When You Read This I'll Be Gone

by Anne Moose

Spurred by her husband’s infidelity, writer/college lecturer Valerie Hawthorne has a romantic encounter with a compelling stranger in a romantic river-side hotel. They agree it will be a one-time thing, but it becomes an extended nightmare when she discovers the meeting was not accidental. Her stranger has both an ax to grind and an extravagant plan to make her pay for a crime she never even knew she committed. As Valerie’s story unfolds, so does another—one more chilling than she could ever have imagined.

“Strong, surprising twists and an urgent voice power this standout thriller... Moose’s novel grips from the start...When You Read This I’ll Be Gone has the exciting feeling of a ripped-from-the-headlines tale rather than one of pure fiction..." — Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Review

“This spectacular suspence thriller is both thoughtful and complex, and Anne Moose reveals her layered plot with the timing and precision of a master. In the tradition of suspense greats like Girl On A Train and Gone Girl, Moose weaves a narrative that takes us on a terrifying and heart-rending literary journey, addressing deeply troubling subject matter with compassion and uncommon insight.” — Baron Birtcher, award-winning author of Reckoning and Fistful of Rain

“Starting with a unique, terrifying premise, Anne Moose builds layer upon layer of genuine suspense. The end result is both moving and exciting, a powerful read for thriller fans of all stripes.” — Dennis Palumbo, author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mysteries

“An utterly gripping thriller." — Readers’ Favorite

"Riveting and suspenceful, this thriller is full of heart, propelled by a desire to see others as complex and worthy of compassion." — Michelle Kuo, author of Reading with Patrick

Genres: Thriller

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Pat Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When You Read This I’ll be Gone” is the first book I have read by author Anne Moose, but it certainly will not be the last! In fact, I just purchased a second eBook. I am thrilled to add this skilled and creative writer to my list of favorite authors.

I have a certain time each day when I read, but I kept breaking all my own rules because I simply couldn’t put this book down. The characters are complex and multifaceted. They make good decisions and bad… just like me and all my friends. They hold back secrets, then reveal too much for their own good, all the while pulling my emotions up, down, and sideways. Every character is interesting in his or her own unique way.

I pride myself on being able to predict what will happen next, especially in thrillers and literary novels, and always romances, but I rarely made the right predictions as events, trauma, and relationships developed throughout “When You Read This I’ll be Gone.” And I loved this element of surprise. I highly recommend this book, written by Anne Moose, to all readers who enjoy books that speak to important societal issues and explore emotional depths and contradictions, while integrating concepts of love, trust, and loyalty. -- Pat Spencer, author of the Sticks in a Bundle trilogy and A Baker's Dozen for Writers

[Marijke McCandless · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me turning the pages long after I meant to turn my lights out! There is an ease to the reading coupled with dangling intrigue and interesting, layered characters. (You can’t help but like the villain sometimes…) Even more impressive is how Moose makes us consider emotionally charged issues from several different perspectives. We are enticed to consider lust, marriage, loss, and the consequences of bad choices from all sides. The result is we are faced with the fallacies of being human with a bit more compassion than we might previously have been. As in Moose’s other books, she chooses themes that are important. Here we dive into a parent’s feeling of failure, a student’s most challenging college days, and a wife’s flailing, loveless marriage. Curious? Dive in! You are in for a reading treat.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fully engrossed in this book. I absolutely love the author's writing style, and the organic way the story unfolds. I am not a fan of books with heavy narration, where the reader is told about things and events and because in this book, we are on the same journey as Valerie, we learn about people and events from her interactions and not just narrative. It pulls me right into the story and connects me to the characters.

The story deals with difficult themes, and the author does so with a deft hand. Nothing is as straightforward as it might seem, and the story is very layered, adding to the interest and intrigue. But the characters are the heart of this, and they are beautifully written and complex.

This was a joy to read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Nancy Klann-Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a suspense thriller fan, When You Read This I'll Be Gone, is a sure bet. Annie Moose buckles the reader securely into the passenger seat for a gripping ride-along with her protagonist, Valarie.
In this story, Valarie is plucked from a successful career in academia and transported straight to the edge of Hell, as the target of a revenge plot.
I know Annie Moose's work, and admire her decisions to take on poignant subjects. This is best-seller material.

[Jude Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie, a college professor and novelist, has a fling with an enigmatic stranger at a quaint resort. But their meeting was no coincidence, and their one-night stand turns out to be part of a disturbing plan.

