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The Alone Time
For two sisters, confronting the past could come at a terrible price in a riveting novel about a family tragedy—and family secrets—by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author Elle Marr.
Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued.
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued.
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
7425 people are currently reading
16919 people want to read
About the author
Elle Marr
9 books801 followersElle Marr is a #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of seven thrillers. Her work has been featured in PopSugar, Woman’s World Magazine, Goodreads, Audible, and TV affiliates for CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC. Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master’s degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She now lives and writes in Oregon with her family.
Last year's THE ALONE TIME was named a Silver Falchion Award Judges' Pick among 2024 Suspense titles. Her following book YOUR DARK SECRETS was her first thriller romance, from Disney Publishing and Hyperion Avenue.
Now, THE LIE SHE WEARS publishes on November 18, and contains one of Elle's favorite twists that she's written. Signed copies are available via indie bookstore, Annie Bloom's Books (and make great gifts!).
For more info, check out ellemarr.com or follow her on social media.
Last year's THE ALONE TIME was named a Silver Falchion Award Judges' Pick among 2024 Suspense titles. Her following book YOUR DARK SECRETS was her first thriller romance, from Disney Publishing and Hyperion Avenue.
Now, THE LIE SHE WEARS publishes on November 18, and contains one of Elle's favorite twists that she's written. Signed copies are available via indie bookstore, Annie Bloom's Books (and make great gifts!).
For more info, check out ellemarr.com or follow her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,032 reviews
October 31, 2023
1.5 ⭐️'s. I started this book with such high hopes. Unfortunately, that excitement left quickly.
The premise of the book was promising. The Seng family charters an independent aircraft to go on a family vacation. The father is the pilot, and halfway through the trip, the plane crashes into the forest, killing the parents. The two children survive 11 weeks alone in the wilderness before help arrives. Twenty-five years later, new information about the crash surfaces, and everyone questions the girls' survival story. Now, as women, Violet and Fiona work to uncover the truth before a documentary launch, framing one (or both) girls as frauds.
Issue #1: Violet and Fiona fear the "truth" coming out because they received millions of dollars in GoFundMe campaigns. They think supporters will want their money back. GoFundMe was started in 2010. It's 2023, so the company is 13 years old. How did they get money from GoFundMe if the crash happened 25 years ago? The platform didn't exist.
Issue #2: There is no way the general public or police would reopen an investigation from 25 years ago based on claims made by their deceased father's ex-mistress. None of the statements could be substantiated, and even if inconsistencies were revealed, it would be chalked up to young kids getting confused after spending months in the woods alone.
Issue #3: The description of mental illness in this book gave me secondhand embarrassment for the author. First, it's described as PTSD. Then, it's a multi-personality disorder. And finally, it's a demon or spirit inhabiting the person.
Issue #4: The story is told from multiple character POVs. The author used the same tone and voice for each perspective, making it nearly impossible to distinguish who was telling the story. It became very muddied and distracted from the narrative.
Issue #5: The ending. It is a complete disaster, filled with plot holes, and entirely implausible. I was going to give this book 2.5 stars, but the last 50 or so pages torpedoed my rating.
This could have been a decent story, but unfortunately it was executed poorly. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of the book was promising. The Seng family charters an independent aircraft to go on a family vacation. The father is the pilot, and halfway through the trip, the plane crashes into the forest, killing the parents. The two children survive 11 weeks alone in the wilderness before help arrives. Twenty-five years later, new information about the crash surfaces, and everyone questions the girls' survival story. Now, as women, Violet and Fiona work to uncover the truth before a documentary launch, framing one (or both) girls as frauds.
Issue #1: Violet and Fiona fear the "truth" coming out because they received millions of dollars in GoFundMe campaigns. They think supporters will want their money back. GoFundMe was started in 2010. It's 2023, so the company is 13 years old. How did they get money from GoFundMe if the crash happened 25 years ago? The platform didn't exist.
Issue #2: There is no way the general public or police would reopen an investigation from 25 years ago based on claims made by their deceased father's ex-mistress. None of the statements could be substantiated, and even if inconsistencies were revealed, it would be chalked up to young kids getting confused after spending months in the woods alone.
Issue #3: The description of mental illness in this book gave me secondhand embarrassment for the author. First, it's described as PTSD. Then, it's a multi-personality disorder. And finally, it's a demon or spirit inhabiting the person.
Issue #4: The story is told from multiple character POVs. The author used the same tone and voice for each perspective, making it nearly impossible to distinguish who was telling the story. It became very muddied and distracted from the narrative.
