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Vale
Every high school has football games, lies, crushes, secrets, dances, and murder. Right?
Months have passed since darkness invaded Vale, Louisiana, when a young girl, Leigh Thompson, disappeared. A group of teenagers tries to hide their secrets after they receive a letter threatening to expose them if they don’t tell the truth.
Things take a turn for the worse when Peyton Vale arrives in town, determined to walk each of them to the gallows for what they did to Leigh. But coming face to face with her foe, Dark Horse, she learns striking a deal with the devil is easier said than done.
The closer Dark Horse gets to discovering the truth, the more Peyton Vale conceals her own secret—and the harder it gets for the group of teens to keep theirs dead and buried.
Who is Dark Horse, and what is he after? Will Peyton Vale get her revenge?
And who are the teens more afraid Dark Horse, Peyton, or each other?
Months have passed since darkness invaded Vale, Louisiana, when a young girl, Leigh Thompson, disappeared. A group of teenagers tries to hide their secrets after they receive a letter threatening to expose them if they don’t tell the truth.
Things take a turn for the worse when Peyton Vale arrives in town, determined to walk each of them to the gallows for what they did to Leigh. But coming face to face with her foe, Dark Horse, she learns striking a deal with the devil is easier said than done.
The closer Dark Horse gets to discovering the truth, the more Peyton Vale conceals her own secret—and the harder it gets for the group of teens to keep theirs dead and buried.
Who is Dark Horse, and what is he after? Will Peyton Vale get her revenge?
And who are the teens more afraid Dark Horse, Peyton, or each other?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2022
4 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2024
Gripping, unexpected, and all around a wonderful tale told by Stacey! This one is a page turner, especially if you enjoy eerie and thoughtful thrillers!
July 13, 2022
I loved this book! It's such a dark and chilling story. Right off the bat, you are sucked into the first chapter, and are left wondering what will happen next. It will keep you turning the pages; I couldn't stop reading. Author Stacey L Pierson has a vivid imagination with very intriguing characters. I highly recommend, especially if you love the dark and creepy
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November 4, 2022Author's guest post at my blog:
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February 18, 2023Stacey L. Pierson’s Vale is a YA paranormal murder mystery about a group of teens who are all hiding something regarding the disappearance of an old friend.
The first thing that struck me about this book was the TV-script style of Stacey’s writing. It reads like I’m watching a television show; the layout, the immediacy of the writing, the fast pace, is all reminiscent of a TV show. And it works perfectly for the large cast.
The second thing that struck me was how well Stacey has characterized Vale High School. The High School itself feels like a living organism, as all the students are described in dispassionate terms of how they function in the school. And the school feels like it’s watching them.
Lastly, I love how Charles’s epilepsy is drawn. Stacey has mentioned this aspect of the book is #ownvoices and it reads as an authentic portrayal. So many books that feature characters with disabilities or conditions make a big deal about the disability/condition, but Charles is just allowed to be a regular character who is in no way different from the rest of the cast.
Double lastly, that twist at the end was totally unexpected!
Overall, Vale is an engaging read that I definitely recommend to those who love YA and mystery.
The first thing that struck me about this book was the TV-script style of Stacey’s writing. It reads like I’m watching a television show; the layout, the immediacy of the writing, the fast pace, is all reminiscent of a TV show. And it works perfectly for the large cast.
The second thing that struck me was how well Stacey has characterized Vale High School. The High School itself feels like a living organism, as all the students are described in dispassionate terms of how they function in the school. And the school feels like it’s watching them.
Lastly, I love how Charles’s epilepsy is drawn. Stacey has mentioned this aspect of the book is #ownvoices and it reads as an authentic portrayal. So many books that feature characters with disabilities or conditions make a big deal about the disability/condition, but Charles is just allowed to be a regular character who is in no way different from the rest of the cast.
Double lastly, that twist at the end was totally unexpected!
Overall, Vale is an engaging read that I definitely recommend to those who love YA and mystery.
February 6, 2024
amazing!! twist and turns!!
As I dove into the pages of Vale, it was like being transported to a movie set where I could witness the story unfolding right before my eyes. Each chapter added another layer to the gripping murder mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Stacey L. Pierson has a talent for crafting villains that are both alluring and despicable. The passion she infuses in their characters is captivating, leaving me wanting to know more about Dark Horse. Is this enigmatic figure someone I would want to befriend? Absolutely not. But as an enemy? That's a risk I might consider taking. The tension and conflict between characters had me hooked, unable to put the book down. And now, as I eagerly await the release of the second installment and dive into Stacey's other works, I can confidently say she is a must-add author to my growing bookshelf. Her writing style is masterful and keeps me coming back for more. As I devoured Vale, it was as though a thrilling movie played out before my very eyes. Each chapter peeled back another layer of the intricate murder mystery, leaving me gasping for more. Stacey L. Pierson's villains are masterfully crafted, filled with passion and contempt that draw me deeper into their twisted minds. The enigmatic Dark Horse is both alluring and repulsive, a villain I wouldn't dare cross but also one I can't help but be fascinated by. And the heated arguments between characters had me on the edge of my seat, craving every last word. I eagerly await the next installment in this series, as well as any other works from Stacey L. Pierson. She has cemented herself as a must-read author on my bookshelf, her writing skillfully weaving together a tale that leaves me breathless with anticipation and satisfaction.
As I dove into the pages of Vale, it was like being transported to a movie set where I could witness the story unfolding right before my eyes. Each chapter added another layer to the gripping murder mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Stacey L. Pierson has a talent for crafting villains that are both alluring and despicable. The passion she infuses in their characters is captivating, leaving me wanting to know more about Dark Horse. Is this enigmatic figure someone I would want to befriend? Absolutely not. But as an enemy? That's a risk I might consider taking. The tension and conflict between characters had me hooked, unable to put the book down. And now, as I eagerly await the release of the second installment and dive into Stacey's other works, I can confidently say she is a must-add author to my growing bookshelf. Her writing style is masterful and keeps me coming back for more. As I devoured Vale, it was as though a thrilling movie played out before my very eyes. Each chapter peeled back another layer of the intricate murder mystery, leaving me gasping for more. Stacey L. Pierson's villains are masterfully crafted, filled with passion and contempt that draw me deeper into their twisted minds. The enigmatic Dark Horse is both alluring and repulsive, a villain I wouldn't dare cross but also one I can't help but be fascinated by. And the heated arguments between characters had me on the edge of my seat, craving every last word. I eagerly await the next installment in this series, as well as any other works from Stacey L. Pierson. She has cemented herself as a must-read author on my bookshelf, her writing skillfully weaving together a tale that leaves me breathless with anticipation and satisfaction.
February 10, 2023
A YA mystery you won’t want to put down!
Vale is a murder mystery that takes you on a wild ride from day one. Pierson’s world building is fantastic as the small town southern charm leaps off the page and makes you feel you are right back in high school with the cliques and drama that feels so important at the time.
My favorite part of Pierson’s writing is how she handles high tension scenes. She expertly weaves actions, thoughts, and narrative seamlessly. Her use of internal thoughts interrupting conversations or important action scenes flowed so well and allows the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
With dark characters, twists you won’t see coming, and a perfect set up for more time in this world, this is a great YA mystery fans of either genre will surely enjoy!
Vale is a murder mystery that takes you on a wild ride from day one. Pierson’s world building is fantastic as the small town southern charm leaps off the page and makes you feel you are right back in high school with the cliques and drama that feels so important at the time.
My favorite part of Pierson’s writing is how she handles high tension scenes. She expertly weaves actions, thoughts, and narrative seamlessly. Her use of internal thoughts interrupting conversations or important action scenes flowed so well and allows the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
With dark characters, twists you won’t see coming, and a perfect set up for more time in this world, this is a great YA mystery fans of either genre will surely enjoy!
July 2, 2023
Stacey L. Pierson has delivered a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning! The first chapter is one of the best well written chapters I've read in recent years. With her descriptive details, I felt as though I was watching a movie rather than reading a novel. The story takes me back to the days of high school and with the status quo of the characters in this book, I'm glad I am far from those days and that the memories are in the rearview mirror. Find out what I mean, and put this book on your summer reading list today!
March 3, 2023
A different read
This novel is nothing like novels read in the past. The prose is deeply dark and murders happen in Vale. When you think you have figured out the mystery, who did what, etcetera, the narrative switches that fast. Needs to be edited.
This novel is nothing like novels read in the past. The prose is deeply dark and murders happen in Vale. When you think you have figured out the mystery, who did what, etcetera, the narrative switches that fast. Needs to be edited.
June 5, 2023
Vale by Stacey Pierson
Pick this one up if you like:
I Know What you Did Last Summer
Pretty Little Liars
Teen suspense mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page!
Stacey’s descriptions are rich and beautiful. Action sequences make the heart skip a beat.
Pick it up now!
Pick this one up if you like:
I Know What you Did Last Summer
Pretty Little Liars
Teen suspense mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page!
Stacey’s descriptions are rich and beautiful. Action sequences make the heart skip a beat.
Pick it up now!
September 24, 2022
Chilling Murder mystery that I couldn't put down.
Great characters and lots of suspense.
Great characters and lots of suspense.
March 18, 2024
I loved Dark Descendants so much, I was excited to dive into Vale. I love Pierson’s writing style. It’s so descriptive and vivid. I’m able to visualize everything going on. I also loved the dialogue in this book, it was so authentic and casual as to how real teenagers would talk. I also really liked the little inner monologues and side comments being made in between paragraphs. It really added to the story.
The first chapter had me hooked. It was gruesome and heart racing. It was a great murder mystery involving secrets amongst friends, which is a trope I love to read about!
One of my favorite descriptions/quotes: “Her attacker stabs her in the chest, spreading rage and hate with every blow. She lies there now, numb, cold, lifeless. Lines of blood drip down onto the soil like a painting as the knife goes in and out of her body, turning the white trees into candy canes.”
The first chapter had me hooked. It was gruesome and heart racing. It was a great murder mystery involving secrets amongst friends, which is a trope I love to read about!
One of my favorite descriptions/quotes: “Her attacker stabs her in the chest, spreading rage and hate with every blow. She lies there now, numb, cold, lifeless. Lines of blood drip down onto the soil like a painting as the knife goes in and out of her body, turning the white trees into candy canes.”
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews