A Different Kind of Gone

by Catherine Ryan Hyde

The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Drama, Chick Lit, Book Club

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2023

About the author

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.

She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.

Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.

Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.

You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog

Catherine Ryan Hyde is not one to shy away from tough topics...In this case, it is domestic violence. The characters were so real and I felt so bad for them and I cared about what happened to them. I was also really proud of them and how brave they were, it really made me think about how lucky I am. I absolutely adored the way Norma delivers her wisdom and, as always, one of the best parts of the book is the way Catherine Ryan Hyde writes dialogue. The author also adds animals in her stories, usually dogs and horses and A Different Kind of Gone is no exception. I love how the author makes the animals characters as well.

What I especially liked about this story was how it focused on women helping women and how domestic violence doesn't just affect the victim but their children, extended family and friends as well. Even after the violence has stopped and the women and children flee, it reverberates throughout the family for years. The questions raised in this story really made me think and I can't imagine what I would do if I were in this situation. Part of the story is also commentary on today's news networks, they report what people think and not what people know. As with most of this author's work, I will be thinking of this book for a very long time to come. The book is powerful, poignant, thought-provoking and absorbing, I read it in a couple of sittings. This one deserves all the stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Norma Gallagher lives a quiet life as a bartender and “search and rescue”volunteer-with her two lovable hound dogs, and her gentle horse, Saint Fred.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing after fellow campers witness her boyfriend Jake twisting her arm behind her back and forcing her to return to their campsite near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone fears the worst.

But, Norma knows the truth of what happened because she found Jill, huddled in a cave-terrified that her abusive boyfriend would kill her, if he ever sees her again.

Despite having strong opinions on the subject and grave reservations, Norma smuggles Jill out of town, delivering the girl to her grateful parents in California.

BUT SHE KNOWS THIS SECRET WILL NOT STAY HIDDEN FOREVER

Now, five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for another crime, and the DA chooses to also charge him with the murder of Jill Moss, just declared legally dead.

Part One sets up the synopsis shared in the book blurb, and clearly the author wanted to educate readers on the cycles of abuse which repeat with both abusers and Victims-the excuses, the guilt and the shame. But, though the message is an important one-Norma comes off as a “preachy” and I found her repeated use of the phrase “my young friend” irritating, as she shares her own thoughts on the subject.

Part Two really offers up some thought provoking questions for book clubs to ponder. Can Norma live with herself if she doesn’t come forward and Jake is found guilty of Murder? If she does come forward and it costs Jill her life, could she live with that outcome? And, is it her secret to tell?

Finally, as the trial commences and a sentence is delivered, we are asked to examine if we have a legal system that actually doles out Justice?

A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her insights about this one!

Available Now

Thank You to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: Outlier opinion. I liked the concept of the book. Offers thought-provoking situations and important themes. Too much of social commentary, though. Great for book clubs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Story Synopsis:

Sloot, Utah/Arizona border. Fifty-eight-year-old Norma volunteers with the local Search-and-Rescue team, using her horse and her two hounds to locate missing persons. On one such occasion, she finds a nineteen-year-old girl named Jill, reported missing by her boyfriend. However, Jill begs Norma not to reveal to anyone her whereabouts as she is terrified of her boyfriend Jake and was trying to run away from him when she lost her way. Against her gut feel, Norma decides to adhere to Jill’s request and helps her back to her parents’ house in California.
Things are quiet until five years later, when an arrest rakes up the old news again. To Norma’s surprise, Jake has been taken into custody for one crime but he will also be tried for Jill’s murder. Norma is now torn between her promise and her instinct.
The story comes to us in Norma’s limited third-person perspective over two sections – the initial events and the ‘five years later’ section.

Bookish Yays:
😍 There are some interesting characters in this book. Not necessarily likeable or realistic; just… interesting. Almost all of these are women – Betty, Jill, Theresa, and Wanda make their presence felt with their strong personalities, though not necessarily in an inspiring way. Being brave can be done only a step at a time, and the women in the book prove it. I love how Jill’s and Wanda’s characters were developed as young and impulsive while Betty and Theresa acted more their age.

😍 Though the Search-and-Rescue component is only a small part of the overall book, I still liked the coverage of the same, especially the animals involved in the efforts. Norma has an amazing horse named Saint Fred and two hounds called Lonny and Gracie. All animals count as a yay!

😍 There is some truly thought-provoking content in this book, which makes it perfect for book clubs. I especially liked the spotlight on the legal system vs. the judicial system and the debates on intent vs. action. (I strongly disagree with everything Norma said regarding this.) The book covers several important themes, including domestic violence and its effect on mental health, and also shows how short-term thinking affects long-run decision-making.

😍 The pacing is surprisingly smooth for a Catherine Ryan Hyde novel. Though the first half is not much action-oriented, the proceedings still move steadily ahead. It’s never fast, but it also doesn’t drag.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The blurb again reveals too much. But this is a story where nothing much happens until the second section – five years later – begins. So a part of me understands why the blurb went so far ahead in the book. It does spoil some of the surprises though.

😐 There are very few male characters, and even those few have limited roles in the plot. That said, all of them are key to the story and not treated merely as negative accessories. I’d have loved to see more of Ian though.

😐 I liked the small-town vibes of Sloot. (A fictional location?) The closeness of neighbours and colleagues that borders into nosiness is especially well-depicted. But there was nothing much to make me picture Sloot clearly in my head. The scenic descriptions are next to zero.

😐 Love the title –perfect for the book. Hate the cover – can’t even figure out who the two women are supposed to be!


Bookish Nays:
😒 It’s always nice to have an atypical character in the lead. Norma, 50+ years in age and yet so hands-on on her approach to life, is a compelling protagonist. However, I couldn’t bring myself to accept her thinking unconditionally. She is very opinionated about issues, though some of her declarations and actions don’t suit her backstory at all. If she herself had suffered through a problematic behaviour in her past relationship, how can she talk about justice and forgiveness for proponents of the same crime? I can appreciate adherence to a personal code of conduct, but surely common sense also comes into play for a character shown as being pragmatic and honest. Her decision-making skills were also highly questionable.

😒 There is too much of social commentary in the book, almost all of it courtesy Norma. Characters having opinions is fine. But when the character keeps spouting opinions whether directly connected to the story or not, it gets annoying. All this just results in thematic clutter. The preachy tone of Norma’s dialogues should have been toned down.

😒 The writing, especially but not only for Norma’s character, is exasperating at times. I was fed up by her overuse of “My dear/young friend” while speaking with Jill. I might have put this off as a character trait, but in that case, she should have spoken the same way with Wanda as well. She doesn’t! Similarly, Jill’s gratitude-filled “I love you” was totally misplaced. Maybe she confused a ‘Thank you’ with an ‘I love you.’

😒 The foreshadowing is irritating as it doesn’t work for the plot, at all! If the writing is in Norma’s limited third person perspective, who the heck is the omniscient narrator letting us know of future events?

😒 The ending is too perfect. I can understand some things resolved for closure, but Norma’s personal arc should have stayed the same as before to make the climax feel more realistic. That development was unexpected and unnecessary.

😒 I don't like chapter titles being present in adult fiction. It makes me feel like I'm reading a children's book!

😒 I am not a fan of books that attempt to generate sympathy for a person’s negative tendencies. Things like domestic violence might be influenced by our external influences while growing up, but there can be no justification for the same. I am tired of the “abusers/bullies were abused/bullied” trope, no matter how much it is based in reality.


I enjoy plots that make me put myself in the shoes of the characters and wonder what I would have done in their place. This is no exception. The only problem is that the shoes of the main character are not to my taste.

I have read several CRH novels and am a fan of her unusual storylines and powerful themes. But this is my second average CRH experience in a row, the earlier being ‘So Long, Chester Wheeler’. I will still continue to read her works, because just like Jodi Picoult, CRH focusses on some tough topics and characters making controversial life choices. I can only hope that the future outings will go better than these two books.

Recommended with reservations. It’s not a bad book, but it is not at all up to the high CRH standard. If you can tolerate a dogmatic main character with some unsavoury opinions, this might work better for you. Of course, mine is very much an outlier opinion, so please read the other reviews before you make up your mind.

2.5 stars, rounding up for the theme.


My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “A Different Kind of Gone”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border and Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, is the only one who knows the real story. Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake, Jill's boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, is arrested for her murder even though there's no body—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her.

Talk about a story ripped from the headlines! How many times in the recent past have we heard about females who disappear while on a cross-country trip with an abusive boyfriend/husband. This is a well written book containing some very poignant advice from Norma to Jill and also to Wanda, Jake's new wife whom he attempted to strangle. The characters are well portrayed, including the dogs and horses and the book was a pretty quick read. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of Norma's actions or those of Jill and her family after Norma found Jill when she first went missing. I understood why they did what they did but don't really agree with it. This isn't actually a spoiler because it's in the blurb but I know a lot of people don't read them. I wish I was half as wise as Norma.

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publishing Date: December 5, 2023

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5~3★
“ ‘There’s not a person on the planet as far as I’m concerned who knows what they’re getting themselves into when they start a new relationship. You just throw your lot in with somebody and maybe you get lucky and maybe you get hurt. And that, in a nutshell, is why I prefer horses and dogs.’ ”

So speaks Norma Gallagher, old enough to be a grandmother but living alone on a rural property with only Saint Fred, her faithful big buckskin horse, and two hound dogs. She works at a local pub with Betty, who has become a friend, Norma’s only human friend, it seems. She often compares animal relationships and those with humans.

“ ‘A good rider takes the horse’s limitations into account. Good horsemanship doesn’t look for trouble. You avoid what trouble you can and deal with what can’t be avoided. It’s kind of like everything else in life that way.’ ”

She is admired and relied upon as a search and rescue volunteer, and when she, Fred, and the dogs joined the hunt for a missing – possibly dead – young wife, we can see why. Apparently, husband Jake has reported Jill missing from their campsite, and searchers fear the worst. However, witnesses have described how he held her harm behind her back one day and pusher her around, so Norma and the others suspect he might have snapped.

The dogs find Jill, sheltering in a hidden spot between large boulders, terrified of being returned to her husband. Norma agrees not to report the find but help her instead.

This is about 300 pages of Norma teaching and preaching through awkward dialogue as a kind of public service announcement. First she says, as the in the opening quotation, that nobody can predict how a future relationship will go.

Jill fills her in a bit on her marriage. Norma replies in typical Norma guru fashion.

“ ‘I told them I tripped and fell down the stairs. And another time that I walked into a door as it was being opened. I guess they didn’t believe me.’

‘Girl. You got any idea how old that is? That “I walked into a door” thing? Why, I used that one in MY day, and it wasn’t even new back then.

Anytime the same young woman keeps getting bruises and black eyes, people are gonna wonder. Kids, too. You take your kid to the ER too many times and someone from the state or the county’s sure to come poking around to investigate. Because kids get hurt all the time, sure. Falling off their bikes and such. But they also get abused by their parents. All the time. And there’s one thing the girl with her boyfriend and the kid with his parent have in common. They’ll both lie to protect their abuser.”

The premise was interesting. We know Norma surreptitiously reunites Jill with her parents who arrange to take her elsewhere to hide.

Then comes Norma’s dilemma. Jake will track Jill down and harm or kill her if he knows she’s alive. So does Norma tell the authorities or let the search go on?

Somewhere in here we get Norma’s back story of abuse which gives her even more teaching moments. There are references to Native Americans and others being ill-treated and overlooked, plus additional comments about human nature.

The back and forth with the Big Secret and the Moral Dilemma gets more complicated when Jake remarries. Now what? As I said, it’s an interesting premise, but it’s buried in well-known aphorisms and adages.

“Hurt people hurt people.
. . .
We don’t have a justice system in this country. We have a legal system. The two are not quite the same.
. . .
People who treat themselves well expect others to treat them well, too. Self-abuse is just an open field for an abuser to walk right into.”

I lost count of the scrambled eggs and pancakes that seemed to feature in everyone’s kitchen. Mind you, I enjoy both and the bacon, too. I just don’t need them in every interaction to illustrate hospitality.

I can see this as a good story for book clubs (there are suggested questions at the end, too), and it might be a good one to give to young people to show the dangers of putting up with abuse. This one isn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the copy for review. The author has a huge following, and I’m sure her fans will love it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 4 stars

My last read was the best book I have read so far this year. For me, this is a perfect scenario for the onset of a major reading slump. Instead of succumbing to such disaster, I did the best thing I could possibly think of to head off potential catastrophe by finding a new Catherine Ryan Hyde book to read. CRH has never failed to prevent or break a book slump for me. And this time I was saved again!

I have read 11 CRH books and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. Full of realistic well-drawn characters, usually including an older main character who metes out life lessons to the young and inexperienced, CRH books follow a tried-and-true template for delivering an engrossing story. The plots tend to be very different, but the wisdom dispensed never fails to impress me even in my “old age.” I always get something out of her novels that I can apply to my own life.

This is a book that called for me even when it wasn’t “my reading time.” I was eager to jump back in even though I was able to predict a couple of the key plot twists. I loved the protagonist, “I-don’t-need-other-people” Norma. In fact, I would really look forward to a sequel, again featuring Norma, but I know better than to think CRH would ever do a sequel. She just has too many other good ideas to spend too much time with one character.

I could describe the plot and go on and on about what made this a most enjoyable read, but that’s for you to find out on your own. If you have never read a CRH novel, you are missing a lot of reading pleasure. Though this wasn’t my very favorite one of hers (that distinction still belongs to Have You Seen Luis Velez?), I still loved it and thank the story a hundred times for preventing the dreaded book slump. As I have said before, I am planning to read all of CRH’s 30+ books before I die, by golly!

Thank you, Catherine!

My thanks also go to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill Moss is nineteen, she goes on a hiking trip with her boyfriend Jake and she goes missing near the Utah/Arizona border. Norma Gallagher works at a local bar in Stoot, she’s also a search and rescue volunteer, she gets the call, Norma and her hound dogs meet the coordinator at the car park of the camping ground and she sets off on horseback looking for any trace of Jill.

Norma finds Jill, she hiding behind some rocks and in a small cave. Jill is scared of her boyfriend Jake Willis, he’s hurt her in the past and he’s threatened to kill her. To protect Jill, Norma promises to not tell anyone where she is, drive her home to her parents house in California and it’s not something she would normally do. Jill’s parents Owen and Teresa don’t trust Jake, they want the whole thing kept a secret, from the police, press, public and Norma agrees.

Five years later, Jake is caught trying to strangle his wife Wanda, the police arrest him for the attempted murder of Wanda Willis and the murder of Jill Moss. Jake is about to stand trial, Norma knows he didn’t kill Jill, her parents won’t come forward and tell the truth and they think Jake is finally getting what he deserves. Norma has to decide if she’s going to break her promise, who would she tell and will they believe her and will she get into trouble with the law?

I received a digital copy of A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde from NetGalley and Lake Union publishing in exchange for an honest review. The well written narrative explores the lengths parents will go to protect their daughter and keep her safe. Norma herself was in an abusive marriage, no one would believe her and she lost custody of her children.

Norma is a rather private person and a loner, she's lives with the consequences of what she did for Jill and she's spent five years looking over her shoulder, wondering if she made the right choice and what would you do in the same situation? Four stars from me, a story about loving someone you shouldn’t, how do you end a relationship with them, forms of domestic abuse and is there such a thing as karma!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norma Gallagher was on the search and rescue team and when she received a call from Ian, the coordinator, telling Norma a teenage girl had gone missing in the bush on the border of Utah and Arizona, Norma had no idea how her life would change. Riding Fred, her faithful, trustworthy horse with her two hounds bounding alongside, they eventually led Norma up a steep incline where rocks had formed a cave. It was there she found a scared Jill Moss, who begged Norma not to take her back to the campsite. She was terrified of her abusive boyfriend Jake, sure he would kill her if he had half a chance. In the dead of night, Norma took Jill to her parent's place in California, while the search for her continued.

Five years on, Norma was still working at the bar with Betty. She still had Fred and her dogs, though she'd semi-retired from the search and rescue. And Jill was officially declared dead, while Jake was about to go on trial for her murder. What to do, what to do? Norma was conflicted. Could she tell the truth? Definitely. Should she tell the truth? She had no idea...

Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again! A Different Kind of Gone is another outstanding tale by this author who never gets it wrong! "Justice, lies and impossible choices" is so heartbreakingly right and Hyde's touching on the sensitive subjects in this book are spot on! Since I was introduced to Catherine Ryan Hyde a couple of years ago, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed her work - she's a go-to author for me now. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“People talk a lot about justice. They seem quite invested in it. But we don’t have a justice system in this country. We have a legal system. The two are not quite the same.”

This is my third book by this author in 6 months! I’ve noticed that Hyde writes to stimulate careful consideration about things most of us haven’t given much attention to either because of the ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude or because we hang our hat on an opinion rather than fact.

In this book, she highlights the very human struggle we have with when to say something and when to stay quiet.

The main character in this novel, Norma Gallagher, is forced to make a life-changing decision that promises consequences if she stays silent yet has immense risks if she tells the truth. Norma is a volunteer with search and rescue in Sloot, Utah when she meets someone who reminds her of her former self. With the wisdom that comes with a life of overcoming, Norma is able to step up and mentor others to stop the cycle of domestic violence.

Hyde examines:
✔️ unlikely friendships
✔️ karma
✔️ justice
✔️ obsession
✔️ guilt
✔️ generational trauma
✔️ brokenness
✔️ different forms of love
✔️ lies and secrets
✔️ impossible choices

I personally connected with these quotes because I’ve lived them.

“Pretty easy to carry guilt that should belong to someone else. Sometimes I think we don’t even know we’re doing it.”

“There’s no such thing as everybody happy all at once.”

“...most of us have had some kind of experience loving somebody we shouldn’t.”

I don’t normally enjoy women’s fiction but when I see this author, I eagerly reach for her books. Her writing is like a conversation with an old friend, her characters are so believable and the topics she covers are worthy of debate. Hyde is a ‘no fluff’ writer! This one will stay with me for quite some time because I see a lot of myself in the characters - I even share a name with one of them!

I’m eagerly anticipating Life, Loss and Puffins on May 14, 2024.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Publication Date: 05th Dec 2023

3 Stars (outliner opinion)

One Liner: Deals with important themes but gets too preachy

Norma Gallagher is the only woman in the Search and Rescue Team in Sloot, a small town in Utah and Arizona. She prefers to keep to herself and loves her two dogs and the horse the best.

When Norma finds the nineteen-year-old Jill Moss after she is reported missing, she is forced to do something she would never otherwise do. When Jill is terrified about her boyfriend Jake, Norma helps her go back to her parents in California.

Five years later, the disappearance of Jill Moss hasn’t died yet and becomes a hot topic when Jake is arrested for another crime and Jill’s murder. The public and media are busy with what they do. Norma has to yet again make a decision that could affect many lives, including her own.

The story comes in Norma’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

I like how the author deals with different issues in her books and was excited to read this one. The blurb reveals quite a lot (around 40%), though it does manage to keep certain things a secret.

The pacing is decent but dips in the middle. The book has some bits of ‘mystery’ but is not a mystery read. It’s a social drama about domestic abuse, repeating toxic cycles, guilt, shame, public judgment, issues in the legal system, trial by media, general bias, et al.

Norma, Jill, and Wanda are the main characters, while Betty has a great supporting role (she is my favorite). Jill and Wanda are young and act their age. Their portrayal is quite realistic and believable.

The characters change as the story progresses, though Norma takes the longest time. Despite her annoying me, I am glad she lowers the walls and finds people to call her own.

Oh, Norma! What Do I Say?

Norma is an interesting character. As a woman in her late 50s (and early 60s after the time jump), she is snarky, blunt, and a touch-me-not. Her backstory provides the reason for her attitude and approach to life. However, she is not heartless. In fact, it’s the opposite. Despite saying she likes being alone, she helps the girls when they need her. I love some aspects of her, such as her no-nonsense attitude, a strong desire for solitude, etc.

Still, I couldn’t always stand her opinions. I’m a minority here, but I don’t particularly like the comparison between bank robbery and domestic abuse. A robber and an abuser are different people. The reasons and goals are different. I find it a bit strange that she (with her history) would make such an example. I agree that we cannot let people pay for the crimes they didn’t commit, but not the way she presented it.

Also, it doesn’t make sense to wait for a person to commit a murder and then start the activism. While it is true that trial by public and media can destroy a person (and this happens way too often), I don’t agree that someone proven as an abuser has to be allowed to commit the big crime so that it ticks all boxes and makes them eligible for an arrest.

That aside, Norma gets preachy with just about anyone, be it customers at the bar or the girls she helps. Her 'My young friend' got on my nerves. Say it a couple of times, it would be snarky. Say it multiple times, it gets cringe-y.

The book deals with important themes, but with Norma coming on too strong about her opinions, the vital messages lose their impact. She makes a great point about how only certain type of missing cases gets all the attention. Or the point about people stating guesses as facts. But when this is accompanied by a lengthy dialogue (rant), it turns into unwanted gyan, something we find in abundance on social media.

Also, for a woman who calls herself a realist, saying she’d be happier with ‘life in prison, no possibility of parole as opposed to death sentence’ makes no sense. What kind of realism is that? In which world does such a perfect legal system exist? And mind you, she has been through a shitty divorce herself.

The more I think about Norma, the less I like her. She is only focused on her idea of what is 'right' and her ‘conscience’. She knows Jill hero-worships her. Even when she says she’ll respect whatever Jill decides, Jill knows she has to live up to Norma’s standards (in fact, this a dialogue in the book) and does what Norma wants despite the risk to her life.

Moreover, Norma likes to look at all sides of the story only when it comes to others. In her own case, she is more than happy to not ask herself what if and accept that her husband's second wife wouldn’t have believed he was an abuser. But what if she did? What if Norma could have planted at least a seed of doubt in her head by speaking to her? Nope, she won’t think about it coz it’s over and done. Say a mandatory statement and dust it off the hands.

I have a theory about this. It looks like the author made a list of issues she doesn’t like and wants to address in the book. Then she created characters that would say and do the ‘incorrect things’ while Norma would do the ‘right thing’ always. The result is a character that expects others to adhere to her standards. And this character being a survivor of domestic abuse makes things worse as others in similar scenarios will be expected to do what she did. ‘If Norma can do this, why can’t you?’ Well, why should you?

We’ll Conclude Here

There’s a list of book club discussion questions at the end, which I appreciate. As you can see, the book offers a lot to talk about.

To summarize, A Different Kind of Gone has much to offer about moral issues, justice, and relationships. Like it or not, the content will make you think, and I cannot rate it longer than 3 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #ADifferentKindofGone

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own

3.5 stars
Catherine Ryan Hyde could decide to reprint the phone book in my local area and I would read it hungrily. In A Different Kind of Gone she tackles domestic violence. When Norma, a search and rescue volunteer, finds the missing woman, Jill Moss, she gets far more than she bargained for and it sets Norma's life on a shaky moral path.

If I still had a book club to go to, I think I would just be recommending CRH titles all the time. Her books are filled with characters of different generations just trying to do the right thing. Although sometimes I felt a little bit in the middle about Norma as a character, she tended to have quite a wall built around her.


Expected Publication Date 05/12/23
Goodreads review 15/10/23


#ADifferentKindofGone #NetGalley

[John Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely absorbing and quite gripping by the end. My 18th book by Ms Hyde, you could say I'm a fan, and I am. This was very different from her previous books, while absorbing in the ethical and moral issues presented throughout. I'm constantly amazed at the scope and creativity in her novels, I don't know how she does it. Even without her usual cast of children involved, this was gripping. Norma is an excellent MC, cranky old loner that she is with a past as well, but with two hounds and a marvelous old horse. And again the horror of abusive, angry men treating women badly, so a trigger warning here.

Well worth the read, one of her very best. Five solid stars for this one.

"He was a small, sturdily built man of about forty, with a no-nonsense attitude. Norma wasn’t a fan of nonsense, so they got along fine."

"There’s not a person on the planet as far as I’m concerned who knows what they’re getting themselves into when they start a new relationship."

"“Never apologize for putting the animals first. We bred them to depend on us for everything. For their survival. That comes with big responsibilities, and anybody who doesn’t take that responsibility seriously is someone I don’t even want to know.”"

"“Well, you should be grateful too. You should be grateful you’re a horse. Because being a human is not all it’s cracked up to be.”"

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Kind Of Gone is a novel by award-winning American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. Fifty-eight-year-old Norma Gallagher works nights at a bar in Sloot, a small town right on the state line between Arizona and Utah, a place very popular with canyoning enthusiasts. Norma also volunteers with a search and rescue team when those canyoners or campers get lost in the surrounding forest, riding her steady quarter-horse, Fred, assisted by her hounds, Gracie and Lonny.

The day after nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing from the camping ground, the team is warned that her boyfriend Jake Willis was seen behaving in an abusive manner at the campground: they might find Jill injured or worse. When Gracie and Lonny locate Jill, she’s without food or water, but hiding from searchers. She dreads returning to Jake, afraid he will kill her. She begs Norma not to reveal that she has been found.

Norma doesn’t doubt Jill’s fear: “there are a lot of men who hurt women. Especially the women they’re supposed to love. Not most men, but enough that probably every day somebody dies at the hands of someone who promised to love her. And if a woman tries to tell us she’s in danger, and we just pass that off as a woman being emotional, or see her as an unreliable narrator, then that makes the way awful damn easy for those men.” Norma is surprised to find herself sharing her own experience with such a man.

Finding Jill safe ought to be cause for celebration. Concealing that fact, so that Jill can be secreted away to a safe place by her parents, constitutes lying by omission to the sheriff: unnecessary time, money, and manpower will be expended on a search that cannot have a result; Jill’s parents will have to keep up the pretence for law enforcement officers indefinitely; discovery of their lie could lead to prosecution. And, Norma warns them, there may be unintended consequences so far unthought of.

Norma also considers that Jake, clearly a man with anger management issues, the effects of which Jill is not the first person to suffer, will be suspected of murdering his girlfriend, and likely tried in the court of public opinion despite the lack of a body: potentially a murderer, but not an actual one, in this case, which doesn’t sit quite right with her.

Of course, she is well aware that measures like restraining orders are often ineffective, that a woman could be dead before she has the chance to even pick up the phone. Weighing up the potential danger to Jill’s life against the lies that will need to be told, and keep being told, has Norma thinking long and hard about what to do. Against her better judgement, she goes along with Jill’s wishes, and once she is delivered safely to her parents, they have no further contact.

Five years on, though, two separate incidents see those chickens, the unintended consequences, coming home to roost. The District Attorney is going to try Jake Willis for Jill’s murder, and Norma knows he’s innocent, of that crime, at least. Does she break her promise?

Ryan Hyde’s latest has a plot that is bound to stimulate much (possibly heated) discussion, and she adds some delicious twists to make things just that bit more interesting. Norma Gallagher is the sort of careful thinker whose measured words we could all appreciate in our lives, and she has some thoughtful, deep discussions with other characters that explore a number of topical issues: that we have a legal system that doesn’t necessarily ensure justice is served; why, of the huge number of missing persons, a certain demographic gets so much more airtime; how hate does less damage to the subject that to the hater; and more.

Ryan Hyde always gives her characters wise words and insightful observations, and this novel is no exception: “People don’t want to think you never made a mistake, because there is no such thing. They want to figure you learned something from it” and “People can talk to us till they’re blue in the face, telling us to learn from their experience. But we don’t learn that way— from other people’s experiences. We just don’t. We learn from our own” are examples.

Also, on giving advice that will likely be ignored: “If you walk away from me and something terrible happens to you, then at least I know I tried. I get to go through the rest of my life knowing I gave it a shot, anyway. Instead of going to sleep every night thinking, At least I could have said something. That’s pretty much all there is when it comes to other people and their big mistakes. You just have to go with the fact that you tried.”

Moving, thought-provoking and uplifting: that’s a guarantee with every novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

"A Different Kind of Gone" was a different kind of book.

I am a Catherine Ryan Hyde fan and this book was very different from the author's earlier releases.

Unfortunately, this "gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices" was NOT gripping.

Although I applaud the author for showcasing the ethical challenges confronted by search and rescue volunteers, my expectations had been set high and I was seeking more.

The book's pacing was off and had a YA vibe.

I listened to the audiobook read by Patricia Shade, who did a superb job with the narration.

TW: Domestic violence.

1 star, rounded up.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, first and foremost, I’m curious. Is there anyone else out there that confuses the works of both Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Ryan Hyde? Anyone?? Yes, no??? Well, I do, ALL THE TIME!!! It’s kind of annoying too because I will often refer to the authors as CRH, forgetting at the time that I could be confusing someone else by using that abbreviation. I often have to refresh my memory with their books that I’ve read in order to remember which one whose work I really like (Hyde) and which one whose work, for me, is just a tad overrated (Howard). JMHO Anyway, thought I would just throw that out there.

The book summary lays out the premise for the primary storyline. However, as it mentioned, Norma is conflicted. She was conflicted the moment she found Jill, the entire time she helped her escape, when she dropped her off at her parents, and long after she left her there and came back home. As a search and rescue volunteer, Norma knew what she was doing was not only ethically wrong, but it was also illegal. Norma knew that the investigation of Jill’s disappearance would focus on Jake and she knew that Jake’s life was about to become absolutely miserable. She knew that suspicions would forever follow him too.

