A Different Kind of Gone

A Novel

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Patricia Shade

The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?

©2023 Catherine Ryan Hyde, Trustee, or Successor Trustee, of the Catherine Ryan Hyde Revocable Trust created under that certain declaration dated September 27, 1999. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Prolific author Hyde raises thorny issues around domestic violence, examines the power of misplaced guilt, and illustrates the bonds of shared experience in her take on a ripped-from-the-headlines story. Her characteristic empathy is on full display…”—Booklist

“In Catherine Ryan Hyde’s gripping novels, ordinary people become extraordinary because of their determination to do the right thing…No matter which Hyde book you read, life after that reading seems just a bit different, a bit more satisfying and a bit more hopeful.”—Bookreporter

Stereotypical topics were overemphasized.

I enjoyed the first part of this book, but topics were readdressed often and it got very boring towards the middle of the book.

So interesting

I love this author, read almost everything she has ever written. While all of her books offer something to ponder, this one is special. Particularly (hopefully without too much disclosure) is her character's philosophy on relationship abuse…and news reporting. At one point Norma says “I miss Walter Cronkite, he reported the news and you got to take it from there.” No garbage in the middle, and no telling us what we should or should not think. I know many reviews didn’t love the book…I did. Guess that’s all I can say…you can take it from there. I really like the main character.

How every decision we make has far reaching impact.

The interplay of the women and their stories gave me an appreciation for far reaching impact our words and actions take on. Nothing seems black and white and some surprising twists as other characters entered the story.

Deep meditation on Justice

I love CRH books, and this one was no exception. Some over-thinking and ruminating on the part of the characters, which became overkill for me. But in general, the focus on lying, and how that feels/spins a web that gets more complex was fascinating. As was the plot twists and turns.

The wisdom and honesty of Norma

I thought this was a very interesting story. I enjoy all of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books.

I usually love her stories

Every time I got in my car and the book started playing, I was disappointed that it wasn’t over yet.

Not my favorite CR Hyde book

Did not like the audio performance at all. Also the relationships among the main characters—Norma, Jill, Wanda, Betty—seemed rather far-fetched. I wasn’t excited about this book.

the understanding of life's lessons

I loved it. Sure hope to see more of Norma or maybe a series. I am wowed.

Medium

As a big fan of Hyde’s writing I was anxious to get this latest book. For me, it did not measure up to her other work. The depth was missing & it moved very very slowly. I still look forward to her future work tho!

Great story

This was a heartfelt story of how resilient women really are! Loved how Norma thought she was hard and thorny but she really did have a sensitive side. Norma’s voice over was expressive and soft in the ears.