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The Devil You Know
Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.
A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
81 people are currently reading
9119 people want to read
About the author
Trish Doller
10 books2,153 followersHi, I'm Trish! I don't really visit goodreads too often, but you can find me on both Instagram and Twitter as @trishdoller. Instagram is my favorite, so look there first. I don't bite, so come say hello!
(Note: I'm sorry that don't have any review copies for my books. You'll have to contact the publisher.)
(Note: I'm sorry that don't have any review copies for my books. You'll have to contact the publisher.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
June 10, 2015
Maybe I should be more afraid. I had sex with a guy I barely know. Followed him into the middle of nowhere because of it. Even after I found out about the gun. Even after Lindsey didn’t go home. He swears he won’t hurt me, but his past tells a different, violent story, and I don’t know what to believe. I rationalized everything, telling myself that I earned this time away from home. But now, with too much time to do nothing but think, I wonder if I was just plain selfish. Just … stupid.That quote says it all. This is a book about a stupid girl. A girl who ignores every warning sign in her head. A girl who ignores all instincts of self-preservation. A girl who ignores her intuition, despite every single warning sign that pops up along the way.
And obvious warning signs they are. The reader can clearly see it. It's not even dramatic irony because it is SO FUCKING OBVIOUS even to the main character, it's not hidden at all. I experienced an immense amount of frustration throughout this book because the main character is a dumb twit. I wish I could say she was self-destructive. I wish I could say that she was damaged. She is none of the above. She is just a sad, lonely girl who makes some really, really dumb choices. There is no Sad Tragic Deeply Depressing Traumatic event predisposing her to self-destruction here. It's just plain old idiocy.
Cadie has a shitty life. Her mom is dead. Her dad ignores her. Her boyfriend dumped her. She has no future after college graduation. Life is sad and boring. So what is there to do but hang out and maybe take a road trip with two strangers whom she's known since, well...now. But they're really, really hot. Because that's all that fucking matters.
He nudges me gently with his elbow. “Maybe you should come with us.”They don't exactly look like the boy next door type.
Maybe this is my chance for a little forward adventure. A small rebellion with a side of cute boy. I smile back. “Maybe I should.”
Maybe the Frankenstein scar, white and jagged against his tanned skin, that starts in his hairline and travels down his forehead, slicing his dark eyebrow in half. It’s angry. Violent. Probably not the kind of scar that comes with a cute story about how he fell learning to ride his first two-wheeler or got hit with a baseball in Little League.His scars and tattoos...well, let's just ignore that. Everyone has scars and tattoos these days, why stereotype? Even if those scars appear to come from pretty violent encounters.
And then let's completely ignore his violent past (which he so conveniently discloses).
“I thought he was going to kill me,” Noah says. “I was young and stoned and scared shitless and—I don’t know—went into kind of a red rage, and when it was over, I was bleeding and he wasn’t moving. One of my friends stitched me up with dental floss because I was afraid if I went to the hospital, I’d end up in jail.”And then let's just go against your own instincts, which is telling you to RUN THE FUCK AWAY FROM THEM AS FAR AS YOU CAN.
I also saw a gun, Cadie. A handgun. Do you know someone with a tattoo like that? Does this mean anything to you?”Then before embarking on the trip with two complete strangers, let's just completely disregard the fact that they have guns.
Noah comes to mind again, but I’ve seen his tattoos. He doesn’t have a Sacred Heart. He doesn’t have a heart at all.
He doesn’t have a heart at all?
“Cadie, are you okay?” Noah pulls the car onto the shoulder of the road and puts it in park. “You look completely freaked.”Then, while you're at it, just don't even pay attention to the fact that a guy was shot and murdered nearby just a short while ago.
“Why do you have a gun?”
“… and finally, a tragic ending in the search for a Florida man who went missing Tuesday in Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge,” the newscaster says, as a white banner at the bottom of the screen declares Missing Florida Man Found Dead, and I wonder if that’s the missing guy Duane was talking about this morning. “The body of twenty-four-year-old Brian Patrick Clark was discovered this morning by park rangers. The Jacksonville man, who relatives say was camping alone in the park, was reported missing after he failed to return home last weekend. Cause of death has not been issued, but park officials say Clark was found with a single gunshot wound to the head. No suspects have been named, and Clark’s death remains under investigation.”Because warning signs don't matter when the guys are hot.
Running my hand through my hair, I look at Noah standing there looking at me. He’s waiting for an answer, and I am a sucker for his face all over again.Yeah, warning signs all over the fucking place.
So I get in the car.
The date stamp on the receipt puts Noah and Matt there at the same time as the guy who went missing. The coincidence sends a creeping uneasiness down my spine.No, it shouldn't send a "creeping uneasiness" down your spine, it should tell you to get the fuck out of there now. It should tell you to run for your life, save yourself.
Fucking idiot.
April 28, 2015
Strong 3.5 stars Cadie does something incredibly stupid--she goes on a road trip with two boys she's known for half a day (and a distant friend). I also think it's almost too easy to guess the culprit.
And yet because the writing and characterization are strong, and because the thriller aspects are largely plausible, this one works. And works well. What makes this truly worth reading, however:
-- reaaaaaallly great chemistry. You'll wanna grab somebody and make out with them while you're reading this, except you'd have to put down the book.
-- camping, bonfires, skinny-dipping, and all kinds of other things that are fun to read about. Oh, and secret late-night pie runs!
-- very sex-positive, feminist thinking that's integrated (mostly) seamlessly into the story. Girls need to hear these positive reinforcement messages more often.
I'm picky about thrillers, especially YA ones. But this one is entertaining and keeps you on your toes, even if you do guess what's going on.
Probably a bit more of a review closer to release. But I liked it. I liked it a lot.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
And yet because the writing and characterization are strong, and because the thriller aspects are largely plausible, this one works. And works well. What makes this truly worth reading, however:
-- reaaaaaallly great chemistry. You'll wanna grab somebody and make out with them while you're reading this, except you'd have to put down the book.
-- camping, bonfires, skinny-dipping, and all kinds of other things that are fun to read about. Oh, and secret late-night pie runs!
-- very sex-positive, feminist thinking that's integrated (mostly) seamlessly into the story. Girls need to hear these positive reinforcement messages more often.
I'm picky about thrillers, especially YA ones. But this one is entertaining and keeps you on your toes, even if you do guess what's going on.
Probably a bit more of a review closer to release. But I liked it. I liked it a lot.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
December 15, 2015
The devil we commonly know looks like this...
But the devil we don’t know can look something like this...
This is the genuine purpose of the story-to remind us the most basic lesson which we tend to forget- looks deceive.
I've seen many negative reviews on this book because of the main character, Arcadia or simply “Cadie” because of her rash actions and foolish behavior. I admit I strongly disapprove of...well almost everything she did during the first half of the story. My motherly instincts (even though I’m not yet a mom) wanted to slap some sense on Cadie.
My mother persona's monologue
“What the he..! Cadie. Why? Why would you invite a guy you don’t know to a campfire party just because he’s cute? He can be a serial killer for all you know or WORSE, he could be a reservoir of body odor or...or...his real speaking voice could be like that of Mickey Mouse! [breathes heavily] And you thought that wasn’t enough?! [more cursing] You had to walk by yourself and spot another handsome guy and then go skinny dipping with him?! [insert obscenities here] His feet could have fungal infection or other skin diseases and you could have swallowed the water around him which could have choked you to death! [runs around while screaming] Why couldn’t you have just spent your time reading a book?!” [claws at own face]
Cadie wouldn’t hear the end of it if I hadn’t needed to continue reading.
Having said all the above silliness though, I could understand that Cadie’s irrational actions are simply consequences of grief, too much responsibility and frustrated dreams. She was simply looking for a quick escape by attending a campfire party and then later on, wanted to spend a few days tour with two guys she has just met [who potentially could be killers or dream boys] and a childhood friend and thought no harm will come out of it. Of course I could suggest so many more prudent ways of escape but then Cadie is 18, lost, tired and needs a distraction so I’m cutting her some slack.
"You are not a fool. You are just trying to find the thing that will make you happy."
The psychological-thriller aspect of the story may not be top notch but it passes for an entertaining and compelling read. The author has the ability to manipulate your predictions and the writing is easy to read, dabbed with humor and sarcasm.
I’m happy with the way things were solved. Poetic justice was served and I bet you’ll crack up when you read this part in the story. I’m happier that Cadie’s character developed from being careless to being brave. In other words, she was able to redeem herself in the end.
I think it’s a fairly good read and I thank my friend, Eilonwy, for recommending this to me. Do check out her short but meaningful review.
August 17, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good rant. Buckle up kids this might be long (and it’s guaranteed to be super spoilery and extra giffy). The Devil You Know is the story of Cadie who is just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Since Cadie’s mother died, she’s been responsible for going to school, helping to raise her little brother, and working at the family-owned grocery store. She finally decides to take a night for herself and finds . . .
at a kegger down at the local campsite. The two boys she meets ask Cadie and another girl to tag along on a road trip and they agree . . .
Yep. Totally serious and I got totally excited because . . .
There’s nothing like a little B-quality horror to really get my juices flowing.
