ARC REVIEW: The Well by Marie Sexton

The Well by Marie Sexton is a paranormal murder mystery. While it doesn't scream YA horror, I think the book would be best geared towards this audience. 
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Rating: ★★★

Twenty years after prom queen Cassie Kennedy is brutally murdered, six teenagers break into the house where she was killed to hold a séance. Haven knows his cousin Elise only wants to scare the crap out of him and his friends, but he’s willing to put up with one of her pranks if it means a chance to spend a few hours with the new kid in town, Pierce Hunter.

But when morning comes, Elise has disappeared without a trace.

Twelve years later, Pierce and his twin brother Jordan are professional paranormal investigators, starring in their own ghost-hunting TV show. When Pierce calls Haven, insisting they return to the supposedly haunted building one last time, Haven reluctantly agrees. He’s nervous about seeing Pierce 

again, but he’s determined to get some answers. Did they really speak to Cassie’s ghost that night? What happened to Elise? And the biggest mystery of all – how did she know the secret of the well?

Purchase Links for The Well

Read my Book Review

Release Date: May 22, 2017
Genre: Paranormal. Horror. Murder Mystery.

I liked this book well enough although I didn't find it truly spectacular or captivating. It's just an easy little ghost story and murder mystery to get lost in. There is also an element of romance to the story although it certainly isn't the focus only a small added bonus (it's M/M too). 

For the most part, as I mentioned, I did like the story. The author mixes a ghost story in with a murder mystery and readers will be stumped when it comes to the killer. Is it really a ghost? Or is it a person? You'll have to read to find out. I also like how the author weaves between the past (when the murder/disappearance takes place) and the present (where they are hosting a paranormal investigation as adults to figure out what happened to their missing friend). This is the perfect way to tell this type of story because it adds to the overall creepiness to the story as well as gives us readers some background information so that we can find clues for ourselves. 

The ending of the book is satisfying enough, although I was hoping for something with a bit more of a bang especially considering the atmosphere of the whole story. But it works fine the way it is and doesn't leave anything open for interpretation for us readers. Its packaged in a tight little bow which is how many prefer their endings. 

All in all, I think this story would work well for both young adult AND adult readers. Personally I feel like it is geared towards the younger crowed but adults can enjoy it just as much. This book would also be perfect for those who like a short and haunting read with added creepiness (it has a seance and it scared me a bit), and those who like a quick little mystery.

★★★