The story is a whirlwind of deceit. Submersed in lies and murder. The most amazing thing though, is the forgiveness given to those who seem to have incredibly bad judgment and inconsideration towards the people who love them the most.

I would say it is unbelievable if I didn’t know any better. But people are wildly forgiven every day. And wildly rotten. My only criticism is that maybe the story could’ve gone deeper into the reasoning for forgiveness. Or maybe struggled with it a little more. Because not everyone would forgive so easily. It seemed like the characters needed a deeper bond than what was established to enable such virtuous forgiving. But in a way, it was implied by the characters’ connections with each other, so it’s a shallow critique. A better reader might just fill in the blanks.

I especially liked the description of the mother that seemed to wish for trouble just so she could be there to rescue her daughter. I have an assumption this is probably based on something very personal. It definitely brings forward a sense of realism and creates a connection with the reader if they’ve ever experienced a narcissist in their life.

The statement about the social desire to be a parent replacing the biological desire was profound to me. I can’t imagine the suffering and tragedy in losing a child or the inability to have one. I’ve never thought of the social pressures to have kids before, especially from the perspective of someone who cannot, but now I see it. And it’s kinda messed up.

I also wish there was some retribution from the female police officer other than just being really good at her job. I felt like the dynamic between the two cops needed even more friction, just to add tension, especially since this was a fictional story. Why not go deep and dark? Maybe the overlooked capable female cop murdering the misogynistic asshole cop would’ve been cool. It’s not like one more brutal killing would’ve been a shock. And she totally would’ve gotten away with it. …On second thought, that would be another book. Better to leave that sideline alone. I’m also not sure the male cop deserves to die just for being a prick, but I sure wish he’d been taught a lesson.

I also wanted to hear more about Steve. There’s no closure to this missing mystery man-which was exactly the point, I know, but I would’ve really enjoyed a twist at the end with a bloodied Steve standing in the middle of the night highway wearing smoking boots and a hat, holding up a radioactively glowing cell phone, cursing while trying to get a signal. Well, alright, maybe that would’ve been too ridiculous.

I was also impressed at the knowledge of nuclear radioactive storage and weaponry. Especially since I have absolutely no idea if any of it was correct. But it sounded legitimate and that’s all that matters to me. It’s like the time I stood in the middle of the Los Alamos National Laboratory History Museum and said, “yeah, I get all this. It’s sciency!”

Overall it is a straightforward story. There’s no intended humor other than the words, ‘snotty’ and ‘smart ass’, and no frills or over exaggerated moments. The language was comfortable and easy. I didn’t have to look up the meaning of any haughty words.

When I finished the book in a five hour marathon, it felt like I’d just watched a movie with an unforgettable ending. An intriguing story. Each chapter leading to the next with anticipation and curiosity.

As a first published story, it’s especially very good in my opinion. The small issues I have are meaningless to the overall story. It flows well and happens fast. I could see this same story extensively dragged out with long descriptions and meandering visual representation, but it doesn’t go there. She tells the story without fluff and gets directly to the point.

And as a non-reader, I appreciate a writer with a good story that doesn’t feel the need to test my patience. She did a great job and this was fun to read. Go Amy!