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Look Closer
A silent child. A past that won’t stay buried. And a truth that could unravel everything.
Claire Donovan is no stranger to loss, but she’s determined to piece her life back together. As a social worker, she’s used to carrying others’ burdens—until a five-year-old girl, found alone in the woods, turns her world upside down. The child won’t speak, won’t connect, and no one seems to know who she is. What starts as a case becomes an obsession, pulling Claire into a mystery that refuses to let go.
Strange warnings in the shadows. Clues point to secrets she can’t ignore. The deeper Claire digs, the more the life she thought she understood begins to fracture. Someone’s watching. Someone’s waiting. And the answers she’s chasing might cost her everything she’s fought to reclaim.
From Jannik Petterson comes Look Closer, a haunting and heart-wrenching journey through grief, courage, and the shadows of the unknown. Perfect for readers who devoured The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Chain by Adrian McKinty, and Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, this novel will keep you guessing—and feeling—until the very end.
Perfect for fans
The Push by Ashley Audrain
All the Smoke by Matt Brolly
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
Claire Donovan is no stranger to loss, but she’s determined to piece her life back together. As a social worker, she’s used to carrying others’ burdens—until a five-year-old girl, found alone in the woods, turns her world upside down. The child won’t speak, won’t connect, and no one seems to know who she is. What starts as a case becomes an obsession, pulling Claire into a mystery that refuses to let go.
Strange warnings in the shadows. Clues point to secrets she can’t ignore. The deeper Claire digs, the more the life she thought she understood begins to fracture. Someone’s watching. Someone’s waiting. And the answers she’s chasing might cost her everything she’s fought to reclaim.
From Jannik Petterson comes Look Closer, a haunting and heart-wrenching journey through grief, courage, and the shadows of the unknown. Perfect for readers who devoured The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Chain by Adrian McKinty, and Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, this novel will keep you guessing—and feeling—until the very end.
Perfect for fans
The Push by Ashley Audrain
All the Smoke by Matt Brolly
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2025
12 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Jannik Petterson
9 booksJannik Petterson writes emotional, thought-provoking fiction about love, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. Based in Missouri, he shares life with his wife of twelve years and their three children, who inspire him daily to tell stories that matter.
Jannik’s writing journey began as a child, when he won first place in a young authors competition for a story about a flying carpet afraid of heights. Since then, his passion for storytelling has only grown. His debut novel, Beyond the Crash, introduced readers to his signature style: heartfelt narratives, unforgettable characters, and twists that linger long after the final page.
He has since published Letters to Madeline, Look Closer, and Ashes of Me, each exploring what it means to endure, to hope, and to find light in the darkest places.
When he’s not writing, Jannik can be found enjoying the outdoors, making memories with his family, or connecting with readers who share his love of meaningful stories.
Visit him online at https://jannikpetterson.com
"I believe every story has the power to change someone — even if just a little. And that’s enough."
Jannik’s writing journey began as a child, when he won first place in a young authors competition for a story about a flying carpet afraid of heights. Since then, his passion for storytelling has only grown. His debut novel, Beyond the Crash, introduced readers to his signature style: heartfelt narratives, unforgettable characters, and twists that linger long after the final page.
He has since published Letters to Madeline, Look Closer, and Ashes of Me, each exploring what it means to endure, to hope, and to find light in the darkest places.
When he’s not writing, Jannik can be found enjoying the outdoors, making memories with his family, or connecting with readers who share his love of meaningful stories.
Visit him online at https://jannikpetterson.com
"I believe every story has the power to change someone — even if just a little. And that’s enough."
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 3, 2025
It kept me hooked! Great, fast-paced story with satisfying resolutions. The ending felt a bit rushed after the great story-telling of the other 99% of the book. Otherwise, great!
August 17, 2025
The story is excellent. The author hooks you almost immediately and manages to pretty much keep you in a state of what is going on until the end.
There is way too much detail in the beginning.
There is way too much detail in the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews