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Hide and Seek
Lissa, a quiet, withdrawn girl, pursues a life of solitude and dreams of the day she will leave home, until a dangerous person who seems to know everything about her inexplicably targets her for murder. Original.
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 11, 2020
One of the few Point Horror's that I'd not previously read, as Teenage Scream podcast are due to cover this title I quickly purchased a copy prior to their forthcoming episode.
This didn't really feel like a Point Horror, but in a good way.
This tackles a tough important subject that this series rarely touches upon, as our main protagonist has to contend with an abusive father.
It felt more like a psychological thriller, but the horror of a parent intending to cause harm to their child is one of the most scariest stories this 90's YA series has ever tackled.
This was McFann's only contribution to the range and I do suspect that Scholastic were desperate to find more titles to publish during the series high point.
I can imagine this really resonating with a teen audience as I don't really recall these topics being openly discussed as much at the time.
This didn't really feel like a Point Horror, but in a good way.
This tackles a tough important subject that this series rarely touches upon, as our main protagonist has to contend with an abusive father.
It felt more like a psychological thriller, but the horror of a parent intending to cause harm to their child is one of the most scariest stories this 90's YA series has ever tackled.
This was McFann's only contribution to the range and I do suspect that Scholastic were desperate to find more titles to publish during the series high point.
I can imagine this really resonating with a teen audience as I don't really recall these topics being openly discussed as much at the time.
April 8, 2024
It's funny, reading some reviews on here mostly all the readers seem to love this book and not for the point horror type of YA alot of us horror fans grew up with. Seems like alot of ppl like how this is different than usual point horror plots with alot of real world trauma, abuse and mental health issues due to the abuse. I happen to not remember this book at all but due to leaving it 5 stars after reading it years ago and due to reading some of good readers reviews , this will go to the re-read pile.
4/8/24- RE READ. Changing this to 4 Stars. The only reason being is becuase I wanted to re-read some old Point Horror / YA horror for the fun nostalgia and this was a little too slow for me and also a little to REAL. its not the usual slasher or murder mystery or supernatural YA point book. PTSD and domestic abuse isnt a "comfort" read for me. Also, the first 80% of this book was Very slow and was just background on Lissa and her family and Josh.
4/8/24- RE READ. Changing this to 4 Stars. The only reason being is becuase I wanted to re-read some old Point Horror / YA horror for the fun nostalgia and this was a little too slow for me and also a little to REAL. its not the usual slasher or murder mystery or supernatural YA point book. PTSD and domestic abuse isnt a "comfort" read for me. Also, the first 80% of this book was Very slow and was just background on Lissa and her family and Josh.
November 11, 2024
2024
2022
2020
2019
Lissa is a really sweet, really quiet teenage girl. She tries to not be noticed by her teachers (except for her good grades), she tries to not be noticed by her classmates (and Josh is the only one who continuously tries), but she especially tries to not be noticed by her father.
The whole story is spent with Lissa sitting in the woods, hiding from a mysterious figure who keeps stomping around trying to find her. Lissa doesn't understand how she got to this point, so she takes us, the reader, down her memories to try and figure out what went so wrong that someone wants her dead.
Lissa's family life is something else. I can get past the abusive father (because without him the story wouldn't work. You have to have some sort of conflict for this to happen), but I really can't understand the mother. Well, I can understand her up until Lissa is in high school. When Lissa has help falling down the stairs. That's exactly the point where I can't understand why the mother didn't take Lissa away from the father.
I love that Josh never gives up, though. He tries so hard just to get Lissa to smile. He is ultimate book boyfriend. He wants Lissa to be happy even before she agrees to go out with him. I know I didn't have any of those boys when I was in high school! But Josh is sweet and sincere and still completely believable as a character.
2017
2015
2022
2020
2019
Lissa is a really sweet, really quiet teenage girl. She tries to not be noticed by her teachers (except for her good grades), she tries to not be noticed by her classmates (and Josh is the only one who continuously tries), but she especially tries to not be noticed by her father.
