Review: Always Watching by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins

Always Watching by Brandilyn Collins


My rating: 4.0/5.0

A very interesting young adult read. It took a little bit for me to get into this book as the stage had to be set for the series in the beginning. But once I started getting to know the characters and the setting the book really came alive for me.

About the Book:

This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world. During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Where is God at a time like this? Can she find out who the killer is before he strikes again?

My Review:

The book focuses on Shaley daughter to Rayne who is a popular musician on tour with her band. Shaley is surrounded by people all the time that are with her mom and she is thrilled that her best friend from back home is about to join them on the tour. However before Brittany can show up one of Shaley's dear friends on the tour is murdered and Shaley finds the body.

After that the story focuses on the investigation and on Shaley's thoughts and actions. It's interesting to watch Shaley's interaction with the other characters and also her thoughts. It's also interesting to try and figure out who is behind the murder and what is going on in the big picture. You also get a glimpse into the bad guy and his motivations, but never truly to who he is until the authors want you to know.

Very suspenseful and well-written. I think this will appeal to young adults and adults alike. The ending wraps up this story but also opens the door for the next book in this series which is out and I will have a review up for in a day or two.

I think the mother-daughter writing team did well. It's a great clean book, yet realistic in it's writing. The Christian element in it is very subtle - there is one character that talks to Shaley but she talks in such a way to turn Shaley on to God not away from God. She doesn't push and Shaley really likes her.

It's just an amazing book that I can't recommend enough.

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge
Support Your Local Library Challenge
Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009