I struggled to get through this book, I'm not going to lie. Half the time I was wondering what exactly was going on and the other half of the time I really just didn't care about what was going on. I didn't care about any of the characters. The plot was slow to develop and, honestly, I can't say that it ever actually did develop. Some entirely unmemorable stuff happened and then it was over. ( )

A decently constructed thriller for teens. Great for reluctant readers! ( )

Sophomore loner Kerry is overjoyed when three popular senior girls pick her to be in their clique, until a shocking accident sets off a string of supernatural occurrences that become more and more threatening.

Young Reader Reaction: Our pre-teen picked this up because she liked the picture of the three girls on the cover, and she likes eerie, ghost-story-like books. She got about halfway through, then jumped to the end. She said the middle was "too long."

Adult Reader Reaction: There ghost story elements of the book are intriguing and what keep it alive (no pun intended). Unfortunately, Tanya is such a heavy-handed bully that the story lost its way. Kerry had great potential for becoming a positive character, but every time she started to show some depth, the growth was short-circuited by other events. I cheered for her for a long time, but in the end felt I'd wasted my time.

Pros: This is a ghost story with that explores high school life: friendship, peer pressure, and dealing with grief.

Read our full review and add yours at The Reading Tub®.

Though I'm only half of the way through this book, I find the lyrical language and complicated emotions in this book astounding. The fact that Peck, a well-aged gentleman (and he is a true gentleman, which you can tell upon meeting him), can channel the thoughts and voice of a teenage girl is incredible. I'm looking forward to finishing this book, and you can be sure Richard Peck has found a new fan.
—Michelle ( )