The whole story is spent with Lissa sitting in the woods, hiding from a mysterious figure who keeps stomping around trying to find her. Lissa doesn't understand how she got to this point, so she takes us, the reader, down her memories to try and figure out what went so wrong that someone wants her dead.
Lissa's family life is something else. I can get past the abusive father (because without him the story wouldn't work. You have to have some sort of conflict for this to happen), but I really can't understand the mother. Well, I can understand her up until Lissa is in high school. When Lissa has help falling down the stairs. That's exactly the point where I can't understand why the mother didn't take Lissa away from the father.
I love that Josh never gives up, though. He tries so hard just to get Lissa to smile. He is ultimate book boyfriend. He wants Lissa to be happy even before she agrees to go out with him. I know I didn't have any of those boys when I was in high school! But Josh is sweet and sincere and still completely believable as a character.
2017
2015
February 23, 2020
I read this for our podcast Teenage Scream, which dissects the best (and worst) of 90s Teen Horror.
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
August 4, 2022
I think this is the Point Horror novel that unsettled me the most because all the horrors that take place here are so realistic. They could happen in real life and unfortunately, some people out have more or less the same reality as the main character is going through.
This is not the usual Point Horror stories where the horrifying events have a fine line between realistic and ludicrous, so you can get scared and enjoy the novel without it triggering any sensitive subjects that you don't want to deal with while enjoying a book (e.g. slasher stories, murder mystery, mystery monster, etc.). This book leans more into psychological horror since one of the characters deals with severe and undiagnosed mental illness and trauma that causes pain and suffering to other characters.
I like how this was written; the plot twist really broke my heart. Unlike other Point Horror stories, the villain here is not just a two-dimensional bad guy whose motive to do terrible stuff is just him being bad; the villain here is also a victim of his own demons and monsters that eat him alive while he tries to suppress it, the more it destroys him.
This was written well. I enjoyed this a lot. It may be a heavy read for some people and if anyone wants to read this, proceed with caution.
TW: PTSD, mental illness, family abuse
This is not the usual Point Horror stories where the horrifying events have a fine line between realistic and ludicrous, so you can get scared and enjoy the novel without it triggering any sensitive subjects that you don't want to deal with while enjoying a book (e.g. slasher stories, murder mystery, mystery monster, etc.). This book leans more into psychological horror since one of the characters deals with severe and undiagnosed mental illness and trauma that causes pain and suffering to other characters.
I like how this was written; the plot twist really broke my heart. Unlike other Point Horror stories, the villain here is not just a two-dimensional bad guy whose motive to do terrible stuff is just him being bad; the villain here is also a victim of his own demons and monsters that eat him alive while he tries to suppress it, the more it destroys him.
This was written well. I enjoyed this a lot. It may be a heavy read for some people and if anyone wants to read this, proceed with caution.
TW: PTSD, mental illness, family abuse
September 2, 2018
3.5 Stars. Somehow I missed this title in the Point Thriller line during my teen years. Hide and Seek isn’t your typical stalk and slash so commonly found beside the likes of Carol Ellis, R. L. Stine, and Diane Hoh. Instead, it deals with some serious issues such as abuse, neglect, and PTSD. Not what I was expecting, but a fairly compelling read.
February 22, 2020
Re-read this for Teenage Scream podcast (lovingly dissecting the best and worst of 90s teen horror):
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
https://soundcloud.com/teenagescream
October 21, 2014
This gets 3.5 from me.
Rather than a horror story, this is more a tale of one girl's abusive childhood that culminates in her literally running and hiding in fear of her life.
The whole novel is spent with Lissa, in her head and her life, so we get to know her really well. From the outside her decisions might not make sense, but because we know her thought processes, tainted as they are by years of emotional (and later physical) abuse, we can empathize and understand. This is what excellent characterization is all about. The other character worth mentioning is Bird, who managed to find a place in my heart through Lissa's lovely and touching relationship with the little fellow.
