This is a book with a really interesting premise and a good plot that feels poorly balanced. The introduction of the “big bad” comes in very suddenly and took away from that reveal. In the first half, the author was doing a lot of tell, not show but I thought the imagery in the last third of the book was excellent. 

I loved watching the switch in the mother’s characterization through the plot and the supporting cast was great. I think this book tries to lean into southern gothic too hard for the quirky writing style. It is a really unique story which I did enjoy.

Overall I liked it, but it left me lack in some areas.