A review by pandasbookshelf
American Girl by Wendy Walker

5.0

American Girl by Wendy Walker showcases why this author is a must-read and why I’m a long-time fan. American Girl is another brilliant psychological suspense which will keep you eagerly turning pages. Wendy Walker has a unique narrative voice that sets her apart from other authors in this genre showcasing her ability to build suspense over time and leave readers with just enough intrigue to keep them hooked. A true page-turner.

The story is primarily told from the POV of a 17-year-old protagonist, however at no point did the book feel like a young adult novel and at times, I had to remind myself that the main character was just a teen. The authors portrayal of a character with autism was handled sensitively and authentically and felt seamlessly integrated into the character’s identity, rather than a shoehorned effort for diversity’s sake. The story is set in (and raises themes around) a small-town community where everyone could be a suspect and explores themes around family, friendship and human relationships.

The pacing of American Girl is spot-on and at no point did the story feel padded out or rushed. It was a true testament to the author how they picked up all the questions and loose threads and wove them together to present a satisfying and rewarding conclusion. American Girl is a testament to this authors brilliance and is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense. Wendy Walker truly deserves all the praise and recognition and they are an author that I never hesitate to recommend.