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Can't Find My Way Home
Brynn Wilder must confront a dark and dangerous walk back into her traumatic past"
Eighteen years ago, twelve-year-old Brynn Wilder s life changed forever when her father and a teenage girl were severely injured in a brutal attack in the woods.
Jonah Wilder died, but fifteen-year-old Tessa Cavanaugh survived to tell the world about her horrific ordeal, and Brynn s devoted father was soon identified as the infamous Genessa Point serial killer. Brynn and her family fled the town, and Brynn swore never to return.
But the scars of the past won t heal, and when Brynn s tormented brother, Mark, goes back to Genessa Point only to suddenly disappear after telling a friend he has new information about his father s death, Brynn resolves to find him.
She may not want to confront her traumatic past, but a series of creepy and menacing incidents show that someone is determined Brynn won t escape it. Can she find Mark and uncover the truth about their father s death?
Eighteen years ago, twelve-year-old Brynn Wilder s life changed forever when her father and a teenage girl were severely injured in a brutal attack in the woods.
Jonah Wilder died, but fifteen-year-old Tessa Cavanaugh survived to tell the world about her horrific ordeal, and Brynn s devoted father was soon identified as the infamous Genessa Point serial killer. Brynn and her family fled the town, and Brynn swore never to return.
But the scars of the past won t heal, and when Brynn s tormented brother, Mark, goes back to Genessa Point only to suddenly disappear after telling a friend he has new information about his father s death, Brynn resolves to find him.
She may not want to confront her traumatic past, but a series of creepy and menacing incidents show that someone is determined Brynn won t escape it. Can she find Mark and uncover the truth about their father s death?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
815 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Carlene Thompson
22 books254 followersCarlene Thompson is an author of suspense thriller novels.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
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December 14, 2022Two and a half stars.
Eighteen years earlier Brynn Wilder’s life changed dramatically when her father Jonah and a teenage girl were injured in a brutal attack in the woods. Jonah Wilder died but Tessa Cavanagh survived. Soon Brynn’s loving father was the one blamed as being the Genessa Point serial killer, who had killed several young girls. There was talk of a third person in the woods. Some believed his son Mark was also involved. But it was never proved. Brynn left the town vowing never to return. But when her brother Mark returns to Genessa Point, saying he has new evidence that will clear his father’s name, Brynn is concerned. More so when Mark disappears and his car is found with blood in it. Brynn heads back to Genessa Point to look for her brother. A series of creepy incidents unnerve her and increase her worries about finding Mark.
What to write about this book? Brynn is interesting and her friend Cassie is a delight. Garrett, the local sheriff, is likeable as is his daughter thirteen year old Savannah. I really liked Henry, Savannah’s enthusiastic canine friend. Some characters are not likeable and seem very one dimensional.
I enjoyed parts of this book. It is a quick read that mostly kept my interest. At one stage I thought it could be a four star read. Then the closer it got to the end, the more it started to fall apart for this reader. I found the end over the top and sickening as past events that shape characters come to light. I was not convinced at all and sorry I ended up reading that just before bedtime. That ending let it down and definitely pulled my rating back. My first book by this author. Jury is out on whether I will try another. At the same time I am sure there are going to be plenty of people who will enjoy this book.
Eighteen years earlier Brynn Wilder’s life changed dramatically when her father Jonah and a teenage girl were injured in a brutal attack in the woods. Jonah Wilder died but Tessa Cavanagh survived. Soon Brynn’s loving father was the one blamed as being the Genessa Point serial killer, who had killed several young girls. There was talk of a third person in the woods. Some believed his son Mark was also involved. But it was never proved. Brynn left the town vowing never to return. But when her brother Mark returns to Genessa Point, saying he has new evidence that will clear his father’s name, Brynn is concerned. More so when Mark disappears and his car is found with blood in it. Brynn heads back to Genessa Point to look for her brother. A series of creepy incidents unnerve her and increase her worries about finding Mark.
What to write about this book? Brynn is interesting and her friend Cassie is a delight. Garrett, the local sheriff, is likeable as is his daughter thirteen year old Savannah. I really liked Henry, Savannah’s enthusiastic canine friend. Some characters are not likeable and seem very one dimensional.
I enjoyed parts of this book. It is a quick read that mostly kept my interest. At one stage I thought it could be a four star read. Then the closer it got to the end, the more it started to fall apart for this reader. I found the end over the top and sickening as past events that shape characters come to light. I was not convinced at all and sorry I ended up reading that just before bedtime. That ending let it down and definitely pulled my rating back. My first book by this author. Jury is out on whether I will try another. At the same time I am sure there are going to be plenty of people who will enjoy this book.
July 14, 2021
Almost 20 years ago, Brynn Wilder's father was stabbed to death.
Brynn’s father, principal of the local high school, is unmasked as the infamous Genessa Point serial killer. Police say he murdered eight children. He kept each child alive for days, before finally stabbing them through the heart.
Brynn and her brother, Mark, are absolutely positive that their father did not do these crimes. But what really happened that day?
Brynn left town and has never returned ... until now.
Mark makes an announcement that he knows what happened .. and returns to prove it. Unfortunately, he has disappeared. His car was found abandoned and covered in blood.
Brynn has no option to return to find her brother ... and the truth.
Having read several of this author's books, I have found them to be well-written, with a nice balance of crime and romance ... I was not disappointed with this one. The suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains its intensity throughout. The characters are solidly drawn and interact well with each other.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / for the digital copy of this romantic suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Brynn’s father, principal of the local high school, is unmasked as the infamous Genessa Point serial killer. Police say he murdered eight children. He kept each child alive for days, before finally stabbing them through the heart.
Brynn and her brother, Mark, are absolutely positive that their father did not do these crimes. But what really happened that day?
Brynn left town and has never returned ... until now.
Mark makes an announcement that he knows what happened .. and returns to prove it. Unfortunately, he has disappeared. His car was found abandoned and covered in blood.
Brynn has no option to return to find her brother ... and the truth.
Having read several of this author's books, I have found them to be well-written, with a nice balance of crime and romance ... I was not disappointed with this one. The suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains its intensity throughout. The characters are solidly drawn and interact well with each other.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / for the digital copy of this romantic suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 7, 2015
I knew from the second I started reading this book that it was a Lifetime movie in paper form and that we knew how it would end before it even started. But sometime that's okay. So I read it anyway. Terrible writing and semi-plausible story... Okay for a "beach" read!
May 15, 2015
This book was disappointing. The story line was interesting, and had promise, but it was poorly executed. The dialogue was painfully unrealistic, awkward and cheesy. There were a lot of different characters in the book that didn't really enhance the story or the plot. I was unable to connect with the main characters, and at the end didn't really care what happened to them.
July 21, 2021
I wish reviews were honest
I was disappointed with almost every aspect of the book...the writing was unimaginative and the plot predictable. I’m glad it was free on Kindle, or I might really be mad.
I was disappointed with almost every aspect of the book...the writing was unimaginative and the plot predictable. I’m glad it was free on Kindle, or I might really be mad.
April 15, 2015
"Can't Find My Way Home" by Carlene Thompson is a complex psychological thriller that keeps you guessing again and again.
The story is presented through the main character Brynn Wilder, as she recalls events from her childhood and as she re-acquaints herself with the Genessa Point residents that shaped her past and that of her family.
Will Brynn find her brother Mark?
Will she finally be able to discover who the Genessa Point Killer really was?
The sordid truth is revealed piece by piece, interlocking into a climactic finale.
Although I had worked things out about two thirds into the story, I was captivated by the narration until the very end to fully understand the motivations behind it all.
Carlene Thompson's writing is a pleasure to read and her characters are very well developped and therefore easy to identify with. You really do get the full flavour of a small town and its secrets, behind closed doors.
This author always tries to include one of her real-life pets into her novels; I thought this was a really nice touch. On this occasion we met Henry, a "half Irish Setter, half yellow Labrador", who loves doughnuts and her owner, whom he protects with his life.
I don't quite understand why the tagline for this title is "A Novel of Romantic Suspense", as, although there was the speckle of a romantic aspect, this was absolutely minimal and very mild in tone.
All in all, "Can't Find My Way Home" was a very enjoyable page turner.I would not hesitate to read other works by Carlene Thompson.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
The story is presented through the main character Brynn Wilder, as she recalls events from her childhood and as she re-acquaints herself with the Genessa Point residents that shaped her past and that of her family.
Will Brynn find her brother Mark?
Will she finally be able to discover who the Genessa Point Killer really was?
The sordid truth is revealed piece by piece, interlocking into a climactic finale.
