The family is a fixture in their Australian suburban community. The parents are Stan and Joy. They are the envy of all of their friends and neighbors. They're absolute pros on the tennis court. After 50 years of marriage and raising 4 wonderful children, they sell their famous tennis academy and are ready to start life as retirees in their golden years of life. Well then why are they so miserable?
The four adult children: Amy, Logan, Toby, and Brooke were also tennis stars in their own right. Yet their father always told them they didn't have what it took to go all the way to Wimbledon. But...it's all okay because they are all successful grown-ups and there is a possibility that grandchildren could be in Stan and Joy's future.
One night, a stranger named Savannah knocks on Stan and Joy's front door. She is bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend. The Delaneys are thrilled to be able to help her. If that was only all she wanted. ......
A few months later, Joy goes missing. She apparently left on her new bike and sent a bizarre text to all 4 of her children. Savannah is no where to be found and so the police begin their investigation. They begin with Stan. But even though he claims he is innocent, he seems to have a lot of secrets to hide. Two of the Delaney children think their dad is innocent. Two are not so sure. As the two sides square off against each other...it seems like it will be their biggest match ever.....all of the Delaneys will start to examine their shared family history in a new light.
MY THOUGHTS
This is one fast-paced twisted plot novel. The character development is strong. The family background is done in such a way that the story doesn't get bogged down. It's as though there's a surprise twist in every chapter.
The plot is believable and the characters examine their own lives as well as their place in the family.
The book begins as a mystery but quickly turns into a family drama and the theme of the power of love.
Other themes in this book are: divorce, infidelity, physical abuse, distrust, selfishness, sibling rivalry and love, past events that shape the future, enduring love beyond the realities of marriage, the effects of competitive sports on families.
I liked that the author showed all of the siblings in some kind of relationship struggle. No one in this story seems capable of finding a deep, satisfying love. Stan and Joy appear to be the perfect, successful couple, yet past betrayals and deep grudges feed the need for constant drama and tension. Did Stan really kill Joy? What happens with her?
There's a HUGE surprise towards the end and I really wasn't expecting the plot to go that way. I love surprises in a plot.
Each character tells his/her own story in their own chapter. I liked that.
The author says that "true crime" inspired this story.
The title makes me think of the old proverb An Apple doesn't fall far from the tree" meaning usually that children are like their parents. The title is PERFECT for this book and I won't reveal any spoilers.
The ending is a bit of a surprise. But not really. It's compelling. It leaves you a bit wondering what really happened with Savannah and her family.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 17 and older (due to some mature content).
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 10. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
3 comments:
Hi Faith, I wanted to read this one a lot, then I put it on hold at the library and it became available as three other books so I never actually read it. If it is that good, I will go back and put it on hold again. Thanks for the review. I hope you have had a good spring break. See you tomorrow for FFF. :-)
This sounds good. I've read one by this author and liked it a lot. Just have never gotten around to reading anymore by her but I'll put this one on hold right now.
And again, I forgot to use the other account. That was my "unknown" comment.
Post a Comment