I found this book nearly unreadable. I read, and like, a huge amount of crime fiction. And I generally dismiss reviewers’ complaints of convoluted plots and contrived discoveries as the nitpicking of lazy readers. BUT this book is one huge untangled knot of overcomplexity, deus-ex-machina deductions AND unlikeable characters just for extra spice. What a waste of time.

So far this is my favorite Sophie Hannah book. It was a really fun read. My only complaint is that it was very confusing at times- too many different names to follow and keep track off. Specifically the members if the police squad. I could have done without so much back story on all of them. Also there was sometimes a choppiness to the book with things happening in ways that felt a bit off, flow-wise. Not exactly sure how to explain that. Basically it seemed like the book needed another once-over from an editor . Overall though it was still a great book.

The first few chapters were slow and tedious. But don't give up because after chapter 3 the story picks up sped. Midway through you will not be able to put it down. For women dealing with the stress of raising young children several of Sally's comments will have you laughing out loud. You end up liking her enough to scream "run sally". The ending will shock and horrify you but it makes you think twice about the type of people that you have in your "play date group" or that attractive stranger that may not be worth it.