Best Kept Stranger by Taylor Higgins

I would say the best way to start this write up is by using the author’s own words.

From the back cover of the book:

Beautiful but fragile Taylor Hartwell has been afraid of disappointing her manipulative mother, Claire, for as long as she can remember. To the outside world, Claire Hartwell is caring and attentive, but beneath her carefully curated exterior lurks an ever-deepening darkness-and Taylor is desperate to escape to the light. Taylor’s need to please Claire and her intense craving to know love leads her into the arms of men who hurt her in every way. Yet Claire, believing Taylor’s mistreatment will ensure her own domination over Taylor’s life, encourages her daughter to stay in these abusive relationships. When Taylor meets a gentle, supportive man, the budding romance pulls her from Claire’s relentless control. But Claire is determined that Taylor will fulfill the role Claire has planned for her since her birth. Taylor’s struggle for independence unravels dangerous family secrets, leading to a series of questionable deaths and a sinister reunion that nobody anticipates.

So, now that you know what it's all about, what did I think when I read it?

I was left speechless. Absolutely blown away.

I was a HUGE fan for her first book Between the Stitching (my review, my affiliate link). So, expectations were high. Probably too high.

This book far exceeded them. Far.

Higgins has an incredible storytelling style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but she has a knack for using just enough detail to get her point across, but not so much that I find myself screaming, "I get it, the room is cluttered!". The words she chooses are always perfect, even as they are jarring. It's amazing.

But, that's just the technical stuff. The story itself is awe inspiring. The tale of generational trauma, breaking the cycle, and being trapped again. It pulled me in deeper with every chapter. Every time I wished Taylor Hartwell would break free. Every time I cringed when she didn't. Every time I felt deflated. Every time I felt elated. When I finished I just sat there reflecting on the emotional roller coaster I had just completed. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. You just have to see for yourself, as soon as you can. 

Rating: 4 bases...because there are only four to give.

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