The Waking Place

by Emerald O'Brien

From the author of Follow Her Home and What She Found comes a heart-clenching and atmospheric psychological suspense novel that will keep readers guessing until the final page. Givers must set limits, for takers have none. When Lane moves in with her beloved uncle Donnie after his dementia diagnosis, she drops everything to take care of him. After her sister arrives unexpectedly, Lane is hopeful for more help. Instead, she watches as Cece leads a carefree life despite their uncle's rapid deterioration, and resentment begins to fester. As one sister grows bitter, the other harbours a dark secret. Cece's wild and spontaneous life is far from what it appears... Fearing for Donnie's safety as he begins trying to leave the house after dark, Lane forces herself into a reckless pattern of sleepless nights. But a mistake leads to a series of disturbing events and a big decision for Lane. When Uncle Donnie's menacing son gets word his father will be placed in long-term care, he returns to his childhood home with questionable motives. And after a terrible accident, Lane is forced to turn to a sister she no longer trusts to hide the evidence, crossing lines they never thought possible. This family's secrets are to die for...
But will they have to kill to keep them?

Genres: Thriller

290 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2021

About the author

Emerald O’Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, and graduated from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.

A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.

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Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a twisty thriller that kept me glued to the page until the very end! I’ll admit it was a little hard fo me to get going because the author portrayed someone suffering with dementia extremely realistically and it continued to remind me of the people I have lost and am losing to that disease. Once I got into the mystery piece of it I was riveted and while it was full of gruesome twists and turns it was also beautiful. Lane has always been close to her Uncle Donnie so when he is diagnosed with dementia she moves in to take care of him. He wanted to stay in his home as long as possible, but even with the help of in home aides and her sister Lane is struggling to meet his needs. As his condition worsens both sisters find themselves distracted by those looking for them that they pray never find them. Everyone in this family is hiding secrets.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an intense, gripping, well-written, entertaining psychological thriller. It is a real page turner with well developed characters, the heartbreak of dementia, suspense, and twists and turns that will keep you reading well into the night and guessing until the surprise ending. Ms. O'Brien is an expert at keeping her readers engaged from the beginning until the end of her outstanding novels.
I received an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.

[Kiersten Modglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is O’Brien like we’ve never seen her before. I’ve always admired the way this author crafts a tale, the way she spins the smallest details into a scene, and the way she makes us feel for every single character, and THE WAKING PLACE, is no exception. What makes this story different is the deliberate way this author threw in twist after twist, topping even her most surprising stories! O’Brien was masterful in dragging your eyes one direction while sneaking a hand behind her back—the next twist ready to smack you in the face hidden just in her palm. I still can’t get over how much I loved this story. The characterization, the heartbreak, the atmosphere, THE SETTING, the twists and turns at every corner—THE WAKING PLACE is an absolute masterpiece and without a doubt one of my new favorites. Once you start, be prepared to read it without stopping—from the dark and haunting opening pages to the fast-paced and breathless ending. THE WAKING PLACE, aptly named, will keep you awake and glued to the pages until the very end.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've experienced the heartbreak, despair and exhaustion of Lane myself in caring for an ailing loved one. Her sister Cece had her own issues and secrets. The tears I cried with and for these two throughout the book, just such an emotional read. Now, let's get into the bones of the story; so many twists, shocking and surprising turns that completely had my heart in my throat and gasping for air. Wow! Such attention to detail and the settings were impressive. I read this psychological thriller in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down!

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published: March 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Emerald O’Brien was born and raised just east of Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from her Television Broadcasting and Communications Media program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. As the author of unpredictable stories packed with suspense, Emerald enjoys connecting with her readers, who are passionate about joining characters as they solve mysteries and take exciting adventures between the pages of great books.

“So, hold your pieces close, or you’ll have none.”

Lane has an artistic and in real able bond with her great uncle. And now that he has dementia, there is no one else who could care for him more. When CeCe, Lane’s sister, comes to stay with them in Donnie’s art-filled home, more than memories come flooding back. With so many secrets, will anyone indeed be okay?

