A dark slice of rural life (and death) in a tiny South Carolina town of the 1950s. Told in five (well, four and a teeny-weeny other bit) parts, from five perspectives, this is an effectively unfolding of a disappearance/ possible murder.

Five distinctive, yet utterly convincing, Appalachian voices recount the tale of infidelity, jealousy and betrayal, and the drama is both heart breaking and liberating. Large and small tragedies unfold as Rash writes beautifully while maintaining the critical suspense of the central mystery. As each character reveals their own fears and secrets, the tension builds quietly and effectively.

Ruggedly beautiful, I wasn’t particularly taken by the denouement, but it did little to change my overall enthusiasm for the book. I loved it. Hugely recommended!