I haven’t had much luck with thrillers so far this month. I read Stacy Willingham’s “Only If You’re Lucky” in December and really liked it, but every thriller since then has just been okay for me. I am happy to say that this book broke the cycle! This novel is thrilling, captivating, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a must-read for fans of suspense and psychological thrillers.

The story revolves around three sisters, Emma, Juliette, and Daphne, whose parents were murdered when they were younger. The culprit was never caught, but people in their town believed that headstrong Emma and an older boy she was rumored to be dating had killed them in an act of rebellion.

Years later, Emma and her husband are in a desperate situation. Emma is pregnant, work is slow for her, and her husband has lost his job. They were supposed to close on a house, but their loan was declined, which means they are essentially homeless. Fortunately, Emma and her sisters still own the family home, so Emma and her husband move in with a plan to remodel the place, sell it, and then buy a new home.

For Emma, returning home means facing her past and the dark secrets that surround her family. As she tries to rebuild her relationship with her sisters and protect her own family, Emma discovers that the secrets they have kept buried for so long have put them all in danger once again.

Marshall’s writing style is bold and creative, drawing readers into the story from the very first page. The author’s ability to twist and turn the plot without causing whiplash is a godsend. Twists don’t feel forced, and I never felt lost. The reveals are perfectly timed, keeping readers guessing and eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters.

The characters are well-developed, and I loved that we got to hear from all three sisters. Emma is a complex and relatable protagonist with layers of secrets and inner turmoil. Juliette, the oldest, who was always the perfect daughter growing up, is no longer little miss prim and proper, and Daphne, the youngest, isn’t as innocent and clueless as they once thought.

The small-town setting adds another layer of intrigue to the novel. The close-knit community is filled with theories of what really happened, and coming home to this isn’t easy for Emma. The townsfolk make it known that she’s not welcome, but Emma is determined to find out what really happened that night, not only to clear her name but to give herself a fresh start. Marshall effectively portrays the dynamics of a small town, where rumors spread like wildfire, and everyone seems to know more than they’re letting on. There are also others in town who have something to lose if the truth is revealed, adding an even deeper layer of intrigue.

The structure of the novel is another strong suit. We hear from all three sisters, and we jump between the past and present. The mystery around the murders is gradually revealed, which helps to build suspense all the way to the very shocking final twist.

Overall, this is a bold and creative thriller that will captivate readers. I loved “What Waits in the Woods” by this author and enjoyed this one just as much, if not more. Kate Alice Marshall has proven herself to be a talented storyteller and has become an auto-buy author for me. If you’re a fan of suspense or psychological thrillers, I highly recommend this book. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping and twisty murder mystery.