Flora Calhoun’s classmates already think she’s weird, and avoid her when they can. After all, isn’t she the girl that found the body of a girl called Lucy? Then she went all Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo and investigated the murder, because she said no one else would.

It’s happened again, and no-one is more surprised than Flora herself. She receives a midnight phone call from her friend Ava. They had a thing last summer, then Ava stopped seeing her. Ava sounds scared, asking Flora to meet her and to hurry.

Flora is too late. The sound of gunshots richochets along the alleyways before Flora finds Ava with three bullet wounds in her chest. Flora tries to save her, but there is just too much blood. In shock, Flora stands aside for the paramedics.

Ava’s death is put down to a mugging, but Flora is too savvy for that. With an ex CIA Agent grandfather, and past lessons learned, Flora is determined to find out who killed Ava. Ava’s last words lead her to something that has other classmates in its clutches – for multiple reasons.

Despite warnings from her grandfather, arguments with her younger sister and best friend Cas, and then threats on all their lives, Flora digs her heels in. Her rep as a crazy girl at school is relit as she doggedly chases information.

It’s not all bad for Flora. A guy called VT (Valentine), is digging for info on his own investigation – about his sister. Flora wants to trust him, but knows he has his own agenda. Her trust issues blows up in her face as she alienates everyone around her, trying to do everything solo. This nearly costs her her life.

You’re Next is different in the way that the character has a similar backstory to what is happening in the novel, except this time it is much more personal. This past heightens the character’s emotions and awareness about what she is getting herself into. She’s learnt that there are people out there who if powerful enough, can get away with murder.

Not this time, she vows to herself. Flora is a multi-layered character – a much loved granddaughter and sister, albeit both rocky relationships. She’s a friend to Cassidy, but not as good as she should be. Flora is bi and grieving the loss of Ava, a beautiful girl who kissed her first, last summer, then dropped out of her life. Then there is Valentine, a guy who is grieving his dead sister and looking for answers.

The violence and strong language felt authentic to the plot, so this is a thriller for readers aged 14+ 

Just as it sometimes felt like it could be a sequel to something, it leaves you wondering if there is more to the story… Enjoyable read.

Author – Kylie Schachte

Age – 14+

(LGBTQ+, Relationships, Sibling, Friendships, Grandfather, Murder, Investigation, Politics, Fight, Illegal, Crime, Cover-up, Twist, Thriller, Gunshot wounds, School, Family, Determination, Action, Mystery, Betrayal, Grief, Courage)