There comes a time when the twists and u-turns can simply just overwhelm the story ~Sheila

Claire Matchett is at the end of her marriage. The magic has been gone for longer than she can remember. Noah and Claire live together with their children, but they may as well be roommates. They barely talk to one another. 10 Years into what Claire thought would be a magical reunion of growing old together has turned into a desire to just be done with it all.

When a hiking/camping trip is planned with two other couples, Claire is less than thrilled. As if her marriage isn’t hard enough in private – now they would be taking it public. Yet, a break would be nice, and really – what could possibly happen in the presence of their friends?
Turns out… anything and everything can happen.

It’s no secret that I have been on a McFadden kick. I like that the books are not overly long, they are engaging, and easy to follow in what is my busier than busy season.
I am a big fan of a good twist and I love to be blown away by a great read with a WHOA ending – yet… there is the possibility of too many twists and turns and rerouting and sidling and … well you get it.

While I enjoyed the synopsis, the convenient settings that allowed for what to happen happen – was a bit too staged feeling. The book left you feeling anyone could be the one behind what was happening and while that can be exciting – I feel McFadden set this one up where honestly in the end – none were likable enough for me to care.

Maybe I’m jaded on the genre.

I will give credit to the alternating chapters with the anonymous narrator. This I liked and as it all played out – my rating is because of these chapters being told by an unknown author. While it didn’t save the book entirely, it certainly kept me going.

I did see a review that compared this book to Friday the 13th (full disclosure – this intrigued me…. (80’s girl who liked scary movies). I disagree with that review… while there were woods, there was no Jason Vorhees (boo!)… and if they would have had a Camp Crystal Lake, they would not have been so thirsty.

Maybe… a McFadden mini-break is due…