Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Pages: 352
Publisher: Scribner
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“A mystery about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the tenth anniversary of a tragic accident—only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy.
Seven hours in the past. Seven days in the present. Seven survivors remaining. Who would you save?
A decade ago, two vans filled with high school seniors on a school service trip crashed into a Tennessee ravine—a tragedy that claimed the lives of multiple classmates and teachers. The nine students who managed to escape the river that night were irrevocably changed. A year later, after one of the survivors dies by suicide on the anniversary of the crash, the rest of them make a pact: to come together each year to commemorate that terrible night.
To keep one another safe.
To hold one another accountable.
Or both.
Their annual meeting place, a house on the Outer Banks, has long been a refuge. But by the tenth anniversary, Cassidy Bent has worked to distance herself from the tragedy, and from the other survivors. She’s changed her mobile number. She’s blocked the others’ email addresses. This year, she is determined to finally break ties once and for all. But on the day of the reunion, she receives a text with an obituary attached: another survivor is gone. Now they are seven—and Cassidy finds herself hurling back toward the group, wild with grief—and suspicion.
Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn’t raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters…again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they’ve been through, she wouldn’t willfully make them worry. Would she?
And—as they promised long ago—each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won’t they?”
My Review:
I’ve read several books by this author – some I liked, some I loved, some not so much – but THIS ONE…. WOW… it profoundly impacted me. I mean seriously, wow. It’s so much more than just a thriller. So emotional. I need everyone to read this book so we can talk about it.
It’s ominous, rife with devastating tragedy. A story about survivor’s guilt, having to make impossible decisions and then living with the consequences. It’s about the bonds of friendship through tragic circumstances. The POV choices were really good and the way the story is structured is also amazing.
The layers keep building, the plot continuously thickens, the reveals are slow-dripped throughout. I couldn’t put it down I was so hooked. There is never a dull moment, the pacing is perfect. And the way all the pieces come together is just chef’s kiss.
I’m still reeling from it all. Ten out of ten, all five stars, my favorite book by her to date, this one is perfection, a masterpiece, and narrative crafting genius. The characters!!! The plot!!! Yall… I so needed this book right now. A very powerful story and I highly recommend it!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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