Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me the sophomore novel by Anna Bailey, after her wonderful debut, Where the Truth Lies. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!
Loyal May has tried to put her childhood growing up in the swamps of Louisiana squarely in the past. But when her mom needs help, she grudgingly returns, hoping to also make peace after a fall out with her friend, Cutter. But when Cutter is found dead and presumed a suicide, Loyal is a journalist and is determined to find answers, even though it's too late to make restitutions with Cutter.
Wow - this is an incredibly atmospheric novel, set in the backwoods swamps of Louisiana, where huge alligators are everywhere and hunting them is a way of life. And so are drugs and violence. Cutter's family have had it tough and continue to be outcasts in Jacknife, but there are evil forces in all aspects of life here. These characters felt so real and raw, and I loved Loyal and Sasha, her coworker on the small town newspaper. I also felt for Loyal and her mom, as they both tried to navigate disease and a new relationship. There's a Gothic vibe throughout and I couldn't get enough of this book, and the fight for redemption. Anna Bailey has cemented her place as a must-read author for me!
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