Title: Everything You Want Me To Be

Author: Mindy Mejia

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

Pub. Date: 3 January 2017

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary, YA

Question: How many secrets can be exposed during an investigation into a young girl’s murder?

Answer: As many as it takes to make a gripping and satisfying mystery.

Before anyone is aware of 18 year old Hattie’s grand plan to run away to New York City, her body is discovered in an old barn. Nothing about the case is simple. More than one person in Pine Valley has a good reason to make her disappear, and it is Sheriff Goodman’s job to bring events to light that are better left in shadow. As the reader travels through her last year of life, we begin to understand just how difficult his job is going to be.

I think what I appreciated most  about this book is the headlong give-it-all pace and the surprising structure as the layers in the plot and characters are revealed. It is definitely one of those books that you just need another five minutes with…until it is late, late, late, or, if you’re lucky, you finish. Not that it is incredibly deep or complex, just a fun read and entertaining YA mystery thriller (mind the aggressive sex scenes for the younger set) from a writer who is professional, solid, and confident. Even when the events are a bit convenient, it is fairly easy to accept it and enjoy the ride anyway.

Read it today!

Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.