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The Killer's Cousin
Recently acquitted of murder, 17-year-old David has moved to Massachusetts to complete his senior year of high school. His aunt and uncle have offered him shelter--escape from the media's incessant questions and from the uncertain glances of his neighbors and ex-friends.
His attic apartment doesn't feel much like a shelter, though. He sees ghostly shadows at night, his aunt is strangely cold, and his 11-year-old cousin Lily is downright hostile. And as Lily's behavior becomes more and more threatening, David can't help but wonder what ugly secrets lurk within the walls of Lily's home.
There's one thing David knows with certainty. The more he learns about his cousin Lily, the harder it is to avoid thinking about his own past.
His attic apartment doesn't feel much like a shelter, though. He sees ghostly shadows at night, his aunt is strangely cold, and his 11-year-old cousin Lily is downright hostile. And as Lily's behavior becomes more and more threatening, David can't help but wonder what ugly secrets lurk within the walls of Lily's home.
There's one thing David knows with certainty. The more he learns about his cousin Lily, the harder it is to avoid thinking about his own past.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 1998
40 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Werlin
29 books1,085 followersNancy Werlin writes young adult fiction: New York Times–bestselling fantasy, Edgar-award winning suspense, and National Book Award-honored realistic novels.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
May 24, 2021
okay, this book is not four-stars like proust is four-stars. this earns its rating because after reading a series of "ho-hum" and "meh-meh" teen books - this one was actually pretty good.
except for the epilogue, which made me a little embarrassed. ungood.
it's kind of a ghost story, it's kind of a mystery, it's kind of a story about a creepy little kid, it's kind of a coming-of-age story.
but it works.
it may be just that i read it in about an hour and a half, so my reading didn't get interrupted, but it felt very fast-paced and exciting, and the story itself was well-told and original. and it won an edgar award.
it's weird, i liked it a lot while i was reading it, but today, the day after, i can't remember why.
here is a picture of a wombat tummy instead!
come to my blog!
except for the epilogue, which made me a little embarrassed. ungood.
it's kind of a ghost story, it's kind of a mystery, it's kind of a story about a creepy little kid, it's kind of a coming-of-age story.
but it works.
it may be just that i read it in about an hour and a half, so my reading didn't get interrupted, but it felt very fast-paced and exciting, and the story itself was well-told and original. and it won an edgar award.
it's weird, i liked it a lot while i was reading it, but today, the day after, i can't remember why.
here is a picture of a wombat tummy instead!
come to my blog! 
July 18, 2010
I love Nancy Werlin. Her ability to write different genres always amazes me. The Rules of Survival severed my heartstrings, Double Helix was a decent science-fiction novel, and Killer's Cousin was thrilling and suspenseful.
Seventeen-year-old David Yaffe feels guilty for the death of his girlfriend, Emily - despite the jury acquitting him and proving his innocence. He decides to move in with his aunt and uncle in Massachusetts, where he resides in their attic apartment. Strange things are lurking in the shadows, though. His aunt Julia remains cold and disdainful, and his eleven-year-old cousin Lily proves to be a psychotic freak. Especially Lily, who there seems to be a lot more to than meets the eye.
The sole factor that earned this book three stars was the suspense. It was frightening, and the psychological drama had my head reeling from beginning to end. In fact, I would recommend this only to people who enjoy thrillers or suspense centered books.
Most of the characters irked me, however. I came close to empathizing with David, but only managed to sympathize with him and his guilt. Lily scared the heck out of me, and all of the adults in this novel were irritatingly unaware of the situation unfolding. David's friend Frank and his casual love interest Raina seemed more like plot devices than three-dimensional characters.
Not my favorite by Nancy Werlin, but pretty good.
Seventeen-year-old David Yaffe feels guilty for the death of his girlfriend, Emily - despite the jury acquitting him and proving his innocence. He decides to move in with his aunt and uncle in Massachusetts, where he resides in their attic apartment. Strange things are lurking in the shadows, though. His aunt Julia remains cold and disdainful, and his eleven-year-old cousin Lily proves to be a psychotic freak. Especially Lily, who there seems to be a lot more to than meets the eye.
The sole factor that earned this book three stars was the suspense. It was frightening, and the psychological drama had my head reeling from beginning to end. In fact, I would recommend this only to people who enjoy thrillers or suspense centered books.
Most of the characters irked me, however. I came close to empathizing with David, but only managed to sympathize with him and his guilt. Lily scared the heck out of me, and all of the adults in this novel were irritatingly unaware of the situation unfolding. David's friend Frank and his casual love interest Raina seemed more like plot devices than three-dimensional characters.
Not my favorite by Nancy Werlin, but pretty good.
February 5, 2010
Nancy Werlin picks another interesting topic to address in her book.
This novel is a killer's story, a story of a teenager who was acquitted of his girl-friend's murder and now has to attempt to start fresh in a new town, among new people. Once he moves in with his aunt, uncle, and cousin, he is forced not only to relive his guilt, shame and regret, but theirs as well, because they have their own tragedies to face.