Unfortunately for Cadie, it seems she never watched Scream . . . .
so she doesn’t realize she shouldn’t jump in some rando strange’s tricked out car . . .
or that she probably shouldn’t get her freak on in a cemetery with Bachelor #2 . . .
or that when the other girl who was super stoked to go road trippin’ suddenly changes her mind (via text message of course) and is gone in the morning something might be up . . .
and she definitely isn't able to put two and two together and realize that everywhere these cousins go, some bad s*&t seems to keep going down . . .
Oh Cadie . . .
I seriously wanted to punch her in the throat for being such a moron. However, an idiotic lead in a horror/suspense/whateveryouwanttocallit novel is something that is easily forgiven. What isn’t forgivable? There was hardly any action. We’re talking about everything of the murdery variety happening in the background until page 180 – out of a 250 page book. I don’t know if it’s because this is being marketed as a YA or what, but if the book is going to have characters making with the sexy, it should be ready to make with the stabby too.
It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good rant. Buckle up kids this might be long (and it’s guaranteed to be super spoilery and extra giffy). The Devil You Know is the story of Cadie who is just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Since Cadie’s mother died, she’s been responsible for going to school, helping to raise her little brother, and working at the family-owned grocery store. She finally decides to take a night for herself and finds . . .
at a kegger down at the local campsite. The two boys she meets ask Cadie and another girl to tag along on a road trip and they agree . . .
Yep. Totally serious and I got totally excited because . . .
There’s nothing like a little B-quality horror to really get my juices flowing.
Unfortunately for Cadie, it seems she never watched Scream . . . .
so she doesn’t realize she shouldn’t jump in some rando strange’s tricked out car . . .
or that she probably shouldn’t get her freak on in a cemetery with Bachelor #2 . . .
or that when the other girl who was super stoked to go road trippin’ suddenly changes her mind (via text message of course) and is gone in the morning something might be up . . .
and she definitely isn't able to put two and two together and realize that everywhere these cousins go, some bad s*&t seems to keep going down . . .
Oh Cadie . . .
I seriously wanted to punch her in the throat for being such a moron. However, an idiotic lead in a horror/suspense/whateveryouwanttocallit novel is something that is easily forgiven. What isn’t forgivable? There was hardly any action. We’re talking about everything of the murdery variety happening in the background until page 180 – out of a 250 page book. I don’t know if it’s because this is being marketed as a YA or what, but if the book is going to have characters making with the sexy, it should be ready to make with the stabby too.
June 8, 2015
Adventure? A fun, sexy journey? Murder? Hell yes this book has it all! Unfortunately, I wouldn't go as far as to call it a favorite of mine. It was a quick, easy to read thriller, but it wasn't as intense as I wouldn've hoped. Hold on, let me explain.
This book was fun. We have a heroine who set out to do fun teenage things. She might not be the brightest crayon in the box in terms of wise decision-making, but she felt like a genuine charactermost of the time, so I'm gong to forgive her for being an idiot and potentially getting herself murdered.
While this book owned the fun parts, I can't really say the same for the actual mystery and thriller aspect. We only have three main characters, so you're going to suspect them all at one point. That being said, I was't shocked at all when the twist finally came around. It's the kind of twist that'll make you go, Ha! I knew it!
But I wouldn't let that get in the way of your decision to read this book. Trish Doller's writing was so incredibly easy to read, and I just found myself flipping page after page.
The characters were definitely NOT perfect (like I said, Cadie's not really a genius), but I enjoyed reading about them. Everyone has a great backstory that you'll sympathize with, even the "villain" (if you can call him/her--no spoilers--that).
This book was also pretty sex-positive, which I'll always appreciate in a book. I won't really say that I was sold on the romance (hint: I wasn't--neither love interest caught my attention, to my eternal dismay), but at least there was that.
The ending was really satisfying as well. Not amazing or mind-blowing, but satisfying. It's the kind of ending that'll make you sigh contentedly.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick thriller read. I wouldn't put Trish Doller in the ranks of thriller writers Abigail Haas just yet, but she definitely has the potential to get there someday.
This book was fun. We have a heroine who set out to do fun teenage things. She might not be the brightest crayon in the box in terms of wise decision-making, but she felt like a genuine character
While this book owned the fun parts, I can't really say the same for the actual mystery and thriller aspect. We only have three main characters, so you're going to suspect them all at one point. That being said, I was't shocked at all when the twist finally came around. It's the kind of twist that'll make you go, Ha! I knew it!
But I wouldn't let that get in the way of your decision to read this book. Trish Doller's writing was so incredibly easy to read, and I just found myself flipping page after page.
The characters were definitely NOT perfect (like I said, Cadie's not really a genius), but I enjoyed reading about them. Everyone has a great backstory that you'll sympathize with, even the "villain" (if you can call him/her--no spoilers--that).
This book was also pretty sex-positive, which I'll always appreciate in a book. I won't really say that I was sold on the romance (hint: I wasn't--neither love interest caught my attention, to my eternal dismay), but at least there was that.
The ending was really satisfying as well. Not amazing or mind-blowing, but satisfying. It's the kind of ending that'll make you sigh contentedly.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick thriller read. I wouldn't put Trish Doller in the ranks of thriller writers Abigail Haas just yet, but she definitely has the potential to get there someday.
October 15, 2015
Initial reaction: Are you freaking kidding me? What part of this was a good book, I'd honestly like to know. It was incredibly awkward, lacking suspense, and I hated the main character's complete senselessness and stupidity. I can understand characters making stupid decisions, I can also understand that the character is a teenager who may be completely oblivious to the scenario around her, but ye Gods, this was just...a complete waste of time.
Full review:
I was going to wait a night to write this, but I think I can expound on my thoughts properly since it upset me enough. Suffice to say, I (quite strongly) didn't like this book and I found it difficult to find any redeeming factors. Which is unfortunate because not only was I looking forward to a decent mystery/thriller/suspense, but I also found something to like in my last read from the author. I could almost forgive the fact that both heroines (both this and "Where the Stars Still Shine") in Doller's books are self-absorbed and act in ways that aren't so wise, but this ultimately culminated in a suspense thriller that proved to be a waste of time because everything was so unflinchingly awkward and obvious.
I'll admit that I followed the book along for a time because it's an easy read - very fluid prose for the most part. But Arcadia (Cadie) is a heroine that grates not necessarily because she's spontaneous and awkward (with a fair share of awkwardly humored moments in the text), but that she makes very obvious ill choices which are paint by numbers tedious and predictable. The story starts out with Cadie deciding to take some "me" time out for herself considering she's been taking care of her father and younger sibling since her mother died from cancer. Cadie decides to hop on a spontaneous road trip with two guys she just met and a friend whom she'd lost touch with some time before. The characterization development seems to progressively build, and at the very least (at the start) it would shape up to be a good way to know the characters and their quirks. Cadie herself is spontaneous in her voice and quite awkward. There were moments I was close to getting behind her in the beginning, but as the narrative wore on (to the point where it was tedious even with trying to establish chemistry with Noah and Matt), her purposeful cluelessness grated on me.
She doesn't think much about the odd man who suddenly went missing that ended up on the news (and later dead).
She doesn't think much about the fact that her friend - who was excited about taking a trip to Disney World - deciding to bail all of a sudden (and the poor friend is subsequently forgotten about through the rest of the narrative until a certain revelation).
She doesn't think that much about not contacting her father (though I understood this was rebellious on her part, it still felt odd since purposely thought in points "I should call him even with everything going on...").
In truth, Cadie just didn't think at all. Not until the last possible moment despite the warning signs being right in her face. I saw where this was going and it held no suspense for me. Plus, the characters themselves didn't feel that dimensional when it was all said and done. I couldn't even really think of it as steamy or sexy (granted, I couldn't find Cadie's losing her virginity in a graveyard sexy - but I was trying so hard to forgive things in this that I felt were just plain awkward in transition and translation, despite some notably intentional references to awkward dialogue and humor).
By the ending, I was just done. I got the fact that some of it was meant to be an homage and parody (to an extent), but it just failed miserably to me. I honestly wouldn't recommend it and I thought "Where the Stars Still Shine" was a much better effort than this. Very disappointed.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
Full review:
I was going to wait a night to write this, but I think I can expound on my thoughts properly since it upset me enough. Suffice to say, I (quite strongly) didn't like this book and I found it difficult to find any redeeming factors. Which is unfortunate because not only was I looking forward to a decent mystery/thriller/suspense, but I also found something to like in my last read from the author. I could almost forgive the fact that both heroines (both this and "Where the Stars Still Shine") in Doller's books are self-absorbed and act in ways that aren't so wise, but this ultimately culminated in a suspense thriller that proved to be a waste of time because everything was so unflinchingly awkward and obvious.
I'll admit that I followed the book along for a time because it's an easy read - very fluid prose for the most part. But Arcadia (Cadie) is a heroine that grates not necessarily because she's spontaneous and awkward (with a fair share of awkwardly humored moments in the text), but that she makes very obvious ill choices which are paint by numbers tedious and predictable. The story starts out with Cadie deciding to take some "me" time out for herself considering she's been taking care of her father and younger sibling since her mother died from cancer. Cadie decides to hop on a spontaneous road trip with two guys she just met and a friend whom she'd lost touch with some time before. The characterization development seems to progressively build, and at the very least (at the start) it would shape up to be a good way to know the characters and their quirks. Cadie herself is spontaneous in her voice and quite awkward. There were moments I was close to getting behind her in the beginning, but as the narrative wore on (to the point where it was tedious even with trying to establish chemistry with Noah and Matt), her purposeful cluelessness grated on me.
