3.5 stars rounded up to 4

In the stagnant town of Beaumont Missouri, a life working at the local meat packing plant is about the best on offer. Six years ago, Grace was a senior in high school with a scholarship to college and a means to escape and make a better life. She disappeared one night after babysitting her young cousins (Amelia and Kylee) and no one knows what happened to her. The blood left behind looks grim.

The girls are now close to the age Grace was when she went missing and have been saving money for their own escape. However, when bones are found on a nearby farm, they wonder if Grace has finally been found. Should they stick around to find out what happened?

I felt the author did a nice job painting the picture of what it’s like to live in a small town where you’ve known the same people your whole life and no one, including your family, wants anything more than what they’ve become used to. Whether it’s slaving away at Savor Meats, stripping at Sweet Jane’s, or waitressing at Waffle House, you do what you have to do to support your family and that’s about it. It would be easy to feel trapped by obligation.

The story is told from two POVs, Grace’s and Amelia’s, and two time periods, 6 years ago and now. Everything is easy to follow with all questions answers. I found it to be a thoroughly well-written mystery, though not fast paced or necessarily suspenseful or thrilling.

There’s an element of child abuse that is integral to the story so if that triggers you, steer clear.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Laura McHugh for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. I always enjoy Laura's books. Easy to read, yet full of depth. This one was no different.

I enjoyed the book but I felt like it could have been better, the characters were pretty well developed but I felt like the bleakness of the setting could have been fleshed out more. Also the ending was really cutting off, which is a personal preference. I also knew who did it early on. I think it's more of a 3.5 stars

I have LOVED her previous novels and she still writes rural noir like no one else, but this one just didn’t have that extra bite I have come to expect.

Once again, Laura McHugh proves her mastery in capturing the gritty essence of Ozark life with her latest release. As an admirer of her previous works, I eagerly anticipated delving into her newest book. McHugh's skill in crafting vivid characters and immersive settings shines through once more, as she paints a portrait of individuals struggling to survive amidst harsh circumstances. From the memorable cast, flawed yet relatable, to the repugnant figures that evoke visceral reactions, every character is intricately woven into the fabric of the story. The juxtaposition of those striving to do right against those who have abandoned all morality adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling exploration of human nature. As I turned the final page, I found myself immersed in the world of Beaumont, grateful to leave it behind yet profoundly affected by its raw authenticity. With its gripping plot and richly drawn characters, this book earns a well-deserved five-star rating."

Another amazing novel from Laura McHugh. This author does not disappoint. This story is emotional and heartfelt. It’s full of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was so emotionally involved in the characters and I had to know how it would end.

SAFE AND SOUND by Laura McHugh was a thrill ride that went so fast, I’m still trying to catch my breath.

Six years ago, beloved cousin Grace was babysitting for 12 year old Amelia and 11 year year-old Kylie when she was apparently abducted after a violent struggle in the home. The girls wanted nothing more than to escape their small town life and the memories of that long ago trauma. With Kylie‘s high school graduation approaching Amelia works extra hours in order to save enough money to get them out of town and away from the expected life of marriage early and multiple children. The sisters decide, that they cannot leave town without finding out what happened to Grace.

When remains are found and it is discovered that they are in fact not Grace’s, there is concern that there is a serial killer in their midst. The girls continue digging deeper into the townsfolk and the secrets that Grace left behind. The girls are also. in the midst of their own relationships with family and friends both past and present.

This book had me by the throat from the beginning and never let up. I found myself racing through the chapters long past bedtime because I couldn’t put it down. Special shout out to educator Mrs Murmur who imparted such wisdom for every day living. (I’ve decided I will follow some of her teachings.) Miss McHugh’s writing is clear and concise and had me racing from clue to clue just like the girls did. I believe this is my first Laura McHugh novel, however it will certainly not be my last. She will be an author on my list to watch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

Pick this one up! Be prepared for great character building, a heartbreaking plot and a twist you won’t see coming.
Safe and Sound follows sisters Amelia and Kylee as they try to figure out what happened to their older cousin Grace, while she was babysitting them one night. Grace disappeared without a trace, other than the blood found at the home. Beaumont, Missouri is a small town, where your highest hopes are working at Waffle House or the local plant Savor Meats. This story is deep. Laura McHugh did a fantastic job of showing us the layers of these 3 girls, their childhoods were far from perfect ( check your trigger warnings).
Grace was a protector of her younger cousins. She was smart with a bright future. She wanted out of Beaumont. Grace had a boyfriend that didn’t want her to leave, a weird boss, a perverse Uncle that made Grace’s childhood horrific, and an uncomfortable encounter with a stranger while she was working at the Waffle House. Who did harm to Grace? Trust me, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Laura McHugh is definitely going to be added to my auto buy author list.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

If you could just give me a moment to finish my belly breaths, that would be great. I'm utilizing all my anger management protocols to prevent me from hurling my book across the room.

