Catherine Sterling has spent her entire life under the watchful eye of her mother, Ruth, who claims a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s is rapidly eroding her memory. When Catherine discovers medical inconsistencies and hidden documents, she realizes Ruth is faking the illness to prevent her daughter from moving to a new city across the country. As Catherine investigates her mother’s past, she uncovers a history of assumed identities and a long-hidden violent incident that forced Ruth into an isolated, nomadic existence for twenty-five years.
This psychological thriller serves readers who enjoy stories centered on mother-daughter dynamics and the consequences of long-term deception. It targets those interested in how family secrets shape personal identity and the lengths parents go to for perceived protection. Readers walk away with an understanding of how trauma creates cycles of paranoia and the realization that domestic safety is often maintained through calculated lies. It offers a detailed look at the mechanics of identity theft used to bypass modern law enforcement.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
Insights from Gone Tonight
“Memories are dangerous things.”
Ruth hides her past to keep Catherine safe. It made me wonder how many secrets my own mother might be keeping for me.
“I am a liar. I come from a long line of them.”
Catherine starts testing her mother's memory with small traps. Watching their trust dissolve over a few medical tests felt so heavy.
Living in a small apartment can feel like a cage when you suspect someone is lying. Every creak in the floor starts to sound like a threat.
“She is my heart. But she is also my witness.”
Ruth's fake Alzheimer's symptoms are so convincing they actually hurt to read. She uses her daughter's greatest fear as a shield.
- Published
- 2023
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Press
- ISBN
- 9781250283979
- Language
- EN
