In this novel, Shari Lapena, takes us inside the lives of Amy and Marco. A 30 something married couple with a new born child. We are introduced to them as they are attending a party next door; with their neighbors Cynthia and Graham. Amy is a bit anxious because at the insistence of their spouse she is at the party - without her daughter. Who is next door in their home; their babysitter called off due to a family emergency. Both of the parents are checking on the baby every half hour and they are keeping a watch on her via the baby monitor they have bought with them. But they miss one of the checks due to Marco wanting to have just one more glass of wine. Finally they go home; to find the front door of their home ajar and the baby missing.
It is after all this that hell breaks loose. Everyone, from the media to their family and friends suspect them of harming and hiding their child. Especially after it is revealed that Amy is suffering from postpartum depression and Marco's business is failing. This novel is a novel of deep and troubling secrets. Everyone, and I do mean everyone has something to hide. Other than maybe the detective. Right down to Amy's parents and neighbors.
What I loved about the book was that the there was just the right amount of tension. Amy and Marco have been dealing with her depression and the pressures of being parents to a newborn. This has re-shaped their relationship. There is also tension between Cynthia and Graham; who have some evidence that may implicate Marco in the disappearance of his own child. But, they can't use it because it links them to another crime. While Amy's mother and stepfather are dealing with an unhappy marriage; and her mom is coping with the fact that her husband has been cheating on her for many years and might be stealing from her as well.
This novel is full of twists and turns and their are some frightening implications for all of them. Especially for Amy. I found the characters in this book somewhat likable but really aggravating. Amy had just the right amount of anxiety and tension and instability to make her extremely creepy. But - its her vulnerability that makes her so likable. With Marco its the same. What I loved is that while predictable the story was never boring. This one was a real page turner. I really must say I am excited to read more from this author.
Quotes I loved:
“Her thoughts speed up and become less rational; her mind makes fantastic leaps. It's not that things don't make sense to her when she's like this — sometimes they make 'more' sense. They make sense the way dreams do. It's only when the dream is over that you see how odd it all was, how it actually didn't make sense at all.”
“...nobody makes that much money without taking advantage of somebody. It's much easier to make money if you don't care who you hurt. If you have scruples, it's much harder to get rich.”
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