Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin Press for this one! I enjoyed it because the plot twist was so different.

Three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared. Cass returns, but without Emma. What happened to them? Where is Emma? Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr. Winter, feels that something is missing with Cass' story and she tries to figure it out.

Holy crap. This is one messed up family (not including the sisters). The mom has issues! No wonder Dr. Winter is suspicious. While at times the explanations were a little messy, I certainly appreciated how everything unfolded and how unexpected the twists were. I was definitely hooked! I felt uncomfortable with a lot of the plot details, and at times this felt like a sloppy episode of CSI Miami, but it was still enjoyable!

The book is told in alternating chapters.  One by Cass, the sister who returns, and the other by Dr. Abby Winter.  Abby had a theory three years ago when the girls disappeared.  She saw similar things in Mrs. Martin that she saw in her own mother. Narcissistic personality disorder.  Mrs. Martin is obsessed with people seeing her as the best at everything, the most beautiful, a perfect mother. So much so that she competes with her own daughters.  Abby knows there is something wrong with this family and that there is more to the story Cass is telling her.

Cass tells a story about how she and Emma left together one night and that Emma is still alive and needs to be found.  She tells her story over multiple days in bits and pieces to Abby, her family, and the agent on the case.  

Wendy Walker tells an interesting tale back and forth in time which makes you wonder what really happened and who is telling the truth.  Every time I thought I had it figured out, there was something else that made me second guess myself.

Not many books can keep me guessing for as long as this one did. The twists and turns, different points of view and just general story pulled me in. I was trying to figure out what was next but never got the full story until it was truly revieled.
Great mystery!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.5 stars.

This is a story about two teenage sisters, Emma and Cass, who go missing one night. Then 3 years later, Cass comes home.
We find out about their family dynamics, what has happened during the past 3 years and most importantly, what happened to Emma.

I gave this 4.5 stars because although I can't really fault this book - it made me want to keep reading to finally find out what happened to Emma - it didn't blow me away. I always find myself comparing books to my most favourites and this book doesn't hit the same level of obsessive reading or absolute NEED to finish the book no matter what adult life tells me I need to do.

Wow, this was an awesome read! As far as psychological thrillers go, this one was absolutely top notch! From the very first sentence, I was captivated by the story of the Tanner sisters: 17-year-old Emma and 15-year-old Cassandra (Cass), two teenagers from a dysfunctional family who suddenly disappeared one fateful night. Three years later, one of the sisters returns – Cass, now an 18-year-old woman, shows up on the doorstep of her mother’s house with an urgent message: “Find Emma!” From there, a three year old investigation is re-ignited and the FBI agents who were deeply involved in the case previously – special agent Leo Strauss and forensic psychologist Dr. Abby Winter -- are pulled back into the fray. As they interview Cass – who spares no detail in recounting everything that happened the past 3 years in the hopes that they are able to save her sister – Leo and Abby once again become deeply entrenched in the story of these two sisters and the unconventional, oftentimes tumultuous, relationship they had with their narcissistic mother Judy Martin. As the family history is slowly unraveled, secrets are discovered that all end up playing into the mystery of the sisters’ disappearance and Cass’s subsequent return.

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea what narcissistic personality disorder was. Sure, I’m familiar with the term narcissism, but did not know that it was actually a diagnosable illness and that its real-life impact could be so devastating. I was definitely impressed with the way author Wendy Walker was able to build such a compelling, gripping tale of suspense around a disorder that many of us either didn’t know about or if we did, probably misunderstood. It was obvious that Walker did a thorough job with her research into narcissistic personality disorder – so much so in fact, that if I hadn’t read the Acknowledgment page at the beginning of the book, I honestly would have thought that Walker was able to be so detailed about the disorder due to personal experience with it in her family (she clarifies that this is not the case and the characters are not based on anyone in her family).

