This is a 2020 popular novel from award-winning author Lonnie Busch, whose work has also appeared in Southwest Review, The Minnesota Review, The Baltimore Review, and others. He is also a painter, illustrator, and animator who has created artwork for many companies, including the “Greetings from America” stamps and “Wonders of America” for the USPS.
In an effort to repair their 18-year marriage, Michelle and Cliff Stage bought their isolated vacation cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. When Cliff disappears one night searching for the source of a mysterious light in the woods, Michelle becomes frantic and calls the police. After the sheriff’s department fails to find him the next day, Michelle ventures down the same dark mountainside alone, with the strange, beckoning light as her only guide. What she discovers is a cabin identical to theirs, housing a life she barely recognizes. Cliff meets her at the door, but he looks different and is a changed man. He’s now caring and considerate, and he is also missing a finger. He claims that Cassie, their teenage daughter, is dead, killed in a car accident more than a year ago. Michelle had spoken to Cassie just hours earlier on the phone, so she knows that’s not possible. When Michelle becomes distressed at Cliff’s revelation about their daughter, he takes her to Cassie’s grave, but Michelle still refuses to accept that she’s gone. Michelle desperately wants her daughter and her life back, and the only clue to what has happened is a man named Pink. Pink is the man who originally built Michelle and Cliff’s cabin and was rumoured to have killed his wife and then vanished with his mother, Maudie, never to be seen again. But in Michelle’s new reality, Pink and his wife still reside in town, and Pink is the local real estate salesman. Michelle realizes that she must unravel the mystery of Pink to get back to the world where her daughter exists. But with everyone questioning her sanity, she also begins to wonder if she imagined her whole other life. After a series of harrowing circumstances, Michelle is hospitalized in the psych ward of the local hospital. While there, she receives a visit from Maudie, who is known to practice a form of witchcraft, and she’s given a clue as to what path forward she must take to make things right again. But the unclear journey ahead will be far from easy, if she can even survive it!
This is a haunting, atmospheric, and deeply thought-provoking story. From the very beginning, the story is fast-paced and appears to be a missing-person thriller. But when Michelle enters a new reality where her husband is present and everything is suddenly different, the story takes on a lot more possibility. This is definitely not a predictable story. Instead, as the story progresses, new characters are introduced, and unforeseen events occur. The story includes elements of dark magic, witchcraft, and parallel realities, which makes it extremely unique. Michelle is a strong, likeable character that goes on an emotional, “surreal” journey. It’s very easy to empathize with her, especially as she begins to question her own mental health in her new reality when everyone tells her she is in denial of the death of her daughter. Pink’s character is just as interesting, yet much more flawed. His womanizing, conniving ways make him unlikeable. But when he unknowingly enters a new reality with Michelle, has a breakdown, and then must accept his fate, his entire demeanour shifts, and you may find yourself rooting for him. The story’s conclusion provides some much-needed closure for Michelle but also feels rushed compared to the rest of the novel.
Narrator Sarah Mollo-Christensen delivers a powerful and captivating performance in this audiobook. Her portrayal of Michelle is very convincing and filled with drama, emotion, and constant nerve-wracking tension throughout, keeping listeners engaged. Christensen also paces the narration very well, especially when portraying all the distinct personalities and their different voices. Overall, this is a very unique novel that may appeal to a wide audience, including those who enjoy suspense, supernatural, atmospheric, and family drama stories. If you are looking for something different and enjoy a suspenseful story, check this one out! The audiobook is likely the preferred format for enjoying this one because it will keep you invested in the story and characters!
