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In a Quiet Town
In this chilling new novel, a woman discovers that her estranged daughter is missing, but no one believes her, until she meets a man claiming to be her daughter’s fiancé.
Tatum hasn’t seen her daughter, Adrienne, in years, not since Tatum’s husband—the pastor in their small California town—all but disowned her. When she finally gathers the courage to secretly reconnect with Adrienne, Tatum’s thrilled she’s even willing to talk to her. But then—Adrienne disappears.
Tatum tries desperately to get the police or her husband to take her daughter’s disappearance seriously, but no one will listen, until a mysterious man shows up claiming to be Adrienne’s fiancé. It’s a relief to finally have someone who believes her, someone who’s trying as hard as she is to find out where Adrienne is. But can she trust that this stranger is who he says he is? And can she find her daughter before it’s too late?
Tatum hasn’t seen her daughter, Adrienne, in years, not since Tatum’s husband—the pastor in their small California town—all but disowned her. When she finally gathers the courage to secretly reconnect with Adrienne, Tatum’s thrilled she’s even willing to talk to her. But then—Adrienne disappears.
Tatum tries desperately to get the police or her husband to take her daughter’s disappearance seriously, but no one will listen, until a mysterious man shows up claiming to be Adrienne’s fiancé. It’s a relief to finally have someone who believes her, someone who’s trying as hard as she is to find out where Adrienne is. But can she trust that this stranger is who he says he is? And can she find her daughter before it’s too late?
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2023
102 people are currently reading
9965 people want to read
About the author
Amber Garza
53 books1,404 followersAmber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
July 6, 2023
A missing daughter…
Adrienne is cutting the aprons strings and moving out of her family home, away from her controlling parents. She craves a taste of freedom and independence, which means leaving her highly religious and extremely conservative parents behind.
But her mother Tatum wants to mend fences. The first step is her weekly outing to the bar Adrienne tends. But after arriving for her latest visit, Adrienne isn’t there. The bar owner says she was a “no-call, no-show.”
Well, that’s not like Adrienne! Sure, her daughter is a bit rebellious these days but she’s always been responsible and considerate of others.
When the police and Adrienne’s father won’t listen, Tatum takes matters into her own hands to locate her daughter! She begins by talking to a man who claims to be Adrienne’s fiancé. Gee…that’s odd, Adrienne never mentioned dating anyone! Things that make you go, hmmm.🤨
This was a fast thriller that I found hard to put down. Told from multiple perspectives and timelines. But no worries, it’s easy to keep it all straight!
Are there twists you ask? Plenty! In fact, one block-buster one that stopped me in my tracks!
Looking for a fun thriller that will hold your attention this summer, then this is the one for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
Adrienne is cutting the aprons strings and moving out of her family home, away from her controlling parents. She craves a taste of freedom and independence, which means leaving her highly religious and extremely conservative parents behind.
But her mother Tatum wants to mend fences. The first step is her weekly outing to the bar Adrienne tends. But after arriving for her latest visit, Adrienne isn’t there. The bar owner says she was a “no-call, no-show.”
Well, that’s not like Adrienne! Sure, her daughter is a bit rebellious these days but she’s always been responsible and considerate of others.
When the police and Adrienne’s father won’t listen, Tatum takes matters into her own hands to locate her daughter! She begins by talking to a man who claims to be Adrienne’s fiancé. Gee…that’s odd, Adrienne never mentioned dating anyone! Things that make you go, hmmm.🤨
This was a fast thriller that I found hard to put down. Told from multiple perspectives and timelines. But no worries, it’s easy to keep it all straight!
Are there twists you ask? Plenty! In fact, one block-buster one that stopped me in my tracks!
Looking for a fun thriller that will hold your attention this summer, then this is the one for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up. Good popcorn thriller.
At first, this book seems very straightforward. After some missteps, Adrienne is forced to leave home by her pastor father. Her mother Tatum, going behind her husband's back, makes steps towards reigniting her relationship with Adrienne by meeting with her in secret at the bar where Adrienne works. But one night, when Tatum arrives for her weekly visit, Adrienne hasn't shown up for work. Tatum tries to find her but Adrienne has disappeared and although the circumstances are suspicious, the police think she has left on her own. Who is this mystery man following Tatum around? And where is Adrienne?
The book is told from three points of view: Adrienne, Tatum, and "The Fiancé" in both the present and the past. We get a slow buildup and sense of foreboding and fear that something has definitely happened, but no one is exactly telling the truth. I liked the way everything comes together and while some of it wasn't altogether shocking, there were some surprises along the way that really caught me off guard. I read another book recently that had too many instances where I thought one thing was happening when it was really something else, and this book uses that device much more skillfully.
