It’s 1956 and fifteen-year-old Betty Broadbent has never left the Cornish fishing village of St Steele or ventured far beyond the walls of the boarding house run by her erratic mother. But when the London press pack descends to report on a series of gruesome murders of young women, Betty’s world changes. In particular she is transfixed by mysterious and aloof reporter, Mr Gallagher. As the death toll rises, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Betty and Gallagher. But as their bond deepens, they find themselves entangled with the murders and each is forced to make a devastating choice, one that will shape their own lives – and the life of an innocent man – forever.

My thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved working out the pieces to the story and making connections. There was a twist to this story I didn’t see coming and as the story came to an ending, I found myself wanting to read more. I did not want this story to end. The story represents fifty years in the future and fifty years in the past and people who lived in a town where murders were happening and about two unlikely people-Betty and Mr. Gallagher- who form a bond of a forbidden relationship while trying to discover who the killer is.

The mother/daughter relationship Betty had with her mother was intriguing and heartbreaking, at best. You see, her mother seemed to be an alcoholic and her moods were so unpredictable. How Betty handled it was like she resigned herself to this lot in her life. The outcome is truly emotional and the effect it has on Betty’s life is maddening in my opinion. My heart went out to Betty.

This murder mystery is unique and the characters are an unusual bunch. I love the complexity of the characters and the plot. I am rating this book four and a half stars.

I obtained a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

Stephanie M. Hopkins