Don’t Look for Me is the story of a family shattered by the accidental death of the youngest daughter. Five years later they are still trying to move forward. Then, Molly disappears during a rainstorm, her car is found abandoned, and a few days later a note discovered in a hotel room indicates she has deliberately disappeared. Two weeks later, when a new lead surfaces, Molly’s daughter, Nicole, returns to the small town where her mother’s car was found. Nicole feels certain that her mother would never leave them and she is determined to discover the truth.

I will have to admit that I didn’t find this book particularly interesting when I read the first few chapters, but I decided to forge ahead anyway. And, I’m so glad I did! This is a clever story that is told from both the perspectives of Nicole and Molly. It also moves from the past (Molly’s disappearance) and the present, when Nicole begins her own search for her mother. As the book progresses, the two timelines merge and the hunt for Molly reaches a climax.

For me, Wendy Walker hit this one out of the ballpark. It is suspenseful, well-written, and entertaining and the ending is quite satisfying.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Last night I finished Don’t Look For Me, by Wendy Waker and it was great!

A woman disappeared, leaving behind her car, her purse and clothes, and a note that read: “Don’t look for me”. And no wonder Molly wanted to disappear: her youngest daughter died a few years ago, her family is breaking apart and al of their surviving members have made it very clear they can’t stand to look at her. But something just doesn’t feel right for Molly’s oldest daughter, and she is determined to find out what happened to her mother.

This book was stressing me out, but in a great way! I had to pause my read a couple of times because the story had me SO nervous!! I don’t want to spoil anything but there were so many elements that added to the creepiness of the story, that you couldn’t stop reading until you knew what happened.

Also, I loved the underlying theme of how one never appreciates the life one has, until that life is in jeopardy. Let’s try to focus on what we have and the good things in life, people.

4,5 stars!

Thank you @netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've read a couple of books by Wendy Walker now (All is Not Forgotten and Emma in the Night giving them 4 and 4.5 stars respectively!) and after several weeks of minimal reading and a lot of university assignment angst her latest, Don't Look for Me was exactly what I was in the mood to read.

I settled into the bathtub and read it in an easy and entertaining sitting. There were a couple of moments that made me worry it was going to be too predictable but Walker throws in a few curves to avoid some of the usual cliches.

We only meet Molly very briefly before she disappears. I had thought Walker might keep us guessing for a while but readers learn pretty much straight away what happens to her. It takes Molly herself a little while longer to understand her fate but once she does I really liked the realistic way Walker portrays her thoughts and actions.

Molly is really quite desolate on the day she disappears and I wonder if it might not have worked well to keep we readers in the dark for longer. To hold off on revealing the chapters featuring her experience (after her car runs out of fuel) until later in the novel. It would add to the suspense because the Molly we meet on the day she goes missing is certainly feeling as if her family would be relieved if she wasn't to return home.

I actually felt quite sad for her...

"Am I too sensitive? Am I just being too me, too Molly? I hear these thoughts with John's voice. Stop being so Molly. He has come to use my name as an adjective that allows him to dismiss me."

It would also have put us in the same position as her daughter Nicole, who doesn't believe her mother would have disappeared willingly. Molly's husband is happy to accept the police's 'walk-away' verdict but Nicole is determined to look deeper.

Walker moves us back and forth between Molly and Nicole. Before we meet the 21 year old we've already heard about the fight the pair had the morning Molly disappeared and the fact Nicole has been acting out BIG TIME since the death of her younger sister.

Walker gives us some false leads and red herrings so we don't quite know who to trust. There's also a smidge of romance on offer for Nicole so if you're like me you're hoping one of the potential beaus isn't a psychopath. 

I appreciated the conclusion offered a twist or two and wasn't eked out too much. In fact I almost felt as if it was rushed a little... there's a character introduced I wanted more closure on, but it wasn't quite there. (And I can't say more without offering spoilers!)

This is a great read and Walker adds in an extra layer of texture with past tragedy manifesting in blame, grief and guilt - which go unacknowledged and undiscussed - contributing to events here.

3.5 stars

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On the anniversary of a family tragedy, Molly Clarke walks away from her life.

The story is that her car was abandoned, found miles from home. There was also a note in Molly's handwriting found at a nearby hotel.

