This was an engaging YA mystery with some solid twists. I think this story also did a good job with characterization, especially with Ellie and Stella.
Both Steckler sisters were complex and not perfect people. Their perspectives felt very real. Stella was fiercely competitive and that wasn’t always a good thing, but some of the things thought about her in town may not have been completely true. She was well portrayed as someone who struggled to get close to peers easily but may have been getting close with the new girl, Mila, before her disappearance. I figured out Ellie’s “big secret” alluded to early on pretty much as soon as it was mentioned but I don’t think that was meant to be kept from the readers. I won’t specify here in case anyone doesn’t want to be spoiled on it. I believe her storyline does a good job delving into some tough topics.
This book does have a lot of cross country, which I have seen mentioned in a few reviews. While I am not a cross country runner, the focus on it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. This story did a good job of portraying the toxicity of some sports cultures and the pressure to succeed. I think that aspect of this book could be a good read alike to What Made Maddy Run, though that is nonfiction and a very different book overall but I could see some parallels in the exploration of competitive sports.
This book kept me glued to the pages and had great character development.
Both Steckler sisters were complex and not perfect people. Their perspectives felt very real. Stella was fiercely competitive and that wasn’t always a good thing, but some of the things thought about her in town may not have been completely true. She was well portrayed as someone who struggled to get close to peers easily but may have been getting close with the new girl, Mila, before her disappearance. I figured out Ellie’s “big secret” alluded to early on pretty much as soon as it was mentioned but I don’t think that was meant to be kept from the readers. I won’t specify here in case anyone doesn’t want to be spoiled on it. I believe her storyline does a good job delving into some tough topics.
This book does have a lot of cross country, which I have seen mentioned in a few reviews. While I am not a cross country runner, the focus on it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. This story did a good job of portraying the toxicity of some sports cultures and the pressure to succeed. I think that aspect of this book could be a good read alike to What Made Maddy Run, though that is nonfiction and a very different book overall but I could see some parallels in the exploration of competitive sports.
This book kept me glued to the pages and had great character development.