My Review
It’s been a good long while since I’ve read a Sophie McKenzie novel, the last had to be when I was a teenager, Six Steps to Being a Girl, I absolutely loved that one but for some unknown reason I never really continued. Sophie’s latest book was offered to my book group of Year 7’s and then my copy came through the post a week later. This one really has to be a favourites of mine from her’s but also one of my favourites of 2017 too.
Carey isn’t afraid that she’s popular at school, she gets a long with everyone and she has the lead in the play. However her best friend Amelia is getting bullied online by the alias name of SweetFreak, first it was little gags but then it got really serious with a death threat. Her family got the local police involved and accused Carey of her whereabouts of when the message was sent. Later into turned into a whirlwind of accusations and liars, and Carey at the center of it and the fact is she DIDN’T do it, and no one is listening or believing her. All the evidence is against, her friends turned against her and Amelia completely not talking to her and her mum unsupportive of her. All she has is the stranger with the mismatched trainers and her sister.
This book was so frustrating because the fact is we, the readers know Carey is innocent and all we can do is fight her corner by keep turning the pages of the book until that culprit is finally revealed. I couldn’t get there fast enough, as soon as one message by SweetFreak died down, something else has to ruin it, like the dead pigeon in Amelia’s locker, the one exactly from her rubbish bin. Carey can’t catch a break and chance to really find who it is. Amelia is a B*****, at first you want to pity her I guess, but then as the book goes on it’s like she doesn’t care anymore and she just wants the world focused on her and make Carey the enemy. Believe me there is some underlining problems there. Also keep your heart out for Blue, he is adorable…
What I loved about this book was the important topics that it addresses, the awareness of cyber bullying through how dark social media can be and also toxic friendships. Working in a school, an all girls school, constant picking at each other or where apps and smartphones have never been more the rave. I’m very aware of this, I have to promote possible social media and a calm environment. But outside of school we have no control over it, Snap Chat the form also known as Natter Snap in SweetFreak, can ruin people lives, their friendships it can lead them to do such nasty things.
This is a perfect book from Year 7 up, it really highlights these issues as well as reading a page turner, a thriller that we keep you guessing till the end.
Rating – 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Nice review! I like Sophie's thrillers for adults so im intrigued to see how good her YA books are too. I may pick this up when its out.
Gill @book_magpie
Poor Carey! I would be super frustrated for her as well. Sounds like Amelia wasn't a good friend at all. If they were that close why wouldn't she believe her? I'm so glad much of the social media platforms didn't exist while I was in school. What a nightmare for kids now. Wonderful review, Emma! 🙂
Love that this kept you guessing until the end, that doesn't happen often with YA mysteries.