She and Jill had this conversation during the trip out of Sloot and to SoCA. Jill saw it as karma/justice for the way that Jake treated her and what he probably would have eventually done to her or would do if/when he finds her. Norma wasn’t so sure about that but she remained neutral/undecided. I loved the analogy that Norma used when trying to explain to Jill about how she saw the question of justice:

“Let’s say I make a plan to rob a bank. I get a mask, and a bag and a gun and I get in my truck to drive there. But my truck breaks down. You can’t put me in jail for bank robbery, because I didn’t rob any bank, even though I would have if I could have.”

There was another conversation, on that trip, about the amount of press that her disappearance was going to get that would make the whole experience for Jake A LOT WORSE!!! This exchange pretty much says it all:

“Because the world is a bizarre place, my young friend. Some missing people go pretty much unnoticed and others catch the public’s fancy like a wildfire. There’s a type of missing person who gets more attention than all the others. White. Blonde, Young. Petite. Blue-eyed. Pretty. Lots of people disappear, and when you see which ones get all the notice, then you know who our society thinks is important.”

Good grief!!! Isn’t that the truth! Four words, folks, “Missing White Woman Syndrome”. It’s a real thing people and it’s getting worse with every disappearance of women of color as well as missing boys and men. Anyway, the story is split into two parts, and part one is all about the disappearance and the search for Jill and Norma helping Jill escape.

Part two picks up five years (to the day) later when Jake is charged with attempted murder of his wife and the murder of Jill. In AZ/UT, after five years, a missing person is considered legally dead. Jake’s wife turns out to be a woman named Wanda that Norma met five years ago. Back then, Wanda was a “team Jake groupie”, in the whole “did he kill Jill or not” nonsense that transpired after the press revealed that Jake physically abused Jill.

Norma tracks down Jill, now going by Cassie, through her parents. Norma is surprised that Cassie looks totally different: different hair color and wearing colored contacts and has even had plastic surgery to change the look of her face. Cassie also has a life very similar to Norma: living in a small cabin, out in a very rural area with just a dog and two horses (Norma has two dogs and one horse). Norma tells Cassie that she’s having a conflict of conscience over Jake being charged with her murder when she is alive and well. Well into the second half, a tragic event has all the ladies questioning their actions and motives.

I liked Norma. She was a little bit of a crusty, old, broad (63), but her snark was award winning! She and her friend/coworker, Betty, had me cracking up in the first chapter of the book. I even got hubby laughing at me because I was cracking up so hard. I can be easily amused! Anyway, as a divorced, domestic abuse survivor, Norma had a wealth of experience to draw from that led her to not only her actions, but to her sense of right and wrong as well as justice and injustice. As a search and rescue volunteer, she also had the ethics, as well as her duties and responsibilities, of her commitment to her community that weighed on her. I like Hyde; she is a good writer and storyteller and I remain a fan. I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #ADifferentKindofGone

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine Ryan Hyde has become one of my favorite authors. Her books are always engrossing and they normally bring attention to current problems society faces. This one is focused on the abuse of women.

Description:
When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?

My Thoughts:
I loved Norma for her wisdom and the support she provided both to Jill and to Wanda. Behind her gruff exterior she has a warm, caring heart. The story kept my attention all the way through and kept me flipping the pages. I enjoyed the dogs and horses that were Norma's companions. The way various characters' stories interconnected was seamless and some of the connections were surprising. Highly recommended for anyone who likes stories of strong women, or women's fiction in general.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 5, 2023.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't far into this book before I knew that it would be hard to write a review for it. It is hard to say something significant about it without spoilers. But, I will try.

Like every book that I have read by this author, I was drawn in very quickly and kept turning pages until I was finished.

Ethical and moral dilemmas are at the centre of the plot. A couple of clichéd questions come to mind. What would you do? How far will a mother go to protect her child? Then there are the old adages: “oh what a tangled web we weave…..” and “if you tell the truth, you don't need a good memory.”

The central character is Norma, a middle-aged lady who works in a bar but as needed, she also works as a volunteer for Search and Rescue, combing the mountainside on horseback for missing hikers. Ms Hyde is very good at creating characters that are strong, yet vulnerable. And, definitely unforgettable. Norma appears crusty and abrupt but she has a big heart. She is wise beyond words. She has to make decisions in this book that really make the reader search their own mind.

I love that the author often includes animals in her books. As an animal lover, their inclusion always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Norma has 2 hound dogs and a horse called Saint Fred. They are very important to her.

The ending was not what I expected, but it wasn't a surprise. It was a good ending.

This is a book that really makes the reader think.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even Wikipedia is running a little behind with listing all Catherine Ryan Hydes’ book titles. I’m so happy she is such a prolific writer because in each new book, I find something special to think about. This time, it all revolves around domestic abuse and learning another kind of relationship is possible. I just loved the character of Norma; on the outside she’s cool as a cucumber and maybe not the most lovable person, but inside! Inside there’s a lot going on, and she’s willing to share her thoughts with people who need insights. She’s not overbearing although she can be quite harsh sometimes, but then, she’s only harsh when people need her to be.
She saves Jill from an abusive relationship and later, she saves Wanda too. And slowly, during the many years she interacts with both young women, she learns that she can be saved herself too. Even after all these years. What I will remember is that at one point, a DA tells Norma: we have no justice system; we have a legal system. So is justice being done in this story? You’ll decide for yourself! Read the book and you’ll not be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgally and Lake Union Publishing for this review copy.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning book by the great Catherine Ryan Hyde. This is book #13 by her and it grabbed me from the very first page. She’s such a great storyteller and I love all the characters in this book. I’m excited for her next book already! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published December 2023.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Kind Of Gone is a novel by award-winning American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. The audio version is narrated by Patricia Shade. Fifty-eight-year-old Norma Gallagher works nights at a bar in Sloot, a small town right on the state line between Arizona and Utah, a place very popular with canyoning enthusiasts. Norma also volunteers with a search and rescue team when those canyoners or campers get lost in the surrounding forest, riding her steady quarter-horse, Fred, assisted by her hounds, Gracie and Lonny.

