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The Girls from Hush Cabin
In this suspenseful YA thriller from debut author Marie Hoy-Kenny, four former friends--each with their own dark secret--must team up to solve a murder.
Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise were inseparable best friends when they spent their summers together at sleepaway camp. But after an unexplained tragedy forced the camp to close, the girls drifted apart.
Years later, reunited at their beloved camp counselor Violet's funeral, the four former best friends quickly realize how much they've changed over the years. But despite their differences, they agree on one thing--Violet's so-called accidental death was actually murder.
Unwilling to leave the case unsolved, they set off to uncover the truth--even if it means revealing the dark secrets of their pasts.
But someone wants them to stop investigating, and the anonymous threats keep coming, leaving them suspicious of everyone.
No one can be trusted, not even the girls from Hush Cabin.
Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise were inseparable best friends when they spent their summers together at sleepaway camp. But after an unexplained tragedy forced the camp to close, the girls drifted apart.
Years later, reunited at their beloved camp counselor Violet's funeral, the four former best friends quickly realize how much they've changed over the years. But despite their differences, they agree on one thing--Violet's so-called accidental death was actually murder.
Unwilling to leave the case unsolved, they set off to uncover the truth--even if it means revealing the dark secrets of their pasts.
But someone wants them to stop investigating, and the anonymous threats keep coming, leaving them suspicious of everyone.
No one can be trusted, not even the girls from Hush Cabin.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
36 people are currently reading
5954 people want to read
About the author
Marie Hoy-Kenny
8 books47 followersMarie Hoy-Kenny attended the University of Toronto, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Professional Writing and Communication. Her work has been published in several literary magazines, including trampset, Cosmonauts Avenue, and FlashBack Fiction. Her debut novel, THE GIRLS FROM HUSH CABIN, was published by Blackstone Publishing in 2023. Her short story INCARNATION will be published in Blackstone’s first SHADOW LAB anthology in November 2024, and her debut picture book, THIS PLANT IS NOT BORING, will be published in April 2025 by Orca Book Publishers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 6, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The moment I heard about this YA Thriller involving a sleepaway camp and featuring a gorgeously ominous cover, I knew that I needed to read it ASAP.
A bonus for me was that The Girls from Hush Cabin is a debut for Marie Hoy-Kenny and we all know, I love checking out author debuts. It's such an exciting moment!
In this story we meet a group of four teens, Holly, Zoe, Denise and Calista, who have been friends since they used to bunk together at Camp Bellwood Lake. Unfortunately, after the closure of the camp, the girls drifted apart a bit.
They're brought together again unexpectedly after the tragic death of their beloved counselor, Violet. They all want to attend her services to pay their respects, so they decide it would be best to go together.
Since Zoe lives in the same town that Violet did, the other girls travel to Zoe's to stay for the duration of events.
The girls have definitely changed over the years, but if there is one thing they can agree on it's that Violet's death is suspicious as heck.
They believe she could have been murdered and that her death could be related to the incident that caused the closing of the camp. The thing is, each one of the girls is keeping her own secrets about that particular summer and may know more about the incident than they're letting on.
If someone was willing to kill Violet over it, could they all be in danger too?
The girls want to uncover the truth, whatever the risks. They feel like they owe it to Violet, even if it means exposing some hurtful truths of their own.
I had so much fun with this. I don't care what anyone says, this is a dramatic, OTT page-turner. Hoy-Kenny delivered exactly what I wanted and expected.
I thought the story was well told. I liked the structure of it, starting with how we met each of the girls and then also, that we got all of their perspectives.
As mentioned, they each had their own secrets, memories and experiences with Violet and learning all that stuff helped to build out the substance of the story.
This is super dramatic. The girls make every scene a dramatic scene, but they're teens who just lost a good friend. Only one of them had really ever experienced that kind of loss before, so this is a whole new experience for them.
I think for characters this age, it all made sense. Not only was there external drama, there was also a lot of drama just amongst the four girls.
