I think I ruined this book just a little bit by reading Michaelides’ “The Maidens” first. Though I was shocked by how this story turned out, I had guessed a little bit at the twist, while with “The Maidens” I was absolutely blown away by every development. However, one part of this story I completely enjoyed and thought was done extremely well was the unreliable narrator. Bit by bit, readers learn more about Theo, the narrator, and start to wonder whether they can trust him. It’s a fascinating addition to the story and really makes the narrative come alive. 

The characters themselves are also deeply fascinating, as readers learn more about them and what brought them into this particular circumstance. Each character is given a chance to demonstrate their motives without the story falling off track. As readers see the situation around them change, readers shift who they’re rooting for, or even who they like. With this novel, readers’ perceptions are constantly moving and transferring; it’s highly satisfying in this way.