Helena, the mysterious teenage sister of Aerin’s, has vanished. The police can find no leads, and as five miserable years slip away, her sister is still gone. One day, she reaches out to the internet with a fading hope of answers, and in response, Seneca, Maddox, and Brett show up at her door. The group dives into the case only to find deeper and deeper layers of secrets. On the way, they pick up a few friends who have all lost someone close to them and, like Aerin, are dying for the truth.
I found that The Amateurs was a good read and easily pulled me through to the end. The characters were deep, realistic, and well-developed, and the plot was very intricately thought out. I also found the writing style on the duller side, but the plot was so intriguing that the writing didn’t need to be too dressed up to be interesting. It could certainly turn a fantasy enthusiast into a crime novel reader. I’m glad that I gave it a chance, and I hope to read more by this author in the future.
The most memorable part of the book is the way that the characters’ pasts brought them together through striking similarities. They were a different and distant bunch, but they were able to heal with each other’s presence.
Reviewed by Leah, Grade 7, Twin Hickory Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 