J. T. Ellison

A celebrated author Columbia Jones dies on the last day of the book tour. Her death starts a chain of sinister events for Columbia's daughter Darian, Riley a journalist writing her story and Kira, a big fan. A big secret from Columbia's past is gradually revealed.

This was such an exciting story. It's told by several alternating pov's, and also past and present narrative, which I liked. I was eager to know what the secret was, so I kept turning pages late into the night. There were several good twists and the ending was quite unexpected. At 446 pages the book felt a little too long and there was some unnecessary repetition, but all in all I really enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of this book.… (more)

A great psychological mystery! A mind twister!
I received this digital arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a wild, twisted psychological mystery novel. It is captivating from beginning to end. The story is narrated from a first person point of view but it is never quite clear who that might be. Once you start to follow the story and feel you understand the narrators, an odd unexpected one seems to interject.

The story begins with a murder at the prestigious Goode School in Marchburg, VA where honor and tradition are paramount. Ford Julianne Westhaven has led the school for the past 10 years after her mother faced a scandal regarding the manner in which she handled a murder years ago at the school. At 35 years old, Ford desperately wants a career as a writer but feels a responsibility to step in after her mother was dismissed. The women in her family have proudly served as head of the all girls school for generations.

It seems that the rumors and traditions of the past continue to endure at the elite boarding school. It seems that everyone has their own secrets and family history which they will do anything to protect. Ironically, the school has a strict Honor Code which prohibits lies and dishonorable behavior. Of course, there always seem to be exceptions to most rules.

Such is the case of Ash Carlisle who transfers to the school from Oxford, England after the traumatic deaths of both her parents. Her father, Sir Damien Carr is an investment banker with a quick temper usually expressing his rage at Ashlyn. Lady Sylvia Carr, her mother, does little to intervene so it is a relief when they decide to send her overseas her sophomore year to finish high school.

This is where the secrets seem to spill as Dean Westhaven agrees to allow admission for Ashlyn under the alias Ash Carlisle to protect her from the gossip regarding her parents unexpected deaths. As Ash tries to fit in with her dorm mate and other suite mates, she realizes it won’t be easy. Once she begins to settle into a routine, her private life is gradually revealed as well as she decides to shun her new friends. Becca Curtis, a senior and head girl at the school, initially bullies Ash and then welcomes her into the senior class inner circle.

Her disgruntled and jealous dorm mates go to extreme measures to make life difficult for her. When a student dies from an apparent suicide, the chaos at the school just begins. Everyone’s life is examined and scrutinized. It seems there are many exceptions to the Honor Code at Goode School.

This story pulls you into the mysteries and indiscretions of the characters who struggle to maintain the demure façade expected of children of elite parents.… (more)