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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Tighter by Adele Griffin





Publication Date: 5/10/2011
Publisher: Knopf Books
Pages: 216
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Goodreads Summary:
When 17-year-old Jamie arrives on the idyllic New England island of Little Bly to work as a summer au pair, she is stunned to learn of the horror that precedes her. Seeking the truth surrounding a young couple's tragic deaths, Jamie discovers that she herself looks shockingly like the dead girl—and that she has a disturbing ability to sense the two ghosts. Why is Jamie's connection to the couple so intense? What really happened last summer at Little Bly? As the secrets of the house wrap tighter and tighter around her, Jamie must navigate the increasingly blurred divide between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Brilliantly plotted, with startling twists, here is a thrilling page-turner from the award-winning Adele Griffin.

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Jamie is 17 years old and living in Little Bly for the summer to work as a babysitter or "au pair" for a very sweet young girl.  It turns out that Jamie is a pill popper who has become addicted since having a problem with her back.  Her mother has found this job for her after Jamie became close with a teacher the previous school year.  She can also see ghosts or spirits and doesn't understand why.  This is a story of Jamie fumbling through the leftovers of a horrific event and trying to find a way to give closure to the two young people involved.  

Adele Griffin definitely gives you a thrilling mystery.  This book leaves you wanting more.  I couldn't believe the twists and turns this book took me on while Jamie is discovering the truth of recent events.  Jamie often spends time sleeping throughout the day, spends time with the young girl and her brother, and is seeing ghosts constantly.  She tries consistently to tell others what is going on in the house, but no one believes her.  This books doesn't have any parts that are necessarily scary, but rather make you think and wonder what exactly is going on at this house.

Griffin kept me wondering until the very end.  I couldn't believe how it all worked out!  Jamie has a lot to deal with, as do her friends, but it's good news to hear that she will be able to get rid of the ghosts she is seeing.  Her mother often asked if she was sad and how she was feeling, which makes me wonder if Jamie was slightly suicidal at times.  I can understand her dilemma and her age to make the ghosts go away.  I couldn't imagine living in a world where I couldn't decipher what was real and what was a ghost or spirit or figment of my imagination.  If you are looking for a good mystery then this is one to pick up.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  I'm pretty sure that the ending will surprise anyone.  

The book may not have been perfect, and the main character was annoying at times because of the decisions she made, but overall it was a good read that kept me guessing. 

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