When I opened to the first chapter, I wasn't completely sold; I was unsure whether a southern drama about a marsh girl and her backstory would be enough to hold my interest. But then I made it to chapter two and I was instantly hooked. Kya/Catherine/Marsh Girl is a fantastic character who matures, falls in love, and consistently grapples with loss and abandonment, but such a description comes off underwhelming when stripped of its underlying and, dare I say, more sophisticated and admirable qualities. Nevertheless, for the sake of spoiling too much, I'll leave the bare bones and let each of you become acquainted with her lovable personality and quirky naturalism in your own time.

In this novel, Delia Owens offers a mixture of mystery, coming-of-age, and romance, so I'd say there's something in this work for most readers. I look forward to reading what Owens has to offer us next.