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drridareads's review against another edition
4.0
★★★★
This is such a good thriller.
It centres around the mysterious ways in which all the cheeleaders died in a few days. 2 die in car acciedent; 2 are killed by a guy who was shot dead by the police and the last is our main character's sister who commited suicide. This all had happened a few years ago.
Now our main character is trying connect the dots.
This is a prediactable story so don't expect to be shocked..but not in a bad way.. in a way that all the puzzle pieces we've been given fit in a satisfying manner.
I don't think we had the most developed characters like this is a more plot driven book. Which is why it's 4 stars.
___________
Do you also get really happy with yourselves when your predictions of thriller/mystery books turn out right?
This is such a good thriller.
It centres around the mysterious ways in which all the cheeleaders died in a few days. 2 die in car acciedent; 2 are killed by a guy who was shot dead by the police and the last is our main character's sister who commited suicide. This all had happened a few years ago.
Now our main character is trying connect the dots.
This is a prediactable story so don't expect to be shocked..but not in a bad way.. in a way that all the puzzle pieces we've been given fit in a satisfying manner.
I don't think we had the most developed characters like this is a more plot driven book. Which is why it's 4 stars.
___________
Do you also get really happy with yourselves when your predictions of thriller/mystery books turn out right?
hobbiesofstefs's review against another edition
Good book, easy read. Did not guess the end and reminded me of One of us is lying by Karen M. McManus.
nabigoneaway's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
3.0
CW: Suicide, Statutory Rape
Honestly, I was disappointed with this book, which saddens because I've always enjoyed Kara Thomas' mystery novels -- Prep School Confidentail,
written under Kara Taylor. I sound like a broken record for always praising her Prep School Confidential trilogy, but it's true! It's just really one of
the best YA mystery books out there.
First off, I got a bit stressed out in the initial chapters where Monica was having stomach "issues/cramps". I got confused if she was pregnant or if
she caught a sexually transmitted disease or something in the lines of that. Also, I wasn't a fan of how Monica willingly shares the facts and information
she gathered during her initial investigation in the first few chapters of this book -- I mean, she could potentially be talking to the killer and the killer would
know that she was on to him/her. I just wish Monica was the kind of character who does not easily trust the people around her, because there could have been
minor mistakes she committed that could have been avoided (?). Not that I would know or act better than she did if I experience this, and she's not written wrong,
I just want stronger and "wiser" characters in mystery novels.
The Cheerleaders started out really promising, and I really felt like Kara Thomas is back on track to writing a good mystery novel, not that Little Monsters
was a mystery novel more than it was a pyschological thriller, which also left me dissatisfied. I just read Two Can Keep a Secret less than a month ago and
though that book didn't exactly live up to my standards, the vibe it gave off really made me anxious and way too alert especially at night, which wasn't at all
what I got from this book. I'd say they're somehow alike, with the small town setting and a series of murders centered on a specific clique, but the way The Cheerleaders
was written was better, plot and pacing wise -- I loved the mystery surrounding the deaths and the investigation journey took upon by Monica. The Cheerleaders
did lack a bit in making the readers feel the chilly air or the "fall", eerie vibes that should have been present given the premise of this book.
The twists and turns were interesting up until the very end, where my problems kick in. I don't understand how at least 85% of the book was building towards
a weak ending. It wasn't bad or wrong or unbelievable, it was just plainly underwhelming; I was so invested and was expecting a sinister and conniving answer
to the mystery but all I got was "meh". Don't get me wrong, the reasons behind the murder of Julianna and Susan is indeed scary and not something I would wish
on anyone, but for a fiction novel which had a strong start, I wish there was more to it than what I got out of the book.
I will still read books written by this author, but I've learned my lesson after 2 books, to lower down my expectations. Will still recommend this if you're looking
for a quick and fast paced mystery.
Honestly, I was disappointed with this book, which saddens because I've always enjoyed Kara Thomas' mystery novels -- Prep School Confidentail,
written under Kara Taylor. I sound like a broken record for always praising her Prep School Confidential trilogy, but it's true! It's just really one of
the best YA mystery books out there.
First off, I got a bit stressed out in the initial chapters where Monica was having stomach "issues/cramps". I got confused if she was pregnant or if
she caught a sexually transmitted disease or something in the lines of that. Also, I wasn't a fan of how Monica willingly shares the facts and information
she gathered during her initial investigation in the first few chapters of this book -- I mean, she could potentially be talking to the killer and the killer would
know that she was on to him/her. I just wish Monica was the kind of character who does not easily trust the people around her, because there could have been
minor mistakes she committed that could have been avoided (?). Not that I would know or act better than she did if I experience this, and she's not written wrong,
I just want stronger and "wiser" characters in mystery novels.
The Cheerleaders started out really promising, and I really felt like Kara Thomas is back on track to writing a good mystery novel, not that Little Monsters
was a mystery novel more than it was a pyschological thriller, which also left me dissatisfied. I just read Two Can Keep a Secret less than a month ago and
though that book didn't exactly live up to my standards, the vibe it gave off really made me anxious and way too alert especially at night, which wasn't at all
what I got from this book. I'd say they're somehow alike, with the small town setting and a series of murders centered on a specific clique, but the way The Cheerleaders
was written was better, plot and pacing wise -- I loved the mystery surrounding the deaths and the investigation journey took upon by Monica. The Cheerleaders
did lack a bit in making the readers feel the chilly air or the "fall", eerie vibes that should have been present given the premise of this book.
