You Can't Just Leave (EBOOK) PRE-ORDER

I had the chance to read this book in its early manuscript stages, and it just grabbed me. The pacing, the atmosphere, the way the tension creeps in and refuses to let go... everything worked. Even in its early draft, it had that rare, unnerving energy that you can’t fake.

What impresses me most is how layered the characters are. Nothing feels on-the-nose or predictable. The twists are smart, earned, and land hard. The psychological tension builds with such precision; quiet at first, then escalating in a way that feels both inevitable and completely unpredictable. As usual, John Mulhall’s talent shine through. He’s intentional with every choice and it shows.

My review of the audio is cross posted with the print version, but I'm here to give props to the narrator, Maria Marquis. Maria captured each of the characters superbly, and I am a tough critic of narrators. Because I edit a fair amount of manuscripts, I tend to read for pleasure with my ears. Thus, I get a little picky about narration. I LOVE Maria, who has now narrated a few of my client's books, and I gotta say, she nails them. I love all of Mulhall's writing, but this one was far and away my favorite work of his. As an editor, I took on this project for a final round of edits. I typically tell clients to expect a three to four week turnaround, but I had You Can't Just Leave back to John in a week. It's THAT unputdownable. The writing is THAT good. The pacing is fast, the tension remains taut throughout, and the characters are well developed. There isn't one element of the story that doesn't move the plot along towards its full circle, satisfying ending. Keen readers will grasp the overall metaphor of the story, and my hope is they will appreciate Ethan's vulnerability, Chris's loyalty, Grace's strength, and Mandy's struggle to come to terms with her past alongside the family she has created for herself. To say it's a page-turner is an understatement, but I expect that from John, and watching his body of work grow over the years has been a treat.

I love all of Mulhall's writing, but this one was far and away my favorite work of his. As an editor, I took on this project for a final round of edits. I typically tell clients to expect a three to four week turnaround, but I had You Can't Just Leave back to John in a week. It's THAT unputdownable. The writing is THAT good. The pacing is fast, the tension remains taut throughout, and the characters are well developed. There isn't one element of the story that doesn't move the plot along towards its full circle, satisfying ending. Keen readers will grasp the overall metaphor of the story, and my hope is they will appreciate Ethan's vulnerability, Chris's loyalty, Grace's strength, and Mandy's struggle to come to terms with her past alongside the family she has created for herself. To say it's a page-turner is an understatement, but I expect that from John, and watching his body of work grow over the years has been a treat. Oh, and the audiobook read by Maria Marquis is a REAL treat. She captures the characters with absolute perfection.

It's difficult to pick my favorite John Mulhall book because I love them all so much, and this one is no exception. You Can't Just Leave follows Mandy's story as she confronts her past in the house where she grew up. Both heartbreaking and evocative, this is an emotional thriller that keeps the reader guessing. I found myself rooting for Mandy while doublechecking that all the doors were locked!

John Mulhall pulls you deep into the haunting world of Mandy, a woman who has tried to forget her shattered past but is now determined to confront it. I had the pleasure of being an early reader for this book. Unsettling, and deeply psychological You Can't Just Leave grips you from the first page and won't let go. Prepare yourself for a spine-tingling descent into darkness... and face the demons that dwell within.