Feeney masterfully weaves a narrative where every character harbors life-altering secrets, each clandestine truth impacting their present and shaping their actions. The stolen baby haunts the narrative, casting a long shadow over the characters' lives. As layers of deception peel away, the reader grapples with the consequences of keeping secrets and the liberating power of truth.

Identity becomes fluid and unreliable in "Good Bad Girl." Edith, seemingly trapped in a nursing home, hides a steely will and a secret past. Patience, the seemingly kind caretaker, constructs a façade, her true motives shrouded in mystery. Clio, estranged from her mother, wrestles with her own demons and the weight of family secrets. This exploration of identity keeps the reader guessing, unsure who to trust, and constantly reevaluating their perceptions of each character.

The novel explores the multifaceted nature of motherhood through various lenses. The agonizing loss of a child, the challenges of strained relationships, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her own are poignantly depicted. Feeney doesn't shy away from the raw emotions and difficult choices mothers face, adding an emotionally resonant layer to the suspenseful plot.