From Natalie D. Richards, the New York Times bestselling author of mystery books for teens, comes a pulse-pounding thriller about two teens who uncover something sinister, perfect for fans of Natasha Preston and Karen McManus. Mallory didn't want to leave home, but it wasn't safe to stay. So she sleeps at her best friend's house and spends the rest of her time at the library, doing her online schoolwork and figuring out what comes next. Because she's not going live in fear like her mother. Spencer volunteers at the library. Sure, it's community service for a stunt he pulled, but he likes the work. And it's the perfect escape from his parents' pressure to excel at school, at ice hockey, at everything. Especially after he meets Mallory. Then there is a tragic death at the library. Suddenly, what was once a sanctuary turns sinister. Ghostly footprints, strange scratching sounds, scrawled messages on bulletin boards and walls... Mallory and Spencer don't know who or what is responsible, but one thing is for sure: They are not as alone—or as safe—as they thought. Perfect for readers looking for: Detective stories for teens Creepy books for teens Edge-of-your-seat chills and thrills Praise for Natalie D. Richards: "As addictive as it is unpredictable. Natalie will keep you second guessing until the nail-biting end."—NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Cabin on My Secret to Tell "Brimming with suspense and intrigue."—MEGAN MIRANDA, New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls on My Secret to Tell Also by Natalie D. Richards: Five Total Strangers Six Months Later Gone Too Far My Secret to Tell One Was Lost We All Fall Down
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“I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
While I was interested in reading this book (obviously since I requested it from Netgalley), I always get a bit nervous about reading YA thrillers or suspense novels– heck let's just say thrillers in general, since I don't have the best track record of picking them. I should probably clarify before I write further, that I probably am weird with my thriller preferences as well. I'm still working on it, but I don't seem to always like what is popular and what I like isn't always liked by my friends, so please take this review with a grain of salt.
All that said, I loved this book.
The first chapter with Spencer climbing the library and getting in trouble had me worried I wouldn't like this one – oh the privilege and disregard this one has – but then the second chapter hits you out of left field and I was left going “What the actual–” because Mallory is dealing is a controlling and manipulative step-father and a pregnant mother who isn't ready to leave, BUT MALLORY DOES.
Suspense builds around Mallory's situation, her just trying to live. There is also the mystery at the library which is just soooo creepy. Definitely thriller instead of mystery since there isn't any solving going on.
Okay, let me backtrack to the characters. Spencer is an absolute gem. He is sarcastic and funny and an all around good guy just trying to do the right thing. He has his own problems too since he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. I think one of my biggest problems with this book is how we aren't ever told that him having problems and uncertainty in his life is valid. Not everyone's problems are equal, but that doesn't mean we don't have them. He's such a sweetheart.
Mallory... I loved this girl. She is strong, resilient, and a planner. She tries so hard and doesn't always think about herself, which was heart-rending. She also isn't impulsive – I like that she is cautious about who she trusts and yeah, she might hurt people with it, but considering her step-father I don't blame her! She's such a gift and I just wanted to hug her and give her food.
There is a bit of a romance here as the two end up liking each other. This may at first seem unbalanced (super rich kid and homeless girl), but I think it is handled well. It also isn't the focus of the book, nor does it take over the story. The scenes that happen felt natural to me. There are no declarations of undying love nor desperate pleas of love. It... this book feels more like a snapshot into a time of change and conflict in their lives and what will happen later is still unsure of, much like life. The romance isn't the important part here, survival, figuring out their future, and the mystery of the library are the big points, which felt right.
The suspenseful part, i.e. the mysteries in the library, actually didn't feel needed. It added some scary moments and a sense of uneasy over everything, but the conclusion of this story line... honestly, I'm currently undecided on it. Perhaps I'd like it more if more went on with it, because sometimes I forgot about the library having problems. Mallory's problems felt like a much more pressing issue. Yet, I don't see how else things could have been handled.
Before I end things let me do a shout out to the good rep for libraries!! I love how things weren't just about books! Access to computers is brought up, the fact that librarians need to get degrees (although needing a Masters isn't brought up :[ ), and the librarian wanting to keep the library open for the people who need the services are all great things to be brought up! There were a few things I disagreed with, but as a librarian of course I would notice things. I just hope people reading this book will understand that libraries are indeed here for the people and are more than just books!
So, would I recommend this? Heck yes! More so to people who like contemporaries than pure thrillers, but I think people who like both might appreciate this book. I will be looking up more books by this author.
