story has an ominous beginning. Young girls are being held captive in a basement.it sons becomes apparent they are being sold to a sex trafficking ring. Later, Jillian, her husband, and her son escape their past and find themselves at a new house in Texas. The past catches up with them as they settle in, jobs, chores, and baseball. When suspicious things show up on their property, they cannot deny the past is encroaching on the present. The story moves from the point of view of Millian and The sheriff. The story flashes back between the past and present day. The secrets are revealed slowly, and many people have something to hide. This is a fast-moving story full of shocking twists and turns.

The Girls in the Basement tells the story of Jillian. She moves to a perfect home with her husband Tucker, and then bodies are found on their property. What started as dream becomes a nightmare as Jillian comes closer to discovering the truth...

This book contains heavy themes but it's done in a respectful way. It is told from various POVs.

Lola lives in the Read House with Mother, who traffics girls. She's kept Lola for herslef because she has a scar on her face, and doesn't believe she'll get a good price for her at auction. One day, Lola is seen by The Lady / The Woman who thinks her scar is a bonus and wants to put her up for auction. Lola's life is changed forever. This stoyline was my personal favourite.

Agent Meri Amber is a gifted detective who negotiated with a criminal who confessed where he'd buried some of his victims. He's now dead, which means Meri still doesn't know where her sister's body is buried.

Becky Gardiner is a survivor. She is in an abusive relationship and will do anything to protect her son.

Jillian is the main character, who moves into her new house with her husband Tucker. They find themselves involved in the mystery as the bodies as found on their property. Jillian finds more clues around the house, but grows suspicious of Tucker who reacts in strange ways.

As the story continues, all POVs come together. I enjoyed trying to figure out how they connected to each other.

Wow! I wasn't sure at first, as I normally like to stick with authors I know, and often Gangland, but after seeing Joffe books are publishers, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, and how right I was! It kept me wanting more; I even forgot the time as I was so focused. So many twists and turns that I never knew what would happen next, and I loved it!

I've read most books by Steena Holmes, and this one so far is my favourite! The plot is very engaging with many twists and turns and the story just flows effortlessly. This is a refreshing take on a very overused plot, making it not so cliché.