3.16 AVERAGE

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

The book was quite different from the movie (as much as I could remember from my last viewing), but the actors were similar in my head.

This book was easy enough to read, and I loved the 90s feel of it; the writings and atmosphere. Like reading a Fear Street thriller. But I was pretty distracted and wasn't fully invested. So I couldn't give 5 stars. But otherwise it was a great book.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I Know What You Did Last Summer immerses readers into a thrilling tale of teenage horror and suspense. This novel has since become a classic in the young adult horror genre, captivating audiences with its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and spine-tingling twists. 

The story follows four teenagers—Julie James, Helen Rivers, Ray Bronson, and Barry Cox—who are involved in a tragic accident one summer night. While driving along a desolate road, they accidentally hit and seemingly kill a pedestrian. In a panic, they make a pact to conceal the incident, agreeing never to speak of it again. However, their secret comes back to haunt them the following summer when they receive ominous messages threatening to expose their dark deed. As fear and paranoia consume them, they must confront their guilt and unravel the mystery of who knows their secret. 

The author masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The tension builds steadily as the protagonists grapple with the consequences of their actions while being stalked by an unseen adversary. The sense of dread is palpable, amplified by the author's skillful use of atmosphere and pacing. 

The characters are richly developed and relatable, each grappling with their own inner demons as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of the accident. Julie emerges as the moral compass of the group, torn between loyalty to her friends and the desire to do the right thing. Helen, the popular and ambitious beauty queen, faces the harsh reality of her own vulnerability. Ray, the quiet and introspective athlete, struggles with guilt and the fear of losing everything he holds dear. Barry, the charismatic and reckless daredevil, grapples with his own demons while trying to maintain his tough facade. 

The antagonist, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery until the novel's climax, adds an element of unpredictability and menace to the story. As the teenagers race against time to uncover the truth, they find themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a relentless foe. 

I Know What You Did Last Summer is more than just a suspenseful thriller; it also explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Duncan deftly navigates the moral complexities of her characters' choices, forcing readers to question their own sense of right and wrong. 

Overall, this novel is a gripping and chilling tale that will leave readers breathless until the very last page. With its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and spine-tingling suspense, it's no wonder this novel has stood the test of time as a classic of the horror genre.

Yeah, this book was really shitty. I didn't want to see the movie in the day because of how bad the book was. Heh.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This probably has potential, but I read the updated version and it was way too inconsistent. 

The original came out in 1973–the setting felt like something you see set in the 70s, but the characters spoke and interacted like something you would see based in the 50s, and then technology like cell phones and webcasts were added with wardrobe updates and it just turned what was originally probably a good book into a complete jumbled mess. 

I may try to get ahold of an unupdated version to see Prince this book as it was originally intended. But the updates ruined this one for me. 

Apart from the weirdly updated bits this was great.
dark mysterious medium-paced
dark mysterious tense fast-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

It a very quick read. It took about an hour. I am excited to see the show now! I loved it a lot.
dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No