This book is a loose sequel to In the Woods and contains many references to that mystery. It also continues the story of one of those main characters, Detective Cassie Maddox. This time, she goes undercover and becomes part of an intimate group of college students in Dublin. They are in the process of living an almost alternate reality, and their story is intriguing.
While the premise is far-fetched, that is, that Cassie could impersonate someone who was so close to her group of friends; the story is nonetheless suspenseful and interesting on many levels. Will she be found out? Will her desire for closeness cause her to sell out? What, exactly, is going on here?
French is a wonderful writer with insightful and beautiful descriptions. Her milieu is dark, however. This was a dark read, but a real page-turner. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the previous novel were more current in my brain so I could make some of the connections. Still, I was able to follow the story and wonder about the permeability of personality. I really think this would make an interesting movie...
