I am blown away by this book by the impressive Paula McLain. I’ve already read her historical fiction in the past, but it’s an entirely different feat to write a mystery thriller like this. Anna Hart, a seasoned missing persons detective, returns to her hometown for a break - only to discover that there’s a missing girl in the community - and she’s the best person to solve this mystery. This is a book about healing, forgiveness, community, and the far reaching impacts of childhood trauma. I found it quite informative when it comes to predators and the ways they connect with victims, but what I loved most of all is the strength and resilience of the victims, of which there are many in this story. This is not a book for the faint of heart, there’s some really tough scenes in this book, but I would highly recommend it.

Although very different from her previous historical novels "When the Stars Go Dark" and Paula McLain do not disappoint. Set in 1993 before the internet take over Anna Hunt is a detective who searches for missing children. Having been raised a foster child she understands all too well the insecurity of these young people and wants to help them. After a family tragedy Anna heads to Mendocino to heal. There a local girl has gone missing and she helps an old friend who is now Sheriff with the case. Memories good and bad explode as she visits scenes from her youth and remembers the friend who was killed when she was a teen. Her skills are put to the test and her connection to the missing girl tug at your heartstrings. Partially based on her own history as a foster child and sexual abuse survivor Paula McLain tells a story so horrifying and engaging you won't want to put it down.
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