Happiness Falls. Finished 1-16-25, 4.75/5 stars, Mystery. 387 pages, 2023
“Our brains are hardwired to want resolution, to want the answer. The bigger and broader the mystery, the deeper the satisfaction when it’s resolved (a variation on Dad’s low baseline theory). They turn the pages and join the search party, to accelerate the process of solving the puzzle, of turning it into a different kind of story.”
Why did I wait so long to read this?!
One day Eugene, a non speaking teen with Angelman Syndrome, shows up at home, agitated and without his dad. Told in first person from 20 year old Mia’s point of view, this mystery has many layers of mystery. Where is Adam and who is this mystery woman who left messages on his phone? And why are the police interested in Eugene? Mia, her twin John, her Mom, and Eugene are thrown into a world with more questions than answers and more turmoil than it first seemed. Who is this dad they are learning about it? Did they know him at all?
This is set during Covid lockdown time. Personally, learning more about Angelman Syndrome and the risks and dangers of how it’s perceived in the world outside the home spoke to me. The whole question of how much nonspeaking individuals know and if alternate ways of communicating can be found was something worth reflection. There is not enough autistic representation in stories and Kim tied Eugene into the mystery flawlessly.
The end left some questions and I loved that. It felt real.
Stacy's Books 
I have a copy of this in my stacks (thanks, Mom!) but haven’t made time to read it yet. I skimmed your review since I prefer to go into my books cold, but am very happy to see your high rating. Moving it to my nightstand! Thanks, Staci.
So, it’s quirky and I listened to it. Reading the book may have irritated me because of the footnotes. Yes, footnotes. The audio made that a nonissue. I also think I connected with the autism aspect. I hope you like it!
I also have this book – on my Kindle. Haven’t read it yet, but not sure why. It does sound quite intriguing and so I’ll try to read it in the next few weeks. I remember the author’s previous book, Miracle Creek, and I liked that one. Thanks for telling about it, Stacy!
So, it’s quirky and I listened to it. Reading the book may have irritated me because of the footnotes. Yes, footnotes. The audio made that a nonissue. I also think I connected with the autism aspect. I hope you like it!