While this story is very suspenseful and engaging, the part that really resonated were the faith elements. After reading the author's note, I really appreciated how she incorporated her own faith journey into the story reflected in Tatum. I kept waiting for that element to rub me the wrong way, but in fact it actually confirmed many things that I feel about faith personally.
This is a fast paced read sure to please Garza's fans and those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
At first, this book seems very straightforward. After some missteps, Adrienne is forced to leave home by her pastor father. Her mother Tatum, going behind her husband's back, makes steps towards reigniting her relationship with Adrienne by meeting with her in secret at the bar where Adrienne works. But one night, when Tatum arrives for her weekly visit, Adrienne hasn't shown up for work. Tatum tries to find her but Adrienne has disappeared and although the circumstances are suspicious, the police think she has left on her own. Who is this mystery man following Tatum around? And where is Adrienne?
The book is told from three points of view: Adrienne, Tatum, and "The Fiancé" in both the present and the past. We get a slow buildup and sense of foreboding and fear that something has definitely happened, but no one is exactly telling the truth. I liked the way everything comes together and while some of it wasn't altogether shocking, there were some surprises along the way that really caught me off guard. I read another book recently that had too many instances where I thought one thing was happening when it was really something else, and this book uses that device much more skillfully.
While this story is very suspenseful and engaging, the part that really resonated were the faith elements. After reading the author's note, I really appreciated how she incorporated her own faith journey into the story reflected in Tatum. I kept waiting for that element to rub me the wrong way, but in fact it actually confirmed many things that I feel about faith personally.
This is a fast paced read sure to please Garza's fans and those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 15, 2023
I knew going into this book that I was going to enjoy it. I’ve read a few of Garza’s books prior to this one, and there’s just something about her writing that just “clicks” with me. They may not be the best thriller/suspense books ever written, but for me they are pure entertainment and enjoyable. In fact, as with this book, I can often relate and resonate with the characters as well.
This book starts off with Tatum, who has just started to visit her daughter Adrienne after not seeing her for a long while. Adrienne was kicked out of her house by her father who is the town pastor (Pastor Shane). Her mother Tatum, feels bad for not ever having a backbone and sticking up for her daughter, Adrienne. So Tatum finally begins to start visiting Adrienne on Wednesday nights at the bar that she works at. It becomes a weekly routine for the mother and daughter until one Wednesday, Adrienne is a no-call, no-show for her shift at work.
Tatum does not believe that her daughter would just disappear without calling her or anyone else. However, people from the small town that they live in consider Adrienne a bit of a “wild child” and no one is taking her absence seriously. But Tatum knows her child better than all the “holier than thou” townsfolk, and she will stop at nothing to find her!
Along the way, Tatum meets Adrienne’s fiancé. Now that’s strange- considering Adrienne never mentioned being engaged. This fiancé seems very helpful to Tatum at first, but could he be hiding something?
This story is told in the three different POV’s of The Daughter, The Mother, and The Fiancé, with each being more and more interesting.
This book had a great storyline with characters that were easy to connect and relate to. I was kept turning the pages, and was surprised at the twists and turns along the way. A recommendable read for sure!!
This book starts off with Tatum, who has just started to visit her daughter Adrienne after not seeing her for a long while. Adrienne was kicked out of her house by her father who is the town pastor (Pastor Shane). Her mother Tatum, feels bad for not ever having a backbone and sticking up for her daughter, Adrienne. So Tatum finally begins to start visiting Adrienne on Wednesday nights at the bar that she works at. It becomes a weekly routine for the mother and daughter until one Wednesday, Adrienne is a no-call, no-show for her shift at work.
Tatum does not believe that her daughter would just disappear without calling her or anyone else. However, people from the small town that they live in consider Adrienne a bit of a “wild child” and no one is taking her absence seriously. But Tatum knows her child better than all the “holier than thou” townsfolk, and she will stop at nothing to find her!
Along the way, Tatum meets Adrienne’s fiancé. Now that’s strange- considering Adrienne never mentioned being engaged. This fiancé seems very helpful to Tatum at first, but could he be hiding something?
This story is told in the three different POV’s of The Daughter, The Mother, and The Fiancé, with each being more and more interesting.
This book had a great storyline with characters that were easy to connect and relate to. I was kept turning the pages, and was surprised at the twists and turns along the way. A recommendable read for sure!!
December 30, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
In a Quiet Town is the latest release from one of my auto-buy authors, Amber Garza. I have read all of Garza's published works and have enjoyed them all.
There's just something so addicting and entertaining about her style of tense Domestic Dramas. There's always a bit of mystery and intrigue, as well as interesting explorations of different familial relationships.
