Gus, her partner Howard, and her daughter Bly are a happy family living in Ottawa. On their annual camping trip to a spot near Howard’s parents home, he disappears. Gus and Bly hang around town for a long time looking for him, but eventually have to return home. Three years after his disappearance, Gus spots an obituary for Howard in the newspaper (placed by his parents) and she and Bly race back to Picton to found out why they’ve decided to hold a funeral now.

When I saw that this book was written from the perspective of Bly, who is 12 going on 42, I wasn’t sure how good it would be. Let me tell you, it was great! She might be 12, but Bly is smart, resourceful, and daring as all get out when it comes to tracking down Howard, the only father she’s known. Does Gus let her daughter do some things most parents wouldn’t dream of? Yes. Does she bring Bly along in situations most children should not be around? Yes. Does it all make sense when you get to know each character, their relationship, and what drives them? Absolutely.

I loved this book. It is the third in a series with these characters, but it reads well as a standalone novel. The twists and turns are plentiful, and I found the whole thing to be incredibly well done.

Thank you to Katie Tallo, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Author: Katie Tallo

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publication Date: December 3, 2024 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)