4.5 Stars from me
Another absolutely phenomenal read from Karin Slaughter.
This standalone read features new characters, the central player of which is Emmy Clifton. Emmy fulfills the trope of relentless cop with a messed up personal life but utter dedication to the job. She is likeable and a great lead to follow.
North Falls is a claustrophobic town where everyone knows everyone, I love books like this that you just know are a powder keg of secrets, lies and depravity just waiting to burst out. And boy, once the surface is scratched in North Falls secrets rain down like a pinata!
There are some powerful emotional moments in this, one bit in particular I don’t know if I could ever forgive myself for if I were in Emmy’s shoes. This book pulls no punches, making it hugely impactful and I love that about Slaughter’s writing.
For me the book had a slight drag towards the end and might have benefited from being trimmed but overall it is a superb read and if this happens to be the start of a new series I would be delighted.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Blurb: Welcome to North Falls. A small town where everyone knows everyone. But nobody knows the truth.
Emmy Clifton has lived here all her life. She thinks she knows her neighbours. She’s wrong.
She thinks it’s just another hot summer night: a night like any other. She’s wrong.
When her best friend’s daughter asks for help, she thinks it’s just some teenage drama. She thinks it can wait. She’s never been more wrong in her life.
As the town ignites in the wake of the girl’s disappearance, Emmy throws herself into the search. But then she realises: You never really know a town until you know its secrets.
Is Emmy ready for the truth?
Read and Rated 
Great review! Good to know it’s a standalone (but could be a new series), that’s definitely better for my reading!