The Flock

In this riveting postapocalyptic thriller from Scott (Lost River), the world has been rocked by multiple catastrophes, including a terrible new disease that’s “a silent killer of children across the globe that now affects adults.” In the late 20th century, Etan Laure founded the Ark of Lazarus, “a uniquely American cult of the internet era, adept at using the web and social media to promote their beliefs to a wider audience.” But in 2015, most of its members immolated themselves at its New Mexico headquarters. In 2025, Sybilla, Etan’s daughter, who left it before the mass suicide, is devastated to return to her isolated Colorado home to find her husband, Noah, murdered and their 11-year-old daughter, Rennie, missing. Her dogged quest to save Rennie from her abductors, who she suspects are linked to her former life, alternates with a police investigation into Noah’s murder. The shift of perspectives between Sybilla and police chief Elise Blue enhances suspense while fleshing out their personalities, and trial transcripts and news accounts help make this dystopian future feel real. Admirers of Justin Cronin will want to check this one out. Agent: Carlie Webber, Fuse Literary. (Sept.)