The Review

Ashley Flowers, the host of the popular true crime podcast “Crime Junkie,” delivers an electrifying debut novel with “All Good People Here.” This gripping small-town thriller will captivate readers from the very first page to its shocking conclusion. Set in the charming town of Wakarusa, Indiana, the story follows Margot Davies, a journalist consumed by her determination to solve the unsolved murder of her childhood neighbor, January Jacobs, as well as the recent disappearance of another young girl.

Returning to her hometown after a two-decade absence, Margot embarks on a mission to unearth the hidden secrets lurking beneath the town’s seemingly pleasant facade. However, her quest faces opposition from the police, the townspeople, and even her own family. As Margot delves deeper into the case, she realizes that everyone has something to hide, and the truth surrounding the two mysteries may be more horrifying than she ever envisioned.

Flowers skillfully weaves a narrative with dual timelines, alternating between the events of January’s murder in 1994 and the present-day vanishing of Natalie Clark. The pacing of the story is impeccable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Margot navigates through the twists and turns of the investigation. With her background in true crime, the author expertly creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

The character development in “All Good People Here” is commendable, with Margot Davies standing out as a relatable and determined protagonist. Her personal struggles, such as caring for her ailing uncle and wrestling with her own fears and guilt, add depth to her character and enhance the overall compelling nature of her journey. The supporting cast is well-rounded, each character contributing to the intricate web of secrets and suspicions.

I enjoyed listening to this novel during a trip up north with my best friend, which added to the overall enjoyment of the story. While I did anticipate most of the major twists early on, the ending took us both by surprise. Although we were both pleased with the conclusion, it’s a divisive aspect that will depend on individual reader preferences. We couldn’t help but hope for a sequel. Nevertheless, the journey leading up to the ending is undeniably engaging and filled with unexpected surprises. Flowers successfully keeps readers guessing, deftly planting clues and red herrings throughout the narrative.

“All Good People Here” provides an engrossing and entertaining read for both fans of small-town mysteries and true crime enthusiasts. Ashley Flowers proves her storytelling prowess extends beyond her podcast, crafting a compelling debut novel. With its intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and a suspenseful plot, this book is a worthy addition to the genre. Whether you’re a fan of Flowers’ podcast or new to her work, “All Good People Here” is a book that should not be missed for a captivating reading experience.

4 out of 5 Stars!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

In her electrifying debut novel “All Good People Here,” Ashley Flowers, host of the popular true crime podcast “Crime Junkie,” takes readers on a captivating journey through the charming town of Wakarusa, Indiana. Margot Davies, a determined journalist, returns to her hometown after twenty years to uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath its pleasant exterior. As she investigates the unsolved murder of her childhood neighbor and the recent disappearance of another young girl, Margot faces opposition from the police, townspeople, and even her own family. With expertly crafted dual timelines and a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue, Flowers keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Margot delves deeper into the mysteries. The well-developed characters, led by the relatable and tenacious Margot, add depth to the narrative, while unexpected twists and surprises keep the pages turning. “All Good People Here” is a must-read for fans of small-town mysteries and true crime enthusiasts alike, showcasing Flowers’ storytelling prowess beyond her podcast. With its engrossing premise, suspenseful plot, and compelling characters, this novel is a valuable addition to the genre, promising an enthralling reading experience whether you’re familiar with Flowers’ work or new to it.