Only She Came Back

Kiri Dunsmore, a suspect in the disappearance of Callum Massey, a survival guru with hundreds of thousands of YouTube followers, is befriended by Sam, a true-crime fanatic. Sam realizes there's more to the story than she had imagined and may put her at the center of the story.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

On a fateful July 28th, at the twilight hour of 6:30 p.m., Kiri Dunsmore emerged from the arid desert, her figure draped in her boyfriend's sweatshirt, stained with his blood. In a state of confusion and near unconsciousness, she stumbled into a convenience store and confided to a cashier that her boyfriend was still out there, likely lost and deceased. The disappearance of Callum Massey, a renowned survival guru with a vast following on YouTube, sent shockwaves across the nation, and Kiri found herself at the center of a relentless investigation.

In Kiri's hometown, a true-crime enthusiast named Sam was utterly captivated by the case, particularly after recognizing the suspect as the timid Katie, a classmate from their high school days. Despite their limited interaction, Sam's curiosity drove her to reach out and initiate a friendship with her former classmate. However, as Kiri began to confide in Sam, she realized that there was a deeper layer to the story, one that she had not anticipated.

Sam's instincts told her that there was more to Kiri's involvement than what was readily apparent. She delved deeper, seeking out information and connecting the dots in an attempt to unravel the truth. As she dug deeper, Sam discovered that Kiri had a hidden connection to Callum Massey, a relationship that went beyond mere acquaintanceship. Kiri's secrets were intertwined with the enigmatic disappearance, and revealing them could potentially propel her to the center of the story, a place she had always longed for.

However, with great power came great responsibility. Sam knew that she had to tread carefully, balancing her desire for justice with Kiri's privacy. She struggled with the moral dilemma of whether to expose Kiri's role in the disappearance or to keep her secrets safe. As she weighed her options, Sam realized that the truth was not always black and white, and that there were shades of gray that needed to be considered.

In the end, Sam made a decision that was both difficult and selfless. She chose to protect Kiri's secrets, knowing that it was the right thing to do. She understood that Kiri had been through a traumatic experience and that revealing her involvement could further harm her. Sam knew that Kiri deserved the chance to come forward on her own terms, to face the consequences of her actions if necessary.

Despite the weight of her decision, Sam couldn't shake the feeling that there was still more to the story. She continued to investigate, using her resources and connections to gather any additional information that could shed light on the case. She worked tirelessly, day and night, until she finally uncovered the truth that had eluded her for so long.

The revelation was both shocking and unexpected. Kiri had been manipulated by Callum Massey, a charismatic and manipulative individual who had used her as a pawn in his twisted game. Callum had orchestrated the disappearance, using Kiri's connection to him to create a false sense of security. He had planned to use Kiri's knowledge of the desert to his advantage, but things had gone awry, and he had lost control.

As Sam confronted Kiri with the truth, Kiri broke down in tears. She had been living in a state of fear and confusion, unable to comprehend the gravity of her actions. She had been manipulated by Callum, and she had been unable to see the truth until it was too late.

In the aftermath of the revelation, Kiri faced the consequences of her actions. She was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The case garnered national attention, and Kiri became a media sensation. However, through it all, Sam remained by her side, supporting her and advocating for her innocence.

Kiri's trial was a long and arduous process, but in the end, justice was served. Callum Massey was convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Kiri was exonerated of all charges, and her reputation was restored.

As Sam looked back on the case, she realized that it had taught her a valuable lesson about the importance of empathy and the power of truth. She had been drawn to Kiri's story because of her fascination with true crime, but she had come to understand that the stories of real people were far more complex and nuanced than anything that could be portrayed on television or in a book.

In the end, Sam and Kiri remained friends, a bond forged through the shared experience of navigating the treacherous waters of the criminal justice system. They had both learned important lessons about the consequences of their actions and the importance of seeking out the truth. And although Kiri's journey had been fraught with danger and uncertainty, she had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before.

In conclusion, the disappearance of Callum Massey and Kiri Dunsmore's involvement in it had a profound impact on both of their lives. It was a story of manipulation, deceit, and the search for truth. Through it all, Sam had shown incredible empathy and courage, standing by Kiri's side and advocating for her innocence. And although Kiri had faced her share of challenges, she had emerged from the ordeal stronger and more resilient than ever before. The case had taught them both important lessons about the importance of empathy, the power of truth, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 148 x 217 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316536080