This book was the perfect amount of cozy, mysterious, dark academia and easy reading that I needed. I love a good stand alone that can rekindle my reading and make me want to pick up more books! I loved the focus of Effy throughout the book; with her struggles with the men that have done her harm, the prejudice and sexism of women in college and her specifically, and also her mental state and family troubles. The narrative of a woman who was not listened to countless times and disregarded in terms of academic capabilities is very real but it was nicely mixed in with a fairytale/ folk lore setting. I loved how Reid is able to create the perfect setting for this mystery; she truly has a way with words. I also loved all the poetic and literature aspects of the story. I loved this book!

I definitely wanted more of Effy and Preston tho, I enjoyed their dynamic from the start and am glad Effy found someone to stand by her and treat her well.