The technique of flip-flopping between Lissa's past and present may be confusing for some, but I really appreciated this technique and the way it helped to reveal the situation little by little, keeping me reading to find out the secrets Lissa was holding back. However, I found it very obvious from the beginning who is stalking Lissa, and the lines thrown in there to try and make us wonder seem incredibly forced. It's almost like these parts were added in afterwards in order to shoehorn this into the 'horror' genre, when it really should have belonged elsewhere.
All in all this was a surprisingly sensitive look at an abusive and dysfunctional upbringing, mental illness, and having the courage to escape and move on; however, I don't think it's PH material.
Rather than a horror story, this is more a tale of one girl's abusive childhood that culminates in her literally running and hiding in fear of her life.
The whole novel is spent with Lissa, in her head and her life, so we get to know her really well. From the outside her decisions might not make sense, but because we know her thought processes, tainted as they are by years of emotional (and later physical) abuse, we can empathize and understand. This is what excellent characterization is all about. The other character worth mentioning is Bird, who managed to find a place in my heart through Lissa's lovely and touching relationship with the little fellow.
The technique of flip-flopping between Lissa's past and present may be confusing for some, but I really appreciated this technique and the way it helped to reveal the situation little by little, keeping me reading to find out the secrets Lissa was holding back. However, I found it very obvious from the beginning who is stalking Lissa, and the lines thrown in there to try and make us wonder seem incredibly forced. It's almost like these parts were added in afterwards in order to shoehorn this into the 'horror' genre, when it really should have belonged elsewhere.
All in all this was a surprisingly sensitive look at an abusive and dysfunctional upbringing, mental illness, and having the courage to escape and move on; however, I don't think it's PH material.
Read
April 8, 2012Alyssa Peters
Horror
This book is definetly a book for young adults. It seemed kind of too young for me. It was about a girl named Lissa who has an angry father. One night Lissa and her friend Abby sneek out to the barn to peer into the window to see what Lissa's father is doing. He was actually painting a really weird angry looking picture. Then as the story progresses, someone is after Lissa. They chase her through the woods with a gun. It turns out to be Lissa's father. Lissa's friend Josh winds up saving her and she goes to stay with him and his grandma. I would reccomend this book for young adults who like horror stories.
Horror
This book is definetly a book for young adults. It seemed kind of too young for me. It was about a girl named Lissa who has an angry father. One night Lissa and her friend Abby sneek out to the barn to peer into the window to see what Lissa's father is doing. He was actually painting a really weird angry looking picture. Then as the story progresses, someone is after Lissa. They chase her through the woods with a gun. It turns out to be Lissa's father. Lissa's friend Josh winds up saving her and she goes to stay with him and his grandma. I would reccomend this book for young adults who like horror stories.
March 15, 2024
I'm not sure what to make of this. It was an absorbing read, but didn't feel at all like a Point Horror. Instead it's an inside view of growing up in an abusive home with a raging narcissistic father and a neglectful mother who enables her horrible husband's behaviour. I'm sorry, no amount of "because Vietnam!" excuses anything he did, and the fact that his daughter feels sorry for him in the end is probably symptomatic of the way she's been programmed to ignore her own needs.
....I'm basically still yelling at the characters. See, it really was gripping. Just not what I expected.
....I'm basically still yelling at the characters. See, it really was gripping. Just not what I expected.
April 14, 2020
This is actually good, but not very Point Horror-ish. I expect Point Horror to be silly and camp and not really scary, but this is actually a horrific story about abuse.
So it's good, but don't go into it expecting the usual Point Horror tropes.
So it's good, but don't go into it expecting the usual Point Horror tropes.
July 15, 2013
Jane McFann has a completely different style of story telling. And tells us a tale that is worthy of Point Horror.
August 14, 2019
I found this an excellent but hard read. Reading about Lissa's life was heartbreaking. Written well and a good ending.
September 10, 2022
This is definitely not a standard Point Horror book.
