Missing Sam
books by Thrity Umrigar
From bestselling author Thrity Umrigar, a thrilling and haunting story of an Indian-American woman who becomes the prime suspect when her wife goes missing. When Aliya and Samantha have a fight one night, Samantha goes for a run early the next morning—and doesn’t come back. Aliya reports her wife Samantha as missing, but as a gay and Muslim daughter of immigrants, she’s immediately suspected by her neighbors in Samantha's disappearance. Scared and furious and feeling isolated as everyone around her doubts her innocence, Aliya makes one wrong choice after another. All the while, Samantha is being held captive, strategizing how to escape before things escalate even more. Meanwhile, Aliya must fight to prove her innocence in the public eye and save her wife. But is safety ever truly possible for these women even after Samantha is rescued? A provocative examination of suburban mores, Missing Sam captures the terror manifested in today’s political climate, and the real dangers, both physical and psychological, of being Brown and queer in America. The author demonstrates an understanding of how readers process stories over time. Information is revealed at a pace that supports comprehension and interest. This careful pacing contributes to a smooth and enjoyable read. The book maintains a steady rhythm that supports immersion without rushing important developments. Readers are given time to absorb key moments, enhancing emotional impact and understanding.