Filled with suspense and social commentary, Jackal filled me with dread and outrage throughout the book. This debut novel by Erin E. Adams takes place in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the author’s hometown, which is largely white and racially segregated. Jackal follows 32 year old Liz Rocher as she travels back to the town for her best friend, Melissa Parker’s, wedding. When Caroline, Melissa’s 9-year old daughter, goes missing while under Liz’s watch at the wedding, her visit home is extended. As the search to find Melissa intensifies, Liz finds herself in the middle of investigating decades worth of missing persons cases, all involving young black girls, all unsolved and under-investigated. With few allies in the racially segregated town she left over a decade ago, Liz engages in an investigation that is a danger to her freedom, her relationships, and her life. The book also engages in multiple perspectives, going back in time as an unnamed narrator recounts the experiences of previous victims.

The audiobook is narrated by Sandra Okuboyejo, when Liz’s perspective is being portrayed, and William DeMeritt, during the flashbacks. Okuboyejo wonderfully portrays the paranoia and stress that Liz feels increasingly as the story unfolds. William DeMeritt’s narration of the past victims’ experiences provides a great contrast to the palpable stress of Okuboyejo’s narration, providing a smooth and mysterious tone for his portions. The audiobook is well-performed and well-produced, adding to the atmosphere.

Jackal explores complex themes of racism, classism, community, and injustice through its interesting and inventive narrative. Suspenseful, creative, and socially aware, Jackal is a great read for horror and mystery fans.