Issue #5: The ending. It is a complete disaster, filled with plot holes, and entirely implausible. I was going to give this book 2.5 stars, but the last 50 or so pages torpedoed my rating.
This could have been a decent story, but unfortunately it was executed poorly. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2024
Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued.
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
Despite a slow burn start, The Alone Time was the epitome of a psychological thriller. With compelling characters, dark truths, and a twisty twisty plot, once I endured the lengthy first half, I held on tight for the ride of my life. That’s not to say it was all sunbeams and rainbows. No, there was at least one very real flaw, but, for the most part, I had a good time. After all, I inhaled it in just one sitting during a very late night.
With a decidedly dysfunctional relationship between Fiona and Violet, I sensed there was so much more to their time in the wild. About halfway through, these sinister secrets started to come out. At that point, there was a definite Stephen King vibe. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t horror per se. Just a piece of what you might find in The Shining or Carrie. Unsettling and creepy, the truth was one of the more over-the-top aspects. Sadly, it also didn’t quite work for me in the end.
The only other major flaw that I noticed had to do with the portrayal of a specific mental illness. While I can’t go into without spoiling the plot, let me just say that it made light of a legitimate condition and at the same time was somewhat off-putting. Still, it didn’t ruin the book for me, so take my opinion with a rather large grain of salt.
All said and done, however, the dual timelines and multiple POVs achieved an impressive exploration of trauma on top of providing a shocking tale of suspense. Thought-provoking but also utterly disturbing, this twisted storyline will make me second guess getting on my next flight as much of it felt decidedly realistic. Well, except for that conclusion, which was the only other irksome bi. Despite that, though, much of this was the definition of a popcorn thriller and I’m already eager for Ms. Marr’s next book. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Elle Marr and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: plane crash, PTSD in a veteran, dissociative identity disorder, mention of: infidelity
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
Despite a slow burn start, The Alone Time was the epitome of a psychological thriller. With compelling characters, dark truths, and a twisty twisty plot, once I endured the lengthy first half, I held on tight for the ride of my life. That’s not to say it was all sunbeams and rainbows. No, there was at least one very real flaw, but, for the most part, I had a good time. After all, I inhaled it in just one sitting during a very late night.
With a decidedly dysfunctional relationship between Fiona and Violet, I sensed there was so much more to their time in the wild. About halfway through, these sinister secrets started to come out. At that point, there was a definite Stephen King vibe. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t horror per se. Just a piece of what you might find in The Shining or Carrie. Unsettling and creepy, the truth was one of the more over-the-top aspects. Sadly, it also didn’t quite work for me in the end.
The only other major flaw that I noticed had to do with the portrayal of a specific mental illness. While I can’t go into without spoiling the plot, let me just say that it made light of a legitimate condition and at the same time was somewhat off-putting. Still, it didn’t ruin the book for me, so take my opinion with a rather large grain of salt.
All said and done, however, the dual timelines and multiple POVs achieved an impressive exploration of trauma on top of providing a shocking tale of suspense. Thought-provoking but also utterly disturbing, this twisted storyline will make me second guess getting on my next flight as much of it felt decidedly realistic. Well, except for that conclusion, which was the only other irksome bi. Despite that, though, much of this was the definition of a popcorn thriller and I’m already eager for Ms. Marr’s next book. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Elle Marr and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: plane crash, PTSD in a veteran, dissociative identity disorder, mention of: infidelity
April 9, 2024
25 years ago a family had a plane crash and two sisters survived in a forest alone for 12 weeks. Nowadays some new information has become available and a documentary will be made about this case.
The book is very slow and doesn't make a lot of sense. 25 years passed and journalists are hunting for new facts? Sisters are afraid that people will recognize them on the street. The younger sister, who was 7 at the time, understood the mental problems of her father. Both sisters hide that their parents didn't die instantly at the crash and a lot more.
I finished the book but was disappointed.
The book is very slow and doesn't make a lot of sense. 25 years passed and journalists are hunting for new facts? Sisters are afraid that people will recognize them on the street. The younger sister, who was 7 at the time, understood the mental problems of her father. Both sisters hide that their parents didn't die instantly at the crash and a lot more.
I finished the book but was disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
One of the dumbest and most illogical books I've ever read. The premise--that the world not only still cares 25 years later about a plane crash of a family of unknows where the children live but the parents purportedly died but is obsessed with it-is absurd in itself. People don't obsess over JFK's assassination the way they supposedly do over this minor story. It only gets sillier from there. Characters say things that make no sense, and Marr seems to forget things she's already written as the story progresses, as logic takes a backseat in this mess. I found myself eye rolling quite often. Overdramatic dialogue is well-represented here. Just a lot of nonsense in the end. Don't waste your time. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2024
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Alone Time releases May 1, 2024
25 years ago, on the brink of divorce and with a newly acquired pilots license, Henry and Janet decide to take a trip with their two girls, Fiona and Violet, to Calgary.
