The New York Times bestselling novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, is an undeniable page turner for all readers, as author Delia Owens articulates a beautiful story of how the marsh lands of North Carolina became a little girl’s best friend. The novel takes readers through a rollercoaster of emotions regarding love, abandonment, crime, and mystery,  all of which contribute to a much greater meaning at the end of the novel. This thriller undoubtedly captures reader’s hearts and brings such a tragic but fulfilling tale to life.

     The story follows main character Kya–who is also dubbed as the “Marsh Girl” in her small North Carolina hometown–through her lonely childhood as she relies on the marsh for her survival. Having been abandoned by her family at age six, Kya was forced to learn how to cook, take care of her shack, and scavenger for food on her own, all while encountering the difficulties of womanhood. Throughout her teenage years, Owens paints the beautiful picture of Kya’s enchanting love with neighbor Tate as they share their love for the marsh together. The novel takes a sharp turn when a sudden murder case arises and affects Kya’s life as she knows it.

     Throughout the novel, character development and extremely detailed descriptions of events are evident and play large roles in the story’s overall sequence. Interactions between Kya and her environment as well as between the characters themselves provide readers with a deeper understanding of each character as they piece together such a puzzling story. The ending of the novel, however, does not come to a straightforward conclusion and requires readers to think on their own as they put the pieces together. Avid fans of the popular television show Outer Banks will find this novel with similar characteristics and enjoy the entertainment of it just as much.

     Where the Crawdads Sing is a beautifully written piece that uncovers mysteries of a small town that is haunted by acres upon acres of marsh land. It leaves readers puzzled, yet awestruck at the story put together by Owens and all the twists and turns that occur throughout. Where the Crawdads Sing is a magical story that will make you want to read it over and over again to experience the beautiful essence of such a unique tale.