ARC Review: The Cousins

Author: Karen M. McManus

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: 12.01.20

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Source: E-ARC via Netgalley

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

SYNOPSIS: “Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they’ve never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they’re surprised… and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point—not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother’s good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it’s immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious—and dark—their family’s past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn’t over—and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.”

Truthfully, I’m not sure what to say about this book. It wasn’t a bad story, and I did enjoy it, but it feels like it was missing something. It’s difficult thing to put my finger on, but while reading The Cousins I felt as though a particular mystery depth was missing that I had anticipated from Karen M. McManus.

Now, for context, I’ve been a long time fan of this author. I read her debut the Summer after it was released, and I’ve preordered her other novels since then (you can find my reviews for Two Can Keep a Secret here). When I heard about The Cousins I was beyond excited. The premise sounded spooky, unique, and instantly grabbed my attention.

However, it did feel like there was something just a little bit off. I got attached to the characters easily (more on this later), but struggled to find attachment to the plot and mystery. I wasn’t hooked on the plot and found myself predicting the outcome without intending to. The mystery aspect of the book lacked the intricacy that I think would’ve made it incredible. It felt like a surface level mystery that could’ve been more interesting had it gone deeper, maybe with more red herrings to confuse the characters and reader (or something along those lines, I’m not a mystery writer for a reason). So, while reading, The Cousins didn’t quite achieve the potential it could have had the mystery had been more intricate.

That being said, I still found aspects of the book that I enjoyed! The writing was lovely, as per usual with this author. The island where the story is set is atmospheric and the writing is loaded with beautiful imagery! I was also fond of the characters. I quickly grew attached to Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah. It was hard not to empathize and cheer for them. There were so many points where I just wish I could’ve reached in and given them a hug. Upon reflection, they were probably my absolute favorite part of the entire book.

While this book wasn’t everything I had been anticipating, it was still enjoyable. It felt lackluster in the mystery plot but redeemed itself with enjoyable characters and beautiful writing. I look forward to seeing what Karen M. McManus will write in the future considering how much I enjoyed her earlier novels!

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an E-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are all my own.