This book was absolutely engrossing. The story is inspired by the horrific Slenderman stabbings, but as the author mentions in the interview at the end of the book, he didn't read much about the case after initially hearing about it as he wanted to tell this story, so while the inspiration is clear, it's not a "ripped from the headlines" style story. Instead, it focuses on the victim of a similar attack years later as she struggles to have a normal life despite the lasting impact of the trauma she's endured. Alice is not a perfect victim- she has not forgiven, she has not forgotten, and she's no angel herself (and continues to make poor choices throughout the story). But she is the perfect train wreck- it's impossible to stop reading her story.
This is psychological suspense done well. It's gruesome, it's fascinating, it's terrifying. The ending is slightly unsatisfying, bringing this down to a 4 star read, but this author is one to watch.
This is psychological suspense done well. It's gruesome, it's fascinating, it's terrifying. The ending is slightly unsatisfying, bringing this down to a 4 star read, but this author is one to watch.