All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay
Rating: Starred Review

Summary: A struggling author without any ideas for a new novel meets a former friend for a drink and is given an idea to look at his family past. A well off Newton Massachusetts women married to a highly successful dominant husband, disappears from her family in the mid 70’s without a trace for nearly 18 years. Told brilliantly by multiple characters we dive deadly into family accusations and hate.

Comments: Completely honest here: The story unfolds in such a way I thought is was real for the first half of the book. Absorbing and suspenseful you will not put it down. We waited a long time for a new William Landay book, and he goes and one ups us all and writes the novel of the year. Highly recommended.

The author's last book, the excellent Defending Jacob, was published 10 years ago, so I was delighted that he is releasing another thoughtful novel. Jane Larkin's sudden disappearance affects her children and her older sister deeply, so why does her husband seem largely unaffected? Has there been a murder--with attorney husband Dan as the prime suspect--or did Jane leave voluntarily? Everyone has an opinion, including the police detective assigned to the case, but there isn't enough evidence for an arrest so the investigation languishes for years.

Miranda, the youngest child (10 years old at the time her mother disappeared), is featured prominently in the plot, as she is the most fragile and goes through the most changes. One of her older brothers, Jeff, has tried to distance himself as much as possible from the situation, while oldest brother Alex comes down clearly on his father's side. In the four "books" (long chapters), the story is told from the perspective of several characters--a former classmate of Jeff's who is writing a book about the case, Miranda, Jeff, and Dan himself, using different types of narrative. The reader is buffeted back and forth with red herrings, conflicting "facts," and the mystery of the book's title, which Miranda later has tattooed on her arm.

The book held my interest throughout, keeping me reading to find out (hopefully) what really happened and why. The author has created a compelling work of art that will interest those who enjoy a character-driven story combined with a suspenseful mystery.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

This was an excellent read from beginning to end. It starts as a first person account by the author who is experiencing "writer's block". When an old friend contacts him after many years, he knows he must write the story of what happened to his friend, his friend's sister and older brother, when their mother mysteriously disappeared in the 1970s. Thus begins the reader's journey into the secrets that will haunt the family for decades. Will they ever learn just what happened the day she vanished with no witnesses and no clues left behind. Great writing that compels the reader to get to the end.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy to read and review.

Enticingly written. Excellent character development. This book will draw you in and keep you guessing. The dialogue is expertly rendered. Ending could have ended in many different ways and it did not disappoint. Really enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, Bantam for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley, #RandomHousePublishing Group #AllThatIsMineICarryWithMe.

It’s been a long time waiting for another book by this author. This book is written in an unique style for prose, point of view, and structure - awkward but highly effective to turn the page. A suspenseful yet somewhat predictable plot overall. Extremely quirky but engaging characters to drive the story - love the title! A few loose ends that left it up to me to tie up my own way but this story will stick with me for a long time in the same way as Defending Jacob.

I expect this to be a very popular read in 2023!

Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

Great book. Told thru different characters at different times. Character development was outstanding.
Could have ended any different of ways and not been disappointed. Been a while since this author has
written a new book. Doesn't disappoint .
Thanks to NetGallery for advance copy of book.

I recall reading Defending Jacob years ago, and ironically, we'd just watched the limited series. There is no shortage now of psychological thrillers, so for this to be a legal thriller was a delight and a breath of fresh air.

I was particularly drawn to the beginning of the book, when 10 year old Miranda came home from school, only to find it empty. Her mother was missing. Just gone. I was her age during this time, 1975, so I tried to imagine what that would have been like to be 10 years old and have no idea how your life would soon change.

Her mom, Jane, was a kind, good mother. Her dad, Dan, was a criminal defense attorney.

Life goes on for all of them...where was Jane? Why would she just disappear?

A writer with a case of writers' block, meets up with Jeff, his former classmate, and Jeff gave him the go ahead to write about the case.

One detective takes an interest and over the years it haunts him. Alex, the oldest son, firmly believes that his father had nothing to do with this.

Jeff and Miranda aren't sure, but they'd like answers...or is it best to let things lie.

I won't spoil anything else, but what might have been my favorite touch was the multiple narrators. This is something I love to read, but in this case, we also get to hear from Jane. That portion is somewhat heartbreaking in it's simplicity.

This was a spectacular read, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I cannot find enough words to tell how much I enjoyed this book! It was absolutely worth to wait for William Landay’s upcoming book even though patience is my not my powerful virtue!

This book is unputdownable, gripping page turner with unique story telling and perfect character development. It contains three different books: moving between different time zones, sharing the perspectives of people who are involved into Jane Larkin’s disappearance.

Philip Solomon is the writer ( the author’s alter voice) who suffers from writer’s block. He cannot choose the next subject of his new novel till he meets with his friend Jeff Larkin after 4 decades later.

Jeff is his childhood friend whose life has been tainted by domestic drama: his mother vanished into thin air on November 11, 1975. The entire family waited her to come back to their home ( at least her children expected to reunite with her) Jeff suggests Philip to meet Miriam: her 2 years younger sister ( Philip had a crush on her when they were young) to talk more about their family and after the meeting we get into the family drama a little more!

On November 11, 1975 little Miriam who is only 10 years old comes back to empty home from school, waiting for her mother return. She keeps waiting alone in the dark till her father arrives and notices the authorities!

