Many thanks to my friends at @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copy of this book.  

 

Looking for a totally easy pool read?  That’s exactly what this book provided as I lounged in the heat, drenched in sunscreen.  

 

When a popular infuencer goes missing, podcaster Rachel Krall joins investigators to uncover the truth.

 

I queued this one up on audio and found the fast-paced storyline and full cast narration an easy escape.  With podcast episodes interspersed and the addition of extra sound effects (chairs scraping, doors opening), this format worked well for me.  

  

While I was drawn into the storyline, it’s important to note that there’s little to no mystery found here.  The killer is identified from the very beginning.  The slow unfolding focuses on the connection between the characters and the serial killer.  And as such, the plotline loses its primary capacity for tension and thrill.  

 

Much of the plot revolves around the world of mega-influencers.  Snobbery and fakeness are on full display. I found this interesting but much like the BuzzCon scene, I also found it lacking depth.  

 

The biggest miss for me was the impulsive relationship between Krall and the FBI agent.  It didn’t feel organic, nor did it add to the overall premise of the storyline.  

 

This wasn’t exactly what I expected of my first read by Goldin.  But knowing how widely she is loved in the community; I will be anticipating her next read.