Review: The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

Author: Karen M. McManus 
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: December 2020

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised... and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point—not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious—and dark—their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over—and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.

The Cousins is the latest from an author who has quickly become a favorite YA mystery author for me.  I think I have said this before about books by this author, but this is exactly the type of mystery that I craved when I was in high school.   The Cousins is a stand alone mystery featuring Milly, Aubrey and Jonah.  They are cousins who barely know each other because their parents are not close.  They are each invited to work at their estranged grandmother's resort for the summer. Each is encouraged to go in the hopes that they will get their parents back into their grandmother's good graces.

I really enjoyed this mystery.  I did call one twist that comes toward the end very early one.  However, the book is filled with them, so I wasn't disappointed. It was a twisty yet well planned out plot.  The book is told through the perspective of all three of the cousins. I thought that worked to the book's benefit.  It helped me get to know each of the cousins as individuals.   All of the cousins were great characters.  They all have things to hide from their home life and put on a different face to the world.  I didn't find any of them clichés and that was refreshing.   Sprinkled throughout that book, we get a glimpse into what happened during the last summer before the cousins' parents were disinherited.   I highly recommend this one. I can't wait to see what is next for Karen McManus!