Um. Not sure how to review this since it is way outside my usual preferred genres, so I can’t really comment on the plot twists or mystery aspect because everything is a surprise to me always. However, the setting of the story, the prose and the characters were all extremely compelling. This book is darkly atmospheric and has a focus on rewilding and conservation that I enjoyed. I liked how I couldn’t trust anyone in this book and that every character was morally gray, like most people in real life. I was very interested in finding out not only what happened to the humans in this book but also the wolves the MC is working to reintroduce to Scotland.

McConaghy is efficient with her words, building tension and unease through two concurrent narratives and a flashback. This is a short book but not a super fast read. There is trauma galore here, please check the CW (in the comments) - beyond the deaths, there are graphic domestic abuse and r a p e on page.

👍🏻Recommended? Again, mysteries are not my usual genre so I’m not sure how strong that aspect of the story was but the prose and conservation and feminist topics in this book make it worth checking out if you are in the mood for something dark.