Wow!

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I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

CW: childbirth, postpartum psychosis, sexism, infidelity, and attempted murder

Damn. What a debut.

Honestly, I'm very impressed with Golding and I know that she'll be another author that I'll come back to. In a way, she channeled Ania Ahlborn by treading the line of what's supernatural and what's psychological. Then, she also was able to channel some of Tana French with a procedural feel and, again, exploring people's psychologies.

Lauren had a traumatic birth to twins. Two sons. Morgan and Riley. Then, in the hospital -- running on no sleep and her husband having left her to go home -- she sees someone who tries to take her babies. And she's convinced that they're going to be taken. Only a police officer somewhat believes her. Her husband is completely unhelpful and is so sexist about what Lauren's role ought to be.

For me, I never really saw it as "supernatural". Yes, it was. It channeled that aspect very well, but it never convinced me. To me, it was classic postpartum psychosis. I just never got fully brought over to the "it was the fae and changelings!" side.

What stood out for me most was the characterization. Each character was great and fun to read. I mean, Lauren had my heart going for her because she didn't get the help that she needed. Her husband was a trip because he was just pure shit. The detective had such an interesting past.

There were aspects I didn't really need, like the detective's love life. It never held an interest for me and, although it was queer, distracted from the story. I was very happy that there was an openly bisexual character and that there was an F/F romance as a side thing, but romance just isn't what I go for even if the rep was great.

Basically, give this a try! I can see a bright future for Golding and I'll be keeping tabs on her next book!