My Wife Is Missing

Two unreliable if initially credible narrators drive this strong domestic thriller from Palmer (The Perfect Daughter). Michael Hart returns to his New York hotel room with pizzas and sodas to find his wife, Natalie, and their two young children gone. Michael worries that Natalie decided the vacation was too much for her to handle and has returned to their suburban Boston home with the children. Natalie has been suffering from extreme insomnia resulting in hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety that has affected her marriage. But Natalie has planned their escape carefully, believing Michael has a violent streak, frightened he may harm them. The character-driven plot cleverly keeps who’s telling the truth an ingenious guessing game. Michael appears to be a concerned father and husband, worried about his family, yet he harbors deep secrets from his past. Natalie’s concern for her children is genuine, yet her erratic behavior makes her fearful of everything as she often puts her family in harm’s way. Realistic twists and appealing characters further elevate the story. Palmer once again shows he’s a master of suspense. Agents: Meg Ruley and Rebecca Scherer, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (May)