It has an air that is more akin to RTC and Caroline B. Cooney's more serious foray in the Janie Johnson series.
I also read Be Mine by Jane McFann and it was a little different from other Point Horror Young Adult Thrillers as well. We get more suspense before we learn who is behind the terror and why with the person being troubled.
Once you read through the book despite the blurb trying to be mysterious it is easy to tell who is the villain after our protagonist, Lissa, and that makes it much more realistic and harrowing.
The innocent title and the cover tell you this isn't going to be awful teenagers and high school pranks. We get a sort of recounting as to why we start with Lissa hiding in the woods with her pet parrot, Bird, knowing she is coming face to face quite soon with death...at her father's hands.
At first he's only mentally and verbally abusive to Lissa and her mother but as years go by it escalates to the more physical side and only Lissa suffers for it.
She's never had friends or any normal kind of life. Lissa has always tried to be quiet and invisible because her mother always tells her that's what her father needs. He's an artist it runs in the blood as Lissa has learned to draw but her father can never say anything positive or encouraging to her...not even love or pride at her good grades.
We do get some present moments and not just glimpses of the past before everything collides to here is where we are now. These mostly focus on a boy Lissa's age named Josh who sits behind her in English at her new school.
From the first moment she steps into the school halls, Josh can't help but be fascinated at this new girl with short, elven hair who is quiet and draws the most beautiful pictures of fairies and woodland fantasy creatures he has ever seen. He is determined to make this girl smile and laugh yet still respect that Lissa won't tell him everything...for now.
You are left wondering if the girl will get away...you want her to get away. I'm not disappointed at all in how the climax plays out or the way the book ends. We get reasoning behind her father's rage throughout the book but not the whole backstory until the end and it is so plausible and palpable.
I have never known anyone with PTSD from going off to war and having to do and see things but I have known a few people who suffer it from other traumatic experiences. This is probably the most realistic Point Horror book and the only reason I don't give it five stars is because it's such a sore subject to applaud.
The ending is bittersweet yet evenly balanced that you can hold out for the scale to completely tip to the more sweet aspect while knowing the bitter part will still remain. Lissa is a very brave young woman trying her best despite the most terrible thing I could ever think of: having your parents, either one or both, despising you.
My other favorite character is Josh. You think he may be a jerk at first but it's clear that he is a kind person and obviously fascinated with Lissa. He has a sense of humor and is presented as being raised by his grandmother with respect for others so his charm to try and get a girl he barely even knows to open up...is refreshing.
If you have been through anything like what is described in the book, it may not be the best book to read. I certainly wouldn't want it to trigger bad memories but if you are curious to read this book, I would recommend it.
It has an air that is more akin to RTC and Caroline B. Cooney's more serious foray in the Janie Johnson series.
I also read Be Mine by Jane McFann and it was a little different from other Point Horror Young Adult Thrillers as well. We get more suspense before we learn who is behind the terror and why with the person being troubled.
Once you read through the book despite the blurb trying to be mysterious it is easy to tell who is the villain after our protagonist, Lissa, and that makes it much more realistic and harrowing.
The innocent title and the cover tell you this isn't going to be awful teenagers and high school pranks. We get a sort of recounting as to why we start with Lissa hiding in the woods with her pet parrot, Bird, knowing she is coming face to face quite soon with death...at her father's hands.
At first he's only mentally and verbally abusive to Lissa and her mother but as years go by it escalates to the more physical side and only Lissa suffers for it.
She's never had friends or any normal kind of life. Lissa has always tried to be quiet and invisible because her mother always tells her that's what her father needs. He's an artist it runs in the blood as Lissa has learned to draw but her father can never say anything positive or encouraging to her...not even love or pride at her good grades.
We do get some present moments and not just glimpses of the past before everything collides to here is where we are now. These mostly focus on a boy Lissa's age named Josh who sits behind her in English at her new school.
From the first moment she steps into the school halls, Josh can't help but be fascinated at this new girl with short, elven hair who is quiet and draws the most beautiful pictures of fairies and woodland fantasy creatures he has ever seen. He is determined to make this girl smile and laugh yet still respect that Lissa won't tell him everything...for now.