Through multiple pov’s and dual timelines, the reader experiences the Seng family plane crash, as well as the harrowing 12 week survival story where they lived in the cold forest until they were found by a hiker.
In the present day, Fiona is working through her residual childhood trauma of being stranded in the wilderness by putting her experience into art. Her sister, Violet, is a 32 year old college student and recovering addict. Both of them live a rather reclusive and solitary life.
When their father’s mistress comes out with new information, the sisters finally decide to give their first exclusive interviews to a documentary team in the hopes that they can keep control of the narrative in the public eye.
The world believes that their parents died on impact, but that’s not quite the whole truth…
*spoilers below*
To be honest, I’m pretty disappointed with the trajectory of this environmental thriller. My rating was steady at around 4 stars and I was enjoying being able to partially view this as literary fiction with the scope of Asian familial dynamics and dealing with the aftermath/lasting effects of trauma and grief in a coming-of-age period. However, making dissociative identity disorder the big plot twist is gross and harmful.
Also a content warning for cannibalism!
Some things within the story I still don’t really understand the logistics of… like, how exactly did Wes know that Violet was a cannibal?
And why did Violet have such atrocious spelling as a 7 year old?
Would the state really leave their plane to rot where it crashed for 25 years when it was within a singular days hike to a populated park and the case was never officially closed?
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Alone Time releases May 1, 2024
25 years ago, on the brink of divorce and with a newly acquired pilots license, Henry and Janet decide to take a trip with their two girls, Fiona and Violet, to Calgary.
Through multiple pov’s and dual timelines, the reader experiences the Seng family plane crash, as well as the harrowing 12 week survival story where they lived in the cold forest until they were found by a hiker.
In the present day, Fiona is working through her residual childhood trauma of being stranded in the wilderness by putting her experience into art. Her sister, Violet, is a 32 year old college student and recovering addict. Both of them live a rather reclusive and solitary life.
When their father’s mistress comes out with new information, the sisters finally decide to give their first exclusive interviews to a documentary team in the hopes that they can keep control of the narrative in the public eye.
The world believes that their parents died on impact, but that’s not quite the whole truth…
*spoilers below*
To be honest, I’m pretty disappointed with the trajectory of this environmental thriller. My rating was steady at around 4 stars and I was enjoying being able to partially view this as literary fiction with the scope of Asian familial dynamics and dealing with the aftermath/lasting effects of trauma and grief in a coming-of-age period. However, making dissociative identity disorder the big plot twist is gross and harmful.
Also a content warning for cannibalism!
Some things within the story I still don’t really understand the logistics of… like, how exactly did Wes know that Violet was a cannibal?
And why did Violet have such atrocious spelling as a 7 year old?
Would the state really leave their plane to rot where it crashed for 25 years when it was within a singular days hike to a populated park and the case was never officially closed?
March 4, 2024
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be unhinged. And I don't mean that in a good way. "The Alone Time" tells the story of Fiona and Violet, who survived a plane crash in the mountains when they were just young girls. Their parents die in the accident, leaving them alone in the wilderness for 12 weeks until their miraculous rescue. The timeline bounces between the time of the crash and 25 years after the crash, as the women face their past as new details come forward.
The first 80% or so of the book was going pretty well, holding a steady three star rating at the time. Pretty quick from the jump we get a little reveal in the past that made me excited about what was to come. It continued on as a slow burn, but kept me very curious about what happened the the girls during their alone time. Once I got to the last 20% of the book my rating fell drastically down to one star. The reveal of what actually happened was outrageous. My jaw actually dropped in how ridiculous (and harmful) the truth was. As everything is resolving, Violet comes to retroactively realize why a certain interaction between her and her present day love interest was "weird." I actually laughed out loud at this reveal and how insane it was (IYKYK). This book was absolutely nuts, a poor portrayal of mental health, and not one I would ever recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my very honest review.
The first 80% or so of the book was going pretty well, holding a steady three star rating at the time. Pretty quick from the jump we get a little reveal in the past that made me excited about what was to come. It continued on as a slow burn, but kept me very curious about what happened the the girls during their alone time. Once I got to the last 20% of the book my rating fell drastically down to one star. The reveal of what actually happened was outrageous. My jaw actually dropped in how ridiculous (and harmful) the truth was. As everything is resolving, Violet comes to retroactively realize why a certain interaction between her and her present day love interest was "weird." I actually laughed out loud at this reveal and how insane it was (IYKYK). This book was absolutely nuts, a poor portrayal of mental health, and not one I would ever recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my very honest review.
April 14, 2024
When you plough through a novel every couple of days, you’re bound to encounter a few clunkers. Amazon First Reads makes this an inevitability by offering me a free book every month and, only very rarely, ensuring that the fare on offer is readable. ‘The Alone Time’ is a typical Amazon First Read: predictable, American, poorly written and histrionic.
When will I ever learn? Come the first of next month, I will be checking the next list of Amazon First Reads and optimistically choosing the title that sounds less bad than the others! It’s like returning every month to the same restaurant where you always get served unpleasant food.
When will I ever learn? Come the first of next month, I will be checking the next list of Amazon First Reads and optimistically choosing the title that sounds less bad than the others! It’s like returning every month to the same restaurant where you always get served unpleasant food.
May 10, 2024
4.5/5
The Alone Time is my favorite Elle Marr novel to date, and not only was this addictive and bingeable, but it was also totally wild! It instantly gave me Yellow Jacket vibes which I loved, and if I could have, I would have stayed up all night to finish it (these days sleep before work is more important 🤣). I constantly wondered what secrets would come to light, and even when I thought I had it figured out I was completely wrong! The main viewpoints are Fiona, Violet, and Henry their dad, but their mom Janet does show up a handful of times as well. I loved having that as well as the storyline flipping between the crash/what happened after along with the present time. It kept the story moving quite nicely and there was never a dull moment.
The audiobook was good as well, and having a full cast made me so happy. Jennifer Aquino, Christina Ho, Naomi Mayo, & Kenneth Lee did a great job bringing their characters to life and I enjoyed every single one of their narrations. The Alone Time is chock-full of twists and family drama, and Marr did an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing. There was one twist that I was especially shocked by, and trust me, you won't see it coming even though you should! This was a pretty serious book and Marr also touches on PTSD which was sad but well done. If you enjoy out there storylines and books you won't want to put down this is one I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Alone Time is my favorite Elle Marr novel to date, and not only was this addictive and bingeable, but it was also totally wild! It instantly gave me Yellow Jacket vibes which I loved, and if I could have, I would have stayed up all night to finish it (these days sleep before work is more important 🤣). I constantly wondered what secrets would come to light, and even when I thought I had it figured out I was completely wrong! The main viewpoints are Fiona, Violet, and Henry their dad, but their mom Janet does show up a handful of times as well. I loved having that as well as the storyline flipping between the crash/what happened after along with the present time. It kept the story moving quite nicely and there was never a dull moment.
The audiobook was good as well, and having a full cast made me so happy. Jennifer Aquino, Christina Ho, Naomi Mayo, & Kenneth Lee did a great job bringing their characters to life and I enjoyed every single one of their narrations. The Alone Time is chock-full of twists and family drama, and Marr did an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing. There was one twist that I was especially shocked by, and trust me, you won't see it coming even though you should! This was a pretty serious book and Marr also touches on PTSD which was sad but well done. If you enjoy out there storylines and books you won't want to put down this is one I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 16, 2024
Dropping this stinker at 48 pages. My hackles were raised quickly with this one, when at 20 pages I had encountered the Cessna's "steering wheel" twice, if not three or more times. Characters unlikable, narrative bad, events not credible. Where were the editors? Thank dog I did not pay for this amazon first read.
December 13, 2023
WOW.
This is exactly everything you want in a Thriller. I was on the edge from the very first page and absolutely devoured this book.
I absolutely love it when I’m reading a Thriller and I find myself not being able to trust the main characters, it makes it so much more interesting and fun to read.
I love it when you think you have the whole plot figured out and you’re waiting to be disappointed but then a huge plot twist comes at you and you are left speechless. That’s the only way I can explain how I felt about the ending of this book.
I am convinced that Elle Marr is going to become a favourite author of mine and I can’t wait to check out more of her works.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is exactly everything you want in a Thriller. I was on the edge from the very first page and absolutely devoured this book.
I absolutely love it when I’m reading a Thriller and I find myself not being able to trust the main characters, it makes it so much more interesting and fun to read.
I love it when you think you have the whole plot figured out and you’re waiting to be disappointed but then a huge plot twist comes at you and you are left speechless. That’s the only way I can explain how I felt about the ending of this book.