The story itself was cleverly written and kept me guessing right up until its shocking and completely unexpected ending. I don’t intend to write a detailed review on this book because I want people to read and experience it for themselves, as this is one of those books where it’s best to go in with as little information as possible. After I finished the book, I was compelled to go back through and re-read some parts and it was then that I realized Walker actually did drop quite a few clues about the ending but it was hard to recognize at first due to the brilliant way the narrative was laid out. The writing was also exceptional (very few mistakes despite my version being an uncorrected proof copy), which, in my opinion, definitely contributed to how absorbing the story was – I found this book hard to put down once I started reading it.

Definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy well-written thrillers, though a word of warning that there are depictions of mental and emotional abuse and manipulation that are quite disturbing, in case that’s a deal-breaker for anyone trying to decide whether to read or not. The book also isn’t without flaws, the main one being some repetitiveness with certain parts of the story (which it looks like other reviewers pointed out as well), but to me, this was a minor issue that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book itself. I am definitely interested in reading more works by this author!

Received ARC from MacMillan via NetGalley

This book is a great read for people who like this genre'. It is totally captivating from the very first page. There are so many twists and turns that predicting the outcome is impossible. The story is very original and the degree of the authors imagination it noyhing short of amazing. I know someone personally who is narcisisitic which made this all the more interesting for me. The effect this has on families was a real eye opener as well I would highly recommend this book. It is absolutely one of the best I have ever read!

One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn’t add up. Looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister’s return might just be the beginning of the crime.

My Thoughts: Emma in the Night was a story that began when Cassandra Tanner came home, three years after she and her sister Emma had disappeared. Jonathan and Judy Martin remained at the family home, and when Judy opened the door upon Cass’s knock, she didn’t seem to recognize her daughter. Or was she pretending?

Alternating narrators take us from the past to the present and back again, weaving together a tale of a narcissistic mother, a cruel stepfather and his equally cruel son, and two sisters who learned at an early age that love means playing tricks and resorting to emotional weapons. A bitter custody battle, a home that was a battleground, and uncertainty of one’s place in the world or in the family would create the kinds of scenarios that unfold in this novel.

Dr. Abigail (Abby) Winter and Leo Strauss are FBI agents tasked with interviewing Cass and her family. The stories Cass tells are interspersed with her reflections and thoughts about past events. She constructs a story that will capture the interest of the media and the agents…and then, at some point, the story starts unraveling as Abby realizes that some things about Cass’s tale feel contrived. They don’t quite add up.

I thought it was interesting that Cass referred to her mother as Mrs. Martin, even to her face. It was clear that there was no love lost between them, although Judy Martin, the mother, was good at putting a perfect face on things. Sometimes she could even fool her daughters, making them believe that she loved them. She definitely needed to “win” whatever battle they were playing, garnering all the attention from whoever happened to be in the room.

Very cleverly drawn, the characters felt real, while their actions had me wondering what to believe, even as I wanted everything to come together in a picture perfect way at the end.

Abby’s narratives were astute and it was clear that she had expertise with the narcissistic personality due to her own family life. Sometimes she worried that she wasn’t objective, but in the end, her assessment was spot on.

I liked how we slowly discovered the truth…and then were left with a bit of hope, along with some fear for the future. 5 stars.

***My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley.

The subject of narcissism has held my interest for quite some time. I was curious of how the author would handle the topic. It starts out promising, but about a third of the way through the plot became predictable. Overall, it was an entertaining read, but I wanted more depth, layers, and nuance about this very interesting and timely about this topic.

Ah, all is not as it seems. Dysfunctional is definitely a good word to use to describe the family of 2 girls who go missing one night. When one returns to tell the horrors she and her sister have encountered, she has an unspoken motive for what pieces of her past she reveals. Twists, snags and an intriguing plot make this a fast and enjoyable read.

If you want a heart stopping, mystery with dark twists, this is it!
How do two sister's disappear for three years and then one reappears with the story, and mystery of where they were and her sister still is? Why?
Her Mother has moved on and so has the rest of the family and are almost upset to see her reappear after all this time
Whose to blame.
There is no way to predict what ensues as this story progresses and it kept me on my toes and kept my attention all the way through the chapters!

