The Reliable Narrator

by Grace Sammon

364 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Grace Sammon is a dynamic force in the literary world — an award-winning author, radio host, entrepreneur, and educator. Recognized in Who’s Who in Education and Who’s Who in Literature, she is the recipient of the 2025 Indies United Publishing House’s Award for Inspirational Women in Literature, Media, and Journalism.

A master of reinvention, Grace transformed her career with her fourth book and debut novel, The Eves, which garnered strong critical acclaim. In addition to her newest novel, The Reliable Narrator, she has authored seven books, including the three-book LAUNCH PAD series, which guides writers through the journey of writing, publishing, and marketing their books.

She has served as a Guardian ad Litem for neglected and abused children and as a hospice worker. She is currently a committee member for the Safe Children’s Coalition. Grace’s hallmark is to helping others leave their mark on the world—because when our stories are told, everything changes! Her current works in progress include two new radio shows and a novel.

Grace lives on Florida’s west coast with her husband and a small herd of imaginary llamas — because every storyteller needs a touch of magic. Learn more at GraceSammon.net.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reliable Narrator is a deeply moving book that feels personal, a real window into a person’s heart. The pain, the suffering, the confusion, determination, the scars, the healing—all of those emotions and more are beautifully captured in every word. This book deals with some very heavy subjects, but it is not heavy-handed; each incident, every haunting memory, is treated with grace and dignity, but also honestly and with authenticity. Phoebe and Darby are two remarkable women who have been hurt both physically and mentally, their friendship born and forged by the sharing of their pain. It was a wondrous thing to see their friendship in action as they face other challenges, decades after their first meeting. There is much wisdom in this novel, advice and musings and beliefs that not only shape the characters, but will surely reach the hearts and minds of everyone who reads this book. I received an advance reader copy of this book.

[Diane Glynn]

I love Grace Sammon’s The Eves…this moving story about women coming together stays with me, and I often think that a wise contractor might some day build “Eve Houses” in cities throughout the USA.

Now she has published another book that touches me deeply—The Reliable Narrator. It is a story about shared secrets and friendship and trust … about women, secrets, wishes and desires. We tend to live on the surface, doing-doing-doing, laughing, crying, organizing, working, taking care of everyone and everything—until something happens and we need to be seen and to be heard.

Then, we need to be fearless. We need to trust. We need acceptance.

The Reliable Narrator takes us on this journey. It validates our needs and hopes and longings. It is a story that resonates and lingers. It is a book to re-visit and share.

[Emily Miller]

Domestic violence, sexual abuse and end of life decisions are difficult topics which Grace Sammon addresses with compassionate and insight in her new novel, The Reliable Narrator. Best friends Phoebe and Darby reconnect after a year of not speaking to one another. Their story is heartbreaking, but also uplifting and hopeful as hidden truths are revealed are revealed. This gifted author has insight into important life lessons, and I believe she, like her protagonist writer Darby, could say about herself “I simply love the joy of writing and what happens in my head when I do it.”

[Kathy Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Eves with the author coming to my home for a highly engaging book club discussion, I couldn’t wait to read The Reliable Narrator. This book is an emotionally rich story about love, friendship, relationships and how silence can affect your life and the lives of those around you. This is a story about connection and how we care for one another. I’m looking forward to sharing this book with members of my book club.

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Sammon’s The Reliable Narrator is an indelible, poetically rendered novel that moves with a fluidity and quiet power long after the final page. Centered on Darby Small, a ghostwriter accustomed to hiding behind other people’s words, the story unfolds as she is cajoled—almost compelled—to speak her own truth and the truth of her friend, Phoebe Zaslove, as a final act of love and loyalty. As the novel reminds us, “It isn’t about being broken. It’s about proof of having survived.” That line alone captures the heartbeat of this book.

Sammon explores life and death, trauma and survival, and the ethical weight of choosing between silence and truth. Darby’s voice is strong yet humble, confident yet unsure—an achingly human balance that lends the novel its emotional authenticity. The narrative rhythm and cadence are stunning, carrying the reader into the intimate story of Darby and Phoebe’s friendship, the abuse they endured, the silence imposed upon them, and the hard-won act of survival.

The presence of Virginia and Leonard Woolf, woven in as figures of Darby’s subconscious, is especially compelling, adding depth and literary resonance while reflecting the interior struggles of a woman reckoning with voice, authorship, and responsibility. The connection to the Eves pulled at my heartstrings, grounding the novel in generational echoes of womanhood, choice, and consequence.

