This week's DSN is the sixth book from Karen M. McManus, and it is another intense young adult thriller for readers who love a good mystery. Nothing More to Tell follows a group of students at the Saint Ambrose School as a community continues to heal after one of its most tragic events, and those involved struggle to keep their secrets hidden.
The Situation: After more than four years away, Brynn is not exactly happy to be returning to the Saint Ambrose School, the Kinder through 12 private school she used to attend before her family moved away from Sturgis. Not only had she lost her best friend, Tripp, shortly before moving away, but the exit was also preceded by the murder of her favorite teacher, and the crime was never solved. Now that Brynn has returned, and she has secured an internship at a true-crime show, she desperately wants to find out what happened. Using every bit of her journalism skills and instincts, Brynn sets out to solve the biggest mystery Saint Ambrose has to offer.
The Problem: Tripp was there when Mr. Larkin's body was found, and the careful story he weaved with his two best friends is full of lies. Now he cannot wait until the end of his senior year when he can finally leave Sturgis and Saint Ambrose behind. Of course, Brynn has to return right when he is near the finish line, and also right when a memorial is being planned to honor Mr. Larkin's memory. Having Brynn around already makes Tripp feel unsettled...after all, there is a reason he put some distance between them four years ago. But now they are working together on Mr. Larkin's memorial, and Tripp knows that if anyone can pull the truth out of him about what happened in the woods four years ago, it is her.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in the fictional town of Sturgis, Massachusetts. Brynn and Tripp, the book's two narrators, are students at Saint Ambrose School, a private school that caters to the mix population of both wealthy and middle-class families that make up the town, resulting in an obvious divide between the two and a heavy amount of resentment. At the forefront of the plot is the mystery of what happened to Mr. Larkin four years ago when his body was found in the woods. Brynn is determined to find out who murdered him, while Tripp wants to continue protecting himself and his friends. Secrets and lies are traded at every level, and as good as Brynn's journalism instincts are, this story has twists and turns that even she never saw coming.
My Verdict: So many reveals...maybe too many? If anything, this story will keep readers entertained and guessing. The secrets keep coming, as do the characters. Everything starts with a small circle of Saint Ambrose students and their families, but that circle grows quickly, as does the list of suspects. Those that are familiar with McManus' style will feel like they are once again in a community of people holding onto vital information that both saves lives and endangers others. And the character of Brynn is believable as an ambitious young journalist looking for the truth. In fact, she is so believable that I found her annoying as she insists on looking for answers where she clearly should not. And Tripp is haunted almost to the point of self-destruction. Fans of McManus will not be disappointed, and this would be a great starting point for new readers looking for an introduction to her work.
Favorite Moment: Tripp's relationship with his mother is strained, and for good reason. And there is a moment where he gets to tell her off, again for good reason, that is both satisfying and heartbreaking.
Favorite Character: Regina is Tripp's sweet but no nonsense boss who cares for him, but also is not afraid to push him when he needs it. And Brynn's sister Ellie is smart and helpful without being annoying.
Recommended Reading: Another stand alone book by McManus that I enjoyed is The Cousins, though her most famous is still One of Us Is Lying.
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