Finally all of Oates' practiced skills and passionate darkness come together in a story that's both simple and deeply propulsive. A deranged serial killer being hunted across America decides to visit her sister. Everything that implies is fully explored here, there are no rabbit holes without a rabbit at the bottom. Constructed flawlessly, she's at her best, every character is vivid, careful, and when we get into their lives we always feel they go forever. A masterpiece.