The Gifts of Cutter County offers an intriguing premise, imagining a future where another meltdown occurs at Three Mile Island and the world is shaped by its aftermath. As someone living in the blast radius, I found this element chilling and compelling, though the "radiation zone" fear didn’t play as central a role as I had hoped.   The story leans more heavily on the dynamics of teenage emotions and friendships, focusing on the characters’ personal struggles and relationships rather than the survival-driven intensity of their isolated predicament. While this shift made the narrative feel more character-driven and introspective, it left some of the potential tension and stakes under-explored.  Overall, it’s a great YA read for those seeking a light mystery with a focus on character development. It may not fully deliver on the post-apocalyptic tension, but it’s still an enjoyable read.