Remember when I said the last book brought the verve back into the series, this one brings the blam. Ali actually lets the ax fall and leaks all the girls’ secrets as well as a forged videotape framing them for Tabitha’s murder in Jaimaca.

There’s not much I can say without spoiling it but Shepard makes this book one of the heaviest as the girls’ lives crumble around them. She lets the consequences happen and they are grave considering all the actual crimes the girls have stacked up- drug possession, car crashing, art theft, baby selling. Seriously, the girls have been bad but Shepard keeps one on their side by showing their remorse as well as the utter terror they have lived through with Ali’s threats hanging over their heads.

Plus Shepard really ups the creepy factor in creating the confrontation between Ali as well as Helper A. Yes, Helper A does get revealed in a terrifying twist that is insidulously makes-sense but is still surprising.

Additionally, the bond of friendship is strengthened here as the girls stand united against the threat of A as well as the world/media turning against them, it’s really heartwarming to read to see how far they have come from their mean girl wannabee days in middle school.

Also Emily really has a chance to shine here in the end that shows her growth from her obssession of idolizing Ali to something badass. Hanna also gets some personal closure with her Dad who have to agree is really a jerk deep down though Hanna’s rose-colored narrative did make me second-guess myself at times.

A thrilling book that serves to heighten the dangerous psychopathic personality and cunning of A as well as the unbreakable bond of the Liars who have gone through their personal hells and back.