Reviewer (text)
Hasnah Farraj
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW --- the new novel from SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL and WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE author Trish Doller --- follows Cadie Wells, an 18-year-old girl in a small town in Florida whose mother has passed away. Thus, Cadie is responsible for taking care of her younger brother Danny, her father and the family’s struggling small corner store. Cadie feels upset that she has so much responsibility and wants to escape her daily routine and so, when she meets two boys at an outdoor party, decides to go on a road trip with them and another friend. However, during this road trip, Cadie learns that one of the boys is very dangerous, which endangers her, as well.
I think that Doller did an excellent job portraying Cadie's frustration with having so many responsibilities at a young age --- readers who are in similar situations will definitely find her relatable. She also did a good job describing her characters and setting. Her story was easy to follow and I was able to clearly picture what was occurring in my mind. This story also has a romantic component and will appeal to those whom enjoy the romance genre.
Doller did an excellent job portraying Cadie's frustration with having so many responsibilities at a young age
However, I do believe that plot was slow to develop in much of the story --- it is only in the last 100 pages or so that the tension unfolds. Some readers may have to be patient in reading this story because Doller is very detailed in developing the plot.
Overall, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW will show readers that they should appreciate what is given to them --- it’s so easy to desire a change from one’s everyday life, but sometimes acting on it can be incredibly dangerous. Readers are sure to feel frustrated, sad and happy for everything that happens to Cadie as they read the book.
Teaser
Eighteen-year-old Arcadiawants adventure. Living in a tiny Floridatown with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and a friend to join them on a road trip, and she excitedly accepts. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.
Promo
Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and a friend to join them on a road trip, and she excitedly accepts. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.
About the Book
From critically-acclaimed author Trish Doller comes a powerful new psychological page - turner perfect for fans of Lauren Oliver and Sara Zarr.
Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.
A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
