Title: WHEN YOU FIND ME
Author: P.J. Vernon
Narrators: Amy McFadden & Bahni Turpin
ISBN: 9781643881730
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Duration: 10 hours 16 minutes
Pages: 333
Source: Audible
Visiting her family’s South Carolina estate, socialite Gray Godfrey wakes from a night out to an empty bed. Her husband Paul is gone and a thrashing hangover has wiped her memory clean. At first, she’s relieved for the break from her tumultuous marriage; perhaps Paul just needed some space. But when his car is found abandoned on the highway, Gray must face the truth: Paul is gone. And Gray may not want him found.
Her life is unravelling.
When a stranger named Annie calls claiming to know Paul’s whereabouts, Gray reluctantly accepts her help. But this ally is not what she seems: soon Annie is sending frightening messages and revealing disturbing secrets only Gray could know. As Annie’s threats escalate and Gray’s grip on reality begins to slip, the life she thought she had and the dark truth she’s been living begin to merge, leaving an unsettling question: What does Annie want? And what will she do to get it?
Official Summary
16 July 2024
This book was an accidental find, it was part of my Audible subscription. I have not heard of this author but the cover and the blurb had me curious.
“When You Find Me” is a tantalizing blend of psychological suspense and Southern Gothic, brought to life through a riveting audiobook performance. The story follows socialite Gray Godfrey, who wakes up at her family’s South Carolina estate to find her husband, Paul, missing. What starts as a seemingly typical morning after a wild night out spirals into a nightmare as Gray confronts her fractured memory and the dark secrets lurking beneath her perfect facade.
The audiobook format enhances the immersive experience, drawing you into Gray’s troubled world. The narrator’s voice effectively captures Gray’s escalating anxiety and desperation, making you feel every twist and turn of her journey. The atmospheric depiction of the South Carolina estate, combined with the narrator’s skilful delivery, paints a vivid picture of the setting, steeped in mystery and unease.
Gray’s character is complex and well-developed, her privileged yet chaotic life providing a rich backdrop for the story’s unfolding drama. Initially, Gray is somewhat relieved by Paul’s disappearance, hoping it signals a break from their strained marriage. However, when his car is found abandoned, her relief turns to dread. The introduction of Annie, a stranger who claims to know Paul’s whereabouts, adds a layer of intrigue and tension. The narrator effectively portrays Annie’s unsettling presence, making her both compelling and ominous.
As Gray navigates the mounting threats from Annie and her deteriorating sanity, the audiobook’s pacing keeps you on edge. Vernon’s narrative is tightly woven, with each revelation and secret drawing Gray—and the listener—deeper into a web of deceit and danger. The narrator’s ability to convey the subtle shifts in Gray’s perception and the growing paranoia is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the psychological aspect of the thriller.
“When You Find Me” is an exploration of trust, memory, and the shadows of the past. PJ Vernon’s storytelling, combined with the audiobook’s engaging narration, makes for a gripping experience. The blend of suspense and the rich, Gothic atmosphere of the South Carolina setting creates a compelling listen that keeps you guessing until the very end.
This audiobook captures the essence of psychological thrillers and Southern Gothic fiction. PJ Vernon’s tale of unravelling secrets and blurred realities is both haunting and captivating, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre. To think, not so long ago I battled with audiobooks – my audible subscription has changed that. The convenience of listening to an audiobook while getting on with other tasks has become a necessity for me.
Also by P.J. Vernon
BATH HAUS
Oliver Park, a young recovering addict from Indiana, finally has everything he ever wanted: sobriety and a loving, wealthy partner in Nathan, a prominent DC trauma surgeon. Despite their difference in age and disparate backgrounds, they’ve made a perfect life together. With everything to lose, Oliver shouldn’t be visiting Haus, a gay bathhouse. But through the entrance he goes, and it’s a line crossed. Inside, he follows a man into a private room, and it’s the final line. Whatever happens next, Nathan can never know. But then, everything goes wrong, terribly wrong, and Oliver barely escapes with his life.
He races home in full-blown terror as the hand-shaped bruise grows dark on his neck. The truth will destroy Nathan and everything they have together, so Oliver does the thing he used to do so well: he lies.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
P. J. Vernon was born in South Carolina. Called a “rising star thriller writer” by Library Journal, Vernon’s debut, When You Find Me, was both an Audible Plus #1 Listen and Associated PressTop Ten U.S. Audiobook. His next novel, Bath Haus, praised as “a nightmarish white-knuckler by O, The Oprah Magazine, releases June 15, 2021 from Doubleday. He lives in Calgary with his husband and two wily dogs.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. If you’ve read it, please share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear what you think of P.J. Vernon’s work. Feel free to recommend any of his other books you think I might enjoy. Until next time… Happy Reading!
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