The Weight of Silence

Heather Gudenkauf's first book is a remarkable tale of family commitment, honesty, and remorse that is masterfully written and exquisitely delivered. It will leave a lasting impression even after the final page is turned.

It occurs silently one morning in August. As dawn's shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night.

Cali Clark, seven years old, is a dreamer, kind, and compassionate. She was forced into profound stillness as a child due to a tragedy that caused selective mutism. Antonia, Calli's mother, did her best to be a mother under the constraints of her marriage to a husband who was often irate and generally absent. Even while she disputes that her husband could be connected to the potential kidnappings, she now worries that staying in her marriage has cost her more than just her daughter's voice.

Calli's voice, soul partner, and closest friend is Petra Gregory. But since their disappearance was reported, neither Petra nor Calli have been heard from. Martin Gregory is forced to face a part of himself behind his cerebral, professorial exterior as he searches desperately for his kid.

Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. The solution is also ensnared in the quiet of unshared family secrets.

Everyone is watching Heather's forthcoming witty locked-room thriller, so don't miss it!

And don't forget to check out Heather's other fantastic tales!

These Hidden Small Blessings Missing Parts

Not a Sound

Before She Was Found

This is How I Lied

The Overnight Guest