"The Killer's Cousin" is a skillfully done thriller which in spite of its predictability, still manages to keep you in suspense and even terror. David's "voice" is believable, his emotional torments are sincere. There is no real happy ending to this story, as there is no real way to atone for a murder in real life, but that only adds to the believability of this notable novel.
This novel is a killer's story, a story of a teenager who was acquitted of his girl-friend's murder and now has to attempt to start fresh in a new town, among new people. Once he moves in with his aunt, uncle, and cousin, he is forced not only to relive his guilt, shame and regret, but theirs as well, because they have their own tragedies to face.
"The Killer's Cousin" is a skillfully done thriller which in spite of its predictability, still manages to keep you in suspense and even terror. David's "voice" is believable, his emotional torments are sincere. There is no real happy ending to this story, as there is no real way to atone for a murder in real life, but that only adds to the believability of this notable novel.
April 28, 2009
After reading The Rules of Survivaland Impossible, I have become quite a fan of Nancy Werlin, and I found The Killer's Cousin to be another interesting book from this author. The main character's struggle with his past and his strange and difficult present lead to an interesting story with strong character development. Although some readers will predict part of the ending, the final scenes do offer some surprises and a satisfying and hopeful conclusion to a fairly sad story.
July 6, 2015
3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed The Killer's Cousin quite a bit. It was a very quick read. I think the author did a great job of creating tension between characters that you could actually feel. Lilly was a creepy kid and although I figured out her secret right away it didn't spoil the book for me. The character of David was well done. I empathized with him. I probably would have given this 4 stars if not for the telepathic type link he suddenly develops with his cousin near the end of the book. Where did that even come from?
January 31, 2020
Apart verhaal, wel goed.
March 29, 2013
Well this is one of those mood whiplash books. And it does it perfectly.
September 27, 2017
David is almost finished with high school, but, he cannot complete his education in the area where he lives with his parents. Previously on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, he was found not guilty. Because of all the constant media attention, his parents make a decision to send him to live with relatives in Cambridge, MA.
While trying to sort through his life and consequences, it becomes increasingly difficult to navigate both his past, and the new home where, in particular, his Aunt, really does not want him in their house. This family also has a lot of garbage to sort through while also suffering from a great deal of grief because of a death/suicide of a teenage daughter.
The new family includes an Aunt who truly does not want him, a nasty, manipulative sociopath, child, and an Uncle who tries to deal with his own family dysfunction and grief while trying to make David comfortable in their home.
David is dealing with two dysfunctional families, the one he left behind, and the one where he was shuffled off, and he must come to grips with his past, while trying to cope with the present.
While trying to sort through his life and consequences, it becomes increasingly difficult to navigate both his past, and the new home where, in particular, his Aunt, really does not want him in their house. This family also has a lot of garbage to sort through while also suffering from a great deal of grief because of a death/suicide of a teenage daughter.
The new family includes an Aunt who truly does not want him, a nasty, manipulative sociopath, child, and an Uncle who tries to deal with his own family dysfunction and grief while trying to make David comfortable in their home.
David is dealing with two dysfunctional families, the one he left behind, and the one where he was shuffled off, and he must come to grips with his past, while trying to cope with the present.
April 5, 2018
This has sat on my shelves for some years now and I’m not even sure where it came from. I have a vague recollection of picking up free with a selection of other books being given away. I fancied something brief and this fit the bill.
It’s a very quick read, partly the length, partly the writing. The set up is initially intriguing, the supporting cast are nicely portrayed and some of the relationships are satisfyingly complex. I just couldn’t get on with the voice of David - it all felt a little overwrought and melodramatic. That’s probably harsh given it’s about a young adult who is struggling to move on from accidentally killing someone. But there you have it.
The tension builds but the central conceit was fairly obvious and the ending just fizzled (even if it gamely tried to provide an answer for how you move on following something so devastating), while the ‘haunting’ aspects never really worked. Also, is store card swapping actually a thing?
Not bad by any means, just not really for me.
It’s a very quick read, partly the length, partly the writing. The set up is initially intriguing, the supporting cast are nicely portrayed and some of the relationships are satisfyingly complex. I just couldn’t get on with the voice of David - it all felt a little overwrought and melodramatic. That’s probably harsh given it’s about a young adult who is struggling to move on from accidentally killing someone. But there you have it.
The tension builds but the central conceit was fairly obvious and the ending just fizzled (even if it gamely tried to provide an answer for how you move on following something so devastating), while the ‘haunting’ aspects never really worked. Also, is store card swapping actually a thing?
Not bad by any means, just not really for me.
May 25, 2017
I did not like this book as much as I thought I would. I like mystery books so I like the story, but the graphic details were too much for me. David is the main character and he has to finish high school at a different school after he was found not guilty of killing his girlfriend. They had to move to a new town to live with his mean aunt and quiet uncle. His cousin Lily also lived there. I didn't really like her character because I found her weird and annoying. Then he finds out his other cousin had killed himself in the attic before they moved there, so they think the house is haunted.
February 23, 2019
An interesting story about overcoming grief from a loss.
February 19, 2021
The ending of the book was good but considering there were not that many pages it was very slow to get into the really good part of the book.
February 1, 2012
One of the fascinating things about "The Killer's Cousin" is that it's a story covering multiple dimensions, even considering the tough subject matter that it takes on. Nancy Werlin creates a sympathetic story for 17-year-old David, recently acquitted for the crime of murdering his girlfriend. Yet while the charges are dismissed against David, he does not absolve himself from wrongdoing because, in his mind, he's still a murderer - and he's no longer the same person following that experience.
While haunted by his internal demons, David's sent to his aunt and uncle's place to complete his senior year of high school, away from the media spotlight. It's not an easy transition since David misses his parents and never wanted to leave in the first place. He finds it difficult to make friends given the negative publicity surrounding him as well as his own internal issues.
But he's also not exactly on the best of terms with his extended family. Part of that relates with a tragic incident in his family's past - the unexpected death of his elder cousin Kathy. But David's aunt, uncle, and younger cousin Lily seem reluctant to take him as well. Lily, in particular, seeks to make David's stay as unwelcome as possible - pulling vicious pranks and acting in ways that make David believe he's teetering on the edge of his own sanity. Yet David realizes there's something off - that there may be more to Lily's behavior and a deeper, more sinister secret lurking within his family. The only way he can uncover it is by using his own instincts and the delusions that seem to grow louder inside him until they're ready to burst.
"The Killer's Cousin" is a fascinating read, giving enough tangible mystery/suspense, with even a few paranormal elements, to keep one on the edge of their seat waiting to see how things unravel. I thought David's voice was very strong and it was easy to follow him through the events of the novel. Lily is undoubtedly the creepy kid who comes across as the perfect angel in her parents eyes - reminiscent of stories like "The Good Son." But even in the turns "The Killer's Cousin" takes, it's also a tale of moving forward and living with the consequences of one's decisions and actions. I think that's something that will resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
Overall score: 4/5
While haunted by his internal demons, David's sent to his aunt and uncle's place to complete his senior year of high school, away from the media spotlight. It's not an easy transition since David misses his parents and never wanted to leave in the first place. He finds it difficult to make friends given the negative publicity surrounding him as well as his own internal issues.
But he's also not exactly on the best of terms with his extended family. Part of that relates with a tragic incident in his family's past - the unexpected death of his elder cousin Kathy. But David's aunt, uncle, and younger cousin Lily seem reluctant to take him as well. Lily, in particular, seeks to make David's stay as unwelcome as possible - pulling vicious pranks and acting in ways that make David believe he's teetering on the edge of his own sanity. Yet David realizes there's something off - that there may be more to Lily's behavior and a deeper, more sinister secret lurking within his family. The only way he can uncover it is by using his own instincts and the delusions that seem to grow louder inside him until they're ready to burst.
"The Killer's Cousin" is a fascinating read, giving enough tangible mystery/suspense, with even a few paranormal elements, to keep one on the edge of their seat waiting to see how things unravel. I thought David's voice was very strong and it was easy to follow him through the events of the novel. Lily is undoubtedly the creepy kid who comes across as the perfect angel in her parents eyes - reminiscent of stories like "The Good Son." But even in the turns "The Killer's Cousin" takes, it's also a tale of moving forward and living with the consequences of one's decisions and actions. I think that's something that will resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
Overall score: 4/5
October 25, 2013
I have discovered that physcological thrillers are just not my type. Hence the one star rating, but I have a few other reason for that rating as well, which I shall attempt to briefly explain.
I should probably start off with my reason for reading this book in the first place. Fact is, I was interested in the author's works, and so being the bookaholic that I am, I checked out all of the titles my library had by that author. And so this being the least interesting looking of them all, I decided to read this one first. And it turned out, it was a good choice too.
First off, I do not agree with teens being allowed to do whatever they want. I know that sounds strange and first reading this you may think that I am an older person with a vendetta against freedom. Nope, I'm a teen myself with strong ideas of being allowed freedom as well. But the whole idea that teens are allowed to do whatever they want before eighteen, yeahhhh I never like that. Or on the flipside, the teens sneaking whatever they do behind their parents backs. This book had a little of both. While I'm not going to be like "bammo, that's wrong I'm going to burn this book" or some crazy thing like that, I am going to state my opinion. Which I already did, so I guess I can move on now.
The other thing I really didn't like, was the whole messed up lifestyle. Yeah I know it happens, but I just don't like reading about it. That's more of a personal opinion regarding life views. I guess reading this has helped me gain a little bit more of understanding in the twisted ways life can work sometimes :P
I suppose I could go on and on and that this review seems pretty disjointed. Well, guess it's a sneak peek of how the book is. It was just, I don't know how to put it in exact words, weird. Definitely labeled physiological for a reason, because wow was it messed up :P
That's pretty much all I guess I'll say since it captures my thoughts on the book.
I should probably start off with my reason for reading this book in the first place. Fact is, I was interested in the author's works, and so being the bookaholic that I am, I checked out all of the titles my library had by that author. And so this being the least interesting looking of them all, I decided to read this one first. And it turned out, it was a good choice too.
