On the Savage Side

A novel

By: Tiffany McDaniel

Narrated by: Catherine Taber

Six women—mothers, daughters, sisters—gone missing. Inspired by the unsolved murders of the Chillicothe Six, this harrowing novel tells the story of two sisters, both of whom could be the next victims, from the internationally best-selling author of Betty.

"Capture[s] what goes horribly wrong when women don’t fit a customary victim profile...McDaniel artfully evokes each facet of their common humanity, the sinuous landscape, and defiant community in the face of evil." —Oprah Daily

Arcade and Daffodil are twins born one minute apart. With their fiery red hair and thirst for escape, they form an unbreakable bond nurtured by their grandmother’s stories. Together, they disappear into their imaginations and forge a world all their own.

But what the two sisters can’t escape are the generational ghosts that haunt their family. Growing up in the shadow of their rural Ohio town, the sisters cling tightly to one another. Years later, Arcade wrestles with the memories of her early life, just as a local woman is discovered drowned in the river. Soon, more bodies are found. As her friends disappear around her, Arcade is forced to reckon with the past while the killer circles closer. Arcade’s promise to keep herself and her sister safe becomes increasingly desperate and the powerful riptide of the savage side becomes more difficult to survive.

Drawing from the true story of women killed in Chillicothe, Ohio, acclaimed novelist and poet Tiffany McDaniel has written a moving literary testament and fearless elegy for missing women everywhere.

Loved it

I am local to the Chillicothe area and very much remember when all the women were showing up missing. This was a very interesting angle of it and I really enjoyed the read.

McDaniel Does It Again

Another 5-star read by McDaniel. I was blown away by the rawness and beauty of this novel.

absolutely incredible

favorite book of 2023 … kept me wide eyed and guessing from start to finish. beautifully told!

eye-opening

Tiffany McDaniel's writing is always captivating and I admire her courage to shine a light on characters and stories that are often overlooked.

One of my new favorites

As someone whose family is from Chillicothe, Ohio, having someone write a story about the tragedies that go on there. I appreciate this story, the rawness, all of it. These topics discussed in this book need to be spoken about more. McDaniel’s authenticity and bravery in writing this book does not go unrecognized.