All she wanted was the truth, but she’ll wish she never found out.When Catherine wakes up alone one morning, she thinks her husband has gone for a run before work. But Simon never makes it to the office. His running shoes are by the front door. Nothing is missing—except him.Catherine knows Simon must be in trouble. He wouldn’t just leave her. He wouldn’t leave the children.But Simon knows the … children.
But Simon knows the truth—about why he left and what he’s done. He knows things about his marriage that it would kill Catherine to find out. The memories she holds onto are lies.
While Catherine faces a dark new reality at home, Simon’s halfway around the world, alive and thriving. He’s doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the truth.
But he can’t hide forever, and when he reappears twenty-five years later, Catherine will finally learn who he is.
And wish she’d stayed in the dark.
Revised edition: Previously published as The Wronged Sons, this edition of When You Disappeared includes editorial revisions.
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Totally loved this book. The character building and plot were brilliant. The story is told first from Simon’s viewpoint and then Catherine’s, present and then past. Books that switch back and forth between narrators and/or past and present, can often be tedious and confusing, however in this case it is done extremely well. There are twists and surprises around every corner and as the story unfolded I became totally engrossed in lives of the characters. This is the first book I have read by John Marrs and it will definitely not be the last.
John Marrs does it again.
While this wasn’t really the thriller I expected – I felt it was more of a suspense – I still truly enjoyed it. After disappearing 25 years ago Simon has reappeared in Catherine’s home and for the duration of the book the two discuss their lives from the moment he disappeared until now, leading to what Catherine and the reader really want to know, WHY? The start was a bit slower, but it built up well and quick enough that it held my interest throughout. As with all of John Marrs books I usually have a ton of theories, as usual I was kinda there, but not quite.
I was a little disappointed in the ending, I just wanted more of an epilogue really, after reading about 25 years of their lives I just wanted to know more of what happens next.
TW: sexual assault, child death – both of which I found quite upsetting.
Thanks @talesbysel for buddy reading this one with me!
This was the third and last John Marrs book I will read. This story was terrible and I can’t believe I spent my time reading this. So many times throughout this book, I almost DNF it but kept reading thinking that eventually it would get better. Uuuggghhh!!!!! Don’t waste your time on this load of crap.
A trigger warning for you and here’s one for you and oh, here’s an obscure one for you! We are leaving nothing and no one out today, Folks!
I mean seriously, it’s hard to even list them without spoiling all over the damn place.
It’s almost like the goal to be ridiculous and far-fetched.
If so, well played.
The book was alright. The back and forth was starting to get a little annoying because of how short some of the parts were. I prefer at least a chapter for different time lines. There was a ton of build up and the. The end just seemed rushed. Like here this is what happened the end.
Twists and turns. Just when you think you know what is going on, it changes. Highly recommend this page-turner!
This story really got to me and not in a good way. The plot vexed me greatly, but I knew something big was coming, and I wanted in on the big reveal. The author built the story, slowly sharing bits and pieces to prolong the agony of suspense and keep me hooked, but after a while, I grew angry and found myself just skimming through 2/3 of the book just to get to the climax and END my angst. I wanted it all to be over.
Yes, the “big reveal” really was BIG. It was an awful, horrible mess. It tore me up and brought me to tears. And yet, it all could have been avoided if the couple had simply talked. If even one of them had dared speak about the occurrence, it would have opened the floodgates, and the truth would have dared to shine a light on reality. But they both chose to keep silent, both holding onto their pain and anger without cluing the other one in as to why, and in the end, it caused one of them to essentially break down, which led to murder, abandonment and heartache. Unfortunately, their behavior didn’t just affect themselves either.
From what the author stated in the acknowledgements, it sounds like this story is based on actual events that he heard told to him. This deeply frightens me. Because I think all of us at one point or another have opted to do something or not do something just to spite someone who has wronged us. It might be a small little thing – like not returning a call, forgetting to pass along a message or skipping an event. But in this case, one person started down a path to get retribution for a perceived wrong after allowing the pain to build-up over years, and that path led them to near madness, which all could have been avoided if they had only communicated. Lesson learned.
I really liked this book and this story. The author set the book up going present day to the past and back to the present. Usually, this drives me to distraction. But the story was smooth and addicting to the very last scene. This is the first book I have read by this author. If the next book is as good as “When you Disappeared”, I’ll be a die-hard fan.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It’s that good.
A great book with twists and turns. Loved it. Couldn’t put it down until finished.