Genre: Mystery
Lyla has been with her boyfriend, Nico, for a few years and although they are happy she isn’t sure where it is really going. Plus, her post doctoral research has hit an unfortunate snag and she isn’t sure what that means for her career. Therefore, when Nico comes to her with an opportunity to be in a reality show for couples on a deserted island she isn’t sure it is a good idea. As an aspiring actor, Nico very much wants the chance to be on a tv show. He even suggests that Lyla purposefully get voted off early so she can return to work and he can stay on the show. Reluctantly, Lyla agrees even though something feels off to her about this show. When they arrive and meet the other couples she notices that a few of them seem to know each other, though they are pretending not to. Once the show actually begins it is not at all what Lyla expected and is stunned when she is not the first person to go home. After the first elimination, a terrible storm hits the island that knocks out all communication and connection to the outside world. The film crew had left for the night and does not return by morning. Are they on their own now? What will they do if no one comes looking for them? Will they work together to survive or will some contestants rise up and try to take control of the others?
Fans of And Then There Were None would enjoy this fast paced thrilling mystery. Lyla does not want to be on a reality show and yet has found herself in the middle of a real mess. Once the storm hits and it is uncertain who even knows their whereabouts it becomes clear that they are on their own. The other contestants start to stand out as they all find their place within the group. It’s written in a way that the reader really feels what it would be like to be on this island with these poor people. Recommended for readers who like suspenseful mysteries and survival stories.
Young Adult Book Reviews 