She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell | Rating: ★★★☆☆
 
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There was a moment when I hesitated in picking this up. She Was the Quiet One had such an intriguing premise, but I haven't had the best luck when it came to stories of fictional twins lately. Then, there's the spoiled-angsty-rich-teenagers-at-boarding-school trope that I burned myself out on well over a decade ago but somehow can't resist it if it looks my way. As far as I was concerned, it could only go one of two ways: REALLY, really well or horribly wrong.

Somehow, She Was the Quiet One landed in the middle for me. I didn't hate it. I enjoyed it and found the way that Campbell told the story to be intriguing. In-fact, I read it in mostly one sitting because even in the weaker spots I couldn't put the novel down.

The weak parts aren't worth mentioning beyond me saying that there were some things that didn't feel essential to the book and there were a couple of moments that I caught myself wondering if there was something missing in the layers. Tucked away where I couldn't find them.




But all stories have their flaws, so let's go back to the positives.

It's an addicting read in many ways and before you know it, you're finished. I really liked the way it all tied together and the fact that it did toy with readers often. Upon reading the premise, I had the idea that She Was the Quiet One would be similar in tone to a classic V.C. Andrews tale and in many ways, it does read like one in terms of psychological twists, complicated sibling/family relationships and its drama, losses and vividness.

In many ways, it did feel like V.C. Andrews meets CW drama. Only smarter.

While it wasn't my favourite book of the year, it was a fun read! Definitely an entertaining thriller that many readers will enjoy.