Shit, this book really pulls no punches. One part of me wants to go listen to the podcast, because apparently it's real, and the other part of me doesn't think I'd be able to handle it. Because perhaps the biggest strength of this narrative is how devastatingly believable it is, and how fucked up of a world we live in — not something anyone wants to dwell on, but it's reality nonetheless.

Summers does a terrific job evoking an emotional response in the reader, the desperation to find Sadie and bring her home because no one can take another dead girl. Sadie's own POV reminds you of her struggle, keeps her in your mind's eye even as West McCray struggles to follow her trail, frustrates you when he reaches the wrong conclusion or pursues a red herring.

Honestly, this is a hard review to write. There's so much to dig into, but I don't feel like I can do it justice; you might have to just read it for yourself. (But please be aware of the content warnings and make sure you're in an okay headspace first!)

cw:

Spoiler

pedophilia, sexual abuse of children, potential PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, parental neglect, minor violence, mentions of blood.