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Infamous
Enter the world of this YA thriller, where nothing is ever quite as it seems…
It’s been five years since the high profile kidnapping case which turned Cassie Waterson’s life upside down. The aftermath led her to become a household name - for months, she was splashed across TV screens, appeared in newspaper headlines, and featured in the furtive whispers of the residents of her hometown. But why? She hadn’t done anything significant. In fact, she’d done nothing at all; merely watched, motionless, as a shadowy figure lifted her baby sister off her feet, and bundled her into the back of a station wagon.
That single moment soon became Cassie Waterson’s life. Agonised by guilt, confused by the lack of punishment, scrutinised by the media circus… everyone claims to know Cassie now, but nobody does at all. The face she puts on for cameras, the voice she fakes for the talk shows… none of that is the reality behind the mask. Cassie is not the strong, confident girl who glares with certainty from the screen. Cassie doesn’t have her assuredness, or her optimism about her sister coming home. Cassie is someone else entirely, and the only person who knows is the one person she must avoid… at all costs.
Every story has two sides, and the flipside of Cassie Waterson is Alexis Aldridge. Unknown, anonymous, kept hidden from the world by her fearful parents… Alexis is a conundrum, wrapped in darkness. While her and Cassie lead opposite lives, they both long for the one thing they a sense of normalcy, and the freedom to be themselves.
Infamous is an unmissable YA mystery novel which will take you on twist after turn, and which provides suspense and surprises on every page.
-A fascinating YA novel, pacy and unique
-A young adults novel which juggles themes of isolation, identity, loss and fear
-This thriller has been written with clear respect for the YA audience
-A mystery which keeps you hooked until the last page.
It’s been five years since the high profile kidnapping case which turned Cassie Waterson’s life upside down. The aftermath led her to become a household name - for months, she was splashed across TV screens, appeared in newspaper headlines, and featured in the furtive whispers of the residents of her hometown. But why? She hadn’t done anything significant. In fact, she’d done nothing at all; merely watched, motionless, as a shadowy figure lifted her baby sister off her feet, and bundled her into the back of a station wagon.
That single moment soon became Cassie Waterson’s life. Agonised by guilt, confused by the lack of punishment, scrutinised by the media circus… everyone claims to know Cassie now, but nobody does at all. The face she puts on for cameras, the voice she fakes for the talk shows… none of that is the reality behind the mask. Cassie is not the strong, confident girl who glares with certainty from the screen. Cassie doesn’t have her assuredness, or her optimism about her sister coming home. Cassie is someone else entirely, and the only person who knows is the one person she must avoid… at all costs.
Every story has two sides, and the flipside of Cassie Waterson is Alexis Aldridge. Unknown, anonymous, kept hidden from the world by her fearful parents… Alexis is a conundrum, wrapped in darkness. While her and Cassie lead opposite lives, they both long for the one thing they a sense of normalcy, and the freedom to be themselves.
Infamous is an unmissable YA mystery novel which will take you on twist after turn, and which provides suspense and surprises on every page.
-A fascinating YA novel, pacy and unique
-A young adults novel which juggles themes of isolation, identity, loss and fear
-This thriller has been written with clear respect for the YA audience
-A mystery which keeps you hooked until the last page.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
960 people want to read
About the author
Allison Stowe
1 book17 followersAllison Stowe is the debut author of YA novel INFAMOUS. She grew up in Canada, before escaping to the bustle of London, UK. Allison splits her time between writing fiction in bed, and practicing psychology. She lives with her partner and two mischievous cats.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 7, 2018
Cassie is playing with her three year old sister outside on their front lawn. Cassie, only eight years old at the time, resented having to watch her baby sister. So, she leaves Sophie playing in her dollhouse while cassie rides her motorized car a lot further from where Sophie was playing.. Cassie never expected that someone in a station wagon would come in and steal her sister right from under her nose. Five years later, Sophie is still missing and there are no leads to her whereabouts. Cassie’s family is still devastated and barely able to function. But, there are secrets being hidden and what do these secrets have to do with Sophie?
Cassie grows up way too early for her age. After her sister Sophie is kidnapped, she becomes the adult in the household often taking care of her parents, cooking, cleaning, and making sure her parents are okay. Cassie also becomes the face of the family during interviews, public appearances, and stories surrounding the abduction of her sister. But, deep down inside, she is not this put together person she shows to the world. She has fears, uncertainty, and even goals for her own future. She is only thirteen years old and has the weight of the world on her shoulders.
We also learn about Alexis and her family during this dual perspective story. Alexis is sheltered by her mother, never really getting the chance to see the outside world. Alexis lives through her television shows as its the only learning she ever receives and what she perceives the outside world to be. She is eight years old and all she craves is to be like normal children going to school and making friends. She is taught that going outside is dangerous and there are bad people who will only hurt you. Why can’t she be like everyone else?
