Annette Masters

Annette Masters’ ‘Dragonfly Down’ is a gripping young adult novel that delves deeply into the complexities of family, love, and personal resilience. Through a tapestry of evocative prose and authentic character voices, Masters crafts a compelling story that will resonate with both teen and adult readers.

The story centers on Laurel Greenleaf, a teenager born into a family whose fame and philanthropic work have made them both admired and targeted. The plot unfolds in the days leading up to and following a devastating fire at Olive House, the family’s newly renovated safe haven for unhoused teens on Sutton Island.

The Greenleaf family arrive on Sutton Island, for what should be a celebratory summer. Instead, the summer is shattered by tragedy when an explosion destroys Olive House, leaving Laurel injured and her sister presumed dead. Laurel’s journey is marked by her refusal to accept the official story.

The novel’s suspense is heightened by the interplay of memory, trauma, and unreliable narration. Laurel’s fragmented recollections of the night of the fire, combined with her art therapy sessions and interactions with skeptical adults, create a sense of uncertainty that keeps readers guessing. The plot twists intensify as Laurel discovers evidence that points to a deeper conspiracy.

Dragonfly Down is a tightly plotted, emotionally charged thriller that uses its central mystery to explore themes of family, love, and resilience. Annette Masters keeps readers engaged with well-timed twists and a protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her journey both suspenseful and deeply moving.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: A tense and satisfying thriller that masterfully weaves family drama, mystery, and suspense into a heart-racing story of sisterhood and resilience.