Source: Library
The Dare is basically a story revolves around two teenage girls and how a tragedy would lead to revenge and the unravelling of past secrets would both surprise the protagonist and the readers as well.
Thirteen-year-old Alice Dawson and Lizzie Molyneux are best friends. Lizzie has epilepsy and there are times she would be unconscious of her behaviours whenever it hit her and often the aftermath causes her confusion and doubt since she has no recollection of what really happened. This happened when both girls are playing by the train tracks and they'd a spat over some minor issues. Unfortunately Lizzie's epilepsy is triggered at that moment and the next moment she comes to, Alice is killed by the passing train. While there is no evidence and on top of Lizzie's epilepsy that shows anything suspicious, Alice's friends and especially her eldest sister, Catherine, is sure that Lizzie is responsible because she is jealous of Alice.
Moving forward to Lizzie's adulthood twelve years later, she is still haunted by Alice's death and that unknown moments before tragedy struck but she is glad to have found someone whom she could lean on. Ross Murray is a GP and his schedules are often full but he's been very supportive and understanding for Lizzie. Their life is happy until someone from the past reappears and Lizzie's discovery of some hidden secrets shattered her hopes of finding peace and moving on.
I enjoyed Lesley Kara's The Rumour so I picked up this book with some expectations. The story switches between the past when they are teenagers and the present time in which we see the grown-up Lizzie who's trying to adjust to her new life. The characters are realistically portrayed and I enjoyed reading the friendship and dynamics between Lizzie and Alice. There is an unknown narrative alternating in between the two timelines as a mystery effect and although I'd somewhat guessed a part correctly, the ending still left some surprises and a sad revelation as well. Though it wasn't fast-paced or action packed for a psychological thriller, the strength was its well-developed characters and the gradual build of suspense as the story progresses. Overall it was a satisfying read and I look forward to her next release, The Apartment Upstairs, set to release in June 2022.
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I haven't read this author. I'm good with a gradual build of suspense that feels organic and natural, and I like characters that have a three-dimensional effect, so this one sounds good.
I'm not familiar with this author but, I did like the sound of this one. Hope you are having a good month.
I'll have to try this author sometime. It sounds like I would enjoy her books.
Jenclair - I liked this book but didn't love it. That said, it was an interesting case of characters study.
Diane - It was an interesting read when the characters are concerned. I'm glad to be back reading/blogging and looks like I've a lot of catching up to do. ;p
Lark - I'll be curious of your thoughts if you do read her books one day, Lark. :)
Sounds like a sad novel of a traumatizing event for the teens.
It sounds like a very sad situation, but I'm curious how the mystery plays out. The Apartment Upstairs sounds promising too!
This is a new author for me, but I like the sound of the story and the past-present structure.
Harvee - Indeed it was. :(
Diane - It was sad reading what happened to Alice. Needless to say, I'll have to add The Apartment Upstairs onto my wishlist. ;)
Cleemckenzie - I hope you'll enjoy her books when you get them. :)