I really love Cassie. She is such a strong teen that never gives up hope. She is the rock that holds her family together when her parents start to crumble. She really had to grow up way beyond her years and you can see this by the things she does like making grocery lists, planning dinner menus, making sure her parents have their meds, that they get up out of bed. I am in awe how she tackles on all of these real life issues with a mind more wise beyond her years. At the same time though, I had a hard time with some of the things she does and says because they were very adult in nature. I had to keep reminding myself that she is only thirteen years old. This period didn’t last too long though. Eventually, as more time passes and she gets older it's easier to see her being an adult and doing adult things, more so than when she was thirteen years old.
I also had this same issue with Alexis. She is only eight years old, but a lot of her thoughts and actions portrayed her as being much older. Her only saving grace is you get glimpses of the child she really is through her fantasy stories she makes up and the diary that she keeps. One thing I did like is her naivety. She saw the world through the eyes of a child.
The mystery surrounding Sophie and her disappearance has some major twists that I didn't see coming. They were well played and executed. Even I was shocked once everything slowly starts to be revealed. Allison Stowe really hits you with the twist and keeps you guessing pretty much to the end.
I really enjoyed Infamous. It is well written and shows the horrors that a family can face when something happens to their child. Overall, Infamous is a solid mystery that will keep you guessing up until the very end. Which the ending also has an additional twist I was really surprised about and in a way was very satisfying.
Cassie grows up way too early for her age. After her sister Sophie is kidnapped, she becomes the adult in the household often taking care of her parents, cooking, cleaning, and making sure her parents are okay. Cassie also becomes the face of the family during interviews, public appearances, and stories surrounding the abduction of her sister. But, deep down inside, she is not this put together person she shows to the world. She has fears, uncertainty, and even goals for her own future. She is only thirteen years old and has the weight of the world on her shoulders.
We also learn about Alexis and her family during this dual perspective story. Alexis is sheltered by her mother, never really getting the chance to see the outside world. Alexis lives through her television shows as its the only learning she ever receives and what she perceives the outside world to be. She is eight years old and all she craves is to be like normal children going to school and making friends. She is taught that going outside is dangerous and there are bad people who will only hurt you. Why can’t she be like everyone else?
I really love Cassie. She is such a strong teen that never gives up hope. She is the rock that holds her family together when her parents start to crumble. She really had to grow up way beyond her years and you can see this by the things she does like making grocery lists, planning dinner menus, making sure her parents have their meds, that they get up out of bed. I am in awe how she tackles on all of these real life issues with a mind more wise beyond her years. At the same time though, I had a hard time with some of the things she does and says because they were very adult in nature. I had to keep reminding myself that she is only thirteen years old. This period didn’t last too long though. Eventually, as more time passes and she gets older it's easier to see her being an adult and doing adult things, more so than when she was thirteen years old.
I also had this same issue with Alexis. She is only eight years old, but a lot of her thoughts and actions portrayed her as being much older. Her only saving grace is you get glimpses of the child she really is through her fantasy stories she makes up and the diary that she keeps. One thing I did like is her naivety. She saw the world through the eyes of a child.
The mystery surrounding Sophie and her disappearance has some major twists that I didn't see coming. They were well played and executed. Even I was shocked once everything slowly starts to be revealed. Allison Stowe really hits you with the twist and keeps you guessing pretty much to the end.
I really enjoyed Infamous. It is well written and shows the horrors that a family can face when something happens to their child. Overall, Infamous is a solid mystery that will keep you guessing up until the very end. Which the ending also has an additional twist I was really surprised about and in a way was very satisfying.
July 23, 2018
I thought that this book was a very interesting read! I actually really enjoyed that it was set up as a dual-perspective YA because it gave you more information on both sides plus we were able to explore two countries - Canada and England!
There were quite a few twists in this that I just did not see coming at all. It was very pleasing that I couldn't simply guess what the ending would be as that would have resulted in a very boring story line. However, there were times when even eight year old Sophie seemed much older than what she should have been. It was the same way with the character Baz and I'm not sure if that was just due to the switching of the perspectives or not but I did still enjoy the story. I just had a hard time reminding myself that these characters weren't actually as old as how they were acting. Even Cassie and Sara at thirteen years old were acting like they were older teenagers!
There was an even bigger twist in the plot when we found out about relations for certain characters! I really liked this part because of how the story ended. I thought that it was perfect for all of the characters involved and also a nice and happy ending!
There were quite a few twists in this that I just did not see coming at all. It was very pleasing that I couldn't simply guess what the ending would be as that would have resulted in a very boring story line. However, there were times when even eight year old Sophie seemed much older than what she should have been. It was the same way with the character Baz and I'm not sure if that was just due to the switching of the perspectives or not but I did still enjoy the story. I just had a hard time reminding myself that these characters weren't actually as old as how they were acting. Even Cassie and Sara at thirteen years old were acting like they were older teenagers!
