Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
McNeil, Gretchen
5 Reviews
(3)
YA
In the near future, executioners pride themselves on killing their subjects in increasingly creative ways and live-streaming the deaths on social media. Dee Guerrera is surprised to wake up imprisoned at Alcatraz 2.0 and tapped as the next to die. Framed for her stepsister's murder, Dee has to take down the system and prove her own innocence in this gory story surprisingly infused with witty satire.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
YA
Bullied MIT-hopeful Bea creates a mathematical formula to ensure she and her two best guy friends achieve social success senior year. But when Bea's boyfriend ditches her for the "quirky" new girl, she tweaks the formula's plan, rebranding herself as Trixie, the ideal manic pixie dream girl. Predictably but enjoyably, Bea learns that formulas can't control everything in this comedic exploration of stereotyping.
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
(4)
YA
Josie discovers a parallel world accessible every twelve hours at 3:59, and, running from a painful breakup, switches places with her counterpart, Jo. Jo's world, however, is overrun by deadly night-monsters possibly connected to Jo/Josie's mother's quantum experiments. Josie's romantic concerns are soon tiresome in the face of life-or-death peril, but the bait-and-switch plot, especially the parental doppelgangers, offers ample thrills.
Reviewer: Claire E. Gross
(4)
YA
Meg and her erratic best friend, Minnie, receive a coveted invitation, but the party quickly turns deadly as one guest after another is gruesomely murdered. The fast-paced Agatha Christie–like thriller, overpopulated with characters (alive and dead) sees Meg and her crush, T.J., attempt to keep Minnie stable as Meg pieces together convoluted clues. Somehow, the pieces fit together in the end.
Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum
(3)
YA
With the help of a priest at her Catholic school, Bridget develops her ability to communicate with--and exorcise--demons. As she practices this power, she discovers the truth about her identity and her father's murder. This supernatural thriller features a witty protagonist, some romance, and lots of truly creepy moments--as when Bridget confronts a shop full of demonically possessed dolls.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
5 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.