Moment in Time

When I hear that Suzanne Redfearn has a new book coming out, I get excited.  Ever since I read her book In An Instant back in 2019 I have been a fan. I eagerly began reading Moment in Time but I didn't realize it was a follow-up to In An Instant (a five star read for me!) where Redfearn checks in on a few of the characters 8 years later. And it wasn't until the author's note that I realized a few characters from her other books made appearances in this new story. An interesting blend of her books, for sure.

Some say this book could be read as a standalone but without knowledge of Mo and Chloe's backstories or more hints for readers who have read In An Instant, I think readers will struggle to fully connect with the story. It felt like it was assumed that the reader already knew the previous relationships which was a bit frustrating because after 2 years I barely remembered who was who, especially tertiary characters like Oz and Finn who are mentioned briefly and without enough explanation of who they are.

Date rape is an important social topic that is introduced in this book, and I recommend readers read the author's note to learn about the author's inspiration for this story. We see how the legal and medical systems treat rape victims, but this emotional topic felt sidelined when the book became more of a whodunnit with Mo and Chloe's sometimes immature decisions and the subplot tangents distracting from an opportunity to look at the emotional aftermath of date rape. 

This wasn't the page turner that I was expecting, but it was an interesting mix of contemporary fiction and whodunnit within a story about friendship, loyalty, and revenge (with an awesome canine character t'boot). Suzanne Redfearn remains an author that I eagerly look forward to reading and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Suzanne Redfearn

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Mystery

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from author

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

First Published: March 8, 2022

Opening Line: The first thing Chloe seees when she 

walks into the alley is a gate someone forgot to close.

Book Description from GoodReads: From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a heartrending story about the power of friendship during the most challenging moments in life.

It’s been eight years since a tragic accident changed Mo Kaminski’s and Chloe Miller’s lives forever. Now in their midtwenties, they’re sharing an apartment in San Francisco and navigating the normal challenges of early adulthood. Along with their roommate, Hazel, they are making their marks on the world—Mo revolutionizing the news with her media start-up, Hazel using her big brain to anticipate the future, and Chloe rescuing abandoned strays in the city.

But when Hazel disappears after being sexually assaulted, Mo’s and Chloe’s lives are again suddenly ripped apart. And when the perpetrator turns up drugged and beaten, the mystery of where Hazel is deepens. Intensely worried and desperate to discover the truth, they set out to find Hazel and bring her home.

Mo and Chloe are no strangers to tragedy, but this journey will test them in ways they never imagined. The stakes are high; the future uncertain; the need for justice essential.

Will their commitment to their friend bring them closer together—or ultimately drive them apart?