Review Detail

What I Loved:

The premise is fascinating. I love the idea of a long-lost twin trying to sabotage and eventually take over her sister's identity. There were plenty of creepy, suspenseful things in the story--like finding things slightly out of place in the heroine's bedroom or getting threatening texts from a blocked number--that should keep readers turning pages.

The novel is fast-paced and makes for a quick read. The horror aspects are actually quite light, and the suspense never reaches that "now-I'm-going-to-have-nightmares" level, which makes this book perfect for younger YA readers.

What Left Me Wanting More:

The heroine is so self-absorbed (not in an intentionally selfish way) that most readers will find it difficult to relate to her. When faced with overwhelming evidence that someone is stalking her, she not only doesn't go to an adult to ask for help (even though she has strong relationships with several teachers and guidance counselors), she decides she must be going crazy. Readers may be frustrated that such a smart girl can't put two and two together faster and chooses not to be more proactive about her own fate.

The high school social structure, dialogue, and relationships lack the authenticity that teen readers are looking for. The heroine claims her student body is divided into the creatives, the popular kids, the smart kids, and the hacky sack kids. I have teens in my home and none of them even know what a hacky sack is. Their school social structure isn't divided strictly along narrow lines, either. The slang used in the story also doesn't match slang used currently by teens. And the relationships with secondary characters feel under-developed to the point that readers may have difficulty caring about any of those characters or relationships.

Finally, there are a few scenes inside a psychiatric hospital for teens. The doctor and staff there are portrayed as harsh, threatening, and easily manipulated. The therapy sessions don't resemble true therapy in the least. This reader was disappointed that an opportunity to show troubled teens that therapy can be a healthy, viable option was instead used as a chance to reinforce the old stereotypes.

Final Verdict:

Readers looking for a fast-paced read with light horror elements might enjoy Identity Theft.