Closer Than You Know

A Novel

By: Brad Parks

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

Brad Parks delivers a riveting, emotionally powerful stand-alone domestic suspense thriller perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and What She Knew.

Disaster is always closer than you know.

It was a lesson Melanie Barrick learned the hard way growing up in the constant upheaval of foster care. But now that she’s survived into adulthood—with a loving husband, a steady job, and a beautiful baby boy named Alex—she thought that turmoil was behind her.

Until one Tuesday evening when she goes to pick up Alex from childcare only to discover he’s been removed by Social Services. And no one will say why. It’s a terrifying scenario for any parent, but doubly so for Melanie, who knows the unintended horrors of what everyone coldly calls “the system.”
Her nightmare grows worse when she arrives home to learn her house has been raided by sheriff’s deputies, who have found enough cocaine to send Melanie to prison for years. The evidence against her is overwhelming, and if Melanie can’t prove her innocence, she’ll lose Alex forever.

Meanwhile, assistant commonwealth’s attorney Amy Kaye—who has been assigned Melanie’s case—has her own troubles. She’s been dogged by a cold case no one wants her to pursue: a serial rapist who has avoided detection by wearing a mask and whispering his commands. Over the years, he has victimized dozens of women.

Including Melanie. Yet now her attacker might be the key to her salvation... or her undoing.

Get it

So different than other novels, I could feel her pain. Couldn’t stop listening, must read - definitely get it!

Well, I didn’t expect that!!

Great plot, great story, great narration. Had me hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommend!

Good entertainment, but not believable

The narrator was incredible. The characters were well defined. The plot kept you guessing. For me, I just could not believe all the bad that happened to mother. Child protective services, the police, attorneys, and anyone knowing anything about her, would never have believed she had anything to do with all of the charges she was convicted of. Having said that, I still enjoyed the book and really enjoy Brad Parks' writing. I will continue to read his books. Sometimes we just need to be entertained with way off the Richter scale storylines!

Kept Me Guessing

The characters were well developed and the story line original. Can’t wait to find another of his books.

This book..really really liked it

Don’t usually write a full review I listen to at least 3 a week. That being said, this one is a different take on my usual psych thriller. I truly enjoyed it. The characters, the protagonist especially, is likable and well developed. There are some eye roll moments and one that runs throughout, but, it’s absolutely forgivable in this great book. Worth a credit.