Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
Expected: 9 July 2020
Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back. The only choice is to disappear.
To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband. There will be no goodbyes. Their pasts will be rewritten. New names, new home, new lives.
The rules are strict for a reason. They are being hunted. One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.
They can never assume someone isn't watching, waiting.
As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy. Staying hidden is harder . . .
The review
I really enjoyed this unique storyline about having to 'disappear' into witness protection. The author writes in a note that she hopes it was believable as for obvious reasons witness protection is not a very easy subject to research. Well I found it totally believable and was totally fascinated by the thought-provoking. I really felt for Aidan who had to decide whether to disappear with his wife and step-daughter or stay behind with his own daughter and mother - a no-win situation either way.
A rarity but I actually liked all the characters, perhaps because they were so well developed with the author celebrating differences and the hidden strengths of every personality type. For example, the author’s sensitive portrayal of Zara and her insecurities about being serious, shy, bookish, and not fitting in because of those things but also her strength of character and maturity in doing the right thing. I also loved that for once it was a book with a blended family who actually love and care for each other rather than the usual step rivalries so often depicted.
I was particularly drawn to extroverts Lauren and Poppy but especially Poppy a remarkably selfless, mature, caring, positive individual caring for her mother full-time and trying to protect her step family whilst dealing with normal teenage stuff such as college applications. And, of course who wouldn’t love Bill Gates, the dog...
Annoyingly it was implied at times that there was more going on than there actually was – in terms of Jon for example. But, then the ending was a massive unexpected twist that really did deliver!
The author
Gillian McAllister is a former lawyer and the Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author for her debut psychological thriller. Follow @GillianMAuthor on Twitter or visit gillianmcallister.com to find out more.
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