First off, I do not agree with teens being allowed to do whatever they want. I know that sounds strange and first reading this you may think that I am an older person with a vendetta against freedom. Nope, I'm a teen myself with strong ideas of being allowed freedom as well. But the whole idea that teens are allowed to do whatever they want before eighteen, yeahhhh I never like that. Or on the flipside, the teens sneaking whatever they do behind their parents backs. This book had a little of both. While I'm not going to be like "bammo, that's wrong I'm going to burn this book" or some crazy thing like that, I am going to state my opinion. Which I already did, so I guess I can move on now.
The other thing I really didn't like, was the whole messed up lifestyle. Yeah I know it happens, but I just don't like reading about it. That's more of a personal opinion regarding life views. I guess reading this has helped me gain a little bit more of understanding in the twisted ways life can work sometimes :P
I suppose I could go on and on and that this review seems pretty disjointed. Well, guess it's a sneak peek of how the book is. It was just, I don't know how to put it in exact words, weird. Definitely labeled physiological for a reason, because wow was it messed up :P
That's pretty much all I guess I'll say since it captures my thoughts on the book.
March 18, 2012
Keri McLucas
Mystery
David Yaffe is seventeen years old and trying to rebuild his life after being acquitted of murder. David’s parents arranged for him to stay with his Uncle Vic, Aunt Julia and cousin, Lily while he finished high school. He struggles to learn how to live with the truth of knowing that he killed someone he loved. Although the death was an accident, simply knowing that he was capable of murder consumed him. At eleven years old, Lily has also experienced the death of a loved one, her sister Kathy. Kathy‘s ghost haunts David, desperately coaxing him to help Lily out of her rage and hatred; however, he wants no part of Lily’s life. Lily confessed to David that she killed her own sister; he wants noting to do with Lily. Through a turn of events, Lily and David are thrown together into a relationship that will help both of them learn to handle their own secret past.
David and Lily share secrets and tremendous guilt in Nancy Werlin’s award winning work. David’s move helps him to finish school without brutal publicity of his crime. His apartment is eerie and dark; haunting. Lily incessantly questions David about his actions and the murder he committed, making him uncomfortable and angry. Both will learn that trying to forget such horrible secrets will hurt more than help. Secret gloom and a gothic style feeling make this mystery capture the reader until the last page!
Mystery
David Yaffe is seventeen years old and trying to rebuild his life after being acquitted of murder. David’s parents arranged for him to stay with his Uncle Vic, Aunt Julia and cousin, Lily while he finished high school. He struggles to learn how to live with the truth of knowing that he killed someone he loved. Although the death was an accident, simply knowing that he was capable of murder consumed him. At eleven years old, Lily has also experienced the death of a loved one, her sister Kathy. Kathy‘s ghost haunts David, desperately coaxing him to help Lily out of her rage and hatred; however, he wants no part of Lily’s life. Lily confessed to David that she killed her own sister; he wants noting to do with Lily. Through a turn of events, Lily and David are thrown together into a relationship that will help both of them learn to handle their own secret past.
David and Lily share secrets and tremendous guilt in Nancy Werlin’s award winning work. David’s move helps him to finish school without brutal publicity of his crime. His apartment is eerie and dark; haunting. Lily incessantly questions David about his actions and the murder he committed, making him uncomfortable and angry. Both will learn that trying to forget such horrible secrets will hurt more than help. Secret gloom and a gothic style feeling make this mystery capture the reader until the last page!
April 9, 2012
Katie Young
Mystery
David was a high school senior who, acquitted of his girlfriend’s death, decided to finish high school in a different town. He moved in with Uncle Vic, Aunt Julia and little cousin Lily. The family was in turmoil because Kathy, Lily’s older sister had died. David tried to express his psychological concerns about Lily to his Aunt and Uncle but they did not agree. They accused David of being crazy and kicked him out of their house. From the time David arrived in Cambridge, he began to see shadows and hear humming which progressed to seeing his dead cousin Kathy saying “Help Lily”. Unable to sleep because of this apparition, David went for a run and ended up at his Uncles house burning down. David saved Lily from the burning house and helped her cope with life. In the end, Lily was the one who set the fire as a punishment for herself for killing her sister Kathy.
This story is told from David’s point of view which explains the periodic flashbacks to Emily. He is struggling to find himself and live with what he has done.
I was able to read this book in one night. It was easy to read because the storyline took off and kept me interested. This would be a good addition to any Young Adult collection.
Mystery
David was a high school senior who, acquitted of his girlfriend’s death, decided to finish high school in a different town. He moved in with Uncle Vic, Aunt Julia and little cousin Lily. The family was in turmoil because Kathy, Lily’s older sister had died. David tried to express his psychological concerns about Lily to his Aunt and Uncle but they did not agree. They accused David of being crazy and kicked him out of their house. From the time David arrived in Cambridge, he began to see shadows and hear humming which progressed to seeing his dead cousin Kathy saying “Help Lily”. Unable to sleep because of this apparition, David went for a run and ended up at his Uncles house burning down. David saved Lily from the burning house and helped her cope with life. In the end, Lily was the one who set the fire as a punishment for herself for killing her sister Kathy.
This story is told from David’s point of view which explains the periodic flashbacks to Emily. He is struggling to find himself and live with what he has done.
I was able to read this book in one night. It was easy to read because the storyline took off and kept me interested. This would be a good addition to any Young Adult collection.
February 21, 2015
3.5 of 5 stars
After being acquitted of killing his girlfriend, David moves to Boston for a fresh start. From the moment he arrives at his passive uncle's house he feels unwelcome by his angry aunt and creepy eleven-year-old cousin Lily. David soon learns that his older cousin committed suicide in the bathroom of his attic room, meanwhile Lily's obvious hatred for David continues to grow.
I read KILLER'S COUSIN in one sitting which means it was good enough to hold my interest, but not good enough to make me want to stretch out the joy of reading the book. Despite a lot of passive verbs and telling rather than showing, I liked David's voice in his narration. I got a real feel for his discomfort and remorse, but wished he was less closed off. I felt that he could have been more fully fleshed out. The other characters were basically flat, though Lily's complexity became more dimensional in the last parts of the book. Although this book was first published in 1998, it doesn't feel dated.
KILLER'S COUSIN is a good, not a great book. Perfect for a snowy Saturday afternoon. I would definitely consider reading Nancy Werlin again.
After being acquitted of killing his girlfriend, David moves to Boston for a fresh start. From the moment he arrives at his passive uncle's house he feels unwelcome by his angry aunt and creepy eleven-year-old cousin Lily. David soon learns that his older cousin committed suicide in the bathroom of his attic room, meanwhile Lily's obvious hatred for David continues to grow.
I read KILLER'S COUSIN in one sitting which means it was good enough to hold my interest, but not good enough to make me want to stretch out the joy of reading the book. Despite a lot of passive verbs and telling rather than showing, I liked David's voice in his narration. I got a real feel for his discomfort and remorse, but wished he was less closed off. I felt that he could have been more fully fleshed out. The other characters were basically flat, though Lily's complexity became more dimensional in the last parts of the book. Although this book was first published in 1998, it doesn't feel dated.
KILLER'S COUSIN is a good, not a great book. Perfect for a snowy Saturday afternoon. I would definitely consider reading Nancy Werlin again.
October 30, 2012
The Killer’s Cousin (Playaway)
By Nancy Werlin
Read by Nick Podehl
The Killer’s Cousin is actually quite a surprising story. From the title I had an image of gore and creepy killers but I was quite wrong. David has to repeat his last year of high school living with his aunt, uncle, and younger cousin Lily because of what happened last year. He lives in the attic where his older cousin (who mysteriously died) used to live, suffers through Lily’s awful tricks, and begins to unbury the secrets that have embedded themselves into the core of the family. The beginning had me asking all kinds of questions about what is going on and why these things were happening. Then, as the story unfolded, old questions were answered and new one’s emerged. Listening to the Playaway version helped me to “read” the book at a faster pace and not have to concentrate on the words individually but instead the story as a whole. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in a mystery with many twists along the way!
By Nancy Werlin
Read by Nick Podehl
The Killer’s Cousin is actually quite a surprising story. From the title I had an image of gore and creepy killers but I was quite wrong. David has to repeat his last year of high school living with his aunt, uncle, and younger cousin Lily because of what happened last year. He lives in the attic where his older cousin (who mysteriously died) used to live, suffers through Lily’s awful tricks, and begins to unbury the secrets that have embedded themselves into the core of the family. The beginning had me asking all kinds of questions about what is going on and why these things were happening. Then, as the story unfolded, old questions were answered and new one’s emerged. Listening to the Playaway version helped me to “read” the book at a faster pace and not have to concentrate on the words individually but instead the story as a whole. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in a mystery with many twists along the way!
January 28, 2011
This is more of a 4.5 star book than a 5 star read. Who knows, as time goes on, I may even bump it up to a five star book.
Werlin crafts and intense psychological thriller in The Killer's Cousin. The novel is narrated by David Yaffe, a young man who is acquitted of killing his girlfriend. When I started the novel, I didn't want to like him. I didn't want to believe. However, as the novel unfolds, I found myself feeling sympathy for David and the emotional aftermath of his girlfriend's death and the trial. As the story surrounding David and Emily unfolds so does the story of Kathy, David's cousin. The novel kept me on the edge of my seat. Even after figuring out what happened and "whodunit" the why behind the events kept me reading. Additionally, after the who and what is revealed Werlin builds suspense to the Why. A spine-chilling thriller that was unputdownable.
Werlin crafts and intense psychological thriller in The Killer's Cousin. The novel is narrated by David Yaffe, a young man who is acquitted of killing his girlfriend. When I started the novel, I didn't want to like him. I didn't want to believe. However, as the novel unfolds, I found myself feeling sympathy for David and the emotional aftermath of his girlfriend's death and the trial. As the story surrounding David and Emily unfolds so does the story of Kathy, David's cousin. The novel kept me on the edge of my seat. Even after figuring out what happened and "whodunit" the why behind the events kept me reading. Additionally, after the who and what is revealed Werlin builds suspense to the Why. A spine-chilling thriller that was unputdownable.
February 24, 2010
A tight, intense psychological thriller involving family secrets, family dysfunction, murder, and redemption. The title can refer to at least three characters in the book, and their lives intersect and intertwine. First person narrative keeps the tension going, as does the slow reveal of what really happened. Everyone except the artist renter is going through PTSD, and how they manage it is part of the story.
The characters are complex and readers can have some good discussions about motive, truth, families, power, healing, and atonement. The ultimate question: Can one really atone for a horrific act?
The characters are complex and readers can have some good discussions about motive, truth, families, power, healing, and atonement. The ultimate question: Can one really atone for a horrific act?
May 25, 2013
Creepy and atmospheric and always suspenseful, this is the story of a young man who has been acquitted of murdering his girlfriend--but who needs to get out of his hometown for obvious reasons. He goes to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in Boston. Turns out his cousin Lily is the creepiest sixth grader ever.
Outstanding choice for book clubs for teenagers--a compelling read which has a LOT to talk about. I would not use with students younger than eighth grade due to implications about sexual activity and one extraordinarily powerful use of the f-bomb.
Outstanding choice for book clubs for teenagers--a compelling read which has a LOT to talk about. I would not use with students younger than eighth grade due to implications about sexual activity and one extraordinarily powerful use of the f-bomb.
September 28, 2013
I can't say that I hate this book but I don't like it. It's a well written story and has great mystery to it. however it just isn't something I really enjoyed. The whole book was depressing and I predicted what happened long before it tells the reader. Lily, the little girl is creepy and a brat and David the protagonist is too much of a push over and the way he reacts to Lily doesn't seem realistic.
Content: some language, violence, disturbing behavior from the child.
Content: some language, violence, disturbing behavior from the child.
Read
January 12, 2010It's a really good book about lilly ( The eleven year old girl.) and David (The guy who accidently killed his girlfriend.) David finds out a whole lot about lilly in the story with a great ending! I thought it wasn't going to be the best of book but it turned out to be really good. It's not for someone in grade school unless there parents are so positive that it should be fine.
March 22, 2008
This is one of those thrillers where you know something awful happened, but you don't find out exactly what until the end. Underlying that is the issue of how people deal with guilt, and how a death can tear a family apart.
A solid, suspenseful mystery for teens ages 13 and up.
A solid, suspenseful mystery for teens ages 13 and up.
June 18, 2010
Lily is so creepy.
Review to come. I liked this a LOT.
Review to come. I liked this a LOT.
November 5, 2023
Baptism by fire to accept that your punishment is to live with it. But I’m getting ahead of myself with Nancy Werlin’s 1998 book, The Killer’s Cousin.
David has been acquitted of killing his girlfriend, and aims to finish out his second attempt at his senior year of high school. His parents ship him to his aunt and uncle’s house, where his cousin, 11-year-old Lily also lives. It’s never explicitly stated why his parents did this, but the underlying inference is a.) to avoid the publicity of staying around where he was acquitted of someone’s death; and more darkly poignantly, b.) his parents feel like they don’t know this David.
But there’s more afoot here than David’s past. The aunt and uncle, Julia and Vic, are having marital problems, and in fact, in an inversion of what is typical with children of quarreling parents, the marital problems are a psychological boon to Lily. The parents use her as the go-between to communicate with each other. So, when David comes, and their marriage rebounds — and thus, Lily is no longer needed as a go-between — she blames him for her newfound loneliness and uselessness. She starts terrorizing him with little and big pranks, for which Julia and Vic blame David and his craziness. They don’t believe him that Lily needs help. Given what I’m about to tell you, it’s astounding how willfully obtuse and oblivious they are to Lily’s needs.
Hanging like a dark cloud over their living quarters, sort of like the retrofitted attic David is resigned to living in, is Kathy, Julia and Vic’s eldest daughter who seemingly committed suicide. Julia and Vic never talk about her or even have photos of her around (that doesn’t seem healthy!). Worse yet, she killed herself in that attic. And still worse, Lily, who would have been 7-years-old at the time, not only found Kathy dying in the bathtub, but Lily thinks she caused it by giving Kathy a drink of water laced with ammonium (I think that’s what it was).
However, there’s a question of whether Lily, as a child, is merely transferring her trauma at having found her older sister dying to guilt at having caused the death, but Lily believes — and David comes to believe her, too — she intentionally laced Kathy’s drink because she hated the lavish attention Kathy received, and for all intents and purposes, still receives in her absence with the pall she’s cast over the family. In any case, it amounts to the same thing: a life taken, and it’s what also happened to David with his girlfriend Emily. He meant to intervene in a fight between Emily and her brother by punching the brother and instead, he punched Emily, killing her.
Thus, David’s lesson to Lily is that her punishment — their punishment — is to live with the knowledge, pain, and even power at having taken a life. So, at the end of the book, when Lily tries to kill herself by setting fire to the attic, David won’t let her die. He literally bursts into the house and saves her from the flames, hence my use of “baptism by fire.” Later in the hospital room, it’s quite powerful how David explains what the aforementioned power is like. To paraphrase, as humans, we’re all standing at the precipice of the abyss with the potential power to do harm to others within us, and if you exercise it, you end up on the other side of the abyss alone except for now possessing the knowledge that you’re capable of exercising said power. It’s scary, and it changes you. It’s what David is afraid of from page one, and it’s what Lily is afraid of, too. It’s unfurling the reality of this bond that, and of course, David having saved her life, that forges David and Lily’s bond.
