Review: The Edge of Nowhere

Author: Elizabeth George
Publish date: September 4, 2012
Source: conference (arc)
"Whidbey Island may be only a ferry ride from Seattle, but it's a world apart. When Becca King arrives there, she doesn't suspect the island will become her home for the next four years. Put at risk by her ability to hear "whispers"--the thoughts of others--Becca is on the run from her stepfather, whose criminal activities she has discovered. Stranded and alone, Becca is soon befriended by Derric, a Ugandon orphan adopted by a local family; Seth, a kindhearted musician and high school dropout; Debbie, a recovering alcoholic who takes her in; and Diana, with whom Becca shares a mysterious psychic connection.

This compelling coming-of-age story, the first of an ongoing sequence of books set on Whidbey Island, has elements of mystery, the paranormal, and romance. Elizabeth George, bestselling author of the Inspector Lynley crime novels, brings her elegant style, intricate plotting, incisive characterization, and top-notch storytelling to her first book for teens." (Goodreads)

I'll be honest: I had never heard of this book or author until I found it in a box of books given to me for my classroom. The summary is pretty intriguing and as you may now, I love when books take place on islands, like Burn for Burn, so the idea of Whidbey Island immediately sucked me in. However...I did not really like The Edge of Nowhere.

I'll start with what I did like: the setting and the original plot. You find out right at the beginning that Becca is going to Whidbey Island and doesn't know anyone. I really liked that it took place on an island (and a real one, at that) and how it really added another element of mystery and intrigue to the story. I like everything at the beginning, then it all kind of took a turn for the meh.

Basically, this book felt like it was written as an adult suspense novel, then the author made it YA by changing the characters' ages and making some scenes take place in the high school. Some of the events just seemed strange for teenagers and the writing style was just so reminiscent of a suspense novel like Gone Girl, for example (since that was my most recent adult suspense). The ending left a lot to be desired too. I felt like nothing was really resolved and if THAT was how she was going to end it...why was the book over 400 pages?

Really, I just wasn't satisfied at all. I went into the book with a completely open mind and just feel so meh about it now. I don't even think I can recommend it, although if you are a big fan of suspense/mystery novels, perhaps give it a try. Anyone else read it? Thoughts?