Originally Published: August 14, 2018

By: Delia Owens

A stunning tale of a girl’s lonely survival in North Carolina’s marshes, Where the Crawdads Sing mixes a coming-of-age perseverance story with a murder mystery allowing for a truly unique novel.

In the 1950s, six-year-old Catherine Danielle “Kya” Clark is slowly abandoned by her family members and becomes known around town as “The Marsh Girl.” Few people – including Chase Andrews – show her sympathy. In 1969, Chase is found dead and Kya is investigated under the suspicion of murder.

The two storylines are intertwined and keep you guessing about what happened in the latter’s murder case. It allows you watch the character growth – especially in your empathy for Kya – and form your own opinions. And just when you think you’ve figured out the ending, author Delia Owens gives a great twist.

Final say: Beautifully crafted with multiple genre elements. ★★★★★