Title: Truth or Dare
Author: Jacqueline Green
First published May 14, 2013
389 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316220361 (ISBN10: 0316220361)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
In the sleepy town of Noble’s Crossing, secrets are buried deep beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed. When a scandal rocks the town, Lane Noble Graham finds herself accused of a heinous crime – murdering her ex-husband.
Johnny Mack Cahill, the only man who can save her from a life behind bars, is reluctant to return to the town that once scorned him and the woman he knew he could never be with. As they dig deeper, they realize that everyone in Noble’s Crossing has something to hide, and one of those secrets could make Lane and Johnny Mack the next targets of a twisted killer.
Beverly Barton’s After Dark is a gripping tale full of suspense and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Jacqueline Resnick writes under the pen name, Jacqueline Green. She obtained her BA from Cornell University and her MFA in writing for children from The New School.
Originally from Wynnewood, PA, she now resides in Brooklyn, NY with her spouse and their small dog, who occasionally doubles as her writing partner. Truth or Dare, the initial book in a series, marks her debut as a young adult author.
Editoral Review
Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green is a thrilling young adult novel that explores the dangers of secrets and the consequences of deception. First published on May 14, 2013, the book is set in the small town of Echo Bay, where three high school girls are drawn into a dangerous game of truth or dare that quickly spirals out of control.
Jacqueline Green is an American author known for her young adult fiction series The Secrets of Selkie Bay. In Truth or Dare, she showcases her talent for writing suspenseful and engaging stories with complex characters and surprising plot twists.
At its core, Truth or Dare is a mystery novel that follows the lives of three teenage girls who must navigate a web of lies and secrets that threaten to destroy their friendships and lives. The story is told from the perspective of the three main characters Maddie, Alex, and Shauna who are forced to play a dangerous game of truth or dare that quickly turns deadly.
The setting of the novel the small town of Echo Bay is an essential element of the story, as it adds to the overall sense of isolation and claustrophobia that the characters experience. The town is described in vivid detail, with its tight-knit community, picturesque scenery, and dark underbelly.
Throughout the novel, Green tackles themes such as betrayal, trust, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions. These themes are explored through the different perspectives of the three main characters, each of whom has their own secrets and motivations.
One of the strengths of Truth or Dare is its fast-paced plot, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The tension and suspense build steadily, and the twists and turns of the story are well-crafted and unexpected.
The characters are also well-developed, with their individual personalities and motivations subtly revealed throughout the story. Although Truth or Dare is primarily a mystery novel, it also touches on some deeper issues, such as the dangers of social media and the power dynamics of teenage friendships.
These themes are relevant to contemporary youth culture and give the novel added depth and significance. However, despite its many strengths, there are a few weaknesses to the novel.
Some of the plot twists feel forced or contrived, and the resolution of the mystery is somewhat predictable. Additionally, some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped and lack depth.
Overall, Truth or Dare is a well-written and engaging young adult novel that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense. Although it has some flaws, its strong plot, well-developed characters, and relevant themes make it a worthy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking young adult novel. Rating: 4/5 stars.
Criteria for rating:
1. Plot 4/5: While the plot is fast-paced and engaging, some of the plot twists feel forced or contrived, and the resolution of the mystery is somewhat predictable.
2. Character development 4/5: The main characters are well-developed, with their individual personalities and motivations subtly revealed throughout the story.
However, some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped and lack depth. 3.
Writing 5/5: Green’s writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. 4.
Themes 4/5: The themes of betrayal, trust, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions are well-explored and relevant to contemporary youth culture. However, some of the themes feel somewhat predictable and clichd.
5. Overall impression 4/5: Overall, Truth or Dare is a well-written and engaging young adult novel that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense.
Although it has some flaws, its strong plot, well-developed characters, and relevant themes make it a worthy read.
