Abby, Chelsea and Bree are three good friends enjoying their first year of college. They are growing up together and struggling to define who they are and what they want to do with their lives, as we all do at 18. But Chelsea and Abby share a secret that leaves Bree out of the loop - they are lovers and have been for some time. Neither has publicly come out or told family or friends about the relationship. Tensions increase in the trio until there is an argument on Halloween night, and Abby disappears. It has always been assumed she was a victim of Jon Allan Blue, a serial killer who murdered young college women, but her body has never been found.

Twelve years later, Bree and Chelsea are reunited by the impending execution of Blue, and by a hugely popular murder podcast that wants to tell Abby's story. The two women finally have to deal with the emotional damage that Abby's disappearance, and their own actions, created.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Rebecca McKanna. Many of us don't realize the impact of our decision and choices at 18 years of age, and this is something that Bree and Chelsea grapple with for years in the novel. Twelve years later they wonder whether they could have changed the outcome if they had done things differently and maybe Abby would still be alive. The characters, with their inner turmoil and buried emotions, are realistic and likeable with all their deeply human flaws. The depiction of Jon Allan Blue, the unremarkable and ordinary guy who happens to be a serial killer, is chilling.

I also appreciate all the themes explored in the book: the glorification and monetization of murderers; the struggle of maintaining faith in a dark world; and the lasting impact that crime can have on family and friends of the victim. A fantastic job for a debut novel and I am not surprised that this has been optioned for production. It would make a great series! Sincere thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. Highly recommended.