David’s fear also impacts David’s relationship with his parents. They want to continue moving through the world as if he’s the “Davey” of old, but he’s not that person anymore precisely because of what happened and they — and he — need to reckon with it before they can actually move on from the past. Shipping David off to somewhere else isn’t going to allow them to escape that reality. Your baggage stays (or comes) with you. At the end of the book, after a frank conversation with his dad, the family is able to move on after such a reckoning.
Werlin’s book moved at a fast pace, with authentically realized characters and dialogue, and even though it’s billed as young adult, I think anyone at any point in their life can latch onto the weighty themes of trauma, loneliness, and ultimately, perseverance, expressed in the book. I’d highly recommend it as one of my sneaky favorite reads of the year.
David has been acquitted of killing his girlfriend, and aims to finish out his second attempt at his senior year of high school. His parents ship him to his aunt and uncle’s house, where his cousin, 11-year-old Lily also lives. It’s never explicitly stated why his parents did this, but the underlying inference is a.) to avoid the publicity of staying around where he was acquitted of someone’s death; and more darkly poignantly, b.) his parents feel like they don’t know this David.
But there’s more afoot here than David’s past. The aunt and uncle, Julia and Vic, are having marital problems, and in fact, in an inversion of what is typical with children of quarreling parents, the marital problems are a psychological boon to Lily. The parents use her as the go-between to communicate with each other. So, when David comes, and their marriage rebounds — and thus, Lily is no longer needed as a go-between — she blames him for her newfound loneliness and uselessness. She starts terrorizing him with little and big pranks, for which Julia and Vic blame David and his craziness. They don’t believe him that Lily needs help. Given what I’m about to tell you, it’s astounding how willfully obtuse and oblivious they are to Lily’s needs.
Hanging like a dark cloud over their living quarters, sort of like the retrofitted attic David is resigned to living in, is Kathy, Julia and Vic’s eldest daughter who seemingly committed suicide. Julia and Vic never talk about her or even have photos of her around (that doesn’t seem healthy!). Worse yet, she killed herself in that attic. And still worse, Lily, who would have been 7-years-old at the time, not only found Kathy dying in the bathtub, but Lily thinks she caused it by giving Kathy a drink of water laced with ammonium (I think that’s what it was).
However, there’s a question of whether Lily, as a child, is merely transferring her trauma at having found her older sister dying to guilt at having caused the death, but Lily believes — and David comes to believe her, too — she intentionally laced Kathy’s drink because she hated the lavish attention Kathy received, and for all intents and purposes, still receives in her absence with the pall she’s cast over the family. In any case, it amounts to the same thing: a life taken, and it’s what also happened to David with his girlfriend Emily. He meant to intervene in a fight between Emily and her brother by punching the brother and instead, he punched Emily, killing her.
Thus, David’s lesson to Lily is that her punishment — their punishment — is to live with the knowledge, pain, and even power at having taken a life. So, at the end of the book, when Lily tries to kill herself by setting fire to the attic, David won’t let her die. He literally bursts into the house and saves her from the flames, hence my use of “baptism by fire.” Later in the hospital room, it’s quite powerful how David explains what the aforementioned power is like. To paraphrase, as humans, we’re all standing at the precipice of the abyss with the potential power to do harm to others within us, and if you exercise it, you end up on the other side of the abyss alone except for now possessing the knowledge that you’re capable of exercising said power. It’s scary, and it changes you. It’s what David is afraid of from page one, and it’s what Lily is afraid of, too. It’s unfurling the reality of this bond that, and of course, David having saved her life, that forges David and Lily’s bond.
David’s fear also impacts David’s relationship with his parents. They want to continue moving through the world as if he’s the “Davey” of old, but he’s not that person anymore precisely because of what happened and they — and he — need to reckon with it before they can actually move on from the past. Shipping David off to somewhere else isn’t going to allow them to escape that reality. Your baggage stays (or comes) with you. At the end of the book, after a frank conversation with his dad, the family is able to move on after such a reckoning.
Werlin’s book moved at a fast pace, with authentically realized characters and dialogue, and even though it’s billed as young adult, I think anyone at any point in their life can latch onto the weighty themes of trauma, loneliness, and ultimately, perseverance, expressed in the book. I’d highly recommend it as one of my sneaky favorite reads of the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 3, 2024The story is about a young man who accidently "murdered" his girlfriend. He moved to Massachusetts to complete his last year of high school, and as he has no residence he stays in his aunt and uncle’s house, where his cousin, 11-year-old Lily also lives.
He agrees to stay in his aunt's and uncle's attic, but it doesn't have the feeling of a home. The aunt and uncle, Julia and Vic, are having communication problems. They are using Lily as a go-between to communicate with each other. And strangely, Lily seems to be enjoying it!
*SPOILERS*
So, when David comes, and they start to talk to each other again - and Lily is no longer needed as a go-between - she blames him for her loneliness and uselessness.
She starts terrorizing him with pranks, some just annoying, some actually harmful. Julia and Vic blame David for these pranks, not believing him when he says Lily is the one starting them.
