I picked this as my Kindle FirstReads book when it came out (I don't even remember when anymore!), and I regret not reading it earlier. I have a weakness for small towns and families with dark secrets - and this book delivered. Jess Lourey is a phenomenal storyteller, and I was hooked from the first page. And the fact that it was inspired by a true story? Icing on the cake.

This is the story of Joan Harken, a pregnant reporter who is mugged and, terrified, she moves to her boyfriend's small, seemingly idyllic hometown with him. Everyone there is overly welcoming and doting, but there's a sinister reason why. There's also the story of a missing child weaved in, which Joan investigates, and soon, she doesn't know who to trust. Everyone is hiding something, and I was eager to find out what.

The author has a great voice and has a way of setting the scene and writing memorable characters. The ending is satisfying and ties up loose ends. It has one twist after another, and I could not put the book down.

That being said, the main character was a little annoying and not the most likeable, but she did redeem herself at the end and her motivations were explained quite well (except the stealing, I still don't really understand why she did that).

I will definitely be looking out for other works by this author!