Book Review: Cryer's Cross by NYT Bestselling Author, Lisa McMann

Hi guys. Most of you probably know Lisa McMann from her New York Times Bestselling Wake trilogy. I haven't read any of those books, so this is my first experience with any of her work. Simon and Schuster sent me an e-galley of the story and I appreciated the opportunity to learn what Ms. McMann's writing was all about. Let's take a look at a blurb of the book:

The small town of Cryer's Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn't that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.

When a second student goes missing - someone close to Kendall's heart - the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall's not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she's losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school - messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there - Kendall decides that crazy or not, she'd never forgive herself if she didn't act on her suspicions.

Something's not right in Cryer's Cross - and Kendall's about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

I thought this story had a unique premise. I had no idea what was causing these kids to disappear and you're not going to find any of the usual supernatural suspects: vampire, werewolf, zombie etc. That alone kept my interest level high because I wanted to know what the heck was going on!

Of course, you know most of us want a little romance in the house and McMann doesn't disappoint. When Kendell's best friend and "kinda, sorta" boyfriend becomes one of the missing, hot and mysterious Jacian comes on the scene just in time to take his place. I applaud McMann for making the effort to add some diversity to the cast of characters--the main ones at that--by making the boy's in the story of Latin heritage. It certainly spiced things up--especially when it came to Jacian, but you'll have to read the book for yourself to see what I mean *grin*.

I loved Kendell. Her OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and the way it was exhibited throughout the story was kind of funny, but also sad and endearing. And remember, people really do the things she does, I've known some personally. It brought a real, human element to the story. This is no perfect teen girl. She has flaws and struggles to work around them.

This story had a serious creep factor.  Honestly, there was a horrific moment toward the end that I dreaded. It's not a predictable ending either. You hope what you fear, will not come to pass.

The ending has a firm conclusion, but there was a bit of a question that made me wonder if a sequel was in the works. Via Twitter, McMann said there was no sequel coming, but...who knows...she certainly left a question and maybe she'll change her mind...lol...

Cryer's Cross released February 8, 2011