I am a massive fan of domestic drama and mystery. It is probably my favourite genre, so I am very excited today to bring you this gripping and original novel.
Blurb:
How far would you go to right a wrong?
Nine months ago, Tess’s five-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident. The driver, Brady Becker, was sentenced to two years in prison. It didn’t make Tess’s pain go away.
Brady also has a daughter: A twelve-year-old named Eve who walks to Chandler Middle School every day. Tess knows this because she’s been watching Eve for the last three weeks. It isn’t fair that Brady’s daughter gets to live, while Tess’s daughter does not.
When Eve goes missing, all eyes turn to Tess, who doesn’t have an alibi. But Tess isn’t guilty. Or so she believes.
My thoughts:
Would you do everything in your power to protect your child, no matter what the cost?
I was engaged in this book from the opening pages. They tell us about someone stalking a child or young girl. I didn’t expect it to be a woman, and I was completely unsure as to why Tess is following her, until we read further into the book. This definitely hooked me into the story and I was eager to find out more.
“Lily was my world, and I was hers, while Josh was mostly a tourist.”
This book explores complex familial relationships and includes complex characters that are well developed and interesting. As the layers of their personality are revealed, and we get to know more about them, we come to realise that they are flawed and struggling through. I obviously felt sorry for Tess and the situation she was in, but I disliked the way she judged others and their coping mechanisms.
The writer cleverly used the narrative devices of letters and notes. The fact that the letter, from Tess’ brother Colin, is revealed to Tess and not to us creates further tension and intrigue. The notes, delivered in red envelopes, with all the connotations that go with that, also create a threatening and strained atmosphere within the plot.
Overall, this has been a twisty and compelling read that explores quite difficult issues, including death, abuse and secrets. I have found the story to be complex, original and I was unable to predict where it was going.
“Hope, above all else, is the most dangerous cargo we choose to carry.”
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*Ceri's Lil Blog* 