In a gripping and addictive audiobook experience, Alison Gaylin takes us on a wild journey through the twisted webs of the mind. With a style reminiscent of the greats like Laura Lippman and Harlan Coben, and a delightful Serial-esque podcast twist, this psychological suspense tale will have you on the edge of your seat.
Narrated by the talented James Fouhey and Jorjeana Marie, their voices bring the characters to life with an unparalleled intensity. This audiobook, however, falls short of reaching its full potential, earning a rating of 2.5/5. The length of this thrilling ride spans 10 hours and 31 minutes, ensuring you won't have a dull moment.
Set in Southern California's Inland Empire, the story transports us back to the chilling events of thirteen days in 1976. Teenage murderers April Cooper and Gabriel LeRoy spread terror, leaving a trail of death in their wake, before supposedly meeting their own demise in a fiery inferno. Or did they?
Fast forward over forty years, and we meet Quentin Garrison, a twentysomething podcast producer whose troubled upbringing is inexplicably linked to the infamous murders. When a shocking message crosses his path, Quentin can't help but wonder if April Cooper is still alive. The possibility of her existence sends shivers down his spine, and he is determined to unearth the truth.
Meanwhile, Robin Diamond, a film columnist in New York City, finds herself battling doubts about her husband and facing terrifying threats from internet trolls. Just when she thinks life couldn't get more chaotic, Quentin reaches out to her with a disturbing phone call that throws her world into chaos. As if that wasn't enough, a brutal home invasion forces Robin to question everything she has ever known. Could her beloved mother be a mass murderer? Who can she trust in a world turned upside down?
The narrative takes us on a rollercoaster ride, shifting perspectives between Robin, Quentin, and even a fifteen-year-old April Cooper. We witness the destructive aftermath of the Inland Empire Killings through their eyes, leaving us pondering a fundamental question: How well do we truly know our parents, our partners, and ultimately, ourselves?
Prepare yourself for a mind-bending adventure filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists that will leave you gasping for air. Alison Gaylin's "Never Look Back" is a must-listen for fans of psychological suspense craving an enthralling escape from reality.
