A review by itzbrianna
The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

The Mary Shelley Club was a decent mystery. I enjoyed the horror tropes and the subtle references to some horror classics. If you enjoy a combination of mystery and horror tropes, I think you will enjoy this book. Rachel Chavez is a lovable character. She is the new girl, and the outsider at the start of the story. She is a typical teenager. One who blames herself and feels like she is on the outs due to her inability to cope with trauma. But she is a great protagonist nonetheless. You root for her and you want her to succeed. You want her to heal.

The Mary Shelley Club's fear tests start off innocent enough depending on who you ask. It's a very creative way to get back at a bully or someone who has tormented you. But the depth in which this club goes to finish the game is intricate and weaved deeper into society than even Rachel could have imagined. In my humble opinion, this is not a horror book. It's more mystery and thriller to me. Nonetheless, it was a great read.

*****The Following Section Contains Details that Could be Considered SPOILERS****

While I enjoyed this book, the biggest thing missing for me was the horror. I expected a higher body count and I expected more than just a mystery that turns into a murder mystery near the end of the book. There were so many questions at the end of the book as well that weren't answered. This read more like a mystery novel than a horror one. In fact, I am not sure horror fits to describe this book at all. That lack did not deter me from enjoying the story though. I just think if you are expecting a real horror story with this one, you might want to look somewhere else.
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