I am convinced that Elle Marr is going to become a favourite author of mine and I can’t wait to check out more of her works.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
After enjoying Strangers We Know, I had confidence Elle Marr would impress me with her fifth psychological thriller - a plane crash - and she did. In spades. This woman can write compelling, unpredictable, sinister and twisted tales that will have you reading way past your bedtime.
The Alone Time follows Fiona and Violet Seng, two estranged sisters, 25 years after their family’s Cessna crash-landed them in the wilds of the PNW, taking the lives of their parents. For twelve weeks, they fended for themselves before being rescued.
Violet and Fiona have different responses to the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into art whereas Violet battles addiction and failed relationships before her successful writing career. The one thing they have in common is that they remain tight-lipped about their ‘alone time.’
When a documentary film crew begins unearthing secrets the sisters would rather stay buried, this takes a dark twist and ramps up the tension until the multi-twist ending. Was the crash deliberate? What other secrets will emerge from the woods?
This is what you’ll get:
🌲 Yellowjackets meets Pretty Girls vibes
🌲 AAPI rep story
🌲 Chilling plane crash setting
🌲 survival story
🌲 family drama; sister bonds and secrets
🌲 narrative alternating between past and present
🌲 story inspired by real-life events
🌲 examination of various responses to trauma
🌲 a secret mystery from the wild
🌲 a great creepy cover
🌲 a marmot
🌲 examination of memory
I loved the dedication - sums up the book perfectly - a tribute to those who forge ahead despite difficult circumstances. This one will leave you questioning how long is too long to be out in the woods.
A fantastic dark look at family secrets and memory recall.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The Alone Time follows Fiona and Violet Seng, two estranged sisters, 25 years after their family’s Cessna crash-landed them in the wilds of the PNW, taking the lives of their parents. For twelve weeks, they fended for themselves before being rescued.
Violet and Fiona have different responses to the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into art whereas Violet battles addiction and failed relationships before her successful writing career. The one thing they have in common is that they remain tight-lipped about their ‘alone time.’
When a documentary film crew begins unearthing secrets the sisters would rather stay buried, this takes a dark twist and ramps up the tension until the multi-twist ending. Was the crash deliberate? What other secrets will emerge from the woods?
This is what you’ll get:
🌲 Yellowjackets meets Pretty Girls vibes
🌲 AAPI rep story
🌲 Chilling plane crash setting
🌲 survival story
🌲 family drama; sister bonds and secrets
🌲 narrative alternating between past and present
🌲 story inspired by real-life events
🌲 examination of various responses to trauma
🌲 a secret mystery from the wild
🌲 a great creepy cover
🌲 a marmot
🌲 examination of memory
I loved the dedication - sums up the book perfectly - a tribute to those who forge ahead despite difficult circumstances. This one will leave you questioning how long is too long to be out in the woods.
A fantastic dark look at family secrets and memory recall.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 2, 2024
I should’ve DNF’ed this one at 45% like I had intended to, but I wanted to know the big twist since it took me an entire week to read. The twist was odd, the events leading up to the ending were far fetched, and the dumpster fire of an ending left me confused.
I had a hard time getting into the story to begin with because the characters were so unlikable and I felt like the characters swapped identities more than once so I had a hard time differentiating who was who. The story itself was unique and could’ve been great, but the plot had gaping holes and the writing was all over the place. Now that I’ve finished the book, I feel like this was a rough copy and not the finished book. 🤔
I had a hard time getting into the story to begin with because the characters were so unlikable and I felt like the characters swapped identities more than once so I had a hard time differentiating who was who. The story itself was unique and could’ve been great, but the plot had gaping holes and the writing was all over the place. Now that I’ve finished the book, I feel like this was a rough copy and not the finished book. 🤔
April 16, 2024
Like many other reviewers have said, this book started promisingly but became disappointing early on! I persevered just to find out what happened, but I kind of wish I hadn't bothered. The author seemed to think the more plot twists the better! So the last few chapters had about 5, none of which made any sense.
Also, I am no literary critic, and I don't usually comment on the writing style of books, but some of the writing in this was so clunky that even I noticed how weird it sounded.
"Indignation mingles with terror like homemade balsamic vinaigrette."
Really?!?! You couldn't find a better metaphor? 🤣🤣
Also, I am no literary critic, and I don't usually comment on the writing style of books, but some of the writing in this was so clunky that even I noticed how weird it sounded.
"Indignation mingles with terror like homemade balsamic vinaigrette."
Really?!?! You couldn't find a better metaphor? 🤣🤣
April 13, 2024
Don't waster your time. I can't understand the author's premise that a plane crash 25 years in the past could hold the public's attention that long. Nothing about this story is straight-forward. It's so mixed-up even the author can't keep up with where it's been or where it's going. Looks like she took a bunch of conflicting ideas and attempted to make a story out of them - and failed.
