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Tell Me Something Good
This is a story of the rich and the very poor. This is a story of an illegal auction with dire consequences. This is a story of murders past and present. This is a story of intertwined relationships and the silent ripples they leave behind, where love becomes a guiding force, revealing the lengths one will go to protect those they cherish.
Over twenty years ago, a young hunting guide in rural Kentucky was driving his boat in the early morning mist when his peaceful cruise was cut short by a scene so disturbing, he packed up and moved away. Nine women died early that morning, but it was linked to a similar crime in Texas, so the locals quickly wrote it off as having nothing to do with them.
Now, all these years later, when everyone has nearly forgotten about that grisly part of their past, one man's accidental death will bring everything back up to the surface. The locals who knew better can no longer claim it had nothing to do with them, and one woman, desperate to do whatever it takes to save her mother's life, will learn that nearly everyone in her life has been lying to her.
In Court Stevens's adult debut, she delves deep into the heart of a community, where some will learn that we don't always live to see the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same.
Over twenty years ago, a young hunting guide in rural Kentucky was driving his boat in the early morning mist when his peaceful cruise was cut short by a scene so disturbing, he packed up and moved away. Nine women died early that morning, but it was linked to a similar crime in Texas, so the locals quickly wrote it off as having nothing to do with them.
Now, all these years later, when everyone has nearly forgotten about that grisly part of their past, one man's accidental death will bring everything back up to the surface. The locals who knew better can no longer claim it had nothing to do with them, and one woman, desperate to do whatever it takes to save her mother's life, will learn that nearly everyone in her life has been lying to her.
In Court Stevens's adult debut, she delves deep into the heart of a community, where some will learn that we don't always live to see the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
85 people are currently reading
12144 people want to read
About the author
Court Stevens
6 books155 followersCourtney “Court” Stevens grew up in the knockabout town of Bandana, Kentucky. She is a former adjunct professor, youth minister, Olympic torchbearer, and bookseller at Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN. These days she writes coming-of-truth fiction and is the Executive Director of Warren County Public Library in Bowling Green, KY. She has a pet whale named Herman, a bandsaw named Rex, and a tiny fleet of novels with her name on the spine.
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May 30, 2025I chose this book as my first audio book so that I would hopefully enjoy it while on my torture machine (elliptical). I give up. This is really not catching my attention and there are soooo many characters and nothing is seamed together. I'd rather just use the elliptical and that is a bad sign.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
June 21, 2025
EXCERPT: If you live on a river and farm, you spend more time praying about rain than you do breathing. You need it to come. You need it to stop. The spring before Anna was set to leave for college, Luxor had what the meteorologist called a five-hundred-year-flood.
Everything within six miles that wasn't on risers was damaged. Many of the homes. All of the crops. Anna and Starr were trapped in their house for four days. By the time the bottom steps of the deck dried and Anna put her foot back on the muddy earth, she knew she wasn't leaving Luxor or Starr. She turned down every scholarship and got one of the only jobs in town.
Her paycheck kept them from losing the farm.
When Starr has a glass or two of wine, she says Anna kept them from losing far more, but she never explains what.
Starr is a woman with secrets.
And while Anna sometimes considers it a betrayal, and sometimes fights about the secrets with Starr (and never wins), and sometimes grows restless with sacrificing so much for a cause she can't name or understand, she does it anyway. And somehow finds a way to do it with love.
ABOUT 'TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD': This is a story of the rich and the very poor. This is a story of an illegal auction with dire consequences. This is a story of murders past and present. This is a story of intertwined relationships and the silent ripples they leave behind, where love becomes a guiding force, revealing the lengths one will go to protect those they cherish.
Over twenty years ago, a young hunting guide in rural Kentucky was driving his boat in the early morning mist when his peaceful cruise was cut short by a scene so disturbing, he packed up and moved away. Nine women died early that morning, but it was linked to a similar crime in Texas, so the locals quickly wrote it off as having nothing to do with them.
Now, all these years later, when everyone has nearly forgotten about that grisly part of their past, one man's accidental death will bring everything back up to the surface. The locals who knew better can no longer claim it had nothing to do with them, and one woman, desperate to do whatever it takes to save her mother's life, will learn that nearly everyone in her life has been lying to her.
MY THOUGHTS: Tell Me Something Good lacked a little something for me. I guess I went into it expecting one thing and got something else entirely. But putting that aside . . .
There are an awful lot of characters in this novel and their connections to one another aren't always immediately clear. Mind, there were a few connections that even they weren't aware of, and which aren't revealed until late in the narrative.
There are some interesting characters. Along with Anna, Starr and Jack - Anna's ex-fiancé, ex-love of her life, and both the best and worst thing to ever happen to her. Their relationship is complicated and about to become even more so. Foster, so named because of the number of foster homes she passed through as a child. Molly the donkey who literally kicks off the whole chain of events and a raccoon called Gary.
Tell Me Something Good is a slow burn that kept my interest simmering but never brought it to boiling point. I was waiting for a jaw-dropping revelation that never quite eventuated. When the big reveal came, I thought, 'Oh.' Yes, no exclamation point.
Tell Me Something Good was a good, but not great read. It kept me interested but never fully absorbed me. I enjoyed the narration of Marin Ireland, Charlie Thurston and Annalee Scott.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TellMeSomethingGood #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Courtney “Court” Stevens grew up in the knockabout town of Bandana, Kentucky. She is a former adjunct professor, youth minister, Olympic torchbearer, and bookseller at Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN. These days she writes coming-of-truth fiction and is the Executive Director of Warren County Public Library in Bowling Green, KY. She has a pet whale named Herman, a bandsaw named Rex, and a tiny fleet of novels with her name on the spine.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Muse audiobooks via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of Tell Me Something Good written by Court stevens and superbly narrated by Marin Ireland, Charlie Thurston and Annalee Scott. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Everything within six miles that wasn't on risers was damaged. Many of the homes. All of the crops. Anna and Starr were trapped in their house for four days. By the time the bottom steps of the deck dried and Anna put her foot back on the muddy earth, she knew she wasn't leaving Luxor or Starr. She turned down every scholarship and got one of the only jobs in town.
