A bit about the book: David Harwood and his wife Jan have hit a rough patch. As a journalist, times are hard for David as the media world moves from small-town newspapers to nationally-owned news and online journalism. David couldn't be more thrilled when Jan suggests a day at a new local amusement park for them and their four-year-old son Ethan. He sees it as a sign that they're both willing to work on their marriage and save their family.
The day of the visit to the amusement park, however, things go from bad to worse. First, Ethan goes missing. Just after he's found, Jan turns up missing. As police search for his wife, David becomes suspect number one. He conducts his own investigation, trying to stay one step ahead of the police who are after him. Was Jan taken, or did she leave of her own accord? Or did David, in fact, have something to do with her disappearance?
Why you want to read it: Mystery and thriller fans will delight in Barclay's ability to keep readers on their toes. The term "page-turner" was invented for novels like Never Look Away. Barclay creates a sense of understanding in his readers, then yanks the rug out from under them, causing readers to question every truth they believed they knew. As in his previous novels, Barclay throws in enough plot twists to make the novel exciting without causing it to become far-fetched.
Secrets are something Barclay does well in all of his novels. We all have them -- we just don't usually have anyone writing about our deepest mysteries. Barclay uncovers the truth about both David and Jan layer by layer, with a precise method that keeps readers guessing until the last page. As Barclay reveals new truths about his characters, he also causes readers to care more deeply about them -- making each revelation truly surprising.
The bottom line: If you are a lover of mystery or suspense novels, you'll love Linwood Barclay's work. Never Look Away is an excellent example of his expertise. You should also give his other novels a try!
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