Middle-Grade Review: Identikill By K.R. Alexander

Chelsea and her twin Angelica are very close. The problem is Angelica is dead. Chelsea is shy and afraid of starting middle school because she’s afraid the rumor of her seeing her dead twin might get out. Then a new girl shows up and wants to be friends. Chelsea spends less time with Angelica and is happy. Angelica is furious. Only she can be friends with Chelsea, no one else. Then Angelica learns that maybe she can finally get attention from others but at a horrible cost.

What worked: Chilling horror where a dead twin’s possessiveness turns into something much more sinister. K.R. Alexander does it again! This story is perfect for middle school and upper elementary school readers. There’s paranormal horror with some creepy twists.

In elementary school, Chelsea shared with her friend Riley that she still saw Angelica. Riley tells everyone. After that Chelsea is called the ‘weird’ girl. The author nails all the drama of middle school which includes how mean some students can be and the loneliness after friendships end.

Janette is the new girl and the only one who stands up to the bullies. Her courage gives Chelsea some strength to face Riley and to take a chance on having a friend.

The book alternates between Chelsea and Angelica. Little by little Angelica’s possessiveness and jealousy of her twin grows to the point that she develops a way to grow stronger. She’s no longer a stereotypical ghost but one that can wreak havoc.

Fast-paced, with some sinister scenes. The Underworld, where Angelica lives, is a Gothic-like nightmare with mold, bugs, and creepy things. No wonder she wants out.

Perfect for K.R. Alexander and Goosebumps fans who love a good horror tale without all the over-the-top gore and violence.