I picked up this book as part the Summer Scares reading list put together by the Horror Writer’s Association and United for Libraries. I had also heard good things about the author’s short stories. Admittedly, I made a terrible mistake and read a bit of background on what this book was supposed to be about. I found a fair few comparisons with Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, which I did not care for at all.

I found the main characters considerably more compelling here, and even had trouble deciding who I would tout as the main character; David or Jessica. Tananarive Due does an incredible job painting David as a character with absolutely irredeemable flaws that the reader cannot seem to fully condemn. I found myself halfway through the book and unable to decide whether or not I was rooting for him. Jessica, on the other hand, primarily presents as a strong female lead, and it’s only after-the-fact that we realize how her naivety has led all our characters to their present state.

Without spoilers, the events at the end are simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking. I can not think of any alteration to the outcome, however small, that could have improved it.

I found the story enthralling and had a great deal of difficulty stopping at chapters breaks, and the four large portions the book is broken up into. I likely would not have stumbled across this book if it were not presented under the horror label, but it almost seems more accurate to classify as a thriller with supernatural elements. If that sounds like something up your alley, I have no issues recommending this book.