One of the best books of the year according to Glamour, TIME, The Washington Post, Book Riot, USA TODAY, Lithub and The Millions. A darkly funny psychological thriller where the heroines of the medieval fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm turn out to be adult, modern women in need of psychotherapeutic help. Each of them has its own story. Each has their own traumatic memories of their experiences. In modern-day New York, five women meet in a group therapy session, trying to cope with their psychological traumas. Each one has a week to tell their story. Rule of thumb: Absolute Honesty. Bernice struggles with the consequences of a toxic relationship with a psychopathic blue-bearded billionaire. Ruby claims she was once eaten by a wolf and now wears a fur coat made from his skin. Gretel is tormented by false memories of being held captive in a strange house made of candy and gingerbread. Ashley, the winner of the dating show in the style of “The Bachelor,” is tormented by doubts: did she really get her promised fairy-tale ending? And Rayna’s unreal love story turns out to be infinitely far from the picture painted in the press. Very soon, women , who were wary of each other at first, realize that they have much more in common than it seems... But what really brought them here? What secrets will they reveal? And is it too late to save each other? Dark, funny, poignant, provocative. This novel reimagines our coziest, most beloved fairy tales and reveals the horror and injustice contained within, challenging our perception of the truth. “Classic characters translate horrifyingly well into our time... The book is funny, dark and poignant as the characters yearn to believe in the world , which often views violence against women as simply a myth.” – GLAMOUR “In this modern retelling of classic fairy tales, Adelmann deconstructs the concept of “happily ever after.” Brilliantly exposes the historical exploitation and manipulation of women's trauma in the media. This powerful debut challenges our perception of truth." – Booklist “A story of vibrant, real women haunted by a fairy-tale past. A delightful debut. Pure fun with a dark heart." – Rachel Yoder “Adelmann wants us to reconsider the stories we think we know and see the inequality and horror we have absorbed with fairy tales. Her most diabolical trick may be the one she reveals to the reader long before the characters even know it—an important reminder not to take anything at face value.” – WASHINGTON POST