Wait For Me

WAIT FOR ME is an intriguing thriller/suspense read that follows a young woman in college. Casey is 17 and a sophomore at NYU. She dreams of an internship in publishing and has a rich boyfriend whose father is in the field. When spending time with her boyfriend, she begins to hear a voice - as it escalates, Casey begins to realize that she knows things she couldn't possibly and feels a connection with a strange boy in a rural town.

What I loved: The story has lots of twists and turns that really surprise the reader at every turn. There were definitely some shocking reveals at the end as well, and a thriller that keeps the reader on their toes is always entertaining. The story has some supernatural twists that add an extra element to what is happening and give it a heavy air of mystery.

In addition to the main plot, there were some thought-provoking themes around family and complicated family dynamics, family illness, and wealth disparities. Casey lost her mother when she was young, and her stepmother is often cruel. Her father is ill, and she is dealing with complex feelings around that and the way that her stepmother has twisted things. Although not the primary focus of the story, these themes were also really intriguing.

What left me wanting more: The middle of the book felt slow in places, as it takes the reader through the clues more slowly. Considering how fast things came at the beginning, it felt like a lull. The romance was harder for me to buy into at first as well, with some unusual elements pulling it together.

Final verdict: WAIT FOR ME is an overall engaging YA thriller/suspense that will work well for fans of supernatural twists and destined love.

Seventeen-year-old Casey hears and sees flashes of a past that take her off guard. She's attending NYU and should be having the time of her life. Add to this she's dating one of the most eligible guys in NYC. Her father and stepmother think she really has dissociative personality disorder and try to get her help. The imagines and memories grow louder when Casey goes to Avon Shores. Once there she's drawn to Jake, another boy with his own secrets. Both of them team up to find out the truth. A truth that might have deadly consequences.

What worked: This story had me guessing throughout! I didn't know if in fact Casey might be remembering the past life of Becky, who died tragically, or really suffered from mental illness. Shepard does a good job of weaving in clues in this engaging paranormal thriller.

More than a few times I said out loud--so Becky really is a past life? Or does Casey have a mental illness that if not treated could be dangerous to not only her but those around her? Just when I thought I 'got' it? Shepard throws in another tidbit that will lead readers down another path.

The instant connection Casey has with Jake takes on a whole different meaning when he shares his own part in the mystery. Marcus, the rich boy that is interested in Casey, seems almost too intense at times. Then he's not shown again until the middle of the novel. Only later do readers find out why.

The mystery is a slow burn. At mid-point does it really roll along with more clues and yes, more day visions that cumulate into a satisfying conclusion.

Captivating paranormal thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.