Steven Rowley has built a loyal readership over the years, and Take Me With You is the kind of book that will catch even his most devoted fans off guard — in ways both surprising and rewarding. 

The setup is instantly compelling: Jesse del Ruth, a college professor, gets out of bed one night to look for his husband, Norman, only to find him outside, standing in a beam of light. It’s a strange and striking premise, one that immediately captures the reader’s attention. Yet the novel that follows is much quieter than that opening scene might imply. Rather than turning mysterious encounter into spectacle or absurdity, Rowley uses it as a lens through which to explore more intimate concerns: grief, identity, and the disorienting ache of losing someone whose presence has long structured the patterns of everyday life. 

That tonal shift is where the novel will surprise readers most. Those who came expecting the laugh-out-loud warmth of Rowley's earlier work will find this a more subdued experience, and the pacing reflects that deliberate choice. The story builds less toward a dramatic climax than a gradual unfolding, giving Jesse the space to process everything at his own pace. It's a slow burn, and some readers may find themselves having to adjust their expectations along the way. 

Adding to that sense of unease is the opening scene itself, which is never explained. Rowley offers no answers about what happened to Norman or why, and the mystery lingers unresolved from start to finish. Some readers will find this frustrating, others fitting — but either way, it leaves you wanting more. In a story so focused on absence, the refusal to explain feels almost purposeful, mirroring the way real loss so often arrives without reason or closure. 

Even so, the character work keeps the story grounded and engaging. Jesse is drawn with care and emotional honesty, and Rowley's long-standing gift for making characters feel real and recognizable remains fully intact. Even without major plot fireworks, the emotional core feels genuine enough to hold attention from beginning to end. 

Take Me With You may not be the first Steven Rowley novel to recommend to new readers, but for those already familiar with his writing, it's a worthwhile and thought-provoking read. It's a tonal departure, yes — more serious, more contemplative — but one that lingers well after the final page and signals a writer willing to stretch beyond what's comfortable. That alone makes this book worthwhile. 

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