Did that really take me four days to read? It felt much, much longer. Wavering between two and three stars, I had to round down because I was pretty much skimming near the end just to finish. 

I’ll try to do this without spoilers:

I enjoyed some bits and pieces, but there was just so much toxicity. Weird friendship dynamics, super toxic boyfriend (I don’t buy for a second that he loved her until the end. Actions speak louder, my friend), even Goldie’s parents showed some seriously questionable judgment. 

And about the counselors all getting two nights per week off to go into town, get piss-drunk, and then crawl back into cabins full of children? Wha?

I actually really enjoyed hearing about the camp experiences and imagery. It felt very nostalgic, having spent a couple of summers in my youth at a (far less glamorous!) summer camp. The tension between “townies” and campers was good too. That’s really all that carried the book though. 

I’ve heard good things about other books by Jessica Goodman that I might take a chance on, but I’m in no hurry. 

P.S. The motive was lame. I saw it a mile away.