The Reliable Narrator is a poignant meditation on friendship, living, ethics, and death, a novel that asks what it means to speak truth when silence has long been a form of protection. Sammon’s prose is lyrical without excess, deliberate without heaviness, and deeply humane. This is a story that doesn’t just tell us about survival—it bears witness to it.

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reliable Narrator by Grace Sammon is the kind of story that settles deep in the soul and lingers there. Sammon writes with a poignant tenderness that draws me straight into her unforgettable characters, wrapping their lives in emotion and heart. Her words feel alive on the page, as if the reliable narrator herself is giving language wings and letting long-held truths finally take flight.

This story truly gutted me. The heart-wrenching secrets that Darby Small and Phoebe Zaslove carried from childhood into their later years unfold with such raw honesty, especially as they face the crushing weight of diagnosis and memory. Their journey is a reminder that everyone has a story—some whispered, some buried, all longing to be heard. This novel speaks to the beauty of giving voice to those stories and honoring the histories that shape us.

At its core, this book shows that family is not always formed by blood, but often by hearts knit together along life’s winding roads—hearts that fuse, break, and, by grace, help heal one another. Ms. Sammon is a master at drawing readers into pages that are simply unputdownable. She has crafted a story that feels, to me, unforgettable in the best way—tender, honest, and achingly human.

I am very grateful to Ms. Sammon for the opportunity to read an ARC of her wonderful book. I was truly touched by the message, the journey, and the poignant stories of the characters—it hit me with all the “feels.” I want to thank her for sharing her amazing talent in writing this novel. I look forward to reading her work! All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got to admit I've been worried about reading The Reliable Narrator, not because I wasn't looking forward to it but because I knew I had to set aside enough time to get through it! As in Grace Sammon's previous book, The Eves, I knew I wouldn't want to put this book down. The book draws you in gradually and is mostly relatable to true life, which is what I like in a good story. After all, we don't want it be be too real 🤣
The two main characters, Phoebe and Derby, have known each other most of their lives and as with most good friends have shared some fabulous times, some OK times, some years of separation but also some dark secrets which have never been aired. Sadly, Phoebe becomes ill and asks Darby to write their story and importantly include the secrets, which of course Darby is very reluctant to do. However, over time they reunite and again their true friendship comes to the fore and the story is divulged slowly and passionately. Admittedly, some of it is a hard read (for me anyway) and I admit to shedding a tear on several occasions, but it was well worth it! As the story unfolds Grace is able to include several other characters who add to the story, creating atmosphere, more questions and truths.
As always with a really good book I never wanted it to end and was concerned about the outcome. I was, however, satisfied (!!!), provoked into some hard thinking, with it staying with me for days and days! It is a story of true friendship, one that not many of us are able to achieve in our lifetime, but is so very much appreciated if it does. Grace certainly creates that.
The Reliable Narrator should definitely be your next read. Enjoy!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexual abuse survivors, principally girls and women, are taught to stay silent. If they do speak up, they are further traumatized by others refusing to believe them and blaming them for the crime. In Grace Sammon’s novel The Reliable Narrator, Darby’s own mother doesn’t believe her, but her friend Phoebe does.

Lifelong female friendships are one of the most treasured gifts to receive. I’m lucky to have a few, and I observed women friends of my mother’s generation. The friend who climbs into bed beside you and gently holds you when you can’t bring yourself to get up after losing your beloved husband or child. The friend who doesn’t turn away from death, but stays and holds you hand while you pass. Although it’s difficult and painful, Phoebe and Darby are these friends to one another.

Their long friendship has weathered highs and lows, but now Darby and Phoebe find themselves united by the shadow of approaching death and a pivotal decision: to give voice to their own truths—and those of countless other women—in a book, or to shield others by remaining silent. The topics and themes of Sammon’s poignant novel couldn’t be timelier.

Sammon’s writing style created an emotional and sensory experience for me. She captured me at this pivotal point in Phoebe and Darby’s relationship, while smoothly weaving in the key moments from their past that shaped how they got here. Sammon is a masterful wordsmith. The Reliable Narrator has stayed with me long after I read the last page. It reminded me that women truly are steel magnolias.

[Michele Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intro - This novel has three main characters, Phoebe, Darby, and Darby’s Mother, Theresa. Phoebe and Darby have been close since they met at summer camp at age 10, but during the past year, as adults, both lost touch until Phoebe reached out yet Darby hesitated. Theresa intervened, hoping the two women would reconnect! Both young women were dealing with life changes and life reckoning involving their past and present lives.
Summary - The story follows all three women as they deal with past and present challenges, mistakes, redemption, and how each moves forward.
Analysis - The character development was so good; it’s as if I could see and feel each of the women, their thoughts and actions and their challenges and wishes.
Conclusion and recommendation - The Reliable Narrator was very moving for me as I could relate to a couple of challenges the characters faced. I started reading this at 3 PM and did not stop until 11PM and finished the book the same way another day as I wated to find out what happened to the characters!