Wowza. This was a beautifully dark, twisted tale about the bond of family, the power of choice, and the beauty in all things broken. I loved the characters in this. Selfless Lane, who never hesitated to abandon her wants and desires to care for those she loved, appeasing CeCe, who didn’t want to let anyone down but also refused to be anyone’s victim. Artistic and sensitive Donnie, who adorned his great-niece more than art. Roger the loyal and brave. Seever, the selfish and entitled.

The elements represented in this book were so well played. And the way this story unfolded was genuinely dark and so well executed. Like a fire, the build-up for this story started slow, but as things intensified and as the slow burn quickly became a raging inferno, all I could do is keep reading.

This book is addictive, and I found myself unable to find a suitable place to stop reading. The deeper involved I became with these characters, the more their stories intertwined, and the truth started seeping out- the faster I flipped the pages.

The twists in this book are delivered so smoothly and so intricately that you almost don’t realize what just happened. In a cunning game of whodunnit and brutal truths, a pair of sisters realize just how badly they need each other, especially with so much at stake.

With an ending that will leave you staring at the words and a plot that will make your heart race, this is a thriller you will never see coming.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found “The Waking Place” to be a very emotional book, especially the heartbreak Lane was experiencing when it came to her Uncle Donnie. She was doing her best to care for him but to her, it was never enough. He was like a father to her and she loved him very much. They shared the love of the arts and Lane only had happy memories of their time together.

The old farmhouse on the windy, secluded road made the story even more mysterious and scary. I was afraid that Uncle Donnie would disappear while he was outside, never to be seen again. I kept waiting for someone to jump out and grab Lane and her uncle while they were deep in the woods. There was an eerie feeling about the house, the woods and the neighbors. I felt that Lane was a bit of a voyeur as she gazed into her neighbors windows on her daily walk. She seemed to envy everyone that was happy and wished her life had turned out differently. Every window told a story, some happy and some sad. In my mind, the skies were always gray, the wind was always blowing and the house, which held secrets of its own, was cold and foreboding.

I admired the closeness and devotion Lane had for her uncle. She put her life on hold to care for him and she wished he could stay in the family home forever. There was definitely something off about her sister Cece, and I wasn’t sure why she was even there. She never helped Lane with her uncle and her only contribution was an occasional hot meal. I was afraid for Lane because she seemed to be the only family member who cared about her uncle’s well being. The stress of her responsibilities became too much and on one stormy, misty night, she snapped and her life changed forever.

Could Lane count on Cece to help her when she needed her the most? What secrets would Lane find in the house after the dust settled and all was quiet once again?

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe he'd found me like he promised he would. Maybe I really did see him in the backwoods, more prepared to dig two graves than I'd been. After all- he had nothing left to lose."

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this author! She never fails to throw me for a loop and leave me with my head spinning at the end! This one was no different.

So, I started reading this and I thought maybe this one was just a story about a young woman caring for her great-uncle who is suffering with Alzheimer's. The heartbreak of her watching his decline, and coming to the realization that she could no longer give him the care he needed. Add in, her sister who comes to stay with them, but rarely lifts a finger to actually help, the lack of sleep, the incessant worry, and it all becomes too much for her. A tough decision needs to be made.

But there is, oh, so much more to it than that!

About half way through the story, it all hits the fan! Talk about twists! The last half of the book is a whirlwind of suspense, secrets, betrayal, and total carnage! You will not believe this ending!! Definitely grab this one and hold on to your hat for a wild ride!!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless. This book had me on the edge of my seat one moment and crying the next. Emerald O'Brien has once again outdone herself with this story. Intense characters and a storyline in turns women's fiction, thriller, and psychological suspense had me turning the pages far more rapidly than I wanted to because I just didn't want this book to end.

