"A ritual of disguise; a reminder… freedom is just another thing to lose. Mom used to tell me that. Trust is a weapon. Truth is a spear. Freedom… it’s just another thing to lose, baby."

Tess Sharpe has repeatedly proven her talent as an author, and she does so once again in the audiobook version of The Girl in Question, which she narrates herself. I don’t usually gravitate toward audiobooks, but when I couldn’t get my hands on the physical copy of the sequel fast enough, I gave in—and I’m glad I did. Tess Sharpe’s narration adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotional depth to The Girl in Question. As the author, she knows her characters inside and out—their motivations, personalities, and the subtle nuances in their dialogue. This allows her to deliver each line exactly as intended, capturing the right tone, pacing, and inflection. Her voice brings the characters to life in a way that feels raw and immersive, making the experience more engaging than a typical audiobook. It’s as if the story is being told exactly how it was meant to be heard, straight from the mind of the person who created it.

The sequel opens with Iris in a tense encounter with Agent North, before transitioning to Lee discovering Nora’s visit to their mother and the long-held secret she’s kept all these years.

Lee’s discovery of Nora’s visit to their mother and the hidden truth she’s kept all these years propels the characters into a whirlwind of revelations and confrontations, setting the stage for the emotional and suspenseful journey ahead. This moment acts as a catalyst that triggers the unraveling of long-buried family secrets, driving the narrative forward with increasing urgency. Like The Girls I've Been, The Girl in Question alternates between present and past, and this time has the added bonus of alternating between Nora and Iris's perspectives. We even get a glimpse into Wes and the adorable little Turbo! I will say, not all authors can alternate with such a stunning fluidity between characters like Sharpe, making her work all the more brilliant. 

I've learned now that Tess Sharpe has an exceptional writing style, one that keeps readers engaged in the actions and motivations of her well-developed characters and intricate family plotlines. With each powerful statement she throws, she has an equal punch of humor to follow up. Sharpe's ability to transition from quotes like "You can be the curse and be cursed yourself," to "Buttiest Butt Face," just makes her books even better. Each of her novels so far has wow'd me through and through, with The Girl in Question raising the bar even higher with yet another memorable reading experience.