Member Reviews

This was such a heart rendering story. A mystery that devastated a family. Each family member dealt with lost and tragedy in different and unique ways. All the emotions and with twists that keep you turning the page!

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Another excellent mystery book from this author. I really enjoyed this one. The pacing was great. The different points of view and types of writing kept the story fresh and moving. I highly recommend this one!

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This is the second book that I have read from this author and I enjoyed it more than the first one. This book is told by alternating point of views that moves the story along and covers the emotions and thoughts of the different characters. I felt that there was a lot of repetition because of the characters and their position to the missing child or family. The part about the police liaison was just odd as she never left the area. It is really
not plausible in a small town that they wouldn't know who she was. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley. This was a good read.

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I can’t imagine what this family and community go through when 11 year old Davy goes missing and isn’t found to 21 years. How is family, especially his mom could never move forward or leave. How the person suspected had to make a life
after and was never without suspicion.

How doing the right thing would have set everyone on different paths.

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Excellent plot with great character development. I had a strong dislike for one character in particular but by the end I was experiencing sympathy for him. My heart broke for each family member in this book, it s hard to imagine living thru the nightmare of a missing child.

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I knew Every Moment Since was going to captivate me immediately after reading the synopsis. One night, in a sleepy southern town, 11 year old Davy Malcor disappears. All Davy wants is to pal around with his older brother, TJ. When the boys Mother forces TJ to bring Davy along when hanging out with the older boys one night, everything changes.

Every Moment Since is told in dual timelines - the night of Davy’s disappearance in 1995 and then 20 years later after a missing piece of evidence is found. As the missing pieces start to come together, Thaddeus “TJ” Malcor starts to fall apart. After writing a memoir and becoming famous, Thaddeus now must face so many of the feelings he bottled away.

Every Moment Since isn’t just a story about losing someone. It’s a story about losing yourself when someone you love is lost. It’s very much about the ties that bind a family, and especially brothers. This book had me enthralled from the very beginning. And even though the story is told from the POV of multiple characters, it’s never confusing and everything just flows so nicely. I kept finding myself going back to read more and more until Davy’s fate was revealed. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a while and I can see this story sticking with me for a very long time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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Davy Malcor goes missing while out playing with the other neighborhood kids. Twenty years later, the jacket he was wearing is found. He was never found. This book has two timelines. Davy's disappearance, the hours before and immediately following are interspersed between the present finding of the jacket. The book is narrated by different persons, mainly the family of Davy. The book switches easily between persons and time with the appropriate headings. This book is about sorrow and regrets in the aftermath of the disappearance. In following the story of his mom, father, brother, sister, friends and the community I definitely shed some tears. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the privilege of receiving a complimentary digital ARC. This review is my own opinion. Since I sat and read without changing it up for another book, not putting it down until I had to, and finishing it so quickly--how can I give it anything but 5 stars?

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This was an emotionally dense and melancholic read. While there’s an intriguing mystery element to it; the core of this book is the exploration of how a family and a small town grapple with the aftermath of 11 year old Davy’s disappearance. Themes of grief, loss, guilt and regret are prominent in this work.

Davy vanishes on a fateful night in 1985, after tagging along with his brother to night games with the neighborhood kids. 21 years later, a new piece of evidence surfaces, bringing his family and their painful memories, back into the public eye.

We meet Thaddeus, Davy’s older brother who has gone on to write a bestselling memoir of his brother’s disappearance; Tabitha, their mother, who clings to a weekly list of regrets that never quite seems to capture her biggest regret; Anissa, a public information officer who has her own secrets to keep about that night; and Gordon, a sculptor who was once a suspect in the case and has never been able to salvage his reputation.

Through each of these characters’ POVs, we get an intimate look into how the events of 12 October 1985 affected the trajectory of their lives and the inner turmoil and the guilt that they have been left to deal with, as the spotlight descends on them again.

The book masterfully blends a well executed plot and deep character exploration. Perfectly paced and well-written, it kept me turning the pages.
The ending was also a good surprise- I like to think I’m good at solving mysteries before they’re revealed but this one was satisfyingly unpredictable. I also appreciated the fact that we get to find out what happened to Davy. It gave me closure as a reader.

If you’re a mystery lover who appreciates a deep character study, this book is for you. It also saved me from an impending reading slump, so if you’re stuck in one, this might be the perfect book to bring you back.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @harpermusebooks and @netgalley (thank you!). Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This is my second Marybeth Mayhew Whalen book that I've enjoyed. She's a gifted writer who puts a lot of feeling into her stories.

In 1985 in a small-town in North Carolina an 11 year old boy named Davy Malcor went missing. Now over 20 years later his jacket is found in an old abandoned shed. The police once again begin to search for his possible remains. The story goes back to that fateful night but also jumps to the present (2006) to the lives of the people that were most affected by his disappearance. His mother Tabitha, his older brother Thaddeus who was in charge of him that fateful night, Anissa, a girl who he was with that same night, and a mysterious man named Gordon Swift. In between their stories we get "snippets" from a best-selling memoir that Thaddeus wrote in 2005 about his missing brother.

I listened to this audio and the narrators were perfect for the story. A little over half way through I also received a digital copy so I began to read as I listened.

This story is told slowly and it works quite well. There's a mystery to what really happened that terrible night that kept me listening and turning those pages quickly. This was an emotional read that left me somewhat forlorn at the end.

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Harper Muse for the Advanced Listening Copy and the Advance Reader's Copy. All opinions are my own.

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Every Moment Since is a poignant story of what happens after an 11-year-old boy disappears in Wynette, North Carolina. Twenty years later, his jacket is unexpectedly uncovered, so the case reopens. Davy's family and friends, the suspect, and the police involved with the case have a say as the novel progresses, moving back and forth in time which unveils many aspects crucial to know the characters. I enjoyed this read, and it kept me interested throughout the story, there were characters that I found more interesting than others, but it was a pleasant read.

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“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I DNF at about 30% - I was bored and felt no tension. I sort of wanted to find out whodunit but again, the stakes weren’t high enough and there was no tension in the tone of the story urging the reader on. This one fell flat for me.

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Loved it! ( As much as you can love a book about the tragic disappearance of a boy.) Davy Malcor has been missing for twenty years. Pretty much it's a cold case, until his jacket is found. Then the case is reopened. It's not just any jacket. It's the jacket Davy's mom made to look like Marty McFly's denim jacket in Back to the Future. Davy's disappearance affected so many people in different ways. They all grieved in their own ways and many of them blamed themselves. Tabitha and Daniel's marriage couldn't survive the disappearance of their son. Thaddeus wrote a book, does a book tour, picks up random women at his book readings and doesn't have a single meaningful relationship. Gordon has ever been the only suspect, even though he was cleared. He lives with people constantly thinking he's guilty. Anissa has never gotten over Davy's disappearance. From the start I was hooked and I had to know what happened to Davy? Was he murdered? Still alive? I kept thinking it had to be someone at the field that night or maybe some random serial killer who happened to be walking in the woods. There were so many twists and turns. I can't imagine having a child disappear and not know where he/she is or what happened. I really wanted Davy to be found, but at the same time it meant he wasn't alive. If he was alive would he really not have contacted his parents in twenty years? I loved how the book alternated POVs and told the story through the past and present. How can Pete not watch Dateline or love Keith Morrison?!

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Loved the story, characters and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Muse through Goodreads. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is at her best in this atmospheric mystery that will keep you turning pages from cover to cover! Marybeth is able to peel back the layers of small town life and get to the core of the people who live there like no other author I've read!

I started the #audiobook of Every Moment Since today and the cast of narrators is wonderful! (audio book not gifted)

Marrybeth also has an impressive backlist so once you finish Every Moment Since - start with #ThisSecretThing - one of my personal favorites - and work your way back. #TBR

Thank you to Marybeth and @harpermusebooks for this gifted digital early readers copy of Every Moment Since!

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Davy has been missing for over twenty years. The night he went missing changed the town of Wynotte, North Carolina, forever. Davy’s family has never fully recovered. But now, twenty years later, his jacket has been found.

Well, y’all! This story takes you on a ride! The only reason for the 4 star rating is the story slowed down a bit for me in the middle.

Thaddeus, Davy’s older brother, has so much guilt from the night he went missing and he blames himself…always has and always will. Makes no difference that he was just a child himself.

Then there is Gordon Swift. His life was ruined the night Davy went missing. He was accused of the crime. Is he innocent? He sued the police department over it! But is he innocent? You will have to read this to find out.

This story creates emotions you did not know you had! One minute I wanted to cry for the loss and the next minute I wanted to beat someone up!

Need a hauntingly, beautiful written tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Thank you Netgalley for this ARC that I thoroughly enjoyed! The perfect fall read about a tight knit community missing one of their own. As the story plays out, the reader has a pretty good idea of what happened to Davy several years prior, but the author does a really good job of making you assume several possible scenarios as the story plays out. What really did happen to Davy all those years ago is truly heartbreaking, but also sadly, happens a lot in America. I found myself getting attached to all the characters and relieved at the end when my favorites were not to blame for Davy's disappearance.

