Emma in the Night: A Novel
From the bestselling author of All Is Not Forgotten, a thriller about two missing sisters, a twisted family, and what happens when one girl comes back...
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. Bestselling author Wendy Walker returns with another winning psychological thriller, Emma in the Night. Praise for Emma in the Night:Twisty...a thriller that keeps readers guessing. --The New York Times In this searing psychological thriller...Walker's portrayal of the ways in which a narcissistic, self-involved mother can affect her children deepens the plot as it builds to a shocking finale. --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review A tense thriller explores the bond between sisters and family dynamics that give new meaning to the term 'dysfunctional'...This thriller aims right for the heart and never lets go. --Kirkus, Starred Review Both twisted and twisty, this smart psychological thriller sets a new standard for unreliable narrators. --Booklist, Starred Review
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Community Reviews
So I finished this book earlier this week and I am only just now getting around to writing the review.
My initial reaction after reading the book, I remember I had genuinely enjoyed the book, but I wasn’t blown away or caught off guard.
Currently, four days later, my reaction is... kind of blank? I remember bits and pieces but On the top of my head, I could only think of a few things that happened. To me, that’s not a great sign. I do remember that I had guessed the big reveal, which doesn’t bother me, it was a decent twist.
Spoiler alert below:
I generally don’t enjoy books with an unreliable narrator. I’ve never been able to exactly pin point why, but it bothers me.
Overall, I’m going to trust my gut and stick with the four star rating. I have had a lot on my mind this week and I’ve been pulling long shifts at work.
My initial reaction after reading the book, I remember I had genuinely enjoyed the book, but I wasn’t blown away or caught off guard.
Currently, four days later, my reaction is... kind of blank? I remember bits and pieces but On the top of my head, I could only think of a few things that happened. To me, that’s not a great sign. I do remember that I had guessed the big reveal, which doesn’t bother me, it was a decent twist.
Spoiler alert below:
I generally don’t enjoy books with an unreliable narrator. I’ve never been able to exactly pin point why, but it bothers me.
Overall, I’m going to trust my gut and stick with the four star rating. I have had a lot on my mind this week and I’ve been pulling long shifts at work.
Atmospheric, twisty, and emotionally messy in the best way. Walker does what she does well, unreliable perspectives, complicated family dynamics, and that slow build of dread where you are never quite sure who to believe.
I flew through the first half because the setup is so compelling, two sisters, one night, years of questions, and the way the story shifts between viewpoints kept me guessing. The psychological tension is stronger than the procedural parts, and that worked for me.
What kept it from five stars was the middle. It lingers a bit to set up the final reveals, and I wanted a little more depth from one of the central relationships. That said, the ending lands, and it lands without feeling gimmicky, which is hard to do in this genre.
If you like domestic suspense with an unreliable-narrator edge, think Megan Miranda or Mary Kubica vibes, this is a solid, bingeable read. No spoilers, but give yourself space to sit with that last chapter.
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