Ultimately though, I liked how they worked together and ended up evolving through a lot of their disputes. Some of the things, I personally would have found hard to forgive, so good on them.
There were also some side characters bringing a lot of intrigue and dramatic flair as well. Violet's Mom, Mrs. Williams, was a particular favorite of mine.
If you read this, you'll easily understand why. All I could picture while reading her was Jennifer Coolidge, who I absolutely adore.
As this gets closer to the conclusion, things really amp up. This definitely went places I wasn't expecting. My jaw dropped more than once; such a thrill ride.
Overall, I just think this is a fun time. It might not make my top 10 list, out of the 100s of books I read this year, but I still think it is a great freaking debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I think Marie Hoy-Kenny is a great addition to the YA Thriller space. I'm looking forward to her next release!
The moment I heard about this YA Thriller involving a sleepaway camp and featuring a gorgeously ominous cover, I knew that I needed to read it ASAP.
A bonus for me was that The Girls from Hush Cabin is a debut for Marie Hoy-Kenny and we all know, I love checking out author debuts. It's such an exciting moment!
In this story we meet a group of four teens, Holly, Zoe, Denise and Calista, who have been friends since they used to bunk together at Camp Bellwood Lake. Unfortunately, after the closure of the camp, the girls drifted apart a bit.
They're brought together again unexpectedly after the tragic death of their beloved counselor, Violet. They all want to attend her services to pay their respects, so they decide it would be best to go together.
Since Zoe lives in the same town that Violet did, the other girls travel to Zoe's to stay for the duration of events.
The girls have definitely changed over the years, but if there is one thing they can agree on it's that Violet's death is suspicious as heck.
They believe she could have been murdered and that her death could be related to the incident that caused the closing of the camp. The thing is, each one of the girls is keeping her own secrets about that particular summer and may know more about the incident than they're letting on.
If someone was willing to kill Violet over it, could they all be in danger too?
The girls want to uncover the truth, whatever the risks. They feel like they owe it to Violet, even if it means exposing some hurtful truths of their own.
I had so much fun with this. I don't care what anyone says, this is a dramatic, OTT page-turner. Hoy-Kenny delivered exactly what I wanted and expected.
I thought the story was well told. I liked the structure of it, starting with how we met each of the girls and then also, that we got all of their perspectives.
As mentioned, they each had their own secrets, memories and experiences with Violet and learning all that stuff helped to build out the substance of the story.
This is super dramatic. The girls make every scene a dramatic scene, but they're teens who just lost a good friend. Only one of them had really ever experienced that kind of loss before, so this is a whole new experience for them.
I think for characters this age, it all made sense. Not only was there external drama, there was also a lot of drama just amongst the four girls.
Ultimately though, I liked how they worked together and ended up evolving through a lot of their disputes. Some of the things, I personally would have found hard to forgive, so good on them.
There were also some side characters bringing a lot of intrigue and dramatic flair as well. Violet's Mom, Mrs. Williams, was a particular favorite of mine.
If you read this, you'll easily understand why. All I could picture while reading her was Jennifer Coolidge, who I absolutely adore.
As this gets closer to the conclusion, things really amp up. This definitely went places I wasn't expecting. My jaw dropped more than once; such a thrill ride.
Overall, I just think this is a fun time. It might not make my top 10 list, out of the 100s of books I read this year, but I still think it is a great freaking debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I think Marie Hoy-Kenny is a great addition to the YA Thriller space. I'm looking forward to her next release!
October 20, 2023
really loved this one
there's something about a summer camp atmosphere that I can visualize so clearly
also loved how the whole time you're wondering who is the unreliable narrator
really a fun read :)
there's something about a summer camp atmosphere that I can visualize so clearly
also loved how the whole time you're wondering who is the unreliable narrator
really a fun read :)
August 3, 2023
First, thank you for the gorgeous finished copy of this book coming out later this month, Blackstone Publishing.
