Wrong Place Wrong Time: A Novel

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

“It’s perfection, every word, every moment. A masterpiece . . . One of the best books I’ve ever read.” —Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author

New York Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister has created a thriller unlike any other in this endlessly clever, twisty story of a mother who must move backward through time to prevent tragedy from striking at the heart of her family.

Can you stop a murder after it’s already happened?

It is midnight on the morning of Halloween, and Jen anxiously waits up for her 18-year-old son, Todd, to return home. But worries about his broken curfew transform into something much more dangerous when Todd finally emerges from the darkness. As Jen watches through the window, she sees her funny, seemingly happy teenage son stab a total stranger.

She doesn’t know who the victim is, or why Todd has committed such a devastating act of violence. All she knows is that her life, and Todd’s, have been shattered. 

After her son is taken into custody, Jen falls asleep in despair. But when she wakes up…it is yesterday. The murder has not happened yet—and there may be a chance to stop it. Each morning, when Jen wakes, she is further back in the past, first weeks, then years, before the murder. And Jen realizes that somewhere in the past lies the trigger for Todd’s terrible crime…and it is her mission to find it, and prevent it from taking place.

Both the story of a mother’s love and the sacrifices she will make for her child, and a thriller with a brilliant twist, Wrong Place Wrong Time is a one-of-a-kind novel that begs to be read in one sitting.

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Published May 23, 2023

416 pages

Average rating: 7.37

2,175 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Andréa
May 31, 2025
10/10 stars
Wow! I absolutely loved this, a thriller unlike anything I have ever read before. I loved it just for its uniqueness alone, but add in all the complexities and twists and turns and it makes for one mind bending read! There were so many things that I didn’t see coming, and so many times I literally gasped as new information came to light. I love a thriller that keeps me on my toes, and this one didn’t disappoint. There are so many things this book made me think about! I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of changes I might make if put in the same situation as Jen. How many things would I go back and do differently in my life? Would I even want to go back in time, given the opportunity? Perhaps all the suffering and pain are all part of the greater good? This book certainly made for a very emotional and profound read. My heart went out to so many of the characters at different times as they struggled with life or death decisions, but all in the name of love. The love of a husband. The love of a wife. The love of a mother. The love of a father. The love of a son. And the love of possibilities yet to be. So many of these moments hit deep! The uncovering of the real deceit is definitely what shocked me the most. While there is some foul language and some context I wasn’t entirely fond of, everything else was just so good that I barely even noticed it. I just wanted to know what happened next! Definitely recommend to my adult friends that enjoy a good thriller. This may be one of my new favorites in the mystery/thriller/suspense genre! Another huge thank you to Jessica (@jeskareadsandteaches) for this gift! I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to read this book! 5 star!
Anonymous
May 21, 2025
8/10 stars
Not a book I would have picked for myself, but a friend gave me the book. While i had a rough time starting it, after the first few chapters I found I really enjoyed it. Some things I predicted and others I didn’t. Overall I am happy to have stepped out of my comfort genres. A great read!
Amanda Lynne
May 11, 2025
7/10 stars
Took a while to get into it and almost DNF, but once I got past a few chapters I enjoyed it, but felt it was missing some plot
makenziegillette
May 05, 2025
6/10 stars
I found this book difficult to get into until just over halfway through. I also struggled to like the main character, Jen, which didn’t help since 95% of the book is her narrative.
Anonymous
May 04, 2025
6/10 stars
I really loved this story but did not like the way it was told at all. And the way it is told is really the creative, important thing about this novel. I just really don't like science fiction, time travel, etc.

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