In this story we meet Tatum, a mother of two grown children and wife to a pastor in a small California town.
At the beginning of the story, we learn that Tatum has recently reconnected with her estranged daughter, Adrienne. Years ago, Tatum's husband basically disowned Adrienne because she wasn't living up to his lofty expectations.
Adrienne was happy to get out from under the thumb of her overbearing father and has been living her own life ever since, recently working as a bartender.
Tatum has missed having her daughter in her life and has started secretly visiting her at the bar. She was delighted when Adrienne seemed open to them reconnecting.
Tatum has become a regular at the bar, going in once a week on a night she knows Adrienne will be working. One night though, Adrienne isn't there and none of her coworkers have seen or heard from her.
Tatum knows something is wrong. Adrienne is not the type of girl to just not show up at work. Plus, she knows it is the night her mother visits. She would have called in. Something must have happened to her.
As Tatum starts searching for Adrienne, she doesn't find a lot of help. The police seem to think she has just run off for space, or whatnot, but Tatum knows that's not true.
Eventually, she meets a man claiming to be Adrienne's fiance. This comes as a complete shock to Tatum. Why didn't Adrienne mention she was engaged?
Then again, they have just rekindled their relationship, perhaps her daughter felt it was too personal to share.
Regardless, Tatum is just happy that someone else is as distraught about Adrienne's disappearance as she is. At the end of the day though, can she really trust this guy?
They begin working together trying to figure out where Adrienne is. As the intensity builds, it becomes clear that she didn't leave of her own volition and could still be in terrible danger. Can Tatum find her before it's too late?!
As always, I was immediately drawn in by Garza's characters. From the start, I wanted to know more about Tatum and enjoyed learning about her life and family.
Garza excels at creating believable mother-child relationships. Sometimes I will be reading along and a quick line, or thought pattern, will give me chills or bring me close to tears. I always love the relationships she builds within her stories, because they aren't always easy.
This one actually made me uncomfortable at times because it felt so real. There is a strong religious aspect due to Tatum's husband being a pastor, which played a large role in Adrienne's estrangement.
While I don't have a lot of that in my background, and can't really comment on how it would impact a family dynamic, the circumstances put forth in this novel seemed very believable to me.
I liked how Tatum, even though she was a mother of grown children, felt like she was still learning about herself, growing and coming into her own.
Part of her growth was due to the love of her children and her unwillingness to give up on Adrienne. I found that character growth really powerful. It was nice to see that just because she was a well-established adult, her life didn't have to remain static. She could make changes.
It did get pretty intense. By about the halfway point, I was yelling at the book while reading. Particularly any scene involving a man. I wanted to smack them all.
Please note, that's not my general demeanor, but these guys deserved it.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a tense domestic drama blended with a nice mystery. Bonus points, if you enjoy reading about mother-child relationships. Also, if you have enjoyed any of Amber Garza's work in the past, you should definitely pick this one up.
Thank you so much to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will continue to pick up anything from this author and am already anticipating the next release!!
In a Quiet Town is the latest release from one of my auto-buy authors, Amber Garza. I have read all of Garza's published works and have enjoyed them all.
There's just something so addicting and entertaining about her style of tense Domestic Dramas. There's always a bit of mystery and intrigue, as well as interesting explorations of different familial relationships.
In this story we meet Tatum, a mother of two grown children and wife to a pastor in a small California town.
At the beginning of the story, we learn that Tatum has recently reconnected with her estranged daughter, Adrienne. Years ago, Tatum's husband basically disowned Adrienne because she wasn't living up to his lofty expectations.
Adrienne was happy to get out from under the thumb of her overbearing father and has been living her own life ever since, recently working as a bartender.
Tatum has missed having her daughter in her life and has started secretly visiting her at the bar. She was delighted when Adrienne seemed open to them reconnecting.
Tatum has become a regular at the bar, going in once a week on a night she knows Adrienne will be working. One night though, Adrienne isn't there and none of her coworkers have seen or heard from her.
Tatum knows something is wrong. Adrienne is not the type of girl to just not show up at work. Plus, she knows it is the night her mother visits. She would have called in. Something must have happened to her.
As Tatum starts searching for Adrienne, she doesn't find a lot of help. The police seem to think she has just run off for space, or whatnot, but Tatum knows that's not true.
Eventually, she meets a man claiming to be Adrienne's fiance. This comes as a complete shock to Tatum. Why didn't Adrienne mention she was engaged?
Then again, they have just rekindled their relationship, perhaps her daughter felt it was too personal to share.
Regardless, Tatum is just happy that someone else is as distraught about Adrienne's disappearance as she is. At the end of the day though, can she really trust this guy?
