I had such high hopes for this book and I’m very sad to say that I didn’t love it. 

While the plot is very interesting, I think there’s too many instances of “it is what is is” in this book to be enjoyable. And while some questions have flimsy answers, like why does the family kill young girls? And why does Ray hate Michael? None of them really get to the root of anything. 

One reveal I predicted, one I didn’t. I don’t think either added or took away from the story.

Ultimately, I think Michael is too passive and pathetic to be the main character of the novel. Even though I completely understand why he’s so passive, his perspective just wasn’t an enjoyable read for me. He’s not unlikable as a character but he’s hard to get through as a reader.