An Accusation by Wendy James is a 2021 Lake Union publication.

Suzannah, a teacher, and sole caretaker for her mother, Mary, who suffers from dementia, are accused of kidnapping- then holding hostage in their basement, a teenage girl named Elle Canning. Upon Elle’s escape, she immediately becomes an internet sensation.

There’s enough evidence to back up Elle’s accusations, so while the investigation mounts, Suzannah’s past is scrutinized and analyzed making her look all the more guilty. While Suzannah and her mother are pariahs, Elle’s star continues to rise… but why would Mary and Suzannah hold Elle captive? Is there more to the story than meets the eye?

Well. What an interesting premise! I really liked this story- it kept me guessing- wondering what all the angles and motives might be, and was really surprised by the stunning revelations that unfolded. But the thing that impressed me the most was how the author exposed social media, the press, influencers, etc., and how, despite the moral bankruptcy involved, the public eats it up- and are in fact, nearly insatiable- without even stopping to consider its validity- or maybe not even caring how ‘real’ or ‘true’ it is. It’s not only the moral question of building up less than reputable people, but the tearing down and destroying of perfectly innocent ones that is so disturbing… and the knowledge that on any given day YOU could be the target of an online character assassination…

Overall, a very interesting mystery, a thought-provoking scenario, and cautionary tale, with a conclusion that is equally unsettling and satisfying.

4 stars ( )