I'm torn on how to review this. This is a book that I'll think about for a while, but it ends on such a (realistically) depressing note that saying I "enjoyed" it feels insincere, despite thinking it was good. The characters were complex, the plotline compelling and well-researched, but wow was that heavy. This is a fictionalized version of the real disappearance of Bertha Mellish, a college student at Mount Holyoke in 1897 whose case was never solved and who was never found.

This story is told from 4 perspectives: Agnes, Bertha's best friend and the only one who truly knows what happened to her. Florence, Bertha's older sister who's trying to hold the family together. Dr. Hammond, the Mellish family's physician, who hopes to marry Bertha. And Detective Higham, who's investigating the case. Each POV was distinctive and evocative--I found the characters the most interesting part of this book. 

This book made me never want to speak to a man again, so if that doesn't sound like your bag, this is not for you. Definitely look up trigger warnings, but I'll also go ahead and say if you're squeamish don't read this, as it closely documents some of the dissections Agnes does in her medical studies of both humans and animals. 

I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book that laid out exactly what portions were embellished and which were historically accurate. This book definitely prompts reflection, particularly of women's rights and treatment, and some of the similarities depicted in 1897 vs. today are not very uplifting, but that doesn't mean we should ignore them. 

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, & the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.