They begin working together trying to figure out where Adrienne is. As the intensity builds, it becomes clear that she didn't leave of her own volition and could still be in terrible danger. Can Tatum find her before it's too late?!
As always, I was immediately drawn in by Garza's characters. From the start, I wanted to know more about Tatum and enjoyed learning about her life and family.
Garza excels at creating believable mother-child relationships. Sometimes I will be reading along and a quick line, or thought pattern, will give me chills or bring me close to tears. I always love the relationships she builds within her stories, because they aren't always easy.
This one actually made me uncomfortable at times because it felt so real. There is a strong religious aspect due to Tatum's husband being a pastor, which played a large role in Adrienne's estrangement.
While I don't have a lot of that in my background, and can't really comment on how it would impact a family dynamic, the circumstances put forth in this novel seemed very believable to me.
I liked how Tatum, even though she was a mother of grown children, felt like she was still learning about herself, growing and coming into her own.
Part of her growth was due to the love of her children and her unwillingness to give up on Adrienne. I found that character growth really powerful. It was nice to see that just because she was a well-established adult, her life didn't have to remain static. She could make changes.
It did get pretty intense. By about the halfway point, I was yelling at the book while reading. Particularly any scene involving a man. I wanted to smack them all.
Please note, that's not my general demeanor, but these guys deserved it.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a tense domestic drama blended with a nice mystery. Bonus points, if you enjoy reading about mother-child relationships. Also, if you have enjoyed any of Amber Garza's work in the past, you should definitely pick this one up.
Thank you so much to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will continue to pick up anything from this author and am already anticipating the next release!!
July 16, 2023
This is exactly the fun type of popcorn thriller I enjoy, especially in a thriller. It read really fast, it has multiple POVs, and it has a compelling plot that definitely had me dying to know what happened to Adrienne. Did she flee on her own as it wouldn’t be the first time she flaked? Or was something more sinister at play? So many questions and the path to get to the answers was pretty twisty and fun. Some things will be obvious to avid thriller fans but there is one component that completely caught me off guard in the best way. As much as I would say this is a popcorn thriller there was church trauma explored and the way both Tatum and Adrienne were controlled by Pastor Shane was chilling. The last bit was really tense and creepy with everything coming together in a pretty satisfying way.
October 8, 2023
This was the best book I’ve read in months.
It’s written in the first person accounts of three individuals. A daughter. A mother. A fiancé.
The mother and daughter are just beginning to set their relationship straight. Get to know each other.
Then the daughter goes missing.
No call, no show at work. No text to tell the mother she won’t be at work for their weekly Wednesday meeting. She isn’t answering texts or phone calls from anyone.
Where could she be? What could be her reasoning?
Did she step out for a breather; some “me” time?
Is she in trouble? The mother enlists some help looking for the daughter from a fiancé she didn’t know the daughter had. A coworker of the daughter mentions him to the mother.
They begin their search and eventually all kinds of new information comes to light. None of it good. Action and drama ensues. With a twist and a turn here and there. Ending in a Showdown of sorts.
This would make a great 20/20 or Dateline story if it were true. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
A+ for Garza.
It’s written in the first person accounts of three individuals. A daughter. A mother. A fiancé.
The mother and daughter are just beginning to set their relationship straight. Get to know each other.
Then the daughter goes missing.
No call, no show at work. No text to tell the mother she won’t be at work for their weekly Wednesday meeting. She isn’t answering texts or phone calls from anyone.
Where could she be? What could be her reasoning?
Did she step out for a breather; some “me” time?
Is she in trouble? The mother enlists some help looking for the daughter from a fiancé she didn’t know the daughter had. A coworker of the daughter mentions him to the mother.
They begin their search and eventually all kinds of new information comes to light. None of it good. Action and drama ensues. With a twist and a turn here and there. Ending in a Showdown of sorts.
This would make a great 20/20 or Dateline story if it were true. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
A+ for Garza.
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July 24, 2025This book is my most personal one yet. So much of Tatum's journey is my own. From her health struggles to her faith deconstruction. I hope you enjoy Tatum's story! I'm so glad I can finally share it with you!
August 23, 2023
I can’t believe this is my FIRST venture into Amber Garza’s books, but if this is how she storylines a thriller, I’m on board! This popcorn thriller dives into a fundamentalist Christian family’s struggle with faith and family dynamics and it gets turned on its head when the family’s daughter goes missing.
