Abandon by Blake Crouch

Macmillan. Paperback. NEW. Abandon, a captivating stand-alone thriller written by Blake Crouch, takes readers on a century-old mystery that transcends time and tests the limits of survival. Known for his best-selling novels Dark Matter and Recursion, Crouch once again proves his storytelling prowess in this compulsive tale. The story begins on a chilling Christmas Day in 1893 when an entire mining town mysteriously vanishes. Every resident, from men and women to children, leaves behind their belongings, with meals left to freeze in vacant cabins. Miraculously, not a single bone is found. This enigma has intrigued and baffled many, and now journalist Abigail Foster and her historian father are determined to uncover the truth behind this bizarre incident. In their quest for answers, Abigail and her father embark on an exploration of the abandoned town, being accompanied by two backcountry guides. One of them is a psychic, offering a tantalizing possibility that the town might be haunted. Joining them is a paranormal photographer, hoping to capture evidence of the supernatural. Little do they know that the town's ghostly rumors are just the tip of the iceberg. As they venture deeper into the wilderness, twenty miles away from civilization, they become aware that they are not alone. A blizzard looms on the horizon, intensifying the sense of isolation and danger. With their survival hanging by a thread, the team must withstand the merciless elements and confront human adversaries who cross their path. They quickly realize that the town's secrets still possess a deadly power that can claim lives. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a riveting journey into the history of the old West. Moments of nail-biting suspense punctuate the narrative, as the characters face relentless challenges and unforeseen dangers. Crouch expertly weaves together historical elements and a thrilling survival plot, delivering a tale that is as blood-soaked as it is unexpected. Abandon explores themes of resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the lurking darkness within people's souls. As the small team battles both external threats and their own demons, they are pushed beyond their breaking points. The character development is masterful, revealing the complexities and vulnerabilities of each individual as they wrestle with their own pasts while fighting for their futures. Blake Crouch's writing captures the imagination with vivid descriptions of the hauntingly desolate town. The eerie atmosphere and palpable tension keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mystery and survive alongside the characters. In conclusion, Abandon is a gripping tale that combines elements of historical exploration and heart-pounding survival horror. Blake Crouch showcases his storytelling prowess, delivering a dark and surprising narrative that leaves readers emotionally invested from beginning to end. With each twist and turn, the secrets of the abandoned town are unraveled, leading to a shocking climax that will linger in readers' minds long after the final page is turned.