I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment I read the synopsis of this book, I was intrigued. This novel takes a fresh and exciting perspective on the often complex topics of grief, PTSD, and moving on and adds a splash of the supernatural to mix things up.

In this book, high school senior Charlotte is still getting over the death of her boyfriend, Jerry, on prom night. Jerry crashed the car he was driving into the car of some other students. Jerry died while Charlotte and the other students lived. Charlotte now has crippling PTSD and has isolated herself from many of her friends, but she’s hoping that a return to school will allow her to reconnect and maybe, somehow, begin to feel somewhat normal.

It’s not long after school starts back up that weird things begin to happen. Cold spots and strange shadows begin to appear in Charlotte’s room, and things seem to move of their own accord. Charlotte knows better but has a weird feeling that it may be Jerry. Then, she begins receiving text messages from Jerry’s old phone number, and they all seem to be coming from Jerry. She knows he’s dead, but there’s a secret Charlotte has never told anyone. Jerry was controlling and abusive. He told her that if he couldn’t have her, then no one could. Is it possible that he was somehow able to reach out from beyond the grave, or is it someone who is out to scare Charlotte?

This was a captivating read. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. As the pages turned, I found myself becoming more and more invested in Charlotte’s journey. The internal turmoil she experiences is palpable, and the reader is right there with her, feeling every ounce of her pain and confusion.

One of the most substantial aspects of the novel is the way it tackles the subject of abuse. Neiheiser handles this sensitive topic with care and brings attention to the often silent suffering of those who have experienced it. Through Charlotte’s story, the author sheds light on the lasting impact of abuse and the long road to healing. It is a poignant reminder that the effects of abuse can linger long after the physical scars have healed. Hopefully, this will also help teenagers who are experiencing emotional manipulation and abuse notice the signs and encourage them to take action against it before it goes too far.

The supernatural elements woven into the story add an extra layer of intrigue and suspense. The messages Charlotte receives, claiming to be from Jerry, give the novel a chilling and eerie atmosphere. Neiheiser expertly blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, creating a sense of unease and leaving the reader questioning what is truly happening. The exploration of ghosts and the unknown adds a unique spin to the narrative, adding depth and complexity to an already fascinating plot.

As the story reaches its climax, the tension and suspense are palpable. Charlotte’s desperate search for answers and her determination to uncover the truth is commendable. Neiheiser’s writing keeps you glued to the pages, eagerly awaiting each new revelation and twist. The resolution is satisfying, with Charlotte finally finding the strength to confront her past and move forward, ultimately learning that running from the past will only lead to it catching up with you.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and emotional novel that will resonate with readers long after the final page and will appeal to teens and adults alike. The powerful storytelling and attention to detail make this debut novel a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and reflective exploration of grief, trauma, and the healing power of confronting the past with a slice of the supernatural on the side.