Meg Williams is, for all intents and purposes, a con artist – a grifter. She carefully screens her targets, learning all there is to know, subtly inserts herself into their lives, where she quickly makes herself invaluable. She slowly and skillfully manipulates the situation as she has so carefully planned – then quietly disappears leaving carnage behind for her chosen victim.
It’s been a long ten years for Kat, a journalist, as she’s waited for some sign – any kind of news – of the elusive Meg Williams. Finally receiving a hit on a preset Internet search, she learns that Meg has returned to California, this time posing as a real estate agent. Kat has her own agenda – one innocent interaction with Meg all those years ago created chaos – completely changing her life, and Kat holds Meg responsible.
As Kat begins to stalk Meg, she provokes a meeting with her and slowly, a friendship of sorts evolve. She is somewhat surprised to discover how likable Meg is, yet she remains determined to expose her escapades for all to see. Meg, on the other hand, knows deception when she sees it, and finds herself wondering what exactly Meg may be hiding with her less than truthful persona.
Told in alternating viewpoints of both Meg and Kat, the reader gradually learns the motivations of both women, as each shares the events that have culminated in the ‘chance’ encounter that opens this book and draws you in. I very quickly found myself deeply engrossed in the lives of these characters, the circumstances that shaped who they became – and their individual strengths. The ending caught me a bit by surprise – that’s a good thing – and in retrospect – it was perfect!
This was my first novel by author Julie Clark, but it will not be my last! It grabbed me tight on the first page, and I just had to keep going – I read it in one sitting – just couldn’t put it down! Awesome read!!
Available from your favorite bookseller on June 21st!
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley & Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!
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