I’m going to be honest, I was really surprised when Reese picked this as her December book club pick. The book was released back in April and the reviews weren’t especially strong. I actually pre-ordered the book when I first read the synopsis but then put it off when I read the reviews.

The book’s premise initially intrigued me, as it promised a mysterious and captivating storyline. However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself feeling somewhat unsatisfied. The plot, though filled with potential, lacked originality and failed to deliver the promised surprises. The events that unfold throughout the book felt all too familiar, and I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to similar stories I had read in the past.

This novel follows the lives of two best friends, Bess and Joni, as they navigate the aftermath of a tragic event that occurred during their teenage years. The story unfolds through alternating timelines – in 2008 when the initial tragedy occurred, and ten years later, in 2018, when another tragedy brings them back together.

When we first meet Bess, she’s living in the California desert, far from prying eyes. When her best friend Evangeline died in Greece while in the company of Bess and Joni, the two were immediately suspects in their friend’s death, and the media were horrible toward them. Bess has had enough of the limelight for a lifetime. Joni, on the other hand, has a career as a motivational speaker. She took the tragedy and owned what it did to her, ending up with a very profitable career and a sexy, young influencer as her fiancée. But, when the fiancée goes missing, and Joni appears on Bess’ doorstep asking for help in the form of an alibi, old wounds are reopened.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. As I mentioned earlier, I felt as though I’d read this book before. I kept waiting for something to surprise me, but unfortunately, that never happened. The story, the situations, and the characters were all very cookie-cutter and held no surprises.

Berman’s writing style, while adequate, did little to elevate the overall experience. The prose was straightforward and lacked the depth and nuance that could have brought the story to life.

The characters, though flawed and relatable to an extent, lacked the complexity needed to make them truly compelling. Bess, the protagonist, often came across as passive and indecisive, making it difficult for me to fully invest in her journey. Joni, on the other hand, displayed a manipulative and opportunistic nature that made it hard to sympathize with her. As I mentioned earlier, there were no surprises here. The characters behaved exactly as I expected them to, and there was zero growth.

One aspect of the book that did stand out was its exploration of the impact of media scrutiny and public perception on the lives of its characters. Berman adeptly delves into the consequences of being thrust into the spotlight and the lingering effects it can have on individuals even years after the event. This exploration added depth to the story and provided some thought-provoking moments.

Overall, while not a standout novel in its genre, the book offers a moderately engaging story with moments of introspection. The lack of originality and underdeveloped characters may leave some readers wanting more, but those who enjoy exploring themes of redemption and the lasting impact of past events may find something to appreciate. Ultimately, this book fell short for me.