The plot is the reason for the four stars. It is obvious from the tag line what the first twist is in this plot. Each new change is a little less obvious than the previous one, all the way to the coup de grace. The book does a great job of pacing out the story so that the ending is a clear evolution of the interactions of the present, so that the plot remains plausible even though that same plot is extraordinary.

The structure of the book is largely single-narrator (the returning teenager). Certain chapters expose the viewpoint of other family members. Those help to create deeper characters, especially the brother. The chapters themselves are very short: 52 and there's an epilogue and an after too, all in only 319 pages. That structure keeps the brisk pace of the plot; any exposition has to finish somewhat quickly. It's as if everyone's mind is racing the entire time with no break.

As for the writing style it's terse and filled with references. I thought it was OK. There isn't much elevation, but everything is clear. The scenes themselves aren't that vivid, and the psychology isn't that interesting. But that's OK. This story isn't meant to be told in a deep literary style. The story is meant to take you from event to event to event, so you're aware from the onset that you should be going through this book in two or three sittings.

Other books like this I usually give two or three stars, but the journey of this plot is why this is a four star book. I recommend this book, and I recommend that you finish the book in three sittings maximum. One if you're an avid reader.