Welcome to my review of The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas!
Summary
Roughly based on true events, Kara Thomas brings us the story of The Cheerleaders. A group of five cheerleaders whose tragic deaths were all around the same time. The first two were killed in a car accident, the second two were mysteriously murdered, and the last one, Monica’s sister, committed suicide.
Now, five years later, Monica must recall the tragedy of her sister’s death as the town wants to memorialize the cheerleaders. But were their deaths everything they seemed to be? As she remembers what happened, Monica decides to figure out exactly what happened to each of the cheerleaders.
Review
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, yes, I would definitely recommend this book!
This is one of the best mysteries I read in 2019! It’s got all the great qualities of a great mystery with great pacing. I was always at the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what would happen next. There are lots of little mysteries to solve along with Monica. It doesn’t seem like the author can possibly tie up all the loose ends, but she does. Monica solves each questionable death without overwhelming the reader.
I’m surprised this book isn’t more popular – it deserves more attention than it gets. I have a more difficult time lately finding Young Adult novels that I enjoy, but this one ticked all the boxes. My favorite thing about this book was the ending. I don’t want to spoil anything in case you decide to read it, but I liked how all questions were answered. I enjoy a good mystery novel where the ending provides closure.
The author also did a great job of making the main character, Monica, seem real. She wasn’t just moving through the motions of solving the murders/suicide, she was in the thick of her own emotions. She struggled with her own fears and sadness surrounding the deaths as she solved the mysteries. And the author didn’t make her out to be some sort of Holmes, but a normal teenager. As normal as she could be given her situation.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a busy mom. It’s an easy, quick read that you’re sure to have a hard time putting down. It’s especially great to read with a teenage daughter, as it is a Young Adult mystery.
Rating
Five out of five stars
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If you enjoyed my review of The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas, you might also like Final Girls by Riley Sager. Check out my review!
If you’re interested in purchasing The Cheerleaders, here are some quick links to buy the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And, if you’re interested to see what others think, here’s the link to the book on Goodreads.
