Oof. This started as 4 stars and then went down to 3… then 2…

I like Heltzel’s writing style, and I appreciated the dark tone of this story. But I was so confused by the middle section in particular.

Given what we learn about Maeve’s past and what Andrea wants from her, I’m baffled as to how anything in the middle of the book could be mysterious. I buy Maeve not getting it because it’s so outrageous. But as the reader - I know I’m reading a thriller. I know wild stuff will be going on, so I’m guessing those things. None of the “hints” felt subtle. It felt glaringly obvious, so I was left confused. Does Heltzel think the reader wouldn’t know what’s going on? If she DOES know it’s obvious, what’s the point of even attempting to make it mysterious? I found myself wishing for Andrea’s POV since it was so clear what she was doing anyway.

I wish the book had ended at Maeve’s getaway. The fact that it kept going for utterly predictable “twists” was so painful.