Laine has always had a special relationship with her Uncle Donny so when he is diagnosed with Alzheimer's she packs her life sways and comes to be his live-in caregiver. Then her sister Cece comes to stay. Laine thinks it's to help her but Cece has a secret or several. Everyone seems to have secrets but Uncle Donny has the biggest secret of all.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one certainly took an unexpected and interesting turn. The first half was a slow burn and I'll admit I didn't really feel that invested but I always like to stick with slow burns because I know something is about to happen...and boy, did it happen!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not For Me

Some may love this book, and that's why I don't like writing reviews. To me, this book was slow, sappy, repetitive, and unbelievable at the end. I know it took a lot of time and imagination for the author, but I could barely finish it. I scanned the last chapter and almost gave up on it several times throughout the book. I am glad it's over. AGAIN...That is only my opinion and others may really appreciate this read.

[Hannah Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/5(rounded up to 5 on here)

We follow Lane who has recently moved in with her uncle Donnie. Her uncle has recently been diagnosed with dementia and needs help taking care of himself. Lane’s sister, Cece, unexpectedly moves in with them and Lane becomes hopeful that her sister is there to help her out more with her uncle’s situation and give Lane a much needed break. Lane begins to become sleep deprived and make mistakes while Cece keeps a dark secret from Lane.
*
I want to thank Emerald who was so gracious and nice to send me a copy of this book! It is definitely not your typical fast paced thriller but I think I definitely connected with Lane’s character and her uncles diagnosis of dementia after helping with my grandmother who also had dementia. O’Brien does such a great job depicting someone taking care of a loved one with dementia so realistically and I think she did a wonderful job of helping show the readers what a caretaker goes through while taking care of them. Once the reader gets into the mystery piece and the events that happen once Lane is sleep deprived, the pace starts to pick up and you don’t want to put the book down. O’Brien did such an amazing job with the suspense and the details that she puts into her writing is outstanding. I cannot wait to read the backlist of her books and am so excited to see what else she has in store for us!

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping story about two sisters, Laine and Cece who care for their great uncle, Donny who has dementia until he moves into long-term care.

When incidences occur involving Donny's son, Seever, Laine enlists the help of Donny's friend, Roger who helps her claim Donny's house despite Seever wanting to claim the house for himself. Seever shows his true colours when he makes their lives a living hell, needing to continue his bullying tactics against Laine.

Cece's keeping secrets and gets involved with a man at the bar she works at. But secrets rise to the surface, an accident occurs, and the sisters are in danger.

This is a great story that kept me turning the page. I love the twists you don't see coming. So well worth the read.

[The Book Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent thriller, first it pulls on your heartstrings and then whips you back into the reality of the chaos unfolding. This author completely hits home with the emotions a caregiver feels. Guilt, exhaustion, love, loneliness and fear. I felt myself tear up many times reading this (I know, I know, it’s a thriller!!) but she really captured the feelings.

As a caregiver myself, I felt very connected to the characters in the book. I couldn’t put this down until I knew how it ended. I actually finished this book during date night….just don’t tell my husband lol

Excellent read, I can’t wait to see what else this author has written.

5 stars!

[Wendy Del Toro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book where we read about the struggles Lane is having dealing with her beloved uncle's dementia is very well written and heartbreaking. However, I would have liked to have seen Uncle Donnie have more of an active role in the story rather than just be talked about. Also, as well written as it was, it took up around half of the story which was too long for me. It lacked "plot". When some action finally kicks in it felt rushed and the writing was pretty bland. What happens in the home after Seever shows up is so over the top and ridiculous and totally unbelievable so Lane dismembers all those bodies! and burns them in her kiln!! and cleans up all the blood and gore from the house...all in a day's work! Unbelievable Overall an average story for me.

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but the style of writing kept pulling me out of the story and diminished the emotional aspects. The plot felt confusing at times, with a lot of running around for nothing. Like there was a lot happening but also very little progress at the same time. The twists were surprising, but unfortunately not in a good way, and the ending was a bit much.
The charactets were not very likeable, and their relationships, especially the two sisters, were both over the top and without real depth.

[Karla Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every minute!

This is yet another mesmerizing story by Emerald O'Brien! She has gotten better with age much like a fine wine. Artistically crafted. Brilliantly written. Deeply disturbing. Suspense building and breathtaking. Oh, Uncle Donnie. The lengths we'll to go for family. The depths we'll go to for love. The dark secrets we'll do ANYTHING to keep. Well done!

[Deb Woitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I generally like books where the story is told from a couple of different character’s viewpoints. However several times I got confused about which character was narrating the chapter Also the end of the book got way out of control, pretty violent. So many bodies and yet I guess I’m supposed to believe no one will question what happened or where those people disappeared to?

[Delilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald my friend you have done it again

Emerald has done it again. Another book i just couldn't put down! Just when I thought I knew what was going on theres another twist! I hope she considers continuing with these characters!!

[Cathy Gudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is a good story. There is a lot going on but all comes together in the end!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

What a great book. Kept me reading. Characters were good, seemed true to life. I love thrillers nothing better than a goid thriller

[Natalia's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not the first time that she left me speechless with one oh her book.
I might need extra time to regain focus and will write a better review.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with exceptional plot twists! Hold on to your hats, this book is a thrill a minute!

[Amy Griffiths · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd definitely characterize this book as a "slow burn," but it's worth it. The Waking Place has a little bit of everything: family dysfunction, unconditional love, the dynamic between sisters, romance, suspense, physical and sexual assault, murder, and heartbreak. I frequently found myself frustrated due to the huge lack of communication between the characters, but I guess there wouldn't be much of a story without that. I felt the ending was a little rushed, and a bit far-fetched, but overall it was a really good story.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books from this author now and I’ve enjoyed the other books that I’ve read from her, so I was exited when I opened my email to an ARC of this book! I started reading this book as soon as I had finished my current read, and I can say that I enjoyed this book a lot! The plot had me intrigued early on and it kept me intrigued as it developed! I really enjoyed the direction that the author took the plot in and what happened in it! It started off where I was kind of wondering when the thriller element was going to come into it, but then it did and the plot and it really changed it and added a lot to it! It also went in a completely different direction to what I was expecting! I loved it and it only took me a few sittings to read! There also wasn’t a lot of romance in the plot, but there was a little bit! The thriller elements were definitely enough and left me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Lane was the first main female character, and in this book she was under a lot of stress because she was looking after her uncle who had dementia and she was very close to him! Lane then did something that changed her and it understandably had a massive impact on her! I felt like Lane tried her best and she then went through a lot with her sister and she tried her best to support them both! Cece was the other main female character and she was the sister of Lane! Cece was the opposite of Lane in the way that she wasn’t as close to her uncle, but it was easy to see that she wanted to try her best for her sister! It was also easy to tell that Cece was hiding a secret and I wasn’t expecting it to be what it was! It explained a lot though and then it really changed the plot as more secrets came out! Cece also surprised me with what she had did for Lane! This book was written from both Lane and Cece’s point of views, which I loved! I wasn’t sure if it was going to be written this way, but I felt like the plot had to be because both women were going through their own situations and it allowed for a few more things to happen in the plot! It helped me connect more with Lane and Cece as well and see how they were feeling about everything and all the changes in their lives! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything in the plot was wrapped up and all the questions raised were answered! The ending was also left open, but the overall plot was wrapped up! I now can't wait to read more books from this author! I have quite a few to read from her, so I'll definitely be reading them soon! I can't wait to learn more about her next release as well! I also love the cover for this book a lot! It definitely suits the thriller aspect of the book and actually makes more sense after you've read the book! It would draw me to the book as well and make me check out the synopsis! Big thank you to Emerald for an ARC of The Waking Place!

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I'm A fan of MS. O'Brien but this one was much different from her usual style. Dealing with dementia is hard,as I've been care taker of my Mother-in-law. Fast paced, great character development, realistic storyline, couple of twists, but well put together. Well worth reading.

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lane loves her Uncle Donnie, they’ve always enjoyed a special bond based on their love of the same things but now instead of Uncle Donnie being her rock she has to step up for him. Suffering from dementia she is determined to payback all the happy years he gave her and take the very greatest of care of him. Unfortunately it’s not easy looking after a person suffering with dementia and as the disease progresses she feels she is failing him. Then her absent sister Cece turns up and Lane hopes its to help. However life is not always straightforward and Lane continues to struggle with Cece doing very little, she doesn’t have the same relationship with Donnie at all but there is a longtime friend of Donnies who supports Lane as much as he is able. Eventually and reluctantly when issues start to escalate , she realises if she is to protect Donnie properly he needs to go into long term care but another family member decides to intervene creating more issues for Lane. As she spirals into depression she realises if she is to protect Donnie she needs to up her game. But she’s frightened. Then Donnies friend makes some disclosures which have far reaching consequences for family and friends, especially for Lane. Little does she know just how far things will go and the secrets Donnie has been keeping from her. Will she ever repair her relationship with her sister too?
This is a riveting read from a super author. Keep up the great work. Emerald
I received and ARc copy in return for an honest review. Did I love this book? Definitely!

[Joanne Ranzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Waking Place lives up to its name by keeping us on our toes with its many twists and turns and its roller coaster of emotions. Emerald O'Brien captures what every caregiver goes through on a daily basis through the story of Lane, who cares for her uncle Donnie, who suffers from dementia. It is a gesture of love but also of abandonment of oneself, of parts of one's life. Exhaustion and guilt are often the result. But it is a unique way to consolidate human links between the caregiver and the person being cared for. It also underlines the fact that family is not only about blood ties.

The intensity of the action that builds over the pages reflects the weight of secrets and guilt Lane and her sister Cece have accumulated over the years. It's bound to explode and change their lives forever. Expect to be transported on a wild ride, you'll find it hard to catch your breath.

Emerald O'Brien lets the two characters take turns expressing themselves from chapter to chapter, allowing us to feel and understand what each one is going through, her point of view. We develop a bond with them, whether we like their personalities or not, or whether we agree with their actions or not. It lets us get even more invested in the story. I felt like Lane when she watches what's going on with her neighbors through their windows on her walks. Like I was looking through the windows of this house where the tension is intense enough to disturb the sleep of its occupants.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great physiological thriller! When the story has twists and turns you aren't expecting, when you don't want to put your kindle/ phone/ book down because you are afraid you will lose the suspense that you are caught in, you know that you are reading another of Ms. O'Brien's books that keeps you up when you should be sleeping/ or cleaning your house. Lane and Cece are sister's but there has been so much upheaval in their lives that they don't know each other the way they should. When Cece ends up at Uncle Donnie's door, Lane figures she is running from life again. Lane is exhausted from the care she is giving to her precious Uncle Donnie, he was where she ran when life was difficult at home, even though she had to deal with her cousin Seever. The characters in this book came to life for me and I started to care about how their lives were going. My heart broke for Uncle Donnie, and I wanted to be able to reach out and help Lane. So many things happen in the last part of the book I couldn't even hear my daughter trying to get my attention, I didn't want to take my eyes off my kindle for a second. This is another great book by an author that hasn't let me down yet when it comes to a great book, I know what I'm going to get before I even start reading.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind Blowing! The Waking Place by Emerald O’Brien really blew my mind. I don’t know what I was thinking. I do know what kind of books she writes! When I started this book, I was lulled into thinking it was going to be different. I thought it was going to be a story about a niece caring for her great uncle who was diagnosed with dementia. Boy, was I wrong! It was partly that but, so much more happened. I’m still thinking about it! 

Her characters were so well developed and the story line was planned to perfection. Like I said, I was lulled into complacency and the first twist gave me whiplash. Then they just kept coming. I found myself racing to the end of the book. I have to say it didn’t end as I thought it would. This book is UNPREDICTABLE!

If you like suspense, twists and turns and a book that will keep you guessing until the last page, you’re gonna love this book. Go ahead and pre-order your copy now. Then clear your schedule because you won’t go anywhere until you’re finished reading The Waking Place. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!