It happens all the time—women are desperate to leave their lives behind and start over, so they just disappear. Especially ones that have fractured families.

But is that what really happened to Molly Clarke?

In Walker's latest psychological thriller, she uses an unimaginable family tragedy and highly-developed characters to examine the bond between a mother and her children. Her writing is sharp, powerful, and unflinching.

Told in alternating perspectives and with dual timelines, Don't Look for Me is an intricately plotted thriller about a Mother's guilt. Like The Night Before, this was incredibly effective—Walker reveals a little at a time which is both frenzy inducing and momentum building. Her characters are well-developed and propel the plot which is expertly paced.

Congratulations, Wendy, on another fantastic book.

Amazing!!! I loved the pacing of this book so much!! It centers on the Clarke family-with a fractured history. One stormy night, everything changes when the Mom, Molly disappears. What follows, will keep you up at night as you try to determine who knows what & how it will end. Loved every minute! Thanks NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a true page turner, filled with secrets and lies. The book grabs you from the very first page as you try and figure out this twists plot. Without giving anything away Molly Clarke disappears and her daughter Nicole is determined to find her or find out what happened to her. You are never sure if the characters are lying or helpful in her pursuit. Thankfully Nicole does not give up as this twisted story races toward its conclusion. I read it in one sitting, so will you.

This book just moved its way into my top 5 books of the year. Holy cow!

The twists just kept on coming but was written so perfectly that it didn’t seem to be too much. All of the characters were likable or even relatable. The storyline was well developed and written. Each chapter alternated POV between Molly Clarke and her daughter Nicole, and it was very easy to follow along with their stories. This is a book you’ll definitely read in one sitting because you’ll want to know what’s going to happen next ASAP.

Molly has set out to find her daughter and bring her home. Yet when she runs out of gas she finds herself in a horrible unsafe situation after getting in a truck with a stranger. The doors lock and she doesn't know how she will survive as well as find her daughter.

Creepy, and keeps you jumping

Don't Look For Me is a riveting psychological thriller that I read mostly in one sitting. I was hooked from the first few pages all the way through the end. This story unfolds through two points of view - Molly, a grieving mother and her oldest daughter Nicole who bears guilt and secrets of her own. The setting is a small, dying town in the middle of nowhere, reeking with creepy vibes and a slew of suspicious characters that kept me guessing. A frantic pace pushes this story forward at breakneck speed when Nic follows her gut feeling and a mysterious phone call to return to town and resume the search for her mother. All I can say is hold on for dear life as this story will knock you off your feet as these characters maneuver dangerous twists and turns. A unique support cast adds to the mystery and intrigue of this dark tale. And while I figured out part of it, I'd was still stunned by the shocker at the end. Don't Look For Me is another 2020 Favorite. Highly recommended!

The book was a quick read but I really did not enjoy . The death of a child at any age is traumatic and when someone close to that child is responsible the impact is brutal . The family dynamics is changed forever with a child’s death. This book portrayed that very well. This book also showed when a person disappears the long lasting effect this has on a family and those close to that person is also heart breaking and traumatic.The mystery component was so so. It was far fetched that in such a small town where everyone knew the goings on of all , that they did not see the deceit and injustice that was happening for over 10 years. The ending happened quickly and I am not sure if redemption or justice prevailed.

Thank you Netgalley far a copy for an honest review.
Wow this book scared me a lot, I guess because I use to have a reoccurring dream of being kidnapped.. Great read interesting twist.

This was my first Wendy Walker book but won't be my last. It is told from two character's perspectives and is a real page turner that is difficult to put down. Like any good mystery, this story kept the reader guessing up until the climax. The ending was a surprise that I did not see coming and left me scratching my head a bit. Overall it was an enjoyable and creepy (in a good way!) read.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!
If you are a thriller lover - run to the store/library and buy/sign out this one! It was recently released on September 15th and it is a perfect fall read. Molly Clarke is on her way home after driving four hours to watch her son’s football game. In the middle of a storm, her car runs out of gas and she vanishes without a trace. The cops decide that Molly has walked away from her life due to the tragic death of her youngest daughter and a note that they conveniently find from “Molly” sharing her intent of leaving her family behind. Her oldest daughter, Nicole aka Nic, knows that her mother would never abandon them. She returns to Hastings where her mother’s car was found to leave no stone unturned, unable to bear the loss of another family member.