Eventually, he finds out that his aunt and uncle had an older child, before Lily. And that child, called Kathy, took her own life. According to his aunt and uncle, Lily, who would have been 7-years-old at the time, was the person who found Kathy dying in the bathtub. Julia and Vic never talk about her or even have photos of her around. As David finds out, she killed herself in that attic.
Lily believes she killed Kathy, lacing her water because she hated the fact that Kathy was the favorite. David believes her too. Lily tries to kill herself by setting fire to the attic, because she feels so guilty about letting Kathy die, but David won’t let her die. He saves her from the flames.
This book was so good!! It was a bit confusing at the start as they didn't give much context about where the main character was staying and his appearance. But it was so good overall!
He agrees to stay in his aunt's and uncle's attic, but it doesn't have the feeling of a home. The aunt and uncle, Julia and Vic, are having communication problems. They are using Lily as a go-between to communicate with each other. And strangely, Lily seems to be enjoying it!
*SPOILERS*
So, when David comes, and they start to talk to each other again - and Lily is no longer needed as a go-between - she blames him for her loneliness and uselessness.
She starts terrorizing him with pranks, some just annoying, some actually harmful. Julia and Vic blame David for these pranks, not believing him when he says Lily is the one starting them.
Eventually, he finds out that his aunt and uncle had an older child, before Lily. And that child, called Kathy, took her own life. According to his aunt and uncle, Lily, who would have been 7-years-old at the time, was the person who found Kathy dying in the bathtub. Julia and Vic never talk about her or even have photos of her around. As David finds out, she killed herself in that attic.
Lily believes she killed Kathy, lacing her water because she hated the fact that Kathy was the favorite. David believes her too. Lily tries to kill herself by setting fire to the attic, because she feels so guilty about letting Kathy die, but David won’t let her die. He saves her from the flames.
This book was so good!! It was a bit confusing at the start as they didn't give much context about where the main character was staying and his appearance. But it was so good overall!
November 18, 2023
This was another quick read (listen technically), which was great for a morning of cleaning and audible… I was sucked in enough to want to see how things unfolded, and actually finish it — however, I figured out ‘the twist’ at the end at the very beginning of the book. As stated in other reviews, I hate books where the characters never communicate anything, and that’s the entire plot…so I’m glad that at least in this, he was consistently communicating …
*SPOILER* however I find it pretty unbelievable that after ones 7 yo daughter finds their sister dead, that you wouldn’t even consider the possibility that they’d need to talk to someone; especially when someone else tries to tell you they’re acting out … Instead you would choose to blindly believe your pre-teen daughter, to your nearly adult nephew, and not even attempt to look into the possibility that something else is wrong. Maybe even talk to the third party that was present at the most recent event, and ask her exactly what the two of them were doing that night… immediately confirming who is lying. *END SPOILER*
*SPOILER* however I find it pretty unbelievable that after ones 7 yo daughter finds their sister dead, that you wouldn’t even consider the possibility that they’d need to talk to someone; especially when someone else tries to tell you they’re acting out … Instead you would choose to blindly believe your pre-teen daughter, to your nearly adult nephew, and not even attempt to look into the possibility that something else is wrong. Maybe even talk to the third party that was present at the most recent event, and ask her exactly what the two of them were doing that night… immediately confirming who is lying. *END SPOILER*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
This is an old beat up paperback with a cutout in the cover! I had to wonder what this was about. Then I read a few pages and realized if it had been gussied up with a nice cover and I had gotten it from the library I would be all in because the story was compelling.....plus there is at least one mystery presented at the outset. Also this is written first person. I love a book where I know what the protagonist is thinking and dreaming. I don't care if he is unhinged, a drifter, a grafter, or the deacon of the church. So David has been banished, to a different city, by his parents to retake senior year because he has just been acquitted of the murder of his girlfriend who he had loved. His aunt and uncle didn't seem to want him there and he lives in the attic where his cousin died several years before. His younger cousin has some bad seed tendencies and the story begins. I really liked his book. I enjoyed these characters and all the teen aghast.
January 28, 2019
For when this book was published this was a pretty good story. Now of course every book or story has some flaws but overall I felt that it was wrote pretty well and flowed nicely, not those dry spots where you are like please can we just remove these chapters.
We have David being sent off to live with his mom's brother and family. Now the thing is David has been aquitted and now needs to finish high school however he had a cousin his age that died that would be Kathy and there is eleven year old Lily he doesn't remember Lily to much as she was just a baby and he was a child himself. Upon arriving and living in the attic where Kathy died he is hearing Kathy's ghost? He isn't sure and or why? What is up with Lily? Why does she seem to be so creepy? Find out with David what's really going on with this family.
We have David being sent off to live with his mom's brother and family. Now the thing is David has been aquitted and now needs to finish high school however he had a cousin his age that died that would be Kathy and there is eleven year old Lily he doesn't remember Lily to much as she was just a baby and he was a child himself. Upon arriving and living in the attic where Kathy died he is hearing Kathy's ghost? He isn't sure and or why? What is up with Lily? Why does she seem to be so creepy? Find out with David what's really going on with this family.
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