About The Book
It’s just a stupid meme that’s going around their small fishing town in the dead of winter—people reposting and sharing their biggest fear. But when her classmates start turning up dead—dying in the way that they said scared them the most—Izzy knows it’s no joke. With each death hitting closer to home, Izzy sets out to try to stop the killer.

My Rating

After reading ‘The Lake’ (read my review) by this author, I didn’t think I’d ever pick up another one of her books. However, after reading the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to give it a chance. So, I decided to keep an open mind, but my expectations were fairly low. The plot is all about a viral meme where you share the worst way to die, according to you. My husband is an avid memer, so the premise intrigued me.

The first chapter was intense, and kept me wanting read more. Izzy is the main protagonist, and a smart, non-judgmental character. She thinks the meme is weird and the trend is completely ridiculous. However, she was wishy-washy at times, and also naive. What’s with teenage thriller characters being so naive? Are high-schoolers all so clueless these days?

There wasn’t a lot of other characters, at least not ones that we got to know very well. But, I didn’t mind that the author solely focused on Izzy. I liked being inside her head, and following her as she’s trying to help solve these murders.

One of the best things about this book was that it’s scary, but not in an intense way. It is more creepy than anything. But, the creepiness of it makes for such an engaging story – one that keeps the reader immersed until the end. However, the book doesn’t focus on the killing aspect of the story too much, which I prefer in thrillers. Even in horror movies, I’m not one for death after bloody death, just for the sake of it.

“The truth is, when death comes, no matter how it comes, it’s always scary.”

The most chilling thing about this book was that there were chapter from the killer’s perspective. Being inside a killer’s mind is a little frightening. What’s even worse, is that you don’t know who they are, or what they’ll do next. Those chapters had me pretty freaked. And, the book reminds us all to never have a set routine, because you never know who’s following your every move. Creepy, right?

So, the ending was amazing! I loved the outcome and reveal. It was exactly what I wanted in a thriller! The one flaw is that it didn’t answer a huge question that is still on my mind. I have to hand it to Natasha Preston for creating an intense thriller, but what is with these cliffhangers? Does she not like complete endings?

Overall, the writing style in this book is great, and I had a good reading experience. Although, I am unsure now if I want to continue reading her books, knowing how most of them end with an incomplete feeling. I do want to point out that the murders are pretty descriptive in the book, and they made my skin-crawl. There is also mention of child abuse, so be warned if that may be triggering to you.

In the comments, tell me what you think is the worst way to go. Just kidding, I don’t want to know. Instead, tell me your favorite thriller read. If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts on it. Don’t forget to give my little book blog a follow before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny