If I had to use only two words to describe this novel, they would be dark and disturbing. The Roanoke Girls is certainly not for the faint of heart. Engel, the author, does not shy away from the heavy themes in this story which include incest, child abuse, and death. Overall, I don't think I would go out of my way to recommend this title to other readers. The story was just okay and really relied on the shock factors of the topics involved. If you are looking to read something else from this author, I would suggest The Familiar Dark, a title I enjoyed more.