The Cousins

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus is an electrifying YA thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Story family, once the epitome of wealth, beauty, and unity on their exclusive East Coast island, is now shrouded in a veil of mystery and estrangement. The downfall begins abruptly when the family's matriarch disowns her four children with the chilling message: "You know what you did." From that moment, the once-close siblings are cast out and left to navigate life without their mother's influence or financial support.

Years later, the narrative picks up with 18-year-old cousins Aubrey, Milly, and Jonah Story, who have grown up in the shadow of their parents' mysterious past. They unexpectedly receive an invitation to spend the summer at their reclusive grandmother's resort. Driven by curiosity and a longing to understand the enigma that is their grandmother, the cousins find themselves embarking on a journey that will test their beliefs about their family and their own identities.

The Story family has always been built on secrets, a legacy of hidden truths and unexplained events. As Aubrey, Milly, and Jonah spend their summer trying to uncover the secrets that fractured their family, they quickly realise that some mysteries are better left undisturbed. The deeper they dig, the more they uncover a web of lies, each more shocking than the last. The Story legacy may be more dangerous than they ever imagined.

McManus weaves a gripping narrative filled with suspense, intricate family dynamics, and unexpected twists. In The Cousins, the author of the bestselling One of Us is Lying once again proves her mastery of the YA thriller genre, delivering a story that explores the complexity of family ties and the lengths people go to protect their secrets.

With well-formed characters and a compelling plot, The Cousins is a must-read for any fan of mystery and young adult fiction. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last as you follow the Story cousins on their quest for the truth.