Neil Weber is down on his luck. He’s a college professor with his eyes on tenure, only to discover that his academic research is in jeopardy after new information comes to light. Plus, his ex-wife Phaedra works in the same department and he has to see her nearly every day. Oh, and her new husband Tim is also a fellow professor. Needless to say, Neil is struggling in all matters of his life. When one of the university’s students, Lucia Vanotti, goes missing, he’s compelled to find her. She becomes his new purpose. But the more he learns about her life and moments leading up to her disappearance, the more secrets he learns about the people around him. The Department by Jacqueline Faber is a dual POV psychological suspense novel that follows both Lucia and Neil as their obsessions propels them into a downward spiral, leading them to confront their own trauma and behavior.
Book
Neil takes it upon himself to investigate the whereabouts and last sightings of Lucia. He speaks to his students, Lucia’s friends, family, and her boyfriend. But his sleuthing also leads him back to Phaedra. And he learns things about his friend and colleague, Jack, who might know more than he’s letting on. In fact, everyone he speaks to seems to be hiding something. Which only drives him further into obsession over the missing girl and other secrets his town is hiding. Little does he realize that his own dark past and trauma drive his behavior. He refuses to be a bystander – but the cost might be more than he’s prepared for.
Lucia, on the other hand, also struggles with PTSD. An incident from her childhood leads her to self-destructive behavior as a young adult. She becomes trapped in her own obsession. And that behavior leads her down a path of no return. And by the time she realizes it, it’s too late.
Review
Faber delivers a strong, fast-paced, captivating debut with The Department. All the characters are multidimensional. They are secretive, admirable, sympathetic, flawed, and realistic. Seeing as nearly all characters are suspicious, readers can’t quite determine who is to blame for Lucia’s disappearance. And when the truth comes to light, readers won’t see it coming. Philosophy is also a prevailing theme in the book. The author connects these themes with the characters’ actions, making for a page-turning suspense that readers won’t be able to put down.
Readers should be aware of potential trigger warnings: sexual assault, domestic violence, infidelity, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and misogyny.
Jacqueline Faber joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to discuss her experiences as a debut author and plans for the future. Keep an ear out for the episode and pick up a copy of The Department, available now.
