
Published by Bookouture on October 9, 2023
Genres: Psychological Thrillers


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Find the Author: Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BookBub, TikTokBailey stood on the stage, her crown glittering under the high school lights as she blew kisses to those glaring beneath her. Despite the celebrations, something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t supposed to be prom queen, and someone would make her pay for it…
Twenty years ago, my best friend, Bailey, was found dead by the train tracks, half of our friendship locket missing from her pale neck. She never took that off. Officially, it was ruled a tragic accident – but I knew better. She’d been crowned prom queen only hours earlier, and someone’s jealousy had finally gotten to them.
Now I have been forced to return to my childhood home, to the small lakeside town, and the group of friends I grew up with. Back to the scene of the crime that ruined my life, and stole my best friend away from me forever. I need a fresh slate, but I am seeing Bailey everywhere. A quick flash of her locket on a woman in a café surely can’t be a coincidence?
As I walk along the street, I avoid the suspicious stares of my former classmates. Everyone here thinks I had something to do with Bailey’s death. Sure, we did things we shouldn’t have as teenagers, but who didn’t? But when I start to hear noises in my house and receive threatening notes, I realize someone here never wanted me to come back, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep me away…
Someone in this small town murdered my best friend the night she was crowned prom queen, and now they’re after me. We all have our secrets, but who would kill for them?
My Thoughts
This book has everything you could look for in a suspenseful story – a small town, the mysterious death of a popular girl, and many secrets. The author’s use of past and present storytelling lets us slowly get to know the characters and the lies they’ve been hiding. Adding an actual crime podcast element was a brilliant move, adding an extra level of intrigue to the plot. At its core, the story raises important questions about trust and the consequences of keeping secrets. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.