Or Else: A Thriller

Best Paperback Original Edgar Award Winner. A secret love affair between a novelist and his childhood friend turns fatal when an anonymous note warns him to end it or else. Rachel's husband is shot dead, and she and her two young sons vanish, leaving Andy to investigate the mystery and discover that everyone in the neighborhood is keeping secrets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

Best Paperback Original
Edgar Award Winner



In a gripping novel of suspense, Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe Hart explores the depths of a secret love that turns fatal. When novelist Andy Drake returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father, a reconnection with his childhood friend Rachel ignites into a passionate affair. For Rachel, trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage, it offers a respite from her tumultuous reality. However, their clandestine relationship is abruptly threatened when Andy receives an anonymous note warning him to end the affair or face dire consequences. Whispers of an unseen watcher loom over them, ready to exact their revenge.



Weeks later, Rachel's husband, David, is tragically shot dead. Rachel and her two young sons vanish without a trace, leaving Andy in a state of bewilderment and suspicion. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Andy unravels a web of secrets that extends beyond his own relationship. He discovers that he and Rachel were not the only ones keeping hidden agendas, and the quiet neighborhood he once knew is a façade concealing a darker reality.



With each clue uncovered, Andy's fear grows, as he realizes that he is being relentlessly pursued by an unknown adversary. The stakes have never been higher, and he knows that he must move quickly to unravel the truth before it's too late. But as he digs deeper, he discovers that the worst is yet to come. In a chilling twist, David is not the only one who will meet their demise. The consequences of Andy's actions will ripple through the lives of those around him, and he will be forced to face the ultimate price for his sins.



In this gripping tale of suspense, Joe Hart masterfully weaves a complex web of lies and deceit, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. "The Secret Love Affair" is a testament to Hart's talent for creating compelling characters and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked until the very end.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781542035125