I know the review isn't even about the dust jacket of the book, but I'd give that 5 stars if I could. It's raised lettering, glossy, all around gorgeous. The colors????? Everything.
Anywhooo, this was a fun and fast-paced YA thriller! Very PLL-esque. And the chapters were very short, one of my fav things! There are 4 POVs and honestly, the author did a great job of giving them "their own voices".
Can't wait to see what this author writes next!
I know the review isn't even about the dust jacket of the book, but I'd give that 5 stars if I could. It's raised lettering, glossy, all around gorgeous. The colors????? Everything.
Anywhooo, this was a fun and fast-paced YA thriller! Very PLL-esque. And the chapters were very short, one of my fav things! There are 4 POVs and honestly, the author did a great job of giving them "their own voices".
Can't wait to see what this author writes next!
Want to read
March 28, 2023my request for this arc got declined too 😭 damn, this is starting to kinda hurt. it seems like such a good book!
September 13, 2023
Cute little mystery about the ghosts from our middle school past and how sometimes the people you look up to the most are the most dangerous. Fun spooky read for spooky season! 👻
August 26, 2023
Great debut novel that centers around the death of Violet who was the girls' favorite counselor at camp years ago. Now they have all gathered for her funeral and attempt to figure out who killed her as it was apparent she was beloved by all. Of course there are clues and many red herrings as it becomes clear she knew the girls would do anything she asked of them even if it was illegal or frightening to them. Each has secrets, each has theories, and each can turn on the charm when necessary. And we all know how charming liars can be!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 17, 2023
3.5 STARS bumped up to 4 because debut writer Marie Hoy-Kenny shows a lot of promise.
The first 75% of THE GIRLS FROM HUSH CABIN was 5 stars, but the ending and resolution left me disappointed.
The first 75% of THE GIRLS FROM HUSH CABIN was 5 stars, but the ending and resolution left me disappointed.
April 24, 2023
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book, it sounded right up my alley! Suspense! A desolate summer camp, full of secrets and intrigue! Murder! Four girls with complicated pasts! Lesbians! I was down.
Unfortunately, The Girls from Hush Cabin didn't deliver for me, and I think it was mainly because of the way the story is structured. Most of the book takes place over the span of a couple of days, with four former cabin-mates reconvening after the death of their camp counsellor Violet. They all have differing feelings about Violet but one thing is clear - she had a lot of power over them. They immediately suspect that she was murdered and decide - for no reason, really - to try and solve the case.
Cue them royally screwing everything up. All the time. Although they have very distinct personalities, none of the girls really rang true for me. I didn't get the sense that real people would ever act the way they did. I get that this is YA and maybe I'm just too far from that age to really understand what they're going through or what their motivations would be...
The real issue though, imo, is that the story is based around "the girls from hush cabin" but we rarely, if ever, get to ... go to Hush Cabin and Camp Bellwood. Summer camps are inherently creepy. Just ask the horror genre. Flashback chapters would have GREATLY improved this book. Not only would it have given us a window into Violet's behaviour, but we could have seen how much the girls have "changed", since we keep getting told they've changed. The juxtaposition between four innocent girls and the damaged almost-women they become would have been jarring and lovely, and I think upped the stakes and tension.
In the end, I just didn't care about the mystery and thought the ending was rushed and haphazard. I couldn't tell any of the dudes apart. Mostly, I felt this book could use a careful and thorough edit to assist with structure and pacing. With that help, I think it could make a decent Pretty Little Liars young adult series.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the Publisher!
Going into this book, it sounded right up my alley! Suspense! A desolate summer camp, full of secrets and intrigue! Murder! Four girls with complicated pasts! Lesbians! I was down.
Unfortunately, The Girls from Hush Cabin didn't deliver for me, and I think it was mainly because of the way the story is structured. Most of the book takes place over the span of a couple of days, with four former cabin-mates reconvening after the death of their camp counsellor Violet. They all have differing feelings about Violet but one thing is clear - she had a lot of power over them. They immediately suspect that she was murdered and decide - for no reason, really - to try and solve the case.
Cue them royally screwing everything up. All the time. Although they have very distinct personalities, none of the girls really rang true for me. I didn't get the sense that real people would ever act the way they did. I get that this is YA and maybe I'm just too far from that age to really understand what they're going through or what their motivations would be...
The real issue though, imo, is that the story is based around "the girls from hush cabin" but we rarely, if ever, get to ... go to Hush Cabin and Camp Bellwood. Summer camps are inherently creepy. Just ask the horror genre. Flashback chapters would have GREATLY improved this book. Not only would it have given us a window into Violet's behaviour, but we could have seen how much the girls have "changed", since we keep getting told they've changed. The juxtaposition between four innocent girls and the damaged almost-women they become would have been jarring and lovely, and I think upped the stakes and tension.
In the end, I just didn't care about the mystery and thought the ending was rushed and haphazard. I couldn't tell any of the dudes apart. Mostly, I felt this book could use a careful and thorough edit to assist with structure and pacing. With that help, I think it could make a decent Pretty Little Liars young adult series.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the Publisher!
May 2, 2023
I found this to be a great-paced mystery YA novel. While I thought this book to be more of a personal 3-star book I would more appropriately rate this as 4 stars or more when taking into account the content as well as the age this book is targeted for. I liked the use of multiple perspectives to spread out information but I will say at times I was lost at whose point of view I was reading. Overall I think this book is worth the buy, especially for a slightly younger audience who likes novels with more modern-day slang used.
May 28, 2023
Thank you Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC! I couldn’t put this book down. The summer camp, the girls individual and group stories, how the reader sees Violet only through the eyes of others…great YA mystery that keeps you reading!
August 11, 2023
Thank you to @blackstonepublishing for my advance copy! This is a YA Suspense/Thriller debut about four girls who stay at a sleep away camp every summer until something tragic happens. They drift apart as young girls do but they come together when their favorite camp counselor, Violet, dies.
Since this is a YA novel, I did not expect too much gore/adult themes and I was correct. The novel is told from four POVs (the girls) and their quest to find out what happened to Violet their beloved camp counselor. The girls were depicted so well. They are all different and grapple with their realizations that Violet might not have been as perfect as they thought.
The pacing is a bit slow but I did find parts suspenseful, especially the ending. I liked the twists toward the end and I will say I did not see the “villain”. All in all I think this is a good one for older young adults.
3.5 rounded up****
Since this is a YA novel, I did not expect too much gore/adult themes and I was correct. The novel is told from four POVs (the girls) and their quest to find out what happened to Violet their beloved camp counselor. The girls were depicted so well. They are all different and grapple with their realizations that Violet might not have been as perfect as they thought.
The pacing is a bit slow but I did find parts suspenseful, especially the ending. I liked the twists toward the end and I will say I did not see the “villain”. All in all I think this is a good one for older young adults.
3.5 rounded up****
July 24, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
The Girls from Hush Cabin is a young adult novel in the thriller genre.
Our four female main characters were childhood best friends who used to go to a sleepaway summer camp together until it closed down after a tragedy. They drifted apart after that, but they now have to team up to help solve a murder. Or what they believe is a murder after one of their favorite camp counselors dies.
As they're investigating, it becomes blatantly clear that someone doesn't want them interferring... so who can they trust?
There some ... predictable twists in this book, and I found myself a LITTLE bored overall. I think some younger teens may enjoy this read though.
The Girls from Hush Cabin is a young adult novel in the thriller genre.
Our four female main characters were childhood best friends who used to go to a sleepaway summer camp together until it closed down after a tragedy. They drifted apart after that, but they now have to team up to help solve a murder. Or what they believe is a murder after one of their favorite camp counselors dies.
