Author: Jennifer McMahon

Title: The One I Left Behind 

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Publication Date: January 2, 2013

Number of Pages: 422 pages

Time Period: 1980's and present day in Brighton Falls, Connecticut 

Plot Summary: This character driven story about Reggie Dufrane's life is molded by a serial killer's decision not to kill her mother like all the others, and instead leaving behind a hand and no body. Her successful life as an architect can only distract her for so long until the day she gets a call they have found her mother alive. The story alternates from Reggie's childhood leading up to and after the disappearance of her mother. And what happens after they find her mother alive in a homeless shelter. Reggie goes back to face and discover the killer may be a little closer to home than she ever imagined.

Subject Headings: Serial Killer, Connecticut, Women Architects, Crime against women

Elements of Suspense: 

     Fast paced-has short chapters that go back and forth between 1980 and present day. The tone is quick and intriguing which makes you want to keep reading. You want to know what it going to happen next. 

     

     Serial Murders-the killer has been cutting off hands and leaving dead bodies behind, until Reggie's mother's body does not follow the severed hand. Serial Killers are a theme used in suspense novels and this one is no exception. 

     Unknown dangers resolved through confrontation-Discovering why Reggie's mother is different than the other victims has always haunted Reggie. Coming face to face with the killer will give her an opportunity to ask him. 

Similar Authors and Works:

Deaver, Jeffery-The Burning Wire shares the suspenseful serial killer aspect with book.

Robb, J.D.-Calculated In Death is about women murder victims

Grafton, Sue-S is for Silence has missing women just like this title