Adrienne was forcibly removed from her family home due to her issues with her father Shane’s religious beliefs. Shane is the town’s local pastor but follows his beliefs very seriously. Shane’s wife Tatum, however, wants to maintain a relationship with her daughter and secretly rendezvous with her behind her husband’s back. That is, until she goes missing and the only person who can help Tatum find her is someone proclaiming to be her fiancé. This estranged family’s search for their daughter has a lot to unravel here.
This is a popcorn thriller at its finest. You may see how it’ll end up, but nevertheless it was a lot of fun. I loved how the author weaves in her own experience with faith and storylined this family’s Christian fundamentalism into the dynamics of this family. I read this book in two sittings, and it’s the perfect poolside read, so pick it up by the pool or beach before summer is over.
Adrienne was forcibly removed from her family home due to her issues with her father Shane’s religious beliefs. Shane is the town’s local pastor but follows his beliefs very seriously. Shane’s wife Tatum, however, wants to maintain a relationship with her daughter and secretly rendezvous with her behind her husband’s back. That is, until she goes missing and the only person who can help Tatum find her is someone proclaiming to be her fiancé. This estranged family’s search for their daughter has a lot to unravel here.
This is a popcorn thriller at its finest. You may see how it’ll end up, but nevertheless it was a lot of fun. I loved how the author weaves in her own experience with faith and storylined this family’s Christian fundamentalism into the dynamics of this family. I read this book in two sittings, and it’s the perfect poolside read, so pick it up by the pool or beach before summer is over.
August 11, 2023
as some who grew up in an intensely religious household, I related a lot to Tatum and Adrienne (and the author!) and their frustrations with the church. this made it a really unique and personal book…it’s honestly a pretty standard thriller but the character work here is what really sets it apart
July 24, 2025
This was exactly the kind of fast – pace, popcorn, thriller, I love to get lost in. It flew by with short chapters, multiple POV’s, and a plot that had me absolutely dying to find out what happened to Adrienne. Did she take off her own (again)? Or was something darker at play? So many questions - and the twists and turns on the way to the truth made it such a fun ride. While season thriller readers might see a few things coming, there was one revealed that totally caught me off guard – in the best way. And even though it felt like a binge able thriller on the surface, there was some deeper themes too. The exploration of church trauma in the control pastor Shane had over both Tatum and Adrienne was genuinely unsettling. The final stretch of the book was super tense and creepy, and I thought everything came together in a really satisfying way.
August 30, 2023
Adrianne's father has always been controlling and has always kept a close eye on her.
Her father, Shane, was a preacher and demanded she act appropriately and date the correct man.
Her mother, Tatum, couldn't do anything to ease his control because he did the same to her.
Adrienne finally grew up and got out of the house, but her father still didn't approve of her life, and he didn't allow her mother to see her.
Tatum would sneak out on Wednesday nights when Shane was at his meetings. Adrienne was thrilled to see her mother after all these years.
One day Adrienne didn't show up at work and wasn't at her apartment or anywhere in town.
Tatum was worried, but Shane said it was probably flighty Adrienne taking off for a few days.
The few days spread into a longer period of time with no sign of her.
The only clue was her boyfriend Seth who showed up and was helping Tatum try to piece together what could have happened to Adrienne.
IN A QUIET TOWN was told in past and present and with each chapter being the story of one of the characters.
I had my suspicions about a few of the characters and wondered if they had been the ones who harmed Adrienne.
Amber Garza keeps you on the edge of your seat as she always does.
It was a bit confusing with all the chapter changing of characters, but it is a GOOD one!!
Fans won't want to miss it!! 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Her father, Shane, was a preacher and demanded she act appropriately and date the correct man.
Her mother, Tatum, couldn't do anything to ease his control because he did the same to her.
Adrienne finally grew up and got out of the house, but her father still didn't approve of her life, and he didn't allow her mother to see her.
Tatum would sneak out on Wednesday nights when Shane was at his meetings. Adrienne was thrilled to see her mother after all these years.
One day Adrienne didn't show up at work and wasn't at her apartment or anywhere in town.
Tatum was worried, but Shane said it was probably flighty Adrienne taking off for a few days.
The few days spread into a longer period of time with no sign of her.
The only clue was her boyfriend Seth who showed up and was helping Tatum try to piece together what could have happened to Adrienne.
IN A QUIET TOWN was told in past and present and with each chapter being the story of one of the characters.
I had my suspicions about a few of the characters and wondered if they had been the ones who harmed Adrienne.
Amber Garza keeps you on the edge of your seat as she always does.
It was a bit confusing with all the chapter changing of characters, but it is a GOOD one!!
