Title: American Girl
Author: Wendy Walker
ISBN: 9798212385329
Narrators: Paige Layle, Carson Beck, Josh Hurley, Alexander Cendese, Carly Robins, Hillary Huber and Molly Secours
Duration: 8 hours and 39 mins
Source: Audible
Charlie Hudson, an autistic 17-year-old, is determined to leave Sawyer, PA as soon as she graduates high school — in the meantime, she works as many hours as she can at a sandwich shop called The Triple S to save money for college. But when shop owner Clay Cooper — a man who is both respected and feared by many in this economically depressed community — is found dead, each member of his staff becomes a suspect in the perplexing case. Charlie must work to protect herself and her friends and uncover the danger that may still be at large in their tightknit community.
Official Summary
06 August 2024
This book offers a gripping and thought-provoking journey through the lens of Charlie Hudson, a 17-year-old autistic girl living in Sawyer, PA. This audiobook, narrated with exceptional clarity and emotion, immerses listeners in a small town fraught with economic challenges and dark secrets.
From the outset, Walker’s portrayal of Charlie is both compelling and authentic. Charlie’s autism is depicted with sensitivity and depth, highlighting her unique perspective on the world. Her determination to escape the confines of Sawyer and pursue a college education is both inspiring and relatable. Walker masterfully captures Charlie’s inner world, providing a detailed and empathetic portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The narrative kicks into high gear with the mysterious death of Clay Cooper, the enigmatic owner of The Triple S, where Charlie works. The tension is profound as each staff member becomes a suspect, and the close-knit community is thrown into turmoil. Walker excels at building suspense, weaving a complex web of clues and red herrings that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What makes this book a great read is its focus on character development. Each member of the Triple S staff is intricately drawn, with their secrets and motives that add layers to the mystery. The dynamics between these characters are rich and multifaceted, revealing the complexities of small-town life and the impact of economic hardship on individuals and relationships.
The audiobook format enhances the experience, bringing Charlie’s story to life in a way that is both intimate and engaging. The narrator’s performance captures the essence of each character, adding depth to Walker’s already vivid prose. The pacing is expertly handled, with moments of intense suspense balanced by quieter, introspective scenes that allow listeners to connect deeply with Charlie and her world.
“American Girl” is more than just a thriller; it’s a moving exploration of resilience, friendship, and the search for truth in the face of adversity. Walker’s storytelling and keen understanding of human nature make this a standout audiobook that resonates long after the final chapter. Whether you’re a fan of mystery or simply looking for a compelling story with a strong, relatable protagonist, “American Girl” is a must-listen.
Also By Wendy Walker
HOLD YOUR BREATH
Gabby Ashford has just survived an attempt on her life. Detectives have connected her story to two other cases in the area: Professional women drugged at a bar, brought to their homes, and drowned in their bathtubs. Gabby, who miraculously woke up in her own bathtub unharmed, could be the key to finding a serial killer on the loose – but she has no memory of the attack.
Gabby admits herself to a high-end rehabilitation center to recover and to seek the help of a psychiatrist renowned for his work with memory recovery. As Dr. Forrester works with Gabby – interviewing not only her but her overbearing fiancée, her emotionally fragile brother, and the local detective working the case – questions about Gabby’s story, her past, and the ethics of memory recovery emerge.
Dr. Forrester, the central voice of Walker’s breakout debut All Is Not Forgotten, is a fascinating and deeply complicated character, barreling toward the truth of the case at hand while wrestling with the demons of his own past. Shocking and succinct, Hold Your Breath will have you on the edge of your seat from the first minute to the last.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Wendy Walker is the author of the psychological suspense novels All Is Not Forgotten, Emma In the Night, The Night Before, Don’t Look For Me, What Remains, American Girl and Mad Love. Her novels have been translated into 23 foreign languages, topped bestseller lists both nationally and abroad, and have been optioned for both television and film.
Wendy holds degrees from Brown University and Georgetown Law School. Prior to her writing career, Wendy trained for competitive figure skating worked as a financial analyst at Goldman, Sachs, and practiced both corporate and family law. She resides in Connecticut.
Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my review. I haven’t spent as much time as I’d like listening to audiobooks, but I look forward to changing that this month. This is only my second book by Wendy Walker. Are you a fan? What is your favourite book? Leave a comment below, and I’ll try to add it to my TBR list. Until next time… Happy reading!