Jane is missing. Detective Tom Glover puts his entire energy to find her, connecting with little Miriam, suspecting the husband Dan Larkin who is criminal defense attorney.

Detective Glover is not the only one who suspects Dan’s motives. Jane’s sister Katie never liked him. Dan works with the criminals, knowing a lot how to get away with misdemeanors and brutal crimes. He loves to get his way. He’s detail oriented, ambitious, merciless. And after a short time his wife’s disappearance, he already brought his mistress to the home. But there’s no evidence against him. There’s no corpse. No trace of blood. No foul play. Nothing against him.

Miriam crumbles into the pieces, fighting against depression during her entire life as Jeff hates the guts of his father, denying everything as coping mechanism and their elder brother Alex who was a college student during the incident preferred to support their father’s side from the beginning.

What happened to Jane Larkin? Two decades later, they have some answers but they still have the same question: whodunnit? Were those kids raised by a cold blooded killer?

Especially second part of book with the POV of Jane was the most powerful, breathtaking, emotional part makes your blood cold.

Overall: Just like Defending Jacob, this book’s jaw dropping ending makes you speechless.
I highly absolutely extremely recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine - Bantam for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

The author of Defending Jacob is back with a novel about an attorney, his wife (who suddenly goes missing one day), and their three children. Throughout the books the reader is challenged to determine if attorney Dan killed his missing wife Jane. The characters in this novel were strong and believable. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

I had to read this book by the author of "Defending Jacob." The title and description were intriguing, and I know Landay writes a good story. I finished this in two sittings as it was impossible to put down. Great setting and descriptions with fully drawn characters and situations you become invested in. Satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalely for the ARC.

A mother is lost…a father is innocent or not…the children pick up the pieces…this is a cannot put down book of mystery and intrigue. Family dynamics…friendship…hunting for the guilty one…this book is written by a talented and gifted author…red herrings kept me on the edge of my seat…just when I thought I had solved the mystery…oops…I was wrong…this book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher. Curl up for an afternoon of suspense…perhaps this will be a movie, and we can compare the book and the movie…perhaps the author will write a sequel with these same intriguing characters. This is a quick read but savor the mystery.

I loved Defending Jacob by William Landay and was excited to read this new book. A wife and mother goes missing in 1975. Her young daughter comes home to an empty house. Suspicion falls on her husband almost immediately. He's a criminal defense lawyer and he's successfully defended many murderers.

The story is comprised of 4 books, each from a different point of view: that of a family friend and journalist, the mother herself, the younger son and finally, the husband.

The story is extremely compelling. The husband is not likable and off-putting. The couple had a difficult relationship. The case remains open for many years and eventually there is a courtroom drama as well.

I read this book in less than 24 hours.. I was deeply invested in the story and I mostly liked the book, but I found the juxtaposition of the various books to be kind of disjointed. I think the book would benefit from an explanation of certain sections, similar to that of the first book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I love reading about Boston locations, especially when the author clearly knows the subject. I think this would make a great movie. I just think that there should be a bit of a transition between each book.

Years ago, I read and loved Defending Jacob, and I was thrilled to receive a copy of William Landay’s new book, All That Is Mine I Carry With Me. I’m a big fan of legal thrillers/courtroom dramas, and this promised to MAYBE be the Landay book I had waited so long for…

In 1975, ten-year-old Miranda Larkin came home from school to an empty house. Her mother, Jane Larking, is missing. Nothing seems to be missing, and there are no signs of struggle.

Her husband, Dan Larkin, is a successful criminal defense attorney, who would seem to be well able to outfox the authorities…but there is zero evidence linking him to what looks like a crime.

After years go by, the case fades from the public’s memory, and becomes another unresolved mystery. Jane’s three children—Alex, Jeff, and Miranda—are raised by a man who may have murdered their mother – or not.

After more than twenty years, Jane Larkin’s remains are found., and the investigation begins anew. The three adult children are forced to choose sides. Are they with their father or against him? Is he guilty of murdering their mother?

The story spans several decades and is told by multiple narrators, including Jane (the mother). Landay did not disappoint: this is a terrific bit of suspenseful fiction and legal/family drama. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading! Landay’s latest effort is terrific and is highly recommended. Five stars.

All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay Ultimate family and courtroom drama, with acts of vengeance, and an unsolved mystery. The Larkin family has a complex dynamic with many secrets. The twisty ending is unexpected. Engrossing and entertaining read.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This book has everything I look for in a good read. Strong family drama, a true murder mystery, courtroom drama, and even as you think you know the ending, it doesn't disappoint. One of my very favorite reads lately. I can't wait until the release date so I can recommend to friends.

Having loved Defending Jacob years ago, I was so excited that William Landay was coming out with a new book. The Larkin family faces years of sadness and questions after the mother of the family one day disappears. Speculation by many indicate that the father killed her, but he’s always maintained his innocence. The story spans several decades and is very successfully told by multiple narrators, including the mother. Landay has a definite gift for writing suspenseful fiction and family dramas. The characters are deftly explored and are very raw and real. I was hooked from the start and read this very quickly. This will definitely be a huge hit and fans of Defending Jacob will be very pleased with Landay’s latest effort.