Review Detail

LET’S SPLIT UP is the first book by author Bill Wood. Said to be a mix of Scooby-Doo and Scream, the book follows a group of teenagers who investigate the unfortunate deaths of two of their classmates. As they investigate the mystery looms over them, the stakes grow higher, and danger stalks them everywhere they go. A young adult book that doesn’t shy away from being dark, LET’S SPLIT UP allows readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters.

What I Loved:
The tension in this book is not shortcut because the author was writing for a young adult audience. Some authors may not feel the need to embrace the full darkness of a mystery dealing with murders. But Bill Wood, and this book, allow the readers to see and feel the stakes. If the characters are scared because they hear a noise, it’s drawn out. Readers feel their panic.

The core four of this book are Jonesy, Buffy, Cam, and Amber. Buffy is the new girl in town, while the other three have been an established friend group for years. The four characters may be a bit stereotypical at times, with Jonesy being the brains and Cam being a jock, but they are not flat. Cam is a jock with a heart of gold. Jonesy’s family has things going on that he’s dealing with. There is depth to these characters that I’m trying not to spoil because it’s fun to watch the characters peel back their layers as the book goes on.

The representation in this book is also very enjoyable and well-written. Cam and Jonesy have been crushing on each other for a while and it’s cute to see them interact together. Amber is bisexual and afraid to come out to her family. The representation is also written in a way that doesn’t feel forced or half-baked. Rather it is woven into the story and the characters. It doesn’t define them as a character, but rather it is a trait of these characters.

What Left Me Wanting More:
The mystery in this book is interesting, but I wish there had been more hints and red herrings. More details that would have allowed me and other readers to truly feel like we were struggling to solve the mystery alongside Cam, Jonesy, Amber, and Buffy.

Final Verdict:
If you want something mysterious but with unexpected darkness, LET’S SPLIT UP fits the bill. The author manages to craft tense atmospheres that will leave the readers feeling sucked into the dark house alongside the characters. The cast of characters are realistic and behave in a manner befitting their age and experience.

Dark and captivating, LET’S SPLIT UP is a mix between a mystery and a slasher. A perfect read for those wanting to dip their toes into darker books.