Most of what I review these days at the Chicago Review of Books (CHIRB, for short) is historical fiction or fantasy, but every once in a while, something else comes along I can’t resist — usually a female-focused thriller or crime novel.. What I couldn’t resist this time around was the opportunity for an early peek at the new Megan Abbott novel (!) set at a ballet school (!!). And it did not disappoint!

With the entire book filtered through Dara’s point of view, as a questionable decision early in the novel spirals into an ever-worsening situation for all three of the main characters, you’re likely to read with your shoulders up around your ears, full of tension and dread. When the crime finally comes at last, it’s almost a relief.

Read my full review of THE TURNOUT here.