Fans won't want to miss it!! 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
September 1, 2023
This was the first book I've read by Amber Garza, and I can't wait to get my hands on another one. I'm a fan of multiple points of view and different timelines, and this one didn't disappoint. The chapters are short which always motivates me to keep reading, and I had a hard time putting it down. Adrienne and her parents have a strained relationship, her Father is a pastor and Adrienne's rebellious nature has driven a wedge between them. But one day her Mother shows up to the bar she works at in an attempt to restore their relationship and get to know her better, Adrienne is skeptical at first, but slowly she begins to look forward to the weekly visits. But all of that is short lived when her Mother Tatum arrives one day to find that her daughter a no show, and no one seems to know where she is. When the police don't take her seriously she begins to fear the worst and searches for her with the help of Adrienne's fiancé. But who is this man? And why had Adrienne not mentioned him before? Has she just ran off on a last minute trip? Or is something seriously wrong. This book had some interesting perspectives, and I loved all the twists and turns, one in particular had me going back to reread what I had missed. This psychological thriller had me hooked right from the beginning, and will leaving you wondering who you can trust.
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August 13, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 9, 2023
There is no way for me to explain why this book didn't land well for me without severe spoilers. So I'm just gonna shut up.
August 20, 2023
I was going to give this book a 2.5 star, but it doesn’t deserve that so, 2 stars. What a disappointment. I was looking forward to this book but I didn’t like it unfortunately. The vibes were immediately off from the start for me. The religious aspects were cringe. The story was predictable, there was too much irrelevant information thrown right at the start, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I struggled to get through it. The only redeeming quality is that I cared what had happened to the missing girl and I liked that she was rebellious towards her pastor dad.
July 22, 2023
Tatum is the town pastor's wife who recently reconnected with her estranged daughter, Adrienne, who is struggling with some resentment surrounding her conservative religious upbringing. Just when the relationship between mother and daughter is recovering, Adrienne goes missing. While the police and Tatum's father are not too concerned, Tatum meets a man claiming to be Adrienne's fiancé who seems to be just as concerned as she is to help put together the pieces and find out what happened.
I think the plot was pretty well executed, and there were a few really great twists (and one I was completely blindsided by)! The story is told in different perspectives and different timelines, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all which is really indicative of how engrossing the story truly was.
While intriguing, the pacing I felt was a bit slow at times. There were occasional instances of an abundance of mundane details or over-explanation I personally could have done without. 400 pages is a bit on the chunky side for a thriller, and I wish that could have been edited down just a smidge more.
Overall rating is still 4 stars. I would definitely recommend, and I will be reading more from this author.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I think the plot was pretty well executed, and there were a few really great twists (and one I was completely blindsided by)! The story is told in different perspectives and different timelines, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all which is really indicative of how engrossing the story truly was.
While intriguing, the pacing I felt was a bit slow at times. There were occasional instances of an abundance of mundane details or over-explanation I personally could have done without. 400 pages is a bit on the chunky side for a thriller, and I wish that could have been edited down just a smidge more.
Overall rating is still 4 stars. I would definitely recommend, and I will be reading more from this author.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2023
IN A QUIET TOWN was an intriguing book. The beginning of the story took off quickly. I really enjoyed the past and present times and different POV's. I appreciated getting the back story on Adrienne and Tatum. It helped me to understand their actions and why they did what they did. I thought Tatum's character was the best. She never gave up on finding her daughter and when I got to end I was satisfied with the conclusion. I've read all of Amber Garza's novels and she's definitely one of my go-to authors!
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to publication date.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to publication date.
August 16, 2023
In a Quiet Town was an interesting story. The perspectives from the mother, daughter (past and present) and the fiance were confusing at times, but I did like the how Amber Garza wrote about faith and religion. I did feel the book was a little too long and the ending was a bit boring.
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August 28, 2023DNFing this one… can’t get into fast enough and the men are irritating lmao. That’s the point but ehh I can’t.
September 17, 2023
I really liked this thriller that delved into how a hyper focus on conservative beliefs affects a family, specifically a pastor, his wife Tatum, and her daughter, Adrienne. Adrienne has been estranged from her mother Tatum for several years after her pastor husband basically disowned her. Tatum finally works up the courage to secretly reconnect with her daughter and then she disappears. Was it on her own? Did something happen to her? Is it a coincidence this mysterious man claiming to be her fiancé has shown up at the same time? Tatum doesn’t think so and in fact believes something very wrong is up, and she sets off to figure out what exactly has happened and where her daughter is. Problem is, no one really listens to her at all so it is up to her to get to the bottom of everything.
This was such a fun read, I got through it in one sitting and was happy with how it all ended up. Tatum was a little whiny to me, but given the pastor husband I could understand why she was the way she was and I loved how she found her voice in this story. I have read one other of Garza’s books and really loved it, and now this one is on the list of another one I really enjoyed. I definitely recommend this one, it is a quick read and one that you will very much enjoy.