You are left wondering if the girl will get away...you want her to get away. I'm not disappointed at all in how the climax plays out or the way the book ends. We get reasoning behind her father's rage throughout the book but not the whole backstory until the end and it is so plausible and palpable.
I have never known anyone with PTSD from going off to war and having to do and see things but I have known a few people who suffer it from other traumatic experiences. This is probably the most realistic Point Horror book and the only reason I don't give it five stars is because it's such a sore subject to applaud.
The ending is bittersweet yet evenly balanced that you can hold out for the scale to completely tip to the more sweet aspect while knowing the bitter part will still remain. Lissa is a very brave young woman trying her best despite the most terrible thing I could ever think of: having your parents, either one or both, despising you.
My other favorite character is Josh. You think he may be a jerk at first but it's clear that he is a kind person and obviously fascinated with Lissa. He has a sense of humor and is presented as being raised by his grandmother with respect for others so his charm to try and get a girl he barely even knows to open up...is refreshing.
If you have been through anything like what is described in the book, it may not be the best book to read. I certainly wouldn't want it to trigger bad memories but if you are curious to read this book, I would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
Hide and Seek by Jane McFann is a captivating journey through the life of Lissa, a young girl navigating the complexities of abuse, fear, and the relentless pursuit of survival. With its gripping narrative and well-crafted characters, this book transcends the boundaries of typical horror fiction, delivering a poignant and haunting tale that resonates long after the final page is turned.
McFann skillfully weaves together the threads of Lissa's past and present, offering readers a profound insight into her psyche as she grapples with the looming threat of her father's violent intentions. The portrayal of Lissa's abusive upbringing is both harrowing and heartrending, capturing the devastating impact of domestic trauma with raw authenticity.
What sets Hide and Seek apart is its nuanced exploration of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Despite the darkness that surrounds her, Lissa finds solace in her art and the unwavering support of Josh, a beacon of kindness and understanding in her tumultuous world. Their budding relationship adds a glimmer of hope to the narrative, underscoring the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
While some may find the identity of the antagonist predictable, McFann's emphasis on character development and psychological depth elevates the story beyond mere suspense. The intricate layers of Lissa's internal struggle invite readers to empathize with her plight, fostering a sense of emotional investment that transcends the boundaries of genre.
Though Hide and Seek may not be suitable for readers sensitive to themes of abuse and trauma, its poignant portrayal of resilience and redemption makes it a compelling read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Hide and Seek is a riveting tale that defies genre conventions, offering a compelling blend of psychological depth, suspense, and poignant storytelling. Jane McFann's masterful prose and nuanced characterization make this book a standout addition to the literary landscape. Highly recommended for readers craving a gripping narrative that resonates on a profound emotional level.
McFann skillfully weaves together the threads of Lissa's past and present, offering readers a profound insight into her psyche as she grapples with the looming threat of her father's violent intentions. The portrayal of Lissa's abusive upbringing is both harrowing and heartrending, capturing the devastating impact of domestic trauma with raw authenticity.
What sets Hide and Seek apart is its nuanced exploration of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Despite the darkness that surrounds her, Lissa finds solace in her art and the unwavering support of Josh, a beacon of kindness and understanding in her tumultuous world. Their budding relationship adds a glimmer of hope to the narrative, underscoring the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
While some may find the identity of the antagonist predictable, McFann's emphasis on character development and psychological depth elevates the story beyond mere suspense. The intricate layers of Lissa's internal struggle invite readers to empathize with her plight, fostering a sense of emotional investment that transcends the boundaries of genre.
Though Hide and Seek may not be suitable for readers sensitive to themes of abuse and trauma, its poignant portrayal of resilience and redemption makes it a compelling read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Hide and Seek is a riveting tale that defies genre conventions, offering a compelling blend of psychological depth, suspense, and poignant storytelling. Jane McFann's masterful prose and nuanced characterization make this book a standout addition to the literary landscape. Highly recommended for readers craving a gripping narrative that resonates on a profound emotional level.
