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Take The Fall
WHO KILLED GRETCHEN MEYER?
Fear grips the residents of Hidden Falls the night Sonia Feldman and her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, are attacked in the woods. Sonia was lucky to escape with her life, but Gretchen’s body is discovered at the bottom of a waterfall. Beautiful, popular, and seemingly untouchable, Gretchen can’t be gone. Even as Sonia struggles with guilt and confusion over having survived, the whole town is looking to her for information…could she have seen something that will lead the police to the killer?
At the top of the list of suspects is Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend—and Sonia’s longtime enemy—Marcus Perez. So when Marcus comes to Sonia for help clearing his name, she agrees, hoping to find evidence the police need to prove he’s the killer. But as Gretchen’s many secrets emerge and the suspects add up, Sonia feels less sure of Marcus’s involvement, and more afraid for herself. Could Marcus, the artist, the screwup, the boy she might be falling for have attacked her? Killed her best friend? And if it wasn’t him in the woods that night…who could it have been?
Fear grips the residents of Hidden Falls the night Sonia Feldman and her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, are attacked in the woods. Sonia was lucky to escape with her life, but Gretchen’s body is discovered at the bottom of a waterfall. Beautiful, popular, and seemingly untouchable, Gretchen can’t be gone. Even as Sonia struggles with guilt and confusion over having survived, the whole town is looking to her for information…could she have seen something that will lead the police to the killer?
At the top of the list of suspects is Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend—and Sonia’s longtime enemy—Marcus Perez. So when Marcus comes to Sonia for help clearing his name, she agrees, hoping to find evidence the police need to prove he’s the killer. But as Gretchen’s many secrets emerge and the suspects add up, Sonia feels less sure of Marcus’s involvement, and more afraid for herself. Could Marcus, the artist, the screwup, the boy she might be falling for have attacked her? Killed her best friend? And if it wasn’t him in the woods that night…who could it have been?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
About the author
Emily Hainsworth
8 books248 followersEmily Hainsworth was raised in Syracuse, New York, until she fell in love and fled its gray skies for the sunny Rocky Mountains. Before she started writing full time, she worked as a turndown maid at a fancy golf club, scooped poop at a dog boarding kennel, worked retail in an upscale pet boutique, and owned a dog grooming business. She currently resides in Denver with her family. Emily's debut novel, THROUGH TO YOU, a romantic sci-fi thriller, was published in 2012 by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins. It was on the Fall 2012 Kids Indie Next List, received a starred review from VOYA magazine, was translated into nine languages, and was optioned for film by Paramount Pictures. Her second novel, TAKE THE FALL, is a suspenseful YA thriller about a girl trying to understand why she escaped murder when her best friend didn’t.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 17, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was an okay mystery story, but it took a while to get good.
Sonia seemed quite intent on finding out who killed her friend, although it seemed a bit of an odd idea to team up with the person who was the most likely suspect!
The storyline in this started out really slow, and the book didn’t really seem to take off until the 70% mark which was a bit late. I liked the mystery over who the killer was though, and I didn’t guess right at all!
The ending to this had some interesting twists, and I was satisfied with the way things turned out, although an epilogue would have been nice!
6.5 out of 10
“Gretchen’s dead.”
This was an okay mystery story, but it took a while to get good.
Sonia seemed quite intent on finding out who killed her friend, although it seemed a bit of an odd idea to team up with the person who was the most likely suspect!
The storyline in this started out really slow, and the book didn’t really seem to take off until the 70% mark which was a bit late. I liked the mystery over who the killer was though, and I didn’t guess right at all!
The ending to this had some interesting twists, and I was satisfied with the way things turned out, although an epilogue would have been nice!
6.5 out of 10
January 8, 2016
3.5 stars
My first young adult murder mystery book of the year! Suspenseful and dark, but so fun to read. It had a great dose of twists and surprises. I was convinced I knew whodunnit up to the end, but then WAM.. Emily Hainsworth got me. That’s the kind of thing you want from a good murder mystery. Red herrings are always a plus. There were shades of Twin Peaks throughout making for a unique tone and setting. It seems everyone has their secrets.
Take the Fall is about Sonia and the search for her best friend’s killer. By the end of the prologue, Sonia has escaped an attack in the woods and finds out her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, has been found dead at the bottom of the falls. At the top of the police’s suspect list is Marcus, Gretchen’s most recent ex-boyfriend. He insists his innocence and asks for Sonia’s help clearing his name. While their list of potential suspects grows, the threat of danger against Sonia grows. Will they find out who killed Gretchen before it’s too late? Are the police right about Marcus after all?
I thought the story was really intriguing at times, but was missing something to make it unputdownable. There was a good amount of character development. I really enjoyed how more layers of Gretchen were revealed slowly throughout. In ways I was reminded of Pretty Little Liars because of the friendship dynamics and town full of secrets. If you typically enjoy murder mysteries and young adult novels, this is a perfect combination of the two.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review via edelweiss.
My first young adult murder mystery book of the year! Suspenseful and dark, but so fun to read. It had a great dose of twists and surprises. I was convinced I knew whodunnit up to the end, but then WAM.. Emily Hainsworth got me. That’s the kind of thing you want from a good murder mystery. Red herrings are always a plus. There were shades of Twin Peaks throughout making for a unique tone and setting. It seems everyone has their secrets.
Take the Fall is about Sonia and the search for her best friend’s killer. By the end of the prologue, Sonia has escaped an attack in the woods and finds out her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, has been found dead at the bottom of the falls. At the top of the police’s suspect list is Marcus, Gretchen’s most recent ex-boyfriend. He insists his innocence and asks for Sonia’s help clearing his name. While their list of potential suspects grows, the threat of danger against Sonia grows. Will they find out who killed Gretchen before it’s too late? Are the police right about Marcus after all?
I thought the story was really intriguing at times, but was missing something to make it unputdownable. There was a good amount of character development. I really enjoyed how more layers of Gretchen were revealed slowly throughout. In ways I was reminded of Pretty Little Liars because of the friendship dynamics and town full of secrets. If you typically enjoy murder mysteries and young adult novels, this is a perfect combination of the two.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review via edelweiss.
March 12, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
4.5 Stars
Take the Fall is one of the most suspenseful books of the year. The reader will be turning the pages like mad, eager to learn the truth. This crime novel is action-packed as the characters try and catch a killer, and the focus is on the mystery, not the romance, which is enjoyable. However, the ending may be disappointing for some in this whirlwind of a story.
Take the Fall has all the components of a good mystery: characters searching for possible suspects and attempting to uncover evidence, and the massive reveal of the murderer’s identity at the end. Also, there is so much suspense as the characters get closer and closer to the truth. Add the fact that it is action-packed, and this book contains that right mix for a perfect who-done-it that will keep the readers on the edge of their seats!
The subplot in this book is really enjoyable as well and adds to its overall appeal. There is a romantic theme in Take the Fall between the two main characters. While these types of dramas in books can sometimes take away from the plot, it isn’t the main focus of the story. As a reader, I want to focus more on the solving of the problem and not get distracted by unimportant details. This love affair was just the right amount to keep Hainsworth’s story at its fast pace.
The only thing really lacking in Take the Fall was the ending. It is hard to provide details without spoiling the book, however, the whole ending didn’t really make sense. For such a well-written novel, it was surprising to have it end the way it did. If perfect endings are important to you, then this book might not be your cup of tea.
Take the Fall is a suspenseful mystery with a focus on crime, not romance. Though I enjoyed most of this book, the ending didn’t really satisfy me. However, I would recommend fans of the mystery/thriller genre, since this book really fits the bill with the crime aspects.
4.5 Stars
Take the Fall is one of the most suspenseful books of the year. The reader will be turning the pages like mad, eager to learn the truth. This crime novel is action-packed as the characters try and catch a killer, and the focus is on the mystery, not the romance, which is enjoyable. However, the ending may be disappointing for some in this whirlwind of a story.
Take the Fall has all the components of a good mystery: characters searching for possible suspects and attempting to uncover evidence, and the massive reveal of the murderer’s identity at the end. Also, there is so much suspense as the characters get closer and closer to the truth. Add the fact that it is action-packed, and this book contains that right mix for a perfect who-done-it that will keep the readers on the edge of their seats!
The subplot in this book is really enjoyable as well and adds to its overall appeal. There is a romantic theme in Take the Fall between the two main characters. While these types of dramas in books can sometimes take away from the plot, it isn’t the main focus of the story. As a reader, I want to focus more on the solving of the problem and not get distracted by unimportant details. This love affair was just the right amount to keep Hainsworth’s story at its fast pace.
The only thing really lacking in Take the Fall was the ending. It is hard to provide details without spoiling the book, however, the whole ending didn’t really make sense. For such a well-written novel, it was surprising to have it end the way it did. If perfect endings are important to you, then this book might not be your cup of tea.
Take the Fall is a suspenseful mystery with a focus on crime, not romance. Though I enjoyed most of this book, the ending didn’t really satisfy me. However, I would recommend fans of the mystery/thriller genre, since this book really fits the bill with the crime aspects.
January 22, 2016
Who doesn't love a good heart pounding, pulse racing thriller?
We are immediately thrown right into the very heart of the story as the novel opens with Sonia frantically fleeing the woods for her life after being attacked and nearly killed.
Right off you know this will be a mystery that is gong to mess with your head and while I did have most of it figured out way early on in the story, the author managed to put twists and new turns into the story that more than once, had me questioning whether or not I really did have it all right and whether or not I really did know who attacked Sonia and killed Gretchen.
But even though I ended up being right in the end, this story still managed to hold my attention and keep me interested with the suspense, the mystery of why, and of course the slight love interest that was completely forbidden for so many reasons.
All in all this was an engaging read that kept me turning the pages right up until the end.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
We are immediately thrown right into the very heart of the story as the novel opens with Sonia frantically fleeing the woods for her life after being attacked and nearly killed.
Right off you know this will be a mystery that is gong to mess with your head and while I did have most of it figured out way early on in the story, the author managed to put twists and new turns into the story that more than once, had me questioning whether or not I really did have it all right and whether or not I really did know who attacked Sonia and killed Gretchen.
But even though I ended up being right in the end, this story still managed to hold my attention and keep me interested with the suspense, the mystery of why, and of course the slight love interest that was completely forbidden for so many reasons.
All in all this was an engaging read that kept me turning the pages right up until the end.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
January 13, 2016
I really enjoyed Emily's other book, so was beyond thrilled to get my greedy hands on this one.
I really liked Sonia. She's smart and being in her head had me captivated right from the beginning. There are a lot of secondary characters {*cough* suspects *cough*} and Emily did a fantastic job at getting me to believe that everyone was involved and no one could be trusted.
There are some excellent plot twists that I didn't see coming. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new would be revealed. It's a delicious game of mindfuckery and I loved every bit of it.
My main complaint {for lack of a better word} is that I wish there would have been an epilogue. Don't get me wrong, the ending totally works with the story, but I'm greedy and wanted more. Perhaps something a bit more future orientated.
**Huge thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I really liked Sonia. She's smart and being in her head had me captivated right from the beginning. There are a lot of secondary characters {*cough* suspects *cough*} and Emily did a fantastic job at getting me to believe that everyone was involved and no one could be trusted.
There are some excellent plot twists that I didn't see coming. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new would be revealed. It's a delicious game of mindfuckery and I loved every bit of it.
My main complaint {for lack of a better word} is that I wish there would have been an epilogue. Don't get me wrong, the ending totally works with the story, but I'm greedy and wanted more. Perhaps something a bit more future orientated.
**Huge thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
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February 16, 2016This started strong for me but then the plot just went around and around and around in endless circles, which was frustrating. While I think some people will enjoy the ending, I found it more annoying than surprising.
Full review to come.
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free advance copy of this book for me to review.
Full review to come.
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free advance copy of this book for me to review.
March 2, 2018
This was an enjoyable YA murder mystery... and much of my enjoyment came from the fact that the author is clearly a Twin Peaks fan. Randomly coming across references to the show is always a treat for this fan.
The book opens with a murdered girl in a small town.
She was murdered near a waterfall.
The sheriff as well as the girl's best friend investigate her murder, and secrets gradually come to light.
There's a Deputy Brennan.
AND the sheriff has a mug that says "Damn Fine Coffee."
The evidence is clear. A definite fan.
However, the book is its own entity entirely. There is a distinct lack of the supernatural and weird. Instead, it's about everyday friendships, and how those friendships might not be everything you think they are. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a YA offering, so I'm happy to say that I hung on to every word of this book, despite the occasional questionable decisions the main character made. Recommended for those who enjoy YA mysteries.
The book opens with a murdered girl in a small town.
She was murdered near a waterfall.
The sheriff as well as the girl's best friend investigate her murder, and secrets gradually come to light.
There's a Deputy Brennan.
AND the sheriff has a mug that says "Damn Fine Coffee."
The evidence is clear. A definite fan.
However, the book is its own entity entirely. There is a distinct lack of the supernatural and weird. Instead, it's about everyday friendships, and how those friendships might not be everything you think they are. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a YA offering, so I'm happy to say that I hung on to every word of this book, despite the occasional questionable decisions the main character made. Recommended for those who enjoy YA mysteries.
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January 23, 2016DNF at 30%
I wasn't connecting to the story or mystery. I had a theory so flipped to the back and I was right about a portion of it. I think if you can connect to the writing and characters you'll enjoy this but it wasn't for me.
I wasn't connecting to the story or mystery. I had a theory so flipped to the back and I was right about a portion of it. I think if you can connect to the writing and characters you'll enjoy this but it wasn't for me.
December 29, 2015
Good Lord this book was amazing so amazing! I can't explain to you how much I loved this book so much! If you like suspense you will love this book. It is for you because from page one to the end you are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
In this story we meet Sonia and her best friend Gretchen. They do everything together. So when they are invited to a party they decide to go. What happens after the party is where the suspense begins. They are in the woods laughing and talking and having fun when something comes out of the blue and attacks them. Sonia runs for her life and is attacked from behind but makes it out of the woods alive.
She runs into her family diner when she screams for help and her family comes out and helps her. The police come over to her and ask her what happened but she can't remember because they were in the woods and fine one moment then the next they were being attacked.This is where the story starts to get good because Sonia will have to remember what happened to her and Gretchen in the woods.
Sonia and Gretchen's ex-boyfriend Marcus will have to piece together what happened and work together when they hate each other. But what will happen? Will they find the killer? Will they be able to work together and put aside thier differences?
This is a must must must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In this story we meet Sonia and her best friend Gretchen. They do everything together. So when they are invited to a party they decide to go. What happens after the party is where the suspense begins. They are in the woods laughing and talking and having fun when something comes out of the blue and attacks them. Sonia runs for her life and is attacked from behind but makes it out of the woods alive.
She runs into her family diner when she screams for help and her family comes out and helps her. The police come over to her and ask her what happened but she can't remember because they were in the woods and fine one moment then the next they were being attacked.This is where the story starts to get good because Sonia will have to remember what happened to her and Gretchen in the woods.
Sonia and Gretchen's ex-boyfriend Marcus will have to piece together what happened and work together when they hate each other. But what will happen? Will they find the killer? Will they be able to work together and put aside thier differences?
This is a must must must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2016
Hmmm...
I liked Take the Fall by Emily Hainsworth. Didn't love it, but I did enjoy the mystery aspect of the story. The book begins with an account of an attack on the main character Sonia. She survives the attack, but her best friend Gretchen is found dead. The rest of the story unfolds as Sonia and the police try to piece together the clues.
About halfway through the book, I was a little frustrated by Sonia's Nancy Drew imitation. I mean, if you are getting threatening notes in your locker after your best friend has been murdered, wouldn't you not run to the police for help? Not our Sonia. She holds on to the postcard. I did keep reading because I was curious....
The last bit of the book surprised me. I didn't see that coming.
Recommended for young adult readers.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for a review copy of this book.
I liked Take the Fall by Emily Hainsworth. Didn't love it, but I did enjoy the mystery aspect of the story. The book begins with an account of an attack on the main character Sonia. She survives the attack, but her best friend Gretchen is found dead. The rest of the story unfolds as Sonia and the police try to piece together the clues.
About halfway through the book, I was a little frustrated by Sonia's Nancy Drew imitation. I mean, if you are getting threatening notes in your locker after your best friend has been murdered, wouldn't you not run to the police for help? Not our Sonia. She holds on to the postcard. I did keep reading because I was curious....
The last bit of the book surprised me. I didn't see that coming.
Recommended for young adult readers.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for a review copy of this book.
February 22, 2016
I've expected it to be intriguing and mystic. No such luck :/
The book is boring. The ending is the only good thing about it BUT I've predicted everything that happened (I guess I watch too many detective TV shows lol). The book is full of cliches, and at some point you become seriously annoyed by them.
Did I like the book? No. Did I hate it? No. Would I recommend it? No.
The book is boring. The ending is the only good thing about it BUT I've predicted everything that happened (I guess I watch too many detective TV shows lol). The book is full of cliches, and at some point you become seriously annoyed by them.
Did I like the book? No. Did I hate it? No. Would I recommend it? No.
February 17, 2016
More 3.5. Also, had that theory at 12%. Just saying.
December 16, 2016
”None of them knew just how she fell,
Down, down through the air-
And now she’ll never tell.”
Out of all the relationships between people in this world, I think the most fascinating, complex, and toxic relationships out there are the ones between teenage girls. Its almost mercurial in nature. One minute they can be the best of friends; one misstep later they’re immortal enemies. They can’t live with each other, but they can’t live without each other. I went to a high school football recently with Lauren (the BFFL) because her newest love interest coaches the football teams there. And it was so fascinating for us to observe teenage relationships and friendships from a distance. It’s like they’re a totally separate species in of themselves. Lauren and I happened to become friends towards the tail-end of our high school career, so I honestly don’t know what it would have been like if we were both in the throes of our teenage hormonal development. I don’t think it would’ve ended up as fatally as Gretchen and Sonia’s, however.
Sonia and Gretchen have been best friends almost their entire lives living in a small Pennsylvania town where the most exciting to happen is the construction of a new community center. That is, until they’re attacked one night near the waterfall, with Sonia making it out alive... and Gretchen being found dead.
”People have died at the falls, but there’s never been a murder.Was it murder or an accident? What does Sonia remember? Amid all of these questions, town enemy lines are being drawn against the one person everyone thinks did it; Marcus Perez; Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend and Sonia’s mortal enemy. When Marcus asks for Sonia’s help in proving his innocence, she reluctantly agrees, but soon second-guesses her decision the more she remembers about the night she was attacked/ Because some memories are meant to be left buried beneath the cold ground.
Until three days ago.”
I think the most fascinating part of the story wasn’t the murder mystery itself, but the ever-developing relationship and discoveries we find out about with Sonia and Gretchen. In the beginning, they’re made out to be bosom buddies, but slowly, like the ever-changing sizes of a Russian nesting doll, it begins to change. The layers are peeled apart, and you begin to see their friendship in a totally different light and how not-so-picture perfect it really was. In addition, their closeness was interesting, particularly since Gretchen has a younger sister Kirsten whom she’s not particularly close to. A little sister vying for the adoration and attention of her older sister who considers her best friend as more of a sister than her actual blood is twisted and sad at the same time. How the author wrote and portrayed these different relationships was her best asset to the book.
Overall though, the book was pretty average. Once I figured out the dynamics of the story, I knew who did the crime pretty quickly, and what parts they played. The romance between the leads was kind of “meh”, which was surprising considering that there’s this supposed unrequited love between Marcus and Sonia. The small-town vibes were nice, and I think this novel would actually play rather nicely with the new Riverdale series coming out on the CW.
If you’re looking for a quick mystery, particularly one with toxic friendship themes, this is a good book to get started with. Just remember that not everything is what it seems, especially with teenage girls.
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January 27, 2016When Gretchen Meyer is found dead, the entire community of Hidden Falls wants to know who did it. Sonia Feldman, Gretchen’s best friend, was with her that night, and she, too, was a victim of someone’s attempt to hurt her. Everyone thinks they know who is responsible, and Sonia’s on a mission to get to the bottom of the mystery, both because of her own love for Gretchen, as well as for her own safety and the safety of those around her. This is a twisty-turny mystery with a narrator who isn’t exactly the most reliable. We get bits and pieces of the story and the relationships among characters as it goes along, and we’re forced to question what we know as much as what we don’t know. The reveal at the end is nicely done and achieved successfully through the character development. This book has gotten comps to Twin Peaks and those are fair — there are so many neat parallels and winks to the show. This fast-paced, high-tension book about the shades of gray that color all of our lives and the ways we understand the truths of ourselves and others. More please! — Kelly Jensen
from The Best Books We Read In December: http://bookriot.com/2015/12/23/riot-r...
from The Best Books We Read In December: http://bookriot.com/2015/12/23/riot-r...
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December 10, 2015I loved the hell out of this. Fast paced, twisty, and tons of lefts and rights and truths and half truths kept me guessing until the end. Sonia isn't necessarily the best narrator, and throughout the book I kept thinking I wasn't getting to know her very well, but that serves a really valuable purpose throughout.
This book is about the shades of gray when it comes to truth. It's very much TWIN PEAKS inspired in terms of setting and mystery, down to some really funny references (damn fine coffee).
While I liked Hainsworth's first book, I think I like this one even better. She can write a mystery well and the dramatic tension throughout keeps the reader going.
This book is about the shades of gray when it comes to truth. It's very much TWIN PEAKS inspired in terms of setting and mystery, down to some really funny references (damn fine coffee).
While I liked Hainsworth's first book, I think I like this one even better. She can write a mystery well and the dramatic tension throughout keeps the reader going.
August 15, 2016
If you're like me, and are tired of YA because you feel like it can be pretty repetitive, this could be one for you. I tore through it in two days and I was super surprised how exciting it was. Hainsworth really ratchets up the suspense and the finale is well thought out, surprising and completely authentic. It's not always perfect, but this is a bunch of fun to read.
October 23, 2017
"The initial list of suspects I came up with looked more like a roster of our entire study body"
I am so disappointed. There are not a ton of YA mystery books - especially murder mystery. So when I find one, I'm always excited. But I read a lot of mystery, YA or not - so I know when I've been tricked.
and this book is tricky. I don't mind a good surprise. I don't even mind when I don't figure out who done it before the last page - or that there weren't any clues that I could have caught to figure it out. But this one is just silly. The whole book is completely undone by the ending. It's not shocking or a great twist, it's just a huge rewind.
I'm glad others liked this one. It just wasn't for me.
I am so disappointed. There are not a ton of YA mystery books - especially murder mystery. So when I find one, I'm always excited. But I read a lot of mystery, YA or not - so I know when I've been tricked.
and this book is tricky. I don't mind a good surprise. I don't even mind when I don't figure out who done it before the last page - or that there weren't any clues that I could have caught to figure it out. But this one is just silly. The whole book is completely undone by the ending. It's not shocking or a great twist, it's just a huge rewind.
I'm glad others liked this one. It just wasn't for me.
June 10, 2016
Take the Fall kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, though it never ventured into the feelsy arena. I debated between a 3 and a 3.5, but the ending decided me on the lower rating. Thriller readers may enjoy this one more, but for the dabbler in the genre, this wouldn’t be my first choice.
Hainsworth does a nice job establishing pace and tension, keeping me curious who the murderer was and what would happen next. It’s a fun read. Sonia’s voice, while not quite VOICE is solid. Her possible romance with Marcus had my attention, and it verged on shippy at points. The other characters tend to be a bit one note; characterization is not the strong point of the book.
The plot certainly is twisty and intense, which I liked. It’s basically Mean Girls, if Gretchen was left behind after Regina George was murdered, which honestly is going to make this confusing since the Regina character is named Gretchen. But whatever.
Unfortunately, I can’t talk about the rest without spoilers so peace out if you don’t want to spoiled.
Also, excuse me, how did they book just end right where it did? I want to know more; this resolution was not satisfying. Basically, this book was fun, but I’d recommend some other mystery/thrillers before I would this one.
Hainsworth does a nice job establishing pace and tension, keeping me curious who the murderer was and what would happen next. It’s a fun read. Sonia’s voice, while not quite VOICE is solid. Her possible romance with Marcus had my attention, and it verged on shippy at points. The other characters tend to be a bit one note; characterization is not the strong point of the book.
The plot certainly is twisty and intense, which I liked. It’s basically Mean Girls, if Gretchen was left behind after Regina George was murdered, which honestly is going to make this confusing since the Regina character is named Gretchen. But whatever.
Unfortunately, I can’t talk about the rest without spoilers so peace out if you don’t want to spoiled.
Also, excuse me, how did they book just end right where it did? I want to know more; this resolution was not satisfying. Basically, this book was fun, but I’d recommend some other mystery/thrillers before I would this one.
March 20, 2016
I zipped through this one in less than a day so I can attest to it being a bit of a page turner. That's not to say that there weren't lulls that seemed a bit interminable as I was really in this for the mystery and not about the could-be-maybe-not-but-then-again-romance storyline that involved Sonia and dead BFF's ex-boyfriend, Marcus. From the start, I thought Sonia, who had poor recall of the incident with her attacker, may be an unreliable narrator and given the very things that were excluded from the police investigation, my suspicion of the murderer turned out to be correct. I read a lot of mysteries so this may be why but as this is a YA book, this is likely a good introduction to such a character and story for teens.
The real Gretchen postumously emerges in such a cascade of secrets and double crossing of nearly everyone, that she's more spectre than ever feeling like a real person. I felt that there was piling on to such an extent that it felt as if the author were trying to coerce sympathy for whomever killed Gretchen because they liberated everyone from this teen tyrant. Still, I raced through to the end with a quirked eyebrow daring the end to let the murderer off the hook. While the end leaves their fate unwritten, it's mostly understood that the price will be meted out by the justice system.
One criticism I'll highlight here is that while I'm a total fan of making an effort to include POC characters, this one read as though it were a diversity checklist for an ABC Family show all ticked off down the line and for me, rang hollow. Given the setting, this cloistered off woodland, micro town with no discernible industry to support it, seemed to have all the racial diversity of a major North American city. It fought against the story setting's credibility. It felt like the names of characters were plugged in after the fact to make that diversity thing work or not just for the sake of having it done. I literally read and said to myself, "Well, everyone's been accounted for except our Korean Filipino or Japanese friend" and sure enough, a page later, he arrived. I wish I were exaggerating. Again, points for trying but this one misses the mark for finesse.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of Robin Wasserman's Seven Deadly Sins series as this reminded me of that as I finished.
The real Gretchen postumously emerges in such a cascade of secrets and double crossing of nearly everyone, that she's more spectre than ever feeling like a real person. I felt that there was piling on to such an extent that it felt as if the author were trying to coerce sympathy for whomever killed Gretchen because they liberated everyone from this teen tyrant. Still, I raced through to the end with a quirked eyebrow daring the end to let the murderer off the hook. While the end leaves their fate unwritten, it's mostly understood that the price will be meted out by the justice system.
One criticism I'll highlight here is that while I'm a total fan of making an effort to include POC characters, this one read as though it were a diversity checklist for an ABC Family show all ticked off down the line and for me, rang hollow. Given the setting, this cloistered off woodland, micro town with no discernible industry to support it, seemed to have all the racial diversity of a major North American city. It fought against the story setting's credibility. It felt like the names of characters were plugged in after the fact to make that diversity thing work or not just for the sake of having it done. I literally read and said to myself, "Well, everyone's been accounted for except our Korean Filipino or Japanese friend" and sure enough, a page later, he arrived. I wish I were exaggerating. Again, points for trying but this one misses the mark for finesse.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of Robin Wasserman's Seven Deadly Sins series as this reminded me of that as I finished.
February 4, 2016
3.5 stars
Take the Fall boasts a solid mystery with a diverse catch. Although it had my attention, I found it missing a certain oomph.
Plot: Take the Fall opens with Sonia running into her family's diner at a questionable hour. She looks like she's been in a scuffle and her best friend Gretchen can't be found. The prologue sets the tone for the rest of the novel - fast. This is a fun paced and expected for a murder-mystery. While it was well-written and kept a steady pace, Take the Fall was missing the "thrill" that I was expected the tone of the book to have. There is a murderer running around town and no one seems to care. I assumed that there would be more panic and more suspicion (besides childish fights and graffiti), but people seemed to take Gretchen's murder well.
Characters: This novel's biggest strength is its cast of supporting characters. Hainsworth sets the tone that no one is to be trusted, and she does a great job making the characters both likable and suspicious. I appreciated the diverse friends and that race was even mentioned in terms of murder (the problem with casting suspicion of the black boy when a pretty white girl is found dead). What I wanted more of was to learn about Gretchen, our resident dead girl. I expected to learn more about her, especially since Sonia was her best friend. Because Sonia only explored the surface level of Gretchen, I felt that I didn't understand Gretchen as a person at all.
World Building: There isn't much to say about Hidden Falls, the community seems tight-knit with shadows lurking, which is what I expected from the tone of the novel.
Short N Sweet: Take the Fall doesn't hold back on any surprises, unfortunately, I didn't feel the "thrill" I thought was appropriate for this novel.
Take the Fall boasts a solid mystery with a diverse catch. Although it had my attention, I found it missing a certain oomph.
Plot: Take the Fall opens with Sonia running into her family's diner at a questionable hour. She looks like she's been in a scuffle and her best friend Gretchen can't be found. The prologue sets the tone for the rest of the novel - fast. This is a fun paced and expected for a murder-mystery. While it was well-written and kept a steady pace, Take the Fall was missing the "thrill" that I was expected the tone of the book to have. There is a murderer running around town and no one seems to care. I assumed that there would be more panic and more suspicion (besides childish fights and graffiti), but people seemed to take Gretchen's murder well.
Characters: This novel's biggest strength is its cast of supporting characters. Hainsworth sets the tone that no one is to be trusted, and she does a great job making the characters both likable and suspicious. I appreciated the diverse friends and that race was even mentioned in terms of murder (the problem with casting suspicion of the black boy when a pretty white girl is found dead). What I wanted more of was to learn about Gretchen, our resident dead girl. I expected to learn more about her, especially since Sonia was her best friend. Because Sonia only explored the surface level of Gretchen, I felt that I didn't understand Gretchen as a person at all.
World Building: There isn't much to say about Hidden Falls, the community seems tight-knit with shadows lurking, which is what I expected from the tone of the novel.
Short N Sweet: Take the Fall doesn't hold back on any surprises, unfortunately, I didn't feel the "thrill" I thought was appropriate for this novel.
March 5, 2016
Grade: B
Two girls were attacked in the woods after a party. Sonia survived, her best friend Gretchen did not. Smart. Popular. Beautiful. Who would kill a girl like Gretchen. But, underneath the perfect façade, Gretchen was so much more than she seemed. Something didn't just happen to Gretchen, Gretchen happened to people. So many people. So many suspects. Sonia is determined to figure out whodunit, with the help of Gretchen's ex, who may or may not be the the murderer.
What a ride. TAKE THE FALL had me guessing right until the culprit was named. This person was on my radar, but so was almost every teen in Emily Hainsworth's riveting story. Sonia, headed to Penn on a full ride in the fall, was a likable narrator, but for all her brains, she often lacked in the common sense department. She made some questionable decisions, the biggest was failing to cooperate fully with the sheriff. My best friend turns up murdered and I could have also been killed, I'm an open book, spilling secrets right and left, pointing fingers at potential suspects. But then again, I'd probably be a boring fictional character.
Hainsworth created unique, multidimensional, interesting characters. I loved the voice she gave Sonia and the familial and friendship relationships. I'm definitely going to check out Hainsworth's other works. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and not fully fleshed out. Although we do learn exactly what happened that fateful night, we aren't privy to the fallout from the discovery. I can't say much more, but the fallout of the circumstances, in my opinion, are important to this story, do that prevented me from grading the story higher.
THEMES: murder, mystery, family, friendship, romance
TAKE THE FALL is a thoroughly enjoyable, wild ride that slightly falters at the end.
Two girls were attacked in the woods after a party. Sonia survived, her best friend Gretchen did not. Smart. Popular. Beautiful. Who would kill a girl like Gretchen. But, underneath the perfect façade, Gretchen was so much more than she seemed. Something didn't just happen to Gretchen, Gretchen happened to people. So many people. So many suspects. Sonia is determined to figure out whodunit, with the help of Gretchen's ex, who may or may not be the the murderer.
What a ride. TAKE THE FALL had me guessing right until the culprit was named. This person was on my radar, but so was almost every teen in Emily Hainsworth's riveting story. Sonia, headed to Penn on a full ride in the fall, was a likable narrator, but for all her brains, she often lacked in the common sense department. She made some questionable decisions, the biggest was failing to cooperate fully with the sheriff. My best friend turns up murdered and I could have also been killed, I'm an open book, spilling secrets right and left, pointing fingers at potential suspects. But then again, I'd probably be a boring fictional character.
Hainsworth created unique, multidimensional, interesting characters. I loved the voice she gave Sonia and the familial and friendship relationships. I'm definitely going to check out Hainsworth's other works. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and not fully fleshed out. Although we do learn exactly what happened that fateful night, we aren't privy to the fallout from the discovery. I can't say much more, but the fallout of the circumstances, in my opinion, are important to this story, do that prevented me from grading the story higher.
THEMES: murder, mystery, family, friendship, romance
TAKE THE FALL is a thoroughly enjoyable, wild ride that slightly falters at the end.
February 17, 2016
You know a book will be good when the first sentence is "don't think, just run."
Take The Fall reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer. Remember when everyone is accusing Freddie Prinze Jr of killing the fisherman and we all are like "did he or didn't he." Well that's the essence of Take The Fall but with one hell of a twist. Al the signs point to Marcus Perez as the killer and I'm left MIND BLOWN with how the killer is revealed. Did Marcus kill Grecthen? Well you'll have to read this book to find out. My lips are sealed.
I have never read a book that left me as shocked as Take The fall did; page after page more clues are dropped and I was more intrigued than ever. I had a clear idea of who pushed Gretchen off but the more I read the book the more it seemed like anyone could've done it, everyone was a suspect to me till the last chapters.
I can't say much about the story and characters without spoilers but I will say that Emily Hainsworth will leave you second guessing yourself and everything you thought you knew.
Believe me when I say Emily Hainsworth is one hell of a writer. Emily is a new to me author and I am seriously looking forward to more of her books. She wrote such a suspenseful book with characters trying to solve a crime that made me feel like this should totally be a series with all the secrets kept in that town.
I only thing I have to complain about is that I would've liked an extra chapter or two because the way things left off made me want more.
Take the Fall was full of twist and turns that I never saw coming. This is one mystery you won't want to miss.
http://www.owlalwaysbereading.com/201...
Take The Fall reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer. Remember when everyone is accusing Freddie Prinze Jr of killing the fisherman and we all are like "did he or didn't he." Well that's the essence of Take The Fall but with one hell of a twist. Al the signs point to Marcus Perez as the killer and I'm left MIND BLOWN with how the killer is revealed. Did Marcus kill Grecthen? Well you'll have to read this book to find out. My lips are sealed.
I have never read a book that left me as shocked as Take The fall did; page after page more clues are dropped and I was more intrigued than ever. I had a clear idea of who pushed Gretchen off but the more I read the book the more it seemed like anyone could've done it, everyone was a suspect to me till the last chapters.
I can't say much about the story and characters without spoilers but I will say that Emily Hainsworth will leave you second guessing yourself and everything you thought you knew.
Believe me when I say Emily Hainsworth is one hell of a writer. Emily is a new to me author and I am seriously looking forward to more of her books. She wrote such a suspenseful book with characters trying to solve a crime that made me feel like this should totally be a series with all the secrets kept in that town.
I only thing I have to complain about is that I would've liked an extra chapter or two because the way things left off made me want more.
Take the Fall was full of twist and turns that I never saw coming. This is one mystery you won't want to miss.
http://www.owlalwaysbereading.com/201...
December 22, 2015
Really liked this. It started off a little slow for me only because I read a lot of murder mysteries and it felt very familiar, but I mention that strictly to say that if you're having the same feeling about it, don't DNF; it gets increasingly more compelling as it goes on, and is worth your read.
Shelved as 'post-review-away'
March 5, 2016Kind of blew me away and I'm getting my thoughts together. Review coming soon.
October 8, 2018
Started strong but kind of lost me at the end.
March 24, 2019
Read the book and figured out the ending quickly. The language turned me off especially when this is written about teenagers and I figure it was written for them.
March 10, 2018
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Decent mystery story about friendships, family, and love.
Opening Sentence: Don’t think, just run.
The Review:
Whenever it starts to become fall, I liked to read more murder mysteries. This year, I started off with Take the Fall. This one is a young adult murder mystery book that I think you’ll either love or be ambivalent toward. I wasn’t really able to connect with either the characters or the writing but I think that it would have been a decent book if I had been able to. Also, I knew who the killer was from close to the beginning of the book so that kind of took the suspense out of it for me.
Take the Fall begins as Sonia runs out of the woods after escaping an attack in the woods that left Gretchen, her best friends, dead at the bottom of the falls. Devastated over her best friend’s death, she begins a hunt to find the killer despite the fact that she can’t remember much about that night. Marcus, Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend, is at the top of the police’s suspect list. After enlisting Sonia’s help to find the true killer, they discover that the mystery of who killed Gretchen may be more complex than they ever could have imagined.
This book had the potential to be a great murder mystery but didn’t quite work for me. I couldn’t ever shake the suspicion I had at the beginning, which ended up being correct. The author did do a decent job of making me question my idea of who the killer was and there were some very intriguing twists and turns. I wish that there had been a bit more suspense and overall mystery. The plot didn’t really hold my attention but was just interesting enough that I kept reading.
