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They meet the second Tuesday of every month and vote…and then someone dies.

Over the last few years, prominent people—a retired diplomat, beloved basketball coach, the CEO of an empire—have died in a series of fluke accidents and shocking suicides. There’s no apparent connection, no signs of foul play. Behind it all is a powerful group of women, the Sophie Foundation, who meet over wine and cheese to review files of men who behave very badly and then mete out justice.

Jessa Hall jumped at the mysterious, exclusive invitation to this secret club. The invite comes when she’s at her lowest, aching for a way to take back control. After years of fighting and scratching to get ahead, she’s ready for a chance to make the “bad guys” lose. Jessa soon realizes, though, just how far she’s willing to go and how dangerous this game has become.

Once in the group, it’s impossible to get out. She had nowhere to turn except former friend Gabby Fielding who is investigating the mysterious death of her ex-husband. Aligned in their goal to take down the Foundation, Gabby and Jessa need each other but working together doesn’t mean they trust each other…or that either will survive to tell the truth.

This is my first taste of Darby Kane. Seeing as how this is her second novel, I don’t feel so bad. After reading this, I am compelled to read her debut, Pretty Little Wife.

Normally, I don’t read the copy on a book (the quick plot synopsis printed on the back). I usually go off recommendations of friends or random people on the internet.

Admittedly, the first time I read the copy was when I was putting it onto this post. Not all of it rang true for me. Small things. Like Jessa’s reaction to the invite—I found it a bit misleading as to how it was represented.

Also, the relationship with Gabby. Ultimately she was the only one Jessa could turn to, but 90% of the story, that didn’t seem to be the case.

Copy aside, this book was a page-turner!

The story keeps you on your toes by jumping from one POV to another. Each chapter is told from a different character in third person; Gabby, Jessa, the Foundation, and the occasional news story. Jumping from one perspective to another gave the story a hurried feel that added another layer suspense.

No chapter was overly lengthy. Giving just enough to advance that character’s dramatic story.

Which, by the way, Jessa and Gabby are two of the strongest women. Like ever.

Step aside fantasy females who take on hordes of supernatural beings armed with centuries of experience and magic. These two FMC are publicly, and legally, harassed, families threatened, lives torn down one piece at a time, and physically assaulted. All in the span of a few months.

Jessa, the bright lawyer who wants nothing more than to see that true justice is served—something money shouldn’t be able to buy. Like most women, she struggles in a male dominated field when she knows she is worth more. Even her boyfriend offers no solace. When the opportunity presents itself to be a part of something bigger, she doesn’t quite jump at it.  Her skepticism and moral compass keep alarm bells ringing. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to capitalize on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While she does see the possibilities, she becomes more hesitant when her questions are never directly answered. Jessa quickly see how much power this group has. While completely appealing, it is a bit scary.

Gabby, on the other hand, may be a victim of the group’s immense power. When she won’t accept the official ruling of her husband’s death, she inadvertently challenges the Foundation, potentially becoming one of their targets.

Gabby and Jessa have a history that started in college. One viewing their relationship differently than the other. When their lives interact years later, it is not under the best of circumstances. Further layering animosity for this stage.   

By the end they, and you, are in the thick of it. There are just enough nice and tidy loose-end-tiding to put a smile on your face. And enough twists to put an intriguing bow on top.