There’s nothing like a trip to the waterpark to make a young person scream with delight. Yes, you will get wet but also have tons of fun—unless you’re spending the day at Fathoms of Fun Waterpark. Run the other way instead as our three main characters quickly discover.

Alexander and Theo Sinister-Winterbottom are 12-year old twins. Along with their older sister Wil, they’ve been sent off in the middle of the night by their parents to live with Aunt Saffronia, a supposed relative they never knew existed. Child care is not her best trait. The only thing she cares about is making sure they use the week long passes she got for them at the local waterpark. Sounds fun until their visit turns into quite the mystery with people disappearing, terrible food choices, and some pretty wild rides.

Alexander is the cautious, rule following twin who also hates water slides. The more adventurous Theo makes a great pairing as these two try and figure out who is in the watch tower and why this place seems more intent on making sure guests never want to come back. Wil frequently disappears on her own, being more interested in her phone and Edgar, a boy she meets at the park.

The third person narration in WRETCHED WATERPARK is filled with humor and the mystery unfolds in a fast paced fashion. I’m not giving away any spoilers to keep the story fresh in case you decide to give this one a go.. The first tale in this enticing series will be followed by Vampiric Vacation in September. The summer is off to a great start!

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT WRETCHED WATERPARK

1. The sibling relationship. Alexander and Theo are very different but they support each other no matter what.
2. Although the main plot points were answered there are still enough loose ends to entice readers back for more in Book 2.
3. I’m always a bit wary when an adult/YA author switches course to take a shot at Middle Grade. Thankfully, the author has hit the mark in this mystery that will surely appeal to 8-12 year olds.
4. The creepiness factor is not enough to cause nightmares. It will though cause young readers to read more.
5. Reminded me of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events which is pretty good company to have in a story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kiersten White is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, and her adult debut, Hide. Her books have been published in over twenty territories, and her novel The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is currently in development with Sony Pictures Television.

Kiersten lives with her family in San Diego, where she can regularly be found pressing her hands against the glass of her back door, furtively whispering I love you to her deeply ambivalent tortoise, Kimberly.

(For more visit Kiersten’s author website)

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.