This beautiful and I am so proud of the author, but I couldn't immerse myself in it. I do not know why. It is well written. I just didn't feel myself there.
I look forward to the next book the author writers.

Luce Shelley, a true crime loving teenager lives with mom Gloria, little brother Roo and aunt Gem in an isolated women’s refuge located in a redwood forest. Founded by settler Tamsen Nightingale, the refuge has existed for almost one hundred years and now has a population of almost two hundred (some men are allowed). Gem has been catatonic since she was attacked by a boyfriend years ago, now she and Gloria work together as a psychic team. When one of the sisters’ “seekers” dies at their home his son wants revenge. Then Gloria disappears and Luce relies on help from Una, the community’s leader and her own wits to try to locate her mother.

Interesting book. While reading I almost had the sense that Luce and her family were indigenous people versus residents in a women’s refuge, and I don’t know why I kept feeling that way. I loved the back story with Tamsen Nightingale, those sections of the book were my favorites and felt more “real” to me than those set in modern day. Overall good but not great, I guess.

I think that this was a well written novel, but it was not for me. I was very underwhelmed and quite disappointed.