Hannah Jayne
YA Thriller
Published: July 2013
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| image: Goodreads |
I loved that Sawyer lives in the model home of a new housing development separated from town. Have you ever walked around or driven through a neighborhood under development? Partially-built lots, no neighbors, not-yet-permanent roads, construction machinery casting shadows during off-hours--the perfect set up for creepery.
So, the story starts with Sawyer and everyone in school mourning the loss of her boyfriend Kevin, a popular student and athlete, who died in a car accident. Sawyer hints that Kevin wasn't so perfect, a fact that she hides from friends and family. Details of Kevin's accident are suspicious, and the police are investigating whether it was murder. A the same time, Sawyer receives a mysterious note--someone knows exactly what happened, and now they're watching Sawyer. The rest of the book is a guessing game of who killed Kevin, and who is stalking Sawyer and why.
This is definitely a lighter thriller, though people do die (which is why I related it to Christopher Pike). The story is shades of dark without becoming graphic. I do wish the backstory with Sawyer and Kevin had been explored a little further, there was a lot of potential there. But overall I liked the characters and enjoyed the mystery.
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Wow. I haven't read a YA thriller since Laurie Stolarz's Blue is for Nightmares series. I forgot how much I enjoyed them until I read your review. I'll have to check this one out. Thank you for sharing and reminding me.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. I'm up for a good thriller. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat review this was a pretty good read though I found it predictable - I have read my fair share of mysteries like this, though. And yes he setting was super creepy! Especially that I imagine you look outside and all you see are like, house carcasses and emptiness. no lights in any windows. Eek! Glad you liked it! :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, a housing development does sound like the perfect setting for a thriller! I'll have to add this one to my list of books to read.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I used to love Christopher Pike novels when I was younger. This makes me want to fish one of my old copies out and re-read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to add this book to my TBR pile. :)