Despite enjoying the initial 'first look' of Bad Things Happen Here, I was slightly apprehensive about how much I would enjoy the book due to it being classed as YA. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and if I had not known that the book was written for a younger audience, I wouldn't have thought it was of that genre.
The book was fast-paced and hooked me from the offset; I ended up finishing in less than 2 days. Whilst the author focuses on the main storyline relating to Luca and her losses, most recently being her sister, Rebecca Barrow also touches on other sensitive topics such as mental health and growing up as a gay female teenager. I enjoyed reading about Luca's new love interest, Naomi, and learning about her 'secret'.
The plot development was good, however I feel perhaps the twist/truth about the murder could have been stronger; likewise, I felt that the ending was slightly weak and left so many unanswered questions - e.g. what about Luca's parents, what happens to Naomi, did anybody find out the truth about Whitney's death? Overall, I think this book is deserving of 4/5 stars, and feel that 'young adults', as well as an older audience, would enjoy. I also really love the colourful front cover design.
The book was fast-paced and hooked me from the offset; I ended up finishing in less than 2 days. Whilst the author focuses on the main storyline relating to Luca and her losses, most recently being her sister, Rebecca Barrow also touches on other sensitive topics such as mental health and growing up as a gay female teenager. I enjoyed reading about Luca's new love interest, Naomi, and learning about her 'secret'.
The plot development was good, however I feel perhaps the twist/truth about the murder could have been stronger; likewise, I felt that the ending was slightly weak and left so many unanswered questions - e.g. what about Luca's parents, what happens to Naomi, did anybody find out the truth about Whitney's death? Overall, I think this book is deserving of 4/5 stars, and feel that 'young adults', as well as an older audience, would enjoy. I also really love the colourful front cover design.