As they're investigating, it becomes blatantly clear that someone doesn't want them interferring... so who can they trust?
There some ... predictable twists in this book, and I found myself a LITTLE bored overall. I think some younger teens may enjoy this read though.
September 3, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Bibliolifestyle for a gifted copy for honest review.
A mystery involving a summer camp is one of those things that always catches my interest, so I was excited to read this YA debut! While the bulk of action in this one takes place in winter, it's still a great end of summer read with tense vibes and sooo many secrets.
A mystery involving a summer camp is one of those things that always catches my interest, so I was excited to read this YA debut! While the bulk of action in this one takes place in winter, it's still a great end of summer read with tense vibes and sooo many secrets.
August 28, 2022
I follow this author and read some stories by her. I’m so looking forward to reading this.
Want to read
April 10, 2023Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC! The Girls from Hush Cabin by Marie Hoy-Kenny comes out on August 15, 2023!
November 9, 2023
Astonished that this is a debut novel! Picking out plot lines is a specialty of mine, and I had absolutely no idea how this book was going to end until right before the reveal. Bravo!!
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really interesting individuals and well portrayed! The story line had lots of twists and turns. Congratulations to you, Marie for a wonderful debut novel!
July 26, 2023
3 stars
I read an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my review.
This book was a quick read, the tone and pacing was done really well! I enjoyed the juxtaposition of summer camp memories during winter break. The main characters were selfish and shallow but i think it worked with the story.
The things I didn’t like were the constant references to pop music stars (i’m not kidding, not only artist names but specific songs were mentioned every ten pages at least), which took you out of the thriller mood. I also thought the plot was a bit predictable and didn’t have a big twist.
overall a fun read though! Excited to see what this author puts out next !
I read an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my review.
This book was a quick read, the tone and pacing was done really well! I enjoyed the juxtaposition of summer camp memories during winter break. The main characters were selfish and shallow but i think it worked with the story.
The things I didn’t like were the constant references to pop music stars (i’m not kidding, not only artist names but specific songs were mentioned every ten pages at least), which took you out of the thriller mood. I also thought the plot was a bit predictable and didn’t have a big twist.
overall a fun read though! Excited to see what this author puts out next !
September 11, 2023
Someone deserves a spankin'!
I can not believe I did not get to The Girls from Hush Cabin, sooner!!!!
Marie Hoy-Kenny, is a force to be reckoned with and has hit the ground running! This is a stunning debut from an author I am sure we will be seeing a lot of in the future.
The Girls from Hush Cabin, is considered a Young Adult book, however, I didn't see anything young about it. This book is equal parts thrilling as it is murder mystery and kept me intrigued the entire time.
The secrets, lies and deceit that are exposed a little at a time will have you anxious to see what happens next.
This book right here is going to be a best seller and it was an honor to have been given the opportunity to read It first! Thank you Blackstone, Marie Hoy-Kenny, and Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review prior to the big release in exchange for an honest review! Y'all rock!!
Check out this teaser:
In this suspenseful YA thriller from debut author Marie Hoy-Kenny, four former friends—each with their own dark secret—must team up to solve a murder.
Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise were inseparable best friends when they spent their summers together at sleepaway camp. But after an unexplained tragedy forced the camp to close, the girls drifted apart.
Years later, reunited at their beloved camp counselor Violet’s funeral, the four former best friends quickly realize how much they’ve changed over the years. But despite their differences, they agree on one thing—Violet’s so-called accidental death was actually murder.
Unwilling to leave the case unsolved, they set off to uncover the truth—even if it means revealing the dark secrets of their pasts.
But someone wants them to stop investigating, and the anonymous threats keep coming, leaving them suspicious of everyone.
No one can be trusted, not even the girls from Hush Cabin.
I can not believe I did not get to The Girls from Hush Cabin, sooner!!!!
Marie Hoy-Kenny, is a force to be reckoned with and has hit the ground running! This is a stunning debut from an author I am sure we will be seeing a lot of in the future.
The Girls from Hush Cabin, is considered a Young Adult book, however, I didn't see anything young about it. This book is equal parts thrilling as it is murder mystery and kept me intrigued the entire time.
The secrets, lies and deceit that are exposed a little at a time will have you anxious to see what happens next.
This book right here is going to be a best seller and it was an honor to have been given the opportunity to read It first! Thank you Blackstone, Marie Hoy-Kenny, and Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review prior to the big release in exchange for an honest review! Y'all rock!!
Check out this teaser:
In this suspenseful YA thriller from debut author Marie Hoy-Kenny, four former friends—each with their own dark secret—must team up to solve a murder.
Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise were inseparable best friends when they spent their summers together at sleepaway camp. But after an unexplained tragedy forced the camp to close, the girls drifted apart.
Years later, reunited at their beloved camp counselor Violet’s funeral, the four former best friends quickly realize how much they’ve changed over the years. But despite their differences, they agree on one thing—Violet’s so-called accidental death was actually murder.
Unwilling to leave the case unsolved, they set off to uncover the truth—even if it means revealing the dark secrets of their pasts.
But someone wants them to stop investigating, and the anonymous threats keep coming, leaving them suspicious of everyone.
No one can be trusted, not even the girls from Hush Cabin.
September 24, 2023
Way to go, Marie! Basically read it in one sitting!
July 24, 2023
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for “The Girls from Hush Cabin!”
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was an entertaining mystery that was reminiscent of Holly Jackson, Maureen Johnson, and E. Lockhart’s YA thrillers. I look forward to reading more of Marie Hoy-Kenny’s work when it’s published.
The four main characters from “Hush Cabin”—Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise—are all very different young women who were manipulated in their special way by their beloved, and now dead, camp counselor, Violet when they were in their early teens. Like the best manipulators, Violet made the girls feel important and seen—they would do anything to win her approval and praise, including things that have haunted them since the summer camp closed following a camper’s tragic death. Violet’s shocking demise has forced them to reflect on their relationship with her and puts them in harm's way as the mystery surrounding Violet comes to light.
I liked how girl-centric “Hush Cabin” is, and I really liked how morally gray Violet is depicted as being. I haven’t read many books where the main female characters are manipulated and gaslit by another woman, especially one they look up to as much as Violet. I enjoyed how the girls grappled with their realizations about Violet and how they learned to look at her as a complicated person instead of the perfect being they thought she was. However, some of the other relationships left me a little befuddled and head-scratchy, which I can’t discuss without giving away spoilers. The ending to the mystery came out of nowhere and I am still confused about certain character motivations and reactions. I went back a few times to make sure I hadn’t missed anything, and I hadn’t. Some of the reasoning was just really simplistic and perhaps a shade or two underdeveloped. That being said, the core characters and their relationship with Violet and her mystery kept me intrigued until the end, and I think that Hoy-Kenny’s future thrillers will be even better than this one.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was an entertaining mystery that was reminiscent of Holly Jackson, Maureen Johnson, and E. Lockhart’s YA thrillers. I look forward to reading more of Marie Hoy-Kenny’s work when it’s published.
The four main characters from “Hush Cabin”—Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise—are all very different young women who were manipulated in their special way by their beloved, and now dead, camp counselor, Violet when they were in their early teens. Like the best manipulators, Violet made the girls feel important and seen—they would do anything to win her approval and praise, including things that have haunted them since the summer camp closed following a camper’s tragic death. Violet’s shocking demise has forced them to reflect on their relationship with her and puts them in harm's way as the mystery surrounding Violet comes to light.
I liked how girl-centric “Hush Cabin” is, and I really liked how morally gray Violet is depicted as being. I haven’t read many books where the main female characters are manipulated and gaslit by another woman, especially one they look up to as much as Violet. I enjoyed how the girls grappled with their realizations about Violet and how they learned to look at her as a complicated person instead of the perfect being they thought she was. However, some of the other relationships left me a little befuddled and head-scratchy, which I can’t discuss without giving away spoilers. The ending to the mystery came out of nowhere and I am still confused about certain character motivations and reactions. I went back a few times to make sure I hadn’t missed anything, and I hadn’t. Some of the reasoning was just really simplistic and perhaps a shade or two underdeveloped. That being said, the core characters and their relationship with Violet and her mystery kept me intrigued until the end, and I think that Hoy-Kenny’s future thrillers will be even better than this one.
July 28, 2023
Mini blurb: Four former friends from sleepaway camp, now 17, reunite for the first time in four years at their camp counselor's funeral, and decide to investigate her death - even if doing so might expose their darkest secrets.
***
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on Edelweiss. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
I'm starting to see a pattern with teen thrillers...at least the ones I happen to request: I think it's fit to call it the Pretty Little Liars syndrome. They're full of shallow characters who simultaneously act much older (but not in the sense of "wiser"...not at all) and sound much younger than their age, have unspeakable secrets and are horrible to one another. It's funny, because YA books in every other genre are mostly immune to this disease (especially the mean streak - there's a lot of girl solidarity and found family going around, and it's awesome), so I wonder why thrillers can never seem to stray much further from it. Anyhow, I keep looking for the one that will rock my socks off...and an all-girls camp mystery sounded promising. Alas, I made very little progress with this book before I decided to call it quits, and for the usual reasons - the ones I stated before. Also, for a story with four POVs, they sounded very much alike. I'm sure that TGFHC has at least a few redeeming qualities, but after meeting the four protagonists, I didn't have the patience to get to the point where they would (maybe) manifest.
Note: definitive review (I don't have enough to say to justify writing a full-length one later, and of course I don't plan to reread this book).
***
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on Edelweiss. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
I'm starting to see a pattern with teen thrillers...at least the ones I happen to request: I think it's fit to call it the Pretty Little Liars syndrome. They're full of shallow characters who simultaneously act much older (but not in the sense of "wiser"...not at all) and sound much younger than their age, have unspeakable secrets and are horrible to one another. It's funny, because YA books in every other genre are mostly immune to this disease (especially the mean streak - there's a lot of girl solidarity and found family going around, and it's awesome), so I wonder why thrillers can never seem to stray much further from it. Anyhow, I keep looking for the one that will rock my socks off...and an all-girls camp mystery sounded promising. Alas, I made very little progress with this book before I decided to call it quits, and for the usual reasons - the ones I stated before. Also, for a story with four POVs, they sounded very much alike. I'm sure that TGFHC has at least a few redeeming qualities, but after meeting the four protagonists, I didn't have the patience to get to the point where they would (maybe) manifest.
Note: definitive review (I don't have enough to say to justify writing a full-length one later, and of course I don't plan to reread this book).
July 2, 2023
- Written in First Person
- Alternating POV
- Short chapters
- Past and Present
The book is mysterious and intriguing. It has alternating POV and it’s written in first person. So a group of friends gets to know about Violet’s mysterious death. They all gather for her funeral. Their gathering brings back memories from past and her death seems to have some connection with mysterious disappearance and accidental death of someone. Everything is strange and scattered like a different pieces of puzzle.
To solve the mystery of her death, they must find the missing link intervening past and present. The most unexpected things happens in plot and all of them are in grave danger if it’s a well planned murder, the killer is on loose or what if the killer is one among them? What if their lives will also get tragically cut short just like Violet? The truth is twisted and so unpredictable.
Thank you Publisher, Author and Netgalley
- Alternating POV
- Short chapters
- Past and Present
The book is mysterious and intriguing. It has alternating POV and it’s written in first person. So a group of friends gets to know about Violet’s mysterious death. They all gather for her funeral. Their gathering brings back memories from past and her death seems to have some connection with mysterious disappearance and accidental death of someone. Everything is strange and scattered like a different pieces of puzzle.
To solve the mystery of her death, they must find the missing link intervening past and present. The most unexpected things happens in plot and all of them are in grave danger if it’s a well planned murder, the killer is on loose or what if the killer is one among them? What if their lives will also get tragically cut short just like Violet? The truth is twisted and so unpredictable.
Thank you Publisher, Author and Netgalley
August 24, 2023
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinions
The Girls from Hush Cabin is a murder mystery novel targeted for YA readers. As an adult reading the book, I did not recognize any of the pop music songs or artists and had a hard time with the slang (I'm 62) Putting that aside I did enjoy the book.
It will appeal to the younger readers. The plot is good and the characters thoroughly developed. Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise are so totally different and I enjoy getting to know them. The manipulation of the camp counselor, Violet was a perfectly portrayed. They give you strong emotions, either good or bad, which is good writing.
The setting at the summer camp is ideal for a murder mystery.
Enjoyed the surprising ending.
Overall a good book for preteen/young teens.
Recommend.
The Girls from Hush Cabin is a murder mystery novel targeted for YA readers. As an adult reading the book, I did not recognize any of the pop music songs or artists and had a hard time with the slang (I'm 62) Putting that aside I did enjoy the book.
It will appeal to the younger readers. The plot is good and the characters thoroughly developed. Calista, Zoe, Holly, and Denise are so totally different and I enjoy getting to know them. The manipulation of the camp counselor, Violet was a perfectly portrayed. They give you strong emotions, either good or bad, which is good writing.
The setting at the summer camp is ideal for a murder mystery.
Enjoyed the surprising ending.
Overall a good book for preteen/young teens.
Recommend.
August 9, 2023
It's funny because I don't often read YA but I really love them every time I do end up picking one up! This book is no different! The concept immediately had me hooked! Who doesn't love a good camp friends-turned older adult story! I don't know why but I've always been a fan of that.
Anyways this YA thriller is GOOD y'all. And it's perfect timing for the end of summer. A little summer camp reminder for all of us too old for summer camp now and a great book for those still going! It's so twisty and full of up and downs. I thought I had it figured out but I did not till the very end! So so good!
This book is a great choice for the end of summer and for fall spooky season!
Thank you Blackstone and NetGalley for the eARC!
Anyways this YA thriller is GOOD y'all. And it's perfect timing for the end of summer. A little summer camp reminder for all of us too old for summer camp now and a great book for those still going! It's so twisty and full of up and downs. I thought I had it figured out but I did not till the very end! So so good!
This book is a great choice for the end of summer and for fall spooky season!
Thank you Blackstone and NetGalley for the eARC!
April 26, 2023
I received and electronic copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was just bored and not nearly invested enough to care about the secrets Violet made the girls keep during their years at camp. I think this book could have benefitted from a little more world building and character development. Zoe being cast as an easy alcoholic early on felt surface level and her narrated chapters didn't make her seem any less shallow. The other three girls were not even interesting enough to really remember and all four girls were hard to distinguish from each other.
I was just bored and not nearly invested enough to care about the secrets Violet made the girls keep during their years at camp. I think this book could have benefitted from a little more world building and character development. Zoe being cast as an easy alcoholic early on felt surface level and her narrated chapters didn't make her seem any less shallow. The other three girls were not even interesting enough to really remember and all four girls were hard to distinguish from each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
Thrilling read! It's one of those good books that a reader could never pinpoint who the bad guy is.
Thank you to Goodreads, the publisher and author for this book.
Thank you to Goodreads, the publisher and author for this book.
October 19, 2023
Like 2.95… I think this book would’ve benefited from a better editing. The girls were not likable. It was really annoying whenever there was a flashback scene that the author always wrote” I’m thirteen”, “we’re thirteen”… we know, couldn’t you just write the year instead?
March 30, 2023
This book felt very one dimensional and shallow. I do not think that any of the teenage girls acted like actual teenage girls in any sense.
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