The strength of this novel for me was the history between Sonia and Gretchen that was slowly revealed. I enjoyed watching that play out more than I did the investigation. It felt very realistic and possible and was actually the reason I continued reading the book. Additionally, I liked how the author portrayed the relationship between Gretchen and Kirsten, her little sister. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance that developed, I never really understood the chemistry. Additionally, I wasn’t a fan of the way that the romance seemed more important than the investigation sometimes.
Overall, this was a pretty quick and easy read. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, creepy read, this probably isn’t the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a mystery read that examines friendships, family, and love in an intriguing way, definitely check this one out.
Notable Scene:
Aunt Dina runs a mop over the checkered linoleum. My mom’s behind the register, still laughing at some joke. Her smile fades when she sees me, like she’s not sure who I am, and a sob escapes my lips. Minutes ago I was desperate just to see her face again, and now—the thought of telling her—
What just happened to me?
The color drains from her face.
The mop clatters to the floor.
Five minutes later the diner is crawling with cops. The only time I’ve seen anything like it was when we held a community pie-eating contest to benefit the Officers’ Foundation. The deputies wore lobster bibs and poked fun at one another. Now a tense group forms a circle around me and I still feel like I’m running. Blood roars in my ears. I’m aware of Sheriff Wood asking questions. My mom a notch below hysterical. Dina pacing. Deputy Rashid opening and closing the release on his holster. My cheeks are wet, filthy. Tears mixed with dirt mixed with fear. My ribs ache with every sob. My arms sting.
“What happened, Sonia?”
“Who did this?”
“You were attacked? In the woods?”
I can’t stop crying long enough to answer every question.
FTC Advisory: Balzer + Bray/HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Take the Fall. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Decent mystery story about friendships, family, and love.
Opening Sentence: Don’t think, just run.
The Review:
Whenever it starts to become fall, I liked to read more murder mysteries. This year, I started off with Take the Fall. This one is a young adult murder mystery book that I think you’ll either love or be ambivalent toward. I wasn’t really able to connect with either the characters or the writing but I think that it would have been a decent book if I had been able to. Also, I knew who the killer was from close to the beginning of the book so that kind of took the suspense out of it for me.
Take the Fall begins as Sonia runs out of the woods after escaping an attack in the woods that left Gretchen, her best friends, dead at the bottom of the falls. Devastated over her best friend’s death, she begins a hunt to find the killer despite the fact that she can’t remember much about that night. Marcus, Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend, is at the top of the police’s suspect list. After enlisting Sonia’s help to find the true killer, they discover that the mystery of who killed Gretchen may be more complex than they ever could have imagined.
This book had the potential to be a great murder mystery but didn’t quite work for me. I couldn’t ever shake the suspicion I had at the beginning, which ended up being correct. The author did do a decent job of making me question my idea of who the killer was and there were some very intriguing twists and turns. I wish that there had been a bit more suspense and overall mystery. The plot didn’t really hold my attention but was just interesting enough that I kept reading.
The strength of this novel for me was the history between Sonia and Gretchen that was slowly revealed. I enjoyed watching that play out more than I did the investigation. It felt very realistic and possible and was actually the reason I continued reading the book. Additionally, I liked how the author portrayed the relationship between Gretchen and Kirsten, her little sister. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance that developed, I never really understood the chemistry. Additionally, I wasn’t a fan of the way that the romance seemed more important than the investigation sometimes.
Overall, this was a pretty quick and easy read. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, creepy read, this probably isn’t the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a mystery read that examines friendships, family, and love in an intriguing way, definitely check this one out.
Notable Scene:
Aunt Dina runs a mop over the checkered linoleum. My mom’s behind the register, still laughing at some joke. Her smile fades when she sees me, like she’s not sure who I am, and a sob escapes my lips. Minutes ago I was desperate just to see her face again, and now—the thought of telling her—
What just happened to me?
The color drains from her face.
The mop clatters to the floor.
Five minutes later the diner is crawling with cops. The only time I’ve seen anything like it was when we held a community pie-eating contest to benefit the Officers’ Foundation. The deputies wore lobster bibs and poked fun at one another. Now a tense group forms a circle around me and I still feel like I’m running. Blood roars in my ears. I’m aware of Sheriff Wood asking questions. My mom a notch below hysterical. Dina pacing. Deputy Rashid opening and closing the release on his holster. My cheeks are wet, filthy. Tears mixed with dirt mixed with fear. My ribs ache with every sob. My arms sting.
“What happened, Sonia?”
“Who did this?”
“You were attacked? In the woods?”
I can’t stop crying long enough to answer every question.
FTC Advisory: Balzer + Bray/HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Take the Fall. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 14, 2018
The plot twist though 😱
October 24, 2015
This is an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, check-over-your-shoulder, add-your-own-cliche-here kind of book. This is ultimately an epic murder mystery, with a huge list of suspects, a twist that came out of nowhere and a surprise ending. It's dark and kind of disturbing but so easy to read.
The night Sonia was attacked in the forest, her best friend Gretchen was also attacked. Sonia survived, but Gretchen is found dead at the base of the falls. It sparks an investigation and town-wide terror as the police search for those responsible. Top of their list is Marcus Perez, Gretchen's ex-boyfriend. When he approaches Sonia to help clear his name, she decides it might be the perfect opportunity to find evidence that he did kill her. But as they reluctantly work together, Sonia can't help but grow more convinced of his innocence. But there are plenty more potential suspects to investigate while they try to piece together what happened that fateful night.
The suspense starts from the very first chapter, and by the time we are a few chapters in there is a huge list of suspects. While I had my suspicions about who really killed Gretchen, I was never sure. One minute you think you're right and then you will be doubting all those thoughts. That's how it is for Sonia as she tries to determine who was where that night and only seems to end up with more possible suspects. There is no shortage of people who wanted Gretchen dead. Even I was kind of glad she was dead by the end of it. The ripples she has left in people's lives are far reaching and really kind of horrible. I had a bad taste in my mouth towards the end of this book. Like any good murder mystery there is no shortage of depravity. But aside from being an incredibly engaging mystery and suspense this is also a book about bullying, manipulation and abuse, and a warning to be very careful about choosing your friends.
