Real Easy

Before we get to the review, I want y’all to know that this book was inspired by Rutkoski’s experiences working in two strip clubs, and even included some of the real-life adventures that happened to her while working in these clubs.

Synopsis: It’s 1999 and Samantha has danced for years at the Lovely Lady strip club. She’s not used to mixing work and friendship―after all, between her jealous boyfriend and his young daughter, she has enough on her plate. But the newest dancer is so clueless that Samantha feels compelled to help her learn the hustle and drama of the club: how to sweet-talk the boss, fit in with the other women, and make good money. One night, when the new girl needs a ride home, Samantha agrees to drive: a simple decision that turns deadly.

Georgia, another dancer drawn into the ensuing murder and missing person investigation, gathers information for Holly, a grieving detective determined to solve the case. Georgia just wants to help, but her involvement makes her a target. As Holly and Georgia round up their suspects, the story’s point of view shifts between dancers, detectives, children, club patrons―and the killer.

I’m really not sure how to write a review for this character driven story. I just don’t think I can cover everything in just the right way. It was so much more than just a thriller/mystery. This was a story that wasn’t just dark it was also full of hope.

Rutkoski created a very diverse cast of characters and living their lives along with them created an absolute whirlwind of emotions. Each woman was just so real and uniquely flawed. The more I read each woman’s point of view the more I wanted to just reach into this story and hug them and let them know I was their personal cheerleader.

As I said earlier, this was so very much more than your average thriller/mystery. There were some very emotionally heavy moments, then some incredibly dark and graphic moments, as well as some R-rated moments, followed by incredibly funny moments a few pages later. Each time I came back to the real world while reading this story I had to sit back and take a few breaths. Saying that this book is a psychological thriller is an understatement. There really was just so much to absorb in each chapter, and the chapters were short.

Overall, this was a perfectly paced, unique, and compelling story that will suck you in and have you questioning everything!

Thank you, Henry Holt and Co., for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.