So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman

Cara Hoffman’s debut novel follows the disappearance of Wendy White, a teenage waitress in the small rural town of Haeden, New York. In a town where everyone knows everybody, case investigator Stacy Flynn finds it hard to believe that no-one knows where Wendy is. After searching for truth in a town that’s prepared to deny lying even exists, Flynn realises her big case is going to be a difficult one to break. So Much Pretty has a skilfully developed story which reveals its characters through multiple perspectives. In fact, the story’s essence and accomplishment are in the way it uncovers the crime over a decade. Hoffman interrupts the progress of the case every once in a while by divulging character information: a character’s background, relationship or opinion on agriculture – anything really. However, these small interruptions are not without use; they improve the story and explain the complexity of the characters within. The only thing unfortunate about this book is its almost picturesque ending which seems out of place and realistically out of touch. Regardless, So Much Pretty succeeds in reaching forth and grabbing its audience in the hope of saving one girl’s life, and another girl’s future. [Amy Balloch]