This book differed from others (i.e. The Hour I First Believed) in that it brought to light the danger of rumors on social media and the damage they can cause....right into the courtroom. Just when I was beginning to think the plot would dissolve Mr. Landay brought in a few twists to keep interest going, i.e. Who the heck of Father Leary and where did he come from?? I thought the final pages were riveting, sad and yet tied up all loose ends for me. I'll look for Mr. Landay's earlier works.

Couldn't really find enough to say the book was good. Would appeal more to youth readers, which I'm sure is the intended market. Enjoyed the back and forth from 1990, when Rose (Charlotte and Nora's babysitter) disappeared to 2006 when Charlotte returned home to resolve Rose's disappearance. Repeated reference to Charlotte's "black books" became wearisome and had no tie in. Okay reading but not very satisfying to me.

I liked the fact that historical figures were employed in a work of fiction. Being old enough to remember the Philby "Sex for Secrets" scandal made this book extremely interesting. There are quite a few characters (I kept a roster) but they are well woven into the plot. I will definitely be downloading more of Mr. Cummings' work. Reminded me a lot of early Ludlum books.

Overall the book was OK but could have been much more. At some point we've all either been the bully, the bullied or the bystander too afraid to intervene knowing we should. The lack of closure at the end was disappointing. If the book had been any longer than it was I would have felt horribly cheated with it's ending. I hate to invest my reading time with 'unfinished' endings. I got to the end and thought "huh....that's it?" Kept looking for more pages.

A good story but a bit laborious to get to the more interesting part when she comes to the US to promote the Russian war effort. A bit implausible that Mrs. Roosevelt would 'take her under her wing' as she did and become so personal with her. I would have liked to see more development with the Manhattan Project. In the books' defense it moved at a good pace and kept enough questions unanswered that you had to read to the end. Very nice job tying up loose ends and completing the story. I'll definitely check out some of his other titles.

Excellent historical fiction, very well researched. Many plot twists but logically linked and difficult to put down. Great character development and easy to keep track of who's related and the school hierarchy. Hard to think of that much religious persecution existing...all in the name of God. Dr. Bruno innocently gets pulled in to aid in solving the crimes by the school Rector. The mystery steadily builds right to the very end, no let down or loose ends. Would definitely recommend investing the time.

Nice blend of mystery and history. The ending could have been better. It seemed anti-climactic but believable. It did everything I ask a book to do....teach me something I didn't know yesterday and provide entertainment. Very enjoyable read after a day at work but not riveting.

I thought the book was excellent. Good character development. I enjoyed how the story line went from current to childhood experiences that contributed and had a correlation to what was currently happening in the character's lives. It lent credence to how their adult lives evolved based on their early experiences.

Family dynamics persisted.....with multiple siblings, does one child always feel like 'odd man out' when it comes to receiving their fair share of parental love and attention?