Ask For Andrea by Noelle W Ihli is a gripping novel that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, the story follows Meghan as she navigates a harrowing encounter that forces her to confront her fears and fight for her life. The narrative delves into the emotional struggles of the characters, particularly focusing on Meghan's internal conflict and the dynamics with those around her. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy suspenseful fiction with strong character development and emotional depth.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of survival and resilience in a suspenseful narrative
  • Set in the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah, with a gripping plot
  • Follows protagonist Meghan's harrowing journey of self-discovery
  • Delves into complex human relationships and emotional struggles
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Noelle W Ihli
231 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Noelle W Ihli
231 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
165
/ 231
1. MEGHAN
OQUIRRH MOUNTAINS, UTAH
1 YEAR BEFORE
Despite the crushing weight of him, my brain screamed at me to run.
Run, it demanded as he grunted and pulled the scarf—my scarf—
tighter around my neck.
Instead I lay frozen, like a mouse under a cat’s paw, until the vise of
pressure and pain suddenly released.
He looked at me for a few seconds as he got to his feet, his mouth
turned down in disgust. He was breathing hard. His pale face hovered
above me in the darkness, the distinctive mole on his cheek a stark
punctuation mark.
He let the limp, pink-and-green scarf fall to the ground beside me.
Run, my brain roared again. RUN!
I still didn’t move. I didn’t even blink.
He turned toward the car he’d precariously parked on the shoulder
of the rutted dirt road.
I could only imagine what he’d left in the trunk. But if I didn’t
move, I knew I’d find out.
So that’s when I finally ran, bolting into the shadows of the pines
that beckoned with hiding places, if not safety.
I scrambled down a steep embankment toward a dry stream bed,
pushing myself faster and willing myself not to fall, no longer even
conscious of the pain in my throat.
I wasn’t sure where I was going. All I knew was that I needed to put
as much distance as I could between myself and the spotless blue Kia
Sorento. And more importantly, I needed to get away from the soft-
spoken, fine-as-hell man who drove it: The needle, I’d called him when I
told Sharesa about our upcoming date. As in, the needle in a deep
haystack of bachelors on the MatchStrike app: divorced dads with kids,
complicated custody agreements, and cringey gym-bathroom selfies.
Jimmy was different. With his dark amber eyes, a close-shaved
beard along his angular jawline and a hard-part haircut, he was a dead
ringer for Chris Hemsworth.
When I showed Sharesa his photo, she’d actually squealed.
I, on the other hand, had kept my expectations in check. I wasn’t
new to the online dating scene. I’d taken an Uber to Gracie’s Spot in Salt
Lake after my shift and braced to meet Chris Hemsworth’s creepy cousin.
I even texted Sharesa on my way. Call me in an hour with an out? I could
see the text bubbles appear immediately after I hit send. Whatever, you
know you’re thirsty. I rolled my eyes. More bubbles. … I’ll call <3.
We talked in the back booth of Gracie’s until last call at eleven. I
texted Sharesa from the bathroom that there was no need to rescue me
after all. She’d replied immediately, like always: Thirrrrrsty.
As I washed my hands, a paper sign taped to the bathroom mirror
caught my attention. “On a date that isn’t going well? Do you feel unsafe
or just a little uneasy? Ask for Andrea at the bar. We’ll make sure you get
home safe.” I smiled as I dried my hands, grateful I didn’t need to ask.
Not tonight. Not with him.
I stopped looking at the sign and studied myself in the mirror. I’d
taken extra time with my hair, which I usually let fall in a blunt line
across my shoulders. Earlier, I had coaxed it into waves that looked like
spun gold in the restaurant lighting. I reapplied some of the deep pink
lipstick that had become my signature accessory over the years and
pressed my lips together, wondering if he’d kiss me later.
I had two beers over the course of the evening. Not enough to get
me drunk or anything. Just enough to take the edge off my nerves.
Because he did not in fact look like Chris Hemsworth’s creepy cousin. He
was thoughtful and funny. Even the large mole on his cheek somehow
made him all the more attractive.
He drank ginger ale. It didn’t faze me. I lived in Utah, after all.
The last thing I remember was feeling a little bit too warm. And
really, really happy. The syrup-colored lights blazing in the trendy sputnik
chandeliers suddenly had these little auras surrounding them. So when he
/ 231
End of Document
165

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Noelle’s two great passions are murder and horses (separately, never
Ask For Andrea by Noelle W Ihli — September 17th

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FAQs

What happens to Meghan in 'Ask For Andrea'?
In 'Ask For Andrea,' Meghan is attacked by a man she met through an online dating app. After a seemingly pleasant date, she wakes up in a dark forest with her scarf around her neck, realizing she has been strangled. Despite her attempts to escape, she ultimately succumbs to her injuries, and her body is left in the woods, leading to a haunting narrative that intertwines with other characters.
Who is Brecia in 'Ask For Andrea'?
Brecia is another character in 'Ask For Andrea' who becomes a ghost after being murdered by the same man who killed Meghan. She follows him after her death, trying to understand his actions and seeking justice for herself and other victims. Brecia's story reveals her past, her relationship with her family, and her attempts to warn others about the dangers posed by the killer.
How does the theme of haunting manifest in the novel?
The theme of haunting in 'Ask For Andrea' is portrayed through the experiences of both Meghan and Brecia, who remain tied to the living world after their deaths. They follow their murderer, trying to influence the outcomes of events and warn potential victims. The narrative explores how their spirits interact with the living, particularly through memories and emotional connections, emphasizing the lingering impact of trauma and loss.
What role does the character Skye play in the story?
Skye is a key character in 'Ask For Andrea' who becomes intertwined with the stories of Meghan and Brecia. After her own murder, she joins forces with the other two ghosts, sharing memories and experiences. Skye's presence adds depth to the narrative, as she grapples with her own unfinished business while seeking justice for herself and her fellow victims.
What is the significance of the title 'Ask For Andrea'?
The title 'Ask For Andrea' refers to a safety initiative mentioned in the story, where a woman can ask for help at a bar if she feels unsafe on a date. This concept highlights the importance of awareness and support systems for individuals in potentially dangerous situations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of threats, particularly in the context of online dating.
How do the characters cope with their deaths?
In 'Ask For Andrea,' the characters cope with their deaths by remaining connected to the living world through memories and emotional ties. Meghan, Brecia, and Skye each navigate their experiences as ghosts, trying to influence events and seek justice. Their interactions reveal the complexities of grief, the desire for closure, and the struggle to find peace after violent endings.

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