The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

Challenge #47 ~ “A book related to a geometric shape.”

boxinthewoods

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

I didn’t really know what to expect going in to this – I enjoyed the Truly Devious trilogy but wasn’t sure what to make of a spin-off (plus I hadn’t heard particularly great things). After reading, I’m in a pretty similar boat too, as it was an enjoyable enough story and I can see why Johnson kept it in the same universe, but I think it may have been stronger with a new cast. The dual timelines balanced well, however, and kept excitement brewing around the plotline (even if said plot seemed to verge off-track and not be all that complex at heart).

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

You needn’t have read the Truly Devious trilogy to understand or enjoy this. Sure, without it you haven’t seen some of the character development that’s brought the cast to where they are now (mentally/emotionally, not physically), but that’s at no detriment to the story. It really is one of those that works as a standalone and part of a series with no improved experience for either party.

A warning for the book:

There’s no complexity to it. One of the great draws of the trilogy was a difficult, messy, unsolved case with all the twists and drama you could dream of. In contrast, this is so cut and dry, although I grant you there is a final twist that you won’t see coming (mainly because it’s so off-piste and has no lead up). As a simple summer camp mystery it’s adequate, but first throw away any preconceptions the author or series may inspire.

Recommended for fans of: