Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea - Book Review

image credit

What if you had the power to make people do and see things? Would you use that power for good or evil?

Those are the questions you'll ask yourself while reading Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke.

One summer day, a boy named River West comes to town and rents the guesthouse behind Violet White's parents' house. Violet finds River intriguing and mysterious. But when strange things begin to happen upon River's arrival, and as Violet uncovers more about who River is, she wonders if River is good or evil.

There is also a separate thread about Violet's deceased grandmother and some letters that she hid throughout Violet's house. At the same time that Violet is trying to figure out who River is, she's also trying to uncover her grandmother's secrets.

I didn't like this book as much as I had hoped. I'm all for mysteries and supernatural thrillers with a hint of the gothic, and that's what this book is, but it didn't totally come together for me. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and they just keep coming!! Also, at times I thought Violet was just plain dumb. However, I think she finally gets it together at the end.

This book is age-graded for 12 and up, but I think that if they made the book into a movie, it would be PG-13. There is violence (including a suicide and several murders/attempted murders) and lots of blood. It's not super gory, but some kids (and adults) might not have the stomach for it.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is published by Dial and is available for purchase now. I received a free review copy for my honest review.