BOOK REVIEW
You Shouldn't Be Here - Lauren Thoman
This book was one of the options on Amazon First Reads for July 2024 (click the link to be taken to the page on Amazon which shows you the picks of the month, along with the information about the First Reads program). Every month, Amazon First Reads offers early access to new releases (free for Amazon Prime members) in a wide range of genres. These books are then owned by you, in your Kindle Library. In addition to Lauren Thoman's You Shouldn't Be Here, which I'm reviewing in this post, I selected a book called In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim, next on my list of digital reads.
What I love about the First Reads is the broad range of books that it gives access to. I am not a blurb
reader for the most part, so I get the opportunity to pick books based only on the feeling that I get from them. The title, the cover, and my mood at that exact moment are what I use to make my selection. It's risky but it has always served me well!
BLURB
Two strangers search for the truth behind bizarre occurrences no one else dares to discuss - only to discover that they're connected by secrets that could destroy them both. A thrilling and twisty novel by the acclaimed author of the Mindy's Book Studio pick I'll Stop the World.
When sixteen-year-old Angie Stewart starts hearing a mysterious voice in her house, she's thrilled at the possibility of a ghost. Finally, something interesting is happening in her boring hometown of East Henderson, Pennsylvania. But why is she the only one who can hear it? And what does it want from her?
Meanwhile, first-year teacher Madelyn Zhao just got the keys to her new home, which is located close to her job, within walking distance of a dog park - and, most importantly, in the town where her cousin went missing several years ago. No one in East Henderson wants to talk about what happened, but Madelyn is determined to find answers.
As the two strangers search for clues, their investigations begin to point toward the same dark place. But by the time they realise that the truth could be deadly, it's too late to turn back. And someone out there will stop at nothing to make sure their secrets stay buried.
MY REVIEW
I completely adored this book, from the pet dog (who is adorably called potato, a tiny fluff machine, and an all-around cutie-pie) to the snappy banter and the tenterhook feeling of unease created throughout.
The book follows two main characters, dealing separately with their own mysterious circumstances. Madelyn's inner monologue, clumsy attempts at romance, and self-deprecating, sarcastic reactions felt so honest they had me chuckling (she describes someone as a phlegmwad at one point which I found hilarious!). Angie on the other hand is an angsty teen, who listens to Emo music, watches anime and horror movies, and feels like a girl I would have had as a friend in high school :)
Some of the metaphors and language used were brilliantly done, I don't always pick up writing complexity or imagery when reading, as I'm too caught up in the feeling and buzz of the book, but the layers added were intricate and vivid. I particularly loved when Angie was arguing with a friend and the metaphor about sharp words drawing blood was a brilliant way of visualising her thoughts. I did have to Google some words to make sure I understood the context (oubilette, for example, is an impenetrable dungeon. Used in the context it was a brilliant representation and another fantastic metaphor!)
The revelations were timed brilliantly, pulling the story (and the reader) toward its climax with precision and clarity. At no point did I feel that I was ahead of the story, or that I had it all figured out. I was immersed and curious until the very end.
Some elements of the story seemed like dead ends or red herrings, thrown in to put me off the scent. In that context, they worked but the story would have worked equally as well without them. The backstory of both sets of parents, and previous relationships, while relevant to set up the 'present day', had me barking up some wrong trees and feeling incomplete. Either that or I am so wound up on twisty thrillers that I suspect every character (even side characters) to have an ulterior motive!
The obvious question, HOW, was left unanswered too. Spoiler-free of course, but I would have loved for an explanation to have been given, whether that was a mystical, magical, or fantastical one, I would have loved to get to the bottom of it.
The romance element was well thought out, relatively closed-door, and sweet. It was not the book's focal point but added value and a sense of sincerity to the characters. I loved how consent was casually woven in, which can be missing from books, especially when passion throws all thought out of the window. It was a nice touch.
Ghost hunts, murder mysteries, corporate shenanigans, romance and intrigue. This little diamond had it all, sparkling and gleaming proudly on every page.
The stories are brought together cleverly with all of the pieces being lined up and put in place perfectly, bringing the story to a fast-paced conclusion. The pacing was great, building up towards the end where everything slots in and makes sense.
A really solid read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. The book crosses genres, blurring the line between mystery and thriller, a thoroughly mesmerising combination.
This book is newly released, and I recommend adding it to your Summer reads for 2024!
Did you get any of the Amazon First Reads this month? Let me know your thoughts!
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