Solid Summer Escapism. You know those summer movies where you just want to be entertained, so you turn your brain off a bit and just go for the ride?
Do that here, and you’re going to have a *blast*. (Literally, in the case of this tale, as it opens with a car bomb in a small lake town.)
Featuring a small yet interwoven cast and a multi-POV storytelling mechanic, this is one of those tales that uses everything it has to craft a tale that will worm its way into your brain as you’re reading it and won’t let you go… but also isn’t going to be the most memorable book out there once you dive into the next escapist book. The twists and turns and action are all solid, don’t get me wrong. They’re just also a bit plain. Which isn’t a bad thing – plain and expected is *great* for escapist fiction. Again, you don’t *want* your brain working too hard with this particular type of tale.
Overall a fun lake escape with a few thrills and chills, some great vibes, and a few solid enough hooks to keep you reading even as this may be a touch long for some readers (north of 350 pages). Still, stick with it and you will absolutely be rewarded here.
Very much recommended.
This review of Too Close To Home by Seraphina Nova Glass was originally written on December 18, 2025.