Book Review: Remembering Sarah

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Remembering Sarah     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Chris Mooney
Class/Genre:   Fiction
Atria Books; Apr 2004; 306pp

Mike Sullivan and his wife, Jess, disagree on how to protect their daughter, Sarah. Because Sarah is an only child and Jess was fortunate to carry her at all, Jess is extremely protective of Sarah, especially at her tender age of six. But, with a different background, Mike wants Sarah to be able to handle the bumps and knocks of life on her own. Tension has been building between Mike and Jess on the subject for some time, when a forbidden sledding outing turns into every parent's worst nightmare. Sarah disappears.

The story picks up again five years later. Police have a suspect in the disappearance of several young girls, including Sarah, but no proof to use to arrest the man. And now, the man is near death and still silent. Mike and Jess have split up. Mike is unwilling to let go of the hope that one day he will find Sarah. When her jacket is discovered on the hill on the anniversary of her disappearance, Mike and the case both heat back up.

This one is a gut-wrenching read for any parent. The story is tightly written, from Mike's perspective, and details his frustration and rage at not getting the answers he so desperately needs; from the police investigating the crime or from the only real suspect. Mike's confrontations with his past and his family give depth to the characterization and add to the plot as well. Plan to stay up all night with this psychological thriller . . . and make sure to leave the lights on.

Webspinner - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Webspinner - RAM