It would appear I now have another go-to author on my
growing list of favorite authors. This is the first book I’ve read by this
author and I’m sure it won’t be my last. I devoured most of this one in one
sitting. I was that intrigued and invested in the story of Harriet and
Charlotte.
Charlotte is the best friend of Harriet, in fact the only
friend of Harriet. Harriet moved to Dorset at her husband Brian’s insistence.
It all started when Charlotte was tasked with taking Alice, Harriet and Brian’s
daughter, to a school fair. How wrong that went! Charlotte herself had some
issues that she also kept buried.
Harriet asked Charlotte to take Alice to the fair because
she was enrolled in a bookkeeping class. These two things, leaving Alice with
someone else and the class, were different for Harriet being somewhat of a
recluse. Why did Harriet ask Charlotte to watch Alice when she had never left
Alice with anyone before? Harriet also found out a truth that she was least
expecting.
Brian … the husband. He certainly gives off some vibes that
are none too pleasant.
Angela … the police liaison. I think she was picking up more
going on in Brian and Harriet’s relationship than she actually admitted to.
Detective Rawlings … she sure had some eyerolling moments
trying to get to the truth.
This tale is told in the voice of Charlotte and the voice of
Harriet, and I was impressed with the differences in the two voices but the
same storyline as to what happened. This is the kind of book I like to read –
one that keeps you guessing until the end. I thought I had this one figured
out, wrong. Then, I thought I had it figured out again, wrong.
I will add that this tale of master manipulation may be
triggering to some readers who have ‘been there, done that.’ I found myself
relating to Harriet regarding being manipulated by Brian with words alone, not
many books have affected me on that level. Please know if you have experienced
anything like that you are seen, you are heard, you are valued.
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