The Real Michael Swann – Bryan Reardon

Released last week!

Thanks to Dutton Books #PRHPartner for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN – Bryan Reardon

I loved the added touch of the book mark that came with the book – a ticket stub for the train Michael was waiting for that day.

My Thoughts: 4/5 stars!

This was my introduction to Bryan Reardon and it definitely won’t be my last time picking up a book of his. THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN is a psychological thriller that brings social media and the real fear of the state of the world into play. If you’re looking for something that will keep you engaged and on-edge, then this is the next book you need to pick up!

Julia Swann is at her home in Pennsylvania while she’s on the phone with her husband, Michael. Suddenly the phone goes dead. A deadly terrorist bomb goes off at Penn Station where Michael is waiting to catch a train. Julia’s worst nightmare has become a reality – her husband was there and now she cannot find him.

I couldn’t even imagine what I would do if I was in Julia’s situation. Reardon does a great job putting us in her shoes and gives the reader a glimpse into the desperation and panic that she is experiencing through this ordeal. You would think that it would all go back to normal once Michael is found, but something isn’t quite right with him. Do you every truly know someone?

I won’t go into too much more detail, but the chapters are quick and the alternating perspectives helped with mounting the tension. For a thriller that hits close to home, this will be a good one to add to the TBR this summer.

What do you think about thrillers that take real-world scenarios? Does that make it a more relatable read? Or does that make it feel too real?

–Jess