Melinda D

I absolutely loved this fast-paced, plot-building writing style with many twists and turns. In fact, I had a hard time putting this book down as it kept me reading well past midnight multiple nights. From the very first pages, I was captivated by Margaret's idiosyncrasies, intellect and musings. And, I looked forward to page after page to watch her use deductive reasoning, test her theories and take on actions outside of her comfort zone. Not to mention as a gardener, I learned so much about plants that was an eye opener. I look forward to the next book (hopefully, a series!) on Margaret, the unassuming Research Assistant II, a super sleuth who knows how to catch a murderer!

Rankin's novel is an extremely powerful and disturbing story that weaves in deep family loss, stolen childhoods and extreme manipulation that mirrors enslavement. It's not an easy read and I found myself several times thinking this can't get more twisted and then it did.