Gail Aldwin

The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell Gail Aldwin

A true-crime podcaster investigates a decades-old suspected abduction, in this powerful psychological suspense novel.

1979

Sixteen-year-old Carolyn Russell grows increasingly infatuated with her school mathematics teacher who is also giving her private lessons. Then she disappears.

2014

Struggling journalist Stephanie Brett creates a true-crime podcast focused on the disappearance of Carolyn Russell. By digging deep into this mysterious cold case, her confidence and flagging career are boosted.

But after she confronts the suspects-and talks to a potential witness-the leads dry up. However, Stephanie refuses to let the story rest . . .

Can a small-time journalist with a shoestring podcast really hope to reconstruct the ultimate fate of Carolyn Russell after all these years, or are some secrets best left buried?

"Takes hold of the head and the heart and simply does not let go." -Jacquelyn Mitchard, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Good Son

"Captures the zeitgeist for each period with telling accuracy." -Suzanne Goldring, bestselling author of My Name is Eva

"A rare and thrilling book that manages to be thoughtful and intelligent." -Joanna Barnard, author of Hush Little Baby