https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213166492-only-the-pretty-ones
Niki Keith delivers a
suspenseful and shocking Young Adult thriller in Only the Pretty Ones.
Set in a quiet yet dangerous small town, this novel successfully blends
elements of romance, mystery, and horror into a thrilling and emotional story.
The story centers on
Everly, a 16-year-old girl who is heartbroken by her ex's betrayal. While
trying to forget her old wounds, Everly is mesmerized by Finn, a mysterious man
who has just moved to town. When in-person interactions with Finn are fruitless,
Everly takes drastic measures: creating a fake profile on an online dating
platform to attract his attention. However, this effort attracts the attention
of a serial killer who is terrorizing their small town.
In a race against time,
Everly must uncover the killer's identity before she becomes his next victim.
Together with her journalist sister, Everly faces unexpected dangers and
uncovers dark secrets that haunt those around her. Keith cleverly blends unconventional
teen romance with thriller elements. Tensions continue to rise as Everly and
Finn's relationship develops, while the threat of a serial killer creates a
gripping atmosphere, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
Everly is a relatable and
interesting main character. Her often impulsive decisions reflect teenage
emotions, but her resilience in the face of danger shows significant
development throughout the story. The character of Finn, with his mysterious
aura, adds a complex layer to the story, while the serial killer becomes a real
threat that keeps the reader wondering.
Keith writes skillfully,
taking the reader on a plot twist that is hard to guess. The reveal of the
killer's identity at the end of the story is very satisfying and far from
expected, making it one of the most riveting aspects of the novel.
There is not a dull
moment in Only the Pretty Ones. Every scene feels important, whether for
character development, relationships, or building tension that leads to an
intense climax. The downside of this novel if there's one thing that could be a
concern, is probably how some feel under-explored, especially Finn's background
which remains a little sketchy despite being a key character. However, this
doesn't really detract from the overall appeal of the story.
In conclusion, Only the Pretty
Ones is a captivating Young Adult thriller that is hard to put down. The
mix of an unusual love story, a serial killer mystery, and surprising plot
twists make it a very satisfying read.
