I typically really like these kinds of books. Fun, twisty mystery thrillers written in a fast-paced style, with a female protagonist in the middle of it all. Throw in a genuinely creepy child and some intense family drama, and it should have been an easy 5-star read. Except, it wasn't.

As the plot unfolded and the story developed, it felt more and more... contrived. Like the author had tightly plotted the book at the beginning and was now writing to tie all the pieces together. The ending was as inevitable as though she'd telegraphed it from page one (which, in a way, she had). No doubt the twist was supposed to be shocking and unexpected, but by the time it finally arrived, it was neither.

I found the buildup to the climax incredibly slow, and while I liked Clara well enough, she jumped to some really odd conclusions about a few of the other characters, and I found myself rolling my eyes. Having said all that, I enjoyed Way's writing style, and I would be willing to read more by this author. ( )

This twisty psychological thriller is told on 2 separate timelines, the present and the 1980s, and even if you figure out what one has to do with the other, the ending hits you like a freight train.
In the present, Clara and Luke have recently set up housekeeping and are madly in love when suddenly he disappears. At first Clara thinks he may have just had a few drinks and is sleeping it off somewhere but it soon becomes apparent that something more sinister is afoot. When Clare reports him missing, she learns some unsettling secrets that she was happier not knowing, and as she takes it upon herself to search for clues in his disappearance she learns some disturbing details that make her question how well she really knows him.
In the 1980s we meet Beth, a woman who longs to be a mother and who is finally blessed with a daughter that she and her husband Doug love more than life itself, even when it becomes apparent that their beautiful little girl doesn't seem to love them back, is unable to make friends, and terrorizes the other tots in daycare. Eventually we learn what these tow timelines have in common but even then, this tangled web of lies holds another shocking secret.
5 out of 5 stars
I received an advance copy for review. ( )

Amazing! Thank you again Secret Santa!! Absolutely loved this book. This was my first book by Camilla Way and I cannot wait to read others. I think that this is the best new author I have found so far this year. The level of suspense was perfect and pulled me in right away. I actually suspected the ending a few times but the author was able to throw in enough doubt that lead you in a different direction perfectly. ( )

Amazing! Thank you again Secret Santa!! Absolutely loved this book. This was my first book by Camilla Way and I cannot wait to read others. I think that this is the best new author I have found so far this year. The level of suspense was perfect and pulled me in right away. I actually suspected the ending a few times but the author was able to throw in enough doubt that lead you in a different direction perfectly. ( )

This book was a ride. Really enjoyed the characters and plot of the story. Even though it was predictable, I still liked it in the end! ( )