Beth Mahoney blogs about her life with her husband and two daughters, painting a picture of a busy, happy life. Originally from Australia, they've been living in New Jersey (US) for the last ten years. When Beth's husband has a job relocation back to Australia, the move couldn't have come at a more perfect time: Charlotte, Beth's youngest daughter, has been accused of being the ringleader of a group of girls whose bullying has landed another child in the hospital.
Once they settle in Newcastle, the family settles into their new life, with the girls attending a prestigious all-girls school. Popular Charlotte, however, is soon being accused of again bullying a classmate, this time to the point of the other girl's suicide attempt. Charlotte denies she's at fault, but the bullied child's parents are seeking retribution. Beth, caught between what her husband and mother-in-law believe, and her wish to believe her own child, is forced into an impossible situation.
I liked this book, which felt very realistic. You get Beth's perspective, mainly, although throughout the book are pages from someone's online blog (and it's not Beth's), which lends another perspective on the story. I found myself sympathizing with Beth and feeling that Charlotte was a nasty little girl, while at the same time wondering about Beth's other daughter and what impact this was all having on her. I also sympathized with the mother of the girl who attempts suicide, although she's not necessarily a likable character.
This book has a steadily increasing, almost relentless pace, and I found myself eager to find out what was going to happen at the end. I found the book very satisfying and, without revealing any spoilers, will say that there is a reveal of something which I found very surprising.
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