McKenzie, Sophie

McKenzie keeps the pace mostly brisk, yet Livy's frequent emotional breakdowns are just annoying in the light of the risks she's willing to take, and some of the introspection seems forced. Red herrings abound and repetitive language bogs down the prose. However, the diary entries from the killer that are interspersed throughout are quite creepy. Ultimately, the mystery is intriguing, and readers will be eager to discover the murderer's identity. Fans of the first book will want to check this one out, but it probably won't win over any new ones. [Library marketing.]

British YA and children's author McKenzie (Girl, Missing; Sister, Missing) makes her U.S. debut with her first psychological thriller for adults. Told in Gen's voice, the story's tension mounts with palpable dread, and, at first, it's not quite clear if her suspicions are real, or the delusions of a woman still grieving for a lost child. The suspense throughout this creepy novel is exquisite, and the twists are true shockers. This one packs an emotional punch. [See Prepub Alert, 1/14/13; 150,000-copy first printing.]