<in through the nose, out through the mouth>

OK, I'm ready. I have an intense dislike for the wrap-up of this book. All of it. From Chapter 50 to the very last page. I mean, ugh! Absurdly unbelievable to me. I really did just hate it.

To be fair, it is somewhat a good thing I have these strong feelings. To assume I disliked the book because I loathed the ending would be incorrect. I'm angry because I was invested. I'm frustrated because I was interested. I was all in.

With its great pacing and intriguing premise, it was easy to tear through the pages. I was particularly taken with Grace and her story. A poignant look at life in a dead-end town and the struggle of lack of opportunity, neglect, and abuse. I really was all about it. Until...argh.

Final thoughts? I feel most people will find themselves a fan of this read. I have enjoyed others from her body of work.That ending, though? I just can't get behind it. Completely killed the experience for me. And yes, it is a "me" thing.

Thank you to both the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy via Net Galley. I'm willingly leaving my thoughts on my reading experience.

Safe and Sound delves into the gritty mystery of a small town, focusing on a high school senior who goes missing while babysitting her young cousins. Six years later, her cousins, now teenagers themselves, embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Grace Crow had the opportunity to leave her small Missouri town with a college scholarship, aiming to start a new life. However, just months before graduation, she disappears from her own kitchen while babysitting, leaving behind only a pool of blood. With no leads, her case remains cold until her cousins take it upon themselves to unravel the mystery, hoping to move forward and escape their hometown.

This novel presents a dark and twisted family drama, highlighting the challenges faced by a young girl striving to break free from her hometown for education and new experiences. The narrative explores themes of betrayal and confinement, especially through Grace's perspective, portraying the abuse she endured and the feeling of entrapment.

The chapters from Grace’s point of view are particularly difficult to read, depicting her hardships and struggles. Conversely, Amelia and Kylie’s chapters offer a refreshing contrast with their sharp dialogue and witty remarks, primarily from Kylie. Their dedication to the investigation, despite their youth, will resonate with readers, especially those familiar with hardscrabble backgrounds and Midwestern roots.

Overall, Safe and Sound is a compelling mystery featuring resilient young heroines who risk everything to protect their loved ones and chase their dreams. It intertwines family secrets, ambition, and a quest for justice, making it a captivating read for fans of twisty mysteries and strong female protagonists.

Five star caveat- this book is very dark and gritty with triggers aplenty, so check with a trusted source before reading. However, as a longtime fan of Laura McHugh, I feel confident saying that in a whole backlist of excellent work, this is one of her absolute finest. Heartpounding tension, incredibly drawn characters, and what I personally think McHugh does best- creating an atmosphere that is both specific and universal, a setting that readers can absolutely picture and feel they know.

Safe and Sound was tough to read...not in the hard to get through way, but child abuse is a disturbing, hard-to-read about topic. Laura McHugh takes it on a way that is sensitive and more about the survivor than the abuser. I loved the character of Grace, who is strong, gritty, tough, and also fiercely protective of her two younger cousins, She's a fighter, despite the odds being stacked against her. I loved this book, especially the message that runs throughout of finding something beautiful in every day.

What happened to Grace Crow? Six years after her disappearance, the yearly vigil continues in Beaumont, Missouri. Her cousins Amelia and Kylee are determined to get out of a town that does not feel big enough for their dreams. There has to be more than The Waffle House, Sweet Jane's, the Kum & Go, and Savor Meats. If only they knew what had happened to Grace. How can they leave their mother Shannon and Grace's sister Elsie with that question unanswered? Laura McHugh tells us this family story in two timelines: 1) Amelia & Kylee (Present) 2) Grace (Six years ago). As the two timelines converge, secrets are revealed and family ties are tested. This is what Laura McHugh does best. She takes small-town life and reveals the struggle of generational dysfunction. Can those chains be broken? It appears that Grace has missed her chance, but what about Amelia & Kylee? This is my favorite title from McHugh since The Wolf Wants In.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Safe and Sound by Laura McHugh was one I didn’t want to put away.
The writing kept me glued to my Kindle and the characters held my attention from the very beginning.
A compelling and intriguing storyline.
The pacing, plotting and characterization is so well done.
I enjoyed it and will definitely pick up her next title.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I did enjoy this novel, but it was hard in places. Getting out of a place you feel trapped is hard. Characters were well written

4.5 STARS - If you enjoy gripping, tense and atmospheric novels with well-drawn characters (as one does), you need to read Laura McHugh. I've been a fan of hers since reading her previous books The Weight of Blood and What's Done in Darkness and now she's back with a new suspense read.

Safe and Sound is her upcoming book that centres around two sisters - Amelia and Kylee - who are eager to escape their small town and the hardships of their childhood as soon as possible. The mysterious loss of their much-loved cousin Grace six years prior continues to haunt the girls and from the meagre clues, it looks like teenage Grace was abducted and did her best to save her younger cousins.

Amelia and Grace start to dig into Grace's disappearance before they leave their small town forever and unearth the dark underbelly of Beaumont, Missouri and secrets Grace had been keeping. [Please note that there is subject matter that could be triggering for some readers]

Told by the POVs of Grace, Amelia and Kylee, readers will be pulled into this emotionally charged and haunting story with its small-town Ozark vibe, its cast of complex characters.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Unique mystery told from two perspectives. If you go in expecting Safe and Sound to be a standard mystery, you'll get elements of that. If you're expecting a neat resolution, well...

McHugh gets the perspective right! Amelia is forced to be mature for her years, but she's still an older teen/new adult and her actions and thought processes reflect that. When you think you've got it figured out, you may correct but there are still surprises coming.

"𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯."

When my friend Carrie (@mamacapssreads) posted she saw Anna Quindlen and that the author recommended 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 by Laura McHugh, and I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed.

This dual POV-dual timeline thriller follows sisters Amelia and Kylee who vow to find out what happened to their beloved cousin, Grace, who disappeared while babysitting for them. The deeper they dig, the more secrets they unearth that could threaten their chance to do what Grace couldn't - escape their dead-end town.

This atmospheric thriller hooked me from the start. The depressing small town reminded me a bit of 𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦 which I loved and the twists surprised me. With short chapters and brisk pacing, it's a quick read with an ending that you won't see coming.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the copy to review.

I've had the pleasure of reading another book by this Missouri native Laura McHugh and hearing her talk after The Weight of Blood was released during one of our GFWC conventions. I was excited to see this available on NetGalley! I started reading this morning and accidentally read it all. Now it's 10:22 pm and I should be asleep but I'm all jacked up and want to talk to someone about this, so here you go!

It's so easy to picture the small town of Beaumont, Missouri and the two sisters that are chomping at the bit to leave town as soon as graduation comes. They're right off the interstate with a Waffle House, a Kum & Go, a meat processing plant. Their cousin Grace went missing a few years back, but she always talked about getting out of town and going to college, but instead there was a trail of blood and a lot of questions. There are a lot of suspects, and we go back and forth between present day with the sisters and in the past with Grace. The ending is wild and unexpected and I really need to process this with someone! It releases Tuesday, so if you read it, let me know!! I also need more to the ending or an epilogue or something!!!

Laura McHugh has found a niche writing gritty, emotional stories in which the past and present collide, set in some of America's most rural, poverty-stricken areas. In Safe and Sound, she takes readers to Beaumont, Missouri, where Amelia works at the Waffle House, trying to save enough money to get herself and her younger sister, Kylee, out of town. Six years ago, their teenage cousin Grace disappeared while babysitting them, leaving a kitchen covered in blood -- and now human remains have been found in town. Amelia and Kylee are desperate to get out of Beaumont, to start a life somewhere better -- but even more than that, they want to find out what happened to Grace, once and for all. Their journey for answers will unearth secrets they never expected, and put them in much more danger than they could have anticipated.

Safe and Sound is a dark, emotionally resonant, immersive story about the complex bonds of family, the consequences of repressed trauma, and what it means to feel stuck, desperate and hopeless, in a place where you no longer fit (and maybe never did). The narrative completely transports readers to Beaumont, where the smell of the meat-packing plant permeates all of the town's dusty, worn-down nooks and crannies. Laura McHugh's characters are some of the best I've ever read; they are richly textured, flawed, and in the case of Amelia and Kylee, so endearing and determined. But McHugh can also write a vile, reprehensible character very well -- and there are more than a few that feature in this book.

The subject matter is dark and sad, and McHugh is unflinching as she addresses the topic of abuse head-on. But at the end of the novel, the reader is somehow left feeling optimistic for the futures of these characters. It's this quality of peeling back the layers to reveal and explore the darkest parts of humanity, while also leaving readers with a message of hope rather than despair, that makes McHugh one of the strongest, most authentic voices in modern grit lit. If you haven't read her other novels, I highly recommend them in addition to this one. Thank you to Random House for the early reading opportunity.