An alright thriller that brings over some characters from the first book, most predominantly the two girls, slightly older now, driving to a town to visit a boyfriend, Justin (also in the first book). The same law officer, now very much down hill and an alcoholic, is the father of that boy and, when asked/begged, sets off to find the girls when they go missing.

This is the book that the TV show Big Sky. Except, the TV show adaptation is better than this in every way. Not to say that this is _bad_. But the contrivance of the girls being put in another wild situation like this is solved. A character that is not very nuanced portrayal of an overweight hoarder is far better and different in the show.

There’s way more agency for all of the women, who drive the narrative already, so should have more. It makes the story way more dynamic and interesting than the book. It’s overall, just far more aware of tropes and the shortcomings of the book, and they do an incredible job updating it and restricting it. There’s a trans character in the show that never appears in this book, and serves as the cornerstone of the show - as an additional for instance.

This book is a serviceable thriller that is mostly a standard affair but the fat phobia and hoarding as a short hand for “bad person” in multiple cases—and just knowing how inclusive the show is vs the book, it did not exceed expectations whatsoever, and was a bit of a let done in comparison, tbh.

The show, however, stands out. One of my favouriteS of the year. Definitely check it out.