This was a very quick read, if somewhat predictable. The biggest shocks in the book were rehashed throughout and it made it quite unbelievable; although, I think the author was trying to show that because it could easily have happened in one way in the book, then it makes sense it could also have happened in another situation. The cousins were intriguing and kept me interested in the outcome of this tumultuous, rich family. So, the novel accomplished what it needed to do story wise. I especially enjoyed that there were sections within the book that took place in the past. We had the unique perspective of Milly's mother, Allison, providing a glimpse of that last fateful summer. The jumps to the past slowly revealed some awful truths, while also twisting and turning the present plot. Each of the cousins had something they were hiding from each other, but they also found they could only trust each other (even if that trust needed to be earned). Milly is honest, cutting, and at first glance appears rich, spoiled and a brat. But she is actually quite kind and hopeful, she is the glue that holds the cousins together in times of hardship. Jonah was a very complicated character, at first cold, mean and distant; however, he is this way to disguise a devastating secret (which threatens to rip the bond they have formed apart). Aubrey was my favourite character. Kind, quiet, unassuming, hardest on herself. It is actually Aubrey who is the most observant of the three, able to discover the truths that are buried deep. She also starts to stick up to her awful father and others who would take advantage of her quiet, kind, pleasing nature. The parents of these three were something else. Adam was a pompous brat, who thought he deserved everything in the world, having done very little to earn anything. Anders is a jerk, a selfish, egotistical, thief, who is willing to throw his nieces under the bus in order to receive his inheritance. Allison is cold, emotionally withdrawn, but as the story progresses you begin to understand why she has become this way and it is easier to empathize with her. Archer is the only redeeming Story sibling at the beginning of the novel; unfortunately, his life has lead him to alcoholism and an inability to forgive himself for how things turned out. Mildred, the Grandmother, is something else altogether. Imposing, beautiful, her presence looming large in the cousins lives without them ever having met her. She is a mystery to them, someone they all wish they knew, wish had not hurt their parents. They dream what life might have been like if their Grandmother had been loving and present. But, be wary and pay attention, for something is not quite right about how she treats her children, and her grandchildren. Her appearance and her huge mansion bring to mind gothic romances and tortured families. She is also too dependent on her attorney (the one who cut off her children and refuse to allow them to talk to their mother), her housekeeper (who had been so caring to the Story siblings), and her doctor (who brought each of the Story siblings into the world, and who now suffers from Alzheimer's). The audiobook was well done, with a different voice actor for each of the cousins and Allison (during the flashbacks). The pacing was good and each of the sections had me interested in finding out the conclusion to the Story's sweeping family drama. So, while it was a bit predictable, while many of the adults were annoying and some sections of the story would have improved with more information (specifically would have liked more interaction with the Doctor's granddaughter), the book was overall a decent mystery with some fun twists. Recommend the audio though, as it makes for a more fast paced, intimate reading.
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