Miss Me When I'm Gone
A Novel
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3.9 • 13 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
“A very clever wordsmith.”
—New York Times Book Review
“Ms. Arsenault…reveals strange truths beneath everyday surfaces.”
—Wall Street Journal
Emily Arsenault’s first two novels, Broken Teaglass (“a beautifully written, engaging mystery” —Dorothy Allison) and In Search of the Rose Notes, received resounding critical acclaim. With her third, Miss Me When I’m Gone, she firmly re-establishes her standing among Laura Lippman, Tana French, Jennifer McMahon, Megan Abbot, and the other major players in the literary mystery game. Arsenault enthralls with this story of what ensues in the shocking aftermath of the sudden, violent death of the successful author of a “honky-tonk Eat, Pray, Love,” when an old college friend of the murdered woman comes across an unpublished manuscript—one which could possibly lead to the writer’s killer. A former lexicographer, English teacher, children’s librarian, and Peace Corps volunteer, Emily Arsenault has found her true calling as an author of twisting, intelligent, emotional, and exceptionally compelling mystery fiction.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Arsenault (The Broken Teaglass) offers a thoughtful reflection on country music, secrets, and relationships with her outstanding third mystery. Pregnant Jamie Madden, recently demoted "from health reporter to part-time night copy editor" at her budget-strapped newspaper, has been named the literary executor for her author friend, Gretchen Waters, who died from a fall down some stairs after giving a reading at a New Hampshire public library. Gretchen made her name with the bestselling Tammyland, a combination autobiography and study of the lives of country music stars such as Tammy Wynette, but she left behind an unfinished work with a darker tone. As Jamie looks into the manuscript, she finds information on the violent death of Gretchen's biological mother, and wonders whether the author's research into the past robbed her of a future. Arsenault's lyrical, moving prose serves to make this more than just a compelling whodunit.
Customer Reviews
Uniquely Told Mystery: Good read
This was a great find and a great read. What I loved about the book is the way it’s written. Part memoir and part investigation by woman traces the last months of her best friend’s life. There are multiple murder mysteries. I love how the memoir of the author parallels the tales of famous female country singers: Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dotty West, Patsy Cline and others. The biographical information about these country stars was very fascinating and although i’ve heard of every one of them I found myself going to iTunes and listening to some of the songs that are referenced (and serve as chapter names for some of the storyline). More than this though the book is about finding and facing the truth and healing. Honoring friendships and more. Really a uniquely told story. This is not an action-packed mystery thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m going to check out the author’s additional books. I would not have found this book had it not been on Summer Sale and so glad that I did.