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The One I Left Behind Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,366 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The summer of 1985 changes Reggie’s life. An awkward thirteen-year-old, she finds herself mixed up with the school outcasts. That same summer, a serial killer called Neptune begins kidnapping women. He leaves their severed hands on the police department steps and, five days later, displays their bodies around town. Just when Reggie needs her mother, Vera, the most, Vera’s hand is found on the steps. But after five days, there’s no body and Neptune disappears.
Now, twenty-five years later, Reggie is a successful architect who has left her hometown and the horrific memories of that summer behind. But when she gets a call revealing that her mother has been found alive, Reggie must confront the ghosts of her past and find Neptune before he kills again.
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"This is a great mystery-thriller to read. What I really liked about this story is the back and forth between the grown up Reggie & the young Reggie. I have read books in this same format that didn't work so well but for this novel, it worked perfectly. The main plot of this novel is that Reggie's mom is the last victim of the infamous serial killer, Neptune and her body is never found. Years later, Reggie's mom is found at a shelter and brought back to her childhood home. What Reggie doesn't know is what happened to her mother or why she was never found. As she tries to solve her mother's mystery she learns that the killer was too close to her family and is after her."
— Karen (5 out of 5 stars)
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“A chilling story that keeps the suspense on high throughout...There is never a point where it’s comfortable to put this book down; each chapter will have you wanting more...This is a book that is sure to be on top of many people’s lists.”
— RT Book Reviews -
“Haunting and harrowing...A richly poignant tale of the families we’re born into and the ones we build ourselves.”
— Megan Abbott, author of Dare Me -
“[A] haunting work of literary suspense...Grippingly plotted, this intricate, character-driven story seamlessly shifts time.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“McMahon scores a solid touchdown in this creepy but engrossing thriller...Readers will find themselves unable to turn the pages fast enough.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A Kirkus Reviews “New and Notable Title” in January 2013
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A 2014 International Thriller Writers Award Nominee
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One of Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2014: Narrator of the year
The One I Left Behind Listener Reviews
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Deborah, 4/19/2021
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" I had high hopes for this book. It started out well, good pacing and interesting characters, but by the end of the book it had dissolved into something of a mess. Clues and red herrings rained down from the sky at random and even when the mystery was solved I was left with too many questions and "uh, I don't think so's" All in all, pretty unsatisfying read. "
— Rebecca, 1/31/2014 -
" guessed who Neptune was early on but it was a good read and I enjoyed the interesting characters and the 1980's setting. "
— Kathleen, 1/5/2014 -
" The story line was just okay and I found it somewhat predictable. I must say the editing was poorly done. "
— Heather, 1/1/2014 -
" i was shocked!! never would have guessed!! really had me hooked right till the end! "
— Leigh-ann, 12/31/2013 -
" Excellent mystery/thriller. Another cannot put down book. I also loved the characters and the weaving back between past and present. A must read! :) "
— Sherry, 12/27/2013 -
" I really liked this book a lot. Well written, great characters and a real page turner. I'm looking forward to Jennifer McMahon's next book. "
— Selena, 12/27/2013 -
" love her writing....excellent book... "
— Evea, 12/4/2013 -
" Keeps you guessing until the very end! "
— Jill, 11/11/2013 -
" Another amazing read by one of my favourite authors. Jennifer McMahon always has me second guessing my second guesses in all of her books and this one is no exception. "
— Stacy, 7/23/2013 -
" Dark and twisty and very entertaining "
— Lynda, 6/26/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author! "
— Rachel, 5/20/2013 -
" Couldn't put it down. Great read!!! "
— Lisa, 5/9/2013 -
" I felt like one of Pavlov's dogs reading this book. McMahon has a spectacular habit of dangling little gems in front of the reader only to take her good sweet time getting around to elaborating on it. The effect is being completely incapable of putting the book down. "
— Annie, 5/4/2013 -
" This one is a 2.5. I don't think I'm cut out for mysteries. I get totally caught up in the story and then I'm disappointed in how everything comes together. There were so many loose threads and unanswered questions, almost like the author forgot the elements she introduced. "
— Adrienne, 5/3/2013 -
" A good read. I enjoyed the reflections on the past and the suspense of the story. "
— Lisa, 4/12/2013
About Jennifer McMahon
Jennifer McMahon is the author of Dismantled, the New York Times bestseller Island of Lost Girls, and the breakout debut novel Promise Not to Tell, among other works. She lives in Vermont with her partner, Drea, and their daughter, Zella.
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a novelist, screenwriter, lifelong actor, and multiple award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. She is a former child actor who has appeared in multiple films and television shows.