Where the Blame Lies

This was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. How did I come to read it? I was checking the new ads on Audible Escape, I've read and liked [a:Mia Sheridan 6994378 Mia Sheridan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1367881726p2/6994378.jpg] before, saw that this was performed by [a:Teddy Hamilton 15007880 Teddy Hamilton https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] and [a:Callie Dalton 7438028 Callie Dalton https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1541784504p2/7438028.jpg] and it was a no-brainer. I immediately added it, queued it up, and I'm so happy I did.The blurb does a good job of summarizing the plot and sadly it's one that we've all seen some version of in the news. What really drew me in was [a:Mia Sheridan 6994378 Mia Sheridan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1367881726p2/6994378.jpg]'s deftness and almost light touch in telling a story that can be super heavy without trivializing the horror experienced by victims of such heinous crimes. I also loved how the relationship between the H/h developed in a plausible way which necessarily means that it's a slow burn with the mystery/suspense taking center stage for a good portion of the story. It's very well done. The characters themselves were relatable and likable, Zach being a bit of an ideal but not unbelievable MC, whereas Josie is as human absolutely human, warts and all. I liked that. I also liked the supporting cast and love, love, love Jimmy, but perhaps my favorite was the villain. I confess to being surprised by their identity but also kind of liked them and was maybe even rooting for a monstrous person. Yikes. Anyhoo ... I just noticed there's a sequel to this and I'll be checking it out.