Crime novel at its creepiest best. Mary Kubica has us on a chase against time. Two folks brutally murdered. Seemingly with no clues. No motive. No suspect. Couldn’t be further in the dark if you tried. But here’s the thing: there are some clues. You just have to be as clever as the author and see if you can syphon them out. IT’S NOT HER is an armchair detective’s dream novel. And a challenge to a reviewer, as I realized early in this amazing story.

Even though the title holds many meanings, some more obscure than others, that’s what quickly popped into my mind. What clues does that title hold? So with her parents dead, and their daughter, Reese, missing, the angst of the family left behind in this very rustic cluster of cabins in the woods by a lake is on high alert and very palpable. Fingers keep pointing in every imaginable corner.

Mary Kublica wrote each chapter in the voice of a select few of the characters. One is the sister-in-law of one of the murder victims. Courtney finds herself as the caretaker for the children left behind. They are not permitted to leave their cabin at first so that the local detective can search for any evidence. Then they are all cautioned to stay in place since the danger is still unknown. As time goes on, Courtney finds herself questioning the innocence of practically everyone around her, including her nephew and her own husband.

Courtney’s niece, Reese, is still missing. And it is uncovered that perhaps there have been other young girls missing in this area.

The author does an incredible job of planting hints and doubts in every chapter, which makes the ending even more astounding. As a reviewer, I am duty bound to avoid giving away any important plot lines. In IT’S NOT HER, that has been a really difficult job. So let me just point out that Mary Kubica succeeded in writing a fast- paced page turner that will certainly hold many surprises. IT’S NOT HER contains quite a bit of violence and family drama, which is purposely drawn out as the story progresses. Fans of Mary Kubica are going to love this book, and I genuinely believe it will win her many new ones.