Two women’s husbands are murdered on the same night in the same way–and their investigation uncovers a terrifying connection.Two men from vastly different backgrounds are murdered one after another on the same night, in the same fashion with two bullet wounds: one in the head, another in the heart. The two slayings sends their wives on a desperate search for answers–and a desperate attempt to … a desperate attempt to save their families’ lives.
Grief takes a heavy toll on northern Virginia freelance editor Deb Linh Thomas when she learns of her husband’s murder. And utter dismay sets in when, just a week after the funeral, she discovers that he had been the subject of an FBI investigation after withdrawing a large sum of money from their shared accounts.
Elsewhere, Baltimore bartender Cessy Castillo is less bereft when her abusive husband, ex-cop Hector Ramirez, is killed. But it turns out that he was deep in hock–and now Cessy’s expected to pay up.
Deb and the FBI agent assigned to her case start digging into her husband’s murder and learn that he had been the target of criminals. As Deb and Cessy join forces to learn the truth, their investigation reveals an ever-darker web of clues, but if they’re not careful, they may just end up like their husbands.
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Having published three other novels previously (under the pseudonym of E A Aymar), They’re Gone is a gritty standalone thriller by E A Barres. One night, two men are murdered, each shot two times, one in the head, the other in the heart. One wife, Deb Linh is devastated, whilst the other feels only relief. So, two stories unfold as to the reason for such unexpected deaths that dovetail into a chilling conclusion. Interestingly, the narrative contains some references to mixed cultural heritage, same sex attraction and the individual nature of grief’s impact. A thoroughly modern crime story with plenty of tension and action with a hint of nuance that make for a captivating read with three-and-a-half-star rating.
I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.
It all begins when two men are murdered on the same night. With similarities in the modus operandi, both shot in the head, one in the heart. Their wives wonder.
Beth Linh Thomas, a freelance writer in Virginia, is saddened to learn that her husband has been murdered. But a week after his funeral, she learns that the FBI was following him closely because he had withdrawn a large sum of money from their joint accounts.
As for Cessy Castillo, a bartender in Baltimore, she is less upset because her husband was violent with her, but he had debts and Cessy had to pay for them.
Deb and an FBI agent investigate her husband’s murder and learn that he was a target for criminals. They will have to be very careful in their investigation if they don’t want to end up like their husbands.
A book read in one sitting, so much so that I was hooked on the story, so moving at times, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I love the author’s writing.
They’re Gone, a stand-alone thriller by E.A. Barres, tells the story of two women whose lives are torn apart by the actions of their now-dead husbands. Faced with terrible choice after terrible choice, these two strangers battle out from under an avalanche of trouble, eventually being drawn into the darkest corners of Washington D.C.’s criminal underworld. Without giving too much away, I can say author Barres’ characters aren’t the crime fiction world’s usual heroes. Though both women play to their strengths, these aren’t law enforcement officers with ample resources, but rather realistic people undergoing trauma and terror, all while trying to keep it together on a daily basis. They make mistakes, innocent people get hurt, and while the story does conclude with a twist and a bow, the world does not end neatly. Told with a mix of gritty real-world detail and E.A. Barres’ unique comedic voice, They’re Gone is a compelling and haunting read.
Bloody hell! What a wild ride and I loved it. Fast-paced, gritty, brilliantly written, this thriller had me flipping page after page until I found out who – if anyone – would make it out alive. E.A. Barres’s quirky characters, hilarious sense of humour, and touch of snark made me laugh out loud, too. Absolutely fantastic!
This book started out on a good note. A murder takes place in which a woman learns her husband was involved in some shady business with criminals. They are now after her demanding she pays them back. Or else. Then she defends herself beating and fighting the man unconscious. What takes place afterwards is the search for clues and answers while her life is in danger. I lost interest several chapters in the book. I do not know what it is perhaps it dragged a bit while Cessy and Deb were looking around for answers. It was not bad. It just didn’t keep my attention.
I received this ARC for an honest review. Thank you @booksforward #booksforwardfriends
Fast-paced! Twisted! Riveting! Exciting! Addictive! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense that kept me guessing the whole way! A MUST for your TBR list!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
I liked seeing the way the women dealt with unexpected adversity. I thought the changing point of view was done very well. I liked the way the story unfolded, and the glimpse of how people were affected by what happened. Highly recommended.