The Fairest - (Arles Shepherd Thriller) by Jenny Milchman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When a young girl seeks out sanctuary with a total stranger, a nightmare follows in this riveting novel of suspense by Jenny Milchman, the USA Today bestselling author of The Usual Silence.

Author Kara Parsons is at a book signing in the town where she was raised. Before it's over, a young girl approaches with a copy of Kara's book containing a handwritten inscription: I am a missing child.

Most people would alert the police, but Kara knows what happens to the young and vulnerable when the system fails them. She turns to her former therapist, Arles Shepherd, who's recovering from injuries and staying off the grid. But even Arles, who's seen everything, finds something off about this girl who refuses to reveal her own name. What is she running from? And how much of what she says can be believed?

When a man with a gun manages to locate Arles's remote wilderness home, the true threat is revealed, and Arles and Kara go on the run. But fleeing only gets them so far. To save this child, Arles must allow her to be found. And that's when the real danger begins.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Usual Silence

"The Usual Silence introduces a dynamic heroine. Arles Shepherd epitomizes the notion of the 'complex character, ' complete with a mysterious past and self-sabotaging tendencies." --CrimeReads

"The Usual Silence will frighten, shock, and uplift anyone who reads it, and shows Milchman at the top of her game." --Bookreporter

"There's nothing usual about The Usual Silence. It's a psychological thriller extraordinaire, perfectly conceived and beautifully realized. Milchman's latest fashion[s] a brilliant puzzle we get to watch being assembled." --BookTrib

"Reigning woman of mystery Milchman crafts edge-of-your-seat suspense laced with bold compassion." --Chronogram

"An emotionally compelling and impressively crafted psychological suspense thriller of a read from start to finish." --Midwest Book Review

"Milchman deftly weaves multiple events, characters, and timelines together. Some novels are an escape . . . Other[s] are complex explorations of the human experience. When you're looking for the latter, The Usual Silence should be first on your TBR list." --The Mystery of Writing

"The various threads of the story come together in very unexpected ways. This is a psychological thriller in every sense of the word." --Aunt Agatha's