This crime novel is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark complexities of relationships, betrayal and the human psyche.
Set against the backdrop of Atlanta, the novel follows the story of a woman whose seemingly perfect life is shattered when she’s brutally attacked and left for dead.
The police investigation continues but the trail goes cold until a chance assignment takes investigator Will Trent to the state penitentiary, and to a prisoner who says he recognises the modus operandi.
The attack looks identical to the one he was accused of eight years earlier; the prisoner has always insisted that he was innocent and now he is sure he has proof.
The killer is still out there and as Will digs into both crimes it becomes clear that he must solve the original case to reach the truth.
A decade has passed, giving time for memories to fade, witnesses to vanish, evidence to disappear.
Karen Slaughter’s writing is both visceral and evocative, immersing readers in the tension and emotional turmoil that ensues.
The narrative is expertly crafted, alternating between past and present, gradually revealing the secrets that lie beneath the surface of the main protagonist’s life and the lives of those around her.
Themes of grief, revenge and the moral ambiguity of justice are explored in a thought-provoking manner.
Slaughter doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human emotions, showcasing how love can turn into something darker when faced with trauma and loss.
Her keen insight into human behaviour and her ability to weave an intricate plot make this novel a standout in the genre.
It is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate a deep dive into the darker aspects of human nature.
This book leaves a mark; I don’t think you can read it without being affected, even just a little.
It is dark, it is emotional and often brutal, but then the subject matter is not one that can simply be glossed over.
It is a book you probably need to take a break from, if even only for a short while, as Slaughter leads you into a dark and deadly case some eight years in its execution.
It is clinical rather than graphic, but it is still brutal and will get under your skin without question.
If sexual assault is a difficult subject to read for you, then you might wish to steer clear of this book as the author is not shy in laying it all out for the reader.
Outside of the nature of the attacks, this is a complex and mystery-laden investigation, laced with tension to keep you on edge.
This book had my emotions all over the place, for so many different reasons.
It is littered with characters you cannot help but hate and those who are relatable and compelling.
This is Karin Slaughter at her dark, unforgiving, emotion wrangling best and fans who can stomach a walk on the darker side will not be disappointed.
Julie Chessman