3.5 stars

I’m sure what it was about this book but for some reason, I had ridiculously low expectations for it. To be honest, I did dislike the characterisation but the mystery and storyline itself were so well done that it made up for it. I thought that the level of suspense was suitably high throughout the whole story. While I was never creeped out exactly, I was so eager for answers it wasn’t even funny. There were multiple reveals that shocked me (though a few were predictable). I was genuinely was entertained throughout the story and, as a whole, I thought it was all rather well-paced out. The ending was climatic without being too dramatic and completely satisfying. I loved that it left us all a little hopeful without it being too open-ended. There’s honestly nothing better than a mystery with an ending that ties up everything it promises.

What I struggled with this book was the protagonist, Flynn. He was the sort of character that was just so different to me that I could not - for the life of me - put myself in his shoes. No matter how much I tried, I just could not wrap my head around his relationship with January. I know that he was struggling with his sexuality. I even understand that he genuinely cared for her and thought that getting into a relationship with her would somehow force his body to be sexually attracted to her… but I just couldn’t. How did he think their relationship would work out? Did he honestly believe that he could avoid all physical contact forever? I just cannot understand what went through his head at this point and I wish that the author had somehow had been able to make me empathize with his situation or at least understand it.

The secondary characters were a mixed bunch. I liked the portrayal of his parents and friends because they were so realistic, especially their reactions to Flynn’s coming out. Kaz was my favourite character by far. How could he not be when he was such a sweetie!? I completely fell in love with him the more and more he got involved. His loyalty and kindness was so genuine and I loved that he was so down-to-earth. January, however, was an odd character. I liked how she was developed across the story. Well, not her exactly since the whole point of this story is that she’s missing but how her characterisation was handled. I just didn’t understand her on a personal level. Her secrets and habits were befuddling. I thought that she was a little too inconsistent and… not as fleshed out as I would have liked but as a whole, I think Kaz’s character made up for it.

Overall?

This was an engaging and entertaining story. I thought the mystery was super well-paced and so suspenseful. I was eager to get answers and it definitely kept me reading. What brought the story down for me was how much I struggled with the majority of the characters. I never came to care for Flynn or January to the degree that I wanted to. In fact, I disliked them both. A lot. If you’re looking for a suspenseful mystery for the Halloween season though, I definitely would recommend keeping this on your radar.

Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review