The vivid description of this isolated town sets the stage for the revelation of Littleport’s secrets. The structure isn’t as smooth as it could be as it moves among the summer of Sadie’s death, the present, and moments in between, but Miranda’s exploration of how Avery’s and Sadie’s lives intertwine gives the story its depth. Fans of Michele Campbell and Mary Kubica, who like family drama supporting their suspense, will enjoy.
Sharply drawn characters both ground and elevate the bombshell-laden plot, while evocative prose heightens tension and conjures place. Miranda delivers a clever, stylish mystery that will seize readers like a riptide.
... while Miranda builds some creepy atmosphere in the lead-up, the final revelations are more sad than shocking. Most compelling are the class tensions between Littleport’s year-round residents and the seasonal, moneyed tourists as well as the elusive nature of memory and the intricacies of friendship ... An evocative and perfectly readable thriller, but genre fans will find few surprises within.
