Take Your Breath Away

A Novel

By: Linwood Barclay

Narrated by: Joe Knezevich, George Newbern, Hillary Huber, Pete Simonelli, Michael Crouch, Lauren Fortgang, Jim Meskimen, Karissa Vacker

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

A missing woman. A husband suspected. The truth will . . .

TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY

From the New York Times bestselling author of Find You First and Elevator Pitch comes a gripping psychological thriller about a formerly missing woman who has suddenly returned under mysterious circumstances.

One weekend, while Andrew Mason was on a fishing trip, his wife, Brie, vanished without a trace. Most everyone assumed Andy had got away with murder—it’s always the husband, isn’t it?—but the police could never build a strong case against him. For a while, Andy hit rock bottom—he drank too much to numb the pain, was abandoned by all his friends save one, nearly lost his business, and became a pariah in the place he once called home.

Now, six years later, Andy has finally put his life back together. He sold the house he once shared with Brie and moved away. To tell the truth, he wasn’t sad to hear that the old place was razed and a new house built on the site. He’s settled down with a new partner, Jayne, and life is good.

But Andy’s peaceful world is about to shatter. One day, a woman shows up at his old address, screaming, “Where’s my house? What’s happened to my house?” And then, just as suddenly as she appeared, the woman—who bears a striking resemblance to Brie—is gone. The police are notified and old questions—and dark suspicions—resurface.

Could Brie really be alive after all these years? If so, where has she been? It soon becomes clear that Andy’s future and the lives of those closest to him depend on discovering what the hell is going on. The trick will be whether he can stay alive long enough to unearth the answers.

©2022 Linwood Barclay (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

wonderful

it was hard for me to stop it was so good. I loved it kept me on the edge of my seat.

Absolutely wonderful and even better with 8

This is a DEFINITE MUST! The storyline is remarkable and the narration is absolutely stunning. Like these reading it actually is those characters. There is absolutely no slouching along in this storyline. It keeps you immersed and gripped by the seams. You will love this.

Good plot, entertaining

I was attracted by the plot summary and found that the the book held its promise. Great narration helps as well

A Maze of Plots

At first I thought this Who-Done-it was rather tame for Linwood Barclay and then it became wound up in itself with a myriad of plots which I found compelling and intriguing. Just one criticism - I found it difficult to focus on the storyline with so many different narrators and constantly changing characters.

Just listened for the 2nd time

I listened when it first came out and was completely engaged. I found it in my library two days ago and didn’t remember it so started it to jog my memory. It came back to me, but I had forgotten the details and re listened. I’m glad I did, as there were plot twists I had completely forgotten. I have to admit I didn’t love the narrator who did Andrew as he seemed smug and vague/guilty. But I think it was a choice he made to come across as neutral. Worth a listen!

Pleasantly surprised

I expected less from this novel but the author kept my interest most of the way through. Lots of twists, some of which I guessed, others that were surprises. The conclusion was OK but not startling. I will give this author another listen.

One more surprise

This is the second book I’ve listened to by Linwood Barclay. He tells a compelling story with good character development and lots of twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out there’s one more surprise.

Top quality production

I really enjoyed this production. The different narrators added to the story by portraying the characters believably and giving them depth. It took place primarily in 2022, so references to the pandemic were appropriate to the story. Only one character displayed strong political opinions, and they made sense because she was an aged journalist.

The story was well-written with humor and lots of twists and turns. I don't enjoy when an author gives the main character information but holds out on the reader, so agree with 4 stars for the story.

Not sure I can finish

Intrigued by the story, but really put off by the insertion of unnecessary political points. And for sure including anything related to the pandemic was totally unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story. Giving it a couple more chapters, because I do want to know how the plot plays off.

Great Book

My second time reading Linwood Barclays. I discovered him by chance, in a store with a limited selection of novels and figured I would give him a try, so glad I did! He is a great storyteller, the plot keeps you guessing, the descriptions are enough to give you the vision but not so much that you get bored. He is one of my new favorites!!