Book club got me again! When my reading group picked Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan, my first thought was I haven’t read a Nicholas Spark’s book in over 30 years, and M. Night is a little too spooky for me. Another book not really in my wheelhouse. What am I doing in this book club? Several supernatural pages later, and I have to admit, I liked this book more than I ever imagined I would. A solid four stars for sure.
Tate Donovan is a New York architect who’s struggled with depression since the death of his beloved sister. On her deathbed, Sylvia informs Tate that she can see spirits that are still tethered to our world. (A gift Sylvia maintains their family is blessed with.) Tate doesn’t think much of otherworldly connections—he’s just trying to find a way to keep his head above water.
When Tate decides to head to Cape Cod to build his best friend’s dream house and give himself a fresh start in the game of life, he takes up residence in an old bed and breakfast that hasn’t had visitors for a very long time. Queue the spooky music. In the Cape, he meets Wren, the only person he’s noticed staying at the house. He’s drawn to her. Tate soon realizes that Wren may not be what she appears to be. The clock is ticking as he tries to uncover the gruesome truth that has Wren trapped. The twists and turns that follow will keep you spellbound, which is M. Night’s true talent.
Ryan Steck, a well-established reviewer of mysteries and thrillers, had this to say about Remain: “Think The Notebook meets The Sixth Sense, Remain is an atmospheric, emotional ghost story that blends romance and the supernatural with mixed but memorable results.” If Steck’s review doesn’t pique your interest, then maybe knowing M. Night is currently working on the movie Remain with Jake Gyllenhaal as Tate Donovan will.