Lucy Clarke is a masterful writer - through her prose she instantly transports her readers to destinations around the world. I was fully immersed in the bustling market of Marrakesh and the bright stucco of the Surf House framed over the ocean in Mallah. I love how the setting plays such a large role in Clarke’s plots.

This story was a perfect blend of atmosphere and suspense. Everyone and everything at the Surf House seems so bright and cheery, but Savannah’s disappearance is a darkness bleeding into the light. Bea was a very lovable main character and it was easy to root for her and her determination to discover the truth. I thought the dual timeline and interludes from Savannah’s perspective were extremely well done, with fully fleshed out side characters to round out the story. Although on the longer side for a thriller, I was fully engaged with the plot from beginning to end, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. 

If you love stories with immersive settings, multi-dimensional characters, and suspenseful plots, this story is absolutely for you. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.