Sarah Pekkanen's new summer thriller is a page-turner and a great listen!
A once picture-perfect family is going through a messy divorce. Both parents are fighting for sole custody. Their nanny plunged out a window to her death, but was it an accident? The nine-year-old girl caught in the middle who witnessed the event has traumatic mutism and collects sharp objects. Could one of the parents be a killer? Best Interest Attorney Stella never accepts clients under thirteen due to her own traumatic childhood, but her childhood mentor, a revered judge, thinks Stella is the only one who can help.
This grabbed me from the start and did not let go! It's super compelling and well-written, tense, suspenseful, and creepy. I loved the author's writing style and how she drew me ever deeper into the puzzle filled with revelations that constantly shifted my suspicions. And the subplot regarding Stella's childhood is also intriguing. I was so invested that I stayed up reading way past bedtime. The book's second half is unputdownable!
All of the characters were so vividly depicted, especially Stella and Rose. Both are complex and layered, and the story examines some facets of childhood trauma through them. This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I loved this!
Laura Benanti narrated the audiobook, and she was outstanding. Every character was full of life, every emotion fully expressed. Her performance added to the suspense and eerieness of the story. I listened at 1.5x speed, and everything was clear and easy to understand. Highly recommend both the book and the audiobook! Very entertaining!
Pub Day: August 6, 2024
352 pages
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the free book and audiobook!
My steep was Dark TranquliTea by BrutaliTeas from my June @AmodaTea box. A dark puerh with orange peel, cacao nibs, and lavender
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