Don't Look Behind You

***Contains Spoilers***

I think I finally figured out what I like about Lois Duncan novels-They're to the point with no extra padding. Every sentence pushes the plot along so it's never boring, even when nothing much is happening in the story. I believe this is one of her mid 1980s books so the ending is wrapped up nicely and it feels completed, unlike her earlier works.
While one character says some sexist things, overall the story is very empowering for the young female main character. I love that she single-handedly saves the day!

I think I finally figured out what I like about Lois Duncan novels-They're to the point with no extra padding. Every sentence pushes the plot along so it's never boring, even when nothing much is happening in the story. I believe this is one of her mid 1980s books so the ending is wrapped up nicely and it feels completed, unlike her earlier works.
While one character says some sexist things, overall the story is very empowering for the young female main character. I love that she single-handedly saves the day!

Eh, was frustrating - her parents were obnoxious and all adults basically sucked. I see many complaints about the MC but I get her in the situation. Also, never trust the government - they buy up failing companies that you can't make money with for these services and don't care if you succumb to poverty - and a roach infested, mildewy house without air conditioning in FL? Yep, not worth it for that old witness protection thing.

The 17 year old protagonist of this novel has been moved with her family by the witness protection program because her dad is basically a moron. She's not terribly bright herself, as she makes several obvious mistakes that lead the people searching for them right to their location. A juvenile or young adult reader may be more entertained by the story, but I was mostly just calling her an idiot in my head the whole time.
I have read other books by this author before and enjoyed them. I was excited to read this book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Duncan's work is better when it has a tinge of the supernatural.

Don't Look Behind You by Lois Duncan (1990): April Corrigan’s life is turned upside down when her family is taken into the Witness Security Program. As she struggles to hold on to her old identity, will she wake up to the danger that stalks her?

This story is told in the first-person, so while the reader sees everything that April sees, he or she may also realize the consequences of her actions before April does, or pick up on foreshadowing (like Jim’s arthritic moments). But ultimately the reader is as in the dark as April, which is the main source of this novel’s suspense. The plot felt more important than making the characters real, although Duncan does try to make them more than one-dimensional. Overall what haunted me were not show more the black eyes of the killer (a librarian told me those eyes still haunted her to this day), but the bleakness of April’s family’s situation, and the hold that Max had held over her father only to abandon him completely. show less

In Don’t Look Behind You, April Corrigan’s life changes overnight when her family is forced into the Witness Protection Program after her father helps the FBI. Suddenly, she must give up her friends, her boyfriend, and even her name. But starting over isn’t easy, especially when April’s longing for her old life puts everyone in danger. As a hitman closes in, April learns that survival depends on staying one step ahead — and never looking back.

Fast-paced, suspenseful, and gripping, this Lois Duncan classic is perfect for teens who enjoy thrillers filled with danger, family secrets, and tough choices.

This is a suspensful thriller about 17-year-old teenager named April Corrigan. April's comfortable life is turned upside down when her family has to enter witness protection and move to Florida from their home in Norwood, VA in order to protect the family. April is unhappy that she has had to leave behind everything she cares about in Norwood, VA. She stubbornly insists on communicating with her boyfriend back home and behaving in ways endagers her safety.
This is a great suspensful thriller for teens who enjoy reading fiction with characters they can easily relate to and sympathize with. Teens can learn a lot from April's irresponsible behavior and lack of awareness.