Ready Or Not

Thoroughly enjoyed this YA mystery, I read it in one sitting.

I'm a fan of missing person narratives and of stories with an intriguing group dynamic of characters- Ready or Not had both and the main protagonist, telling the story, was suitably unreliable.

It had a lovely twisty sense to it, I was never quite sure where it would go and in the end the ironic, unexpected and genuinely satisfying resolution just made the whole thing for me

A great read. I shall track down more from this author. Recommended.

I really enjoyed this book It was well written with a gripping storyline and believeable characters. It was twisty, unpredictable and had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was going to happen.

Ready or Not is a book designed for you to fly through on those balmy summer days full of sun and secrets. This is a tightly plotted and fast-paced book that constantly keep you on your toes.

Darnton is one devilish writer. This is a book that thrives in ambiguity and underlying secrets. There are no easy answers, though the reader can draw their own conclusions. I love that ability to let the book thrive in the reader’s imagination and how we can spiral down our own rabbit holes, giving a unique spin on the mystery.
From that intriguing opening, Darnton had me hooked. It was short and sharp, giving you just enough to pull you in but also staying concise and mysterious. You are aware of the hotbed of secrets and tangled relationships here, as well as the central mystery. Darnton keeps that slick pacing and tension throughout the book. The writing style is so addictive and easy to devour. The twists and turns are excellently executed and almost always rooted in the characters we’ve come to know.

These are fractured and flawed people, who grew up together but have started to drift apart. Darnton blends the quintessential coming of age experience with a thrilling and speedy plotline. It is only through the tragic events of the last summer, shrouded in mystery and emotional entanglements, that have drawn them back together once more. In particular, Millie’s narrative voice is so layered and fascinating, particularly the mix of letters, past and present day narration. You get to see so many more facets to Millie as the book develops and I loved the subtle changes in the letters.

Go into this book knowing as little as you can and be prepared for Darnton to lead you on a wild exploration of deception, coming of age and friendship.

Shared family holidays that go wrong…. It’s not until the final night that the others agree to a game of hide and seek. But in the time it takes Millie to count to twenty, Kat vanishes.
One year on, and struggling to come to terms with the events of last summer, Millie persuades the others to return to Creek House. It’s meant to give them closure, but it could be a chance to find out what happened. After all, people don’t just disappear, do they? A brace yourself and buckle up read! Wow… Fantastic…