This was a book club pick and the hostess didn't realize that this is the 2nd in the author's detective series. While it didn't make the story hard to follow, it would have enhanced the story as the detective Cassie Maddox referred to her previous case quite a bit and aspects of it kind of tied in with her current one. 
 Tana French has a nice way of writing with lovely phrases and descriptions. It did not feel like you were reading an average muder mystery novel. The only complaint I would have is that she strings out the suspense and clues a little bit too much. In one particular part that should have been a huge Ah Ha! I had to go back almost five chapters to re-read who that person was. 
 The outcome, while not entirely satisfying was somewhat realistic and less than cliche. I felt like there were questions that I had that went outside the scope of the author's agenda. However, that isn't a complaint about the author, but maybe a compliment, as her characters and situations were so real, she could have written even more about them. 
 Overall, I enjoyed this book and will most likely go back and read her debut, "In the Woods".