Anne Moose, an observant writer with an eye for detail, serves up a surprisingly moving thriller. Part Misery, part cultural critique, this is a page-turner that wrestles with ideas. I couldn’t put it down.

[Nan Christine Borton-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must Read

TRIGGER ALERT for anyone who has experienced sexual trauma -the author wrote boldly , honestly and with empathy however, it may cause triggering and/or secondary trauma by reading.

This book will grab you and not let go …even after the final page has been turned. Beautifully written!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fast paced and all-consuming thriller!
I loved this book and the bravery of the subject matter, that Anne Moose handles so deftly.
I mostly read literary fiction but this story was told with a tender voice. I
highly recommend it!

[Yvonne Sheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Anne Moose's talents are on show in this novel -- the smooth plot, compelling characters, the dialogue and the key issues she explores. I was hooked from the first page, a delightful as well as deeply emotional read.

[Alayna Nicholes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story through the end

Not your average thriller. Unique plot that holds you captive from the beginning. Seamless transitions from present to past and between characters. I'm an avid reader and this was the best book I've read in years!!

[Lauren Speringo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give out 5 star reviews but this one had me hooked from beginning to end. Initially I expected the story to go in a different direction but overall I found the plot unique and not the typical thriller. It was a quick read without a lot of fluff which I love!

[C.A. Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Moose's When You Read This I’ll Be Gone is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that tackles the challenging topic of sexual abuse. While it’s going to be a difficult read for those who have experienced trauma or are close to someone who has, Anne approaches the subject matter with sensitivity and care. I started it with the intention of reading it between other tasks and I found myself completely absorbed, finishing the book in a week despite having other commitments. I think one of Anne’s strengths is the way she writes real, fleshed out characters that make one believe they exist in real life. Not an easy task for a writer but she makes it look easy. Read it!

[Lisa Bianco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive read!

This is a great story thay keeps your interest. I wish the ending was a bit different but it was good overall.

[Christine Amoroso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner until the end. I couldn’t put it down. Great suspense

[Laura Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Moose has done it again. This book is so compelling and such a page turner! I didn't want to put it down and hardly did from the first page on. But what I found most important was that it is a powerful story filled with layers of so many social issues that we are dealing with today in a world that is upside down. Everyone should read this book. I was mesmerized by the story and kept wondering how I would have acted if this happened to me or one of my granddaughters who I dearly love.
Laura Engel

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Read This I’ll Be Gone is a page turner. The intense writing kept me on edge as I followed Valerie‘s nightmare of a story. The writing is so detailed, it felt like I was right there in each chilling moment. Anne Moose writes candidly and graphically about some very sensitive issues, and her empathy really comes through. I read this in just a few days because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. This is quite a unique and gripping thriller!

[George Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a superb psychological thriller. For anyone who has experienced the trauma of sexual abuse, or is close to someone who has, it may be difficult to read. But Anne Moose has given us an engaging work of fiction that further exposes an important social issue, particularly but not exclusively as it relates to college and university campuses. She does this in a sensitive and compelling manner, including a unique plot device to unfold the protagonists’ stories, and her work deserves a wide readership. For me, one measure of a good book is when as a reader you don’t notice the writing because it is so clear that it disappears into the background, and then suddenly you do notice it because it flows so smoothly. This is what happens with When You Read This I’ll Be Gone. The story starts a tad slowly, but stick with it, and shortly you won’t be able to stop reading. I read it in one day, ignoring my own writing project, because I couldn’t put it down.

[Christi White · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Read This

I really enjoyed this book. It was the first time I have read anything by this author. The characters are mostly likeable for the most part. Some just have really tragic stories. Give it a try....you won't be disappointed.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought this book with me while on a long flight. It is a quick read with engaging events and plots. The story is timely, dealing with the rape of a female college student. The author writes about the complexity of this event and its aftermath with a strong, clear voice.

[Diane Takashima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thriller with multiple plot twists. I found it difficult to put down.
One of those "it is 2 am I should really go to bed" books
Loved it!

[Bobbie Mattis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Kept me interested and looking forward to the next page. 4.5 solid srars.

[Barbara Flor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. A thrilling page turner

[Allison Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book and plot were interesting and engaging, i just felt that the end was a bit abrupt and anti-climactic.

[danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolute favorite books of all time now. I just want to thank the author for writing it. It’s tense while bringing about awareness in such a touching way. Great thriller.