Strange but True: A Novel

Now a Major Motion Picture starring Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, and Blythe Danner.“Sinister and complex.... You’ll race right through it.”—New York TimesAfter a mysterious fall from his New York City apartment, Philip Chase has moved back home with his mother, Charlene, a bitter woman who has never fully accepted the death of her younger son, Ronnie, five years earlier. Surrounded by memories of the family he no longer has, and trying to forget the reasons he left New York, Philip is in stasis.But everything changes late one windy February night when Ronnie's high school girlfriend shows up on their doorstep. A sad young woman who still bears the scars of the accident that took Ronnie's life, Melissa is nine months pregnant. The father, she claims, is Ronnie.Now Philip and his mother must confront not only Melissa's past but also their own: the secrets each has buried and the lies each has told. But not everyone wants the past exposed…. At once a moving story of redemption and a heart-stopping work of suspense, Strange but True “will hold you transfixed” (Salon.com).

Dennis Lehane

“A fine, unsettling novel with richly etched characters and a delicious sense of menace.”

Esquire

“Wonderfully entertaining.”

Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Exceptionally good.”

Carolyn Parkhusrt, author of The Dogs of Babel

“Imaginative and compelling....John Searles has created a novel that is sometimes eerie, sometimes thrilling, and always completely engaging.”

Augusten Burroughs, bestselling author of Running With Scissors and Dry

“John Searles’ novel illuminates the intricate dynamics of families with humor, heart, and truth.”

Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Lucia, Lucia

“Funny, mysterious and poignant....John Searles has created a novel to reread and treasure.”

Lisa Scottoline, bestselling author of Killer Smile

“This is a page-turner with characters you can never forget.”

New York Times

“This tale has a light, eccentric aspect....You’ll race right through it.”

San Francisco Chronicle

“’You know what’s coming next, but you don’t know all of it.’ This is the reason we keep reading.”

New York Newsday

“Energetic and witty...the plot rocks.”

Hartford Courant

“Pitch-perfect...this novel plays out as vividly as a movie....Who wouldn’t be sucked into this story?”

BookPage

“Searles’ portrayal of a family in collective emotional agony is spellbinding.”

From the Inside Flap

After a mysterious fall from his Manhattan apartment, Philip Chase has moved home with his mother, Charlene, a bitter woman who has never fully accepted the death ofher younger son, Ronnie, five years earlier. Numb from watching too much TV and trading snipes with his mother, Philip is in stasis. But everything changes one winter night when Ronnie's high school girlfriend shows up on their doorstep to deliver the news that she is pregnant ... and the father, she claims, is Ronnie.So begins the startling tale as Philip and his mother confront Melissa's past and their own. Their search for answers takes them on an emotional journey, placing them in the path of murder and revenge. At once a moving story of redemption and a heart-stopping work of suspense, Strange but True brings to life a cast of characters that no reader will soon forget.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.--Dennis Lehane

From the Back Cover

After a mysterious fall from his Manhattan apartment, Philip Chase has moved home with his mother, Charlene, a bitter woman who has never fully accepted the death ofher younger son, Ronnie, five years earlier. Numb from watching too much TV and trading snipes with his mother, Philip is in stasis. But everything changes one winter night when Ronnie's high school girlfriend shows up on their doorstep to deliver the news that she is pregnant ... and the father, she claims, is Ronnie.So begins the startling tale as Philip and his mother confront Melissa's past and their own. Their search for answers takes them on an emotional journey, placing them in the path of murder and revenge. At once a moving story of redemption and a heart-stopping work of suspense, Strange but True brings to life a cast of characters that no reader will soon forget.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

About the Author

John Searles is the author of the best-selling novels Boy Still Missing and Strange But True. John appears regularly as a book critic on NBC's Today Show. He has also appeared on CBS's The Early Show, Live! with Regis & Kelly and CNN to discuss his favorite book selections. He is is the Editor-at-Large of Cosmopolitan. His essays have been appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Daily Beast and other national publications. He lives in New York City and can be found on twitter @searlesbooks.

Reviews

News