Reviews with content warning for Child death - Dark and Shallow Lies

’m not sure what’s spookier; the unexplainable circumstances around our main character’s best friend Elora’s disappearance, the obtuse comments from all the dozens of psychics in this Louisiana bayou, or the literal storm on the horizon. (Or maybe I’m pushing up the creepiness of the storm because of Hurricane Ida’s monstrous damage to the homes and livelihoods of so many people.)

Grey spends her summers on a tourist island off the coast of Louisiana, a “self-proclaimed Psychic Capital of the World.” But this summer is different because 6 months ago her best friend disappeared, and no one knows exactly what happened to her. Grey starts searching for answers and only gets more questions, although as she begins to discover secrets and acknowledge hard truths, they may be more horrifying than she’s ready for. The biggest question and truth of all: is Elora dead and gone for good, and did someone kill her?

This gothic horror started almost too slow for me, but about a quarter of the way through it really snagged my attention and didn’t let go. It’s dark, suspenseful, emotional, and absolutely enthralling. The writing really makes you feel sweaty and hot, like you too are in a swamp dying of heatstroke and swatting mosquitos away while monsters prowl around you in the dead of night. For those of you who bemoan them, you should know there is technically a classic YA love triangle, but since there’s a whodunnit quality around whether we like the potential love interests, I personally forgave the author for the inclusion.

If you read it and especially if you like or love it, I’d recommend looking up mutual aids for the Louisiana bayou since their Hurricane Ida recovery will be a long and hard process.

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Teen for an arc of this book.

When Grey goes home to La Cachette Louisiana the summer after her best friend vanishes, she is determined to reconnect with her friends and find out what happened to Elora. But she ends up finding that the town is hiding more than just their psychic abilities.

I really enjoyed the writing in this book! It was super dark and atmospheric and I got really into it. I thought it was very mysterious and I was definitely trying to figure out who I could trust, who was at fault, and what bloody secrets the town held.

I didn't love the characters that much. I wasn't a big fan of Grey's obsession with her friend/crush Hart, and I didn't like the way he was acting. Obviously these things were written this way for a reason, and it did make sense later, but I didn't love it. I also felt like Grey just jumped from one boy to another with no really self-reflection there.

Overall, I enjoyed this!

Pub Date: Sept 7, 2021

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