Safe and Sound

A well-written book that has lots of atmosphere and an in-depth view at the hard life and challenges facing young women who want more from life than staying in the small rural town they were born in but feel pulled in all directions, both by family members and the men in their lives. A dual time-line as two female cousins around 18 look into the disappearance of their beloved female cousin six years ago from their home while she was babysitting them.

The author accurately depicts small town Missouri working-class life and the characters are fleshed out and interesting. However, the ending felt a bit rushed and also came out of left field - a bit bonkers in my opinion so, while that didn't take away from the overall positive review, it did leave me a bit shaking my head.