Review Suspicion

Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

Published by Delacorte Press December 9, 2014

Source: eARC from Random House via NetGalley

Bookologists Analysis: I am really excited because this is my first review for a non-blog tour eARC. Suspicion was a kind stepping stone for a beginning of a series and was pretty good, but not stupendous in my opinion. What I felt for the book wasn’t anything special, but it would be a good light read.

Mysterious. Magnificent. Creepy. Welcome to Rockford Manor.

"There's something hidden in the Maze." Seventeen-year-old Imogen has never forgotten the last words her father said to her seven years ago, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family's English country manor.

Haunted by her parents' deaths, Imogen moves to New York City with her new guardians. But when a letter arrives with the news of her cousin's untimely death, revealing that Imogen is now the only heir left to run the estate, she returns to England and warily accepts her role as duchess.

All is not as it seems at Rockford, and Imogen quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind the mansion's aristocratic exterior, hinting that the spate of deaths in her family were no accident. And at the center of the mystery is Imogen herself--and Sebastian, the childhood friend she has secretly loved for years. Just what has Imogen walked into?

Combining a fresh twist on the classic REBECCA with a spine-tingling mystery and powerful romance, SUSPICION is an action-packed thrill ride.

Thank you to Random House for sending this eARC via NetGalley which did not affect my opinions at all.

First thing first, how cool is the name Imogen? I mean seriously who wouldn’t want a name like that. You would never have to worry about thinking someone calling your name and then realizing that it isn’t you. (It’s really awkward) What I loved about Imogen was that she was literally a stereotypical main character, and that is something I haven’t seen in a long time. Imogen wasn’t badass, but she had her own flowery elegance to herself. She was empathetic, nervous about moving to England, but still knew it was her duty, and was a shy school girl type. Suspicion was mainly focused on her as a main character rather than anything else.

Other components of the book were a little shaky though. The romance between the two boys, Sebastian and Theo, was a bit sloppy as it felt just rushed and not properly outlined.  I would’ve liked to see a more realistic romance take place in already such a predictable plot of an American girl becoming a duchess. The plot was the typical princess gets swept off her feet and oh she might have magical powers. The credit I will give though is that Imogen is a lot more self-conscious that what is to be expected.  The writing was not superb, but average middle of the road. It is good enough to be published, but not good enough to make it to my STELLAR WRITING club.

All in all I feel that Suspicion just didn’t live up to my expectations of urban fantasy. Urban fantasy is just so popular now that I have such high expectations. If you are looking for a new look on the cliché I would recommend Suspicion though. It takes you on a path that is not what you think, but you see around the corner.  Rating: ««1/2