It all started with a nice hot bubble bath and a glass of wine. Elizabeth was back teaching her beginners English courses, but she looked forward to her seminar where students submitted chapters of their novels for her to critique. As she settles into the tub with her computer, she reads a chapter that intrigues her. The student, contrary to instructions, entitled her book The Reckoning, and even included a dedication to those who committed a secret crime and thought they'd never be caught. But as she read further, the details became more and more familiar...did this have anything to do with her school friend Jocelyn and what Elizabeth did to keep her safe? And who is Hannah Greer, the student who knew too much?
As Elizabeth returns to her childhood home in Louisiana to look for answers, she must reckon with her alcoholic, man-chasing mother who would leave her on her own if a man crooked his finger. When she finds out that her mother is dying of cancer she tries to make amends, while also contacting her best friend to see if she's the one writing those chapters. She meets a younger but hot guy in a bar and takes him home, but later finds out that he's the grown-up son of her friend's abuser...does he have anything to do with this...and why is he so nice to her?
Keeland, a noted romance author, decided to switch gears and "kill people." Judging by her new novel, this was a great decision. If the reader can figure out some of the truth, much less all of it before the final page-kudos to you...I couldn't.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
June 17, 2025
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