The May Queen Murders by Sarah Jude

Rowan's Glen is a small farming town where everybody knows everybody. And Ivy is about to learn the smallest towns have the darkest secrets.

 

As kids, Mamie told Ivy and her cousin Heather about the stories of Birch Markle and the horrible thing that happened on May Day. Since the incident that left Rowan's Glen devastated, May Day is a thing of the past. But strange things start happening in the Glen, and the people think the best thing to brighten their spirits is to bring back the May Day celebration and crown a new Queen. As Ivy notices Heather sneaking around and keeping secrets, Ivy cannot help but think their relationship is on the rocks. But Heather goes missing the day after May Day, Ivy is determined to uncover the secrets of the girl she thought she always knew.

 

 

Ivy and Heather grew up together, as best friends and cousins, there isn't anything they don't know about each other. Things like how much Ivy thinks about the boy next door, Rook, and how Heather will probably be voted the Queen of May Day. Sarah Jude's debut novel sucks you into an amazing world inside of Rowan's Glen. You get to know the place, the people, and get caught up in the dark cloud that is hanging over their small community. Alongside Ivy and Rook, we slowly piece together the mystery of psycho murder Birch Markle, the secrets that Heather is hiding, and if they are connected. Ivy was such a relatable character, and in so many ways she reminded me of myself. She's so shy and timid, almost invisible behind the strong personality that is Heather. So many times I thought I had this book figured out and it just threw me for another loop. There is more to this story and this community than just an old folklore tale..

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend what is said to be a beautifully written, dark, gothic story that will keep the twists going right up until the very end. I look forward to obsessing over what Sarah Jude puts out next!!

 

My Rating: 4/5 Stars