There was an even bigger twist in the plot when we found out about relations for certain characters! I really liked this part because of how the story ended. I thought that it was perfect for all of the characters involved and also a nice and happy ending!
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September 8, 2018DNF due to lack of time
August 10, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
Cassie was a typical 8 year old, not wanting to be bothered by her 3 year old sister while playing outside- that is until her sister was kidnapped right in front of her while she was suppose to be watching her. Cassie refuses to give up on hope of finding her sister, even while her parents fade away and the public says there is no chance. Meanwhile, Alexis is content with her life, having no idea that she is missing out on something bigger and better, locked away inside her house.
This was just like a lifetime movie, you know the kind that start all sweet and happy and then turn into the most terrible kind of dysfunction, with twists and outrageous turns that nobody could predict. My expectations for this book did not match up with what the story is because there was no way I could predict this level of drama (and the synopsis was a little vague). Because the fact this was a surprising kind of mystery, you get a short, vague review so as to not spoil anything.
The story was dual narrated by Cassie and Alexis, two very distinct voices with two very different lives running parallel- but with one commonality of having a hot mess of a family and childhood. To me though, Cassie was the main character, the one I was the most invested in, the one I felt like I knew and connected emotionally to. She had to grow up quickly since her parents checked out, growing up as the parent with the guilt of her sister's kidnapping on her conscious. I liked the dynamic she had with best friend Sara, as well as the developing relationships with her father and new girl Kendall. It was nice watching Cassie become a fully rounded person, able to shake off her past instead of letting it define her.
This was a pretty long, complicated emotional mystery story that spanned ten years, taking the reader through all parts of Cassi's journey to try and find her sister. It is a perfect read for those who like dark slow burn mysteries full of family drama.
I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary copy of this book.
Cassie was a typical 8 year old, not wanting to be bothered by her 3 year old sister while playing outside- that is until her sister was kidnapped right in front of her while she was suppose to be watching her. Cassie refuses to give up on hope of finding her sister, even while her parents fade away and the public says there is no chance. Meanwhile, Alexis is content with her life, having no idea that she is missing out on something bigger and better, locked away inside her house.
This was just like a lifetime movie, you know the kind that start all sweet and happy and then turn into the most terrible kind of dysfunction, with twists and outrageous turns that nobody could predict. My expectations for this book did not match up with what the story is because there was no way I could predict this level of drama (and the synopsis was a little vague). Because the fact this was a surprising kind of mystery, you get a short, vague review so as to not spoil anything.
The story was dual narrated by Cassie and Alexis, two very distinct voices with two very different lives running parallel- but with one commonality of having a hot mess of a family and childhood. To me though, Cassie was the main character, the one I was the most invested in, the one I felt like I knew and connected emotionally to. She had to grow up quickly since her parents checked out, growing up as the parent with the guilt of her sister's kidnapping on her conscious. I liked the dynamic she had with best friend Sara, as well as the developing relationships with her father and new girl Kendall. It was nice watching Cassie become a fully rounded person, able to shake off her past instead of letting it define her.
This was a pretty long, complicated emotional mystery story that spanned ten years, taking the reader through all parts of Cassi's journey to try and find her sister. It is a perfect read for those who like dark slow burn mysteries full of family drama.
I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary copy of this book.
February 7, 2018
I really loved Infamous. The story is different; it's not recycled material we've seen over and over again. It goes with our society's obsession with crimes, media and (mis)information. And, most of all, it digs deep into characters that are wonderful to read.
Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, the writing is solid from beginning to end.
Yes, there's a lesbian character. No, it's not the whole point of the book, which to me is really refreshing: I'm tired of stories that are good stories BECAUSE there's a lesbian character. Infamous is a good story AND has a lesbian character. Finally! A combo I can get onboard with!
I don't really buy books unless I know I'll be reading them over and over again. This one I bought!
Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, the writing is solid from beginning to end.
Yes, there's a lesbian character. No, it's not the whole point of the book, which to me is really refreshing: I'm tired of stories that are good stories BECAUSE there's a lesbian character. Infamous is a good story AND has a lesbian character. Finally! A combo I can get onboard with!
I don't really buy books unless I know I'll be reading them over and over again. This one I bought!
September 11, 2018
Infamous has two main characters and is told from both of their point of views which is great. I like when a book is written in more than one point of view as you get to know each person better like who they are and what makes them the person they happen to be and the circumstances that led up to making them who they are and also how they came to be where they are now in their lives.
