⚠️ cw: murder, rape, assault, and graphic descriptions

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

On a Saturday night in 1978, a soon-to-be-infamous murderer descends upon a Florida sorority house with deadly results. The lives of those who survive, including sorority president and key witness, Pamela Schumacher, are forever changed. Across the country, Tina Cannon is convinced her missing friend was targeted by the man papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer—and that he’s the same man that struck Pamela’s sorority. Determined to find justice, the two join forces as their search for answers leads to a shocking confrontation.

Fall is the best time to read thrillers and I will not be convinced otherwise! This book grabbed me from the start and I could not put it down. The novel reads like true crime and is definitely inspired by real events. The story alternates between the 1970s when the murders occurred, and 2021 as Pamela reflects on what happened and uncovers new details. I really enjoyed the dual timelines, and also when Ruth’s voice was introduced. I also loved that The Defendant is never named, and we don’t learn who he is until the very end. The story is quite dark and graphic at times so definitely check trigger/content warnings if you’re interested in reading this one. I think a more detailed author’s note at the end would have added a lot of perspective as well, as I’m interested to learn more about the research that went into the book’s writing. A gripping and haunting read that will stay with me for a while, pick this up if your love thrillers or true crime!