The Wayside

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What to expect

The Wayside is a haunting, elegantly drawn psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Secret History, Big Little Lies, and The Maidens.

When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.

Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, The Wayside is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.

Critics Review

“Prepare to be enthralled by The Wayside, a riveting exploration of the human psyche and the haunting truths that lie beneath the surface.”

Michelle Gagnon, bestselling author of Killing Me

“The Wayside, Caroline Wolff’s exquisitely written debut novel, paints a compelling portrait of grieving mother, Kate Cleary, who returns to her son Jake’s prestigious liberal arts college to investigate the circumstances surrounding his mysterious death. Gothic undertones pervade the eerie campus setting as Kate discovers secrets about Jake’s past. Brimming with atmosphere, this haunting new voice in dark academia will delight fans of Alex Michaelides’s The Maidens, Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale, and M. L. Rio’s If We Were Villains.”

Joanna Margaret, author of The Bequest

“Caroline Wolff’s The Wayside has everything—the right kind of psychology and twists and turns for a wonderful, can’t-put-down thriller!”

Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author of Phantom Evil

“An academic thriller in the vein of The Secret History but with its own brilliant pulse, Caroline Wolff’s The Wayside is a twisty meditation on grief and the haunting pursuit for answers. I couldn’t stop the pages from turning. Read this great debut novel now!”

Lee Matthew Goldberg, Lefty- and Anthony Award–nominated author of The Mentor and The Great Gimmelmans

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