It started off slow, but got better towards the end. I wouldn't describe it as a thriller, though tensions are kept high throughout.

This feels like a budget version of "We Need To Talk About Kevin", and that cheapened the experience some, for me. Still, I feel that this book can hold its own. It's suspenseful, and the writing is engaging.

Admittedly, Violet's manipulation really got to me - I thought that was very well written. The complete 180s in mood and personality had me questioning Blythe's instincts until the very end. The rest of the book, however, really dragged. The flashbacks were a little random, and the overall plot relied too much on clichés. I also feel that Blythe's relationship with her next door neighbor could have been developed more - especially considering

that we don't see her visit her until the one time she wants to take Violet at the end.

Some of these other reviews though... Y'all do realise that just because you don't like the protagonist in a book like this doesn't mean that it's a bad book? Blythe isn't supposed to be a good, relatable mother. I've seen the same thing in reviews for Jessamine Chan's "The School For Good Mothers" - the morality of the protagonist contributes to people's enjoyment of the book. Blythe is Not Great, and that's the point. I think Audrain portrays her well without making her a pastiche.