What You Don't Know...
With "We Are All Guilty Here" Karin Slaughter introduces her new North Falls mystery series. The series takes place in the seemingly idyllic small town of North Falls, a close-knit community where everyone seems to know everything about everyone-- until their dark secrets come to light.
When two young girls vanish during the Fourth of July festivities, Sheriff Gerald Clifton and his daughter, Deputy Emmy Clifton, launch an immediate investigation. Their chances of finding the girls alive dwindle with every passing hour. Emmy is particularly burdened by guilt, as one of the missing girls had attempted to reach out to her just before disappearing.
Twelve years later, another young girl vanishes in a similar manner. A recently retired FBI agent, Jude Archer is compelled to arrive on the scene, revealing her secret ties to both the town and the Clifton family. Her methodical approach clashes with Emmy's emotional struggle to control her feelings.
Emmy is a wonderfully flawed heroine. She is driven to physical and emotional exhaustion by her powerful sense of justice and overwhelming guilt. This guilt, however, is not hers alone, as the title implies, every character harbors a secret. At one point, the Andy Griffith show is referenced... but this is not Mayberry.
Despite occasional slowdowns due to police procedural explorations, the narrative gains momentum through unexpected twists. The North Falls locale is stocked with well-crafted characters, establishing a solid foundation for a compelling series. Going forward, the two women look to work well together, with Jude's analytical skills complimenting Emmy's passionate approach.
This highly suspenseful and entertaining book comes with a warning: some readers may find the depictions of violence and abuse disturbing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With "We Are All Guilty Here" Karin Slaughter introduces her new North Falls mystery series. The series takes place in the seemingly idyllic small town of North Falls, a close-knit community where everyone seems to know everything about everyone-- until their dark secrets come to light.
When two young girls vanish during the Fourth of July festivities, Sheriff Gerald Clifton and his daughter, Deputy Emmy Clifton, launch an immediate investigation. Their chances of finding the girls alive dwindle with every passing hour. Emmy is particularly burdened by guilt, as one of the missing girls had attempted to reach out to her just before disappearing.
Twelve years later, another young girl vanishes in a similar manner. A recently retired FBI agent, Jude Archer is compelled to arrive on the scene, revealing her secret ties to both the town and the Clifton family. Her methodical approach clashes with Emmy's emotional struggle to control her feelings.
Emmy is a wonderfully flawed heroine. She is driven to physical and emotional exhaustion by her powerful sense of justice and overwhelming guilt. This guilt, however, is not hers alone, as the title implies, every character harbors a secret. At one point, the Andy Griffith show is referenced... but this is not Mayberry.
Despite occasional slowdowns due to police procedural explorations, the narrative gains momentum through unexpected twists. The North Falls locale is stocked with well-crafted characters, establishing a solid foundation for a compelling series. Going forward, the two women look to work well together, with Jude's analytical skills complimenting Emmy's passionate approach.
This highly suspenseful and entertaining book comes with a warning: some readers may find the depictions of violence and abuse disturbing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
