Secrets and lies are at the heart of this domestic psychodrama. Once again, the blurb doesn't really give a very good picture of the crux of the story and I'm not sure if describing it more accuretly would be considered spoilers, but the foundation for the issues at the center of the plot involve unsavory behaviors such as adultery, drug addiction and death.
Caroline and Francis need to get away alone and they decide to do a house swap. It's once they get to the place on a quiet cul de sac and step inside that Caroline becomes quite unsettled and knows that there is something else going on besides a change of housing vacation. Things that only have meaning for her in the context of her past appear in a house that is nearly empty in its starkness. Flowers on the windowsill, a particular fragrance, a photograph. Who does this house belong to? And what does this all mean? Suffice to say that Caroline is slammed back 2 years to a time, place and person she's been trying to forget.
Tons of drama and some tension as the point of view flips back and forth between persons and time. The reader finds out what Caroline had been up to, what Francis has done, and then there's a neighbor across the way who seems to really want an instant friendship with Caroline. It all comes together with a surprising revelation and resolution of sorts.
As far as the characters in this sordid tale, well, they aren't particularly likeable really. Certainly not any of the lot that I'd like to befriend -- way too messed up. But they made for a good story and I was engrossed as I read it in one sitting. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you'll not want to miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Group (Pamela Dorman Books) for the e-book ARC to read and review.
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