Synopsis: “A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that. Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake… An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility. Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden’s purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

My Review

This was really a good audiobook, but so tense. I’m glad I listened to it after reading Jonetta’s fantastic review a while back.

The story was mostly told from Arden’s point of view with occasional creepy chapters from Dustin Dubecki.

I really liked Arden and her extended family, particularly her cousin Zoe. I loved Arden’s dog Zorro, a black Labrador who liked to sing when he was excited! Dustin was absolutely vile and so creepy, I really didn’t enjoy his chapters and couldn’t wait for them to be over. In fact towards the end of the book I really thought about skipping his chapters and listening to the end of the book as I really couldn’t take the tension. I’m glad I didn’t as I would have missed the final wrap up.

As to be expected, January LaVoy’s narration was flawless. Her voice talents are incredible, especially her voices for the toddlers! I’ll definitely be listening to more audiobooks that she narrates.

Highly recommended if you enjoy very tense domestic thrillers on audio.

Book 19 of 20 Books of Summer.