her age wouldn't notice and that makes you wonder what in the world she had to go through that made her grow up so quickly.
The second POV is Abby Winter, the forensic psychiatrist that was involved in the case when Cass and Emma just went missing. She has a story of her own that unfolds slowly, but remains vague, as the book progresses and explains why she hasn't been able to let go of Cass and Emma in all those years.
Those POV's together make sure you grab the complete story. You really need both characters to grab the complete story.
When it comes to Wendy Walker's writing style , I struggled sometimes. As I said, Cass felt detached and that was obvious in the writing as well, in such a way that I couldn't really feel Cass like I normally feel characters. I could relate to her, though; that was no problem. But I just didn't feel her.
The one thing that did annoy me was the lack of flashbacks. Cass' story is told as Cass is telling it to everyone around her, just like that. Personally, I'd just preferred it if flashbacks were used, so maybe I would get a real feel of Cass after all but that just did not happen.
Too bad for that minor annoyance I had, so I'm giving this book 4,5/5.
If you're someone who likes to come up with theories along the way to find out what happened, with an unexpected twist at the end of the book... Or maybe someone who wants to read a book about mental illnesses? Read this!
Kathy
This book was provided to me through NetGalley, thanks to St. Martin's Press. This is my honest review for which I'm not being compensated in any way.
If you're asking why, it's the
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"dysfunctional family" that did it. I wanted to find out if I would be able to relate to Emma since I - like many others out there - didn't have an easy youth when it comes to family either. My mother and I always knew there was something off about my father, so I've been pretty interested in any kind of mental illnesses that are implemented in a book.This book was just... wow... I have to say that this book will be confronting for anyone that has lived or been under the influence of a narcissist. You recognize a lot of what is being said and described. Things you wouldn't have thought of before, now jump right at you screaming "Yes, this!" Or at least, that's what I had.
I always keep my notebook with me when I'm reading a book that looks promising, in case I want to write some stuff down to use in my reviews or just jot down a quote real quickly. With this book? I had reached chapter seven and three pages were scribbled, not to mention all the quotes I highlighted on my Kindle. So you can say that this book left a mark on me. I won't be forgetting it any time soon.
Before actually saying something about the story, I just need to praise Wendy Walker for doing this. For giving such a clear image of how it can be, how it is to live with a person like that. To have that influence your life, your being and your future. There are people out there who think that once you've 'escaped' that person, everything's all right. But it is not. Being under the influence of a narcissist is something that scars you for life. You have to fight every day to erase and avoid their influence. Wendy Walker succeeded at bringing that forward perfectly in the most brilliant way possible.
You get a clear image of how Cass' life was like before she and her sister disappeared. The way things are explained makes you want to find out what exactly happened. What lead them to disappear? Why is Cass back and Emma still missing? Where did they disappear to? I caught myself thinking up all kinds of theories as the story went on. Each time I had a new theory, I would read something that undid it completely. So I had to find a new theory, and another one, and another one.
The book is told from two POV 's. First you have Cass, the youngest sister who suddenly shows up at her mother's doorstep three years after she went missing. When Cass is telling her story, you notice how detached she feels from everything, how objective she is about her surroundings. She notices things that others her age wouldn't notice and that makes you wonder what in the world she had to go through that made her grow up so quickly.
The second POV is Abby Winter, the forensic psychiatrist that was involved in the case when Cass and Emma just went missing. She has a story of her own that unfolds slowly, but remains vague, as the book progresses and explains why she hasn't been able to let go of Cass and Emma in all those years.
Those POV's together make sure you grab the complete story. You really need both characters to grab the complete story.
When it comes to Wendy Walker's writing style , I struggled sometimes. As I said, Cass felt detached and that was obvious in the writing as well, in such a way that I couldn't really feel Cass like I normally feel characters. I could relate to her, though; that was no problem. But I just didn't feel her.
The one thing that did annoy me was the lack of flashbacks. Cass' story is told as Cass is telling it to everyone around her, just like that. Personally, I'd just preferred it if flashbacks were used, so maybe I would get a real feel of Cass after all but that just did not happen.
