Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Goodreads
336 pages, YA Mystery & Thriller
Standalone
Release Date: February 5th
My rating: 3 stars

Synopsis

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others. In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

My 2 cents

This book had a definite creepiness factor!  And major suspense going throughout.  I seem to have read a lot of books like this lately, I think the mystery/suspense genre is getting popular again!  

Okay, so Mallory killed her boyfriend, and she can't remember all the details, but it seems like a self-defense case.  Apparently, he sneaks into her house after a party when he's wasted and attacks her.  Mallory's life is dismal now.  His mother is stalking her, his brother almost attacks her in public, and her parents can't even look at her.  Only her best friend seems to stick by her.

Her parents decide to send her to this elite boarding school to keep her safe.  And the boarding school almost sucks more than her home life.  Word spreads, and everyone knows what she did and why she is there.  There is a romantic interest in the story; an old friend of hers also attends this school, although they have a bit of a tragic past.

I liked the concept of the book, and the basic plot and story line.  The suspense was top notch, but things were not making sense.  It has a bit of a paranormal feel to it, but its not really paranormal.  Mallory is sure she is going crazy with all the strange things that happen, and it also seems there is someone out to get her.  Of course, no one believes her.  Slowly, she starts to recover bits and pieces of her memory, which confuses her more.

Speaking of confusing, that was my biggest complaint.  I WAS CONFUSED!  It did help build up the suspense, but at times I had no idea what was going on!  Since I was reading an eARC, I'm hoping some editing will help this!

Otherwise, this story was a nonstop, heart pounding thrill ride!  If murder mysteries and suspense is your thing, you will like this story!