November 12, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book in 3 days. It wasn't what I was expecting, but I had read it in high school and wanted to revisit it. The story is so engaging, you will not be able to put it down! I was surprised to find I remembered certain parts of the book, they had stayed with me for years and years, imprinted on me through McFann's greatly impactful storytelling. This book deals with heavy topics, but in a respectful, truthful, and understanding way. This is a worthwhile read and excellent young adult novel.
October 2, 2021
Surely it was a thriller novel, one that I could not help but to flip pages to see what's going to happen next. Only that, it's some kind of expected plot to begin with. It was obvious that the father was the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
This was a good book, it went back and forth from her present day to her memories. This book was a simple read and would suggest it to anyone who likes suspenseful and scary books. If you don't really like scary but you do like suspenseful then this is the book for you because it balances it out.
January 10, 2025
The second Point Horror I’ve read this month and both low-key slapped (after many disappointing ones).
Another one that has more serious topics than your usual Point Horror books, ie abuse, PTSD. And it had a bird called Bird. Iconic.
Another one that has more serious topics than your usual Point Horror books, ie abuse, PTSD. And it had a bird called Bird. Iconic.
December 11, 2017
Another snow day nostalgia read. This one is actually pretty compelling.
May 2, 2020
Unusual and lovely.
August 16, 2023
A different way of writing a story. I was intreaged and I liked it!
October 16, 2025
This was a great book! Total 90's vibes. I would read it again. It's a great addition to my bookshelf. I highly recommend it!
May 8, 2016
5 out of 5 Point Horror Book Stars!
(I rate these books compared to other Point Horror Books Only)
I read this as part of the #pointhorrorbookclub that I run monthly!
You can read the post here http://talesofyesterday.co.uk/2016/04...
This is more of a discussion than a review with highlighted areas of the book and has a comedy feel to the discussion to. Please be aware that as this is a discussion there will be spoilers.
Want to know more about #pointhorrorbookclub - check this out http://talesofyesterday.co.uk/tales-p...
All in all I personally liked this book - a very different Point Horror to what we know and love but still really good!
For more reviews and book chat please visit www.talesofyesterday.co.uk
Please be aware that the discussion will contain spoilers!
(I rate these books compared to other Point Horror Books Only)
I read this as part of the #pointhorrorbookclub that I run monthly!
You can read the post here http://talesofyesterday.co.uk/2016/04...
This is more of a discussion than a review with highlighted areas of the book and has a comedy feel to the discussion to. Please be aware that as this is a discussion there will be spoilers.
Want to know more about #pointhorrorbookclub - check this out http://talesofyesterday.co.uk/tales-p...
All in all I personally liked this book - a very different Point Horror to what we know and love but still really good!
For more reviews and book chat please visit www.talesofyesterday.co.uk
Please be aware that the discussion will contain spoilers!
April 11, 2016
This was quite an eerie read. Unlike other Point Horror books I've read, this one focused on a more believable story about a young girl who is abused by her father. This book really got to me. I found myself feeling very uncomfortable in parts & quite anxious in others. I liked the way the story was told with Lissa reflecting on her past & how it linked to the present. Overall this has been the best Point Horror book I have read so far, mainly because it had some actual depth to it.
August 12, 2010
This book was lame and it touched a sore spot with me because the girl's dad turned out to be a psycho trying to kill her...Not sayin my ol man wanted to kill me but well you get the idea!
Violence in a kiddie book....not my cup of tea so I blew it right out the door!
Violence in a kiddie book....not my cup of tea so I blew it right out the door!
Read
December 25, 2007It's very sad, esp about the fact that her dad tried to kill her! He was so mean!
Read
January 19, 2009JM-McF
July 12, 2009
Good for young adult.
July 10, 2013
mann i love this book nothing like i thought i would be like soo gooood though mann love this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews