ECONOGAL

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay is a page turner. Finlay is a new-to-me author, and I am unsure if Parents Weekend is part of a series or a stand-alone novel. Either is possible. The book falls into the mystery/thriller category and is highly entertaining.

New York FBI Agent Sarah Keller has asked for a hardship transfer to the West Coast so that the family can support her father-in-law in his final stages of cancer. She is called for a case immediately. Five college students have gone missing. Keller has notoriety from a previous case (hence possibly a series.) Refreshingly, the author provides good balance in the storyline between her work and her family.

The five freshmen, three males and two females are assigned to a team. But the cohort become close friends. Two of the guys are prankster fraternity brothers. The remaining male is caught up in a bit of a platonic lover’s triangle. They are scheduled to have dinner with their parents on the beginning evening of parents’ weekend. But none of them show up.

The parents are a mess. All of them. And this is before the kids disappear. Adding to the complexity is yet a sixth student who is found dead from drowning. The university is in a state of chaos. The parents want results. The drama of each family comes to light as the search for the missing students unfolds. Lastly, not all will reunite with their child.

I very much enjoyed this thriller. Although this was a library check out, purchasing the book is certainly an option with respect to gift-giving. The author is not the happily ever after type. Furthermore, there is more than one male character with sexual exploitation as a character flaw. But when it comes time to reveal the culprits, Finlay packs a surprise punch. Buy a copy or check it out from your local library. The depth of cultural observation coupled with a fast-paced mystery/thriller creates a winning novel.