Her paycheck kept them from losing the farm.
When Starr has a glass or two of wine, she says Anna kept them from losing far more, but she never explains what.
Starr is a woman with secrets.
And while Anna sometimes considers it a betrayal, and sometimes fights about the secrets with Starr (and never wins), and sometimes grows restless with sacrificing so much for a cause she can't name or understand, she does it anyway. And somehow finds a way to do it with love.
ABOUT 'TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD': This is a story of the rich and the very poor. This is a story of an illegal auction with dire consequences. This is a story of murders past and present. This is a story of intertwined relationships and the silent ripples they leave behind, where love becomes a guiding force, revealing the lengths one will go to protect those they cherish.
Over twenty years ago, a young hunting guide in rural Kentucky was driving his boat in the early morning mist when his peaceful cruise was cut short by a scene so disturbing, he packed up and moved away. Nine women died early that morning, but it was linked to a similar crime in Texas, so the locals quickly wrote it off as having nothing to do with them.
Now, all these years later, when everyone has nearly forgotten about that grisly part of their past, one man's accidental death will bring everything back up to the surface. The locals who knew better can no longer claim it had nothing to do with them, and one woman, desperate to do whatever it takes to save her mother's life, will learn that nearly everyone in her life has been lying to her.
MY THOUGHTS: Tell Me Something Good lacked a little something for me. I guess I went into it expecting one thing and got something else entirely. But putting that aside . . .
There are an awful lot of characters in this novel and their connections to one another aren't always immediately clear. Mind, there were a few connections that even they weren't aware of, and which aren't revealed until late in the narrative.
There are some interesting characters. Along with Anna, Starr and Jack - Anna's ex-fiancé, ex-love of her life, and both the best and worst thing to ever happen to her. Their relationship is complicated and about to become even more so. Foster, so named because of the number of foster homes she passed through as a child. Molly the donkey who literally kicks off the whole chain of events and a raccoon called Gary.
Tell Me Something Good is a slow burn that kept my interest simmering but never brought it to boiling point. I was waiting for a jaw-dropping revelation that never quite eventuated. When the big reveal came, I thought, 'Oh.' Yes, no exclamation point.
Tell Me Something Good was a good, but not great read. It kept me interested but never fully absorbed me. I enjoyed the narration of Marin Ireland, Charlie Thurston and Annalee Scott.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TellMeSomethingGood #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Courtney “Court” Stevens grew up in the knockabout town of Bandana, Kentucky. She is a former adjunct professor, youth minister, Olympic torchbearer, and bookseller at Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN. These days she writes coming-of-truth fiction and is the Executive Director of Warren County Public Library in Bowling Green, KY. She has a pet whale named Herman, a bandsaw named Rex, and a tiny fleet of novels with her name on the spine.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Muse audiobooks via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of Tell Me Something Good written by Court stevens and superbly narrated by Marin Ireland, Charlie Thurston and Annalee Scott. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 13, 2025
3.5 rounded up. Looooooved the writing but the plot left a little to be desired.
June 19, 2025
4.25 stars
This is a very impressive adult debut, and I was here for this literary mystery that is equally character and plot driven. The story revolves around two towns separated by a river and social class. Anna Ryder, the protagonist, is home caring for her sick mother. When she loses her job, she seeks employment at the Lodge out of desperation, where her mother had told her to stay away from. One of the employees involved in the annual hunting retreat was killed, allowing her to fill the vacancy.
What follows is a story of rich and poor, an illegal auction, toxic relationships, family secrets, childhood memories, corruption, and murder. It is also a story of friendship and protecting those we love. There are several characters, and they are slowly developed over time as their layers are peeled back, and I felt invested in them. I loved the concept that we leave ripples long after we are gone, for good or bad. I found myself totally engrossed in this story and highly recommend adding it to your TBR.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads, and Court Stevens for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
#GiftedByUpLit
This is a very impressive adult debut, and I was here for this literary mystery that is equally character and plot driven. The story revolves around two towns separated by a river and social class. Anna Ryder, the protagonist, is home caring for her sick mother. When she loses her job, she seeks employment at the Lodge out of desperation, where her mother had told her to stay away from. One of the employees involved in the annual hunting retreat was killed, allowing her to fill the vacancy.
What follows is a story of rich and poor, an illegal auction, toxic relationships, family secrets, childhood memories, corruption, and murder. It is also a story of friendship and protecting those we love. There are several characters, and they are slowly developed over time as their layers are peeled back, and I felt invested in them. I loved the concept that we leave ripples long after we are gone, for good or bad. I found myself totally engrossed in this story and highly recommend adding it to your TBR.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads, and Court Stevens for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
#GiftedByUpLit
March 9, 2025
2.75/5 stars.
While I enjoyed the writing of this book, I also felt this story suffered from too many characters and not enough development. I think it may have been easier to keep track of if I had physically read the book but I had the audio for this story. I did feel like this was a bit confusing and I didn’t always know which character was which.
The actual plot was enjoyable but I had a hard time feeling immersed and present throughout the whole story. This ended up being an “ok” listen for me. It wasn’t bad but it also wasn’t outstanding in my personal opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
While I enjoyed the writing of this book, I also felt this story suffered from too many characters and not enough development. I think it may have been easier to keep track of if I had physically read the book but I had the audio for this story. I did feel like this was a bit confusing and I didn’t always know which character was which.
The actual plot was enjoyable but I had a hard time feeling immersed and present throughout the whole story. This ended up being an “ok” listen for me. It wasn’t bad but it also wasn’t outstanding in my personal opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2025
MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR!!!
A small quiet Kentucky town has a large hunting event every year and what happens during this time isn't always legal. Years ago nine women were murdered on the river and the killer was never caught. In Tell Me Something Good you follow Anna- a woman who always wanted to leave the small town but, when her mother falls ill she has to take care of her. After losing her job at the school she is forced to look for employment across the river at the lodge. the place her mother has always told her to stay away from. but she has no choice and once she gets a job there all the secrets start to unravel. Everything and everyone are not who they seem. Can Anna find out the truth of what happened that night and how she is connected?
thank you the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
A small quiet Kentucky town has a large hunting event every year and what happens during this time isn't always legal. Years ago nine women were murdered on the river and the killer was never caught. In Tell Me Something Good you follow Anna- a woman who always wanted to leave the small town but, when her mother falls ill she has to take care of her. After losing her job at the school she is forced to look for employment across the river at the lodge. the place her mother has always told her to stay away from. but she has no choice and once she gets a job there all the secrets start to unravel. Everything and everyone are not who they seem. Can Anna find out the truth of what happened that night and how she is connected?
thank you the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
June 27, 2025
Wow! I was anxious from the first page and the omniscient narrator kept me on my toes through every.single.page of this one from page one and until I kept reading through the acknowledgements. Somehow, with the complexity of the characters, I felt fully satisfied at the end without a single loose end! A tremendous read!!
March 21, 2025
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the narrator did a wonderful job on this book! She covers all the characters seamlessly and is clear and concise. The story held my attention throughout and had so many twists and turns it made my head spin! Every time I felt like I finally had a grip on where it was headed, the story would flip completely and have me left with my mouth hanging open. I would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and mysteries spanning 20+ years with a love story at the heart of it.
I thought the narrator did a wonderful job on this book! She covers all the characters seamlessly and is clear and concise. The story held my attention throughout and had so many twists and turns it made my head spin! Every time I felt like I finally had a grip on where it was headed, the story would flip completely and have me left with my mouth hanging open. I would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and mysteries spanning 20+ years with a love story at the heart of it.
May 23, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ An ok read overall, not one that I would rave about. I can usually keep up with simultaneous storylines, but this one in my opinion had too many that didn’t quite relate nor come together. It did have a few twist and turns, just nothing jaw dropping that made me crave for more. The ending sent a powerful and emotional message, but it took a lot of unnecessary turns to get to that particular conclusion. The narrator did an amazing job in the audiobook. Thank you Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2025
When I read that this book claimed to be like Beartown, I had both high and low hopes. Beartown is one of my favorite books of all time, and I didn't think anything could come close. Tell Me Something Good truly rivals my love for those books. The narrative, if you are a Fredrik Backman fan, is paced very similarly and follows a similar style. It was very compelling, and I was enraptured up until the very end.
The characters were very hard to get straight at first, I think because it kind of jumps around explaining them a bit. Eventually I caught on, but the family trees still perplex me a bit. That being said, the characters were so nuanced and complex, and it in classic Fredrik Backman fashion it has you both loving and hating just about every character.
This book was truly a delight to read, and I foresee myself revisiting it in the future because it is a captivating and richly told story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for a review.
The characters were very hard to get straight at first, I think because it kind of jumps around explaining them a bit. Eventually I caught on, but the family trees still perplex me a bit. That being said, the characters were so nuanced and complex, and it in classic Fredrik Backman fashion it has you both loving and hating just about every character.
This book was truly a delight to read, and I foresee myself revisiting it in the future because it is a captivating and richly told story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for a review.
May 21, 2025
*Thank you to Harper Muse for a complimentary arc of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. *
The synopsis of Tell Me Something Good intrigued me pretty quick, and that Court Stevens wrote it made me itch to begin reading it even quicker.
The story was definitely entertaining, and the way Stevens writes was as great as you’d expect. The plot is rich and complex, follows at a slow pace without being boring at any point, and I would definitely recommend this to any thriller lovers out there.
However, while I enjoyed the plot, it didn’t bring me to the edge of my seat like I might have wanted it too. I struggled a bit at first with the amount of characters, which made it harder to connect or care about what might happen to them. I expected the story to be more focused on the murders, however they weren’t that much of a focal point before midway through the book - and even at that point, the auction took most of the attention for a while.
Yet, despite not feeling that connected to the characters, the ending of the book still managed to crack my heart a bit in a way I don’t think any thriller has managed before. Looking back, I didn’t realise at first how well Stevens managed to deliver on the “we don’t always see the ripples we make” aspect, but while I was missing a bit of a jaw drop at times, she wrote this story brilliantly and I’m sure I’ll reread it in the future and push it in the direction of several reading buddies.
The synopsis of Tell Me Something Good intrigued me pretty quick, and that Court Stevens wrote it made me itch to begin reading it even quicker.
The story was definitely entertaining, and the way Stevens writes was as great as you’d expect. The plot is rich and complex, follows at a slow pace without being boring at any point, and I would definitely recommend this to any thriller lovers out there.
However, while I enjoyed the plot, it didn’t bring me to the edge of my seat like I might have wanted it too. I struggled a bit at first with the amount of characters, which made it harder to connect or care about what might happen to them. I expected the story to be more focused on the murders, however they weren’t that much of a focal point before midway through the book - and even at that point, the auction took most of the attention for a while.
Yet, despite not feeling that connected to the characters, the ending of the book still managed to crack my heart a bit in a way I don’t think any thriller has managed before. Looking back, I didn’t realise at first how well Stevens managed to deliver on the “we don’t always see the ripples we make” aspect, but while I was missing a bit of a jaw drop at times, she wrote this story brilliantly and I’m sure I’ll reread it in the future and push it in the direction of several reading buddies.
June 1, 2025
"We don't live to see all the ripples we'll make, but we must make them all the same."
Tell Me Something Good delivers beautiful writing, as a mystery that has hints of both literary fiction and historical fiction. I enjoyed the writing style and had to stop and savor a few poignant passages, especially the closing line. Court Stevens delivers deep and satisfying character development. Still, this novel stopped short of being a home-run for me, as I found there were quite a few characters, especially looking back historically, and I struggled a bit to keep them all straight and to place them all within the layers of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperMuse Audiobooks, and Court Stevens for an advance copy for honest review. While I got a bit tripped up by this book at times, I'm still impressed and would happily read more of this author in the future. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Tell Me Something Good delivers beautiful writing, as a mystery that has hints of both literary fiction and historical fiction. I enjoyed the writing style and had to stop and savor a few poignant passages, especially the closing line. Court Stevens delivers deep and satisfying character development. Still, this novel stopped short of being a home-run for me, as I found there were quite a few characters, especially looking back historically, and I struggled a bit to keep them all straight and to place them all within the layers of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperMuse Audiobooks, and Court Stevens for an advance copy for honest review. While I got a bit tripped up by this book at times, I'm still impressed and would happily read more of this author in the future. 3.5 stars rounded up.
June 11, 2025
Two decades ago, the tragic murders of nine women deeply shocked the small town of Bent Tree, KY. The residents believed the perpetrator could not be someone from their community. Therefore, when the crime was connected to a similar incident in Texas, many residents moved on. However, some individuals never forgot. Anna, a resident of nearby Luxor, and her mother, Starr, are struggling financially when Anna loses her job. Starr has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Anna will do anything to secure her mother's treatment, even going against Starr's wishes by seeking employment in Bent Tree. While seeking employment at the lodge, an employee's accidental death creates an opening. She soon discovers why her mother didn't want her going there. What other secrets will she uncover?
I found the mystery and suspense in this book intriguing, with plenty of family secrets and drama. This should have been a page-turner, but unfortunately, I found myself losing interest due to the numerous characters and their underdeveloped storylines. It took me a while to finish this one, but it wasn't a bad book. I just wish I had been more invested. There was a good twist, and I did tear up at the end. You may enjoy this one more than I did, so I would recommend giving it a try🩷
I found the mystery and suspense in this book intriguing, with plenty of family secrets and drama. This should have been a page-turner, but unfortunately, I found myself losing interest due to the numerous characters and their underdeveloped storylines. It took me a while to finish this one, but it wasn't a bad book. I just wish I had been more invested. There was a good twist, and I did tear up at the end. You may enjoy this one more than I did, so I would recommend giving it a try🩷
June 3, 2025
Thank you so much to the author, Harper Muse Books and Uplit Reads for the #gifted book! #tellmesomethinggood #uplitreads #courtstevens #giftedbyuplit
“We won’t live to see the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same”
This book beautifully mended multigenerational trauma, slow burn mystery, and a little second chance romance. This is the type of book you want to read in one sitting and just devour it. The authors writing style just flows seamlessly and it makes for a very immersive story.
The character development throughout the story was impeccable. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, so I suggest reading vs listening to this one. But nonetheless, having so many characters makes the story blossom beautifully.
I would recommend this book to my besties who enjoy thrills, mystery and a lot of heart and emotion in their books!
“We won’t live to see the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same”
This book beautifully mended multigenerational trauma, slow burn mystery, and a little second chance romance. This is the type of book you want to read in one sitting and just devour it. The authors writing style just flows seamlessly and it makes for a very immersive story.
The character development throughout the story was impeccable. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, so I suggest reading vs listening to this one. But nonetheless, having so many characters makes the story blossom beautifully.
I would recommend this book to my besties who enjoy thrills, mystery and a lot of heart and emotion in their books!
March 3, 2025
I listened to the audiobook of this title. I kind of wish I had read a physical copy instead since this book has a LOT of characters and I found myself asking “who”??? And having to rewind the audio quite a few time.
This book shines the light on multigenerational trauma as well as being a mystery/thriller.
A solid 4 star read for me.
I received an ALC of this title, all opinions are my own.
This book shines the light on multigenerational trauma as well as being a mystery/thriller.
A solid 4 star read for me.
I received an ALC of this title, all opinions are my own.
July 7, 2025
Imagine Fredrik Backman’s Beartown—a small-town rivalry with its more upscale neighbor—colliding with Southern Gothic. Set in a dusty Kentucky river town, where an illegal auction, murdered women, and family secrets swirl like moonshine 🍷. A moonshine you may or may not hesitate to drink.
Our protagonist is Anna Ryder, a daughter struggling to pay for her mother’s cancer treatments, who crosses the river from impoverished Luxor into the upscale world of Bent Tree’s hunting lodges—and immediately stumbles into a decades-old crime scene involving nine dead women and a boat that should never have been there.
📚 What works:
Stevens nails the atmosphere: the Ohio/Kentucky river practically breathes, and the class gap feels as wide as the floodplain.
Dialogue snaps, prose is crisp—you feel that tension in the air.
Characters? Fully flawed, surprising, and uncomfortable in just the right way. These are "real" people with some seriously real issues and troubled pasts.
🌀 What drags down the score:
Cast size: You need a spreadsheet to track POVs, timelines, and who slept with whom—I listened on audio, and this aspect was a struggle for me.
The ending moves fast, and it felt a tad rushed.
3.75 stars—because it’s gripping and gutsy, even if I occasionally wished for a smaller cast and a smoother finish.
Our protagonist is Anna Ryder, a daughter struggling to pay for her mother’s cancer treatments, who crosses the river from impoverished Luxor into the upscale world of Bent Tree’s hunting lodges—and immediately stumbles into a decades-old crime scene involving nine dead women and a boat that should never have been there.
📚 What works:
Stevens nails the atmosphere: the Ohio/Kentucky river practically breathes, and the class gap feels as wide as the floodplain.
Dialogue snaps, prose is crisp—you feel that tension in the air.
Characters? Fully flawed, surprising, and uncomfortable in just the right way. These are "real" people with some seriously real issues and troubled pasts.
🌀 What drags down the score:
Cast size: You need a spreadsheet to track POVs, timelines, and who slept with whom—I listened on audio, and this aspect was a struggle for me.
The ending moves fast, and it felt a tad rushed.
3.75 stars—because it’s gripping and gutsy, even if I occasionally wished for a smaller cast and a smoother finish.
June 18, 2025
Court Stevens makes a powerful transition from young adult fiction to adult literary crime with Tell Me Something Good, a haunting exploration of how violence ripples through generations in the rural American South. This atmospheric thriller weaves together past and present in the fictional towns of Bent Tree, Kentucky, and Luxor, Illinois, where the Ohio River serves as both a geographical divide and a metaphorical boundary between truth and lies.
The story centers on Anna Ryder, a thirty-something woman trapped in poverty who takes a desperate job at the prestigious Lodges hunting resort to pay for her mother Starr's cancer treatment. What begins as a simple employment arrangement quickly unravels into a decades-old conspiracy involving the unsolved murders of nine women known as the Choir Girls. Stevens crafts a narrative that feels both intimately personal and expansively epic, where individual choices cascade into community-wide consequences.
A Masterful Structure of Interconnected Lives
Stevens demonstrates remarkable skill in managing multiple timelines and perspectives without losing narrative coherence. The story unfolds across three days of mounting tension, punctuated by flashbacks that gradually reveal the connection between past murders and present dangers. The author's background in young adult fiction serves her well here, as she maintains clarity even when dealing with complex family relationships and hidden identities.
The relationship between Anna and her ex-fiancé Jack Higgins forms the emotional core of the novel. Their reunion, sparked by desperation and necessity, crackles with unresolved tension and genuine chemistry. Stevens avoids the trap of easy reconciliation, instead forcing both characters to confront the lies that drove them apart five years earlier. The revelation that Jack's best friend Murray orchestrated their breakup by hiding Jack's son from him adds layers of betrayal that feel both shocking and inevitable.
Equally compelling is the relationship between Anna and Foster Portage, two women whose childhood trauma bonded them before memory could preserve their connection. Their adult reunion, built on shared survival and mutual recognition, represents one of the novel's most emotionally resonant elements. Stevens handles their developing relationship with careful attention to the ways trauma shapes identity and relationships.
The Legacy of Violence and Secrets
The Choir Girls murders serve as more than just a cold case to be solved; they represent the way violence perpetuates itself through silence and complicity. Stevens creates a believable ecosystem of corruption around the Lodges, where weapons trafficking operates under the cover of elite hunting expeditions. The revelation that Anna and Foster survived the massacre as hidden three-year-olds adds personal stakes to what could have been merely procedural elements.
The author's treatment of family secrets feels particularly nuanced. Starr Ryder's decision to hide Anna's parentage and traumatic past stems from love and protection, yet creates the very isolation that makes Anna vulnerable as an adult. Stevens explores how well-intentioned deception can become its own form of violence, trapping people in circumstances they don't fully understand.
The character of Murray Orlov represents perhaps the novel's most complex creation. Neither purely evil nor simply misguided, Murray embodies the way damaged people can damage others while still inspiring genuine love. His relationship with Jack demonstrates how manipulation can coexist with authentic affection, making his ultimate betrayal all the more devastating.
Atmospheric Southern Gothic Excellence
Stevens excels at creating a sense of place that feels both beautiful and ominous. The rural Kentucky setting, with its hunting lodges and river bottoms, becomes a character in its own right. The author's descriptions of the Ohio River country capture both its natural beauty and its capacity for hiding secrets. The contrast between the wealth of the Lodges and the poverty of Luxor creates a believable backdrop for the moral compromises that drive the plot.
The discovery of the blood-soaked boat hidden in Anna's family barn represents one of the novel's most effective scenes, combining visceral horror with emotional revelation. Stevens understands that the most effective suspense comes not from external threats but from the recognition that the people we trust most may be the ones keeping the most dangerous secrets.
Areas Where the Narrative Falters
While Stevens demonstrates considerable skill in character development and atmosphere, certain plot elements strain credibility. The revelation that multiple major characters are related through hidden parentage feels somewhat contrived, though the author handles these revelations with enough emotional weight to make them feel earned rather than merely convenient.
The pacing occasionally suffers from the ambitious scope of the story. Some subplot threads, particularly those involving the weapons auction and federal investigation, feel underdeveloped compared to the more personal elements of the narrative. The climactic barn fire sequence, while dramatically effective, relies heavily on coincidence and split-second timing that pushes the boundaries of believability.
The resolution of Jack's storyline, while emotionally powerful, may frustrate readers seeking a more traditionally satisfying conclusion. Stevens prioritizes thematic coherence over conventional plot satisfaction, which aligns with the novel's literary aspirations but may disappoint those expecting a more straightforward thriller ending.
Technical Craft and Emotional Resonance
Stevens demonstrates impressive technical skill in managing multiple points of view and maintaining distinct voices for different characters. Her prose style adapts effectively to the adult market while retaining the accessibility that marked her young adult work. The dialogue feels authentic to the regional setting without relying on stereotypical dialect.
The author's handling of sensitive topics like childhood trauma, domestic violence, and poverty shows considerable maturity and research. The economic desperation that drives Anna's choices feels authentic rather than manipulative, grounded in the real challenges facing rural America.
The novel's exploration of how love can both save and destroy resonates throughout multiple character relationships. Jack's audio recordings for his unknown son provide some of the book's most emotionally affecting moments, demonstrating how hope persists even in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
Final Verdict
Court Stevens has crafted an impressive adult debut that succeeds on multiple levels. While certain plot elements may strain credibility, the novel's emotional honesty and atmospheric power overcome most technical shortcomings. The author's commitment to exploring the long-term consequences of violence and secrecy creates a story that lingers well beyond its final pages.
This is a novel that trusts its readers to handle complex moral questions without easy answers. Stevens understands that the most profound mysteries aren't always about who committed the crime, but about how people learn to live with the consequences of others' choices. Tell Me Something Good establishes Stevens as a significant new voice in literary crime fiction, capable of combining genre thrills with genuine emotional depth.
The story centers on Anna Ryder, a thirty-something woman trapped in poverty who takes a desperate job at the prestigious Lodges hunting resort to pay for her mother Starr's cancer treatment. What begins as a simple employment arrangement quickly unravels into a decades-old conspiracy involving the unsolved murders of nine women known as the Choir Girls. Stevens crafts a narrative that feels both intimately personal and expansively epic, where individual choices cascade into community-wide consequences.
A Masterful Structure of Interconnected Lives
Stevens demonstrates remarkable skill in managing multiple timelines and perspectives without losing narrative coherence. The story unfolds across three days of mounting tension, punctuated by flashbacks that gradually reveal the connection between past murders and present dangers. The author's background in young adult fiction serves her well here, as she maintains clarity even when dealing with complex family relationships and hidden identities.
The relationship between Anna and her ex-fiancé Jack Higgins forms the emotional core of the novel. Their reunion, sparked by desperation and necessity, crackles with unresolved tension and genuine chemistry. Stevens avoids the trap of easy reconciliation, instead forcing both characters to confront the lies that drove them apart five years earlier. The revelation that Jack's best friend Murray orchestrated their breakup by hiding Jack's son from him adds layers of betrayal that feel both shocking and inevitable.
Equally compelling is the relationship between Anna and Foster Portage, two women whose childhood trauma bonded them before memory could preserve their connection. Their adult reunion, built on shared survival and mutual recognition, represents one of the novel's most emotionally resonant elements. Stevens handles their developing relationship with careful attention to the ways trauma shapes identity and relationships.
The Legacy of Violence and Secrets
The Choir Girls murders serve as more than just a cold case to be solved; they represent the way violence perpetuates itself through silence and complicity. Stevens creates a believable ecosystem of corruption around the Lodges, where weapons trafficking operates under the cover of elite hunting expeditions. The revelation that Anna and Foster survived the massacre as hidden three-year-olds adds personal stakes to what could have been merely procedural elements.
The author's treatment of family secrets feels particularly nuanced. Starr Ryder's decision to hide Anna's parentage and traumatic past stems from love and protection, yet creates the very isolation that makes Anna vulnerable as an adult. Stevens explores how well-intentioned deception can become its own form of violence, trapping people in circumstances they don't fully understand.
The character of Murray Orlov represents perhaps the novel's most complex creation. Neither purely evil nor simply misguided, Murray embodies the way damaged people can damage others while still inspiring genuine love. His relationship with Jack demonstrates how manipulation can coexist with authentic affection, making his ultimate betrayal all the more devastating.
Atmospheric Southern Gothic Excellence
Stevens excels at creating a sense of place that feels both beautiful and ominous. The rural Kentucky setting, with its hunting lodges and river bottoms, becomes a character in its own right. The author's descriptions of the Ohio River country capture both its natural beauty and its capacity for hiding secrets. The contrast between the wealth of the Lodges and the poverty of Luxor creates a believable backdrop for the moral compromises that drive the plot.
The discovery of the blood-soaked boat hidden in Anna's family barn represents one of the novel's most effective scenes, combining visceral horror with emotional revelation. Stevens understands that the most effective suspense comes not from external threats but from the recognition that the people we trust most may be the ones keeping the most dangerous secrets.
Areas Where the Narrative Falters
While Stevens demonstrates considerable skill in character development and atmosphere, certain plot elements strain credibility. The revelation that multiple major characters are related through hidden parentage feels somewhat contrived, though the author handles these revelations with enough emotional weight to make them feel earned rather than merely convenient.
The pacing occasionally suffers from the ambitious scope of the story. Some subplot threads, particularly those involving the weapons auction and federal investigation, feel underdeveloped compared to the more personal elements of the narrative. The climactic barn fire sequence, while dramatically effective, relies heavily on coincidence and split-second timing that pushes the boundaries of believability.
The resolution of Jack's storyline, while emotionally powerful, may frustrate readers seeking a more traditionally satisfying conclusion. Stevens prioritizes thematic coherence over conventional plot satisfaction, which aligns with the novel's literary aspirations but may disappoint those expecting a more straightforward thriller ending.
Technical Craft and Emotional Resonance
Stevens demonstrates impressive technical skill in managing multiple points of view and maintaining distinct voices for different characters. Her prose style adapts effectively to the adult market while retaining the accessibility that marked her young adult work. The dialogue feels authentic to the regional setting without relying on stereotypical dialect.
The author's handling of sensitive topics like childhood trauma, domestic violence, and poverty shows considerable maturity and research. The economic desperation that drives Anna's choices feels authentic rather than manipulative, grounded in the real challenges facing rural America.
The novel's exploration of how love can both save and destroy resonates throughout multiple character relationships. Jack's audio recordings for his unknown son provide some of the book's most emotionally affecting moments, demonstrating how hope persists even in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
Final Verdict
Court Stevens has crafted an impressive adult debut that succeeds on multiple levels. While certain plot elements may strain credibility, the novel's emotional honesty and atmospheric power overcome most technical shortcomings. The author's commitment to exploring the long-term consequences of violence and secrecy creates a story that lingers well beyond its final pages.
This is a novel that trusts its readers to handle complex moral questions without easy answers. Stevens understands that the most profound mysteries aren't always about who committed the crime, but about how people learn to live with the consequences of others' choices. Tell Me Something Good establishes Stevens as a significant new voice in literary crime fiction, capable of combining genre thrills with genuine emotional depth.
March 25, 2025
Too many secrets, too many lies
This book is a tangled mess of murder, secrets, and lies spanning twenty years, set in a small Southern town that wants to forget its bloody past. But, of course, the past never stays buried.
I loved how the setting felt like a character itself—Bent Tree and Luxor aren’t just places; they are the story. The writing had that southern charm, the characters were messy and real, and the mystery was layered enough to keep me hooked, or confused lol. The audiobook even included an audio journal from a dad leaving voice notes to stay in his son’s life. gut punch
I have to give major props to the author for such a strong adult debut. The writing was sharp, with little clues tucked in and shorter chapters that kept the pacing up without losing depth. The themes about love and the choices we make were interesting, the exploration of the US South’s social history was rich and entertaining.
And then—the ending. , and this one broke me. I don't feel it was deserved, and it left me sitting there, staring into space for a bit. Instead of taking away from the book, I think it added the realism it needed. Nothing more real than death.
That said, this book is packed. Like, stuffed. There are too many characters, a crazy amount of events, too many times I had to stop and go “wait, who is this again?” It got a little overwhelming, and I’m sure I missed some things. I wish I had a physical copy of the book, it would have made it easier to go back when I got confused. Still, the slow-burn mystery kept me flipping pages (or, well, hitting "next" on the audiobook). If you like gritty small-town thrillers with layered storytelling, this one’s worth picking up.
*Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
This book is a tangled mess of murder, secrets, and lies spanning twenty years, set in a small Southern town that wants to forget its bloody past. But, of course, the past never stays buried.
I loved how the setting felt like a character itself—Bent Tree and Luxor aren’t just places; they are the story. The writing had that southern charm, the characters were messy and real, and the mystery was layered enough to keep me hooked, or confused lol. The audiobook even included an audio journal from a dad leaving voice notes to stay in his son’s life. gut punch
I have to give major props to the author for such a strong adult debut. The writing was sharp, with little clues tucked in and shorter chapters that kept the pacing up without losing depth. The themes about love and the choices we make were interesting, the exploration of the US South’s social history was rich and entertaining.
And then—the ending. , and this one broke me. I don't feel it was deserved, and it left me sitting there, staring into space for a bit. Instead of taking away from the book, I think it added the realism it needed. Nothing more real than death.
That said, this book is packed. Like, stuffed. There are too many characters, a crazy amount of events, too many times I had to stop and go “wait, who is this again?” It got a little overwhelming, and I’m sure I missed some things. I wish I had a physical copy of the book, it would have made it easier to go back when I got confused. Still, the slow-burn mystery kept me flipping pages (or, well, hitting "next" on the audiobook). If you like gritty small-town thrillers with layered storytelling, this one’s worth picking up.
*Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2025
4,5 ⭐️ (maaybe 4,75) but rounded up
This book took its time to win me over, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down.
At the beginning, I felt a bit lost. There were so many characters and different storylines that it was hard to keep track of everything. The structure felt confusing, and it took me a while to figure out what the book was trying to do.
But once I reached around the 30% mark, something shifted. The pieces started falling into place, and I found myself fully pulled in. From that point on, I was hooked. I love stories that give you the ending first and then take you backwards to figure out how it all happened. This one does that really well. It felt like slowly putting together a puzzle, and each new chapter added a little more clarity and emotion.
The writing is smooth and easy to read, even when it loops around or takes a while to move forward. The pacing might feel slow at first, but once it clicks, it becomes hard to stop. This is a story that reveals itself gradually. The characters unfold in layers, and the more I learned about them, the more I cared. I loved the use of multiple points of view, and how we are often shown the outcome early on, only to be pulled back in time to figure out how everything came to be. That kind of storytelling always draws me in when it is done well, and here, it is both ambitious and emotionally satisfying.
And the final chapter? It absolutely wrecked me. It might not be the neatest or most polished ending, and it did feel a little rushed, but it hit me hard. I’ve gone back to reread it a few times, and it still gets me.
This book started off feeling like a shy three-star read, and ended up being one of my favorites of the year. It’s not for everyone, and it definitely asks for some patience, but if you stick with it, there’s something really moving waiting on the other side.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book took its time to win me over, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down.
At the beginning, I felt a bit lost. There were so many characters and different storylines that it was hard to keep track of everything. The structure felt confusing, and it took me a while to figure out what the book was trying to do.
But once I reached around the 30% mark, something shifted. The pieces started falling into place, and I found myself fully pulled in. From that point on, I was hooked. I love stories that give you the ending first and then take you backwards to figure out how it all happened. This one does that really well. It felt like slowly putting together a puzzle, and each new chapter added a little more clarity and emotion.
The writing is smooth and easy to read, even when it loops around or takes a while to move forward. The pacing might feel slow at first, but once it clicks, it becomes hard to stop. This is a story that reveals itself gradually. The characters unfold in layers, and the more I learned about them, the more I cared. I loved the use of multiple points of view, and how we are often shown the outcome early on, only to be pulled back in time to figure out how everything came to be. That kind of storytelling always draws me in when it is done well, and here, it is both ambitious and emotionally satisfying.
And the final chapter? It absolutely wrecked me. It might not be the neatest or most polished ending, and it did feel a little rushed, but it hit me hard. I’ve gone back to reread it a few times, and it still gets me.
This book started off feeling like a shy three-star read, and ended up being one of my favorites of the year. It’s not for everyone, and it definitely asks for some patience, but if you stick with it, there’s something really moving waiting on the other side.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2025
This one was a really intriguing read. There was a lot going on. Lots and lots of layers.
It wasn't my kind of read. It was kinda monotone and that is a real shame because the bones of the story were so good.
I think had it had more twists and build ups, it would have been excellent but it fell a tad flat for me
3 stars
It wasn't my kind of read. It was kinda monotone and that is a real shame because the bones of the story were so good.
I think had it had more twists and build ups, it would have been excellent but it fell a tad flat for me
3 stars
May 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the arc of Tell Me Something Good by Court Stevens.
I listened to the audio of this and I think this would have been a better physical read. There is a lot going on I. This story and it is filled with a lot of short chapters. There are tons of characters to follow along with as well. I found myself unable to connect to any of the characters and found the audio difficult to follow.
I think the premise of the story is interesting though.
I listened to the audio of this and I think this would have been a better physical read. There is a lot going on I. This story and it is filled with a lot of short chapters. There are tons of characters to follow along with as well. I found myself unable to connect to any of the characters and found the audio difficult to follow.
I think the premise of the story is interesting though.
May 29, 2025
This is my first time reading anything by Court Stevens. I was excited to receive an ARC copy of Tell Me Something Good based on the book synopsis. There are many characters, timelines, and places in this book, but the main storyline centers around Anna and her mother Starr. Anna is not living her best life. Her beloved mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. To make matters worse, she loses her only source of income. Anna is desperate to get her mother the best care they can afford, so she will have to go against her wishes by seeking employment from a place her mother has asked her not to go.
The story is told by an omniscient narrator who takes the reader between past, present, and future. There are also journal entries interwoven. I enjoyed the style of writing and was captivated by layered mysteries and harrowing storytelling. There was a lot to keep track of and at times I needed to go back to remember who was who.
Overall, a good adult debut by Court Stevens. Lots of twists and turns that kept me reading even if I wasn’t in love with the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story is told by an omniscient narrator who takes the reader between past, present, and future. There are also journal entries interwoven. I enjoyed the style of writing and was captivated by layered mysteries and harrowing storytelling. There was a lot to keep track of and at times I needed to go back to remember who was who.
Overall, a good adult debut by Court Stevens. Lots of twists and turns that kept me reading even if I wasn’t in love with the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2025
Wow! Steven’s does it again- her writing is amazing. These characters are so real, so well written that I can hear their voices in my head. I can see their faces. What a great read!
August 19, 2025
I listened to this book and really liked it. There was mystery and a little romance without it feeling to corny (imo). It kept my guessing and definitely threw a few curveballs my way.
March 25, 2025
I submitted a request for this book on a whim and boy am I happy I did so! Part murder mystery, part social history of the American South, part second chance romance, this book hits all the right notes, blending in wonderful descriptions of human nature and its quirks, together with an endearing audio trail a dad leaves to ensure he is a part of his son's life.
This was a quick-packed dual-timeline story I would dare liken to Miracle Creek by Angie Kim, and that is high praise indeed, because I've read both of that author's books and eagerly awaiting the third one.
Pick this up if this motto intrigues you: 'We don't live to see all the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same.'
Please make sure you check out trigger warnings, as they abound.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this ALC.
This was a quick-packed dual-timeline story I would dare liken to Miracle Creek by Angie Kim, and that is high praise indeed, because I've read both of that author's books and eagerly awaiting the third one.
Pick this up if this motto intrigues you: 'We don't live to see all the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same.'
Please make sure you check out trigger warnings, as they abound.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this ALC.
March 25, 2025
All I can say is WOW! This story was wonderful, fabulous all the things. This was my first exposure to a novel by Court Stevens, but you can bet I will be reading the rest of her back list. I can't wait until June 3rd when I can get a physical copy and reread it. Court Stevens takes us to Kentucky and gives us stories intertwined between both tracks. The narrators were great! The story starts out with a murder, so you are immediately hooked. She weaves the story through past and present and multiple characters that you will fall in love with. All the way to the end she kept me guessing with several of the stories and man, I did not see one of those coming. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audible for an advanced copy of this story. I will be thinking about this one for awhile!
June 17, 2025
Anna’s mother needs cancer treatments but they have no money. Anna needs a job and goes looking in the one place that her mother had told her to never get a job there. She does get a job at the hunting lodge and she becomes the boss to her ex fiancé. There is a lot going on and there is also incidents that will come back from the part. Is anyone telling the truth? There are a lot of complicated relationships that have become complicated due to a lot of lies!!
I enjoyed this book but I will say it was hard to keep up with all the characters!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star read for me!!!
I enjoyed this book but I will say it was hard to keep up with all the characters!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star read for me!!!
June 22, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for providing me with an ALC of this book. The following is my honest opinion *
3.75⭐️ out 5
The main reason I picked this ALC because it was narrated by Marin Ireland (ABSOLUTE FAVORITE NARRATOR). The second reason that drew me in was this part of the description: "The heart, hope, and pacing of Fredrik Backman's Beartown meets the Southern atmospheric storytelling of Flannery O'Connor in Court Stevens's adult debut novel." (Backman = TOP 5 authors, for me)
With all that being said, I surprisingly enjoyed this book. It's very reminiscent of a cozy mystery, sans the FMC having a midlife crisis and moving to the quaint beach town. I really liked how the story was structured and how it was delivered. It kept me hooked and I would have devoured it in one sitting were not for having to be an adult. I would love to read Stevens' other works, very intrigued.
The only downside that I have for this book, is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I think there were things that could have been expanded on. That or I just didn't want this to end : )
Highly recommend this book.
3.75⭐️ out 5
The main reason I picked this ALC because it was narrated by Marin Ireland (ABSOLUTE FAVORITE NARRATOR). The second reason that drew me in was this part of the description: "The heart, hope, and pacing of Fredrik Backman's Beartown meets the Southern atmospheric storytelling of Flannery O'Connor in Court Stevens's adult debut novel." (Backman = TOP 5 authors, for me)
With all that being said, I surprisingly enjoyed this book. It's very reminiscent of a cozy mystery, sans the FMC having a midlife crisis and moving to the quaint beach town. I really liked how the story was structured and how it was delivered. It kept me hooked and I would have devoured it in one sitting were not for having to be an adult. I would love to read Stevens' other works, very intrigued.
The only downside that I have for this book, is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I think there were things that could have been expanded on. That or I just didn't want this to end : )
Highly recommend this book.
Read
December 24, 2024This is such a special book! It’s a complex thriller that weaves together the story of an unsolved mass murder and current day illegal firearms auction. The setting of two towns acts almost as a character itself, with Bent Tree and Luxor’s rich histories becoming integral parts of the story. There are a LOT of characters in this book and while it can be hard to keep track of, the pay off of the connections is so worth it for the reader! I loved how this book was written, little clues here and there and shorter chapters. It’s a slower burn, but I couldn’t put it down! Every bit of information I found out both confused and intrigued me more. The author also has some profound insights in the book and I found myself writing down little phrases that really spoke to me. Give this a try, you don’t be disappointed!
June 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for providing a copy of this novel to me! My mom used to say “Eventually the truth will out”…. I think this applies to the story of Anna Rider whose life is impacted by a heinous murder of nine women years ago. A random death starts an investigation that exposes the actions of many who thought (and hoped) that ugliness was all in the past. Anna is on a journey with her mother who is battling lung cancer back in her hometown where a suspicious death has just occurred. Who would suspect that the owners of the Lodges resort is not just in the hospitality business but is also into illegal weapons business and murder? The story is a complex sequence of events that exposes not only the current ugly dealings of this group, but also leads back to the mass murder of the nine women years ago and links forward to a potential mass shooting in the present. In the midst of this, Anna reunites with her ex fiance, Jack, and discovers that her deep love for him is still alive and well in her heart. What should she do about this? What is going on at the Lodges? Who can she trust? And finally, what about her mom facing a terminal diagnosis? The story moves quickly and is complex with an ending that is unexpected! Marin Ireland, Charlie Thurston and Annalee Scott do a great job in the narration and helped to clarify the many characters who contribute to the plot.
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