I like that there is almost a meta feel to the main character's focus on the murders, in the sense that she herself is obsessed with them like everyone else, but she is equal parts analytical and emotional about it and recognizes that it's not normal or good for the town to continue to revolve around them to the extent that it does. It sets the expectation that there will be more to this story than just the resolution of the mystery, but also the effect that such events have on a place long after they've occurred. I love that cover image uses the rearview mirror to tie in so well with the story's focus on past events.