BookView Review rated it:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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Pub date March 8, 2022

ISBN 978-1733691932

Price $22.99 (USD) Hardcover, $16.99 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle edition

Lastufka’s latest is a compelling story of lives shattered by pride, greed, lust for power, and fear of the unknown. Fractured by past trauma, psychological pressure, and the inexorable demands of single parenting, custody battle, and job hunt, Adriana Kuasye is more than happy to do any kind of work. But when she draws a strange, mangled face instead of the described suspect for the local police force, no one takes her seriously. Determined to uncover the secret behind the hellish figure, Adriana finds herself on a treacherous path, unaware of the danger lurking ahead. Lastufka makes good use of usual genre tropes—psychological trauma, drugs, mental illness, physical and emotional violence, bullying, crooked politicians, simmering resentments, and long-buried secrets—as his vulnerable protagonist digs deep into past and present to unravel the mysteries of the town. Readers who persevere through the slow-paced first-half will be rewarded with the page-turning momentum of the second half and shockingly, satisfying finale. Along the way, Lastufka plays out relevant themes of friendship, trust. betrayal, manipulation, resilience, and determination. A convincing, fast-moving plot, a dauntless but vulnerable heroine, and relentless suspense make this one a must-read for lovers of psychological suspense.

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