I was desperate to find out who killed Gretchen. I resisted looking ahead, which I am very glad I did because that made the twist such a huge surprise. I had to stop and go back over everything, looking for clues I had missed. It took very clever writing to create this intriguing story. Aside from coming out of nowhere, I'm not sure if I'm entirely happy with the end, not sure I'm meant to be. It was both shocking and thought provoking.
This is predominately a mystery suspense, but there is a small touch of romance. I wasn't sure the romance would ever develop, and it takes about half the book to do so. I wouldn't say the romance is the focus or main point of this book, as it is more about highlighting what could have been. And in that way it's kind of sad. But I won't say more, because I don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say, I was totally blown away by this mystery, intrigued and impressed with the writing style.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
The night Sonia was attacked in the forest, her best friend Gretchen was also attacked. Sonia survived, but Gretchen is found dead at the base of the falls. It sparks an investigation and town-wide terror as the police search for those responsible. Top of their list is Marcus Perez, Gretchen's ex-boyfriend. When he approaches Sonia to help clear his name, she decides it might be the perfect opportunity to find evidence that he did kill her. But as they reluctantly work together, Sonia can't help but grow more convinced of his innocence. But there are plenty more potential suspects to investigate while they try to piece together what happened that fateful night.
The suspense starts from the very first chapter, and by the time we are a few chapters in there is a huge list of suspects. While I had my suspicions about who really killed Gretchen, I was never sure. One minute you think you're right and then you will be doubting all those thoughts. That's how it is for Sonia as she tries to determine who was where that night and only seems to end up with more possible suspects. There is no shortage of people who wanted Gretchen dead. Even I was kind of glad she was dead by the end of it. The ripples she has left in people's lives are far reaching and really kind of horrible. I had a bad taste in my mouth towards the end of this book. Like any good murder mystery there is no shortage of depravity. But aside from being an incredibly engaging mystery and suspense this is also a book about bullying, manipulation and abuse, and a warning to be very careful about choosing your friends.
I was desperate to find out who killed Gretchen. I resisted looking ahead, which I am very glad I did because that made the twist such a huge surprise. I had to stop and go back over everything, looking for clues I had missed. It took very clever writing to create this intriguing story. Aside from coming out of nowhere, I'm not sure if I'm entirely happy with the end, not sure I'm meant to be. It was both shocking and thought provoking.
This is predominately a mystery suspense, but there is a small touch of romance. I wasn't sure the romance would ever develop, and it takes about half the book to do so. I wouldn't say the romance is the focus or main point of this book, as it is more about highlighting what could have been. And in that way it's kind of sad. But I won't say more, because I don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say, I was totally blown away by this mystery, intrigued and impressed with the writing style.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
September 30, 2016
Personal Response: When I started reading this book I tried several times to try and predict what would happen. I found myself predicting wrong, because there was so much plot twist throughout the book. I also found it very hard to keep track of who did what. Overall, I thought the book was great, and the ending was very unpredictable.
Plot: Sonia was a normal senior girl who loved life and loved hanging out with her best friend Gretchen. Life was normal for her until the day she was attacked in the woods, and her best friend was killed. Sonia had escaped the killer and was deathly afraid of what would happen next, for she was constantly living in fear. Many people had tried to pin Gretchen’s murder on her ex-boyfriend Marcus Perez, but deep down inside Sonia knew it wasn’t him. Sonia had always had a crush on Marcus and found the need to help him out. Marcus had began to talk with Sonia and tried helping her make a good list of possible suspects who could have killed Gretchen. Throughout this time period Kirsten, Gretchen’s sister, had been trying to become good friends with Sonia. She was always nice to her and wanting to hang out. Sonia also started hanging out with Haley and Aisha, her previous best friends. She had become really close with them again, but one night found five thousand dollars, in Aisha’s room, in a purse that was Gretchen’s. Sonia confronted Aisha about it, and she explained to Sonia why she had it. They then took that new information to the sheriff. The sheriff became so worked up he sent a permanent guard to watch over Kirsten and Sonia. He even had a guard watch over them at prom. Sonia felt very nervous at prom. She was especially nervous around Kip. After prom Sonia met Marcus in the park. She hadn’t been to the park since Gretchen died. Sonia finally admitted to the biggest plot twist of the book, and the book was left on a cliffhanger.
Characterization: Sonia is an outgoing, smart young lady. She really cares about people and is always worried about other, not just herself. Even though her life could have been put in danger she searched for the killer to Gretchen’s murder no matter what the consequences were.
Recommendations: I recommend this to girls of the age of 13 and older. I think it’s best to be in at least high school and older to truly understand this book. It’s easier to understand the book, because readers can compare and contrast their lives to the main characters’. When readers are younger it’s harder to do that, because a younger child would not go through what a high schooler does.
Plot: Sonia was a normal senior girl who loved life and loved hanging out with her best friend Gretchen. Life was normal for her until the day she was attacked in the woods, and her best friend was killed. Sonia had escaped the killer and was deathly afraid of what would happen next, for she was constantly living in fear. Many people had tried to pin Gretchen’s murder on her ex-boyfriend Marcus Perez, but deep down inside Sonia knew it wasn’t him. Sonia had always had a crush on Marcus and found the need to help him out. Marcus had began to talk with Sonia and tried helping her make a good list of possible suspects who could have killed Gretchen. Throughout this time period Kirsten, Gretchen’s sister, had been trying to become good friends with Sonia. She was always nice to her and wanting to hang out. Sonia also started hanging out with Haley and Aisha, her previous best friends. She had become really close with them again, but one night found five thousand dollars, in Aisha’s room, in a purse that was Gretchen’s. Sonia confronted Aisha about it, and she explained to Sonia why she had it. They then took that new information to the sheriff. The sheriff became so worked up he sent a permanent guard to watch over Kirsten and Sonia. He even had a guard watch over them at prom. Sonia felt very nervous at prom. She was especially nervous around Kip. After prom Sonia met Marcus in the park. She hadn’t been to the park since Gretchen died. Sonia finally admitted to the biggest plot twist of the book, and the book was left on a cliffhanger.
Characterization: Sonia is an outgoing, smart young lady. She really cares about people and is always worried about other, not just herself. Even though her life could have been put in danger she searched for the killer to Gretchen’s murder no matter what the consequences were.
Recommendations: I recommend this to girls of the age of 13 and older. I think it’s best to be in at least high school and older to truly understand this book. It’s easier to understand the book, because readers can compare and contrast their lives to the main characters’. When readers are younger it’s harder to do that, because a younger child would not go through what a high schooler does.
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