Since She Went Away

April 25, 2016
In this tantalizing thriller from Bell (Somebody I Used to Know), the small Kentucky town of Hawks Mill makes the news when Celia Walters disappears near Caldwell Park, where she was supposed to be meeting her friend Jenna Barron late one night. Celia, dubbed the “Diamond Mom” by sensationalist media, dropped one diamond earring at the scene. Jenna feels both guilt and loss as the months pass, as does Ian, Celia’s husband. Relentless pressure from TV reporter Becky McGee and crime show host Reena Huffman intensifies with each new development in the case, including a man’s attempt to pawn Celia’s other diamond earring. In addition to dealing with the media, Jenna must face the scrutiny of police detective Naomi Poole, who’s leading the investigation, and cope with her 15-year-old son, who’s become infatuated with a troubled new girl in town. Bell keeps readers on edge throughout. Agent: Laney Katz Becker, Lippincott, Massie, McQuilkin Literary.