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Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
J.E. Spina's How Far Is Heaven introduces the sudden disappearance of Parker Wilfork, a seemingly successful department store owner, after he travels to California for a mysterious business meeting. His wife, Priscilla, is left reeling, struggling to understand why he missed his flight home and can't be reached. The narrative follows Priscilla’s desperate search for answers, navigating the cold indifference of Parker's wealthy parents and the frustrating dead ends provided by the police. Simultaneously, a separate storyline unfolds involving a man who kidnaps children, including a young boy named Peter who is later found, and eventually, Parker and Priscilla's daughter, Deanna. The central conflict revolves around Priscilla's quest for truth and the interconnected mysteries of Parker’s disappearance and the child abductions. Can Priscilla unravel the mystery of her husband’s and daughter's disappearances, even with the help of an investigator? The climax is as satisfying as it is unexpected.
How Far Is Heaven features genuinely flawed and relatable characters, and J.E. Spina has the unique gift of exploring the characters' emotions. The pain that Priscilla and her two children experience after her husband disappears is palpable. Priscilla is portrayed as a strong woman forced to confront unimaginable loss and uncertainty. Her past, marked by the deaths of her parents and a difficult upbringing, has instilled in her a fierce independence, which is tested by Parker's vanishing act and the subsequent disappearance of her daughter. Though absent for most of the book, Parker is depicted through Priscilla's memories as a loving husband and father, driven to provide for his family. His mysterious business dealings in California introduce a layer of intrigue to the story. Sergeant Blake Furelli offers a compassionate counterpoint for Priscilla’s anguish. He is dedicated to solving the missing persons cases, and his past trauma of losing his wife and his son creates a powerful empathy with Priscilla's plight. This tale is well-plotted, impeccably written, and the captivating characters make it a must-read.
