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dtvanderwoude's reviews
229 reviews
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Bel Price has grown up believing that her mother abandoned her on the side of the road when she was 2. No one knows what happened to the mysterious Rachel Price. Now, at 18 she is participating in a documentary about her mom’s case. This digs up a lot of old memories that Bel doesn’t even have, and doesn’t wish to relive.
Until Rachel shows up out of nowhere, and has her whole family acting weird. Bel knows Rachel is lying, but seems to be the only one questioning it.
Holly Jackson is genius. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has stuck with me for years and is often the bar I use when evaluating other mystery books. But this, might just have it beat.
There were so many times that I felt like I might have had a handle on what had happened. But boy was I wrong. I fell right into all of the traps set, and trusted all of the wrong people (as per usual). I will definitely be purchasing copies to keep in my classroom library after release date. I can think of so many students that would get pulled right into this chaos.
Until Rachel shows up out of nowhere, and has her whole family acting weird. Bel knows Rachel is lying, but seems to be the only one questioning it.
Holly Jackson is genius. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has stuck with me for years and is often the bar I use when evaluating other mystery books. But this, might just have it beat.
There were so many times that I felt like I might have had a handle on what had happened. But boy was I wrong. I fell right into all of the traps set, and trusted all of the wrong people (as per usual). I will definitely be purchasing copies to keep in my classroom library after release date. I can think of so many students that would get pulled right into this chaos.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Abandonment
Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
What a powerful and heart wrenching story. I’ve made it a goal to read more Indigenous voices and this was perfect. The characters all faced so many struggles that are too real. It kept me guessing until the end, and I would happily return to the Blackfeet culture for another book!
Perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter!
Perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Murder, and Abandonment
Don't Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack
adventurous
tense
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A student read this series and sent me an ANGRY email when she finished the series. and honestly, I can see why. this series definitely has my heart, and the ending got me emotional.
The Castle School (for Troubled Girls) by Alyssa Sheinmel
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I picked this up because it looked like a thriller. and I love a good school mystery. It was definitely not a thriller. but I loved it anyway. super emotional, loved the mental health side of it.
Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved the teen slasher vibes so much. The bad guy was predictable, but not the overly obvious choice.