 | |
| Author | Laura Lippman |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery fiction, Thriller, Crime |
| Published | 2014 |
| Publisher | William Morrow Publishers |
Publication date | 2014-02-11 |
| Pages | 334 |
| Award | Anthony Award for Best Novel (2015) |
| ISBN | 978-0-062-08339-5 |
| Website | After I'm Gone |
After I'm Gone is a crime novel written by American author Laura Lippman, [1] [2] first published by William Morrow Publishers (an imprint of HarperCollins [3] ) on February 11, 2014; The novel won the Anthony Award for Best Novel in 2015. [4]
The story of After I'm Gone centers on the mysterious disappearance of Felix Brewer and its long-term effects on the lives of the women connected to him. In 1959, Felix, a charismatic man involved in lucrative, though not entirely legal, businesses, charms nineteen-year-old Bernadette "Bambi" Gottschalk. They marry, and he provides a luxurious life for her and their three daughters. However, on July 4, 1976, Felix, facing imminent prison time, vanishes without a trace. Bambi is left without her husband or his money, but she suspects that Felix's devoted young mistress, Julie, knows his whereabouts. Ten years to the day after Felix's disappearance, Julie also vanishes. Initially, it is assumed she has left to reunite with Felix, but her remains are later discovered in a secluded park. Twenty-six years after Julie's disappearance, retired Baltimore detective Roberto "Sandy" Sanchez, now working cold cases, begins investigating her murder. His investigation uncovers a complex web of bitterness, jealousy, resentment, greed, and longing that spans more than five decades. At the heart of this mystery is Felix Brewer, a man who, despite being long gone, continues to influence the five women who loved him - his wife, his three daughters, and his mistress. Sandy's search aims to uncover the truth hidden within the secrets and lies connecting past and present events, a revelation that will irrevocably change everyone involved. [5] [6]
After I'm Gone received critical acclaim, solidifying Laura Lippman's reputation as a The New York Times bestselling author. It was recognized as an "Editors' pick" for "Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense" on Amazon. The novel also garnered a 3.61 out of 5 stars rating from over 17,000 ratings on Goodreads, with nearly 2,000 reviews. [6] [5]
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