What a great book! I couldn’t put it down and I lost track of time!
The story is so cleverly crafted that you are left guessing right until the very end. What happened to Joyce Haney? Who really are the protagonists behind all their pretences ? What drives them? What are they made of? But more importantly... what are they all hiding?
1959, Sunnylakes community, California: the appearances are deceiving. And detective Mick Blanke is forced to enroll the help of the most unexpected person for this period: Ruby, the Haney’s African- American help. I really fell in love with those 2 characters: so strong yet so vulnerable.
This mystery novel was really thought provoking, broaching matters that were true then but still contemporary: mental health, depression, social standards, social and racial inequalities, racism. It brilliantly depicted the paradox between the stereotypes and dark side of society, where lots of people are powerless to fight their lot, and the determination of a few to make a difference and instigate change, even if small.
A fantastic debut and I cannot wait to read more of Inga’s work.