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1.36k reviews for:

The Counselors

Jessica Goodman

3.48 AVERAGE


To me this is a 4 star for the writing and the characters and a 3 star for everything else.

I like the development of the girls (Imogen, Ava, and Goldie). I loved that they were friends for 10 years and they still stayed so close.

But overall this book was underwhelming. When I first saw this cover I was so excited. It reminded me of an 80s slasher movie and I was all in. The synopsis promised a dead body and a mystery (which it offered) but really the story was about the girls and the secrets they’re keeping from each other (mainly Ava and Goldie).

I wanted more mystery and thrills and to be on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t. There was sooo much details about the camp and the setting and not enough out into making the plot more compelling.

Like I said, the writing was great and has greatly improved since the authors first book (which I DNF) but I wasn’t satisfied.
kerstynleigh's profile picture

kerstynleigh's review

2.5
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was not for me, but I did finish it
kegarrett's profile picture

kegarrett's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Immediate dislike of the main character and figured out who the murderer was as soon as he was introduced

2.5 stars
dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Wholeheartedly a YA. The twist was not enjoyable and the ending needed more. 
mysterious sad tense medium-paced
applepie10's profile picture

applepie10's review

4.0
emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

3.5 stars

the queen of ya thriller has done it again!
jessica goodman delivered a beautiful tale of friendship, grief, and the secrets we keep to keep others safe.
we follow goldie throughout this story as it shifts between past memories to recent day. we see the build of her relationship with heller, and also the downfall.
the friendships are so pure in this book. the girls would do anything for each other, and i loved getting to know them.
the vivid imageries of summer camp made me so happy, and nostalgic. i love love love reading books about summer camp and this hit every bit. it felt like i was right there inside camp alpine lake.
i did figure out one of twist, and had a feeling the second one was coming but it was still a very good twist that i enjoyed.
i really enjoyed this book, i think goodman is a fantastic writer and i’m always excited for her books!
-- i was given an earc of this book in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes