Now that the Butterfly Garden has been raided and its former captives are trying to adjust to life outside, the detectives are working on a new serial killer case. This one leaves his victims in churches, posed with flowers. Priya's sister was one of them, and now someone is leaving flowers on her doorstep - even after she and her mother move to another city. She's studying at home before their next move, and doesn't see anyone except a group of chess-playing vets who hang out in the park. The detectives are staying close to the women from the butterfly garden, and have put Priya in touch with Inara, the tough survivor of the garden, knowing the two have a lot in common.
The thing that I like about the previous book and this one is the characters and their development and that makes up for some flaws. I'm glad we're seeing how Inara and the others are doing, and how the detectives are managing to stay sane given the work they do and their own pasts.
I was actually expecting a scene in which the killer attacks Priya, but is fought off by the elderly vets, and to make it more poignant, the oldest and sweetest one dies defending her. Surprisingly, this did not occur.
Anyway, I figured out the killer pretty early and wasn't fooled by the red herring. I hate it when that happens. I want to be surprised (yet have the surprise make total sense). It's hard to do. ( )

I am not sure how to explain how I feel about this book. I loved the butterfly garden and I read it in one sitting just like I did this one. Initially, I didn't get into the book as quickly as I did the first book. I find it easier to get into books when they are told in the...what I think is called the first person narrative. This book alternates more than the first one did. However, the story is good. It actually is quite thought provoking. It brings up many interesting points: how the media often persecutes and harasses victims of crimes, how the delays in the justice system can delay healing, and the difficulties faced in people trying to start a new life after a tragedy (both for victims and the families of the victims). I thought it was a different story yet a masterful next installments all in one.

I loved that the author added the story of Priya and the way it wraps everything up yet leaves room for more. ( )

Really enjoyed this. Great, well thought out and imperfect characters. A couple of red herrings which had me questioning my theories, and nicely wrapped up.

Possible spoilers re characters.

Personally, I would have preferred that the previous novel's characters were excluded from this novel and the focus was solely on Priya and her story. I couldn't put aside the thought that agent's wouldn't become friends with, and constantly check in on, victims of crime's regardless of how well they knew them in the week's following rescue. This is more of a preference than a criticism, as if you enjoyed the previous characters, you'll be happy to see them again and check in on them! Really great story! ( )

I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.

Not as good as the first. I honestly figured it wouldn't be and almost didn't continue the series. At least this book hasn't slaughtered it for me though. It was just kind of eventless. Nothing much really happened and even the big reveal and such was quick, boring, and predictable. I honestly don't know if I'll continue the series or not. ( )

Priya Sravasti's sister Chavi was murdered by a serial killer five years ago. Every year, a different girl is found dead in a church, surrounded by flowers. Priya and her mom, Deshani, have moved several times since Chavi was killed, but it seems the killer has found her.
The three FBI agents handling the Butterfly Garden case, Vic, Eddison, and Ramirez, are also haunted by the case of the dead girls surrounded by flowers. The victims intertwine. The agents are desperately trying to keep Priya safe.
This book is not quite as gruesome or dark as The Butterfly Garden, but it is still suspenseful, while giving hope. Priya is a brave young woman. This book highlights her struggle to rediscover herself and become the person she was going to be before her sister's brutal murder. ( )