Troublante confusion

The story weaves both genres smoothly, but I wonder if that was a conscious choice or something that evolved during writing. Did any plot points feel like they were competing for attention?

The characters' pasts add depth, but at times I wondered if their emotional scars made it harder for me to connect fully. What were others' thoughts on how their trust was built or broken?

The cozy yet suspenseful atmosphere really drew me in. I'm curious whether the author based it on a real place or if it was created entirely from imagination.