Embrace the Quirks of Small-Town Mystery in The Executioners Three
There are certain authors whose work simply calls to you—Susan Dennard is one of those for me. Despite my usual promise to steer clear of YA, The Executioners Three surprised me and kept me on the edge of my seat. With a delightful blend of humor, romance, and supernatural suspense, Dennard once again proves her storytelling prowess. As soon as I cracked open this standalone novel, I knew I was in for a treat!
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Berm, a small town steeped in history and eerie folklore, we meet Freddie Gellar—a curious and spunky senior at Berm High. The story starts with a chaotic twist, thrusting Freddie into the limelight after unintentionally getting rival students from Allard Fortin Prep arrested. From there, the plot unravels in beautifully humorous and creepy ways, gradually leading her to uncover the mystery surrounding a family curse and a series of ominous events in the woods.
Freddie steals the show. A self-proclaimed "Answer Finder," her determination is palpable as she channels her inner Nancy Drew, diving headfirst into the chilling happenings around her. Witnessing her dynamic with her best friend Divya, who shares her love for NSYNC, adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the narrative. Their banter made me nostalgic for my teen years; I couldn’t help but chuckle at their inside jokes and rituals, such as passing around a lucky Lance Bass keychain—which had me reminiscing about my own "good luck charms" from high school!
The polarization between Freddie and Theo Porter, the irritating yet undeniably charming boy from Fortin Prep, provides a charming tension reminiscent of classic rivalries like the Capulets and Montagues. Their evolution from adversaries to partners—sparking an unexpected yet sweet romantic tension—is truly a highlight. The dialogue between them is playful, witty, and will have you laughing out loud. I found myself rooting for them, savoring each adorable moment they shared.
While the characters are undoubtedly the heart of the story, Dennard’s atmospheric writing is what lingers with you. The setting—a 1999 logging settlement enhanced with supernatural intrigue—creates an enchanting yet sinister backdrop filled with mystery. The sound of pealing bells from a long-abandoned historical site adds a chilling layer to the plot, harkening back to the days when legends of curses and dark woods filled the air.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on. Dennard seamlessly intertwines the humor and romance with the eerie elements that keep you guessing. I found the mystery surrounding the poem "The Executioners Three" engaging, as each clue intricately led to the unveiling of an unexpected conclusion. It’s a refreshing take on the YA mystery genre that doesn’t shy away from darker themes, yet balances them beautifully with levity.
In a world where YA novels can often lean towards tropes, The Executioners Three feels like a refreshing adventure enriched with genuine character development and unpredictable plot twists. For those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery wrapped in humor and romantic tension, this story is certainly a must-read. It’s a journey that pulls you into the heart of Berm and makes you want to linger a little longer, if only to see how the characters fare in the end.
Whether you’re a longtime Susan Dennard fan or someone just dipping your toes into YA fiction, prepare to be charmed. I left this novel with a smile, yearning for more of Freddie and her quirky crew. A huge thank you to the publisher for the advance copy; it was a delightful ride!
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