September 24, 2024
I’m seriously conflicted on how to rate this book. I devoured it — struggled to put it down because I needed to find out what HAD happened and how it was all going to wrap up. But then, the depiction of mental illness was problematic (PTSD written more as dissociative identity disorder?!?); plus the inclusion of the character of Wes (his motivations and the reason for his connection to Violet) was a complete WTF. And I’d thought there would have been more flashbacks covering HOW the sisters survived all of that time in the wilderness, at least, that’s what I had hoped for and was interested in reading. So what could have been a solid 4-star book would probably have been dropped to a 3-star review, an enjoyable read, but nothing to rave on and on about.
At least, I would have felt that way if it ended even just a chapter earlier. The final chapter’s “surprise!” twist and the abrupt ending would have had me flinging the book across the room, if it was an actual book and not my kindle.
Great concept, in theory, but ultimately disappointing and then infuriating.
At least, I would have felt that way if it ended even just a chapter earlier. The final chapter’s “surprise!” twist and the abrupt ending would have had me flinging the book across the room, if it was an actual book and not my kindle.
Great concept, in theory, but ultimately disappointing and then infuriating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
If you're about to read The Alone Time, thank you for choosing it! This story was influenced by my wildest dreams and nightmares, and I hope readers enjoy discovering what exactly happened during Violet and Fiona's Alone Time in the woods.
If you already finished, you have my gratitude. This story was personal--different from my other books--in a few ways. Thank you for stepping inside my mind's eye for a few hundred pages. May your lemonade always be sweet... and the marmot scarce.
If you already finished, you have my gratitude. This story was personal--different from my other books--in a few ways. Thank you for stepping inside my mind's eye for a few hundred pages. May your lemonade always be sweet... and the marmot scarce.
April 8, 2024
I wish I’d DNF’d this. What a moronic ending. If it had ended after its first “twist”, it would been an okay story told a little sloppily. But the author tried pulling a double twist at the last second that was just laughably nonsensical. I genuinely felt secondhand embarrassment for the author after finishing the last chapter.
April 7, 2024
If I could give it 0 I would. Terrible book. Things didn’t even start happening till about 80% way into the book. No wonder it was amazon primes free read book list….don’t waste your time.
March 22, 2025
On kindle unlimited!!
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT22GsLQ9/
Kindle unlimited recs: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2GKWrD6/
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT22GsLQ9/
Kindle unlimited recs: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2GKWrD6/
April 13, 2024
Read as Prime first reads
Family dramas mixed with mystery and or thriller plots are generally tricky to execute. Imo Marr almost pulls it off as there are genuine intriguing elements to this novel but I found overall book solid but unexceptional
Family dramas mixed with mystery and or thriller plots are generally tricky to execute. Imo Marr almost pulls it off as there are genuine intriguing elements to this novel but I found overall book solid but unexceptional
April 15, 2024
I survived a plane crash that took my parents’ lives, that left me and my younger sister, Violet, to fend for ourselves for months.
A documentary filmmaker has approached Fiona and Violet with an offer to help them set the record straight regarding what happened many years ago when their small plane crashed. The two sisters had to survive for months alone in the wilderness after their parents died in the crash. However, their reluctance to be participants will lead to more people entering the spotlight. One thing soon becomes clear- Fiona and Violet aren't telling the truth.
As the narrative bounces back and forth from present to past, I have to admit that it took me some time before I felt truly invested in the story. A lot of crazy things go on and I think that is what will stick with me the most about the novel. It is probably safe to say that up until the final ten chapters this was going to be a 2 star but then all the secrets came crashing down and I was hooked.
Goodreads review published 15/04/24
A documentary filmmaker has approached Fiona and Violet with an offer to help them set the record straight regarding what happened many years ago when their small plane crashed. The two sisters had to survive for months alone in the wilderness after their parents died in the crash. However, their reluctance to be participants will lead to more people entering the spotlight. One thing soon becomes clear- Fiona and Violet aren't telling the truth.
As the narrative bounces back and forth from present to past, I have to admit that it took me some time before I felt truly invested in the story. A lot of crazy things go on and I think that is what will stick with me the most about the novel. It is probably safe to say that up until the final ten chapters this was going to be a 2 star but then all the secrets came crashing down and I was hooked.
Goodreads review published 15/04/24
October 3, 2023
What an unexpected surprise this one was! I inhaled it in a few hours!
