The Deep Dark Descending

The mood really pulls you into a tense, unsettling world. I'm curious if the author aimed to mirror real-life small-town secrets or had another inspiration.

The characters often operate in shades of gray, which made me question what I would do in their place. How do readers reconcile their empathy with their flaws?

The pacing and reveal of details felt carefully crafted, and I wonder if the non-linear approach was planned or evolved during writing.