Vicarious: Part of the Crime After Time Collection

by Anne McAneny

Willa Neville observes everything on Overlook Lane, so when she spies a teenage girl climbing into the trunk of a man’s car, she reports it to the police. Detective Jeremy Upton dives into the case, but no local girls are currently missing, and other residents report nothing suspicious. Several neighbors warn Jeremy to question Willa’s story, and soon enough, contradictions in her tale crop up. But as Jeremy considers dismissing the case, a rebellious girl from a nearby neighborhood is reported missing. When Willa comes through with even more information, she becomes the only reliable link to the abductor. Or does she?
With little else to go on, Jeremy engages unreliable witnesses, conniving neighbors, a dotty widower, and a prison warden in order to find the victim before she becomes someone or something unrecognizable.

Genres: Mystery

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2016

About the author

For many years, Anne sharpened her writing skills on screenplays that often became contest finalists. Today, she lives in Virginia with her husband and children, along with a puggle and a formerly stray cat that sneaked into the basement years ago. She enjoys biking, hiking, and all manner of activity, as long as it's balanced by chocolate and Belgian beer--or a tasty combination thereof. She loves to hear from readers, so please connect with her on her Facebook Fan Page (Books by Anne McAneny) or on Twitter (@AnneMcAneny).

***Anne is excited to announce that she's just added a fourth mystery-thriller—CIRCLED—to her Crime After Time Collection, which already includes RAVELED, SKEWED, and FORETELLER. The collection revolves around everyday people who feel compelled to investigate past crimes against their loved ones. Their discoveries rewrite the past and reshape the future in exciting, twist-filled plots. All three original Crime After Time books have become Amazon Bestsellers.***

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading.

This is a dark and edgy thriller. Loved the all the good and bad characters, story kept me turning the pages. Ending made me happy.

[Lisa Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

This book did not follow the other books in this series so I had to adapt to its layout. What I loved most about this book, because I identify, is the recovery of lost memories. It took me awhile to figure out where the plot was leading me but it was a great ride. As Willa was helping to save a teenager she was also saving the damaged girl that lives within her. This book really shows strength and character to Willa the main character and it takes you through her confused mind till she gets to put it all together and discovers she's really not crazy.

[MaryAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author and she's definitely a new favorite! I always love a good unreliable narrator and McAneny excels at that. She drops enough clues that you can maybe catch an idea of what's going on, but after reading 3 of her novels I have yet to figure the whole story out before it's revealed. Exactly the perfect balance I want in a thriller--to figure out enough that I feel like a clever puppy, but not so much that I feel disdain for the author for not being smarter than me!

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original and refreshing.

I was unable to stop reading,it consumed my day.
Another great story.With each book I read,I am sure that Ms Aneny is a true contender for the title of Queen of mystery.👑
Original and refreshing from the current choice of mystery books.This book consumed my day,I couldn't put it down,chores be damned.

[David Huelsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first the book seemed straightforward but then you realize there appears to be something off with Willa and then it starts to mesh together and holds your attention all the way to the end. Worth reading.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery, good characters (some of which even 'develop' nicely) Not too grizzly, but still suspenseful, sexual innuendo, crude jokes, and less than faithful spouses, but not graphic.. Solid 4.5 of 5.

[Linda Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the plot!!

This book was a quick read. It started out slow but boy did things come out as I continued to read. I totally recommend this book!

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't too sure what to make of this book, everything seemed to be happening at a frenetic pace, and so many characters to keep track of. Once things had settled down this was a riveting read, with a well paced storyline. The book seemed to have a little bit of everything, so no matter which genre you prefer reading aspects of this book will strike a chord with you. I loved the characters, both good and bad, and the scenarios and dialogues seemed quite apt. In parts the story was laced with dark undertones, but there was also plenty of humour to offset this.
A very pleasant read, once you get through those opening few chapters, and a book which I would happily read again, or even recommend to others.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific read from Anne McAneny. The story, the characters, the pacing are all spot on.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

this book is one that keeps you wondering what happens next and then how things conect the young woman who's past was a mystery to herself