Harper skillfully builds the pool of potential culprits for Nathan to examine in this story of uncovering

protection in place felt like a huge miss for the FBI and Lucas, and it created a blip in my belief of the story

A minor note unrelated to plot, character, and story: I was driven to distraction by typos and what felt

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo reminded me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer at times, in the best way possible

Taming what was scary not by hiding it, not by blocking it or burying it, not by keeping it secret, but

I love how Strout interlinks characters, backgrounds, and stories so gracefully, yet also allows them As soon as I finished reading this short story collection I wished I’d slowed down and taken notes or I love how Strout interlinks characters, backgrounds, and stories so gracefully, yet also allows them The stories feel immediate and real.

There were a million ways this story could have felt less real and messy and fascinating.

She inserts many other richly created characters that make the story come to life.

The story also feels like it could make a powerful movie. Any Bossy thoughts about this book? Heller also wrote The Dog Stars, a dystopian story I was head over heels for and gave five stars, as well as The River, an adventure and friendship tale that I found captivating.

implausible, yet I jumped in headfirst and gleefully suspended my disbelief because it was so appealing and riveting anxiously for the twists and turns to unfold and poring over subtleties that hold clues to the true story