Synopsis (as taken from Amazon) is as follows:

Littleport, Maine, has always felt like two separate towns: an ideal vacation enclave for the wealthy, whose summer homes line the coastline; and a simple harbor community for the year-round residents whose livelihoods rely on service to the visitors.

Typically, fierce friendships never develop between a local and a summer girl–but that’s just what happens with visitor Sadie Loman and Littleport resident Avery Greer. Each summer for almost a decade, the girls are inseparable–until Sadie is found dead. While the police rule the death a suicide, Avery can’t help but feel there are those in the community, including a local detective and Sadie’s brother, Parker, who blame her. Someone knows more than they’re saying, and Avery is intent on clearing her name, before the facts get twisted against her.

Ability to read – I read this over the course of two days. It has been a welcomed distraction from the head cold that is making me feel like one of the undead! The book shifts between the summers of 2017 and 2018 but I still found it easy to read and navigate. The story unfolded in a wonderful way.

Characterisation – Avery Greer, with one foot in each camp, not quite knowing where she belonged, was a champion of confidence in this book. There are mentions of her past and how she didn’t cope then but I found her well put-together and determined through all she faced in the present day. Her character gave a unique perspective of someone being taken under the wing of someone influential and showed what traps may lay in along that path.

I clearly saw the emphasis on characters and the motive behind the actions. The book didn’t just captivate me with the plot but with the thoughts and feelings I had for the characters and how much the book made me stop and think about those character, and how, in reality, those actions can be reflected in today’s society.

Visualisation – I’ll admit that my visualisation of the scenes was a little blurry at the edges but that’s not the books fault. I was simply too preoccupied with the characters to give time to anything else. That being said, I was still able to construct a clear image of what was happening.

Enjoyment – I got this book after seeing it on @thisgirlsbookshelf’s insta. In fact, I got this on my recent trip to America and couldn’t wait to read it. Honestly, this smashed all my expectations out of the water. I read this, while snuggled in blankets but my hands were gripped to the book with tension and suspense. I had so many theories on who it could be but was shocked at the reveal being someone I hadn’t even considered. As an introduction to Miranda’s work, I was very impressed.

Star Rating – ★★★★★