I'd first like to thank the Readers First and Hot Key Books team for sending me a copy to read and review - it's always exciting getting new books to enjoy!
When I first read the preview of Bad Things Happen Here, I was incredibly intrigued. The book seemed like a great gateway book to thrillers and mysteries. I could tell it was aimed to a younger audience, so I kept that in mind whilst reading... However, the book was still just 'okay' to me.
Bad Things Happen Here follows the story of Luca Laine Thomas who lives on a paradise-esque island called Parris. Though the island is beautiful and picturesque, Luca believes there is a curse on the island. One who took her best friend from her and is on its way to take someone else.
The idea behind Bad Things Happen Here is a good one; there's lots of room for mystery and shocking revelations, but this just missed the mark for me. It was definitely okay, there were some moments where I was really sucked in but most of the time I wasn't rushing to turn the page and finish another chapter. I felt like a lot of the characters were very meh and, at some points, extremely frustrating.
I also felt like the main plot had so much potential but then fell flat. I had everything; a secret pregnancy, drugs, jealous friends - and then it just plummeted beyond saving.
This is definitely more for those who haven't ventured into the world of thrillers and murder mystery yet, and I'd definitely recommend it to a younger reader who maybe wants to try something new and a little dark.
When I first read the preview of Bad Things Happen Here, I was incredibly intrigued. The book seemed like a great gateway book to thrillers and mysteries. I could tell it was aimed to a younger audience, so I kept that in mind whilst reading... However, the book was still just 'okay' to me.
Bad Things Happen Here follows the story of Luca Laine Thomas who lives on a paradise-esque island called Parris. Though the island is beautiful and picturesque, Luca believes there is a curse on the island. One who took her best friend from her and is on its way to take someone else.
The idea behind Bad Things Happen Here is a good one; there's lots of room for mystery and shocking revelations, but this just missed the mark for me. It was definitely okay, there were some moments where I was really sucked in but most of the time I wasn't rushing to turn the page and finish another chapter. I felt like a lot of the characters were very meh and, at some points, extremely frustrating.
I also felt like the main plot had so much potential but then fell flat. I had everything; a secret pregnancy, drugs, jealous friends - and then it just plummeted beyond saving.
This is definitely more for those who haven't ventured into the world of thrillers and murder mystery yet, and I'd definitely recommend it to a younger reader who maybe wants to try something new and a little dark.