At the age of ten Vivvy Bouchet saves Mike Romano’s life because of a prediction she makes that seems out there and impossible. In the present day, Vivvy is an astrophysicist and just wants to get on with her life but Mike, now a cop, believes she has psychic powers though she dislikes that word intensely. Mike asks for help with a high profile missing girl case, that of Lizzie Solomon who disappears from her locked Fort Worth home in broad daylight. Based on circumstantial evidence Lizzie’s mother Nicolette is convicted and imprisoned but maintains her innocence. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to try to help but when Bubba Guns, a YouTube podcaster discovers her involvement he becomes her nemesis, spouting any number of ludicrous conspiracy theories forcing Vivvy to fight back.

Julia Heaberlin is a truly amazing writer who never fails to enthral me with her powerful storytelling. She pulls me in from the start of this astonishing book which is beautifully written with some of the narrative being quite lyrical. This is a tightly and cleverly plotted novel with multiple Russian doll style layers through which the author explores hype, truth or conspiracy and looks at the boundaries between science and things it cannot explain giving plenty to think about. I’m sure we could all name a barking mad Bubba Guns style character whose views defy logic and fact and who can best be described as a tyrannical bully with a slavishly following which inevitably spells danger. Despite this some of the tensest scenes are when he’s on the pages, it’s inhale your breath suspenseful ‘gold’ albeit fools gold.

The characterisation is outstanding, I love Vivvy’s brilliance, in fact, I love everything about her and she’s part of a complex triangle with Mike and her sister Brig (Brigid). Another great character is cop Jesse Sharp with your views on him swinging like a pendulum. The dialogue is especially good when he’s around and much like Vivvy, he is complex and there’s the added bonus of intensity between those two.

At times, the atmosphere is electric which is heightened by weather conditions or buildings such as the neglected Victorian property where Lizzie once lived. The gripping mystery surrounding her deepens and deepens, there are numerous plot twists some of which are so good my mouth drops open in astonishment! Parts of the finale are not entirely unexpected but you arrive there creatively and cleverly. Some aspects keep you guessing and surprise you right to the end.

Overall, an excellent novel and one I have no hesitation in recommending. It would be great if Vivvy and Jesse appear in future novels as there’s still plenty of mileage there.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Deliciously Immersive..
Conspiracy, misinformation, secrets and lies abound as the line between fact and fiction blurs in this edgy, keenly observed suspenseful mystery. A reluctant psychic also a scientist, a Texas police officer with a past, a cynical detective and a successful podcaster of conspiracy theories combine with a view to solving one high profile cold case. Dark and menacing, atmospheric and compelling with a perfectly paced plot populated with a deftly drawn, credible cast and a fluidly penned, often intense narrative. Deliciously immersive.