April 1, 2022
After surviving a nightmarish childhood at the hands of her abusive father, Mona found the key to happiness in Ben Ellison. The couple settles in a lovely Victorian home in suburban Belington, and Ben's career as a child psychologist flourishes. As the years pass, Mona dotes on their son Gus, enjoys time with friends, and finds comfort in her extensive collection of dolls. When Gus ditches school, falls in with the "wrong crowd," and then disappears, Mona's idyllic world begins to unravel. Medicated by Ben, she gives in to his request to move into a condo closer to his new clinic. Her worries are overshadowed by fear when the dead body of Mia Jones is found in a local lake. The night Gus disappeared, he and Ben argued--and the topic was Mia. After the police ask questions about Gus, Mona's determined to clear her son of suspicion, using social media clues to find him. Soon, she's doubting everything she believes about her family, and herself, and no longer knows whom to trust. VERDICT Furlong's ("Bone Gap Travellers" series) domestic thriller will keep readers off balance, mirroring Mona's psychological state. An engrossing and delightfully creepy read.--Julie Ciccarelli
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