Title: THE CHEERLEADERS
Author: Kara Thomas
Pub. Date: July 31, 2018
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 384
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD
There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.
First there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost.
That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget. Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow Monica is at the center of it all.
There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.
About the Author
Kara Thomas is a true crime addict and the author of THE DARKEST CORNERS, LITTLE MONSTERS, and THE CHEERLEADERS, all published by Delacorte Press. You can find her on Twitter (@karatwrites), Instagram (@kara__thomas), or at http://www.kara-thomas.com.
Review of The Cheerleaders
Review (4.5 Stars): The Cheerleaders was a deeply complex coming of age story wrapped in a tale of suspense. Monica is young, popular and a thriving member of the dance team. Her older sister, Jen and her cheerleader friends died suddenly five years ago and the community is still trying to heal from this tragedy. When Monica learns that there may be more to these tragic deaths and searches for answers, she finds that someone is willing to kill to keep the truth buried, no matter what the cost.
The Cheerleaders was a entertaining well-written read for me and has easily become one of my favorites this year. Monica was an intriguing character who was still dealing with her sister’s death and how this still affected her family and the community. By investigating these deaths, Monica comes to terms with her loss and learns that everyone’s life isn’t so perfect and even the people you care about have their own secrets. An amazing read and one that shouldn’t be missed.
