This book was so good. I can see why it got three stars so far. It is deliciously creepy and dark, which is something I find I enjoy more as I get older. Albert has the fairy tale tone down so well. It was a joy to read.

Alice and her mother try to stay one step ahead of trouble, but it always finds them. One day her mother gets taken and leaves the words "don't go to the hazel wood" for her. The Hazel Woof is where her grandmother lives, a famous recluse who wrote a cult fairy tale favorite. Can Alice rescue her mother with the help of new friend Finch?

My one problem with the book is indeed Finch, because I felt like his race was too casually tossed in. Granted, I read fast so I might have missed it, but it wasn't until they get to the cops that it becomes clear he isn't white. If I missed something before, I apologize. But if that's where it comes out, I think it is too jarring.