Book Title: Deadly Little Secret
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Pages: 252
Goodreads Rating: 3.86 (from over 22,000 ratings)
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A Thrilling Page-Turner for Young Readers
Laurie Faria Stolarz's Deadly Little Secret is a young adult novel that masterfully blends everyday high school life with a creeping sense of danger. It’s the kind of book that proves you don't need a complex dystopian world to create genuine suspense; sometimes, the most chilling mysteries happen right next door.
The story follows Camelia, a typical teenager whose world is turned upside down when she becomes the target of a mysterious stalker. Receiving threatening notes and feeling a constant, unseen presence, Camelia's safe reality begins to crack. The tension is palpable from the very first page, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down. Readers consistently praise the novel's pacing, noting how Stolarz expertly builds suspense, chapter by chapter, leaving you eager to discover what happens next.
Characters You Can Root For
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its characters. Camelia is a relatable and resilient protagonist. She isn't a superhero; she's a regular girl facing an extraordinary and frightening situation, which makes her journey all the more compelling. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Ben with a mysterious past of his own, adds layers of intrigue and keeps the reader guessing about everyone's true motives. The dynamics feel authentic, capturing the complexities of teenage friendships and relationships without overshadowing the central mystery.
A Perfect Introduction to the Thriller Genre
For young readers looking to dip their toes into the thriller genre, Deadly Little Secret is an ideal starting point. Stolarz writes with a clear, accessible style that is easy to follow, yet she doesn't shy away from creating a genuinely spooky atmosphere. The book focuses on psychological suspense and the fear of the unknown rather than graphic violence, making it appropriately thrilling without being overwhelming for its target audience. The mystery is well-constructed, with clues sprinkled throughout that will have amateur sleuths piecing the puzzle together alongside Camelia.
Final Verdict
With a solid 3.86-star rating from thousands of readers on Goodreads, Deadly Little Secret has clearly struck a chord with fans of young adult fiction. It’s a quick, engaging read that delivers exactly what it promises: a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that keeps you hooked until the final reveal. If you're in the mood for a story about secrets, suspicion, and survival that you can read in a few sittings, this book is a fantastic choice. It’s a compelling first entry in the "Touch" series that will likely leave you reaching for the next installment.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Fast-paced mysteries, strong female protagonists, and stories where high school life collides with dark secrets.
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