Girl Among Crows

Vayo’s debut novel combines sinister pagan rituals with a fast-paced, compelling mystery reminiscent of a James Patterson best seller. Although Daphne Gauge tried to move on after her brother’s mysterious disappearance, her mother’s breakdown, and the subsequent disintegration of her family 33 years ago, she continues to dig for the truth, determined to find out whether the Brotherhood of the Raven was involved. When two more boys vanish, Daphne is drawn back into the mystery. A committee has been formed to investigate, but it could be too late, as the Brotherhood already has Daphne in its sights. Shifting between past and present, Vayo carefully reveals bits and pieces of what happened so many years ago. There’s some committee testimony that slows the narrative, but the pace picks up once the stakes become higher. Narrator Jane Oppenheimer’s portrayal of Daphne grounds the proceedings by making her sympathetic and determined, even when she doubts herself and her reality.