Gossip and rumors can ruin people's lives. When someone mentions that a famous child killer is rumored to be living in their small town, several people are shocked about it, but nevertheless, they gossip about the rumor. Jo hears the rumor and is unhappy about it, but when she goes to her neighborhood book club and someone is asking another member embarrassing questions, Jo repeats the rumor to draw attention away from the uncomfortable person. It then snowballs from there, people all over town start speculating who the child killer is, and if they know them.
Jo is a single mom, with a young son, Alfie, and a partner, Michael. Jo feels that Alfie is being singled out at school and Jo gets threatening tweets, which Jo believes is related to her repeating the rumor about a child killer.
Jo begins to suspect several of the older women in town. One day, the truth comes out, with frightening consequences for several people in the town. The final line of the book reveals a terrible secret (but one I was not surprised to read!).
This is a well crafted first novel. It was an easy read, and kept you guessing.
#TheRumor #LesleyKara