The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon

by:  Jennifer McMahon
published by:  William Morrow
publish date:  January 3, 2013

The summer of 1985 changed Reggie's life. Thirteen, awkward, and without a father, she finds herself mixed up with her school's outcasts-Charlie, the local detective's son, and Tara, a goth kid who has a mental hold over Reggie and harbors a dark secret. That same summer a serial killer called Neptune begins kidnapping women. He leaves their severed hands on the police department steps and, five days later, displays their bodies around town. Just when Reggie needs her mother Vera-an ex-model with many "boyfriends" and a thirst for gin-the most, Vera's hand is found on the steps. But after five days, there's no body and Neptune disappears.

I read Jennifer McMahon's Don't Breathe a Word and found that this book was similar to that book.  Both were good books, but I was a little surprised at the repeat of the "formula".  Both books are told in an alternating pattern of past and present.  Also, both books have a story line of female character disappearing then reappearing many years later. 

This book The One I Left Behind tells the story of Reggie and her mother Vera.  When Reggie was 13 a serial killer by the name of Neptune was terrorizing the town they lived in.  Vera disappeared and she was apparently his last victim, but her body was never found.  25 years later, Reggie is a successful architect and her mother shows up in a homeless shelter. 

I liked the story line of this book much better.  As a fan of serial killer books, I found this one to be well written and well laid out.  McMahon keeps the reader guessing throughout the entire book.  This book is one I'll definitely be recommending for the mystery fans.