Wanted! : Book Review

"Wanted" by Caroline B. Cooney is an exhilarating young adult novel that plunges readers into the gripping story of Alice Robie, a teenager whose life takes a terrifying turn when she becomes the prime suspect in her boyfriend's disappearance. Set in a small town, the book delves into the dark aspects of friendship, trust, and the depths people will go to safeguard their secrets.

From the very beginning, the novel propels the reader into a compelling plot as Alice's tranquil life is shattered by the sudden vanishing of her boyfriend, Joey. As the investigation unfolds, Alice finds herself under intense scrutiny, facing mounting evidence against her. Cooney masterfully keeps readers guessing, steadily building tension and suspicion throughout the narrative.

Notably, one of the book's strengths lies in Cooney's ability to create relatable and multi-dimensional characters. Alice, burdened with guilt, becomes a sympathetic protagonist desperately trying to prove her innocence. The author skillfully explores the detrimental impact of gossip and rumors on individuals and the entire community. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, where seemingly everyone has something to hide.

Cooney's engaging and fast-paced writing style effectively draws readers into the story. The narrative is punctuated with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that "Wanted" remains a true page-turner. The author expertly builds suspense, seamlessly blending mystery and romance to maintain readers' investment until the very end.

Overall, "Wanted" is an enthralling and emotionally charged thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Through well-developed characters, a suspenseful plot, and thought-provoking themes, Caroline B. Cooney presents a compelling story that explores the consequences of secrets and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.

What are readers saying?

"Wanted" by Caroline B. Cooney has garnered a range of opinions from readers. While some found the book captivating and filled with suspense, others felt it fell short in certain aspects.

Many positive reviews highlight Cooney's ability to create suspense and maintain reader engagement throughout the story. Readers found themselves engrossed in unraveling the mysteries presented in the book. Cooney's writing style is often praised for its fast pace and easy readability, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the thriller genre.

However, some readers expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the book. One common criticism is that the characters lacked depth and growth, making it difficult for readers to connect with them on a deeper level. The protagonist, Alice, was particularly singled out for being underdeveloped and lacking complexity, which hindered her relatability and overall interest.

Another point of contention was the predictability of the plot. Some readers mentioned that they were able to anticipate the twists and turns early on, diminishing the element of surprise and suspense. Additionally, a few reviewers found the resolution to be rushed and unsatisfying, leaving loose ends and unanswered questions.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still found "Wanted" to be an enjoyable and engaging read. Cooney's ability to build tension and suspense was often commended, and the fast-paced nature of the book kept readers hooked. Although some may have found the lack of character development and predictability of the plot to be drawbacks, others appreciated the story for its entertainment value.

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