Once in a while, you read a story without having any idea of what to expect, and in the end, it turns out to be a totally unforgettable experience. The Familiar Dark is one such gem. At the heart of it, it’s the story of a mother, who sets out on a relentless pursuit for justice after her teenage daughter is murdered by an unknown assailant.
Set in a small-town part of the Missouri, 12-year-old Junie and her best friend, Izzy, are found with their throats slit on a playground. Determined to find her daughter’s killer at any cost, Eve will have to overcome her grief to find out the truth about what happened. Her quest for justice takes her to the darkest parts of the town and some of the darkest memories of her buried past.
The Familiar Dark is a dark and intense psychological thriller about a grieving mother and her quest for vengeance. The story is told entirely from a grieving mother's point of view. This is not a typical murder mystery. It often reminded me of thrillers by the Coen brothers where the world-building, the atmosphere, and some memorable characters drive the story forward. This is a story of loss, grief, lies, secrets, vengeance, and justice. The novel also explores the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, the life of poverty in small towns, and how people adapt to adversity.
The Familiar Dark is a well-written story full of twists. The book is atmospheric, and filled with some intense emotions with an equally intense atmosphere. The ending left me a bit wanting more but given the story arc, it was adequate. The book is dark and intense and may not be suited for everyone. At 256 pages, it's tightly written and feels like an intense ride from start to finish.
The characters are the real driving force behind this book. The main character has to be one of the strongest female characters I've ever read. From her loving relationship with her daughter driven by her desire to protect her from an abusive childhood and relationships and her transformation from a grieving mother to one seeking revenge, Eve’s character development was excellent. Eve is not perfect, far from it, but that’s what makes her character so real. Engel has done a great job of creating a small town and some twisted yet memorable characters. I think each character in the book was so well crafted despite their limited background story due to which the story really left a mark.
Overall, The Familiar Dark is a dark and emotional story about grief and vengeance. If you want to pick up a dark thriller with a great atmosphere, some complex characters, and a gripping plot, you will enjoy this book. 4.5 stars out of 5.
Many thanks to the publishers Dutton & Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC.
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