The three females in this novel were what made it a standout for me. Molly and Nic are processing their grief in the midst of a crisis and their traumatic lives are gripping. Alice was such a complex character that made the story in my opinion. The writing was unputdownable and just when you think you have it figured out, Walker drops another little twist that throws everything into question. The suspense building was skillful and steered the plot line. My sole criticism is the ending which just dropped in what seemed like many twists all at once. Also where was Molly’s husband/Nic’s father in all of this to support Nic when things started to unravel? I did love the conclusion at the end that leaves the reader grappling with the complexity of emotions Molly experiences with Alice. I will be back for more Wendy Walker - that is for sure!

This is my first book by Wendy Walker, but it definitely won’t be my last!

This book grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me go. I found myself sneaking in extra reading time through the day.

I don’t want to say too much, because there are all kinds of surprises, lots of twists and turns. People who may or may not be who they say they are.

The story is about Molly Clarke, a mother who disappears one day. A note is found basically saying that she is running away from her family. It’s been awhile, but her daughter, Nicole, receives a call that might have some new information for her, so she returns to the city where her mom disappeared.

The story is told from Molly’s point of view and from her daughters. We learn what happened to Molly that night and we learn what Nicole finds out as she digs into her mother’s disappearance.

Just when you think you almost know what’s going on, there’s another big surprise at the end. This book kept me guessing the whole way through!

I received an ARC of the book.

In true Wendy fashion - she's done it again! This is one of my favorite mysteries this year! This is a perfect example of a thrilling tale that will keep you guessing but proving to surprise you every step of the way. It took my breath away! HIGHLY recommend!

Wendy Walker never writes the same book twice. But one thing readers can always count on with her is a psychologically-astute plot that will travel to unexpected places and will feature strong, modern women at the core.

Well, Wendy Walker, you’ve done it again. What a ride! I will admit, in the beginning, this one gave me anxiety. I think that’s how you know the book is going to be good; if it gives you that pit in your stomach, heart racing feeling while reading it. The twists and turns in this one made my head spin. I was FOOLED. Several times actually. That’s what I love about Wendy Walker. She has you thinking you know how the story is going to end and then BOOM. Major twist. This one gets an easy 5 ⭐️s from me. Everyone needs to check this book out ASAP.

I tried to get into this story but it just didn't hold my attention. I'm sure it's a wonderful novel but just not for me. I put it down when you woke up the next morning.

A clever suspenseful mystery surrounding a troubled mother Molly, who disappears in a severe rainstorm. Immediately, most people believe she disappeared voluntarily because of her grief due to her involvement in the accidental death of one of her daughters. This belief solidifies with a note found asking people not to look for her. But Molly's other daughter Nic cannot let go of the fact that her mom would not just leave. A strange phone call regarding the rainy night compels Nic to go look for her mother. The suspense builds rapidly as nothing about her disappearance is making sense. A very satisfying read where 2 storylines converge together for a great ending. 4.5 stars.

Five years ago, Molly and John Clarke's youngest daughter died. It changed their family forever, devastating Molly and John. Molly blames herself. Their son, Evan, is now at boarding school and eldest daughter Nicole, 21, has a fractured relationship with her mom. Then Molly disappears coming back from visiting Evan. Everyone says she left on purpose, backed up by the note they find. The police call it a "walk away." Molly's car was abandoned by a gas station, the note discovered at a nearby hotel. But what really happened to Molly? Nicole is convinced her mother wouldn't just walk away from them, no matter how bad things had become.

"This was her fault and now she had to make it right. She had to find her mother."

Oh my gosh. I read this book in one breathless day, despite working for 12 hours. It's an utterly and completely spellbinding thriller. I read the last half in one sitting, desperate to know what became of Molly. Walker gives us a twisty thriller that is filled with surprises. It's dramatic, beyond readable, and heartbreaking at times. Told from Molly and Nicole's point of views, it's amazing. I love a book that can shock me, and this is that book.

I'm not going to offer much more, as it's best to go into this one blind. Just know that, hands down, it's one of the best thrillers I've read this year. 4.5+ stars. Pick up this book!

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.