Finding Jake: A Novel

Review “I devoured FINDING JAKE. The tension is almost unbearable in this thriller-cum-character study as layer after layer of a father’s soul are revealed as reflected in the character of his missing son. Utterly engrossing.” — Alice LaPlante, bestselling author of TURN OF MIND and CIRCLE OF WIVES on FINDING JAKE Finding Jake is truly compelling. I read it in one sitting, tearing through the pages right to the unexpected ending - which stayed with me for days. — Paula Daly, author of KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE on FINDING JAKE “A compelling read; disturbingly relevant in contemporary America. ” — Kirkus Reviews “Reardon deftly builds suspense by setting his dual story lines on a collision course toward a shattering-and surprising-conclusion.” — Publishers Weekly on FINDING JAKE “FINDING JAKE is compelling psychological suspense -- but also so much more. A journey into the depths of a parent’s worst nightmare, it is at turns heartbreaking, surprising, devastating, hopeful... I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time to come.” — Alison Gaylin, USA Today bestselling author of STAY WITH ME on FINDING JAKE “FINDING JAKE tells the harrowing tale of a deadly school shooting from a father’s perspective… The suspense is killing, but it’s nothing compared with this father’s anguish as he tries to find his son - the real boy, not the one he thought he knew.” — New York Times Book Review on FINDING JAKE From the Back Cover “I devoured Finding Jake . The tension is almost unbearable in this thriller-cum-character study as layer after layer of a father’s soul are revealed as reflected in the character of his missing son. Utterly engrossing.”—Alice LaPlante, New York Times bestselling author of Circle of Wives and Turn of Mind “Harrowing.” —New York Times Book Review Simon Connolly’s successful wife has gone to her law office each day, while he has stayed home to raise their children—Jake and Laney. He has tried to do the best for the kids. For sunny, outgoing Laney, it’s been easy. But Jake is different. He has always been on the quiet side, preferring the company of his small group of friends to popularity and organized sports. Now that his children are in high school, Simon should be able to relax, to worry less. He’s never given that chance. On a warm November day, he receives a text: There has been a shooting at the high school. Racing to the rendezvous point, Simon is forced to wait with scores of other anxious parents as one by one, they are reunited with their children. Their numbers dwindle, eventually leaving Simon alone. That is when he learns that Jake is the only child missing. As his worst nightmare unfolds, Simon’s thoughts race. Where is Jake? What happened in those final moments? Jake could not have done this—or could he? Did Simon miss the signs? As rumors begin to ricochet, amplified by an invasive media and the fear swallowing their community, Simon must find answers. But there is only one way to understand what has happened . . . he must find Jake. About the Author Bryan Reardon is a freelance writer specializing in medical communications. He co-wrote Ready, Set, Play! with retired NFL player and ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth, and Cruel Harvest with Fran Elizabeth Grubb. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Bryan worked for the state of Delaware for more than a decade, starting in the office of the governor. He lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, kids, and rescue dog, Simon. Read more