Our first main character is Cassie Waterson and Infamous starts out with eight year old Cassie playing in the front yard with her three year old little sister Sophie. Cassie was put in charge of her little sister by their parents. Cassie was a little upset at being put in charge as that meant she couldn’t ride her car around the yard as they were told to stay close to the house. Cassie likes driving her car as she likes to go real fast. Cassie keeps inching out further and further away from the house when she hears Sophie calling her name and she looks around to see what she is hollering about now she sees a woman has taken Sophie and is putting her in a car and driving away.
Cassie becomes famous after her sister is taken by being interviewed on TV. Cassie knew her little sister was out there somewhere and she was never going to stop looking for her. Cassie’s home life had change drastically. Cassie and her parents had changed roles. Cassie had to become the parent. There were days that her parents couldn’t even get out of bed.
Our second main character is Alexis Aldridge who lives an ocean away from Cassie. Alexis lives with her mother in London and Cassie lives in Canada. Alexis is not allowed to go outdoors as there are bad people out there who could take her away from her mother. Alexis has never had a friend and sometimes probably wonders if there are any little kids out in the world like her. Alexis wishes all the time that her mother would take her to the park and then take her to McDonalds.
Infamous will draw you in from the beginning and not let go until the end. It will draw on the heart strings as well it will have you in tears on more than one occasion. Alexis and Cassie both will have you in the need for a box of tissues.
Infamous is unlike any story I have read before. It is one of those books that will have you guessing what is going to happen next and trying to figure out what is happening and whodunit but that is all you will do is guess and that ending is one that I never saw coming. Infamous is one of those books that will stay with you long after you have read the last page. It is one of those books that you would love to see on the big screen.
I would recommend Infamous to all who loves thrillers, suspense, mystery and an all around great book.
Our first main character is Cassie Waterson and Infamous starts out with eight year old Cassie playing in the front yard with her three year old little sister Sophie. Cassie was put in charge of her little sister by their parents. Cassie was a little upset at being put in charge as that meant she couldn’t ride her car around the yard as they were told to stay close to the house. Cassie likes driving her car as she likes to go real fast. Cassie keeps inching out further and further away from the house when she hears Sophie calling her name and she looks around to see what she is hollering about now she sees a woman has taken Sophie and is putting her in a car and driving away.
Cassie becomes famous after her sister is taken by being interviewed on TV. Cassie knew her little sister was out there somewhere and she was never going to stop looking for her. Cassie’s home life had change drastically. Cassie and her parents had changed roles. Cassie had to become the parent. There were days that her parents couldn’t even get out of bed.
Our second main character is Alexis Aldridge who lives an ocean away from Cassie. Alexis lives with her mother in London and Cassie lives in Canada. Alexis is not allowed to go outdoors as there are bad people out there who could take her away from her mother. Alexis has never had a friend and sometimes probably wonders if there are any little kids out in the world like her. Alexis wishes all the time that her mother would take her to the park and then take her to McDonalds.
Infamous will draw you in from the beginning and not let go until the end. It will draw on the heart strings as well it will have you in tears on more than one occasion. Alexis and Cassie both will have you in the need for a box of tissues.
Infamous is unlike any story I have read before. It is one of those books that will have you guessing what is going to happen next and trying to figure out what is happening and whodunit but that is all you will do is guess and that ending is one that I never saw coming. Infamous is one of those books that will stay with you long after you have read the last page. It is one of those books that you would love to see on the big screen.
I would recommend Infamous to all who loves thrillers, suspense, mystery and an all around great book.
July 30, 2019
This story begins with Cassie, who at age 8 witnesses the abduction of her 3 year old sister, Sophie. And so begins the infamy of both girls as we watch each come of age amid terrible circumstances! We see the struggles each faces as the years roll by.
Once I got into this storyline I could NOT put it down. This is an easy but engrossing read by an author who knows not only her characters, but her audience.
This is listed as a YA read but it kept me on the hook (let’s just say that I am way passed 50). I cannot believe this is her debut novel and look forward to seeing where Ms. Stowe goes next. Trust me, we will all be watching and waiting. BRAVO! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once I got into this storyline I could NOT put it down. This is an easy but engrossing read by an author who knows not only her characters, but her audience.
This is listed as a YA read but it kept me on the hook (let’s just say that I am way passed 50). I cannot believe this is her debut novel and look forward to seeing where Ms. Stowe goes next. Trust me, we will all be watching and waiting. BRAVO! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2018
Great read and builds up very well to a surprising, clever ending.
March 28, 2018
This book was well written, with a bit of a surprise to the conclusion. Thank you Goodreads
Giveaways.
Giveaways.
August 31, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Infamous. I really liked the author's writing style. I enjoyed the fact that the book was written in dual perspective. I'm really picky about this but for this story it works well. I thought the characters were well written and interesting. I enjoyed all the twists and turns. This was a wonderful, suspenseful mystery!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews