It is YA Fest once again, which means all the posts for the entire month of June will be on a young adult fiction title. And to kick things off, we have They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours. In this speculative mystery, a young girl finds herself in a race against time after making a deal to save her friend's life.
The Situation: Simone Washington is known for her horror-themed parties, and this Halloween is her last chance to throw a memorable one before she graduates. But when she reads about the local Doll's Head Lake and the spirit that is supposed to haunt it, she decides to throw a small overnight party with only her friends just a couple of weeks before. With the help of her best friend Kira, she knows this will be a night to remember, and will probably allow for even more excitement for the ultimate Halloween bash. Or at least that was the plan until Kira had to be pulled from the lake, unresponsive, after an argument. Now Simone would do anything to change what happened, and there is a spiteful spirit that is willing to help her out, at a cost.
The Problem: Simone has 14 days to come through on her end of the bargain she made with Regret to save Kira's life. If she succeeds, not only does Kira live, but Simone will be freed from all of the regrets that have consumed her over the last few years. But should she fail, Kira will surely perish, and Simone will be the one to make it happen. The clock is ticking, and Simone must unravel the mystery of Doll's Head Lake, causing her to dig deep into the past of her town, and the disappearances that have occurred at the lake over many years. She desperately wants to succeed, while also doing what is right. But when she struggles with her own secrets and hidden truths, it is the life of her best friend that may be sacrificed.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of horror fiction, with a healthy amount of mystery, thriller, and paranormal worked in. On the night of her 18th birthday, Simone hosts an overnight party at her brother-in-law's cabin near Doll's Head Lake. The lake has another, much more normal name, but it is known for the collection of dolls that people have left behind for the spirit known as Regret. And it is after an unfortunate argument that Simone is forced to deal with Regret herself. There are many secrets that are dealt with, and of course regrets, along with incredible guilt, shame, and even some grief.
My Verdict: This is a short read that moves quickly, but has a lot to offer in its pages. Partying teenagers in a cabin near a lake; a vengeful spirit; creepy dolls; fortune tellers; buried secrets; and a ticking clock as time runs out towards a deadline with terrible consequences. From the beginning, Simone and her friends are pretty annoying, and a little clueless, but really, that fits when it comes to the horror theme. Things get real for everyone pretty quickly, but Simone must examine her own motivations and past, and acknowledge her own part in everything. Horror fans will have a good time, as will those who enjoy a good mystery.
Favorite Moment: The first appearance of Regret is appropriately creepy and unsettling.
Favorite Character: Everyone is dealing with some amount of regret, large or small, in this book. But Simone's friend Cory is helpful, forgiving, and kind, and can listen without interrupting or diverting.
Favorite Quote: Simone asks "Why does the cost of correcting my mistakes have to be so high?" Oh honey...
Recommended Reading: Nearly anything by Tiffany D. Jackson would work well.
