Have you ever picked up a book just because you wanted to try something new from an author you've never heard of, or a story that no one ever recommended to you? That is pretty much exactly what I did when I picked up How to Fall by Jane Casey.
Truthfully, I picked it up because I was going through a I want to read creepy stuff phase. I saw this on a library new arrivals list last fall, so I added it to my reading list. Finally given a chance to get to it, I must say I was thrilled that I pretty much accidentally came across this book.
Jess Tennant has lived in London her whole life, she has never met any of her relatives. When her mom surprises her by telling her they were moving to a tiny English town Port Sentinel for the summer. A town that happens to be the same small town her mother grew up, and their relatives currently lived, Jess was more than a little surprised. Not to mention not exactly looking forward to.
The move isn't Jess's only surprise, she also finds out she has a cousin Freya who died not long ago. A cousin that Jess looks eerily similar to. A cousin who lived in Port Sentinel before her mysterious death. When Jess walks through the town and every where she goes others gawk and stare and look at her like they just saw a ghost. She knows she apparently looks more like her cousin than even she imagined.
A bond toward the cousin she never knew forms quickly as she begins meeting town acquaintances of her deceased cousin. The more she learns about her cousin's death, the more she can't help but get caught up in the mystery of why her cousin would step off a cliff. Just as Jess becomes more curious and suspicious of how her cousin died. Certain town members decide they don't like her asking questions and looking into her cousin Freya's death.
What Jess thought to be a boring summer trip, turns into an unexpected thrilling mystery that puts her own life in danger.
I really enjoyed this mystery, it is extremely well written. I attribute that to the fact the author Jane Casey is from London. Something about the English, they just know how to write!
Additionally, I liked the plot, and really loved the fact that I couldn't guess the ending, it was pretty twisted and I liked that. If you're looking for a great read, that is a little different and yet gripping at the same time, this is one you will want to read.
Additionally I found it to be a fast read, one that I didn't want to put down until I knew the ending!
This book is in my opinion a stand alone. However, I did fine out the author has decided to make this a mystery series, using Jess Tennant as the main character again. I am looking forward to reading it as well.