Ratings12
Average rating4
This was such a fun and clever read! With its layered plot, dark humour, and some truly unforgettable characters, I found myself completely hooked. It's a double locked-room mystery with an atmospheric setting and dual storylines spanning nearly a century, which made it feel fresh and unique.
The characters really stood out for me. They were lively, relatable, and, above all, fun to read about. Marlowe, the main character, was my absolute favourite. She's flawed but determined, and I loved following her as she pieced everything together. Johnson also nails how teens act and think—the mix of bravery, impulsiveness, and shaky logic felt so real, even to someone who's long past those teenage years!
The mystery itself was packed with twists, hidden clues, and rising tension that kept me guessing. The way the story jumped between timelines and perspectives made it more complex, but sometimes it slowed things down or felt a bit messy. Still, the writing was sharp and engaging—it felt like Marlowe was telling the story directly to me, which made it so easy to get drawn in.
While the book wasn't perfect, and I think the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, it was such a creative and entertaining mystery. Whether you're a teen or an adult, this one's worth picking up. I really hope we get to see more of Marlowe in the future!
Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was a really entertaining YA mystery thriller. I really enjoyed it. The setting on an island with a creepy old house was great. I loved the main character. The pacing was great!
My favorite part was the two storylines and honestly I wish there was more on the historical side.
Either way I really enjoyed this, it wasn't too predictable or too young even as an adult reader. It made me remember how fun a YA mystery can be.
I was afraid that I wouldn't like a new, non-Stevie Bell mystery but I loved weirdo Marlowe. What a delight!