[Olivia McKean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reliable Narrator is a beautifully written, poignant story about a ghostwriter who has spent her career guiding clients to write and successfully publish their own stories. When she reconnects with a close childhood friend who is terminally ill and who requests that they jointly write a book about their troubled pasts, her life changes course and takes on new meaning. It is a story of deep friendship, the pain of sharing and facing long-buried memories, the courage and power of confronting the past and telling the truth, and finally forgiveness. It is a story of being haunted and shackled by the past, and the eventual freedom that follows after letting go of the shame and pain. This is another beautifully written, heartfelt novel by Grace Sammon. It is a captivating story that will linger with you long past finishing the book.

[Karen Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Grace Sammon’s latest book at just the right time as it highlighted for me the resilience of women when faced with adversity.

The storyline flows beautifully between two timelines that follows the friendship between two girls whose relationship stands the test of time well into womanhood. Darby and Phoebe are both concealing secrets, even from each other, that only come to light as one of them faces a life-and-death challenge. With compassion and tenderness, the author details the strengths of friendship, family, and community at life’s darkest moments. The ending is satisfying and deeply touching.

On a personal level, The Reliable Narrator reminded me of the power of women who are lucky to have a lifelong friendship such as Darby and Phoebe’s. It’s also a reminder of the strength women extend to each other, regardless of the nature or duration of their friendships.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reliable Narrator is a deeply touching story of friendship, loss, and survival.

Chronicling the lives of two women who met and shared secrets in their teens at summer camp, it follows them through careers and children, times of connection and of disconnect with each other.

With this as the backdrop, The Reliable Narrator finds the two women reconnecting in mid-life. Each has a painful life story, and it’s time to make sense of what’s been until now left untold or deeply buried, and to give it some air. And maybe make course corrections.

The characters in this novel – main as well as supporting - are eminently relatable. Watching them all confront their lives with courage and honesty is an incredibly satisfying read. You will love it.

[Mary Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reliable Narrator is a moving, thought-provoking exploration of the stories we carry. The novel centers around the friendship between the quiet, reserved Darby Small and the loud, flamobyant Phoebe Zaslove. Darby’s work as a ghostwriter adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, particularly in how her professional "invisibility" mirrors her personal struggle. The lyrical writing and the descriptions of Albuquerque’s unique landscape and culture beautifully enrich the emotional journey. Reminiscent of Tuesdays with Morrie, this book offers deep wisdom on healing, surviving, dying, living, and truth. It is a touching, essential read that will particularly resonate with mature readers who have navigated trauma or the profound experience of losing a loved one.

[Judy Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Grace Sammon for the advanced readers copy of The Reliable Narrator. From page one I was hooked on the storyline, anxious to see if dying Phoebe could convince her best friend to help her with her dying wishes. Darby Small is a well established ghostwriter, so writing comes natural for her, but going back in time with your dying best friend requires stepping out of her comfort zone. Thankfully, there isn't anything we won't do for our best friend, right? Grab your tissues for the laughs and the tears. This is definitely a page-turner and one to treasure. I highly recommend THE RELIABLE NARRATOR! 5 Glorious stars! Judy Prescott Marshall multi award winning writer of fiction with a hint of romance.

[Allison D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Sammon’s newest book is an absolute must-read. Following her previous novel, The Eves, the author continues her exploration of truths that have been hidden and the liberation of revealing and facing them. Her description of the characters, the setting, and the emotions ring true and deep. While the subjects covered are difficult to read about, they are woven into the novel with compassion and realism. I confess that my tears flowed as I read and felt the characters’ thoughts and actions in some scenes. The Reliable Narrator is a powerful and moving story about bravely facing the realities of life, family, love, and friendship.

[Betty Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Grace Sammon’s newest book “The Reliable Narrator”. To say I am blown away by the storyline of having to remain silent when someone else takes advantage of your vulnerability whether you are 12 or 20. But it goes further, the repercussions of the silence of those you did not know were also affected and the guilt the one who told you to remain silent carried! What stories so many women & their children carry - but men as well sometimes. Grace delved into the art of being silent & invisible in such beautiful and understanding words of wisdom.
This is THE BOOK to read! WELL DONE!

