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Sometimes, all it takes is one little rumor to turn lives upside down—even if that rumor isn’t true. And in The Rumor by author Lesley Kara, a rumor spreads through a small town, putting businesses, reputations, families, and even lives in danger.
The story moves back to a small seaside town with single mom Joanna and her son, Alfie. Just as Jo is getting settled back into her small-town life, she hears a rumor that notorious child killer Sally McGowan has settled into the town under a fake name. As the rumor spreads, it seems that every woman within Sally’s age range is a suspect—and no one is safe. And as Jo becomes obsessed with the story, so does her son’s father, Michael, a reporter who’s determined to write a book about the case.
As the rumor spreads through town, the suspense builds. In a small town like this one, any news can be big news—and this news is definitely big. While Michael connects with his sources, trying to dig for more answers, Jo finds herself reading old articles and watching old documentaries, trying to do a little bit of sleuthing of her own. Her suspicions lead to more questions and assumptions and a lot of false accusations—and some anonymous threats made against her and her son, too.
In many ways, Jo plays a part in the spreading of the rumor. But, really, any mother will understand what she’s going through. As she tries to settle back into life in her small hometown, her greatest concern is for her son. She worries about whether he’ll have friends—and whether he’ll fit in. And sometimes, as a mom, that means trying to play along and fit in, too, for the sake of our kids. But when she passes on that one little rumor in an attempt to fit in with the other moms, everything begins to spiral out of control.
What follows, then, is a whole lot of tension, a few red herrings to throw the characters (and readers) off the trail, and plenty of twists and turns—all building up to a gripping (and unexpected) conclusion.
With its twists and misdirections—and its family drama, too—The Rumor is a captivating story about secrets and rumors and lies and the damage they can do. It’s one that’s sure to keep you up and reading past your bedtime.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
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