13 1/2 by Nevada Barr

Genre: Psychological Thriller

The 1970’s was a turbulent time for two families, the Farmers of Mississippi and the Raines of Minnesota.

In one horrible act, Dylan Raines destroyed his family. He cold-bloodedly murdered his parents and baby sister, earning him the nickname “Butcher Boy”. The only one he left alive was his beloved brother, Rich. At only 11 years of age, Dylan had been sent to jail. Despite the entire town hating Dylan, Rich still loved and took care of him.

Fifteen year old Polly Farmer had been abused by a drunk mother, as well as the various stepfathers. One day, Polly reached her limits and ran away from home. She headed to New Orleans and made a name for herself. Thirty years later, she was a successful teacher with two young girls.

In 2007, Polly makes her home in Louisiana with her two girls. She had been divorced a few years before and thought the last thing she need in her life was a new man. Then she meets the handsome Marshall Marchand, a successful architect. After a whirlwind romance, Marshall and Polly marry.

It’s not long before Polly realizes things aren’t as they seem. She desperately seeks answers and gets a dire warning from a tarot card reader. Polly races against time to protect her beloved daughters of the fear that history could repeat itself.

This is a spine-tingling story that will keep readers at the edge of their seats. The characters are all well written, especially the tarot card reader. The story takes so many twists and turns, it will make your head spin – in a good way. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last.