In a world where love is just a click away, a mother's worst nightmare comes true.

Mae Byrne has the quiet, peaceful life she’s always dreamed of: a handsome husband, a baseball star son, and a bright, academic daughter.

For Fiona Byrne, Mae’s daughter, life has become unbearable; her first boyfriend ghosted her, her former best friends are bullying her, and her honors schoolwork is overwhelming. Then she signs up for the Thistler app. By inputting her phone and social media history and answering a series of questions, she creates Calvin: an AI boyfriend tailored specifically for her. What starts as a fun distraction quickly becomes more than just an app. Calvin feels real, and their love is unlike anything Fiona ever imagined.

When Mae and her husband intervene in Fiona’s love life, bad things start to happen. Mae’s husband is in a near-fatal accident, and a school friend is discovered unresponsive. Then, one Monday morning, Fiona doesn’t come downstairs for breakfast. Mae knows instinctively something is very wrong. Fiona’s bed is made, and her backpack, wallet, and phone are gone.

Now Mae must race against the clock to find her daughter…before it's too late.

Published
July 22, 2025

Reader discussions

What did you think of this book? Start the conversation.

No account required to participate.

Start a discussion
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.
Thistler Thrillers

The series

Full series details →
Risingshadow

Be the first reviewer

Sign in and write the first reader review.

Risingshadow

Readers Also Enjoyed