The twists and turns were interesting up until the very end, where my problems kick in. I don't understand how at least 85% of the book was building towards
a weak ending. It wasn't bad or wrong or unbelievable, it was just plainly underwhelming; I was so invested and was expecting a sinister and conniving answer
to the mystery but all I got was "meh". Don't get me wrong, the reasons behind the murder of Julianna and Susan is indeed scary and not something I would wish
on anyone, but for a fiction novel which had a strong start, I wish there was more to it than what I got out of the book.
I will still read books written by this author, but I've learned my lesson after 2 books, to lower down my expectations. Will still recommend this if you're looking
for a quick and fast paced mystery.
tahsin222's review against another edition
5.0
this book was good asf i was gagged over it.
this is my first book from kara thomas and i rlly like her writing style!
the story is fast paced and it kept having me guess who was the murderer ( i didn’t get it)
i think if you’re a fan of one of us is lying and a good girls guide to murder you’ll love this book
this is my first book from kara thomas and i rlly like her writing style!
the story is fast paced and it kept having me guess who was the murderer ( i didn’t get it)
i think if you’re a fan of one of us is lying and a good girls guide to murder you’ll love this book
smartinez9's review against another edition
4.0
This pleasantly surprised me. Though I had a hard time liking Monica initially, she was smart and capable and grew more empathetic as time went on. I appreciated that she she didn’t need anyone to save her—when in danger, she made sure the police were on their way, found a weapon, recorded it the confession, like anyone with half a brain.
I feel like in a lot of YA, the hot twenty-four year old teacher/coach gets overly romanticized and excused for being attractive. I was worried at first (a fully grown man saying it’s better he not know how old you are is a HUGE red flag, as was his “I felt like you were using me to avoid your problems”), but Thomas dealt with his characterization responsibly, making it clear to the reader that he is a predator taking advantage of 15/16 year old girls.
All in all this wasn’t anything mind-blowing, but Ethan and Ginny were standouts and bumped it up to a four star for me.
I feel like in a lot of YA, the hot twenty-four year old teacher/coach gets overly romanticized and excused for being attractive. I was worried at first (a fully grown man saying it’s better he not know how old you are is a HUGE red flag, as was his “I felt like you were using me to avoid your problems”), but Thomas dealt with his characterization responsibly, making it clear to the reader that he is a predator taking advantage of 15/16 year old girls.
All in all this wasn’t anything mind-blowing, but Ethan and Ginny were standouts and bumped it up to a four star for me.
lettersbyjuv's review against another edition
3.0
it’s an alright read but just not the best execution of it
chuskeyreads's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much going on in this book that I don't know where to begin!
A word of warning: this is not your average YA novel. There are some pretty hefty issues being addressed - murder, suicide, ptsd, statutory rape, abortion, mental illness - so the target audience is should be upper high school or mature 14-15 yr. olds. Just sayin'.
Now for the good stuff!
The story follows Monica, sister to one of five cheerleaders who all died within three weeks of each other five years before the story begins. Monica, however, doesn't believe her sister committed suicide, and she's suspicious of the murders and car accident that killed the other four. Fearing that her stepfather and the rest of the police are part of a cover-up, she begins her own investigation and uncovers some mysterious details that don't add up.
I really like Thomas's writing style: fast-paced, not too much description, great use of flashbacks to fill in the backstory, and every chapter has a mini cliffhanger. The characters are well-developed, especially Monica - she's gritty, driven, and determined to uncover what really happened to her sister Jen. Her voice and actions are pretty authentic - even Monica's interactions and conversations with her mom and Tom serve a purpose in furthering the plot - not that inane, stilted dialogue just to prove the character has parents.
With her friend Ginny's help, Monica not only investigates her sister's apparent suicide, but she also delves into Susan and Juliana's murders and the car accident that killed Bethany and Colleen uncovering more secrets that raise even more questions.
The story is just dark and twisty enough to keep you flipping those pages as fast as you can read just to find out what happens. It was not the ending that I expected, which makes this book that much better. Be sure to grab a tissue for the ending.
A word of warning: this is not your average YA novel. There are some pretty hefty issues being addressed - murder, suicide, ptsd, statutory rape, abortion, mental illness - so the target audience is should be upper high school or mature 14-15 yr. olds. Just sayin'.
Now for the good stuff!
The story follows Monica, sister to one of five cheerleaders who all died within three weeks of each other five years before the story begins. Monica, however, doesn't believe her sister committed suicide, and she's suspicious of the murders and car accident that killed the other four. Fearing that her stepfather and the rest of the police are part of a cover-up, she begins her own investigation and uncovers some mysterious details that don't add up.
I really like Thomas's writing style: fast-paced, not too much description, great use of flashbacks to fill in the backstory, and every chapter has a mini cliffhanger. The characters are well-developed, especially Monica - she's gritty, driven, and determined to uncover what really happened to her sister Jen. Her voice and actions are pretty authentic - even Monica's interactions and conversations with her mom and Tom serve a purpose in furthering the plot - not that inane, stilted dialogue just to prove the character has parents.
With her friend Ginny's help, Monica not only investigates her sister's apparent suicide, but she also delves into Susan and Juliana's murders and the car accident that killed Bethany and Colleen uncovering more secrets that raise even more questions.
The story is just dark and twisty enough to keep you flipping those pages as fast as you can read just to find out what happens. It was not the ending that I expected, which makes this book that much better. Be sure to grab a tissue for the ending.