Finding Jake a novel
(Playaway)

Title from Playaway label.

"HD."

"LIGHT."

"Harper Audio."

Release date supplied by publisher.

Previously released by HarperCollins Publishers, ℗2015.

Issued on Playaway, a dedicated audio media player.

One set of earphones and one AAA battery required for listening.

Performed by George Newbern.

For sixteen years, Simon Connelly's successful wife has gone to her law office each day, while he has stayed home to raise their children. Though Simon has loved taking care of Jake and Laney, it has cost him a part of himself, and has made him an anomaly in his pretty, suburban neighborhood--the only stay-at-home dad among a tight circle of mothers. Shepherding them through childhood, the angst-ridden father has tried to do the best for the kids, even if he often second-guesses his choices. For sunny, outgoing Laney, it's been easy. But quiet Jake has always preferred the company of his books or his sister to playdates and organized sports. Now that they are in high school, Simon should feel more relaxed, but he doesn't. He's seen the statistics, read the headlines. Then, on a warm November day, he receives a text: There has been a shooting at the high school. Racing to the rendezvous point, Simon is forced to wait with scores of other anxious fathers and tearful mothers, overwhelmed by the disturbing questions running through his head. How many victims were there? Why did this happen? One by one, parents are reunited with their children. Their numbers dwindle, until Simon is alone. Laney has gone home with her mom. Jake is the only child missing. As his worst nightmare unfolds, Simon begins to obsess over the past, searching for answers, for hope, for the memory of the boy he raised, for the mistakes he must have made, for the reason everything came to this. Where is Jake? What happened in those final moments? Is it possible he doesn't really know his son? Or he knows him better than he thought? Jake could not have done this--or could he? As rumors begin to ricochet, amplified by an invasive media, Simon must find answers. But there is only one way to understand what has happened... he must find Jake.

WPL: Gift of the Jack Ralph Canty Estate.

WPL: Gift of the Jack Ralph Canty Estate.