She doesn't think much about the odd man who suddenly went missing that ended up on the news (and later dead).
She doesn't think much about the fact that her friend - who was excited about taking a trip to Disney World - deciding to bail all of a sudden (and the poor friend is subsequently forgotten about through the rest of the narrative until a certain revelation).
She doesn't think that much about not contacting her father (though I understood this was rebellious on her part, it still felt odd since purposely thought in points "I should call him even with everything going on...").
In truth, Cadie just didn't think at all. Not until the last possible moment despite the warning signs being right in her face. I saw where this was going and it held no suspense for me. Plus, the characters themselves didn't feel that dimensional when it was all said and done. I couldn't even really think of it as steamy or sexy (granted, I couldn't find Cadie's losing her virginity in a graveyard sexy - but I was trying so hard to forgive things in this that I felt were just plain awkward in transition and translation, despite some notably intentional references to awkward dialogue and humor).
By the ending, I was just done. I got the fact that some of it was meant to be an homage and parody (to an extent), but it just failed miserably to me. I honestly wouldn't recommend it and I thought "Where the Stars Still Shine" was a much better effort than this. Very disappointed.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
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June 4, 2015I'm a big Trish Doller fan. I usually love the way she mixes tough, imperfect girls with romance, but this just hit some wrong notes for me.
The overall premise of this book was quite similar to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick. All the twists in TDYK were pretty easy to spot -- Black Ice was better plotted -- but the characterization was stronger in this one. In both books I struggled with the juxtaposition of a swoony romantic vibe with some very disturbing violence, but maybe that's just my issue.
We all make mistakes. But I thought Cadie seemed like too smart a girl to make questionable choice after questionable choice, and then not to see the consequences after they kept popping up right in front of her. . But for me, the biggest stumbling point in this book was the romance.
I would have liked this book better as a thriller/female empowerment story rather than a thriller/romance.
Not exactly for me, but if you liked Black Ice, you should definitely try this, and vice versa.
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
The overall premise of this book was quite similar to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick. All the twists in TDYK were pretty easy to spot -- Black Ice was better plotted -- but the characterization was stronger in this one. In both books I struggled with the juxtaposition of a swoony romantic vibe with some very disturbing violence, but maybe that's just my issue.
We all make mistakes. But I thought Cadie seemed like too smart a girl to make questionable choice after questionable choice, and then not to see the consequences after they kept popping up right in front of her. . But for me, the biggest stumbling point in this book was the romance.
I would have liked this book better as a thriller/female empowerment story rather than a thriller/romance.
Not exactly for me, but if you liked Black Ice, you should definitely try this, and vice versa.
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
August 3, 2015
3-1/2 stars, rounded up.
Wow, I just zoomed through this without taking any time off for updates. A couple of the twists were a little predictable, but the story is done so breathlessly and mostly believably that I didn't care. I'll try to get to a proper review later today, but the capsule is, I really enjoyed this book, even with its very disturbing underbelly.
June 2, 2015
This book gave me the chills. I don't normally read stuff that creeps me out, but my goodness, the attention to detail in this story will suck you in and make it hard to look away. Definitely add this one to your TBR list and look for my full review closer to publication date.
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When my friend, author Trish Doller, told me she was working on something a bit different, naturally I was intrigued. I might be biased in saying that I love everything this woman writes since I also adore her as a person, too -- but even so, her words are powerful and poignant. And she has a gift of story telling, one that needs to be shared and read by all. So when she gifted me with her latest YA novel, of course I felt compelled to stop whatever I was doing and read it right then.
For Arcadia (or Cadie), life is a routine. It's all about taking care of her family's needs before her own. But in the back of her mind a spark of adventure lies dormant, waiting for the right opportunity to come alive. When she's presented with a choice to tag along with two strange (but very hot, I might add) boys for the summer as they make their way across Florida's camp sites, she sees her open window. The adult in me is shouting at her to stop and think, do you really know these boys Cadie?! Is it safe?? That's the fun in literature, you can shout all you want, but these characters have minds of their own and will venture into danger no matter what the warning signs are. You just have to be prepared to hold on tight.
In true Doller fashion, you are submerged into the story's setting immediately. The richness of Florida's landscape came alive on every page and I truly felt like I was there, alongside Cadie and the boys, as they ventured into the wilderness and beyond. From the beginning I had an unsettling feeling, and as the story unfolds, that feeling only heightens. Cadie finds herself on an adventure full of thrills and page-turning induced excitement. I could not put this novel down until I got to the very end.
For fans of Trish Doller's previous work, you will definitely be delighted with her latest -- though the premise is something a bit different, it's also refreshing to see Doller's capacity to branch out and explore alternate avenues. The Devil You Know should be on every reader's summer book list.
[full review posted at GReads!]
------------------------------------------------------
When my friend, author Trish Doller, told me she was working on something a bit different, naturally I was intrigued. I might be biased in saying that I love everything this woman writes since I also adore her as a person, too -- but even so, her words are powerful and poignant. And she has a gift of story telling, one that needs to be shared and read by all. So when she gifted me with her latest YA novel, of course I felt compelled to stop whatever I was doing and read it right then.
For Arcadia (or Cadie), life is a routine. It's all about taking care of her family's needs before her own. But in the back of her mind a spark of adventure lies dormant, waiting for the right opportunity to come alive. When she's presented with a choice to tag along with two strange (but very hot, I might add) boys for the summer as they make their way across Florida's camp sites, she sees her open window. The adult in me is shouting at her to stop and think, do you really know these boys Cadie?! Is it safe?? That's the fun in literature, you can shout all you want, but these characters have minds of their own and will venture into danger no matter what the warning signs are. You just have to be prepared to hold on tight.
In true Doller fashion, you are submerged into the story's setting immediately. The richness of Florida's landscape came alive on every page and I truly felt like I was there, alongside Cadie and the boys, as they ventured into the wilderness and beyond. From the beginning I had an unsettling feeling, and as the story unfolds, that feeling only heightens. Cadie finds herself on an adventure full of thrills and page-turning induced excitement. I could not put this novel down until I got to the very end.
For fans of Trish Doller's previous work, you will definitely be delighted with her latest -- though the premise is something a bit different, it's also refreshing to see Doller's capacity to branch out and explore alternate avenues. The Devil You Know should be on every reader's summer book list.
[full review posted at GReads!]
July 9, 2019
Another 2015 book reviewed (only half finished by the way--what's up with that) posted in 2019.
Definitely not a bad book, but one of those small town thrillers is more like it. You could blame the fact that I didn’t connect with it on the fact that I hate road trip books. Detest them, personal reasons—things like hygiene, the reception, the I want to escape my small town vibe that I, more often than not, get.
Which isn’t a bad thing. The escape my town trope that is. I get it, sometimes things are so constricting and you just want to let go, drive down the road and forget yo troubles. Tres aesthetic. I just don’t think it’s the best decision to make.
Like as much as I wanted to dislike the protagonist for weak self-preservation radar, I couldn’t hate her personality. Because she’s got a great soul and mindset. What you need to know about this book is it’s very empowering for females. Which I’ll admit, I didn’t expect but gladly welcomed. There’s a lot said about respecting a female’s choice, none of that slut shaming, a lot of love for the self. And I can respect and admire that. I want to see that type of attitude in my books. I don’t want to be told submissive details.
But that being said, the girl is so so so so so so so so so so so stupid. Like fucking hell. I wanted to die in her place or something because fucking hell don’t let this trash bag continue. Want to escape your town? Don’t go with two people you don’t know just because they’re hot and mysterious and they beg you to come. Like um if someone I didn’t know begged me to go road tripping with them, the first thing I’d equate that to is um do you want to kill me. Like she doesn’t know them. Fucking live on the edge much. And ok you can berate me for being a uptight about that so ok, say she does go, CAN THE GIRL JUST GET SUSPICIOUS FOR ONCE IN HER LIFE??? Like these violent crimes and differences happen and she’s just like “o that’s worrying”. Not “mmm that hasn’t really happened round these neck of the woods, what’s new??? O YEAH MY COMPANIONS LET ME GRAB MY SHIT AND RUN”. Like fucking hell, she deserved to die LOL
Lastly plot was weak as motherfuck. Like weak. I know where doing thriller here but man I was not thrilled in the slightest. Plot points are cliche, literary devices are weak, conventional. You can guess the whole bloody thing. Plot came second, only thing is, I can’t even pinpoint what came first??? LIKE LOL WAS A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE MEANT TO BE HER BILDUNGSROMAN COUNTERPOINT??? Like the physic said (yes there was a psychic). Like the “thrill” only happens at 60% onwards and that’s just the beginning brewing stages. And when it climaxes you’re left thinking??? WTF that’s your “reasoning”?? Like it’s so fucking stupid. We can be a little more layered as characters right???
The setting was very atypical of the small town girl cut off from “civilisation” vibe. There’s a culture. There’s the town creek thing. Parties in the woods (do you guys do that?? I’m so worried for your safety LOL). You know the drill. Not a big fan, but (And then I never finished the review and I wrote this in 2015 so I can’t remember what this book was about but I wouldn’t read it now if I’d just read this review lmao)
---original 2015---
Definitely not a bad book, but one of those small town thrillers is more like it. You could blame the fact that I didn’t connect with it on the fact that I hate road trip books. Detest them, personal reasons—things like hygiene, the reception, the I want to escape my small town vibe that I, more often than not, get.
Which isn’t a bad thing. The escape my town trope that is. I get it, sometimes things are so constricting and you just want to let go, drive down the road and forget yo troubles. Tres aesthetic. I just don’t think it’s the best decision to make.
Like as much as I wanted to dislike the protagonist for weak self-preservation radar, I couldn’t hate her personality. Because she’s got a great soul and mindset. What you need to know about this book is it’s very empowering for females. Which I’ll admit, I didn’t expect but gladly welcomed. There’s a lot said about respecting a female’s choice, none of that slut shaming, a lot of love for the self. And I can respect and admire that. I want to see that type of attitude in my books. I don’t want to be told submissive details.
But that being said, the girl is so so so so so so so so so so so stupid. Like fucking hell. I wanted to die in her place or something because fucking hell don’t let this trash bag continue. Want to escape your town? Don’t go with two people you don’t know just because they’re hot and mysterious and they beg you to come. Like um if someone I didn’t know begged me to go road tripping with them, the first thing I’d equate that to is um do you want to kill me. Like she doesn’t know them. Fucking live on the edge much. And ok you can berate me for being a uptight about that so ok, say she does go, CAN THE GIRL JUST GET SUSPICIOUS FOR ONCE IN HER LIFE??? Like these violent crimes and differences happen and she’s just like “o that’s worrying”. Not “mmm that hasn’t really happened round these neck of the woods, what’s new??? O YEAH MY COMPANIONS LET ME GRAB MY SHIT AND RUN”. Like fucking hell, she deserved to die LOL
Lastly plot was weak as motherfuck. Like weak. I know where doing thriller here but man I was not thrilled in the slightest. Plot points are cliche, literary devices are weak, conventional. You can guess the whole bloody thing. Plot came second, only thing is, I can’t even pinpoint what came first??? LIKE LOL WAS A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE MEANT TO BE HER BILDUNGSROMAN COUNTERPOINT??? Like the physic said (yes there was a psychic). Like the “thrill” only happens at 60% onwards and that’s just the beginning brewing stages. And when it climaxes you’re left thinking??? WTF that’s your “reasoning”?? Like it’s so fucking stupid. We can be a little more layered as characters right???
The setting was very atypical of the small town girl cut off from “civilisation” vibe. There’s a culture. There’s the town creek thing. Parties in the woods (do you guys do that?? I’m so worried for your safety LOL). You know the drill. Not a big fan, but (And then I never finished the review and I wrote this in 2015 so I can’t remember what this book was about but I wouldn’t read it now if I’d just read this review lmao)
---original 2015---
Props for standing up for equality. Thumbs down for absolute lack of common sense.
September 4, 2015
Hello people!
If you'd like to read a novel about a very silly, stupid and selfish girl, this is your book. A novel about a girl who makes fat ass mistakes, by walking straight into traps, by trusting the wrong people and in the end, saving the day by her own self. This novel will show you how ridiculous people can be. This novel will show you how some people absolutely ignore warnings and get into trouble because they are just that fed up with life. But the good thing about this novel is that it will tell you what your parents have always told you "DO NOT TRUST STRANGERS!"
Anyways, that's all. Kthanksbye. :)
If you'd like to read a novel about a very silly, stupid and selfish girl, this is your book. A novel about a girl who makes fat ass mistakes, by walking straight into traps, by trusting the wrong people and in the end, saving the day by her own self. This novel will show you how ridiculous people can be. This novel will show you how some people absolutely ignore warnings and get into trouble because they are just that fed up with life. But the good thing about this novel is that it will tell you what your parents have always told you "DO NOT TRUST STRANGERS!"
Anyways, that's all. Kthanksbye. :)
June 26, 2015
3.5/5
Trish Doller is an author I consider a favorite. Her contemporary novels are some of the best I've ever read because of how emotional they can be. With The Devil You Know, she dove into YA mystery territory. I struggle with YA mystery books quite a bit, but I was still looking forward to reading this one. While it isn't my favorite Trish Doller book, I still had a good time reading it.
Trish Doller always crafts these unlikeable main characters who you eventually wind up enjoying. She explores the depth of human nature through her characters and that's something that I have always loved about her writing. The protagonist in The Devil You Know was very similar to the author's previous main characters in that she's not the easiest to love. I don't think I ever completely loved Cadie. I admired her for how much she had sacrificed for her family and appreciated her for it. Not many teenagers would be willing to take care of their baby siblings all by themselves without a word of complaint. Cadie did eventually stand up to her father about her wishes to be able to break free from all the responsibilities she had to shoulder. I liked that she was confident enough to speak up her mind. At the same time, however, Cadie could make some very poor choices, such as deciding to go on a road trip with two strangers. And there were times I kept shaking my head at how incredibly stupid and naive she was. Cadie was blind to all the glaringly obvious clues around her and her inability to really see the truth until it was way too late did make it hard for me to completely connect with her character. I also felt very detached from the male characters in The Devil You Know. I honestly didn't care for the two cousins and while Trish Doller knows how to write some seriously swoony kisses, I wasn't exactly a fan of the main romance in the novel.
The murder mystery part of The Devil You Know was very engaging for the most part. Sure, I guessed who the killer was early on because Doller utilized the "he doesn't look guilty, so he's the culprit" technique, which was slightly disappointing, but she was still able to make it a read that gave me the chills and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was waiting for things to blow up in Cadie's face and Trish Doller sure took her time to make that happen, which wound up making the book even more intense. If there's one thing that I loved about The Devil You Know, it was the creepy factor. There were many scenes that had me squirming wanting to ditch the book because I was terrified for Cadie (and I live alone!). The climax of the book, especially, was fast-paced and action packed and had my heart racing. I also have an intense and irrational fear of alligators and there's one scene in particular towards the end that I found nightmare-inducing. Part of me did feel like the book was incredibly short and could have used a few more pages to flesh out the mystery part a bit, but I still wound up enjoying it.
The Devil You Know might not be the best Trish Doller book I've read, but it's an entertaining story that had me flipping through the pages. I recommend this to fans looking for a good YA mystery novel.
Trish Doller is an author I consider a favorite. Her contemporary novels are some of the best I've ever read because of how emotional they can be. With The Devil You Know, she dove into YA mystery territory. I struggle with YA mystery books quite a bit, but I was still looking forward to reading this one. While it isn't my favorite Trish Doller book, I still had a good time reading it.
Trish Doller always crafts these unlikeable main characters who you eventually wind up enjoying. She explores the depth of human nature through her characters and that's something that I have always loved about her writing. The protagonist in The Devil You Know was very similar to the author's previous main characters in that she's not the easiest to love. I don't think I ever completely loved Cadie. I admired her for how much she had sacrificed for her family and appreciated her for it. Not many teenagers would be willing to take care of their baby siblings all by themselves without a word of complaint. Cadie did eventually stand up to her father about her wishes to be able to break free from all the responsibilities she had to shoulder. I liked that she was confident enough to speak up her mind. At the same time, however, Cadie could make some very poor choices, such as deciding to go on a road trip with two strangers. And there were times I kept shaking my head at how incredibly stupid and naive she was. Cadie was blind to all the glaringly obvious clues around her and her inability to really see the truth until it was way too late did make it hard for me to completely connect with her character. I also felt very detached from the male characters in The Devil You Know. I honestly didn't care for the two cousins and while Trish Doller knows how to write some seriously swoony kisses, I wasn't exactly a fan of the main romance in the novel.
The murder mystery part of The Devil You Know was very engaging for the most part. Sure, I guessed who the killer was early on because Doller utilized the "he doesn't look guilty, so he's the culprit" technique, which was slightly disappointing, but she was still able to make it a read that gave me the chills and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was waiting for things to blow up in Cadie's face and Trish Doller sure took her time to make that happen, which wound up making the book even more intense. If there's one thing that I loved about The Devil You Know, it was the creepy factor. There were many scenes that had me squirming wanting to ditch the book because I was terrified for Cadie (and I live alone!). The climax of the book, especially, was fast-paced and action packed and had my heart racing. I also have an intense and irrational fear of alligators and there's one scene in particular towards the end that I found nightmare-inducing. Part of me did feel like the book was incredibly short and could have used a few more pages to flesh out the mystery part a bit, but I still wound up enjoying it.
The Devil You Know might not be the best Trish Doller book I've read, but it's an entertaining story that had me flipping through the pages. I recommend this to fans looking for a good YA mystery novel.
July 29, 2015
”Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”
Is that true though? My first thought upon hearing that phrase is always the same –it’s the devil either way.
Arcadia (Cadie) Wells is a small town girl. Born and raised in Florida. She’s smart, strong, and kickass! I liked her instantly. After her mom passed away, Cadie took on the responsibility of raising her little brother along with trying to graduate high school and work shifts at the family store. Where did her carefree days go? In a break-out-of-jail like rebellion, Cadie runs off to a party with her old friends where she bumps into a couple of new ones--Matt and Noah. These two handsome, charming out of towners tempt and fuel Cadie’s longing for fun and freedom. I love how Ms. Doller describes these guys and Cadie’s attraction...”If Matt was the Fourth of July, Noah is a summer thunderstorm”. Sparks fly! But what the hell is Cadie thinking running off with two gorgeous, mysterious strangers? Danger and tension swirl and build from page one. A story that shows just how fast lines can blur. The line between spontaneity and danger can change in a *snap*. You’re going to have to jump in and paddle down the river with Cadie and the boys to find out what happens, who to trust and what to believe.
