"I-5" - A compelling and insightful crime story of sexual slavery.

This was my first encounter with the work of Summer Brenner.  I took an interest when I happened upon this title as it involved crime and sex, two of my favourite story themes.  It also involves sex trafficking, an area I did some work in in my final months in the police back in the day, so I always like to read about vice matters.
The level of insight which Brenner achieves in her work here must surely have come from some direct interviewing of girls caught up in the revolting and cruel world of sexual slavery.  The characterization of the lead girl, Anya, is as absolutely compelling as it is tragic.  And the insight into other personalities in the cast is equally perceptive, not that you're likely to have much empathy for most of the others.  
My only reservation reading this was the present tense narrative, a writing style that I always find somewhat annoying, but that's just my personal taste.  Here, it certainly didn't detract a jot from what was a riveting read with twists and turns aplenty.  As always, no spoilers in my reviews, but you won't see the ending before it hits you.
But aside from the solid, tight plot, which keeps you entertained, for me it was the poignancy of the characters, especially Anya, and the clear understanding of the psychologies in the sexual slavery world, that made this a truly memorable read.
Cheers,
ABP