Naomi, Cassidy, and Olivia are best friends. Despite their differing backgrounds, the three form a strong bond that is challenged when they are eleven years old. While in the woods play a game they created, the Goddess Game, the three are attacked. Cassidy and Olivia escape unharmed but Naomi is stabbed numerous times, barely clinging to life. But they saw the man who attacked Naomi and with their positive identification and the revelation that the man killed several other women, Naomi’s attacker is locked up for there. As far as anyone is concerned the case is closed.

Naomi thought the same. Now grown up and a wedding photographer, Naomi has moved away from her small town but is still haunted by that night in the woods. When she receives a call that the man who attacked her has died in prison, Naomi doesn’t feel relief, especially when Olivia wants her, Cassidy, and Naomi to meet and reveal what really happened that night. As Naomi begins to question what she saw that night, secrets are revealed along with the haunting realization that Naomi’s friends might not be who they appear to be.

This is my first Kate Alice Marshall book and also her first adult book. I can say with confidence that this will not be the last book I pick up from Ms. Marshall. From the start I was hooked, wanting to read one more chapter to find out what happened that fateful night. For the most part, the book was reading like a four star but the ending pushed it to being a five star. The revelation of what happened that fateful night is masterfully put together and the big reveal is jaw dropping while also believable, with Ms. Marshall dropping small little hints throughout the book.

The character development was good but the mood of the book was excellent, creating an environment of tension and suspicion among not just the supporting characters but Naomi herself, who is narrating the story. Is she telling the whole truth? Can she be trusted? Soon the reader finds themself questioning everybody and only stops when the last page is flipped.

There isn’t anything about this story that I would change. I will say that the book does read like a traditional thriller, with some similar plot elements that one might see in other mystery/thrillers so if you are expecting something completely different and unique than perhaps you won’t be a big fan. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it be a quick read and very atmospheric for the fall season.

5 out of 5 stars