Come Out, Come Out, Whatever You Are

Come Out, Come Out, Whatever You Are

The bestselling author of Good Girls Die First is back with a new page-turning thriller for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus. Welcome to the reality game show that'll scare you to death! Have you got what it takes to last the night? On the reality show It's Behind You! , five contestants competing for prize money must survive the night in the dark and dangerous Umber Gorge caves, rumored to be haunted by the Puckered Maiden, a ghost who eats the hearts of her victims. But is it the malevolent spirit they should fear, or each other? As the production crew ramps up the frights, tensions rise and the secrets of the cast member start coming to light. Each of these teenagers has hidden motives for taking part in the show. But could one of them be murder? Praise for GOOD GIRLS DIE FIRST "Foxfield's focus on social niches and escalating suspense will appeal to fans of Karen McManus." ― Publishers Weekly "This gothic-inspired thriller with nods to Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier will keep readers on the edge of their seats and turning pages as quickly as they can. It is immersing, puzzling, and unpredictable, with a surprise ending that's sure to have teens talking." ― School Library Journal "Undeniably creepy from the start... With a macabre escape and a surprising amount of heart, this will leave readers feeling oddly optimistic and perhaps a little kinder to themselves..." ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books , STARRED Review " . . . the most gripping thriller of the year; hugely entertaining, high-octane and read-in-a-single-sitting." ― ReadingZone Gr 8 Up—Five teens have been selected for the blockbuster finale of It's Behind You!, a reality show. If they can last through the night in the haunted Umber Gorge caverns, they'll win a share of $10,000. As members of the crew and cast begin disappearing in the eerie darkness, it becomes apparent that the contestants are motivated by more than prize money. Each must decide how far they are willing to go, whom they can trust, and whether they are truly alone in the caves. The novel is told primarily as a first-person narrative from the perspective of a girl named Lex, but the various interviews highlight each character. The premise has the potential for a compelling and creepy narrative, but unfortunately misses that mark. The characters are underdeveloped and inconsistent, and their dialogue feels inauthentic and immature compared to their ages. The plot complexity will resonate with younger readers, but the age of the characters and the inclusion of sexual content and expletives suggest the novel is targeted at older teens. Characters are described as having pasty white skin, olive skin, light brown skin, and warm brown skin with spiky curls. There is also some diversity with orientation, as Lex states that she is bisexual. VERDICT This book will appeal to readers seeking dark YA fiction with a handful of thrills and chills; transcript excerpts and reality TV tropes keep the story entertaining, though not engrossing. Recommended for fans of Karen M. McManus and Cynthia Murphy.—Lauren Hackert "Mystery-loving readers will keep turning the pages to uncover the characters’ secrets and learn the truth… A fun read for readers who prefer mild suspense and enjoy reality TV settings ." ― Kirkus Reviews Kathryn Foxfield is the critically acclaimed and best-selling author of GOOD GIRLS DIE FIRST and COME OUT, COME OUT, WHATEVER YOU ARE which have been translated into multiple languages. She lives in Oxford, England.