It's been a while since I read a mystery novel so when this library hold came in I was happy to dive in to this genre. I was intrigued by this premise, knowing very little about Atlantic City having never visited it before. It also gave me summer vibes so it was fitting for a July read.

This book is a slow-moving mystery. It took me about the first 100 pages to get into the writing and narration style. I ALMOST dnf'd it to be honest, but my gut told me to stick it out and give it a chance. Once I got used to how it was written, I was able to enjoy it and was captured completely by the story.

There are certainly parts of this book that are dark and difficult to read. There are scenes of sexual assault and themes of prostitution. The premise of this book is unsettling enough, because young women are disappearing into the marshes of the sketchy hotel strip. There were strong "which woman will be next?" vibes present here.
I liked the characters of Clara and Lily. Both have complicated pasts but the friendship they develop despite their life circumstances was strong and true.

If you like fast-paced, edge of your seat, thrillers this isn't for you. But if you enjoy more of a literary, slow-burning mystery, then check this one out!

It left me wondering if Atlantic City has really gone downhill as portrayed in this novel, and how the citizens of that city would feel about this novel.