The story centers around two missing girls-- one in the present and one in the past. The main family-- Maggie, Jones and their son, Ricky-- has their share of secrets and flashpoints that are revealed as the story develops. Maggie and Jones were teenagers when the first girl, Sarah, disappeared. Ricky has his own share of teenage angst while still remaining a clear-headed, confident youth; his girlfriend, Char, runs away. The combination of past and present, the difficult emotional and family lives of the characters and the plot development are excellent.
Unlike a few of the other books I've read recently, Unger does an excellent job of developing each of the characters and controlling the narration when she moves from one point of view to another. When I found myself feeling kindly towards the mixed-up kid, Marshall, and not so friendly towards his equally messed-up father, Travis (who, unlike Marshall, has a mean streak), it was thanks to the way in which Unger develops each of the characters and gives you the sense of reading into them and understanding their motivations. Even a somewhat peripheral character, Charlie, whose involvement in the main story line (Char's disappearance) is someone you feel like you know and relate to.
Well-written with a good story. Definitely a good read.
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