This book caught my attention with the first paragraph and did not let go. The characters are all intriguing, as is the story. The psychological thriller genre is one of my favorites, and this one goes on my Top 5 list. Highly recommended!

Emma and her sister Cass disappeared three years ago and when Emma returns alone she creates a tempest in a teapot. Some people aren't real happy she's back. the story started out very fast paced but slowed a little after the initial thrill of the story. As a psychologist attempts to help Emma return she finds the family is extremely dysfunctional and starts investigating why the girls disappeared in the first place. Good suspense and writing style.

Seventeen-year-old Emma and fifteen-year-old Cass Tanner are sisters. They are, like most siblings, close at times and not so close at other times. They are part of a merged but troubled family and depend upon each other. Cass looks up to Emma and wants to emulate her. She watches her closely and learns lessons about womanhood and how to make the most of her life.
One night the sisters disappear into thin air. Emma’s car and shoes are found on a nearby beach which is surrounded by a forest. There is no sign of either girl and their parents are baffled and upset. Has there been a crime, an accident or perhaps a suicide? Could it be that the girls had arranged to run away, helped by a third party? It’s a total mystery and the police investigation into the Tanner sisters’ disappearance is soon big news. However every clue leads to a blind alley and eventually there is no option but to wind down the search.
Three years later Cass returns home. She seems very relieved to be with her family. The investigation is reopened and the original team called in to interview Cass. She tells a detailed and sordid story of a kidnapping and forced imprisonment on a remote and distant island. She is very keen to cooperate with the search because, although she has miraculously escaped, her sister is still held captive. What she wants more than anything is to find Emma so they they can be happily reunited. But forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter finds some inconsistencies in her story and is determined to uncover the truth and to return Emma to her family.
‘Emma in the Night’ is Wendy Walker’s second novel. As soon as I heard about it I wanted to read it as I had enjoyed her debut novel 'All is not Forgotten', which I read and reviewed a few months ago. Both are psychological mystery stories centred on the family, but they are so very different. ‘Emma in the Night’ is a slow burner and very slow paced as gradually the story is built up and told and the truth is uncovered. The ending is punchy, exciting and meticulously planned. I did not foresee what would happen at all. I did not particularly like any of the main characters, especially the family members. They were driven by self importance, each with their own agenda and motives. The distance and coldness in the family was chilling and unsettling and the manipulation within the family seriously disturbing.
I would like to thank NetGalley and publisher HQ for my copy of this novel, sent to me in return for an honest review. I did find it hard to get into but I am pleased I persevered and read on because the finale made the story so much more interesting and meaningful. It’s a 5/10 from me.

Three years ago, sisters Emma and Cass disappeared one night, leaving no trace of where they’d gone—or why they left. Then Cass shows up at the family home, alone. She tells a story of kidnapping and being held on a mysterious island against her will, and is desperate for the police to find Emma.

But forensic psychologist Abby Winter sees holes in Cass’s story, and it will take delving into her own past to uncover the truth hidden behind a narcissistic mother who twisted the lives of her daughters until they no longer knew the truth. Only Abby can find Emma, because even Cass doesn’t know the true story.

Emma in the Night is not a happy family tale. Not in the least. Cass and Emma’s family is troubled, controlled by their narcissistic mother, an expert at twisting things to get what she wants. There are so many twists in this story! While I knew Cass wasn’t telling the whole truth—there are little signs of that—I had no idea what the truth actually was. The author does a great job of drawing the reader in and bringing them along for a ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.

(Galley provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

I had heard so much about this book that I was looking forward to reading it. Sadly soon after starting it I found it to be very uncomfortable to read. The narcissistic mother made me angry and sick about the things she did to those around her that she claimed to love. This is the second book I've read lately where telling lies was a major factor of the story (the other was "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware) that just did not live up to the hype I heard about them.

I so enjoyed Wendy Walker’s ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN. I was elated to read another book by this author. EMMA IN THE NIGHT is a story about two sisters. This story is also about narcissism and how it can affect a family.