Too bad for that minor annoyance I had, so I'm giving this book 4,5/5.
If you're someone who likes to come up with theories along the way to find out what happened, with an unexpected twist at the end of the book... Or maybe someone who wants to read a book about mental illnesses? Read this!
Kathy
This book was provided to me through NetGalley, thanks to St. Martin's Press. This is my honest review for which I'm not being compensated in any way.
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LibraryThing member bibliovermis
While some of this book was a little weak (the focus on the investigating detective's obsession with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, too much telling instead of showing about what NPD is and what effects it can have), it also had an ending that for once I did not see coming. The fact that the
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resolution and denouement would be unexpected/twisty was pretty well telegraphed throughout, but I was impressed that, unusually for me, I didn't have many guesses about what the truth would actually be. Show Less
LibraryThing member seasonsoflove
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
Cass and her sister Emma have been missing for three years. When Cass returns home, without Emma, she tells a tale of a kidnapping, hostages, and a
This is a book full of so many twists and turns, which I absolutely love. One of the biggest revelations near the end caught me completely by surprise. I really liked that Walker kept me guessing over who to trust and who to believe.
Walker has a really excellent writing style as well, that really draws you in. This is a story that had me flipping pages, having to find out what happened.
I also really liked the use of psychology in this. Walker has done her research, and uses Dr. Winters almost as a surrogate to explore the ins and outs of this mysterious family.
The book occasionally moved a little slow, especially after the initial impact of the beginning. I also felt that the very final revelation, while making sense with the character's provided explanation, didn't seem necessary to me, and felt a bit out of place.
This was a good read that absolutely had me hooked. I would definitely recommend this for fans of the genre.
Cass and her sister Emma have been missing for three years. When Cass returns home, without Emma, she tells a tale of a kidnapping, hostages, and a
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mysterious island. Dr. Winters, a forensic psychiatrist, was drawn into this case when the sisters originally disappeared--and now that one sister is back, and talking, Dr. Winters finds there may be even more going on within this family then she originally thought.This is a book full of so many twists and turns, which I absolutely love. One of the biggest revelations near the end caught me completely by surprise. I really liked that Walker kept me guessing over who to trust and who to believe.
Walker has a really excellent writing style as well, that really draws you in. This is a story that had me flipping pages, having to find out what happened.
I also really liked the use of psychology in this. Walker has done her research, and uses Dr. Winters almost as a surrogate to explore the ins and outs of this mysterious family.
The book occasionally moved a little slow, especially after the initial impact of the beginning. I also felt that the very final revelation, while making sense with the character's provided explanation, didn't seem necessary to me, and felt a bit out of place.
This was a good read that absolutely had me hooked. I would definitely recommend this for fans of the genre.
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LibraryThing member teachlz
MY REVIEW OF "EMMA IN THE NIGHT" BY Wendy Walker
"Emma in the Night" by Wendy Walker is an extremely intense and intriguing mystery and thriller that will keep you on edge. I appreciate that the author discusses a Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and how it affects family relationships. It is
The characters are described as complex, complicated, disturbed and dysfunctional. Most of the characters could be suspect to any inappropriate actions.
Two teenage sisters disappear, and there is evidence of the older one's abandoned car by the water. It has been three years since the FBI and Police have investigated and there is no new information.
The younger sister suddenly appears after all this time. She claims she escaped and has to find the older sister, who is on an island.The FBI gets involved again. There are inconsistencies in her story, and the emotions in the surrounding family.
There are many twists and turns in this story, and the ending is not what I thought it would be. This was a dark, intense, captivating thriller and mystery and I would highly recommend this for book lovers of this genre. This is the first novel I have read by Wendy Walker and I look forward to reading more. I received this ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
"Emma in the Night" by Wendy Walker is an extremely intense and intriguing mystery and thriller that will keep you on edge. I appreciate that the author discusses a Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and how it affects family relationships. It is
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also mentioned if the children of women with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder will develop the traits and symptoms of this. The characters are described as complex, complicated, disturbed and dysfunctional. Most of the characters could be suspect to any inappropriate actions.
Two teenage sisters disappear, and there is evidence of the older one's abandoned car by the water. It has been three years since the FBI and Police have investigated and there is no new information.
The younger sister suddenly appears after all this time. She claims she escaped and has to find the older sister, who is on an island.The FBI gets involved again. There are inconsistencies in her story, and the emotions in the surrounding family.
There are many twists and turns in this story, and the ending is not what I thought it would be. This was a dark, intense, captivating thriller and mystery and I would highly recommend this for book lovers of this genre. This is the first novel I have read by Wendy Walker and I look forward to reading more. I received this ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member maggie1961
Two sisters go missing. Only one, Cass, returns three years later. And the questions start. Where has she been? Where is Emma? Why hadn’t she come home with Cass?
Cass has a remarkable story about their life for the previous three years with details of the island they had been kept captive on,
This is my favourite genre, psychological thriller/mystery, primarily what I have read this year and I really wanted to like it. Great storyline initially but it lost me along the way and from looking at other reviews, I am not alone. I get that the family gets an award for the most dysfunctional ever, but I found it repetitious and really just got tired of the whole thing.
There were a couple of semi surprises, but the story just didn’t have flow to me and seemed a little all over the place. It just didn’t work for me.
It’s a 2 1/2 for me.
Cass has a remarkable story about their life for the previous three years with details of the island they had been kept captive on,
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and the urgency to save Emma from that island before it’s too late.This is my favourite genre, psychological thriller/mystery, primarily what I have read this year and I really wanted to like it. Great storyline initially but it lost me along the way and from looking at other reviews, I am not alone. I get that the family gets an award for the most dysfunctional ever, but I found it repetitious and really just got tired of the whole thing.
There were a couple of semi surprises, but the story just didn’t have flow to me and seemed a little all over the place. It just didn’t work for me.
It’s a 2 1/2 for me.
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LibraryThing member SteveLindahl
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker is a captivating crime novel with plenty of plot twists. Two young girls went missing three years before the story begins. In the beginning of the book, the younger girl, Cass Tanner, who is now eighteen, has returned and is determined to find her sister. The
Cass explains how she and Emma were held for the entire time on an island off the coast of Maine. Although she escaped and made her way back to her family, she offers very few clues as to the location of the island and the couple who held her captive. Meanwhile, Abby tries to locate the island by finding out what she can through interviews with Cass, hoping the young woman will reveal something she didn't realize is important. At the same time, Abby tries to discover facts about the home life that she believes drove the girls away.
What makes this story unique is the author's focus on the mental illness: Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Abby's mother had this disorder and she sees similar signs with Cass' mother. It was fascinating to learn more about Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but there were also times when Ms. Walker explained a little too much and the descriptions of the illness seemed intrusive.
Steve Lindahl author of Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
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detective and the psychologist (Dr. Abby Winter), who both worked on the case originally, are back. Abby had a few theories about the family that weren't followed up the first time. She's determined to go down those paths this time.Cass explains how she and Emma were held for the entire time on an island off the coast of Maine. Although she escaped and made her way back to her family, she offers very few clues as to the location of the island and the couple who held her captive. Meanwhile, Abby tries to locate the island by finding out what she can through interviews with Cass, hoping the young woman will reveal something she didn't realize is important. At the same time, Abby tries to discover facts about the home life that she believes drove the girls away.
What makes this story unique is the author's focus on the mental illness: Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Abby's mother had this disorder and she sees similar signs with Cass' mother. It was fascinating to learn more about Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but there were also times when Ms. Walker explained a little too much and the descriptions of the illness seemed intrusive.
Steve Lindahl author of Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
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LibraryThing member cwhisenant11
I've been reading a lot of psychological thrillers lately and what I liked most about this book was the total unpredictability. I had a nagging feeling throughout the story that something wasn't right or that things didn't add up but I could never have predicted the reveal that was coming. The
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beginning of the book was a little confusing as I was trying to get my bearings but after that, I was hooked. I didn't get the big aha moments that the psychologist kept having and I don't know if that's because there weren't enough clues for me to follow or if I just wasn't picking up on them. Overall it was a highly entertaining and compelling read. Show Less
LibraryThing member JanaRose1
After Cass and Emma, two sisters disappeared three years ago, Cass returns with an incredible tail of an island, a child, and a husband and wife that kept them captive. The story alternates between Cass and Dr. Abby Winter, as the truth is slowly unraveled.
