The storyline is good. Interesting idea for a young adult book but I felt the genre was a bit all over the place. I marked it as adventure because I felt that it was supposed to be an adventure story but it was also a romance novel and a bit heavier than average in the christian gere.

So, a very smart, nerdy girl wins an essay competition to visit DC and learn about the history and politics of the nation. Christy finds she doesn't fit in because the other kids are older and far wealthier than she. She makes friends with some, disdained by others, and develops major crushes on two boys in the group.

Christy also witnesses a murder and becomes involved with the FBI. This is where the story kind of gets weak for me. It just doesn't play real, the FBI involvement or lack thereof, is not exciting or realist in the least. Cindy Hogan, the author is a bit loquacious in describing the events, feelings, and thoughts of her main character. I was on page 70 and thought the book was nearly over. It could have been shorter considering where it ended ... because it didn't really end. It was left hanging open in an inconvenient place so that there could be a book two. The story should have ended with Christy back home, safely in the arms of her family. Book two could begin with her life back at school and then reintroduce the troubles. My opinion.

So, if book two is free or very cheap, I will read it. I gave it three stars because there was potential. I think she needs a better editor. Again, my opinion. ( )

The teenager in me loved this book! It was such a good story. Adventure, guy crushes, murder, suspense. Very enjoyable. Clean read. Teaches hidden morals.

Christy is just the less than average girl (with a photographic memory!). She doesn't think much of herself, and she thinks that by going on this trip to D.C. she can change her life and come home brand new and popular. What she doesn't know is that it changes her in ways she did not expect, ways that compromise her values and challenges her views of life and of herself. Christy is a highly moral girl with certain rules and expectations, and she finds that when she breaks them, when she is forced into circumstances beyond her control, she has become the person she doesn't want to be. Who is the real Christy? She just can't seem to figure it out.

I think this is where teenagers can relate. How many of them (and adults when we were younger) question who they are and wish that they could be someone else? I found myself right back in my high school years with all the drama that goes with it, all the doubt and uncertainty of who I was and wished to be. This book opens the reader's eyes and helps the reader understand that her choices have consequences, good or bad. Christy has strong faith that pulls her through. I think Hogan is trying to share this with her readers, her strong values and life lessons. This would be an excellent book for a pre-teen to read, especially one that wants to discover herself. (I would recommend girls read this before they start dating, cause Christy gets herself into some sticky situations that teens can learn from. And the reason I say for girls is because the reader is in the head of a teenage girl, and I think boys would be grossed out in the young, female psyche gushing over boys.)

But enough of the things we learn. This story just keeps you moving from page one! I love how Christy stumbled into a mess, witnessing a murder. The rest of the book moves you along as Christy has the feeling she is being watched. The murderer is still out there. Along with the mess of trying to find herself, Christy becomes more scared. She's not entirely alone. She has two guys that she thought would never in the world be vying for her affections! Throw in two teenage girls that are a bit snobbish and you have your drama factor.

I have nothing but praises for this book. Not a single thing wrong with it.

Two of my favorite lines: "I'm not that girl anymore." This is when Christy thinks that she has made too many mistakes to go back from.
"Without desperate or hateful thoughts, it was hard to be powerful." That's just profound.

I think the thing that I can appreciate the most is Hogan does an excellent job with growth of character. Never have I read a novel where the character grows, has set backs, and then overcomes them with personal instincts to guide her through in such a way as Hogan presents them. It just seemed so completely realistic. Maybe that's because I think like Christy.

I can't wait to read more of her novels!
( )

4 stars

This is the first book in a trilogy and spinoff books. I actually had read her new book first and then bought the next 4 books.

This is a good story, lots of drama, action, mystery, romance and characters you want to see more of. It does have some violence, but it is good guys against bad guys.

Christy is the main character. She is 15 on a special trip to Washington D.C. She won a scholarship. She is bright and smart but socially backwards. She can remember everything she sees. She wants to change while she is gone.

Christy and the seven others of her mini group have snuck out after curfew. They sneak into a hotel too use the restrooms. Christy hears something in the vent. She climbs on toilet seat because she wants to make sure nobody is up there taking pictures. She gets one of the other girls to look with her and while they are looking down in the ballroom below they see a Senator, plus a bunch of men and see someone get killed.

The other girl faints and makes noise and soon even the boys come in and look. They get caught sneaking out but the terrorists are not sure if the kids actually saw anyone. But they are followed. ( )

Have you ever had that creepy feeling that someone was watching you? You know that feeling where you keep looking over your shoulder, wondering who's behind you. Watched is certainly an aptly titled book, as I had that feeling throughout.

Watched was well-written, with excellent character development. The author does a great job of getting inside the mind of the killer as well as the victim. This is a real page-turner, which had me on the edge of my seat. This is a compelling, evocative story which should not be missed.

I just finished Watched. I have to say; it took me by surprise. I was expecting more of a mystery and it was more of a crime solving type of book. I enjoyed being in Christy's shoes, trying to put together bits and pieces from others stories and the FBI case. It was not your normal view, but very refreshing and entertaining. Such a creative way to explore the other side that is not normally taken, it puts a twist on the mystery that makes the book harder to figure out, which is great for those who want to stay guessing for the killer till the end! A good book all the way around.

I was given this book by NetGalley. www.netgalley.com ( )

This is a good book. A solid read and enjoyable. I really enjoyed a heroine with actual morals. I will be having all three of my girls read this series as teens. This is definitely a must read as it leads to the amazing second book! ( )