So twisted and sinister, if you think you know where this is headed, trust me, you do not. EM did her job almost too well! The Alone Time was entertaining as hell!
Thanks to T & M and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Pub dat: 3.12.24.
So twisted and sinister, if you think you know where this is headed, trust me, you do not. EM did her job almost too well! The Alone Time was entertaining as hell!
Thanks to T & M and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Pub dat: 3.12.24.
May 1, 2024
oh boy. Any book that mentions everything but the bagel seasoning is not a book I want to take part in. The plot was terrible, and the writing somehow even worse. Im sorry Elle Marr I really loathed it.
May 9, 2024
Loved this chilling family drama! Lots of twists and turns - I was completely surprised several times. The story is told by multiple narrators in a split timeline. I found it still easy to follow and very entertaining!
April 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this book until the last quarter of it. The ending fell flat & seemed rushed.
Read
April 10, 2024DNF. I chose this as my Kindle freebie this month and didn't like the writing style. Got about 25% into it before bailing. Never grabbed me.
April 30, 2024
somebody take the Amazon first reads away from me
June 2, 2025
This isn't your typical family drama or even a straightforward thriller - it occupies this strange, uncomfortable space that some readers seem to have found jarring, but I found completely absorbing.
The story centres on sisters Violet and Fiona, now adults, who survived a plane crash as children, that killed their parents and left them stranded in Olympic National Forest for months. Twenty-five years later, when a woman claims to have been their father's mistress, their carefully constructed narratives about what happened in those woods start to crumble. A filmmaker wants their story, investigators are asking new questions, and suddenly these two women who've spent decades trying to move past their trauma are forced to confront it all over again.
Marr structures the whole thing through multiple first-person perspectives. We get chapters from the parents during those final days in the wilderness, alternating timelines from both sisters, and fragments from seven-year-old Violet's journal. It creates this fractured, almost kaleidoscopic effect where you're never quite sure whose version of events to trust. Each narrator becomes unreliable in their own way - through trauma, guilt, the simple passage of time, or maybe something more deliberate.
Fiona has channeled her survival into art, creating sculptures from organic materials that become, as her dealer puts it, "the tangible manifestation of trauma using the very source of trauma itself." There's something both beautiful and deeply disturbing about that concept. Meanwhile, Violet has struggled with addiction and aimlessness, only recently returning to writing. Even after all these years, they can't escape being defined as "the girl-survivors," and Marr captures that suffocating reality with real insight.
I keep thinking about how each character processes what happened differently. Henry, the father, battles severe PTSD from his military service that leaves him disoriented and potentially dangerous. Janet discovers her husband's infidelity right before the crash - was that enough to drive her to something desperate? And then there's that mysterious reference in Violet's journal to "the woman" being back, suggesting someone else might have been out there with them.
The mystery elements work well, though they're really secondary to the psychological exploration. I found myself constantly second-guessing not just what happened, but whose memories could be trusted. Marr does an excellent job of cycling through suspicion - at different points, I was convinced each character might be hiding something terrible.
Now, I'll admit there are some logical gaps that might bother readers looking for strict realism. The timeline of their survival stretches credibility, and some plot mechanics feel a bit convenient. But I think approaching this as a straightforward survival story misses the point entirely. As Marr herself noted, this came from her "wildest dreams and nightmares," and that surreal quality is intentional. This is trauma literature wearing the mask of a thriller.
I genuinely found it hard to put down. Marr has this ability to create unease where you're not quite sure what you should be afraid of, but you know something terrible is lurking just beneath the surface. When the revelations come, they feel both shocking and inevitable, which is exactly what you want from this kind of story. I'm honestly a bit surprised by some of the negative reactions this book has gotten. Yes, it's disturbing. Yes, it doesn't follow conventional thriller rules. But that's what makes it interesting. Marr isn't interested in clean resolutions or comfortable psychology. She's exploring the kind of childhood trauma that fundamentally breaks something in you, and the story reflects that fracture in its very structure.
If you're looking for a neat, tidy mystery with clear motives and realistic survival details, this probably isn't your book. But if you're willing to sit with discomfort and ambiguity, to let a story be deliberately unsettling, The Alone Time offers something genuinely haunting. It's the kind of book that makes you question how we construct truth from fragments of memory and trauma, and it stays with you long after you've finished reading.
The title itself is perfect - eerie and fitting for a tale that explores what happens when children are forced to confront horrors they're not equipped to understand or process. It's a solid 4-star read that's brave enough to be deeply uncomfortable, and all the more powerful for it.
