James and Johnny Golden shared a bond unlike any other. Growing up in their small, rural California town, the twins had only each other to depend on. James could feel her brother’s emotions—his fears, his pain, his love. That’s why she knew, even before the call came, that Johnny was gone. Returning to her hometown to settle his affairs means confronting the tragedy-filled place she thought she’d escaped and facing Micah, the first love she left behind. But James’s connection to Johnny hasn’t severed entirely. As she uncovers unsettling truths about her brother’s life and death, Johnny’s presence continues to guide her—helping her confront the secrets of the past and the injustices of the present. With his influence, James begins to unravel the mysteries that have lingered in her family and her town for years, and she must decide whether to embrace or run from what she finds.
This novel is an atmospheric and deeply character-driven mystery, infused with a touch of magical realism. I was immediately pulled in by the quiet, secret-filled dynamics of this small town, James’s haunting guilt over leaving, Micah’s steady resilience, and Johnny’s lingering, spectral guidance. Young balances slow-burn tension with a crescendo of twists toward the end, elevating the stakes. While the pace starts gently (a deliberate choice, not a critique), the final act delivers a flurry of revelations that reward patient readers. Fans of The Unmaking of June Farrow will recognize a similarly moody, reflective tone here, though the magical elements are more subtle in this story.
🎧 On the Audiobook: Narrated by Christine Lakin, the audiobook perfectly captures the suspenseful and emotional essence of the story. Lakin’s performance shines, blending the tension of the mystery with the tender, romantic undercurrent of James and Micah’s reconnection. Her narration effortlessly draws you into James’s world, making it a truly immersive experience. (Runtime: 9h 16m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Book Smart Kate 