This is my second Trish Doller book, but I still can’t seem to find the words to explain why I love her writing so much. But I do love it. What she can say in just a few words is dazzling. Simple, sparse words filled with emotion and texture. From the weather outside to the temperature in the room, Doller will make you feel it. Florida comes alive on the pages. From backroads to river banks! The land, heat, rain, rivers and gators shimmer and swagger. I could smell the campfires, feel the sweat run down the back of my neck, and hear the words and sounds of a small southern town. I marked pages and pulled quotes from the get go. Hell! My first bookmark was at page 15 with “my boots making a satisfying and badass gunslinger-at-high-noon kind of sound”. Haha...Love it!
I loved every sexy smile, heated touch and skinny dipping moment. I’m already looking forward to more Trish Doller worlds and words.
June 2, 2015
I will read anything Trish Doller writes, and yes, I read this one in a day. It's hard NOT to.
This is was so well done as far as thrillers go AND it would make a great movie.
Did I have a hunch who the villain was, yes, but Trish Doller did a fantastic job of keeping me on my toes and second guessing myself so it didn't bother me. If anything, it made it impossible for me to stop reading until I was 100% sure my prediction was correct. This also meant I didn't get to bed until well after midnight. Thanks for that, Trish! ;)
One of the things that Trish Doller gets right in every single book (at least, in my opinion) is the father-daughter relationship. Not only are her dads present, they're involved in their daughter's lives. They CARE about what's happening, who they're friends with and who they date.
Cadie, like all the rest of Trish Doller's female MCs, has a good head on her shoulders. She's intelligent and strong, loves her family and cares about the people around her. Life has caused her to make a few detours off the "normal" teenage path, so I was not at all surprised to see her jump at the chance for a little rebellion and an adventure. I did arch a brow over one choice in particular, but I don't want to spoil anything.
The end was really gratifying and I can't wait to see what Trish comes up with next!
Favorite Quote(s):
"He doesn't smell like citrus or a pine forest or any of those things boys smell like in books."
"And you haven't really lived until you've experienced the Ring of Fire." "On the other hand, I haven't really died, either."
This is was so well done as far as thrillers go AND it would make a great movie.
Did I have a hunch who the villain was, yes, but Trish Doller did a fantastic job of keeping me on my toes and second guessing myself so it didn't bother me. If anything, it made it impossible for me to stop reading until I was 100% sure my prediction was correct. This also meant I didn't get to bed until well after midnight. Thanks for that, Trish! ;)
One of the things that Trish Doller gets right in every single book (at least, in my opinion) is the father-daughter relationship. Not only are her dads present, they're involved in their daughter's lives. They CARE about what's happening, who they're friends with and who they date.
Cadie, like all the rest of Trish Doller's female MCs, has a good head on her shoulders. She's intelligent and strong, loves her family and cares about the people around her. Life has caused her to make a few detours off the "normal" teenage path, so I was not at all surprised to see her jump at the chance for a little rebellion and an adventure. I did arch a brow over one choice in particular, but I don't want to spoil anything.
The end was really gratifying and I can't wait to see what Trish comes up with next!
Favorite Quote(s):
"He doesn't smell like citrus or a pine forest or any of those things boys smell like in books."
"And you haven't really lived until you've experienced the Ring of Fire." "On the other hand, I haven't really died, either."
May 21, 2015
3.5 Stars
As soon as I saw Trish's name attached to that premises, I just knew I had to read this.
I have always said that there needs to be more thrillers and mystery reads in the YA genre and this is one of those that was so well done that you can't help but want others to read it.
The characters were engaging, the plot line terrifying, and the premises one that we don't like to think about, but that sadly, happens more often than we want to believe. A young girl, bored with her life, making stupid choices just to have a little fun, a little adventure in her life. The consequences for those choices were hard ones. Ones that changed her life forever.
I had a hard time deciding if I liked Cadie or not at times. I found myself wanting to shout at her through the pages because of how stupid she was being but I also felt for her too. I felt her responsibilities, her struggles, and her loss. It's hard not liking someone that has a heart as good as her's, stupid decisions aside.
I liked the intense feel this novel took at times when you just knew something was going to happen without knowing exactly what that something would be. You knew one of these boys, or possibly even both were not who they seemed to be and that feeling only escalated as more and more clues of things that had happened in their past and recently, were uncovered.
Overall I liked this read. It was fun, it was fast, and it was heart pounding. Trish did a really good job making it realistically frightening in its simplicity and design. So believable that it was unbelievable that someone could be that stupid, naive, and so very lost and yet, you know that it happens all the time.
I truly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author because she truly does have some original stories out that are worth every minute of reading them.
As soon as I saw Trish's name attached to that premises, I just knew I had to read this.
I have always said that there needs to be more thrillers and mystery reads in the YA genre and this is one of those that was so well done that you can't help but want others to read it.
The characters were engaging, the plot line terrifying, and the premises one that we don't like to think about, but that sadly, happens more often than we want to believe. A young girl, bored with her life, making stupid choices just to have a little fun, a little adventure in her life. The consequences for those choices were hard ones. Ones that changed her life forever.
I had a hard time deciding if I liked Cadie or not at times. I found myself wanting to shout at her through the pages because of how stupid she was being but I also felt for her too. I felt her responsibilities, her struggles, and her loss. It's hard not liking someone that has a heart as good as her's, stupid decisions aside.
I liked the intense feel this novel took at times when you just knew something was going to happen without knowing exactly what that something would be. You knew one of these boys, or possibly even both were not who they seemed to be and that feeling only escalated as more and more clues of things that had happened in their past and recently, were uncovered.
Overall I liked this read. It was fun, it was fast, and it was heart pounding. Trish did a really good job making it realistically frightening in its simplicity and design. So believable that it was unbelievable that someone could be that stupid, naive, and so very lost and yet, you know that it happens all the time.
I truly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author because she truly does have some original stories out that are worth every minute of reading them.
think-about-it
January 8, 2016Isn't it just plain stupid to go on a road trip with someone you just met just because they're handsome? Whatever happens to "common sense and vigilance" ?
May 29, 2015
Compared to Trish Doller's previous novels, this felt weak. Nothing much happens but, I will give Doller props for incorporating feminism wherever she possibly could. I really enjoyed the discussions and mental thoughts about how wearing certain clothes or choosing to have sex at a certain time didn't change the essence of who you were as a person. For that, this gets 3 Stars. Otherwise, though, this was just a reasonably good pass-time read. I didn't love the characters, romance, or plot and perhaps just went into this with higher expectations, seeing as Where the Stars Still Shine is one of my all-time favorite reads. Recommended, but with reservations.
dnf
June 19, 2015One big fat DNF.
I shoukd have read more reviews of this book before ordering it from the library. The writing is just awful and what's her name is such a stupid idiot. And a selfish bitch.
I just can't continue.
I shoukd have read more reviews of this book before ordering it from the library. The writing is just awful and what's her name is such a stupid idiot. And a selfish bitch.
I just can't continue.
July 12, 2015
Arcadia has had to give up just about everything since her mom died… her boyfriend, soccer… and her free time. Any time she thought she had for herself was quickly replaced with time spent raising her younger brother.
When she decides to finally have a night to herself, she heads up to a local campfire party and meets two guys who are definitely NOT local. She decides this is her chance to have some fun and takes it.
Heading out on a road trip is exactly the kind of fun she’s been looking for.
Okay, let me just get this out of the way … Arcadia does some really stupid things. REALLY STUPID. There, done… finished. Let me move on, because while this certainly influenced my final rating of the book, I totally enjoyed all other aspects of this story.
BUT despite those stupid choices… she really is smart, and she’s strong and headstrong and I loved her.
Doller writes amazing … there’s no getting around that, and if you’ve read her other books you already know that. So that definitely allows me to look past the poor choices of a character and look at the story a bit deeper.
The story itself is just so creepy and wonderful. I love stuff that can keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next and Doller does that here. Even once you know who the bad guy is… you’re still so totally invested in the story that you can’t stop, and that, for me, wins every single time.
If you’re a fan of creepy and suspenseful, you’re going to want to grab this one as soon as you can!
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
When she decides to finally have a night to herself, she heads up to a local campfire party and meets two guys who are definitely NOT local. She decides this is her chance to have some fun and takes it.
Heading out on a road trip is exactly the kind of fun she’s been looking for.
Okay, let me just get this out of the way … Arcadia does some really stupid things. REALLY STUPID. There, done… finished. Let me move on, because while this certainly influenced my final rating of the book, I totally enjoyed all other aspects of this story.
BUT despite those stupid choices… she really is smart, and she’s strong and headstrong and I loved her.
Doller writes amazing … there’s no getting around that, and if you’ve read her other books you already know that. So that definitely allows me to look past the poor choices of a character and look at the story a bit deeper.
The story itself is just so creepy and wonderful. I love stuff that can keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next and Doller does that here. Even once you know who the bad guy is… you’re still so totally invested in the story that you can’t stop, and that, for me, wins every single time.
If you’re a fan of creepy and suspenseful, you’re going to want to grab this one as soon as you can!
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 7, 2015
At first it's all like "oh I know what a Trish Doller book is like this is intense and steamy and complicated and so good lalalala" and then BOO OMG IT GETS SO UNEXPECTEDLY CREEPY AND DOUBLE THE AWESOME. This book freaked me out and I loved it. #trishdollerfan4life
Read
October 24, 2014Doller's third novel is a departure from her previous two, in that it leans far more thriller than solid contemporary realistic novel.
Cadie has a pile of responsibilities in her life. After her mother died three years ago, she took on a lot of the car for her younger brother, and she works at the small store her father owns that's been having a bit of trouble keeping up with the big chain grocer. School is just about over for her, and while she has no illusions of leaving her small Florida town for college, she knows she wants something more. She's craving an adventure, something to take her away from her space right now and let her taste something entirely different.
But when she decides to take off for a trip through Florida with cousins Noah and Matt, she finds that the adventure she's on isn't what it seems. While both boys vie for her attention and while she's torn between the sweet affections of Noah and the mysteriousness of Matt, Cadie knows there's something not lining up in their stories. These boys aren't who they seem on the surface . . . or are they?
This is a fast-paced, tightly-written read, infused with some really powerful moments. . The setting comes alive with Florida humidity, the Everglades, and murky waters. The copy on the ARC compares this to Lauren Oliver and Sara Zarr, and while at first I thought that was a really weird comparison -- Oliver and Zarr write very different kinds of books -- it's actually spot on. There's the pacing and the sense of Something Unsettled that comes from Oliver, with the heart, wonder, and curiosity that comes from Zarr.
Another really excellent book from Doller.
Cadie has a pile of responsibilities in her life. After her mother died three years ago, she took on a lot of the car for her younger brother, and she works at the small store her father owns that's been having a bit of trouble keeping up with the big chain grocer. School is just about over for her, and while she has no illusions of leaving her small Florida town for college, she knows she wants something more. She's craving an adventure, something to take her away from her space right now and let her taste something entirely different.
But when she decides to take off for a trip through Florida with cousins Noah and Matt, she finds that the adventure she's on isn't what it seems. While both boys vie for her attention and while she's torn between the sweet affections of Noah and the mysteriousness of Matt, Cadie knows there's something not lining up in their stories. These boys aren't who they seem on the surface . . . or are they?
This is a fast-paced, tightly-written read, infused with some really powerful moments. . The setting comes alive with Florida humidity, the Everglades, and murky waters. The copy on the ARC compares this to Lauren Oliver and Sara Zarr, and while at first I thought that was a really weird comparison -- Oliver and Zarr write very different kinds of books -- it's actually spot on. There's the pacing and the sense of Something Unsettled that comes from Oliver, with the heart, wonder, and curiosity that comes from Zarr.
Another really excellent book from Doller.
July 18, 2018
It’s been a while since I’ve had a 4 star review. This was an awesome little fast paced thrill ride. I almost read it straight through in one night, it was that hard to put down!
At less than 300 pages (which I really liked for a change) we jump straight to the point and into the action. I found Cadie, the mc, relatable to my own teen self. I was irrational, wild and took unsafe risks and ran off with boys I only just met. So I can see this is where many readers may feel put off by Cadie’s choices and it may come off unrealistic rather than relatable as in my case. But it definitely connected and felt real with me.
And even for a book on the short side I was happy to find characters and plot with depth and layers and twists! Definitely recommend this one!
At less than 300 pages (which I really liked for a change) we jump straight to the point and into the action. I found Cadie, the mc, relatable to my own teen self. I was irrational, wild and took unsafe risks and ran off with boys I only just met. So I can see this is where many readers may feel put off by Cadie’s choices and it may come off unrealistic rather than relatable as in my case. But it definitely connected and felt real with me.
And even for a book on the short side I was happy to find characters and plot with depth and layers and twists! Definitely recommend this one!
September 4, 2014
Fantastic and atmospheric--I don't want to give anything away, but I'll be thinking about this book for a long while.
May 12, 2018
I honestly really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters, the suspense kept me going throughout the entire novel, and never once was I bored! The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars was because the ending was a little silly not even predictable just silly. I loved this book so much, it was a wonderful surprise!
October 25, 2015
Second spooky read of the Halloween season is also a bust. This book is much more romance than thriller, first of all, which is a thing that never fails to disappoint me with YA, that we can't get through a book anymore without the female protagonist sucking face with either multiple dudes -- creating ohnoes drama -- or one dude over and over ad infinitum.
I'M GOING TO SPOIL SOME THINGS, DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT.
But before I start ranting, let me start with some positivity: despite thinking that this is not a good book, I think Trish Doller has a talent for writing. The flaws here are more related to plotting; the actual writing from sentence to sentence in the first 2/3 of the book is pretty polished and held my interest.
I also feel it's worth mentioning that I'm not mad that the main character Arcadia meets a pair of cousins at a party and spontaneous road-trips across Florida with these two guys who are hot but whom she really doesn't know. Is this a smart move? No. But in terms of developing a plot with it, it seems within the realm of possible action for a stifled-feeling teenage girl mourning the loss of her mother and a breakup with a guy she's known forever. I can't say I wouldn't have done it myself in high school if presented with the opportunity, even without dealing with grief and loss. (To be fair, once people started disappearing and being murdered in our path, I probably would have booked it ASAP.)
But the ending of this book is terrrrible. It's so bad. So you've got only two options for the killer's identity all throughout the book, and the book via Arcadia's suspicions really tries to lead you toward one of them. CLEARLY IT'S THE OTHER ONE, THEN. Red Herrings 101. I really think the author thinks this has anyone fooled, and I am sorry to say that no, no you don't, and it is straight up ridiculous that Arcadia doesn't see it as a possibility enough to NOT trust the dude blindly.
Once the killer is revealed, all the subtlety/grace of Doller's writing earlier goes flying out the window. He actually gives Arcadia some kind of sociopath manifesto, about having no feelings and killing neighbor's pets, like a guest star on Criminal Minds. Then after he is dead, his body gets snagged by an alligator and dragged down to its hidey hole for eating, which is hilarious but also ridiculous. At this point in the book, if a sharknado started forming off in the distance, I would not have been surprised.
The incredible cheesiness by the end of the book just made me mad that I had suffered through all of that "but I just met him, but I never want to leave him!" lovey kissy-poo. All along I was hoping there would be more than meets the eye to The Devil You Know, but there's not: there's less.
I'M GOING TO SPOIL SOME THINGS, DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT.
But before I start ranting, let me start with some positivity: despite thinking that this is not a good book, I think Trish Doller has a talent for writing. The flaws here are more related to plotting; the actual writing from sentence to sentence in the first 2/3 of the book is pretty polished and held my interest.
I also feel it's worth mentioning that I'm not mad that the main character Arcadia meets a pair of cousins at a party and spontaneous road-trips across Florida with these two guys who are hot but whom she really doesn't know. Is this a smart move? No. But in terms of developing a plot with it, it seems within the realm of possible action for a stifled-feeling teenage girl mourning the loss of her mother and a breakup with a guy she's known forever. I can't say I wouldn't have done it myself in high school if presented with the opportunity, even without dealing with grief and loss. (To be fair, once people started disappearing and being murdered in our path, I probably would have booked it ASAP.)
But the ending of this book is terrrrible. It's so bad. So you've got only two options for the killer's identity all throughout the book, and the book via Arcadia's suspicions really tries to lead you toward one of them. CLEARLY IT'S THE OTHER ONE, THEN. Red Herrings 101. I really think the author thinks this has anyone fooled, and I am sorry to say that no, no you don't, and it is straight up ridiculous that Arcadia doesn't see it as a possibility enough to NOT trust the dude blindly.
Once the killer is revealed, all the subtlety/grace of Doller's writing earlier goes flying out the window. He actually gives Arcadia some kind of sociopath manifesto, about having no feelings and killing neighbor's pets, like a guest star on Criminal Minds. Then after he is dead, his body gets snagged by an alligator and dragged down to its hidey hole for eating, which is hilarious but also ridiculous. At this point in the book, if a sharknado started forming off in the distance, I would not have been surprised.
The incredible cheesiness by the end of the book just made me mad that I had suffered through all of that "but I just met him, but I never want to leave him!" lovey kissy-poo. All along I was hoping there would be more than meets the eye to The Devil You Know, but there's not: there's less.
July 4, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/06/s...
Ever find yourself internally yelling at a character? RUN YOU STUPID GIRL! Yeah, this book is it. Cadie is an oppressed eighteen year old who has found herself raising her brother since her mother passed away. Her father runs the local supermarket and involves himself in everything apart from the lives of his children, and it's left to Cadie to run their household, giving up the best of her teen years to do so. So when the opportunity arises to escape the small country town, she decides to take the risk and leave with cousins Matt and Noah. Cue internal cringing.
In her need to escape her former boyfriend and her life, she's lured by the wanderlust to leave even against her better judgement. She's desperate. With the promise of a wild adventure, she struggles between her attraction to both Matt and Noah, but seeing Matt taking an interest in once friend Lindsey, she settles for Noah. Noah admits he has a violent past, a brawl resulting in being shipped off to live with his cousin Matt and his family. His car a gift from his recently departed grandmother, both boys on the way back from her funeral and attempting to find adventure along the way. Where Matt is insistent the two girls join them, Noah is torn between reluctance and wanting to spend time with Cadie, who he seems to genuinely like.
