Starred review from January 2, 2023
Three murderers are better than one, especially when they’re psychopathic identical triplets, as shown in this outstanding serial killer thriller from DeStefano (Dreaming Dangerous and other YA titles as Lauren DeStefano). Abandoned in childhood and raised in foster homes, 25-year-old sisters Sissy, Moody, and Iris (not their legal names) have maintained a “clean streak” of messy crimes across several states before settling in Rainwood, Ariz., where “nothing ever happens,” until Sissy tells the story of targeting a grieving, church-going 29-year-old widower, Edison. The only rule the three have always had is that they seduce their marks, “live out every fantasy” they desire, and then finish them off. Garroting, skewering, bludgeoning, and burying their victims is like “assembling a new bookshelf.” The only problem is that this time Sissy’s dispassionate routine turns to passion when she takes a liking to Edison and has to decide where her loyalties or betrayals lie. Several bombshell revelations make that easier than it might seem in this dark scenario. DeStefano does a superior job delving into the disturbed minds of the twisted sisters. This devilishly clever textbook of malicious mayhem is a must for Dexter fans. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary.
June 10, 2024
DeStefano's adult debut (following YA novel The Cursed Sea) follows triplets Sissy, Moody, and Iris, who have always lived to survive. They take this idea to the extreme by murdering their boyfriends. Sissy is the one to clean up the crime scenes, but now it's her turn to prove her loyalty to her siblings by finding her first target. Edison, a widower, seems like the perfect first victim, but as Sissy spends more time with him, it seems that he might be too perfect to kill. Now Sissy needs to make a tough decision: stick with the sisters who have protected her throughout her life or make a fresh start and a new life with Edison. Narrator Karissa Vacker skillfully gives voice to each sister in a slightly different way. She excels in bringing Sissy's inner monologue to life, portraying her sympathetically in spite of her disturbing past. VERDICT A grim and gripping psychological thriller that will captivate listeners from the beginning. This would be a great addition to any suspense/horror collection and is a perfect recommendation for book groups.--Victoria Kiszka
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