Set in a seemingly tight-knit Georgia town, the novel opens with the disappearance of two teenage girls during a Fourth of July celebration—an event that fractures the illusion that everyone knows everyone. Officer Emmy Clifton takes the case personally, and what unfolds is a layered mystery spanning years, riddled with secrets, guilt, and long-simmering resentments.
What worked for me? The pacing is fast, the tension stays high, and the twists absolutely deliver. I loved how Slaughter kept peeling back the layers—just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, she pulls the rug out again. And again.
That said, the story does get a bit bogged down with backstory at times, and a few of the small-town details feel more like filler than flavor. But overall, this is a strong series opener with compelling characters and a finale that packs a punch.
If you like your thrillers dark—but not too dark—and full of jaw-dropping turns, this one’s worth the ride.
** Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and William Morrow for a comp. Opinions are my own.