I struggled with this book. I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did. I love that the focus is on the survivors and victims rather than the perpetrator of the crimes. The author has a lot to say about how the fascination with serial killers and true crime often results in glamorizing the criminals and protraying them as complete people while the victims are pretty much anonymous and treated as peripheral characters in the killer's story. By only referring to the killer in this book as "The Defendant" the author reverses the usual unhealthy approach.

My problem was with the story. I just wasn't that invested in any of the characters and not a lot seemed to happen. Mostly talking and driving around and stopping to get something to eat.

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Fascinating book with less than perfect female lead characters. Explores our culture's fascination with serial killers and the forgotten victims; the families and friends of the deceased. Their trauma is carried with them the rest of their lives. I previously read Jessica Knoll's first novel and it was outstanding. I could not put this book down, yet didn't want it to end. There are many characters and the plot jumps back and forth in time, so my only advice is that this is not a book you want to start and then pick up a few weeks later.
I feel this is a must read for anyone who has "enjoyed" a book about a serial killer. I am not saying that you need to examine your conscience or feel guilty. But this book should be a mandatory companion piece.

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