What did I just Finish?!
Look, I have read a massive number of books in my lifetime, but this is the book that finally taught me what a true, masterclass slow-burn thriller actually looks like. I’ll admit, for the first 52%, I was actively panicking in my friend’s Discord DMs like: “What am I reading? What is the actual point? Please tell me it gets better.”
But my god, the second half was an absolute slam dunk.
Every single thing I guessed was wrong, and I loved every second of being played. While the mystery is fantastic, it actually takes a backseat to the characters and their relationships, which is exactly why the story feels so incredibly compelling and real. It’s a deeply insightful dissection of marriage and human connection—specifically what it means to truly know someone, how easily secrets accumulate, and how trauma quietly shapes the way we bond.
I loved how beautifully layered both Gretchen and Frankie were. Neither is perfect, and the story intentionally forces us to confront their flaws through their alternating POVs. Watching them come to terms with the cracks in their lives and their own deficiencies was easily one of the most fascinating elements. The internal struggles and rich introspection really highlight just how character-driven this novel is.
Mixed media in a book is always an automatic win for me, so I was obsessed with the police interviews woven throughout. Trying to piece the puzzle together alongside the investigation kept me completely hooked. Honestly? It is not easy to trick me, but these twists absolutely got me.
The settings added another brilliant layer. Moving between the polished, high-society chaos of New York City and the grueling intensity of Mount Kilimanjaro created such a stark contrast, making the stakes feel massive. Plus, I loved reading the acknowledgements and discovering that Kimberly McCreight isn’t just an incredible author—she’s also a mountain climber! Knowing that real-life experience was behind those Kilimanjaro chapters made the entire climb feel a thousand times more immersive.
Overall, this is a smart, emotionally driven thriller that builds its tension quietly but effectively, backed by truly stunning character work. If you love thrillers that feel grounded, human, and deeply focused on the psychology of its players, you need this on your radar. Huge thanks to the author for showing me how a slow-burn should actually work in a genre that isn’t romance. My TBR is about to get a lot bigger!
