In the tapestry of small-town America, some threads unravel, leaving gaping holes that never quite mend. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s “Every Moment Since” is a poignant exploration of one such tear in the fabric of Wynotte, North Carolina. This gripping mystery thriller delves into the aftermath of a child’s disappearance, weaving together the lives of those left behind in a masterful display of storytelling prowess.
A Jacket Found, A Case Reopened
Twenty-one years after eleven-year-old Davy Malcor vanished without a trace, the discovery of his iconic Marty McFly jacket reignites the cold case that has haunted Wynotte for decades. Whalen skillfully navigates the turbulent waters of reopened wounds and long-buried secrets, creating a narrative that is both captivating and heart-wrenching.
The Cast of Characters: Broken, Yet Resilient
At the heart of “Every Moment Since” are four individuals irrevocably changed by that fateful night:
- Thaddeus Malcor: Davy’s older brother, now a bestselling author riding the wave of success from his memoir about the family’s ordeal.
- Tabitha Malcor: The divorced mother, living alone and cataloging her regrets while advocating for victims’ rights.
- Anissa Weaver: Once a child herself when Davy disappeared, now serving as the family’s Public Information Officer with a secret connection to the case.
- Gordon Swift: Long suspected in Davy’s disappearance, he’s managed to build a life despite the cloud of suspicion hanging over him.
Whalen breathes life into these characters, imbuing them with depth and complexity that makes them feel startlingly real. Their intertwining narratives create a rich tapestry of guilt, hope, and the never-ending quest for closure.
A Southern Gothic Mystery with a Modern Twist
“Every Moment Since” is a prime example of Southern Gothic literature reimagined for the 21st century. Whalen’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the essence of small-town life in the American South while exploring universal themes of loss, redemption, and the weight of secrets.
The Power of Memory and Perception
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its exploration of memory and how our perceptions shape our reality. Each character grapples with their recollections of that night, questioning what they thought they knew and uncovering truths they’d long buried.
“I’ve carried this rock for a long time. I don’t want to carry it anymore. So I tried to think of someone who might be willing to take it off my hands, someone who would understand how I feel, who could decide what to do with it from here.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the theme of letting go that runs throughout the novel. Whalen deftly illustrates how holding onto the past can become a burden too heavy to bear.
Narrative Structure: A Masterclass in Suspense
Whalen employs a dual timeline structure, alternating between the present day and the night of Davy’s disappearance. This technique ratchets up the tension, doling out information in tantalizing morsels that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
The Slow Burn of Revelation
Rather than relying on cheap thrills or shocking twists, Whalen opts for a slow-burn approach to revelation. The truth unfolds gradually, like a flower blooming in time-lapse, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters.
Notable Plot Points:
- The discovery of Davy’s jacket and the subsequent reopening of the case
- Thaddeus’s return to Wynotte and his confrontation with the past
- The revelation of Anissa’s connection to the night Davy disappeared
- Gordon Swift’s struggle to maintain his innocence in the face of renewed suspicion
- The unexpected confession that changes everything
Themes That Resonate
“Every Moment Since” explores several themes that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page:
- The long-lasting impact of trauma on individuals and communities
- The complexities of family dynamics in the face of tragedy
- The danger of assumptions and the importance of seeking truth
- The possibility of redemption and healing, even after decades of pain
A Critique of Media Sensationalism
Whalen doesn’t shy away from critiquing the media’s role in high-profile cases. The novel offers a scathing commentary on how tragedy can be commodified and sensationalized, often at the expense of those most affected.
Comparisons and Literary Context
“Every Moment Since” stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other notable works in the mystery thriller genre, such as Gillian Flynn’s “Sharp Objects” and Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Lies.” Whalen’s ability to blend suspense with deep character exploration puts her in league with these contemporary masters of the genre.
For fans of Whalen’s previous works, such as “The Things We Wish Were True” and “When We Were Worthy,” this novel represents a significant evolution in her storytelling prowess. The depth of character development and the intricacy of the plot demonstrate Whalen’s growth as an author.
Strengths and Potential Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Vivid, multi-dimensional characters
- Masterful pacing and suspense building
- Beautiful, evocative prose
- Thoughtful exploration of complex themes
Potential Weaknesses:
- Some readers may find the pacing too slow in the early chapters
- The multiple perspectives, while enriching, may occasionally confuse less attentive readers
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Tale of Loss and Redemption
“Every Moment Since” is a tour de force of emotional storytelling and suspenseful plotting. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has crafted a novel that will linger in readers’ minds long after they’ve turned the final page. It’s a poignant reminder that the past is never truly past, and that healing is possible, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
This novel is more than just a mystery; it’s a deeply human story about the ties that bind us, the secrets that divide us, and the enduring power of hope. Whalen’s keen insight into the human psyche and her ability to capture the nuances of small-town life make “Every Moment Since” a standout in the genre.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of character-driven mysteries
- Readers who enjoy Southern Gothic literature
- Anyone who appreciates thoughtful explorations of family dynamics and community trauma
- Those who love a slow-burn suspense that keeps them guessing until the end
In conclusion, “Every Moment Since” is a must-read for anyone who appreciates finely crafted literary suspense. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has delivered a novel that is both a page-turner and a profound meditation on loss, guilt, and the possibility of redemption. It’s a book that will make you think, feel, and perhaps look at your own past with new eyes.