I really enjoyed this.
The desert setting was awesome, and though a few too many dangerous things happened on their trip for it to really be believable, other aspects of the desert WERE believable and well drawn.
The backpacking details were interesting for me, giving it good pacing throughout, even before the creepy, suspenseful part really started.
The backstory/underlying themes were strong, and I loved the exploration of the cousins’ currently strained relationship.
My only problem was the alternating first-person points of view. They weren’t always distinct enough, so I kept forgetting whose head I was in. However, it didn’t seriously affect my enjoyment.
I will read more of Natalie D. Richards.
4.5 stars