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I liked this slow burn mystery which combined with the family drama make it very readable which is what. Whalen is known for . This isn’t a feel good book but is a good read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

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Everyone has a story or two from their younger years where they remember a tragic story about a child. This depicts the inner conflicts of each family member going through the grief of a missing child. The town of Wynoette, North Carolina, is the setting. Twenty years after Davy Malcor goes missing, a distinct and valuable piece of clothing is found on a property and reopens this cold case. Each member of the family and surrounding community members each have their own resounding deep sorrow that is once again resurfaced due to this new information, including the solitary man who was accused but never sentenced for Davy's death.
How does this affect the interpersonal relationships of each family member and other townspeople who experienced this horrific event? This is a story that will leave you thinking about the characters for a long time. It is a deeply, emotional read that makes you feel connected to this family.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#EveryMomentSince #MaryBethMayhewWhalen #WomensFiction #GeneralFictionAdult #Mystery #MissingChild #Thriller #Suspense

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A story that will break your heart. A story that will make you weep. But in it's way it also gives you some hope. Hope that lives can be built back. Families can move on. People can find some kind of closure.

Do not read this book if you know anyone who has had a child go missing. Or even have lost a child to violence. It's a sad one. It will bring on the tears.

A man writes a best selling novel. It's about his life. His life after a loss that he blames himself for. Thaddeus was only fifteen years old when his eleven year old brother went missing. His parents had made him take Davy with him to play games in the dark with friends. But TJ, as he was know, made his little brother go away and leave him alone. He wanted to drink beer for the first time. He wanted to be with his friends and enjoy the time he had to be out. Little did he know that would be the night his life changed forever. The night his brother would go missing. The night his mother would, in her way, blame him. He was just a fifteen your old child.

This book takes you inside a family's loss. A family's destruction. A story that will stay with you for a while. For a good long while. It's so well written that you can feel the air. The anger. The sadness. You can feel the effects that this missing child has on the whole town. The man who was accused's feelings. How he had to live with the things said about him and to him. How one night can change lives.

This book was a very dark one. It was so sad and so filled with loss. When Davy's jacket is found they know that it won't be long before his body is found also. It's been twenty-0ne years. Any hope that he is alive is gone. Who could have done this. Who would have done this. I have to admit that I suspected the who from early one. I didn't know or have any idea how though and it didn't take away from this story in any way. The last parts made me weep big tears. The grief of this family was told in such a realistic way. Then the way they will finally move on. Possibly rebuild theirs lives. Together.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HarperMuse, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars.

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4.5 stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed Every Moment Since and would like to read more of Marybeth's backlist. 11 year old Davy goes missing which sets off a set of events that affects those around him for years to come. Davy's jacket is found 20 years later in a field which is where the book starts off. This book has multiple POV's and jumps different timelines which made it a very fast read. It is more character driven but because of how Marybeth structured the book, it is paced so well!
This is a somewhat emotionally intense book dealing with grief and pain. It also shows the perspective of Gordon, who was accused but never charged with the disappearance. Gordon has stayed in the small town to take care of his elderly parents, so his story is one I was invested in. This was well written and well paced but I found the end a tiny bit anti climatic so that is why it's not really a 5 star book. Overall, I would highly recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Dark. Dreary. Dismal. Oppressive. And Then The Candle Flickers To Life. This is one of those books that takes the hyper-dark and hyper-oppressive feel of the singular worst book I've *EVER* read - The Road by Cormac McCarthy - and does what McCarthy never could: Provide just that flicker of a spark of a candle lighting. *Just* enough to provide *some* level of hope. Even when most everyone in this book is so broken by the central issue - a child going missing decades ago - and their secrets about that night that none of them *really* *want* that hope, the reader *needs* that smallest flicker... and Whalen provides it in particularly dramatic form.

For those who are not fans of multi-perspective books... this one isn't going to change that, sorry. There are a lot of perspectives going on here, and a lot of sudden switching that can get a touch confusing at times, particularly as we switch between "then" and "now".

But really, that was the only *potential* flaw here, and not everyone has that particular hangup. (I don't, I actually thought the multi-perspectives made the story work much *better* in this particular case, as we get so many views on what happened here and how different people are reacting differently.)

The tie in to Richard Jewel of the Centennial Park Bombing during the 1996 Olympic Park Bombings in Atlanta was interesting, even if Whalen actually meant that particular character to be a more general representation. (And to be clear, it is only my own mind that made the connection at all, though perhaps others who were living in the Atlanta region during that time also might make it. The actual characterization is far more generic and could represent any number of people in similar situations.)

Overall a strong, if extremely dark and depressing, tale extremely well told. Very much recommended.

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