Cass, 15, and her sister, 17, have been missing for three years. At age 18, Cass comes home and tells how she and her sister, Emma, were kidnapped and held on an island the whole time. For Cass the clock is ticking and she needs to convince everyone to find that island and capture the couple that held them and rescue Emma. For Dr. Abby Winters, Cass’ story doesn’t add up. Abby’s hunch along with the fact that Cass and Emma’s mother is a textbook narcissist convinces her that there is more to the story then Cass is telling.

I really enjoyed this psychological suspense. The story alternates between Abby and Cass’ POV and is told in alternate timelines. Cass does a lot of remembering her sister and the events that took place at the hands of her mother before she left, while she was gone, and now after she has come home. Cass chooses to live with her mother, who she un-affectionately calls Mrs.Martin, instead of her father which threw up big red flags for me right away. There she also faces a Mr.Martin and a shady step-brother.

Cass is really complicated character. I was riveted reading about Cass’ experiences in the hands of her kidnappers. That story alone would have been enough, but life is really tough for her at home as well. Cass uses counting as a mechanism to cope. Abby explains in detail how this counting probably saved her. Cass’ recounting her kidnappers really adds urgency for the reader as Emma is still there and in grave danger.

Abby plays a major role in this story, as her background is in personality disorders and more specifically narcissistic mothers. Her insight into the home of Mrs.Martin and her daughters is on point and her observations added to my enjoyment of this book. With Cass being gone so long and going through so much, bringing a forensic psychiatrist along with the FBI will only help with the investigation. It takes all these brilliant minds to see past the lies and get down to the truth which has long been buried.

There is much more to this story, but I don’t want to give away all the juicy details. This story is suspenseful and intelligent, but it wasn’t quite as good as ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN. I deducted a star only because I caught something early on, but only because this author’s other novel is still so fresh in my mind. I would still highly recommend this book. Once again this author sheds light on an important mental disorder that often goes undiagnosed. This is a story you need to read for yourself to appreciate.

The twists, the turns, loved it!

The challenging life of Cass. She is in a family that could define dysfunctional.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.

This was a captivating story that held me from beginning to end. It kept me guessing! I love books that develop rich and interesting characters and this one did just that!

It is interesting to explore the idea of how deeply a parent can impact the personality and life of their child. (It's pretty frightening as a parent!) I also find the description of narcissistic personality disorder fascinating, although I'm not sure how accurate it was.

Overall a great read! Makes me want to read more by this author!

I'm fascinated by a psychological thriller that has unreliable narrator you never quite know who or what to believe, consequently I immediately find myself on “high alert” seeking out inconsistencies when I read a book that uses this form of narration. Two sisters Emma and Cass disappear without a trace leaving many questions answered, but then one day Cass returns and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter begins to unravel what happened to the sisters. Emma In The Night is an intriguing look at mental health, manipulation and how a family is ultimately affected.

Emma In The Night is a book filled with dysfunctional and manipulative characters so I found myself struggling to connect with the characters, now sometimes I find this isn't a problem and it can actually make a book more intriguing, but unfortunately I found most of the characters incredibly irritating as they all had traits that made them difficult to like or feel empathy for, so consequently this slightly distracted from my enjoyment of this book.


This isn’t an edge-of-your-seat hardcore thriller Emma In The Woods is very much character led, and so the pace of the book felt very slow at times. There is a strong focus on mental illness and narcissism which the author has obviously researched in great detail. If I'm honest I really enjoyed this book up until the half way mark, I found myself desperate to find out what happened to both girls that night, but a round this point I found the plot slightly predictable, and it very much turns into a case study of a dysfunctional family.

I have a feeling Emma In The Night is going to be one of those “marmite” books, and I can see why readers will rave about it, but unfortunately for me I found myself becoming detached from the characters and the plot which in the end meant that although it made for a good read I did struggle with it. As I said I'm sure there will be numerous readers who will love everything about this book, so I think this is one of those books I would recommend you read for yourself and make up your own mind, who knows you may just love it.
This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog