Or Else

A Thriller

By: Joe Hart

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

Edgar Award Winner for Best Paperback Original.

A secret love becomes a fatal affair in a twisting novel of suspense by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe Hart.

When novelist Andy Drake returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father, a reconnection with his childhood friend Rachel escalates into a secret love affair. For Rachel, struggling to maintain the facade of a picture-perfect life, it’s an escape from an emotionally abusive marriage. Then Andy receives an anonymous note warning him to end the affair. Or else.

Whoever’s been watching is going to make Andy pay. Weeks later, Rachel’s husband, David, is shot to death. Rachel and her two young sons vanish without a trace. One misstep, one careless reveal, and Andy could look as guilty as sin. Clue by clue, as his investigation into the mystery unfolds, Andy discovers that he and Rachel weren’t the only ones keeping secrets.

Nothing in this quiet neighborhood is as it seems. No one peeking from behind the curtains of their homes can be trusted. And the worst is yet to come. Because David isn’t the only one who will die.

©2022 by Joe Hart. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Hart remains a suspense writer to watch.”—Publishers Weekly

“Or Else is a thriller/suspense tour de force. Joe Hart has knocked it out of the park with a start-to-finish roller coaster ride of perfectly executed twists and expertly timed chills. Deep character development and rich narrative seals Or Else’s place as the not-to-be-missed domestic thriller/suspense of the year.”—Steven Konkoly, author of the Ryan Decker series and Deep Sleep

“The perfect thriller for a rainy afternoon, Or Else draws you into a web of small town secrets, lies, and intrigue and doesn’t let you go. Hart’s well-rendered setting and characters resonate like people and places you’ve known. Loved every minute of this absolute page-turner!”—D.M. Pulley, bestselling author of The Dead Key

Meh

This was mildly intriguing, but it was just too bland overall. Narration was okay.

A bit slow moving!

One does get to know the characters well! I enjoyed that! I liked the ending!!!

Or Else

This story will twist you and turn you, but will also make you say “uh?” The MC is a mystery/thriller/horror writer but doesn’t know how to flush out clues. He does better than the police but that’s no saying much.

There are a lot of false leads and the MC pulls leads out of thin air at times. He gets stuck and can’t see anything else for a bit. Other than my thoughts that he should be able to piece clues together better, this story is well written and will keep you hanging in until the end.

Eeehhh!

The writer and narrator were in sync, however the tale told was pedestrian at best.

Accidentally purchased

I love my accidental purchase ofJoe Hart’s audible book! Now I have to read them all! Narrator was perfect! Do yourselves a favor and read this book “Or Else”.