I'm not sure what to say about this book.
I'm not sure what to say about this book.
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The story unfolded at a nice pace, keeping me reading and involved. However, Cass was just so unrealistic. She seemed well educated, insightful beyond her years and a master manipulator. It just didn't work with the idea that she had been kidnapped as a 15 year old and returned at 18. I would be interested in reading more from this author, but I don't think I would re-read this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member jess_reads_books
Three years ago, in the middle of the night, the Tanner sisters disappeared. The car belong to Emma, age seventeen, was found abandoned at the beach with all of her personal effects left behind. People would have assumed she walked into the ocean that night, if her younger sister Cass, age fifteen,
Three years later, Cass has returned to her mother’s house without Emma. The story Cass tells of that night so long ago and the missing time between now and then, is one of kidnapping and the girls being held against their will on a mysterious island with a couple named Bill and Lucy. Cass shares that Emma was pregnant and found Bill and Lucy who had promised to give her and her child a better life. Emma was meant to vanish into the night three years ago alone, but Cass did what little sisters do and hid in her car to tag along.
Dr. Abby Winter, lead forensic psychologist for the original case is back to help track down Emma, along with her partner Leo. The current situation is clear, Cass is willing to share as much details as possible about the mysterious night of her disappearance, what happened with Bill and Lucy, and her daring escape. Dr. Winter pushes deeper into the life the Tanner sisters lived prior to their disappearance and uncovers a narcissistic mother at the core of their lives, who for years held them captive in a life of turmoil and drama. What really happened that night three years ago and where is Emma?
EMMA IN THE NIGHT is told from alternating perspectives between Cass Tanner and Dr. Abby Winter. The sections Cass retells center around her retelling of what happened between her disappearance and now. These portions, while meticulously detailed, also feel juvenile and filled with denial. Dr. Winter’s section on the other hand give us a glimpse into her research into families centering around narcissistic mothers, something she is all too familiar with from her personal life, and the connection she believes this has with the disappearance. As the novel continues, the story’s pass escalates as the team gets closer and closer to finding Emma. This is truly an edge of your grand unveiling in the last few chapters of the novel!
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hadn’t also vanished from home that night. Despite no trace of Cass being found in Emma’s car or links to tie the two together that night, officials have always believed that wherever they went, they went together. Three years later, Cass has returned to her mother’s house without Emma. The story Cass tells of that night so long ago and the missing time between now and then, is one of kidnapping and the girls being held against their will on a mysterious island with a couple named Bill and Lucy. Cass shares that Emma was pregnant and found Bill and Lucy who had promised to give her and her child a better life. Emma was meant to vanish into the night three years ago alone, but Cass did what little sisters do and hid in her car to tag along.
Dr. Abby Winter, lead forensic psychologist for the original case is back to help track down Emma, along with her partner Leo. The current situation is clear, Cass is willing to share as much details as possible about the mysterious night of her disappearance, what happened with Bill and Lucy, and her daring escape. Dr. Winter pushes deeper into the life the Tanner sisters lived prior to their disappearance and uncovers a narcissistic mother at the core of their lives, who for years held them captive in a life of turmoil and drama. What really happened that night three years ago and where is Emma?
EMMA IN THE NIGHT is told from alternating perspectives between Cass Tanner and Dr. Abby Winter. The sections Cass retells center around her retelling of what happened between her disappearance and now. These portions, while meticulously detailed, also feel juvenile and filled with denial. Dr. Winter’s section on the other hand give us a glimpse into her research into families centering around narcissistic mothers, something she is all too familiar with from her personal life, and the connection she believes this has with the disappearance. As the novel continues, the story’s pass escalates as the team gets closer and closer to finding Emma. This is truly an edge of your grand unveiling in the last few chapters of the novel!
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Call number
FIC F Wal