Although Cadie seems to have no sense of self preservation or common sense, I couldn't tear myself away. It was incredibly engaging and I simply couldn't put it down. It reminded me of Becca Fitzpatrick's Black Ice, but wonderfully written despite the stupidity of the main character. It was a mild thriller, predictable but still enthralling nonetheless. My only really complaint is how the situation resolved itself. It was almost laughable, but didn't detract from how much I really enjoyed it.
I loved it, despite the issues I had with Cadie's idiotic behaviour. One aspect I absolutely adored was how it depicted sex as being a positive experience, not something teens should be ashamed of. I loved the adventure road trip, hearing the local urban myths. It was thrilling, captivating and a quick read that will have you flipping pages long into the night.
Ever find yourself internally yelling at a character? RUN YOU STUPID GIRL! Yeah, this book is it. Cadie is an oppressed eighteen year old who has found herself raising her brother since her mother passed away. Her father runs the local supermarket and involves himself in everything apart from the lives of his children, and it's left to Cadie to run their household, giving up the best of her teen years to do so. So when the opportunity arises to escape the small country town, she decides to take the risk and leave with cousins Matt and Noah. Cue internal cringing.
In her need to escape her former boyfriend and her life, she's lured by the wanderlust to leave even against her better judgement. She's desperate. With the promise of a wild adventure, she struggles between her attraction to both Matt and Noah, but seeing Matt taking an interest in once friend Lindsey, she settles for Noah. Noah admits he has a violent past, a brawl resulting in being shipped off to live with his cousin Matt and his family. His car a gift from his recently departed grandmother, both boys on the way back from her funeral and attempting to find adventure along the way. Where Matt is insistent the two girls join them, Noah is torn between reluctance and wanting to spend time with Cadie, who he seems to genuinely like.
Although Cadie seems to have no sense of self preservation or common sense, I couldn't tear myself away. It was incredibly engaging and I simply couldn't put it down. It reminded me of Becca Fitzpatrick's Black Ice, but wonderfully written despite the stupidity of the main character. It was a mild thriller, predictable but still enthralling nonetheless. My only really complaint is how the situation resolved itself. It was almost laughable, but didn't detract from how much I really enjoyed it.
I loved it, despite the issues I had with Cadie's idiotic behaviour. One aspect I absolutely adored was how it depicted sex as being a positive experience, not something teens should be ashamed of. I loved the adventure road trip, hearing the local urban myths. It was thrilling, captivating and a quick read that will have you flipping pages long into the night.
May 29, 2015
Read more at Bookiemoji!
It’s Trish-fricking-Doller. You know, Something Normal and Where the Stars Still Shine? With that being said, maybe I should just end this post here.
This book is a PAGE-TURNER. It may have the most riveting plot out of all of Trish’s books, as well… and it’s a THRILLER. Trish can do thrillers, and do them well. Even if you think you know what’s going on – and who’s done what – there are plenty of unexpected surprises in store than just the “whodunnit”. I don’t know how many times I stopped reading mid-sentence just to say, “WHAT? WHAT???”
Road trip! YES!!! Not only is The Devil You Know a THRILLER, it is also a fan-fricking-tastic road trip novel!
Read more at Bookiemoji!
It’s Trish-fricking-Doller. You know, Something Normal and Where the Stars Still Shine? With that being said, maybe I should just end this post here.
This book is a PAGE-TURNER. It may have the most riveting plot out of all of Trish’s books, as well… and it’s a THRILLER. Trish can do thrillers, and do them well. Even if you think you know what’s going on – and who’s done what – there are plenty of unexpected surprises in store than just the “whodunnit”. I don’t know how many times I stopped reading mid-sentence just to say, “WHAT? WHAT???”
Road trip! YES!!! Not only is The Devil You Know a THRILLER, it is also a fan-fricking-tastic road trip novel!
Read more at Bookiemoji!
December 18, 2015
4.5 stars!
WOW! Yes, I definitely need more books like this in my life.
When I first started reading in my teens, I read a lot of murder mystery type books. Mostly James Patterson. I loved the intense and gripping nature of those stories. Then I started reading YA and really got into it. (When I was a teen, we didn’t have a YA genre like we have nowadays. Yes, now I feel old… lol!) I haven’t come across too many YA thriller’s that really had me hooked. So when I stumble across one, I find myself completely engrossed and unable to put the book down. Which is exactly what happened with The Devil You Know. I would have devoured the entire book in one sitting if I had been able to. I ended up forcing myself to go to sleep, and I finished the remaining 50 pages as soon as I woke up the next morning. IT WAS SO GOOD!!
Arcadia is a struggling teen who’s having difficulty feeling stuck in the life she’s living. After her mother’s passing, she became the primary caregiver for her younger brother, and basically took over the mother role in the family. Her father was overwhelmed and basically became non-existent, causing her to grow up more quickly than planned. Now that she’s been doing this for four years, she’s getting worn out and decides she needs some time off. That is, against her father’s wishes. She uses the old “I’m 18, I can do what I want.” bit, and her father is left taking on the parenting role.
Arcadia goes to a beach party on her “night off” where she meets a few new friends, and decides she wants to go on a road trip with a set of handsome cousins. Very different, yet equally intriguing, Arcadia finds herself drawn to both cousins. And the chemistry - oh man! It's intense. The adult in me kept questioning her every move, while the kid in me was eating it up!! I was a very naive and play-by-the-rules type of teenager, so I love reading about adventurous, acting-on-the-moment type of teens. Still, I kept questioning, “Cadie, is this really a good idea? Are you sure you want to do this? Do you know these guys enough to trust them?” Oh man, it was so intense.
I love how Trish Doller’s books have such wonderful father-daughter relationships. Getting to see a strong parental presence is always a plus, since we don’t see that enough in YA books. I also love the friendship aspect, having each other’s backs and always being there when needed. The relationships Trish builds in her books are always so strong and influential.
If you’re looking for a quick read to keep your attention and read in one sitting, grabbing that book and unable to put it down, shocked and questioning every mood, yet eating it up at the same time, and fighting off the chills throughout, this is a book you will want to read. I loved it so much. I first fell in love with Trish’s Where the Stars Still Shine, and now I’m eager for her to write more! This was exactly what I had hoped for. I have Something Like Normal on my Kindle, and I WILL be reading it very soon.
(Thanks to Bloomsbury USA Childrens for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
WOW! Yes, I definitely need more books like this in my life.
When I first started reading in my teens, I read a lot of murder mystery type books. Mostly James Patterson. I loved the intense and gripping nature of those stories. Then I started reading YA and really got into it. (When I was a teen, we didn’t have a YA genre like we have nowadays. Yes, now I feel old… lol!) I haven’t come across too many YA thriller’s that really had me hooked. So when I stumble across one, I find myself completely engrossed and unable to put the book down. Which is exactly what happened with The Devil You Know. I would have devoured the entire book in one sitting if I had been able to. I ended up forcing myself to go to sleep, and I finished the remaining 50 pages as soon as I woke up the next morning. IT WAS SO GOOD!!
Arcadia is a struggling teen who’s having difficulty feeling stuck in the life she’s living. After her mother’s passing, she became the primary caregiver for her younger brother, and basically took over the mother role in the family. Her father was overwhelmed and basically became non-existent, causing her to grow up more quickly than planned. Now that she’s been doing this for four years, she’s getting worn out and decides she needs some time off. That is, against her father’s wishes. She uses the old “I’m 18, I can do what I want.” bit, and her father is left taking on the parenting role.
Arcadia goes to a beach party on her “night off” where she meets a few new friends, and decides she wants to go on a road trip with a set of handsome cousins. Very different, yet equally intriguing, Arcadia finds herself drawn to both cousins. And the chemistry - oh man! It's intense. The adult in me kept questioning her every move, while the kid in me was eating it up!! I was a very naive and play-by-the-rules type of teenager, so I love reading about adventurous, acting-on-the-moment type of teens. Still, I kept questioning, “Cadie, is this really a good idea? Are you sure you want to do this? Do you know these guys enough to trust them?” Oh man, it was so intense.
I love how Trish Doller’s books have such wonderful father-daughter relationships. Getting to see a strong parental presence is always a plus, since we don’t see that enough in YA books. I also love the friendship aspect, having each other’s backs and always being there when needed. The relationships Trish builds in her books are always so strong and influential.
If you’re looking for a quick read to keep your attention and read in one sitting, grabbing that book and unable to put it down, shocked and questioning every mood, yet eating it up at the same time, and fighting off the chills throughout, this is a book you will want to read. I loved it so much. I first fell in love with Trish’s Where the Stars Still Shine, and now I’m eager for her to write more! This was exactly what I had hoped for. I have Something Like Normal on my Kindle, and I WILL be reading it very soon.
