First published 2021
Annie has always chosen the safe path. When her boyfriend dumps her, she takes a teaching job in a quaint upstate village. The town seems perfect. Her neighbors are welcoming and her apartment is charming, except for the constant spiders. Then Annie meets Sophie, a captivating woman who lives in a mansion deep in the woods. Sophie encourages Annie to stop apologizing for herself and start taking what she wants. Annie finds herself drawn to Sophie's confidence and magnetic personality. She wants to spend every moment with this fascinating new friend. But the other townspeople act strangely around Sophie. They seem frightened of her. Annie begins to notice odd things about Sophie too. She never seems to age. Her home feels otherworldly. She appears to possess unusual abilities. Annie must decide whether to trust her growing suspicions or embrace the friendship that has awakened something powerful within her.
Genres: mystery, fantasy, contemporary, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Upstate Village, Woods
293 pages · Hardcover · Berkley