Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this.

EDIT 9/6/2022 - Apparently Ashley Flowers had a co-author on this, but has not mentioned that co-author once or given the individual any kind of credit. I will be knocking this down from two stars to one. 

ORIGINAL:

This was a fast paced read set in Wakarusa, Indiana, which is a local seldom used so it was so refreshing to get a book, let alone a thriller set here. However, as mentioned above some of the local things mentioned did not make sense, especially if she talked to her co-podcaster about the town. Setting can be everything in a thriller and sadly it didn’t hold up here.

I enjoyed the mix of journalism and small town investigation, but wanted a lot more from the ending and the epilogue. I also needed more of the how and why of some of the things that would suddenly happen (like her finding someone quickly in Chicago and someone getting arrested without drama).

It is also impossible to ignore the nods to the JonBenét Ramsey case here. It was more than ‘inspired by’ the case. 

I also find it weird that a woman found to plagiarize her podcast included journalism ethics in her debut. 

Just relieved she didn’t mention “full body chills” once.

As someone who lives close to Wakarusa, I feel suspect about some things mentioned here so I’m waiting to hear back from someone with a finished copy to see if some things I’m questioning changed between the eARC and final copy. Therefore, my rating is subject to change as I can’t use quotes from the eARC

Verdict: Do not recommend. 

Someone who has plagiarized and also made money off of several Indiana cases without permission from the families does not deserve your money off of this book.


TW: dementia