One More Day

One More Day was totally different from what I had expected it to be. That's not a criticism because I really liked the book a lot in the end, and if I had paid more careful attention to the book blurb I probably would have worked out sooner what I was letting myself in for. One More Day is about the disappearance of a little boy, and that's as far as my summary is going to go, as I would probably give away spoilers otherwise.It's the kind of book you need to go into with a very open mind. I was expecting more of a thriller/mystery but what you get is a very perceptive family drama with unexpected twists and lots of stuff that will make you think. There are underlying themes of religion and beliefs, the psychology of grief, and a lot about relationships, between parents and children but also between husbands and wives, what is acceptable behavior and what isn't and the familiar question how well do you really know and understand the people close to you. Definite book club material. There were parts where I wasn't sure this was the right book for me, but I am really glad I persevered (Thank you, Sue!!) and while I still feel not all my questions were fully answered by the end of the book, One More Day was a very unique reading experience. Thank you to the publisher and to the author for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 Carrie Morgan the grieving mother of a missing child. She was the last one to see him before he disappeared. The police are focusing on her, but she didn't see anything, her back was turned trying to find a quarter for the meter. A mother's worse nightmare. And then, 15 months later he's there, in his crib only until he disappears again. What a grabbing entry into this book! A page turner, not sure where it is going. The secrets unfolding, the supernatural implications. Great read! Reminded so much of the movie the Sixth Sense. If anyone ever had the encounter of a deceased loved one appearing in their dreams will definitely embrace this mother and her struggle to find her way thru her grief.

Weird. Kept you reading, but weird. And now I have no books... but there are 8 on hold at the library (and it's closed). DUH. This was weird.

One More Day by Kelly Simmons is a mystery and thriller as billed but also includes a touch of paranormal, though it stops short of being what is typically thought of as a paranormal thriller. Even so, I wasn't expecting it so was a little surprised.

There are plenty of twists and everyone has secrets that, if discovered, could turn the investigation into the missing child in a different direction.

I was less taken in by the thriller aspect, even though it was good, and more by my feelings of empathy for Carrie. In some ways this became more of a character-driven story than a suspense-driven story for me. Most thrillers that have good character development are still usually driven by the suspense, so this was unusual for me in this genre.

I would recommend this to readers of thrillers and mysteries with the warning that there is at least a hint at paranormal activity in the story. It does not, in my opinion, dominate so does not have to be a deal breaker if paranormal is not normally to your liking.

Reviewed from an ARC made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Carrie Morgan has only one wish. She wants nothing except one more day with her two-year-old son, Ben, who was snatched from his car seat while she was searching for quarters to feed the parking meter.

But when her wish comes true, she realizes she wished for the wrong thing.
And when others she’d never expected to see again suddenly reappear, each for one day, Carrie begins to understand that the secrets of her past may be revealed.
However, her husband, John, worries that his wife is losing her mind and, as the investigation into their son’s disappearance continues, Carrie finds herself under suspicion.

With well-drawn, believable characters, this tale of a missing child places the focus on the feelings, the guilt, and the desperation of the parents, particularly the mother. As the riveting story unfolds, readers will find it difficult to put this book aside until the final page has been turned.

Highly recommended.