A woman goes missing, a police investigation ensues. Investigators, when talking with the 4 children and father, begin to unravel a secretive past incident—in which a female alleged victim of domestic violence shows up at the home of the woman and her husband, and begins to radically alter the dynamics of entire family—a few months prior. As the narrative cuts back and forth between the past and present, wildly different conclusions suggest themselves to the police.

It’s also fascinatingly comprehensive in its psychological underpinnings. Every character has a B plot that intersects with one another, and ties into the A plot. But more than just being relevant and tying into it, the entire plot actually hinges on seemingly innocuous interactions that are further explored as the book progresses.

It’s actually astounding how much everything matters and how well-crafted everything about this is and feels. The voice is so distinct and masterfully interweaves every person, even as it head hops and maintains a personable and curious gaze.

The interconnected effects of subtle moments that land on the characters illicit a gamut of emotions and consequences. There are no easy answers and there are a lot of complex themes at work. People as contradictory creatures, displaying absolute love and horrid betrayal, characterized prismatically varied, depending on character point of view.

The narrator is absolutely perfect in the audiobook too. I found it very affecting, enjoyable, and unique.