This is my first listen to Kate Alice Marshall, author of several successful thriller novels for kids, young adults, and adults!
Fourteen years ago, the three Palmer sisters, Emma, Juliette, and Daphne, found their parents murdered in their family home and were separated from each other afterwards. Now, Emma and her husband Nathan are about to become homeless after she discovers she’s pregnant and he loses his job, and they’ve decided to move into the abandoned house where her parents were murdered. Emma has always been seen as the prime suspect in her parents murder because of her tumultuous relationship with them, but she has always claimed her innocence. When her estranged sisters become aware of Emma returning to their childhood home, they begin to make plans to intercept her, fearing that she might discover the truth about that awful night 14 years ago. As Emma returns and is forced to face the memories of her past, as well as old acquaintances and enemies, she begins to seek answers as to what really happened that night. When Emma’s husband discovers incriminating evidence at the house, Daphne and Juliet stop at nothing to keep it all buried in the past. Soon Emma is in more danger than she could have possibly imagined.
The novel is captivating from the beginning and is fast-paced and entertaining. The story toggles back and forth not only between the past and present but also between the perspectives of the three sisters, making for a very rich and interesting listen. Unfortunately, there are some obvious loopholes in the plot that make the overall storyline quite implausible, but looking past all that, it is a very compelling and unique story.
Narrator Karissa Vacker is the perfect choice for this novel, as she displays her impeccable talent for narrating suspenseful stories. From the very first chapter, she reels in listeners with a dramatic narrative filled with emotion, unnerving tension, and lots of personality, especially when portraying the sisters. If you are in search of a fast-paced, compelling listen and can look past a few plot loopholes in exchange for a twisty, entertaining, well-narrated book, then definitely check this one out!
