by Jessica Knoll

A Mystery/Thriller, 2023 by Marysue Rucci Books, 378 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• Content Warning: Child sexual abuse, grooming, death, blood, implied rape or sexual assault, misogyny 
• The fact that there are truths mixed in among fiction with no way to tell them apart is odd. 
• Weird vibe. It’s hard to explain, but this one just had a vibe that’s sort of OFF. You spend time with two POV characters but you feel like you don’t know them at all. You’re supposed to be getting THEIR SIDE of the story, and you are. But it feels like getting facts without connecting to anyone. It’s weird. 

What I Did Like:

• I adore that we’re telling true parts of this story without giving name to the defendant we’re referencing. Also the focus on the defendant being VILE and EVIL is important. If you’re going to draw from this true case, even a little, you HAVE to stand out.  
• Tina is a great character. All of the quotes I flagged were her speaking. She’s a strong woman who stands up for women. I loved her and the strength she lends to others. 
• As a historical piece, this one does a good job of getting the cultural mindset of young women in 1970s-1980s America right. I appreciated the way Pamela always worried about being polite and how Ruth had to always be thinking of her mother and her image. It’s accurate and heartbreaking at the same time.  

Who Should Read This One:

• Readers who want a story that focuses on giving a voice to victims and NOT a killer. 

My Rating: 3 Stars