Stay Close Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Stay Close

The readers can download Stay Close Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

Megan is a suburban soccer mom who once upon a time walked on the wild side. Now she's got two kids, a perfect husband, a picket fence, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but at the age of forty he finds himself in a dead-end job posing as a paparazzo, pandering to celebrity-obsessed rich kids. Broome is a detective who can't let go of a cold case-a local husband and father who disappeared seventeen years ago-and spends the anniversary every year visiting a house frozen in time, the missing man's family still waiting, his slippers left by the recliner as if he might show up at any moment to step into them. Three people living lives they never wanted, hiding secrets that even those closest to them would never suspect, will find that the past never truly fades away. Even as the terrible consequences of long-ago events crash together in the present and threaten to ruin lives, they will come to the startling realization that they may not want to forget the past at all. And as each confronts the dark side of the American dream-the boredom of a nice suburban life, the excitement of temptation, the desperation and hunger that can lurk behind even the prettiest façades-they will discover the hard truth that the line between one kind of life and another can be as whisper-thin as a heartbeat. Master of domestic suspense Harlan Coben delivers his trademark combination of page-turning thrills and unrivaled insight into the dark shadows that creep into even the happiest communities.

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4 comments

  • I couldn't stick with this audiobook for long, which is a first for me. The characters just got on my nerves and I couldn't muster any interest in their fates. The plot didn't manage to captivate me either. It's a shame because I had high expectations, especially after thoroughly enjoying Tell No One by the same author.
  • I recently wrote a review of "The Poet" by Michael Connelly, and while I like Connelly, I have been disappointed with the way he portrays his female characters. They come across as strong, but lacking depth. I often find myself wondering about their motivations and whether they have any thoughts beyond fighting and looking sexy. On the other hand, Harlan Coben does a fantastic job of creating strong women who are complex and relatable. One such character is Megan Pierce, a soccer mom with a fascinating past who now navigates the challenges of raising kids, running errands, and dealing with a mother-in-law with dementia. Her husband adores her and never questions her past too deeply. Megan's journey isn't the clichéd "haunted by the past" storyline. Instead, she gets bored and decides to take a trip to Atlantic City, where she is recognized by an old friend. Ray Levine, a former war photojournalist, is also in Atlantic City, frequently drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He works as a paparazzi to make ends meet, despite it being soul-sucking work. Detective Jack Broome is another intriguing character who can't let go of a case from years ago and becomes even more invested when Carlton Flynn goes missing on the same day, 17 years later. Although "Stay Close" is a standalone novel, it could serve as an excellent introduction to a Broome series. The portrayal of Atlantic City with its cheap attractions, gambling, dive bars, and live shows adds depth to the story, acting as both a friend and a foil for Broome, Ray, and Megan. What I appreciated about this book is that it goes beyond being a mere puzzle-like mystery. It makes you think and doesn't follow a formulaic approach to suspense. The narration by Scott Brick is well done, with each character clearly distinguishable. If you found this review helpful, please hit the "YES" button. Thanks!
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