Every Moment Since : A Novel – Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

Every Moment Since unravels the haunting aftermath of an 11-year-old boy’s disappearance in the tight-knit Southern town of Wynotte, North Carolina. When Davy Malcor vanishes without a trace, his family and community are left grappling with grief, guilt, and unanswered questions. Decades later, the discovery of Davy’s iconic Marty McFly jacket reignites the cold case, forcing those connected to confront buried secrets. Thaddeus, Davy’s brother, leverages the tragedy into a bestselling memoir, while his mother, Tabitha, battles private regrets. Anissa Weaver, now the family’s spokesperson, hides her own ties to the night Davy disappeared, and Gordon Swift, long suspected of involvement, faces renewed scrutiny.

Whalen’s prose weaves past and present, exploring how a single night fractures lives. The Malcors’ pain is visceral—Tabitha’s advocacy for victims’ rights masks her deepest shame, while Thaddeus’s success feels hollow amid half-truths. Anissa’s loyalty to the family clashes with her need to unburden herself, and Gordon’s quiet life unravels under public pressure. The novel delves into the weight of memory, the search for closure, and the resilience required to rebuild after devastation. As the mystery unfolds, the story asks: Can healing begin when the truth remains elusive?

The small-town setting amplifies the tension, with neighbors bound by shared trauma and suspicion. Whalen captures the ache of “what if” and the slow burn of regret, balancing heartbreak with glimmers of hope. Characters feel achingly real, their flaws and fears laid bare. The pacing builds steadily, mirroring the relentless passage of time and the lingering scars of loss.

Readers will find themselves immersed in a narrative that feels both intimate and universal, tackling themes of family, forgiveness, and the stories we tell to survive. The book’s emotional depth and layered storytelling make it a standout for fans of character-driven mysteries.