Emma Paxton hasn’t always had the best life. After her mom abandoned
her when she was young, Emma has been shuffled from foster home to
foster home, never getting too comfortable or finding a real family.
When Emma’s latest foster brother shows her a video of a girl who looks
exactly like her being strangled, Emma is shocked. Who is this girl who
looks completely identical to her? Could Emma have a sister she never
knew about?
Emma turns to Facebook and finds a profile of a girl named Sutton;
Emma’s sister, and twin. Emma sends her a message and the girls make
plans to meet. When Emma arrives at their meeting place in a park near
Sutton’s home, Sutton is nowhere to be found. But when Sutton’s friends
see Emma and drag her to a party assuming she’s Sutton, Emma has no
choice but to play along. Emma tries to convince Sutton’s parents that
she isn’t Sutton, but no one believes her. The next morning Emma
receives a text telling her that Sutton is dead and that Emma should
continue pretending to be Sutton…or she’s next. Emma is shocked, but
vows to herself that she will solve the mystery of Sutton’s death, and
convince everyone that she isn’t really Sutton.
But solving this mystery isn’t easy. Sutton has many frenemies; many
possible suspects. She’s worshiped at school, but also is known for her
bitchy demeanor. Even her best friends and sister Laurel find it
difficult to stay on Sutton’s good side. Emma is completely lost in
Sutton’s world trying to fit in and understand the many rocky
relationships in Sutton’s life all while attempting o figure out who
killed her sister.
Sara Shepard has done it again! I worked my way through this book in a
day, completely engrossed in Sutton’s head (as the book is told from
her perspective) and Emma’s new world. I love how the story was told. As
I said, Sutton narrates the story. She knows she is dead, but has no
idea what happened. In fact, she doesn’t remember much about her life at
all. As Emma takes over her identity Sutton slowly begins to remember
things about her past, and about when she was strangled. I thought it
was very clever for Shepard to write from Sutton’s perspective, because
without it, all we know is a very mean g irl who I would probably have
no sympathy for. Because Shepard allows us into her thoughts, I’m able
to accept her a bit more, and root for Emma to find out who killed her
sister.
I also quickly fell in love with Emma as a character. She’s had such a
rough past, but she has an amazing attitude. She is so genuine, and
only wants to find good friends and family. She has so much faith in
other humans, exhibited by how she didn’t even think twice about meeting
up with her sister, a complete stranger. She has such good intentions
and such a big heart; you can’t help but adore her. It’s so much fun
watching her try to fit into Sutton’s shoes- shoes she clearly doesn’t
fit in. There are a few funny moments where Emma is nice to someone who
Sutton wouldn’t normally be nice to, and Emma has to backtrack and say
something bitchy to “get back into character.”
I really enjoy how Sara Shepard’s books always feature many
characters. Of course, Emma is the main character, but we also meet
Sutton’s family and friends who all play a big role in the book. I
couldn’t relate to Sutton’s friends, but then again, I don’t think as
readers we were really supposed to identify with them. Those friends
represent the side of Sutton that Emma is yearning to learn more about;
the mean girl Sutton.
Shepard’s writing style is so distinct. Even though this book and
PRETTY LITTLE LIARS are completely different, Shepard’s clear and
fast-paced writing shines and is unmistakable. Her writing really allows
the reader to paint a clear picture of a setting or a character. Every
Shepard book I read, including this one, allows me to perfectly set up
the scene in my head, as if I’m watching a movie.
And once again, I love a good mystery. I loved the on-edge feeling
and chills I got while reading this book. This book truly got a reaction
out of me. Shepard expertly sets up the mystery with just the right
amount of suspense; everyone is a suspect, anyone could have killed
Sutton. At one point in the story, you’ll think that just about everyone
could be the killer.
Shepard writes another page turner. Once you get into this one,
you’ll finish it quickly. I see big things in store for this series.
There are so many different directions Shepard can take these characters
and storylines in. Can’t wait until the sequel NEVER HAVE I EVER comes
out!
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu