They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso
Author: Chelsea Ichaso
Published: 2023
Genre: YA Mystery & Suspense
Synopsis From Goodreads:
A dark boarding school thriller from the author of Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets and The Summer She Went Missing!
When a secret society has you in their sights, it can lead to power, privilege… or death.
It’s been two weeks since Polly St. James went missing. The police, the headmistress of Torrey-Wells Academy, and even her parents have ruled her a runaway. But not Maren, her best friend and roommate. She knows Polly had a secret that she was about to share with Maren before she disappeared― something to do with the elite, ultra-rich crowd at Torrey-Wells.
Then Maren finds an envelope hidden among Polly’s things: an invitation to the Gamemaster’s Society. Do not tell anyone, it says. Maren is certain her classmates in the Society know the truth about what happened to Polly, though it’s no easy feat to join. Once Maren’s made it through the treacherous initiation, she discovers a world she never knew existed within her school, where Society members compete in high-stakes games for unheard-of rewards―Ivy League connections, privileges, favors.
But Maren’s been drawn into a different game: for every win, she’ll receive a clue about Polly. And as Maren keeps winning, she begins to see just how powerful the Society’s game is―bigger and deadlier than she ever imagined. They see, they know, they control. And they kill.
My Take:
This very quick-read book took some time to appreciate. The opening was slow and unbelievable: A group of wealthy high schoolers living on an opulent college-like campus without real supervision, and the parents of a missing girl seemingly dismissing her as a runaway, choosing to just move on with their lives without investigation. This, combined with the juvenile prose, caused me to put the book down and reject it. Not having another book available, I picked it back up (I’m a voracious reader, and being without something to read is painful!!!) rather than rereading a Jane Austen book for the 100th time.
The book definitely grew on me as I realized her writing style and unrealistic situations nailed her audience (younger YA) to a tee. When I thought about what a young teen would want in a book, this was it. As I approached the 30% mark, I couldn’t put it down. The author’s twists and turns were well-written and very believable. I didn’t know who to trust, and I cared deeply about the protagonist. When she made an unwise decision, I wanted to reach into the book, shake her, and scream NO!!! I had no idea what to expect and was surprised at every turn. The pace rose to lightning speed. There were still unbelievable elements, such as her saying she couldn’t understand how someone could do something for money, and soon after considering doing the exact same thing.
If you can get past the writing style and unrealistic situations at the beginning, and like a clean, twisty mystery/suspense, this book is worth a shot. Just give it time!
Language:
I counted two situational swear words.
Sexual Content:
There are a few kissing scenes, and a girl in a towel invites her boyfriend into her room. Nothing explicit is shown or implied.
Drug/Alcohol Use:
Alcohol use by minors is prevalent throughout the story, and poisonous or drugged substances affect several people.
Violence:
There are kidnappings, imprisonments, druggings, and a murder (along with several pre-book mentions of dying students).
Plot/Storytelling:
The book starts very slowly and seemed bent on pushing me away at the start, but the pace picks up at about the 30% mark. Written for a younger YA audience, so it helps to think like a young teen as you read! Twists and turns will keep you guessing, and you will cheer on the protagonist as she races against time.