The Sound
by Sarah Alderson
Publisher – Simon & Schuster UK
Release Date – August 1st 2013
Buy – Amazon | Book DepositoryWhen aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston’s elite, she’s hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.
What she doesn’t count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer…
This is my first encounter of the written works of Sarah Alderson and I like to say to all those who may have told me to read them sooner that ‘I’m Sorry’ I didn’t but thank you for recommending this author. She has an amazing style of you connecting with the characters and the suspense of the Nannie Murders. Sarah standalone mystery, romantic novel, The Sound is the perfect novel to introduce to a refreshing glimpse of a YA contemporary.
Ren took an opportunity to nanny a family for the whole summer. She didn’t quite realise that she would be in and out of love as well as a perfect victim profile of the Nantucket Nanny Murders. Life in a small town really couldn’t be more eventful. Whilst learning to drive on the right side of the road, trying not to be puked on, on the first day and settle in with her neighbours. Ren grows as a person whilst absent from London and her family, taking on a whole new world prepares for what life can give…and can take. I really enjoyed seeing everything through Ren’s eyes, I was particular envious of her courage and passion for more than just her music but her take of America. As a British person myself I would love to travel around particularly America, Sarah’s writing truly captured the beautiful sunsets, beaches (not the Sound though) and the life of an american teenager.
In the first half of the novel, as a reader we see Ren enjoying the american life as a 17- year old after a rough break up with her ex-boyfriend. Whilst in the second part we see a different side of Ren, she has matured and can longer be seen a girl but an adult of the mind and far to focused into the Nanny murders. The mystery and suspense behind the novel reminded me of the stylistic writing of JLA from her novel, Don’t Look Back. Sarah utilises the combination of the character relationships with the mystery of the killings to weave together a seamless plot-line.
What’s a bit of mystery without a some romance though, and that’s how it all really starts. When she meets the town’s bad boy, Jesse. Wow he is very hot and swoon-worthy, some or most elements of their relationship is just too perfect. Despite the fact that the town hates him, Ren wants to protect him, to give Jesse the right justice he deserves for being the victim of the town’s gossip. Ren clearly didn’t want to listen to the town and I found that to be rewarding when she used her own initiative and trusted her feelings that Jesse is more than just a bad boy but a very courageous, protective and passionate man. I can’t remember when I’ve read a novel with a seriously hot bad boy and Jesse certainly sufficed to say satisfied that element.
I think as far as contemporary writers go Alderson has created a a very impression with me. I’m already half-way through Come Back to Me and as far as New Adult writing goes, Sarah is very good at going between various genres. I’m looking forward to reading her debut series, Lila.
Rating – 4
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Emma! I've liked Alderson's work well enough in the past, but I'm not a raging fan by any means. Still, her books are so entertaining I can't help but be drawn to them everytime, so I'll have to check this one out soon for sure. π
I really enjoyed the ease and simplicity of her writing. It so cute, and like you said entertaining but I'm really connect with the characters. I hope you get to read this one soon, Keertana! π
Well now I'm standing on my own. I still haven't read any of Alderson's books but I really want to. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one and I love the sound of romance here. Great review, Emma π
Oh you have too, Tanja! I'm reading a few of her books on the go and I'm loving them. She reminds me of a JLA with her various genres of writing. Hope you get to read these ones soon! Thank you! π
Great review, you really made me want to give a chance to this book especially by describing the romance or comparing it to JLA's books.
I really recommend them. They aren't directly like JLA but there is some similarities in her writing and genres. I really hope you get to read these soon, Veronika!
I am so glad to see you enjoyed this one! I definitely adore Alderson's works but this is one I have yet to read .-.
I have to say though, I REALLY hope you love her Lila series, I think they are definitely my favorite works by her!
Lovely review, Emma!! π
Rashika @ The Social Potato
I really want to read Lila's books. I have Out of Control to read of hers as well which I'm going to read very soon! I hope you get to read this one soon Rashika. Thank you for stopping by! π
YOU HAVEN'T READ SARAH ALDERSON'S LILA SERIES? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?!?! hahahah! Jokes aside, you need to read Hunting Lila! You'll LOOOOOOOOVVVE Alex<3 I have yet to read this but i KNOW I'll love it because Sarah's just the most amazing author! Fab review, Emma!
NO I HAVEN'T!!! Haha! Don't worry I will be reading them soon as I loved these ones a lot! I hope you get to read this one Shirley! I really enjoyed this one and CBTM! Thank you! π
Oooh… hot bad boy!!! Loved the sound of Jesse already. π
Jesse is incredible! I can't wait for you to read this one Henrietta. Hope you enjoy it! π
Thanks for the lovely review!
Thanks for stopping by! π
The blend of contemporary romance and the mystery hear sounds really good! Thanks for sharing your review Emma!
It definitely is. I really enjoy a twist to a YA Contemporary. Thanks for stopping by Jeann, hope you get to read this one soon. π