Although I had worked things out about two thirds into the story, I was captivated by the narration until the very end to fully understand the motivations behind it all.
Carlene Thompson's writing is a pleasure to read and her characters are very well developped and therefore easy to identify with. You really do get the full flavour of a small town and its secrets, behind closed doors.
This author always tries to include one of her real-life pets into her novels; I thought this was a really nice touch. On this occasion we met Henry, a "half Irish Setter, half yellow Labrador", who loves doughnuts and her owner, whom he protects with his life.
I don't quite understand why the tagline for this title is "A Novel of Romantic Suspense", as, although there was the speckle of a romantic aspect, this was absolutely minimal and very mild in tone.
All in all, "Can't Find My Way Home" was a very enjoyable page turner.I would not hesitate to read other works by Carlene Thompson.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
November 12, 2014
This is a book that grabbed me from the first page. I eagerly worked my way through the myriad of twists and turns to see how this mystery would be solved. The author has provided an interesting and intense book about Brynn and Mark Wilder’s father, who went down in history as the Genessa Point Serial Killer. Neither Brynn nor Mark believe he was the serial killer, but, while Brynn has moved on with her life, her brother is determined to out the truth. Thus, Mark returns to Genessa Point, searching for answers, and vanishes. Brynn follows him. Brynn then follows a twisted and turning path to finding Mark and solving the mystery of whether their father was the killer or, if he was not, who , who is the single was the killer and is the killer still around. Normally, I do not get very caught up in mysteries (I read many) but I found myself unable to put the book down as I read, waiting to see if the next few pages would bring me any closer to figuring out just who the real killer was. In addition to this mystery, there is a romance between Brynn and the town’s Sheriff who is also a single father of an almost teenager. This story is extremely well written, with well-developed characters. I found myself at the edge of my seat on more than one occasion, as I read more and more about what had actually happened the day Brynn and Mark’s father died and became known as the Genessa Point serial Killer. The author definitely knows how to build up suspense, while not going too far. In addition, Brynn’s relationship with the Sheriff’s young daughter also rang true and endearing. I think this book can easily lead to a follow-on book or series, which I hope it does. I would love to read more about the charters presented, as they work their way through the ups and downs of life. In addition to the mystery surrounding the serial killer and who he or she really was/is, the author developed the characters as real, likable people, working and living their daily lives. I have not read more by the author, but will now look for other works. I think anyone who enjoys a great story and mystery will love this book. I know I did. I received this from NetGalley to read and provide and honest review.
January 5, 2022
First half of this book looked promising, it went downhill very fast from there. It was like a different author had taken over. The dialogue was terrible, story unbelievable and I could not relate to any of the characters. Should have known it would be very mediocre as have read this authors books before and never been impressed. The good thing about it was the price. OMG what do I expect. Have paid big dollars for books before, only to be disappointed, so I really don't expect much from the cheap ones, altho' sometimes I am very pleasantly surprised, not so on this one.
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November 12, 2021Found some parts… so ridiculous……. How the murder investigation was handled by the sheriff was so disappointing…could’ve been much better .. I wanted to see who the villain was .. sort of figured it out midway… premise good….Will try the author one more time
March 27, 2022
Brynn and her brother, Mark are the only ones left in their family now. Mark is the oldest and has been trying for years to prove his father was not a serial killer.
Brynn and Mark moved away from the small Maryland town and were raised by their mother until her death. Brynn is no longer a child, and is now a writer with a couple successful young adult books to her credit. Mark has not been as fortunate as he is haunted by what happened to his family.
Mark gets fired, is drinking more and goes back to the small town to try yet again, to prove his father's innocence. Some older residents of the town even believe Mark acted as his father partner in the murders. Mark has no real friends anymore and is haunted by his past.
Brynn decided long ago that she would never return to the small town, that is until Mark is discovered missing and she goes back to search for her brother. Going back is full of bad memories and people that she knew as a child. Her best friend is there to help her, however, others are definitely out to do her and Mark harm. Everyone is suspect and many are not happy that these two have returned to stir things up.
This one had a good premise and potential, though it rambled and was somewhat corny at times. It held my interest but it could have been a lot more interesting, especially the ending with the love interest apparently not going anywhere.
Brynn and Mark moved away from the small Maryland town and were raised by their mother until her death. Brynn is no longer a child, and is now a writer with a couple successful young adult books to her credit. Mark has not been as fortunate as he is haunted by what happened to his family.
Mark gets fired, is drinking more and goes back to the small town to try yet again, to prove his father's innocence. Some older residents of the town even believe Mark acted as his father partner in the murders. Mark has no real friends anymore and is haunted by his past.
Brynn decided long ago that she would never return to the small town, that is until Mark is discovered missing and she goes back to search for her brother. Going back is full of bad memories and people that she knew as a child. Her best friend is there to help her, however, others are definitely out to do her and Mark harm. Everyone is suspect and many are not happy that these two have returned to stir things up.
This one had a good premise and potential, though it rambled and was somewhat corny at times. It held my interest but it could have been a lot more interesting, especially the ending with the love interest apparently not going anywhere.
June 11, 2018
I really loved this book! The plot kept me guessing until the end, and even when (after suspecting a number of characters throughout) I thought I'd finally guessed who-dun-it NOPE! I was way off. You will assume you know how what will happen, but Carlene does an amazing job of keeping the reader hooked on the story anyway, and then pulls the rug out from under your feet. I had so much fun reading this, and I will definitley be reading more of Carlene's books!
As a bonus, Carlene is a local author for me, and it's so exciting to know I got to meet and interview the mind that created this awesomeness. I was a little apprehensive to read this one at first because Carlene is an amazing person, but I've never read much along the lines of thrillers, and I was terrified of not enjoying this as much as I wanted to. I'm so glad I decided to just give it a go because this book was absolutley amazing AND it introduced me to a new genre of books!
I will say that there are some pretty gruesome and hard-to-swallow topics that come up as the book goes on, so I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 13, maybe even 15. But if you're that age range and above, definitely check this book out!
As a bonus, Carlene is a local author for me, and it's so exciting to know I got to meet and interview the mind that created this awesomeness. I was a little apprehensive to read this one at first because Carlene is an amazing person, but I've never read much along the lines of thrillers, and I was terrified of not enjoying this as much as I wanted to. I'm so glad I decided to just give it a go because this book was absolutley amazing AND it introduced me to a new genre of books!
I will say that there are some pretty gruesome and hard-to-swallow topics that come up as the book goes on, so I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 13, maybe even 15. But if you're that age range and above, definitely check this book out!
October 12, 2023
Thompson wrote a psychological suspense novel, with a high quotient of page turning. Brynn, a writer living in Miami, has a troubled brother, Mark, who resides in Baltimore. Brynn, as a teenager, witnessed her father, Jonah, die of knife wounds. Tessa killed him but pleaded self defense. The police decide Jonah was a serial killer in the small town of Gennesa Pont, Maryland. But Brynn and the rest of the family claim Jonah was innocent. When someone telephones Brynn, and plays the song "Can't Find My Way Home," she knows Mark is in trouble. It was a favorite of her brother's. Brynn leaves Miami to try and find Mark, who's determined to locate the real serial murderer. It's a complicated setup, and there are many interesting characters. Sheriff Garrett Dane attempts to help Brynn, and her longtime friend Cassie is there for her too. The writing is crisp and fresh. Recommended to anyone who likes thriller mysteries.
May 16, 2019
I struggled to decide how many stars to give this book. I liked the premise. And the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me reading. My issue was with the characters. I didn't identify with the protagonist. Truthly, I didn't identify with any of the characters. And the dialogue seemed wooden. Everyone sounded alike to my 'ear'.
Ms. Thompson has several books in print but this is the first one I have read. Perhaps I simply started with the wrong one.
Ms. Thompson has several books in print but this is the first one I have read. Perhaps I simply started with the wrong one.
August 9, 2021
Death at Genessa Point
Who is the Genessa Point killer? Maybe the least expected or the .most obvious so take your pick! Sheriff Garrett Dane has a big mystery to solve before he can begin to identify the killer. Bryan Wilder, the writer, has some ideas! But why did so many have to die?
Who is the Genessa Point killer? Maybe the least expected or the .most obvious so take your pick! Sheriff Garrett Dane has a big mystery to solve before he can begin to identify the killer. Bryan Wilder, the writer, has some ideas! But why did so many have to die?
October 8, 2024
The action ramped up at the end there, and I must admit that I had not guessed "whodunnit".
But the dialogue put me off at times - it seemed like Brynn's immediate reaction was combative defensiveness or accusatory impatience, and some of the men were almost demeaning and condescending.
Nevertheless, thanks to Joffe Books for this freebie, and for the homage to the titular song.
But the dialogue put me off at times - it seemed like Brynn's immediate reaction was combative defensiveness or accusatory impatience, and some of the men were almost demeaning and condescending.
Nevertheless, thanks to Joffe Books for this freebie, and for the homage to the titular song.
June 1, 2021
Loved it!
I love this author. If you like twist turns and who done it you will want to read every one of her novels. She has a little romance, friendships and mysteries in every novel. I have read all her novels and never been disappointed . Don't miss out!!
I love this author. If you like twist turns and who done it you will want to read every one of her novels. She has a little romance, friendships and mysteries in every novel. I have read all her novels and never been disappointed . Don't miss out!!
August 23, 2021
Had to read in one sitting, couldn't put it down
This had me gripped beginning to end, small town murders 18 years ago. A brother and sister always believed their late father to be innocent, mysterious events and consequences
This had me gripped beginning to end, small town murders 18 years ago. A brother and sister always believed their late father to be innocent, mysterious events and consequences
September 6, 2021
Exciting!
Oh My Gosh what a story!! Exciting & a page turner. Didn’t expect the culprit to be who it turned out to be. Characters were very well described. Highly recommend this book.
Oh My Gosh what a story!! Exciting & a page turner. Didn’t expect the culprit to be who it turned out to be. Characters were very well described. Highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2022
It was a very interesting and great concept. Lots of twists and turns but I felt that the character development was shaky. I sort of understand the end of the book but still feel unsettled with the amount of various plot lines that “wrapped” up at the end. Idk overall I just feel dissatisfied.
August 2, 2022
Keeps you guessing
Carlene Thompson does it again! She does not disappoint! Keeps you guessing until the end, wraps it all up and sticks a bow on it! Love her easy style and don't-blink mysteries!
Carlene Thompson does it again! She does not disappoint! Keeps you guessing until the end, wraps it all up and sticks a bow on it! Love her easy style and don't-blink mysteries!
October 3, 2024
Can't Find My Way Home by Charlene Thompson
The story moves at a steady pace, with an interesting plot and well developed characters. Just enough suspense to keep you guessing. I found Can't find my way home enjoyable and would like to read more by Charlene Thompson.
The story moves at a steady pace, with an interesting plot and well developed characters. Just enough suspense to keep you guessing. I found Can't find my way home enjoyable and would like to read more by Charlene Thompson.
October 6, 2024
Can't Find My Way Home
A really great psychological thriller. I couldn't put the story down I was so anxious to get to the ending. The persons responsible for all the problems were hard to identify. If you like this kind of mystery you will surely enjoy this.
A really great psychological thriller. I couldn't put the story down I was so anxious to get to the ending. The persons responsible for all the problems were hard to identify. If you like this kind of mystery you will surely enjoy this.
November 28, 2024
Couldn’t put it down
I had to read this in one day. With lots of suspects and the urgency of a missing brother, the tension ramps up and the twists kept me guessing. Highly recommended.
I had to read this in one day. With lots of suspects and the urgency of a missing brother, the tension ramps up and the twists kept me guessing. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2018
Not a bad mystery. A little corny in places. A simple and easy read between meatier books. Probably a good script for a Hallmark tv movie.
April 27, 2019
Mildly interesting mystery...just went on way too long.
May 4, 2020
Quick and easy read. Suspenseful, didn't figure out "who did it" until almost the end
January 20, 2021
Very good book.
July 30, 2021
Input down able!
I became immersed in this book right from the start. It was intense and exciting, and kept me guessing all the way through. I will certainly read more from this author. She writes a great suspense story.
I became immersed in this book right from the start. It was intense and exciting, and kept me guessing all the way through. I will certainly read more from this author. She writes a great suspense story.
August 4, 2021
Clichais
Took too much book to get to the good parts. Not. Really a psychological thriller in my book. Still it's a good story.
Took too much book to get to the good parts. Not. Really a psychological thriller in my book. Still it's a good story.
August 7, 2021
A Good read
This was a well written book that has me reading it in two sittings
A good plot ,that kept going without any low points.
This was a well written book that has me reading it in two sittings
A good plot ,that kept going without any low points.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews