From School Library Journal Gr 9 Up—A trip with friends to an Idaho state fair places Hannah O'Leary in the hot seat during a hypnotist's act and later puts her in the hospital following a car accident in which her friend is killed. That night, Hannah is the sole witness to a strange mist and insects overrunning her steering wheel. Are these hallucinations? Or is something sinister and supernatural to blame? Plagued by unexplained events, worried she'll be diagnosed schizophrenic like her father, and vilified at school, Hannah falls in with endearing classmate (and potential love interest) Eugene "Plug." Along with his art class crew, Plug tries to help the protagonist slowly piece together the true cause of her hallucinations before she loses more than her mind. Kelly's premise of mixing hypnotism and the occult is promising. Unfortunately, the malevolent spirit aspect doesn't gel and seems unnecessary and tacked on. The psychological elements and mystery bring the real tension. The book's final third barrels to a dramatic finale. Characters can be clichéd but, in some cases, likable regardless. Hannah fluctuates between sympathetic and exasperating. The work contains violence, sexual situations, and an allusion to molestation. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries where psychological thrillers and mysteries are popular.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ Read more Review "Unlocked is a suspenseful thriller all the way to the very climatic ending! This good vs. evil story had me guessing the ending until the final pages. Kelly is very descriptive in her writing and details that I felt I was there right along with the main characters. Think that carnival side shows are harmless? Think again!" - Julie Hatcher, librarian"Highly recommended for its taut storytelling, chilling horror elements, strong characters, and realistic representation of high school life." - Joshua David Bellin, author of SURVIVAL COLONY 9 and SCAVENGER OF SOULS"The use of an unreliable narrator really made this story pop ... I also liked how realistic this book was in ... the diverse characters ... accurate portrayals of Native Americans and people of Latin American descent. It's also a helpful book for dealing with the stigma that often comes with mental illness ... a complex story with an interesting twist at the end." -Karen McCoy, librarian"Compelling, edge-of-your-seat thriller that grabbed me from the start. ... The plot is filled with clever twists that build suspense and keep the pages turning as the characters hurtle towards an unexpected conclusion." -Youth Services Book Reviews"Steeped in supernatural horror and gothic suspense tropes ... a dark, paranoid tale of a teenager girl who must navigate the terrifying fallout of a seemingly inconsequential action." --THE BIG THRILL (The Magazine of The International Thriller Writers) Read more See all Editorial Reviews
A**R
WOW!
I am not a teenager. I am a 74_year-old great grandfather. Even though it is written for young people, I started reading because the author's daughter is a dear friend of mine. I kept on reading because I got hooked. I cared about the characters and became emotionally involved. Margo Kelly has the ability produce anger and even tears in this old man. I look forward to more from this author, who is now a friend of mine. I recommend her work to anyone who is not afraid to feel. Loved it.
G**R
Three Pieces of Advice if You’re Thinking about Reading “Unlocked”...
Advice 1: Don’t start this book unless you have a big chunk of time at your disposal because you won’t be able to put it down.Advice 2: Don’t read this book, then – as I did – go to the gym and notice an ant crawling across the floor while you’re doing your stretching, and wonder how in the world it got up to the second floor, and why a few seconds later an ant (the same or another) is crawling on your hand.Advice 3: Don’t read this book unless you like heroines who may or may not be crazy, and may or may not be persecuted by supernatural forces, but who definitely do in the end take charge of their own lives and solve their own problems, without wimping out and relying on boyfriend, or mom, or the authorities.
A**R
If you don't want to put a book down... Read this
You will not be able to put this book down! I read it in under 12 hours! It is filled with twists and mystery you won't want to put it down! It's a fun concept that I would never have thought about! It does get a little creepy at times but the author does a good job at balacing the creepy with the solutions. If you like a little mystery and thinking outside the box... Read this!
G**I
After a short 2 page intro of characters, every ...
After a short 2 page intro of characters, every page kept me spellbound. It's been a while since I've had a book I couldn't put down. I even prayed for red lights while driving, so I could read until the light turned green. Now I'm impatiently waiting for Margo Kelly's 3rd book to be published.
K**N
Unlocked is an amazing read that you cannot put down
Unlocked is an amazing read that you cannot put down. This may be written for the young adult/teen market,but will easily entertain any age. It's full of suspense, twists and turns and you find yourself in the story. Brilliant book. Can't wait to read more books by Margo Kelly!
H**M
Wonderful story!
Wonderful story!! It had me going until the very last page. Margo is a very talented writer and keeps you involved with every page I reead.
J**N
Wonderfully suspenseful
This is the second book I've read from Margo and the only problem I have with this book is that the story ended and I eagerly await her next novel. This story was suspenseful and kept me wondering what was really happening. Bravo!
K**R
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down! Margo has a wonderful writing style and keeps the story line fast paced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
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