Review of “The Night the Lights Went Out” by Karen White

I would like to thank First to Read, and Berkley Books for an ARC of “The Night the Lights Went Out” by Karen White, for my honest review. The genres of this book are women’s fiction and mystery. I always enjoy Karen White’s novels, and I think this is my favorite. I find that the author’s descriptions of the characters and life in Georgia are intriguing and colorful.
Merilee, a new divorcee moves with her two young children into a cottage in Georgia that is owned by Sugar Prescott. Sugar is in her nineties and is one of the towns most senior and knowledgeable residents. Sugar appears to be very cold to most neighbors, with the exception of a few. For some reason, Sugar’s defenses are down and she seems to connect with Merilee and her children.
Healther is another character, portrayed as wealthy, beautiful, organized with beautiful children and a handsome husband. Heather befriends Merilee and insists on sharing her life with her.
All of these characters have major secrets.Some things are not what they seem. Also, there is a town blog that is written by an anonymous neighbor, who seems to know everything and everyone.
I love the way Karen White writes about friendship. What is a true friend? The characters are complex, and life is complicated. We also get to see the timeline and characters in Sugars’ life,which also was complicated. There is life and death.
The author writes about friendship,family, betrayal,revenge,loyalty, love and hope. I would highly recommend this novel as an entertaining and gripping read.