From one of America’s best loved and most prolific novelists: the story of a woman coming to terms with the violent death of her mother, and uncovering all the hidden secrets stowed away over the years.

Praise for Joyce Carol Oates and ‘Mother, Missing’: ‘One of the female frontrunners for the title of Great American Novelist.' Maggie Gee, Sunday Times 'A writer of extraordinary strengths…she has dealt consistently with what is probably the great American theme – the quest for the creation of self…Her great subject, naturally, is love.' Ian Sansom, Guardian ‘Unlike anything else she has ever written…A very strong and readable novel; the rivalry between the two sisters is especially well observed.’ Edmund White, Books of the Year, Time Literary Supplement 'This is a wonderfully engaging story about the difficult relationship between mothers and daughters, sibling dynamics, family secrets and, of course the larger themes of love and loss from one of America's most prolific and interesting writers who never fails to deliver.' Daily Mail 'Her prose is peerless and her ability to make you think as she re-invents genres is unique. Few writers move so effortlessly from the gothic tale to the psychological thriller to the epic family saga to the lyrical novella. Even fewer authors can so compellingly and entertainingly tell a story.' Jackie McGlone, Scotland on Sunday 'Novelists such as John Updike, Philip Roth, Tom Wolfe and Norman Mailer slug it out for the title of the Great American Novelist. But maybe they're wrong. Maybe, just maybe, the Great American Novelist is a woman.' The Herald

Includes PS Section • The major new novel from the author of ‘Middle Age’, ‘Blonde’ and ‘The Falls’. •’Middle Age’ has sold over 20,000 copies in the UK. • Lead review coverage anticipated across the board for one of the world’s most important writers, and an author who is repeatedly proposed for the title of ‘The Great American Novelist’. Competition: Barbara Kingsolver; Margaret Atwood