Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann
Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery-Thriller
Pages: 242 (e-ARC)
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab*
The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on… until Kendall’s boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace.
Now the town is in a panic.
Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it’s crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear…and whether that would be so bad.
Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating…and attractive.
As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico’s mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.
This is the very first book I’ve read by Lisa McMann, so I don’t really know what to expect from her or from the story. All I know is that the book cover and title is too intriguing!
Cryer’s Cross is a creepitastic, spine tingling and a definite page turner! I got hooked from the very first page. Ms. Lisa has her distinct way of delivering her characters’ feelings and thoughts. She made Kendall alive through her powerful writing. I felt as if I am an OCD myself, I felt my heart broken when her boyfriend went missing. It was fantastic!
The plot has a solid direction. Why the kids or teens went missing? Who took them away? Ms. Lisa centered her story from these premise. But that doesn’t mean you know where the story is going. McMann threw mind boggling twists and turns together with the right amount of ghastliness, just enough to make your hair rise!
The characters are well set up. I enjoyed Kendall as a protagonist. I love the fact that she has an OCD for a reason. You can really tell in the story that Lisa familiarize herself about OCD. Just the way Jacian lets Kendall get through to her “rituals” is already a solid proof (that’s pretty much the way how to manage a person with an OCD).
I was left hanging, though, with Kendall and Jacian’s relationship, I was like demanding for more, but then again, it was completely understandable since the focus of the story is on the mystery that surrounds their small town. I just thought Kendall and Jacian look cute together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! I got scared, my brain was left twisted and it was fascinating. I recommend this to mystery and thriller lovers out there.
*I received this free galley grab from publisher, Simon & Schuster via Galley Grab in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
Marrion
January 21, 2011 at 10:50 PMNice review Mia! I was wondering to read this myself the time you include this to your TBR and Currently Reading list… Now you gave a thought about it… I am going and try to read this as well! Salute! ^^
Reading Lassie
January 22, 2011 at 9:06 AMExcellent review, Mia! I think I'm too coward to read this one. :'D
Mia
January 24, 2011 at 8:49 AMMarrion: Yes, it's really good. Try not to read at night, though. Haha.
Jennilee: Thanks! It's not entirely scary…I think the exact word is “creepy”. When you read it you can really feel the creepy atmosphere around you. But really, try to read it, the experience is priceless 😉
Small Review
January 26, 2011 at 11:51 PMExcellent review! I have a copy of this but I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Your review has given me motivation 🙂
Julie @ Knitting and Sundries
February 2, 2011 at 9:23 AMThis was an enjoyable, yet creepy read! Definitely a good on! Thanks for the review!