Not too long ago I read One of Us is Next (sequel to One of Us is Lying) is Next by Karen M. McManus and it definitely made me want to continue with this author’s books. So when I saw that The Write Reads would be hosting a tour for her new release, The Cousins, I knew I had to sign up. Keep on reading to find out what I thought of this book!

A big thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc to read and review.

The Storys are the envy of their neighbours: owners of the largest property on their East Coast island, they are rich, beautiful, and close. Until it all falls apart. The four children are suddenly dropped by their mother with a single sentence:

You know what you did.

They never hear from her again.

Years later, when 18-year-old cousins Aubrey, Milly and Jonah Story receive a mysterious invitation to spend the summer at their grandmother’s resort, they have no choice but to follow their curiosity and meet the woman who’s been such an enigma their entire lives.

This entire family is built on secrets, right? It’s the Story legacy.

This summer, the teenagers are determined to discover the truth at the heart of their family. But some secrets are better left alone.

THE BRILLIANT NEW THRILLER FROM INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE OF US IS LYING KAREN M MCMANUS.

Review

“There’s something dangerously seductive about Story secrets; they snake their way into your heart and soul, burrowing so deep that the very idea of exposing them feels like losing a part of yourself.”

I was really excited about The Cousins and was so happy when I received the ARC for this tour. Like all of the other books by this author, once I picked it up I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know how this book would continue. Karen M. McManus gave us another book filled with twists and turns that kept you on the edge of your seat.

The Cousins is told through 3 POVs (the cousins Milly, Aubrey and Jonah) and we get a few chapters that are flashbacks in 1996 that give us some idea of what was going on back then. The Story cousins are basically called for the summer to meet their grandmother non of their parents have contact with after certain events 24 years ago. It’s clear from the start that their summer won’t go as planned and things aren’t as they seem.

I loved that we got to know all three of the cousins. Even though their family didn’t seem really pleasant, I liked all three of these characters. They all had things they were dealing with, but I felt like this summer together helped them in ways none of them imagined. The Cousins definitely shows us that families can be complicated.

Karen M. McManus knows how to add some elements of surprise that make you doubt everything you thought you knew and her writing keeps me glued to the story. This small town is the perfect place for secrets and betrayal and we definitely get our fill of all of these elements. I didn’t see all of the twists coming (which I love, because I tend to figure things out) and that was exciting. That being said, I think all piled together some of these twists may have been a little far-fetched? Don’t get me wrong, because I did enjoy the book, it just felt a bit much when all added together.

If you’re a big fan of books with family dynamics, secrets, mysteries, friendships, small towns and maybe a little romance, I definitely recommend The Cousins!

 

I have to say Karen M. McManus is becoming an autobuy author for me. Luckily, I have one of her books on my shelf unread. Hopefully that will keep me occupied until she gives us another book. Have you read anything by this author? I’d love to hear if you have. Let me know in the comments!