Many thanks to my friends at @librofm and @simon.audio for the #gifted copy of this audiobook. 

 

A young girl seeking help.  A suicide prevention volunteer at the ready.  One call will change everything for both.  

 

I hate being an outlier. 

 

There has been so much hype for this book.  And I want to be a part of the hype!  But unfortunately, this one was a mixed bag for me.

 

What worked:

This is the best kind of audiobook.  With dual narration, both POV stood out.  AJ Cook (from Criminal Minds!) brings to life worried single mom and helpline volunteer, Felicia, and Tessa Albertson embodied all the teen angst and trauma of the adolescent victim.  Background effects enhanced the production and heightened the suspense of the storyline.  For these reasons alone, this is worth a listen.

 

What didn’t:

I went into this book expecting a thriller.  So, when I figured out the storyline within the first scenes of the book, it threw me for a loop.  With the element of surprise being removed, the thrill was lost for me.  Honestly, I think this is a case of a book being incorrectly labeled. 

 

Chatting with two friends (@bookmarked.by.becky and @book_wine_and_thinker ) made me appreciate the themes of the book.  The exploration of victim trauma, moral conflict, and nature vs nurture was well executed.  

 

My recommendation:  Forget that this is labeled a thriller/mystery.  Instead, go into it expecting a thought provoking read that will focus on victims, mothers, and the lengths one will go to for justice.