All Good People Here

Ashley Flowers’ debut novel, All Good People Here, is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a small town haunted by a decades-old mystery. The story centers on Margot Davies, a journalist who returns to her childhood town of Wakarusa, Indiana, after many years away. Her return is triggered by the need to care for her ailing uncle, but it also stirs up unresolved trauma related to the disappearance of her childhood neighbor, January Jacobs.

The novel’s initial hook is the chilling and unresolved case of January’s murder, which has cast a long shadow over Margot's life. As a six-year-old, Margot was deeply affected by the disappearance of January, who was found dead in a ditch, and the fact that the case was never solved has left a lasting impression on her. This unresolved case becomes even more pressing when a similar tragedy strikes—five-year-old Natalie Clark from a neighboring town goes missing under eerily similar circumstances.

Flowers adeptly uses the small-town setting of Wakarusa to build tension and atmosphere. The town feels almost frozen in time, with its friendly yet suffocatingly secretive nature creating a claustrophobic backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The narrative weaves together past and present, with Margot’s investigation into Natalie’s disappearance serving as a catalyst for unraveling the long-standing secrets surrounding January’s murder.

Margot is a well-drawn protagonist, driven by a combination of personal guilt and professional curiosity. Her return to Wakarusa and her attempts to rekindle the investigation into January’s case feel both poignant and urgent. Her journey is fraught with resistance from the town’s residents, who seem to be hiding something significant, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the story.

The novel excels in its exploration of the themes of memory, guilt, and the search for justice. Flowers presents a compelling portrayal of how past traumas and unresolved cases can influence present actions and relationships. The narrative is rich with red herrings and plot twists, keeping readers on edge as they try to piece together the truth.

One of the strengths of All Good People Here is its ability to balance psychological depth with a gripping plot. The characters are multi-dimensional, and the town of Wakarusa feels like a character in its own right, contributing to the novel’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

As the story reaches its climax, the resolution of both Natalie’s disappearance and January’s murder is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Flowers skillfully ties together the threads of the narrative, delivering a conclusion that is both surprising and reflective.

Overall, All Good People Here is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of suspenseful mysteries and psychological dramas. Ashley Flowers has created a debut novel that combines a chilling mystery with deep emotional resonance, making it a standout read in the genre.