The day after nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing from the camping ground, the team is warned that her boyfriend Jake Willis was seen behaving in an abusive manner at the campground: they might find Jill injured or worse. When Gracie and Lonny locate Jill, she’s without food or water, but hiding from searchers. She dreads returning to Jake, afraid he will kill her. She begs Norma not to reveal that she has been found.

Norma doesn’t doubt Jill’s fear: “there are a lot of men who hurt women. Especially the women they’re supposed to love. Not most men, but enough that probably every day somebody dies at the hands of someone who promised to love her. And if a woman tries to tell us she’s in danger, and we just pass that off as a woman being emotional, or see her as an unreliable narrator, then that makes the way awful damn easy for those men.” Norma is surprised to find herself sharing her own experience with such a man.

Finding Jill safe ought to be cause for celebration. Concealing that fact, so that Jill can be secreted away to a safe place by her parents, constitutes lying by omission to the sheriff: unnecessary time, money, and manpower will be expended on a search that cannot have a result; Jill’s parents will have to keep up the pretence for law enforcement officers indefinitely; discovery of their lie could lead to prosecution. And, Norma warns them, there may be unintended consequences so far unthought of.

Norma also considers that Jake, clearly a man with anger management issues, the effects of which Jill is not the first person to suffer, will be suspected of murdering his girlfriend, and likely tried in the court of public opinion despite the lack of a body: potentially a murderer, but not an actual one, in this case, which doesn’t sit quite right with her.

Of course, she is well aware that measures like restraining orders are often ineffective, that a woman could be dead before she has the chance to even pick up the phone. Weighing up the potential danger to Jill’s life against the lies that will need to be told, and keep being told, has Norma thinking long and hard about what to do. Against her better judgement, she goes along with Jill’s wishes, and once she is delivered safely to her parents, they have no further contact.

Five years on, though, two separate incidents see those chickens, the unintended consequences, coming home to roost. The District Attorney is going to try Jake Willis for Jill’s murder, and Norma knows he’s innocent, of that crime, at least. Does she break her promise?

Ryan Hyde’s latest has a plot that is bound to stimulate much (possibly heated) discussion, and she adds some delicious twists to make things just that bit more interesting. Norma Gallagher is the sort of careful thinker whose measured words we could all appreciate in our lives, and she has some thoughtful, deep discussions with other characters that explore a number of topical issues: that we have a legal system that doesn’t necessarily ensure justice is served; why, of the huge number of missing persons, a certain demographic gets so much more airtime; how hate does less damage to the subject that to the hater; and more.

Ryan Hyde always gives her characters wise words and insightful observations, and this novel is no exception: “People don’t want to think you never made a mistake, because there is no such thing. They want to figure you learned something from it” and “People can talk to us till they’re blue in the face, telling us to learn from their experience. But we don’t learn that way— from other people’s experiences. We just don’t. We learn from our own” are examples.

Also, on giving advice that will likely be ignored: “If you walk away from me and something terrible happens to you, then at least I know I tried. I get to go through the rest of my life knowing I gave it a shot, anyway. Instead of going to sleep every night thinking, At least I could have said something. That’s pretty much all there is when it comes to other people and their big mistakes. You just have to go with the fact that you tried.”

Moving, thought-provoking and uplifting: that’s a guarantee with every novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many books by Catherine Ryan Hyde. She is a prolific author and writes interesting and thought provoking novels.
This novel focuses on the disappearance of a teenage girl and the truth behind what actually happened. Everyone has an opinion. There are many moral issues involved regarding abuse and the aftermath, justice, lies and impossible choices.
To me this novel was reminiscent of a case popular in the headlines a few years ago.
Not my favourite by this author, but definitely worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that explores dilemma's and a person's moral compass. Norma is a volunteer with a search and rescue team. She is sent out to search for a missing girl who is believed to have been abused by the boyfriend she is camping with. Several witnesses observe the mistreatment and this impacts on Norma due her own past. When she discovers the girl hiding, she is asked to help the girl disappear to protect her from her increasingly violent boyfriend. Norma, who prides herself on her honesty is forced to make a choice. One that will have a very far reaching ripple effect. Can she keep up a lie and live with it?
I don't think everyone will enjoy this, there are a lot of heavy conversations throughout the book and it is not a fast moving nor 'thrilling' story - just realistic in the judgements and decisions we make and the fallout of these.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master storyteller Catherine Ryan Hyde returns following Just a Regular Boy with her latest, A DIFFERENT KIND OF GONE —signature Hyde— a thought-provoking, emotional, timely, and compelling story of a teen girl's disappearance, friendship, guilt, regrets, justice, and a heroine who helps change her life.

I loved this book! Of course, I feel the same way about all the CRH books.

Set on the Utah/Arizona border, in the small town of Sloot, a nineteen-year-old woman, Jill Moss goes missing while camping with her boyfriend, Jake. You may think of the Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie case; however, this story takes a different twist.

Her parents (California) are worried about her after receiving a text from her earlier stating she was leaving Jake and could be in grave danger. They have not heard back.

Norma Gallagher (Late fifties)— a private woman who works at a bar/diner, divorced, with two grown sons that are somewhat estranged, lives alone in a cabin in the woods with her horse, Saint Fred, two hound dogs, Gracie and Lonny, and other animals. She also volunteers with the search and rescue team with her dogs and horse led by Ian.

Norma finds the girl hiding in a cave without a phone or anything, afraid for her life. She begs Norma to help her escape and not tell the others she was found. She is afraid of Jake. She wants Norma to call her parents and come back and get her on her horse later that night and take her to her home until they figure out a way to get away to California.

Against her better judgment, Norma struggles with this decision, but ultimately, she worries about the girl's safety and contacts the parents. She winds up driving her to California, and along the way they get to know one another.

Norma also has a past with an abusive husband and lost her boys in the custody battle (he lied). They are not close as the boys were young and believed their dad's lies. So this case reminds her of her past and she would have wanted someone to help her.

Her parents take her to Oregon under a different name with a different life. She is working for a vet and has a job caretaking land with a cabin and has horses and dogs, similar to Norma whom she looks up to. (inspired by her)

Norma has to pretend to work on the case, but it is getting to her. During all the publicity, Jake comes into the bar and gets into a fight. All the social media are swarming.

Then Norma meets a young girl named Wanda and takes her under her wing. Without too many details, Wanda winds up with Jake in a similar situation five years later. Norma is not close with her sons, but now she has two young girls who look up to her. When they get to the point where they are going to charge Jake with murder, she knows she must go to the DA.

However, things turn in a different direction with suspense and tension as these two young women, victims of domestic violence, join forces with Norma. Then, someone takes the law into their own hands.

I loved Norma! She is a wise woman, witty and straightforward. I loved the relationship with Jill's parents, Jill and Wanda, and her friend at the diner.

I enjoy multi-generation stories as there is something to learn from the older generation. The setting, the mystery, the characters, as well as the essential topics of domestic suspense all make this a must-read book!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF GONE is a gripping novel about domestic violence and the lives it touches—one of justice, friendship, wisdom, survival, and impossible choices with compelling, well-crafted, multi-generational characters and, as always, loveable animals.

For fans of Jessica Strawser's The Last Caretaker and Karma Brown's What Wild Women Do.

I always drop everything when I get a Catherine Ryan Hyde book! I have read all her books as a favorite author and a long-time fan. When you start reading a CRH book, you know you will be in for a rare treat; the characters will pull on your heartstrings, and you ultimately will learn something by the end. She writes from the heart about real people, life, and highly charged topics. Triumph over tragedy. Isn't that what all of us are drawn to?

I highly recommend A DIFFERENT KIND OF GONE and all her books. There is no comparison! I look forward to reading Life, Loss, and Puffins, coming May 14, 2024. I have the ARC and cannot wait to read it.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a digital reviewer advanced copy for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 5, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
Dec Newsletter

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this story…

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always excited to read a new novel from Catherine Ryan Hyde because I know I’m in for a treat and her new book A Different Kind Of Gone lived up to my expectations.
A young girl has disappeared from a campsite and Norma a rescue volunteer is searching for her in the surrounding area.
A story with some unforgettable characters about domestic violence and the women who live with this with courage and compassion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Gone is the latest contemporary drama by the Queen of compelling character creation, Catherine Ryan Hyde. This one tackles the troubling topic of domestic abuse, and raises the question of whether it’s right that a violent man faces prison for a crime that he might’ve, but didn’t commit. I’ve read about fourteen of her books, including the last ten, and adored most of them, so if this gets four stars it’s only because I wasn’t quite so engaged in this one compared to some of the others - but it’s still a great story - she sets a very high bar for feelgood fiction.

Middle-aged divorcee Norma Gallagher lives with her faithful dogs and horse in the small town of Sloot, works in a bar and volunteers for her local search & rescue team. When a young woman disappears from a campsite, Norma is afraid of finding her dead, but not prepared for the reality of a frightened teenager desperate to escape her abusive boyfriend Jake. Despite her misgivings, Norma keeps Jill’s secret, but then Jake is arrested five years later for the attempted murder of his wife, and also charged with Jill. Can Norma allow a miscarriage of justice to proceed if silence might save two lives?

Unusually for this author, the story is told from the perspective of an older character, and it features young adults rather than children for a change, but they are still extraordinarily kind and thoughtful. There are of course loveable animals - and don’t worry, nothing sad happens to any of them! As ever, the focus here is on inter-generational friendship and unconventional relationships rather than romantic love. I liked misanthropic Norma’s gradual embrace of her new “extended family” and the way she opens her mind to different points of view, without sacrificing her own moral principles. I didn’t predict how the plot would turn out, but did like the resolution even if the ending did peter out somewhat. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. A Different Kind of Gone is published on December 3rd.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Norma has a tough exterior and doesn't mince words. She is a volunteer for search and rescue on the Arizona-Utah border. She also tends bar with her good friend Betty. When she is called for a search one morning, she saddles up her horse and heads to the briefing of the missing person. Little does she know what lies ahead will have her questioning her personal and moral obligations. The characters along the way will grow on you and the softening of Norma's rough exterior is a transition that had me wanting to know more about what else she had hidden. Domestic abuse is a theme explored in its many facets, but his novel has soul and is well worth the time invested.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an early copy.

[Lesa Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say Norma is not a people person is an understatement. She keeps everyone miles away with her cantankerous personality and prefers the company of her two dogs and horse. Her only friend is Betty her coworker at the local bar where they serve drinks until the wee hours. She is also volunteers on a search and rescue team. It is on one of these calls she finds something that changes her life forever.

This is a powerful story about domestic violence,and what makes it stand out is the strong female characters that just get stronger throughout the story. I absolutely loved Norma. She is a character that I will remember for a long time. Her outlook might seem gruff, but she is filled with wisdom and has a heart of gold. The moral dilemmas the characters face would make a compelling book club discussion and the questions in the back are fantastic.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if a known abuser of women is arrested and charged with murdering one of those women, but you know for a fact that the murder never took place? But he is a known violent offender, and you are only one of a very few people who know the real truth? This is the question facing Norma, our main character. While this is an interesting premise, I am not enamored of the execution of the story. I did not feel any depth to the characters, the dialogs were rather stilted and without emotion. I would describe it as just words on a page. I have never read anything by this author, who is quite popular, apparently. I would have given this 2.5 stars, but I feel the premise was good, and some of the ethical issues that were brought up are worth thought and discussion.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite CRH story. Maybe it got to be too much psycho analyzing?
Still, worth the read.