This was a most disappointing book. It was incredibly boring and the characters were not believable at all. They were disturbed and unhealthy. A poor story line. The writing was tedious. I could not wait to finish this read.

This started off a little slow, but quickly turned into a complex web of divisive family dynamics along with past and present trauma. This book was highly descriptive and really drew you into the inner workings of its characters. Centering around two sisters running their late mother’s ballet studio along with a former student, I loved how Megan Abbott fleshed this out. You’re only given bits and pieces of information and are left waiting on pins and needles for the big reveal. Definitive trigger warnings. This is a dark thriller that really touches on childhood traumas of different kinds and how difficult it can be to escape them. Incredibly well written; the twists and turns kept me guessing until she shocking end. As a former dancer myself, I thought the descriptions of the darker underbelly surrounding ballet was very accurately described. If you can handle the trigger warnings and are looking for a dark, interesting thriller that will keep you guessing, this one is for you. *I received an ARC prior to release in exchange for my honest review.

Dara and Marie were kept isolated during their childhood. Never allowed to have much outside contact, so they spent their time dancing at their mother’s dance studio. Fast forward to when Dara and Marie are adults, their parents die in a car crash on their 20th wedding anniversary. The sisters inherit the dance studio. Dara’s husband,Charlie, a former dancer, is in charge of the office carrying out the duties to keep the studio up and running. Dara and Marie carry on the tradition of training dancers and putting on the Nutcracker every year. A dancer’s life is full of joy, disappointment, jealousy, drama, and injuries. Can Dara and Marie successfully carry on their mother’s legacy? A ballet story with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. It is a book that is perfect for all those who have danced or have the love of ballet!