This is a paint-by-numbers psychological thriller for grown-ups who like their Scandinavian noir with a domestic twist. Woman with perfect life, dark secret, desperate blackmailer, abandoned kid as the catalyst—you've read this before, just maybe set in Minnesota instead of Norway.

The 4-star Amazon rating suggests it's competent but not exceptional. It'll scratch the itch if you're looking for suspenseful beach reading, but don't expect Gone Girl levels of twistiness or literary depth. The themes are heavy—abuse, drugs, blackmail, child abandonment—so it's definitely not light fare.

For parents: this is absolutely not for your kids, even your mature 15-year-old who's read everything. Save it for your own nightstand and maybe your book club if you're into thrillers.