Bronswood (How It Had To Be, #2) - (How It Had to Be) by Marissa Vanskike

Book Synopsis

Heather Hartford's life is finally looking up. She's traded an abusive relationship for an affluent second husband with connections and status in the community. His social standing opens Bronswood's great wooden doors for Heather's two kids. The Bronswood PTA royalty have taken Heather under their wings. Her children, Charlie and Theodora, will have every opportunity in life that she herself never had.

But Heather's dream quickly becomes a living nightmare.

When she goes to pick up Charlie from school, Heather's world is upended when his teacher informs her that she picked him up earlier that afternoon. Security camera footage confirms it.

But Heather knows she hasn't picked him up, and she throws herself into an obsessive and dangerous search to find her son. As she sinks deeper into the mystery, she realizes: Charlie isn't the only child who's disappeared.

Heather isn't sure who to trust. Police think her son ran away. Charlie's father is suddenly reappearing in Heather's life. And something sinister is happening inside the walls of Bronswood.

Heather will stop at nothing to save her son. But first she has to find the answer.

Where is Charlie Hartford?

For fans of Alice Feeney's Daisy Darker, and Stacy Willingham's A Flicker In The Dark.

Review Quotes

"I can't even express HOW AMAZING I thought it was. Seriously - I need another installment. Now. It was beyond. It gave me the same feeling of needing another book that I get when I read Karen Slaughter and Ruth Ware. A top fav of mine in general. I want to literally reread it again." -- Amanda Bouldin, After Hours With Amanda

"Honestly the BEST thriller I've ever read. Bronswood will keep you up all night with its twists & turns. Hooking you from chapter 1, Vanskike immerses you in the world of elite elementary schools, where Bronswood's secrets run as deep as its prestigious history." -- Hannah Parker, Advanced Reader

"This story will stay with you long after you've finished. A fast read, not because it lacks substance, but because you won't be able to put it down." -- Julia Duggan, Advanced Reader

"A book that captures your attention from the start! There is so much mystery and intrigue. There are twists and turns that lead you to an ending you could not have predicted!" -- Erika Larsen, Advanced Reader

"Dark, twisty, and gruesome. This book peaked my throughout & was hard to put down. Heather is super relateable as a mom & I was frantic with her throughout!" -- Brittani Dunham, Advanced Reader

"An exciting thriller you won't be able to put down until you know exactly what's going on at Bronswood. An ending that is sure to surprise you!" -- Mandy Skaff, Advanced Reader