The story centres on sisters Violet and Fiona, now adults, who survived a plane crash as children, that killed their parents and left them stranded in Olympic National Forest for months. Twenty-five years later, when a woman claims to have been their father's mistress, their carefully constructed narratives about what happened in those woods start to crumble. A filmmaker wants their story, investigators are asking new questions, and suddenly these two women who've spent decades trying to move past their trauma are forced to confront it all over again.
Marr structures the whole thing through multiple first-person perspectives. We get chapters from the parents during those final days in the wilderness, alternating timelines from both sisters, and fragments from seven-year-old Violet's journal. It creates this fractured, almost kaleidoscopic effect where you're never quite sure whose version of events to trust. Each narrator becomes unreliable in their own way - through trauma, guilt, the simple passage of time, or maybe something more deliberate.
Fiona has channeled her survival into art, creating sculptures from organic materials that become, as her dealer puts it, "the tangible manifestation of trauma using the very source of trauma itself." There's something both beautiful and deeply disturbing about that concept. Meanwhile, Violet has struggled with addiction and aimlessness, only recently returning to writing. Even after all these years, they can't escape being defined as "the girl-survivors," and Marr captures that suffocating reality with real insight.
I keep thinking about how each character processes what happened differently. Henry, the father, battles severe PTSD from his military service that leaves him disoriented and potentially dangerous. Janet discovers her husband's infidelity right before the crash - was that enough to drive her to something desperate? And then there's that mysterious reference in Violet's journal to "the woman" being back, suggesting someone else might have been out there with them.
The mystery elements work well, though they're really secondary to the psychological exploration. I found myself constantly second-guessing not just what happened, but whose memories could be trusted. Marr does an excellent job of cycling through suspicion - at different points, I was convinced each character might be hiding something terrible.
Now, I'll admit there are some logical gaps that might bother readers looking for strict realism. The timeline of their survival stretches credibility, and some plot mechanics feel a bit convenient. But I think approaching this as a straightforward survival story misses the point entirely. As Marr herself noted, this came from her "wildest dreams and nightmares," and that surreal quality is intentional. This is trauma literature wearing the mask of a thriller.
I genuinely found it hard to put down. Marr has this ability to create unease where you're not quite sure what you should be afraid of, but you know something terrible is lurking just beneath the surface. When the revelations come, they feel both shocking and inevitable, which is exactly what you want from this kind of story. I'm honestly a bit surprised by some of the negative reactions this book has gotten. Yes, it's disturbing. Yes, it doesn't follow conventional thriller rules. But that's what makes it interesting. Marr isn't interested in clean resolutions or comfortable psychology. She's exploring the kind of childhood trauma that fundamentally breaks something in you, and the story reflects that fracture in its very structure.
If you're looking for a neat, tidy mystery with clear motives and realistic survival details, this probably isn't your book. But if you're willing to sit with discomfort and ambiguity, to let a story be deliberately unsettling, The Alone Time offers something genuinely haunting. It's the kind of book that makes you question how we construct truth from fragments of memory and trauma, and it stays with you long after you've finished reading.
The title itself is perfect - eerie and fitting for a tale that explores what happens when children are forced to confront horrors they're not equipped to understand or process. It's a solid 4-star read that's brave enough to be deeply uncomfortable, and all the more powerful for it.
April 13, 2024
Spoilers re: ENDING.
I’m so confused. I just finished and am wondering WTF I missed when it came to Wes and the “mixed signals”. Like, how did he just assume (and we were later to also “assume”) that Violet was a cannibal?
The epilogue didn’t help me at all - just gave me more questions and not the good kind that you end a fascinating book on. But the kind that makes you sit here and instead of writing a book review, you come here and hope you’re not the only one!
I’m so confused. I just finished and am wondering WTF I missed when it came to Wes and the “mixed signals”. Like, how did he just assume (and we were later to also “assume”) that Violet was a cannibal?
The epilogue didn’t help me at all - just gave me more questions and not the good kind that you end a fascinating book on. But the kind that makes you sit here and instead of writing a book review, you come here and hope you’re not the only one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
3.5/5
Violet and Fiona are two sister who were in a plane crash along with their parents. The book alternates between Violet, Fiona, and their parent’s perspectives during and after the crash.
I really liked this book. It has lots of twists and turns and you don’t always know who to root for.
It was slow at times but overall, I think it was interesting and original read.
Violet and Fiona are two sister who were in a plane crash along with their parents. The book alternates between Violet, Fiona, and their parent’s perspectives during and after the crash.
I really liked this book. It has lots of twists and turns and you don’t always know who to root for.
It was slow at times but overall, I think it was interesting and original read.
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