“Good Night Beautiful” by Aimee Molloy is one of those character-driven thrillers that leave the reader to piece together the real story. And, as with most great thrillers, there seems to be an unreliable narrator….or at least a narrator who misdirects.
An attractive psychotherapist returns to his childhood town in upstate New York when his mom has dementia and needs more care. He uproots his new marriage from NYC where his wife enjoyed a fulfilling career. The story opens with this Doctor, Sam Statler, reported missing after a disastrous windstorm. From the start, we know that Sam is missing. Part 1 provides the backstory to Sam and his life. His chapters are alternated with another voice who supplies clues to Sam’s life in his new town. Also, we learn that there is a vent that allows the person upstairs to listen in on therapy sessions.
One narrator, who is initially unnamed becomes creepier as the story unfolds. Initially, scant clues are provided as to who this narrator is which ups the creep meter.
In the second part we get more of the wife, Annie’s side in the story. Molloy plants some clues and some mis-directions that leaves the reader fully involved. There is some foreshadowing that is applied perfectly.
I listened to the audible production, narrated by Val Toomey, George Newbern, Marin Ireland, and Joel Froomkin. I do enjoy listening to thrillers with many voices. These narrators are perfect for the story,