Roses of May

I really liked Roses of May by Dot Hutchison, but it’s definitely different from The Butterfly Garden. This one feels more emotional and character-focused, with a slower burn that really digs into grief, trauma, and how people try to heal after something terrible happens.

Priya was such a heartbreaking but strong character to follow. Watching her deal with the loss of her sister felt incredibly real, and I loved how much focus was put on family relationships and the lasting impact of violence instead of just the crime itself. The returning FBI characters added a lot too — they feel damaged and human in a way that made me even more invested in them.

The atmosphere throughout the book is unsettling without constantly relying on shocking moments. There’s this quiet tension hanging over everything, and the way the murders are tied to flowers makes it even creepier.

It’s definitely a slower-paced thriller, but if you like dark stories with emotional depth and strong characters, this one really delivers. It stuck with me long after I finished it.