Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

From Goodreads: Kendall loves her life in small town Cryer's Cross, Montana, but she also longs for something more. She knows the chances of going to school in New York are small, but she's not the type to give up easily. Even though it will mean leaving Nico, the world's sweetest boyfriend, behind. But when Cryer's Cross is rocked by unspeakable tragedy, Kendall shoves her dreams aside and focuses on just one goal: help find her missing friends. Even if it means spending time with the one boy she shouldn't get close to... the one boy who makes her question everything she feels for Nico. Determined to help and to stay true to the boy she's always loved, Kendall keeps up the search--and stumbles upon some frightening local history. She knows she can't stop digging, but Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried....

Lisa McMann has become my go to author for a Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-thon read. I had saved this one for the next Dewey's just this past April, and I wasn't disappointed. The print style and large spacing makes it easy to read, but the stories are far from simple, and they are enthralling, which is what makes them perfect for a read-a-thon. This story is so much more than the basic blurb above. Kendall's life is complicated by having OCD. She needs to have things just so, or be able to complete certain tasks in a certain way or she doesn't feel right. I disagree with the last statement of the blurb above because it makes it sound like the townspeople are working together to hide something, and I didn't really get that impression at all. There is an element of paranormal, and McMann is really good at striking that just right note of creepy and suspense that keeps you turning pages until you find out what's going on. The Dream Catcher trilogy, Wake, Fade and Gone were my first reads of this author, and still my favorite, but Cryer's Cross was a good stand alone that I highly recommend.

I've just picked up the Unwanteds, which is a little heftier than the others of hers I have read, but looks to be more in the fantasy genre. I absolutely love the cover of it!




Check out Lisa McMann's website for more information. I think the Visions trilogy and Dead to You both sound great!