Matcha & Motifs Review: 3.8/5 

When the daughter of the summer camp owners goes missing, it reopens the investigation of their missing son years ago. 

This was a good book and I enjoyed it. There was a beautiful blend of the intricate perspectives that brought this piece to life. Characters from an unlikely best friend, an underdog investigator and a previous employee. There were so many moving parts yet nothing felt confusing or unnecessary. Each perspective added to the ominous, unsettling atmosphere and made this book all the more fun to read.

I felt myself invested in the novel. I found myself creating my own theories and taking a stab at whodunit. I love the underlying themes of feminism and the dedication to preserving and honoring nature. As a camper myself, this was a splendid take on the care and respect for the land. Additionally, this book captures a sense of nostalgia. The way being a child at camp feels. Or the way summer outside feels. The deep dive on the family lore and all the moving parts was the most enjoyable aspect of this book. 

The writing was beautiful, it pulsed tension with a certain soft mysterious undertone, like whispers coming from the woods. I actually enjoyed the small sections of writing that felt like a scene started and ended. Or a thought was created and completed. 

“Panic,” said T.J. But no one raised a hand.

She explained. It came from the Greek god Pan: the god of the woods. He liked to trick people, to confuse and disorient them until they lost their bearings, and their minds.

To panic, said T.J., was to make an enemy of the forest. To stay calm was to be its friend.

Overall, it is a wonderful, nostalgic, campy read. I would highly recommend it if you’re searching for some good writing and storytelling.