Benedict spins a story driven by deceit on the part of most of the principals, with tension increasing with the body count and the twists and turns that continue to the very end.
... as fine a bit of suburban noir as you are likely to encounter this year ... Benedict’s legion of loyal readers will not be disappointed at all by her foray into a suspense subgenre that is not completely identical to what has gone before. Her new focus, set entirely on the demons existing on this side of the veil, will undoubtedly also attract newcomers ... Once they start [the book, readers will] find it impossible to put down.
Readers may not exactly root for Kimber, but it’s hard not to sympathize with the helplessness and rage she feels at the general unfairness of her home and life being taken over by a smug, smarmy intruder. Benedict also provides a window into Kimber’s combative relationship with her sister and the tragic events leading up to Michelle’s death. Benedict is an able writer, but readers will likely guess who Kimber’s unwanted house guest is quickly, and the big reveals (there are a few) and final confrontation, orchestrated to be shocking, merely expose the frayed ends of this melodramatic tale ... Unconvincing.
Outstanding ... Kimber’s complicated personality and unusual family life drive the ever-twisting, surprise-filled plot. Angry and jealous as a child and teenager, and now a cold, prickly adult, Kimber is the epitome of the unreliable narrator. Readers will enjoy vicarious chills in her company.
