Rating: 3 out of 5.

This is a good mystery told in two different timelines and multiple POVs. The story focuses on three women that formed a sister bond while in the same foster care at Wild Meadows estate run by Miss Fairchild. On the surface the girls are “lucky” to be in such a wonderful placement, but scratch the surface and you’ll find Miss Fairchild is unpredictable, vengeful, and is not to be crossed. When they are young teenagers they are able to break away from her and go on to grow up and be successful. But, each women still carries deep scars from their life at Wild Meadows, and the last thing they want to do is return to the place of their nightmares. But, when a body is found under the house, they are forced to return to speak with detectives. The question is, are they witnesses or suspects?

The story switches between Outwardly successful, the girls are internally a mess and lean heavily on each other to get through life, including this latest stress of the police investigation. They’re forced to re-live some of the worst moments of their lives, and are not dealing with it well. Jessica has OCD and is dependant on valium that she steals from her clients. Norah has anger issues and is quick to react with her fists. Alicia is filled with insecurity that interferes with every relationship she’s had and one that she may enter into.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Despite the subject matter and their issues, they still felt a bit flat. I kept waiting for something big to happen, but I never got that payoff. The book flows along at a low simmer but never reaches a boil. I kept waiting to get tense and concerned for the girls’ welfare, but I never felt they were in danger. Even the twists were tame and predictable. Overall, the book is well written and a good mystery, but just a bit tame for my tastes. I think people that don’t want their mysteries dark and twisty will really enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.