This book was a gripping and thought-provoking novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The book is split into four parts and an epilogue with parts 1 and 3 told from the point of view of down on her luck Lee, and parts two and four told from the “drowning rich woman” Hazel’s viewpoint. To say I gasped and may have felt the floor sway beneath my feet at the very end of part one is not me being over-dramatic. I seriously said, “Holy Shit,” out loud. It took my breath away. Once I recentered myself, I continued to read until I finished the book. It was that good.

I’ve read a few books this year that incorporated the COVID pandemic into the plot, and until I got to this book, I was so not into that plot point. Maybe because it’s still too fresh in my mind, and I’m not ready to revisit the fear and isolation quite yet. What I liked about this book, though, is that the pandemic is what led Lee to be homeless and on the run. That’s all we hear about the pandemic, and I was happy about that.

Before the pandemic, Lee owned her own restaurant in Manhattan. It was very upscale and doing well, but then the pandemic hit, and as most restaurants did, it folded. Lee owed a loan shark a hefty sum of money that she couldn’t pay back, so she went on the run, finally settling in Seattle, which was as far as she could go without leaving the country.

Lee lives out of her car and works at a seedy diner, hoping to one day be able to pull herself out of poverty and start again. One day she awakens in her car to the sounds of a woman sobbing. She watches the woman as she walks out into the Pacific Ocean and then goes under. Lee’s instincts kick in, and she jumps into the ocean, barely rescuing the woman. The woman isn’t happy about being recused, and after she calms down, Lee learns that the woman is in an abusive relationship that she feels she can’t escape. The two begin to develop a friendship that, much to Lee’s chagrin, turns deadly for both of them.

Harding’s writing style is immersive and engaging. We feel the desperation that both women face – from Lee’s experiences on the seedy side of Seattle to Hazel’s luxurious but dangerous life in her mansion.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the complex and nuanced portrayal of the friendship between Lee and Hazel. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the bond that forms between them is hopeful but has a sense of distrust and danger smoldering beneath it. You want to believe that they have each other’s best interests at heart, but with everything in their lives working against them, it’s difficult to trust anyone.

As the story unfolds, the tension steadily builds as Lee becomes entangled in Hazel’s plan to escape her abusive marriage. With every turn of the page, the stakes get higher, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly devouring each chapter to uncover the truth.

I was impressed with Harding’s ability to create flawed and multi-dimensional characters. Both Lee and Hazel are deeply flawed individuals, yet their vulnerabilities and strengths shine through, making them relatable and sympathetic – even though you’re never really sure you can trust them. This depth of character development adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, making it all the more impactful.

And then there are the known villains of the story that just keep getting worse as the book goes on.

Overall, this was an exceptional novel that combines gripping storytelling with compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, and a constant, underlying sense of danger. If you’re looking for a thrilling and emotionally resonant read, this book is definitely for you.