I think Andrea's talent in creating such an extreme reaction in her readers is in one part due to how she writes so fluidly and realistically. While there may be layers upon layers of twists imbedded within the plotline at no point do her words feel over written, the story always feels far too real and plausible. There are so many relatable snippets that you are immersed into a world you recognise and feel comfortable in, until those stark, jarring moments when you're not.

This was a wild little book that's being compared to Fantasticland and Hunger Games. I've not read Hunger Games but, for me, this is no Fantasticland. It just can't compare with Fantasticland's brutality. If I had to compare this to another book I would say it reminded me a bit of Reprieve by James Han Mattson due to the social commentary and the fact that while both are marketed as horror novels they aren't actually overtly frightening. They seem to be making you think more about the characters than the actual jump scares. Personally, I don't mind it. I don't need to be splashed with guts and gore to gain enjoyment from a horror novel. I'm not so much into creature features anymore but this was exceptionally well written and I cared enough about some of the characters that I enjoyed the ride from beginning to end. If this sounds appealing then I strongly suggest giving it a try because you could do a whole lot worse in this genre. 4 stars!Without giving much away: I can absolutely say this was wild, jaw dropping, intense ride! My only concern is there are too many characters and some of them are truly annoying and easy to forget. I wish there were less competitors.

Welcome home parties are supposed to be joyful affairs, particularly when the guest of honor went missing for a year. But nothing’s how it’s supposed to be at Zee’s party. Justin, Lyric, and Nia were always Zee’s closest friends but something horrible must have happened while he was away. He doesn’t talk about it, but he acts like he’s haunted. To pass the time at his party, the kids play a game of hide and seek . . . and that’s when the trouble starts. Any rules established at the beginning get broken, and that causes the evil Seeker to pull those rule breakers into its nightmare realm where fears become reality. It’s up to Justin to think on his feet, help his friends, and find a way to beat the Seeker at its own game. The only trouble is, he has fears of his own. And now they’re seeking him out. Having read countless domestic suspense novels about a child gone missing, I found this one to be refreshingly different and a cut above the rest. The only problem now is I’ll have to wait for Mara’s next release but the good news is she’s signed a deal with Transworld for two more books! It’s a typical JP format, short chapters, lots of pace and tension. But what was unusual was that the book started out strong and just kept going. How many times did you play Hide and Seek as a young child? How many times were you afraid to hide somewhere where it was DARK? Now, you will NEVER think of playing one of our most beloved outdoors; and sometimes even indoor games again in the same way, after reading this intense thriller! Ready Or Not....Here IT Comes! Ready to play Hide and SEEKER?Andrea Mara writes twisty turny domestic thrillers like no other and her latest one, Hide and Seek, is out in August. June 2018: Joanna Murphy (mother of 3) moves into a new house in the SoCoDu suburbs, only to learn that it was the home of Lily Murphy before she disappeared.

hide and seeker is both chilling and authentically heartfelt, with believable young characters and an interesting mystery. i was impressed that a middle grade horror novel was able to frighten me and stir up my emotions!Is it a perfect book? No. But it's an easy read with a unique concept, interesting characters, a creepy atmosphere, and social commentary sprinkled on top. I kept pausing my work to read a few more chapters because I needed to know how it ended! The writing was a little wonky for me from the very start, but I was intrigued to see where it was going regardless. The Olly Olly Oxen Free Hide and Seek Tournament rules are specific: 14 competitors, seven days. It’s basically children’s game. The award is: 50K! Years later, Joanna moves into a new house. It seems perfect in every way, until she learns that this was once Lily Murphy's home. From that moment onwards, a sense of dread seems to follow her from room to room. As usual a brilliantly conceived and tautly plotted thriller from an author at the top of her game.