Wicked, Book 1
Synopsis: One By One, They’ll Die…
Twenty years ago, wild child Jessie Brentwood vanished from St. Elizabeth’s high school. Most in Jessie’s tight circle of friends believed she simply ran away. Few suspected that Jessie was hiding a shocking secret-one that brought her into the crosshairs of a vicious killer…
Until There’s No One Left…
Two decades pass before a body is unearthed on school grounds and Jessie’s old friends reunite to talk. Most are sure that the body is Jessie’s, that the mystery of what happened to her has finally been solved. But soon, Jessie’s friends each begin to die in horrible, freak accidents that defy explanation…
But Her…
Becca Sutcliff has been haunted for years by unsettling visions of Jessie, certain her friend met with a grisly end. Now the latest deaths have her rattled. Becca can sense that an evil force is shadowing her too, waiting for just the right moment to strike. She feels like she’s going crazy. Is it all a coincidence-or has Jessie’s killer finally returned to finish what was started all those years ago?
Review: I had not heard of this series before reading it, but I was curious to find out more. I always enjoy discovering a new suspense / thriller series and it was therefore a good opportunity with this novel. I admit that with the French summary, I did not expect to find a paranormal touch, but it was a nice surprise to find this nice mix. I was still a little anxious before getting into the story. Yes because I have to say that I had the opportunity to see some somewhat mixed reviews and I was afraid to feel the same way. But ultimately no, I had a good time with the story and I’m quite curious to see how the other novels will be.
Becca has grown up since high school but it’s true that her heart always remained turned to the boy she loved at that time. But time has passed and that’s why she does not see all these people she was hanging with anymore. But now, there is a body in her old school … and a girl of their group was missing all those years ago. The group then reforms, trying to understand if this girl is none other than Jessie, and to understand what happened when they were younger. But this introspection in their past will attract more dark forces than they thought and each of them could put their lives in danger. But through this investigation, a nice thing also appears, a beautiful relationship between Becca and her ex-boyfriend Hudson.
It was very touching to see the two together in love. Although their lives have changed over the years, we can clearly see that they have not managed to overcome their history. They are a very nice couple and although they have a little trouble at the start about the way to interact with the other, something very strong links them. Becca is a girl different from the others, oh yes, because she has some visions she does not fully understand but which help her to understand what is happening.
In terms of the investigation and intrigue, I admit that I was surprised several times. The author provides us many revelations throughout the story that we do not expect at all, about the killer, the murder, Becca or even Jessie. I really enjoyed everything and I’m curious to learn more, including about this community, this sect we hear about. A good discovery.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
If a suspense novel can actually genuinely surprise me, then I am sold.
Melliane
yes it was nice to have so many revelations!
Tracy Terry
Loving the cover.
This does sound like a good read, I love books that hold surprises.
Melliane
I’m not a fan of the cover but it was interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
I have enjoyed Jackson’s books and I am glad this one was a good experience for you. I love the genre and the twists.
Melliane
yes it was well done.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
That is definitely a creepy cover Melliane! I’m glad you were surprised a number of times, I love thinking I know what’s going to happen only to find out I’m very, very wrong:) Fabulous review!
Melliane
yeah, right?
kindlemom1
This is a new series to me as well but I have to say, I love that creepy cover!
Sounds like there are lots of twists in this, I love a book that can keep me on edge.
Melliane
I’m not a fan but I had the French one, so different.
Carole Rae
Kinda creepy, but it sounds good!
Heidi
I haven’t read a good suspense/thriller in awhile. I am eager to look up this one. Thanks for the recommendation. Happy Holidays!
Melliane
my pleasure.
blodeuedd
Not something I read, but then as I do not read it I can’t say if I would like it or not
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I was about to say this probably wasn’t for me, but then I noticed your comment about the paranormal elements. Hmm, wouldn’t have expected that either. I don’t know, the cover sort of makes me think “Horror”.
Melliane
yes I was quite surprised. No it’s a thriller/suspens book in fact with paranormal elements in it.
Faye M.
I’m glad to know that this book was able to please you and surprise you! Murders, mystery, and thrillers are one of my favorite things to read in Fiction, so I’ll definitely be checking this out when I have the time! Not a fan of the cover, though 😉 But then again, covers rarely speak for a book’s quality!
Faye at The Social Potato
Melliane
yeah me neither, it’s not really pretty…
Stephanie Faris
I love when a mystery actually surprises me throughout. So often they’re way too predictable!
Melliane
true.
LilyElement
That cover is creepy, sounds like a pretty good read 🙂