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For me, this was an interesting book from many aspects. It was extremely difficult to read. Each chapter was told from the viewpoint of differing characters. Some appearing only once or twice while some appearing multiple times. This differs greatly from the fiction I normally read which tends to flow from one chapter to another. On the other hand, I never wanted to put the book down. I wished for enough quiet time to read the book from cover to cover without interruption. There was always something that made me want to continue reading although I was never able to figure out why. Perhaps by writing down my thoughts I will be able to identify the lure.

The story itself had many things typically seen in smaller numbers in other mysteries I have read – a castle, or maybe more accurately, a mansion on the hill; a highly dysfunctional family; the disappearance of a main character; the disappearance of her older brother some fourteen years earlier; a wrongly identified defendant in the earlier disappearance; an escaped prisoner returning to his home for a final visit; two investigators – one new and one who has been a part of both investigations. Who could ask for more? Or, does this make things too complex?

The Van Laar estate is divided into two areas. The first being the family mansion which is far more luxurious than any home in the surrounding area. The estate is the employer most residents of the surrounding countryside. It has existed through several generations of the family since its construction. The second is a series of old farmstead buildings along with several cabins which host a youth camp each summer. The camp is divided into two areas, one for boys and one for girls but the staff works with both groups.

In 1975, Barbara Van Laar is one of the campers. Not just any camper but the 13-year-old daughter of the owners. From her description, she seems a bit rebellious not a troublemaker but instead doing things simply to irritate, or assert her independence from, her parents. Things like repainting her room with a mural, somewhat punk or perhaps Goth, on the walls and in a color that one would not expect in the mansion and padlocking her door when she goes to camp. Another camper is a shy girl who is there only to mollify her parents. Surprisingly the two become close friends at least until Barbara disappears.

The police are called in an effort to locate the missing girl and the real mystery begins. Before the camp is closed for the rest of the summer a variety of stories arise – staff parties with drinking and possible drug use. Mysterious nighttime departures from the cabin by Barbara. The background of some members of the camp staff and their families. Investigations by newer investigators seemingly stifled by the senior investigator, the same investigator who has been involved in both the disappearance of the daughter and the son some fourteen years earlier.

As readers follow these sometimes conflicting themes the only person who is able to put it all together is a junior investigator on her first big case. After much research and talking to the main camp counselor she develops a theory which she alone can investigate. What she finds will surprise most readers and leaves the story with an ending that could provide an excellent opportunity for a sequel.

I strongly recommend this book to all readers but especially those who love mysteries. To those who may initially find the plot difficult to follow as I did, I can only suggest that they stay with the story to see where it may lead them.