Very short but compelling and strong. Eery and disconcerting. A very enjoyable 2.5 hour read. I plan on giving the authors other works a spin. ( )

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Holy Cow! That was, literally, what I said to myself after turning the last page of Gail Giles's newest release, WHAT HAPPENED TO CASS MCBRIDE? Although I've read many of the author's books in the past, I have to say that I think this one, even more than SHATTERING GLASS or PLAYING IN TRAFFIC, is my new favorite.

The plot is pretty straight-forward; is, in fact, told pretty matter-of-factly on the inside cover. Something bad has happened to pretty, popular Cass McBride. Something that involves Kyle Kirby, and his younger brother, David, who just happens to be dead. That much you'll get right away. What you won't get, until you start reading the book, is that this is a psychological thriller that will have you flipping pages like a madman (or woman).

It's actually hard to tell readers about the storyline of this book without giving too much away. Let's just say that David Kirby has committed suicide, Cass feels slightly responsible, and Kyle is sure Cass is to blame. What happens because of those three circumstances is something unexpected, something that, due to the author's vivid writing and imagination, will leave you breathless.

WHAT HAPPENED TO CASS MCBRIDE? is a glimpse into many different points of view. That of Cass McBride herself, who has had a pretty strange upbringing and doesn't even realize it until Kyle Kirby takes matters into his own hands. Then there's Kyle himself, a young man who has had the type of childhood you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Then there's the police detective, Ben, who has his own story to tell, and ones to listen to. And although we don't really get to hear David Kirby tell his story (he is, after all, quite dead), we learn about a boy who never really even had a chance.

This is a great book for all lovers of a good thriller, although I wouldn't recommend it for very young teens. That said, however, this is the perfect book for a reluctant reader, as the short chapters, fresh dialogue, and snappy writing style keep you moving right along. This is another must-read from author Gail Giles! ( )

The book, What Happened to Cass McBride?, was a fast moving and suspenseful read. The mystery unfolded into short chapters based on three characters' point of view. The book's strengths are point of view and realistic dialogue. Each chapter was based upon one of the three characters (Cass, Kyle, and Detective Ben) involved in the plot. Therefore, the realistic dialogue and each characters' point of view was genuine and a thriller while reading. The author even changed the text fonts for each chapter/character. I was a bit surprised by the incomplete ending and the way the author kept the reader hanging. I would say the ending is the story's weakness. However, it is also brilliant! ( )

This book reaches out and grabs the reader. It is fast-moving and scary. Giles accurately depicts what goes on in the teenage mind. It is told from three distinct points of view. Controversial themes are touched upon--especially that of prescription drug use by teens (Cass covets her father's Xanax regularly). The writing is direct, gritty, and unapologetic. Both male and female young adult readers will enjoy this book. ( )

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat! It was a good, suspenseful story in that you weren't sure what was going to happen to Cass until the end. It was sometimes a bit confusing at times because Kyle was telling the story as it happened in the past and Cass was telling the story in the present.

The biggest strengths of this book were the plot and the characterization. You were able to see Kyle and Cass as they developed throughout the story.

The only real weakness was keeping track of who was telling the story as I mentioned above. ( )