This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. I’ve heard great things – especially about “The Last Housewife,” which I own but still haven’t read. The premise of this one sounded right up my alley. I had pre-ordered a copy and started reading it the same day it was released. While I didn’t hate the book by any means, I was left feeling a little underwhelmed in the end.

In this book, readers are transported to the small, God-fearing, southern coastal town of Bottom Springs, Louisiana. We are immediately introduced to Ruth Cornier, a librarian who has always felt like an outsider in her own community despite being local royalty. Ruth is the daughter and only child of the town’s fire and brimstone preacher. Ruth was always raised to be the obedient child and endured her God-fearing parent’s strict ways for many years, but when she stumbles upon a donated copy of “Twilight” at the local library, it awakens something in her. Then, one evening, Ruth sneaks out for a date with an older guy who is new to town. When he forces himself on Ruth, the son of the town drunk saves her, but this salvation comes at a price. The actions of that night are the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Ruth and Everett – the two of them forever bound by what happened that night.

Seven years later, human remains are found in the swampy area where Ruth was attacked, and soon Ruth and Everett find themselves embroiled in the mystery. When another set of remains is found, it’s up to Ruth and Everett to find out what is really going on – their lives and freedom depend on it.

The book is full of interesting characters. Ruth is a woman struggling to find her place in a town filled with prejudice and superstition. Her friendship with Everett, who harbors a troubled past, adds an interesting dynamic to the story. I loved Ruth’s rebellion and her sweet friendship with Everett. I rooted for them the entire time. On the flip side, Ruth’s parents are awful, horrid people (as most fire and brimstone people are) and are more concerned with their status in the town and their wealth than Ruth’s well-being.

The setting of the book is also vividly depicted by the author. I could feel the heat and humidity hanging in the air. I lived in the South for a few years and am familiar with these small, God-fearing towns. I could easily picture Bottom Springs.

I think my biggest problem with this book was I wasn’t ever completely sure where it was going. I went into it thinking I was going to get something paranormal out of it. The summary mentioned a local urban legend, and the cover gives werewolf vibes, but aside from Ruth’s “Twilight” obsession, we don’t get werewolves or vampires, and the local urban legend is whispered about but never evolves past that. There is some witchcraft involved, but it felt slightly underdeveloped.

Despite the fact that the pacing and the story felt a little uneven to me, I did like the ending. While the reveal of what had really been happening in Bottom Springs was a little underwhelming, the last few pages – especially the ending – was pretty fast-paced. I liked how it all ended; I just wish I had enjoyed the entire book as much as I enjoyed the last few pages.

Overall, I felt the book could have used a little more focus. I also realize I am in the minority here because many people have loved this one. For me, it wasn’t awful; it was just okay.