Diane Zinna Knihy

Lauren Cress teaches writing at a small college near Washington, D.C., where she is well-liked by students and colleagues. However, in her personal life, she struggles with the unresolved grief of her parents' sudden death a decade ago, feeling isolated and stuck in her past. Everything changes when a new student, the charming Siri, joins her class. Their intense friendship offers Lauren a chance to reclaim her lost adolescence. When Siri invites her to Sweden for the summer, Lauren impulsively agrees. As she grows closer to Siri's enigmatic brother Magnus, tensions rise, revealing a darker side to Siri—selfish, reckless, and cruel. During a wild Midsommar's Eve party, boundaries blur and the night takes a sinister turn. Ultimately, Lauren must confront the reality of her relationship with Siri and come to terms with her own tragic history. This debut novel explores the complexities of relationships and the impact they have on our lives, capturing the essence of love, loss, and self-discovery.