When I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to read it. Being a fan of true crime and aware of how polarizing it can be, this sounded right up my alley. Overall, this was a book that left me deeply invested in the story despite its slight fizzle towards the end.

The novel revolves around the main protagonist, Theodora “Teddy” Angstrom. Ten years ago, her older sister, Angie, disappeared without a trace after a party. Teddy’s life takes a tragic turn when her father, Mark, unexpectedly takes his own life around the tenth anniversary of Angie’s disappearance. As Teddy and her mother start going through his things after his death, Teddy finds that Mark was actively involved in a Reddit community fixated on Angie’s disappearance. Teddy’s curiosity is piqued, and she eventually finds herself lured down the same rabbit hole that consumed her father.

As Teddy delves deeper into her investigation, she finds herself drawn to people from her past: Bill, the guy who used to mow their lawn when Teddy was a kid, was in contact with her father even after he stopped attending to their landscaping. It’s not long before Teddy reconnects with him and eventually starts dating him. Adding to Teddy’s turmoil is her growing infatuation with Mickey, a charming amateur sleuth who seems unnervingly intent on helping her solve the case. Like, really intent to the point where she looks very suspicious, but Teddy is so consumed with the case that she doesn’t find any of this weird.

Under Mickey’s spell, Teddy begins to lose herself. As she grapples with new information and battles conflicting memories, her behavior becomes increasingly erratic. The further she dives into the case, the further away from herself she slips until her job and reputation are on the line.

One of the book’s strengths is its look at our society’s obsession with true crime. When my friend and I did our true crime podcast, I was often overwhelmed by how much information was out there – much of it gathered by armchair detectives. At times, it got to be frustrating because you didn’t know what was real and what was mere speculation. Brody expertly highlights how individuals can be drawn into a whirlpool of conspiracy theories and endless online discussions, losing themselves amidst the noise.

Another strength of the book is the character of Teddy. Through Teddy’s eyes, we witness a mind shattered by grief, struggling to come to terms with the truth. The author skillfully portrays Teddy’s emotional rollercoaster, capturing the raw intensity of her desperation and the complexities of her relationships. It was sad to see her become so obsessed with this case that she lost herself in the process.

While this novel is undeniably a page-turner, I found the last quarter of the book to be somewhat disappointing. This was when the story’s momentum seemed to falter, leaving a few too many loose ends and unresolved plot points. Normally, I’m okay with an open ending, but this book felt as though there were too many threads left unresolved. It would have been satisfying to see a more cohesive conclusion that tied up at least a few narrative threads.

Overall, I found this to be a gripping and immersive read. While the ending may have left something to be desired, the book’s exploration of the human psyche and its dark depths make it a worthwhile read. If you’re looking for a captivating mystery that delves into the darker side of human nature, this book is a great choice.