[Tammy Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous, Freedom, Safety, True Friendships, Inspiring, and Emotionally Charged. Anyone who has felt the weight of unspoken life experiences will resonate deeply with Grace's new novel, The Reliable Narrator. A hard-to-put-down book that is easy to be drawn into and become captivated with each relatable character and their story. Grace eloquently invites readers to discover what true friendships look like and the sacred spaces these friendships create for us to be brave and find safety to tell our hidden stories that have kept us from healing and feeling free. A must-read book. Thank you, Grace, for this book, and thank you for including a Golden Retriever :)!

[Kristin Marie Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic, "can't put it down" book with a few twists and turns that really tick all the boxes. This book is full of characters to fall in love with, as well as story lines that immerse you in themes of adoption, choices, and personal growth. (I don't want to add any spoilers here.) I found myself thinking about the story even when I wasn’t reading it, which is always the sign of something special. I read Grace Sammon's first book, The Eves, as well, and found her writing style effortless to read.

[BETH SHERIFF · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Reliable Narrator, Grace Sammon masterfully explores the messy, beautiful landscape of recovery. The story shines when Darby returns to the summer camp where her foundational friendships began—a poignant reminder that healing often requires revisiting our roots.

Through heavy themes like sexual abuse and grief, Sammon captures the diverse ways we process trauma and the "greater power" that guides our paths. It is a raw, empathetic look at human issues—hidden resentments and enduring bonds alike—reminding us that what survives a painful season is often our capacity to love.

[Lillian Coury · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Reliable Narrator” is about so much more than friendship – it’s about profound and poignant relationships and how the worst betrayals may be transformed into deep intimacy, trust and love. Grace Sammon took my heart and pounded and tenderized it….I laughed, I cried, I reflected on my own relationships. Every one of the characters in this saga face fears and hard truths, and the writing is tight and captivating…they celebrate life and love and forgiveness and acceptance, and I was right there with them!

[Michele Anne Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Sammon has done it again. The Reliable Narrator is another exceptional work of fiction. Like her previous novel, The Eves, this book stirred countless memories of my own life. I'm drawn to stories like this-ones with deeply realistic characters, vivid settings, and storylines that feel universally relatable. I highly recommend The Reliable Narrator, especially for readers interested in exploring their own depths.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Sammon calls her character, Darby, a wordsmith. She, herself, is a wonderful one. The lyrical prose in this novel is a gift to the reader. It’s as poignant as the story itself, sometimes making me stop to savor the words and phrases, metaphors and similes. Read this for a beautiful story of friendship, family and love and come away with a full heart as well as complex questions that, along with the characters, will stay with you long after the last page.

[Michele Anne Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Sammon has done it again. The Reliable Narrator is another exceptional work of fiction. Like her previous novel, The Eves, this book stirred countless memories of my own life. I'm drawn to stories like this-ones with deeply realistic characters, vivid settings, and storylines that feel universally relatable. I highly recommend The Reliable Narrator, especially for readers interested in exploring their own depths.

[Pam Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Reliable Narrator, Grace Sammon delivers a story as compelling as it is necessary—an unforgettable testament to the strength of women, the bonds of friendship, and the journey from scars to stars. It reminds us that by facing and claiming our deepest wounds, we can find light—and ultimately, freedom.
– Pam Stack, CEO/Executive Producer, Authors on the Air Global Radio Network

[Karen Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the quote on the cover, to the first pages, and then every page thereafter, the language is powerful, lyrical, and evocative. I knew I was in the hands a terrific writer telling a compelling story. As someone who kept a secret for forty years, this book touched a tender part of me. Thank you for writing. Devastating and hopeful. I loved it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **

Beautifully written, poignant, and thought-provoking novel about the importance of friendship and owning one's stories. Sammon has done a remarkable job, somehow making it feel like the book itself has an actual beating heart. Perfect for book clubs.

[Marilyn Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a story of friendship, love, secrets, telling, and sharing pain and shame. It's a story of all those things nestled in a rich sense of place. The writing is lyrical and engaging.

[Kathie Myerburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaningful story of friendship and finding your own story. The characters rang true. A vivid portrayal of locations adds depth and color to the storytelling.

[Joann Nevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read with an interesting story and I felt engaged with all the characters. The author does a great job of pulling you into the setting with the right amount of descriptive information. There are moments that you pause and think, along with other moments that are just fun to read.

The characters are well developed, and their experiences help bring out meaningful themes about life, relationships and personal growth. This is a solid book to recommend to anyone looking for a good, thoughtful story.