Twenty years ago, Lydia and Claire's sister, Julia disappears. She was only nineteen and it tears their family apart. Their parents divorce, their mom turns into an alcoholic, and Lydia turns to drugs. Claire marries Paul, the perfect man. Fast forward to today and Claire's world is shattered when Paul is murdered right before her eyes. Their family is once again forced to face their old wounds. Their father journals about his search for his missing daughter who he never stops looking for. My heart was breaking for Sam as he shares his love for the missing Julia.

Lydia is struggling with life as a single mother to her daughter, Dee. She is the owner of a dog grooming business and is trying to give Dee a better life. Once she reunites with her sister, Claire, her life changes in so many ways. Some ways good and others not good at all. The twists in PRETTY GIRLS start very early in the story and they never stop.

While Claire is searching Paul's computer for files his partner wants, she uncovers many secrets that she didn't know about Paul. On the computer she finds files of women being tortured and raped. She also finds files of women from all over the country, all rape victims at one time or another. PRETTY GIRLS is such a disturbing tale, and your heart breaks for Claire as she discovers secrets Paul hid so well. She now realizes she was sharing her life for eighteen years with a monster. What is the truth, and what does it have to do with her missing sister? Claire's grief has now turned to anger and shock.

I have always loved reading Karin Slaughter. I love her Grant County series. PRETTY GIRLS is totally different than what I am used to by Ms. Slaughter. Don't get me wrong, the story is good but just not her usual style. The characters are all damaged enough to keep you turning the pages. PRETTY GIRLS is a psychological thriller but also has plenty of action and graphic violence. The violence was just too much for me. Will I scream and run to the store to buy her next new book? Of course I will, and I'm sure I will be very happy reading it.