(Thanks to Bloomsbury USA Childrens for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
September 28, 2016
Kimberly Wilder
Ms.Mclaughlin
Women’s Lit
September 28th, 2016
“The Devil You Know” by Trish Doller (copyright 2015) is a suspenseful love story leaving you in curiosity throughout the story. This story is about a young teenage girl named Arcadia who has to raise her younger brother Daniel Boone due to her mother passing and leaving their father in mourning. “Me and Daniel Boone are practically orphans” (7). At such a young age to take care of her little brother it restricted Arcadia from going out and living her life with her friends. Arcadia strived for adventure and made the decision to take a weekend off from home and go to a party, she ended up two strangers; Noah and Matt whom are cousins. After meeting these two boys strange things were happening. Trish Doller purpose to this book is to inform you to not go camping with strangers for one and also to show the struggles that a young girl has to face by losing her mother and becoming the part of a motherly role and dealing with relationships. “The Devil You Know” represents the third wave of feminism because is talking about problems in today’s world.This story is not all about feminism and the representation of it but there are some examples it shows about feminism. An example would be Arcadia having to choose which boy to date and whether she is committed and ready to start “doing” things with him or not, or dealing with her mother passing leaving her to become the mom at a young age.
Arcadia is a teenage girl who is talking full time care for her brother. She becomes the woman of the house since her father is distraught about the loss of his wife. Arcadia cooks, cleans, bathes and dress her younger brother, and does everything for him. “I missed so much school we got a warning letter from the district” (9). Due to Arcadia having to care for her younger brother with no help from her father she missed a lot of school and missed out on spending time with her friends. Arcadia had had enough of not being able to go out so she decides to go to a party one night, she met two boys; Noah and Matt and she chose to go camping with them taking her friend Lindsey along. That morning after Lindsey went missing. “I’m alive and Lindsey is dead” (181). The cops found Lindsey body in the woods tied to a tree and also found a man’s body the same way a week before. With that being said it leaves you wondering who may have done this and why.
This book is well organized with an array of events that occur leaving you curious as in what may happen next. Trish Doller writes smoothly and the story is a very easy read. “The Devil You Know” shows the struggles a young teenager should never have to go through but does and shows how hard it can be to become a mother not by choice at such a young age and having to deal with relationships at the same time.
My recommendation for “The Devil You Know” by Trish Doller would be for the people who like a quick easy read that leaves you curious on what will happen next. It shows a young girl who takes on the motherly role for her younger brother at a young age which led to become stressed to the point she decides she need to venture out and go camping with two strangers. This story's connection to feminism is only tied in with motherhood at a young age and relationships. If you are looking for a true feminist book I do not recommend you read this one.
Ms.Mclaughlin
Women’s Lit
September 28th, 2016
“The Devil You Know” by Trish Doller (copyright 2015) is a suspenseful love story leaving you in curiosity throughout the story. This story is about a young teenage girl named Arcadia who has to raise her younger brother Daniel Boone due to her mother passing and leaving their father in mourning. “Me and Daniel Boone are practically orphans” (7). At such a young age to take care of her little brother it restricted Arcadia from going out and living her life with her friends. Arcadia strived for adventure and made the decision to take a weekend off from home and go to a party, she ended up two strangers; Noah and Matt whom are cousins. After meeting these two boys strange things were happening. Trish Doller purpose to this book is to inform you to not go camping with strangers for one and also to show the struggles that a young girl has to face by losing her mother and becoming the part of a motherly role and dealing with relationships. “The Devil You Know” represents the third wave of feminism because is talking about problems in today’s world.This story is not all about feminism and the representation of it but there are some examples it shows about feminism. An example would be Arcadia having to choose which boy to date and whether she is committed and ready to start “doing” things with him or not, or dealing with her mother passing leaving her to become the mom at a young age.
Arcadia is a teenage girl who is talking full time care for her brother. She becomes the woman of the house since her father is distraught about the loss of his wife. Arcadia cooks, cleans, bathes and dress her younger brother, and does everything for him. “I missed so much school we got a warning letter from the district” (9). Due to Arcadia having to care for her younger brother with no help from her father she missed a lot of school and missed out on spending time with her friends. Arcadia had had enough of not being able to go out so she decides to go to a party one night, she met two boys; Noah and Matt and she chose to go camping with them taking her friend Lindsey along. That morning after Lindsey went missing. “I’m alive and Lindsey is dead” (181). The cops found Lindsey body in the woods tied to a tree and also found a man’s body the same way a week before. With that being said it leaves you wondering who may have done this and why.
This book is well organized with an array of events that occur leaving you curious as in what may happen next. Trish Doller writes smoothly and the story is a very easy read. “The Devil You Know” shows the struggles a young teenager should never have to go through but does and shows how hard it can be to become a mother not by choice at such a young age and having to deal with relationships at the same time.
My recommendation for “The Devil You Know” by Trish Doller would be for the people who like a quick easy read that leaves you curious on what will happen next. It shows a young girl who takes on the motherly role for her younger brother at a young age which led to become stressed to the point she decides she need to venture out and go camping with two strangers. This story's connection to feminism is only tied in with motherhood at a young age and relationships. If you are looking for a true feminist book I do not recommend you read this one.
May 31, 2015
ARC via ReadingTeen Blog
This does not affect my opinion
Find more of my reviews on No Bent Spines
FULL REVIEW
“Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” (ARC).
Confession: I want to love thrillers. Or at least find them thrilling. This novel is set up as a heart-pounding, blood- racing, keep-you-guessing kind of book. As are most thrilled preached as such. Cadie wants to live the life of a teenage instead of a mother to her younger brother (who is seriously adorable) because her father can’t deal, or even try to deal after the sudden death of her mother. When Cadie goes to a party she runs into two cousins. A spur of a moment idea (the need to do something kind of idea) leads her on a road trip with the two of them, and one of the local girls. One of the cousins is not at all what he seems.
Okay. This right here is my main complaint: The first half of the books was very much story- building focused and I feel I would have liked it more if we got more to the creeptastic, there is a psycho killer in our midst aspect of the story. Honestly- when the story did get to the psycho killer aspect, I seriously dug it. Other than that, the story was pretty eh. The whole trip was focused around the Devil’s Chair, but when they actually got there, it seemed to be seriously played down, and I didn’t quite know what to make of that.
Also, I totally guessed the psycho. I guessed he was the killer when he first appeared. And no, no I won’t tell you who it was. Where’s the fun in that? *evil chuckle*
Let’s talk about the characters a bit shall we? I’ve already described Cadie a bit, so we’ll just talk about the cousins. Matt and Noah. She meets Matt first when she invites him to the party, but meets Noah soon after when he’s working on Miss Kitty, the car a dead relative left him. Matt and Noah are pretty much opposites, granted they get along through the majority of the trip like they were best friends. And I really enjoyed the interaction. They’re both kind of irredeemable. But that was what makes them so much fun to read.
Sadly, I didn’t really particularly like, or connect with, either of the two boys. Who both are apparently drop dead gorgeous. (hehe, drop dead-get it?)
So I suppose it all comes down to do I recommend this. I really can’t. It was a little too short, to unexpressive, to guessable and too rushed for me. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it’s apparently a lot of people’s ideal thriller. My wish? I wish there was less build up and more creepy aspects to the novel. I think that would have added a lot to the premise. The ending was too wrapped in a bow. Where’s the trauma when it’s needed?
Jackie @ No Bent Spines
This does not affect my opinion
Find more of my reviews on No Bent Spines
FULL REVIEW
“Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” (ARC).
Confession: I want to love thrillers. Or at least find them thrilling. This novel is set up as a heart-pounding, blood- racing, keep-you-guessing kind of book. As are most thrilled preached as such. Cadie wants to live the life of a teenage instead of a mother to her younger brother (who is seriously adorable) because her father can’t deal, or even try to deal after the sudden death of her mother. When Cadie goes to a party she runs into two cousins. A spur of a moment idea (the need to do something kind of idea) leads her on a road trip with the two of them, and one of the local girls. One of the cousins is not at all what he seems.
Okay. This right here is my main complaint: The first half of the books was very much story- building focused and I feel I would have liked it more if we got more to the creeptastic, there is a psycho killer in our midst aspect of the story. Honestly- when the story did get to the psycho killer aspect, I seriously dug it. Other than that, the story was pretty eh. The whole trip was focused around the Devil’s Chair, but when they actually got there, it seemed to be seriously played down, and I didn’t quite know what to make of that.
Also, I totally guessed the psycho. I guessed he was the killer when he first appeared. And no, no I won’t tell you who it was. Where’s the fun in that? *evil chuckle*
Let’s talk about the characters a bit shall we? I’ve already described Cadie a bit, so we’ll just talk about the cousins. Matt and Noah. She meets Matt first when she invites him to the party, but meets Noah soon after when he’s working on Miss Kitty, the car a dead relative left him. Matt and Noah are pretty much opposites, granted they get along through the majority of the trip like they were best friends. And I really enjoyed the interaction. They’re both kind of irredeemable. But that was what makes them so much fun to read.
Sadly, I didn’t really particularly like, or connect with, either of the two boys. Who both are apparently drop dead gorgeous. (hehe, drop dead-get it?)
So I suppose it all comes down to do I recommend this. I really can’t. It was a little too short, to unexpressive, to guessable and too rushed for me. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it’s apparently a lot of people’s ideal thriller. My wish? I wish there was less build up and more creepy aspects to the novel. I think that would have added a lot to the premise. The ending was too wrapped in a bow. Where’s the trauma when it’s needed?
Jackie @ No Bent Spines
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