S. F. Prescott

Palpable suspense!

Lauren Ling Brown received a BA in English literature from Princeton University and an MFA in film production with a focus in screenwriting from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where she works as a film editor.

Published October 1st 2024

When I read the synopsis I was intrigued! Secret societies, rich people behaving badly, murder, and a dual narrative/timeline. What’s not to love?

When Maya returns to Princeton to celebrate her sister, Naomi’s, graduation, she’s excited to reminisce and catch up with old friends. Instead, she’s met with the shocking news of her sister’s death, and the possible link to a secret society.

This story had me on the edge of my seat! I love a dual narrative and timeline so I was pulled in right away, rooting for Maya to uncover the truth, while following Naomi as she navigated her way around the social dynamics at Princeton. I always enjoy a story about sisters and definitely felt a connection with these two characters. The author’s description of the setting was vivid and it felt very unsettling at times. She also did a great job at weaving in twists and I had no idea who the killer was until the last few chapters. At times I felt there were a few too many characters to keep track of and that had an effect on the overall pace for me, slowing it down.

For readers who enjoy dark academia, compelling female protagonists, and dual narratives/timelines.

Synopsis:

How far would you go to belong?

Maya has returned to Princeton for her college reunion—it’s been a decade since she graduated, and she is looking forward to seeing old faces and reminiscing about her time there. This visit is special because Maya will also be attending the graduation of her little sister, Naomi.

But what should have been a dream weekend becomes Maya’s worst nightmare when she receives the news that Naomi is dead. The police are calling it an accident, but Maya suspects that there is more to the story than they are letting on.

As Maya pieces together what happened in the months leading up to her sister’s death, she begins to realize how much Naomi hid from her. Despite Maya’s warnings, Naomi had joined Sterling Club, the most exclusive social club on campus—the same one Maya belonged to. And if she had to guess, Naomi was likely tapped for the secret society within it.

The more Maya uncovers, the more terrified she becomes that Naomi’s decision to follow in her footsteps might have been what got her killed. Because Maya’s time at Princeton wasn’t as wonderful as she’d always made it seem—after all, her sister wasn’t the first young woman to turn up dead. Now every clue is leading Maya back to the past . . . and to the secret she’s kept all these years.