Thank you to MIRA Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
This was such a fun read, I got through it in one sitting and was happy with how it all ended up. Tatum was a little whiny to me, but given the pastor husband I could understand why she was the way she was and I loved how she found her voice in this story. I have read one other of Garza’s books and really loved it, and now this one is on the list of another one I really enjoyed. I definitely recommend this one, it is a quick read and one that you will very much enjoy.
Thank you to MIRA Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
June 12, 2023
Domestic thriller with a hint of church trauma? Sign me up! 4/5 stars for me.
Adrienne has always lived on the outskirts - outskirts of town, outskirts of her family, outskirts of her school, even outskirts of her friends. She’s gradually finding her way through her job as a bartender, and regularly comes across many men who are immediately smitten with her.
After a string of bad relationships, she finally thinks she’s found the one. With an estranged family and a tremendous amount of debt, she finally begins to find herself and feel secure in her relationship. But this soon changes when she goes missing, and the only people who are looking for her is her mom who she has a surface level relationship with and her fiancé.
This was a fun journey from start to finish. I enjoyed the switch between points of view and the present and past tense - this was well done and kept the story moving forward. Little details became important along the way, so make sure you don’t skip them!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and there was one twist I didn’t predict. I did think it was a bit predictable but still a good read.
Thank you to Net Galley, the author, & the publisher for the ARC!
Adrienne has always lived on the outskirts - outskirts of town, outskirts of her family, outskirts of her school, even outskirts of her friends. She’s gradually finding her way through her job as a bartender, and regularly comes across many men who are immediately smitten with her.
After a string of bad relationships, she finally thinks she’s found the one. With an estranged family and a tremendous amount of debt, she finally begins to find herself and feel secure in her relationship. But this soon changes when she goes missing, and the only people who are looking for her is her mom who she has a surface level relationship with and her fiancé.
This was a fun journey from start to finish. I enjoyed the switch between points of view and the present and past tense - this was well done and kept the story moving forward. Little details became important along the way, so make sure you don’t skip them!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and there was one twist I didn’t predict. I did think it was a bit predictable but still a good read.
Thank you to Net Galley, the author, & the publisher for the ARC!
August 26, 2023
OMG, this is such a popcorn thriller and I was glued to my earbuds. I loved how the POVs were broken out in the Mother, the Daughter, and the Fiancée instead of the names because it really made it easy to keep track of everyone and added to the suspense of who the fiancée is. I could not get enough of the mystery and I loved how it unfolded. The characters were down to earth and easily connectable/relatable. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was thrown for a loop. I was a fan of Amber Garza since reading When I Was You and this one did not disappoint! This should be on every thrill loving readers TBR pile!
November 3, 2024
New author for me. Looking forward to trying "A mother should know."
March 4, 2024
I don't think I would describe In a Quiet Town as chilling, it started out okay but it gradually fizzled out.
The premise wasn't new but Amber Garza didn't add anything much to make it a compelling read. It was flat as the characters were waiting for things to happen instead of taking actions.
3.5 stars, gorgeous cover but it wasn't able to make up for the lackluster writing. There wasn't any ups or downs, it was just a dull experience to the very end.
The premise wasn't new but Amber Garza didn't add anything much to make it a compelling read. It was flat as the characters were waiting for things to happen instead of taking actions.
3.5 stars, gorgeous cover but it wasn't able to make up for the lackluster writing. There wasn't any ups or downs, it was just a dull experience to the very end.
August 9, 2023
Tatum has been visiting the local bar every Wednesday night in an effort to reconnect with her daughter, Adrienne, who bartends there. When she arrives one week to learn Adrienne pulled a no-call, no-show, she starts to worry. Her husband. Pastor Shane, is not worried though, and chalks it off to his daughter just running off with a boy. As Tatum begins trying to piece together what could have happened to her, she is approached by Seth, who claims to be Adrienne's fiance, But something seems off about him. And why would Adrienne have kept this from her, and all her friends?
I absolutely loved the pacing of this book and the alternating POVs. It was great getting the mom and fiance's POVs in current time while also seeing what happened to Adrienne leading up her disappearance. I will however say the "twist" in Part 2 was pretty confusing. I thought it was interesting, but it made parts of Part 1 seem to not make sense at all. Maybe that would be different if I re-read it with the knowledge I have now, but I did read the book in under 24 hours and still found it confusing.
Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved the pacing of this book and the alternating POVs. It was great getting the mom and fiance's POVs in current time while also seeing what happened to Adrienne leading up her disappearance. I will however say the "twist" in Part 2 was pretty confusing. I thought it was interesting, but it made parts of Part 1 seem to not make sense at all. Maybe that would be different if I re-read it with the knowledge I have now, but I did read the book in under 24 hours and still found it confusing.
Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2025
This was super entertaining! A classic popcorn thriller that you can’t quite put down and leaves you wanting more after every chapter. I wasn’t shocked by how it ended and had figured out a few of the twists quickly on, but I was definitely entertained the entire time. Loved the multiple POVs and the little twist that’s thrown in at the end with one of them (ifykyk)!! Had to rewind the audio a couple times, I was so confused!
August 9, 2023
4.5 Stars: I have read and enjoyed a few of Amber Garza's books, so was looking forward to reading In a Quiet Town. I was not disappointed by this thriller/suspense story. Tatum is married to a small town pastor, who is very strict and opinionated. Their daughter, Adrienne, moved out and has had no contact with her family or brother for awhile. Tatum wants a relationship with her daughter, so when her husband went out on Wednesday evenings, she went to the bar where her daughter worked and they began to mend their relationship, until the one night Tatum shows up and Adrienne doesn't arrive at work. She is sure something has happened, but no one will take her seriously. The police and her husband are sure she has left for a trip or getaway with her mysterious boyfriend/fiancé. Tatum won't give up, she knows, she can feel, that her daughter is in trouble.
In a Quiet Town is a psychological thriller showing the bonds between a mother/daughter, as well as what happens when you get in too deep with someone you really don't know. I don't want to give the story away, but I will tell you that I was pulled in right from the beginning and immersed in this story until close to the end. The story is told from three POVs: Tatum, Adrienne and The Fiancé. There is a lot of suspense and some fear on my part as well as some creepiness. There are themes of overbearing parents, friendships and how they change with time, love of mothers/daughters, trust, abuse and more. I enjoyed this one, but after the final twist, I found the wrap up a bit of a letdown. If you enjoy a twisty psychological thriller with a bit of creepiness, then I recommend you pick up In a Quiet Town.
In a Quiet Town is a psychological thriller showing the bonds between a mother/daughter, as well as what happens when you get in too deep with someone you really don't know. I don't want to give the story away, but I will tell you that I was pulled in right from the beginning and immersed in this story until close to the end. The story is told from three POVs: Tatum, Adrienne and The Fiancé. There is a lot of suspense and some fear on my part as well as some creepiness. There are themes of overbearing parents, friendships and how they change with time, love of mothers/daughters, trust, abuse and more. I enjoyed this one, but after the final twist, I found the wrap up a bit of a letdown. If you enjoy a twisty psychological thriller with a bit of creepiness, then I recommend you pick up In a Quiet Town.
March 16, 2023
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I read the author’s last book, A Mother Would Know and enjoyed it so I was interested in this based on the premise alone. When Tatum reconnects with her estranged daughter, she is excited, but their reconnection is short lived when Adrienne goes missing and no one seems interested in finding her and when her supposed fiancé makes himself known, Tatum really needs to know what happened to her daughter and if she’s still alive. Told between multiple perspectives this book was hard to put down.
July 30, 2023
My first read by this author .
From the beginning I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening.. what was going to happen .
I thought I had it figured out & in the end I did but in the end .
I saw reviews where they say this story is unbelievable but I dont think so 🤷 . . Sadly this could happen to several of us .
The ending was nice & now I'm dying to move back to California & go to the beach . ❤️
Even explore the forest.
Thanks #netgalley for letting me read this title early 🖤
From the beginning I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening.. what was going to happen .
I thought I had it figured out & in the end I did but in the end .
I saw reviews where they say this story is unbelievable but I dont think so 🤷 . . Sadly this could happen to several of us .
The ending was nice & now I'm dying to move back to California & go to the beach . ❤️
Even explore the forest.
Thanks #netgalley for letting me read this title early 🖤
September 24, 2023
I fear the only unique thing about this book is that it made me want to grab and shake every character. Oh my god why were they all written so dumb - I spent 80% of this book yelling “what is wrong you with you? Nobody can actually be this stupid!”
To be fair, I do give Tatum (our mother turned not so great detective) some leeway since she’s fighting some real demons throughout this book (the demons being religious trauma and brainwashing at the hands of her shitty pastor husband) - unfortunately she never learned her lesson and the aforementioned shitty pastor husband is still there at the end of the book. Ugh.
To be fair, I do give Tatum (our mother turned not so great detective) some leeway since she’s fighting some real demons throughout this book (the demons being religious trauma and brainwashing at the hands of her shitty pastor husband) - unfortunately she never learned her lesson and the aforementioned shitty pastor husband is still there at the end of the book. Ugh.
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